JP2014122989A - Image forming unit and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow detachable attachment, from an apparatus body, of an image forming unit detachably attached to the apparatus body without performing opening/closing operation of an external cover so as to improve operability of the image forming unit.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit that includes an image carrier 1 and forms toner images on the image carrier, a transfer unit N that transfers the toner image on the image carrier to a recording medium P, a fixing unit 13 that fixes the toner image on the recording medium to the recording medium, and a discharge unit 14 that discharges the recording medium after the fixing of the toner image. The image forming apparatus 100 further includes an image forming unit 16 detachably attached to an image forming apparatus body 101; and the image forming unit has an external surface 16a that forms a part of an external surface 100a of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus body.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a copying machine, an ink jet printer, a printing machine, and a facsimile, and in particular, an image with improved detachability of an image forming unit that is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.

In an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to periodically replace a photoconductor, a developer, and the like, and a detachable type in which a part including these is detachable from an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”). Process units are known.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus including a process unit that is detachable from the apparatus main body. In this image forming apparatus, it is necessary to move the optical unit in order to attach and detach the process unit. In order to improve the operability when attaching / detaching the process unit, in Patent Document 1, the optical unit is configured to move between an open position and a closed position integrally with the exterior cover. When the exterior cover is opened to the open position, the optical unit is greatly separated from the process unit, so that the process unit can be easily attached and detached.

However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in order to detach the process unit from the apparatus main body, a total of 3 operations of opening the exterior cover, detaching the process unit, and closing the exterior cover again are performed. There is a problem that operation in stages is necessary and the operation becomes complicated. This complexity also occurs when the process unit is mounted on the apparatus main body.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an image forming unit that is detachable from the apparatus main body can be detached from the apparatus main body without opening / closing the opening / closing cover, thereby improving operability. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming unit in which an image forming unit that forms an image on a transported recording medium is detachable from the apparatus main body. The exterior surface of the image forming unit is a part of the exterior surface of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the image forming unit that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body has the exterior surface that constitutes a part of the exterior surface of the image forming apparatus when mounted on the image forming main body. The image forming unit can be detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus without having to do this.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus and an image forming unit. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which an image forming unit is mounted. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of FIG. 4, and is a figure corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which an image forming unit is mounted. It is a figure which shows the modification of FIG. 4, and is a figure corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG. 5A and 4B are diagrams showing a modification of FIG. 4, in which FIG. 4A is a diagram corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG. 3, and FIG. It is a partial expanded sectional view for demonstrating a detachment | desorption prevention mechanism. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of the image forming apparatus different from FIG.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only unless otherwise specified. .

  According to the present invention, an image forming unit that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter abbreviated as “apparatus main body”) constitutes a part of an exterior surface of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming main body. It is characterized in that it has an exterior surface. That is, the exterior surface of the image forming unit is also used as the exterior surface of the image forming apparatus.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on each embodiment.
<General Description 1 of Image Forming Apparatus>
First, an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and an image carrier 1 that is a drum-shaped photoconductor as an image forming unit that performs image formation, and charging that uniformly charges the surface of the image carrier 1. A roller 2, an exposure device 3 that writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the uniformly charged image carrier 1, and a developing device 4 that converts the electrostatic latent image carried by the image carrier 1 into a toner image. Prepare.
The image carrier 1 is rotationally driven in the direction shown in the figure during an image forming operation, and is charged to a predetermined polarity by a charging roller 2 which is an example of a charging device. The charged surface of the image carrier 1 is irradiated with laser light L that is light-modulated based on the image data from the exposure device 3, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier. When the electrostatic latent image passes through the developing device 4, it is visualized as a toner image with powdered toner.

The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a sheet feeding device 10 that feeds the sheet-like recording medium P to the left of the developing device 4 in the drawing and a registration that aligns the skew of the recording medium fed from the sheet feeding device. A roller 46, a transfer roller 5 for transferring the toner image carried by the image carrier 1 to the recording medium that has passed the registration roller, and a fixing device 13 (fixing unit) for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium. And a paper discharge roller 14 (discharge unit) for discharging the recording medium on which the toner image has been fixed to the outside of the apparatus. The conveyance path (sheet conveyance path 15) before and after the transfer roller 5 is directly below the image forming unit 16.
The paper feeding device 10 separates and feeds only the uppermost recording medium P of the paper feeding tray 11 on which the plurality of recording media P are placed and the plurality of recording media P placed on the paper feeding tray 11. A sheet feeding roller 12a and a separation pad 12b. The recording medium P is separated into one sheet by the sheet feeding roller 12a and the separation pad 12b and fed in the direction of arrow A. The recording medium P is fed into a transfer nip N (transfer portion) between the image carrier 1 and a transfer roller 5 disposed opposite thereto. At this time, the toner image on the image carrier 1 is transferred to the recording medium P by the action of the transfer roller 5.
The recording medium P that has left the image carrier 1 passes through the fixing device 13, and at this time, the toner image is fixed on the recording medium by the action of heat and pressure. The recording medium that has passed through the fixing device 13 is discharged out of the image forming apparatus 100 by a paper discharge roller 14.
Although the paper discharge tray is not shown in FIG. 1, a paper discharge tray on which the recording medium P discharged from the paper discharge roller 14 is placed may be provided.

Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a cleaning device 6 that removes transfer residual toner remaining on the image carrier 1 after the toner image is transferred, and a static elimination lamp 8 that initializes the surface potential of the image carrier 1.
The cleaning device 6 shown here has a cleaning member composed of a cleaning blade 7 pressed against the image carrier 1, and the transfer residual toner on the image carrier is scraped off by the cleaning blade 7. Next, the surface of the image carrier 1 is irradiated with light from the static elimination lamp 8 to initialize the surface potential of the image carrier 1.

<First embodiment>
An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus and the image forming unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus to which the image forming unit is mounted. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

(Image forming unit)
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 16 is a unit in which an image carrier 1, a developing device 4, a charging roller 2, a cleaning device 6, and a charge eliminating lamp 8 are integrated. The image forming unit 16 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 101 from above.
The image forming unit 16 according to the present embodiment has an exterior surface 16a that constitutes a part of a surface 100a (exterior surface) that is a surface forming the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 when the image forming unit 16 is attached to the apparatus main body 101. ing. That is, when the image forming unit 16 is attached to the apparatus main body 101, the exterior surface 16 a is also used as the surface 100 a of the image forming apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16 is also used as the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 100.
Thus, since the exterior surface 16a of the image forming unit 16 constitutes the surface 100a of the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 16 can be removed from the apparatus main body 101 without requiring an operation of opening the exterior cover. Therefore, the operability when replacing the image forming unit 16 is good. Further, by removing the image forming unit 16, it is possible to insert a hand into the conveying path (sheet conveying path 15) of the recording medium P below the image forming unit 16, and the recording medium jammed in the image forming apparatus 100. P can be easily removed.

(Removal of image forming unit)
As shown in FIG. 2, convex portions 18 (positioning) extending in the attaching / detaching direction (vertical direction) of the image forming unit 16 are formed on both side surfaces in the width direction of the image forming unit 16 (both side surfaces orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction). Member, engaging portion).
On both side surfaces in the width direction of the image forming unit housing portion 102 formed in the apparatus main body 101, recesses 19 (guide members, engaged portions) for slidably guiding the convex portions 18 to the mounting positions are formed. ing. The recess 19 engages with the protrusion 18 to guide the image forming unit 16 in the attaching / detaching direction.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the image forming unit 16 is mounted on the apparatus main body 101, the height positions of the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16 and the outer surface 101 a of the apparatus main body 101 are substantially the same level.

The recess 19 extends to the outer surface 101 a of the apparatus main body 101. That is, the upper end of the recess 19 is substantially at the same height as the outer surface 101 a of the apparatus main body 101. On the other hand, the convex portion 18 extends to the lower side of the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16, and the upper end of the convex portion 18 is located at a position separated downward from the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16 by H 1. In other words, the upper end of the convex portion 18 is located at a position spaced downward from the outer surface 101a of the apparatus main body 101 by H1.
Here, in a state where the image forming unit 16 is mounted on the apparatus main body 101, the exterior surface 16a of the image forming unit 16 and the outer surface 101a of the apparatus main body 101 are in a planar state. For this reason, if the convex portion 18 is extended to the exterior surface 16a, there is no portion for gripping the image forming unit 16 at the time of attachment / detachment, and the image forming unit 16 cannot be taken out.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 18 is formed below the exterior surface 16a, and a portion where the convex portion 18 is not formed (finger holding portion 20) is provided on the upper side surface of the image forming unit 16. As a result, when the image forming unit 16 is mounted on the apparatus main body 101, the image forming unit 16 can be grasped by inserting a finger into the finger-holding unit 20 from above, and the image forming unit 16 is detached from the apparatus main body 101. Can do.
A concave portion may be formed on the image forming unit side instead of the convex portion, and a convex portion engaging with the concave portion may be formed on the apparatus main body side instead of the concave portion. In this case, the finger hook can be formed by separating the upper end of the convex portion downward from the outer surface of the apparatus main body.
As described above, in this embodiment, since the finger hooking part for removing the image forming unit is formed by using a part of the positioning member and the guide member, it is necessary to provide a dedicated handle for removing the image forming unit. There is no cost reduction.

(Exposure equipment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the exposure apparatus 3 is disposed at a position where it does not interfere with the attachment / detachment path of the image forming unit 16, that is, a position avoiding the attachment / detachment path. Specifically, the exposure device 3 is arranged above the sheet feed roller 12 a and the sheet conveyance path 15 upstream of the image forming unit 16 in the recording medium conveyance direction and on the side of the image forming unit 16. A latent image writing path 17 that guides the laser beam L to the image carrier 1 is formed through the side surface of the image forming unit 16.
As shown in the drawing, when the exposure device 3 is arranged right above the paper feed roller 12a, the exposure device 3 can be compared with the case where the exposure device 3 is arranged side by side in the recording medium conveyance direction with respect to the paper feed roller 12a. The length along the recording medium conveyance direction can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus can be downsized.
Further, by disposing the exposure apparatus 3 on the side of the image forming unit 16, the height of the image forming apparatus 100 can be made lower than when the exposure apparatus 3 is disposed above the image forming unit 16. .

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a view showing a modification of FIG. 4 and corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG.
In the present embodiment, at least a part of the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16 is protruded from the outer surface 101 a of the image forming apparatus main body 101, so that the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16 and the image forming apparatus main body 101 are It is characterized in that a step is formed between the outer surface 101a.
In particular, in the present embodiment, there is a difference in height level between the exterior surface 16a of the image forming unit 16 and the outer surface 101a of the apparatus main body 101, and the exterior surface 16a is protruded by H2 above the outer surface 101a. By forming a step between the exterior surface 16a and the outer surface 101a, the side surface of the image forming unit 16 can be exposed, and the exposed side surface can be used as the finger hooking portion 20. The image forming unit 16 can be taken out from the apparatus main body 101 by holding the finger hanging portion 20.
In addition, this level | step difference may be provided in the whole edge of the exterior surface 16a, and may be provided only in the site | part corresponding to the recess 19. FIG. In particular, when the convex portion 18 is formed to the lower side of the outer surface 101a of the apparatus main body 101 as in the first embodiment, if the step corresponding to the concave portion 19 is provided with a step, the depth of the finger rest portion 20 increases (H1 + H2). Therefore, it is easy to put a finger on the image forming unit 16 and to attach and detach it easily.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which an image forming unit is attached.
In the present embodiment, the color of the exterior surface 16a of the image forming unit 16 and the color of the outer surface 101a of the apparatus main body 101 are different colors. The entire outer surface 101a may have a different color from the exterior surface 16a, or only the outer surface 101a (upper surface) adjacent to the exterior surface 16a may have a different color from the exterior surface 16a. Furthermore, only the edge portion of the outer surface 101a adjacent to the exterior surface 16a may be a color different from the exterior surface 16a, or only the edge portion of the exterior surface 16a adjacent to the outer surface 101a may be a color different from the outer surface 101a.
If the color of the exterior surface 16a of the image forming unit 16 is the same or similar to the color of the outer surface 101a of the apparatus main body 101, the position of the image forming unit 16 attached to the apparatus main body 101 is difficult to see. Become.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the exterior surface 16a of the image forming unit 16 and the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 100 have different colors. For example, the exterior surface 16a of the image forming unit 16 is black, and the outer surface 101a of the apparatus main body 101 is colored white or cream. By doing so, it becomes easy to visually recognize the position of the image forming unit 16.

<Fourth embodiment>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a modification of FIG. 4 and corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG.
The image forming unit 16 includes an image forming unit main body 30 and a cover 31 that is detachable from the image forming unit main body 30. By attaching the cover 31 to the image forming unit main body 30, the cover 31 becomes the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16.
According to this configuration, only one of the cover 31 or the image forming unit 16 can be replaced. If only the cover 31 is damaged and needs to be replaced, only the cover 31 can be replaced and the image forming unit main body 30 can be used continuously. In this way, the entire image forming unit 16 does not have to be replaced, and therefore no waste occurs.
Further, since the image forming unit main body 30 and the cover 31 are separated, the user can replace the cover 31 with a favorite color or pattern, and the design of the image forming apparatus 100 is improved.

<Fifth embodiment>
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 is a view showing a modification of FIG. 4, (a) is a view corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG. 3, and (b) is a top view.
The present embodiment is characterized in that the cover 31 is formed with a finger hooking portion 20 that hooks a finger when the image forming unit 16 is detached from the apparatus main body 101. The finger-hanging portion 20 is a concave notch formed on the edge 31 a of the cover 31. As described above, a part of the edge 31 a of the cover 31 is notched so that a step is formed between the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16 formed by the cover 31 and the cover mounting surface 30 a of the image forming unit main body 30. Because it is formed, you can hook your fingers.
In this manner, by forming the finger hooking portion 20 on the cover 31, it is not necessary to provide the finger hooking portion 20, a handle, or the like on the image forming unit main body 30, so that the image forming unit main body can be made in a simple shape.

In FIG. 8, the convex portion 18 is formed on the image forming unit main body 30, and the upper end of the convex portion 18 is at a position separated from the exterior surface 16 a of the image forming unit 16 by H <b> 3. The height H3 is the thickness of the cover 31. Further, the finger hooking portion 20 is formed at a position facing the recess 19 of the apparatus main body 101. Therefore, as the length along the width direction of the space into which the finger is inserted, a length W1 + W2 obtained by summing the width direction length W1 of the finger hanging portion 20 and the width direction length W2 of the recess can be secured.
In this way, the image forming unit 16 is removed from the apparatus main body 101 by forming the finger hooking portion 20 formed of a concave notch formed on the edge 31 a of the cover 31 at a position facing the recess 19 of the apparatus main body 101. When attaching and detaching, the image forming unit 16 is easily grasped.

In general, the convex portion 18 as a positioning member and the concave portion 19 as a guide member engaged with the convex portion 18 have a length W2 along the width direction and a length L2 along the recording medium conveyance direction. Is small. For this reason, the finger-hanging portion (see the first embodiment) in which the upper end of the convex portion 18 is only formed away from the exterior surface 16a or the outer surface 101a may not provide sufficient space for inserting fingers.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the width direction length W <b> 1 of the finger hanging portion 20 is made longer than the width direction length W <b> 2 of the recess 19. In this way, a space for inserting fingers can be secured, and the image forming unit 16 can be easily taken out from the apparatus main body 101. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the recording medium conveyance direction length L <b> 1 of the finger hook 20 is made longer than the recording medium conveyance direction length L <b> 2 of the recess 19. In this way, a space for inserting fingers can be secured, and the image forming unit 16 can be easily taken out from the apparatus main body 101.

<Sixth embodiment>
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the detachment prevention mechanism. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a detachment preventing mechanism 50 that prevents the image forming unit 16 from being detached from the apparatus main body 101.
The detachment prevention mechanism 50 is a restriction position (a dotted line position in FIG. 9) that restricts the movement of the image forming unit 16 in the detachment direction, and an allowable position that allows the image formation unit 16 to move in the detachment direction. 9 is provided with a detachment preventing piece 51 configured to be displaceable between the position and the position of the solid line in FIG. The detachment prevention piece 51 is in a state of projecting from one of the apparatus main body 101 or the image forming unit 16 to the other in the restricting position, and in a state of being retracted from the other of the apparatus main body 101 or the image forming unit 16 in the allowable position. It is.
In the case of the illustrated detachment prevention mechanism 50, the detachment prevention piece 51 is provided on the apparatus main body 101 side, and is configured to be able to protrude and retract toward the image forming unit 16.

Further, the illustrated detachment prevention mechanism 50 is provided on the apparatus main body 101 side, protrudes from the recess 53 that accommodates the detachment prevention piece 51 so as to be able to advance and retreat, and the outer surface 101 a of the apparatus main body 101, thereby detachment prevention piece. An operation piece 53 for operating the position of the detachment prevention piece 51 and a side surface of the image forming unit 16 so as to be displaced between the regulation position and the allowable position, and protruded from the apparatus main body 101. A recess 54 for receiving the detachment prevention piece 51 is provided.
When the detachment preventing piece 51 is in the restriction position, the tip 51 a of the detachment preventing piece 51 enters the recess 54 of the image forming unit 16. At this time, the image forming unit 16 is fixed to the apparatus main body 101, and the image forming unit 16 cannot be taken out upward. Further, when the detachment prevention piece 51 is in the allowable position, the detachment prevention piece 51 is immersed in the recess 53 of the apparatus main body 101. At this time, the fixing of the image forming unit 16 to the apparatus main body 101 is released, and the image forming unit 16 can be taken out upward.
Thus, by providing the image forming apparatus 100 with the detachment prevention mechanism 50, the image forming unit 16 can be fixed to the apparatus main body 101. Further, it is possible to prevent the image forming unit 16 from being removed in a situation unintended by the user.

<General Description 2 of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus different from FIG.
The image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 is an electrophotographic system, and FIG. 10 is different in that it is an ink jet system. Other configurations are common, and therefore, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
The image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 10 includes a sheet feeding device 10 that feeds the recording medium P, a registration roller 46 that aligns the skew of the recording medium fed from the sheet feeding device, and a recording medium that has passed through the registration roller. A recording plate 42 that opposes the platen, discharges ink droplets onto the recording medium to record an image, and a discharge roller 14 (discharge unit) that discharges the recording medium after image recording to the outside of the apparatus. .
When recording an image on the recording medium P, the recording medium is transported to a recording position by the registration roller 46 by a predetermined amount, and then the transport of the recording medium is temporarily stopped. In this state, the recording head 42 is driven while moving the carriage 41 in the direction (front side and back side) penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 10, thereby ejecting ink droplets onto the stopped recording medium P. Record the line. Thereafter, after the recording medium P is conveyed by a predetermined amount by the registration roller 46, the next line is recorded, and this operation is repeated thereafter. When the recording operation is finished, the paper P is discharged to the paper discharge unit 4.
The carriage 41 is integrated as an image forming unit as an image forming unit together with guide rods 40 and 43 that guide the carriage to be movable. The image forming unit 16 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 101 from above.
Note that the first to fifth embodiments can also be applied to the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image carrier, 2 ... Charging roller, 3 ... Exposure apparatus, 4 ... Developing apparatus, 5 ... Transfer roller, 6 ... Cleaning apparatus, 7 ... Cleaning blade, 8 ... Static elimination lamp, 10 ... Paper feed apparatus, 11 ... Feeding Paper tray, 12a ... feed roller, 12b ... separation pad, 13 ... fixing device, 14 ... discharge roller, 15 ... sheet conveying path, 16 ... image forming unit, 16a ... exterior surface, 17 ... latent image writing path, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Convex part, 19 ... Recess, 20 ... Finger hook part, 30 ... Image forming unit main body, 30a ... Cover mounting surface, 31 ... Cover, 31a ... End edge, 40 ... Guide rod, 41 ... Carriage, 42 ... Recording head , 43 ... Guide rod, 44 ... Platen, 46 ... Registration roller, 50 ... Desorption prevention mechanism, 51 ... Desorption prevention piece, 51a ... Tip, 52 ... Operation piece, 53 ... Recess, 54 ... Recess, 100 ... Image formation Location, 100a ... surface, 101 ... apparatus body, 101a ... outer surface, 102 ... image forming unit housing portion

JP 2009-109759 A

Claims (17)

An image forming unit that makes an image forming unit that forms an image on a transported recording medium detachable from an apparatus main body,
An image forming unit, wherein the exterior surface of the image forming unit is a part of the exterior surface of the image forming apparatus.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes an image forming unit main body and a cover detachably attached to the image forming unit main body, and the cover constitutes the exterior surface. Forming unit.   3. The image forming unit according to claim 2, wherein the cover includes a finger hook portion that hooks a finger when the image forming unit is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming unit according to claim 1,
An image forming unit that includes an image carrier and forms a toner image on the image carrier; a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the image carrier to a recording medium; and the toner image on the recording medium. A fixing unit that fixes the recording medium; and a discharge unit that discharges the recording medium after fixing the toner image.
The image forming apparatus includes the image forming unit. A transport path for transporting the recording medium toward the transfer unit and the discharge unit is disposed below the image forming unit,
5. The writing means for writing an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier is disposed at a position above the transport path and avoiding the attachment / detachment path of the image forming unit. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the writing unit is disposed above a sheet feeding device that feeds the recording medium to the conveyance path. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming unit according to claim 1,
The image forming unit includes positioning members that extend in the attaching / detaching direction of the image forming unit on both side surfaces in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction,
The image forming apparatus main body includes a guide member slidably engaged with the positioning member,
The positioning member includes a concave portion or a convex portion, the guide member includes a convex portion or a concave portion that engages with the concave portion or the convex portion, and the convex portion or the convex portion extends to below the exterior surface. An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming unit according to claim 1,
A step is formed between the outer surface of the image forming unit and the outer surface of the image forming apparatus main body by projecting at least a part of the outer surface of the image forming unit from the outer surface of the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming unit according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the color of the exterior surface of the image forming unit is different from the color of the exterior surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus adjacent to the exterior surface. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming unit according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a desorption preventing mechanism that restricts or allows movement of the image forming unit from the image forming apparatus main body in the demounting direction. The detachment prevention mechanism includes a detachment prevention piece,
The detachment prevention piece advances and retreats between a recess provided in the image forming apparatus main body and a recess provided in the image forming unit, so that the image forming unit main body moves away from the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein movement in the detaching direction is allowed or restricted. The detachment prevention piece includes an operation piece for operating the position of the detachment prevention piece,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the operation piece protrudes from an outer surface of the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming unit according to claim 3.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the finger hooking portion is a notch formed at an edge of the cover. The image forming unit main body is provided with positioning members including convex portions extending in the attaching / detaching direction of the image forming unit on both side surfaces in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction,
The image forming apparatus main body includes a guide member including a concave portion slidably engaged with the positioning member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the finger hanging portion is formed at a position facing the guide member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a length of the finger hanging portion along the recording medium conveyance direction is longer than a length of the guide member along the recording medium conveyance direction.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a length of the finger hanging portion in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction is longer than a length of the guide member in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming unit according to claim 1,
An image recording unit that records an image by discharging droplets onto a recording medium, and a discharge unit that discharges the recording medium after image recording, wherein the image forming unit includes the image recording unit. An image forming apparatus.

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