JP2004163826A - Unit support device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a unit support device provided with a configuration which can position units mutually to be matched with their housing operation. <P>SOLUTION: This device is for supporting the plurality of units movable between a storage position and a drawing-out position where operation can be done from outside, and is equipped with means 151 and 152 which are provided to associate with the movement of the units and put close to or pressed against opposite units under previously set conditions in the process of moving to the storage position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a unit supporting device and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to setting a positional relationship of each unit at a storage position when a plurality of units can be moved to a storage position and a drawer position. Related to the configuration for
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a printing machine, a developing device performs a visible image processing on an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member, which is a latent image carrier, to convert the visible image. Recording output can be obtained by transferring to a sheet or the like.
[0003]
There is not only a configuration in which one photoreceptor is provided for only a single color, but also a configuration in which a plurality of photoreceptors are provided to form images for a plurality of colors. In the latter case, a multicolor image including a full-color image is formed. Used in cases.
[0004]
For example, as a method of obtaining a full-color image, a method of sequentially superimposing and transferring a color image formed for each photoconductor to a conveyed sheet using a developer such as a toner having a color complementary to the color separation color is used. Alternatively, there is a method in which a color image for each photoconductor is sequentially transferred to an intermediate transfer member, and then the image superimposed and transferred on the intermediate transfer member is collectively transferred to a sheet.
[0005]
On the other hand, as a configuration in the case of using a plurality of photoconductors, in the configuration using the latter method among the above methods, a photoconductor capable of forming an image for each color is superimposed with an image from the photoconductor. There is known a so-called tandem structure in which the belts are arranged side by side along the direction of extension of a belt as an intermediate transfer body to be transferred (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0006]
In the image forming apparatus, there is a configuration in which the image forming apparatus can be pulled out from the storage position to a drawer position where external operation can be performed because equipment used for image forming processing, so-called image forming apparatus, is exchanged, maintenance and inspection are performed. (For example, Patent Document 1).
In this configuration, a unit including a photoreceptor used for image forming processing and a developing device and a unit including a replenishing unit for a developer such as toner used for the same, and a unit including a photoreceptor, a charging device, and a cleaning device are combined. The image forming processing unit is arranged at the image forming station for each color, and the image forming processing unit housing the device to be replaced is pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Have been.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-281962 A (“0008” column, “0036” column, FIGS. 3 and 6)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 has the following problem.
A developing device and a cleaning device used for an image forming process on a photoreceptor are devices that need to define a facing relationship with the photoreceptor. It is designed to increase. For this reason, at the stage where the units are stored and the image forming process is executed, the above-described facing relationship must be accurately maintained. With reference to Patent Literature 1 from such a viewpoint, there is no disclosure regarding the positioning of each device in an image forming processing unit in which a plurality of image forming processing devices are collectively arranged.
A possible configuration for positioning the devices is to provide a removable face plate for the housing wall plate on which the devices are installed, and to support the devices on this face plate to adjust the positioning between the devices. There is a configuration that can be performed. However, in this configuration, a new operation of adjusting the position of the face plate is required, and there is a possibility that the positioning operation becomes complicated.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a unit support having a configuration capable of eliminating the need for complicated position adjustment work by positioning the units in accordance with the operation to be accommodated, in view of the problems in the conventional unit support device described above. An apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is an apparatus for supporting a plurality of units movable to a storage position and a drawer position operable from outside, wherein the apparatus is provided so as to be interlocked with the movement of the unit, In the process of moving to the storage position, there is provided a means for maintaining the state by approaching or pressing the unit facing the unit under a preset condition.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect of the present invention, the means for maintaining the state of approaching or pressing under the preset conditions includes a pressure near the storage position with respect to the opposing unit. The configuration is characterized in that a configuration that receives and receives the same is used.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the means for maintaining the state of approaching or pressing under the preset condition includes approaching or pressing at both ends in the moving direction of the unit. It is characterized in that it is configured to set the state in which it is set.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect of the present invention, the means for maintaining a state of approaching or pressing under the preset condition includes a moving direction of the unit. And a configuration capable of releasing the state of approaching or pressing according to the state.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect of the present invention, the means for maintaining a state of approaching or pressing under the preset condition includes the storage position and the drawer. A member slidable along the movement direction of the unit movable to the position, and a pressing means arranged on both sides in the sliding direction of the sliding member and capable of pressing equipment mounted on the unit, The sliding member is provided with a transformer for changing the pressing force of the device using the pressing means, and the pressing state of the unit is changed by changing the position of the transformer during sliding. Features.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the third aspect of the present invention, in the sliding member, the pressing order of the pressing means located at each end in the sliding direction is made different. It is characterized by being able to.
[0016]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fifth or seventh aspect, the pressing means has a swingable elastic portion, and the sliding member has the pressing means on both sides in the moving direction. An uneven portion for swinging is formed, and the pressing force on the unit can be changed by changing the position of the elastic portion by swinging the pressing means in correspondence with the uneven portion.
[0017]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the unit support device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the plurality of units are each provided with only a photoconductor. A transfer unit provided with a transfer device for transferring an image carried on the photoreceptor, and an image forming unit in which various devices for performing image forming processing on the photoreceptor are used. It is characterized in that it is separated from each other in the process of moving from the position to the pull-out position.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, among the units, the image forming unit is pressed when the photosensitive member unit reaches the storage position from the drawn-out position. An image forming apparatus, wherein a developing device and a cleaning device provided by the method are pressed or approached so as to obtain predetermined positioning with respect to the photosensitive member.
[0019]
According to a tenth aspect, in addition to the seventh aspect, the moving direction of the photoconductor unit is a horizontal direction, and the moving direction in which the transfer unit and the image forming unit are separated from each other is a vertical direction. It is characterized by having.
[0020]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the eighth or ninth aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit facing the photoreceptor unit includes a unit for maintaining a state of approaching or pressing under a preset condition. It is characterized in that the higher the hardness of the members used in the internal devices, the later the state of facing the photoconductor is set as compared to other devices.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which a unit support device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a tandem-type color printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, but the present invention can be applied not only to a printer but also to a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a printing machine. is there.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 can form an image using yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) toners of colors that are complementary to the color separation color. Photosensitive members 2Y, 2M, 2C and 2B are juxtaposed on the same line in the vertical direction.
[0023]
Each of the photoconductors is collectively arranged in a photoconductor unit, which is a single unit, and a belt having an extending surface parallel to the direction in which the photoconductors 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2B are arranged is used above the photoconductor unit. A transfer unit accommodating the transfer device 3 is provided.
Below the photoreceptor unit, an image forming unit having devices 4, 5, and 6 for executing charging, development and cleaning in an image forming process for the photoreceptor is arranged. A scanning device 7 used for a writing process is arranged below the image forming unit. Note that, in FIG. 1, reference numerals relating to devices in the image forming unit are given only for yellow, but devices for other colors have the same configuration.
[0024]
The transfer device 3 includes a primary transfer step of sequentially transferring the color images from the respective photoconductors to the expansion surface facing the respective photoconductors, and a feeder 8 (FIG. 1). 2 shows a case in which a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 8A are provided). Primary transfer devices 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9B constituted by rollers are provided at positions facing the respective photoconductors in the transfer device 3, and at the secondary transfer position, the sheet is brought into contact with the transfer device 3. A secondary transfer device 11 including a transport belt 10 for transporting and rollers is disposed.
[0025]
In the color printer 1, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the writing scan is formed after each photosensitive member is charged, and when the electrostatic latent image is processed into a visible image by the developing device 5, the transfer device 3 receives the electrostatic latent image from the photosensitive member. The color images are sequentially transferred via the primary transfer device 9 to form a superimposed image, and the superimposed images are collectively transferred to the sheet by the secondary transfer device 11.
The sheet on which the superimposed images are collectively transferred from the transfer device 3 is subjected to a fixing process by a fixing device 12 provided in a transport path to the sheet discharge tray 1A, and is discharged. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 13 denotes a belt cleaning device used in the transfer device 3.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the photoconductor unit, the transfer unit, and the image forming unit are housed in a housing 1B of the color printer 1 (see FIG. 2A) and a drawer position in which operation from the outside is possible (see FIG. 2A). 2B) (see FIG. 2 (B)). The storage positions are close to each other or pressed, and the draw-out position is apart from each other. In particular, in the process of moving from the storage position to the drawer position, the transfer unit and the image forming unit are vertically separated from each other based on the direction in which the photoconductor unit moves.
[0027]
Hereinafter, details of the configuration will be described.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of a support device of each unit. In FIG. 3, the support device includes slide rails 14, 15, 16 and slide rails 14, 15, which are support members attached to the side surface of each unit. A sliding member 17 for moving the members 15 and 16 to a storage position and a drawer position of the unit, and a support base 18 and a sliding member 17 which are installed in an immovable state to slidably support the sliding member 17 are provided. And a sliding drive member 100 for driving in the above-described direction.
[0028]
The slide rails 14, 15, 16 are arranged in the vertical direction, and the one located at the center in that direction is a rail attached to the side surface of the photoconductor unit. Each of the slide rails 14, 15, 16 and the sliding member 17 and the support base 18 are provided as a pair so as to face the side surface of the unit.
[0029]
Each of the slide rails 14, 15, and 16 has the same configuration. Now, the configuration will be described with respect to the slide rail 14 provided in the uppermost transfer unit. As shown in FIG. 14A, and an inner rail 14B slidable by a rolling element such as a sphere disposed therein.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 4, the outer rail 14A has an interlocking pin 14C as an interlocking member for interlocking with the sliding member 17 in the longitudinal direction, that is, before and after the unit is moved to the storage position and the extraction position. An interlocking pin for the slide rail of the photoconductor unit is indicated by reference numeral 15C, and an interlocking pin for the slide rail of the image forming unit is indicated by reference numeral 16C.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 5, the interlocking pin 14B is provided with an insertion hole 17A formed in the sliding member 17 (the insertion pin of the interlocking pin for the slide rail of the photoconductor unit is denoted by reference numeral 17B, and the The through-holes of the interlocking pins for the slide rails are indicated by reference numerals 17C), and are formed by elongated holes formed in the support base 18 as shown in FIGS. Guide portions 18A, 18B and 18C.
[0032]
In FIG. 4, an insertion hole through which the interlocking pins 14B, 15B, and 15C penetrate in the sliding member 17 has a circular hole for the interlocking pin 15B provided on the slide rail 15 of the photoconductor unit. The other insertion holes (holes indicated by reference numerals 17A and 17B in FIG. 4) are formed by long holes whose longitudinal directions are set in the up-down direction.
[0033]
The insertion holes 17A and 17B on the side of the sliding member 17 through which the interlocking pins provided in the photoconductor unit, the transfer unit, and the image forming unit penetrate (the insertion holes for the photoconductor unit are unsigned) are the photoconductor units. The length in the longitudinal direction is set in a direction away from each other with respect to the center of the insertion hole through which the interlocking pin 15 </ b> C provided on the slide rail 15 extends. In addition, the insertion hole has the center position in the hole width direction in the direction orthogonal to the movement direction aligned in the horizontal direction, so that when the unit moves to the storage position and the drawer position, the respective units are connected to each other. The relative position in the moving direction is not changed.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 4, the guides 18A, 18B and 18C on the side of the support base 18 into which the interlocking pins 14C, 15C and 16C are inserted are arranged such that the guide 18B for the photosensitive unit is pulled out from the storage position of the unit. The guides 18A and 18C for the transfer unit and the image forming unit are formed in a horizontal direction as a direction in which the transfer unit and the image forming unit move. Are moved from the storage position to the extraction position, and are separated from each other as they move away from each other.
[0035]
When the transfer unit and the image forming unit move from the storage position to the pull-out position, the guide units 18A and 18C temporarily move the unit in a horizontal direction by a predetermined distance (a distance indicated by a symbol S in FIG. 4), Next, the shape is such that it can be moved in a direction away from each other to reach the pull-out position, in the figure, a shape provided with an inclined portion.
[0036]
The predetermined distance (the distance indicated by reference symbol S in FIG. 4) set in the guide portions 18A and 18C for temporarily moving in the horizontal direction is within the printer main body with respect to the driving member mounted on the unit at the storage position. This is set so as to cut off the drive path of the provided drive member, and is set to a distance at which the engagement between the drive members can be released from the time when the unit starts to move from the storage position to the pull-out position.
Further, the movement stroke from the storage position of the unit to the pull-out position in the guide portions 18A, 18B, 18C, in other words, the length of the long hole in the longitudinal direction is the same for each unit, and each unit along the movement direction is Are not changed.
[0037]
In FIG. 5, brackets 19 are provided on the interlocking pins 14C, 15C, and 16C, which penetrate through the insertion holes 17A and 17B (the holes for the photoconductor unit are not denoted by reference numerals) formed in the sliding member 17. The spring 20 (of the photoreceptor unit) is mounted between the bracket 19 and the locking pieces 171A, 172A, 173A that cut and raise a part of the holes 171, 172, 172 formed in the sliding member 17. The spring is illustrated only for the interlocking pin 15C, and the springs for the other interlocking pins are indicated by alternate long and short dash lines). The spring 20 always urges the interlocking pins 14C, 15C, 16C to return to the movement start positions of the units in the guides 18A, 18B, 18C on the support base 18 side by pulling the bracket 19. .
[0038]
On the other hand, a sliding drive member 100 is provided at one end of the sliding member 17 in the moving direction, that is, at the end corresponding to the downstream side in the moving direction of the unit toward the pull-out position.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a connecting structure between the sliding drive member 100 and the sliding member 17. In FIG. 6, a connecting member 21 is parallel to the moving direction of the unit at one end of the sliding member 17 in the moving direction described above. It is provided so that it can slide.
The connecting member 21 is provided with a long hole 21A through which a connecting pin 17D fixed to the sliding member 17 is inserted, and a cam portion 21B on the lower surface, respectively. The elongated hole 21A has a longitudinal direction parallel to the moving direction of the unit, and the connecting member 21 is slid in parallel with the moving direction of the unit using the connecting pin 17D as a guide pin.
The cam portion 21B has a convex surface formed on the lower surface of the connecting member 21, and a sliding engagement member 110 provided swingably at an immovable portion in the housing 1B of the printer 1 is in contact with the cam portion 21B. .
[0039]
The convex surface of the cam portion 21B has such a height that the locking state of the sliding member 17 by the sliding locking member 110 can be released, and the long hole 21A is a surface of the cam portion 21B facing the sliding locking member 110. (A convex surface and a concave surface). That is, the state shown in FIG. 6 shows a state in which each unit is in the storage position, and at this time, the connecting pin 17D inserted into the long hole 21A corresponds to the downstream side in the unit pulling-out direction (the direction of the arrow in the drawing). The sliding engagement member 110 is in contact with the inner edge of the longitudinal end, and is in contact with the concave surface of the cam portion 21A.
When the connecting member 21 is moved in the pulling-out direction (the direction of the arrow in the drawing) from this state, the connecting pin 17D in the elongated hole 21A moves toward the inner edge of the elongated hole 21A on the opposite side to the conventional one, and interlocks with this. The cam portion 21B is brought into a state in which the sliding locking member 110 rides on the convex surface.
[0040]
The movement of the connecting member 21 is performed via the swing bracket 101 on the side of the sliding drive member 100 through which the drive pin 21C fixed to the connecting member 21 is inserted.
The sliding drive member 100 includes a swing bracket 101 swingable by a support shaft 112 supported by an immovable portion of the housing 1B of the color printer 1, and an operation bracket 102 supported coaxially. An operation handle 103 is attached to the bracket 102.
6, the swing bracket 101 is a member having a swing radius capable of covering the connecting member 21 with reference to the support shaft 112, and a drive pin provided on the connecting member 21 side at the swing end side. A connection drive hole 101A into which the first drive hole 21C is inserted is formed. The connection drive hole 101A is not a swing trajectory centered on the support shaft 112 but a long hole having a longitudinal direction substantially along the swing radius thereof, and is driven via the drive pin 21C according to the swing of the swing bracket 101. Thus, the connecting member 21 is slid in the moving direction of the unit.
[0041]
The swing bracket 101 is provided with an operation drive hole 101B formed of a long hole having a swing locus about the support shaft 112A separately from the connection drive hole 101A. An operation pin 104 fixed to the operation bracket 102 is inserted through the operation drive hole 101B, and a click member 105 for positioning the operation pin 104 at the end of the swing locus half circumference in the operation drive hole 101B is supported. I have.
[0042]
The click member 105 has a swing support shaft 105A on the swing bracket 101, and can swing in the direction in which the swing end side advances and retreats into the operation drive hole 101B. The driving force for entering the operation drive hole 101B is provided by a spring 106 that is hooked between the swing bracket 101 and the swing end of the click member 105.
[0043]
A locking surface 105B made of a convex surface is formed on the surface of the click member 105 on the side of the operation drive hole 101B, and the operation pin 104 is positioned by positioning the operation pin 104 on one of the concave surfaces bordering the locking surface 105B. The operation drive hole 101B can be locked at any position at the end of the swing trajectory half circumference.
[0044]
The spring 106 hung on the click member 105 is set to have an elastic force capable of preventing the operation handle 103 located on the operation bracket 102 side from inadvertently falling due to the convex surface of the click member 105. The operation pin 104 on the operation bracket 102 side can get over the convex surface by the falling force that is applied only when the user falls down from the standing position.
[0045]
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the sliding locking member 110 facing the cam portion 21B of the connecting member 21.
In FIG. 7, a support bracket 120 for supporting the sliding locking member 110 is provided on an immobile portion of the casing of the color printer 1, and the sliding locking member 110 can swing on the supporting bracket 120. It is supported by.
The sliding locking member 110 is a swinging member that can perform a seesaw movement with a support shaft 110A provided on the support bracket 120 as a fulcrum. A spring 111 is provided at one of the swing ends between the sliding bracket 110 and the support bracket 120. Has been passed over.
[0046]
The other swinging end of the sliding locking member 110 is opposed to the cam portion 21B of the connecting member 21 by the bias of the spring 111, and the other end thereof has an axial direction as shown in FIG. And the guide roller 114 and the guide roller 114 having different diameters are juxtaposed coaxially.
The locking roller 113 is a roller that can be engaged and disengaged with a locking slit (indicated by reference numerals 17F and 17F ′ in FIG. 6) formed on the lower surface of the sliding member 17, and the guide roller 114 is Is a roller that can roll while contacting the cam portion 21B.
[0047]
The sliding locking member 110 can swing in accordance with a state in which the guide roller 114 faces the cam portion 21B of the connecting member 21, and when the guide roller 114 faces the convex surface of the cam portion 21B, the locking roller 113 Swings in a direction to separate from the locking slit of the sliding member 17.
[0048]
The locking slits 17F and 17F 'are portions for preventing the sliding member 17 from moving in order to hold the unit in the storage position and the pull-out position, and the locking slit indicated by reference numeral 17F is for holding the storage position. , 17F 'are used to hold the pull-out position.
[0049]
On the other hand, in the process of moving from the storage position to the drawer position, the image forming unit that is separated downward with respect to the photoconductor unit is provided with a developing device and a cleaning device, which are devices for developing the photoconductor in the photoconductor unit. A cleaning device, which is a device for processing, is provided. For this reason, when the image forming unit reaches the storage position from the pull-out position, the positioning of the developing roller, which is a developing member provided in the developing device, and the cleaning blade and brush provided in the cleaning device with respect to the photoconductor are performed. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the contact state of the toner and the contact state of the cleaning blade and the brush.
[0050]
In the unit support device having the above configuration, when each unit is in the storage position, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation handle 103 provided on the operation drive member 100 is in an upright state, and the operation handle 103 is A state in which the unit cannot be withdrawn carelessly by straddling the unit juxtaposition direction is maintained.
When the operation handle 103 is turned down, as shown in FIG. 10, the operation member 102 swings in conjunction with the operation member 102 to move the connecting member 21 from the storage position to the pull-out position. The outer rails 6 are pulled out from the slide rails 14 as a result. By pulling out the six inner rails from the slide rail 14 in this state, each unit can be pulled out to a position where it can be externally operated.
[0051]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a configuration is provided in which a state is set in which the image forming unit that has reached the storage position is pressed or brought close to the photoconductor unit, and that state is maintained. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a support portion of the image forming unit which is set to be close to the photoreceptor unit in the storage position by approaching the photosensitive member unit. The mounting portion 150A of the imaging device is mounted on the base frame 150 on which the inner rail 16B of the slide rail 16 is attached to the side surface, and is mounted on the mounting portion 150A of each imaging device. A sliding member 151 and a pressing means 152 for setting a rising pressure on the imaging device are provided.
[0052]
The base frame 150 is provided with a front cover 153 having a grip 153A on the front side in the drawing direction of the image forming unit (the direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 11). , A spring supporting bracket 153B is provided so as to be freely movable, and a sliding member 152 having one longitudinal end in contact with the spring supporting bracket 153B is disposed.
12, a sliding member 151 is a rod member having a longitudinal direction parallel to the unit pull-out direction (the direction indicated by reference numeral F in FIG. 12), and a concave portion and a convex portion adjacent to the concave portion are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction. A pressure transformer 151A is provided, and the pressing means 152 faces the transformer 151A. The transforming portion 151A is formed by a portion having a smaller diameter than its own rod outer diameter, where the concave portion corresponds to the convex portion, and these two portions are continuous with an inclined surface. Transformation section 151A shown in FIG. 12 has the same length and angle of the inclined surface that connects the concave portion and the convex portion.
[0053]
The sliding member 151 is always pressed to the right by a spring support bracket 153B located inside the front cover 153 in FIG. That is, since the spring 154 is stretched between the front end of the base frame 150 in the pull-out direction (the direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 12) and the spring support bracket 153B, the spring support bracket 153B is always in the base frame. The sliding member 151 that moves toward the 150 side (in the direction indicated by the symbol R in FIG. 12) is provided with the habit of the spring 154. The movement behavior in the same direction as that of the spring support bracket 153B is provided.
The rear end of the sliding member 151 in the longitudinal direction protrudes from the rear end of the base frame 150, and the extreme end thereof faces the housing wall 160 of the support device as shown in FIGS. I have.
[0054]
The rear end of the sliding member 151 in the longitudinal direction is set so that the outermost end thereof contacts the housing wall 160 and is pushed immediately before the unit reaches the storage position. Can move in the pull-out direction against the bias of the spring 154. At this time, the transforming portion 151A is brought into a state in which a sliding pin 152B of the pressing means 152 described later rides on the convex portion.
[0055]
The pressing means 152 is a swingable member whose both ends are supported by a support bracket 150B provided on the base frame 150, as shown in FIG. A pressing portion 152A and a sliding pin 152B that abuts on the transforming portion 151A on the sliding member 151 side are provided.
[0056]
The sliding member 152 has a case where the sliding pin 152B is in opposition to the concave portion of the transforming portion 151A of the sliding member 151 (see FIG. 13A), and a convex portion (outer peripheral surface of the sliding member) of the transforming portion 151A. Since the swinging position is different from that in the case where the image forming apparatus is in opposing contact (see FIG. 13B), the pushing force of the image forming device mounted on the base frame 150 changes accordingly. . That is, in the state shown in FIG. 13B, when the sliding pin 152B rides on the convex portion of the transforming portion 151A of the sliding member 151, the pressing means 152 swings and faces the image forming device in the pressing portion 152A. The distance H between the leading end of the pressing portion 152A and the bottom surface of the base frame 150 is larger than when the sliding pin 152B is in contact with the concave portion of the transforming portion 151A (H> H ′). Therefore, when an imaging device (indicated by reference numeral D for convenience) is placed in FIG. 13B, the shape restoring force corresponding to the amount of bending deformation of the pressing portion 152A is applied to the imaging device D. It will act as pressure.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 14, a part of the imaging device is supported by the rotation support bracket 155, and the horizontal bent bottom surface formed on the rotation support bracket 155 faces the pressing portion 152A of the pressing means 152. It is intended to be pressed.
[0058]
The rotation support bracket 155 can receive the pressing force from the pressing portion 152A of the pressing means 152 by being mounted so as to be opposed to the pressing means 152, so that the image forming apparatus can be mounted on the photosensitive unit in the photosensitive unit. The positional relationship with the body can be changed. That is, in the state where the sliding pin 152B of the pressing means 152 shown in FIG. 13A and the concave portion of the transforming portion 151A of the sliding member 151 are in opposing contact with each other, the pressing force on the imaging device is not so large. As shown in FIG. 13B, in a facing state in which the sliding pin 152B of the pressing means 152 rides on the convex part of the transforming part 151A of the sliding member 151, the position of the pressing part 152A is swung by the pressing means 152. Is changed, the shape restoring force generated in the pressing portion 152A acts on the imaging device as a pressing force. For this reason, the image forming device is positioned under a condition meaning a predetermined facing relationship with the photoconductor of the photoconductor unit. When the unit moves from the storage position to the pull-out position, the end of the sliding member 151 is separated from the housing wall plate 160, so that the bias of the spring 154 acts on the sliding member 151. Since the concave portion of the transformer 151A changes to a state in which it faces the sliding pin 132B of the pressing means 152, the sliding member 151 releases the pressing of the unit by the pressing means 152 or the maintenance of the close state.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, in the above-described configuration, the sliding member 151 slides in conjunction with the movement of the unit from the pull-out position to the storage position.
The sliding member 151 changes the position of the transformer 151A with respect to the sliding pin 152B of the pressing means 152 by abutting the tip against the housing wall 160 immediately before the unit reaches the storage position. In other words, the convex portion from the concave portion of the voltage transforming portion 152A abuts on the sliding pin 152B. By this, when the unit reaches the storage position, the pressing means 152 finishes swinging and the pressing portion 152A is elastically deformed, and the shape restoring force causes the rotation support provided in the unit image forming device. The bracket 155 is pressed and raised, and as shown in FIG. 15, as shown in FIG. 15, a device for image formation on the image forming unit side of the photoconductor of the photoconductor unit (in FIG. The roller (represented by C1) is set to a predetermined condition, and this state is maintained on both sides of the sliding member 151 in the longitudinal direction. When the unit moves from the storage position to the pull-out position, the position of the sliding pin 152B of the pressing means 152 and the facing position of A change as the tip of the sliding member 151 moves away from the housing wall 160. Then, the depression on the image forming device by the pressing means 152 is released by the concave portion facing the slide pin 152B.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the order in which the image forming device is pressed by the above-described pressing means 152 can be changed in the longitudinal direction of the sliding member 151.
The inclined surface continuous to the concave portion and the convex portion in the transforming portion 151A of the sliding member 151 shown in FIG. 12 is the same on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the sliding member 151. Instead, the moving direction to the storage position is changed. The angle of the inclined surface at the front transformer section 151A is made smaller than the angle of the inclined surface at the rear transformer section 151A in the moving direction to increase the length of the inclined surface. Accordingly, the pressing order of the image forming apparatus executed before the unit reaches the storage position, that is, the timing at which the pressing state having the positional relationship under the predetermined condition is obtained is determined by the sliding of the sliding member 151. In the process of moving to the storage position, the front side in the direction of movement to the storage position is pressed more slowly than the rear side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the imaging device from inadvertently coming into contact with the photoconductor on the photosensitive pair unit side in the forward direction of the movement, and to move the image forming unit due to interference with the device on the adjacent unit side during the moving process of the imaging unit. An increase in resistance can be prevented.
[0061]
The reduction of the movement resistance includes not only the end portions in the movement direction but also the pressing or approaching order in the circumferential direction when the photosensitive member mounted on the photosensitive member unit is in a drum shape.
In this case, it is preferable that the higher the hardness of the devices used in the image forming unit and the developing device and the cleaning device that form the image forming device, the later the pressure or the proximity state to the photoconductor is set. For this reason, in the present embodiment, for example, the member used in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 15 (the member indicated by reference numeral C1 in FIG. 15) is the member used in the developing device (the member indicated by reference numeral D1 in FIG. 15). When the hardness is lower than the member (C1), the member (D1) on the developing device side is pressed or brought closer to the photosensitive member later than the member (C1) on the cleaning device side.
[0062]
As a configuration for this, an inclined surface (indicated by a reference numeral 151A1 for convenience in FIGS. 16 and 17) between the concave portion and the convex portion of the transforming portion 151A of the sliding member 151 has a top position. It is shifted from the position shown in FIG. 16 which is a plan view of the inclined surface 151A1 (portion shown by reference numeral S0 in FIG. 16) as shown in FIG. 17 (the position shown by reference numeral S1 in FIG. 17).
[0063]
The direction in which the position of the top of the inclined surface is shifted is a direction in which a state in which the sliding pin 152B of the pressing means 152 can ride on the outer peripheral surface of the sliding member 151 before the developing device side can be obtained (FIG. 17, the direction indicated by the symbol θ).
When this configuration is adopted, an elastic member such as a spring is provided at the bottom of the pressing means 152 so that the horizontal attitude is always set, and the pressing means 152 is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction and the horizontal direction is set. It is desirable to have a configuration capable of returning. With such a configuration, the member on the cleaning device side can press or approach the photosensitive member before the member on the developing device side. According to such a configuration, in the process of moving the image forming unit to the storage position, it is possible to avoid the interference between the photosensitive member on the photosensitive member unit side and the member on the image forming unit side, and to smoothly move the member. In this case, it is possible to suppress the damage of the member that occurs in the case where it is performed.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention as set forth in claims 1 to 3, one unit of the plurality of units is pressed or brought close to a unit opposed thereto under a preset condition, and the state is maintained. According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the state is configured to utilize pressure, the units moved to the storage position are maintained in a positional relationship for exhibiting operations related to each other. Since the positioning is performed by pressing or approaching in a positional relationship, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a positional deviation when the units act on each other.
[0065]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the pressed or close state and cancel the state, so that it is possible to optimize the positional relationship between the units when moving to the storage position and to move the unit when moving. The movement can be performed smoothly without interfering with each other.
[0066]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, the sliding member as a member for setting and canceling the pressing or proximity relationship of the unit is provided with a transforming portion for changing the pressing force, and the position of the transforming portion changes during sliding. Since the pressing state can be changed by using this operation, the unit can release the pressing or close state and set the pressing or close state by a rapid pressure drop when moving. This makes it possible to optimize the positional relationship between the units by setting them in the pressed or close state, and to move without interference between the units due to the release of the pressed or close state.
[0067]
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the pressing order in the sliding direction by the sliding member is made different, it is possible to prevent the movement of the unit from being hindered. As a result, when the unit has finished moving to the storage position, the entire area in the moving direction of the unit is finally pressed or approached, and this occurs when the pressed or approach state is set before reaching this state. It is possible to solve the problem that the unit cannot be moved and to set the positioning of each unit and the operation relationship.
[0068]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the pressing force of the unit by the pressing means can be changed only by the correspondence between the concave and convex portions provided on the sliding member and the swingable pressing means. By simply utilizing the simple interlocking relationship of the movement of the sliding member, the pressing or proximity state of the unit can be set without requiring a special driving member.
[0069]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the photoreceptor unit, the transfer unit, and the image forming unit are used as the plurality of units, the image forming unit differs from the image forming unit in which devices used for the image forming process are collectively accommodated. Thus, only the devices that need to be replaced can be pulled out. As a result, the running cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the devices that do not require replacement are replaced.
[0070]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the image forming unit reaches the storage position with respect to the photoconductor unit, the image forming unit can be positioned with the developing device and the cleaning device provided with the photoconductor. It moves without interference until it reaches the storage position, and at the end of the movement, a predetermined positional relationship is defined, thereby making it unnecessary to perform operations such as sampling position adjustment.
[0071]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the moving direction of the photoconductor unit is the horizontal direction, and the moving direction in which the transfer and image forming units are separated from each other is the vertical direction. Positioning of each unit of the image at the time of separation and proximity is possible, and unlike the case of moving the photoconductor unit, it is not necessary to change the positioning of each unit in the image forming unit corresponding to this, and positioning No special structure is required for
[0072]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 11, when the pressure or the proximity state is set under a preset condition, the higher the hardness of the member used for the device in the unit, the more the other device, that is, the lower the device Since the state of opposition to the photoconductor is set later than this, there is no danger of contact with a device having high hardness during the movement process, and positioning can be performed while preventing damage to the device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which a unit support device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation of a unit supporting device in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a main configuration of a unit support device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of a part of a main configuration shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a configuration of a sliding member and a sliding driving member used in the main configuration shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a partial side view showing a connection structure between the sliding member and the sliding drive member shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing a part of the configuration as viewed from a direction indicated by reference numeral (7) in FIG.
FIG. 8 is an arrow view in the direction indicated by reference numeral (8) in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing one mode according to the configuration shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another mode according to the configuration shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a setting structure for pressing or approaching a unit in the unit support device according to the present embodiment is installed.
12 is a diagram illustrating a structure for setting a pressing or close state of the unit illustrated in FIG. 12;
13 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the setting structure shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an operation state of the setting structure and the image forming unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pressing state or a close state between units by the setting structure shown in FIG. 12;
16 is a detailed view of the setting structure shown in FIG. 12, (A) is a plan view of the transformer, and (B) is an arrow view in the direction indicated by reference numeral (B) in (A).
17A and 17B are detailed views showing a modification of the setting structure shown in FIG. 16, wherein FIG. 17A is a plan view of a transformer, and FIG. 17B is a view taken in the direction indicated by reference numeral (B) in FIG. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image forming device 2 photoreceptor 3 transfer device 4 charging device 5 developing device 6 cleaning device 14, 15, 16 slide rails 14C, 15C, 16C interlocking pin 17 sliding member 17A, 17B insertion hole 17D connection pin 17F, 17F ' Stop slit 18 Support bases 18A, 18B, 18C Guide 21 Connecting member 21A Slot 21B Cam 21C Drive pin 100 Sliding drive member 150 Base frame 151 Sliding member 151A Transformer 152 Presser 152A Presser 152B Sliding Pin 153 Face plate 153B Spring support bracket 154 Spring 155 Unit-side rotation support bracket 160 Housing wall plate

Claims (11)

An apparatus for supporting a plurality of units movable to a storage position and a drawer position that can be operated from the outside,
It is provided so as to be interlocked with the movement of the unit, and comprises means for maintaining the state by approaching or pressing under a preset condition with respect to the unit facing the unit in the process of moving to the storage position. Unit support device The unit support device according to claim 1,
The means for maintaining the close or pressed state under the preset conditions employs a configuration in which pressure is applied to the opposing unit in the vicinity of the storage position in the vicinity of the storage unit. apparatus. The unit support device according to claim 1 or 2,
The unit support device is characterized in that the means for maintaining the state of being close or pressed under the preset condition is configured to set the state of being close or pressed at both ends in the movement direction of the unit. The unit support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The unit for maintaining the state of approaching or pressing under the preset condition includes a state of approaching or pressing according to the moving direction of the unit and a configuration capable of releasing this state. Support device. The unit support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The means for maintaining the close or pressed state under the preset condition includes a member slidable along the moving direction of the unit movable to the storage position and the drawer position, and a sliding member for the sliding member. Pressing means arranged on both sides in the movement direction and capable of pressing equipment mounted on the unit,
The sliding member is provided with a transformer for changing the pressing force of the device using the pressing means, and the pressing state of the unit is changed by changing the position of the transformer during sliding. Characteristic unit support device. The unit support device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The unit supporting device, wherein the sliding member can change the pressing order of pressing means located at each end in the sliding direction. The unit support device according to claim 5 or 7,
The pressing means has a swingable elastic portion, and the sliding member is provided with an uneven portion for swinging the pressing means on both sides in the moving direction, and the pressing means is provided in correspondence with the uneven portion. A unit supporting device which can change the position of the elastic portion by swinging to change the pressing force on the unit. An image forming apparatus comprising the unit support device according to claim 1,
The plurality of units include a photoreceptor unit in which only a photoreceptor is arranged, a transfer unit including a transfer device for transferring an image carried on the photoreceptor, and various devices for performing image forming processing on the photoreceptor. The arranged image forming units are used, and the units are collectively separated from each other in the process of moving from the storage position to the drawer position, and when the storage unit is reached from the drawer position, the transfer is performed based on the photosensitive unit. And an image forming unit configured to press or approach each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
Of the above units, the image forming unit is pressed against the photosensitive member unit when it reaches the storage position from the drawn-out position. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is configured to be pressed or brought close to a state in which positioning of the image is obtained. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the moving direction of the photoconductor unit is a horizontal direction, and the moving direction in which the transfer unit and the image forming unit are separated from each other is a vertical direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
The image forming unit facing the photoreceptor unit is such that the means for maintaining the state of being close or pressed under a preset condition has a higher hardness of a member used for a device in the unit, and is delayed more than other devices. An image forming apparatus wherein a state of facing an image bearing member is set.

Images