JP2017116852A - Image forming apparatus and drawer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a drawer, capable of allowing the attachment of a developing cartridge having a first specification and inhibiting the attachment of a developing cartridge having a second specification.SOLUTION: A drawer 30 is movable between an attachment position and a pull-out position with respect to the image forming apparatus. The drawer 30 includes a cleaning member 31K movable in an axial direction with respect to a photoreceptor drum 8K. The cleaning member 31K includes a first projection 32. When a developing cartridge 4Y having a specification different from that of the drawer 30 is attached to the drawer 30, the first projection 32 of the cleaning member 31K comes into contact with the developing cartridge 4Y. Thus, the developing cartridge 4Y is not attached to the drawer 30. When the developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to the drawer 30 is attached to the drawer 30, the first projection 32 of the cleaning member 31K is located in the first recess 51 of the developing cartridge. Thus, the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a drawer.

  Conventionally, a drawer that is movable with respect to an image forming apparatus main body is known. A plurality of developing cartridges can be attached to the drawer.

  For example, the drawer is a photoconductor unit including a plurality of photoconductors. A plurality of developing cartridges can be attached to and detached from the photosensitive unit. One developing cartridge corresponds to one photoconductor (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP2011-59510A

  In the photoconductor unit described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where the specifications of a mountable developing cartridge are defined. In this case, for example, the first specification developing cartridge can be attached to the first specification photosensitive unit, while the second specification developing cartridge can be attached to the first specification photosensitive unit. It is desirable that it cannot be installed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a developing cartridge having the first specification can be attached to a drawer having the first specification, and a developing cartridge having the second specification cannot be attached. And to provide a drawer.

(1) An image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a drawer movable between a mounting position mounted on the image forming apparatus and a pulling position pulled out with respect to the image forming apparatus. . The drawer is a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in the axial direction, and is movable in the axial direction with respect to the plurality of photosensitive drums and at least one photosensitive drum of the plurality of photosensitive drums. A movable member having a first protrusion. When a developing cartridge having a different specification from the drawer is attached to the drawer, the first protrusion comes into contact with a developing cartridge having a different specification, and the developing cartridge having a different specification is not attached to the drawer. When a developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to a drawer and having a first recess is mounted on the drawer, the first protrusion is positioned in the first recess, and the developing corresponding to the specific specification The cartridge is installed in the drawer.

  According to such a configuration, the developing cartridge having a specification different from that of the drawer is not attached to the drawer due to contact with the first protrusion of the movable member.

  On the other hand, the developing cartridge having a specification corresponding to the drawer is mounted on the drawer when the first protrusion of the movable member is positioned in the first recess.

As a result, a developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to the drawer can be reliably attached to the drawer while avoiding that the developing cartridge having a specification different from the drawer is attached to the drawer.
(2) The movable member may be movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position in the axial direction. In this case, when the movable member is located at the first position, the corresponding specific developing cartridge is mounted on the drawer, and when the movable member is located at the second position, the first protrusion corresponds to the specific specification. The developing cartridge of a specific specification corresponding to the developing cartridge may not be attached to the drawer.
(3) The drawer may have a charging wire extending in the axial direction. The movable member may be a cleaning member that cleans the charging wire.
(4) The movable member may further include a grip portion that can move together with the cleaning member. The grip portion may have a first protrusion.
(5) The cleaning member may be separated from the charging wire when positioned at the first position, and may contact the charging wire when positioned at the second position.
(6) A corresponding developing cartridge having a specific specification further includes a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the axial direction, a casing capable of containing the developer, and one end of the casing in the axial direction. And a second protrusion extending in the axial direction. The drawer may have a second recess. When a developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to the drawer is mounted, the second protrusion may be located in the second recess, and the developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to the drawer may be mounted on the drawer.
(7) The developing roller may include a developing roller shaft extending along the second axis. The corresponding developing cartridge of a specific specification is a developing roller gear that can rotate together with the developing roller shaft, a developing roller gear attached to the developing roller shaft, and a coupling gear that meshes with the developing roller gear, and receives a driving force. And a gear cover that covers at least a part of the coupling gear and that is positioned at one end of the housing. The gear cover may have a second protrusion.
(8) A drawer according to the present invention is a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in an axial direction, and the plurality of photosensitive drums and at least one photosensitive drum of the plurality of photosensitive drums. A movable member that moves in the axial direction and has a first protrusion. The drawer according to the present invention is a developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to a first developing cartridge in which the first protrusion is in contact with the first developing cartridge and a developing cartridge having a different specification is not attached. When the developing cartridge having the first recess is mounted, the first protrusion is positioned in the first recess, and the corresponding developing cartridge having a specific specification is mounted.

  In the image forming apparatus and the drawer according to the present invention, the developing cartridge having the first specification can be attached to the drawer having the first specification, and the developing cartridge having the second specification cannot be attached.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a drawer having a first specification. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the drawer shown in FIG. 2 and is a cross-sectional view passing through a groove of the first side plate. FIG. 3B is a central sectional view of the drawer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the cleaning member shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the first charger shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the developing cartridge of the first specification, as seen from one side in the axial direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a drawer having a second specification. FIG. 8 is a central sectional view of the drawer shown in FIG. FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of the movable member shown in FIG. 7 and shows the movable member located at the first position. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the movable member shown in FIG. 7 and shows the movable member located at the second position. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the first charger shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the developing cartridge of the second specification, as seen from one side in the axial direction. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the developing cartridge of the second specification, as seen from one side in the pulling direction. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge of the second specification to the drawer of the second specification, and shows a state where the first protrusion is located in the first recess. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge of the second specification to the drawer of the second specification, and shows a state where the second protrusion is located in the second recess. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge of the first specification to the drawer of the second specification, and shows a state in which the first protrusion is in contact with the developing cartridge of the first specification. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge of the second specification to the drawer of the first specification, and shows a state in which the second protrusion is in contact with the drawer of the second specification.

1. Outline of Image Forming Apparatus 1 An outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a drawer 3 and a plurality of developing cartridges. Specifically, the plurality of developing cartridges are a developing cartridge 4K, a developing cartridge 4Y, a developing cartridge 4M, and a developing cartridge 4C.

1.1 Drawer 3
The drawer 3 has a specific specification, specifically, a first specification. The drawer 3 is a drawer to which a developing cartridge having the first specification can be attached. The drawer 3 is a drawer to which the developing cartridge 4K, the developing cartridge 4Y, the developing cartridge 4M, and the developing cartridge 4C can be attached. The development cartridge 4K, the development cartridge 4Y, the development cartridge 4M, and the development cartridge 4C are development cartridges having a specific specification corresponding to the drawer 3, that is, a first specification.

  The drawer 3 is movable in the pull-out direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the drawer 3 is movable with respect to the image forming apparatus 1 between a mounting position and a drawing position. The mounting position is a position where the drawer 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. The fact that the drawer 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 means that the drawer 3 is accommodated in the image forming apparatus 1. The drawing position is a position where the drawer 3 is drawn from the image forming apparatus 1. The drawer 3 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus 1. The drawer 3 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus 1, and the developing cartridge 4 K, the developing cartridge 4 Y, the developing cartridge 4 M, and the developing cartridge 4 C are respectively drawn from the drawer 3. It is possible to attach and detach. The drawer 3 includes a plurality of photosensitive drums. Specifically, the plurality of photosensitive drums are a photosensitive drum 8K, a photosensitive drum 8Y, a photosensitive drum 8M, and a photosensitive drum 8C.

  The photoconductor drum 8K, the photoconductor drum 8Y, the photoconductor drum 8M, and the photoconductor drum 8C are arranged in the drawing direction. The photosensitive drum 8K, the photosensitive drum 8Y, the photosensitive drum 8M, and the photosensitive drum 8C are spaced apart from each other in the drawing direction. The photosensitive drum 8K, the photosensitive drum 8Y, the photosensitive drum 8M, and the photosensitive drum 8C have the same structure. The photosensitive drum 8K is rotatable about a first drum axis A1 extending in the axial direction. The photoconductor drum 8Y can rotate about a second drum axis A2 extending in the axial direction. The photosensitive drum 8M is rotatable about a third drum axis A3 extending in the axial direction. The photosensitive drum 8C is rotatable about a fourth drum axis A4 extending in the axial direction. The first drum axis A1, the second drum axis A2, the third drum axis A3, and the fourth drum axis A4 are examples of the first axis, respectively.

1.2 Developing Cartridge The developing cartridge 4K, the developing cartridge 4Y, the developing cartridge 4M, and the developing cartridge 4C are arranged in the drawing direction. The developing cartridge 4K, the developing cartridge 4Y, the developing cartridge 4M, and the developing cartridge 4C are spaced apart from each other in the drawing direction. The developing cartridge 4K, the developing cartridge 4Y, the developing cartridge 4M, and the developing cartridge 4C have the same structure except that the color of the developer stored is different. The developer is, for example, a powdery toner. The developing cartridge 4K contains a black developer. The developing cartridge 4Y contains a yellow developer. The developing cartridge 4M contains a magenta developer. The developing cartridge 4C contains a cyan developer. The developing cartridge 4K is located on the opposite side of the conveyance belt 5 described later with respect to the photosensitive drum 8K. The developing cartridge 4Y is positioned on the opposite side of the conveyance belt 5 described later with respect to the photosensitive drum 8Y. The developing cartridge 4M is located on the opposite side of the conveyance belt 5 described later with respect to the photosensitive drum 8M. The developing cartridge 4C is located on the opposite side of the conveyance belt 5 described later with respect to the photosensitive drum 8C. The developing cartridge 4K is a developing cartridge for supplying a black developer to the photosensitive drum 8K. The developing cartridge 4Y is a developing cartridge for supplying a yellow developer to the photosensitive drum 8Y. The developing cartridge 4M is a developing cartridge for supplying a magenta developer to the photosensitive drum 8M. The developing cartridge 4C is a developing cartridge for supplying a cyan developer to the photosensitive drum 8C.

1.3 Conveying belt 5, exposure device 6 and fixing device 7
The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a conveyance belt 5, an exposure device 6, and a fixing device 7.

1.3.1 Conveyor belt 5
The conveyor belt 5 is located inside the apparatus main body 2. The transport belt 5 is configured to transport the paper P from one side to the other in the pull-out direction.

1.3.2 Exposure apparatus 6
The exposure apparatus 6 is located inside the apparatus main body 2. The exposure device 6 is positioned on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 5 with respect to the drawer 3 positioned at the mounting position. The exposure device 6 is located at a distance from the transport belt 5. The exposure device 6 exposes a photosensitive drum 8 described later.

1.3.3 Fixing device 7
The fixing device 7 is located inside the apparatus main body 2. The fixing device 7 is located on the downstream side of the transport belt 5 in the transport direction of the paper P by the transport belt 5. The fixing device 7 heat-fixes the developer image transferred onto the paper P onto the paper P.

2. Drawer 3 of the first specification
The drawer 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drawer 3 includes a first side plate 11, a second side plate 12, a plurality of chargers, and a plurality of cleaning members.

2.1 First side plate 11 and second side plate 12
The first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are located at an interval in the axial direction. The photosensitive drum 8K, the photosensitive drum 8Y, the photosensitive drum 8M, and the photosensitive drum 8C described above are positioned between the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 in the axial direction. The first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 each extend in the pull-out direction. The first side plate 11 has an inner surface that faces the second side plate 12 in the axial direction. Further, the first side plate 11 has an outer surface that faces the opposite side of the second side plate 12 in the axial direction. The first side plate 11 has a plurality of grooves. The plurality of grooves are a groove 14K, a groove 14Y, a groove 14M, and a groove 14C.

2.1.1 Groove The groove 14K, the groove 14Y, the groove 14M, and the groove 14C are arranged at intervals in the drawing direction. Each of the groove 14 </ b> K, the groove 14 </ b> Y, the groove 14 </ b> M, and the groove 14 </ b> C is located on the inner surface of the first side plate 11. Specifically, each of the groove 14K, the groove 14Y, the groove 14M, and the groove 14C is recessed from the inner surface of the first side plate 11 toward the outer surface in the axial direction. The groove 14K is a groove for guiding the developing roller 22 of the developing cartridge 4K to a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 8K. The groove 14Y is a groove for guiding the developing roller 22 of the developing cartridge 4Y to a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 8Y. The groove 14M is a groove for guiding the developing roller 22 of the developing cartridge 4M to a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 8M. The groove 14C is a groove for guiding the developing roller 22 of the developing cartridge 4C to a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 8C. The groove 14K, the groove 14Y, the groove 14M, and the groove 14C have the same structure. In the following description, the groove 14K will be described in detail, and the description of the groove 14Y, the groove 14M, and the groove 14C will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the groove 14K extends in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4K is inserted into the drawer 3. The insertion direction is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction and intersecting the pulling direction. The groove 14K has, in the insertion direction, one end located near the photosensitive drum 8K and the other end located farther from the photosensitive drum 8K than the one end. The groove 14K has a first surface S1, a second surface S2, and a through hole 15 (see FIG. 2).

  The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are the inner surfaces of the groove 14K in the drawing direction, respectively. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are spaced from each other in the drawing direction. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 face each other in the pulling direction. The first surface S1 is located on the opposite side of the groove 14Y with respect to the second surface S2 in the pull-out direction. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 extend between one end and the other end of the groove 14K, respectively. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are inclined toward the photosensitive drum 8K as they go from the other end of the groove 14K to the one end. When the developing cartridge 4K is mounted on the drawer 3, a coupling collar 24A described later is positioned between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the through hole 15 is located between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 in the pulling direction. The through hole 15 penetrates the first side plate 11 in the axial direction. When the developing cartridge 4K is mounted on the drawer 3, a coupling portion 28 of the coupling gear 26 described later is exposed from the through hole 15. Accordingly, a drive input unit of the image forming apparatus 1 described later can be engaged with the coupling unit 28 from the outside of the first side plate 11 through the through hole 15.

2.2 Charger 13
As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of chargers are a charger 13K, a charger 13Y, a charger 13M, and a charger 13C. The charger 13K, the charger 13Y, the charger 13M, and the charger 13C are arranged at intervals in the pull-out direction. The charger 13K is a charger for charging the photosensitive drum 8K. The charger 13Y is a charger for charging the photosensitive drum 8Y. The charger 13M is a charger for charging the photosensitive drum 8M. The charger 13C is a charger for charging the photosensitive drum 8C. The charger 13K, the charger 13Y, the charger 13M, and the charger 13C have the same structure. In the following description, the charger 13K will be described in detail, and the description of the charger 13Y, the charger 13M, and the charger 13C will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the charger 13K is located between the groove 14K and the groove 14Y in the pull-out direction. The charger 13K is located between the photosensitive drum 8K and the groove 14Y. The charger 13K is a scorotron charger. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the charger 13 </ b> K includes a charging wire 16 and a frame 19.

2.2.1 Charging wire 16
The charging wire 16 extends in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the charging wire 16 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 8K in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 8K. The charging wire 16 is located in the frame 19.

2.2.2 Frame 19
The frame 19 supports the charging wire 16. The frame 19 extends in the axial direction. The frame 19 has an opening 19A. The opening 19A is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 8K with respect to the charging wire 16. The opening 19 </ b> A penetrates the frame 19. The opening 19A extends in the axial direction.

2.3 Cleaning Member As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of cleaning members are a cleaning member 17K, a cleaning member 17Y, a cleaning member 17M, and a cleaning member 17C. The cleaning member 17K is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K. The cleaning member 17Y is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13Y. The cleaning member 17M is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13M. The cleaning member 17C is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13C (see FIG. 1). The charger 13K, the charger 13Y, the charger 13M, and the charger 13C have the same structure. In the following description, the charger 13K will be described in detail, and the description of the charger 13Y, the charger 13M, and the charger 13C will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cleaning member 17K is attached to the charger 13K. The cleaning member 17 </ b> K includes a grip portion 18 and a wiper 20.

  The grip part 18 is a part for the user to touch with the finger when operating the cleaning member 17K. The grip 18 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 8K with respect to the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K. The grip part 18 has a plate shape extending in the axial direction. The grip portion 18 is attached to the frame 19 so as to be movable in the axial direction. Further, the gripping portion 18 is movable in the axial direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 8K. The grip 18 has a plurality of, specifically seven ribs 18A, and a clip 18B.

  The seven ribs 18A are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. Each of the seven ribs 18A protrudes away from the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K. Of the seven ribs 18A, the two ribs 18A located at both ends in the axial direction protrude from the other ribs 18A. Each of the seven ribs 18A extends in the pull-out direction. The seven ribs 18A function as a slip stopper when the user operates the cleaning member 17K.

  The clip 18B protrudes toward the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K. The clip 18B is positioned in the frame 19 through the opening 19A. The clip 18B sandwiches the wiper 20.

  The wiper 20 is located inside the frame 19. The wiper 20 is made of a material such as urethane sponge, for example. The wiper 20 is sandwiched between the clips 18B in a folded state. As a result, the wiper 20 can move in the axial direction together with the grip portion 18. The charging wire 16 of the charger 13K is located between the wiper 20 folded in half. The wiper 20 contacts the surface of the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K. Thereby, the wiper 20 can wipe the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K with the movement of the grip portion 18 in the axial direction.

3. First Specification Developer Cartridge With reference to FIG. 6, a first specification developer cartridge will be described.

  The developing cartridge 4K, the developing cartridge 4Y, the developing cartridge 4M, and the developing cartridge 4C have the same structure except that the color of the developer stored is different. In the following description, the developing cartridge 4Y will be described in detail, and the description of the developing cartridge 4K, the developing cartridge 4M, and the developing cartridge 4C will be omitted.

  The developing cartridge 4Y includes a housing 21, a developing roller 22, a gear train 23, and a gear cover 24.

3.1 Case 21
The casing 21 is configured to accommodate a developer. The casing 21 has a hollow rectangular tube shape. The casing 21 extends in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 3B, the housing 21 has a first outer surface 21A and a second outer surface 21B that is located at a distance from the first outer surface 21A. An agitator 29 is provided in the housing 21. The agitator 29 is located between the first outer surface 21A and the second outer surface 21B. The agitator 29 is rotatable about a third axis A30 extending in the axial direction. The agitator 29 includes blades 29A and an agitator shaft 29B. The agitator shaft 29B extends along the third axis A30. The blades 29A extend from the agitator shaft 29B toward the radially outer side of the agitator shaft 29B. The agitator 29 can stir the toner in the casing 21 by the blades 29 </ b> A rotating in the casing 21.

3.2 Developing roller 22
As shown in FIG. 6, the developing roller 22 is located at one end of the housing 21. The developing roller 22 extends in the axial direction. The developing roller 22 has a cylindrical shape. A part of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 22 is exposed to the outside of the housing 21. The developing roller 22 includes a developing roller shaft 22A.

  The developing roller shaft 22 </ b> A is located at the center of the developing roller 22 in the radial direction of the developing roller 22. The developing roller shaft 22A extends in the axial direction. The developing roller shaft 22A has a cylindrical shape. The developing roller shaft 22A is made of metal. The developing roller shaft 22A is rotatably supported by the housing 21. Thereby, the developing roller 22 is rotatable about the second axis A20 extending in the axial direction.

3.3 Gear train 23
The gear train 23 is located on the outer surface on one side of the housing 21 in the axial direction. The gear train 23 is positioned between the housing 21 and the first side plate 11 in the axial direction when the developing cartridge 4Y is mounted on the drawer 3. The gear train 23 includes a developing roller gear 25 and a coupling gear 26.

3.3.1 Developing roller gear 25
The developing roller gear 25 is attached to one end portion of the developing roller shaft 22A in the axial direction. Thereby, the developing roller gear 25 is located on the outer surface on one side of the housing 21 in the axial direction. The developing roller shaft 22A passes through the developing roller gear 25 in the axial direction. The developing roller gear 25 can rotate together with the developing roller shaft 22A. The developing roller gear 25 has a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided on the peripheral surface of the developing roller gear 25.

3.3.2 Coupling gear 26
The coupling gear 26 is located between the developing roller shaft 22A and the agitator shaft 29B. The coupling gear 26 is located on the outer surface on one side of the housing 21 in the axial direction. The coupling gear 26 is rotatably attached to the outer surface of the housing 21. The coupling gear 26 extends in the axial direction. The coupling gear 26 has a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided on the peripheral surface of the coupling gear 26. The coupling gear 26 meshes with the developing roller gear 25. The coupling gear 26 has a coupling portion 28.

  The coupling unit 28 is configured so that the developing cartridge 4 </ b> Y receives a driving force from the driving input unit of the image forming apparatus 1. The coupling portion 28 is located at one end of the coupling gear 26 in the axial direction. The coupling portion 28 has a recess 28A and two engagement portions 28B. The recess 28A is recessed from the one end of the coupling portion 28 toward the housing 21 in the axial direction. The two engaging portions 28B are located in the recess 28A. The two engaging portions 28B are located at a distance from each other in the radial direction of the coupling portion 28. When the image forming apparatus 1 includes a drive input unit that inputs driving to the coupling unit 28, the two engaging units 28 </ b> B can be engaged with the drive input unit of the image forming apparatus 1. The two engaging portions 28 </ b> B can receive a driving force from the driving input portion of the image forming apparatus 1 by engaging with the driving input portion of the image forming apparatus 1. When the two engaging portions 28B are engaged with the drive input portion of the image forming apparatus 1 and receive a driving force, the coupling gear 26 rotates.

3.4 Gear cover 24
The gear cover 24 covers the gear train 23. The gear cover 24 is located on the outer surface on one side of the housing 21 in the axial direction. The gear cover 24 is attached to the outer surface on one side of the housing 21. The gear cover 24 has a coupling collar 24A.

  The coupling collar 24A extends in the axial direction. A coupling portion 28 is rotatably fitted to the coupling collar 24A. That is, the gear cover 24 covers at least a part of the coupling gear 26. The coupling collar 24A exposes the coupling portion 28 when viewed in the axial direction. Accordingly, the drive input unit of the image forming apparatus 1 can be engaged with the coupling unit 28.

4). Mounting of Developing Cartridge 4Y to Drawer 3 Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, mounting of the developing cartridge to the drawer 3 will be described by taking the developing cartridge 4Y as an example.

  The developing cartridge 4Y and the drawer 3 have the first specification. Therefore, the developing cartridge 4Y is properly attached to the drawer 3. The state in which the developing cartridge 4Y is properly attached to the drawer 3 refers to a state in which the developing roller 22 is in proper contact with the photosensitive drum 8Y. On the other hand, the state in which the developing cartridge 4Y is not properly attached to the drawer 3 refers to a state in which the developing cartridge 4Y is inserted into the drawer 3 in a posture where the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 8Y are not in proper contact. .

  As shown in FIGS. 3B and 5, when the developing cartridge 4Y is properly attached to the drawer 3, the developing cartridge 4Y is in contact with the drawer 3 in a state where the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 8Y are properly in contact with each other. Is positioned.

  In a state in which the developing cartridge 4Y is positioned with respect to the drawer 3, the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 4Y faces the frame 19 of the charger 13K with a space therebetween. Further, the grip 18 of the cleaning member 17K is located between the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 4Y and the frame 19 of the charger 13K. The seven ribs 18A of the cleaning member 17K are spaced from the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 4Y. That is, when the developing cartridge 4Y is properly mounted on the drawer 3, the developing cartridge 4Y is positioned with respect to the drawer 3 so that the first outer surface 21A is spaced from the seven ribs 18A of the cleaning member 17K. The Accordingly, the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 4Y does not contact the cleaning member 17K, and the developing cartridge 4Y is not prevented from being attached to the drawer 3 by the cleaning member 17K.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the coupling portion 28 is positioned between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the groove 14Y in a state where the developing cartridge 4Y is positioned with respect to the drawer 3. The coupling portion 28 is spaced from the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. That is, the coupling portion 28 does not contact the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the groove 14Y, and the developing cartridge 4Y is not prevented from being attached to the drawer 3 by the groove 14Y.

5. Second specification drawer 30
The drawer 30 having the second specification will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The drawer 30 has a specific specification different from the first specification, specifically, a second specification. The drawer 30 is a drawer to which a developing cartridge 40K, a developing cartridge 40Y, a developing cartridge 40M, and a developing cartridge 40C described later can be attached. The development cartridge 40K, the development cartridge 40Y, the development cartridge 40M, and the development cartridge 40C are development cartridges having a specific specification corresponding to the drawer 30, that is, the second specification.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the drawer 30 includes a cleaning member as an example of a plurality of movable members. The plurality of cleaning members are a cleaning member 31K, a cleaning member 31Y, a cleaning member 31M, and a cleaning member 31C. The cleaning member 31K is movable in the axial direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 8K. The cleaning member 31K is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K. The cleaning member 31Y is movable in the axial direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 8Y. The cleaning member 31Y is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13Y. The cleaning member 31M is movable in the axial direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 8M. The cleaning member 31M is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13M. The cleaning member 31C is movable in the axial direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 8C. The cleaning member 31C is a cleaning member for cleaning the charging wire 16 of the charger 13C. The cleaning member 31K, the cleaning member 31Y, the cleaning member 31M, and the cleaning member 31C have the same structure. In the following description, the cleaning member 31K will be described in detail, and the description of the cleaning member 31Y, the cleaning member 31M, and the cleaning member 31C will be omitted.

  The drawer 30 has a second recess 33. The drawer 30 has the same structure as the drawer 3 except that it has a cleaning member 31K, a cleaning member 31Y, a cleaning member 31M, a cleaning member 31C, and a second recess 33.

5.1 Cleaning member 31K
As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning member 31 </ b> K is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position in the axial direction. The first position is a position where the cleaning member 31K is closest to the first side plate 11 as shown by a solid line in FIG. The second position is a position where the cleaning member 31K has moved from the first position in a direction approaching the second side plate 12. Specifically, the second position is a position where the cleaning member 31K is located at the center of the drawer 30 in the axial direction, for example, as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. The cleaning member 31K includes the grip portion 18 and the wiper 20 similarly to the cleaning member 17K. The grip part 18 has one end part and the other end part located farther from the first side plate 11 than the one end part in the axial direction.

  9A and 9B, in the drawer 30, when the cleaning member 31K is located at the first position, the clip 18B is opened, and when the cleaning member 31K moves in the axial direction from the first position, The clip 18B is configured to close. Thereby, when the cleaning member 31K is positioned at the first position, the wiper 20 is separated from the charging wire 16, and when the cleaning member 31K is positioned at the second position, the wiper 20 contacts the charging wire 16.

5.2 First protrusion 32
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 10, the first protrusion 32 is provided on the cleaning member 31K. The first protrusion 32 is a protrusion for preventing the first specification developing cartridge 4 </ b> Y from being properly attached to the drawer 30. The first protrusion 32 is located at the other end of the grip portion 18 in the axial direction. The first protrusion 32 is configured integrally with the grip portion 18. That is, the grip portion 18 has the first protrusion 32. The first protrusion 32 extends in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 8K. The first protrusion 32 has one end portion 32A and the other end portion 32B farther from the photosensitive drum 8K than the one end portion 32A in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 8K. The other end 32B is located farther from the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K than the rib 18A of the grip 18 in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 8K. In other words, the first protrusion 32 protrudes in a direction away from the charging wire 16 of the charger 13K rather than the rib 18A of the grip portion 18 in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 8K. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the other end portion 32B is positioned closer to the agitator shaft 29B of the developing cartridge 4Y than the rib 18A of the grip portion 18 in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 8K. In other words, the first protrusion 32 protrudes from the rib 18A of the grip portion 18 toward the agitator shaft 29B of the developing cartridge 4Y in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 8K.

  The cleaning member 31Y and the cleaning member 31M have the same function as the cleaning member 31K because they have the same structure as the cleaning member 31K. Specifically, the first protrusion 32 of the cleaning member 31 </ b> Y prevents the first specification developing cartridge 4 </ b> M from being properly attached to the drawer 30. The first protrusion 32 of the cleaning member 31M prevents the first specification developing cartridge 4C from being properly attached to the drawer 30.

5.3 Second recess 33
As shown in FIG. 7, each of the groove 14 </ b> K, the groove 14 </ b> Y, the groove 14 </ b> M, and the groove 14 </ b> C has a second recess 33. The groove 14K, the groove 14Y, the groove 14M, and the groove 14C each have the same structure. In the following description, the second recess 33 of the groove 14Y will be described in detail, and the description of the second recess 33 of the groove 14K, the second recess 33 of the groove 14M, and the second recess 33 of the groove 14C will be omitted. .

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the second recess 33 of the groove 14Y is provided on the first surface S1 of the groove 14Y. The second recess 33 of the groove 14Y is recessed toward the direction away from the second surface S2 of the groove 14Y in the pull-out direction. The second recess 33 of the groove 14Y is recessed toward the first protrusion 32 of the charger 13K in the pull-out direction. The second recess 33 of the groove 14Y is located between the through hole 15 of the groove 14Y and the first protrusion 32 of the charger 13K in the pull-out direction.

6). Second Specification Developer Cartridge A second specification developer cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The developing cartridge 40K, the developing cartridge 40Y, the developing cartridge 40M, and the developing cartridge 40C have the same structure except that the color of the developer stored is different. In the following description, the developing cartridge 40Y will be described in detail, and the description of the developing cartridge 40K, the developing cartridge 40M, and the developing cartridge 40C will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the developing cartridge 40 </ b> Y has a first recess 51 and a second protrusion 52. The developing cartridge 40Y has the same structure as the developing cartridge 4Y except that the developing cartridge 40Y has the first recess 51 and the second protrusion 52.

6.1 First recess 51
As shown in FIG. 12, the first recess 51 is located at one end of the developing cartridge 40Y in the axial direction. Specifically, the first recess 51 is located at one end of the housing 21 in the axial direction. The first recess 51 faces the cleaning member 31K (see FIG. 7) located at the first position when the developing cartridge 40Y is mounted on the drawer 30. As shown in FIG. 13, the first recess 51 is recessed from the first outer surface 21A of the housing 21 toward the second outer surface 21B. The first recess 51 is recessed from the first outer surface 21 </ b> A of the housing 21 toward the agitator 29. The 1st recessed part 51 is a size which can receive the 1st processus | protrusion 32 of the cleaning member 31K located in a 1st position. The 1st recessed part 51 is a recessed part for receiving the 1st protrusion 32 of the cleaning member 31K located in a 1st position.

6.2 Second protrusion 52
As shown in FIG. 11, the second protrusion 52 is provided on the gear cover 24. The second protrusion 52 is located between the developing roller shaft 22A and the agitator shaft 29B. The second protrusion 52 is located closer to the first outer surface 21A than the coupling collar 24A. The second protrusion 52 is positioned closer to the first surface S1 of the groove 14Y than the coupling collar 24A when the developing cartridge 40Y is mounted on the drawer 30 (see FIG. 14). The second protrusion 52 is configured integrally with the coupling collar 24A. As shown in FIG. 12, the second protrusion 52 extends from the gear cover 24 in the axial direction. The second protrusion 52 is shorter than the coupling collar 24A in the axial direction. The second protrusion 52 is a protrusion for preventing the developing cartridge 40Y from being properly attached to the drawer 3 having the first specification.

7). Mounting of Developing Cartridge to Drawer 30 Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, mounting of the developing cartridge to the drawer 30 will be described by taking the developing cartridge 40Y as an example.

  The developing cartridge 40Y and the drawer 30 have the second specification. Therefore, the developing cartridge 40Y is properly attached to the drawer 30.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the developing cartridge 40Y is properly mounted on the drawer 30, the developing cartridge 40Y is positioned with respect to the drawer 30 in a state where the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 8Y are in proper contact. The At this time, the cleaning member 31K is located at the first position.

  With the developing cartridge 4Y positioned with respect to the drawer 3, the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 40Y faces the frame 19 of the charger 13K with a gap therebetween. Further, the grip portion 18 of the cleaning member 31K is located between the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 40Y and the frame 19 of the charger 13K. Further, the seven ribs 18A of the cleaning member 31K are spaced from the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 40Y. That is, when the developing cartridge 40Y is properly mounted on the drawer 30, the developing cartridge 40Y is positioned with respect to the drawer 30 so that the first outer surface 21A is spaced from the seven ribs 18A of the cleaning member 31K. The

  The first protrusion 32 is located in the first recess 51. The first protrusion 32 is spaced from the inner surface of the first recess 51. That is, the housing 21 of the developing cartridge 40Y does not contact the first protrusion 32.

  Accordingly, the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 40Y does not contact the cleaning member 31K, and the developing cartridge 40Y is not avoided from being attached to the drawer 30 by the cleaning member 31K.

  As indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 7, when the cleaning member 31K is not located at the first position, specifically, when the cleaning member 31K is located at the second position, the first protrusion 32 is It is located at a position different from the first recess 51 in the direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 40Y is mounted on the drawer 30 when the cleaning member 31K is positioned at the second position, the first protrusion 32 comes into contact with the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 40Y. Thereby, when the cleaning member 31K is located at the second position, the developing cartridge 40Y is not mounted on the drawer 30. Then, the user can notice that the cleaning member 31K is located at the second position, and after the cleaning member 31K is located at the first position, the developing cartridge 40Y can be mounted on the drawer 30.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the second protrusion 52 is positioned in the second recess 33 of the groove 14 </ b> Y with the developing cartridge 4 </ b> Y positioned with respect to the drawer 3. The second protrusion 52 is spaced from the inner surface of the second recess 33. That is, the second protrusion 52 does not contact the first surface S1 of the groove 14Y. The coupling portion 28 is spaced from the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. That is, the coupling portion 28 does not contact the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the groove 14Y. Therefore, the developing cartridge 40Y cannot be avoided from being attached to the drawer 30 by the groove 14Y.

8). As shown in FIG. 15, when the developing cartridge 4Y having the first specification is mounted on the drawer 30 having the second specification, as shown in FIG. 15, the first protrusion 32 of the charger 13K is connected to the developing cartridge 4Y. In contact with the first outer surface 21A. Then, the developing cartridge 4Y is in a posture in which the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 8Y are separated. As a result, the developing cartridge 4Y is inserted into the drawer 30 in a posture where the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 8Y are not in proper contact. That is, the first protrusion 32 prevents proper mounting of the developing cartridge 4Y to the drawer 30. As a result, the developing cartridge 4Y is not attached to the drawer 30.

8.2 Mounting of Developing Cartridge 40Y to Drawer 3 As shown in FIG. 16, when the developing cartridge 40Y of the second specification is mounted to the drawer 3 of the first specification, the second protrusion 52 of the developing cartridge 40Y is It contacts the first surface S1 of the groove 14Y of the drawer 3. Then, the developing cartridge 40Y is in a posture in which the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 8Y are separated. As a result, the developing cartridge 40Y is inserted into the drawer 3 in a posture where the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 8Y are not in proper contact. That is, the second protrusion 52 prevents proper mounting of the developing cartridge 40Y to the drawer 3. As a result, the developing cartridge 40Y is not attached to the drawer 3.

9. Effects According to the drawer 30 and the image forming apparatus 1 including the drawer 30, as shown in FIG. 15, the developing cartridge 4Y having the first specification is brought into contact with the first protrusion 32 of the cleaning member 31K. It is not attached to the drawer 30.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the developing cartridge 40 </ b> Y of the second specification is attached to the drawer 30 when the first protrusion 32 of the cleaning member 31 </ b> K is positioned in the first recess 51.

  As a result, the developing cartridge 4Y having the second specification can be reliably attached to the drawer 30 while avoiding that the developing cartridge 4Y having the first specification is attached to the drawer 30.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning member 31K moves between the first position (see the solid line in FIG. 7) and the second position (see the phantom line in FIG. 7) different from the first position in the axial direction. Is possible.

  When the cleaning member 31K is positioned at the first position, the first protrusion 32 is received in the first recess 51, and the developing cartridge 40Y is mounted on the drawer 30.

  On the other hand, when the cleaning member 31K is located at the second position, the first protrusion 32 is located at a position different from the first recess 51 in the axial direction.

  Therefore, when the cleaning member 31K is positioned at the second position, the first protrusion 32 contacts the first outer surface 21A of the developing cartridge 40Y, and the developing cartridge 40Y is not mounted on the drawer 30.

  Thereby, the user can notice that the cleaning member 31K is located at the second position.

  As a result, the user can attach the developing cartridge 40Y to the drawer 30 after positioning the cleaning member 31K at the first position.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning member 31 </ b> K is a cleaning member that cleans the charging wire 16.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the mounting of the developing cartridge 4 </ b> Y of the first specification to the drawer 30 can be regulated using a cleaning member that cleans the charging wire 16.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the grip portion 18 of the cleaning member 31 </ b> K has a first protrusion 32.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to avoid mounting the developing cartridge 4 </ b> Y having the first specification on the drawer 30 using the grip portion 18 of the cleaning member 31 </ b> K.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the cleaning member 31 </ b> K is positioned at the first position, the wiper 20 is separated from the charging wire 16 by opening the clip 18 </ b> B.

  Therefore, when the cleaning member 31K is located at the first position, the wiper 20 does not affect the conductivity of the charging wire 16.

  As a result, the developing cartridge 40Y can be mounted on the drawer 30 when the cleaning member 31K is positioned at the first position that does not affect the conductivity of the charging wire 16.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the cleaning member 31K is located at the second position, the clip 18B is closed, so that the wiper 20 can contact the charging wire 16 and wipe the charging wire 16.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the developing cartridge 40Y is attached to the drawer 30 of the second specification, the second protrusion 52 of the developing cartridge 40Y is positioned in the second recess 33 of the groove 14Y, and the developing cartridge 40Y is developed. The cartridge 40Y is mounted on the drawer 30.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, when the developing cartridge 40Y is attached to the drawer 3 of the first specification, the second protrusion 52 of the developing cartridge 40Y comes into contact with the first surface S1 of the groove 14Y, and the drawer 3 restricts the mounting of the developing cartridge 40Y to the third.

  Thereby, mounting of the developing cartridge 40Y to the drawer 3 having the first specification can be restricted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the gear cover 24 has a second protrusion 52.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the mounting of the developing cartridge 40Y to the drawer 3 of the first specification can be regulated using the gear cover 24.

10. In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning member is used as an example of the movable member. However, the movable member may not be the cleaning member as long as it can move in the axial direction with respect to the photosensitive drum.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 30 Drawer 4Y Developer cartridge 40Y Developer cartridge 8K Photosensitive drum 16 Charging wire 18 Grasping part 21 Case 22 Developing roller 22A Developing roller shaft 24 Gear cover 25 Developing roller gear 26 Coupling gear 28 Coupling part 31K Cleaning member 32 1st protrusion 33 2nd recessed part 51 1st recessed part 52 2nd protrusion A1 1st drum axis | shaft A20 2nd axis | shaft

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus having a drawer movable between a mounting position attached to the image forming apparatus and a drawing position pulled out to the image forming apparatus,
The drawer is
A photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in the axial direction, the plurality of photosensitive drums;
A movable member movable in the axial direction with respect to at least one of the plurality of photosensitive drums, the movable member having a first protrusion;
Have
When a developing cartridge having a different specification from the drawer is attached to the drawer, the first protrusion is in contact with the developing cartridge having a different specification, and the developing cartridge having a different specification is not attached to the drawer,
When a developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to the drawer and having a first recess is mounted on the drawer, the first protrusion is located in the first recess and the corresponding An image forming apparatus, wherein a developing cartridge having a specific specification is mounted on the drawer. The movable member is movable between a first position in the axial direction and a second position different from the first position;
When the movable member is located at the first position, the corresponding developing cartridge having a specific specification is attached to the drawer,
When the movable member is positioned at the second position, the first protrusion comes into contact with the corresponding specific specification developing cartridge, and the corresponding specific specification developing cartridge is not attached to the drawer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The drawer has a charging wire extending in the axial direction,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is a cleaning member that cleans the charging wire. The movable member further has a gripper that is movable together with the cleaning member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the grip portion includes the first protrusion. The cleaning member is movable between a first position in the axial direction and a second position different from the first position;
Away from the charging wire when located in the first position;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is in contact with the charging wire when positioned at the second position. The corresponding specific specification developing cartridge further includes:
A developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending along the axial direction;
A housing capable of containing a developer;
A second protrusion located at one end of the housing in the axial direction and extending in the axial direction;
Have
The drawer has a second recess;
When the corresponding specific specification developer cartridge is attached to the drawer, the second protrusion is located in the second recess, and the corresponding specific specification developer cartridge is attached to the drawer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The developing roller includes a developing roller shaft extending along the second axis;
The developing cartridge of the corresponding specific specification is
A developing roller gear rotatable with the developing roller shaft, the developing roller gear attached to the developing roller shaft;
A coupling gear meshing with the developing roller gear, the coupling gear having a coupling portion capable of receiving a driving force;
A gear cover covering at least a part of the coupling gear, the gear cover located at the one end of the housing;
Have
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the gear cover includes the second protrusion. A photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in the axial direction, the plurality of photosensitive drums;
A movable member that moves in the axial direction with respect to at least one of the plurality of photosensitive drums, the movable member having a first protrusion;
Have
When the first developing cartridge is mounted, the first protrusion comes into contact with the first developing cartridge, and the developing cartridge of the different specification is not mounted.
When a developing cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to the developing cartridge is mounted, the first protrusion is positioned in the first concave portion, and the developing cartridge having the corresponding specific specification is mounted. Drawer characterized by that. The movable member can move between a first position in the axial direction and a second position different from the first position;
When the movable member is located at the first position, the corresponding developing cartridge having a specific specification is mounted,
When the movable member is positioned at the second position, the first protrusion comes into contact with the corresponding specific specification developing cartridge, and the corresponding specific specification developing cartridge is not attached to the drawer. The drawer according to claim 8. Further comprising a charging wire extending in the axial direction;
The drawer according to claim 8, wherein the movable member is a cleaning member that cleans the charging wire. The movable member further has a grip portion that can move together with the cleaning member,
The drawer according to claim 10, wherein the grip portion has the first protrusion. The cleaning member is movable between a first position in the axial direction and a second position different from the first position;
Away from the charging wire when located in the first position;
The drawer according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the drawer is in contact with the charging wire when positioned at the second position.

Images