JP2007199733A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problems; an LED head used for a conventional image forming apparatus is integrally fixed to an upper cover as a rule, then, the whole weight of the upper cover is increased and the operability at an opening/closing operation is deteriorated, and also, a space for securing the movement of the LED head is necessary in the image forming apparatus, consequently, a space efficiency is poor and the capacity of a toner cartridge is not made large. <P>SOLUTION: By having such the constitution that an LED head unit 1 is directly attached/detached to/from a developing apparatus 2, the constitution that the LED head is integrally fixed to the upper cover is avoided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer to which an electrophotographic method is applied, and in particular, an image forming apparatus main body of exposure means such as an LED head for writing an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier. It is related to the mounting method.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of an arrangement configuration of a conventional image forming mechanism, in which an upper cover 101 of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as an image forming apparatus) 100 is closed. FIG. 6 is a diagram viewed from a direction orthogonal to the recording paper conveyance direction A.

  As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an LED head unit 102 held by an upper cover 101, a developing device 104 mounted on the apparatus main body 105, and a transfer roller that is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 103 of the developing device 104. Four sets of image forming mechanisms consisting of 106 are provided. The developing device 104 is provided with a detachable toner cartridge 104a.

  These image forming mechanisms are arranged along the conveyance path of the recording paper that is sandwiched between the photosensitive drums 103 and the transfer rollers 106 and is attracted to the carrier belt 107 that moves in the direction of arrow A and moves in the same direction. The developing devices 4 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) are mounted in order from the upstream side.

  Further, as shown in the figure, each LED head unit 102 can perform desired exposure in the vicinity of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 103 of the developing device 104 facing the LED head unit 102 with the upper cover 101 closed. Move to the position.

  The X, Y, and Z coordinate axes in the figure are set in parallel to the recording paper conveyance direction (arrow A direction), and Y is set in a direction parallel to the recording paper movement plane and perpendicular to the X axis. An axis is set, and a Z axis is set in a direction perpendicular to both the axes.

  In addition, there has been one in which a main body is provided with a developing unit and a cover is provided with an LED unit (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-6-350266 (second page, FIG. 3)

In recent years, an image forming apparatus used in a network or the like has been required to have a large toner cartridge capacity so that a large amount of toner can be replenished by a single toner cartridge replacement due to an increase in operating rate. ing.

  However, the above-described conventional apparatus has a problem in that the capacity of the toner cartridge cannot be increased because the movement space area of the LED head unit that moves in an arc shape is required when the upper cover is opened and closed.

  Further, the upper cover is equipped with four LED head units, and the upper cover itself is also heavier in order to obtain the rigidity necessary to support them. Therefore, when the operator opens and closes the upper cover equipped with the four LED head units, there is a problem that the operator feels heavy and cannot expect light operability. Further, in terms of manufacturing, there has been a problem that the cost is increased by increasing the rigidity of the upper cover itself.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, enable a large capacity toner cartridge to be installed, improve the operability when opening and closing the upper cover, and further reduce the rigidity of the upper cover. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding an increase in cost.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an exposure unit that is engaged with an image forming unit that is detachably provided in the apparatus and that forms an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier provided in the image forming unit. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
The exposure means is at least partially supported by the apparatus, and the image forming unit is moved in the axial direction of the electrostatic latent image carrier after the exposure means is disengaged and removed from the apparatus. It is characterized by that.

  According to the image forming unit and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide the LED head unit in the upper cover of the image forming apparatus, and the upper cover itself can be made light and simple. Therefore, an image forming apparatus that is easy to use and has excellent cost performance can be realized.

  In addition, since a space for movement when the LED head is mounted is not necessary, the toner cartridge can be increased in size, and an image forming apparatus suitable for increasing the capacity of the toner cartridge with excellent space efficiency can be realized. .

  In addition, since the LED head can be kept away from the developing device, only the developing device including the toner cartridge can be taken out of the image forming apparatus, or the LED head can be cleaned without taking out the developing device.

  The X, Y, and Z coordinate axes shown in the drawings in each embodiment are common to the coordinates shown in FIG. 16 described above, and each developing device and LED head unit, which will be described later, are respectively mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is written assuming the direction when it is installed at the position. Further, the image forming apparatus main body may have the same basic configuration as that of the image forming apparatus main body 105 in FIG. 16, so the illustration and description thereof will be omitted and only different parts will be disclosed.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the main configuration of each of a developing device corresponding to an image forming unit and an LED head unit corresponding to an exposure unit in Embodiment 1 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part structure of each member similarly.

  These developing device 2 and LED head unit 1 are paired, and for yellow (Y) and magenta (M), similar to the four sets of LED head unit 102 and developing device 104 shown in FIG. , Cyan (C), and black (B) are disposed in an image forming apparatus main body (not shown). Since each of the four sets of LED head units 1 and the developing device 2 has the same configuration, only one set will be described in detail as an example.

  The LED head unit 1 extends to the lower part of the LED head unit 1 through an upper opening 2a (see FIG. 5) formed above the photosensitive drum 3 serving as an electrostatic latent image carrier of the developing device 2. The LED lens 1a is mounted so as to enter. The toner cartridge 4 is detachably attached to the developing device 2, and the interior of the toner cartridge 4 stores a first storage chamber 4 a that stores toner to be supplied to the developing device 2 and waste toner from the developing device 2. It is divided into the second storage chamber 4b.

  The developing device 2 includes a frame 5, a developing roller 6, a developing blade 7, a supply roller 8, a charge roller 9, a cleaning blade 10, a photosensitive drum 3, and a toner hopper 30, and the toner hopper 30 includes a first toner cartridge 4. The toner supplied from one storage chamber 4a stays. On the other hand, the transfer roller 11 is mounted on an image forming apparatus main body (not shown), and the connector 12 (FIG. 2) is also disposed on the image forming apparatus main body with the contact pins exposed on the upper surface thereof.

  Next, the configuration of the LED head unit 1 and its mounting mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The LED head unit 1 is formed with a circuit pattern exposed on the lower surface 25 of the protruding portion formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction, and penetrates in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the vicinity of the opposite end portion. A pilot pin hole 13 is formed. In addition, a substantially U-shaped pilot pin groove 14 (see FIG. 5) is formed at the other end side end so as to expand in a fan shape toward the end.

  Furthermore, U-shaped grooves 16 extending from the other end side end portion to the vicinity of the one end side end portion are respectively formed on both long side surfaces 15 of the LED head unit 1. The position of the bottom portion 16 a of the U-shaped groove 16 in the longitudinal direction substantially coincides with the pilot pin hole 13.

  A pair of crankshafts 17 exist in the vicinity of the longitudinal side surface 15 of the LED head unit 1, and a fulcrum shaft 17 a of the crankshaft 17 is pivotable by bearings 18 and 19 formed on the frame 5 of the developing device 2. It is supported. Further, the rotation range of the crankshaft 17 is from a position slightly below the horizontal position shown in FIG. 2 to a vertical position, and further rotation is restricted at this vertical position by stop means (not shown). .

  A pair of action shafts 17 b parallel to the respective fulcrum shafts 17 a are formed at the distal ends of the respective crankshafts 17. At each end of each working shaft 17b facing the long side surface 15 of the LED head unit 1, a roller 20 slidably fitted in the U-shaped groove 16 is rotatably held. The handle 24 formed in a U-shape is suspended between a pair of action shafts 17b, and both ends thereof are rotatably held by the other end portions 17c of the action shafts 17b.

  A fulcrum post 22 is formed in a portion in the vicinity of the bearing 18 that is located on the opposite side of the operating shaft 17b when the crankshaft 17 is in the horizontal position. A curved link 23 is rotatably held on the fulcrum post 22 so as to straddle the fulcrum shaft 17 a supported by the bearing 18. A tension coil spring 21 is stretched between the distal end portion of the curved link 23 and the action shaft 17b.

  More precisely, the fulcrum post 22 is formed at a position on a substantially line connecting the action shaft 17b and the fulcrum shaft 17a when the crankshaft 17 is rotated about 45 degrees from the horizontal position.

  This fulcrum post 22 is also formed in the vicinity of the bearing 19 in the same manner, and the curved link 23 and the tension coil spring 21 are similarly arranged on the opposite side of the LED head unit 1.

  On the other hand, a pilot pin 26 that fits into the pilot pin hole 13 of the LED head unit 1 is provided on an LED head unit mounting surface (hereinafter simply referred to as a mounting surface) 2 b that extends parallel to the Y axis of the developing device 2. A shoulder pin 27 (see FIG. 5) is planted at the end in the negative Y-axis direction.

  The shoulder pin 27 has a shoulder 27a at the upper end thereof, and holds a flange 28 into which the shoulder pin 27 is fitted so as to be movable up and down along the pin. The movement range of the flange 28 is determined by the upper limit being regulated by the shoulder 27a, and the lower limit is set at a position slightly lower than the upper surface of the LED head unit 1 on which it is placed. Is prevented from moving downward.

  A compressed coil spring 29 in a compressed state is disposed between the upper surface of the flange 28 and the lower surface of the shoulder 27a to urge the flange 28 downward. And the peripheral surface 28a (FIG. 4A) of the flange 28 has a conical inclined surface shape with the lower portion as the apex.

  In the above configuration, the attaching / detaching operation of the LED head unit 1 with respect to the developing device 2 will be described with reference to the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS. Note that the handle 24 (FIG. 2) is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 4 in order to avoid making the drawing complicated.

  In FIG. 3A, the pilot pin 26 of the developing device 2 is fitted into the pilot pin hole 13 of the LED head unit 1, and the developing device 2 is inserted into the substantially U-shaped pilot pin groove 14 of the LED head unit 1. Shoulder pins 27 are inserted and engaged. Further, the flange 28 presses the upper surface 1b of the LED head unit 1 downward, and this end is pressed against the mounting surface 2b (FIG. 2) of the developing device 2.

  On the other hand, at this time, the position of the action shaft 17b at the tip of the crankshaft 17 that rotatably holds the roller 20 connects the fulcrum shaft 17a of the crankshaft 17 and the fulcrum post 22 that is the rotation fulcrum of the curved link 23. It is located below the reference line 150. Therefore, since the tension of the tension coil spring 21 urges the crankshaft 17 in the direction of arrow B around the X axis, the roller 20 fitted in the U-shaped groove 16 develops the contact portion of the LED head unit 1. It presses against the mounting surface 2b (FIG. 2) of the apparatus 2.

  As described above, in the state of FIG. 3A, the LED head unit 1 is pressed against the mounting surface 2b of the developing device 2 at both ends, and the two are kept in close contact with each other. In this close contact state, the circuit pattern on the lower flat surface 25 of the protruding portion of the LED head unit 1 comes into contact with the circuit pattern of the connector 12 formed on the image forming apparatus main body (not shown) to establish electrical conduction.

  When the LED head unit 1 is removed from the developing device 2 from the above state, the operator first removes the toner cartridge 4 from the developing device 2 and holds the handle 24 (FIG. 2) against the urging force of the tension coil spring 21. While being pulled upward, the crankshaft 17 is rotated in the direction of arrow C around the X axis.

  Along with this, the roller 20 held on the action shaft 17b moves so as to draw an arc, so that the LED head unit 1 has its pilot pin hole 13 in the pilot pin 26 as shown in FIG. The left end portion is lifted upward and tilted.

  When the handle 24 (FIG. 2) is further pulled upward, the crankshaft 17 eventually reaches the vertical position shown in FIG. 4 (a). In the course of this rotation, the crankshaft 17 receives a biasing force in the direction of arrow C about the X axis by the tension coil spring 21 when the rotation position exceeds the reference line 150 (FIG. 3). . Then, in the vertical position shown in FIG. 4A, the crankshaft 17 is further prevented from turning by a stop means (not shown) and maintains the vertical position while being pressed by the stop means.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4A, the LED head unit 1 moves in a circular arc with the roller 20 engaged with the bottom portion 16a of the U-shaped groove 16. As shown in FIG. The end portion is detached from the flange 28, and the whole is moved in the positive direction of the Y axis, and the inclination is increased.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the operator pulls out the LED head unit 1 in the direction of arrow D, the LED head unit 1 moves in the same direction while its U-shaped groove 16 is engaged with the roller 20. Eventually, it is completely separated from the developing device 2.

  Next, when the LED head unit 1 is mounted on the developing device 2, the roller 20 of the crankshaft 17 in the vertical position as shown in FIG. 4B is placed at the tip of the U-shaped groove 16 of the LED head unit 1. Insert it as if it were inserted. Thereafter, when the insertion is continued while the lower end of the tip of the LED head unit 1 where the pilot pin groove 14 is formed is in contact with the mounting surface 2b of the developing device 2, the roller 20 comes into contact with the bottom 16a of the U-shaped groove. Thus, the state shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the insertion is further continued against the urging force in the direction of arrow C around the X axis to the crankshaft 17 by the tension coil spring 21, the crankshaft 17 rotates in the direction of arrow B around the X axis. When the rotational position of the crankshaft 17 exceeds the reference line 150 (FIG. 3A), the urging force by the tension coil spring 21 changes in the direction of arrow B, and the pilot pin groove 14 of the LED head unit 1 is shouldered. The state shown in FIG.

  When the insertion is further continued, the pilot pin 26 is fitted into the pilot pin hole 13, and eventually both ends of the LED head unit 1 are pressed against the mounting surface 2b of the developing device 2 by the flange 28 and the roller 20, and the two closely contact each other. The mounting is completed as shown in FIG.

  The above description of the attaching and detaching operation of the LED head unit 1 with respect to the developing device 2 has been described on the assumption that the developing device 2 is disposed in the image forming apparatus main body (not shown). You may carry out in the state removed from the forming apparatus main body outside.

  In this case, the attaching / detaching operation is also performed according to the above-described procedure. Further, as described above, the step of mounting the image forming apparatus main body at a predetermined mounting position with the LED head unit 1 mounted on the developing device 2 is added. At this time, the developing device 2 is locked by locking means (not shown) disposed in the image forming apparatus main body, and a circuit pattern of the lower plane 25 of the protruding portion of the LED head unit 1 is formed on the image forming apparatus main body (not shown). Electrical connection is established by contacting the circuit pattern of the connector 12 formed. Further, when the developing device 2 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body, the developing device 2 is pulled upward.

  Here, the mechanism for changing the LED head unit 1 from the state shown in FIG. 3A to the state shown in FIG. 4B corresponds to the mounting means, and the U-shaped groove 16 and the roller 20 correspond to the guide means. The groove 14 and the shoulder pin 27 correspond to first and second engaging means, respectively, and the LED head unit 1 is placed on the mounting surface 2b of the developing device 2 by the urging force of the tension coil spring 21 and the compression coil spring 29. The urging mechanism corresponds to the urging means.

  As described above, according to the apparatus of the first embodiment, since the LED head unit is attached to the developing device 2, it is not necessary to provide the LED head unit on the upper cover of the image forming apparatus, and the upper cover itself is light and simple. Can be configured. Therefore, an image forming apparatus that is easy to use and has excellent cost performance can be realized.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of relevant parts for explaining each configuration and mounting operation of the developing device and the LED head unit according to the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The developing device 32 and LED head unit 31 of the second embodiment are different from the developing device and LED head unit of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the developing device 32 has a guide groove 35 as a guide means, and Similarly, the LED head unit 31 is additionally provided with an engaging protrusion 34 as a guide means, so the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals or are not disclosed. The description of this part will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

  At the other end side end in the longitudinal direction of the LED head unit 31, together with the pilot pin groove 14, a projection projecting from the upper portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and toward the front wall 2 c of the developing device 32. A mating protrusion 34 is formed. On the other hand, on the front wall 2c of the developing device 32, a guide groove 35 is formed substantially in the Y-axis direction for the engagement protrusion 34 to engage and slide.

  This guide groove 35 is an engagement protrusion on the pilot pin 26 side at a position where the LED head unit 31 is in a substantially horizontal state when the LED head unit 31 is supported by the roller 20 when the crankshaft 17 is in the vertical position. 34 is formed to a height that can guide 34. The guide groove 35 is formed to have a predetermined width so that the engagement protrusion 34 can be fitted in parallel to the Y-axis up to a substantially central portion, and then the width of the guide groove 35 is inclined downward toward the shoulder pin 27 side. And extends to the other end in parallel with the Y axis in a wide state. Further, the end 35a of the guide groove 35 on the pilot pin 26 side has a groove width that is widened in a fan shape so that the engagement protrusion 34 can be easily fitted as will be described later.

  In the above configuration, when the LED head unit 31 is mounted on the developing device 2, first, the engaging protrusion 34 is introduced into the end portion 35 a of the wide guide groove 35, and the roller 20 is mounted on the LED head unit 1. Insert into the U-shaped groove 16 and insert. Thereafter, the LED head unit 31 is brought into close contact with the developing device 32 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the mounting is completed. In this process, the engaging protrusion 34 is guided to the guide groove 35. The inclination is restricted to a predetermined state.

  As described above, according to the developing device 32 and the LED head unit 31 of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the inclination when the LED head unit 31 is mounted can be regulated. The operation can be performed stably, and the lower end of the tip of the LED head unit 31 in which the pilot pin groove 14 is formed can be prevented from sliding on the mounting surface 2b of the developing device 32. Embodiment 1 Compared to the case, a smoother mounting operation can be realized.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration and the attaching / detaching mechanism of the developing device and the LED head unit according to the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an attachment / detachment mechanism.

  The developing device 42 and the LED head unit 41 of the third embodiment are different from the developing device and the LED head unit of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 mainly in the developing device 42 and the LED head unit 41. It is a part regarding the attachment / detachment mechanism. Therefore, the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, or the description thereof will be omitted without disclosing them, and different points will be mainly described below.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the LED head unit 41 includes a head support member 43 and an LED head 44 connected to a lower portion of the head support member 43 by an urging member made of an elastic member (not shown). Note that FIG. 7 excludes the toner cartridge 4 mounted on the developing device 42 and the area where the toner cartridge 4 is mounted in order to make the drawing easier to understand.

  At one end in the longitudinal direction of the head support member 43, a rotation fulcrum shaft 43a is integrally formed in a direction orthogonal to the same direction. The rotation fulcrum shaft 43a can be moved slightly in the directions of the arrows A and E, which are the X-axis direction, by a frame of the image forming apparatus main body (not shown), and can be pivotally supported with some fitting backlash. Has been.

  At both ends of the LED head 44, a guide hole 46 and a guide long hole 47 are formed for receiving a pair of pilot pins 45 planted from both ends of the mounting surface 42b of the developing device 42.

  In addition, a hook member 48 that is rotatably supported by a frame of an image forming apparatus main body (not shown) is disposed near the other end of the head support member 43. The hook member 48 has a rotating shaft 48a parallel to the X axis, and is biased in the direction of arrow B around the X axis by a bias spring 49 suspended between the hook member 48 and the image forming apparatus.

  As will be described later, a head locking member 50 that holds the LED head unit 41 in a predetermined standby position, and a compression coil spring 51 that biases the LED head unit 41 in a predetermined position in the direction of arrow B around the X axis are as follows. Both are disposed on the frame of the image forming apparatus main body (not shown).

  With the above configuration, the attaching / detaching operation of the developing device 42 and the LED head unit 41 will be described with reference to the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 8 (a), (b), and (c). Note that FIG. 8 excludes the area where the toner cartridge 4 of the developing device 42 is mounted for easy understanding of the drawing.

  FIG. 8A shows a state in which the developing device 42 and the LED head unit 41 are mounted at respective predetermined mounting positions of an image forming apparatus (not shown). At this time, in the LED head unit 41, a pair of pilot pins 45 planted from the mounting surface 42b (FIG. 7) of the developing device 42 are fitted into the guide hole 46 and the guide slot 47 formed in the LED head 44, respectively. Then, the end portion is locked by the hook 48b of the hook member 48 biased in the direction of arrow B around the X axis by the bias spring 49, and is in close contact with the mounting surface 42b of the developing device 42 shown in FIG. The worn state is maintained.

  At this time, the LED lens 44 a that protrudes downward from the LED head 44 and extends in the longitudinal direction enters the upper opening 42 a (FIG. 7) formed in the mounting surface 42 b of the developing device 42 and enters the inside of the photosensitive drum 3. It is in contact with the peripheral surface. The LED head unit 41 is urged in the direction of arrow B around the X axis by the compression spring 51, and is pressed by the hook 48b to lock the rotation position.

  From the above state, when the developing device 42 is replaced or the lens surface of the LED head 44 is cleaned, for example, the toner cartridge 4 (FIG. 6) is first removed, and the hook member 48 is urged by the bias spring 49. Accordingly, the LED head unit 41 is unlocked by rotating in the direction of arrow C around the X axis.

  Then, the LED head unit 41 is held substantially vertically by the head locking member 50 in the direction of arrow B around the X axis about the rotation fulcrum shaft 43a as shown in FIG. Rotate until

  In this state, the developing device 42 is replaced or the LED head 44 is cleaned, and then the LED head unit 41 is closed again. At this time, the compression coil spring 51 also functions as a damper when the LED head unit 41 is suddenly dropped. The operator presses the LED head unit 41 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 51 until the LED head unit 41 is brought into close contact with the mounting surface 42b of the developing device 42 from the state shown in FIG.

  At this stage, the hook 48b of the hook member 48 locks the end of the LED head unit 41, and the LED head unit 41 returns to the predetermined mounting position shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the apparatus of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, it is only necessary to secure a space for mounting the LED head unit 41 structurally. An excellent image forming apparatus suitable for increasing the capacity of a toner cartridge can be realized.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the developing device and the LED head unit and the attaching / detaching mechanism of Embodiment 4 in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an attachment / detachment mechanism.

  The developing device 42 and the LED head unit 41 according to the fourth embodiment have the same configuration as the developing device and the LED head unit according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but the toner cartridge 60 (FIG. 11). ) And the attachment / detachment mechanism of the LED head unit 41 held by an image forming apparatus main body (not shown) is different. Accordingly, the same or corresponding parts as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, or the description thereof is omitted without disclosing them, and different points will be mainly described below.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the LED fulcrum shaft 43a of the LED head unit 41 is slidable over a predetermined range in the directions of arrows F and G parallel to the Z axis by a frame of the image forming apparatus main body (not shown). It is rotatably supported by a bearing member 55 as a holding means provided.

  Compression springs 52 and 51 are disposed between the bearing member 55 and the frame of the image forming apparatus main body (not shown) and between the open end of the LED head unit 41 and the frame of the image forming apparatus main body (not shown), respectively. The LED head unit 41 and the bearing member 55 are compressed by a predetermined amount due to their own weight.

  At this time, the LED head unit 41 is above the mounting surface 42b of the developing device 42, and the guide hole 46, the guide long hole 47, and the LED lens 44a are respectively planted from the mounting surface 42b. At a position facing the pilot pin 45 and the upper opening 42a, it is configured to remain substantially parallel to the placement surface 42b.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, a rod-shaped member as a pair of force transmission members having flange portions 61a and 61b at both ends in front of both side surfaces 60a and 60b of the toner cartridge 60 (in the negative direction of the X axis). 61 is arranged in parallel with the Z-axis. These rod-shaped members 61 are pivotally supported by a pair of bearings 62 and 63 formed on both side surfaces 60a and 60b of the toner cartridge 60 so as to be slidable by a predetermined distance in the directions of arrows F and G parallel to the Z axis. Has been.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper cover 65 of the image forming apparatus is integrated with the upper cover 65 at a position facing the upper flange portions 61 a of the pair of rod-like members 61 disposed in the toner cartridge 60. A pair of pressing projections 65a formed in the above is formed. These pressing protrusions 65a, the bar-shaped member 61, and the members that support them correspond to setting means.

  The spatial distance L (FIG. 9) between the upper surface of the LED head unit 41 and the toner cartridge 60 is such that the LED head unit 41 is separated from the mounting surface 42b of the developing device 42 by a desired distance by the compression springs 51 and 52 as described above. It is provided to make it possible to surface.

  In the above configuration, the attaching / detaching operation of the developing device 42 and the LED head unit 41 will be described with reference to the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

  FIG. 12 shows a state in which the developing device 42 and the LED head unit 41 are mounted on an image forming apparatus (not shown) to the state shown in FIG. 10 and the toner cartridge 60 is further mounted and the upper cover 65 is left open. Show. At this time, the LED head unit 41 is pushed up by the compression springs 51 and 52 (FIG. 10), and a predetermined space is formed between the LED head 44 and the mounting surface 42b of the developing device 42. Accordingly, the pair of rod-like members 61 disposed in the toner cartridge 60 are also pushed up.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the upper cover 65 is closed, the pressing protrusion 65 a pushes down the pair of rod-shaped members 61 downward, so that the LED head unit 41 is moved by the downward movement of the rod-shaped members 61. It approaches while maintaining a substantially parallel state with respect to 42b, and maintains the state which contact | abutted and contact | adhered to this eventually.

  On the other hand, when the developing device is replaced or the LED head 44 is cleaned, the toner cartridge 60 is first removed and the LED head unit 41 is moved to the rotation fulcrum shaft 43a (as in the case of the third embodiment. It can be performed by rotating in the direction of arrow B around the X axis to the standby position held by the head locking member 50 in the direction of arrow B around the X axis.

  However, when the LED head 44 is cleaned, the LED head unit 41 may be spaced apart from the mounting surface 42b of the developing device 42 by a predetermined amount as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the apparatus of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the LED head unit 41 is separated from the developing device 42 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the upper cover. It becomes possible to easily clean the LED lens of the head. Further, since the LED head unit 41 is in close contact with or separated from the developing device 42 in a parallel state, the attaching / detaching operation can be performed more smoothly.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of each essential part of the developing device and the LED head unit and the attachment / detachment mechanism of Embodiment 5 in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an attachment / detachment mechanism.

  The developing device 42 and the LED head unit 71 according to the fifth embodiment are different from the developing device and the LED head unit according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Accordingly, the same or corresponding parts as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, or description thereof is omitted without being disclosed, and different points will be mainly described below.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a pair of projecting shafts 73a and 73b projecting coaxially from both ends are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the head support member 73 of the LED head unit 71.

  On the other hand, in the pair of links 75, the rotation shafts 75a formed at the respective one end portions are Y on the frame of the image forming apparatus in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing device 42 disposed in the image forming apparatus main body (not shown). Each of the shafts is pivotally supported so as to be freely rotatable.

  The pair of links 75 have shaft holes 75b that are loosely fitted to the projecting shafts 73a and 73b of the head support member 73 at the other end portions thereof, and the guide holes 46, the guide slots 47, and the LED heads of the LED head 44 The LED head unit 71 is held at a position where the lens 44a can engage with the pair of pilot pins 45 and the upper opening 42a that are planted from the mounting surface 42b.

  Further, the pair of links 75 is restricted from rotating in the direction of arrow J around the Y axis by a pair of stoppers 78 formed on the frame of the image forming apparatus main body (not shown), and with a post 76 also formed on the frame. The torsion spring 77 suspended between them is urged in the same direction and pressed against the stopper 75. In this state, the LED head unit 71 is spaced apart from the placement surface 42b of the developing device 42 and above it, and is held at a predetermined interval.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the upper cover 80 of the image forming apparatus has a vertical direction with respect to the upper cover 80 at a position facing the upper flange portion 61 a of the pair of rod-shaped members 61 disposed in the toner cartridge 60. A set button 80a is disposed as a pair of setting members that are slidably held in the apparatus, and can be locked at the set position shown in FIG.

  In the above configuration, the attaching / detaching operation of the developing device 42 and the LED head unit 71 will be described with reference to the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the set button 80 a of the upper cover 80 of the image forming apparatus is in the open state, and the LED head unit 71 is held at the uppermost position by the urging force of the torsion bar spring 77. The developing device 42 having the toner cartridge 60 mounted thereon is moved along the Y axis, and is detached from the predetermined mounting position of the image forming apparatus, or is mounted at the predetermined mounting position.

  It is assumed that the image forming apparatus main body according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a front cover for enabling the developing device 42 to which the toner cartridge 60 is mounted to move in the Y-axis direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, after the developing device 42 including the toner cartridge 60 is mounted at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus main body, the set button 80a is pushed down to the set position shown in FIG. Lock it. As the push-down operation is performed, the pair of rod-like members 61 disposed in the toner cartridge 60 are also pushed down, so that the LED head unit 71 is substantially parallel to the mounting surface 42 b by the lower flange portion 61 b of the rod-like member 61. It approaches while maintaining the state, and eventually comes into contact with and maintains close contact.

  On the other hand, when the developing device is replaced, the set button 80a is unlocked to return to the state shown in FIG. 15, and the developing device 42 including the toner cartridge 60 is moved along the Y axis as described above. To do. Further, when cleaning the LED head 44, as shown in FIG. 15, the LED head unit 71 is separated from the developing device 42, and further, the developing device 42 including the toner cartridge 60 is pulled out to the front. Can be done.

  As described above, according to the apparatus of the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the fourth embodiment described above, it is possible to fix the upper cover closed while providing an open / close cover on the side surface of the apparatus. Therefore, the degree of freedom of design according to the application can be increased.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating main components of a developing device and an LED head unit according to the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of main parts of a developing device and an LED head unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an attaching / detaching operation of the developing device and the LED head unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an attaching / detaching operation of the developing device and the LED head unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of relevant parts for explaining each configuration and mounting operation of a developing device and an LED head unit according to a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows each principal part structure and attachment / detachment mechanism of the image development apparatus of Embodiment 3 of this invention of a developing device and an LED head unit. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a main configuration and an attaching / detaching mechanism of a developing device and an LED head unit according to a third embodiment. FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are operation explanatory views for explaining the attaching and detaching operations of the developing device and the LED head unit according to the third embodiment, respectively. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating main components and an attaching / detaching mechanism of a developing device and an LED head unit according to a fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a main configuration and an attaching / detaching mechanism of a developing device and an LED head unit according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view illustrating a configuration of a toner cartridge according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an attaching / detaching operation of the developing device and the LED head unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating main components and an attaching / detaching mechanism of a developing device and an LED head unit according to a fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a main configuration and an attaching / detaching mechanism of a developing device and an LED head unit according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the attaching / detaching operation of the developing device and the LED head unit according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a main part schematically showing an arrangement configuration of a conventional image forming mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 LED head unit, 1a LED lens, 1b Upper surface, 2 Developing apparatus, 2a Upper opening, 2b Mounting surface, 2c Front wall, 3 Photosensitive drum, 4 Toner cartridge, 4a 1st storage chamber, 4b 2nd storage chamber , 5 frame, 6 developing roller, 7 developing blade, 8 supply roller, 9 charge roller, 10 cleaning blade, 11 transfer roller, 12 connector, 13 pilot pin hole, 14 pilot pin groove, 15 long side surface, 16 U-shaped groove, 16a bottom part, 17 crankshaft, 17a fulcrum shaft, 17b working shaft, 17c other end part, 18, 19 bearing, 20 roller, 21 tension coil spring, 22 fulcrum post, 23 curved link, 24 handle, 25 lower plane, 26 pyro Pin, 27 shoulder pin, 27a shoulder, 28 flange, 28a circumferential surface, 29 compression coil spring, 30 toner hopper, 31 LED head unit, 32 developing device, 34 engaging protrusion, 35 guide groove, 41 LED head unit, 42 developing device 42a Upper opening, 42b Placement surface, 43 Head support member, 43a Rotation fulcrum shaft, 44 LED head, 44a LED lens, 45 Pilot pin, 46 Guide hole, 47 Guide long hole, 48 Hook member, 48a Rotation shaft 48b hook, 49 bias spring, 50 head locking member, 51 compression spring, 52 compression spring, 55 bearing member, 60 toner cartridge, 60a, 60b side surface, 61 bar-shaped member, 61a, 61b flange, 62, 63 bearing, 65 upper cover, 65a pressing projection, 71 LED head unit, 73 head support member, 73a, 73b projection shaft, 75 link, 75a rotating shaft, 76 post, 77 torsion spring , 78 stopper, 80 upper cover, 80a set button, 100 electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus), 101 upper cover, 102 LED head unit, 103 photosensitive drum, 104 developing device, 104a toner cartridge, 105 apparatus main body, 106 Transfer roller, 107 carrier belt.

Claims (9)

In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having an exposure unit that is engaged with an image forming unit detachably provided in the apparatus and forms an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier provided in the image forming unit. ,
The exposure means is at least partially supported by the apparatus,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit is removed from the apparatus by being moved in an axial direction of the electrostatic latent image carrier after the engagement of the exposure unit is released.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure unit is supported by the apparatus at a position where the image forming unit mounted on the apparatus can be disposed close to the electrostatic latent image carrier. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an LED head is used as the exposure unit, and a photosensitive drum is used as the electrostatic latent image carrier.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the LED head can be coupled to or separated from the photosensitive drum while maintaining a substantially parallel state.   5. A holding means for holding the part of the LED head so as to rotatably support the LED head along a plane including a rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. Image forming apparatus. It has a pair of links that support both ends of the LED head,
A rotating shaft is provided on one end side, and both rotating shafts are rotatably supported on a coaxial line.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the other end side is engaged with the LED head.   The image forming apparatus includes setting means for bringing the LED head into close contact with the image forming unit in conjunction with an opening / closing operation of the upper cover itself of the image forming apparatus or a movement of a setting member formed to be displaceable on the upper cover. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming unit is detachably provided with a toner cartridge.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the setting unit includes a force transmission member disposed in the toner cartridge.

Images