JP2019035972A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To accurately position an image holding body and an image writing tool at the time of attachment in comparison to a case where the image writing tool is positioned in a device body when a process cartridge is attached/detached.SOLUTION: An image formation device comprises a guide mechanism 10 which moves an image writing tool 5 in conjunction with opening/closing of an opening/closing door 2, guides the image writing tool to a writing position ST at the closing of the opening/closing door 2 and guides the image writing tool to a retreat position RT retreating from an attachment/detachment space part of a process cartridge 3 at the time of opening of the opening/closing door 2. The guide mechanism 10 includes a first guide mechanism 11 which guides the image writing tool 5 along a first guide part provided in the process cartridge 3 while the opening/closing door 2 moves from the closed position to the intermediate position positioned on the way to the opened position, and a second guide mechanism 12 which guides the image writing tool 5 along a second guide part provided in a device housing 1 while the opening/closing door 2 moves from the intermediate position to the opened position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, as this type of image forming apparatus, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is already known.
In Patent Document 1, a line head is rotatably held on an inner surface of a cover that can be freely opened and closed with one end of the main body as a rotation fulcrum, and the line head is biased toward the rotation fulcrum. And a guide part for positioning the line head with respect to the image carrier when the cover is closed to the main body side. An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which the leading end position of the line head with respect to the surface of the image carrier is reliably exposed without interfering with the charging unit and when the cover is closed.

JP-A-6-106814 (Example, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to accurately position the image holding member and the image writing tool at the time of mounting as compared with the case of positioning the image writing tool at the apparatus body when attaching and detaching the mounting body. It is in.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes a device housing having an opening / closing door that opens and closes between a closed position and an open position, and an image holding body that holds an image, and a direction that intersects an axial direction of the image holding body A mounting body that is detachably mounted in the apparatus housing through the opening of the opening / closing door, an image writing tool that is provided opposite to the image holding body and writes an image on the image holding body, and the opening / closing A guide mechanism that moves the image writing tool in conjunction with opening and closing of the door, guides to a writing position when the opening and closing door is closed, and guides to a retreating position retracted from the attaching / detaching space portion of the mounting body when the opening and closing door is opened; The image writing tool is provided along the first guide portion provided on the mounting body while the opening / closing door reaches an intermediate position located in the middle of the open position from the closed position. A first guide mechanism for guiding the door and the open / close door in the intermediate position An image forming apparatus comprising: a second guide mechanism that guides the image writing tool along a second guide portion provided in the apparatus housing between the first position and the open position. It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the first guide mechanism includes a linear first guide portion, and the second guide mechanism includes the first guide mechanism. An image forming apparatus comprising: a second guide unit that changes a posture of the image writing tool in a direction different from the guide unit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the holding mechanism that holds the image writing tool includes a holding member that holds the image writing tool so that the image writing tool can be moved forward and backward, and the image document. And an urging member for urging the insertion tool in the advancing direction. The holding member includes a guided portion that engages with a guide portion of each guide mechanism.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the holding member has a swing fulcrum on the side away from the holding position of the image writing tool, and the first guide mechanism includes: A linear guide groove provided as the first guide portion on the mounting body, and a guide portion provided at a position away from the swing fulcrum of the holding member and slidably fitted into the guide groove. An image forming apparatus having a protrusion protruding so as to match.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the holding member has a swing fulcrum on the side away from the holding position of the image writing tool, and the second guide mechanism is A guide surface provided as the second guide portion in the apparatus housing, and provided as the guided portion at a position away from the swinging fulcrum of the holding member, and rides on the guide surface and the image writing tool. And an overhang member that projects to change the posture toward the first guide mechanism.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mounting body includes a driven component including the image holding body, and the drive transmission system that transmits a driving force to the driven component is the A connecting part that is connected to a driven part; moves the connecting part in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing door; guides the connecting part when the opening and closing door is closed; and attaches and detaches the mounting body when the opening and closing door is opened A guide mechanism for connecting parts that guides to a retracted position retracted from the section, and the guide mechanism for connecting parts is configured such that when the opening / closing door is opened from the closed position to the open position, the image writing tool is In the image forming apparatus, the connecting component is moved to the retracted position after guidance by the second guide mechanism is started.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the guide mechanism for the connecting component is configured such that the image writing tool is mounted when the open / close door is opened from the closed position to the open position. In the image forming apparatus, the connecting component is moved to the retracted position after being removed from the first guide portion provided on the body.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the mounting body drives a developing unit that visualizes an image written by the image writing tool on the image holding body. The guide mechanism for the connecting component guides the connecting component connectable to the image carrier as the driven component and the developing member of the developing device to the connecting position and the retracted position. The image forming apparatus is characterized by the above.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the guide mechanism for the connecting component is interlocked with the opening / closing of the opening / closing door via the guide mechanism. is there.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the guide mechanism for the connecting component has a guide amount smaller than a guide amount by the guide mechanism, and absorbs the difference in the guide amount. As described above, the image forming apparatus is characterized by having a portion engaged with a movable member of the guide mechanism with a long hole interposed therebetween.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or sixth aspect, the image forming apparatus includes a restricting part that restricts an axial retaining of the image holding body, and the opening / closing door is interlocked with the opening / closing operation. A regulation mechanism for moving the regulation component, guiding the regulation component to a regulation position when the opening / closing door is closed, and guiding the regulation component to a retraction position retracted from the attachment / detachment space of the mounting body when the opening / closing door is opened; When the opening / closing door is opened from the closed position to the open position, the guide mechanism moves the restricting component to the retracted position after the image writing tool starts guiding by the second guide mechanism. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the guide mechanism for the restriction component is interlocked with the opening / closing of the opening / closing door via the guide mechanism. is there.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when attaching and detaching the mounting body, it is possible to accurately position the image holding body and the image writing tool at the time of mounting as compared with the case of positioning the image writing tool on the apparatus main body. .
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, compared with the case where a 1st guide part is not linear, the distance which an image writing tool evacuates from the attachment / detachment space part of a mounting body can be shortened.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize the guidance between the writing position and the retracted position of the image writing tool and the positioning of the image writing tool with respect to the image holding body as the door is opened and closed. Can do.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, the 1st guide mechanism with respect to a mounting body is realizable.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, the 2nd guide mechanism with respect to an apparatus main body can be embodied.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, in the attachment or detachment of a mounting body, connection and cancellation | release of the driven component and connection component of a mounting body can be implemented.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the mounting body is detached, the image writing tool is retracted from the attaching / detaching space portion of the mounting body before releasing the connected state between the driven component and the connecting component of the mounting body, Interference between the writing tool and the mounting body can be prevented.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the mounting body is attached or detached, it is possible to connect or release the image holding body as a driven part of the mounting body, the developing member of the developing device, and the respective connecting parts.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, compared to the mode in which the guide mechanism for the connecting part is directly interlocked with the opening / closing of the opening / closing door, the interlocking structure of the image writing tool and the connecting part to each guide mechanism is simplified. Can do.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 10, even when the guidance amount by the guide mechanism for connection parts is smaller than the guidance amount by the guidance mechanism of an image writing tool, the necessary guidance amount is ensured in the aspect which combined both, respectively. can do.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the mounting body is attached / detached, position regulation and release by the regulating component with respect to the image holding body of the mounting body can be performed.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, compared to the mode in which the guide mechanism for the restricting part is directly interlocked with the opening / closing of the opening / closing door, the structure for interlocking the image writing tool and the restricting part with each guide mechanism is simplified. Can do.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating behavior of each guide mechanism that accompanies opening and closing of the door in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a guide mechanism and an interlocking mechanism of the image writing tool used in the first embodiment. It is the arrow view seen from the V direction in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of a 2nd guide mechanism. It is the arrow view seen from the VII direction in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between an image writing tool and the mounting receiving part of a process cartridge. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st guide mechanism formed in the to-be-mounted receiving part of the process cartridge. It is explanatory drawing which shows the layout of an image writing tool and a process cartridge, and the operation direction of an image writing tool and its guide mechanism. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a guide mechanism for a connecting part and a restricting part for a process cartridge used in Embodiment 1, as viewed from the opening / closing door side of the apparatus housing. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the guide mechanism of the connection components used in Embodiment 1, and a control component from the side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a guide mechanism for connecting parts and regulating parts used in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a main part explanatory view showing the periphery of an image writing tool, a connecting part, and a restricting part used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation process (1) associated with opening of the opening / closing door of the guide mechanism of the image writing tool used in the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement process (2) accompanying opening of the opening / closing door of the guide mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation process (3) accompanying opening of the opening / closing door of the same guide mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement process (4) accompanying opening of the opening / closing door of the guide mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the guidance locus | trajectory of the image writing tool accompanying the closing operation process of an opening / closing door. It is explanatory drawing which shows the guidance behavior of the image writing tool accompanying the closing operation process of an opening / closing door. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the guide behavior of the connection component and control part accompanying opening / closing of an opening / closing door, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement process of the connection mechanism of the connection part and control component accompanying opening / closing of an opening / closing door. . It is explanatory drawing which shows the deformation | transformation form of the guide mechanism of a connection component and a control component.

Outline of Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an outline of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes an apparatus housing 1 having an opening / closing door 2 that opens and closes between a closed position and an open position, and an image holding body 4 that holds an image. A process cartridge 3 as a mounting body that is detachably mounted in the apparatus housing 1 through an opening of the opening / closing door 2 from a direction crossing the direction, and the image holding body 4 are provided facing the image holding body 4. The image writing tool 5 for writing an image to the image writing tool 5 and the image writing tool 5 are moved in conjunction with the opening / closing of the opening / closing door 2 and guided to the writing position ST when the opening / closing door 2 is closed, and the process cartridge 3 when the opening / closing door 2 is opened. And a guide mechanism 10 that guides to a retracted position RT retracted from the detachable space portion. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide mechanism 10 is an intermediate in which the open / close door 2 is located midway between the closed position P1 and the open position P3. Between the positions P2, the process cart Between the first guide mechanism 11 for guiding the image writing tool 5 along the first guide portion provided in the wedge 3 and the door 2 from the intermediate position P2 to the open position P3. And a second guide mechanism 12 that guides the image writing tool 5 along a second guide portion provided in 1.
In FIG. 1, the process cartridge 3 employs an electrophotographic method, for example, and in addition to the image carrier 4, a charger 6 that charges the image carrier 4, and a charged image carrier 4. A developing device 7 for developing an electrostatic latent image as an image written on the image writing tool 5 with a developer and a cleaning device 8 for cleaning the residue on the image holding body 4 are integrally formed. It is configured as an assembled assembly. The developed image formed on the image carrier 4 of the process cartridge 3 is transferred to the recording material 9 by a transfer device (not shown).

In such technical means, this embodiment may be an embodiment having the opening / closing door 2 on the side periphery or the top of the apparatus housing 1. The side peripheral portion here refers to a wall portion surrounding the side periphery of the device casing 1, and the door 2 is usually arranged on the front side as viewed from the user side. Since it is arbitrary, the aspect which arrange | positions the opening-and-closing door 2 in either of a side peripheral part is included widely.
Further, assuming that the process cartridge 3 is attached / detached in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the image carrier 4 with the assumption that interference with the image writing tool 5 becomes a problem when the process cartridge 3 is attached / detached. To do.
Further, the image writing tool 5 may be any one that writes an image so as to face the image carrier 4, and an LED print head (hereinafter abbreviated as LPH), an ion flow writing head, or the like may be appropriately selected.
Furthermore, the guide mechanism 10 needs to guide the image writing tool 5 between the writing position ST and the retracted position RT in conjunction with opening / closing of the opening / closing door 2. Here, in order to avoid interference with the image writing tool 5 when the process cartridge 3 is attached / detached, it is necessary to set the retracted position RT at a position retracted from the attaching / detaching space of the process cartridge 3.
The first guide mechanism 11 only needs to guide the image writing tool 5 along the first guide portion provided in the process cartridge 3, and the guide locus of the first guide portion is appropriately selected. It does not matter. Here, when the image writing tool 5 reaches the image carrier 4 side along the first guide portion, the image writing tool 5 writes a predetermined document to the image carrier 4 positioned in the process cartridge 3. It is positioned at the insertion position ST. When the door 2 is opened from the closed position P1 to the intermediate position P2, as shown in FIG. 2, the image writing tool 5 is guided to the intermediate retracted position RT1 retracted from the writing position ST. At this time, the image writing tool 5 is positioned near the entrance of the first guide portion of the process cartridge 3 at the intermediate retracted position RT1.
Further, the second guide mechanism 12 may guide the image writing tool 5 along the second guide portion provided in the apparatus housing 1, and the guide locus of the second guide portion may be appropriately selected. Absent. Here, when the open / close door 2 reaches the open position P3, the image writing tool 5 reaches the retreat position RT retracted from the attachment / detachment space of the process cartridge 3 as shown in FIG.

Next, a typical aspect or a preferable aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, as a preferable aspect of the guide mechanism 10, the first guide mechanism 11 has a linear first guide portion, and the second guide mechanism 12 has an image document in a direction different from that of the first guide portion. The aspect which has the 2nd guide part which changes the attitude | position of the insertion tool 5 is mentioned. In this example, the image writing tool 5 that has changed to a predetermined posture through the second guide portion by the second guide mechanism 12 is transferred to the first guide mechanism 11 and then by the first guide mechanism 11. The posture is gradually changed along the linear first guide portion, and finally held in the normal posture at the writing position ST and positioned.
Further, as a typical aspect of the holding mechanism of the image writing tool 5, there are a holding member that holds the image writing tool 5 so as to be able to advance and retreat, and a biasing member that biases the image writing tool 5 in the advance direction. And the aspect which has the to-be-guided part engaged with the guide part of each guide mechanism 11 and 12 is mentioned to a holding member. The holding mechanism of the image writing tool 5 in this example has a function of holding the image writing tool 5 so as to be movable between the writing position ST and the retracted position RT, and also has an image at the writing position ST of the process cartridge 3. In positioning the writing tool 5, it is necessary to have a function of adjusting the position of the image writing tool 5. Here, as the position adjustment mechanism, for example, the image writing tool 5 may be held so as to be able to advance and retreat, and the image writing tool 5 may be urged in the advance direction by the urging member.
Here, as a typical mode of the holding mechanism of the image writing tool 5, the holding member has a swing fulcrum on the side away from the holding position of the image writing tool 5, and swings around the swing fulcrum. And the aspect which changes the attitude | position of the image writing tool 5 is mentioned.
In a mode in which this type of holding mechanism is employed, a typical mode of the first guide mechanism 11 includes a linear guide groove provided as a first guide portion in the process cartridge 3 and a swing fulcrum of the holding member. And a protrusion provided so as to be slidably fitted to the guide groove and provided as a guided portion at a site away from the center. In addition, as a typical aspect of the second guide mechanism 12, a guide surface provided as a second guide portion in the apparatus housing 1 and a guided portion provided at a portion away from the swing fulcrum of the holding member. In addition, there is an aspect including an overhanging member that projects onto the guide surface so as to change the image writing tool 5 to a posture toward the first guide mechanism 11.

As another preferred aspect of the present embodiment, the process cartridge 3 has a driven component including the image carrier 4, and a drive transmission system 15 that transmits a driving force to the driven component is connected to the driven component. The connecting part 13 is moved in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening / closing door 2, guided to the connecting position CS when the opening / closing door 2 is closed, and retracted from the attachment / detachment space of the process cartridge 3 when the opening / closing door 2 is opened. The connecting part guide mechanism 14 guides to the retracted position RT. When the opening / closing door 2 is opened from the closed position P1 to the open position P3, the connecting part guide mechanism 14 is operated by the image writing tool 5 in the first position. There is a mode in which the connecting component 13 is moved to the retracted position RT after the guidance by the second guiding mechanism 12 is started.
In other words, the guide mechanism 14 for this type of connecting component is a first mechanism in which the image writing tool 5 is provided in the process cartridge 3 when the door 2 is opened from the closed position P1 to the open position P3. What is necessary is just to move the connection component 13 to the retracted position RT after the guide part is removed.
In general, the apparatus housing 1 is provided with a connecting part 13 (for example, 13a, 13b) for connecting a driven part of the process cartridge 3 (such as the image carrier 4 and the developing member 7g of the developing device 7). In attaching and detaching, it is necessary to release the connected state between the driven component and the connecting component 13.
In this example, by providing a guide mechanism 14 for connecting parts interlocked with opening and closing of the open / close door 2, the connecting parts 13 are guided to the connecting position CS and the retracted position RT, and there is no hindrance to the attaching / detaching operation of the process cartridge 3. When the process cartridge 3 is mounted, the transmission performance of the driving force from the drive transmission system 15 is ensured.
As a representative aspect of this example, the process cartridge 3 has a developing unit 7 that visualizes an image written by the image writing tool 5 on the image holding member 4 as a driven component, and is connected to the process cartridge 3. The component guide mechanism 14 guides the connecting component 13 that can be connected to the image carrier 4 as the driven component and the developing member 7g of the developing device 7 to the connecting position CS and the retracted position RT.

Furthermore, as a preferable aspect of the guide mechanism 14 for connecting parts, one that interlocks with opening / closing of the open / close door 2 via the guide mechanism 10 for image writing tool can be cited. In this example, the connection component guide mechanism 14 is linked to the opening / closing of the door 2 and operates via the guide mechanism 10.
In addition, in the aspect in which the guide mechanism 14 for the connecting parts has a guide amount smaller than the guide amount by the guide mechanism 10 for the image writing tool, the connection mechanism 14 and the movable member of the guide mechanism 10 can be absorbed. What is necessary is just to make it have a part which interposes a long hole in between.

Further, as another preferred aspect of the present embodiment, there is a restriction component 16 that restricts the axial holding of the image carrier 4 from being restricted, and the restriction component 16 is moved in conjunction with opening and closing of the open / close door 2. And a guide mechanism 17 for restricting parts that guides to the restricting position KS when the door 2 is closed and guides to the retracted position RT retracted from the attachment / detachment space of the process cartridge 3 when the door 2 is opened. When the mechanism 17 opens the open / close door 2 from the closed position P1 to the open position P3, the image writing tool 5 moves the restricting component 16 to the retracted position RT after the guidance by the second guide mechanism 12 is started. There are aspects.
In general, the apparatus housing 1 is provided with a restricting part 16 for restricting the axial position of the image carrier 4 of the process cartridge 3. When the process cartridge 3 is attached or detached, the restricting state by the restricting part 16 is released. It is necessary. In this example, by providing the guide mechanism 17 for the restriction part that is interlocked with the opening and closing of the opening / closing door 2, the restriction part 16 is guided to the restriction position KS and the retreat position RT, and there is no hindrance to the process cartridge 3 attachment / detachment operation. When the process cartridge 3 is mounted, the position regulating performance with respect to the image carrier 4 is ensured.
Furthermore, as a preferable aspect of the guide mechanism 17 for the restriction part, one that interlocks with opening / closing of the open / close door 2 through the guide mechanism 10 for image writing tool can be cited. In this example, the restriction component guide mechanism 17 is linked to the opening / closing of the door 2 and operates via the guide mechanism 10.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 20 includes a monochromatic (for example, black) image forming unit 22 in an apparatus housing 21, and a recording in which a recording material can be supplied below the image forming unit 22. A recording material supply device 24 is provided, and a recording material discharge receptacle 26 for discharging and storing an image-formed recording material is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus housing 21, and the recording material supplied from the recording material supply device 24 is substantially omitted. The recording material is discharged to a recording material discharge receptacle 26 via a conveyance path 25 extending along the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 22 forms an image by an electrophotographic method. For example, the photosensitive member 31 formed in a drum shape and the photosensitive member 31 are preliminarily formed. A charging device 32 for charging, an image writing device 33 for writing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 31 charged by the charging device 32, and a visible image of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 31 with each color toner. A developing device 34 for converting the toner and a cleaning device 35 for cleaning residual toner on the photoconductor 31.
Here, the image writing tool 33 is configured by a print head (abbreviated as LPH) in which LEDs as light sources are arranged at predetermined pixel pitch intervals, and a predetermined writing position facing the photoconductor 31. It is arranged in ST (see FIG. 15).
In the present embodiment, the recording material supplied from the feeder 61 of the recording material supply device 24 is conveyed by an appropriate number of conveyance rolls (not shown) in the conveyance path 25, and is adjusted by the alignment roll 62. After the alignment, the toner passes through a transfer portion of the transfer device 63, and an unfixed toner image is fixed by, for example, heat and pressure by the fixing device 66, and then discharged to the recording material discharge receptacle 26.

-Process cartridge-
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive member 31 is configured as a process cartridge 70 that is a mounting body integrated with a charger 32, a developing unit 34, and a cleaning unit 35. 70 is detachably attached to the cartridge receiving portion in the apparatus housing 21 to construct a main part of the image forming portion 22.
In this example, the process cartridge 70 includes a photoconductor assembly 71 in which the photoconductor 31, the charger 32, and the cleaning device 35 are incorporated, and a developing device 34 that is swingably connected to the photoconductor assembly 71. A developing assembly 72 to be incorporated and a toner supply container 73 for supplying toner to the developing device 34 are provided.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, an opening / closing door 27 is provided on the front side of the device casing 21 (corresponding to the left side in FIG. 3), and this opening / closing door 27 uses the lower edge of the opening as a support shaft 27a. The process cartridge 70 is detachably mounted in the apparatus housing 21 by opening the opening / closing door 27.

<Photoreceptor assembly>
The photoreceptor assembly 71 has a housing container in which the photoreceptor 31, the charger 32, and the cleaner 35 are housed. The photosensitive member 31 is rotatably supported at both ends of the rotating shaft at both ends of the container. When the process cartridge 70 is mounted, one end of the rotating shaft of the photosensitive member 31 is connected via a coupling (connection part) not shown. The drive transmission system is connected to the drive transmission system.
The charger 32 is provided with a charging container part in a part of the housing container, and a charging roll in contact with or close to the surface of the photoreceptor 31 and a cleaning roll for cleaning the charging roll in the charging container part. is there.
Further, the cleaning device 35 is provided with a cleaning container part in a part of the container, and a plate-shaped cleaning member for scraping residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptor 31 is provided at the opening edge of the cleaning container part. .
<Development assembly>
As shown in FIG. 3, the developing assembly 72 has a developing container that opens toward the photosensitive member 31 and accommodates a two-component developer containing toner and carrier, and faces the opening of the developing container. A developing roll 91 for holding and transporting the developer is disposed at the site, and a pair of developer agitating members 92 (for example, spiral blades around the rotating shaft are attached to the back side of the developing roll 91 in the developing container. Further, a layer thickness regulating member (for example, a layer thickness regulating roll) that regulates the developer layer thickness held on the developing roll 91 on the upstream side of the developing portion of the developing roll 91 in the rotational direction. Is provided.
In this example, when the process cartridge 70 is mounted, one end of the rotation shaft of the developing roll 91 is drivingly connected to a drive transmission system via a coupling (connection part) not shown.

-Guide mechanism for image writing tools-
In the present embodiment, the image writing tool (LPH in this example) 33 is held by a holding mechanism 100 as shown in FIG. You will be guided along.
<Holding mechanism>
Here, the holding mechanism 100 of the image writing tool 33 has a holder 101 made of a substantially rectangular plate extending in the moving direction of the image writing tool 33, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 and FIG. At the end of the holder 101 on the image writing tool 33 side, there is provided a holding part 102 for holding the image writing tool 33 so that the image writing tool 33 can be moved forward and backward with both ends positioned in the longitudinal direction. By providing an appropriate number of biasing springs 103 on the side of the insertion tool 33, the image writing tool 33 held in the holding part 102 is biased in a direction away from the holder 101.
In this example, a rocking fulcrum is provided on the base end portion of the holder 101 located on the opposite side of the holding portion 102, and the holder 101 is supported so as to be able to rock around the rocking fulcrum.
Note that hook-like pieces 105 protruding in a hook shape on the side are provided on both sides in the width direction of the holder 101 excluding the holding portion 102.

<Interlocking mechanism>
In this example, the opening / closing door 27 opens and closes around a support shaft 27 a located at the lower edge of the opening, and an interlocking mechanism is provided between the opening / closing door 27 and the holding mechanism 100 of the image writing tool 33. 120 is interposed.
The interlocking mechanism 120 has a pair of rod-shaped first interlocking arms 121 that interlocks with the opening and closing of the opening / closing door 27, and hook pins 122 and 123 are provided near one end and the other end of the first interlocking arm 121, respectively. A pair of support pieces 124 project from the inner surface of the open / close door 27, and a circular support hole 125 is formed in the support piece 124. A first interlocking arm is formed in the support hole 125. A hook pin 122 provided at one end of 121 is rotatably supported.
Further, the interlocking mechanism 120 is provided with a pair of second interlocking arms 126 made of a plate material extending in a substantially horizontal direction corresponding to the other ends of the pair of first interlocking arms 121 in the apparatus housing 21. A support groove 127 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the opening / closing door 27 side of the second interlocking arm 126, and the support groove 127 of the second interlocking arm 126 is provided near the other end of the first interlocking arm 121. The hook pin 123 is fitted so as to be slidable.
A support shaft 128 is stretched over the end of the second interlocking arm 126 on the side away from the open / close door 27, and the support shaft 128 is located on the side of the holder 101 on the side away from the image writing tool 33. The proximal end is rotatably supported. Therefore, the holder 101 is configured to hold the image writing tool 33 so as to be able to swing with the support shaft 128 as a swing fulcrum.

<Outline of guidance mechanism>
The guide mechanism 110 in this example is configured to retract the image writing tool 33 located at the writing position ST outside the space necessary for attaching / detaching the process cartridge 70 when the door 27 is opened when attaching / detaching the process cartridge 70. The image writing tool 33 is guided so as to be retracted to the position RT, thereby preventing the process cartridge 70 and the image writing tool 33 from interfering when the process cartridge 70 is attached or detached.
Then, after the process cartridge 70 is mounted in the apparatus housing 21, the guide mechanism 110 moves the image writing tool 33 positioned at the retracted position RT when the open / close door 27 is closed from the open position to the closed position. It is necessary to guide the ST.
Here, an example of the guide mechanism 110 will be described in detail as follows.
In this example, the guide mechanism 110 includes a first guide mechanism 111 that guides the image writing tool 33 to the process cartridge 70 mounted in the apparatus housing 21, and image writing to the apparatus housing 21. And a second guide mechanism 112 for guiding the tool 33.
First, before describing the first guide mechanism 111, the second guide mechanism 112 will be described.

<Second guide mechanism>
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the second guide mechanism 112 includes a pair of guide rails 131 that extend in a substantially horizontal direction outside the pair of second interlocking arms 126 and the holder 101 of the image writing tool 33 in the width direction. The second interlocking arm 126 is formed with a recess 132 in which the second interlocking arm 126 can move in a substantially horizontal direction, and the vertical wall portion of the recess 132 has a vertical wall portion. A guide groove 133 that extends in a substantially horizontal direction is formed, and a guide pin 134 that is coaxial with, for example, the support shaft 128 faces outward at the end of the pair of second interlocking arms 126 on the side away from the opening / closing door 27. The guide pin 134 is slidably fitted along the guide groove 133 of the guide rail 131.
In this example, the guide pins 134 are fitted in the guide grooves 133 of the pair of guide rails 131 so as to be slidable. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the guide pins 134 are fitted with a binion (not shown). A rack (not shown) in which meshing teeth with a predetermined pitch interval are formed is disposed along the guide groove 133, and a pair of guide pins 134 is fixed by meshing the binion with the rack. It may be moved to restrict the amount of movement of the holder 101 on both sides in the width direction.
Further, in this example, the hook-shaped piece 105 of the holder 101 is movably disposed in the recess 132 of the guide rail 131 in a non-contact state, and the image writing tool 33 of the recess 132 of the guide rail 131 is arranged. A guide stand 135 is provided at a portion located on the side, and a guide surface 136 is formed on the top of the guide stand 135 along the substantially horizontal direction. A rib 137 is formed as an overhanging member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the hook-shaped piece 105 and extends downward. The rib 137 includes a first inclined portion 138 a that has a mountain shape with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bowl-shaped piece 105, and It has the 2nd inclination part 138b.
In this example, the rib 137 of the holder 101 is arranged so as to be movable in a non-contact state in a portion of the recess 132 of the guide rail 131 excluding the guide table 135, and the rib 137 of the holder 101 is arranged in the guide table 135. The first inclined portion 138a of the rib 137 of the holder 101 comes into contact with the guide surface 136, and the holder 101 has the first inclination of the rib 137 with the swing fulcrum as the center. The posture changes along the part 138a, and the posture and position of the image writing tool 33 are changed.

<First guide mechanism>
In this example, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the process cartridge 70 has a mounted receiving portion 140 to which the image writing tool 33 can be mounted, and the first guide mechanism 111 includes the process cartridge 70. Guide grooves 141 that extend linearly toward the writing position ST of the image writing tool 33 are formed on both sides in the width direction of the mounted receiving portion 140 of the image receiving tool 140, while the holding portion of the holder 101 of the image writing tool 33 102, the guided pins 142 are formed so as to protrude outward, and the guided pins 142 are fitted in the guide grooves 141 of the process cartridge 70 so as to be slidable. The image writing tool 33 is guided with respect to the mounted receiving part 140.
Further, in this example, the guidance by the second guidance mechanism 112 is not performed while the guidance by the first guidance mechanism 111 is being implemented. Specifically, while the guidance by the first guide mechanism 111 is being performed, the second guide mechanism 112 is arranged at a position where the second inclined portion 138 b of the rib 137 of the holder 101 faces the guide surface 136. Thus, the second inclined portion 138b and the guide surface 136 do not come into contact with each other.
Note that the image writing tool 33 is guided to the writing position ST through guidance by the first guide mechanism 111. In this example, the image writing tool 33 is a positioning portion formed in advance on the mounted receiving portion 140. (Not shown) and positioned in a state of being urged by the urging spring 103.

-Guide mechanism for connecting parts and regulating parts-
<Connecting parts and regulated parts>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, on the one side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 70 in the apparatus housing 21, the drive for driving the photosensitive member 31, the developing roll 91 of the developing device 34, and the like. A transmission system 150 is provided.
Here, as the drive transmission system 150, a drive transmission system 151 for the photosensitive member that transmits the driving force to the photosensitive member 31, a drive transmission system 152 for the developer that transmits the driving force to the developing roll 91 of the developing unit 34, and the like. In any case, a configuration in which the driving force from the driving motor 153 (see FIG. 12) is transmitted via the driving transmission gear train 155 or 156 is employed.
The drive transmission system 151 for the photosensitive member is connected to a support shaft of the photosensitive member 31 via a connecting component (coupling in this example) 161 so as to transmit a driving force to the photosensitive member 31.
On the other hand, the drive transmission system 152 for the developing device is connected to the support shaft of the developing roll 91 of the developing device 34 via a connecting component (coupling in this example) 162, and transmits the driving force to the developing roll 91. ing. In this example, the driving force is transmitted to the developer stirring member 92 of the developing unit 34 following the transmission of the driving force to the developing roll 91.
In addition, a pair of restricting parts (in this example, restricting plates) 170 are provided on both sides of the process cartridge 70 in the axial direction of the photoconductor 31, and a configuration is used to prevent the photoconductor 31 from coming off in the axial direction.

In the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 70 is attached or detached, the connecting parts 161 and 162 are retracted to the retracted position RT that is out of the connecting position CS between the photosensitive member 31 that is the driven part and the shaft portion of the developing roll 91. In addition, the restricting component 170 needs to be retracted to a retracted position RT that deviates from the restricting position KS that restricts the axial removal of the photoreceptor 31.
Here, the retracted position RT of the connecting parts 161 and 162 may be set in a range in which the shaft portions of the photoreceptor 31 and the developing roll 91 do not interfere with the connecting parts 161 and 162 when the process cartridge 70 is attached and detached. There is no need to set the retraction position RT of the connecting parts 161 and 162 outside the attachment / detachment space of the cartridge 70. Further, the retracted position RT of the restricting component 170 may be set within a range in which the axial end of the photosensitive member 31 does not interfere with the restricting component 170 when the process cartridge 70 is attached / detached. It is not necessary to set the retraction position RT of the restriction component 170.
Therefore, the span between the connection position CS of the connection parts 161 and 162 and the retracted position RT and the span between the restriction position KS and the retracted position RT of the restriction part 170 are both of the image writing tool 33. It is possible to set less than the span between the writing position ST and the retreat position RT.

<Outline of guidance mechanism>
In the present embodiment, the connecting parts 161 and 162 and the restricting part 170 are guided along a predetermined guide locus via a guide mechanism 180 that is interlocked with the opening and closing of the door 27.
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the guide mechanism 180 in this example is provided on both sides in the axial direction of the photosensitive member 31 of the process cartridge 70, but has different configurations on both sides.
That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the drive transmission system 150 is provided on one side of the process cartridge 70 in the axial direction of the photosensitive member 31, and the drive transmission system 150 is not provided on the other side. The drive-side guide mechanism 180A having a function of guiding the connecting parts 161, 162 and the restriction part 170, and the non-drive-side guide mechanism 180B without the drive transmission system 150 has a function of guiding the restriction part 170. If it has, it has the structure which is sufficient.

Here, an example of the guide mechanism 180 will be described in detail as follows.
<Guide mechanism on the drive side>
First, the drive-side guide mechanism 180A will be described.
In this example, the drive-side guide mechanism 180A is provided with a link arm 181 extending in a substantially horizontal direction outside the second interlocking arm 126 of the interlocking mechanism 120 (see FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. is there. The link arm 181 is set to be longer than the second interlocking arm 126 and extends to the vicinity of the photosensitive member 31 of the process cartridge 70, and the portion corresponding to the vicinity of the photosensitive member 31 of the process cartridge 70 is other than that. An overhanging portion 182 that projects to the outside with a step is further formed compared to the portion.
The link arm 181 is formed in a substantially horizontal direction provided in a first guide groove 183 having a long hole extending in a substantially horizontal direction provided in a portion near the opening / closing door 27 and a projecting portion 182 located in the vicinity of the photoreceptor 31. An elongated second guide groove 184 that extends and a third guide groove 185 that is provided above the second guide groove 184 in the overhanging portion 182 and that is inclined obliquely downward toward the end side are provided. doing.

Furthermore, in this example, the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 passes through the guide groove 133 of the guide rail 131 and is further fitted in the first guide groove 183 of the link arm 181 so as to be slidable. . In this example, a configuration that also serves as the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 is employed, but the guide pin 134 is also used as a guide pin that fits into the first guide groove 183 of the link arm 181. Of course, it may be provided separately.
In addition, a positioning pin (not shown) provided on the frame of the apparatus housing 21 or a bracket fixed to the frame is slidably fitted in the second guide groove 184 of the link arm 181, The advance / retreat direction of the arm 181 is maintained in a substantially horizontal direction.
Further, in the present embodiment, the connecting parts 161 and 162 are held by a first link holder 187 having a U-shaped stepped holding portion, and a hook pin 188 is attached to a part of the first link holder 187. (See FIG. 21) is provided, and the hook pin 188 is fitted in the third guide groove 185 so as to be slidable.
The restricting component 170 is held by the second link holder 190 in substantially the same manner as the connecting components 161 and 162, and a hook pin 191 (see FIG. 21) is provided on a part of the second link holder 190. The hook pin 191 is slidably fitted to a portion of the third guide groove 185 different from the hook pin 188.

<Non-driving side guide mechanism>
Next, the non-drive side guide mechanism 180B will be described.
In this example, the guide mechanism 180B on the non-drive side is provided with a link arm 201 extending in a substantially horizontal direction outside the second interlocking arm 126 of the interlocking mechanism 120 (see FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. It is. The link arm 201 is set longer than the second interlocking arm 126 and extends to the vicinity of the photosensitive member 31 of the process cartridge 70, but is formed in a shape different from that of the link arm 181.
In this example, the link arm 201 has an arm main body 202 at a portion corresponding to the second interlocking arm 126, and a projecting portion 203 is formed on the inner upper edge of the arm main body 202. In a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the photoconductor 31 of 70, there is an overhanging portion 204 that protrudes with a step further outward from the protruding portion 203.
As in the case of the link arm 181, the first guide groove 183 is formed in the protruding portion 203 of the link arm 201, and the second guide groove 184 and the third guide groove 185 are formed in the overhang portion 204, respectively. Has been. However, the third guide groove 185 of the link arm 201 is for adjusting the advancing / retreating path of the restricting component 170, and the third guide groove 185 of the link arm 181 is both the connecting parts 161, 162 and the restricting part 170. Therefore, the length of the third guide groove 185 of the link arm 201 is set to be shorter than that of the link arm 181.
Further, the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 is provided in the first guide groove 183 of the link arm 201, and the positioning is provided in the second guide groove 184 so as to be fixed to the frame or bracket of the apparatus housing 21. The pin 186 is fitted in the third guide groove 185 so that the hook pin 191 of the second link holder 190 holding the restricting component (a restricting plate in this example) 170 is slidably movable.

<Dimension setting of guide mechanism for connecting parts and restricted parts>
In this example, in the link arm 181 and the link arm 201, the length dimension of the first guide groove 183 is s1, the length dimension of the second guide groove 184 is s2, and the second interlocking arm 126 is substantially horizontal. In this example, s, s1, and s2 are set as follows, where s is the amount of movement along.
s1> s2 (1)
s≈s1 + s2 (2)
In such a dimensional relationship, when the open / close door 27 is located at the closed position P1 (see FIG. 15), the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. Of the first guide groove 183 of the link arm 181 and the link arm 201, it is located at the terminal end on the side away from the open / close door 27.
At this time, a positioning pin (not shown) is disposed at the end of the second guide groove 184 near the opening / closing door 27.
As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 21, when the open / close door 27 is gradually opened from the closed position P <b> 1 to the intermediate open positions P <b> 21 and P <b> 22, the guide pin of the second interlocking arm 126 of the interlocking mechanism 120. 134 moves by the span s1 and reaches the end position near the open / close door 27 in the first guide groove 183 of the link arm 181 and the link arm 201. During this time, the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 of the interlocking mechanism 120 slides along the first guide groove 183 in the first guide groove 183 of the link arm 181, 201. The operating force accompanying opening / closing of the opening / closing door 27 is not transmitted to the door. For this reason, in the second guide groove 184 of the link arms 181, 201, the positioning pin 186 is the same as when the open / close door 27 is located at the closed position P1.
Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 21A and 21B, when the open / close door 27 is opened to the open position P3, the link arms 181 and 201 are moved by the span s2. During this time, since the positioning pin 186 relatively moves by the span s2 in the second guide groove 184, the link arms 181 and 201 move while maintaining a substantially horizontal posture.
In this state, when the link arms 181 and 201 are moved, the hook pins 191 of the first and second link holders 187 and 190 are moved obliquely downward along the inclination of the third guide groove 185. Accordingly, the first and second link holders 187 and 190 are retracted from the connection position CS and the restriction position KS, and the connection parts 161 and 162 and the restriction part 170 are moved to the retraction position RT.

-Operation of image forming device-
First, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
When the image forming apparatus 20 is in a state where image formation is possible, the process cartridge 70 of the image forming unit 22 is mounted on a cartridge receiving unit (not shown) in the apparatus housing 21 as shown in FIG. .
When the open / close door 27 is closed while the process cartridge 70 is mounted on the cartridge receiving portion, the image writing tool 33 is positioned at a positioning portion provided in advance in the process cartridge 70, and the positional relationship with respect to the photoreceptor 31. Is set at a predetermined writing position ST.
Further, the connecting parts 161 and 162 are set to the connecting position CS, the restricting part 170 is set to the restricting position KS, and the driving force from the drive transmission system 150 is applied to the photoconductor 31 and the developing device 34 of the process cartridge 70. Communicated.
In this state, a single color (for example, black) electrostatic latent image is written on the photoreceptor 31 of each image forming unit 22 by the image writing tool 33, and then a single color toner image is formed by the developing unit 34. Then, the image is transferred to the recording material via the transfer device 62. Thereafter, the toner is discharged to the recording material discharge receptacle 26 through the fixing device 66.

−Replacement of process cartridge−
Next, an operation process for exchanging the process cartridge 70 incorporated in the image forming apparatus will be described.
When replacing the process cartridge 70, first, the open / close door 27 of the apparatus housing 21 is opened, and then the process cartridge 70 mounted may be taken out from the opening of the open / close door 27.
At this time, in the present embodiment, the image writing tool 33 is guided by the guide mechanism 110 (the first guide mechanism 111 and the second guide mechanism) by opening the open / close door 27 from the closed position P1 to the open position P3. 112) is guided from the writing position ST to the retracted position RT.
In this example, the connecting parts 161 and 162 and the restricting part 170 are guided from the connecting position CS or the restricting position KS to the retracted position RT by the guide mechanism 180.
In this state, the image writing tool 33 is retracted to the retracted position RT located outside the attaching / detaching space of the process cartridge 70, and the connecting parts 161, 162 and the restricting part 170 are retracted from the connecting position CS or the restricting position KS. Guided to RT, the connection state by the connection parts 161 and 162 is released, and the restriction state for preventing the photoreceptor 31 from being detached by the restriction part 170 is released.
Therefore, when the process cartridge 70 is attached and detached, the image writing tool 33, the connecting parts 161 and 162, the regulating part 170, and the process cartridge 70 do not interfere with each other.

<Guiding operation of image writing tool>
Here, the guide operation of the image writing tool 33 by the guide mechanism 110 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the open / close door 27 is located at the closed position P1, the process cartridge 70 is mounted on a cartridge receiving portion (not shown) in the apparatus housing 21, and the image writing tool 33 is It is positioned at a positioning portion 210 (see FIG. 20) formed in advance in the process cartridge 70 and is disposed at a predetermined writing position ST with respect to the photoreceptor 31.
In this state, as shown in FIG. 16, when the opening / closing door 27 starts to open and moves to the intermediate opening position P <b> 21, the opening operation of the opening / closing door 27 is transmitted to the guide mechanism 110 via the interlocking mechanism 120.
At this time, in the interlocking mechanism 120, the first interlocking arm 121 is pulled out as the opening / closing door 27 is opened, and the second interlocking arm 126 is pulled out toward the opening / closing door 27 along with this. At this stage, since the holder 101 of the image writing tool 33 is connected to the second interlocking arm 126 via the support shaft 128, the holder 101 can swing with the support shaft 128 as a swing fulcrum. The two interlocking arms 126 are pulled out following the pulling-out operation. For this reason, the image writing tool 33 moves in a direction away from the writing position ST as the holder 101 is pulled out.
In the second guide mechanism 112, the guide pin 134 provided coaxially with the support shaft 128 of the holder 101 moves along the guide groove 133 of the guide rail 131 as the holder 101 is pulled out.
In this state, in the second guide mechanism 112, the guided pin 142 formed in the holding portion 102 of the image writing tool 33 moves along the guide groove 141 of the process cartridge 70 as the holder 101 is pulled out. In order to move linearly, the holder 101 and the image writing tool 33 move away from the writing position ST while changing to a posture in which the guide pin 134 and the guided pin 142 are linearly connected. During this time, the second inclined portion 138 b of the rib 137 of the holder 101 is disposed at a portion corresponding to the guide surface 136 of the guide table 135, but the second inclined portion 138 b of the rib 137 is the guide surface of the guide table 135. 136 maintains a non-contact state.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17, when the opening / closing door 27 is further opened and moved to the intermediate opening position P22, the second interlocking arm 126 is further pulled out to the opening / closing door 27 side via the interlocking mechanism 120, Along with this, the holder 101 is pulled out, and the image writing tool 33 reaches the intermediate retracted position RT1 that is detached from the mounted receiving portion 140 of the process cartridge 70.
In this state, the guided pin 142 formed in the holding portion 102 of the holder 101 is out of the guide locus along the guide groove 141 of the process cartridge 70, so that it is formed on the lower surface of the holder 101 of the image writing tool 33. Of the ribs 137, the first inclined portion 138 a contacts the guide surface 136 of the guide stand 135. For this reason, the holder 101 is disposed on the guide surface 136 of the guide table 135 via the rib 137 with the guide pin 134 as a swing fulcrum, and the image writing tool 33 does not fall downward at the intermediate retraction position RT1. It is held at a predetermined position.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18, when the opening / closing door 27 is further opened and moved to the final opening position P3, the second interlocking arm 126 of the interlocking mechanism 120 is further pulled out to the opening / closing door 27 side, and the second The guide pin 134 of the interlocking arm 126 slides along the guide groove 133 of the guide rail 131, and accordingly, the holder 101 is further pulled out, and the first inclined portion 138 a of the rib 137 of the holder 101 is guided. It moves while contacting the surface 136. Therefore, the image writing tool 33 held by the holder 101 gradually changes to a substantially horizontal posture following the change in the contact position between the first inclined portion 138a of the rib 137 and the guide surface 136. To go. In this way, the image writing tool 33 is retracted to the retract position RT further away from the process cartridge 70 than the intermediate retract position RT1.
Since the retracted position RT is located outside the attaching / detaching space portion of the process cartridge 70, the process cartridge 70 and the image writing tool 33 retracted to the retracted position RT do not interfere when the process cartridge 70 is attached / detached.

Next, a description will be given of a case in which the opening / closing door 27 is closed from the open position P3 to the closed position P1 after the process cartridge 70 is mounted in the cartridge receiving portion in the apparatus housing 21 when the process cartridge 70 is replaced.
Now, as shown in FIG. 18, when the opening / closing door 27 starts to close from the open position P3 after the process cartridge 70 is mounted, the guide mechanism 110 (the first guide mechanism 111 and the second guide mechanism 112) causes the interlock mechanism 120 to move. The image writing tool 33 is guided along a predetermined guidance trajectory.
In this example, when the opening / closing door 27 starts to close, the second interlocking arm 126 of the interlocking mechanism 120 is pushed into the apparatus housing 21 in conjunction with the first interlocking arm 121, and accordingly, image writing is performed. The tool 33 moves toward the photoconductor 31 through the holder 101.
At this time, in the second guide mechanism 112, the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 moves linearly along the guide groove 133 of the guide rail 131 and the width of the holder 101 of the image writing tool 33. Since the first inclined portion 138a of the rib 137 formed on the lower surfaces on both sides in the direction moves while contacting the guide surface 136 of the guide stand 135, the holder 101 uses the guide pin 134 as a swing fulcrum and the first of the rib 137 The inclined portion 138a is gradually lifted from the guide surface 136. For this reason, the image writing tool 33 moves along the curved guide locus m2 (see FIG. 20) while gradually changing from a substantially horizontal posture to a posture in which the tip end side is gradually lifted.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17, when the open / close door 27 is closed to the intermediate open position P22, the interlocking mechanism 120 further pushes the second interlocking arm 126, so that the second guide mechanism 112 is curved. The image writing tool 33 is further moved toward the photoreceptor 31 along the guide locus m2 (see FIG. 20), and reaches the position immediately before the mounted receiving portion 140 of the process cartridge 70.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16, when the opening door 27 is further closed to the intermediate opening position P21, the interlocking mechanism 120 further pushes the second interlocking arm 126 in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening door 27. The two interlocking arms 126 push the image writing tool 33 into the mounted receiving portion 140 of the process cartridge 70 via the holder 101.
At this time, the second guide mechanism 112 moves the first inclined portion 138a of the rib 137 of the holder 101 in contact with the guide surface 136 of the guide stand 135, and gradually changes the inclined posture of the holder 101. Thus, the posture of the image writing tool 33 is changed, and the image writing tool 33 is guided to be inserted into the mounted receiving portion 140 of the process cartridge 70.
Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the image writing tool 33 is inserted into the mounted receiving portion 140 of the process cartridge 70, guidance by the first guiding mechanism 111 is started. That is, since the guided pins 142 formed on both sides of the holding portion 102 of the holder 101 move along the linear guide groove 141 in the mounted receiving portion 140, the image writing tool 33 is linearly guided. It approaches toward the photoreceptor 31 along the locus m1.
At this time, when guidance by the first guide mechanism 111 is started, guidance by the second guide mechanism 112 is released. That is, as the image writing tool 33 moves toward the photoreceptor 31, the first inclined portion 138 a of the rib 137 formed on the holder 101 gets over the guide surface 136 of the guide stand 135 and the second of the rib 137. The inclined portion 138 b moves to a position corresponding to the guide surface 136 of the guide stand 135, and accordingly, the rib 137 is disposed in a non-contact manner with respect to the guide surface 136.
Then, as shown in FIG. 15, when the opening / closing door 27 is closed to the closed position P1, the interlocking mechanism 120 further pushes the second interlocking arm 126 in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing door 27. 33 is pushed along the mounted receiving portion 140 of the process cartridge 70 through the holder 101.
Here, since the image writing tool 33 is urged by the urging spring 103 in the holding portion 102 of the holder 101, the image writing tool 33 is placed on a predetermined positioning portion 210 (see FIG. 17). When it hits, the image writing tool 33 stops its movement and is positioned by the positioning unit 210. At this stage, the image writing tool 33 is set to a predetermined writing position ST.

<Guiding operation of connected parts and restricted parts>
Next, the guide operation of the connecting parts 161 and 162 and the regulating part 170 by the guide mechanism 180 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the door 27 is in the closed position P1, the connecting parts 161 and 162 are set to the connecting position CS, and the restricting part 170 is also set to the restricting position KS. Therefore, the driving force from the drive transmission system 150 is transmitted to the photosensitive member 31 and the developing device 34 of the process cartridge 70 via the connecting parts 161 and 162. Further, since both ends of the photosensitive member 31 in the axial direction are prevented from being removed by the restricting component 170, there is little concern that the photosensitive member 31 will come off in the axial direction when the photosensitive member 31 rotates.

In this state, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the opening / closing door 27 is opened toward the opening position P3, the interlocking mechanism 120 is interlocked with the opening operation of the opening / closing door 27, and the image writing tool The guide mechanism 110 is operated.
At this time, the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 of the interlocking mechanism 120 moves along the guide groove 133 of the guide rail 131, and the link arms 181 and 201 of the link mechanism 181 and 201 of the guide mechanism 180 for connecting parts and restricting parts. It moves along one guide groove 183.
In this state, the guide pins 134 are slidably fitted in the first guide grooves 183 of the link arms 181 and 201, but while the door 27 is opened from the closed position P1 to the intermediate open position P22. As shown in FIG. 21B, the guide pin 134 slides along the guide groove 133 with the span s1, and reaches the end of the guide groove 133 on the door 27 side, but the link arms 181 and 201 have a driving force. Is not yet transmitted, and the connecting parts 161 and 162 and the restricting part 170 remain arranged at the connecting position CS and the restricting position KS.
That is, in this example, until the image writing tool guide mechanism 110 retracts the image writing tool 33 to the intermediate retraction position RT1, the connecting part and restricting part guide mechanism 180 has the connecting parts 161, 162 and the restricting part. 170 is not evacuated. Therefore, before the image writing tool 33 is retracted to the intermediate retracting position RT1, the connecting parts 161, 162 and the restricting part 170 are moved to the retracting position RT, and the process cartridge 70 is prevented from moving. Has been.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18, when the open / close door 27 is opened to the open position P3, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 and FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b), the guide pin 134 of the second interlocking arm 126 is obtained. Reaches the end of the first guide groove 183 of the link arms 181 and 201, and then the link arms 181 and 201 are pulled out to the opening and closing door 27 side while the opening and closing door 27 reaches from the intermediate opening position P22 to the opening position P3.
In this state, when the link arms 181 and 201 are moved toward the opening / closing door 27 by the span s2, the link arms 181 and 201 are associated with the hook pins 188 of the first link holder 187 and the second link. Since the hook pin 191 of the holder 190 moves obliquely downward along the third guide groove 185, the first link holder 187 and the second link holder 190 are guided downward, and the first link holder 187 The connecting parts 161 and 162 held in the first position move to the retracted position RT retracted from the connecting position CS, and the restricting part 170 held in the second link holder 190 moves from the restricting position KS to the retracted position RT.
In this state, since the connecting parts 161 and 162 and the restricting part 170 are retracted to the retracted position RT deviated from the connecting position CS and the restricting position KS, the process cartridge 70 and the connecting parts 161 and 161 are attached when the process cartridge 70 is attached or detached. 162 and the regulation component 170 do not interfere with each other.

Further, when the door 27 is closed from the open position P3 to the closed position P1 after the process cartridge 70 is mounted, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 and FIGS. 21A and 21B, the guide mechanism 180 is provided. Is operated in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing door 27 via the interlocking mechanism 120 and the guide mechanism 110 for the image writing tool.
In this example, since the link arms 181 and 201 are pushed into the apparatus housing 21 until the opening / closing door 27 is closed from the open position P3 to the intermediate open position P22, the connecting parts 161 and 162 and The restriction component 170 is set to the connection position CS and the restriction position KS, respectively.
Thereafter, even if the open / close door 27 is closed to the closed position P1, the link arms 181 and 201 do not move, and the connecting parts 161 and 162 and the restricting part 170 remain set at the connecting position CS and the restricting position KS, respectively. .

In the present embodiment, the image writing tool 33, the connecting parts 161 and 162, and the regulating part 170 have been shown to be retractable to the retracted position by the guide mechanism that is linked to the open / close door 27. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, only the image writing tool 33 may be retracted from the writing position by a guide mechanism interlocked with the opening / closing door 27.
In other words, in the present embodiment, the link mechanism 181 and 201 are used as the guide mechanism 180 for the connecting part and the restricting part, but the connecting parts 161 and 162 or the restricting part 170 are shown in FIG. As described above, without using the guide mechanism 180, the rack 231 and the binion 232 are combined, and the rack 231 is moved forward and backward by driving the binion 232 with a drive source (not shown), and the forward and backward movement of the rack 231 is utilized. Of course, the connecting parts 161 and 162 or the members 233 and 234 holding the restricting part 170 may be moved back and forth between the connecting position or the restricting position and the retracted position.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device housing | casing, 2 ... Opening / closing door, 3 ... Process cartridge, 4 ... Image holding body, 5 ... Image writing tool, 6 ... Charger, 7 ... Developing device, 7g ... Developing member, 8 ... Cleaning device, 9 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Recording material, 10 ... Guide mechanism, 11 ... 1st guide mechanism, 12 ... 2nd guide mechanism, 13 (13a, 13b) ... Connection component, 14 ... Guide mechanism for connection component, 15 ... Drive transmission system, 16 ... Restriction part, 17 ... Guide mechanism for restriction part, ST ... Writing position, RT1 ... Intermediate retraction position, RT ... Retraction position, CS ... Connection position, KS ... Restriction position, P1 ... Closed position, P2 ... Intermediate position , P3 ... Open position

Claims (12)

An apparatus housing having an open / close door that opens and closes between a closed position and an open position;
An image holding body that holds an image, and a mounting body that is detachably mounted in the apparatus housing through an opening of the opening and closing door from a direction intersecting an axial direction of the image holding body;
An image writing tool provided facing the image carrier, and writing an image on the image carrier;
The image writing tool is moved in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing door, and is guided to a writing position when the opening and closing door is closed, and is guided to a retreating position retracted from the attaching / detaching space portion of the mounting body when the opening and closing door is opened. A mechanism,
The guide mechanism guides the image writing tool along a first guide portion provided in the mounting body while the open / close door reaches an intermediate position located in the middle of the open position from the closed position. 1 guide mechanism;
A second guide mechanism that guides the image writing tool along a second guide portion provided in the apparatus housing while the open / close door reaches the open position from the intermediate position. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The first guide mechanism has a linear first guide part,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the second guide mechanism includes a second guide unit that changes a posture of the image writing tool in a direction different from that of the first guide unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The holding mechanism that holds the image writing tool includes a holding member that holds the image writing tool so that the image writing tool can be advanced and retracted, and a biasing member that biases the image writing tool in the advancing direction. The image forming apparatus includes a guided portion that engages with a guide portion of each guide mechanism. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The holding member has a swing fulcrum on the side away from the holding position of the image writing tool,
The first guide mechanism is provided as the guided portion in a linear guide groove provided as the first guide portion in the mounting body, and in a portion away from the swing fulcrum of the holding member, and An image forming apparatus comprising: a protrusion protruding so as to be slidably fitted into the guide groove. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The holding member has a swing fulcrum on the side away from the holding position of the image writing tool,
The second guide mechanism includes a guide surface provided as the second guide portion in the device housing;
An overhang is provided as the guided portion at a position away from the swinging fulcrum of the holding member and overhangs on the guide surface so as to change the image writing tool to a posture toward the first guide mechanism. And an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The mounting body has a driven part including the image holding body,
The drive transmission system for transmitting a driving force to the driven component has a connecting component connected to the driven component,
For connecting parts that move the connecting parts in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing doors, guide them to a connecting position when the opening and closing doors are closed, and guide them to a retreating position retracted from the attaching / detaching space of the mounting body when the opening and closing doors are opened. With a guide mechanism
When the opening / closing door is opened from the closed position to the open position, the connecting part guide mechanism moves the connecting part to the retracted position after the image writing tool starts guiding by the second guide mechanism. An image forming apparatus that is moved to the position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
The guide mechanism for the connecting component is configured to remove the connecting component after the image writing tool is removed from the first guide portion provided in the mounting body when the door is opened from the closed position to the open position. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is moved to the retracted position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
The mounted body has a developing unit that visualizes an image written by the image writing tool on the image holding body as a driven component;
The guide mechanism for the connecting component guides the connecting component connectable to the image carrier as the driven component and the developing member of the developing device to the connecting position and the retracted position. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide mechanism for the connecting component is interlocked with opening / closing of the opening / closing door via the guide mechanism. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.
The guide mechanism for the connecting part has a guide amount smaller than the guide amount by the guide mechanism, and a long hole is interposed between the guide member and the movable member so as to absorb the difference in the guide amount. An image forming apparatus having an engaging portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 6,
Having a regulating part in which the axial retaining of the image carrier is regulated;
For the regulating part that moves the regulating part in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing door, guides it to the regulating position when the opening and closing door is closed, and guides it to the retracted position retracted from the attachment / detachment space of the mounting body when the opening and closing door is opened With a guide mechanism
When the opening / closing door is opened from the closed position to the open position, the guide mechanism for the restricting part moves the restricting part to the retracted position after the image writing tool starts guiding by the second guide mechanism. An image forming apparatus that is moved to the position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide mechanism for the restriction component is interlocked with opening / closing of the opening / closing door via the guide mechanism.

Images