JP2007298655A - Image forming apparatus, image forming unit, method for detaching image forming unit, and method for attaching image forming unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming unit, a method for detaching the image forming unit and a method for attaching the image forming unit by which the exchange of parts can more satisfactorily be performed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 10 comprises a photoreceptor 52 and a developing device 58 having a service life longer than that of the photoreceptor 52. The photoreceptor 52 is housed in a photoreceptor unit 62, and the developing device 58 is housed in a developing unit 64. The photoreceptor unit 62 and the developing unit 64 can be attached/detached to/from the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 12 respectively. The photoreceptor unit 62 and the developing unit 64 can be arranged inside the image forming apparatus main body 12 in the state of being made away from each other, and the photoreceptor unit 62 or each developing unit 64 is attached/detached to/from the image forming apparatus body 12 in a state that the photoreceptor unit 62 and the developing unit 64 are made away from each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, an image forming unit used in these, a method for pulling out an image forming unit, and a method for mounting an image forming unit.

A technique that is applied to this type of image forming apparatus or the like and that has a unit that is attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus and accommodates process means such as an image carrier is known. According to this technique, the process means can be easily exchanged by exchanging the units, and the replacement time of the process means can be shortened (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

JP-A-3-215875 JP 2002-91268 A

  However, in the conventional technology, when a unit is replaced, all the process means accommodated in the unit are replaced at the same time. Processes that require unnecessary replacement of process means at one time, or that the process means provided in the unit is shortened due to wear, etc. and the unit must be replaced frequently. There has been a problem that parts such as means may not be exchanged well.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming unit, a method for pulling out an image forming unit, and a method for mounting an image forming unit that allow better replacement of parts.

  The first feature of the present invention is that the first unit in which the first process means is accommodated and the second process means in which the lifetime is longer than that of the first process means are accommodated. 2 units and an image forming apparatus main body in which the first and second process units are accommodated, and the first and second units are separated from each other in the image forming apparatus main body. At least the first unit is removable in the image forming apparatus main body, and the first and second units are in contact with each other in the image forming apparatus main body. And an image forming apparatus used for image formation in this contact state.

  Preferably, at least one of the first unit and the second unit is moved to change the arrangement state of the first and second process units between the contact state and the separated state. It has a change means.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a conveying unit that conveys an image or a sheet onto which the image has been transferred, and the first unit includes a contact position where the first process unit contacts the conveying unit; The first process means is movable between a separation position separated from the conveying means.

  Preferably, the first unit moves between the contact position and the separation position while maintaining a state in contact with the second unit.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes moving means for moving the first unit between the contact position and the separation position.

  Preferably, the second unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

  Preferably, the second unit can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body independently of the first unit.

  Preferably, the first process means is a wear-type process means used in contact with another process means.

  Preferably, the second process means is a non-abrasion type process means used in a state of being separated from other process means.

  Preferably, the first process means comprises an image carrier.

  Preferably, the second process means includes a developing device for developing the latent image carried on the image carrier.

  Preferably, the second process means includes a latent image forming apparatus that forms a latent image on the image carrier.

  Further, the second feature of the present invention is that a conveying means for conveying an image or a sheet onto which an image has been transferred, an image carrier provided so as to be able to contact the conveying means, and an image carrier Separating means for separating the image carrier and the conveying means from each other after the transfer of the image to the conveying means or the sheet conveyed by the conveying means is completed and before the driving of the conveying means is stopped. And an image forming apparatus.

  The third feature of the present invention is that a first unit in which the first process means is accommodated and a second process means having a longer life than the first process means are accommodated. The first unit and the second unit can be arranged in the image forming apparatus main body in a separated state separated from each other, and at least the first unit is the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming unit is detachable inside.

  The fourth feature of the present invention is that the image or the sheet onto which the image has been transferred is provided so as to be able to come into contact, and after the transfer of the image to the conveying means or the sheet is completed. The image forming unit includes an image carrier that is separated from the transport unit before driving of the transport unit is stopped.

  Further, the fifth feature of the present invention is that a first unit in which the first process means is accommodated and a second process means having a longer life than the first process means are accommodated. The image forming unit is pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body after the first unit of the image forming unit having the second unit is separated from the second unit.

  Further, the sixth feature of the present invention is that the first unit in which the first process means is accommodated and the second process means having a longer life than the first process means are accommodated. The first unit of the image forming unit having the second unit is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus so as to be separated from the second unit, and the second unit before the start of image formation The image forming unit is mounted in a state of being in contact with the image forming unit.

According to the present invention, there are provided an image forming apparatus, an image forming unit, a method for pulling out an image forming unit, and a method for mounting an image forming unit that can perform component replacement more satisfactorily.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 12, and an intermediate transfer belt 14 used as a conveying unit is disposed in the image forming apparatus main body 12. Four image forming units 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16B are arranged in parallel with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 14 from the upper right to the lower left in FIG. 1, and the image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called tandem system. The image forming means 16Y is used for forming a yellow toner image, the image forming means 16M is used for forming a magenta toner image, the image forming means 16C is used for forming a cyan toner image, and the image forming means 16B is used for forming a black toner image.

  A sheet supply device 18 is provided below the image forming apparatus main body 12. The sheet supply device 18 includes a sheet supply cassette 20 on which sheets are stacked, a pickup roll 22 that picks up the sheets stacked on the sheet supply cassette 20, a feed roll 24 that sends out the sheets while rolling them, and a retard roll 26. Have. For example, the sheet supply cassette 20 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12 so that the sheet supply cassette 20 can be pulled out in the front direction in the figure, and a sheet as a transfer medium such as plain paper or an OHP sheet is stacked. It is stored.

  Near one end of the image forming apparatus main body 12 (near the left end in the figure), a sheet supply path 28 is provided along a substantially vertical direction. In the sheet supply path 28, a transport roll 29, a resist roll 30, a secondary transfer roll 32, a fixing device 34 and a discharge roll 36 are provided. The registration roll 30 temporarily stops the sheet sent to the sheet supply path 28 and sends it to the secondary transfer roll 32 at a timing. The fixing device 34 includes a heating roll 34a and a pressure roll 34b, and fixes the toner image on the sheet by applying heat and pressure to the sheet passing between the heating roll 34a and the pressure roll 34b. ing.

  A discharge tray section 38 is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 12. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed is discharged onto the discharge tray portion 38 by the discharge roll 36 described above, and is stacked on the discharge tray portion 38. Accordingly, the sheets in the sheet supply cassette 20 are sequentially discharged to the discharge tray unit 38 through a C-shaped path.

  For example, four toner bottles 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40B that are used as developer accommodating means are provided on the other end side (right end side in the drawing) of the image forming apparatus main body 12. The toner bottle 40Y contains yellow toner, the toner bottle 40M contains magenta toner, the toner bottle 40C contains cyan toner, and the toner bottle 40B contains black toner. The toner bottle 40Y is supplied to the image forming means 16Y, the toner bottle 40M is supplied to the image forming means 16M, the toner bottle 40C is supplied to the image forming means 16C, and the toner bottle 40B is supplied to the image forming means 16B via supply paths (not shown). Toner is supplied.

  The image forming unit 16 includes an image forming unit 48 provided on one surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14 and a primary transfer roll 50 provided on the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14. The image forming unit 48 is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 12. A detailed configuration of the image forming unit 16 and a configuration in which the image forming unit 48 is detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 12 will be described later.

  The intermediate transfer belt 14 is supported by a plurality of conveying rolls 42, and the belt surface on which the image forming unit 16 described above is provided is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. One of the transport rolls 42 constitutes a backup roll for the secondary transfer roll 32. Further, an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 44 is disposed near the upper end of the intermediate transfer belt 14, and the other one of the transport rolls 42 constitutes a backup roll of the cleaning device 44. Further, a tension roll 46 is disposed above the intermediate transfer belt 14, and an appropriate tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 14 by the tension roll 46.

  The intermediate transfer belt 14, the plurality of transport rolls 42, the primary transfer roll 50, the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 44, and the tension roll 46 are integrated as a transfer unit, and can be pulled out, for example, in the front direction in FIG. It is configured. The secondary transfer roll 32 is configured as a secondary transfer unit 33. The secondary transfer unit 33 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12, and can be pulled out in the front direction in FIG.

In such an image forming apparatus 10, there is a problem that when the image forming unit 48 is replaced, all the parts constituting the image forming unit 48 must be replaced at the same time. In this embodiment, by devising the configuration of the image forming unit 48, it is possible to select and replace parts constituting the image forming unit 48.

  FIG. 2 shows details of the image forming means 16. Since the image forming units 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16B have the same configuration although the colors of the developers to be used are different, they will be collectively described as the image forming unit 16. The image forming unit 16 includes an image forming unit 48, and the image forming unit 48 is opposed to the intermediate transfer belt 14 and is used as a first process unit and includes a photoconductor 52 used as an image carrier. Yes. Further, the image forming unit 48 charges the photosensitive member 52, and includes a charging device 54 configured by, for example, a roll and an LED (light emitting diode), for example, and forms a latent image on the photosensitive member 52. And an exposure device 56 used as a latent image forming device. Further, the image forming unit 48 is used as a second process means, and a developing device 58 that develops the latent image on the photoconductor 52 formed by the exposure device 56 with toner, and remains on the photoconductor 52 after transfer. And a cleaning device 60 for cleaning the toner.

The image forming unit 48 includes a photoconductor unit 62 and a developing unit 64. The photoconductor unit 62 is used as a first unit, has a first housing 66, and the charging device 54, the cleaning device 60, and the photoconductor 52 are accommodated in the first housing 66. The developing unit 64 is used as a second unit, has a second housing 68, and a developing device 58 and an exposure device 56 are accommodated in the second housing 68.

  Bearings 53 that rotatably support the photoconductor 52 are mounted at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor 52. A part of the bearing 53 is exposed from the first casing 66 and the second casing 68 together with a part of the photosensitive member 52.

  The developing device 58 is, for example, a two-component system, and toner and carrier are used for development. For example, the two augers 70 and 72 arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction and the diagonally upper portion of the discharge side auger 72 are arranged. The developing roll 74 is provided, and the toner and the carrier are stirred by the augers 70 and 72 and supplied to the developing roll 74. In the developing roll 74, a magnetic brush is formed by a carrier, the toner attached to the carrier is conveyed by the magnetic brush, and the latent image on the photosensitive member 52 is developed by the toner. As in this embodiment, in the two-component developing device 58, the developing roll 74 is disposed above the augers 70 and 72, so that the toner and carrier are prevented from accumulating, and the toner and carrier are evenly distributed. The development performance can be maintained.

  In the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roll 74, it is used as positioning means for positioning the developing roll 74 with respect to the photoreceptor 52, and is used as positioning means for positioning the developing unit 64 with respect to the photoreceptor unit 62. A tracking roll 75 is attached. The tracking roll 75 is slightly larger in diameter than the developing roll 74. Therefore, when the tracking roll 75 is pressed against the photoconductor 52, the developing roll 74 is positioned with respect to the photoconductor 52 in a state of being slightly separated from the photoconductor 52. In this way, the developing roll 74 is used separately from other process means such as the photosensitive member 52, and the developing device 58 including the developing roll 74 is non-abrasion that does not wear out in contact with the other process means. It is a mold process tool.

  The cleaning device 60 includes a toner scraping unit 76 formed of, for example, a blade, and a collecting unit 78 that collects the toner scraped off by the toner scraping unit 76. The cleaning device 60 is a wear-type process unit in which the toner scraping unit 76 contacts the photoconductor 52.

As described above, the image forming unit 48 includes the two subunits of the photoconductor unit 62 and the developing unit 64. Therefore, by replacing either one of the photoreceptor unit 62 or the developing unit 64, it is possible to select and replace the components that constitute the image forming unit 48. The charging device 54 and the cleaning device 60 are wear-type process means having a portion that comes into contact with the rotating photoconductor 52 and wears, and the photoconductor 52 is also a wear-type process means. On the other hand, as described above, the developing device 58 is a non-wearing process means, and the exposure device 56 is also a non-wearing process means. Therefore, the lifetimes of the developing device 58 and the exposure device 56 are longer than the lifetimes of the cleaning device 60, the charging device 54, and the photoconductor 52. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cleaning device 60, the charging device 54, and the photoconductor 52 having a relatively short life are accommodated in the first casing 66 and integrated as the photoconductor unit 62, and the life is relatively long. The developing device 58 and the exposure device 56 are housed in a second housing 68 and integrated as a developing unit 64, which are separate units. Therefore, it is possible to replace only the photoconductor unit 62 having the photoconductor 52 or the like having a relatively short life.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the image forming unit 48 for forming an image of each color is composed of two units of the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64, respectively, and an intermediate transfer belt. Reference numeral 14 is attached to the transfer unit. The plurality of units are mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 12 to form an image. For this reason, if the positioning of these units in the image forming apparatus main body 12 is not performed accurately, the quality of the formed image will deteriorate. For example, if the positioning is not performed accurately and the positional relationship between the transfer unit and the photosensitive unit 62 is shifted, a color shift in which the images of the respective colors are shifted on the sheet occurs. Further, if the positional relationship between the photoconductor unit 62 and the developing unit 64 is deviated, there may be a problem that the latent image formed on the photoconductor 52 by the developing device 58 is not well developed. On the other hand, it is preferable from the viewpoint of apparatus maintenance that the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 can be individually attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12. In view of this, in this image forming apparatus 10, each unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 12 and the arrangement of positioning is devised to make it difficult for the positional relationship between the units to deviate, and the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit. 64 can be separately attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 are mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 12 and positioned. The photoreceptor unit 62 is attached to a switching plate 90 used as a positioning member. One switching plate 90 is provided on each of the front side and the back side in FIG. 3 of the image forming apparatus main body 12 (the switching plate on the back side is not shown), and the photosensitive unit 62 is configured by the two switching plates 90. I support it. The switching plate 90 is attached to the main body frame of the image forming apparatus main body 12 so as to be slidable left and right.

  The switching plate 90 includes a longitudinal portion 92 extending in the direction in which the plurality of photoconductors 52 are arranged, four projecting portions 94 projecting from the longitudinal portion 92 in the direction of the photoconductor 52, and the projecting portions 94. And four engaging portions 96 extending in the middle right direction. A bearing 53 that supports the photosensitive member 52 is pressed into a substantially right-angled notch formed by the longitudinal portion 92 and the protruding portion 94. Through holes are respectively formed in the engaging portions 96, and projecting portions 63 provided so as to project outward from the photoreceptor unit 62 are inserted into these through holes. For this reason, the photoconductor unit 62 is mounted on the switching plate 90 so as to be slidable to the left and right via the engagement portion 96. It is positioned at the notch to be formed.

  The switching plate 90 is attached with one end of elastic bodies 100 and 100 which are made of, for example, a spring and used as biasing means. The other end portions of the elastic bodies 100, 100 are respectively attached to the frame of the image forming apparatus main body 12, and the switching plate 90 is urged rightward in the drawing by the elastic bodies 100, 100. In this embodiment, the two elastic bodies 100, 100 are attached to the switching plate 90. However, as long as the switching plate 90 is favorably biased, one elastic body or three or more elastic bodies may be attached. Also good.

  Connected to the switching plate 90 is a movable piece 104 of a solenoid 102 used as a moving means for moving the switching plate 90. When the solenoid 102 is turned on, the movable piece 104 moves in a direction in which it is drawn into the solenoid 102, and the switching plate 90 is moved in the left direction in the figure.

  Among the developing units 64, the developing units 64Y, 64M, and 64C are supported by a sliding plate 110 used as a supporting unit. One sliding plate 110 is provided on each side of the image forming apparatus main body 12 in the drawing (the back side sliding plate is not shown). In the sliding plate 110, for example, two elongated holes 112, 112 are formed in a substantially horizontal direction, and projections 116, 116 provided in a movable plate 114 (see FIG. 4) described later in the elongated holes 112, 112. Has been inserted. Therefore, the sliding plate 110 is supported by the movable plate 114 so as to be slidable left and right.

Guide members 118Y, 118M, and 118C are attached to the sliding plate 110 so as to be supported by both of the two sliding plates 110 from below. The guide members 118Y, 118M, and 118C guide the development units 64Y, 64M, and 64C to the lower side in the gravity direction while guiding the movement of the development units 64Y, 64M, and 64C in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface (longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member 52). Support from. A movable piece 122 of a solenoid 120 is connected to the sliding plate 110. When the solenoid 120 is turned on, the movable piece 122 moves in a direction extending from the solenoid 120, and the sliding plate 110 moves leftward in the figure.

  Among the developing units 64, the developing unit 64B is supported by a sliding plate 124 used as a supporting means. Similar to the sliding plate 110, one sliding plate 124 is provided on each of the front side and the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 12, and two elongated holes 126 and 126 are formed in substantially horizontal directions, respectively. Yes. Projections 128 and 128 provided on the movable plate 114 (see FIG. 4) are inserted into the long holes 126 and 126, respectively. Therefore, the sliding plate 124 is supported by the movable plate 114 so as to be slidable left and right.

  A guide member 118B is attached to the sliding plate 124 so as to be supported by the sliding plate 124 from below. The guide member 118B supports the developing unit 64B from the lower side in the gravity direction while guiding the movement of the developing unit 64B in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface. A movable piece 132 of a solenoid 130 is connected to the sliding plate 124. When the solenoid 130 is turned on, the movable piece 132 moves in a direction extending from the solenoid 130, and the sliding plate 124 moves in the left direction in the figure.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, each of the developing units 64Y, 64M, 64C supported by the sliding plate 110 and the tracking roll 75 included in the developing unit 64 supported by the sliding plate 124 has a corresponding photosensitive member. It abuts on the photoconductor 52 provided in the unit 62.

  In the state shown in FIG. 3, the switching plate 90 is urged to the right by the elastic bodies 100, 100, and the photosensitive unit 62 is urged to the right by the switching plate 90 via the bearing 53. As a result, the developing units 64 are each urged to the right via the tracking roll 75. The sliding plate 110 is biased rightward from the developing units 64Y, 64M, and 64C, so that the left end portions of the long holes 112 and 112 are in contact with the protrusions 116 and 116, respectively. Further, the sliding plate 124 is urged to the right side by being urged to the right by the developing unit 64B, and the left end portions of the long holes 126 and 126 are in contact with the protrusions 128 and 128. In this state, the photoreceptors 52 are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 14, respectively.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, none of the solenoids 102, 120, and 130 are driven. That is, when the power is turned off or in the initial state where the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the sliding plates 110 and 124 are attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12. As described above, the sliding plates 110 and 124 are supported by the movable plate 114 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. One movable plate 114 is provided on each of the front side and the back side in the drawing. As described above, the movable plate 114 is provided with the projections 116 and 116 and the projections 128 and 128 standing inwardly as described above. The projections 116 and 116 are elongated holes 112 and 112 of the sliding plate 110, respectively. The protrusions 128 and 128 are inserted into the long holes 126 and 126 of the sliding plate 124.

Each of the movable plates 114 is attached to a main body frame (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 12 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow A in the figure. A cam 136 that is rotatably supported by a shaft 134 is in contact with the main body frame, for example, at the lower end of the movable plate 114. The cam 136 is provided with a lever 138 that is located on the front side of the front side movable plate 114 and is used as an operation means. When the operator rotates the lever 138 in the direction of arrow B, the movable plate 114 supported from below by the cam 136 in the direction of gravity moves in the direction of arrow A due to gravity.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 are arranged at positions used in the image forming apparatus. To move the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 from the initial state shown in FIG. 3 to the positions shown in FIG. 5, the solenoids 102, 120, and 130 are simultaneously turned ON, for example. When the solenoid 102 is turned on, the movable piece 104 operates in the direction in which the movable piece 104 is drawn into the solenoid 102 (the left direction in the figure). As the movable piece 104 moves, the switching plate 90 biases the elastic bodies 100 and 100. It moves to the position where it abuts against the locking members 142, 142 provided on the main body frame.

  When the solenoid 120 is turned on, the movable piece 122 moves to the left in the figure, and the sliding plate 110 moves to the left while being guided by the protrusions 116 and 116. When the sliding plate 110 moves to the left side, the developing unit 64 supported by the guide member 118 moves to the left side, and the tracking roll 75 attached to the developing roll 74 included in each developing unit 64 moves to each photosensitive member. It contacts the photoconductor 52 mounted on the body unit 62. Then, the tracking roll 75 presses the photosensitive member 52 in the left direction, and the bearing 53 mounted on the photosensitive member 52 is pressed against the notch formed by the long portion 92 and the protruding portion 94 of the switching plate 90. To do. When the solenoid 130 is turned on, the bearing 53 attached to the photosensitive member 52B is formed by the long portion 92 and the protruding portion 94 of the switching plate 90 in the same manner as when the solenoid 120 is turned on. It is pressed by the notch part.

  In the state shown in FIG. 5, the switching plate 90 is positioned by being pressed by the locking members 142 and 142 as described above. The photoreceptor unit 62 is positioned by pressing the bearing 53 against the positioned switching plate 90. The developing unit 64 is positioned by pressing the tracking roll 75 against the photoconductor 52 of the positioned photoconductor unit 62. In this state, the photoreceptors 52 are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 14, and the developing rolls 74 are disposed at positions with appropriate intervals with respect to the photoreceptor 52.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 are arranged at positions where they can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12. To move the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 from the initial state shown in FIG. 4 to the positions shown in FIG. 6, the lever 138 is rotated in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. When the lever 138 is rotated, the movable plate 114 moves in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. When the movable plate 114 moves, the sliding plate 110 connected to the movable plate 114 via the protrusions 116 and 116 formed on the movable plate 114 and the movable plate 114 via the protrusions 128 and 128. The connected sliding plate 124 moves to the position shown in FIG.

  At the position shown in FIG. 6, the photosensitive unit 62 is in a state of being separated from the intermediate transfer belt 14 and the developing unit 64. Therefore, the photoreceptor unit 62 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body without the photoreceptor 52 being rubbed against the intermediate transfer belt 14 and the tracking roll 75. Further, since the developing units 64 are separated from the photosensitive unit 62, the developing unit 64 can be easily attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, when the image forming operation is started, the solenoids 102, 120, and 130 are simultaneously turned ON, for example, and the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 are respectively shown in FIG. Move to the position where Then, the intermediate transfer belt 14 and the photoconductor 52 rotate in opposite directions in synchronization with each other, the surface of the rotating photoconductor 52 is charged by the charging device 54, and the surface of the photoconductor 52 in the charged state is exposed. A latent image is formed by exposure of the device 56. This latent image is developed by the developing device 58 and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 52. This toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 14 by the primary transfer roll 50. On the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14, a yellow toner image formed by the image forming unit 16Y, a magenta toner image formed by the image forming unit 16M, a cyan toner image formed by the image forming unit 16C, and the image forming unit 16B. The black toner images formed in (1) are sequentially transferred to form a full-color toner image.

  On the other hand, the sheets stacked on the sheet supply cassette 20 of the sheet supply apparatus 18 are fed one by one to the sheet supply path 28 by the pickup roll 22, the feed roll 24, the retard roll 26, and the like. The sheet fed to the sheet supply path 28 comes into contact with the registration roll 30, temporarily stops, and is fed to the secondary transfer roll 32 at a timing. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 14 is transferred to the sheet by the secondary transfer roll 32. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is further sent to the fixing device 34, where the toner image is fixed to the sheet by heat and pressure. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 34 is discharged to the discharge tray portion 38 by the discharge roll 36.

  In the process of forming an image on each sheet, the solenoid 120 is turned off when the primary transfer of the cyan toner image from the photosensitive member 52C to the intermediate transfer belt 14 is completed. Further, when the transfer of the black toner image from the photosensitive member 52B to the intermediate transfer belt 14 is completed, the solenoids 102 and 130 are turned off. When the solenoids 102, 120, and 130 are turned off, the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 move to the positions shown in FIG. 3, and the photosensitive member 52 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 14, respectively. It becomes.

  The intermediate transfer belt 14 in which the photosensitive members 52 are separated from each other continues to rotate, and the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14 after the secondary transfer is cleaned by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 44. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, after the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 52 to the intermediate transfer belt 14, and before the intermediate transfer belt 14 stops rotating, the photoconductor 52 is moved to the intermediate transfer belt 14. It is separated from the transfer belt 14. For this reason, the time for which the photosensitive member 52 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 14 is shortened, and the photosensitive member 52 is not easily worn. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the replacement frequency of the photoconductor unit 62 when the photoconductor 52 is worn. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 14 is also less likely to be worn, and the replacement frequency can be reduced.

  When an image is formed on the next sheet, the timing at which the photosensitive member 52Y and the intermediate transfer belt 14 are in contact with each other until the yellow toner image formed on the photosensitive member 52Y is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 14. Thus, the solenoid 102 and the solenoid 120 are turned ON. Further, the solenoid 130 is turned on at a timing when the photosensitive member 52B and the intermediate transfer belt 14 are in contact with each other until the black toner image formed on the photosensitive member 52B is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 14.

  The operation when the yellow toner image, the magenta toner image, the cyan toner image, and the black toner image are superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14 to form a color image has been described above, but a black single color image is formed. In this case, when starting image formation, the solenoids 102, 130 and 130 are turned on instead of turning the solenoids 102, 120 and 130 on. Since the solenoid 120 is not turned on, the photoconductors 52Y, 52M, and 52C are not pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 14, and the photoconductors are not easily worn. For example, when the solenoid 120 is not turned on, such as by attaching an urging means such as an elastic body that presses the photoconductor units 62Y, 62M, and 62C to the right with respect to the switching plate 90, the photoconductor 52Y, It is desirable to use a configuration in which 52M and 52C are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 14. If such a configuration is used, it is possible to make the photoconductors 52Y, 52M, and 52C less likely to be worn.

  In order to pull out the photosensitive unit 62 or the developing unit 64 from the image forming apparatus main body 12, first, the lever 138 is operated to separate the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 (see FIG. 6). ) Pull out the photosensitive unit 62 or the developing unit 64 from the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  In order to mount the photosensitive unit 62 or the developing unit 64 in the image forming apparatus main body 12, first, in the state where the sliding plates 110 and 124 are at the positions shown in FIG. Alternatively, the developing unit 64 is attached. When the photosensitive unit 62 or the developing unit 64 is mounted, the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 are in a state of being separated from each other. Thereafter, the lever 138 is operated so that the photosensitive unit 62 and the developing unit 64 are in contact with each other (see FIG. 3).

  As described above, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus, a method for pulling out the image forming unit, and mounting of the image forming unit. Can be applied to the method.

1 is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of an image forming unit used in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration in which an image forming unit used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is positioned on the image forming apparatus main body. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the moving mechanism which moves the image formation knit used for the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which an image forming unit used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is disposed at a position used for image formation. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an image forming unit used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is disposed at a position where it can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Image forming apparatus main body 14 Intermediate transfer belt 48 Image forming units 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52B Photoconductor 53 Bearing 56 Exposure device 58 Developing devices 62Y, 62M, 62C, 62B 64B developing unit 74 developing roll 75 tracking roll 90 switching plate 100 elastic body 102 solenoid 110 sliding plate 112 long hole 114 movable plate 116 projection 120 solenoid 124 sliding plate 126 long hole 128 projection 130 solenoid 132 movable piece 136 cam 138 lever 142 Locking member

Claims (17)

A first unit containing a first process means;
A second unit containing second process means having a longer life than the first process means;
An image forming apparatus main body in which the first and second process units are accommodated;
Have
The first and second units can be arranged in the image forming apparatus main body in a separated state, and at least the first unit is detachable in the image forming apparatus main body.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the first and second units can be arranged in the image forming apparatus main body in contact with each other and are used for image formation in the contact state.   Change means for moving at least one of the first unit or the second unit to change the arrangement state of the first and second process units between the contact state and the separation state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus further includes a conveying unit that conveys the image or the sheet on which the image is transferred,
The first unit is movable between an abutting position where the first process means abuts on the conveying means and a separated position where the first process means is separated from the conveying means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first unit moves between the contact position and the separation position while maintaining a state in which the first unit is in contact with the second unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a moving unit that moves the first unit between the contact position and the separation position.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second unit is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body independently of the first unit.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first process means is a wear-type process means used in contact with another process means.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second process unit is a non-abrasion type process unit used in a state of being separated from other process units.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first process unit includes an image carrier.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second process unit includes a developing device that develops a latent image carried on the image carrier.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second process unit includes a latent image forming apparatus that forms a latent image on the image carrier. Conveying means for conveying an image or a sheet onto which an image has been transferred;
An image carrier provided so as to be in contact with the conveying means;
After the transfer of the image from the image carrier to the conveyance unit or the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit is completed, and before the driving of the conveyance unit is stopped, the image carrier and the conveyance unit are connected. Separating means for separating them from each other;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A first unit in which a first process means is accommodated, and a second unit in which a second process means having a longer life than the first process means is accommodated,
The first and second units can be arranged in the image forming apparatus main body in a separated state, and at least the first unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. Image forming unit.   An image or a sheet on which an image has been transferred is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the conveying means, and after the transfer of the image to the conveying means or the sheet is completed, and before the driving of the conveying means is stopped. An image forming unit comprising an image carrier separated from the conveying means.   The first of the image forming units having a first unit in which the first process means is accommodated and a second unit in which the second process means having a longer lifetime than the first process means is accommodated. A method of pulling out an image forming unit, wherein the first unit is separated from the second unit and then pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus.   The first of the image forming units having a first unit in which the first process means is accommodated and a second unit in which the second process means having a longer lifetime than the first process means is accommodated. An image forming unit, wherein one unit is mounted on an image forming apparatus main body so as to be separated from the second unit, and is brought into contact with the second unit before starting image formation. How to wear.

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