JP2015172689A - image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can achieve both improvement in operability of attaching and detaching a process unit and a reduction of the installation space.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: a process unit 1 that has a latent image carrier 2; exposure means 11 for exposing the latent image carrier 2 to light; a loading unit 39 that loads the process unit 1 in an attachable/detachable manner; contact/separation means for relatively contacting and separating the latent image carrier 2 and exposure means 11 to/from each other; and moving means for moving the loading unit 39 between a storage position where the process unit 1 is stored at a predetermined position in an apparatus body 100 and an attachment/detachment position where the process unit 1 is moved to an opening side of the apparatus body 100 from the storage position. The process unit 1 is configured to be attached and detached to/from the loading unit 39, while the latent image carrier 2 and the exposure means 11 are separated from each other and the loading unit 39 is moved to the attachment/detachment position, and both the direction of movement of the loading unit 39 and the attachment/detachment direction of the process unit 1 intersect the axial direction of the latent image carrier 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine of these.

  In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, an LED head may be used as an exposure unit for forming a latent image on a photosensitive member (latent image carrier). The LED head is a combination of a large number of LED elements corresponding to the number of recording pixels and a lens assembly arranged on the front surface thereof. At the time of image formation, each LED element is controlled to be turned on / off based on the image information, and spot-like light is emitted from the lit LED element to the surface of the photoconductor. After forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor in this manner, the electrostatic latent image is visualized (visualized) as a toner image by supplying toner from the developing device to the surface of the photoreceptor. The

  This LED head type exposure unit has features such as no need for a scanning optical system compared to a laser system combining a laser light source and a rotating polygon mirror, so that the size can be greatly reduced and no mechanical noise is generated. . On the other hand, in the LED head system, since the focal length of the light emitted from the LED element is short, the LED head must be disposed close to the surface of the photoreceptor. Therefore, in an image forming apparatus in which a photosensitive member, a developing device, and the like are integrated into a process unit and the function of the process unit is replaced by a user, the process unit and the LED head interfere with each other when the process unit is attached or detached. Therefore, it is necessary to temporarily retract the LED head from a position close to the surface of the photoreceptor.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when replacing a process unit, the process unit is pulled out of the apparatus together with the support member, and at the same time, the LED head is separated from the photosensitive member. A removal configuration has been proposed.

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the pull-out direction of the support member with respect to the apparatus main body is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the photoconductor, whereas the removal direction of the process unit with respect to the support member is the direction of the photoconductor. Axial direction. That is, since the support member pull-out direction and the process unit removal direction are different from each other between the axial direction of the photosensitive member and the direction perpendicular thereto, the support member pull-out operation and the process unit removal operation are performed smoothly. It was difficult and there was a problem in terms of operability. In this case, a space for pulling out the support member and a space for removing the process unit must be secured both in the front-rear direction and in the width direction of the apparatus main body. There was also a problem that became larger.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of realizing both improvement of process unit detachability and space saving.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a process unit having a latent image carrier, exposure means for exposing the latent image carrier, an apparatus main body having an opening through which the process unit can pass, and the process. A stacking unit for detachably loading the unit, a contacting / separating unit for relatively moving the latent image carrier and the exposure unit relative to each other, and the stacking unit at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body. A moving means for moving between the storing position for storing and the attaching / detaching position for moving the process unit from the storing position to the opening side of the apparatus main body, and the latent image carrier and the exposure means The process unit is configured to be attachable / detachable to / from the stacking unit in a state where the stacking unit is moved to the attachment / detachment position, and the moving direction of the stacking unit, and the process unit A detachable direction, both of which characterized in that it has in a direction crossing the axial direction of the latent image carrier.

  In the present invention, since the moving direction of the loading unit and the attaching / detaching direction of the process unit are both in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the latent image carrier, the moving operation of the loading unit and the attaching / detaching operation of the process unit are smoothly performed. This makes it easier to perform and improves operability. Further, since it is not necessary to secure a space for moving the loading unit and a space for attaching / detaching the process unit in directions orthogonal to each other, space saving can be achieved.

1 is a perspective view of a monochrome image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the monochrome image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of an operation part. It is a figure which shows the state which separated the LED head with respect to the photoreceptor. It is a figure which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the process unit in the attachment / detachment position. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the image forming apparatus of the said other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the process unit in the attachment / detachment position. It is a figure which shows the state which separated the LED head with respect to the photoreceptor. It is a figure which shows the structure of a locking means. It is a perspective view which shows further another embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a side view of the image forming apparatus of the further another embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows another embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a side view of the image forming apparatus of another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a switching member. It is a perspective view which shows another embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a side view of the image forming apparatus of the further another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a protection member. It is a figure which shows embodiment which comprised the 1st moving member and the 2nd moving member so that removal was possible.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings for explaining the present invention, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and once described, the description will be given. Omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a monochrome image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

    As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body) 100 of the image forming apparatus, a cover 109 capable of opening and closing a part of the exterior body 108 and an operation unit 13 capable of opening and closing the cover 109 are provided. Is provided. The operation unit 13 has a handle shape that can be gripped by the user, and integrally includes a gripping portion 13a extending in the paper width direction and a pair of arm portions 13b protruding from both ends of the gripping portion 13a. In addition, a discharge tray 29 on which a sheet as a recording medium discharged outside the apparatus is placed is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 100.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the monochrome image forming apparatus. The overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a process unit 1 as an image forming unit is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 100. The process unit 1 visualizes a photoreceptor 2 as a latent image carrier that carries an image on the surface, a charging roller 3 as a charging means for charging the surface of the photoreceptor 2, and a latent image on the photoreceptor 2. And a developing device 4 for (visualization). In addition to the above, the process unit 1 is provided with a cleaning means (for example, a cleaning blade) for cleaning the surface of the photoconductor 2 and a static eliminator for removing the surface of the photoconductor 2.

  The developing device 4 includes at least a developing roller 4a that is in contact with the photosensitive member 2, a supply roller 4b that is in contact with the developing roller 4a, and a developer storage portion 4c that stores toner as a developer. The developer container 4c stores unused toner of a single color (for example, black). The toner in the developer container 4c is supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor 2 through the supply roller 4b and further through the development roller 4a.

  The photosensitive member 2, the charging roller 3, the developing roller 4a, the supply roller 4b, the cleaning blade, and the static eliminator described above are all fixed to the case 6 integrally having the handle 6a or are rotatably supported. . When the user grasps the handle 6a and attaches / detaches the process unit 1 to / from the apparatus main body 100, the above-mentioned consumable parts can be replaced at a time.

  In this embodiment, the developer accommodating portion 4c is integrally formed inside the case 6. Therefore, when the toner in the developer accommodating portion 4c is exhausted, the photoconductor 2 is replaced by replacing the process unit 1. The toner can be supplied again. In addition to this, for example, a configuration in which a toner cartridge (not shown) is installed in the apparatus main body 100 and toner is sequentially supplied from the toner cartridge to the developer accommodating portion 4c may be employed. In this case, the toner cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100, and when the toner in the toner cartridge is depleted, the process unit is left as it is, or only the toner cartridge is replaced, or the removed toner cartridge is replenished with toner. After that, the toner cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body 100.

  The image forming apparatus includes an LED head 11 as an exposure unit that exposes the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 2 to form an electrostatic latent image. The LED head 11 has a large number of LED elements (light emitting diodes) corresponding to the number of recording pixels and a lens assembly (Selfoc (registered trademark) lens) arranged on the front surface thereof (all not shown). A light projecting surface 11 a for projecting LED light is formed at the tip of the LED head 11. The LED head 11 is disposed between the charging roller 3 and the developing roller 4 a of the developing device 4 with the light projecting surface 11 a at the tip thereof being close to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 2 to a distance of 10 mm or less.

  A positioning unit 9 that positions the LED head 11 at the exposure position is provided inside the process unit 1. The positioning portion 9 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening for allowing the LED head 11 to enter the inside, and has a contact portion 9a with which the front surface of the holding portion 40 that holds the LED head 11 abuts and a holding portion. And a fitting portion 9b fitted to the entire periphery of the portion 40. The contact portion 9a is provided with a hole for allowing the LED head 11 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the case where both the contact portion 9a and the fitting portion 9b are integrally formed with the case 6 of the process unit 1 is illustrated, but either one or both of the contact portion 9a and the fitting portion 9b are illustrated. May be formed of a member different from the case 6.

  When the holding portion 40 comes into contact with the contact portion 9 a, the LED head 11 is positioned in the approaching direction with respect to the photoreceptor 2, and the light projecting surface 11 a is held at a predetermined focal length with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 2. Is done. Further, the inner surface of the fitting portion 9b is fitted to the peripheral surface of the holding portion 40 with a fit that allows the holding portion 40 to slide and prevents the holding portion 40 from rattling. From the above configuration, the LED head 11 can be accurately positioned at the exposure position simply by inserting the holding portion 40 into the fitting portion 9b and bringing the holding portion 40 into contact with the contact portion 9a.

  In the apparatus main body 100, a transfer roller 21 is disposed as a transfer unit that transfers an image on the photoreceptor 2 to a sheet. The transfer roller 21 is in contact with the photosensitive member 2 with the process unit 1 mounted on the apparatus main body 100, and a transfer nip is formed at the contact portion between the two. The transfer roller 21 is connected to a power source (not shown) so that a predetermined direct current voltage (DC) and / or alternating current voltage (AC) is applied.

  A paper feeding device 22 is disposed at the lower part of the apparatus main body 100. A paper feed device 22 includes a paper feed cassette 23 that contains paper P as a recording medium, a paper feed roller 24 that feeds the paper P contained in the paper feed cassette 23, and a nip between the paper feed roller 24. And a separation pad 25 for separating the overlapped sheets P. The paper P includes cardboard, postcard, envelope, plain paper, thin paper, coated paper (coated paper, art paper, etc.), tracing paper, and the like. In addition, an OHP sheet, an OHP film, a fabric, or the like can be used as a recording medium other than paper.

  The paper P fed out from the paper feeding device 22 is transported upward in a transport path R provided in the vertical direction in the vicinity of the side surface of the apparatus main body 100. A pair of registration rollers 26a and 26b are arranged on the transport path R downstream of the paper feed roller 24 in the paper transport direction as timing rollers for transporting the paper to the transfer nip at a transport timing.

  Further, a fixing device 27 for fixing the image transferred to the paper is disposed in the transport path R downstream of the transfer nip in the paper transport direction, and further on the downstream side, a discharge unit for discharging the paper to the outside of the device. A paper discharge roller pair 28 is disposed. The fixing device 27 includes a fixing roller 27a that is heated by a heat source such as a halogen lamp (not shown), and a pressure roller 27b that rotates while contacting the fixing roller 27a with a predetermined pressure. A fixing nip is formed at a contact portion of 27a and 27b.

Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When the image forming operation is started, the photosensitive member 2 is rotationally driven, and the surface of the photosensitive member 2 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity by the charging roller 3. Then, on / off of each LED element of the LED head 11 is controlled based on image information from a reading device or a computer (not shown), and the surface of the photosensitive member 2 is irradiated with spot-like light from the lighted LED element. Thus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the charged surface of the photoreceptor 2. By supplying toner from the developing device 4 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 2 in this way, the electrostatic latent image is visualized (visualized) as a toner image.

  When the image forming operation is started, the paper feed roller 24 starts to rotate, and only the uppermost paper P loaded in the paper feed cassette 23 is sent out to the transport path R. The delivered paper P is temporarily stopped by the registration rollers 26a and 26b. Thereafter, rotation of the registration rollers 26a and 26b is started at a predetermined timing, and the paper P is conveyed to the transfer nip in accordance with the timing at which the toner image on the photoreceptor 2 reaches the transfer nip.

  At this time, a transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity of the toner image on the photoreceptor 2 is applied to the transfer roller 21, thereby forming a transfer electric field in the transfer portion. The toner image on the photoreceptor 2 is transferred onto the paper P by this transfer electric field. The residual toner on the photoreceptor 2 that could not be transferred onto the paper P is removed by a cleaning blade (not shown). Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor 2 is neutralized by a neutralizing device (not shown).

  The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 27 via the conveyance path R, and is heated and pressurized by passing through the fixing nip between the fixing roller 27a and the pressure roller 27b. The toner image on the paper P is fixed. Then, the paper P is discharged out of the apparatus by the paper discharge roller pair 28 and stocked on the paper discharge tray 29.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described.
The image forming apparatus includes a first moving member 31 and a first guide portion 34 as moving means for moving the process unit 1 so as to be housed and pulled out with respect to the apparatus main body 100, the photoconductor 2, and the LED head 11. A second moving member 32 and a second guide part 35 are provided as contacting / separating means for relatively contacting and separating. Both the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 are movable in the horizontal direction from the state shown in FIG. 2 toward the front of the apparatus main body 100 indicated by the arrow A in the drawing.

  The first moving member 31 is supported by a support member 102 constituted by a frame member or the like of the apparatus main body 100 and is also guided along a first guide part 34 provided on the apparatus main body 100. 33. Further, the first moving member 31 has a stacking section 39 for stacking the process unit 1 on the upper surface of the main body section 41. When the first moving member 31 moves along the first guide portion 34, the stacking portion 39 is stored at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body 100 (the position shown in FIG. 2). And the attachment / detachment position (position shown in FIG. 5) where the process unit 1 is moved from the storage position to the opening 101 side of the apparatus main body 100. The predetermined position (storage position) at which the process unit 1 is arranged in the apparatus main body 100 means the position of the process unit 1 where the image on the photosensitive member 2 can be transferred to a sheet.

  The second moving member 32 includes a guided portion 36 that is supported by the first moving member 31 and moves while being in contact with the second guide portion 35 formed on the upper surface of the first moving member 31. . As the second moving member 32 moves along the second guide portion 35, the LED head 11 is brought close to the photosensitive member 2 (the position shown in FIG. 2) and the separated position (see FIG. 2). 4 or the position shown in FIG. 5). In addition, it is good also as a structure which mutually contacts by moving the photoreceptor 2 with respect to the LED head 11. FIG.

  Further, the first guide portion 34 and the second guide portion 35 are respectively provided with movement restrictions that restrict the movement of the guided portion 33 of the first moving member 31 or the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32. Protrusions 37 and 38 as means are provided. In the present embodiment, each of the protrusions 37 and 38 is formed of a triangular protrusion having inclined surfaces on both sides that are integrally formed with each guide part 34 and 35. The functions of these protrusions 37 and 38 will be described in detail later.

  The process unit 1 is detachable from the stacking unit 39. Further, the stacking unit 39 includes a pair of regulating walls 39a that regulate the movement of the process unit 1 in order to prevent the process unit from being displaced or dropped due to the horizontal movement. Each regulating wall 39a is arranged over the longitudinal direction of the process unit 1 (the axial direction of the photoreceptor 2).

  The second moving member 32 includes a holding unit 40 that holds the LED head 11. The holding part 40 is rotatably connected to the main body part 42 of the second moving member 32 via a horizontal support shaft 43. For this reason, the holding | maintenance part 40 and the main-body part 42 are accept | permitted by the attitude | position change between each other.

  The cover 109 and the operation unit 13 are attached to the main body 42 of the second moving member 32. The operation portion 13 is an end portion of the pair of arm portions 13b opposite to the end portion of the gripping portion 13a, and with respect to the main body portion 42 of the second moving member 32 via a horizontal support shaft 44. It is connected so that it can rotate.

  Moreover, the recessed part 13b1 is formed in the edge part connected through the spindle 44 of each arm part 13b. The recess 13b1 is composed of a partial cylindrical surface and a plane portion extending in parallel from both ends of the partial cylindrical surface, and has a U-shape when viewed from the side. In a state where the user is not operating the operation unit 13, the operation unit 13 is hung vertically downward with respect to the support shaft 44 by its own weight. The apparatus main body 100 is provided with a protruding portion 103 as a restricting portion, and the recessed portion 13b1 of the operating portion 13 is fitted to the protruding portion 103 when the operating portion 13 is hung vertically downward. Therefore, in a state where the user does not operate the operation unit 13, even if a force in the direction of pulling out from the apparatus main body 100 (direction of arrow A in FIG. 2) acts on the first moving member 31 or the second moving member 32, the protrusion Since the part 103 and the recessed part 13b1 are in an engaged state, the movement of the moving members 31, 32 in the direction is restricted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the user grips the grip portion 13 a of the operation portion 13 and causes the operation portion 13 to move in the direction of the arrow X around the support shaft 44, the projecting portion is accompanied with the rotation of the operation portion 13. 103 is disengaged from the recess 13b1, and the engaged state is released. Therefore, after that, if the user applies a pulling force to the operation unit 13a, the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 100.

  Hereinafter, an operation procedure when the process unit 1 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation unit 13 is caused to be in a horizontal state, the engagement state between the protrusion 103 on the apparatus main body 100 side and the recess 13b1 of the operation unit 13 is released (see FIG. 3), and the operation unit 13 is moved forward of the apparatus main body 100. Pull to. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the second moving member 32 moves forward along the second guide portion 35, and the LED head 11 is separated from the photoreceptor 2. At the same time, the cover 109 moves forward, so that the opening 101 is formed on the front surface of the apparatus main body 100.

  Here, the first moving member 31 is also movable in the horizontal direction. However, when the second moving member 32 moves, the first moving member 31 does not move on the first guide portion 34. That is, since the guided portion 33 of the first moving member 31 abuts on the projection 37 provided on the first guide portion 34 and the movement thereof is restricted, the second moving member 32 is being moved. The movement of the first moving member 31 with respect to the first guide portion 34 is restricted.

  Thereafter, the second moving member 32 is further moved forward, and the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 gets over the protruding portion 38 provided in the second guide portion 35, and the second guide portion 35. The first moving member 31 starts to move when it comes into contact with the end (the downstream end in the pull-out direction). That is, when the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 abuts against the end portion of the second guide portion 35, a pulling force exceeding the regulation force of the protruding portion 37 acts on the first moving member 31. It becomes possible to make it. For this reason, when the movement of the second moving member 32 with respect to the second guide portion 35 is completed, the guided portion 33 of the first moving member 31 gets over the protrusion 37, and the first moving member 31 moves forward. I'm damned.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the first moving member 31 moves forward, the process unit 1 loaded on the upper part moves to the opening 101 side formed in the apparatus main body 100. Then, the drawing operation of the process unit 1 is completed in a state where the guided portion 33 of the first moving member 31 is in contact with the end portion (downstream end portion in the drawing direction) of the first guide portion 34. In this state, the distance h1 between the LED head 11 and the opening 101 of the apparatus main body 100 (in this case, the upper edge of the opening 101) is larger than the outer dimension h2 of the process unit 1. It can be taken out through the space between the LED head 11 and the opening 101.

  The process unit 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 in the reverse procedure. That is, the process unit 1 is mounted on the first moving member 31 through the space between the LED head 11 and the opening 101 in a state where the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 are pulled forward. . Next, the operation unit 13 is pushed in and moved so that the first moving member 31 is accommodated in the apparatus main body 100. At this time, during the movement of the first moving member 31, the second moving member 32 has the guided portion 36 regulated by the projection 38 provided on the second guide portion 35 (see FIG. 5). , Does not move on the second guide portion 35.

  After that, the guided portion 33 of the first moving member 31 gets over the protrusion 37 provided on the first guide portion 34 and contacts the end portion (downstream end portion in the pushing direction) of the first guide portion 34. When it comes into contact, it becomes possible to apply a pushing force exceeding the regulating force of the protrusion 38 to the second moving member 32. As a result, the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 gets over the protruding portion 38, the second moving member 32 starts moving with respect to the second guide portion 35, and is accommodated in the apparatus main body 100. .

  As described above, the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 are accommodated in the apparatus main body 100, so that the process unit 1 is accommodated in a predetermined position in the apparatus main body 100 and the LED head. 11 is arranged close to the photoreceptor 2. At the same time as the movement of the second moving member 32 is completed, the opening 101 of the apparatus main body 100 is closed by the cover 109.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the moving direction of the stacking unit 39 (first moving member 31) and the attaching / detaching direction of the process unit 1 are both set to intersect or orthogonal to the axial direction of the photosensitive member 2. Yes. For this reason, unlike the configuration shown in Patent Document 1, it becomes easier to smoothly perform the drawing / storing operation of the process unit 1 with respect to the apparatus main body 100 and the detaching operation of the process unit 1 with respect to the stacking portion 39, thereby improving operability. . Further, since it is not necessary to secure a space for pulling out the process unit 1 and a space for removing the process unit 1 in directions orthogonal to each other, space saving can be achieved.

  Further, in order to save the space of the apparatus main body 100, the guided portions 33 and 36 of the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 may be arranged on the same plane in the horizontal direction. . In this case, the vertical dimension of the apparatus main body 100 can be particularly reduced.

  Further, by making the process unit 1 detachable in a direction crossing or orthogonal to the axial direction of the photoconductor 2, the degree of freedom of the layout of the handles 6a provided in the process unit 1 is also improved. That is, in the configuration in which the process unit is attached and detached in the axial direction of the photosensitive member as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the handle needs to be provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the process unit. When the process unit is detachable in the direction intersecting or orthogonal to the axial direction of the photosensitive member, the handle can be arranged at the center in the longitudinal direction of the process unit. Thus, by arranging the handle at the center in the longitudinal direction of the process unit, the position of the handle becomes close to the center of gravity of the process unit, and thus it becomes easy to stably hold the process unit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the moving directions of the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 are set to the same direction, the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 are set in the same direction by the pulling or pushing operation in one direction by the operation unit 13. The moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 can be continuously moved. Thereby, it is possible to smoothly perform the contact / separation operation of the LED head 11 with respect to the photosensitive member 2 and the drawing / storing operation of the process unit 1 with respect to the apparatus main body 100.

  Further, in order to move the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 more smoothly, the moving members 31 and 32 and their guided portions 33 and 36, or the first guide portion 34 and the first moving portion It is desirable to reduce the friction coefficient of the second guide portion 35. As a method for reducing the friction coefficient, for example, there are a fluorine coating process, a lubricant application, a method of attaching a Teflon (registered trademark) tape, and the like. Moreover, you may comprise each moving member 31 and 32 and these to-be-guided parts 33 and 36 or each guide parts 34 and 35 with low friction members, such as a polyacetal. In this case, there is an advantage that the cost required for processing can be reduced and the friction coefficient does not easily change over time.

  Further, in order to make the movement of the moving members 31 and 32 smoother, the guided portions 33 and 36 may be constituted by rotating bodies that can be rotated on the corresponding guide portions 34 and 35. Good.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by providing the first guide portion 34 with the projection portion 37 as the movement restricting means, the separation operation (movement to the separation position) of the LED head 11 is performed before the process unit. 1 pull-out operation (movement to the attachment / detachment position) is performed. Thereby, after the photosensitive member 2 and the LED head 11 are completely separated from each other, the process unit 1 is disposed at a position where it can be easily detached. It is possible to prevent damage such as scratching of the LED head 11 due to the above.

  Further, instead of the protrusions 37 and 38, a friction member having a high friction coefficient, or a magnet or magnetic body that generates an attractive force between the guided portions 33 and 36 may be used. As the friction member, a rubber material such as urethane or ethylene propylene, a mold type material, or the like can be used. By using such a friction member as the movement restricting means, the friction coefficient of the friction member arranged in each guide portion 34, 35 is changed, or the arrangement of the friction member is changed, so that each of the moving members 31, 32 is changed. The drawing order and pushing order can be changed. Further, in this case, it is only necessary to change the friction coefficient and the arrangement of the friction members without changing the shapes of the guide portions 34 and 35. Therefore, the selection of the drawing order and the pushing order can be realized without increasing the cost. . In addition, when a magnet or a magnetic material is used as the movement restricting means, there is no possibility of deterioration due to wear, so that the function can be maintained for a long time.

  Alternatively, the first moving member 31, the second moving member 32, or the guided portions 33 and 36 may be made of a conductive material, and may also serve as an electrical contact with an electrical component. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide a member to be an electrical contact, so that the cost can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described with respect to differences from the above-described embodiments, but the other points have the same configuration and functions as those of the above-described embodiments, and thus redundant description will be omitted.

  The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 is different from the above embodiment in the arrangement of the protrusions 37 and 38 as the movement restricting means. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the protrusions 37 and 38 are provided on the upstream end side (left end side in FIG. 2) in the drawing direction of the first guide portion 34 and the second guide portion 35. It arrange | positions at the downstream end part side (right end part side in FIG. 2) of the drawing-out direction. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, on the contrary, the downstream end side (the right end side in FIG. 7) in the drawing direction of the first guide portion 34 and the drawing out of the second guide portion 35. Projections 37 and 38 are arranged on the upstream end side in the direction (left end side in FIG. 7).

  In this case, when the operation unit 13 is pulled to the front of the apparatus main body 100 from the state shown in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. The movement of the moving member 31 is started. On the other hand, since the movement of the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 is restricted by the protrusion 38, the movement of the second moving member 32 relative to the second guide portion 35 is restricted during the movement of the first moving member 31. The Then, when the guided portion 33 of the first moving member 31 gets over the protruding portion 37 and comes into contact with the end portion (downstream end portion in the pull-out direction) of the first guide portion 34, as shown in FIG. The movement of the second moving member 32 with respect to the second guide portion 35 is started.

  As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the separation operation of the LED head 11 is performed by performing the drawing operation of the process unit 1 before the separation operation of the LED head 11. Even if it is not (in the state shown in FIG. 8), it is possible to remove the paper jammed in the conveyance path R from the opening 101 formed in the apparatus main body 100. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the workability of paper jam processing that is generally more frequent than the replacement frequency of the process unit 1.

  However, in this embodiment, since the process unit 1 is pulled out to the attachment / detachment position before the LED head 11 is separated from the photoreceptor 2, it is necessary to prevent the process unit 1 from being attached / detached in this state. There is. For this reason, here, there is provided locking means for locking the removal of the process unit 1 before the separation operation of the LED head 11 is completed.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the locking means.
As shown in FIG. 10, the lock unit 45 includes a lock member 46 that is movable in the vertical direction and a biasing member (not shown) that biases the lock member 46 upward. The lock member 46 includes an engagement portion 46a that can be engaged with a protruding engagement portion 47 provided in the process unit 1 and a contacted portion 46b that a guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 contacts. And have.

  The engaged portion 47 of the process unit 1 can be inserted into and removed from the groove portion 48 formed in the side wall portion of the first moving member 31. The process unit 1 is attached and detached by guiding the engaged portion 47 along the groove portion 48. As shown in FIG. 10, the process unit 1 is mounted on the stacking portion 39 when the engaged portion 47 is in contact with the end of the groove portion 48 opposite to the opening side.

  The engaging portion 46 a of the lock member 46 can enter the moving path of the engaged portion 47 along the groove portion 48 by the urging force of the urging member. Specifically, in the movement path of the engaged portion 47, in the vicinity of the position of the engaged portion 47 where the process unit 1 is mounted (the end opposite to the opening side of the groove portion 48). The engaging portion 46a can enter.

  Further, the abutted portion 46 b of the lock member 46 can enter the movement path of the guided portion 36 along the second guide portion 35 by the urging force of the urging member. Specifically, of the movement path of the guided portion 36, the position of the guided portion 36 in a state in which the LED head 11 is separated from the photoreceptor 2 (corresponding to the right end portion of the second guide portion 35 in FIG. 10). Position), the abutted portion 46b can enter.

  When the LED head 11 is close to the photoreceptor 2, that is, when the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 exists at the left end portion of the second guide portion 35 in FIG. 10, the lock member 46. The abutted portion 46 b is arranged in a state of entering the movement path of the guided portion 36 at the right end portion of the second guide portion 35. In this state, the engaging portion 46 a of the lock member 46 enters the movement path of the engaged portion 47 in the groove portion 48 and engages with the engaged portion 47. As a result, the movement of the engaged portion 47 with respect to the groove portion 48 is restricted, and the process unit 1 is held so that it cannot be detached from the stacking portion 39.

  From this state, when the LED head 11 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive member 2 and the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 moves to the right end portion of the second guide portion 35 in FIG. The lock member 46 is pushed down by coming into contact with the contacted portion 46b of the member 46. Then, when the lock member 46 is pushed down, the engagement between the engagement portion 46 a of the lock member 46 and the engaged portion 47 of the process unit 1 is released. As a result, the engaged portion 47 can be detached from the groove portion 48, and the process unit 1 can be removed.

  As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 and 10, the locking unit 45 that locks the removal of the process unit 1 is provided, and the guided portion 36 of the second moving member 32 is locked by the locking unit 45. It functions as unlocking means for releasing. Thus, the process unit 1 can be detached only when the LED head 11 is separated from the photosensitive member 2. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the LED head 11 from being damaged due to the attachment / detachment of the process unit 1 in a state where the separation of the LED head 11 is incomplete.

  Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the first moving member 31 is lowered with the first moving member 31 in the state where the first moving member 31 is centered around the guided portion 33 included in the first moving member 31. It can be rotated to As described above, the first moving member 31 is configured to be pivotable downward in the pulled-out state, whereby the lower end portion of the cover 109 can be brought into contact with the installation surface B1 of the image forming apparatus. . Thereby, since installation surface B1 can receive the load of the 1st moving member 31 and the 2nd moving member 32 of the state pulled out, these come to be able to be supported more firmly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the apparatus main body 100 and the moving members 31 and 32 from being damaged by a load applied when the process unit 1 is attached or detached. In addition, the strength of the apparatus main body 100 necessary for support can be reduced compared to the case where the movable members 31 and 32 are supported by the apparatus main body 100 alone, so that the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. .

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when there is a possibility that an additional sheet feeding device 200 or the like is disposed below the image forming apparatus, the lower end portion of the cover 109 is in contact with the installation surface B2 at that time. It is desirable to set the length L from the guided portion 33 to the lower end portion of the cover 109 in a state where the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 are pulled out. That is, the length L from the guided portion 33 to the lower end portion of the cover 109 is set so that the downward trajectory of the lower end portion of the cover 109 about the guided portion 33 intersects the installation surface B2. That's fine.

  Further, in this embodiment, the protrusion 38 as the movement restricting means is configured separately from the second guide part 35, and the protrusion 38 is protruded with respect to the concave mounting part 49 formed in the second guide part 35. The part 38 is configured to be detachable. With this configuration, even when the protrusion 38 is worn or damaged, it can be easily replaced with a new protrusion 38. On the other hand, when the protrusions 37 and 38 are formed integrally with the guides 34 and 35 as in the above-described embodiment, the number of parts is reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the projecting portion 38 is configured to move in the vertical direction within the mounting portion 49 so as to protrude and retract from the guide surface of the second guide portion 35. Thereby, when the guided portion 36 gets over the protruding portion 38, the protruding portion 38 sinks downward, so that the vertical movement of the second moving member 32 during the pulling-out operation can be reduced. The mounting portion 49 is provided with a spring 50 as a biasing member that biases the protruding portion 38 so as to protrude from the second guide portion 35, and the protruding portion 38 moves the guided portion 36. It can be used as a function of restricting movement.

  Further, in this embodiment, the mounting portions 49 are provided on both end sides of the second guide portion 35, respectively, and one of these mounting portions 49 is selected so that the protrusion 38 can be mounted. Yes. With this configuration, it is possible to easily change the position where the movement of the second moving member 32 (guided portion 36) is restricted simply by changing the mounting position of the protrusion 38. Similarly, mounting portions are also provided at both ends of the first guide portion 34, and the projections 37 can be selected and attached to the respective mounting portions. Can be selected from the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 or the arrangement shown in FIG. Accordingly, it is possible to select which movement of the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 is restricted during the pulling operation and the pushing operation. That is, since it is possible to select which of the contact / separation operation of the LED head 11 and the drawing / storing operation of the process unit 1 is performed first, a configuration suitable for the use state of the image forming apparatus is selected. Is possible.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower end portion of the cover 109 is configured as an extension portion 110 that can be extended downward, whereby the extension portion 110 is brought into contact with the installation surface B <b> 1 and the first moving member 31. The second moving member 32 can be supported while being pulled out. As a result, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it is possible to prevent the apparatus main body 100 and the moving members 31 and 32 from being damaged, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus.

  In this embodiment, the protrusions 38 are attached to both of the attachment portions 49 provided at both ends of the second guide portion 35, and any one of the two protrusions 38 is the second guide portion 35. It is possible to select whether to protrude from the guide surface.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the first moving member 31 is provided with a switching member 51 that selects and projects one of the two protrusions 38 and prevents the other from protruding. It has been. The switching member 51 is movable in the horizontal direction along the second guide portion 35. The switching member 51 is provided with a switching operation portion 51 b for moving the device itself in the horizontal direction, and the switching operation portion 51 b is disposed so as to protrude from the upper surface of the first moving member 31. In addition, the switching member 51 has protrusion restricting portions 51a that restrict the protrusions of the protrusions 38 at both ends in the moving direction. When the switching member 51 moves in the horizontal direction, one protrusion restricting portion 51a is disposed at a position that restricts the protrusion of the protruding portion 38, and the other protrusion restricting portion 51a is disposed at a position that does not restrict the protrusion of the protruding portion 38. It is like that.

  A state in which the switching member 51 configured as described above is moved in the horizontal direction and the position thereof is changed, so that one of the two protrusions 38 is selected to restrict the protrusion and the other protrudes. Can be held in. Thereby, it is possible to change the position where the movement of the second moving member 32 (guided portion 36) is restricted. In addition, by applying the same configuration to the protrusions 37 arranged on the first guide part 34, the protrusion and protrusion operation of the LED head 11 can be performed by changing the protruding positions of the protrusions 37 and 38. It is possible to select which one of the drawing and storing operations of the process unit 1 is prioritized first.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the protrusion part 38 is provided above the 2nd guide part 35, and it is comprised so that it may protrude below with dead weight. For this reason, a spring for urging the protruding portion 38 in the protruding direction is not necessary, and the cost can be reduced. Further, in this case, when the guided portion 36 gets over the protruding portion 38, the protruding portion 38 is pushed upward, so that the backlash in the vertical direction of the second moving member 32 during the pulling-out operation can be reduced.

  In still another embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the arm portion 13 b of the operation unit 13 is formed longer than the above embodiment, and the operation unit 13 is oriented vertically downward, with its lower end (gripping portion 13 a ) Is in contact with the installation surface B1. As a result, the operation unit 13 can support the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32 in the pulled-out state, preventing damage to the apparatus main body 100 and the moving members 31 and 32, and the image forming apparatus. The production cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, a protection member 52 is provided so as to cover the LED head 11 in conjunction with the detaching operation of the process unit 1 from the stacking portion 39. The protection member 52 is located between a protection position (a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 18) disposed so as to cover the LED head 11 and a retreat position (a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 18) retracted from the protection position. It is possible to move with. The protection member 52 is provided on the first moving member 31. Therefore, the second moving member 32 is provided on the protective member 52 so that the second moving member 32 can move without being obstructed by the protective member 52 when the LED head 11 approaches and separates from the photoreceptor 2. A hole (not shown) is formed through which is inserted.

  Further, the first moving member 31 is protected against a biasing force of the protective member pressing spring 53 and a protective member pressing spring 53 as a biasing member that biases the protective member 52 to move to the protected position. A stopper 57 for positioning the member 52 at a predetermined protective position, and a link member that holds the protective member 52 in the retracted position and releases the holding of the protective member 52 in the retracted position in conjunction with the removal operation of the process unit 1. 54 and a link member pressing spring 56 as an urging member that urges the link member 54 to abut against the process unit 1 are provided.

  The link member 54 is rotatably attached to the first moving member 31 via a support shaft 55. Of the both end portions of the link member 54 that rotates around the support shaft 55, the end portion on the stacking portion 39 side is provided with a contact portion 54 a that contacts the process unit 1 mounted on the stacking portion 39. It has been. On the other hand, a position holding portion 54b that contacts the protection member 52 and holds the protection member 52 in the retracted position is provided at the end of the link member 54 on the protection member 52 side.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in a state where the process unit 1 is mounted on the stacking unit 39, the lower surface of the process unit 1 contacts the contact unit 54 a of the link member 54, so that the contact unit 54 a is more than the stack unit 39. Is also held in a state of being pushed downward. Further, in this state, the position holding portion 54b of the link member 54 is arranged in contact with the protection member 52, and thus the protection member 52 is held at the retracted position.

  If the process unit 1 is removed from this state (after the LED head 11 is separated from the photosensitive member 2), the force for pressing the contact portion 54a of the link member 54 downward does not act. The link member pressing spring 56 is pushed upward by the urging force. Along with this, the link member 54 rotates to a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. As a result, the position holding of the protection member 52 by the position holding portion 54 b is released, the protection member 52 is moved to the protection position by the urging force of the protection member pressing spring 53, and the LED head 11 is covered by the protection member 52. It becomes a state. As described above, the protection member 52 is disposed so as to cover the LED head 11 in conjunction with the removal operation of the process unit 1, so that the LED head 11 can be more reliably prevented from being damaged when the process unit 1 is attached or detached. It becomes possible to do. In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to place the protection member 52 at the protection position.

  In the above-described embodiment, the process unit 1 can be easily attached and detached by pulling out the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32. In addition, as shown in FIG. One moving member 31 may be removed from the apparatus main body 100, and the second moving member 32 may be removable from the first moving member 31. With this configuration, the process unit 1 can be attached and detached while the first moving member 31 is detached and placed on a desk or the like. By attaching / detaching the process unit 1 in such a manner, it is possible to avoid the load accompanying the attaching / detaching operation from being applied to the support member 102 of the apparatus main body 100, and the support member 102 is hardly damaged. In addition, by removing the first moving member 31 and the second moving member 32, it becomes easy to perform the removal process of the paper jammed in the conveyance path R.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, it is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, Of course, a various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  The image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to a monochrome image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. The present invention provides an indirect transfer type color image forming apparatus that indirectly transfers images on a plurality of photoreceptors 2 to a sheet via an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer body), and images on a plurality of photoreceptors 2. The present invention can also be applied to a color image forming apparatus of a direct transfer system that directly transfers the image to a sheet conveyed by a conveyance belt (conveyance body). Further, the image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied includes a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes at least the following configuration.

[First configuration]
In the first configuration, a process unit having a latent image carrier, exposure means for exposing the latent image carrier, an apparatus main body having an opening through which the process unit can pass, and the process unit can be attached and detached. A stacking unit for stacking, a contact / separation unit for relatively contacting and separating the latent image carrier and the exposure unit, and a storage position where the process unit is stored at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body. And a moving means for moving the process unit from the storage position to the attachment / detachment position where the process unit is moved to the opening side of the apparatus main body, separating the latent image carrier and the exposure means, The process unit is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the stacking unit in a state where the stacking unit is moved to the mounting / demounting position, and the moving direction of the stacking unit and the mounting / detaching direction of the process unit are not limited. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that also the direction intersecting the axial direction of the latent image carrier.

  With such a configuration, it becomes easy to smoothly perform the moving operation of the stacking unit and the attaching / detaching operation of the process unit, and the operability is improved. Further, since it is not necessary to secure a space for moving the loading unit and a space for attaching / detaching the process unit in directions orthogonal to each other, space saving can be achieved.

[Second configuration]
According to a second configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the first configuration, the latent image carrier and the exposure unit are separated from each other, and the stacking unit is moved to the attachment / detachment position. An interval between the apparatus main body and the opening is configured to be larger than an outer dimension of the process unit.

  With this configuration, the process unit can be easily attached and detached from between the exposure unit and the opening of the apparatus main body.

[Third configuration]
According to a third configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the first configuration or the second configuration, the moving unit includes a first guide unit provided in the apparatus main body over a moving direction of the stacking unit, A first moving member having the stacking portion and moving along the first guide portion, wherein the contacting / separating means extends in the contacting / separating direction between the latent image carrier and the exposure means. A second guide portion provided on the first moving member, and a second moving member that holds the exposure unit and moves along the second guide portion.

  By comprising in this way, it is possible to move each moving member stably along each guide part.

[Fourth configuration]
According to a fourth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the third configuration, a moving direction in which the stacking portion of the first moving member is moved to the attachment / detachment position, and the latent image carrier of the second moving member. And the moving direction for separating the exposure means are set in the same direction, the moving direction for moving the stacking portion of the first moving member to the storage position, and the latent image carrying of the second moving member The moving direction in which the body and the exposure means are brought close to each other is set in the same direction.

  With this configuration, the drawing operation of the process unit and the separating operation of the latent image carrier and the exposure unit can be continuously performed in one direction, and the storing operation of the process unit and the latent image carrying can be performed. The proximity movement between the body and the exposure means can also be performed continuously in one direction. Thereby, operability is improved.

[Fifth Configuration]
According to a fifth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth configuration, the movement of the stacking portion of the first moving member to the attachment / detachment position, and the latent image carrier of the second moving member, Of the movements that move away from the exposure means, there are provided movement restriction means for restricting the other movement so that one movement is performed first.

[Sixth configuration]
According to a sixth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth configuration or the fifth configuration, the movement of the stacking portion of the first moving member to the storage position and the movement of the second moving member Of the movements for bringing the latent image carrier and the exposure means close to each other, there is provided movement restriction means for restricting the other movement so that one movement is performed first.

  By including the movement restricting member as described above, one of the movement of the first moving member and the movement of the second moving member is given priority over the other, in accordance with the use state of the image forming apparatus. It can be carried out.

[Seventh Configuration]
According to a seventh configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth configuration, the movement of the second moving member to separate the latent image carrier and the exposure unit is separated from the stacking portion of the first moving member. Is performed prior to the movement of moving to the attachment / detachment position.

  With this configuration, since the process unit is disposed at the attachment / detachment position after the latent image carrier and the exposure unit are separated from each other, the process is performed in a state where the separation between the latent image carrier and the exposure unit is incomplete. It is possible to prevent the exposure means from being damaged due to the attachment / detachment of the unit.

[Eighth configuration]
According to an eighth configuration, in the image forming apparatus of the fifth configuration, the movement of moving the stacking portion of the first moving member to the attachment / detachment position is performed with the latent image carrier of the second moving member. This is performed prior to the movement of separating the exposure means.

  By configuring in this way, it is possible to remove the paper jammed in the conveyance path without performing a separation operation between the latent image carrier and the exposure means. As a result, it is possible to improve the workability of paper jam processing that is generally more frequent than the replacement frequency of process units.

[Ninth Configuration]
According to a ninth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifth to eighth configurations, the movement restricting unit is a protrusion formed integrally with the first guide unit or the second guide unit. It is what.

  As described above, the movement restricting means is a protrusion integrally formed with the first guide part or the second guide part, so that the number of parts is reduced, and thus the cost can be reduced.

[Tenth configuration]
According to a tenth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifth to eighth configurations, the movement restricting unit is configured by a friction member capable of contacting the first moving member or the second moving member. Is.

  As described above, the movement restricting member is a friction member, so that the friction coefficient of the friction member is changed, or the arrangement of the friction members is changed, so that the movement order of the first moving member and the second moving member is changed. Can be changed. In this case, since the shape of the first guide part or the second guide part is not changed, it is only necessary to change the friction coefficient and the arrangement of the friction members, thereby increasing the cost of selecting the movement order of each moving member. It is feasible without.

[Eleventh configuration]
In an eleventh configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifth to eighth configurations, an adsorption force is generated between the movement restricting unit and the first moving member or the second moving member. A magnet or a magnetic material is used.

  Thus, since the movement restricting means is made of a magnet or a magnetic material, there is no possibility of deterioration due to wear, so that the function can be maintained for a long time.

[Twelfth configuration]
In a twelfth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifth to eighth configurations, the movement restricting unit is a protrusion provided in the first guide portion or the second guide portion. The protruding portion is configured to be detachable from the first guide portion or the second guide portion.

  In this way, by configuring the protrusion so as to be detachable, even if the protrusion is worn or damaged, it can be easily replaced with a new protrusion.

[13th Configuration]
In a thirteenth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth configuration or the twelfth configuration, the protrusion is configured to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the guide surface of the first guide portion or the second guide portion. Then, the protrusion is urged so as to protrude by the urging member.

  By configuring in this way, when the first moving member or the second moving member gets over the protruding portion, the protruding portion sinks, and thus the backlash of the first moving member or the second moving member is reduced. Can do.

[14th Configuration]
In a fourteenth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth configuration or the twelfth configuration, the protruding portion protrudes from the guide surface of the first guide portion or the second guide portion by its own weight. It is a thing.

  In this case, an urging member that urges the protruding portion in the protruding direction is not necessary.

[Fifteenth configuration]
In a fifteenth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifth to fourteenth configurations, the movement restricting unit causes the movement of the first moving member or the movement of the second moving member. It is configured to be selectable whether to regulate.

  With this configuration, it is possible to select a configuration suitable for the usage status of the image forming apparatus.

[Sixteenth configuration]
According to a sixteenth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the movement restricting unit is a protrusion provided in the first guide portion or the second guide portion, and The arrangement of the protrusions with respect to the guide part or the second guide part can be changed.

  In this case, the movement of the first moving member and the movement of the second moving member can be selected by changing the arrangement of the protrusions.

[17th Configuration]
According to a seventeenth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the movement restricting means includes a plurality of protrusions provided on the first guide portion or the second guide portion, The projections are configured so that they can protrude and retract with respect to one guide portion or the second guide portion, and a part of these projections is selected and protruded, and the other is held so as not to protrude. A member is provided.

  In this case, it is possible to select which one of the movement of the first moving member and the movement of the second moving member is restricted by selecting the protruding portion that is projected by the switching member.

[18th Configuration]
According to an eighteenth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to seventeenth configurations, the guided portion of the first moving member that is movable along the first guide portion, and the second The guided portion of the second moving member movable along the guide portion is arranged on the same plane in the horizontal direction.

  By comprising in this way, the vertical dimension of an apparatus main body can be made small.

[19th Configuration]
According to a nineteenth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to eighteenth configurations, the guided portion of the first moving member movable along the first guide portion, and the second The guided portion of the second moving member that is movable along the guide portion is a rotating body that can rotate and move on the first guide portion or the second guide portion.

  In this way, by using the guided portion as a rotating body, the first moving member or the second moving member can be moved more smoothly.

[20th Configuration]
According to a twentieth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to nineteenth configurations, the guided portion of the first moving member movable along the first guide portion, and the second The guided portion of the second moving member that is movable along the guide portion is constituted by a low friction treatment or a low friction member.

  As a result, the first moving member or the second moving member can be moved more smoothly.

[21st configuration]
In a twenty-first configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to twentieth configurations, the first moving member or the second moving member is formed of a conductive material, and also serves as an electrical contact with an electrical component. It is comprised as follows.

  As described above, since the first moving member or the second moving member also serves as an electrical contact, it is not necessary to separately provide a member that serves as an electrical contact, so that the cost can be reduced.

[Twenty-second configuration]
According to a twenty-second configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-first configurations, a restriction wall is provided for restricting movement of the process unit with respect to the stacking unit when the stacking unit moves. is there.

  By providing such a restriction wall, it is possible to prevent the process unit from being displaced or dropped due to the movement of the loading unit.

[23rd Configuration]
According to a twenty-third configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-second configuration, the restriction wall is arranged in the axial direction of the latent image carrier.

  With this configuration, the movement of the process unit can be sufficiently restricted by the restriction wall.

[24th Configuration]
In a twenty-fourth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-third configurations, a lock unit that locks removal of the process unit from the stacking unit, and the latent image carrier and the exposure unit are separated from each other. In this state, a lock release means for releasing the lock by the lock means is provided.

  By providing such locking means and unlocking means, the process unit can be removed only when the latent image carrier and the exposure means are separated. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the exposure unit due to the attachment and detachment of the process unit in a state where the separation between the latent image carrier and the exposure unit is incomplete.

[25th Configuration]
According to a twenty-fifth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-fourth configuration, the locking unit includes a lock member that is movable to a position where the removal of the process unit is locked and a position where the lock is released, and the lock An urging member that urges the member to a position to lock the member, and when the contact / separation unit separates the latent image carrier from the exposure unit, It functions as a lock release means for moving to the position where the lock is released.

  With such a configuration, by bringing the latent image carrier and the exposure unit into a separated state by the contact / separation unit, the locked state is released and the process unit can be detached.

[26th Configuration]
According to a twenty-sixth configuration, in the image forming apparatus having the third configuration, the first moving member is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

  In this way, by configuring the first moving member to be detachable, the process unit can be attached and detached with the first moving member removed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the apparatus main body and the first moving member from being damaged by a load applied when the process unit is attached or detached. Further, since the strength of the apparatus main body necessary for supporting the first moving member can be reduced, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[Twenty-seventh configuration]
According to a twenty-seventh configuration, in the image forming apparatus of the third configuration, the first moving member is configured to be pivotable downward in a state where the first moving member is pulled out from the apparatus main body. The two moving members are configured to be able to contact the installation surface of the apparatus main body.

  By comprising in this way, since the installation surface can receive the load of the 1st moving member and the 2nd moving member in the withdrawn state, these can be supported more firmly. . Thereby, it is possible to prevent the apparatus main body and each moving member from being damaged by a load applied when the process unit is attached or detached. Further, the strength of the apparatus main body necessary for support can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[Twenty-eighth configuration]
According to a twenty-eighth configuration, in the image forming apparatus having the third configuration, the second moving member is provided with an extension portion that extends downward and can contact the installation surface of the apparatus main body.

  In this case, it is possible to support the first moving member and the second moving member in a state where the extension portion is in contact with the installation surface. As a result, similarly to the above, it is possible to prevent damage to the apparatus main body and each moving member, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus.

[29th configuration]
According to a twenty-ninth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the third configuration, an operation unit for moving the first moving member and the second moving member is provided, and the operation unit is installed in the apparatus main body. It is configured to be able to contact the surface.

  In this case, it is possible to support the first moving member and the second moving member in a state where the operation unit is in contact with the installation surface. As a result, similarly to the above, it is possible to prevent damage to the apparatus main body and each moving member, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus.

[Thirty Configuration]
According to a thirtieth configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to 29th configurations, a protection member that is movable between a protection position that covers the exposure unit and a retracted position that is retracted from the protection position is provided. Is.

  By covering the exposure means with such a protective member, it is possible to more reliably prevent damage to the exposure means when the process unit is attached or detached.

[31st configuration]
The thirty-first configuration is such that, in the image forming apparatus of the thirtieth configuration, the protection member is moved to the protection position in conjunction with the removal operation of the process unit from the stacking portion. is there.

  By configuring in this way, when the process unit is removed, the protective member is automatically placed so as to cover the exposure means, so it is excellent in operability and prevents the protective member from being forgotten to be placed in the protective position. it can.

[Thirty-second configuration]
In a thirty-second configuration, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirty-first configuration, an urging unit that urges the protection member to the protection position, an operation of removing the process unit while holding the protection member at the retracted position And a link member for releasing the holding of the protective member at the retracted position in conjunction with the link.

  With this configuration, by removing the process unit, the holding of the protection member at the retracted position of the link member is released, and the protection member can be moved to the protection position by the biasing force.

1 process unit 2 photoconductor (latent image carrier)
11 LED head (exposure means)
31 1st moving member (moving means)
32 Second moving member (contact / separation means)
33 Guided portion 34 First guide portion (moving means)
35 Second guide (contact / separation means)
36 Guided part (lock release means)
37 Protrusion (movement restriction means)
38 Protrusion (movement restriction means)
39 Loading part 45 Locking means 52 Protection member

JP 2012-73297 A

Claims (10)

A process unit having a latent image carrier;
Exposure means for exposing the latent image carrier;
An apparatus body having an opening through which the process unit can pass;
A loading section for detachably loading the process unit;
Contact / separation means for relatively contacting and separating the latent image carrier and the exposure means;
Between the storage position where the process unit is stored at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body and the attachment / detachment position where the process unit is moved from the storage position to the opening side of the apparatus main body, Moving means for moving,
The process unit is configured to be detachable from the stacking unit in a state where the latent image carrier and the exposure unit are separated and the stacking unit is moved to the mounting / dismounting position.
2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein both the moving direction of the stacking unit and the attaching / detaching direction of the process unit intersect with the axial direction of the latent image carrier.   In a state where the latent image carrier and the exposure unit are separated from each other and the stacking unit is moved to the attachment / detachment position, an interval between the exposure unit and the opening of the apparatus main body is larger than an outer dimension of the process unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be larger. The moving means includes a first guide portion provided in the apparatus main body over the moving direction of the stacking portion, and a first moving member having the stacking portion and moving along the first guide portion. And
The contact / separation means holds the exposure means and a second guide portion provided on the first moving member over the contact / separation direction of the latent image carrier and the exposure means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second moving member that moves along the guide portion. The moving direction for moving the stacking portion of the first moving member to the attaching / detaching position and the moving direction for separating the latent image carrier of the second moving member and the exposure means are set in the same direction. ,
The moving direction for moving the stacking portion of the first moving member to the storage position and the moving direction for bringing the latent image carrier and the exposure unit of the second moving member in proximity are set in the same direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.   One of the movement of moving the stacking portion of the first moving member to the attachment / detachment position and the movement of separating the latent image carrier and the exposure unit of the second moving member first. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a movement restricting unit that restricts the other movement to be performed.   One of the movement of moving the stacking portion of the first moving member to the storage position and the movement of bringing the latent image carrier and the exposure unit of the second moving member close to each other is performed first. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a movement restricting unit that restricts the other movement so as to be performed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the movement restricting unit is configured to be able to select whether movement of the first moving member or movement of the second moving member is restricted. Locking means for locking the removal of the process unit with respect to the loading section;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a lock release unit that releases the lock by the lock unit in a state where the latent image carrier and the exposure unit are separated from each other.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a protection member that is movable between a protection position that covers the exposure unit and a retracted position that is retracted from the protection position.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the protection member is configured to move to the protection position in conjunction with an operation of removing the process unit from the stacking unit.