JP2020144357A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable a developing roller to be brought into contact with a photosensitive drum after the photosensitive drum is brought into contact with an intermediate transfer belt by one operation.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises a cover, a drum cartridge 40, a developing cartridge 50, an intermediate transfer belt 63 and a movement cam 110. The movement cam is located at a first position when the cover is located at an open position, located at a second position while the cover moves from the open position to a closed position, and located at a third position when the cover is locate at the closed position. When the movement cam is located at the first position, the photosensitive drum 41 moves away from the intermediate transfer belt 63 and the developing roller 51 moves away from the photosensitive drum. When the movement cam is located at the second position, the photosensitive drum comes in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and the distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum becomes a first distance. When the movement cam is located at the third position, the photosensitive drum comes in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and the distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum becomes a second distance shorter than the first distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus including a detachable drum cartridge and a developing cartridge in a main body housing.

Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus in which a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge can be individually attached to and detached from the main body housing (see Patent Document 1). In this technique, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are removable in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

JP-A-2018-77459

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body housing of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer belt are damaged. When the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body housing, the photosensitive drum is separated from the intermediate transfer belt in order to suppress the above. Then, when the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position while the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body housing, the drum cartridge moves with respect to the intermediate transfer belt, and the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt.
Further, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body housing, the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body housing in order to prevent the developing roller and the photosensitive drum from coming into contact with each other and damaging the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. The developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. Then, in the state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the main body housing, after the user moves the cover from the open position to the closed position, the motor and the cam in the main body housing move the developing cartridge with respect to the drum cartridge. The developing roller comes into contact with the photosensitive drum.

Therefore, by the time the image forming apparatus starts the image forming operation, the user positions the cover from the open position to the closed position, moves the drum cartridge with respect to the intermediate transfer belt, and brings the photosensitive drum into contact with the intermediate transfer belt. Two actions were required: a first action and a second action in which the motor and cam move the developing cartridge with respect to the photosensitive drum after the user has moved the cover from the open position to the closed position.

In the present disclosure, the drum cartridge is moved with respect to the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drum is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt by one operation in which the user positions the cover from the open position to the closed position without using a motor. Later, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of moving a developing cartridge with respect to a drum cartridge.

In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a main body housing having an opening, a cover that can move between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, and a drum cartridge. , A development cartridge, an intermediate transfer belt, and a moving cam.
The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, and is removable from the main body housing in the first direction.
The developing cartridge has a developing roller that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, and is removable from the main body housing in the first direction.
The intermediate transfer belt is located above the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the main body housing.
The moving cam is located below the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the main body housing. Then, when the cover is in the open position, it is in the first position, while the cover is moving from the open position to the closed position, it is in the second position, and the cover is in the closed position. When it is located in the third position.
When the moving cam is located at the first position, the photosensitive drum is separated from the intermediate transfer belt, and the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum.
When the moving cam is located at the second position, the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and the distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum becomes the first distance.
Then, when the moving cam is located at the third position, the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and the distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum is shorter than the first distance. It will be 2 distances.

According to this configuration, the user can close the cover from the open position to the contact between the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drum by moving the drum cartridge with respect to the intermediate transfer belt and the movement of the developing cartridge with respect to the drum cartridge without using a motor. It can be realized by one operation of positioning the position.

In the image forming apparatus described above, the drum cartridge is configured to be aligned with the developing cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the main body housing. You may.
Further, in the image forming apparatus described above, the moving cam may be configured to be movable in the first direction as the cover moves from the open position to the closed position.

In the image forming apparatus, the main body housing includes a first lift and a second lift, and the first lift engages with the moving cam to move the drum cartridge upward, and the second lift. The lift may be configured to engage the moving cam to move the developing cartridge upwards.

In the image forming apparatus described above, the first lift may be configured to include a first drum contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam.
Then, the moving cam may be configured to have a first drum separating surface extending in the first direction, a first drum inclined surface, and a first drum contact surface.
The first drum inclined surface extends from the first drum separating surface toward the intermediate transfer belt and is inclined with respect to the first direction.
The first drum contact surface extends from the first drum inclined surface in the first direction and is closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the first drum separating surface in the vertical direction.
The first drum inclined surface is located between the first drum separating surface and the first drum contact surface in the first direction.
Then, when the moving cam is located at the first position, the first drum contact portion comes into contact with the first drum separation surface.
Further, while the moving cam moves from the first position to the second position, the first drum contact portion comes into contact with the first drum inclined surface.
Further, when the moving cam is located at the second position and the third position, the first drum contact portion comes into contact with the first drum contact surface.

According to this, when the moving cam moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover, the first drum contact portion of the first lift comes into contact with the first drum separation surface, the first drum inclined surface, or the first drum contact surface. The height position of the first lift is changed by, and the drum cartridge can be positioned at a predetermined position.

In the image forming apparatus described above, the second lift may be configured to include a first developing contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam.
Then, the moving cam may be configured to have a first development separation surface extending in the first direction, a first development inclined surface, and a first development contact surface.
The first development inclined surface extends from the first developing separation surface toward the intermediate transfer belt and is inclined with respect to the first direction.
The first development contact surface extends from the first development inclined surface in the first direction and is closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the first development separation surface in the vertical direction.
The first development inclined surface is located between the first development separation surface and the first development contact surface in the first direction.
Then, when the moving cam is located at the first position, the first development contact portion comes into contact with the first development separation surface.
Further, while the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the first development contact portion comes into contact with the first development inclined surface.
Further, when the moving cam is located at the third position, the first development contact portion comes into contact with the first development contact surface.

According to this, when the moving cam moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover, the first development contact portion of the second lift comes into contact with the first development separation surface, the first development inclined surface, or the first development contact surface. The height position of the second lift changes, and the developing cartridge can be positioned at a predetermined position.

In the image forming apparatus described above, in the moving direction in which the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the downstream end of the first drum contact surface is from the downstream end of the first developing contact surface. May be configured to be located on the downstream side.

In the image forming apparatus described above, the moving cam may be configured to have a second drum separating surface, a second drum inclined surface, and a second drum contact surface.
The second drum separating surface is located away from the first drum separating surface in the first direction.
The second drum inclined surface extends from the second drum separating surface toward the intermediate transfer belt. Further, the second drum inclined surface is inclined with respect to the first direction and is located away from the first drum inclined surface in the first direction.
The second drum contact surface extends in the first direction from the second drum inclined surface. Further, the second drum contact surface is closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the second drum separation surface in the vertical direction, and is located away from the first drum contact surface in the first direction.
The second drum inclined surface is located between the second drum separating surface and the second drum contact surface in the first direction.
The first lift may be configured to include a second drum contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam. The second drum contact portion is located away from the first drum contact portion in the first direction.
Then, when the moving cam is located at the first position, the second drum contact portion comes into contact with the second drum separation surface.
Further, while the moving cam moves from the first position to the second position, the second drum contact portion comes into contact with the second drum inclined surface.
Further, when the moving cam is located at the second position and the third position, the second drum contact portion comes into contact with the second drum contact surface.

In the image forming apparatus described above, the moving cam may be configured to have a second development separation surface, a second development inclined surface, and a second development inclined surface.
The second development separation surface is located away from the first development separation surface in the first direction.
The second development inclined surface extends from the second development separation surface toward the intermediate transfer belt. Further, the second development inclined surface is inclined with respect to the first direction and is located away from the first development inclined surface in the first direction.
The second development contact surface extends in the first direction from the second development inclined surface. Further, the second development contact surface is closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the second development separation surface in the vertical direction, and is located away from the first development contact surface in the first direction.
The second development inclined surface is located between the second development separation surface and the second development contact surface in the first direction.
The second lift may be configured to include a second developing contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam. The second development contact portion is located away from the first development contact portion in the first direction.
Then, when the moving cam is located at the first position, the second development contact portion comes into contact with the second development separation surface.
Further, while the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the second development contact portion comes into contact with the second development inclined surface.
Further, when the moving cam is located at the third position, the second development contact portion comes into contact with the second development contact surface.

According to these configurations, the first lift has two drum contacts, the second lift has two development contacts, and the moving cam presses the two drum contacts and the two development contacts. Therefore, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge can be stably positioned.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, in the moving direction in which the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the downstream end of the second drum contact surface is downstream of the second developed contact surface. It may be configured to be located on the downstream side of the end.

In the image forming apparatus described above, the first lift may be configured to have a drum guide protrusion and a development guide protrusion.
The drum guide protrusion extends in the first direction and guides the drum cartridge.
The development guide protrusion extends in the first direction and guides the development cartridge.
Then, the drum cartridge may be configured to have a drum groove guided by the drum guide protrusion.
Further, the developing cartridge may be configured to have a developing groove guided by the developing guide protrusion.

In the image forming apparatus described above, the developing guide protrusion may have a guide hole, and the second lift may be configured to be movable in the guide hole.

According to this, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are moved with respect to the intermediate transfer belt by the first lift, and after the positioning of the photosensitive drum with respect to the intermediate transfer belt is completed, the developing cartridge is moved with respect to the drum cartridge by the second lift. It can be moved to position the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum.

The image forming apparatus described above may be configured to include a paper ejection unit for ejecting paper, which is located above the intermediate transfer belt.

Further, the image forming apparatus described above may be configured to include a paper feeding unit for feeding paper, which is located below the moving cam.

According to the present disclosure, the user can close the cover from the open position to the contact between the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drum by moving the drum cartridge with respect to the intermediate transfer belt and the movement of the developing cartridge with respect to the drum cartridge without using a motor. It can be realized by one operation of positioning the position.

It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structure of the color printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a perspective view explaining the cover, the moving cam, and the 1st lift. It is a perspective view (a) of a moving cam and a sectional view (b) of a moving cam. It is a perspective view (a) of a 1st lift and a 2nd lift, and a sectional view (b) of a 1st lift. It is explanatory drawing when the moving cam is in the 1st position, and is the sectional view (a) cut in the plane orthogonal to the 2nd direction, and the enlarged view (b) cut in the plane orthogonal to a 1st direction. It is explanatory drawing when the moving cam is in a 2nd position, and is the sectional view (a) cut in the plane orthogonal to the 2nd direction, and the enlarged view (b) cut in the plane orthogonal to a 1st direction. It is explanatory drawing when the moving cam is in a 3rd position, and is the sectional view (a) cut in the plane orthogonal to the 2nd direction, and the enlarged view (b) cut in the plane orthogonal to a 1st direction.

Next, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, first, the overall configuration of the color printer 1 as an example of the image forming apparatus will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the color printer 1 includes a main body housing 2, a paper feeding unit 3, an image forming unit 4, and a paper ejection unit 5. The paper feeding unit 3 supplies the paper P to the image forming unit 4. The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the paper P. The paper ejection unit 5 ejects the paper P.

The paper feed unit 3 is located at the lower part in the main body housing 2. The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper feed tray 31 and a paper feed mechanism 32. The paper feed tray 31 is removable from the main body housing 2. The paper feed mechanism 32 conveys the paper P from the paper feed tray 31 to the image forming unit 4.
The paper feed unit 3 is located below the moving cam 110 described later.

The image forming unit 4 includes four drum cartridges 40, four developing cartridges 50, an exposure apparatus SU, a transfer unit 60, and a fixing unit 70.

Each drum cartridge 40 has a photosensitive drum 41, a charger (not shown), and a drum frame F1. The photosensitive drum 41 is rotatable about the first axis X1 extending in the first direction. The four drum cartridges 40 are arranged in the second direction intersecting the first direction while being mounted on the main body housing 2.
The first direction is a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the second direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction in the vertical direction. The vertical direction is the vertical direction.

Each developing cartridge 50 has a developing roller 51 and a developing frame F2. The developing frame F2 houses the developing agent. The developing roller 51 is rotatable about a second axis X2 extending in the first direction.

The drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 are arranged in the second direction in a state where the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 are mounted on the main body housing 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the drum cartridge 40 can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 2 in the first direction. Similarly, the developing cartridge 50 can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 2 in the first direction. Each drum cartridge 40 has the same structure. Each developing cartridge 50 has the same structure.

The exposure apparatus SU is located below each drum cartridge 40. The exposure apparatus SU emits laser light to each photosensitive drum 41.

The transfer unit 60 is located between the four photosensitive drums 41 and the paper ejection tray 21, which will be described later. The transfer unit 60 includes a drive roller 61, a driven roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt 63, four primary transfer rollers 64, and a secondary transfer roller 65.

The intermediate transfer belt 63 is an endless belt. The intermediate transfer belt 63 is located above the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 in a state where the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 are mounted on the main body housing 2.

The primary transfer roller 64 is located inside the intermediate transfer belt 63. The primary transfer roller 64 and the photosensitive drum 41 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 63.

The secondary transfer roller 65 is located outside the intermediate transfer belt 63. The secondary transfer roller 65 and the drive roller 61 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 63.

The fixing unit 70 is located on the intermediate transfer belt 63. The fixing unit 70 includes a heating roller 71 and a pressurizing roller 72. The pressure roller 72 is pressed by the heating roller 71.

The paper ejection unit 5 is located at the upper part of the main body housing 2. The paper ejection portion 5 is located above the intermediate transfer belt 63. The paper ejection unit 5 includes an ejection roller 9 and a paper ejection tray 21. The discharge roller 9 conveys the paper P toward the paper discharge tray 21.

In the color printer 1, the charger first charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. After that, the exposure apparatus SU exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 41.

The developing roller 51 then supplies the developer to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 41. As a result, a developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 41. Then, the developer image on the photosensitive drum 41 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 63.

When the paper P passes between the intermediate transfer belt 63 and the secondary transfer roller 65, the developer image on the intermediate transfer belt 63 is transferred onto the paper P. After that, the developer image on the paper P is fixed by the fixing unit 70. Next, the paper P is discharged to the paper discharge tray 21 by the discharge roller 9.

The main body housing 2 has an opening 22A. The opening 22A allows each drum cartridge 40 and each developing cartridge 50 to pass through when the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 are attached / detached in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the color printer 1 has a cover C. The cover C is a member for opening and closing the opening 22A. The cover C rotates about the rotation shafts C1 on both sides of the lower end of the cover C. The rotating shaft C1 is inserted into a bearing (not shown) of the main body housing 2. The cover C is movable between an open position (position shown in FIG. 2) for opening the opening 22A and a closed position (not shown) for closing the opening 22A.
The cover C has an arm holding portion C2 on one side portion. The arm holding portion C2 has an elongated hole C3 into which the cylindrical protrusion 156 of the arm 152, which will be described later, is inserted.

In the drum cartridge 40, the photosensitive drum 41 is rotatably supported by the drum frame F1. Further, the drum cartridge 40 has a drum groove 42 extending in the first direction at the bottom of the drum frame F1. The drum groove 42 is guided by a drum guide protrusion 133, which will be described later.

In the developing cartridge 50, the developing roller 51 is rotatably supported by the developing frame F2. Further, the developing cartridge 50 has a developing groove 52 extending in the first direction at the bottom of the developing frame F2. The development groove 52 is guided by a development guide protrusion 134 described later.
The size of the developing cartridge 50 in the vertical direction is smaller than the size of the drum cartridge 40 in the vertical direction. More specifically, when the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 are mounted on the main body housing 2, the developing cartridge 50 has a size such that the developing roller 51 is located at a position lower than the photosensitive drum 41. ing.

The main body housing 2 includes a moving cam 110, a first lift 130, and a second lift 140 (see FIG. 4).
The moving cam 110 is located below the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 in a state where the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 are mounted on the main body housing 2.
The moving cam 110 is a plate-shaped member. The moving cam 110 can move in the first direction as the cover C moves from the open position to the closed position. Specifically, the moving cam 110 can move in the first direction in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover C via the arm 152.
As shown in FIG. 3, the moving cam 110 has an upper surface 111 and a cylindrical protrusion 112 located on the side surface of the moving cam 110. The moving cam 110 slides on the upper surface of the guide portion 22B (see FIG. 5) of the main body housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the arm 152 has one end 152A and the other end 152B.
One end portion 152A of the arm 152 has a through hole 154 that rotatably supports the cylindrical protrusion 112 of the moving cam 110. The other end 152B of the arm 152 has a cylindrical protrusion 156. The cylindrical protrusion 156 is inserted into the elongated hole C3 of the arm holding portion C2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the moving cam 110 includes a set of drum separating surfaces 114 separated from each other in the first direction, a set of drum inclined surfaces 116, and a set of drum contact surfaces 118. A set of drum separating surfaces 114, a set of drum inclined surfaces 116, and a set of drum contact surfaces 118 are located on the upper surface 111 of the moving cam 110.
A set of drum separation surfaces 114 includes a first drum separation surface 114A close to the opening 22A and a second drum separation surface 114B located farther from the opening 22A than the first drum separation surface 114A. The first drum separating surface 114A and the second drum separating surface 114B extend in the first direction. The second drum separation surface 114B is located away from the first drum separation surface 114A in the first direction.
A set of drum inclined surfaces 116 includes a first drum inclined surface 116A close to the opening 22A and a second drum inclined surface 116B located farther from the opening 22A than the first drum inclined surface 116A. The first drum inclined surface 116A extends from the first drum separating surface 114A toward the intermediate transfer belt 63. The first drum inclined surface 116A is inclined with respect to the first direction. The second drum inclined surface 116B is located away from the first drum inclined surface 116A in the first direction. The second drum inclined surface 116B extends from the second drum separating surface 114B toward the intermediate transfer belt 63. Further, the second drum inclined surface 116B is inclined with respect to the first direction.
The first drum inclined surface 116A is located between the first drum separating surface 114A and the first drum contact surface 118A described later in the first direction. Similarly, the second drum inclined surface 116B is located between the second drum separating surface 114B and the second drum contact surface 118B described later in the first direction.
The connecting portion 115A between the first drum separation surface 114A and the first drum inclined surface 116A is formed on a curved surface, and the first drum contact portion 135A described later is between the first drum separating surface 114A and the first drum inclined surface 116A. Can be moved smoothly. Similarly, the connecting portion 115B of the second drum separating surface 114B and the second drum inclined surface 116B is formed on a curved surface, and the second drum contact portion 135B described later is formed on the second drum separating surface 114B and the second drum inclined surface 116B. It is possible to move smoothly between them.
A set of drum contact surfaces 118 includes a first drum contact surface 118A close to the opening 22A and a second drum contact surface 118B located farther from the opening 22A than the first drum contact surface 118A. The first drum contact surface 118A extends in the first direction from the first drum inclined surface 116A. The first drum contact surface 118A is closer to the intermediate transfer belt 63 than the first drum separation surface 114A in the vertical direction. The second drum contact surface 118B is located away from the first drum contact surface 118A in the first direction. The second drum contact surface 118B extends in the first direction from the second drum inclined surface 116B. Further, the second drum contact surface 118B is closer to the intermediate transfer belt 63 than the second drum separation surface 114B in the vertical direction.
The connection portion 117A between the first drum inclined surface 116A and the first drum contact surface 118A is formed on a curved surface, and the first drum contact portion 135A described later is between the first drum inclined surface 116A and the first drum contact surface 118A. Can be moved smoothly. Similarly, the connecting portion 117B of the second drum inclined surface 116B and the second drum contact surface 118B is formed on a curved surface, and the second drum contact portion 135B described later is formed on the second drum inclined surface 116B and the second drum contact surface 118B. It is possible to move smoothly between them.

Further, the moving cam 110 includes a set of development separation surfaces 124 separated in the first direction, a set of development inclined surfaces 126, and a set of development contact surfaces 128. A set of development separation surfaces 124, a set of development inclined surfaces 126, and a set of development contact surfaces 128 are located on the upper surface 111 of the moving cam 110.
A set of development separation surfaces 124 corresponds to a set of drum separation surfaces 114. A set of development separation surfaces 124 is formed at a position lower than a set of drum separation surfaces 114.
A set of developed inclined surfaces 126 corresponds to a set of drum inclined surfaces 116. The set of developed inclined surfaces 126 is formed at a position lower than the set of drum inclined surfaces 116.
A set of developed contact surfaces 128 corresponds to a set of drum contact surfaces 118.
A set of development separation surfaces 124, a set of development inclined surfaces 126, and a set of development contact surfaces 128 are separated from each other in the second direction at four locations.

A set of development separation surfaces 124 includes a first development separation surface 124A close to the opening 22A and a second development separation surface 124B located farther from the opening 22A than the first development separation surface 124A. The first development separation surface 124A and the second development separation surface 124B extend in the first direction. The second development separation surface 124B is located away from the first development separation surface 124A in the first direction.
A set of developed inclined surfaces 126 includes a first developed inclined surface 126A close to the opening 22A and a second developed inclined surface 126B located farther from the opening 22A than the first developed inclined surface 126A. The first development inclined surface 126A extends from the first development separation surface 124A toward the intermediate transfer belt 63. The first development inclined surface 126A is inclined with respect to the first direction. The second developed inclined surface 126B is located away from the first developed inclined surface 126A in the first direction. The second development inclined surface 126B extends from the second development separation surface 124B toward the intermediate transfer belt 63. Further, the second development inclined surface 126B is inclined with respect to the first direction.
The first development inclined surface 126A is located between the first development separation surface 124A and the first development contact surface 128A described later in the first direction. Similarly, the second development inclined surface 126B is located between the second development separation surface 124B and the second development contact surface 128B described later in the first direction.
A set of developing contact surfaces 128 includes a first developing contact surface 128A close to the opening 22A and a second developing contact surface 128B located farther from the opening 22A than the first developing contact surface 128A. The first development contact surface 128A extends in the first direction from the first development inclined surface 126A. The first development contact surface 128A is closer to the intermediate transfer belt 63 than the first development separation surface 124A in the vertical direction. The second developed contact surface 128B is located away from the first developed contact surface 128A in the first direction. The second development contact surface 128B extends in the first direction from the second development inclined surface 126B. Further, the second development contact surface 128B is closer to the intermediate transfer belt 63 than the second development separation surface 124B in the vertical direction.
The first developed contact surface 128A is the same surface as the first drum contact surface 118A, and the second developed contact surface 128B is the same surface as the second drum contact surface 118B.
The connection portion between the development separation surface 124 and the development inclined surface 126 and the connection portion between the development inclined surface 126 and the development contact surface 128 may be formed on the curved surface.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first lift 130 is a member that engages with the moving cam 110 to move the drum cartridge 40 upward. The first lift 130 has an upper surface 131 and a lower surface 132. The four drum guide protrusions 133 and the four development guide protrusions 134 are located on the upper surface 131 of the first lift 130. Further, the first lift 130 includes a first drum contact portion 135A and a second drum contact portion 135B that come into contact with the upper surface 111 of the moving cam 110. The second drum contact portion 135B is located away from the first drum contact portion 135A in the first direction. More specifically, the distance between the first drum contact portion 135A and the second drum contact portion 135B in the first direction is, for example, between the first drum inclined surface 116A and the second drum inclined surface 116B in the first direction. Same as distance.
Each drum guide protrusion 133 extends in the first direction and is for guiding the drum cartridge 40.
Each development guide protrusion 134 extends in the first direction and is for guiding the development cartridge 50. The vertical height of each development guide protrusion 134 is lower than the vertical height of each drum guide protrusion 133.
Further, each development guide protrusion 134 has a guide hole 136. The guide hole 136 extends in the first direction and is a through hole for inserting the second lift 140. As shown in FIG. 4B, the guide hole 136 includes a first portion 136A and a second portion 136B. The first portion 136A is an opening that vertically penetrates the development guide protrusion 134. The second portion 136B is an opening that communicates with the first portion 136A and vertically penetrates the first drum contact portion 135A and the second drum contact portion 135B. The first lift 130 has a support surface 137 inside the guide hole 136. The support surface 137 functions as a retainer for the second lift 140 inserted into the guide hole 136.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the first lift 130, the moving cam 110, and the guide portion 22B have openings for passing the laser beam from the exposure apparatus SU.

The second lift 140 is a member that engages with the moving cam 110 to move the developing cartridge 50 upward. The second lift 140 is inserted into the guide hole 136. The second lift 140 includes a main body portion 141 extending in the first direction, a first developing contact portion 142 extending downward from the main body portion 141, and a second developing contact portion 144. The main body 141 is supported by the support surface 137 at the time of assembly. The first development contact portion 142 and the second development contact portion 144 come into contact with the upper surface 111 of the moving cam 110 through the second portion 136B of the guide hole 136. The second development contact portion 144 is located away from the first development contact portion 142 in the first direction. The second lift 140 can move up and down in the guide hole 136.
In the second lift 140, the lower ends of the first developing contact portion 142 and the second developing contact portion 144 project downward from the lower ends of the first drum contact portion 135A and the second drum contact portion 135B (see FIG. 5). ..

A method of mounting the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 and positioning the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7.
As shown in FIG. 2, the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 are mounted on the main body housing 2 with the cover C positioned at the open position and the opening 22A exposed. The drum cartridge 40 is inserted in the first direction along the upper surface 131 of the first lift 130 with the drum groove 42 fitted in the drum guide protrusion 133 of the first lift 130. Similarly, the developing cartridge 50 is inserted in the first direction along the upper surface 131 of the first lift 130 with the developing groove 52 fitted in the developing guide protrusion 134 of the first lift 130.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the cover C is in the open position, the moving cam 110 is in the first position.
More specifically, when the moving cam 110 is in the first position, the first drum contact portion 135A comes into contact with the first drum separation surface 114A, and the second drum contact portion 135B comes into contact with the second drum separation surface 114B. Contact. At this time, the first lift 130 is in the lowered position, and the photosensitive drum 41 of the drum cartridge 40 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 63. Further, when the moving cam 110 is located at the first position, the first development contact portion 142 contacts the first development separation surface 124A, and the second development contact portion 144 contacts the second development separation surface 124B. At this time, since the second lift 140 does not protrude from the upper surface of the first lift 130, the developing roller 51 of the developing cartridge 50 is separated from the photosensitive drum 41.
That is, when the cover C is in the open position, the moving cam 110 is in the first position, the photosensitive drum 41 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 63, and the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 41.

As shown in FIG. 6, the moving cam 110 is located in the second position while the cover C moves from the open position to the closed position.
More specifically, when the cover C is moved from the open position to the closed position, the arm 152 moves the moving cam 110 away from the opening 22A along the first direction. Then, while the moving cam 110 moves from the first position to the second position, the first drum contact portion 135A contacts the first drum inclined surface 116A, and the second drum contact portion 135B touches the second drum inclined surface. Contact 116B. As a result, the first lift 130 rises toward the intermediate transfer belt 63. Further, while the moving cam 110 moves from the first position to the second position, the first development contact portion 142 contacts the first development inclined surface 126A, and the second development contact portion 144 causes the second development inclination surface 126B. Contact. As a result, the second lift 140 rises toward the intermediate transfer belt 63 together with the first lift 130.

When the cover C further moves toward the closed position, the moving cam 110 further moves in the first direction and is located at the second position.
When the moving cam 110 is located at the second position, the first drum contact portion 135A contacts the first drum contact surface 118A, and the second drum contact portion 135B contacts the second drum contact surface 118B. At this time, the first lift 130 is in the raised position, and the photosensitive drum 41 of the drum cartridge 40 supported by the first lift 130 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 63.
Further, when the moving cam 110 is located at the second position, the first development contact portion 142 remains in contact with the first development inclined surface 126A, and the second development contact portion 144 comes into contact with the second development inclined surface 126B. There is up to. In other words, while the moving cam 110 moves from the first position to the third position, the first development contact portion 142 contacts the first development inclined surface 126A, and the second development contact portion 144 makes the second development inclination. Contact surface 126B. At this time, since the second lift 140 does not protrude from the upper surface of the first lift 130, the developing roller 51 of the developing cartridge 50 remains separated from the photosensitive drum 41.
That is, when the moving cam 110 is located at the second position, the photosensitive drum 41 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 63, and the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 41.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the cover C is in the closed position, the moving cam 110 is in the third position.
More specifically, when the moving cam 110 is located at the third position, the first drum contact portion 135A contacts the first drum contact surface 118A, and the second drum contact portion 135B contacts the second drum contact surface 118B. Contact. At this time, the first lift 130 is in the raised position, and the photosensitive drum 41 of the drum cartridge 40 supported by the first lift 130 remains in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 63. Further, when the moving cam 110 is located at the third position, the first development contact portion 142 contacts the first development contact surface 128A, and the second development contact portion 144 contacts the second development contact surface 128B. At this time, the second lift 140 projects upward from the guide hole 136, and the developing cartridge 50 is pressed by the second lift 140 and rises with respect to the drum cartridge 40. Then, the developing roller 51 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 41.
That is, when the moving cam 110 is located at the third position, the photosensitive drum 41 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 63, and the developing roller 51 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 41.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in the moving direction in which the moving cam 110 moves from the first position to the third position, the downstream end of the first drum contact surface 118A is the first developing contact surface 128A. It is located on the downstream side of the downstream end. Similarly, in the moving direction in which the moving cam 110 moves from the first position to the third position, the downstream end of the second drum contact surface 118B is located on the downstream side of the downstream end of the second developed contact surface 128B. ..

According to such a configuration, the first drum contact portion 135A and the second drum contact portion 135B first ride on the first drum contact surface 118A and the second drum contact surface 118B, and then the first development contact portion 142 and the second. Since the developing contact portion 144 rides on the first developing contact surface 128A and the second developing contact surface 128B, the developing roller 51 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 41 after the photosensitive drum 41 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 63. become.
The distance between the downstream end of the first drum contact surface 118A and the downstream end of the first developed contact surface 128A and the distance between the downstream end of the second drum contact surface 118B and the downstream end of the second developed contact surface 128B are changed. By doing so, it is possible to change the timing at which the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 41 come into contact with each other after the photosensitive drum 41 and the intermediate transfer belt 63 come into contact with each other.

Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment.
The contact between the intermediate transfer belt 63 and the photosensitive drum 41 due to the movement of the drum cartridge 40 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 63 and the movement of the developing cartridge 50 with respect to the drum cartridge 40 can be performed by the user from the open position of the cover C without using a motor. It can be realized by one operation of positioning in the closed position.

When the moving cam 110 moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover C, the first drum contact portion 135A of the first lift 130 comes into contact with the first drum separation surface 114A, the first drum inclined surface 116A, or the first drum contact surface 118A. By doing so, the height position of the first lift 130 changes, and the drum cartridge 40 can be positioned at a predetermined position.

When the moving cam 110 moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover C, the first development contact portion 142 of the second lift 140 comes into contact with the first development separation surface 124A, the first development inclined surface 126A, or the first development contact surface 128A. By doing so, the height position of the second lift 140 changes, and the developing cartridge 50 can be positioned at a predetermined position.

The first lift 130 includes two drum contact portions 135A and 135B, the second lift includes two development contact portions 142 and 144, and the moving cam 110 has two drum contact portions 135A and 135B and two development contact portions 142. , 144 is pressed, so that the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge can be stably positioned.

Since the development guide protrusion 134 has the guide hole 136 and the second lift 140 can move in the guide hole 136, the drum cartridge 40 and the development cartridge 50 are moved with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 63 by the first lift 130. After the positioning of the photosensitive drum 41 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 63 is completed, the developing cartridge 50 can be moved with respect to the drum cartridge 40 by the second lift 140 to position the developing roller 51 with respect to the photosensitive drum 41. ..

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

In the above embodiment, the first lift 130 raises the drum cartridge 40 and the developing cartridge 50 toward the intermediate transfer belt 63, and the second lift 140 further raises the developing cartridge 50 in conjunction with the closing operation of the cover. Although configured, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.
For example, a drum lift that engages with the upper surface 111 of the moving cam 110 to move the drum cartridge 40 upward and a developing lift that engages with the upper surface 111 of the moving cam 110 to move the developing cartridge 50 upward are independent. It may be configured so that it can be moved separately.
In such a configuration, the drum guide protrusion may be located on the upper surface of the drum lift, and the development guide protrusion may be located on the upper surface of the developing lift.

In the above-described embodiment, the first lift 130 has the drum guide protrusion 133 and the development guide protrusion 134, the drum cartridge 40 has the drum groove 42, and the development cartridge 50 has the development groove 52. Disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a drum guide groove may be used instead of the drum guide protrusion 133, and a drum protrusion may be used instead of the drum groove 42. Similarly, a development guide groove may be used instead of the development guide protrusion 134, and a development protrusion may be used instead of the development groove 52. Moreover, you may combine these arbitrarily.

In the above-described embodiment, the moving cam 110 includes a drum separation surface 114, a drum inclined surface 116, a drum contact surface 118, a developing separation surface 124, a developing inclined surface 126, and a developing contact surface 128, each of which is a set (two). The first lift 130 includes a first drum contact portion 135A and a second drum contact portion 135B, and the second lift 140 includes a first development contact portion 142 and a second development contact portion 144. The present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and may be any number.
For example, the moving cam 110 has one drum separating surface 114, one drum inclined surface 116, a drum contact surface 118, a developing separating surface 124, a developing inclined surface 126, and a developing contact surface 128, and the first lift 130 has one. The second lift 140 may be configured to include only one drum contact portion and only one development contact portion.
Further, the moving cam 110 may be configured to have no development separation surface.

In the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure is applied to the color printer 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the present disclosure is applied to other image forming devices such as monochrome printers, copiers, and multifunction devices. May be good.

Each element described in the above-described embodiment and modification may be arbitrarily combined and implemented.

1 Color printer 2 Main body housing 22A Opening C cover 40 Drum cartridge 41 Photosensitive drum 50 Development cartridge 51 Development roller 63 Intermediate transfer belt 110 Moving cam

Claims (14)

The main body housing with an opening and
A cover that can be moved between the open position that opens the opening and the closed position that closes the opening.
A drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, and a drum cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body housing in the first direction.
A developing cartridge having a developing roller that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, and a developing cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body housing in the first direction.
With the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge mounted on the main body housing, the intermediate transfer belt located above the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, and
It is a moving cam located below the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the main body housing, and is in the first position when the cover is positioned in the open position. A moving cam that is located, is located in a second position while the cover is moving from the open position to the closed position, and is located in a third position when the cover is in the closed position.
When the moving cam is located at the first position, the photosensitive drum is separated from the intermediate transfer belt, and the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum.
When the moving cam is located at the second position, the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and the distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum becomes the first distance.
When the moving cam is located at the third position, the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and the distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum is a second distance shorter than the first distance. An image forming apparatus characterized in that. The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the drum cartridge is aligned with the developing cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the main body housing. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving cam can move in the first direction as the cover moves from the open position to the closed position. The main body housing includes a first lift and a second lift.
The first lift engages with the moving cam to move the drum cartridge upwards.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second lift engages with the moving cam to move the developing cartridge upward. The first lift includes a first drum contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam.
The moving cam
With the first drum separating surface extending in the first direction,
A first drum inclined surface extending from the first drum separating surface toward the intermediate transfer belt, and a first drum inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction.
It has a first drum contact surface extending in the first direction from the first drum inclined surface, and has a first drum contact surface closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the first drum separation surface in the vertical direction.
The first drum inclined surface is located between the first drum separating surface and the first drum contact surface in the first direction.
When the moving cam is located at the first position, the first drum contact portion comes into contact with the first drum separation surface.
While the moving cam moves from the first position to the second position, the first drum contact portion comes into contact with the first drum inclined surface.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the moving cam is located at the second position and the third position, the first drum contact portion comes into contact with the first drum contact surface. The second lift includes a first developing contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam.
The moving cam
The first development separation surface extending in the first direction and
A first development inclined surface extending from the first developing separation surface toward the intermediate transfer belt, and a first developing inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction.
It has a first development contact surface extending in the first direction from the first development inclined surface, and has a first development contact surface closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the first development separation surface in the vertical direction. ,
The first development inclined surface is located between the first development separation surface and the first development contact surface in the first direction.
When the moving cam is located at the first position, the first development contact portion comes into contact with the first development separation surface.
While the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the first development contact portion comes into contact with the first development inclined surface.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the moving cam is located at the third position, the first developing contact portion comes into contact with the first developing contact surface. In the moving direction in which the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the downstream end of the first drum contact surface is located on the downstream side of the downstream end of the first developing contact surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. The moving cam
A second drum separation surface located away from the first drum separation surface in the first direction,
A second drum inclined surface extending from the second drum separating surface toward the intermediate transfer belt, which is inclined with respect to the first direction and is positioned away from the first drum inclined surface in the first direction. 2nd drum inclined surface and
A second drum contact surface extending in the first direction from the second drum inclined surface, which is a second drum contact surface closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the second drum separation surface in the vertical direction. It has a second drum contact surface that is located away from the first drum contact surface in one direction.
The second drum inclined surface is located between the second drum separating surface and the second drum contact surface in the first direction.
The first lift is a second drum contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam, and includes a second drum contact portion that is located away from the first drum contact portion in the first direction.
When the moving cam is located at the first position, the second drum contact portion comes into contact with the second drum separation surface.
While the moving cam moves from the first position to the second position, the second drum contact portion comes into contact with the second drum inclined surface.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the moving cam is located at the second position and the third position, the second drum contact portion comes into contact with the second drum contact surface. The moving cam
A second development separation surface located away from the first development separation surface in the first direction,
A second development inclined surface extending from the second development separation surface toward the intermediate transfer belt, which is inclined with respect to the first direction and is positioned away from the first development inclined surface in the first direction. 2nd development inclined surface and
A second development contact surface extending in the first direction from the second development inclined surface, which is a second development contact surface closer to the intermediate transfer belt than the second development separation surface in the vertical direction. It has a second development contact surface that is located away from the first development contact surface in one direction.
The second development inclined surface is located between the second development separation surface and the second development contact surface in the first direction.
The second lift is a second development contact portion that comes into contact with the moving cam, and includes a second development contact portion that is located away from the first development contact portion in the first direction.
When the moving cam is located at the first position, the second development contact portion comes into contact with the second development separation surface.
While the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the second development contact portion comes into contact with the second development inclined surface.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second developing contact portion comes into contact with the second developing contact surface when the moving cam is located at the third position. In the moving direction in which the moving cam moves from the first position to the third position, the downstream end of the second drum contact surface is located on the downstream side of the downstream end of the second developing contact surface. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. The first lift is
A drum guide protrusion extending in the first direction to guide the drum cartridge,
It has a development guide protrusion that extends in the first direction and guides the development cartridge.
The drum cartridge has a drum groove guided by the drum guide protrusion.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the developing cartridge has a developing groove guided by the developing guide protrusion. The development guide protrusion has a guide hole and has a guide hole.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second lift is movable in the guide hole. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is a paper ejection unit for ejecting paper and includes a paper ejection unit located above the intermediate transfer belt. Forming device. The image forming according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is a paper feeding unit for feeding paper and includes a paper feeding unit located below the moving cam. apparatus.

Images