JP2020095166A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to improve workability in an image forming apparatus in which a developing unit and a photoreceptor unit are integrated and used.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (10) comprises a photoreceptor unit 24, a developing unit 34, and a unit attachment part 102. The image forming apparatus (10) includes a guide groove 282 and a guide groove 284 of the photoreceptor unit 24, a guide groove 346 of the developing unit 34, and a first guide projection 110, a second guide projection 112, and a third guide projection 114 of the unit attachment part 102 that, when attaching and detaching the photoreceptor unit 24 and developing unit 34 with respect to the unit attachment part 102, maintain the attitude of the photoreceptor unit 24 and developing unit 34, and when the photoreceptor unit 24 alone is attached and detached with respect to the unit attachment part 102, function as insertion guides for maintaining the attitude of the photoreceptor unit 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and in particular, it develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor unit including an electrostatic latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and an electrostatic latent image carrier. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that is used in a state in which a developing unit including a developer carrying member that carries a developing agent is integrated.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a background art image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus of the background art includes a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor as an electrostatic latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a photoconductor using a developer including a developing sleeve as a developer carrier. And a developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the. In the image forming apparatus of the background art, the developing unit and the photoconductor unit are separately provided to the image forming apparatus in a detachable manner.

In recent years, due to demands for improving image quality, the distance (DSD: Drum Sleeve Distance) between the electrostatic latent image carrier and the developer carrier tends to be set small, and there is a demand for higher accuracy of the DSD. Is increasing.

However, in the image forming apparatus of the background art, the photosensitive member as the electrostatic latent image bearing member and the developing sleeve as the developer bearing member are held by holding members included in different units, respectively. There is a limit to improvement.

In order to solve such a problem, that is, in order to improve the accuracy of DSD, there is a unit in which a developing unit and a photoconductor unit are provided in a detachable manner with respect to the image forming apparatus in an integrated state.

JP, 2017-187738, A

However, in the image forming apparatus in which the developing unit and the photoconductor unit are integrally used, the developing unit and the photoconductor unit cannot be independently attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when the developing unit and the photoconductor unit are individually subjected to maintenance work, it is not possible to store only one unit in the image forming apparatus. There is room.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving workability in an image forming apparatus in which a developing unit and a photoconductor unit are integrally used.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a photoconductor unit having a photoconductor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developing unit having a developing roller for supplying toner to the photoconductor, a photoconductor unit provided in the apparatus main body, An image forming apparatus, comprising: a mounting unit into which a developing unit is mounted so as to be insertable and removable along a longitudinal direction, and including a first insertion guide. The first insertion guide guides the photoconductor unit when the photoconductor unit and the developing unit are integrated into the mounting unit, and the photoconductor unit alone is attached to the mounting unit. Prevents the photoconductor unit from falling when it is inserted.

A second invention is according to the first invention, and the first insertion guide includes a first guide groove and a first guide protrusion that are slidably fitted to each other, and the first guide groove and the first guide protrusion include One of them is provided in the mounting portion, and the other is provided in the photoconductor unit.

A third invention is according to the second invention, and at least one of the first guide groove and the first guide protrusion provided in the mounting portion is at least the end portion of the mounting portion on the front side in the insertion direction of the photoconductor unit. It is provided in.

A fourth invention is according to the second or third invention, and the other of the first guide groove and the first guide protrusion provided in the photoconductor unit is provided in the entire region in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor unit.

A fifth aspect of the invention is dependent on any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, and when the photoconductor unit and the developing unit are inserted into the mounting portion in an integrated state, and the developing unit is a single unit. A second insertion guide that guides the developing unit when the developing unit is inserted into the mounting portion is further provided.

A sixth invention is according to the fifth invention, and the second insertion guide includes a second guide groove and a second guide projection which are slidably fitted to each other, and the second guide groove and the second guide projection include the second guide groove and the second guide projection. One of them is provided in the mounting portion, and the other is provided in the developing unit.

A seventh invention is according to the sixth invention, and at least one of the second guide groove and the second guide protrusion provided in the mounting portion is provided at least at an end portion of the mounting portion on the front side in the insertion direction of the developing unit. It is provided.

An eighth invention is according to the sixth or seventh invention, and the other of the second guide groove and the second guide protrusion provided in the developing unit is provided in the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit.

A ninth invention is according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, and regulates insertion of the photoconductor unit into the mounting portion in a state where the developing unit is mounted alone in the mounting portion. 1 An insertion regulation part is further provided.

A tenth invention is according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, and regulates insertion of the developing unit into the mounting portion in a state where the photosensitive unit is mounted alone in the mounting portion. 2 An insertion regulation part is further provided.

An eleventh aspect of the invention is to provide a photoconductor unit having a photoconductor on the surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developing unit having a developing roller for supplying toner to the photoconductor, and a photoconductor unit provided in the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a mounting unit in which a developing unit is mounted so as to be insertable and removable along a longitudinal direction, and including a second insertion guide. The second insertion guide guides the developing unit when the photosensitive unit and the developing unit are integrally inserted into the mounting unit and when the developing unit is individually inserted into the mounting unit. .

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve workability in an image forming apparatus in which a developing unit and a photoconductor unit are used integrally.

The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a photoconductor unit included in the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the photoconductor unit of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a developing unit included in the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a section of the developing unit of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a unit mounting portion included in the apparatus body of FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the unit mounting portion of FIG. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing a state when the photoconductor unit and the developing unit are inserted. FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing a state when the photoconductor unit is inserted. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a state when the developing unit is inserted. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state when the photoconductor unit is inserted in the second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal structure of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is a multi-function peripheral (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. A recording medium) to form a multicolor or monochromatic image. As will be described in detail later, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a photoconductor unit (process unit) 24 including the photoconductor drum 36 and the like, and a developing unit 34 including a developing roller 76 and the like. The photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34, in an integrated state, can be attached to and detached from (removable in) the apparatus main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 in the longitudinal direction. Further, the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are individually (single) attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 12 in the longitudinal direction thereof.

However, in this specification, of the horizontal direction when the image forming apparatus 10 is viewed from the front, the left side is defined as the left side and the right side is defined as the right direction. Further, in the depth direction when the image forming apparatus 10 is viewed from above (from below), the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 10 is defined as the front direction (front direction), and the back side of the image forming apparatus 10 is defined. (Back side) is defined as rearward (backward).

First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be schematically described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 12 and an image reading apparatus 14 arranged above the apparatus main body 12.

The image reading device 14 includes a document mounting table 16 formed of a transparent material. A document pressing cover 18 is openably and closably mounted above the document placing table 16 via a hinge or the like. The document pressing cover 18 is provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 24 for automatically feeding the documents placed on the document placing tray 20 one by one to the image reading position 22. Be done. Although not shown, on the front surface side of the document placing table 16, a touch panel that accepts an input operation such as a print instruction by a user and operation units such as operation buttons are provided.

Further, the image reading device 14 is internally provided with an image reading unit 26 including a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 26 exposes the surface of the document with a light source, and guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to an imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the brightness or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates image data based on the image on the document surface. As the line sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or the like is used.

A control unit (not shown) including a CPU and a memory, an image forming unit 30, and the like are built in the apparatus body 12. The control unit transmits a control signal to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 in response to an input operation to an operation unit such as a touch panel, and causes the image forming apparatus 10 to perform various operations.

The image forming unit 30 includes an exposure unit 32, a developing unit 34, a photosensitive drum 36, a cleaner unit 38, a charger 40, an intermediate transfer belt unit 42, a transfer roller (secondary transfer roller) 44, a fixing unit 46, and the like. An image is formed on the paper (recording paper) conveyed from the paper feed tray 48 or the manual paper feed tray 50, and the paper on which the image is formed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 52. Image data read by the image reading unit 26, image data transmitted from an external computer, or the like is used as image data (print image data) for forming an image on a sheet.

The image data handled by the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to four color images of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Therefore, each of the developing unit 34, the photoconductor drum 36, the cleaner unit 38, and the charger 40 is provided with four units so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, whereby four image stations are formed. Composed. The four image stations are arranged in a line in the horizontal direction along the traveling direction (left-right direction) of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 54.

The exposure unit 32 is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser emission unit, a reflection mirror, and the like, and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 36 of each image station to expose an electrostatic latent image corresponding to print image data. An image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 36.

Next, the configuration of the photoconductor unit 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the photoconductor unit 24 included in the image forming apparatus 10 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a section of the photoconductor unit 24.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image forming unit 30 includes a photoconductor housing 28. The photoconductor drum 36, the cleaner unit 38, the charger 40, and the like described above are integrally held by the photoconductor housing 28 in a predetermined arrangement. That is, the photoconductor drum 36, the cleaner unit 38, and the charger 40 are unitized, and these constitute the photoconductor unit 24.

The photoconductor drum 36 is an electrostatic latent image carrier in which a photosensitive layer is formed on the surface of a cylindrical base body having conductivity, and can be rotated about its axis by a drive unit (not shown). The photosensitive layer is formed of a material that exhibits conductivity when irradiated with light (for example, amorphous silicon (a-Si), selenium (Se), or an organic optical semiconductor (OPC)). However, as the electrostatic latent image carrier, a photoconductor belt may be used instead of the photoconductor drum 36.

The charger 40 is a member that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 36 to a predetermined potential. As the charger 40, a corona discharge device, a brush type charging device, a roller type charging device, an ion generating device or the like can be used.

The cleaner unit 38 removes and collects the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 36 after the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 54. The cleaner unit 38 includes a cleaning blade, a conveyance screw, and the like that come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 36. The cleaning blade is a plate-shaped member that is arranged so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the rotation axis direction of the photoconductor drum 36, and scrapes off the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 36. It is a member for conveying the toner scraped off by the blade to a collection container such as a waste toner box (not shown).

Next, the configuration of the developing unit 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developing unit 34 included in the image forming apparatus 10 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a section of the developing unit 34 of FIG.

The developing unit 34 includes a first carrying member 340, a second carrying member 342, a developing roller 76, a developing housing 80, and the like, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 36 is toner of four colors (YMCK). To visualize the image (to form a toner image).

A developing tank 344 is formed inside the developing housing 80. The developing tank 344 is formed in an elongated substantially box shape extending in the front-rear direction. The developer is stored (stored) in the developing tank 344, and the toner contained in the developer is supplied to the photosensitive drum 36 via the developing roller 76. However, the toner, the carrier, and the developer obtained by mixing them are not shown. Although not shown, a toner replenishing member (toner cartridge) is connected to the developing tank 344 via a toner supply pipe. The toner cartridge is a container that stores unused toner and is provided above the developing unit 34. The toner supply pipe connects (connects) the inside of the toner cartridge and the toner supply port formed in the developing unit 34 (developing tank 344). Therefore, the toner stored in the toner cartridge is supplied (supplemented) to the developing tank 344 through the toner supply pipe. The toner cartridge may store a developer (two-component developer) including toner and carrier. In this case, the toner cartridge supplies the two-component developer to the developing unit 34 (developing tank 344) as needed.

Inside the developing tank 344, the first carrying member 340, the second carrying member 342, and the developing roller 76 are arranged in a predetermined manner. That is, the first transport member 340, the second transport member 342, and the developing roller 76 are housed in the developing tank 344.

The first carrying member 340 and the second carrying member 342 are, for example, carrying screws and are members for circulating the developer in a predetermined direction in the developing housing 80 (in the developing tank 344) while stirring the toner and the carrier. .. The second transport member 342 is also a member for transporting the toner and the carrier in the developing tank 344 toward the developing roller 76 while stirring. The first transport member 340 and the second transport member 342 are configured to be rotated by a rotary drive source (not shown) such as a motor. The toner contained in the developing tank 344 is agitated by the first transport member 340 and the second transport member 342, so that the toner rubs against the carrier and is charged.

The developing roller 76 is a magnet roller that functions as a developer carrying member, is arranged at a position facing the photosensitive drum 36, and is provided substantially horizontally with respect to the photosensitive drum 36. The developing roller 76 is formed in a substantially columnar shape, and both ends in the axial direction penetrate a shaft supporting portion (bearing) provided in the developing housing 80. The developing roller 76 is rotatably supported by the developing housing 80 by a shaft supporting portion. Further, the developing roller 76 is configured to be rotated by a rotary drive source (not shown) such as a motor. Further, the developing roller 76 carries on its surface the developer in the developing tank 344 transported by the second transport member 342, and supplies the toner contained in the carried developer to the surface of the photosensitive drum 36. As a result, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 36 is developed (visualized).

However, the photoconductor housing 28 and the developing housing 80 are configured to be detachable from each other by fastening, engaging, or the like. That is, the photoconductor housing 28 (photoconductor unit 24) and the developing housing 80 (developing unit 34) can be integrated or can be separated. Then, the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are attached to the unit mounting portion 102 (see FIG. 6) provided in the apparatus main body 12 in an integrated state or individually. Specifically, the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are inserted into the apparatus main body 12 or separated from the apparatus main body 12 by sliding the unit mounting portion 102 in the front-rear direction. When the image forming apparatus 10 is used, the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are mounted in the unit mounting portion 102 in an integrated state. By doing so, a clearance for inserting the unit is not needed between the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34, so that the image forming apparatus 10 can be downsized.

Returning to FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer belt unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 54, a driving roller 56, a driven roller 58, four intermediate transfer rollers 60, and the like, and is arranged above the photosensitive drum 36. The intermediate transfer belt 54 is disposed above the photoconductor units 24 and the developing unit 34, and is provided so as to come into contact with the photoconductor drums 36, and is formed on the photoconductor drums 36 by using the intermediate transfer roller 60. By sequentially transferring the formed toner images of the respective colors onto the intermediate transfer belt 54, a multicolor toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54. Further, the transfer roller 44 is arranged near the drive roller 56, and the sheet passes through the nip region (transfer nip portion) between the intermediate transfer belt 54 and the transfer roller 44, whereby the intermediate transfer belt 54 The toner image formed on the sheet is transferred to the sheet.

The fixing unit 46 includes a heat roller 62 and a pressure roller 64, and is arranged above the transfer roller 44. The heat roller 62 is set to have a predetermined fixing temperature, and the sheet is transferred to the sheet by passing through the nip region (fixing nip portion) between the heat roller 62 and the pressure roller 64. The toner image is melted, mixed, and pressed into contact with each other, so that the toner image is thermally fixed on the paper.

In addition, in the apparatus main body 12 as described above, a first sheet for sending a sheet placed on the sheet feed tray 48 or the manual sheet feed tray 50 to the sheet discharge tray 52 via the transfer roller 44 and the fixing unit 46. A sheet transport path S1 is formed. Further, in the apparatus main body 12, when performing double-sided printing on a sheet, the sheet after the single-sided printing is completed and passed through the fixing unit 46 is firstly arranged on the upstream side of the transfer roller 44 in the sheet conveying direction. A second sheet transport path S2 for returning to the sheet transport path S1 is formed. A registration roller 68 is provided in the first paper transport path S1, and a plurality of transport rollers 66 for supplementarily applying a propulsive force to the paper are provided in the first paper transport path S1 and the second paper transport path S2. Are appropriately provided.

When performing single-sided printing in the apparatus main body 12, the sheets placed on the paper feed tray 48 or the manual paper feed tray 50 are guided one by one to the first paper conveyance path S1 by the pickup roller 70 and then conveyed by the conveyance roller 66. It is conveyed to the registration roller 68. Then, the registration roller 68 conveys the toner image to the transfer roller 44 at the timing when the front end of the paper and the front end of the image information on the intermediate transfer belt 54 are aligned with each other. After that, the unfixed toner on the sheet is melted by heat and fixed by passing through the fixing unit 46, and the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 52 via the conveyance roller (sheet discharge roller) 66.

On the other hand, when performing double-sided printing, when single-sided printing is completed and the trailing edge of the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 46 reaches the discharge roller 66 near the discharge tray 52, the discharge roller 66 is reversed. By rotating the sheet, the sheet runs in the reverse direction and is guided to the second sheet conveying path S2. The sheet guided to the second sheet transport path S2 is transported by the transport roller 66 through the second sheet transport path S2, and is guided to the first sheet transport path S1 on the upstream side of the registration roller 68 in the sheet transport direction. At this point, the front and back of the paper are reversed, and thereafter, the paper passes through the transfer roller 44 and the fixing unit 46, so that printing is performed on the back surface of the paper.

In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above in which the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are integrated and attached to the apparatus main body 12, the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are attached to the apparatus main body 12. It cannot be attached or detached individually.

Therefore, when the photoreceptor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are individually subjected to maintenance work, it is not possible to temporarily store (mount) only the unit that does not perform maintenance in the apparatus main body 12. Therefore, a space for temporarily placing a unit that is not maintained is required, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving workability. Further, if a unit that is not maintained is placed outside the apparatus main body 12, problems such as pre-exposure and mixing of foreign matter may occur, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of preventing such problems. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the following configurations are adopted in the photoconductor unit 24, the developing unit 34, and the unit mounting portion 102 of the apparatus main body 12.

Hereinafter, configurations of the photoconductor unit 24, the developing unit 34, and the unit mounting portion 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the unit mounting portion 102 included in the apparatus main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the unit mounting portion 102 of FIG. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing a state when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are inserted. FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing a state when the photoconductor unit 24 is inserted. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a state when the developing unit 34 is inserted.

First, the configuration of the unit mounting portion 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the unit mounting portion 102 includes a rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall 104 and side walls 106 and 108 that rise upward from both left and right sides of the bottom wall 104. It is formed in a groove shape extending linearly in the direction.

Further, the unit mounting portion 102 is formed with guide protrusions 110, 112, 114. Each of the guide protrusions 110, 112, 114 constitutes a part of an insertion guide when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are mounted on the unit mounting portion 102.

The first guide protrusion 110 is formed so as to extend linearly along the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) of the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34. In addition, the first guide protrusion 110 is formed so as to protrude upward from the bottom wall 104. Furthermore, the first guide protrusion 110 is at least in the front-rear direction in the unit mounting portion 102, that is, in the insertion direction of the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 (hereinafter, may be referred to as “unit insertion direction”). It is provided at the side end. In this embodiment, the first guide protrusion 110 is provided from the front side to the rear side in the insertion direction of the unit. In addition, the first guide protrusion 110 is divided into a plurality of parts in the insertion direction of the unit, and the plurality of parts are arranged at predetermined intervals. The first guide protrusion 110 may be continuously provided from the front side to the back side in the insertion direction of the unit without being divided.

The guide protrusions 112 and 114 are formed so as to protrude inward from the upper ends of the side walls 106 and 108. That is, the second guide protrusion 112 is provided at the upper end of the right side wall 108, which is the right side wall in the insertion direction of the unit (that is, when viewed from the front side of the apparatus body 12). A third guide protrusion 114 is provided at the upper end of the left side wall 106, which is the left side wall in the unit insertion direction.

Each of the second guide protrusion 112 and the third guide protrusion 114 is composed of a plurality of substantially rectangular parallelepiped protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along the insertion direction of the unit. In addition, the second guide protrusion 112 and the third guide protrusion 114 are formed at the same height position.

In addition, the second guide protrusion 112 and the third guide protrusion 114, which are provided on the most front side in the insertion direction of the unit, have the same position in the front-rear direction (that is, are arranged in parallel to the left and right), and It is provided on the front side of the first guide protrusion 110 provided on the front side. Further, the second guide protrusion 112 and the third guide protrusion 114, which are on the inner side of the second guide protrusion 112 and the third guide protrusion 114, which are provided on the most front side, are provided at positions displaced from each other in the front-rear direction.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the configuration of the portions of the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 with respect to the unit mounting portion 102 will be described. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the photoconductor housing 28 is formed with a guide groove 282 and a guide groove 284.

The guide groove 282 is formed at the bottom of the photoconductor housing 28, that is, at the bottom of the photoconductor unit 24. The guide groove 284 is formed in the lower portion of the right side surface of the photoconductor housing 28.

Each of the guide groove 282 and the guide groove 284 is formed to extend linearly along the axial direction of the photoconductor drum 36, that is, the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor unit 24. Further, each of the guide groove 282 and the guide groove 284 is formed over the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor unit 24. The guide groove 282 is provided at a position corresponding to the above-described first guide protrusion 110, and when the photoconductor unit 24 is inserted, when the photoconductor unit 24 assumes a predetermined posture (upright posture). The 1 guide projection 110 is slidably fitted. As a result, the lateral movement and the downward movement of the photoconductor unit 24 are restricted. Further, the guide groove 284 is provided at a position corresponding to the above-described second guide protrusion 112, and with respect to the second guide protrusion 112 when the photoconductor unit 24 is in a predetermined posture when the photoconductor unit 24 is inserted. Are slidably fitted together. As a result, rightward movement and vertical movement of the photoconductor unit 24 are restricted.

Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 10, the developing housing 80 has a guide groove 346 formed therein. The guide groove 346 is formed in the lower portion of the left side surface of the developing housing 80.

The guide groove 346 is formed so as to extend linearly along the axial direction of the developing roller 76, that is, the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 34. Further, the guide groove 346 is formed over the entire area of the developing unit 34 in the longitudinal direction. Further, the guide groove 346 is provided at a position corresponding to the above-described third guide protrusion 114, and slides with respect to the third guide protrusion 114 when the developing unit 34 is in a predetermined posture when the developing unit 34 is inserted. It is possible to be fitted. As a result, the leftward movement and the vertical movement of the developing unit 34 are restricted.

Next, the movement of the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are attached to and detached from the unit mounting portion 102 will be described. As described above, when the image forming apparatus 10 is used, the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are mounted in the unit mounting portion 102 in an integrated state.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are mounted in the unit mounting portion 102 in an integrated state, the unit is inserted into the guide groove 282 and the guide groove 284 of the photoconductor unit 24. The first guide protrusion 110 and the second guide protrusion 112 of the mounting unit 102 are fitted respectively, and the third guide protrusion 114 of the unit mounting unit 102 is fitted into the guide groove 346 of the developing unit 34, so that the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are developed. The unit 34 is pushed as it is by sliding it to the inner side in the insertion direction.

At this time, the guide groove 282 and the first guide protrusion 110 are fitted together, and the guide groove 284 and the second guide protrusion 112 are fitted together. Therefore, the guide groove 282 and the guide groove 284 of the photoconductor unit 24, and the first guide protrusion 110 and the second guide protrusion 112 of the unit mounting portion 102 function as a first insertion guide that guides the photoconductor unit 24. That is, the first insertion guide guides the photoconductor unit 24 when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are integrally mounted to the unit mounting portion 102.

Further, the guide groove 346 and the third guide protrusion 114 are fitted together. Therefore, the guide groove 346 of the developing unit 34 and the third guide protrusion 114 of the unit mounting portion 102 function as a second insertion guide that guides the attitude of the developing unit 34. That is, the second insertion guide guides the posture of the developing unit 34 when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are mounted in the unit mounting portion 102 in an integrated state.

By these first insertion guide and second insertion guide, the postures of the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are stably maintained from the start of insertion to the completion of insertion.

When the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are removed (removed) from the unit mounting portion 102, each of the above-described first insertion guide and second insertion guide also functions as a removal guide, and the photoconductor unit 24 and The developing unit 34 is guided so as to move in the opposite direction to the above-described insertion movement.

In addition, when maintenance work is individually performed on the developing units 34, the photoreceptor unit 24 may be attached/detached to/from the unit attachment portion 102 as a single unit from the viewpoint of improving workability and preventing problems such as pre-exposure. As shown in FIG. 9, when the photoconductor unit 24 is individually mounted in the unit mounting portion 102, the photoconductor unit 24 includes the guide groove 282 and the guide groove 284 of the photoconductor unit 24, and the unit mounting portion 102. It is guided by the first insertion guide constituted by the first guide protrusion 110 and the second guide protrusion 112, and is pushed in while sliding inward in the insertion direction while maintaining a predetermined posture. Further, when the photoconductor unit 24 is mounted alone in the unit mounting portion 102, the first insertion guide also has a function of preventing the photoconductor unit 24 from falling. Specifically, the guide groove 282 of the photoconductor unit 24 and the first guide protrusion 110 of the unit mounting portion 102 are fitted to each other to restrict the lateral movement of the photoconductor unit 24, and at the same time, the photoconductor unit 24. The guide groove 284 and the second guide protrusion 112 of the unit mounting portion 102 are fitted to each other, and the vertical movement of the photoconductor unit 24 is restricted, so that the photoconductor unit 24 is prevented from falling. That is, the first insertion guide restricts the movement of the photoconductor unit 24 in two different directions by the two sets of guide protrusions and guide grooves, and thus prevents the photoconductor unit 24 from falling. Therefore, when the photoconductor unit 24 falls down or takes a posture other than the predetermined posture, the photoconductor unit 24 and other components such as the intermediate transfer belt 54 come into contact with each other, and the photoconductor unit 24 or the other units It is possible to prevent the parts from being damaged. When the photoconductor unit 24 is removed from the unit mounting portion 102, the photoconductor unit 24 is guided by the first insertion guide so as to move in the opposite direction to the above-described movement at the time of insertion.

Further, when the maintenance work is individually performed on the photoconductor units 24, the developing unit 34 may be attached/detached to/from the unit mounting portion 102 as a single unit from the viewpoint of improving workability. As shown in FIG. 10, when the developing unit 34 is individually mounted in the unit mounting portion 102, the developing unit 34 includes the guide groove 346 of the developing unit 34 and the third guide protrusion 114 of the unit mounting portion 102. Is guided by a second insertion guide configured by and is slid inward in the insertion direction while being maintained in a predetermined posture.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent the developing unit 34 from having a posture other than the predetermined posture and the developing unit 34 and other components come into contact with each other to damage the developing unit 34 or the other components. When the developing unit 34 is detached from the unit mounting portion 102, the developing unit 34 is guided by the second insertion guide so as to move in the opposite direction to the above-described movement at the time of insertion.

According to the first embodiment, when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are integrally attached to and detached from the unit mounting portion 102, the photoconductor unit 24 is guided so that the photoconductor unit 24 is a single unit. Since the first insertion guide is provided to prevent the photoconductor unit 24 from falling when the photoconductor unit 24 is attached to or detached from the mounting unit 102, the workability of the image forming apparatus 10 in which the developing unit 34 and the photoconductor unit 24 are integrated is improved. It is possible to improve. Further, it is possible to prevent the photoconductor unit 24 from falling, and prevent damage to the components of the photoconductor unit 24 or other components such as the intermediate transfer belt 54.

Further, according to the first embodiment, when the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are integrally attached to and detached from the unit attaching portion 102, and when the developing unit 34 is attached to and detached from the unit attaching portion 102 by itself, Since the second insertion guide for guiding the developing unit 34 is provided, the workability of the image forming apparatus 10 in which the developing unit 34 and the photoconductor unit 24 are integrated can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the components of the developing unit 34 or other components such as the intermediate transfer belt 54 from being damaged.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the first insertion guide restricts the upward movement of the photoconductor unit 24, and the second insertion guide restricts the upward movement of the developing unit 34. It is possible to prevent the photoconductor unit 24 and/or the developing unit 34 from moving upward during insertion, and prevent the intermediate transfer belt 54 arranged above them from being damaged.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the first insertion guide and the second insertion guide include a guide groove and a guide protrusion that are slidably fitted, and each of the guide groove and the guide protrusion includes a photoconductor. Since it is formed in each of the housing 28, the developing housing 80, and the unit mounting portion 102, there is no need for dedicated parts for forming the first insertion guide and the second insertion guide, and an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost is not suppressed. It can be prevented.

Further, according to the first embodiment, in the configuration of the first insertion guide and the second insertion guide, the portion provided in the unit mounting portion 102 is at least on the front side in the unit mounting portion 102 in the unit insertion direction. Since it is provided at the end portion, when the photoconductor unit 24 and/or the developing unit 34 is inserted into the unit mounting portion 102, the photoconductor unit 24 and/or the developing unit among the configurations of the first insertion guide and the second insertion guide are included. The portion provided on the unit 34 and the portion provided on the unit mounting portion 102 can be easily fitted together, and the workability can be improved.

In the first embodiment, the case where the unit mounting portion 102 side is the projection (guide projections 110, 112, 114) and the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 side are the grooves (guide grooves 282, 284, 346) is an example. However, this relationship may be reversed. That is, the unit mounting portion 102 side is a groove and the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 side are protrusions, and the groove on the unit mounting portion 102 side and the protrusion on the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 side fit together. Alternatively, it may function as an insertion guide.

Further, in the first embodiment, the second insertion guide does not include a configuration for restricting the lateral movement of the developing unit 34, but the configuration is not limited to this. The second insertion guide may include a structure corresponding to the guide groove 282 and the first guide protrusion 110 of the first insertion guide. Specifically, a guide protrusion protruding downward or a guide groove extending upward is formed on the bottom of the developing housing 80, that is, the bottom of the developing unit 34, and the unit mounting portion 102 has a corresponding guide protrusion or A guide groove may be formed.
[Second Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment except that each of the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 has an abutting portion that prevents erroneous insertion of the other unit. Since they are the same, only the contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

In the image forming apparatus 10 in which the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are integrated and attached to the apparatus main body 12, a gap (when inserting the unit) between the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 ( Clearance) is not secured. Therefore, if one of the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 is separately mounted in the unit mounting portion 102 and the other unit can be inserted into the unit mounting portion 102, a component of the photoconductor unit 24 (for example, The other unit may slide while rubbing (while rubbing) the photosensitive drum 36) and a component (for example, the developing roller 76) of the developing unit 34, and the component may be damaged.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state when the photoconductor unit 24 is inserted in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, when the developing unit 34 is inserted into the unit mounting portion 102 when the photosensitive unit 24 is mounted alone in the unit mounting portion 102, the photosensitive member housing 28 Since a part of the front surface 286 and a part of the back surface 802 of the developing housing 80 contact (interfere) with each other, the developing unit 34 cannot be inserted into the unit mounting portion 102. That is, a part of the front surface 286 of the photoconductor housing 28 and a part of the back surface 802 of the developing housing 80 function as a contact portion (first insertion restricting portion). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive drum 36 and the developing roller 76 from being damaged when the developing unit 34 is inserted while the photosensitive unit 24 is mounted in the unit mounting portion 102.

Although not shown in the drawings, in the second embodiment, when the photoconductor unit 24 is inserted into the unit mounting portion 102 when the developing unit 34 is mounted alone in the unit mounting portion 102, the developing housing 80 A part of the front surface of the photoconductor housing 28 and a part of the back surface of the photoconductor housing 28 contact (interfere) with each other, and the photoconductor unit 24 cannot be inserted into the unit mounting portion 102. That is, a part of the front surface of the developing housing 80 and a part of the back surface of the photoconductor housing 28 function as a contact portion (second insertion restricting portion). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive drum 36 and the developing roller 76 from being damaged when the photosensitive unit 24 is inserted while the developing unit 34 is mounted in the unit mounting portion 102.

When the photoconductor unit 24 and the developing unit 34 are integrated as in the present embodiment, a part of the housing of one unit is a part of the housing of the other unit for fastening or engaging. There is a portion (projection portion) projecting toward. For example, this protruding portion functions as a first insertion restriction portion or a second insertion restriction portion. In this case, a dedicated component for forming the first insertion regulation portion and the second insertion regulation portion is not required, and an increase in the number of components and manufacturing cost can be suppressed or prevented.

In each of the above embodiments, the image forming apparatus is configured as a multifunction machine, but the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be configured as a printer, a copying machine or a facsimile.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured as a color multifunction machine, but the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be configured as a monochrome printing machine or a monochrome multifunction machine.

Furthermore, the specific shapes and the like mentioned in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product.

10... Image forming apparatus 24... Photoconductor unit 28... Photoconductor housing 34... Developing unit 80... Developing housing 102... Unit mounting portion

Claims (11)

A photoconductor unit having a photoconductor on the surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developing unit having a developing roller for supplying toner to the photoconductor, and a photoconductor unit and the developing unit provided in the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting portion that is removably mounted along a longitudinal direction,
When the photoconductor unit and the developing unit are integrally inserted into the mounting portion, the photoconductor unit is guided and the photoconductor unit is individually inserted into the mounting portion. In this case, the image forming apparatus includes a first insertion guide that prevents the photoconductor unit from falling over. The first insertion guide includes a first guide groove and a first guide protrusion that are slidably fitted together,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first guide groove and the first guide protrusion is provided in the mounting portion, and the other is provided in the photoconductor unit. The one of the first guide groove and the first guide protrusion provided in the mounting portion is provided at least at an end portion of the mounting portion on the front side in the insertion direction of the photoconductor unit. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the other of the first guide groove and the first guide protrusion provided in the photoconductor unit is provided in the entire region in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor unit. Second insertion for guiding the developing unit when the photosensitive unit and the developing unit are integrally inserted into the mounting unit and when the developing unit is individually inserted into the mounting unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide. The second insertion guide includes a second guide groove and a second guide protrusion that are slidably fitted together,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein one of the second guide groove and the second guide protrusion is provided in the mounting portion, and the other is provided in the developing unit. The one of the second guide groove and the second guide protrusion provided in the mounting portion is provided at least at an end portion of the mounting portion on the front side in the insertion direction of the developing unit. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the other of the second guide groove and the second guide protrusion provided in the developing unit is provided in the entire region in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit. 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a first insertion restricting portion that restricts insertion of the photoconductor unit into the mounting portion when the developing unit is mounted alone in the mounting portion. The image forming apparatus described. 10. The second insertion restricting section for restricting the insertion of the developing unit into the mounting section when the photoreceptor unit is mounted alone in the mounting section, according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus described. A photoconductor unit having a photoconductor on the surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developing unit having a developing roller for supplying toner to the photoconductor, and a photoconductor unit and the developing unit provided in the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting portion that is removably mounted along a longitudinal direction,
Second insertion for guiding the developing unit when the photosensitive unit and the developing unit are integrally inserted into the mounting unit and when the developing unit is individually inserted into the mounting unit An image forming apparatus including a guide.

Images