JP2019028147A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To adjust the air flow with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A contact/separation mechanism TS can switch the states of four development cartridges 110, 210, 310, 410 between the first state where four development rollers 111, 211, 311, 411 are brought into contact with photoreceptors 120, 220, 320, 420 when a linear motion cam 500 is at the first position, the second state where the first development roller, second development roller and third development roller are separated from the photoreceptors and the fourth development roller is brought into contact with the fourth photoreceptor when the linear motion cam is at the second position, and the third state where the four development rollers are separated from the photoreceptors when the linear motion cam is at the third position. A first cover C1 is movable to the first close position closing a first opening H1 and the first open position opening the first opening in accordance with the operation of the linear motion cam. A second cover C2 is movable between the second close position closing a second opening H2 and the second open position opening the second opening in accordance with the operation of the linear motion cam.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a contact / separation mechanism for bringing a developing roller into contact with or separating from a photoreceptor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including four photosensitive members, four process cartridges, a blower duct, and a contact / separation mechanism is known (see Patent Document 1). The process cartridge includes a developing roller. The blower duct has four openings. Each opening is an opening for sending air toward each process cartridge.

  The contact / separation mechanism includes a first linear cam and a second linear cam. The first linear cam pushes the black process cartridge. As a result, the black process cartridge rotates. In a state where the black process cartridge is not pressed by the first linear cam, the black developing roller comes into contact with the corresponding photosensitive member. In a state where the black process cartridge is pressed by the first linear cam, the black developing roller is separated from the corresponding photosensitive member.

  The second linear motion cam presses three process cartridges corresponding to cyan, magenta, and yellow. As a result, the three process cartridges rotate. In a state where the three process cartridges are not pressed by the second linear cam, the three developing rollers come into contact with the corresponding photosensitive members. In a state where the three process cartridges are pressed by the second linear cam, the three developing rollers are separated from the corresponding photosensitive members.

  The process cartridge has a cover that closes the opening. The cover is removed from the opening in a state where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive member. The cover closes the opening in a state where the developing roller is separated from the photoreceptor. Thus, in the color mode in which each developing roller is in contact with the corresponding photoconductor, each opening is opened. Further, in the monochrome mode in which the three developing rollers other than black are separated from the photosensitive member, only the black opening is opened and the other openings are closed by the cover.

JP 2014-123110 A

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that the cost is increased because the opening / closing state of the opening is switched, that is, the air flow is adjusted using two linear motion cams.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to adjust the air flow with a simple structure.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a drawer, a first developing cartridge, a second developing cartridge, a third developing cartridge, a fourth developing cartridge, a fan, and a linear motion cam. A contact / separation mechanism, a first cover, and a second cover.
The drawer can be attached to the image forming apparatus.
The drawer includes a first side frame, a second side frame, a first photoconductor, a first charger, a second photoconductor, a second charger, a third photoconductor, and a third charger. , A fourth photoconductor and a fourth charger.
The second side frame faces the first side frame in the first direction.
Each photoconductor and each charger are located between the first side frame and the second side frame.
Each charger charges a corresponding photoreceptor.
The second side frame has a first opening for flowing air to the first charger, a second opening for flowing air to the second charger, and for flowing air to the third charger. A third opening and a fourth opening for flowing air to the fourth charger.
Each developing cartridge can be attached to the drawer.
The first developing cartridge includes a first developing roller that contacts the first photosensitive member.
The second developing cartridge includes a second developing roller that contacts the second photosensitive member.
The third developing cartridge includes a third developing roller that contacts the third photosensitive member.
The fourth developing cartridge includes a fourth developing roller that contacts the fourth photoconductor.
The first developing cartridge, the second developing cartridge, the third developing cartridge, and the fourth developing cartridge are arranged in this order in the second direction.
The fan includes the first charger, the second charger, the third charger, and the fourth charger through the first aperture, the second aperture, the third aperture, and the fourth aperture. Flow air through each of the chargers.
The linear cam is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position with respect to the drawer.
The contacting / separating mechanism includes a state in which the four developing cartridges are in a first state in which the four developing rollers are brought into contact with the corresponding photosensitive members when the linear cam is in the first position, and the linear cam Is in the second position, the first developing roller, the second developing roller, and the third developing roller are separated from the corresponding photosensitive members, and the fourth developing roller is brought into contact with the fourth photosensitive member. When the linear cam is in the third position, the second state can be switched to a third state in which the four developing rollers are separated from the corresponding photosensitive members.
The first cover is movable in accordance with the operation of the linear cam to a first closed position that closes the first opening and a first open position that opens the first opening.
The second cover is movable to a second closed position for closing the second opening and a second open position for opening the second opening according to the operation of the linear cam.

  Here, “closing the opening” does not only mean that the opening is completely closed by the cover. “Close the opening” includes that the area of the portion where the opening is opened is smaller than when the opening is opened. In other words, at the closed position, at least a part of the opening may be closed by the cover. In the open position, the wrap amount between the cover and the opening only needs to be smaller than that in the closed position.

  According to this configuration, since the cover for opening and closing the opening is moved according to the operation of one linear motion cam, the air flow can be adjusted with a simple structure.

  The fourth developing cartridge contains black toner and is located between the third opening and the fourth opening in the second direction, and the linear cam is located at the second position. The first opening and the second opening may be closed by the first cover and the second cover, and the third opening and the fourth opening may be open.

  According to this, since the air flow is generated on both sides of the fourth developing cartridge in the second state, the fourth developing cartridge can be efficiently cooled.

  Further, the contact / separation mechanism is rotated by contact of the linear cam with a rotatable first pressing member that presses the first developing cartridge toward the first photosensitive member, and the first pressing member is rotated. A first separation member that presses the first developing cartridge away from the first photoconductor against a pressing force of the member, and a rotatable that presses the second developing cartridge toward the second photoconductor. A second pressing member that rotates by contact with the linear cam and presses the second developing cartridge in a direction away from the second photoconductor against the pressing force of the second pressing member. The pressing force of the third pressing member is rotated by contact with a separation member, a rotatable third pressing member that presses the third developing cartridge toward the third photosensitive member, and the linear cam. The third developing cartridge against the third photoconductor A third separating member that pushes away from the first photosensitive member, a rotatable fourth pressing member that pushes the fourth developing cartridge toward the fourth photosensitive member, and the linear cam; A fourth separation member that presses the fourth developing cartridge in a direction away from the fourth photoconductor against a pressing force of the fourth pressing member.

  The second pressing member may include the first cover, and the third pressing member may include the second cover.

  The second spacing member may include the first cover, and the third spacing member may include the second cover.

  Further, the linear cam may have the first cover and the second cover.

  The second developing cartridge may have the first cover, and the third developing cartridge may have the second cover.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a third cover that can move to a third closed position that closes the third opening and a third open position that opens the third opening according to the operation of the linear cam. May be.

  The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device positioned on the opposite side of the fourth photoconductor from the third photoconductor, and when the linear cam is positioned at the third position, One opening, the second opening, and the third opening may be closed by the first cover, the second cover, and the third cover, and the fourth opening may be open.

  According to this, air is concentrated and flows in the fourth opening corresponding to the fourth developing cartridge arranged on the fixing device side in the third state. The side portion can be efficiently cooled.

  Further, the second direction may be a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

  According to the present invention, the air flow can be adjusted with a simple structure.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a color printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the drawer as viewed from the sheet discharge tray side in a third direction. It is II sectional drawing of FIG. It is II-II sectional drawing of FIG. 2, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state of a color mode. It is sectional drawing which shows the state of a monochrome mode. It is sectional drawing which shows the state of cleaning mode. It is the side view (a) which shows a linear motion cam, and the figure (b) which shows an approach / separation mechanism. It is sectional drawing (a)-(c) which shows the 1st modification of this invention. It is side view (a), (b) which shows the 2nd modification of this invention. It is side view (a), (b) which shows the 3rd modification of this invention. It is sectional drawing (a)-(c) which shows the 4th modification of this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, first, the overall configuration of the color printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described, and then the details of the features of the present invention will be described. The drawings are simplified or omitted as appropriate for convenience.

  In the following description, a direction in which a first side frame 61 and a second side frame 62 described later face each other is referred to as a first direction. In addition, an arrangement direction of a first developing cartridge 110, a second developing cartridge 210, a third developing cartridge 310, and a fourth developing cartridge 410, which will be described later, is a second direction. Note that the second direction preferably intersects the first direction. More preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The direction in which the paper feed tray 21 and the paper discharge tray 92 face each other is a third direction. Preferably, the third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction. More preferably, the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the color printer 1 includes a housing 10, a paper feed unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper discharge unit 90, and a fan F.

  The housing 10 has a mounting opening 10 </ b> A and a front cover 11. An end of the front cover 11 on the paper feed tray 21 side in the third direction is rotatable with respect to the housing 10. The front cover 11 opens and closes the mounting opening 10A by rotating.

  The paper feed unit 20 includes a paper feed tray 21 and a paper transport mechanism 22. The paper feed tray 21 accommodates paper P. The paper transport mechanism 22 transports the paper P in the paper feed tray 21 to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 includes a scanner unit 40, a process unit U, a transfer unit 70, and a fixing device 80.

  The scanner unit 40 is located in the housing 10 and is closer to the paper feed tray 21 than a paper discharge tray 92 described later in the third direction. The scanner unit 40 includes a laser light emitting unit, a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like (not shown). The scanner unit 40 irradiates the surface of each of the photoconductors 120, 220, 320, and 420 with high-speed scanning.

  The process unit U is located in the housing 10. The process unit U includes a first developing cartridge 110, a second developing cartridge 210, a third developing cartridge 310, a fourth developing cartridge 410, and a drawer 60. Each developing cartridge 110, 210, 310, 410 can be attached to the drawer 60.

  The drawer 60 can be mounted on the housing 10 through the mounting port 10A. The drawer 60 includes a first photoconductor 120, a first charger 130, a second photoconductor 220, a second charger 230, a third photoconductor 320, a third charger 330, and a fourth photoconductor. 420 and a fourth charger 430. Each photoconductor 120, 220, 320, 420 is a cylindrical photoconductor drum.

  The first charger 130 charges the first photoconductor 120. The second charger 230 charges the second photoconductor 220. The third charger 330 charges the third photoconductor 320. The fourth charger 430 charges the fourth photoconductor 420. By exposing the surfaces of the charged photoconductors 120, 220, 320, and 420 with the scanner unit 40, electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the photoconductors 120, 220, 320, and 420.

  The first developing cartridge 110 contains yellow toner. The first developing cartridge 110 includes a first developing roller 111. The first developing roller 111 is in contact with the first photoconductor 120. The first developing roller 111 forms a toner image on the first photoconductor 120 by supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the first photoconductor 120.

  The second developing cartridge 210 contains magenta toner. The second developing cartridge 210 includes a second developing roller 211. The second developing roller 211 is in contact with the second photoconductor 220. The second developing roller 211 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the second photoconductor 220 to form a toner image on the second photoconductor 220.

  The third developing cartridge 310 contains cyan toner. The third developing cartridge 310 includes a third developing roller 311. The third developing roller 311 is in contact with the third photoconductor 320. The third developing roller 311 forms a toner image on the third photoconductor 320 by supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the third photoconductor 320.

  The fourth developing cartridge 410 stores black toner. The fourth developing cartridge 410 includes a fourth developing roller 411. The fourth developing roller 411 is in contact with the fourth photoconductor 420. The fourth developing roller 411 forms a toner image on the fourth photoconductor 420 by supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the fourth photoconductor 420.

  The first developing cartridge 110, the second developing cartridge 210, the third developing cartridge 310, and the fourth developing cartridge 410 are arranged in this order in the second direction.

  The drawer 60 includes a first cleaning roller CR1, a second cleaning roller CR2, a third cleaning roller CR3, and a fourth cleaning roller CR4. Each of the cleaning rollers CR1 to CR4 collects the toner on the corresponding photoconductor 120, 220, 320, 420.

  The transfer unit 70 is located between the paper feeding unit 20 and the photosensitive members 120, 220, 320, and 420. The transfer unit 70 includes a drive roller 71, a driven roller 72, a conveyance belt 73, four transfer rollers 74, and a collection box B.

  The driving roller 71 and the driven roller 72 are separated in the second direction. The conveyor belt 73 rotates together with the driving roller 71 and the driven roller 72. Each transfer roller 74 sandwiches the conveyance belt 73 between the corresponding photoreceptors 120, 220, 320, and 420. Each transfer roller 74 transfers the toner image on the corresponding photoconductor 120, 220, 320, 420 to the paper P.

  The collection box B is located between the transport belt 73 and the paper feed tray 21 in the third direction. The collection box B collects toner on the conveyance belt 73 in a cleaning mode described later. Specifically, in the cleaning mode, the toner held by the cleaning rollers CR1 to CR4 moves to the corresponding photoconductors 120, 220, 320, and 420. Thereafter, the toner on each of the photoconductors 120, 220, 320, and 420 moves to the transport belt 73. Then, the toner on the conveyance belt 73 is collected in the collection box B.

  The fixing device 80 is located on the opposite side of the front cover 11 with respect to the transfer unit 70 in the second direction. In other words, the fixing device 80 is located on the side opposite to the third photoconductor 320 with respect to the fourth photoconductor 420. The fixing device 80 includes a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82. The fixing device 80 heat-fixes the toner image on the paper P by sandwiching the paper P between the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82.

  The paper discharge unit 90 includes a plurality of transport rollers 91 and a paper discharge tray 92. Further, the paper discharge tray 92 faces the paper feed tray 21 in the third direction. Each transport roller 91 discharges the paper P discharged from the fixing device 80 to the outside of the housing 10, that is, to the paper discharge tray 92.

  The fan F is a fan for taking air outside the housing 10 into the housing 10. The fan F sends out air toward the chargers 130, 230, 330, and 430 through a duct (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drawer 60 includes a first side frame 61, a second side frame 62, a front frame 63, and a rear frame 64. The second side frame 62 faces the first side frame 61 in the first direction.

  The front frame 63 connects one ends of the first side frame 61 and the second side frame 62 in the second direction. The front frame 63 has a handle portion 63A. The handle portion 63A is gripped by the user.

  The rear frame 64 connects the other ends of the first side frame 61 and the second side frame 62 in the second direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each photoconductor 120, 220, 320, 420 is positioned between the first side frame 61 (see FIG. 2) and the second side frame 62. The chargers 130, 230, 330, and 430 are also located between the first side frame 61 (see FIG. 2) and the second side frame 62.

  The second side frame 62 has a first opening H1, a second opening H2, a third opening H3, and a fourth opening H4. The first opening H <b> 1 is a hole for allowing air to flow through the first charger 130. The second opening H <b> 2 is a hole for flowing air to the second charger 230. The third opening H <b> 3 is a hole for flowing air to the third charger 330. The fourth opening H <b> 4 is a hole for allowing air to flow through the fourth charger 430. The openings H1 to H4 allow air sent from the fan F (see FIG. 1) through the duct to pass from the outside of the second side frame 62 to the inside. In other words, the fan F includes the first charger 130, the second charger 230, the third charger 330, through the first opening H1, the second opening H2, the third opening H3, and the fourth opening H4. In addition, air is passed through each of the fourth chargers 430.

  The first developing cartridge 110 is located on the opposite side of the second developing cartridge 210 across the first opening H1 in the second direction. The second developing cartridge 210 is located between the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 in the second direction. The third developing cartridge 310 is located between the second opening H2 and the third opening H3 in the second direction. The fourth developing cartridge 410 is located between the third opening H3 and the fourth opening H4 in the second direction.

  The drawer 60 includes a first support frame F11, a first wall F12, a second support frame F21, a second wall F22, a third support frame F31, a third wall F32, a fourth support frame F41, And a fourth wall F42.

  The first support frame F11 supports the first charger 130. The first support frame F11 has a U shape in cross section in a cross section orthogonal to the second direction. The first support frame F11 connects the first side frame 61 (see FIG. 2) and the second side frame 62. The wall on the opposite side of the first support frame F11 from the first photoconductor 120 has a first slit SL1. The first slit SL1 is long in the first direction. The air that has flowed into the drawer 60 from the first opening H1 flows into the first charger 130 through the first slit SL1.

  The first wall F12 is located between the first opening H1 and the first developing cartridge 110. The first wall F12 is formed along the edge of the first opening H1 on the first developing cartridge 110 side. The first wall F12 extends from the first support frame F11. The air flowing into the drawer 60 from the first opening H1 is restricted from flowing away from the first charger 130 by the first wall F12.

  The second support frame F21 supports the second charger 230. The second support frame F21 has a U shape in sectional view in a cross section orthogonal to the second direction. The second support frame F21 connects the first side frame 61 (see FIG. 2) and the second side frame 62. The wall of the second support frame F21 opposite to the second photoconductor 220 has a second slit SL2. The second slit SL2 is long in the first direction. The air that has flowed into the drawer 60 from the second opening H2 flows into the second charger 230 through the second slit SL2.

  The second wall F22 is located between the second opening H2 and the second developing cartridge 210. The second wall F22 is formed along the edge of the second opening H2 on the second developing cartridge 210 side. The second wall F22 extends from the second support frame F21. The air flowing into the drawer 60 from the second opening H2 is restricted from flowing away from the second charger 230 by the second wall F22.

  The third support frame F31 supports the third charger 330. The third support frame F31 has a U shape in cross section in a cross section orthogonal to the second direction. The third support frame F31 connects the first side frame 61 (see FIG. 2) and the second side frame 62. The wall of the third support frame F31 opposite to the third photoconductor 320 has a third slit SL3. The third slit SL3 is long in the first direction. The air that has flowed into the drawer 60 from the third opening H3 flows into the third charger 330 through the third slit SL3.

  The third wall F32 is located between the third opening H3 and the third developing cartridge 310. The third wall F32 is formed along the edge of the third opening H3 on the third developing cartridge 310 side. The third wall F32 extends from the third support frame F31. The air flowing into the drawer 60 from the third opening H3 is restricted from flowing away from the third charger 330 by the third wall F32.

  The fourth support frame F41 supports the fourth charger 430. The fourth support frame F41 has a U shape in cross section in a cross section orthogonal to the second direction. The fourth support frame F41 connects the first side frame 61 (see FIG. 2) and the second side frame 62. The wall of the fourth support frame F41 opposite to the fourth photoconductor 420 has a fourth slit SL4. The fourth slit SL4 is long in the first direction. The air that has flowed into the drawer 60 from the fourth opening H4 flows into the fourth charger 430 through the fourth slit SL4.

  The fourth wall F42 is located between the fourth opening H4 and the fourth developing cartridge 410. The fourth wall F42 is formed along the edge of the fourth opening H4 on the fourth developing cartridge 410 side. The fourth wall F42 extends from the fourth support frame F41. The air flowing into the drawer 60 from the fourth opening H4 is restricted from flowing away from the fourth charger 430 by the fourth wall F42.

  The first developing cartridge 110 has two first protrusions 112 (only one is shown). One first protrusion 112 protrudes toward the first side frame 61 from a wall facing the first side frame 61 of the first developing cartridge 110. The other first protrusion 112 protrudes from the wall facing the second side frame 62 of the first developing cartridge 110 toward the second side frame 62. The first protrusion 112 is separated from the first photoconductor 120 in the second direction. Further, the first protrusion 112 is separated from the first photoconductor 120 in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

  The second developing cartridge 210 has two second protrusions 212 (only one is shown). One second protrusion 212 protrudes from the wall facing the first side frame 61 of the second developing cartridge 210 toward the first side frame 61. The other second protrusion 212 protrudes from the wall facing the second side frame 62 of the second developing cartridge 210 toward the second side frame 62. The second protrusion 212 is located within the range of the first photoconductor 120 in the second direction. The second protrusion 212 is located on the opposite side of the first photoconductor 120 with respect to the first opening H1 in the third direction.

  The third developing cartridge 310 has two third protrusions 312 (only one is shown). One third protrusion 312 protrudes from the wall facing the first side frame 61 of the third developing cartridge 310 toward the first side frame 61. The other third protrusion 312 protrudes from the wall facing the second side frame 62 of the third developing cartridge 310 toward the second side frame 62. The third protrusion 312 is located within the range of the second photoconductor 220 in the second direction. The third protrusion 312 is positioned on the opposite side of the second opening H2 from the second photoconductor 220 in the third direction.

  The fourth developing cartridge 410 has two fourth protrusions 412 (only one is shown). One fourth protrusion 412 protrudes toward the first side frame 61 from a wall facing the first side frame 61 of the fourth developing cartridge 410. The other fourth protrusion 412 protrudes from the wall facing the second side frame 62 of the fourth developing cartridge 410 toward the second side frame 62. The fourth protrusion 412 is located within the range of the third photoconductor 320 in the second direction. The fourth protrusion 412 is located on the opposite side of the third photoconductor 320 with respect to the third opening H3 in the third direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the color printer 1 includes an approach / separation mechanism TS. The contact / separation mechanism TS can switch the state of the four developing cartridges 110, 210, 310, and 420 to a color mode that is the first state, a monochrome mode that is the second state, and a cleaning mode that is the third state. It has become. In the color mode, the four developing rollers 111, 211, 311, and 411 are in contact with the corresponding photoreceptors 120, 220, 320, and 420, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the monochrome mode, the first developing roller 111, the second developing roller 211, and the third developing roller 311 are separated from the corresponding photoreceptors 120, 220, and 320, respectively. In the monochrome mode, the fourth developing roller 411 contacts the fourth photoconductor 420. As shown in FIG. 6, in the cleaning mode, the four developing rollers 111, 211, 311, and 411 are separated from the corresponding photosensitive members 120, 220, 320, and 420, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the contact / separation mechanism TS includes a first pressing member 150, a first separating member 160, a second pressing member 250, a second separating member 260, and a third pressing member 350. The third separation member 360, the fourth pressing member 450, the fourth separation member 460, and the linear motion cam 500 are provided. Each pressing member 150, 250, 350, 450, each separation member 160, 260, 360, 460 and linear motion cam 500 are arranged one by one on the first side frame 61 side and the second side frame 62 side of the drawer 60. Has been. In the following description, each member located on the second side frame 62 side of the drawer 60 will be described as a representative, and description of each member on the first side frame 61 side will be omitted.

  The first pressing member 150 is a member that presses the first developing cartridge 110 toward the first photoconductor 120. The first pressing member 150 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The first pressing member 150 is urged toward the first developing cartridge 110 by an urging member such as a torsion spring (not shown). The first pressing member 150 has a first pressing surface 151. The first pressing surface 151 presses the first protrusion 112 of the first developing cartridge 110 toward the first photoconductor 120.

  The first separation member 160 is a member that presses the first developing cartridge 110 in a direction away from the first photoreceptor 120 against the pressing force of the first pressing member 150. The first separation member 160 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The first separation member 160 has a first contact surface 161 and a first inclined surface 162. The first contact surface 161 is a surface that can contact the first protrusion 112. The first contact surface 161 is located on the opposite side of the first pressing surface 151 with the first protrusion 112 interposed therebetween. The first inclined surface 162 is a surface that can contact the linear cam 500. The first separating member 160 rotates when the linear cam 500 contacts the first inclined surface 162.

  The second pressing member 250 is a member that presses the second developing cartridge 210 toward the second photoconductor 220. The second pressing member 250 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The second pressing member 250 is biased toward the second developing cartridge 210 by a biasing member such as a torsion spring (not shown). The second pressing member 250 has a second pressing surface 251 and a first cover C1. The second pressing surface 251 presses the second protrusion 212 of the second developing cartridge 210 toward the second photoconductor 220.

  The first cover C1 is movable to a first open position that opens the first opening H1 and a first closed position (see FIG. 5) that closes the first opening H1. The first cover C1 is movable according to the operation of the linear motion cam 500. Specifically, the first cover C <b> 1 moves as the second separating member 260 and the second pressing member 250 rotate according to the linear motion cam 500. The first cover C1 moves to the first open position or the first closed position through the gap between the first wall F12 and the second side frame 62 shown in FIG.

  The second separation member 260 is a member that presses the second developing cartridge 210 in a direction away from the second photoreceptor 220 against the pressing force of the second pressing member 250. The second separation member 260 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The second separation member 260 has a second contact surface 261 and a second inclined surface 262. The second contact surface 261 is a surface that can contact the second protrusion 212. The second contact surface 261 is located on the opposite side of the second pressing surface 251 with the second protrusion 212 interposed therebetween. The second inclined surface 262 is a surface that can contact the linear cam 500. The second separating member 260 rotates when the linear cam 500 contacts the second inclined surface 262.

  The third pressing member 350 is a member that presses the third developing cartridge 310 toward the third photoreceptor 320. The third pressing member 350 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The third pressing member 350 is urged toward the third developing cartridge 310 by an urging member such as a torsion spring (not shown). The third pressing member 350 has a third pressing surface 351 and a second cover C2. The third pressing surface 351 presses the third protrusion 312 of the third developing cartridge 310 toward the third photoconductor 320.

  The second cover C2 is movable between a second open position that opens the second opening H2 and a second closed position that closes the second opening H2 (see FIG. 5). The second cover C2 is movable according to the operation of the linear cam 500. Specifically, the second cover C <b> 2 moves as the third separation member 360 and the third pressing member 350 rotate according to the linear motion cam 500. The second cover C2 moves to the second open position or the second closed position through the gap between the second wall F22 and the second side frame 62 shown in FIG.

  The third separation member 360 is a member that presses the third developing cartridge 310 in a direction away from the third photoreceptor 320 against the pressing force of the third pressing member 350. The third separation member 360 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The third separation member 360 has a third contact surface 361 and a third inclined surface 362. The third contact surface 361 is a surface that can contact the third protrusion 312. The third contact surface 361 is located on the opposite side of the third pressing surface 351 with the third protrusion 312 interposed therebetween. The third inclined surface 362 is a surface that can contact the linear cam 500. The third separation member 360 rotates when the linear cam 500 contacts the third inclined surface 362.

  The fourth pressing member 450 is a member that presses the fourth developing cartridge 410 toward the fourth photoconductor 420. The fourth pressing member 450 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The fourth pressing member 450 is biased toward the fourth developing cartridge 410 by a biasing member such as a torsion spring (not shown). The fourth pressing member 450 has a fourth pressing surface 451 and a third cover C3. The fourth pressing surface 451 presses the fourth protrusion 412 of the fourth developing cartridge 410 toward the fourth photoconductor 420.

  The third cover C3 is movable to a third open position that opens the third opening H3 and a third closed position (see FIG. 6) that closes the third opening H3. The third cover C3 is movable according to the operation of the linear motion cam 500. Specifically, the third cover C <b> 3 moves as the fourth separation member 460 and the fourth pressing member 450 rotate according to the linear motion cam 500. The third cover C3 moves to the third open position or the third closed position through the gap between the third wall F32 and the second side frame 62 shown in FIG.

  The fourth separation member 460 is a member that presses the fourth developing cartridge 410 in a direction away from the fourth photoconductor 420 against the pressing force of the fourth pressing member 450. The fourth separation member 460 is rotatable with respect to the second side frame 62. The fourth separation member 460 includes a fourth contact surface 461 and a fourth inclined surface 462. The fourth contact surface 461 is a surface that can contact the fourth protrusion 412. The fourth contact surface 461 is located on the opposite side of the fourth pressing surface 451 with the fourth protrusion 412 interposed therebetween. The fourth inclined surface 462 is a surface that can contact the linear cam 500. The fourth separation member 460 rotates when the linear cam 500 contacts the fourth inclined surface 462. The inclined surfaces 162, 262, 362, and 462 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the linear cam 500 is a long member that is long in the second direction. The linear cam 500 includes a first cam surface 511, a first holding surface 512, a second cam surface 521, a second holding surface 522, a third cam surface 531, a third holding surface 532, and a fourth. A cam surface 541 and a fourth holding surface 542 are provided.

  Each of the cam surfaces 511, 521, 531, 541 is a surface that can contact the inclined surfaces 162, 262, 362, 462 of the corresponding spacing members 160, 260, 360, 460. Each cam surface 511, 521, 531, 541 is inclined with respect to the second direction. The first cam surface 511, the second cam surface 521, and the third cam surface 531 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction. Specifically, the interval between the first cam surface 511 and the second cam surface 521 is the first interval L1. The interval between the second cam surface 521 and the third cam surface 531 is also the first interval L1. The interval between the fourth cam surface 541 and the third cam surface 531 is a second interval L2 that is shorter than the first interval L1.

  The holding surfaces 512, 522, 532, and 542 hold the corresponding spacers 160, 260, 360, and 460 so that the corresponding developing cartridges 110, 210, 310, and 410 are moved to the photoreceptors 120, 220, and 320 , 420 is a surface that is held away from 420. Each holding surface 512, 522, 532, 542 is along the second direction.

  The linear cam 500 has a rack gear 550. The rack gear 550 meshes with the transmission gear G. The color printer 1 includes a driving source that supplies a driving force to the transmission gear G. For example, a motor or the like can be used as the drive source. The drive source is controlled by a control device (not shown).

  As described above, the linear cams 500 are arranged one by one on the first side frame 61 side and the second side frame 62 side of the drawer 60. Further, the transmission gear G is also arranged one by one on the first side frame 61 side and the second side frame 62 side of the drawer 60. These transmission gears G are connected by a shaft SF.

  The linear cam 500 is movable with respect to the drawer 60 between a first position shown in FIG. 4, a second position shown in FIG. 5, and a third position shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when the linear cam 500 is located at the first position, the cam surfaces 511, 521, 531, 541 are separated from the corresponding inclined surfaces 162, 262, 362, 462. As a result, when the linear cam 500 is located at the first position, the state of the four developing cartridges 110, 210, 310, 410 is the photosensitive member to which the four developing rollers 111, 211, 311, 411 correspond respectively. The color mode is in contact with 120, 220, 320, and 420.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the linear cam 500 moves from the first position to the second position, the three cam surfaces 511, 521, 531 press the corresponding inclined surfaces 162, 262, 362. Thereby, the 1st separation member 160, the 2nd separation member 260, and the 3rd separation member 360 rotate from the 1st attitude | position shown in FIG. 4 to the 2nd attitude | position shown in FIG. At this time, since the fourth cam surface 541 does not push the fourth inclined surface 462, the fourth separation member 460 remains in the first posture.

  In addition, when the first separation member 160, the second separation member 260, and the third separation member 360 are rotated from the first posture to the second posture in this way, the separation members 160, 260, and 360 are moved to the corresponding protrusions 112, Each pressing member 150, 250, 350 is pressed via 212, 312. Thereby, the 1st press member 150, the 2nd press member 250, and the 3rd press member 350 rotate from the 3rd attitude | position shown in FIG. 4 to the 4th attitude | position shown in FIG. Then, as the second pressing member 250 rotates from the third posture to the fourth posture, the first cover C1 of the second pressing member 250 moves from the first open position to the first closed position. Further, as the third pressing member 350 rotates from the third posture to the fourth posture, the second cover C2 of the third pressing member 350 moves from the second open position to the second closed position.

  When the linear cam 500 is in the second position, the first separation member 160, the second separation member 260, and the third separation member 360 are brought into the second posture by the three holding surfaces 512, 522, and 532. Retained. Similarly, the first pressing member 150, the second pressing member 250, and the third pressing member 350 are also held in the fourth posture by the three holding surfaces 512, 522, and 532. Thereby, the two covers C1 and C2 are each held in the closed position.

  As described above, when the linear cam 500 is located at the second position, the states of the four developing cartridges 110, 210, 310, and 410 are the first developing roller 111, the second developing roller 211, and the third developing roller 311. Are separated from the corresponding photoconductors 120, 220, and 320, and the fourth developing roller 411 is in a monochrome mode in contact with the fourth photoconductor 420. When the linear cam 500 is located at the second position, the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 are closed by the first cover C1 and the second cover C2, and the third opening H3 and the fourth opening H4 are opened. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the linear cam 500 moves from the second position to the third position, the fourth cam surface 541 presses the fourth inclined surface 462. Thereby, the 4th separation member 460 rotates from the 1st attitude | position shown in FIG. 5 to the 2nd attitude | position shown in FIG. At this time, the other three separation members 160, 260, and 360 are held by the corresponding holding surfaces 512, 522, and 532, and thus are in the second posture.

  Further, when the fourth separation member 460 rotates from the first posture to the second posture in this way, the fourth separation member 460 presses the fourth pressing member 450 via the fourth protrusion 412. Thereby, the 4th press member 450 rotates from the 3rd attitude | position shown in FIG. 5 to the 4th attitude | position shown in FIG. Then, when the fourth pressing member 450 rotates from the third posture to the fourth posture, the third cover C3 of the fourth pressing member 450 moves from the third open position to the third closed position.

  In the state where the linear cam 500 is located at the third position, the four spacing members 160, 260, 360, 460 are held in the second posture by the four holding surfaces 512, 522, 532, 542. Similarly, the four pressing members 150, 250, 350, and 450 are also held in the fourth posture by the four holding surfaces 512, 522, 532, and 542. Thereby, the three covers C1-C3 are each hold | maintained in a closed position.

  As described above, when the linear cam 500 is located at the third position, the states of the four developing cartridges 110, 210, 310, 410 are the photosensitive members corresponding to the four developing rollers 111, 211, 311, 411, respectively. The cleaning mode is away from 120, 220, 320, and 420. When the linear cam 500 is located at the third position, the first opening H1, the second opening H2, and the third opening H3 are closed by the first cover C1, the second cover C2, and the third cover C3, and the fourth The opening H4 is open.

Next, the effect of each member in this embodiment is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the color mode, all the openings H1 to H4 are open. Thereby, in the color mode, the air sent from the fan F is supplied to all the chargers 130, 230, 330, and 430.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, when the linear cam 500 is moved from the first position to the second position, the three separation members 160, 260, and 360 other than black rotate from the first position to the second position. Then, the three developing cartridges 110, 210, 310 other than black are pressed in a direction away from the corresponding photosensitive members 120, 220, 320. As a result, the three developing rollers 111, 211, 311 other than black are separated from the corresponding photoreceptors 120, 220, 320, and the color mode is switched to the monochrome mode.

  At this time, the three pressing members 150, 250, 350 other than black are rotated from the third posture to the fourth posture by the rotation of the three separation members 160, 260, 360 other than black, so that the first The cover C1 and the second cover C2 move to the closed position. Therefore, in the monochrome mode, the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 are closed by the first cover C1 and the second cover C2, so that the air sent from the fan F is the third opening H3 and the fourth opening H4. Concentrate on the flow. Thereby, the fourth developing cartridge 410 positioned between the third opening H3 and the fourth opening H4 can be efficiently cooled.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, when the linear cam 500 is moved from the second position to the third position, the black fourth separation member 460 rotates from the first position to the second position, The fourth developing cartridge 410 is pressed in a direction away from the fourth photoconductor 420. At this time, the three separation members 160, 260, and 360 other than black are maintained in the second posture. As a result, all the developing rollers 111, 211, 311, and 411 are separated from the corresponding photoconductors 120, 220, 320, and 420, and the monochrome mode is switched to the cleaning mode.

  At this time, the black fourth pressing member 450 is rotated from the third posture to the fourth posture by the rotation of the black fourth separation member 460, and the third cover C3 is moved to the closed position. At this time, since the three pressing members 150, 250, 350 other than black are maintained in the fourth posture, the first cover C1 and the second cover C2 are maintained in the closed position. Therefore, in the cleaning mode, the first opening H1, the second opening H2, and the third opening H3 are closed by the corresponding covers C1 to C3, so that the air sent from the fan F is concentrated on the fourth opening H4. Then flow. Thereby, in the cleaning mode, the portion on the fixing device 80 side of the fourth developing cartridge 410 can be efficiently cooled.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects described above.
Since the covers C1 to C3 are interlocked with one linear cam 500 that selectively moves the four developing cartridges 110, 210, 310, and 410, the airflow can be adjusted with a simple structure.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can utilize with various forms so that it may illustrate below. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to members having substantially the same structure as in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the said embodiment, although the covers C1-C3 were provided in the press members 250, 350, 450, this invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the separation member may have a cover. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second separation member 260 has a first cover C1. The third separation member 360 has a second cover C2. The fourth separation member 460 has a third cover C3. In this embodiment, in the color mode shown in FIG. 8A, the covers C1 to C3 are located at the open position. Thereby, in the color mode, all the openings H1 to H4 are opened.

  In the monochrome mode shown in FIG. 8B, the first cover C1 and the second cover C2 are located at the closed position. Thus, only the third opening H3 and the fourth opening H4 are opened in the monochrome mode.

  Further, in the cleaning mode shown in FIG. 8C, the covers C1 to C3 are located at the closed position. Accordingly, only the fourth opening H4 is opened in the cleaning mode.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, the linear motion cam may have a cover. Here, FIGS. 9 and 10 are views of the second side frame 62 as viewed from the side opposite to the photoreceptor 120.

  In the form shown in FIG. 9, the linear cam 500 has a first cover C1 and a second cover C2. In the color mode shown in FIG. 9A, the covers C1 and C2 are in the open position. Thereby, in the color mode, all the openings H1 to H4 are opened.

  Further, in the monochrome mode shown in FIG. 9B, the covers C1 and C2 are located at the closed positions. Thus, only the third opening H3 and the fourth opening H4 are opened in the monochrome mode.

  In the form shown in FIG. 10, the linear cam 500 includes a first cover C1, a second cover C2, and a third cover C3. In the color mode shown in FIG. 10A, the covers C1 to C3 are located in the open position. Thereby, in the color mode, all the openings H1 to H4 are opened.

  Further, in the monochrome mode shown in FIG. 10B, the covers C1 to C3 are located at the closed positions. Accordingly, only the fourth opening H4 is opened in the monochrome mode.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the developing cartridge may have a cover. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second developing cartridge 210 has a first cover C1. The third developing cartridge 310 has a second cover C2. The fourth developing cartridge 410 has a third cover C3. In FIG. 11, in each of the developing cartridges 210, 310, and 410, only the covers C1 to C3 are shown by solid lines.

  In this embodiment, in the color mode shown in FIG. 11A, the covers C1 to C3 are located at the open position. Thereby, in the color mode, all the openings H1 to H4 are opened.

  In this embodiment, each of the covers C1 to C3 closes a part of the corresponding openings H1 to H3 and opens the other part in the open position. Moreover, each cover C1-C3 is closing all corresponding opening H1-H3 in a closed position.

  In the monochrome mode shown in FIG. 11B, the first cover C1 and the second cover C2 are located at the closed position. Thus, only the third opening H3 and the fourth opening H4 are opened in the monochrome mode.

  Further, in the cleaning mode shown in FIG. 10C, the covers C1 to C3 are located at the closed positions. Accordingly, only the fourth opening H4 is opened in the cleaning mode.

  In the embodiment, air is sent from the fan F toward the chargers 130, 230, 330, and 430, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the air in each charger may be configured to be sucked by a fan.

  In the embodiment, the photosensitive drum is exemplified as the photosensitive member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the photoconductor may be a belt-like photoconductor.

  In the said embodiment, although the charging device provided with the charging wire and the grid electrode was illustrated as a charging device, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the charger may be a charging roller that contacts the photoconductor.

  In the embodiment, the fixing device 80 including the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 is exemplified as the fixing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fixing device may include a heat source, a nip plate, an endless belt, and a pressure roller. In this structure, the heat source heats the nip plate. The nip plate sandwiches the endless belt with the pressure roller.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the color printer 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a multifunction machine.

  Moreover, you may implement combining each element demonstrated by above-described embodiment and modification arbitrarily.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color printer 60 Drawer 61 1st side frame 62 2nd side frame 110 1st developing cartridge 111 1st developing roller 120 1st photoreceptor 130 1st charger 210 2nd developing cartridge 211 2nd developing roller 220 2nd photoreceptor 230 Second Charger 310 Third Developer Cartridge 311 Third Developer Roller 320 Third Photoconductor 330 Third Charger 410 Fourth Developer Cartridge 411 Fourth Developer Roller 420 Fourth Photoconductor 430 Fourth Charger 500 Direct Acting Cam C1 1st cover C2 2nd cover F Fan H1 1st opening H2 2nd opening H3 3rd opening H4 4th opening TS Contact / separation mechanism

Claims (10)

A drawer that can be attached to an image forming apparatus,
A first side frame;
A second side frame facing the first side frame in a first direction;
A first photoreceptor located between the first side frame and the second side frame;
A first charger located between the first side frame and the second side frame for charging the first photosensitive member;
A second photoreceptor located between the first side frame and the second side frame;
A second charger located between the first side frame and the second side frame for charging the second photoconductor;
A third photoconductor positioned between the first side frame and the second side frame;
A third charger located between the first side frame and the second side frame for charging the third photoconductor;
A fourth photoconductor positioned between the first side frame and the second side frame;
A fourth charger located between the first side frame and the second side frame and charging the fourth photoconductor;
With
The second side frame has a first opening for flowing air to the first charger, a second opening for flowing air to the second charger, and for flowing air to the third charger. A drawer having a third opening and a fourth opening for flowing air to the fourth charger;
A first developing cartridge that is attachable to the drawer, and comprises a first developing roller that contacts the first photosensitive member;
A second developing cartridge that can be attached to the drawer, and comprising a second developing roller that contacts the second photosensitive member;
A third developing cartridge that can be attached to the drawer, and includes a third developing roller that contacts the third photosensitive member;
A fourth developing cartridge that can be attached to the drawer and includes a fourth developing roller that contacts the fourth photosensitive member;
The first developing cartridge, the second developing cartridge, the third developing cartridge, and the fourth developing cartridge are arranged in this order in the second direction,
The first charger, the second charger, the third charger, and the fourth charger through the first opening, the second aperture, the third aperture, and the fourth aperture. A fan that circulates air to each,
A linear cam movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position with respect to the drawer;
When the linear cam is in the first position, the four developing cartridges are in a first state in which the four developing rollers are brought into contact with the corresponding photosensitive members, and the linear cam is in the second position. A second state in which the first developing roller, the second developing roller, and the third developing roller are separated from the corresponding photosensitive members, and the fourth developing roller is in contact with the fourth photosensitive member; A contact / separation mechanism capable of switching to a third state in which each of the four developing rollers is separated from a corresponding photosensitive member when the linear cam is in the third position;
A first cover movable to a first closed position for closing the first opening and a first open position for opening the first opening according to the operation of the linear cam;
An image comprising: a second cover that is movable to a second closed position that closes the second opening and a second open position that opens the second opening according to the operation of the linear cam. Forming equipment. The fourth developing cartridge contains black toner and is located between the third opening and the fourth opening in the second direction;
When the linear cam is located at the second position, the first opening and the second opening are closed by the first cover and the second cover, and the third opening and the fourth opening are opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The contacting / separating mechanism is
A rotatable first pressing member that presses the first developing cartridge toward the first photosensitive member;
A first separating member that rotates by contact with the linear cam and presses the first developing cartridge in a direction away from the first photoreceptor against the pressing force of the first pressing member;
A rotatable second pressing member for pressing the second developing cartridge toward the second photosensitive member;
A second separating member that rotates by contact with the linear cam and presses the second developing cartridge in a direction away from the second photosensitive member against a pressing force of the second pressing member;
A rotatable third pressing member for pressing the third developing cartridge toward the third photosensitive member;
A third separating member that rotates by contact with the linear cam and presses the third developing cartridge in a direction away from the third photoreceptor against the pressing force of the third pressing member;
A rotatable fourth pressing member for pressing the fourth developing cartridge toward the fourth photosensitive member;
A fourth separating member that rotates by contact with the linear cam and presses the fourth developing cartridge in a direction away from the fourth photosensitive member against a pressing force of the fourth pressing member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The second pressing member has the first cover,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third pressing member includes the second cover. The second spacing member has the first cover,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third separation member includes the second cover.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linear cam includes the first cover and the second cover. The second developing cartridge has the first cover,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third developing cartridge includes the second cover.   2. A third cover that is movable to a third closed position that closes the third opening and a third open position that opens the third opening in accordance with the operation of the linear cam. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A fixing device located on the opposite side of the third photoconductor from the fourth photoconductor;
When the linear cam is positioned at the third position, the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening are closed by the first cover, the second cover, and the third cover, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the four openings are open.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Images