JP2013054183A - Image forming apparatus and attachment method of cartridge to image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is separated from an image forming apparatus body when the image forming apparatus is conveyed having the process cartridge attached thereto, in a simple and high operability constitution.SOLUTION: The attachment of a cartridge 2 from an aperture 7 to an apparatus body 1, in a state where a link member 44 for moving a body coupling 40a is non-connected to a closing member 5, allows the cartridge 2 to contact with the body coupling 40a positioned in an engagement position to regulate the movement of the cartridge 2 in the attachment direction. Thereby, the cartridge 2 comes to a position fixed state at a retreat position 31 in the upstream side of the operative position 20 in the attachment direction. In the state, the closing member 5 is moved from an open position to a closed position, thereby allowing the link member 44 to connect to the closing member 5.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium and a method for mounting a cartridge in the image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, there is a process cartridge system in which a photosensitive drum and process means acting on the photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. It has been adopted. In a process cartridge type image forming apparatus, a process cartridge may be packaged and transported while being mounted inside an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body). In this packing form, the volume of the packing box can be reduced compared with the case where the process cartridge is packed separately from the apparatus main body. In addition, the amount of packing material can be reduced.

  Here, when the process cartridge is packed and transported with the apparatus main body mounted, for example, the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge comes into contact with the transfer roller of the apparatus main body, or the electric contact of the process cartridge comes into contact with the electric contact of the apparatus main body. There is a case. There is a possibility that the contact portion between the process cartridge and the apparatus main body may be damaged due to an impact generated when the image forming apparatus is transported.

  Therefore, conventionally, when the image forming apparatus is transported, a measure is taken to provide a separation member in the process cartridge to separate the contact portion between the process cartridge and the apparatus main body.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a configuration in which a second mounting unit is provided for holding the process cartridge at a position different from the position where the process cartridge is mounted during image formation when the image forming apparatus is transported.

JP-A-7-104637

  Conventionally, when a separation member is provided in the process cartridge, the user has to remove the separation member when using the image forming apparatus. Further, with the configuration described in Patent Document 1, in order to separate the contact portion between the process cartridge and the apparatus main body, it is necessary to provide a plurality of mounting means, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body becomes complicated. Further, since it is necessary to separately provide a space for housing the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body when the image forming apparatus is transported, the image forming apparatus is increased in size.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be transported in a state where a cartridge is mounted with a simple and highly user-friendly configuration.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, and has a cartridge coupling that receives a driving force from a main body of the image forming apparatus. A cartridge that is detachably mounted on a main body, an opening for mounting the cartridge, a closed position that covers the opening, and an open / close member that can move between an open position that opens the opening, and the cartridge Is a main body coupling capable of transmitting a driving force to the cartridge when the apparatus main body is located at a predetermined operating position of the apparatus main body, the direction intersecting the mounting direction in which the cartridge moves from the opening to the operating position. An engagement position that is engageable with the cartridge coupling, and a separated position that is separated from the cartridge coupling And a link member that moves the main body coupling, and when the open / close member is located at the closed position, the main body coupling is connected to the open / close member. A link member that is positioned at the engagement position and that positions the main body coupling at the separation position when the opening and closing member is positioned at the open position; and the link member is connected to the opening and closing member. When the link member keeps the main body coupling positioned at the engagement position, and the opening / closing member moves from the open position to the closed position, A contact portion that enables the link member to be connected to the opening / closing member, and the cart without the link member being connected to the opening / closing member. When the wedge is attached to the apparatus main body from the opening, the cartridge abuts on the main body coupling located at the engagement position, and movement in the attachment direction is restricted, and the operation in the attachment direction is performed. In this state, the link member is connected to the opening / closing member by moving the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position. An image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical method according to the present invention is a method of mounting a cartridge in an image forming apparatus, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge coupling that receives a driving force from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an opening for mounting the cartridge, a closing position that covers the opening, and an opening / closing member that can move between an opening position that opens the opening, and the cartridge includes the apparatus main body. A main body coupling capable of transmitting a driving force to the cartridge when the cartridge is located at a predetermined operating position, wherein the cartridge is movable in a direction crossing a mounting direction in which the cartridge moves from the opening to the operating position. An engagement position engageable with the cartridge coupling and a separation position spaced apart from the cartridge coupling. A main body coupling and a link member for moving the main body coupling, wherein the main body coupling is moved to the engagement position when the open / close member is in the closed position by being connected to the open / close member. A link member that positions the main body coupling at the separated position when the opening and closing member is located at the open position, and the method does not connect the link member and the opening and closing member. Then, the contact portion provided on the link member is brought into contact with the frame of the apparatus main body, the link member keeps the main body coupling positioned at the engagement position, and the opening / closing member is A main body coupling positioning step for allowing the link member to be connected to the opening / closing member when the cartridge is moved from the open position to the closed position; and The main body coupling positioning is inserted into the apparatus main body and is brought into contact with the main body coupling located at the engagement position to be positioned at a retracted position located upstream from the operating position in the mounting direction. A cartridge positioning step following the step; and a connecting step following the cartridge positioning step, wherein the link member and the opening / closing member are connected by moving the opening / closing member from an open position to a closed position. The image forming apparatus is mounted with a cartridge.

  As described above, according to the invention according to the present application, an image forming apparatus that can be transported in a state in which a cartridge is mounted can be provided with a simple and highly user-friendly configuration.

1 is a schematic diagram of an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. Sectional drawing of the left and right guide members in the image forming apparatus main body according to the first embodiment. Left and right side views of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment 1 is an exploded perspective view of a drive coupling mechanism according to Embodiment 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the door opening / closing operation | movement which concerns on Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the drive connection mechanism which concerns on Example 1. FIG. Detailed explanatory diagram of link arm and door according to embodiment 1 Sectional drawing of the snap fitting part which concerns on Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the retracted position of the process cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view when an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment is assembled. Detailed explanatory diagram of link arm and door according to embodiment 2 Sectional drawing of the magnet connection part which concerns on Example 2. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the door opening and closing operation | movement which concerns on Example 2. FIG. 9 is a perspective view when assembling an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. Left and right side views of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 3 Sectional View of Image Forming Apparatus According to Embodiment 3 Illustration of the fixing member Explanatory drawing explaining the coupling | bonding of an arm side magnet unit and a link arm Sectional drawing of the process cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. Sectional drawing of the process cartridge which concerns on Example 4. FIG. Schematic diagram of a process cartridge according to Example 4 Sectional drawing of the guide rail which concerns on Example 4. FIG.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below based on examples with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. It is not intended to limit the scope to the following embodiments.

<Example 1>
[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is a laser beam printer that records an image on a recording medium S by an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 100 generally forms an image with the following configuration and operation. Reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus main body, and reference numeral 2 denotes a process cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 1. A door 5 is rotated on an upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) 1 around a rotation center A to a frame body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus frame body) 6 of the apparatus main body 1. Arranged to be possible.

  When the door 5 is in a closed state (state in the closed position), the abutting portion 5 d provided on the door 5 is supported by the device frame 6 by abutting against the device frame 6. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the opened state (the state in the open position), the opening 7 of the apparatus main body 1 can be opened. A process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge) 2 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 through the opening 7. That is, the door 5 is an opening / closing member for opening and closing the opening 7 for mounting the cartridge 2, and is movable between a closed position that covers the opening 7 and an open position that opens the opening 7. .

  At the time of image formation, the cartridge 2 is positioned at a predetermined operating position 30 (position where image formation is possible) in the apparatus main body 1 as shown in FIG. The recording medium S loaded on the paper feed tray 80 is separated and fed one by one by a paper feed roller 81 and paper separation means 82 based on a print signal from a host computer (not shown). The separated recording medium S is conveyed to the transfer unit 84 by the conveying roller pair 83. The transfer unit 84 includes the cartridge 2 and a transfer roller 85. The cartridge 2 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 20 that is an image carrier and process means that acts on the image carrier.

  Laser light L based on image information is irradiated from the laser scanner unit 86 to the photosensitive drum 20, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 20. The laser scanner unit 86 is configured by unitizing a polyhedral mirror 87, a polyhedral mirror rotating motor, a laser unit, and the like.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 20 is developed with toner as a developer by a developing unit provided in the cartridge 2. The developed toner image (developer image) is transferred from the photosensitive drum 20 to the recording medium S by the transfer roller 85. The recording medium S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to a fixing unit 88 including a fixing film 89 and a pressure roller 90 pressed against the fixing film 89. The transferred toner image is heated and fixed on the recording medium S. The recording medium S on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed by a pair of paper discharge rollers 91 and is discharged to a paper discharge stacking unit 92 above the apparatus main body 1. The paper discharge stacking unit 92 is provided on the upper surface of the door 5.

[cartridge]
Next, the configuration of the cartridge 2 attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of the cartridge 2.

  As described above, the cartridge 2 includes the photosensitive drum 20 that is an image carrier and process means that acts on the photosensitive drum 20. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging the photosensitive drum 20, a developing means for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 20, and a cleaning means for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Etc.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the cartridge 2 of the present embodiment is configured by combining a developing unit 10 that is a developing unit and a cleaning unit 11 that is a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit 11 further includes a photosensitive drum 20 and a charging roller 8 as a charging unit.

  At the time of image formation, the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 8 that is in contact with the photosensitive drum 20 and is driven to rotate. The charged photosensitive drum 20 is irradiated with laser light L from a laser scanner unit 86 (see FIG. 1) to form an electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 10.

  The developing unit 10 sends the toner stored in the toner storage container 10a, which is a developer storage section, from the toner storage container 10a to the developing container 10i, which is a development section, by a rotating toner feeding member 10b. Thereafter, a toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d containing the fixed magnet 10c with the toner frictionally charged by the developing blade 10e. Here, the developing roller 10d is a developer carrying member that carries toner (developer), and is rotatably supported by the developing container 10i. The developing roller 10d is pressed against the photosensitive drum 20.

  Spacers 10m, which are concentric rings with the developing roller 10d, are provided at both ends of the developing roller 10d. When the spacer 10m abuts on the photosensitive drum 20, a certain minute gap is provided between the surface of the developing roller 10d and the surface of the spacer 10m. The electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image by transferring the toner layer formed on the surface of the developing roller 10 d to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 20.

  The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 20 is transferred to the recording medium S as described above. After the toner image is transferred to the recording medium S, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 11a provided in the cleaning unit 11 and is scooped out by the squeeze sheet 13a to the removed toner storage portion 13b. Collected.

[Cartridge attachment / detachment mechanism]
Next, a mechanism for attaching and detaching the cartridge 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a guide member provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and FIG. 4 is a left and right side view of the cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the boss 21 c is provided on the right side of the cartridge 2 and the bosses 21 a and 21 b are provided on the left side when the cartridge 2 is mounted in the apparatus main body 1. The cartridge 2 is positioned in the apparatus main body 1 by the bosses 21a, 21b, and 21c. The bosses 21a and 21b are coaxial with the photosensitive drum 20, and when the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, the position of the photosensitive drum 20 with respect to the apparatus main body 1 is determined by the bosses 21a and 21b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, guide members 60 and 61 are provided on the left side and the right side inside the opening 7 so as to face each other when viewed in the mounting direction in which the cartridge 2 is mounted. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 60 provided on the right side, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 61 provided on the left side.

  Guide members 60 and 61 guide the cartridge 2 to the operating position. The guide member 60 is provided with guide rails 60a and 60b, and the guide member 61 is provided with a guide rail 61a. The guide rails 60a and 60b guide the bosses 21a and 21c when the cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1, respectively. The guide rail 61 a guides the boss 21 b of the cartridge 2.

  When the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, as shown in FIG. 2, first, the door 5 of the apparatus main body 1 is opened upward around the rotation center A, and the opening 7 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 is opened. Open. Then, the cartridge 2 is held and held, and the cartridge 2 is inserted into the apparatus main body 1 through the opening 7. Then, the bosses 21a, 21b, and 21c are set along the guide rails 60a, 61a, and 60b, respectively, and the tip of the cartridge 2 is inserted into the apparatus main body 1. When the cartridge 2 is further pushed in, the bosses 21c and 21b of the cartridge 2 abut against the abutting portions 60c and 61b (see FIG. 3) which are the terminal ends of the guide rails 60b and 61a, respectively. Further, the boss 21a of the cartridge abuts against the abutting portion 42d (see FIG. 3) of the coupling bearing 42 formed at the end of the guide rail 60a. As a result, the mounting of the cartridge 2 to the apparatus main body 1 is completed, and the cartridge is positioned at a position where image formation is possible in the apparatus main body 1, that is, at the operating position 30. The coupling bearing 42 and the abutting portion 42d will be described in detail later.

In the mounted state in which the cartridge 2 is positioned at the operating position 30, the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 85 are in contact (see FIG. 1). Further, an electrical contact (not shown) on the cartridge 2 side comes into contact with an electrical contact (not shown) on the apparatus body 1 side, and voltage is supplied from the apparatus body 1 side to the charging means.
As described above, when the cartridge 2 is mounted at the operation position 30, the respective parts of the cartridge 2 and the apparatus main body 1 such as the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 85 are brought into contact with each other.

  When the cartridge 2 mounted on the apparatus main body 1 is taken out, the procedure is the reverse of the above mounting procedure.

[Coupling means]
Next, a coupling means for transmitting a driving force from the apparatus main body 1 to the cartridge 2 and a coupling connection mechanism for connecting and releasing the coupling means will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling coupling mechanism according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the door opening / closing operation according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the coupling coupling mechanism according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a detailed explanatory view of the link arm and the door according to the present embodiment.

  The driving force of the cartridge 2 is transmitted from a motor (not shown) as a driving source provided in the apparatus main body 1 to a coupling gear 40 (see FIG. 5) via a gear train (not shown). By transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 40 to the photosensitive drum 20 of the cartridge 2, the driving force of the apparatus main body 1 is transmitted to the cartridge 2. Coupling means is used as means for transmitting this driving force. This will be described in detail below.

  The apparatus main body 1 is provided with a coupling gear 40 having a main body coupling 40 a having a twisted recess having a regular triangular cross section as coupling means for transmitting a driving force to the cartridge 2. The main body coupling 40a is configured such that the center of the recess is on the rotation axis of the coupling gear 40a.

  On the other hand, as a coupling means of the cartridge 2, a drum coupling 22 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the photosensitive drum 20. The drum coupling 22 is a cartridge coupling that is connected to the main body coupling 40 a and transmits the driving force from the apparatus main body 1 to the cartridge 2. The drum coupling 22 is formed as a twisted convex portion having a regular triangular cross-sectional shape. The drum coupling 22 is inside the boss 21 a (see FIG. 4), and is formed so that the center of the convex portion is coaxial with the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 20.

  Here, the main body coupling 40a is provided so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20 by coupling coupling means described later, and the concave portion of the main body coupling 40a is engaged with the drum coupling 22 which is a convex portion. It is possible to combine. When the main body coupling 40 a is engaged with the drum coupling 22, the main body coupling 40 a can transmit the driving force of the apparatus main body 1 to the cartridge 2. That is, when the coupling gear 40 rotates with the main body coupling 40a and the drum coupling 22 engaged, a rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 20 through the drum coupling 22, and the photosensitive drum 20 rotates.

  Further, the drum coupling 22 is engaged with the main body coupling 40 a, whereby the photosensitive drum 20 is positioned in the apparatus main body 1.

  The coupling connecting means connects and releases the coupling means by moving the main body coupling 40 a in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20. The coupling connecting means is formed by a coupling bearing 42 provided in the apparatus main body 1, a coupling cam 41, a link arm 44, a door 5, and the like. Hereinafter, the configuration of the coupling connecting means will be described in detail.

  The coupling bearing 42 is a cylindrical member provided at the end of the guide rail 60 a of the apparatus main body 1. The inner peripheral portion 42a of the coupling bearing 42 is fitted with the outer peripheral portion 40c of the main body coupling 40a, and supports the coupling gear 40 to the device frame 6 so as to be rotatable.

  The coupling bearing 42 has an abutting portion 42d, which is an arcuate protrusion, on the surface facing the photosensitive drum 20 in the rotation axis direction of the coupling gear 40 (the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 5B). Have. The abutting portion 42d contacts the boss 21a (see FIG. 4) of the cartridge 2 and supports the cartridge 2 at the operating position 30 (see FIG. 1) when the cartridge 2 is mounted as described above. . A cam surface 42 c is provided on the outer peripheral portion 42 b of the coupling bearing 42. The cam surface 42c faces the side where the coupling gear 40 is provided in the arrow P direction. The cam surface 42c has a flat portion 42c1 that is a plane substantially perpendicular to the arrow P direction, and a slope portion 42c2 that is inclined with respect to the flat portion.

  A cylindrical coupling cam 41 is provided between the coupling bearing 42 and the coupling gear 40. The coupling cam 41 is rotatably fitted to the outer peripheral portion 42b of the coupling bearing 42 and has a cam surface 41a that comes into contact with the cam surface 42c. The cam surface 41 is provided with a flat portion 41a1 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow P and a slope portion 41a2 that is inclined with respect to the flat portion 41a1. When the coupling cam 41 rotates, the coupling gear 40 is moved in the rotation axis direction (arrow P direction) by the action of the cam surface 41a. The operation of the cam surface 41a will be described later.

  A coupling spring 43 that presses the coupling gear 40 in the direction of arrow P is disposed in the apparatus main body 1. The rib 40 b provided on the coupling gear 40 and the circumferential rib 41 c of the coupling cam 41 are in contact with each other by the pressing force of the coupling spring 43.

  The coupling cam 41 has a circumferential rib 41c extending outward in the circumferential direction, and a boss 41b is provided at an end of the circumferential rib 41c. As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling cam 41 is connected to the link arm 44 by the boss 41 b. The link arm 44 is also connected to the door 5 and functions to rotate the coupling cam 41 according to the opening / closing of the door 5.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a round hole 44 a that fits with the boss 41 b of the coupling cam 41 is provided at one end of the link arm 44. The other tip end portion 44b is provided with a snap fit portion 44e. The snap fit portion 44 e is a connecting portion that connects to a square hole 5 a provided in the door 5. The snap fit part 44e connects with the square hole 5a of the door 5 which is a to-be-connected part, and the door 5 and the link arm 44 connect.

  Thus, the link arm 44 is a link member that connects the boss 41b of the coupling cam 41 and the square hole 5a of the door 5, and constitutes a four-joint link.

  When the door 5 is opened as shown in FIG. 6A, the link arm 44 is lifted by the door 5. Note that the position of the link arm 44 at this time is referred to as a first position in the following description.

  When the link arm 44 is in the first position, the main body coupling 40a is in the state shown in FIG. That is, when the flat portion 41 a 1 of the coupling cam 41 comes into contact with the flat portion 42 c 1 of the coupling bearing 42, the coupling cam 41 is moved in a direction approaching the coupling gear 40. As a result, the coupling gear 40 is pressed by the coupling cam 41 and moved to a position where the main body coupling 40a is accommodated in the inner peripheral portion 42a of the coupling bearing 42. Therefore, even when the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, the main body coupling 40a does not contact the drum coupling 22, and the coupling means is released. That is, when the door 5 is positioned at the open position, the link arm 44 is positioned at the first position, so that the main body coupling 40a is positioned away from the drum coupling 22 (hereinafter referred to as the separated position). It will be.

  When the main body coupling 40a is in the separated position, the main body coupling 40a is retracted from the movement locus of the boss 21a when the cartridge 2 is attached or detached.

  When the door 5 is closed, the link arm 44 moves downward from the first position in conjunction with the movement of the door 5. At this time, the link arm 44 rotates the coupling cam 41 clockwise in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the slope 41a2 of the coupling cam 41 comes into contact with the slope 42c2 of the coupling bearing 42, so that the coupling cam 41 moves in the arrow P direction. Therefore, the coupling gear 40 also moves in the direction of arrow P by the pressing force of the coupling spring 43 (see FIG. 5B), and causes the main body coupling 40a to protrude from the inner peripheral portion 42a of the coupling bearing 42.

  When the door 5 is completely closed as shown in FIG. 6B, the coupling gear 40 and the coupling cam 41 are in the state shown in FIG. That is, the circumferential rib 41 c of the coupling cam 41 contacts the flat portion 42 c 1 of the coupling bearing 42. As a result, the coupling gear 40 moves to a position where the entire main body coupling 40a protrudes from the inner peripheral portion 42a of the coupling bearing 42. The main body coupling 40a protruding from the coupling bearing 42 is engaged with the drum coupling 22, and the coupling means is connected.

  That is, when the door 5 moves to the closed position, the link arm 44 moves the main body coupling 40a to a position where it can be engaged with the drum coupling 22 (hereinafter referred to as an engagement position). The position of the link arm 44 when the main body coupling 40a is positioned at the engagement position is referred to as a second position in the following description.

  When the main body coupling 40a is in the engaged position, the main body coupling 40a is in a position that partially overlaps the movement locus of the boss 21a of the cartridge 2.

  The operation of releasing the coupling means is the reverse of the above connection. That is, by moving the door 5 from the closed position to the open position, the link arm 44 moves from the second position to the first position, and rotates the coupling cam 41 counterclockwise. As a result, the main body coupling 40 a is moved to a separated position separated from the drum coupling 22.

  Next, a method for connecting the link arm 44 and the square hole 5a of the door 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 44 b of the link arm 44. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the retracted position of the cartridge. FIG. 11 is a perspective view when the image forming apparatus is assembled.

  FIG. 9 shows a state in which the door 5 is closed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the distal end portion 44 b of the link arm 44 is in a rib-like contact with the frame body (hereinafter, device frame body) 6 of the apparatus main body 1 when the door 5 is closed. Part (hereinafter referred to as a frame contact rib) 44c. Further, the distal end portion 44b is positioned above the frame body contact portion rib 44c, and a rib-shaped contact portion (hereinafter referred to as a door contact rib) 44d that contacts the door 5 when the door 5 is opened. And a snap fit portion 44e forming a snap fit.

  In a state where the link arm 44 is separated from the door 5, the link body 44 is supported by the device frame 6 at the second position by the frame body contact rib 44 c contacting the device frame 6. (See FIG. 11). At this time, the main body coupling 40 a is located at the engagement position, and completely protrudes from the inner peripheral portion 42 a of the coupling bearing 42. Here, when the frame body abutment rib 44c supports the link arm 44 on the apparatus frame body 6, the link arm 44 can be connected to the door 5 when the door 5 moves from the open position to the closed position.

  Since the groove 44g is formed in the snap fit portion 44e of the link arm 44 along the opening / closing direction (moving direction) of the door 5 indicated by the arrow D, the direction (indicated by the arrow M) intersecting the door opening / closing direction D is formed. Direction). Therefore, when the door 5 is closed, the link arm 44 supported by the apparatus frame body 6 by the frame body abutment rib 44 c can pass the snap fit portion 44 e through the square hole 5 a provided in the door 5. As a result, the snap fit portion 44e can be connected to the square hole 5a, and the link arm 44 can be connected to the door 5. In this embodiment, the snap fit portion 44e is provided on the link arm 44, but it is also possible to provide a snap fit on the door 5 and to form an opening or the like connected to the snap fit on the link arm 44.

  The movement of the distal end portion 44b of the link arm 44 due to the opening / closing operation of the door 5 will be described with reference to FIG. When the door is opened from the closed state, first, the bottom surface 44f of the protrusion of the snap fit portion 44e and the top surface 5b of the door 5 come into contact with each other. Then, the door 5 pulls up the link arm 44. By pulling up the link arm 44, the main body coupling 40a moves to the separated position, and the coupling means (the main body coupling 40a and the drum coupling 22) is released as described above.

  On the contrary, when the door 5 is closed from the opened state, the lower surface 5c of the door 5 and the door contact rib 44d of the link arm 44 come into contact with each other. As a result, the door 5 pushes down the link arm 44. By depressing the link arm 44, the link arm moves to the second position as described above, and the main body coupling 40a and the drum coupling 22 are connected.

  Here, in a state where the door 5 is completely closed (a state where the door 5 is located at the closed position), it is necessary to provide a gap X between the lower surface 5c of the door 5 and the door contact rib 44d. Furthermore, a gap Y needs to be provided between the upper surface 5b of the door 5 and the bottom surface 44f of the snap fit portion 44e.

  This is because the parts of the apparatus main body 1 such as the door 5 and the link arm 44 have errors in shape and dimensions due to reasons for molding and processing the parts. Even if the positions of the snap fit portion 44e and the square hole 5a deviate from the positions aimed at the time of design due to this error, according to the present embodiment, the misalignment is caused by the gap X and the gap Y. It is possible to absorb.

  Since the gap X is generated between the lower surface 5c of the door 5 and the door contact rib 44d, the door 5 can be reliably closed when the frame contact rib 44c contacts the device frame 6. That is, the lower surface 5c of the door 5 abuts against the door abutment rib 44d, so that the door 5 is not lifted.

  Further, by providing a gap Y between the upper surface 5b of the door 5 and the bottom surface 44f of the snap fit portion 44e, the snap fit portion 44e can be engaged with the square hole 5a of the door with a margin when the door 5 is closed. That is, when the link arm 44 and the door 5 are connected, the snap fit portion 44e reliably passes through the square hole 5a.

  The sizes of the gap X and the gap Y vary depending on the shape error and dimensional error generated in each component of the apparatus main body 1. In this embodiment, even when the gap X and the gap Y are minimized due to the above-described error, the gaps X and Y do not become zero.

  On the other hand, by providing the gap X and the gap Y at the connecting portion between the door 5 and the link arm 44, the door 5 can move relative to the link arm 44 by the gap. That is, the amount of movement of the link arm 44 relative to the movement of the door 5 is reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the gap X and the gap Y become the largest due to an error, the link arm 44 reliably positions the main body coupling 40a in both the engagement position and the separation position by the movement of the door 5. Makes it possible.

  That is, even when the size of the gap Y is the maximum and the movement amount of the link arm 44 is reduced, the link arm 44 is positioned at the first position (see FIG. 6A) when the door 5 is opened. Thus, the main body coupling 40a is moved to the separated position.

  Further, even when the size of the gap X is maximized and the movement amount of the link arm 44 is reduced, when the door 5 is closed, the link arm is positioned at the second position (see FIG. 6B). The main body coupling 40a is moved to the engagement position.

[Installation and packing method of cartridge]
Next, a method for packing and transporting the cartridge 2 while being mounted in the apparatus main body 1 will be described.

(1) Main body coupling positioning step When the apparatus main body 1 is assembled, all but the connecting portion of the door 5 and the link arm 44 are assembled, and the door 5 and the link arm 44 are separated. That is, the snap fit portion 44e is in a state of being detached from the square hole 5a of the door 5. In this state, the door 5 is held in an open state. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the link arm 44 is supported by the device frame 6 and is in the second position when the frame contact rib 44 c contacts the device frame 6. In this state, the link arm 44 positions the main body coupling 40a at the engagement position. That is, the main body coupling 40 a completely protrudes from the inner peripheral portion 42 a of the coupling bearing 42, and is in a position partially overlapping with the attachment / detachment locus of the boss 21 a of the cartridge 2.

(2) Cartridge Positioning Step With the main body coupling 40a positioned at the engaging position, the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 as described above. That is, the cartridge 2 is inserted into the opening 7 of the apparatus main body 1 with the bosses 21a, 21b, and 21c being along the guide rails 60a, 61a, and 60b, respectively. When the cartridge 2 is pushed into the apparatus main body 1, as shown in FIG. 10, the boss 21a of the cartridge 2 comes into contact with the outer peripheral portion 40c of the main body coupling 40a protruding to the guide rail 60a and stops. That is, the main body coupling 40 a protrudes in a direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the cartridge 2, thereby interfering with the cartridge 2 mounted on the apparatus main body 1. At this time, the cartridge 2 is positioned at a predetermined retraction position 31 in the apparatus main body 1.

(3) Opening / Closing Member (Door) Connecting Step Next, when the door 5 is closed, as described above, the snap fit portion 44e provided at the distal end portion 44b of the link arm 44 is connected to the square hole 5a of the door 5. The link arm 44 and the door 5 are connected. That is, by providing the snap fit portion 44e of the link arm 44 at a position covered by the door 5, the link arm 44 can be connected to the door 5 by the operation of closing the door 5.

  The retraction position 31 where the cartridge 2 is positioned during transportation is the mounting direction (see FIG. 1) in which the cartridge 2 moves from the opening 7 (see FIG. 2) to the operating position 30 (see FIG. 1). In the direction indicated by arrow I), it is upstream of the operating position 30. The cartridge 2 positioned at the retreat position 31 can maintain a state in which each part of the cartridge 2 is not in contact with the apparatus main body 1 such as separating the photosensitive drum 20 from the transfer roller 85. In this state, the image forming apparatus 100 is packed and transported.

  In addition, when a user opens and closes the door 5, you may provide the fixing member which fixes both as shown in FIG. 18 so that the connection of the snap fitting part 44e and the square hole 5a may not be removed. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the fixing member 45 is inserted into the groove 44g provided in the snap fit portion 44e after the link arm 44 and the door 5 are connected. The fixing member 45 keeps the snap fit portion 44e and the square hole 5a connected by suppressing the snap fit portion 44e from bending in the direction of arrow M shown in FIG.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is unpacked and used, the door 5 of the apparatus main body 1 is opened. When the door 5 is opened, the main body coupling 40a that has positioned the cartridge 2 at the retracted position 31 via the link arm 44 moves to a retracted position (separated position) from the locus of the boss 21a that attaches and detaches the cartridge 2. . Therefore, the cartridge 2 can move to the operating position 30, and the separated state of the cartridge 2 and the apparatus main body 1 can be released.

  When the cartridge 2 is pushed to the operating position 30 and the door 5 is closed, the image forming apparatus 100 is ready for use.

  As described above, since the cartridge is supported at the retracted position 31 by the main body coupling 40a provided in the apparatus main body 1, it is not necessary to separately provide a separation member. Since the user does not need to remove the separation member, the work required when the user uses the image forming apparatus 100 is reduced.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 100 is transported, the retracted position 31 where the cartridge 2 is located is between the opening 7 of the apparatus main body 1 and the operating position 30. Unlike the case where a space for holding the cartridge 2 is separately provided during transportation, the apparatus main body 1 can be prevented from being enlarged.

  Further, since the door 5 and the link arm 44 can be connected and the cartridge 2 can be packed at the same time, the assemblability of the image forming apparatus 100 is improved.

<Example 2>
FIG. 12 is a detailed explanatory view of the link arm and the door according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the magnet connection part according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the door opening and closing operation according to the present embodiment. Here, only the characteristic part is shown, and since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, a permanent magnet is used to connect the link arm 144 and the door 105. Here, the door 105 is an opening / closing member that opens and closes the opening 7 of the apparatus main body 1 in the same manner as the door 5 of the first embodiment. Similar to the link arm 44 of the first embodiment, the link arm 144 is a link member for interlocking the opening / closing member (door 105) and the main body coupling 40a.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the door 105 is provided with a boss 105a. A door-side magnet unit 110 that is rotatable with respect to the boss 105a is attached to the boss 105a. The door-side magnet unit 110 is provided with a permanent magnet 110a. When the door-side magnet unit 110 is attached to the boss 105a of the door 105, the permanent magnet 110a is always vertically lowered by the weight of the door-side magnet unit 110. It is configured to face the side.

  The link arm 144 is provided with a round hole 144a that fits into a boss 141b (see FIG. 14) of the coupling cam 141 at one end, and an arm-side magnet unit 144b at the other end. The arm-side magnet unit 144b is provided with a permanent magnet 144d and a frame contact rib 144c that comes into contact with the frame 106 (see FIG. 13) of the image forming apparatus.

  As will be described later, the arm-side magnet unit 144b provided in the link arm 144 is an engaging portion that is connected to the door-side magnet unit 110 having the permanent magnet 110a by having the permanent magnet 144d. Moreover, the door side magnet unit 110 provided in the door 105 is a to-be-connected part connected with the arm side magnet unit 144d.

  FIG. 13 shows a state in which the door 105 is closed before the door 105 and the link arm 144 are connected. The link arm 144 is supported by the frame body 106 at a second position where the main body coupling is positioned at the engagement position by the frame body abutment rib 144c contacting the frame body 106.

  In order to connect the door 105 and the link arm 144, the door 105 is opened as shown in FIG. Here, the arm-side magnet unit 144b having the permanent magnet 144d is located at a position where the door 105 is covered when the door 105 is closed, and the permanent magnet 144d faces the permanent magnet 110a. That is, when the door 105 is closed, the permanent magnet 110a and the permanent magnet 144d are arranged to face each other with a gap Z therebetween. Here, the N pole and the S pole are paired so that the lower surface of the permanent magnet 110a and the upper surface of the permanent magnet 144d are attracted to each other by magnetic force. Therefore, when the permanent magnet 110a and the permanent magnet 144d face each other, the permanent magnet 144d is attracted to the permanent magnet 110a by a magnetic force, and the link arm 144 is lifted to the door 105 side by the size of the gap Z. As a result, the permanent magnet 144d comes into contact with the permanent magnet 110a, and the door 105 and the link arm 144 are connected.

  In the parts such as the door 105 and the link arm 144, there may be an error in the shape and dimensions due to part molding / processing reasons, but by providing a gap Z between the permanent magnet 110a and the permanent magnet 114d. It is possible to absorb this error. That is, before the door 105 is completely closed, the door 105 does not lift up because the permanent magnet 111a on the door 105 side abuts against the permanent magnet 144d on the link arm 144 side.

  The size of the gap Z varies depending on an error generated in the door 105 and the link arm 144, but the dimensions of the door 105 and the link arm 144 are set so as not to become zero even when the gap Z is the smallest.

  On the other hand, even when the size of the gap Z is the largest, when the door 105 is closed, the permanent magnet 144d is attracted to the permanent magnet 111a, and the permanent magnet 110d is connected to the link arm 144 and the door 105. And the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 144d is defined. Therefore, when the door 105 is closed and the permanent magnet 144d and the permanent magnet 111a face each other with the gap Z therebetween, the link arm 144 moves in a direction to reduce the size of the gap Z by the magnetic force. As a result, the permanent magnet 144d and the permanent magnet 111a come into contact with each other, and the link arm 144 is connected to the door 105.

  After the door 105 and the link arm 144 are connected, as shown in FIG. 14, the coupling cam 141 rotates with the opening / closing operation of the door 105 to connect / release the coupling means.

  In addition, the door side magnet unit 110 which is a to-be-connected part is provided in the door 105 so that rotation is possible so that the link arm 144 may interlock | cooperate smoothly with the opening / closing operation | movement of the door 105 (refer FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19, the arm-side magnet unit 144 b can be rotated with respect to the link arm 144 by connecting the arm-side magnet unit 144 b serving as a connecting portion to a screw 144 e provided on the link arm 144. It may be provided.

  As described above, the door 105 and the link arm 144 are connected by using permanent magnets for the connecting portion of the link arm 144 and the connected portion of the door 105. In addition, it is also possible to provide a permanent magnet in one of the connecting portion of the link arm 144 or the connected portion of the door 105 and to use the ferromagnetic material (iron or the like) attracted by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet for the other. . In addition, once the door 105 and the link arm 144 are connected, the connecting portion and the connected portion are fixed to each other so that the connection portion of the link arm 144 and the connected portion of the door 105 are not disengaged. It may be fixed with.

  In this embodiment, by using a permanent magnet for connecting the door 105 and the link arm, there is no play in the connection between the door 105 and the link arm 144. Therefore, the opening / closing operation of the door 105 in which the movement amount of the door 105 and the movement amount of the link arm 144 are equal can be more reliably associated with the engagement and separation of the coupling means.

<Example 3>
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment when assembled. FIG. 16 is a left and right side view of the cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Only the characteristic parts are shown here, and the other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, when the door 205 is closed, cartridge pressing members 205x (hereinafter simply referred to as pressing members 205x) are respectively provided at locations facing both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 202. Is provided.

  The pressing member 205x has a surface 205y and a surface 205z. As will be described later, the surface 205y is a pressing portion that presses the cartridge 202 toward the operating position, and the surface 205z is a movement restricting portion that restricts the movement of the cartridge 202 located at the retracted position.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the cartridge 202 has a surface 225 corresponding to the pressing portion 205y of the pressing member 205 and a surface 226 corresponding to the movement restricting portion 205z.
The movement restricting portion 205z of the pressing member 205x is an arcuate surface with the rotation center A of the door 205 as the center. The surface 226 of the cartridge 202 is formed so as to contact the movement restricting portion 205z of the door 205 when the cartridge 202 is at the retracted position 231 as shown in FIG. 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the pressing portion 205y of the pressing member 205x and the surface 225 of the cartridge 202 contact each other or face each other with a slight gap when the cartridge 202 is at the operating position 230. Is formed.

  The operation of the pressing member 205x will be described below. When the cartridge 202 is mounted on the apparatus main body 201, when the user mounts the cartridge 202 at the operating position 230, the door 205 is closed as shown in FIG. 17A, and the image forming apparatus 300 is operable.

  On the other hand, when the user does not fully push the cartridge 202 to the operating position 230 and the cartridge 202 stops between the retracted position 231 and the operating position 230, the state shown in FIG. . The pressing member 205x contacts the surface 225 of the cartridge 202 at the pressing portion 205y. In this state, when the door 205 is further pushed and closed, the pressing portion 205y pushes the cartridge 202 into the apparatus main body 201, and moves the cartridge 202 to the operating position 230 in FIG.

  Even when the cartridge 202 is stopped before the operating position 230, the operation of closing the door 205 can be moved to the operating position 230, so that the operability when the cartridge 202 is mounted is improved.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment when the image forming apparatus 300 is transported (when the cartridge 202 is in the retracted position 231) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in order to pack and transport the cartridge 202 with the cartridge 202 mounted in the apparatus main body 201, all the parts other than the connecting portion between the door 205 and the link arm 244 are assembled. In this state, the door 205 is held open, and the cartridge 202 is attached to the apparatus main body 201. At this time, the cartridge 202 is positioned at the retracted position 231. When the door 205 is closed in this state, the state shown in FIG. That is, the movement restricting portion 205 z of the door 205 is in contact with the surface 226 of the cartridge 202. Therefore, the cartridge 202 is restricted from moving inside the apparatus main body 201 during transportation, and does not move to the operating position 230.

  That is, in this embodiment, the cartridge 202 is positioned by the main body coupling 240a and at the same time by the movement restricting portion 205z of the pressing member 205x. Since two pressing members 205x can be provided so as to face both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 202, both ends of the cartridge 202 can be positioned. That is, the cartridge 202 can be packed more stably.

  Therefore, even when a large vibration / impact is applied to the image forming apparatus 300 during transportation, the movement of the cartridge 202 in the apparatus main body 201 is suppressed, and the damage to the cartridge 202 and the apparatus main body 201 can be suppressed.

  As described above, by providing the pressing member 205x on the door 205, the operability for the user can be improved, and further, the concern such as breakage can be further suppressed even when a large vibration or impact is applied during transportation.

  Although the pressing member 205x is provided integrally with the door 205, it may be provided on a link arm that is interlocked with opening and closing of the door 205.

<Example 4>
In the first embodiment, when the cartridge 2 is in the retracted position 31, the main body coupling 40 a supports the boss 21 provided on one end side of the cartridge 2. In the present embodiment, the apparatus main body 1 is further provided with a configuration for supporting the other end of the cartridge 2. This will be described in detail below.

  In addition, about the member which has the function and structure similar to Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. In the following description, with respect to both ends of the cartridge 2 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20, the side where the drum coupling 22 is provided (see FIG. 4A) is referred to as the drive side, and the opposite side is the non-side. Called the drive side.

  When the cartridge 2 of this embodiment is not used, a toner seal 10j is provided between the toner container 10a and the developing container 10i as shown in FIG. The toner seal 10j is a film-like sealing member that seals the toner storage container 10a so that the toner does not move from the toner storage container 10a to the developing container 10i when the cartridge 2 is not used. When the image forming apparatus 100 is transported, the toner is prevented from leaking from the cartridge 2 to the apparatus main body 1.

  As shown in FIG. 22, a part of the toner seal 10j protrudes on the non-driving side (the other end side) of the cartridge 2, and a handle member 10g for the user to hold is provided on the protruding portion. ing. When using the cartridge 2, the user pulls the handle member 10 g in the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow F) of the photosensitive drum 20 to remove the toner seal 10 j from the cartridge 2. As a result, the toner can move from the toner storage container 10a to the developing container 10i.

  Here, in this embodiment, the guide rail 61a for guiding the boss 21b of the cartridge 2 is provided with a step-shaped locking portion 62 as shown in FIG. When the cartridge 2 with the toner seal 10j is attached to the apparatus main body 1, the handle member 10g comes into contact with the locking portion 62.

  When the cartridge 2 is positioned at the retracted position 31, if the boss 21a of the cartridge contacts the outer peripheral portion 40c (see FIG. 10C) of the main body coupling 40a on the driving side (one end side), the non-driving side also The handle member 10 g comes into contact with the locking portion 62. Accordingly, the cartridge 2 is supported by the apparatus main body 1 at both ends in the longitudinal direction F (see FIG. 22) of the photosensitive drum 20 and positioned at the retracted position 31. That is, the cartridge 2 at the retracted position 31 is supported at both ends thereof in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction I in which the cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 (direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 10). It will be in the state positioned reliably by 1 inside.

  When using the image forming apparatus 100, the user removes the cartridge 2 from the apparatus main body 1 and pulls out the toner seal 10 j from the cartridge 2. Thereafter, the handle member 10g together with the toner seal 10j is removed from the cartridge 2 by the user, and the cartridge 2 can be mounted at the operating position 30.

  The handle member 10g provided on the non-driving side of the cartridge 2 is a member that needs to be removed when the cartridge 2 is used. Unlike the case where a separate member for positioning the cartridge 2 at the retracted position 31 is separately provided and removed by the user, there is no need for the user to perform an extra operation.

100, 300 Image forming apparatus 1, 201 Image forming apparatus main body 2, 202 Process cartridge 55, 105, 205 Door 5a Square hole 7 Opening portion 20 Photosensitive drum 22 Drum coupling 30 Operating position 31 Retraction position 40a, 240a Main body coupling 44 Link arm 44e Snap fit e
110 Door side magnet unit 144b Arm side magnet unit 60a, 60b, 61a Guide rail 205 Holding member

Claims (15)

In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A cartridge coupling that receives a driving force from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and a cartridge that is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body;
An opening for mounting the cartridge;
An opening / closing member that is movable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that opens the opening;
A main body coupling capable of transmitting a driving force to the cartridge when the cartridge is located at a predetermined operating position of the apparatus main body, and intersecting a mounting direction in which the cartridge moves from the opening to the operating position. A main body coupling that is movable in a moving direction and can be engaged with the cartridge coupling and spaced apart from the cartridge coupling;
A link member for moving the main body coupling, wherein the main body coupling is positioned at the engagement position when the open / close member is located at the closed position by being connected to the open / close member, and the open / close A link member for positioning the main body coupling at the separated position when the member is located at the open position;
The link member is in contact with the apparatus main body in a state where the link member is not connected to the opening / closing member, and the link member keeps the main body coupling at the engagement position, A contact portion that enables the link member to be connected to the opening and closing member when the opening and closing member moves from the open position to the closed position;
With
When the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body from the opening in a state where the link member is not connected to the opening / closing member, the cartridge comes into contact with the main body coupling located at the engagement position and the mounting direction. Movement to be restricted, and in a state of being positioned at a retracted position upstream of the operating position in the mounting direction, and in this state, the opening and closing member moves from the open position to the closed position, The image forming apparatus, wherein the link member is connected to the opening / closing member. A photosensitive drum provided in the cartridge;
A transfer roller for transferring the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum to the recording medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retracted position is a position where the photosensitive drum is separated from the transfer roller.   In the mounting direction, a pressing portion that presses the cartridge when the cartridge is positioned between the retracted position and the operating position, and restricts movement of the cartridge when the cartridge is positioned at the retracted position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member having a movement restricting portion.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pressing member is provided on the opening / closing member. When the opening and closing member is moved from the open position to the closed position in a state where the link member is not connected to the opening and closing member, the link member is connected to a connected portion provided in the opening and closing member, A connecting portion for connecting the link member to the opening and closing member;
5. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein one of the connecting portion and the connected portion is formed by a snap fit that is bent in a direction intersecting a moving direction of the opening / closing member. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a fixing member that keeps the connecting portion and the connected portion connected by suppressing the snap fit from bending. When the opening and closing member is moved from the open position to the closed position in a state where the link member is not connected to the opening and closing member, the link member is connected to a connected portion provided in the opening and closing member, A connecting portion for connecting the link member to the opening and closing member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is connected to the connected portion by a magnetic force.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the connecting portion is movably provided on the link member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the connected portion is movably provided on the opening / closing member. Further, the cartridge is connected to the developer storage portion for storing the developer, the sealing member for sealing the developer storage portion, and the sealing member, and is gripped when the sealing member is removed from the cartridge. Having a handle member to be
The image forming apparatus has a locking portion that contacts the handle member and restricts the cartridge from moving in the mounting direction when the cartridge is located at the retracted position.
10. The grip member is provided on the other end side of the cartridge, whereas the cartridge coupling is provided on one end side of the cartridge in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. In a method of mounting a cartridge on an image forming apparatus,
The cartridge has a cartridge coupling that receives a driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An opening for mounting the cartridge;
An opening / closing member that is movable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that opens the opening;
A main body coupling capable of transmitting a driving force to the cartridge when the cartridge is located at a predetermined operating position of the apparatus main body, and intersecting a mounting direction in which the cartridge moves from the opening to the operating position. A main body coupling that is movable in a moving direction and can be engaged with the cartridge coupling and spaced apart from the cartridge coupling;
A link member for moving the main body coupling, wherein the main body coupling is positioned at the engagement position when the open / close member is located at the closed position by being connected to the open / close member, and the open / close A link member for positioning the main body coupling at the separated position when the member is located at the open position;
Have
The method
By not connecting the link member and the opening / closing member, the contact portion provided on the link member is brought into contact with the frame body of the apparatus main body, and the link member brings the main body coupling into the engagement position. A main body coupling positioning step that maintains the positioned state and enables the link member to be connected to the opening / closing member when the opening / closing member moves from the open position to the closed position;
The cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body from the opening, and is brought into contact with the main body coupling located at the engagement position to be positioned at a retracted position located upstream from the operating position in the mounting direction. A cartridge positioning step following the main body coupling positioning step;
Connecting the link member and the open / close member by moving the open / close member from an open position to a closed position;
A method of mounting a cartridge in an image forming apparatus comprising: The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, and the image forming apparatus includes a transfer roller that transfers a developer image formed on the photosensitive drum to a recording medium,
12. The method of mounting a cartridge on an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the retracted position is a position where the photosensitive drum is separated from the transfer roller. Further, the image forming apparatus includes:
When the opening and closing member is moved from the open position to the closed position in a state where the link member is not connected to the opening and closing member, the link member is connected to a connected portion provided in the opening and closing member, A connecting portion for connecting the link member to the opening and closing member;
In the connecting step, either one of the connecting portion and the connected portion is formed by a snap fit that bends in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the opening / closing member. A method of mounting a cartridge on the image forming apparatus described in 1.   A fixing step subsequent to the connecting step is provided in which a fixing member that keeps the connecting portion and the connected portion connected to each other is attached to the image forming apparatus by suppressing the snap fit from bending. A method of mounting a cartridge on the image forming apparatus according to claim 13. Further, the image forming apparatus includes:
When the opening and closing member is moved from the open position to the closed position in a state where the link member is not connected to the opening and closing member, the link member is connected to a connected portion provided in the opening and closing member, A connecting portion for connecting the link member to the opening and closing member;
13. The method for mounting a cartridge on an image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, in the connecting step, the connecting portion is connected to the connected portion by a magnetic force.

Images