JP2003140432A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which respective color image forming units are attached to exact positions. SOLUTION: In this image forming device constituted by disposing a plurality of box units where at least an image carrier and a developing means for making an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier visible with toner are integrated in parallel, each box unit is equipped with a guide for supporting the box units adjacent to both side surfaces thereof. Projecting guides 55a are formed on the box units 5C and 5Y and recessed guides 55b are formed on the box units 5M and 5K, and the box units 5C and 5Y on which the projecting guides are formed and the box units 5M and 5K on which the recessed guides are formed are alternately arranged and the adjacent box units support each other through the guides.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more specifically, a plurality of Box units in which at least an image carrier and a developing unit are integrated are arranged in parallel to each other.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with guides for supporting Box units whose units are adjacent to each other on both sides.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a tandem type color image forming apparatus has been developed. In such a tandem type color image forming apparatus, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan photoconductor drums are arranged in parallel, and a developing unit that supplies toner around each photoconductor drum and a surface of the photoconductor drum. A charging means for charging and a cleaning means for removing the transfer residual toner from the photosensitive drum are provided respectively.

In a conventional tandem type color image forming apparatus, when each photosensitive drum and each image forming means around it are attached and detached individually, the work becomes complicated and time is required. There is a problem that it takes.

Further, since the attachment / detachment mechanism and the positioning mechanism are required for the apparatus main body for each photosensitive drum and each image forming means around it, the structure becomes complicated and the apparatus becomes large.

Further, an apparatus has been proposed in which an image forming unit for each color is integrated and each image forming unit is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, but a mechanism for pulling out the whole is required, and the apparatus becomes complicated and large. There is a problem that it will end up.
Further, even when the integrated unit for each color is individually attached and detached, a mechanism for pulling out the image forming unit for each color is required on the apparatus main body side, which causes a problem that the apparatus becomes complicated and becomes large.

As a technique for solving such a problem, for example, "image forming apparatus" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-84883 is disclosed.
Is known. The publication discloses an image forming apparatus in which a guide is provided in the image forming unit for each color and a mechanism for pulling out the image forming unit is unnecessary on the apparatus main body side.

[0007]

However, in the "image forming apparatus" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-84883 mentioned above,
Since the guides of the image forming units for the respective colors have the same structure, there is a problem that the image forming units are mounted at the wrong positions.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of mounting an image forming unit of each color at a correct position.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides at least an image bearing member and a developing means for visualizing an electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member with toner. Boxes in which a plurality of integrated Box units are arranged in parallel and each Box unit is adjacent to both sides
In the image forming apparatus including the guides for supporting the x units with each other, among the plurality of Box units,
An image forming apparatus in which the position or structure of a guide of at least one Box unit is different from the position or structure of a guide of another Box unit.

According to the above invention, a plurality of Box units are arranged in parallel, and the position or structure of the guide of at least one Box unit among the plurality of Box units is set as follows.
By making the position or structure of the guide of the other Box unit different, it is possible to prevent the mistake of mounting the Box unit in the position of a different color.

The invention according to claim 2 provides the invention according to claim 1.
In the invention according to, the plurality of Box units are
The guide is composed of a Box unit having a concave shape and a Box unit having a convex shape, and the guide units are arranged alternately.

According to the above invention, the plurality of Box units have two types of guides provided on both side surfaces, that is, a Box unit having a concave shape and a Box unit having a convex shape. By arranging the box units at different positions, the structures of adjacent Box units are different from each other, and it is possible to prevent a mistake in mounting the Box units at different color positions.

The invention according to claim 3 is the same as that of claim 1.
In the invention according to, the plurality of Box units are
The positions of the guides are different from each other.

According to the above invention, the positions of the guides of the plurality of Box units are made different from each other, whereby all the B units are
If the ox unit is not installed in the correct position, the whole box
It becomes impossible to mount the unit, and it becomes possible to mount all Box units in the correct positions.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as that of claim 1.
In the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 3, each of the plurality of Box units is provided with supported means supported by the apparatus main body at a position sandwiching the center of the image carrier on the back side surface thereof. It is a thing.

According to the above invention, by providing the supported means supported on the main body side on both sides of the center of the image carrier with the center of the image carrier interposed therebetween on the back side of the Box unit, the positioning of each image carrier is performed simultaneously with the positioning of the Box unit. The positioning accuracy is increased and supported, and the operability when the adjacent Box unit is attached / detached along the guide is improved.

The invention according to claim 5 is the same as claim 1.
In the invention according to any one of claims 4 to 4, each of the plurality of Box units is provided with a fixing unit that is releasable and that is fixed to the apparatus body by increasing the degree of difficulty of the release.

According to the above invention, the fixing unit fixes the unit to the main body of the image forming apparatus by releasing the fixation and increasing the difficulty level of the fixation so that the unit can be removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Can be performed only by an expert such as a serviceman of the manufacturer, and it is difficult for the user to do. This prevents a user who is using the image forming apparatus from freely attaching or detaching the Box unit, and prevents the apparatus from being damaged by an erroneous operation.

The invention according to claim 6 is the same as claim 1.
~ In the invention according to any one of claims 4, each B
A face plate for positioning the center of the image carrier in the ox unit with respect to the apparatus main body and fixing each Box unit to the apparatus main body is provided.

According to the above invention, the front surface of each Box unit is positioned and fixed to the main body by positioning the center of the image carrier in the Box unit with an individual face plate, thereby improving the operability when the Box unit is attached and detached. .

The invention according to claim 7 is the same as claim 6
In the invention according to above, the face plate includes guide means for guiding the bottom surface of the Box unit when the Box unit is detached from the apparatus body.

According to the above-mentioned invention, the face plate is provided with the guide means for guiding the bottom of the Box unit when the Box unit is removed, thereby improving the operability of attaching and detaching the Box unit.

The invention according to claim 8 relates to claim 1
~ In the invention according to any one of claims 4, each B
The center of the image carrier in the ox unit is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body, and one face plate for fixing each Box unit is provided.

According to the above invention, one face plate is used for each Bo.
Position the center of the image carrier in the x unit on the main unit
By fixing the ox units, the positional accuracy between the boxes can be improved to prevent color misregistration of the image quality, and the need to remove the face plate individually when attaching and detaching multiple Box units at once is eliminated. Improve its operability.

The invention according to claim 9 relates to claim 1
In the invention according to any one of claims 8 to 8, handles are provided on the front surface and the top surface of the plurality of Box units, respectively.

According to the above invention, by providing the handles on the front surface and the upper surface of the Box unit, the operability of pushing / pulling / lifting the Box unit is improved.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings (configuration of image forming apparatus), (Example 1 of Box unit guide), Example 2 of the Box unit guide), (Bo
x unit guide example 3), (Box unit guide example 4), (Box unit supported by device body), (Box unit fixed to device body 1) ), (Embodiment 2 for fixing the Box unit to the apparatus body), (Embodiment 3 for fixing the Box unit to the apparatus body), and (Embodiment example of the handle of the Box unit).

(Structure of Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a color electrophotographic recording apparatus which is an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
Scanner 3, writing unit 4, Box unit 5 (5
C, 5M, 5Y, 5K), intermediate transfer belt 6, primary transfer roller 7 (7C, 7M, 7Y, 7K), secondary transfer belt 8, belt cleaning unit 9, fixing unit 1
0, a double-sided reversing unit 11, a paper discharge tray 12, and a paper bank 13.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a writing unit 4
4 for forming the toner images of C (cyan) color, M (magenta) color, Y (yellow) color, and K (black) color on the intermediate transfer belt 6 by receiving the writing light from the LEDs of the above. Box unit (imaging unit) 5C, 5
M, 5Y, 5K are installed. Each of the Box units (engine units) 5C, 5M, 5Y, and 5K includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing device, and a cleaning device (see FIG. 2).

An intermediate transfer belt 6 which is in contact with the photosensitive drum and is stretched by three supporting rollers 6a, 6b, 6c is arranged under each photosensitive drum. The support rollers may be stretched by three or more, and for example, a roller for adjusting the belt deviation may be provided.

A primary transfer roller 7 (7C, which is a transfer means) is provided on each photosensitive drum via the intermediate transfer belt 6.
7M, 7Y, 7K) are pressed. Although an example of the transfer roller is shown as the transfer unit, a non-contact type charger may be used.

A belt cleaning unit 9 for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 6 is arranged at a position facing the support roller 6a of the intermediate transfer belt 6. The belt cleaning unit 9 may be disposed at a separate position with an opposing roller, and the belt cleaning unit 9 may be provided for the opposing roller.

The supporting roller 6b of the intermediate transfer belt 6 has two
It has a function as a counter roller of the next transfer belt 8 and faces the support roller 6b, and two support rollers 8a, 8
A secondary transfer belt 8 as a secondary transfer unit stretched by b is arranged. A transfer roller or a charger may be used as the secondary transfer means. Further, a cleaning device (not shown) is arranged on the secondary transfer belt 8.

The secondary transfer belt 8 is the fixing unit 1
Transfer the transfer material to the 0 entrance. Fixing unit 10
Is disposed below the support roller 6a of the intermediate transfer belt 6, and includes an endless fixing belt 10a and a fixing belt 10a.
a, two rollers supporting a, and the fixing belt 10a
And a pressure roller 10b that is in pressure contact with.

Below the fixing unit 10 and the secondary transfer belt 8, a double-sided reversing unit 11 for double-sided transfer is horizontally arranged. This double-sided reversing unit 11
It is composed of a reversing roller 11a, a sending roller 11b, and a plurality of conveying roller pairs.

Next, the outline of the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will be described. The original set on the tray of the ADF 2 is conveyed to the contact glass surface of the scanner 3,
The image data is read. The read image data is transmitted to the writing unit 4 and each L of the writing unit 4 is read.
Based on the image data read by the ED, each writing light is applied to the photoconductor drum charged by the charging means in the Box units 5C, 5M, 5Y, and 5K, and each B light is emitted.
The ox units 5C, 5M, 5Y, and 5K primarily transfer the toner image corresponding to the writing light onto the intermediate transfer belt 6.
At this time, the writing timing is adjusted so that the toner images of the respective colors are overlapped on the intermediate transfer belt 6 to form a full-color image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper is fed from the paper bank 13 to the registration roller 14 and stands by for a stop. Then, in accordance with the timing at which the full-color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is conveyed,
The transfer paper is sent from the registration roller 14 to the secondary transfer belt 8, and the full-color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is secondarily transferred to the transfer paper.

The transfer sheet subjected to the secondary transfer is conveyed to the fixing unit 10 by the secondary transfer belt 8, and the full-color toner image on the transfer sheet is fixed by the fixing unit 10. The transfer paper fixed by the fixing unit 10 is discharged as it is and stacked on the paper discharge tray 12 in the case of single-sided copy, while in the case of double-sided copy, it is conveyed to the lower side after fixing and once , And is conveyed to the stack portion 11d of the double-sided reversing unit 11. The transfer sheet conveyed to the stack portion 11d is conveyed from the rear end of the sheet to the position of the reversing roller 11a by the delivery roller 11b, and the transfer sheet is U-turned to be conveyed to the registration roller 14 by a plurality of conveyance roller pairs. Since the subsequent operation is the same as that of the front side copy, its description is omitted.

(Embodiment 1 of Box Unit Guide) Next, referring to FIG. 2, the Box units 5C and 5C will be described.
An example of the configuration of M, 5Y, and 5K will be described. Since the Box units 5C, 5M, 5Y, and 5K have the same structure (the same internal structure and the same guide structure), the Box unit is denoted by reference numeral 5 in FIG. Each Box
The units 5C, 5M, 5Y, and 5K include a photoconductor drum 51 that is an image carrier, and a charging unit that is disposed around the photoconductor drum 51 and that serves as a charging unit that charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 51. The developing device 53 includes a roller 52, a developing roller 53a, and a stirring screw 53b, and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 by attaching charged toner to the latent image on the photosensitive drum 51. And the cleaning blade 54a and fur brush 5
4b, each image forming means such as a cleaning device 54 as a cleaning means for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 51 after the transfer of the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 is provided in a plastic housing. It is arranged and unitized. The housing is provided with an opening (not shown) for introducing the writing light from the writing unit 4.

Further, the Box units 5C, 5M, 5Y,
Guides 55 for attaching and detaching the Box unit are provided at substantially central positions on both side surfaces of the 5K, and a convex guide 55a is provided on one side and a concave guide 55b is provided on the other side. The convex guide 55a and the concave guide 55b are formed in a fitting shape.

In this embodiment, each of the Box units 5C, 5M, 5Y and 5K includes a photosensitive drum 51, a charging roller 52, a developing device 53 and a cleaning device 5.
4, the photosensitive drum 51 and the developing device 53 are indispensable components for the Box unit of the present invention, that is, a structure capable of forming an image by itself, such as a charging device. The cleaning device 54 is not required in the mechanism for collecting the transfer residual toner.

FIG. 3 shows the Box unit 5 of each color in FIG.
C, 5M, 5Y, and 5K show the state of being attached to the apparatus main body. A notch 1b for attaching and detaching the Box unit is provided on the front surface of the main body casing 1a of the image forming apparatus. In addition, a concave guide 1b1 and a convex guide 1b2 which are fitted to the convex guide 55a and the concave guide 55b of the Box unit 5 are formed in the main body housing 1a. Box units 5C, 5M, 5Y, 5K
Is attached and detached on the front surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Each Box unit 5C, 5M, 5Y, 5K
Is a Box unit and a main body housing 1 which are adjacent to each other.
The convex guides 55a and the concave guides 55b of each Box unit are fitted to the concave guides 55b and the convex guides 55a of the adjacent Box units or the concave guides 1b1 and 1b2 of the main body housing 1a. I am fit. When the Box unit is attached or detached, insertion or withdrawal is performed along these guides.

According to the first embodiment of the guide of the Box unit, guides for supporting the adjacent Box units to each other are provided on both side surfaces of each Box unit, and the Box units are attached and detached along the guides. , The image forming means can be exchanged as an integrated unit, which simplifies the maintenance work and shortens the work time.
Further, it is not necessary to provide a guide for attachment / detachment for each Box unit in the apparatus body, and the apparatus can be made simple and compact.

(Second Embodiment of Box Unit Guide) FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a second embodiment of the Box unit guide. In the second embodiment of the guide of the Box unit shown in the figure, guides are provided near the upper and lower ends of both side surfaces of the Box unit. As shown in FIG. 4, each Box
The units 5C, 5M, 5Y and 5K have the same structure.

As shown in FIG. 4, on one side surface of the Box unit 5, a pair of convex guides 55 are provided near the upper and lower ends thereof.
a is formed, and on the other side surface, a pair of recesses 55b are formed near the upper and lower ends thereof. The pair of convex guides 55a and the pair of concave guides 55b are formed in a fitting shape. In addition, a concave guide and a convex guide that fit with the convex guide 55a and the concave guide 55b of the Box unit 5 are formed in the main body housing (not shown).

Each Box unit 5C, 5M, 5Y, 5K
Are supported by the guides of the adjacent Box units (a pair of convex guides 55a or a pair of concave guides 55b), and the pair of convex guides 55a and the pair of concave guides 55b of each Box unit are adjacent to each other. It is fitted with the pair of concave guides 55b and the pair of convex guides 55a. When attaching or detaching, pull it along this guide.

According to the second embodiment of the box unit guide, since the convex guide and the concave guide are provided at two locations near the upper and lower ends of both side surfaces of the box unit, the rigidity of the box unit itself can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to reduce twisting and bending when supporting each other. As a result, the positional accuracy of each image forming unit can be improved, and the deterioration of the image can be reduced.

Third Embodiment of Box Unit Guide FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the Box unit guide. In the third embodiment of the guide of the Box unit shown in the figure, the Box unit 5 is composed of two types, a type in which convex guides are formed on both side surfaces and a type in which concave guides are formed on both side surfaces. . In the example shown in the figure, the convex guides 55a are formed on the Box units 5C and 5Y, and the concave guides 55b are formed on the Box units 5M and 5K.

As shown in FIG. 5, Box units 5C and 5Y having convex guides and Box units 5Y having concave guides are formed.
The x units 5M and 5K are alternately arranged. As a result, the Box unit 5 can be shared by two types.
It is also possible to prevent erroneous insertion of the x unit.

Fourth Embodiment of Box Unit Guide FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a fourth embodiment of the Box unit guide. In the fourth embodiment of the box unit guide shown in the figure, the box unit guides of the respective colors are formed at different positions. As shown in FIG. 6, the convex guides 55a and the concave guides 55b of the Box units of respective colors are provided at different positions, and adjacent Box units are fitted and supported by the respective convex guides and concave guides. There is.

By thus forming the guides of the Box units of the respective colors at different positions, it becomes possible to prevent the Box units of the respective colors from being erroneously inserted.

(Embodiment for Supporting Box Unit by Device Main Body) FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment for supporting the Box unit by the device main body. On the back side surface of the Box unit 5, a pair of support holes 56 are provided on both sides of the photosensitive drum shaft 51a with the photosensitive drum shaft 51a interposed therebetween.
It is provided on the same horizontal line as 1a. The photoconductor drum shaft 51a projects from the photoconductor drum 51 in the Box unit 5 to the outside of the Box unit 5, and its tip has a tapered shape. A pair of pins 51a1 are provided axially symmetrically near the taper of the straight portion of the photosensitive drum shaft 51a.

On the other hand, the apparatus main body is provided with a drive shaft 1c and a pair of Box support shafts 1d. The drive shaft 1c has a hole shape into which the photosensitive drum shaft 51a is fitted, and further has a pair of U-shaped notches 1c1 which are axially symmetrical. The tip ends of the pair of Box support shafts 1d are tapered. When the Box unit 5 is inserted into the apparatus main body, the photosensitive drum shaft 51a and the drive shaft 1c, the pair of pins 51a1 and the pair of U-groove cutouts 1c1, and the pair of support holes 56 and the pair of Box support shafts 1d. Are fitted together, and the Box unit 5 is supported by the apparatus body.

According to the embodiment for supporting the Box unit by the apparatus main body, a pair of support holes are formed on the inner side surface of the Box unit at positions on both sides of the center of the photosensitive drum shaft. Since it is decided to support the pair of Box support shafts by one pair, the positioning accuracy of the Box unit can be improved and the Box body can be supported by the apparatus main body, and when the adjacent Box unit is attached / detached along the guide, the Box unit is supported. Since the back side of the unit is supported by the apparatus main body, the adjacent Box unit can be smoothly attached and detached.

(First Embodiment for Fixing Box Unit to Device Main Body) FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the device main body. In the example shown in the figure, each Box unit 5C, 5M, 5Y, 5
K is fixed to the apparatus main body 1a by a fixing member 57. In FIG. 8, each Box unit 5C, 5M, 5Y, 5K
A projecting portion 58 for fixing the main body is provided on the upper part of the front surface of the device, and the projecting portion 58 is fixed to the apparatus main body 1a by a fixing member 57.
Fix with.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the fixing member 57. The fixing member 57 has a screw shape and has a key groove on its head. The key groove has a structure to be fitted with a dedicated fixed tool 59. The Box unit 5 is fixed / removed to / from the apparatus main body 1 by piercing and turning the dedicated fixing tool 59 into the key groove of the fixing member 57.

A screw hole corresponding to the fixing member 57 is formed in the protruding portion 58 of the Box unit 5, and a screw hole corresponding to the fixing member 57 is also formed in the apparatus main body 1. Using the dedicated fixing tool 59, the protrusions 58 of the Box units 5C, 5M, 5Y, and 5K are fixed to the apparatus main body 1 by screwing with the fixing member 57.

According to the first embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the apparatus main body, only a specialist such as a serviceman of a manufacturer having a dedicated fixing tool can remove the Box unit from the apparatus main body. Since it becomes difficult for the user to perform the operation by himself / herself, it is possible to prevent the user who is using the image forming apparatus from freely attaching / detaching the Box unit and causing the apparatus to malfunction due to an erroneous operation.

(Second Embodiment for Fixing Box Unit to Device Main Body) FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the device main body. In the example shown in the figure, each Box unit 5C, 5M, 5Y, 5
Each face plate 62C, 62M, 62 having the same structure as K
Each of the Y and 62K is positioned and fixed to the apparatus main body 1.

In FIG. 10, the face plate 62 is formed with a bearing 62b which is fitted with the photosensitive drum shaft 51a.
Further, a screw hole 62a corresponding to the fixing screw 64 is formed. Further, the face plate 62 is formed with a guide roller 62c which serves as a guide when the Box unit 5 is pulled out.

With the Box unit 5 inserted in the apparatus body 1a, first, the bearing 62b of the face plate 62 and the Box are
The photoconductor drum shaft 51a of the unit 5 is fitted to the Bo
The x unit 5 is positioned, and then the face plate 62 is fixed to the apparatus main body 1a by the fixing screw 64 to fix the Box unit 5 to the apparatus main body 1a.

According to the second embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the apparatus main body, the front surface of each Box unit is fixed by positioning the center of the photosensitive drum in the Box unit with respect to the apparatus main body by a separate face plate. So there is one Bo
When attaching and detaching the x unit, the Box units on both sides are fixed by the front face plate and the supporting means to the back side of the main body, so that the operability is improved.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the Box unit 5 is attached and detached. In the figure, the broken line is Bo.
The x unit 5 is fixed to the apparatus main body 1 by the face plate 62, and the solid line shows the state in which the face plate 62 is opened and the Box unit 5 is pulled out. As shown in FIG. 11, the face plate 62 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 1f fitted to the bracket portion 1e on the apparatus body 1a side.

As shown by the broken line in FIG.
2 is fixed to the device body 1a with a fixing screw 64, and the back side of the Box unit 5 is fixed to the device body 1a by a spring 63.
Is pressed against. The photosensitive drum shaft 51a is Bo
It is supported by the bearing of the x unit 5 and the bearing of the face plate 62 and is rotatable.

When the Box unit 5 is taken out from the apparatus main body 1a, first, the fixing screw 64 is removed, and the face plate 62 is rotated about the rotation center 1f fitted to the bracket portion 1e on the apparatus main body 1a side. To open the face plate 62. Then, the Box unit 5 rides on the guide roller 62c of the face plate 62 and is pulled out along the guide roller 62c.

Since the guide roller for guiding the bottom of the Box unit is provided on the face plate as described above, it is possible to improve the operability of attaching and detaching the Box unit when the Box unit is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Becomes

(Third Embodiment for Fixing Box Unit to Main Body) FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the main body. In the example shown in the figure, the front surfaces of all Box units are positioned and fixed by one face plate. In FIG. 12, the face plate 6
2 has a structure in which the face plates 62 shown in FIG. 10 are connected to each other, and a screw hole 62a, a bearing 62b, and a guide roller 62c are formed at corresponding positions of each Box unit. The method for attaching and detaching the Box unit 5 is
Similar to the case described with reference to FIG. 11, first, after removing each fixing screw 64 of the face plate 62, the face plate 62 is rotated to be opened. Then, along the guide roller 62c of the face plate 62,
Pull out each Box unit.

According to the third embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the main body, the center of the image carrier in each Box unit is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body by one face plate.
Since the x units are fixed, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy between the Box units and prevent color shifts in the image quality. Also, when attaching and detaching multiple Box units at once. In addition, it is not necessary to remove the face plate individually, and the operability can be improved.

(Example of Handle of Box Unit) FIG. 13
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a handle of a Box unit. As shown in the figure, an upper handle 64a is provided on the upper surface of the Box unit 5, and a front handle 64b is provided on the front surface thereof. The upper handle 64a and the front handle 64
b is made of a thin resin plate and has a flexible structure, and when the Box unit 5 is attached, it is accommodated along the handle guides 64a1 and 64b1 as shown by the broken line in the figure.

When pulling out the Box unit 5 from the main body of the apparatus, if the Box unit 5 is pulled while holding the front side handle 64b, as shown by the solid line in the figure, the handle guide 64b1
The front-side handle 64b is formed so as to be lifted from the Box unit 5 and to allow a finger to enter. Then, the Box unit 5 is pulled out while holding the front-side handle 64b.
When the Box unit 5 is pulled out to some extent from the apparatus main body, the upper handle 64a is pulled out from the Box unit 5 along the handle guide 64a1, and the upper handle 64a is pulled out.
Hold Box a by hand and take out Box unit 5.

According to an embodiment of the handle of the Box unit,
Since the handles are provided on the front surface and the top surface of the plurality of Box units, the operability of pushing / pulling / lifting the Box units can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the invention. In the embodiment described above, Box
Although the units are arranged in the order of C, M, Y, and K, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement order may be changed. In addition, the above-described respective embodiments can be implemented in any combination.

[0075]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, at least the image carrier and the developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier by the toner are integrated. In the image forming apparatus, the plurality of Box units are arranged in parallel, and each Box unit has a guide for supporting the Box units adjacent to each other on both sides, at least one Box unit among the plurality of Box units. The position or structure of the guide
Since it is different from the position or structure of the guide of the other Box unit, it is possible to prevent the mistake of mounting the Box unit at the position of a different color.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, in the invention of the first aspect, the plurality of Box units have a Box unit in which the guide is formed in a concave shape, and a Box unit in which the guide is formed in a convex shape. Since it is decided that they will be arranged alternately with each other, it will prevent the mistake of mounting the Box units in different color positions because the structures of adjacent Box units are different. Is possible.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, in the invention of the first aspect, the plurality of Box units are different in the positions of the guides.
If all Box units are not installed in the correct positions, it is impossible to install all Box units, and it is possible to install all Box units in the correct positions.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, in the invention of any one of the first to third aspects, the center of the image carrier is sandwiched between the inner side surfaces of the Box unit. Since the supported means supported by the main body of the apparatus is provided at the position, the B
The positioning accuracy of the ox unit can be enhanced and supported, and when the adjacent Box unit is attached / detached along the guide, the rear side of the Box unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus, so that the adjacent Box unit It is possible to attach and detach smoothly.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, each Box unit is releasable and releasable from the apparatus main body. Since the fixing means for increasing the degree of difficulty is provided, the unit can be removed from the image forming apparatus main body only by an expert such as a serviceman of the manufacturer, and the user himself / herself can perform the removal. It will be difficult. As a result, it is possible to prevent a user who is using the image forming apparatus from arbitrarily attaching or detaching the Box unit and causing the apparatus to malfunction due to an erroneous operation.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the center of the image carrier in each Box unit is set to the apparatus main body. Since the face plate for positioning and fixing each Box unit to the apparatus main body is provided, the front surface of each Box unit is fixed to the main body by positioning the center of the image carrier in the Box unit with a separate face plate. It is possible to do so, when attaching and detaching one Box unit, since the Box units on both sides are fixed by the front face plate,
It is possible to improve the operability.

According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, in the invention of the sixth aspect, the face plate is a Box.
Since we decided to provide a guide means to guide the bottom of the Box unit when removing the unit from the main unit,
It is possible to improve the operability of attaching and detaching the Box unit.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the center of the image carrier in each Box unit is set with respect to the apparatus main body. Since it was decided to have one face plate for positioning each Box unit and fixing each Box unit,
Positional accuracy between x is improved and color shift of image quality can be prevented. Moreover, when attaching and detaching a plurality of Box units at a time, it is not necessary to remove the face plate individually, and operability is improved. Is possible.

According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, handles are provided on the front surface and the upper surface of the plurality of Box units, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to improve operability such as pushing / pulling / lifting the Box unit.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a color electrophotographic recording apparatus which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of a guide of the Box unit of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a state in which each color Box unit is attached to the apparatus main body.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the guide of the Box unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the guide of the Box unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the guide of the Box unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment for supporting the Box unit in the apparatus body.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the apparatus main body.

9A and 9B are views for explaining an embodiment of the fixing member of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the apparatus main body.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment for attaching / detaching a Box unit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment for fixing the Box unit to the apparatus main body.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a handle of the Box unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image forming device 2 ADF 3 scanner 4 writing unit 5 Box units 6 Intermediate transfer belt 6a, 6b, 6c Support roller 7 Primary transfer roller 8 Secondary transfer belt 8a, 8b Support roller 9 Belt cleaning unit 10 fixing unit 11 Double-sided reversing unit 12 Output tray 13 Paper Bank 51 photoconductor drum 51a Photosensitive drum shaft 52 charging roller 53 Developing device 54 Cleaning device 55a Convex guide 55b concave guide 62 face plate 63 spring 64 fixing screw

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2H030 AA06 AA07 AB02 BB02 BB42                 2H035 CA07 CB04 CD01 CD05 CD07                       CD09 CD14                 2H071 AA06 AA08 BA05 BA13 BA14                       BA16 BA19 BA22 BA36 DA15                       DA26 EA06 EA18

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of Box units in which at least an image carrier and developing means for visualizing an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner are integrated are arranged in parallel, and each Box unit has its own unit. An image forming apparatus including guides for supporting Box units adjacent to each other on both sides, wherein at least one B unit among the plurality of Box units is provided.
The position or structure of the guide of the ox unit can be changed to other Box.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the position or structure of the guide of the unit is different. 2. The plurality of Box units are composed of a Box unit in which the guide is formed in a concave shape and a Box unit in which the guide is formed in a convex shape, and are arranged alternately. 1. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of Box units have different positions of the guides. 4. The plurality of Box units are respectively provided with supported means supported by the apparatus main body at positions on the inner side surface of the Box unit that sandwich the center of the image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. 5. The box unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of Box units is provided with a fixing unit that is releasable and is fixed to the apparatus main body by increasing the degree of difficulty of the release. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 6. A face plate for positioning the center of an image carrier in each of the Box units with respect to the apparatus main body and fixing each of the Box units to the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 7. The face plate comprises guide means for guiding the bottom surface of the Box unit when the Box unit is removed from the apparatus body.
The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 8. The center of an image carrier in each of the Box units is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body, and each of the Box units is positioned.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one face plate for fixing the unit. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a handle is provided on each of a front surface and an upper surface of the plurality of Box units.