JP4025642B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine.In placeRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, color image forming apparatuses such as color printers and color copiers have four photoconductors (image carriers), which are one of image forming members, arranged on four photoconductors. In addition, so-called tandem type color image forming apparatuses have been put into practical use in which the productivity of image forming work is improved by transferring images of different colors onto transfer paper that is conveyed one after another.
[0003]
In the image forming apparatus described above, other image forming members such as a charger and a developing device are arranged around each photoconductor, and are configured by a plurality of types of image forming members such as the photoconductor, the charger, and the developing device. Four such image forming units are provided.
[0004]
In the image forming apparatus, each image forming member such as a photoconductor, a charger, and a developer is a consumable item, and is exchanged at a constant cycle according to the use frequency.
[0005]
In an image forming apparatus having four image forming units, if each image forming member such as a photoconductor, a charger, and a developing device is taken out and replaced individually, the frequency of replacement work becomes high and complicated.
[0006]
Therefore, an image forming apparatus has been proposed in which each image forming unit is converted into a cartridge and replaced for each image forming unit (process cartridge) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this image forming apparatus, it is recognized that the frequency of replacing the image forming member is reduced.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-161113
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, each image forming member such as a photoconductor, a charger, and a developer that constitutes each image forming unit has a different life. For example, the life of a photoconductor is longer than that of a charger or a developer. For this reason, when an image forming unit composed of a plurality of types of image forming members having different lifetimes is replaced at a time as a unit, it must be replaced in accordance with an image forming member having a short lifetime. The image member is replaced before the end of its life, which is a waste of resources.
[0009]
Further, when recyclability is taken into consideration, if the image forming members having different functions are unitized, the recyclability is lowered.
[0010]
In addition, when a plurality of image forming units for each color are provided as disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, different color image forming units may be erroneously set when the image forming unit is replaced. For this reason, it is necessary to take some means for preventing such erroneous setting, and taking such a means leads to an increase in the cost of the image forming apparatus.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to enable an image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming units to simultaneously handle image forming members having the same function among a plurality of types of image forming members constituting the image forming units. It is intended to reduce the labor required for the image forming member replacement work and maintenance, reduce the frequency of the image forming member replacement work, and the like.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 is a plurality of image carriers that are image forming members on which electrostatic latent images corresponding to image data are written;
  eachPlaced around the image carrierCharger, developing device, cleaning device, etc.Multiple types with different functionsWorkIn an image forming apparatus having an image member,
  Multiple typesWorkA plurality of image forming members having the same function among the image members, unitized as an image forming member unit different from the image forming member having a function different from the same function, and at least of the plurality of image carriers Two or more types of image carriersWorkWhat is unitized as an image forming member unit different from the image member can be assembled separately from each other,
  These image forming member units are configured to be detachable integrally with the image forming apparatus main body in a state where they are assembled with each other.
[0014]
  Here, the image carrier includes a drum-shaped member and a belt-shaped member.
The “other image forming member” means an image forming member other than the image carrier, for example, a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, or the like.
[0015]
Therefore, it is possible to handle a plurality of unitized image carriers at the same time, reducing the labor required for replacing and maintaining the image carriers, and exchanging those image carriers simultaneously. Can be reduced in frequency. In addition, this image forming member unit is a unit of a plurality of image carriers that are image forming members having the same function, and it is not necessary to replace them simultaneously with other image forming members having a shorter life than the image carrier, It is possible to prevent wasteful use of resources by replacing the image carrier before the end of its life.
[0018]
  AlsoSince a plurality of image forming members having the same function and other than the image carrier are unitized as an image forming member unit, the plurality of image forming members can be handled at the same time. It is possible to reduce the labor required for the replacement work and maintenance of the members, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of the replacement work by exchanging these image forming members at the same time. In this image forming member unit, a plurality of image forming members having the same function are unitized, and it is not necessary to replace the image forming members having different functions at the same time. It is possible to prevent wasteful use of resources by exchanging image members.
[0019]
In addition, as an image forming member to be unitized as one image forming member unit, not only an image forming member having the same function but also other image forming members having different functions have a substantially same life. May be used. In that case, two or more types of image forming members can be handled at the same time, and the labor required to replace and maintain these image forming members can be further reduced. The frequency of work can be further reduced. In addition, since different types of image forming members that are unitized have substantially the same lifetime, the replacement time of these image forming members can be made appropriate.
[0020]
  Claim2The described invention is claimed.1In the mounted image forming apparatus, the image forming member unit includes at least three image forming members having the same function.
[0021]
Therefore, at least three image forming members having the same function can be handled at the same time, and the labor required for replacement work and maintenance of these image forming members can be reduced, and replacement work can be performed by simultaneously replacing these image forming members. Can be reduced in frequency.
[0022]
Note that “three image forming members having the same function” means each image carrier that is an image forming member for forming each color image of yellow, magenta, and cyan in the color image forming apparatus, and the periphery of the image carrier. Means a member having the same function among a plurality of types of other image forming members. These image forming members have similar use frequencies, have substantially the same lifespan to be replaced, and there is no inconvenience for replacement at the same time.
[0023]
Further, “at least three imaging members having the same function are unitized” does not mean that only three imaging members having the same function are unitized, but other imaging having different functions. This means that members having substantially the same lifetime may be included in the same imaging member unit.
[0024]
  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or2In the mounted image forming apparatus, the image forming member units are formed by arranging the image forming members having the same function in a unit.
[0041]
  Claim4The invention described in claim 1 to claim 13In the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, the plurality of image forming members constituting the image forming member unit are provided so as to be individually replaceable.
[0042]
Therefore, when the image forming member unit is handled, only the image forming member that needs to be replaced among the image forming members constituting the image forming member can be replaced.
[0051]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  First,The first of the present inventionReference exampleWill be described with reference to FIGS. BookReference exampleThis image forming apparatus shows an application example to a full-color printer capable of printing on both sides almost simultaneously by a so-called tandem method. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an outline of the full-color printer 1, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing an internal configuration thereof. Of course, the present invention can be applied not only to a printer but also to a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and the like.
[0052]
First, the internal configuration of the full color printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Four drum-shaped photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk, which are one of image forming members and are image bearing members, are arranged horizontally in the center of the apparatus main body 2 of the full-color printer 1 in the horizontal direction. They are arranged in parallel, spaced apart at equal intervals in the direction. The subscripts Y, M, C, and Bk indicate yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. When paying attention to the photoreceptor 3Y for yellow image, this photoreceptor 3Y has a structure in which an organic semiconductor layer, which is a photoconductive material, is provided on the surface of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 30 to 100 mm, for example, and is driven to rotate clockwise. An image forming member such as a charging roller (charging device) 4Y, a developing device (developing device) 6Y having a developing roller 5Y, and a cleaning member (cleaning device) 7Y is sequentially arranged around the periphery in accordance with an electrophotographic process. ing. The same applies to the photoconductors 3M, 3C, and 3Bk for magenta, cyan, and black. That is, only the color of the toner used is different. The photosensitive member (image carrier) is not limited to a drum shape, and a belt shape can also be used. The image forming members 300Y, 300M, 300C, and 300Bk are configured by the photoconductor 3 and the image forming member such as the charging roller 4, the developing device 6, and the cleaning member 7 disposed around the photoconductor 3. Yes. In each of the image forming units 300Y, 300M, 300C, and 300Bk, images of different colors are formed.
[0053]
Below these photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk, a laser beam corresponding to image data for each color is scanned and applied to the uniformly charged photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk to form an electrostatic latent image. An exposure device 8 for forming is provided, and laser light irradiated by the exposure device 8 enters between the charging rollers 4 and the developing rollers 5 toward the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk. Thus, a long and narrow space (slit) is secured. Although the illustrated example is shown as a laser scanning method using a laser light source, a polygon mirror, etc., an exposure apparatus combining an LED array and an imaging means may be used.
[0054]
Also, an intermediate transfer belt 12 as a second image carrier that is supported by a plurality of rollers 9, 10, 11 and rotated counterclockwise is provided above the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk. Is provided. The intermediate transfer belt 12 is common to the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk, and is in a substantially horizontal state so that a part of each photoreceptor 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk after the developing process comes into contact. The transfer rollers 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13Bk are provided on the inner periphery of the belt so as to face the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk. For example, a cleaning device 14 is provided at a position facing the roller 11 on the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer belt 12. The cleaning device 14 wipes off unnecessary toner remaining on the belt surface. The intermediate transfer belt 12 is, for example, a belt based on a resin film or rubber having a base thickness of 50 to 600 μm, and can transfer toner images from the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk. The resistance value is as follows.
[0055]
On the other hand, on the right side of the intermediate transfer belt 12, a transfer belt 17 is provided as a third image carrier that is supported by a plurality of rollers 15 and 16 and is driven to rotate clockwise. The transfer belt 17 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12 so as to form a predetermined transfer nip at the roller 9 portion, and is arranged flat in a substantially vertical state. Similarly to the intermediate transfer belt 12, the transfer belt 17 is a belt based on a resin film or rubber having a base thickness of 50 to 600 μm, for example, and can transfer a toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 12. Has a resistance value. For this reason, the transfer belt 17 is configured to have a circumferential length capable of carrying a toner image of at least the maximum paper size.
[0056]
A transfer roller 18 and a guide roller 19 for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are arranged on the inner peripheral portion of the transfer belt 17 so as to face the roller 9. Are provided with a transfer charger 20 for transferring the toner image on the transfer belt 17 to the transfer paper S and a cleaning device 21 for wiping off unnecessary toner remaining on the belt surface. A spring 22 presses the transfer belt 17 against the intermediate transfer belt 12 via the transfer roller 18.
[0057]
On the other hand, a plurality of stages, for example, two stages of paper feed cassettes 23 and 24 are arranged below the exposure apparatus 8 in the apparatus main body 2 so as to be drawable. The transfer paper S stored in the paper feed cassettes 23 and 24 is selectively fed by the corresponding paper feed rollers 25 and 26, and is directed to a transfer position by the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the transfer belt 17. Thus, the paper feed path 27 is formed substantially vertically. A pair of registration rollers 28 is provided immediately before the transfer position in the paper feed / conveyance path 27 to take the timing of paper feed to the transfer position. Further, a transport discharge path 30 is formed above the transfer position, which is continuous with the paper feed transport path 27 and passes between the transfer belt 17 and the transfer charger 20 and is connected to the discharge stack portion 29 at the upper part of the apparatus body 2. . A fixing device 31 having a pair of fixing rollers, a pair of paper discharge rollers 32, and the like are disposed in the transport paper discharge path 30.
[0058]
In the apparatus main body 2, the space below the paper discharge stack unit 29 stores toner of each color used in each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk, and a toner container that can be transported and supplied to a corresponding developing device by a pump or the like. A portion 33 is provided.
[0059]
The operation at the time of double-sided printing in which an image is formed on both sides of the transfer paper S in such a configuration will be described. First, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the uniformly charged photoreceptor 3Y with the laser light corresponding to the image data for yellow emitted from the semiconductor laser by the operation of the exposure device 8 by the charging roller 4Y. Is done. This electrostatic latent image is developed with yellow toner after being developed by the developing roller 5Y, becomes a visible image, and receives a transfer action by the transfer roller 13Y on the intermediate transfer belt 12 that moves in synchronization with the photoreceptor 3Y. Transcribed. Such latent image formation, development, and transfer operations are sequentially performed in the same manner at the timing of the photoconductors 3M, 3C, and 3Bk. As a result, the yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black Bk toner images are maintained and conveyed on the intermediate transfer belt 12 as overlapping full-color toner images.
[0060]
The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the transfer belt 17 that moves in synchronization with the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the transfer action of the transfer roller 18. As a result, it is maintained and conveyed as a full-color toner image for one side of the transfer paper S on the transfer belt 17. The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is cleaned by the cleaning device 14 to prepare for the next image formation / transfer.
[0061]
Thereafter, when the intermediate transfer belt 12 moves to a predetermined position, an image forming process for the other side of the transfer paper S is started. The image forming process in this case is the same as that for forming the full-color toner image for one side described above, and this full-color toner image is maintained on the intermediate transfer belt 12.
[0062]
After this image forming process is completed, the transfer sheet S is conveyed toward the transfer position by the transfer roller 18 at a timing by the registration roller 28, so that the full color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is sequentially transferred to the other surface of the transfer sheet S. Subsequently, the full color toner image on the transfer belt 17 is sequentially transferred to one side of the transfer sheet S by the transfer charger 20. In other words, both sides of the transfer sheet S are printed almost simultaneously at these transfer positions.
[0063]
  By the way, bookReference exampleThe toner image on the photosensitive member 3 has a negative polarity, and the toner image on the photosensitive member 3 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12 by applying a positive charge to the transfer roller 13. Further, by applying a positive charge to the transfer roller 18, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred onto the transfer belt 17 (for one side) or the other side of the transfer paper S (for the other side). Further, a negative polarity toner image on the transfer belt 17 is sucked and transferred to one side of the transfer sheet S by applying a positive polarity charge by the transfer charger 20.
[0064]
The transfer sheet S on which the full-color toner images are transferred almost simultaneously on both sides in this way is discharged onto the discharge stack unit 29 by the discharge roller 32 after fixing processing by the fixing device 31.
[0065]
In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the side (page) to be transferred to the transfer paper S later, that is, the side directly transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 12 of the double-sided image is directed downward. Since the paper is discharged to the paper stack unit 29, when page alignment is taken into consideration, the image of the second page is created first and maintained on the transfer belt 17, and the image of the first page is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. 12 may be directly transferred onto the transfer paper S from above. Further, the image transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 12 to the transfer paper S is exposed on the photoconductor 3, and the image transferred from the transfer belt 17 to the transfer paper S is exposed to be a mirror image on the photoconductor 3. . Such image forming order control for page alignment can be easily realized by a known technique for storing image data in a memory and a normal image / mirror image (reverse image) switching exposure control by a known image processing technique.
[0066]
An operation when an image is formed on only one side of the transfer paper S will be described. In this case, there are a method for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 12 to the transfer paper S and a method for transferring the toner image from the transfer belt 17 to the transfer paper S using the transfer belt 17. The former method that omits the process of transferring to the belt 17 will be described.
[0067]
First, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the uniformly charged photoreceptor 3Y with the laser light corresponding to the image data for yellow emitted from the semiconductor laser by the operation of the exposure device 8 by the charging roller 4Y. Is done. This electrostatic latent image is developed with yellow toner after being developed by the developing roller 5Y, becomes a visible image, and receives a transfer action by the transfer roller 13Y on the intermediate transfer belt 12 that moves in synchronization with the photoreceptor 3Y. Transcribed. Such latent image formation, development, and transfer operations are sequentially performed in the same manner at the timing of the photoconductors 3M, 3C, and 3Bk. As a result, the yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black Bk toner images are maintained and conveyed on the intermediate transfer belt 12 as overlapping full-color toner images.
[0068]
The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the transfer sheet S conveyed in synchronization with the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the transfer action of the transfer roller 18. The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is cleaned by the cleaning device 14 to prepare for the next image formation / transfer. The transferred transfer sheet S receives a fixing action by the fixing device 31 in the transport discharge path 30 and is discharged to the discharge stack unit 29 by the discharge roller 32 downward on the image surface. In this process, the transfer charger 20 does not operate.
[0069]
Note that these double-sided printing and single-sided printing operations have been described for full-color printing, but even in monochrome printing with a specific color or black, there is a photosensitive member that is not used, and the operation is the same. .
[0070]
In addition, when it is not necessary to perform both-side printing at the same time with one sheet passing, instead of the transfer belt 17 and the transfer charger 20, a simple conveying belt 35 is provided as shown in FIG. A double-sided conveyance path 37 with a reversing path 36 for re-feeding the transfer sheet S that has already been printed on one side to the transfer position by the transfer roller 18 may be provided on the path 30 side. Reference numerals 38 and 39 denote switching claws for switching the path of the transfer sheet S.
[0072]
Reference exampleThen, an image carrier holding member 41 that detachably holds the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk is provided. The image carrier holding member 41 and the plurality of photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk held by the image carrier holding member 41 unitize the plurality of photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk. An image forming member unit 41a is configured.
[0073]
  Also bookReference exampleThen, the developing device 6 including the charging roller 4 and the developing roller 5 and the cleaning member 7 are used as an image forming unit 42, and each image forming unit 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42Bk is detachably held. A member 43 is also provided. The image forming unit holding member 43 and the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42Bk held by the image forming unit holding member 43 form image forming members other than the photosensitive member 3 (the power failure roller 4, the developing unit). An image forming member unit 43a is configured by unitizing the apparatus 6 and the cleaning apparatus 7).
[0074]
Further, a transfer member holding member 44 that detachably holds the intermediate transfer belt 12 is also provided as a second image carrier holding member.
[0075]
  In a configuration using such holding members 41, 43, 44, the presentReference exampleThen, at least during image formation, as shown schematically in FIG. 4A, the holding members 43 and 44 are brought close or pressed with reference to the image carrier holding member 41 to enable an image forming operation. As shown schematically in FIG. 4B, the image forming apparatus is basically configured such that the holding members 43 and 44 can be separated from the image carrier holding member 41 by a contact / separation mechanism.
[0076]
During non-image formation, the timing of separating the holding members 43 and 44 from the image carrier holding member 41 is the timing of separating immediately after the end of the image forming operation, or a certain time has elapsed since the end of the image forming operation. Timing can be taken. For example, if the timing of separating immediately after the image forming operation is finished, the holding members 43 and 44 can be separated as much as possible with respect to the image carrier holding member 41, and avoiding adverse effects such as remaining contact marks. When the image forming operation can be performed to the maximum and automatically performed at a timing after a certain time has elapsed after the image forming operation is completed, the image carrier holding member 41 can be applied to a range that does not interfere with non-image formation. The holding members 43 and 44 can be separated as much as possible, and avoidance of adverse effects such as remaining contact marks can be exhibited as much as possible. Here, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the separation operation is automatically performed when the image forming operation is finished and a certain period of time elapses to enter the energy saving mode. In addition, when the user or service person opens the exterior cover 45 (more practically, the inner cover 46 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) for maintenance, replacement, etc., and the power switch is turned off. Even in such a case, there is also included a mode in which the holding members 43 and 44 are automatically separated from the image carrier holding member 41 in conjunction with the opening operation and the power switch off operation. That is, the separation operation is set so as to take the logical sum (OR) of the energy saving mode entry, the opening of the exterior cover 45, and the power switch OFF, for example, immediately after the image forming operation is completed. Even when the outer cover 45 is opened, the separating operation of the holding members 43 and 44 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41 is executed even when the outer cover 45 is opened. However, in the case of a model that does not have the exterior cover 45, a mode in which a separation operation is performed based on an operation of a separation switch or the like provided on an operation panel or the like may be included.
[0077]
In any case, the image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C that are in contact with the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk are separated by the holding members 43 and 44 being separated from the image carrier holding member 41. , 42Bk and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are also separated from each other.
[0078]
  Here, the image carrier holding member 41 is schematically formed in a rectangular frame shape as seen in plan view as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the respective photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk are individually arranged in parallel. And is detachably held so as to be simply placed from above. BookReference exampleIn the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk, the color photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C and the black photoconductor 3Bk have different usage frequencies (in general, black and white printing is considered. The photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C for color are integrated as a photoconductor unit 47, and an image carrier holding member is unit of the photoconductor unit 47 It is detachably held with respect to 41. Note that the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C held by the image carrier holding member 41 may be detachably held without being integrated.
[0079]
Such an image carrier holding member 41 can be pulled out in the front-rear direction with respect to the apparatus main body 2 by rail mechanisms 48 provided on both the left and right sides. Reference numeral 49 denotes an acculide which is a component of the rail mechanism 48 on the image carrier holding member 41 side.
[0080]
  The image forming unit holding member 43 is schematically formed in a rectangular tray shape as viewed in plan as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42Bk are arranged in a parallel state. It is detachably held so that it can be simply mounted. BookReference exampleThe image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C are integrated as a color image forming unit 51 separately from the black image forming unit 42Bk so as to correspond to the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk. The color image forming unit 51 is detachably held with respect to the image forming unit holding member 43. Note that the image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C held by the image forming unit holding member 43 may be detachably held without being integrated. Such an image forming unit holding member 43 can be pulled out in the front-rear direction with respect to the apparatus main body 2 by rail mechanisms 52 provided on both the left and right sides. Reference numeral 53 denotes an accumulator which is a constituent member of the rail mechanism 52 on the image forming unit holding member 43 side. Although not particularly illustrated, the image forming unit holding member 43 and each of the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42Bk are formed with slit-like openings (or transparent light transmitting portions) through which light for exposure is transmitted. ing.
[0081]
Furthermore, the transfer member holding member 44 is schematically formed in a rectangular frame shape when seen in plan view as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and the intermediate transfer belt 12 covers the intermediate transfer belt 12 and rollers 9-11. A protective cover 56 that holds the head and the like is detachably held so as to be simply placed from above. Handles 57 are provided on the left and right sides of the protective cover 56. Such a transfer member holding member 44 can be pulled out in the front-rear direction with respect to the apparatus main body 2 by rail mechanisms 58 provided on the left and right sides. Reference numeral 59 denotes an accumulator which is a component of the rail mechanism 58 on the transfer member holding member 44 side.
[0082]
  In addition, the book which takes the structure of FIG.Reference exampleThe transfer belt 17 is also detachably held by a belt holding member 61 as a third image carrier holding member. The belt holding member 61 also serves as a side plate cover that can be freely opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 2 around a fulcrum 62. The transfer belt 17 covers the transfer belt 17, and rollers 15, 16, etc. It is detachably held so as to be simply placed together with the held protective cover 63.
[0083]
Here, an example of the principle configuration of the contact / separation mechanism 70 for performing the contact / separation operation of the holding members 41, 43, 44 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. First, in the apparatus main body 2, the above-mentioned holding members 41, 43, 44 are respectively paired with the left and right side accumulators 49, 53, 59, and the accumulators 71, 72, 73 is supported by two left and right main body stays 74 fixed to the apparatus main body 2. At this time, the accumulator 71 for the image carrier holding member 41 is fixed to the main body stay 74 in order to move the holding members 43 and 44 apart in the vertical direction with the image carrier holding member 41 as a reference. The accumulators 72 and 73 for the holding members 43 and 44 are guided in the vertical direction by the pins 72a and 73a fitted in the vertical holes 74a and 74b in the vertical direction and are held displaceably. An interlocking mechanism 75 is also added for causing the holding members 43 and 44 to move apart at the same time. For example, the interlocking mechanism 75 is a combination of two movable stays 77 and 78 that can be rotated by a pin 76 erected substantially at the center of the main body stay 74 so as to form an X-shaped link at the center. , 78 are fitted to pins 72a, 72b, 73a, 73b which are erected on the left and right sides of the front side and the back side of the Acculides 72, 73, respectively. Has been. Further, four eccentric cams 79 are fixedly provided on a rotating shaft 81 rotatably supported by a support piece 80 at a position in contact with the lower surface of the image forming unit holding member 43 located on the lower side in the vicinity of its four corners. It has been. These eccentric cams 79 protrude from the image carrier holding member 41 by a protruding position where the image forming unit holding member 43 is pushed close to or pressed against the image carrier holding member 41 and the image forming unit holding member 43 by its own weight. It has an eccentric shape having a retracted position to be lowered to a separated state, a motor 82 provided in the apparatus main body 2, a motor gear 83, a transmission gear 84 fixed on the rotating shaft 81 and meshing with the motor gear 83, front and rear 2 Drive control is performed so as to take a predetermined cam position via a transmission drive mechanism such as a belt 86 spanned between pulleys 85 of the rotating shaft 81.
[0084]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 16A, when the protruding position of the eccentric cam 79 is in an upward state, the image forming unit holding member 43 approaches or presses the image carrier holding member 41. Pushed up to the state. At this time, as the image forming unit holding member 43 moves up, the moving stays 77 and 78 are rotationally displaced by the pins 72a and 72b so that the crossing angle is narrowed. As a result, the Acculide 73 is lowered via the pins 73a and 73b fitted in the long holes 77b and 78b of the moving stays 77 and 78, and the transfer member holding member 44 is brought close to or pressed against the image carrier holding member 41. Lower to state.
[0085]
When the image forming unit holding member 43 comes close to or presses the image carrier holding member 41, each member of each image forming unit 42 held by the image forming unit holding member 43 is also relative to the corresponding photoreceptor 3. The image processing operation is possible by touching. Similarly, when the transfer member holding member 44 comes close to or presses the image carrier holding member 41, the intermediate transfer belt 12 held by the transfer member holding member 44 also comes into contact with each photoreceptor 3 and operates. It becomes possible.
[0086]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B, when the retracted position of the eccentric cam 79 is in an upward state, the image forming unit holding member 43 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41 by its own weight. Lower to a state of separation. At this time, as the image forming unit holding member 43 is lowered, the moving stays 77 and 78 are rotationally displaced by the pins 72a and 72b so that the crossing angle becomes wide. As a result, the Acculide 73 is raised through the pins 73a and 73b fitted in the long holes 77b and 78b of the moving stays 77 and 78, and the transfer member holding member 44 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41. Raise.
[0087]
When the image forming unit holding member 43 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41, each member of each image forming unit 42 held by the image forming unit holding member 43 is also separated from the corresponding photosensitive member 3. The image unit holding member 43 is ready to be pulled out. Similarly, when the transfer member holding member 44 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41, the intermediate transfer belt 12 held by the transfer member holding member 44 is also separated from each photoconductor 3 and the transfer member holding member 44. Is ready to be withdrawn.
[0088]
In this manner, the image forming unit holding member 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 perform the separating operation and the approaching operation in conjunction with the image carrier holding member 41.
[0089]
In such a configuration, when the image forming operation ends and a predetermined time elapses, the energy saving mode is entered, or when the power switch is turned off, the above-mentioned contact / separation mechanism 70 transfers the image forming unit holding member 43 to the transfer unit. The member holding member 44 performs a separating operation in conjunction with the image carrier holding member 41, and the image forming unit holding member 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 are separated from the image carrier holding member 41. The members of the image forming units 42 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are also kept away from the photoreceptors 3. In this way, the plurality of photoreceptors 3, the plurality of image forming units 5, and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are held by the image carrier holding member 41, the image forming unit holding member 43, and the transfer member holding member 44, respectively, and these images are stored. Since the carrier holding member 41 and the image forming unit holding member 43, and the image carrier holding member 41 and the transfer member holding member 44 can be separated from each other in the apparatus main body 2, the individual photoreceptors 3 and image forming units 42 It is possible to use only one contact / separation mechanism 70 between the holding members 41, 43, and 44 without providing a contact / separation mechanism for the photosensitive member 3 and the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the contact / separation mechanism is greatly simplified. Can be Therefore, with a simple and inexpensive configuration, it is possible to easily avoid adverse effects such as remaining contact marks due to constant contact between the members of the image forming unit 42 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 with respect to the photoreceptor 3. Can do. In particular, the interlocking mechanism 75 simultaneously performs the separating operation of the image forming unit holding member 43 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41 and the separating operation of the transfer member holding member 44 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41. The contact / separation mechanism 70 can be further simplified such that the motor 82 and the like serving as the drive source can be shared, and the control system need not be provided separately, and can be simplified.
[0090]
On the other hand, when the user or service person needs maintenance or replacement of parts, the front cover 45 is opened as shown in FIG. 5, and the inner cover 46 is further opened as shown in FIG. Is opened, the image forming unit holding member 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 are linked by the above-mentioned contact / separation mechanism 70 in conjunction with such a cover opening operation even when the energy saving mode is not entered. Performs a separation operation in conjunction with the image carrier holding member 41. As a result, the image forming unit holding member 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 are separated from the image carrier holding member 41, so that each member of the image forming unit 42 and the intermediate transfer belt with respect to each photoconductor 3. 12 is also maintained in a separated state. Therefore, each holding member 41, 43, 44 can be pulled out independently.
[0091]
Therefore, for example, if maintenance or replacement is required for the photosensitive member 3, the imaging member unit 41a is pulled out from the apparatus main body 2 as shown in FIG. 3 (photoreceptor unit 47 and photoreceptor 3Bk) can be removed from the image carrier holding member 41 and replaced. At this time, the image forming member unit 41a is merely mounted and held on the image carrier holding member 41, so that the photoconductor unit 47 and the photoconductor 3Bk have a long-life decomposition type structure. Easy to replace. Further, the color photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C have the same function and can be regarded as having almost the same life. However, the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C are combined into a single unit as the photoconductor unit 47. Therefore, workability such as replacement work is further improved. Conversely, it is considered that the black photoconductor 3Bk is used more frequently and reaches the end of its life than the color photoconductor. However, since the black photoconductor 3Bk is a single unit, the black photoconductor 3Bk is used for black. It is also possible to avoid replacing the color photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C at the replacement timing of the photoconductor 3Bk.
[0092]
If maintenance or replacement of the image forming unit 42 is required, the image forming member unit 43a is pulled out from the apparatus main body 2 as shown in FIG. The unit 42 (color image forming unit 51 or image forming unit 42Bk) can be removed from the image forming unit holding member 43 and replaced. At this time, the image forming member unit 43a can be easily replaced because the color image forming unit 51 and the image forming unit 42Bk are simply placed on the image forming unit holding member 43 and held. Further, the color image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C have the same function and can be regarded as having almost the same life, but these image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C are used as one color image forming unit 51. Since it is united and detachable as a unit, workability such as replacement work is further improved. Conversely, it can be considered that the black image forming unit 42Bk is used more frequently and reaches the end of its life than the color image forming unit 42Bk, but such a black image forming unit 42Bk is a single unit. It is also possible to avoid replacing the color image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C at the replacement timing of the black image forming unit 42Bk.
[0093]
Further, if maintenance or replacement of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is required, the transfer member holding member 44 is pulled out as shown in FIG. 11, so that the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the transfer member as shown in FIG. It can be removed from the holding member 44 and replaced. At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is simply placed and held on the transfer member holding member 44 and can be easily replaced.
[0094]
Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 8, 10, and 12, the attaching / detaching directions of the photosensitive member 3, the image forming unit 42, and the intermediate transfer belt 12 with respect to the holding members 41, 43, 44 are all unified in the upward direction. Therefore, workability is extremely good. Further, when the exterior cover 45 is opened for maintenance, parts replacement, or the like, the holding members 41, 43, and 44 are left as they are by performing at least a separation operation between the holding members 41 and 43 and 41 and 44. The operation can be shifted to a drawer operation, etc., and an operation for separately performing a separation operation is not required, so that it is easy for a user, a serviceman, etc. to handle and has good operability.
[0095]
In addition, the contact / separation mechanism 90 which is a modification of the contact / separation mechanism 70 is shown in FIG. In this contact / separation mechanism 90, two main body stays 91, 92 that support the accumulates 71, 72, 73 corresponding to the holding members 41, 43, 44 are fixed to the apparatus main body 2. At this time, the accumulator 71 for the image carrier holding member 41 is fixedly provided on the main body stays 91 and 92 in order to move the holding members 43 and 44 apart in the vertical direction with the image carrier holding member 41 as a reference. However, the accumulators 72 and 73 for the holding members 43 and 44 are held so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction by pins 72a and 73a fitted in the vertical holes 91a and 92a (only the side of the accumulator 72 is shown). Yes. In addition, an interlocking mechanism 93 is also added for causing the holding members 43 and 44 to move apart at the same time. For example, the interlocking mechanism 93 is connected to the accumulator 72 for the image forming unit holding member 43 by a pin 94 and is moved up and down by the pins 94a and 96b with respect to the main body stays 91 and 92. There are two front and rear driven stays 98a and 98b that are freely supported and that have one end connected to the main drive stay 95 by a pin 97 and the other end connected to a pin 73a of an accumulator 73 for the transfer member holding member 44. It is constituted by. The accumulator 71 for the image carrier holding member 41 is provided with a pin 99, and the vertical movement of the main driving stay 95 is guided by a long hole 95 a fitted into the pin 99. Further, the configuration of the eccentric cam 79, the motor 82, etc. is the same as in the case of FIGS.
[0096]
As a result, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the protruding position of the eccentric cam 79 is in the upward direction, the image forming unit holding member 43 is pushed up to a state in which the image forming unit holding member 43 approaches or presses the image carrier holding member 41. At this time, as the image forming unit holding member 43 is raised, the main stay 95 is also displaced upward. As a result, the driven stays 98a and 98b connected to the main drive stay 95 by the pin 97 are pivotally displaced about the pins 96a and 96b, and the accuride is performed via the pins 72a and 73a fitted to the other ends. 73 is lowered, and the transfer member holding member 44 is lowered to a state where the transfer member holding member 44 approaches or is pressed against the image carrier holding member 41.
[0097]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the retracted position of the eccentric cam 79 is set upward, the image forming unit holding member 43 is lowered to a state of being separated from the image carrier holding member 41 by its own weight. . At this time, as the image forming unit holding member 43 is lowered, the main stay 95 is also displaced downward. As a result, the driven stays 98a and 98b connected to the main drive stay 95 by the pin 97 are pivotally displaced about the pins 96a and 96b, and the accuride is performed via the pins 72a and 73a fitted to the other ends. 73 is raised to raise the transfer member holding member 44 to a state of being separated from the image carrier holding member 41.
[0098]
In this manner, the image forming unit holding member 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 perform the separating operation and the approaching operation in conjunction with the image carrier holding member 41.
[0099]
If maintenance or replacement of the transfer belt 17 is required, the belt holding member 61 is rotated and opened around the fulcrum 62 as shown in FIG. It can be removed from the belt holding member 61 and replaced. At this time, the transfer belt 17 is simply placed and held on the belt holding member 61 and can be easily replaced.
[0100]
  Next, positioning between the holding members 41, 43, and 44 will be described. BookReference exampleThen, the position in the vertical direction is determined based on the fixed image carrier holding member 41, and a plurality of, for example, three positioning pins 101 are provided as positioning portions on the upper surface of the image carrier holding member 41. They are provided apart from each other at a predetermined position set in advance. Although not particularly illustrated, a plurality of, for example, three positioning pins are also provided on the lower surface of the image carrier holding member 41 so as to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined positions set in advance as positioning portions. On the upper surface of the image forming unit holding member 43, a positioning hole 100 into which such a positioning pin enters is formed as a positioning portion at a position corresponding to the positioning pin (see FIG. 9 and the like). Similarly, a positioning hole (not shown) into which the positioning pin 101 enters is formed on the lower surface of the transfer member holding member 44 at a position corresponding to the positioning pin 101 as a positioning portion. Therefore, as described above, when the holding members 41, 43, and 44 are brought close to each other or pressed as shown in FIGS. 4A and 15A, these positioning pins and positioning holes are engaged with each other. By doing so, the holding members 41, 43, 44 are positioned relative to each other.
[0101]
Accordingly, since the positioning members are provided for each of the holding members 41, 43, and 44 and are positioned by mutual engagement, the individual photoreceptors 3, the image forming units 5, and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are associated with each other. Positioning with respect to the holding members 41, 43, and 44 to be performed can be performed, and a complicated positioning mechanism can be eliminated individually.
[0102]
Incidentally, the positioning of the image carrier holding member 41 with respect to the apparatus main body 2 is performed in a state where the basic position of the image carrier holding member 41 is determined by the rail mechanism 48 as shown in FIG. The reference holes 102a and 102b at the left and right ends of the metal plate 102 fixed to the front side of the body holding member 41 with screws 101a are engaged with positioning pins 104 provided at predetermined positions on the front plate 103 of the apparatus body 2. Is made by That is, the reference holes 102a and 102b of the metal plate 102 and the positioning pins 104 of the front side plate 103 act as an image carrier holding member regulating member.
[0103]
Further, the positioning of the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk simply placed on the image carrier holding member 41 is positioned on the back side in the apparatus main body 2, and each is a drive transmission mechanism such as a motor. Each of the photoconductor shafts (not shown) that is rotatably supported while being connected to the inner surface of the image carrier holding member 41 is pushed into the inner side of the image carrier holding member 41 and the back side of the image carrier holding member 41 is connected. Are supported by bearing holes 106 formed at predetermined positions on the metal plate 102 through the through holes 105 on the front side of the image carrier holding member 41, in each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk. Is made by In other words, each photosensitive member shaft positioned and cantilevered and the bearing hole 106 of the metal plate 102 act as an image carrier positioning mechanism. In other words, by pulling out the image carrier holding member 41 from the apparatus main body 2, the photosensitive member shaft is detached from each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk (remains in the apparatus main body 2), and there is play. Thus, the photosensitive members 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk can be removed as they are.
[0104]
  Next, an example of positioning of the image forming unit 42 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 with respect to each of the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk positioned in a state where the image carrier holding member 41 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2 in this manner. Will be described with reference to FIG. For example, bookReference exampleIn the image forming unit 42, as shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of the image forming units 42 that are positioned outside the region involved in image formation and are in contact with, separated from, and freely rotatable on a wheel 111 that is coaxially provided with the same diameter as the photoconductor 3 are provided. For example, two positioning rollers 112 and 113 are provided at predetermined positions. As described above, the image forming unit holding member 43 can be brought into contact with and separated from the image carrier holding member 41, and can be separated from the image carrier holding member 41. When the image forming unit holding member 43 is pushed up or pushed up, the developing roller 5, the charging roller 4 and the like approach the already-positioned photoconductor 3, but the positioning rollers 112 and 113 are moved to the wheel 111. It will be in a state where it cannot be displaced any more by contact. At such a contact position, the developing roller 5 and the charging roller 4 are in a normal operation position with respect to the photoreceptor 3, and the image forming unit 42 is positioned with respect to the photoreceptor 3. That is, the wheel 111 and the positioning rollers 112 and 113 function as an image forming unit positioning mechanism. Positioning on the intermediate transfer belt 12 side with respect to the photoreceptor 3 is similarly performed by a second image carrier positioning mechanism (not shown).
[0105]
  Like thisReference exampleAccording to the above, the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk and the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42Bk are detachable with play from the image carrier holding member 41 and the image forming unit holding member 43. The respective photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk are positioned in a state where the respective holding members 41, 43 are mounted in the apparatus main body 2, and the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk thus positioned are positioned. Since each member of each of the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42Bk is positioned, mounting accuracy with respect to the holding members 41 and 43 is not required. There is no need to worry about it, and it becomes extremely easy. This also applies to the intermediate transfer belt 12 side.
[0106]
  The positioning of the belt holding member 61 side with respect to the transfer member holding member 44 side will be described with reference to FIG. BookReference exampleThen, positioning pulleys 121 as positioning portions are provided at both ends of the roller 9 supporting the intermediate transfer belt 12 on the transfer member holding member 44 side, and these positioning pulleys 121 are provided on the belt holding member 61 side. A positioning recess 122 as a positioning portion is formed at a corresponding position so as to be freely engaged with and disengaged from the positioning pulley 121.
[0107]
As a result, when the belt holding member 61 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 2, the positioning recess 122 engages with the positioning pulley 121 as shown in FIG. The belt holding member 61 is positioned with respect to the transfer member holding member 44 so as to be in a contact state. On the other hand, with the opening operation of the belt holding member 61, the positioning recess 122 is detached from the positioning pulley 121, and the transfer belt 17 side becomes free as shown in FIG.
[0108]
  By the way, bookReference exampleThen, elastic members 131 and 132 are provided for sealing between the image carrier holding member 41 and the image forming unit holding member 43 and between the image carrier holding member 41 and the transfer member holding member 44, respectively. BookReference exampleIn this case, the elastic members 131 and 132 are provided on the side of the image carrier holding member 41 as schematically shown in FIG. 4, for example, and as an aspect thereof, as shown in FIGS. It is attached to the peripheral portion of the carrier holding member 41. In particular, in order to avoid contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12 on the transfer member holding member 44 side, the transfer member holding member 44 is disposed in a substantially U shape having no right side portion. These elastic members 131, 132 are pressed and deformed when the holding members 43, 44 are brought close to or pressed with respect to the image carrier holding member 41, and the photosensitive member 3 is pressed by these holding members 41, 43, 44. The image forming module 133 that forms a substantially sealed space around it is configured.
[0109]
  The substantially sealed space around the photoreceptor 3 formed by such an image forming module 133 is not a complete sealed space but communicates with the outside air.Reference exampleThen, as schematically shown in FIG. 21, for example, each of the photosensitive members 3Y, 3M, 3C, and the like through an exhaust pipe 135 branched from an air conditioner 134 disposed behind the exposure apparatus 8 in the apparatus body 2. They are linked in 3Bk units. Reference numeral 136 denotes an intake pipe for taking in outside air in the air conditioning means 134. As a result, the air conditioning unit 134 takes in air having a temperature of 30 ° C. and a humidity of 90% from the intake pipe 136, for example, and each photoconductor 3Y in a substantially sealed space through the exhaust pipe 135 as dehumidified air having a temperature of 30 ° C. and a humidity of 50%. , Discharge toward 3M, 3C, 3Bk. Note that the air conditioning unit 134 may include a Peltier element, which is a heat exchanger for cooling, as necessary.
[0110]
In this type of electrophotographic image forming apparatus, images are formed using charged fine particles such as toner and carrier and a charged photoreceptor, so that the composition of the air inside the apparatus, especially humidity, ionicity such as ammonia gas, etc. The image quality becomes unstable due to the change of the charged state due to the influence of the substance.
[0111]
More specifically, for example, in an area with high humidity, the inside of the device becomes highly humid and the image quality becomes unstable, or abnormal wear of the photoconductor occurs and the durability of the image forming part is significantly reduced. It is known that a blurred abnormal image called “image flow” occurs. Various studies have been conducted on these causes, and it has been found that the problem is caused by the following mechanism. The charged fine particles such as toner and carrier used in the electrophotographic apparatus are designed to stabilize the electrostatic charge state by adding a charge control agent to the polymer resin. However, the electrical properties of the polymer resin, even if the hydrophobic treatment is exhausted, take in moisture in the air, causing electrical resistance, friction coefficient between powders or fluidity change, and reducing the toner charge amount in the development process. This may cause image quality fluctuations such as an increase in density. In addition, in the charging means using the discharge phenomenon, a nitric acid compound is generated with the discharge, and this is combined with moisture in the air, so that ionized substances such as nitric acid and nitrate adhere to the surface of the photoconductor, and the photoconductor Deterioration of the surface is accelerated to cause abnormal wear of the photoconductor, and blurring of the electrostatic latent image due to the surface becoming conductive by an ionized substance, so-called image flow, occurs. Both of these are major problems in a high absolute humidity environment, and can be improved by providing a dehumidifying device. Further, the adhesion of ionic substances causes a problem that the toner, carrier, and photoconductor are deteriorated and the life is shortened.
[0112]
In consideration of such problems, basically air conditioning means may be provided, but if the entire device is to be air conditioned, the capacity to be controlled increases, and the cost, size, noise, Increases power consumption.
[0113]
  In particular, the bookReference exampleIn electrophotographic full-color printers like this, changes in image density due to the influence of humidity, etc., which are not a problem with a single color, will appear as a change in color, so a very high level of image stability is required, and the entire device is The tandem full-color printer is equipped with image forming units for four colors, such as using it in a stable environment with air-conditioning equipment or installing air-conditioning means to air-condition the entire device. Therefore, if the entire apparatus is to be air-conditioned, the capacity to be controlled becomes extremely larger than that of a single color, resulting in significant cost, size, noise and increased power consumption commensurate with the control capability.
[0114]
  This point, bookReference exampleAs described above, the holding members 43 and 44 are sealed by the elastic members 131 and 132 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41 holding the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk to form a substantially sealed space. The image forming module 133 is configured, and the air conditioning unit 134 is connected to the image forming module 133 to discharge the dehumidified air around the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk. The control capability of the air conditioning unit 134 can be reduced to the minimum necessary, or the capability can be utilized to the maximum extent without waste.
[0115]
  Also bookReference exampleIn the so-called tandem type full-color printer such as described above, when the photosensitive member 3 and the image forming unit 42 are structured to be disassembled and replaceable as described above with respect to the configuration around the photosensitive member, vibration during driving causes each photosensitive member 3Y. , 3M, 3C, and 3Bk, which may cause an image such as so-called banding. However, since the image forming module 133 is configured using at least the elastic members 131 and 132 at the time of image formation, this elasticity Due to the vibration propagation preventing effect of the members 131 and 132, a high-quality image with less banding can be formed.
[0116]
  BookReference exampleThen, the holding member 41, 44 is also sealed with the elastic member 132 to form the image forming module 133. However, the intermediate transfer belt 12 held by the transfer member holding member 44 is a full surface belt, and Since it is covered by the protective cover 56 and helps to form a substantially sealed space around (upper part) the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk, the elastic member 132 is omitted, and the holding members 41 and 43 and the elastic member 131 are omitted. It may be configured as an image forming module that mainly forms a sealed space.
[0117]
  Second of the present inventionReference exampleWill be described with reference to FIGS. FirstReference exampleParts that are the same as or correspond to the parts indicated by are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is also omitted.Belowthe same).
[0118]
  BookReference exampleThese relate to an application example in which the contact / separation mechanism 200 is used instead of the contact / separation mechanism 70 shown in FIGS. In particular, in the process of moving from the storage position to the drawing position, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is moved with reference to the direction in which the image forming member unit 41a holding the photoreceptors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk by the image carrier holding member 41 moves. The image forming member unit 43a, which holds the unit of the held transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42Bk by the image forming unit holding member 43, is configured to be separated in the vertical direction (each photosensitive member). The bodies 3Y, 3M, 3C themselves may be individually or integrated as the photosensitive unit 47. Similarly, the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C are also individually integrated as the color image forming unit 51. May be.)
[0119]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the contact / separation mechanism 200 will be described.
[0120]
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the main part of the support device for each holding member 41, 43, 44 that is unitized. In FIG. 22, the support device is attached to the side surface of each holding member 41, 43, 44. A slide member 204 that moves the slide rails 201, 202, and 203, which are support members, and the slide rails 201, 202, and 203 to the storage positions and the pull-out positions of the holding members 41, 43, and 44, and the slide member 204 A support base 205 installed in a non-moving state in order to support it in a movable manner and a sliding drive member 210 for driving the sliding member 204 in the above-described direction are provided.
[0121]
The slide rails 201, 202, and 203 are arranged in the vertical direction, and the one located at the center in that direction is the slide rail 202 attached to the side surface of the image carrier holding member 41. Each slide rail 201, 202, 203, slide member 204, and support base 205 are provided as a pair so as to face both side surfaces of each holding member 41, 43, 44 (FIG. 22 shows only one side). ).
[0122]
As shown in FIG. 23, the slide rails 201, 202, and 203 all have the same configuration, and are inserted into the outer rails 201A, 202A, and 203A and the outer rails 201A, 202A, and 203A, and are arranged inside. Inner rails 201B, 202B, and 203B that are slidable by rolling elements such as spheres are provided.
[0123]
As shown in FIG. 23, the outer rails 201A, 202A, and 203A are interlocked with the sliding member 204 in the longitudinal direction, that is, before and after the direction in which the holding members 41, 43, and 44 are moved to the storage position and the drawer position. Connection pins 201C, 202C, and 203C as interlocking members for fixing are fixed.
[0124]
As shown in FIG. 24, the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C pass through insertion holes 204A, 204B, and 204C formed in the sliding member 204, and as shown in FIGS. The guide part 205A, 205B, 205C formed as a long hole in 205 is inserted.
[0125]
In FIG. 23, insertion holes 204A, 204B, and 204C through which the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C penetrate the sliding member 204 are targeted for the connecting pins 202C that are provided on the slide rail 202 of the image carrier holding member 41. The insertion hole 204B is a round hole, and the other insertion holes 204A and 204C are long holes whose longitudinal direction is set in the vertical direction.
[0126]
Insertion holes 204A, 204B, 204C on the sliding member 204 side through which the connecting pins 201C, 202C, 203C provided in the holding members 41, 43, 44 pass are provided in the slide rail 202 of the image carrier holding member 41. The length in the longitudinal direction is set in a direction away from each other with the center of the insertion hole 204B through which the connecting pin 202C is inserted as a base point. In addition, the insertion holes 204A, 204B, and 204C are such that the center positions in the hole width direction in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction are aligned in the horizontal direction, whereby the holding members 41, 43, When 44 moves, the relative position in the moving direction of each holding member 41,43,44 is made not to change.
[0127]
As shown in FIG. 23, guide portions 205A, 205B, and 205C on the support base 205 side through which the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C are inserted are guided by the guide portion 202B that targets the image carrier holding member 41. Guide portions 205A and 205C, which are elongated holes formed in the horizontal direction as the direction of movement between the storage position and the pull-out position of the holding member 41, and that target the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43, The transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 are formed of long holes having directions that can be separated from each other as the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 are moved from the storage position toward the drawing position.
[0128]
When the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 move from the storage position toward the drawing position, the guide portions 205A and 205C temporarily move the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 to a predetermined distance ( In FIG. 23, a shape that can be moved in the horizontal direction by a distance indicated by a symbol S) and then moved away from each other to reach the drawing position, in the drawing, has a shape with an inclined portion.
[0129]
In the guide portions 205A and 205C, a predetermined distance (a distance indicated by a symbol S in FIG. 23) that is once moved in the horizontal direction is set with respect to the drive members mounted on the holding members 41, 43, and 44 in the storage position. It is set to cut the drive path of the drive member provided in the printer main body, and the engagement between the drive members is started when the holding members 41, 43, 44 start to move from the storage position toward the pull-out position. The distance can be canceled.
[0130]
Furthermore, the movement stroke from the storage position of each holding member 41, 43, 44 to the drawing position in the guide portions 205A, 205B, 205C, in other words, the length of the long hole in the longitudinal direction is the holding member 41, 43, 44. They are the same, and the relative positional relationship of the holding members 41, 43, 44 along the moving direction is not changed.
[0131]
In FIG. 24, brackets 206 are attached to the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C that pass through the insertion holes 204A, 204B, and 204C formed in the sliding member 204. The bracket 206 is formed on the sliding member 204. A spring 208 is hooked between the locking piece 207A which is a part of the hole 207 cut and raised. The spring 208 always pulls the bracket 206 so that the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C return toward the movement start positions of the holding members 41, 43, and 44 in the guide portions 205A, 205B, and 205C on the support base 205 side. It is energized as follows.
[0132]
On the other hand, a sliding drive member 210 is provided at one end in the moving direction of the sliding member 204, that is, at an end corresponding to the downstream side in the moving direction of each holding member 41, 43, 44 toward the drawing position. FIG. 25 is a view showing a connecting structure between the sliding drive member 210 and the sliding member 204. In FIG. 25, the connecting member 211 is attached to each of the holding members 41, 43,. It is provided so that it can slide in parallel with the moving direction of 44.
[0133]
The connecting member 211 is provided with a long hole 211A through which a connecting pin 204D fixed to the sliding member 204 is inserted, and a cam portion 211B on the lower surface. The long hole 211A has a longitudinal direction parallel to the moving direction of each holding member 41, 43, 44, and the connecting member 211 is connected in parallel to the moving direction of each holding member 41, 43, 44 using the connecting pin 204D as a guide pin. It is designed to slide.
[0134]
The cam portion 211 </ b> B has a convex surface formed on the lower surface of the connecting member 211, and a sliding locking member 212 provided so as to be able to swing at a non-moving portion in the casing of the full-color printer 1 is in contact with the cam portion 211 </ b> B. .
[0135]
The convex surface of the cam portion 211B has a height that can release the locking state of the sliding member 204 by the sliding locking member 212, and the long hole 211A is the surface of the cam portion 211B that faces the sliding locking member 212. It has a length that can be switched (convex surface and concave surface). That is, the state shown in FIG. 25 shows a state in which each holding member 41, 43, 44 is in the storage position. At this time, the connecting pin 204D inserted into the long hole 211A is in the drawing direction (arrow direction shown in the drawing). The sliding engagement member 212 is in contact with the concave surface of the cam portion 211B, in contact with the inner edge of the longitudinal end corresponding to the downstream side.
[0136]
When the connecting member 211 is moved in the drawing direction (arrow direction shown in the figure) from this state, the connecting pin 204D in the long hole 211A moves toward the inner edge on the opposite side of the long hole 211A, and in conjunction with this, The cam portion 211B is brought into a state where the sliding locking member 212 rides on the convex surface.
[0137]
The movement of the connecting member 211 is performed via a swinging bracket 213 on the sliding drive member 210 side through which a drive pin 211C fixed to the connecting member 211 is inserted. The sliding drive member 210 includes a swing bracket 213 swingable by a support shaft 214 supported by a non-moving portion of the full color printer 1 and an operation bracket 215 supported on the same axis. An operation handle 216 is attached to the bracket 215.
[0138]
In FIG. 25, the swing bracket 213 is a member having a swing radius that can cover the connecting member 211 with the support shaft 214 as a reference, and a drive pin provided on the connecting member 211 side on the swing end side. A connection drive hole 213A through which 211C is inserted is formed. The coupling drive hole 213A is not a rocking locus centered on the support shaft 214 but a long hole having a longitudinal direction substantially along the rocking radius, and via the drive pin 211C according to the rocking bracket 213 rocking. Thus, the connecting member 211 is slid in the moving direction of the holding members 41, 43, 44.
[0139]
The swing bracket 213 is provided with an operation drive hole 213 </ b> B formed of a long hole having a swing locus centering on the support shaft 214 in addition to the connection drive hole 213 </ b> A. An operation pin 217 fixed to the operation bracket 215 is inserted into the operation drive hole 213B, and a click member 218 for positioning the operation pin 217 at the end portion of the swinging locus half in the operation drive hole 213B is supported. Yes.
[0140]
The click member 218 has a swing support shaft 218A on the swing bracket 213, and can swing in a direction in which the swing end side advances and retreats with respect to the operation drive hole 213B. The driving force for entering the operation drive hole 213B is applied by a spring 219 that is latched between the swing bracket 213 and the swing end of the click member 218.
[0141]
A locking surface 218B made of a convex surface is formed on the surface of the click member 218 on the operation drive hole 213B side, and the operation pin 217 is positioned on any one of the concave surfaces with the locking surface 218B as a boundary. The operation drive hole 213B can be locked at any position on the end portion of the swing locus half circumference.
[0142]
The spring 219 latched by the click member 218 is set with an elastic force that can prevent the operation handle 216 located on the operation bracket 215 side from being accidentally tilted by the convex surface of the click member 218. The operation pin 217 on the operation bracket 215 side can get over the convex surface by a lying force that acts only when lying down from the standing position.
[0143]
The configuration of the sliding locking member 212 facing the cam portion 211B of the connecting member 211 is shown in FIG.
[0144]
In FIG. 26, a support bracket 220 for supporting the slide locking member 212 is provided at the non-moving portion of the full color printer 1, and the slide locking member 212 can swing on the support bracket 220. It is supported by.
[0145]
The sliding engagement member 212 is a swinging member that can move seesaw with a support shaft 212A provided on the support bracket 220 as a fulcrum. A spring 221 is provided between the support bracket 220 and one end of the swinging end. It is being handed over.
[0146]
The other of the swinging ends of the sliding locking member 212 is opposed to the cam portion 211B of the connecting member 211 by the bias of the spring 221, and a locking roller having a different diameter in the axial direction is provided at the end thereof. 222 and the guide roller 223 are arranged on the same axis.
[0147]
The locking roller 222 is a roller that can be engaged with and disengaged from a locking slit (indicated by reference numerals 204F and 204F ′ in FIG. 25) formed on the lower surface of the sliding member 204, and the guide roller 223 is a connecting member 211. It is a roller that can roll while being in contact with the cam portion 211B.
[0148]
The sliding locking member 212 can swing according to the state in which the guide roller 223 faces the cam portion 211B of the connecting member 211. When the sliding locking member 212 faces the convex surface of the cam portion 211B, the sliding roller 222 Is swung in a direction in which it is detached from the locking slit of the sliding member 204.
[0149]
The locking slits 204F, 204F ′ are portions that prevent the sliding member 204 from moving in order to hold the holding members 41, 43, 44 in the storage position and the drawer position, and are shown in FIG. Is for holding the storage position, and a locking slit denoted by reference numeral 204F ′ is for holding the drawing position.
[0150]
On the other hand, in each of the holding members 41, 43, 44, the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 positioned above and below the image carrier holding member 41 are vertically moved with reference to the moving direction of the image carrier holding member 41. It can be separated and is supported so as to be movable up and down. Now, with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the lifting support structure for the image forming unit holding member 43 positioned at the lowest position in the vertical direction, which is the juxtaposition direction of the holding members 41, 43, 44, will be described as follows. It is.
[0151]
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the bottom of the image forming unit holding member 43 as viewed from below. In FIG. 27, the bottom plate DS of the image forming unit holding member 43 is placed and fixed on the bottom plate receiving member 230. Are attached to the inner rail 203B of the slide rail 203 using screws or the like (not shown).
[0152]
The bottom plate receiving member 230 is provided with a sliding portion 230 </ b> A composed of a hanging piece, and the sliding portion 230 </ b> A has a sliding guide having a longitudinal direction parallel to the moving direction of the image forming unit holding member 43. A hole 230B is formed.
[0153]
In the vicinity of the sliding guide hole 230B, an attenuating device 233 including a lifting member 231 having a sliding pin 231A inserted through the sliding guide hole 230B and an attenuation member 232 is disposed.
[0154]
The attenuating device 233 is a device for changing the speed when the image forming unit holding member 43 is raised and lowered, and in particular, is a device for attenuating the speed when it is lowered.
[0155]
The elevating member 231 provided in the attenuation device 233 includes the above-described sliding pin 231A at one end in the elevating direction and an engaging member provided on the supporting member 231B and the supporting member 231B having the elevating direction as the longitudinal direction. Rack 231C.
[0156]
The damping member 232 includes a pinion that meshes with the rack 231C, and has a configuration that can attenuate the speed only in one direction when the image forming unit holding member 43 is lowered, in other words, a main body to which the rotation of the pinion is transmitted. Inside, the velocity is attenuated by changing the viscoelasticity when a fluid such as oil or air is used.
[0157]
The damping characteristic in the case of using a fluid can be set by a reaction force (elasticity) change caused by a flow rate that attempts to pass through a fixed orifice provided in the damping member 232 or a variable orifice whose opening area can be changed. it can. In other words, when the moving speed is high, the reaction force is increased by increasing the flow rate to pass through the orifice, and when the moving speed is low, the reaction force is decreased by decreasing the flow rate. . Accordingly, the damping member 232 can change the damping force according to the moving speed of the image forming unit holding member 43. When the moving speed of the image forming unit holding member 43 is high, it is when the image forming unit holding member 43 is in a position where it starts to descend from the relationship of potential energy, and the moving speed decreases as the descent continues. Here, the damping member 232 has a characteristic that the speed is attenuated, that is, the moving speed is smaller at the end of lowering than at the start of lowering.
[0158]
In the attenuation device 233, the moving speed of the unit is attenuated by the combination of the elevating member 231 having the longitudinal direction of the elevating direction and the attenuation member 232. Therefore, when the unit is lowered, only a so-called linear motion is required, and a moment is generated. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the attenuation output of the attenuation member 232, and a small one can be prepared. In FIG. 27, reference numeral 234 denotes a support for the attenuation device 233.
[0159]
As a modification of the damping device, a change in the coefficient of friction can be used instead of viscoelasticity. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing this case. In FIG. 28, a friction member 235 is provided to reduce the width direction dimension of the image forming unit holding member 43 along the direction in which the image forming unit holding member 43 descends. The speed at the end of the lowering may be made smaller than that at the start of the lowering due to a change in frictional resistance (which tends to increase) when sliding down the surface of the friction member 235 when the image unit holding member 43 is lowered.
[0160]
  BookReference exampleAccordingly, the holding members 41, 43, and 44 can be moved from the storage position toward the pull-out position by swinging the operation handle 216 provided on the sliding drive member 210 from the standing state to the lying state. When the drawing position is reached, the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 are separated from each other in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 4B with the image carrier holding member 41 as a reference. It can be. The operation will be described below.
[0161]
FIG. 23 shows a state in which each holding member 41, 43, 44 is in the storage position within the housing of the full-color printer 1, and in this state, the operation handle 216 provided in the sliding drive member 210 is in an upright state. It is said that. The standing state of the operation handle 216 is maintained by the operation pin 217 on the operation bracket 215 side illustrated in FIG. 24 being locked by the locking surface 218B of the click member 218.
[0162]
When the side cover (not shown) of the housing is opened and the operation handle 216 is operated, when the operation handle 216 starts to shift from the standing state to the lying down state, the support device for each holding member 41, 43, 44 As shown in FIG. 29, when an operating force equal to or greater than the elastic force of the spring 219 on the click member 218 side is applied to the operation handle 216, the operation pin 217 on the operation bracket 215 side pushes the locking surface 218B of the click member 218. get over.
[0163]
When the operation pin 217 climbs over the locking surface 218B of the click member 218 and contacts the inner edge of the operation drive hole 213B in the longitudinal direction, the operation handle 216 further falls in this state as shown in FIG. By swinging toward the position, the drive pin 211C on the coupling member 211 side slides by an amount corresponding to the length in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 211A in conjunction with the swing of the swing bracket 213.
[0164]
As shown in FIG. 30, when the connecting pin 204D is in contact with the inner edge on the downstream side in the pull-out direction of each holding member 41, 43, 44 in the long hole 211A on the connecting member 211 side, the convex surface of the cam portion 211B is By facing the guide roller 223 in the sliding locking member 212, the sliding locking member 212 swings in a direction in which the locking roller 222 is separated from the locking slit 204F of the sliding member 204, and slides there. The state where the member 204 is restrained at the storage position is released, and the member 204 can be slid toward the drawing position.
[0165]
FIG. 31 shows a state in which the operation handle 216 is further swung toward the lying down position from the state shown in FIG. 30. In this state, the swing bracket 213 is interlocked with the swing of the operation handle 216. By swinging, the drive pin 211C hits the inner edge of the connection drive hole 213A, and the connection pin 204D hits the inner edge on the downstream side in the pull-out direction of the long hole 211A. As a result, the sliding member 204 starts moving in the pull-out direction in conjunction with the swing of the swing bracket 213.
[0166]
When the sliding member 204 starts moving in the pull-out direction, the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C penetrating the sliding member 204 are interlocked with each other along the guide portions 205A, 205B, and 205C of the support base 205. The sliding members 204 are driven in the horizontal direction while moving by a predetermined distance immediately after the movement of the sliding member 204 is started, so that the driving members mounted on the holding members 41, 43, and 44 and the driving on the housing side are performed. The drive path with the member is cut off. Since the moving direction at this time is the horizontal direction, for example, if the driving members are fitted in the horizontal direction, the driving path can be easily cut without receiving external force other than that direction during movement, No extra load is applied by moving in the fitting direction.
[0167]
In FIG. 31, the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C are connected to the slide rail 202 on the image carrier holding member 41 side by setting the shapes of the guide portions 205A, 205B, and 205C included in the support base 205. The connecting pins 201C and 203C provided on the slide rails 201 and 203 on the transfer member holding member 44 side and the image forming unit holding member 43 side move in the direction away from each other in the vertical direction with reference to the moving direction of 202C. The vertical separation of the transfer member holding member 44 side and the image forming unit holding member 43 side depends on the formation positions of the insertion holes 204A and 204B provided in the sliding member 204 and the orientation in the longitudinal direction. , 44, the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 are separated from each other in the vertical direction with the image carrier holding member 41 sandwiched therebetween without changing the relative positional relationship along the moving direction.
[0168]
On the other hand, in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204, the connecting member 211 also moves toward the drawing position. At this time, the concave surface of the cam portion 211B faces the guide roller 223 of the sliding locking member 212. Accordingly, the sliding locking member 212 swings in a direction in which the locking roller 222 engages with the other locking slit 204 </ b> F ′ of the sliding member 204. As a result, the sliding member 204 is held at the drawing position of the holding members 41, 43, 44.
[0169]
In the state shown in FIG. 31, the connecting pins 201C, 202C, and 203C are moved by an amount corresponding to the moving stroke of the sliding member 204 in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204. The outer rails 201A, 202A, and 203A of the slide rails 201, 202, and 203 to which the 202C and 203C are fixed move from the storage position toward the pull-out position. As a result, the movement stroke of the entire slide rail can be increased as compared with the case where the outer rail is usually fixed and only the inner rail is moved. This state corresponds to a state in which the outer rails 201A, 202A, and 203A protrude from the end edge of the support base 205 by an amount indicated by a symbol L in FIG.
[0170]
32 and 33, the image forming unit holding member 43 shown in FIG. 27 is lowered with reference to the state in which the image forming unit holding member 43 moves in the horizontal direction in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204 and the moving direction of the image carrier holding member 41. It is a figure which shows each state.
[0171]
In FIG. 32, when the image forming unit holding member 43 moves in the horizontal direction in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204, the bottom plate receiving member 230 also moves in the same direction (the direction indicated by arrow F in the figure). Accordingly, the sliding pin 231A of the elevating member 231 slides in the sliding guide hole 230B on the attenuation device 233 side.
[0172]
In FIG. 33, when the image forming unit holding member 43 descends in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204, the sliding portion 230A also descends in conjunction with the bottom plate receiving member 230 descending (in the figure, arrow D). ), The elevating member 231 through which the sliding pin 231A is inserted into the sliding guide hole 230B is lowered (the direction indicated by the arrow D ′ in the drawing). At this time, the moving speed of the rack 231 </ b> C included in the lifting / lowering member 231 is attenuated by the attenuation member 232 of the attenuation device 233.
[0173]
  BookReference exampleThen, the image forming unit holding member 43 reaches the lowering end position via the slide rail 203 after the descent speed is attenuated. When the image forming unit holding member 43 is pulled out to the drawing position, the image forming unit holding member 43 is accommodated in the slide rails 201 to 203. Of the holding members 41, 43, 44, the holding member to be replaced or subjected to maintenance inspection is brought to a position where the device can be taken out by pulling out the inner rails of the slide rails 201 to 203 from the outer rail.
[0174]
When the holding members 41, 43, and 44 are moved from the pull-out position toward the storage position, the holding members 41, 43, and 44 can be positioned and held at the storage position by a procedure reverse to that described above. .
[0175]
  next,The present inventionThe fruitThe embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 34 is a schematic front view showing an internal configuration of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 35 forms a color image composed of three image forming member units (photoreceptor unit, charger unit, developer unit). FIG. 36 is a front view showing a state where three image forming member units are separated, FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a charger unit which is one of the image forming member units, and FIG. It is a perspective view showing a developing unit which is one of image means units.
[0176]
Four image forming units 300Y, 300M, 300C, and 300Bk, an exposure device 8, and an intermediate transfer belt 12 are arranged at a substantially central portion in the apparatus main body 2 of the full-color printer 1. Each image forming unit 300 forms images of different colors (yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, black Bk).
[0177]
The four image forming units 300 are different in color of images formed because the colors of toner used are different, and the basic structure is the same. However, as will be described later, there are portions having different structures in the image forming units 300Y, 300M, and 300C that form color images and the image forming unit 300Bk that forms black images.
[0178]
Each image forming unit 300 is an image forming member that is rotationally driven in the direction of an arrow and is also a photosensitive member 3 that is an image carrier, a charging roller 4 that is an image forming member disposed on the outer periphery of the photosensitive member 3, an image forming unit The developing device 6 is a member.
[0179]
The exposure device 8 emits a laser beam and writes an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 3 by the laser beam.
[0180]
The photoreceptor 3 is formed of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 30 to 100 mm and an organic semiconductor layer that is a photoconductive material provided on the surface of the cylinder. By irradiating the surface of the photoreceptor 3 with the laser light emitted from the exposure device 8, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is written on the surface of the photoreceptor 3. An irradiation slit for irradiating the surface of each photoconductor 3 with laser light emitted from the exposure device 8 is secured between the charging roller 4 and the developing device 6 in each image forming unit 300.
[0181]
The charging roller 4 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 3.
[0182]
The developing device 6 supplies toner, and the supplied toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image written on the surface of the photoconductor 3, whereby the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 3 is visualized as a toner image. Is done.
[0183]
The intermediate transfer belt 12 is a loop belt formed with a resin film or rubber having a thickness of 50 to 600 μm as a base, and has a resistance value that enables transfer of a toner image formed on the photoreceptor 3. . The intermediate transfer belt 12 is supported by rollers 9 to 11 and is driven to rotate in the arrow direction. On the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 12 (inside the loop), four transfer rollers 13 for transferring the toner image on each photoconductor 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 12 are arranged. On the front side of the intermediate transfer belt 12 (outside the loop), a cleaning device 14 for cleaning residual toner, paper dust, and the like attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is disposed.
[0184]
Below the four image forming units 300 and the exposure device 8 in the apparatus main body 2, paper feed cassettes 23 and 24 on which the transfer paper S is stacked and held are arranged in two upper and lower stages. The transfer sheets S stacked and held in the sheet cassettes 23 and 24 are separated and fed in order from the highest one.
[0185]
In the apparatus main body 2, a paper feed transport path 27 and a transport paper discharge path 30 are formed through which the transfer paper S separated and fed from the paper feed cassettes 23 and 24 is transported. A registration roller 28, a transfer belt 17 that also functions as a paper transport belt, a transfer charger 20, a fixing device 31, a paper discharge roller 32, and the like are disposed on the paper feed transport path 27 and the transport paper discharge path 30. .
[0186]
The registration roller 28 is a roller that is rotationally driven intermittently at a predetermined timing. By intermittently driving the registration roller 28, the transfer sheet S that has been transported to the position of the registration roller 28 and stopped is sent to the transfer position.
[0187]
The transfer belt 17 is a loop belt formed with a resin film or rubber having a thickness of 50 to 600 μm as a base, and is supported by rollers 15, 16, and 19 and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow. A transfer roller 18 is disposed on the back side of the transfer belt 17 (inside the loop), and a cleaning device 21 that cleans residual toner, paper dust, and the like attached to the surface of the transfer belt 17 is disposed on the front side of the transfer belt 17. Yes. The portion of the intermediate transfer belt 12 that is supported by the roller 9 on its back side is pressed against the portion of the surface side of the transfer belt 17 that is supported by the guide roller 19 and the transfer roller 18. Is a transfer position where the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 12 to the transfer belt 17 or from the intermediate transfer belt 12 to the transfer paper S conveyed by the transfer belt 17.
[0188]
Here, when the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 12 to the transfer belt 17, the toner image on the transfer belt 17 and the newly formed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are transferred to the transfer paper S. Can be simultaneously transferred to both front and back sides. At this time, the toner image on the transfer belt 17 is transferred to one side of the transfer sheet S by the action of the transfer charger 20, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the other side of the transfer sheet S by the action of the transfer roller 18. Is transcribed.
[0189]
On the other hand, when the toner image is transferred only on the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the transfer belt 17 functions only as a paper transport belt for the transfer paper S, transfer onto only one side of the transfer paper S is performed.
[0190]
The fixing device 31 is a portion that fixes the toner image transferred onto the transfer paper S to the transfer paper S by applying heat and pressure. The transfer sheet S on which the toner image is fixed in the fixing device 31 is discharged onto a discharge stack portion 29 formed on the upper surface portion of the apparatus main body 2 by a discharge roller 32.
[0191]
Above the four image forming units 300 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 in the apparatus main body 2, toner containers 33Y, 33C, 33M, and 33Bk that store toner supplied to the image forming unit 300 are detachably mounted. A toner container storage portion 33 is provided. The toner container storage unit 33 has a structure in which five toner containers 33Y, 33M, 33C, and 33Bk having the same shape can be mounted. The toner container to be mounted is one toner container 33Y that stores yellow toner. There are one toner container 33M containing magenta toner, one toner container 33C containing cyan toner, and two toner containers 33Bk containing black toner. The number of toner containers 33Y, 33M, and 33C that store color (yellow, magenta, and cyan) toners is one, whereas the number of toner containers 33Bk that stores black toner is two. This is due to the fact that the amount of toner is larger than the amount of color toner consumed. The toner in each toner container mounted in the toner container storage unit 33 is a toner transport mechanism (not shown) toward each of the image forming units 300Y, 300M, 300C, and 300Bk that forms an image having the same color as the toner. )).
[0192]
  Here, among the image forming units 300 described above, the image forming units 300Y, 300M, and 300C that form color images are illustrated.35Or figure38This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Image forming portions 300Y (300M, 300C) for forming color images are respectively formed by image forming members such as a photoreceptor 3Y (3M, 3C), a charging roller 4Y (4M, 4C), and a developing device 6Y (6M, 6C). It is configured. Among these image forming members 3, 4, 6, a plurality of members having the same function are unitized, and a photosensitive unit 301 that is an image forming member unit, a charging roller unit 302 that is an image forming member unit, and an image forming member unit. A developing device unit 303 which is an image member unit is configured.
[0193]
The photoconductor unit 301 is configured by attaching three photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C to a photoconductor holding case 301a so as to be rotatable and fixed in position. The interval between adjacent photoconductors 3 is set to “a”.
[0194]
The charging roller unit 302 is configured by attaching three charging rollers 4Y, 4M, and 4C to a charging roller holding case 302a in a fixed position. The interval between the adjacent charging rollers 4 is set to “a”.
[0195]
The developing device unit 303 is configured by attaching three developing devices 6Y, 6M, and 6C to a developing device holding case 303a in a fixed position. The interval between adjacent developing devices 6 is set to “a”.
[0196]
  These photoreceptor unit 301, charging roller unit 302, and developing device unit 303 are36Separable as shown in the figure35As shown in Fig.35In the assembled state, the photosensitive member 3Y, the charging roller 4Y, and the developing device 6Y constitute an image forming unit 300Y that forms a yellow image, and the photosensitive member 3M, the charging roller 4M, and the developing device 6M are magenta. An image forming unit 300M that forms an image is configured, and an image forming unit 300C that forms a cyan image is configured by the photoreceptor 3C, the charging roller 4C, and the developing device 6C.
[0197]
  Further, the photosensitive unit 301, the charging roller unit 302, and the developing device unit 303 are35In the assembled state, it is slidably pushed into the apparatus main body 2 and is slidably drawn out of the apparatus main body 2. That is, when the photosensitive unit 301, the charging roller unit 302, and the developing device unit 303 are accommodated in the apparatus main body 2, they are not illustrated.35The photosensitive member unit 301, the charging roller unit 302, and the developing device unit 302 can be individually separated after being pulled out of the apparatus main body 2 in this assembled state. ing.
[0198]
In such a configuration, when forming a color image, each color image (toner image) is formed in each of the image forming units 300Y, 300M, 300C, and 300Bk, and these toner images are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12 in an overlapping manner. As a result, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12, and this color image is transferred onto the transfer paper S separated and fed from the paper feed cassettes 23 and 24 at the transfer position (however, the transfer paper S When forming an image on only one side).
[0199]
Here, the image forming members such as the photosensitive member 3, the charging roller 4, and the developing device 6 are consumables and need to be replaced at a constant cycle according to the use frequency. When the image forming members 3, 4, 6 are exchanged, the image forming members 3, 4, 6 of the image forming units 300 </ b> Y, 300 </ b> M, 300 </ b> C that form color images have three image forming members 3 having the same function. (Or 4, 6) can be exchanged at once. That is, the three photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C are one photoconductor unit 301, the three charging rollers 4Y, 4M, and 4C are one charging roller unit 302, and the three developing devices 6Y, 6M, and 6C are one. The developing device unit 303 can be replaced at a time. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the labor required for replacing the image forming members 3, 4, and 6 and to reduce the frequency of replacement work.
[0200]
Furthermore, the image forming member unit 301 (302, 303) is a unitized image forming member 3 (4, 6) having the same function, and each of the image forming member 3 (4, 6) having the same function is a unit. Lifespan is almost the same. Therefore, even if the unitized image forming members 3 (4, 6) are replaced at a time, the image forming members 3 (4, 6) constituting the image forming member units 301 (302, 303) are appropriate. It can be exchanged at the end of its life, and wasteful use of resources due to the exchange of the imaging member 3 (4, 6) before the end of its life can be prevented.
[0201]
The image forming member units 301, 302, and 303 are exchanged either by pulling out the image forming member units 301, 302, and 303 stored in the apparatus main body 2 out of the apparatus main body 2 and replacing them. Since the image forming member unit 301 (or 302, 303) is separated and replaced with a new image forming member unit 301 (or 302, 303), the replacement work can be easily performed.
[0202]
In the present embodiment, an example is given in which all the intervals between adjacent ones of the image forming members 3, 4, 6 in the image forming member units 301, 302, 303 are all set to “a”. Although explained, it is not always necessary to uniformly set “a”. For example, the arrangement interval of the two image forming members 3 (4, 6) constituting the specific two image forming units 300 in the image forming member units 301 (302, 303) is determined by the image forming member units 301, 302, 303. It should just be set to be the same. Specifically, in each of the image forming member units 301, 302, and 303, the interval between the photosensitive member 3Y and the photosensitive member 3M, the interval between the charging roller 4Y and the charging roller 4M, and the interval between the developing device 6Y and the developing device 6M are set. The same “A” may be used as long as the distance between the photoreceptor 3M and the photoreceptor 3C, the distance between the charging roller 4M and the charging roller 4C, and the distance between the developing device 6M and the developing device 6C are the same “B”. In this way, when the plurality of image forming units 300Y, 300M, and 300C are configured by assembling the image forming member units 301, 302, and 303, the image forming units 300Y, 300M, and 300C have the image forming units. The positional accuracy between the image forming members 3, 4 and 6 constituting the 300Y, 300M, and 300C can be maintained with high accuracy. For example, the photoreceptor 3 and the developing device are provided for each of the image forming units 300Y, 300M, and 300C. Therefore, the image forming performance of each of the image forming units 300Y, 300M, and 300C can be favorably maintained.
[0203]
  First of the present inventionthreeofReference exampleWill be described with reference to FIGS. 39 is a schematic front view showing an internal configuration of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus, FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a photosensitive unit as one of image forming member units, and FIG. 41 is one of image forming units. It is a perspective view which shows a composite unit.
[0204]
  BookReference exampleThe basic structure ofthe aboveThe image forming unit 300Y, 300M, 300C, and 300Bk that perform image formation of different colors, the exposure device 8, and the intermediate transfer belt are formed at the substantially central portion in the apparatus main body 2 as in the embodiment. 12 are arranged.
[0205]
Each image forming unit 300 includes image forming members such as the photosensitive member 3 that is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow, the charging roller 4 disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive member 3, the developing device 6, and the cleaning member 7. . The cleaning member 7 cleans residual toner adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 3.
[0206]
An image forming unit 300Y (300M, 300C) that forms a color image in the color image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor 3Y (3M, 3C), a charging roller 4Y (4M, 4C), and a developing device 6Y (6M, 6C), respectively. The image forming member includes a cleaning member 7Y (7M, 7C). Among these image forming members 3, 4, 6, and 7, a plurality of members having at least the same function are unitized, and a photosensitive unit 301 that is an image forming member unit and a composite unit 304 that is an image forming member unit. Is configured.
[0207]
The photoconductor unit 301 is configured by attaching three photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C to a photoconductor holding case 301a so as to be rotatable and fixed in position. The interval between adjacent photoconductors 3 is set to “a”.
[0208]
In the composite unit 304, not only image forming members having the same function are unitized, but image forming members having different functions are also unitized. That is, the composite unit 304 has a composite holding case 304a, and the composite holding case 304a includes three charging rollers 4Y, 4M, and 4C, three developing devices 6Y, 6M, and 6C, and three cleaning units 7Y and 7M. , 7C are fixedly mounted. The interval between adjacent charging rollers 4, the interval between adjacent developing devices 6, and the interval between adjacent cleaning members 7 are all set to “a” (the interval “a” between cleaning members 7 is not shown).
[0209]
The charging roller 4, the developing device 6, and the cleaning member 7 constituting the composite unit 304 have a characteristic that they have substantially the same life although functions are different.
[0210]
The photosensitive unit 301 and the composite unit 304 are provided so as to be separable as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 and to be assembled as shown in FIG. 39, and assembled as shown in FIG. In this state, the photosensitive member 3Y, the charging roller 4Y, the developing device 6Y, and the cleaning member 7Y constitute an image forming unit 300Y that forms a yellow image, and the photosensitive member 3M, the charging roller 4M, the developing device 6M, and the cleaning member 7M. An image forming unit 300M that forms a magenta image is configured, and an image forming unit 300C that forms a cyan image is configured by the photoreceptor 3C, the charging roller 4C, the developing device 6C, and the cleaning member 7C.
[0211]
Further, the photosensitive unit 301 and the composite unit 304 are slidably pushed into the apparatus main body 2 in an assembled state as shown in FIG. 39, and are slidably drawn out of the apparatus main body 2. It is supposed to be a structure. That is, when it is housed in the apparatus main body 2, it is assembled as shown in FIG. 39, and after being pulled out of the apparatus main body 2 in this assembled state, the photosensitive unit 301 and the composite unit 304 are combined. It is possible to separate.
[0212]
In such a configuration, the image forming members such as the photosensitive member 3, the charging roller 4, the developing device 6, and the cleaning member 7 are consumables and need to be replaced at a constant cycle according to the use frequency. When such image forming members 3, 4, 6, and 7 are replaced, the image forming members 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the image forming units 300Y, 300M, and 300C that form color images have at least the same functions. The image members 3, 4, 6, 7 can be exchanged at a time. That is, the three photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C constitute one photoconductor unit 301, three charging rollers 4Y, 4M, and 4C, three developing devices 6Y, 6M, and 6C, and three cleaning members 7Y, 7M, and 7C. Can be exchanged as one composite unit 304 at a time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of exchanging the image forming members 3, 4, 6, and 7, and to reduce the labor required for exchanging the image forming members 3, 4, 6, and 7.
[0213]
Moreover, regarding the composite unit 304, not only the image forming member 4 (or 6, 7) having the same function but also the image forming members 4, 6, 7 having different functions can be exchanged at the same time. The frequency of the exchange work of 6 and 7 can be reduced.
[0214]
Here, the photoconductor unit 301 is formed by unitizing three photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C having the same function, and each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C having the same function has substantially the same lifetime. Even if the unitized photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C are replaced at a time, the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C can be replaced when they have an appropriate life, and the photoconductor 3 before the end of its life is reached. It is possible to prevent waste of resources due to replacement.
[0215]
On the other hand, the composite unit 304 includes not only the image forming member 4 (or 6, 7) having the same function, but also the image forming members 4, 6, 7 having different functions, but has different functions. Since these image forming members 4, 6, and 7 have substantially the same life, even if the unitized image forming members 4, 6, and 7 are replaced at a time, each image forming member 4, 6 is replaced. , 7 can be replaced when the lifetime is appropriate, and wasteful use of resources due to replacement of the imaging members 4, 6, and 7 before the lifetime is reached can be prevented.
[0216]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the invention of claim 1YuIt is possible to handle a plurality of knitted image carriers at the same time, reduce the time and effort required to replace and maintain the image carriers, and change the frequency of replacement by simultaneously exchanging these image carriers. Can be reduced. Moreover, this image forming member unit is a unit of a plurality of image carriers that are image forming members having the same function, and it is not necessary to replace them simultaneously with other image forming members having a shorter life than the image carrier, It is possible to prevent wasteful use of resources by replacing the image carrier before the end of its life.
[0217]
  MoreA plurality of other imaging members having the same functionAlsoSince it is unitized as an image forming member unit, it is possible to handle these multiple image forming members at the same time, and to reduce the labor required for replacement work and maintenance of these image forming members. By exchanging at the same time, the frequency of exchange work can be reduced. In addition, in this imaging member unit, a plurality of imaging members having the same function are unitized, and it is not necessary to replace the imaging members having different functions at the same time. It is possible to prevent wasteful use of resources by exchanging image members.
[0218]
  Claim2According to the described inventionSmallAt least three image forming members having the same function can be handled at the same time, and the labor required for replacement work and maintenance of these image forming members can be reduced. The frequency can be reduced.
[0219]
  Claim3According to the described inventionYuIt is possible to stabilize the interval between the knitted image forming members.
[0226]
  Claim4According to the described invention, ProductWhen the image member unit is handled, only the image forming member that needs to be replaced among the image forming members constituting the image forming member can be replaced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is one of the present inventionReference exampleFIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the internal configuration thereof.
FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing an internal configuration of a modified example.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic portion.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an exterior cover opened state.
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an inner cover opened state.
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a pulled-out state of the image carrier holding member.
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a photoconductor is removed.
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a drawing state of the image forming unit holding member.
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an image forming unit removed state.
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the transfer member holding member is pulled out.
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing an intermediate transfer belt removed state.
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a belt holding member in an opened state.
FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a transfer belt removed state.
FIG. 15 is a longitudinal front view showing an example of an approach / separation mechanism.
FIG. 16 is a side view thereof.
FIG. 17 is a side view showing a modification of the contact / separation mechanism.
FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a positioning structure of the image carrier holding member.
FIGS. 19A and 19B show an example of a positioning structure of an image forming unit, where FIG. 19A is a front view and FIG. 19B is a side view.
FIG. 20 is a schematic front view showing a positioning structure of a belt holding member.
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view seen from the back showing the connection relationship with the air conditioning means.
FIG. 22 shows the second of the present invention.Reference exampleIt is a schematic perspective view which shows the contact-and-separation mechanism of.
FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a part thereof in an enlarged manner.
FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view showing the sliding member and the sliding drive member.
FIG. 25 is a partial side view showing a connection structure between a sliding member and a sliding drive member.
FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view showing a part of the configuration when part of FIG. 25 is viewed obliquely from above.
FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of an attenuation device.
FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the attenuation device.
FIG. 29 is a partial side view showing an initial stage of the drawer operation.
FIG. 30 is a partial side view showing a middle stage of a drawer operation in which the operation handle is further tilted.
FIG. 31 is a partial side view showing a final stage of a pull-out operation in which the operation handle is further tilted.
FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view showing an initial stage of the attenuation device.
FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view showing an end stage of the attenuation device.
FIG. 34The fruitIt is a schematic front view which shows the internal structure of the full color printer of embodiment.
FIG. 35 is a front view showing an image forming unit that forms a color image composed of three image forming member units (photosensitive member unit, charging roller unit, developing device unit).
FIG. 36 is a front view showing a state where three image forming member units are separated.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a charging roller unit that is one of the image forming member units.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a developing device unit that is one of the image forming member units.
FIG. 39 shows the first of the present invention.threeofReference example2 is a schematic front view showing the internal configuration of the full-color printer. FIG.
FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a photoreceptor unit which is one of image forming member units.
FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a composite unit that is one of the image forming member units.
[Explanation of symbols]
  2 Main unit
  3 (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk) Image forming member, image carrier
  4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4Bk) Imaging member
  6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6Bk) Imaging member
  7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7Bk) Imaging member
  41a Imaging member unit
  43a Imaging member unit
  300 (300Y, 300M, 300C, 300Bk) Image forming unit
  301 Image forming unit
  302 Imaging member unit
  303 Imaging member unit
  304 Image forming unit

Claims (4)

A plurality of image carriers as image forming members on which electrostatic latent images corresponding to image data are written;
A charger disposed around each image carrier, a developing device, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of types of image forming members having different functions cleaning, etc.,
A plurality of image forming members having the same functions among the plurality of types of image forming members, as those units as a separate imaging member unit and the imaging member with a function different from that of the of identity Ji function, a plurality of image and said plurality of types of imaging member at least two or more image bearing member of the carrier and those units as a separate imaging member units are possible assembled freely separated from one another,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that these image forming member units are constructed so as to be detachable integrally with an image forming apparatus main body in a state where they are assembled with each other. The imaging member unit has three claim 1 Symbol placing the image forming apparatus of the imaging member, characterized in that it is unitized having at least the same functionality. The imaging member units, unitized claims 1 or 2 SL placing the image forming apparatus of the imaging member is characterized in that it is arranged at equal intervals having the same function.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of image forming members constituting the image forming member unit are individually replaceable.

Images