JP2009075295A

JP2009075295A - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2009075295A
Application number: JP2007243411A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masahide Wakayama; 雅英若山; Genta Sakaguchi; 源太阪口; Taira Suzuki; 平鈴木; Toshiichi Satomura; 敏一里村
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2007-09-20
Publication date: 2009-04-09

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus preventing connection failure due to toner contamination, reducing a manufacturing cost and surely connecting an apparatus main body side terminal and an intermediate transfer unit side terminal even when the intermediate transfer unit is incompletely connected to the apparatus main body. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 includes: an apparatus main body 2; an imaging unit 9 detachably attached to the inside of the apparatus main body 2; and an opening/closing member 19 rotated via a hinge shaft 20, thereby opening or closing the apparatus main body 2. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with: an imaging unit side connection terminal 24 disposed on the opening/closing member 19 side of the imaging unit 9 so as to be set in the direction of the opening/closing member 19; and an apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 set on the back of the opening/closing member 19, rotated around the hinge shaft 20 as the opening/closing member 19 is opened or closed, and connected to the imaging unit side connection terminal 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は複写機、レーザービームプリンタ、ＦＡＸやこれらの複合機等で、着脱可能なイメージングユニット、例えば中間転写ユニットを用いた画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using a detachable imaging unit, for example, an intermediate transfer unit, in a copying machine, a laser beam printer, a FAX, or a multifunction machine of these.

一般に、画像形成装置においてＪＡＭ処理時やメンテナンス時にカバーを開閉し、装置本体から中間転写ユニットを着脱する必要がある。装置本体に中間転写ユニットを装着する際には、装置本体側接続端子と中間転写ユニット側接続端子との接続が不可欠である。 In general, in an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to open and close a cover during JAM processing or maintenance, and to attach and detach an intermediate transfer unit from the apparatus main body. When the intermediate transfer unit is mounted on the apparatus main body, the connection between the apparatus main body side connection terminal and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal is indispensable.

例えば特許文献１には、移動部材を介して装置本体側接続端子とプロセスカートリッジ側接続端子とを接続する画像形成装置が記載されている。特許文献２には、プロセスカートリッジが装置本体のユニット装着部に位置決めされて装着された状態でカバーを閉じることによって、プロセスカートリッジ側接続端子とカバー側接続端子とが確実に接触できる画像形成装置が記載されている。又、中間転写ユニットの下面に中間転写ユニット側接続端子を設置し、この中間転写ユニット側接続端子と対向するように上方に向かって装置本体側接続端子を設置した画像形成装置が提案されている。 For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that connects an apparatus main body side connection terminal and a process cartridge side connection terminal via a moving member. Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge side connection terminal and a cover side connection terminal can reliably contact each other by closing a cover in a state where the process cartridge is positioned and mounted on a unit mounting portion of the apparatus main body. Are listed. Further, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus in which an intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal is installed on the lower surface of the intermediate transfer unit, and an apparatus main body side connection terminal is installed upward so as to face the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal. .

しかし、特許文献１に記載の画像形成装置では、移動部材を介してプロセスカートリッジを移動させ、それにより装置本体側接続端子とプロセスカートリッジ側接続端子を接続させるため、構造が複雑となりコストが高くなるという問題があった。特許文献２に記載の画像形成装置では、プロセスカートリッジが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態では接続端子どうしが接続できないという問題があった。又、中間転写ユニットの下面に中間転写ユニット側接続端子を設置すると、トナー汚れによる接続不良が発生するという問題があった。 However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the process cartridge is moved via the moving member, and thereby the apparatus main body side connection terminal and the process cartridge side connection terminal are connected. Therefore, the structure is complicated and the cost is increased. There was a problem. The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that connection terminals cannot be connected to each other when the process cartridge is incompletely mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, when the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal is installed on the lower surface of the intermediate transfer unit, there is a problem that a connection failure occurs due to toner contamination.

特開２００３−１７７６５０号公報JP 2003-177650 A 特開２００２−７２８２６号公報JP 2002-72826 A

本発明は前記従来の問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、トナー汚れによる接続不良を防止し、製造コストを減少し、中間転写ユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態でも装置本体側接続端子と中間転写ユニット側接続端子を確実に接続できる画像形成装置を提供することを課題とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and prevents connection failure due to toner contamination, reduces manufacturing cost, and the apparatus main body side even when the intermediate transfer unit is incompletely mounted on the apparatus main body. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably connecting a connection terminal and an intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal.

前記課題を解決するための手段として、本発明に係る画像形成装置は、装置本体と、前記装置本体内に装着され前記装置本体に対して着脱可能なイメージングユニットと、ヒンジ軸を介して回動し前記装置本体に対して開閉する開閉部材と、を有する画像形成装置において、前記イメージングユニットの前記開閉部材側に、前記開閉部材に向かって設置されたイメージングユニット側接続端子と、前記開閉部材の裏側に設置され、前記開閉部材の開閉と共に前記ヒンジ軸周りに回動し、前記イメージングユニット側接続端子と接続する装置本体側接続端子と、を備えたものである。 As means for solving the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus main body, an imaging unit mounted in the apparatus main body and detachable from the apparatus main body, and rotated via a hinge shaft. And an opening / closing member that opens and closes with respect to the apparatus main body, an imaging unit side connection terminal that is disposed toward the opening / closing member on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit, and An apparatus main body side connection terminal that is installed on the back side, rotates around the hinge axis together with opening and closing of the opening and closing member, and is connected to the imaging unit side connection terminal.

仮にイメージングユニットの下方にイメージングユニット側接続端子及び装置本体側接続端子を設置すると、トナー汚れによる接続不良が生じるため、イメージングユニットの開閉部材側にイメージングユニット側接続端子を設置し開閉部材の裏側に装置本体側接続端子を設置することで、トナー汚れによる両端子の接続不良を防止することができる。 If the imaging unit side connection terminal and the apparatus main body side connection terminal are installed below the imaging unit, a connection failure due to toner contamination occurs. Therefore, the imaging unit side connection terminal is installed on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit and the back side of the opening / closing member. By installing the apparatus main body side connection terminal, it is possible to prevent poor connection between both terminals due to toner contamination.

又、装置本体側接続端子を開閉部材の裏側に設置することで、構造が簡素になり、製造コストを減少することができる。 Further, by installing the apparatus main body side connection terminal on the back side of the opening / closing member, the structure is simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

具体的な１つの手段として、前記イメージングユニットの前記開閉部材側に、前記イメージングユニット側接続端子を保持し、前記イメージングユニットが前記装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で前記開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに前記装置本体側接続端子の外枠と当接する保持部材が配設されることが好ましい。 As one specific means, the imaging unit side connection terminal is held on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit, and the opening / closing member is in the state where the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus body. It is preferable that a holding member that contacts the outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal when the apparatus main body is closed is disposed.

他の手段として、前記イメージングユニットの前記開閉部材側に、前記イメージングユニットが前記装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で前記開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに前記装置本体側接続端子の外枠と当接する第１突起部が配設されることが好ましい。 As another means, when the opening / closing member closes with respect to the apparatus main body while the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit, the apparatus main body It is preferable that the 1st projection part contact | abutted with the outer frame of a side connection terminal is arrange | positioned.

イメージングユニットが前記装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で前記開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに前記装置本体側接続端子の外枠が保持部材又は第１突起部と当接することで、装置本体側接続端子の外枠が第１突起部を介してイメージングユニットを下方に押圧し、イメージングユニットを装置本体に完全に装着することができる。この点で、イメージングユニットが前記装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態でも、イメージングユニットを装置本体に完全に装着し、イメージングユニット側接続端子と装置本体側接続端子とが確実に接続することができる。 When the opening / closing member closes with respect to the apparatus main body with the imaging unit being incompletely attached to the apparatus main body, the outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal contacts the holding member or the first protrusion. By contacting, the outer frame of the connection terminal on the apparatus body side presses the imaging unit downward via the first protrusion, and the imaging unit can be completely attached to the apparatus body. In this regard, even when the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body, the imaging unit is completely attached to the apparatus main body, and the imaging unit side connection terminal and the apparatus main body side connection terminal are securely connected. Can do.

前記開閉部材は、該開閉部材が開放している状態で前記装置本体側接続端子を保護し、前記開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに前記装置本体側接続端子の先端から離間する保護部材を有する保護シャッタを備えることが好ましい。 The opening / closing member protects the apparatus main body side connection terminal in a state where the opening / closing member is open, and is separated from the tip of the apparatus main body side connection terminal when the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body. It is preferable to provide a protective shutter having a protective member.

開閉部材が開放している状態で装置本体側接続端子を保護することで、装置本体側接続端子に触れることによる静電的な要因での接続端子の基盤の破損を防止する。イメージングユニットが装置本体に完全に装着されている状態で開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに、保護部材が前記装置本体側接続端子の先端から離間することで、イメージングユニット側接続端子と装置本体側接続端子との接続前に装置本体側接続端子の先端を開放し、両端子の接続を可能にする。イメージングユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに、保護部材が前記装置本体側接続端子の先端から離間することで、装置本体側接続端子の外枠と第１突起部との当接前に装置本体側接続端子の先端を開放し、当接を可能にする。 By protecting the apparatus main body side connection terminal in a state where the opening / closing member is open, damage to the base of the connection terminal due to an electrostatic factor caused by touching the apparatus main body side connection terminal is prevented. When the opening / closing member closes with respect to the apparatus main body with the imaging unit fully attached to the apparatus main body, the protective member is separated from the tip of the apparatus main body side connection terminal, so that the connection on the imaging unit side Prior to connection between the terminal and the apparatus main body side connection terminal, the tip of the apparatus main body side connection terminal is opened to enable connection of both terminals. When the opening and closing member closes with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body, the protective member is separated from the tip of the apparatus main body side connection terminal. Before the contact between the outer frame of the connection terminal and the first protrusion, the front end of the connection terminal on the apparatus body side is opened to enable contact.

前記イメージングユニットの前記開閉部材側に、前記開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに前記保護シャッタと摺接する第２突起部が配設されることが好ましい。 It is preferable that a second protrusion that is in sliding contact with the protective shutter when the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body is disposed on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit.

開閉部材が装置本体に対して閉じていくときに保護シャッタと第２突起部とが摺接することで、イメージングユニット側接続端子と装置本体側接続端子との接続前に装置本体側接続端子の先端から保護部材を離間することができる。 When the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body, the protective shutter and the second protrusion are in sliding contact with each other, so that the front end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal is connected before the connection between the imaging unit side connection terminal and the apparatus main body side connection terminal. The protective member can be separated from the.

又、前記装置本体側接続端子が、前記開閉部材の裏側に回動可能に固定された連結手段を介して設置されたことが好ましい。 Moreover, it is preferable that the apparatus main body side connection terminal is installed via a connecting means fixed to the back side of the opening / closing member so as to be rotatable.

装置本体側接続端子が回動可能に固定された連結手段を介して設置されることで、開閉部材が装置本体に対して閉じていくときに、装置本体側接続端子は第１突起部によりイメージングユニット側接続端子に案内され、接続できる。イメージングユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態でも両端子の接続後、開閉部材を閉じていくときに両端子を介してイメージングユニットを下方に押圧することで、イメージングユニットを装置本体に完全に装着することができる。 When the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body, the apparatus main body side connection terminal is imaged by the first protrusion when the apparatus main body side connection terminal is installed via a coupling means fixed to be rotatable. Guided by the unit side connection terminal and can be connected. Even when the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the main body, after connecting both terminals, when closing the open / close member, the imaging unit is pushed to the main body by pressing the imaging unit downward through both terminals. Can be installed completely.

更に、前記装置本体側接続端子と前記イメージングユニット側接続端子とが接続されたことを検出する接続検出手段と、前記開閉部材が前記装置本体に閉じられたことを検出する開閉検出手段を備え、前記接続検出手段と前記開閉検出手段のいずれもがＯＮ状態で、前記装置本体及び前記イメージングユニットが動作を開始することが好ましい。 Furthermore, a connection detection means for detecting that the apparatus main body side connection terminal and the imaging unit side connection terminal are connected, and an open / close detection means for detecting that the open / close member is closed to the apparatus main body, It is preferable that both the connection detection unit and the open / close detection unit are in an ON state, and the apparatus main body and the imaging unit start operation.

接続検出手段と開閉検出手段の一方、又は両方がＯＦＦ状態では、装置本体及びイメージングユニットは動作を開始しない。これにより例えばイメージングユニット側接続端子と装置本体側接続端子とが接続しても開閉部材が装置本体に完全に閉じていなければ、装置本体及びイメージングユニットは動作を開始せず、開閉部材が完全に閉じていない状態での誤作動を防止することができる。 When one or both of the connection detection means and the open / close detection means are OFF, the apparatus main body and the imaging unit do not start operation. Thus, for example, even if the imaging unit side connection terminal and the apparatus main body side connection terminal are connected, if the opening and closing member is not completely closed to the apparatus main body, the apparatus main body and the imaging unit do not start operation, and the opening and closing member is completely It is possible to prevent malfunction in a state where it is not closed.

本発明の画像形成装置によれば、イメージングユニットの開閉部材側にイメージングユニット側接続端子を設置し開閉部材の裏側に装置本体側接続端子を設置することで、トナー汚れによる両端子の接続不良を防止することができる。 According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, by connecting the imaging unit side connection terminal on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit and installing the apparatus body side connection terminal on the back side of the opening / closing member, the connection failure of both terminals due to toner contamination is prevented. Can be prevented.

又、装置本体側接続端子を開閉部材の裏側に直接設置することで、構造が簡素になり、製造コストを減少することができる。 Further, by directly installing the apparatus main body side connection terminal on the back side of the opening / closing member, the structure is simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

イメージングユニットが前記装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で前記開閉部材が前記装置本体に対して閉じていくときに前記装置本体側接続端子の外枠が保持部材又は第１突起部と当接することで、装置本体側接続端子の外枠がイメージングユニットを下方に押圧し、イメージングユニットを装置本体に完全に装着することができる。この点で、イメージングユニットが前記装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態でも、イメージングユニットを装置本体に完全に装着し、イメージングユニット側接続端子と装置本体側接続端子とが確実に接続することができる。 When the opening / closing member closes with respect to the apparatus main body with the imaging unit being incompletely attached to the apparatus main body, the outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal contacts the holding member or the first protrusion. By contacting, the outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal presses the imaging unit downward, and the imaging unit can be completely attached to the apparatus main body. In this regard, even when the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body, the imaging unit is completely attached to the apparatus main body, and the imaging unit side connection terminal and the apparatus main body side connection terminal are securely connected. Can do.

装置本体側接続端子が回動可能に固定された連結手段を介して設置されることで、開閉部材が装置本体に対して閉じていくときに、装置本体側接続端子は第１突起部によりイメージングユニット側接続端子に案内され、接続できる。イメージングユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態でも両端子の接続後、開閉部材を閉じていくときに両端子を介してイメージングユニットを下方に押圧することで、イメージングユニットを装置本体に完全に装着することができる。 When the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body, the apparatus main body side connection terminal is imaged by the first protrusion when the apparatus main body side connection terminal is installed via a coupling means fixed to be rotatable. Guided by the unit side connection terminal and can be connected. Even when the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the main body of the device, after connecting both terminals, when closing the open / close member, the imaging unit is pushed to the main body by pressing the imaging unit downward through both terminals. Can be installed completely.

次に、添付図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を詳細に説明する。 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

図１に、本発明の１つの実施形態の画像形成装置１を示す。画像形成装置１は、装置本体２の内部に、それぞれ、シアン、マゼンタ、イエローおよびブラックのトナーを供給する現像器３を環状に保持する現像ロータリユニット４と、表面に静電潜像を形成できる回転可能な感光体５、感光体５を帯電させる帯電器６、１次転写ローラ７および１次転写ローラ７によって感光体５に形成した画像が転写される中間転写ベルト８を保持する中間転写ユニット（イメージングユニット）９と、感光体５を露光する露光ユニット１０と、２転写ローラ１１と、定着ユニット１２と、給紙ユニット１３とを備える。 FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 can form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a developing rotary unit 4 that holds a developing unit 3 that supplies cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner in an annular shape inside the apparatus main body 2. An intermediate transfer unit that holds an intermediate transfer belt 8 to which an image formed on the photosensitive member 5 is transferred by a rotatable photosensitive member 5, a charger 6 that charges the photosensitive member 5, a primary transfer roller 7, and a primary transfer roller 7. An (imaging unit) 9, an exposure unit 10 for exposing the photoreceptor 5, a two-transfer roller 11, a fixing unit 12, and a paper feed unit 13 are provided.

中間転写ユニット９は、感光体５、帯電器６および１次転写ローラ７を保持する感光体フレーム１４と、中間転写ベルト８を張架した張架ローラ１５，１６およびテンションローラ１７を保持する中間転写フレーム１８とからなる。感光体５は、中間転写ベルト８の外側に位置し、１次転写ローラ７は、中間転写ベルト８の内側に当接し、中間転写ベルト８を介して感光体５と１次転写ローラ７とが対向するように保持されている。 The intermediate transfer unit 9 includes a photosensitive member frame 14 that holds the photosensitive member 5, the charger 6, and the primary transfer roller 7, an intermediate roller that holds the tension rollers 15 and 16 and the tension roller 17 that stretch the intermediate transfer belt 8. It consists of a transfer frame 18. The photoconductor 5 is located outside the intermediate transfer belt 8, the primary transfer roller 7 is in contact with the inside of the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the photoconductor 5 and the primary transfer roller 7 are connected via the intermediate transfer belt 8. It is held so as to face each other.

又、図２に示すように中間転写ユニット９は、本体２の開閉部材１９をヒンジ軸２０周りに開放して画像形成装置１に着脱できるようになっており、装着状態で張架ローラ１６が中間転写ベルト８を介して２転写ローラ１１に圧接され、又感光体５が現像器３に近接するようになっている。現像ロータリユニット４の上部には、開閉部材１９が装置本体２に確実に閉じているかを検出する開閉検出スイッチ（開閉検出手段）２１が配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer unit 9 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 1 by opening the opening / closing member 19 of the main body 2 around the hinge shaft 20. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is pressed against the two transfer rollers 11, and the photosensitive member 5 is brought close to the developing device 3. An open / close detection switch (open / close detection means) 21 for detecting whether the open / close member 19 is securely closed to the apparatus main body 2 is disposed on the top of the developing rotary unit 4.

次に、図３を参照して本発明の装置本体側接続端子２３及び中間転写ユニット側接続端子（イメージングユニット側接続端子）２４について説明する。 Next, the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal (imaging unit side connection terminal) 24 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

開閉部材１９の裏側には、ヒンジ軸２０に沿って延びるフレーム２６が配設されている。フレーム２６の端部に、中間転写ユニット９に向かって延びる装置本体側接続端子２３を支持する箱状の支持部材２７が配設されている。装置本体側接続端子２３を開閉部材１９の裏側に設置することで、構造が簡素になり、製造コストを減少することができる。 A frame 26 extending along the hinge shaft 20 is disposed on the back side of the opening / closing member 19. A box-shaped support member 27 that supports the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 extending toward the intermediate transfer unit 9 is disposed at the end of the frame 26. By installing the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 on the back side of the opening and closing member 19, the structure is simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

支持部材２７の両側面には、装置本体側接続端子２３を保護する保護シャッタ２８が回動可能に配設されている。保護シャッタ２８は装置本体側接続端子２３の先端を覆う保護部材２９と、保護部材２９の両端と係合し回動軸３１周りに回動する一対の回動板３２とからなる。保護シャッタ２８はばね（図示せず）により、常に保護部材２９が装置本体側接続端子２３の下端を覆う位置に向かって、すなわち図４において回動軸３１を中心に時計回り方向に付勢されている。 Protective shutters 28 that protect the apparatus main body side connection terminals 23 are rotatably disposed on both side surfaces of the support member 27. The protective shutter 28 includes a protective member 29 that covers the distal end of the apparatus body side connection terminal 23 and a pair of rotating plates 32 that engage with both ends of the protective member 29 and rotate around the rotating shaft 31. The protective shutter 28 is always urged by a spring (not shown) toward the position where the protective member 29 covers the lower end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23, that is, in the clockwise direction around the rotation shaft 31 in FIG. ing.

又、中間転写ユニット９の上面３３には、端部に凸形状である第１突起部３４が配設されており、第１突起部３４よりも内側に第１突起部３４よりも小さな凸形状である第２突起部３５が配設されている。第１及び第２突起部３４、３５の下方には開閉部材１９に向かって延びる中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４を保持する保持部材３６が配設されている。 Further, the upper surface 33 of the intermediate transfer unit 9 is provided with a first protrusion 34 having a convex shape at the end, and a convex shape smaller than the first protrusion 34 inside the first protrusion 34. The 2nd projection part 35 which is is arranged. A holding member 36 for holding the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 extending toward the opening / closing member 19 is disposed below the first and second protrusions 34 and 35.

仮に中間転写ユニット９の下方に装置本体側接続端子２３及び中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４を設置すると、トナー汚れによる接続不良が生じる。開閉部材１９の裏側に装置本体側接続端子２３を設置し、中間転写ユニット９の開閉部材１９側に中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４を設置することでトナー汚れによる両端子２３、２４の接続不良を防止することができる。 If the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 are installed below the intermediate transfer unit 9, poor connection due to toner contamination occurs. By connecting the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 on the back side of the opening / closing member 19 and installing the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 on the opening / closing member 19 side of the intermediate transfer unit 9, poor connection between both terminals 23, 24 due to toner contamination is achieved. Can be prevented.

次に図５を参照して中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に完全に装着された状態での、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４との接続動作について説明する。装置本体側接続端子２３は、開閉部材１９がヒンジ軸２０周りに回動し装置本体２に閉じていくときに、中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４に向かってヒンジ軸２０周りに回動し、開閉部材１９が閉まると中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４と接続する。 Next, the connection operation between the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 in a state where the intermediate transfer unit 9 is completely attached to the apparatus main body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 rotates around the hinge shaft 20 toward the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 when the opening / closing member 19 rotates around the hinge shaft 20 and closes to the apparatus main body 2 to open and close. When the member 19 is closed, the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 is connected.

図６を参照して中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に不完全に装着された状態での、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４との接続動作について説明する。装置本体側接続端子２３は、開閉部材１９がヒンジ軸２０周りに回動し装置本体２に閉じていくときに、中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４に向かってヒンジ軸２０周りに回動し、まず第１突起部３４に当接する。これにより、装置本体側接続端子２３は第１突起部３４を介して中間転写ユニット９を下方に押圧し、中間転写ユニット９は装置本体２に完全に装着される。中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に完全に装着されると開閉部材１９が装置本体２に閉まり、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４とが接続する。従って、中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に不完全に装着されている状態でも、中間転写ユニット９を装置本体２に完全に装着し、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４とが確実に接続することができる。 With reference to FIG. 6, a connection operation between the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 in a state where the intermediate transfer unit 9 is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body 2 will be described. The apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 rotates around the hinge shaft 20 toward the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 when the opening / closing member 19 rotates around the hinge shaft 20 and closes to the apparatus main body 2. It contacts the first protrusion 34. As a result, the apparatus body side connection terminal 23 presses the intermediate transfer unit 9 downward via the first protrusion 34, and the intermediate transfer unit 9 is completely attached to the apparatus body 2. When the intermediate transfer unit 9 is completely attached to the apparatus main body 2, the opening / closing member 19 is closed to the apparatus main body 2, and the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 are connected. Accordingly, even when the intermediate transfer unit 9 is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body 2, the intermediate transfer unit 9 is completely attached to the apparatus main body 2, and the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 are Can be securely connected.

図７を参照して中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に完全に装着された状態での、保護シャッタ２８の動作を説明する。開閉部材１９が開放している状態では図４（ａ）に示すように、保護部材２９が装置本体側接続端子２３の下端を覆うことで装置本体側接続端子２３を保護している。開閉部材１９を閉じていくと開閉部材１９が水平方向から約２０°になったところで、保護シャッタ２８の回動板３２と第２突起部３５の上面との摺接が始まり、保護シャッタ２８は回動軸３１周りに回動し始める。続けて開閉部材１９を閉じていくと保護シャッタ２８は回動し続け、開閉部材１９が水平方向から約１０°になったところで、保護部材２９が装置本体側接続端子２３の下端から完全に離間する。この時、回動軸３１も開閉部材１９の回動に従って、ヒンジ軸２０周りに回動している。この状態で開閉部材１９が閉じると、図４（ｂ）に示すように保護シャッタ２８の保護部材２９が装置本体側接続端子２３の下端から離間しているため、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４との接続が可能となる。ただし、開閉部材１９が開放した状態で保護シャッタ２８が装置本体側接続端子２３を保護し、開閉部材１９が閉まった状態で保護シャッタ２８が装置本体側接続端子２３から離間するという条件を満たす限り、保護シャッタ２８が回動を始め装置本体側接続端子２３の下端から完全に離間する角度は特に限定されない。 The operation of the protective shutter 28 in a state where the intermediate transfer unit 9 is completely attached to the apparatus main body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In the state where the opening / closing member 19 is open, as shown in FIG. 4A, the protection member 29 covers the lower end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 to protect the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23. When the opening / closing member 19 is closed, when the opening / closing member 19 becomes approximately 20 ° from the horizontal direction, the sliding contact between the rotating plate 32 of the protective shutter 28 and the upper surface of the second protrusion 35 starts, and the protective shutter 28 It starts to rotate around the rotation axis 31. When the opening / closing member 19 is subsequently closed, the protective shutter 28 continues to rotate, and when the opening / closing member 19 is about 10 ° from the horizontal direction, the protection member 29 is completely separated from the lower end of the apparatus body side connection terminal 23. To do. At this time, the rotation shaft 31 also rotates around the hinge shaft 20 in accordance with the rotation of the opening / closing member 19. When the opening / closing member 19 is closed in this state, the protective member 29 of the protective shutter 28 is separated from the lower end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 as shown in FIG. The transfer unit side connection terminal 24 can be connected. However, as long as the condition that the protective shutter 28 protects the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 with the opening / closing member 19 opened and the protection shutter 28 is separated from the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 with the opening / closing member 19 closed is satisfied. The angle at which the protective shutter 28 starts to rotate and is completely separated from the lower end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 is not particularly limited.

開閉部材１９が開放しているときに装置本体側接続端子２３を保護することで、装置本体側接続端子２３に触れることによる静電的な要因での装置本体側接続端子２３の基盤の破損を防止する。中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に完全に装着されている状態で、開閉部材１９が装置本体２に対して閉じていくときに、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４との接続前に保護部材２９が装置本体側接続端子２３の下端から完全に離間することで、両端子２３、２４の接続を可能にする。 By protecting the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 when the opening / closing member 19 is open, the base of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 due to an electrostatic factor caused by touching the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 can be prevented. To prevent. When the opening / closing member 19 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 2 in a state where the intermediate transfer unit 9 is completely attached to the apparatus main body 2, the connection between the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 is established. Before the connection, the protective member 29 is completely separated from the lower end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23, thereby enabling the connection of both terminals 23 and 24.

図８を参照して中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に不完全に装着された状態での、保護シャッタ２８の動作を説明する。開閉部材１９を開放している状態から閉じていくと保護シャッタ２８の回動板３２と第２突起部３５の上面との摺接が始まり、保護シャッタ２８は回動軸３１周りに回動し始める。続けて開閉部材１９を閉じていくと保護シャッタ２８は回動し続け、保護シャッタ２８は装置本体側接続端子２３の下端から完全に離間し、装置本体側接続端子２３の外枠が第１突起部３４と当接する。 The operation of the protective shutter 28 in a state where the intermediate transfer unit 9 is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. When the opening / closing member 19 is closed from the opened state, the sliding contact between the rotating plate 32 of the protective shutter 28 and the upper surface of the second protrusion 35 starts, and the protective shutter 28 rotates about the rotating shaft 31. start. When the opening / closing member 19 is subsequently closed, the protective shutter 28 continues to rotate, the protective shutter 28 is completely separated from the lower end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23, and the outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 is the first protrusion. It abuts on the portion 34.

中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に不完全に装着されている状態で開閉部材１９が装置本体２に対して閉じていくときに、装置本体側接続端子２３の外枠が第１突起部３４と当接する前に、保護シャッタ２８が装置本体側接続端子２３の下端から完全に離間することで、装置本体側接続端子２３の外枠と第１突起部３４との当接を可能にする。 When the open / close member 19 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 2 with the intermediate transfer unit 9 being incompletely attached to the apparatus main body 2, the outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 is connected to the first protrusion 34. Before the contact, the protective shutter 28 is completely separated from the lower end of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23, so that the outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the first protrusion 34 can be brought into contact with each other.

前記実施形態では、装置本体側接続端子２３が支持部材２７を介して開閉部材１９に設置されているが、支持部材２７の代わりに、図９に示すように、回動軸３８周りに回動可能な接続端子ホルダ（連結手段）３７を介して装置本体側接続端子２３を開閉部材１９に設置してもよい。 In the embodiment, the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 is installed on the opening / closing member 19 via the support member 27, but instead of the support member 27, it rotates around the rotation shaft 38 as shown in FIG. 9. You may install the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 in the opening-and-closing member 19 through the possible connection terminal holder (connection means) 37. FIG.

この場合には、中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に不完全に装着された状態で開閉部材１９を装置本体２に閉じていくと、装置本体側接続端子２３はヒンジ軸２０周りに下方に移動する。まず、装置本体側接続端子２３は第１突起部３４に当接して回動軸３８周りに回動し（図９）、第１突起部３４により中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４に案内され接続される（図１０）。続けて開閉部材１９を閉じていくと、接続された装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４を介して中間転写ユニット９が下方に押圧され、装置本体２に完全に装着される。従って、中間転写ユニット９が装置本体２に不完全に装着されている状態でも両端子２３、２４を接続し、中間転写ユニット９を装置本体２に完全に装着することができる。 In this case, when the opening / closing member 19 is closed to the apparatus main body 2 with the intermediate transfer unit 9 being incompletely attached to the apparatus main body 2, the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 moves downward around the hinge shaft 20. To do. First, the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 abuts on the first protrusion 34 and rotates around the rotation shaft 38 (FIG. 9), and is guided and connected to the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 by the first protrusion 34. (FIG. 10). When the opening / closing member 19 is subsequently closed, the intermediate transfer unit 9 is pressed downward via the connected apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 and is completely attached to the apparatus main body 2. . Accordingly, even when the intermediate transfer unit 9 is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body 2, both terminals 23 and 24 can be connected and the intermediate transfer unit 9 can be completely attached to the apparatus main body 2.

次に、開閉検出スイッチ２１について説明する。開閉部材１９が装置本体２に完全に閉じると装置本体２に設けた開閉検出スイッチ２１がＯＮになり、開閉部材１９が装置本体２に完全に閉じられたか否かを検出する。 Next, the open / close detection switch 21 will be described. When the opening / closing member 19 is completely closed to the apparatus main body 2, the open / close detection switch 21 provided in the apparatus main body 2 is turned on, and it is detected whether the opening / closing member 19 is completely closed by the apparatus main body 2.

又、接続検出手段（図示せず）は、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４とに電気的に接続されており、装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４とが接続されると電流が流れ、この電流を検知することで接続検出手段がＯＮになり装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４とが接続されたことを検出する。 The connection detection means (not shown) is electrically connected to the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24, and the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24. Is detected, the connection detection means is turned ON by detecting this current, and it is detected that the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 are connected.

開閉検出スイッチ２１と接続検出手段のいずれもがＯＮ状態でのみ、装置本体２及び中間転写ユニット９が動作を開始する。従って、開閉検出スイッチ２１と接続検出手段の一方、又は両方がＯＦＦ状態では、装置本体２及び中間転写ユニット９は動作を開始しない。これにより、例えば装置本体側接続端子２３と中間転写ユニット側接続端子２４とが接続しても開閉部材１９が装置本体２に完全に閉じていなければ、装置本体２及び中間転写ユニット９は動作を開始せず、開閉部材１９が完全に閉じていない状態での装置本体２及び中間転写ユニット９の誤作動を防止することができる。 The apparatus main body 2 and the intermediate transfer unit 9 start operating only when both the open / close detection switch 21 and the connection detection means are in the ON state. Therefore, when one or both of the open / close detection switch 21 and the connection detection means are in the OFF state, the apparatus main body 2 and the intermediate transfer unit 9 do not start operation. Thus, for example, if the opening / closing member 19 is not completely closed to the apparatus main body 2 even if the apparatus main body side connection terminal 23 and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal 24 are connected, the apparatus main body 2 and the intermediate transfer unit 9 operate. It is possible to prevent malfunction of the apparatus main body 2 and the intermediate transfer unit 9 when the opening / closing member 19 is not completely closed without starting.

本発明に係る画像形成装置の概略図。1 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 中間転写ユニットを装置本体から取り外す状態を示す側面図。FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the intermediate transfer unit is removed from the apparatus main body. 本発明に係る装置本体側接続端子と中間転写ユニット側接続端子との拡大斜視図。FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an apparatus main body side connection terminal and an intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal according to the present invention. （ａ）本発明に係る保護シャッタが装置本体側接続端子を保護している状態を示す側面図（ｂ）本発明に係る保護シャッタが装置本体側接続端子から離間している状態を示す側面図。(A) Side view showing a state in which the protective shutter according to the present invention protects the apparatus main body side connection terminal (b) Side view showing a state in which the protective shutter according to the present invention is separated from the apparatus main body side connection terminal . 中間転写ユニットが装置本体に完全に装着されている状態で、本発明に係る装置本体側接続端子と中間転写ユニット側接続端子とが接続する動作を示す側面図。FIG. 6 is a side view showing an operation of connecting the apparatus main body side connection terminal and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal according to the present invention in a state where the intermediate transfer unit is completely attached to the apparatus main body. 中間転写ユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で、本発明に係る装置本体側接続端子と第１突起部とが当接する動作を示す側面図。The side view which shows operation | movement with which the apparatus main body side connection terminal which concerns on this invention and a 1st projection part contact | abut in the state in which the intermediate transfer unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body. 中間転写ユニットが装置本体に完全に装着されている状態で、開閉部材が閉じるときの本発明に係る保護シャッタの動作を示す側面図。FIG. 6 is a side view showing the operation of the protective shutter according to the present invention when the opening / closing member is closed in a state where the intermediate transfer unit is completely attached to the apparatus main body. 中間転写ユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で、開閉部材が閉じるときの本発明に係る保護シャッタの動作を示す側面図。FIG. 6 is a side view showing the operation of the protective shutter according to the present invention when the open / close member is closed in a state where the intermediate transfer unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body. 中間転写ユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で、本発明に係る接続端子ホルダを備えた装置本体側接続端子が第１突起部と当接している状態を示す側面図。The side view which shows the state which the apparatus main body side connection terminal provided with the connection terminal holder which concerns on this invention is in contact with the 1st projection part in the state in which the intermediate transfer unit was incompletely attached to the apparatus main body. 中間転写ユニットが装置本体に不完全に装着されている状態で、本発明に係る接続端子ホルダを備えた装置本体側接続端子と中間転写ユニット側接続端子とが接続している状態を示す側面図。The side view which shows the state which the apparatus main body side connection terminal provided with the connection terminal holder which concerns on this invention, and the intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal are connected in the state in which the intermediate transfer unit was incompletely attached to the apparatus main body .

Explanation of symbols

１画像形成装置
２装置本体
９中間転写ユニット（イメージングユニット）
１９開閉部材
２０ヒンジ軸
２１開閉検出スイッチ（開閉検出手段）
２３装置本体側接続端子
２４中間転写ユニット側接続端子（イメージングユニット側接続端子）
２８保護シャッタ
２９保護部材
３４第１突起部
３５第２突起部
３６保持部材
３７接続端子ホルダ（連結手段） DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 9 Intermediate transfer unit (imaging unit)
19 Opening / closing member 20 Hinge shaft 21 Opening / closing detection switch (Opening / closing detection means)
23 Device main body side connection terminal 24 Intermediate transfer unit side connection terminal (imaging unit side connection terminal)
28 Protective shutter 29 Protective member 34 First protrusion 35 Second protrusion 36 Holding member 37 Connection terminal holder (connecting means)

Claims

An image forming apparatus comprising: an apparatus main body; an imaging unit mounted in the apparatus main body and attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body; and an opening / closing member that rotates via a hinge shaft and opens and closes relative to the apparatus main body. ,
On the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit, an imaging unit side connection terminal installed toward the opening / closing member,
An apparatus main body side connection terminal that is installed on the back side of the opening and closing member, rotates around the hinge axis together with opening and closing of the opening and closing member, and is connected to the imaging unit side connection terminal;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

The imaging unit side connection terminal is held on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit, and the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body in a state where the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a holding member that is in contact with an outer frame of the apparatus main body side connection terminal.

When the open / close member closes with respect to the apparatus main body while the imaging unit is incompletely attached to the apparatus main body on the open / close member side of the imaging unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first protrusion that contacts the frame.

The opening / closing member protects the apparatus main body side connection terminal in a state where the opening / closing member is open, and is separated from the tip of the apparatus main body side connection terminal when the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a protective shutter having a protective member.

5. The second projecting portion that is in sliding contact with the protective shutter when the opening / closing member closes to the apparatus main body is disposed on the opening / closing member side of the imaging unit. Image forming apparatus.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus main body side connection terminal is installed via a connecting unit rotatably fixed to a back side of the opening / closing member.

Connection detecting means for detecting that the apparatus main body side connection terminal and the imaging unit side connection terminal are connected, and opening / closing detection means for detecting that the opening / closing member is closed by the apparatus main body,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein both the connection detection unit and the open / close detection unit are in an ON state, and the apparatus main body and the imaging unit start operation.