JP2024041712A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To further develop the conventional technology. [Solution] An image forming device for forming an image on a recording material includes (i) an apparatus main body, (ii) a fixing device configured to heat the recording material when in a use position, and (iii) a first cartridge and a support member to which the first cartridge is removably attached, and a drawer unit movable between a first inner position inside the apparatus main body and a first outer position outside the apparatus main body. When an image is formed on the recording material, the drawer unit is located at the first inner position. When the fixing device is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device is located inside a space through which the drawer unit passes when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position. [Selected Figure] Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material.

2. Description of the Related Art Some image forming apparatuses, such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices, have a cartridge removably mounted on a tray that moves between the inside and outside of the apparatus main body.

Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a tray in which a cartridge is removably mounted and a fixing device. The tray is movable out of the main body of the image forming apparatus through the plurality of openings.

Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a tray to which a cartridge is removably mounted, a transfer unit, and a fixing device. In Patent Document 2, the tray and the transfer unit are movable from the inside to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the fixing device is disposed at one end of the image forming apparatus main body, and when the transfer unit moves to the outside of the apparatus main body, the transfer unit moves in a direction from the other end of the apparatus main body to one end. do. On the other hand, when the tray moves to the outside of the apparatus main body, the tray moves in a direction from one end of the apparatus main body to the other end.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-244018 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-206897

The present invention is a further development of the prior art.

The inventions covered by this application are as follows:

An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material,
The device body,
a fixing device configured to heat the recording material in a use position;
an opening/closing member attached to the apparatus main body, the opening/closing member having an upper cover part and movable from a closed position in which the upper cover part is located above the fixing device to an open position;
It has a first cartridge and a support member to which the first cartridge is removably attached, and is movable between a first inner position inside the apparatus main body and a first outer position outside the apparatus main body. A drawer unit and
has
When the fixing device is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device is attached to the drawer unit such that movement of the drawer unit from the first inner position to the first outer position is restricted. is inside a space through which the space passes when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position,
The fixing device is retractable from the use position to a retracted position such that the drawer unit is allowed to move from the first inner position to the first outer position, and the fixing device in the retracted position An image forming apparatus characterized in that at least a part of the apparatus is located higher than the upper cover part of the opening/closing member in the closed position.

According to the present invention, conventional technology can be further developed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the printer of Example 1 with the door open. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the printer in which the fixing device of Embodiment 1 has been moved. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the printer when the transfer unit and tray unit of Example 1 are pulled out. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the printer in which the transfer unit of Example 1 is pulled out alone. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a transfer unit and a tray unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a transfer unit and a tray unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connecting member that connects the tray and transfer unit of the tray unit of Example 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connecting member that connects the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit of Example 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connecting member that connects the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit of Example 1. It is an explanatory view of a tray unit of a modification. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the printer in which the door, fixing device, and transfer unit of Embodiment 2 have been moved. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the printer in a state in which the tray unit of Example 2 is pulled out. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the printer in which the door, fixing device, and cleaning unit of Embodiment 3 have been moved. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the printer in a state in which the tray unit of Embodiment 3 is pulled out. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the printer in which the door and transfer unit of Embodiment 4 have been moved. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the printer in a state in which the tray unit of Embodiment 4 is pulled out. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the printer in which the door and fixing device of Example 5 have been moved. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the printer in a state in which the tray unit of Embodiment 5 is pulled out. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 7 is an overall view of the door, transfer unit, and conveyance unit in Example 6 in a moved state; FIG. 7 is an overall view when the tray unit of Example 6 is pulled out.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, with reference to drawings, the form for implementing this invention is illustratively described in detail based on an Example. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangement of the components described in this embodiment should be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[overall structure]
A printer 1 as an image forming apparatus will be explained using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the printer 1 is an electrophotographic color laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S as a recording material.

The printer 1 includes an apparatus main body (housing) 1A, a scanner (exposure device) 2, a control section 3, and a door (opening/closing member) 20 that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1A. Further, the printer 1 includes a sheet feeding section 30, a transfer unit (transfer device) 40, a tray unit (moving unit, support unit) 50, and a fixing device 80. A portion including the device main body 1A and the door 20 can also be called a main frame 100. Main frame 100 includes the exterior of printer 1 .

The apparatus main body 1A houses the scanner 2, the control section 3, the sheet feeding section 30, the transfer unit 40, the tray unit 50, and the fixing device 80.

The sheet feeding section 30 includes a stacking tray 31 on which sheets S as recording materials are stacked, and a supply roller 32. The stacking tray 31 can be pulled out toward the door 20 and refilled with sheets S.

The tray unit 50 includes a tray (support member, drawer) 51 and cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The tray 51 includes a tray handle 52. Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removably mounted on the tray 51.

Each of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be attached to and removed from the tray 51 independently of each other. Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners (developer), respectively. Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration except that they contain different colors of toner. Therefore, the configuration and operation of any one of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK will be described, and the description of the others may be omitted. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be simply referred to as cartridges P. It can be said that the tray unit 50 includes a plurality of cartridges P and a tray 51 on which the plurality of cartridges P are removably mounted.

In this embodiment, the tray unit 50 has multiple photosensitive drums (image carriers) 61, multiple charging rollers 62 (charging members), and multiple developing rollers (developer carriers) 71. Specifically, the tray unit 50 has four photosensitive drums 61, four charging rollers 62, and four developing rollers 71. The rotational axis directions of the photosensitive drums 61, the developing rollers 71, and the charging rollers 62 are parallel to each other.

The part where a black (K) image is formed is called a black station (first station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the first station is the first photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is the first developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is the first charging roller. Call me Laura.

The part where a cyan (C) image is formed is called a cyan station (second station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the second station is the second photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is the second developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is the second charging roller. Call me Laura.

The part where a magenta (M) image is formed is called a magenta station (third station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the third station is the third photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is the third developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is the third charging roller. Call me Laura.

The portion where a yellow (Y) image is formed is called a yellow station (fourth station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the fourth station is the fourth photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is the fourth developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is the fourth charging roller. Call me Laura.

Cartridge PK is mounted in the black station, cartridge PC in the cyan station, cartridge PM in the magenta station, and cartridge PY in the yellow station. In this embodiment, cartridge PK is called the first cartridge, cartridge PC is called the second cartridge, cartridge PM is called the third cartridge, and cartridge PY is called the fourth cartridge.

Note that numbers such as first, second, third, and fourth are used for convenience in explanation.

The photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71 may be provided in either the cartridge P or the tray 51. In this embodiment, the cartridge P includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging roller 62, and a developing roller 71.

The transfer unit 40 includes a belt 41, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaning section 43, a drive roller 46 that drives the belt 41, and a tension roller (driven roller) 47. The printer 1 in this embodiment is provided with an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the belt 41. In this embodiment, the belt 41 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 61 and can contact the photosensitive drum 61 so that a primary transfer portion is formed between the belt 41 and the photosensitive drum 61. The printer 1 also includes a secondary transfer roller 45 that contacts the belt 41 so as to form a secondary transfer portion. The secondary transfer portion is formed between the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45. The rotation axis direction of the primary transfer roller 42, the rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46, the rotation axis direction of the tension roller 47, and the rotation axis direction of the secondary transfer roller 45 are parallel to each other. A registration roller pair 4 is arranged in front of the secondary transfer section.

The fixing device 80 includes a fixing section 81 and a flapper 5. When an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the fixing device 80 is in the use position. The fixing device 80 is housed inside (inside) the apparatus main body 1A in a use position. Furthermore, the fixing device 80 is configured to heat the sheet S while in the use position. In this embodiment, the fixing section 81 includes a heating section (heating roller) including a heater, and a pressure section (pressure roller).

The movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 will be explained using FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the door 20 open. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the fixing device 80 moved. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 pulled out. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 pulled out alone.

The transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are movable from the inside of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside. In the horizontal direction H, the device main body 1A has a first end 1b1 provided with an opening 1A1 and a second end 1b2 opposite to the first end 1b1. The tray unit 50 is movable through the opening 1A1 to a first inner position inside the apparatus main body 1A and a first outer position outside the apparatus main body 1A. The transfer unit 40 is movable through the opening 1A1 to a second inner position inside the apparatus main body 1A and a second outer position outside the apparatus main body 1A. The opening 1A1 may include an opening through which the tray unit 50 passes and an opening through which the transfer unit 40 passes. Note that when the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, at least the belt 41 is moved, and at least a part of the belt 41 is moved from the apparatus main body 1A toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A. stand out.

The direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is called a tray removal direction Dd1, and the direction opposite to the tray removal direction Dd1 is called a tray attachment direction Da1. The tray removal direction Dd1 can be said to be a direction from the second end 1b2 to the first end 1b1.

The direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position is referred to as a transfer take-out direction Dd2, and the direction opposite to the transfer take-out direction Dd2 is referred to as a transfer attachment direction Da2. In the transfer take-out direction Dd2, the drive roller 46 is located downstream of the tension roller 47. The transfer take-out direction Dd2 can be said to be a direction from the second end 1b2 to the first end 1b1.

The tray removal direction Dd1 and the tray attachment direction Da1 are directions intersecting (preferably orthogonal to) the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61. The transfer take-out direction Dd2 and the transfer attachment direction Da2 are directions intersecting (preferably orthogonal to) the direction of the rotational axis of the drive roller 46. The rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46 is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61.

In the horizontal direction H, the fixing device 80 is arranged at one end side (the side where the first end portion 1b1 is arranged) of the apparatus main body 1A.

The door 20 attached to the device body 1A is movable between a closed position and an open position. As shown in FIG. 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position (closed state of the door 20), the door 20 covers the opening 1A1. As shown in FIG. 2, when the door 20 is in the open position (the door 20 is open), the opening 1A1 is exposed.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the door 20 covers the fixing device 80 attached to the apparatus main body 1A. More specifically, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the upper cover portion 20b of the door 20 is located above the fixing device 80. The upper cover part 20b of the door 20 has a function as a part of the exterior part.

The door 20 can be moved between an open position and a closed position with the fixing device 80 supported by the apparatus main body 1A. In other words, the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position so as to move away from the fixing device supported by the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the door 20 is in the open position, the door 20 is separated from the fixing device 80 supported by the apparatus main body 1A.

As will be described later, the fixing device 80 is movable from the state shown in FIG. 2 to the state shown in FIG. 3 so that the opening 1A1 is widely exposed. When the door 20 and the fixing device 80 are moved (FIG. 3), the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be moved from the inside of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside through the opening 1A1, and after the movement, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are in the state shown in FIG. Become.

With the tray unit 50 moved outside the apparatus main body 1A (FIG. 4), removing the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the tray 51, and installing the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK on the tray 51. is allowed. Thereby, cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be replaced with new cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. In this embodiment, the cartridge P can be attached to and removed from the tray 51 in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 61.

The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving in a direction away from the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In other words, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK move toward the side opposite to the transfer unit 40 with respect to the tray 51 and are removed from the tray 51. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 40 is arranged below the tray unit 50. Therefore, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK move upward relative to the tray 51 and are removed from the tray 51.

Further, the transfer unit 40 can be removed from the apparatus main body 1A independently of the tray unit 50, and can be replaced with a new transfer unit 40.

[Image forming operation]
The image forming operation of the printer 1 will be explained using FIG. 1. The control unit 3 of the printer 1 starts an operation of forming an image on the sheet S based on the image signal received from the external host device 400. The external host device 400 is, for example, a personal computer, an image reader, a facsimile, or the like.

When image formation on the sheet S is performed, the fixing device 80 is located at the use position, the tray unit 50 is located at the first inside position, the transfer unit 40 is located at the second inside position, and the door 20 is located at the closed position. Located in With the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position, the belt 41 can come into contact with the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the tray unit 50 is located above the transfer unit 40.

A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 62, and the photosensitive drum 61 rotates. A laser corresponding to image information is irradiated from the scanner 2 to the photosensitive drum 61, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 charged by the charging roller 62 is exposed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

The developing roller 71 carries toner. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 71, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is developed with the toner supplied from the developing roller 71, forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. In this embodiment, the developing roller 71 develops the electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 61, but the developing roller 71 may also develop the electrostatic latent image while there is a gap between the developing roller 71 and the photosensitive drum 61.

When a full-color image is formed, a toner image of each color is formed on each photosensitive drum 61.

In this embodiment, the developing roller 71 is movable between a contact position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 61 and a separated position where it is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 61 while the tray unit 50 is at the first inner position. be. Specifically, a switching device provided in the apparatus main body 1A switches between a state in which the developing roller 71 is in the contact position and a state in which the developing roller 71 is in the separated position. Thereby, the developing roller 71 can be kept separated from the photosensitive drum 61 when no image forming operation is performed.

Further, the printer 1 performs monochrome printing in a state in which the developing roller 71 and the photosensitive drum 61 corresponding to the cartridge PK are in contact with each other, and the developing roller 71 and the photosensitive drum 61 corresponding to each of the cartridges PY, PM, and PC are separated from each other. be able to. Further, the printer 1 can perform full-color printing in a state where the belt 41 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 61 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

The toner image formed on each photosensitive drum 61 is transferred onto the belt 41 by the primary transfer roller 42 at the primary transfer section, and is transported toward the secondary transfer section formed by the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45.

On the other hand, a conveyance path (first path, first conveyance path) 1c is formed in the apparatus main body 1A, through which the sheet S headed for the fixing device 80 passes. Further, a double-sided conveyance path (second path, second conveyance path) 20a is formed in the door 20, through which the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 passes. The door 20 covers the conveyance path 1c in the closed state. When the door 20 is opened, the conveyance path 1c and the double-sided conveyance path 20a are exposed (FIG. 2).

In the sheet feeding section 30, one sheet S is separated and fed from the sheets S stacked on the stacking tray 31 by the supply roller 32 at a predetermined timing, and passes through the conveyance path 1c to the secondary transfer section and the fixing section. It is transported toward the device 80.

In the secondary transfer section, the toner image is transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S. The toner that has not been transferred to the sheet S is removed from the belt 41 by a cleaning blade (cleaning member) 43A provided in the cleaning section 43.

The sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer section is conveyed toward the fixing device 80 . In the fixing device 80, the sheet S is heated and pressurized by a fixing section 81, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet S. The sheet S with the toner image fixed thereon is conveyed toward a flapper 5 serving as a path switching section.

The flapper 5 is movable between a sheet discharge position where the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 is guided toward the sheet discharge path 1d and an inversion position where the sheet S is guided toward the reversal path 1e.

When single-sided printing in which an image is formed on one side of the sheet S is performed, the sheet S is guided to the paper discharge path 1d by the flapper 5, and is discharged to the discharge tray 1f formed at the top of the apparatus main body 1A.

On the other hand, when double-sided printing is performed in which images are printed on one side and the back side of the sheet S, the sheet S is guided to the reversing path 1e by the flapper 5. After the sheet S is guided to the reversing path 1e, the conveyance direction of the sheet S is reversed, and the sheet S is conveyed toward the secondary transfer section through a double-sided conveyance path 20a formed in the door 20. After the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the sheet S in the secondary transfer section, the sheet S passes through the fixing device 80, is guided to the paper discharge path 1d by the flapper 5, and is discharged to the discharge tray 1f of the apparatus main body 1A. Ru.

[Removal of tray unit and transfer unit and arrangement of fixing device]
The removal of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 from the apparatus main body 1A and the arrangement of the fixing device 80 will be described using FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

As described above, the fixing device 80 of the printer 1 is disposed at one end of the apparatus main body 1A in the horizontal direction. Further, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are moved from one end side of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 1A1.

In other words, in the horizontal direction H, the fixing device 80 is closer to the first end 1b1 than the second end 1b2. That is, in the horizontal direction H, the distance between the fixing device 80 and the first end 1b1 is shorter than the distance between the fixing device 80 and the second end 1b2. The fixing device 80 is disposed at a position closer to the first end 1b1 than the center of the apparatus main body 1A in the horizontal direction H, and the distance between the first end 1b1 and the fixing device 80 in the horizontal direction H is It can be said that the distance is shorter than the distance between the end portion 1b1 and the center of the device main body 1A.

Furthermore, as described above, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the moving direction of the tray unit 50 is a direction that intersects the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the tray unit 50 moves away from the second end 1b2.

As described above, when the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the moving direction of the transfer unit 40 is a direction intersecting the rotational axis of the drive roller 46. At this time, the transfer unit 40 moves away from the second end 1b2.

As described above, the door 20 of this embodiment covers the opening 1A1 in the closed state and also covers at least a portion of the conveyance path 1c of the sheet S. Further, the door 20 includes a double-sided conveyance path 20a. When a jam of the sheet S (hereinafter referred to as a jam) occurs, the user of the printer 1 can remove the sheet S from one end of the apparatus main body 1A to clear the jam. Specifically, the sheet S can be removed by moving the door 20 to the open position to access the inside of the apparatus main body 1A. Furthermore, if a part of the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 is exposed outside the apparatus main body 1A, remove the sheet S by pulling the sheet S from the outside of the apparatus main body 1A without opening the door 20. I can do it.

Furthermore, the user of the printer 1 moves the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 from one end side of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A to check the status of the transfer unit 40 and the cartridge P, perform maintenance, replace them, etc. Able to perform work.

That is, in the printer 1, the fixing device 80 is disposed at one end of the apparatus main body 1A, and the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be moved in and out of the apparatus main body 1A through one end of the apparatus main body 1A. As a result, the user can clear a jam, access the fixing device 80, and operate the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 from one direction.

In this embodiment, the front of the printer 1 is the door 20 side. Therefore, it is only necessary to secure a space for performing operations such as clearing a jam and operating the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 from the front of the printer 1. On the other hand, there is no need to secure space for performing these operations from the left side, right side, back side, and top side of the printer 1. Therefore, the printer 1 can be installed in a space-saving manner.

If the transfer unit 40 or tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end of the apparatus main body 1A, the user must access both ends of the apparatus main body 1A in order to clear the jam and pull out the transfer unit 40 or tray unit 50. There is a need to. Further, even when one of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from one end side of the apparatus main body 1A, and the other of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end side, the user must Need access to the side. Therefore, a space is required for working not only from the front of the apparatus main body 1A but also from the back, and the area required for installing the printer 1 increases.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sheets S can be replenished from one end side of the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, it is only necessary to secure a space for replenishing the sheets S from the front of the printer 1, and the printer 1 can be installed in a space-saving manner.

[Relationship between tray unit and fixing device]
The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the fixing device 80 will be described using FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50.

The tray unit 50 passes through a predetermined space when moving between a first inner position where an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S and a first outer position where replacement of the cartridge P is permitted. The space through which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position in this manner is referred to as a first space (movement space of the tray unit 50). The first space can also be called a path or trajectory (first movement path, first movement trajectory) that the tray unit 50 passes when moving from the first inside position to the first outside position.

The transfer unit 40 passes through a predetermined space when moving between the second inner position and the second outer position where the image forming operation on the sheet S is performed. The space through which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position in this manner is referred to as a second space (movement space of the transfer unit 40). The second space can also be called a path or trajectory (second movement path, second movement trajectory) that the transfer unit 40 passes when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

The position (usage position) of the fixing device 80 when performing an image forming operation on the sheet S, the first space, and the second space have the following relationship.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 in the use position overlaps with the first space. In other words, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 is inside the first space.

In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 overlaps with a space through which the cartridge P passes when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, but the space through which the tray 51 passes. It may be arranged so as to overlap with the space.

Thereby, the apparatus main body 1A can be made smaller compared to a configuration in which the fixing device 80 in the use position is located outside the first space.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveyance path 20a overlaps with the first space. That is, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveyance path 20a is inside the first space.

As described above, at least a part of the fixing device 80 in the use position is inside the first space. Therefore, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, the movement of the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position is restricted. On the other hand, the fixing device 80 is configured to be retractable from the use position. When the fixing device 80 is retracted from the use position, the tray unit 50 is allowed to move from the first inner position to the first outer position. When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 passes under the fixing device 80. Note that the fixing device 80 is outside the second space in the use position and the retracted position. Therefore, in both the state where the fixing device 80 is in the use position and the state where the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the transfer unit 40 can move from the second inner position to the second outer position. When the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the transfer unit 40 passes under the fixing device 80.

The fixing device 80 includes a fixing frame 80a that supports a fixing section 81. When the fixing device 80 is retracted from the use position, the fixing frame 80a is displaced with respect to the device main body 1A while supporting the fixing section 81.

When the tray unit 50 is pulled out to the outside of the device main body 1A, first, the door 20 is moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, with the fixing device 80 positioned in the use position, the door 20 can be moved to the open position and the closed position. Then, with the door 20 in the open position, the fixing device 80 is moved from the use position to the retracted position so as to move outside the first space as shown in FIG. 3.

In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the fixing device 80 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A and is movable between a use position and a retracted position retracted from the use position. In this embodiment, when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the entire fixing device 80 is located outside the first space.

The fixing device 80 is lifted from the use position and positioned at a retracted position above the use position. In other words, the retracted position is higher than the use position. As shown in FIG. 7, when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 is in a position protruding from the device main body 1A toward the outside of the device main body 1A. Further, when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 is higher than the upper cover part 20b of the cover 20 in the closed position. As a result, while maintaining the size of the printer 1 small in the vertical direction V when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, the fixing device 80 moves to the retracted position, thereby freeing up space for the tray unit 50 to move. can be secured. Note that when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the door 20 is restricted from taking the closed position.

Specifically, the printer 1 includes a connecting member (fixing connecting member, fixing link, arm) 85 movably connected to the apparatus main body 1A. The fixing device 80 is connected to the apparatus main body 1A via a connecting member 85.

The connecting member 85 is rotatable around the rotation center 85A, and when the tray unit 50 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 1A, the connecting member 85 is moved to the outside of the first space. The fixing device 80 is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting member 85, and the other end of the connecting member 85 is rotatably connected to the apparatus main body 1A about a rotation center 85A. The fixing device 80 is movable from the use position to the retracted position while supported by the connecting member 85 (connected to the apparatus main body 1A via the connecting member 85), and is also movable from the retracted position to the use position. be. The connecting member 85 is configured to be movable (swingable) relative to the apparatus main body 1A and the fixing device 80. That is, the fixing device 80 is connected to the apparatus main body 1A via the connecting member 85. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the fixing device 80 is directly connected to the apparatus main body 1A, it is possible to increase the amount of movement of the fixing device 80 when the fixing device 80 moves between the retracted position and the use position. can.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the angle between the moving direction of the tray unit 50 and the horizontal direction H is the angle between the moving direction of the tray unit 50 and the vertical direction V. smaller than the angle formed by Further, when the fixing device 80 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the amount of movement of the fixing device 80 in the vertical direction V is larger than the amount of movement of the fixing device 80 in the horizontal direction H. In other words, when the fixing device 80 moves from the use position to the retreat position, the amount of movement of the fixing device 80 in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the tray unit 50 is equal to the amount of movement of the fixing device 80 in the direction parallel to the moving direction of the tray unit 50. This is larger than the amount of movement of the device 80.

Furthermore, the fixing device 80 may be attached to the apparatus main body 1A via a guide fixed to the apparatus main body 1A, and then moved between the use position and the retreat position. In this case, the shape of the guide is arbitrary.

However, the method for moving the fixing device 80 outside the first space is not limited to this. For example, the fixing device 80 may be removable from the apparatus main body 1A so as to be retracted from the use position, and the fixing device 80 may be moved to the outside of the first space. That is, by separating the fixing device 80 from the apparatus main body 1A and the door 20 (separating from the main frame 100), the fixing device 80 may be located outside the first space. Further, the fixing device 80 may be connected to the door 20, and by opening the door 20, the fixing device 80 may be moved to the outside of the first space.

[Relationship between tray unit and transfer unit]
The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will be explained using FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

As shown in FIG. 3, with the fixing device 80 positioned outside the first space, the tray unit 50 is moved toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A by the user grasping the tray handle 52.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the position of the transfer unit 40 when the image forming operation is performed on the sheet S and the first space have the following relationship.

That is, when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the transfer unit 40 is at the second inner position. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 located at the second inner position overlaps with the first space. In other words, with the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 is inside the first space.

In this embodiment, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 overlaps with a space through which the tray 51 passes when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, and the cartridge P passes through the space. It may be arranged so as to overlap with the space.

This allows the device body 1A to be made smaller in size compared to a configuration in which the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position is located outside the first space.

In the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, the part of the transfer unit 40 that overlaps with the first space is the cleaning section 43 that accommodates the cleaning member 43A. However, other parts of the transfer unit 40 may overlap the first space. Further, in this embodiment, the cleaning member 43A of the transfer unit 40 located at the second inner position overlaps with the first space.

It can be said that the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 satisfy the following relationship. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, a portion of the transfer unit 40 in the moving direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position. (Cleaning section 43) is located downstream of tray unit 50. Further, in the vertical direction V, an area (range) where a part of the transfer unit 40 (cleaning unit 43) located downstream of the tray unit 50 is arranged is at least partially the area (range) where the tray unit 50 is arranged. Overlap.

In this embodiment, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveyance path 20a is a second space through which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position. It overlaps with That is, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveyance path 20a is inside the second space.

As described above, with the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 is inside the first space. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the user moves the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position relative to the apparatus main body 1A, the transfer unit 40 also moves from the second inner position relative to the apparatus main body 1A. is moved to a second outer position. That is, with the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 integrated, the tray unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, and the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position.

By integrally moving the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40, the photosensitive drum 61 is prevented from being exposed when the tray unit 50 moves to the first outer position, and scratches and dirt on the photosensitive drum 61 are prevented. It can prevent sticking.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the door 20 is opened, the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, and the transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, the transfer unit 40 is inserted into the tray unit 50 from below the tray unit 50. is supported. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door 20 supports the transfer unit 40. In other words, the transfer unit 40 supported by the door 20 supports the tray unit 50. This state can also be said to mean that the door 20 supports the tray unit 50 via the transfer unit 40.

A configuration for integrally moving the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. 8, 9, and 10 are diagrams illustrating a connecting member (lever, stopper, locking member) 53 that connects the tray 51 of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40.

The printer 1 according to this embodiment includes a locking member 53. In this embodiment, the locking member 53 is provided on the tray 51 of the tray unit 50. The lock member 53 has a transfer lock portion 53A and is rotatable around a rotation center 53B.

The tray 51 includes a transfer connecting portion 51A. The transfer unit 40 includes a transfer frame 48 that supports a drive roller 46, a tension roller 47, and a primary transfer roller 42, and the transfer frame 48 is provided with a tray connection groove 48A and a lock connection portion 48B.

When the lock member 53 rotates around the rotation center 53B, the transfer lock part 53A engages with the lock connection part 48B, and the transfer lock part 53A is moved to the connection position where the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are connected and to the connection position. It can be moved to the release position.

By engaging the transfer connecting portion 51A with the tray connecting groove 48A, the tray unit 50 is restricted from moving relative to the transfer unit 40 in the first removal direction Dd1 and the direction orthogonal to the first removal direction Dd1. be done. On the other hand, the transfer unit 40 is restricted from moving with respect to the tray unit 50 in the second attachment direction Da2 and in a direction perpendicular to the second attachment direction Da2.

Similar configurations are provided in a total of four locations: near both ends of the tension roller 47 in the direction of the tension roller 47's rotation axis, and near both ends of the drive roller 46 in the direction of the drive roller 46's rotation axis.

When the transfer lock portion 53A of the lock member 53 in the connection position engages with the lock connection portion 48B, movement of the tray unit 50 in the first attachment direction Da1 with respect to the transfer unit 40 is restricted. On the other hand, the transfer unit 40 is restricted from moving in the second take-out direction Dd2 with respect to the tray unit 50.

The lock member 53 and the lock connecting portion 48B may also be provided at both ends of the transfer unit 40 in the direction of the rotation axis of the tension roller 47.

In other words, when the transfer connecting portion 51A is engaged with the tray connecting groove 48A and the lock member 53 in the connecting position is engaged with the lock connecting portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 cannot move relative to each other. Regulated. Note that in this state, there may be play between the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50.

In other words, it can be said that the transfer connecting portion 51A and the locking member 53 have a function as a tray side connecting device, and the tray connecting groove 48A and the lock connecting portion 48B have a function as a transfer side connecting device. By connecting the tray-side connecting device and the transfer-side connecting device, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are connected, and the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 move together.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the device main body 1A has an unlocking section 1B. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the locking member 53 is in contact with the unlocking section 1B and is in the unlocked position. In this state, the transfer locking section 53A is separated from the lock connecting section 48B.

When the tray unit 50 is moved in the first take-out direction Dd1 with the lock member 53 in the release position, the transfer unit 40 is pushed toward the second take-out direction Dd2 by the transfer coupling portion 51A. As a result, the transfer unit 40 is also moved integrally with the tray unit 50 in the second take-out direction Dd2. When the tray unit 50 moves a predetermined distance in the first removal direction Dd1, the locking member 53 separates from the lock release part 1B, moves to the connection position, and engages with the lock connection part 48B. With the lock member 53 in the connecting position and engaged with the lock connecting portion 48B, the tray unit 50 is moved to the first outer position and the transfer unit 40 is moved to the second outer position.

When the tray unit 50 is moved in the first attachment direction Da1 with the lock member 53 engaged with the lock connecting portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 is pushed by the lock member 53 toward the second attachment direction Da2. As a result, the transfer unit 40 is also moved integrally with the tray unit 50 in the second attachment direction Da2.

When the transfer unit 40 is moved in the second mounting direction Da2 with the lock member 53 engaged with the lock connection portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 pushes the transfer connection portion 51A, and the tray unit 50 is pushed in the first mounting direction Da1. As a result, the tray unit 50 is also moved together with the transfer unit 40 in the first mounting direction Da1.

When the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are integrally moved toward the inside of the apparatus main body 1A, the lock member 53 is moved to the release position by the lock release section 1B. In this state, even if the tray unit 50 is moved in the first attachment direction Da1, the transfer unit 40 does not move. Therefore, in the process of closing the door 20, the transfer unit 40 is pushed toward the second attachment direction Da2 by the force of the secondary transfer roller 45 coming into contact with the transfer unit 40, and the transfer unit 40 is pushed toward the back of the apparatus main body 1A (second inner position). pushed up to. That is, the door 20 can push the transfer unit 40 so that the transfer unit 40 is located at the second inner position. Additionally, the door 20 may push the tray unit 50 so that the tray unit 50 is located in the first inner position.

On the other hand, when the transfer unit 40 is moved in the second take-out direction Dd2 with the lock member 53 in the release position and the tray unit 50 in the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 is moved independently from the tray unit 50 and the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position. from a second inner position to a second outer position. In the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. position). The transfer unit 40 is removable from the apparatus main body 1A and can be replaced with a new transfer unit 40.

In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray unit 50 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 1A independently of the transfer unit 40. Further, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the transfer unit 40 is positioned independently from the tray unit 50 with respect to the apparatus main body 1A. This is because priority is given to accurately positioning each of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 with respect to the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, a slight clearance is provided between the tray connection groove 48A and the transfer connection part 51A.

The clearance between the tray connection groove 48A and the transfer connection portion 51A may be eliminated so that the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be positioned relative to each other when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. In this case, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be positioned relative to each other with high precision.

[Moving the tray unit and transfer unit]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are tilted with respect to the horizontal direction H when they are attached to the apparatus main body 1A.

More specifically, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 61 closer to the first end 1b1 is longer than the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 61 farther from the first end 1b1. It is located upward in the vertical direction V.

That is, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the second photosensitive drum is closer to the first end 1b1 than the first photosensitive drum, and the rotational axis of the second photosensitive drum is aligned with the rotational axis of the first photosensitive drum. It is located above the axis in the vertical direction V. Similarly, the third photosensitive drum is closer to the first end 1b1 than the second photosensitive drum, and the rotational axis of the third photosensitive drum is located above the rotational axis of the second photosensitive drum in the vertical direction V. The fourth photosensitive drum is closer to the first end 1b1 than the third photosensitive drum, and the rotational axis of the fourth photosensitive drum is located higher in the vertical direction V than the rotational axis of the third photosensitive drum.

Here, a straight line connecting the centers of each photosensitive drum 61 is defined as a straight line LD. In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the straight line LD is directed from the side far from the first end 1b1 to the side close to the first end 1b1 with respect to the horizontal direction H. and slopes upward.

Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the belt 41 that contact the first photosensitive drum, the second photosensitive drum, the third photosensitive drum, and the fourth photosensitive drum are arranged from the side far from the first end 1b1 to the side near the first end 1b1. tilt upward towards.

When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 moves in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H (in the present embodiment, in a direction inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction H). Move to. That is, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 moves obliquely upward.

When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the direction of movement of the tray unit 50 changes from diagonally upward to downward. The moving direction of the tray unit 50 may include a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H, or a direction diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal direction H.

The angle between the straight line LD and the horizontal direction H is smaller when the tray unit 50 is at the first outer position than when the tray unit 50 is at the first inner position. In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, the straight line LD and the horizontal direction H are parallel, but the straight line LD may be inclined downward or upward with respect to the horizontal direction H.

Similarly, when the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the moving direction of the transfer unit 40 changes from diagonally upward to downward. The moving direction of the transfer unit 40 may include a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H, or a direction diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal direction H.

The angle formed between the contact surface of the belt 41 and the horizontal direction H is smaller when the transfer unit 40 is at the second outer position than when the transfer unit 40 is at the second inner position. In this embodiment, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, the contact surface of the belt 41 is parallel to the horizontal direction H, but the contact surface of the belt 41 is located below or above the horizontal direction H. It may be inclined to

When moving the tray unit 50 from the first outer position to the first inner position, the tray unit 50 moves in the horizontal direction H, and then moves diagonally downward halfway. When moving the transfer unit 40 from the second outer position to the second inner position, the transfer unit 40 moves in the horizontal direction H and then moves diagonally downward halfway. According to this configuration, when inserting the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 into the apparatus main body 1A, the weight of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be utilized.

(Modified example)
As described above, the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71 may be provided in either the cartridge P or the tray 51. This will be explained using FIG. 11. FIGS. 11(a) to 11(d) are diagrams showing a tray unit 50 according to a modified example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the tray 51 may include a photosensitive drum 61 and a charging roller 62, and the cartridge P may include a developing roller 71.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the cartridge P may include a drum cartridge P1 having a photosensitive drum 61 and a charging roller 62, and a developing cartridge P2 having a developing roller 71. In other words, the cartridge P may be separable into the drum cartridge P1 and the developing cartridge P2. In this case, it is preferable that the drum cartridge P1 and the developer cartridge P2 can be attached to and detached from the tray 51 independently of each other.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11(c), even if the cartridge P includes a cartridge PR having a photosensitive drum 61, a charging roller 62, and a developing roller 71, and a cartridge PT having toner for replenishing the cartridge PR. good. That is, the cartridge P may be separable into the cartridge PR and the cartridge PT.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11(d), the cartridge P includes a drum cartridge P1 having a photosensitive drum 61 and a charging roller 62, a developing cartridge P2 having a developing roller 71, and toner for replenishing the developing cartridge P2. The cartridge PT may include a cartridge PT having a cartridge PT. That is, the cartridge P may be separable into the drum cartridge P1, the developer cartridge P2, and the cartridge PT.

Example 2 will be explained. In the second embodiment, components similar to those described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are indicated using the same reference numerals as those used in each embodiment. Furthermore, descriptions of configurations similar to those of each embodiment may be omitted.

[Relationship between tray unit and transfer unit]
The printer 101 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has a main body 101A having an opening 101A1. The printer 101, the device main body 101A, and the opening 101A1 correspond to the printer 1, the device main body 1A, and the opening 1A1 of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, while the transfer unit 40 is at the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 moves the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position. It is located inside the first space through which it passes. In the first embodiment, the tray unit 50 was configured to move to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A together with the transfer unit 40. In the printer 101 of this embodiment, the transfer unit 40 is movable so that a part of the transfer unit 40 (specifically, the cleaning section 43) is located outside the first space. With a portion of the transfer unit 40 retracted from the first space, the tray unit 50 is moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 101A.

The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will be explained using FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printer 101 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the printer 101 with the door 20, fixing device 80, and transfer unit 40 moved. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the printer 101 with the tray unit 50 pulled out.

Before moving the tray unit 50, the door 20 and fixing device 80 are evacuated from the first space as in the first embodiment. That is, after the door 20 is moved to the open position, the fixing device 80 is moved from the use position to the retracted position. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the transfer unit 40 is tilted away from the tray unit 50. As a result, the cleaning section 43 as a part of the transfer unit 40 moves to the outside of the first space. In this state, the belt 41 is separated from the photosensitive drum 61.

After that, the user grasps the tray handle 52 and moves the tray unit 50 toward the outside of the apparatus main body 101A, so that the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 101A through the opening 101A1 as shown in FIG. can do.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the tray unit 50 can be moved to the outside of the device body 101A (first outer position) with the transfer unit 40 positioned inside the device body 101A. Also, with the tray unit 50 in the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 can be moved to the second outer position. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the tray unit 50 moves to the outside of the device body 101A together with the transfer unit 40, the tray unit 50 can be moved with a smaller force. In this embodiment, too, the tray unit 50 passes under the fixing device 80 when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position. Also, the transfer unit 40 passes under the fixing device 80 when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

Example 3 will be explained. In the third embodiment, components similar to those described in each embodiment are indicated using the same reference numerals as those used in each embodiment. Furthermore, descriptions of configurations similar to those of each embodiment may be omitted.

[Relationship between tray unit and transfer unit]
The printer 201 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has a main body 201A having an opening 201A1. The printer 201, the device main body 201A, and the opening 201A1 correspond to the printer 1, the device main body 1A, and the opening 1A1 of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, when the transfer unit 40 is at the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 is moved from the first inner position to the first outer side. It is located inside the first space through which it passes when moving to a position.

In the printer 201 of this embodiment, a part of the transfer unit 40 (the cleaning section 43) is located outside the first space through which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inside position to the first outside position. , a part of the transfer unit 40 (cleaning section 43) is movable with respect to the belt 41.

The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will be explained using FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the printer 201 with the door 20, fixing device 80, and cleaning unit 43 moved. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the printer 201 with the tray unit 50 pulled out.

Before moving the tray unit 50, the door 20 and fixing device 80 are evacuated from the first space as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning section 43 is rotated around the drive roller 46, separated from the tray unit 50, and moved to the outside of the first space.

The cleaning unit 43 moves relative to the belt 41 and moves to the outside of the first space. By rotating the cleaning section 43 around the drive roller 46, the cleaning section 43 can be moved without separating the cleaning blade 43A and the belt 41.

After that, the user grasps the tray handle 52 and moves the tray unit 50 toward the outside of the apparatus main body 201A, so that the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201A as shown in FIG. I can do it. In this embodiment, the cleaning section 43 is moved before the tray unit 50 is moved, but the cleaning section 43 may be rotated in accordance with the movement of the tray unit 50.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the tray unit 50 can be moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 201A while the transfer unit 40 is located inside the apparatus main body 201A. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the tray unit 50 moves to the outside of the apparatus main body 201A together with the transfer unit 40, the tray unit 50 can be moved with a smaller force. Also in this embodiment, the tray unit 50 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position. Further, the transfer unit 40 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

Example 4 will be described using FIGS. 17, 18, and 19. In the fourth embodiment, components similar to those described in each of the above embodiments are indicated using the same reference numerals as those used in each embodiment. Furthermore, descriptions of configurations similar to those of each embodiment may be omitted.

The printer 301 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has a main body 301A including an opening 301A1. The printer 301, the device main body 301A, and the opening 301A1 correspond to the printer 1, the device main body 1A, and the opening 1A1 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer 301 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 18 is an overall view of the door 20 in an open state. FIG. 19 is an overall view of the tray unit 50 when it is pulled out.

Also in this embodiment, it can be said that the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 satisfy the following relationship. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, a portion of the transfer unit 40 is moved in the direction of movement of the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position. The cleaning section 43 (in this embodiment) is located downstream of the tray unit 50. Further, in the vertical direction V, an area where a part of the transfer unit 40 (cleaning section 43) located downstream of the tray unit 50 is arranged at least partially overlaps with an area where the tray unit 50 is arranged.

The trajectory of the tray unit 50 of the fourth embodiment moving to the outside of the apparatus main body 301A will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, the tray unit 50 is lifted away from the transfer unit 40 in conjunction with the opening of the door 20. The position of the tray unit 50 at this time can be called a first intermediate position. Note that when the door 20 is closed in this state, the tray unit 50 is lowered and moved to the first inner position. When the tray unit 50 is in the first intermediate position, the belt 41 is separated from the photosensitive drum 61.

Thereafter, the tray unit 50 moves to the outside of the apparatus main body 301A through the opening 301A1 between the transfer unit 40 and the fixing device 80.

In the printer 301 of the fourth embodiment, the fixing device 80 is in the use position, the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, and the tray unit 50 is moved from the first inner position to the first outer position inside the apparatus main body 301A. It is located outside the first space through which it passes when doing so. Therefore, even if the fixing device 80 and the transfer unit 40 are located at the same position as when image formation on the sheet S is performed, the tray unit 50 can be moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 301A.

The apparatus main body 301A in this embodiment needs to secure a space in which it is possible to lift the tray unit 50, but when the tray unit 50 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 301A, the fixing device 80 and the transfer unit There is no need to move 40. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the tray unit 50 moves to the outside of the apparatus main body 301A together with the transfer unit 40, the tray unit 50 can be moved with a smaller force. Also in this embodiment, the tray unit 50 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position. Further, the transfer unit 40 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

Example 5 will be described using FIGS. 20, 21, and 22. In the fifth embodiment, components similar to those described in each of the above embodiments are indicated using the same reference numerals as those used in each embodiment. Furthermore, descriptions of configurations similar to those of each embodiment may be omitted.

The printer 401 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes a main body 401A having an opening 401A1 and a door 420. The printer 401, the device main body 401A, and the opening 401A1 correspond to the printer 1, the device main body 1A, and the opening 1A1 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer 401 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the printer 401 with the door 20 and fixing device 80 moved. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the printer 401 with the tray unit 50 pulled out.

In Examples 1 to 4, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the belt 41 of the transfer unit 40, and then transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S in the secondary transfer section. In other words, the transfer units 40 of Examples 1 to 4 have a function as a so-called intermediate transfer unit.

On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the transfer unit 440 transports the sheet S with a belt (transport belt) 441 so that the sheet S contacts the photosensitive drum 61 and the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 61 to the sheet S. do. In other words, the transfer unit (transfer device) 440 in this embodiment has a function as a so-called conveyance belt unit.

A printer 401 as an image forming apparatus in the fifth embodiment includes an apparatus main body 401A, a sheet feeding section 430, and a transfer unit 440. Similar to the first embodiment, a fixing device 80 is arranged at one end of the apparatus main body 401A.

The transfer unit 440 includes a belt 441 that conveys the sheet S, four primary transfer rollers 442, a drive roller 446, and a tension roller 447. The printer 1 in this embodiment is provided with an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the belt 441.

The tray unit 50 moves from one end of the device body 401A to the outside of the device body 401A. Specifically, an opening 401A1 through which the tray unit 50 passes is provided at one end of the device body 401A. The door 420 is movable between a closed position that covers the opening 401A1 and an open position that exposes the opening 401A.

Similar to the first embodiment, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61 based on image information. On the other hand, the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding section 430 is conveyed by the belt 441 while coming into contact with the photosensitive drum 61 . At this time, by applying a transfer voltage to the primary transfer roller 442, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 61 to the sheet S.

The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward the fixing device 80, and the toner image is fixed onto the sheet S by the fixing device 80.

When single-sided printing is performed, the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 is discharged by the flapper 5 to a discharge tray formed at the top of the apparatus main body 401A. When double-sided printing is performed, the sheet S reversed by the flapper 5 passes from the double-sided conveyance path 420a inside the door 420 to the return conveyance path provided above the sheet feeding section 430, and is received by the belt 441 again. passed on. The sheet S is conveyed by the belt 441 to a position where it comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 61. After the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 61 to the back surface of the sheet S, the sheet S passes through the fixing device 80 and is discharged to the discharge tray.

Similar to the first embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 when performing an image forming operation on the sheet S is located in the first space through which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position. It overlaps with Therefore, when moving the tray unit 50 to the outside of the apparatus main body 401A, the fixing device 80 is moved to the outside of the first space.

Similarly to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, in the printer 401 of this embodiment, the fixing device 80 is arranged at one end side of the apparatus main body 401A, and the transfer unit 440 and the tray unit 50 are connected to the apparatus main body 401A through one end side of the apparatus main body 401A. It is said that it can be moved inside and outside of 401A. That is, when the transfer unit 440 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the transfer unit 440 moves away from the other end (second end 1b2) of the apparatus main body 401A. Furthermore, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 moves away from the other end (second end 1b2) of the apparatus main body 401A. As a result, the user can perform tasks such as clearing a jam, accessing the fixing device 80, and operating the transfer unit 440 and the tray unit 50 from one direction.

In this embodiment, the tray unit 50 can be moved independently to the first outer position, but as in the first embodiment, the tray unit 50 may be moved integrally with the transfer unit 440 to the first outer position. Also in this embodiment, the tray unit 50 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position. Further, the transfer unit 440 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

Example 6 will be described using FIGS. 23, 24, and 25. In the sixth embodiment, components similar to those described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are indicated using the same reference numerals as those used in each embodiment. Furthermore, descriptions of configurations similar to those of each embodiment may be omitted.

The printer 501 as the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has a device body 501A with an opening 501A1, and a door 20. The printer 501, device body 501A, and opening 501A1 correspond to the printer 1, device body 1A, and opening 1A1 of the first embodiment.

Further, the printer 501 includes a transfer unit (transfer device) 540, a tray unit 550, and a scanner 502. The transfer unit 540, tray unit 550, and scanner 502 correspond to the transfer unit 40, tray unit 50, and scanner 2 of the first embodiment.

In the printer 501 in this embodiment, the transfer unit 540 is arranged above the tray unit 550, and the scanner 502 is arranged below the tray unit 550.

The printer 501 as an image forming apparatus will be explained using FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printer 501.

The tray unit 550 in this embodiment has a tray (support member, drawer) 551 and cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK. The tray 551 has a tray handle 552. The cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are removably attached to the tray 551.

Each of the cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK can be attached to and removed from the tray 551 independently of each other. Cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners (developer), respectively. The cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK have the same configuration except that they contain different colors of toner. Therefore, cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK may be simply referred to as cartridges PP when there is no need to distinguish between them.

The tray unit 550 includes four photosensitive drums (image carriers) 61, four charging rollers 62 (charging members), and four developing rollers (developer carriers) 71. In this embodiment, cartridge PPK is called a first cartridge, cartridge PPC is called a second cartridge, cartridge PPM is called a third cartridge, and cartridge PPY is called a fourth cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge PP includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging roller 62, and a developing roller 71.

The transfer unit 540 includes a belt 541 , a primary transfer roller 42 , a cleaning section 43 , a drive roller 46 that drives the belt 541 , and a tension roller (driven roller) 47 .

The printer 501 in this embodiment includes a conveyance unit (conveyance section) 590 that includes an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the belt 541 and a conveyance roller 553 .

The conveyance unit 590 is disposed upstream of the secondary transfer section in the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and is configured to convey the sheet S toward the secondary transfer section and the fixing device 80.

In this embodiment, the belt 541 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 61 and can contact the photosensitive drum 61 so as to form a primary transfer portion. Further, the printer 501 includes a secondary transfer roller 45 that contacts the belt 541 so as to form a secondary transfer portion. The rotation axis direction of the primary transfer roller 42, the rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46, the rotation axis direction of the tension roller 47, and the rotation axis direction of the secondary transfer roller 45 are parallel to each other.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the printer 501 with the door 20, the transfer unit 540, and the transport unit 590 moved. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the printer 501 with the tray unit 550 pulled out.

The transfer unit 540 and the tray unit 550 are movable from the inside of the apparatus main body 501A to the outside. Specifically, in the horizontal direction, the fixing device 80 is disposed at one end of the apparatus main body 501A, and an opening 501A1 through which the transfer unit 540 and the tray unit 550 pass is formed.

The door 20 attached to the device body 501A is movable between a closed position (FIG. 23) covering the opening 501A1 and an open position (FIG. 24).

In the horizontal direction H, the device main body 501A has a first end 501b1 provided with an opening 501A1 and a second end 501b2 opposite to the first end 501b1. The tray unit 550 is movable through the opening 501A1 to a first inner position inside the apparatus main body 501A and a first outer position outside the apparatus main body 501A. The transfer unit 540 is movable through the opening 501A1 to a second inner position inside the apparatus main body 501A and a second outer position outside the apparatus main body 501A. The opening 501A1 may include an opening through which the tray unit 550 passes and an opening through which the transfer unit 540 passes.

In the horizontal direction H, the fixing device 80 is closer to the first end 501b1 than the second end 501b2. That is, in the horizontal direction H, the distance between the fixing device 80 and the first end 501b1 is shorter than the distance between the fixing device 80 and the second end 501b2.

When the tray unit 550 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the direction of movement of the tray unit 550 is a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the tray unit 550 moves away from the second end 501b2.

As described above, when the transfer unit 540 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the moving direction of the transfer unit 540 is a direction intersecting the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the transfer unit 540 moves away from the second end 501b2.

In this embodiment, at least a portion of the conveyance unit 590 is located in a first space through which the tray unit 550 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position at the position where the image forming operation on the sheet S is performed. located inside.

When moving the tray unit 550 from the first inner position to the first outer position, in this embodiment, the transfer unit 540 is tilted away from the tray unit 550, as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the transport unit 590 rotates clockwise, moves away from the tray unit 550, and moves to the outside of the first space. Thereafter, the user grabs the tray handle 552 and moves the tray unit 550 toward the outside of the apparatus main body 501A, so that the tray unit 550 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 501A as shown in FIG. be able to.

With the tray unit 550 moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 501A (FIG. 25), removing the cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK from the tray 551, and attaching the cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK to the tray 551. is allowed. Thereby, cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK can be replaced with new cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK.

Furthermore, the transfer unit 540 can be removed from the device body 501A and replaced with a new transfer unit 540.

In the printer 501 of this embodiment, like the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the fixing device 80 is arranged at one end side of the apparatus main body 501A, and the transfer unit 540 and the tray unit 550 are connected to the apparatus main body 501A through one end side of the apparatus main body 501A. It is said that it can be moved inside and outside of 501A. As a result, the user can perform tasks such as clearing a jam, accessing the fixing device 80, and operating the transfer unit 540 and the tray unit 550 from one direction. Also in this embodiment, the tray unit 550 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position. Further, the transfer unit 540 passes below the fixing device 80 when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

The configurations shown in each example can be combined as needed.

1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 Printer 1A1, 101A1, 201A1, 301A1, 401A1, 501A1 Opening 20 Door 40, 440, 540 Transfer unit 50, 550 Tray unit 80 Fixing device

Claims (19)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material,
The device body,
a fixing device configured to heat the recording material in a use position;
an opening/closing member attached to the apparatus main body, the opening/closing member having an upper cover part and movable from a closed position in which the upper cover part is located above the fixing device to an open position;
It has a first cartridge and a support member to which the first cartridge is removably attached, and is movable between a first inner position inside the apparatus main body and a first outer position outside the apparatus main body. A drawer unit and
has
When the fixing device is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device is attached to the drawer unit such that movement of the drawer unit from the first inner position to the first outer position is restricted. is inside a space through which the space passes when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position,
The fixing device is retractable from the use position to a retracted position such that the drawer unit is allowed to move from the first inner position to the first outer position, and the fixing device in the retracted position An image forming apparatus characterized in that at least a part of the apparatus is located higher than the upper cover part of the opening/closing member in the closed position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is movable between the use position and the retracted position while being attached to the apparatus main body. The fixing device has a fixing connection member movably connected to the device main body, and the fixing device is movable to the retreat position while being connected to the device main body via the fixing connection member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The fixing device has a fixing frame that supports a heating unit including a heater, and when the fixing device retreats from the use position, the fixing frame is displaced with respect to the device main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The opening/closing member is configured to cover an opening of the device main body in the closed position,
The drawer unit further includes a first photosensitive drum provided in either the first cartridge or the support member,
The apparatus main body has, in a horizontal direction, a first end provided with the opening and a second end opposite to the first end, and when the fixing device is in the use position, the fixing device the device is closer to the first end than the second end;
When the drawer unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position through the opening, the drawer unit moves transversely to the rotational axis of the first photosensitive drum, away from the second end. move in the direction of
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The transfer device has a belt and is movable between a second inner position inside the apparatus main body and a second outer position outside the apparatus main body, the transfer apparatus having a belt in the second inner position. a transfer device that can come into contact with the first photosensitive drum;
has
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the transfer device moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the transfer device moves away from the second end. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the transfer device is in the second inner position, a part of the transfer device is inside the space. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the transfer device includes a cleaning member that comes into contact with the belt, and the cleaning member is housed in the part of the transfer device. 8. The transfer device according to claim 7, wherein when the drawer unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the transfer device is moved from the second inner position to the second outer position. Image forming device. further comprising a connecting member configured to connect the supporting member and the transfer device,
The connecting member is movable between a connecting position where the supporting member and the transfer device are connected, and a release position where the connecting member is evacuated from the connecting position,
The transfer device is movable from the second inner position to the second outer position with the connecting member in the release position and the drawer unit in the first inner position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. With the opening/closing member in the open position, the drawer unit in the first outer position, and the transfer device in the second outer position, the opening/closing member supports the transfer device, and the opening/closing member supports the transfer device, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the transfer device supported by a member supports the drawer unit. The drawer unit includes a second cartridge that is removably mounted on the support member, and a second photosensitive drum that is provided on either the second cartridge or the support member. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 5. With the drawer unit in the first inner position, the second photosensitive drum is closer to the first end than the first photosensitive drum, and the axis of rotation of the second photosensitive drum is closer to the first end than the first photosensitive drum. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is located vertically above the rotation axis of the drum. The image according to claim 5, wherein when the drawer unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the drawer unit moves in a direction oblique to the horizontal direction. Forming device. 15. The drawer unit according to claim 14, wherein when the drawer unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the drawer unit moves in a direction inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction. image forming device. The opening/closing member in the closed position covers a first path through which the recording material heading toward the fixing device passes, and the opening/closing member includes a second path through which the recording material that has passed through the fixing device passes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that when the opening/closing member is in the closed position, at least a portion of the second path is inside the space. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material,
The device body,
a fixing device configured to heat the recording material in a use position;
It has a first cartridge and a support member to which the first cartridge is removably attached, and is movable between a first inner position inside the apparatus main body and a first outer position outside the apparatus main body. A drawer unit and
has
When the fixing device is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device is attached to the drawer unit such that movement of the drawer unit from the first inner position to the first outer position is restricted. is inside a space through which the space passes when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position;
The fixing device is retractable from the use position to a retracted position above the use position such that the drawer unit is allowed to move from the first inner position to the first outer position, and An image forming apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the fixing device in the retracted position protrudes from the apparatus main body toward the outside of the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material,
The device body,
a fixing device configured to heat the recording material in a use position;
an opening/closing member attached to the apparatus main body, the opening/closing member being movable from a closed position to an open position away from the fixing device;
It has a first cartridge and a support member to which the first cartridge is removably attached, and is movable between a first inner position inside the apparatus main body and a first outer position outside the apparatus main body. A drawer unit and
has
When the fixing device is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device is attached to the drawer unit such that movement of the drawer unit from the first inner position to the first outer position is restricted. is inside a space through which the space passes when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position;
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the fixing device is removable from the apparatus main body so that the drawer unit is allowed to move from the first inner position to the first outer position.

Images