JP4692916B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an option unit used in an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the option unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In this type of image forming apparatus, there is known an apparatus in which optional units such as a duplex unit and a post-processing unit are mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus in response to a user request. Further, as one of the conventional option units, there is known a double-sided unit that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body and has a connector for electrical connection and a locking means for locking to the image forming apparatus main body. (See Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-219286
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, the duplex unit is simply attached to the image forming apparatus main body through the locking means.
Since the mounting structure is merely used, when the duplex unit is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the locking means must be locked while supporting the entire weight of the duplex unit. In other words, there was a problem that the workability of installation and removal was poor.
[0005]
  The object of the present invention is to improve workability during mounting and dismounting.Image forming apparatusIs to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the present invention is that an image forming apparatus main body comprising a hinge receiver and a connector receiver disposed above the hinge receiver, and the image forming apparatus main body. An optional unit that is detachably attached to the fixed unit, and the optional unit includes a fixed unit portion and a rotating unit portion that is provided to be rotatable with respect to the fixed unit portion. The fixed unit portion is attached to and detached from the hinge receiver, and is a hinge that rotatably supports the fixed unit portion and the rotating unit portion integrally while applying at least part of the weight. And the hinge unit with respect to the rotation fulcrum of the fixed unit portion, the fixed unit portion is disposed on the distal end side, and the fixed unit portion is rotated to form the image. When mounted on Okimoto body, in an image forming apparatus having a connector for connecting the connector receiving and electrically. Therefore, the attachment and removal of the option unit can be performed while applying the weight of the option unit to the hinge portion, and workability can be improved.
[0007]
  Preferably, the image forming apparatus main body includes a positioning receiver,The optional unit isThe image forming apparatus provided between the hinge portion and the connector and fitted in the positioning receiverBodyA positioning portion for positioning with respect to. When the optional unit is attached, the positioning portion is fitted into the image forming apparatus main body before the connector is connected, and the connector connecting portion is positioned, thereby preventing damage or the like when the connector is connected.
[0008]
  More preferably,A plurality of the positioning portions are provided,The distances from the hinges are different. Thereby, positioning of a connector connection part can be performed in steps, and a smooth connection is enabled.
[0009]
  Preferably, the connector is elongated.The longitudinal direction of the connector is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the option unitAnd Thereby, the connection position error of the front-end | tip and rear end of a connector which arises by rotation of an option unit can be decreased, and a connector can be connected smoothly.
[0010]
  Preferably, the image forming apparatus body includes a latching receiver,The optional unit isIt has a latching part which is provided in the tip side to the rotation fulcrum of the rotation unit part from the connector, and latches with the latching receiver. The connector is electrically connected to a connector receiver provided in the image forming apparatus main body on condition that the engaging portion is engaged with a locking receiver provided in the image forming apparatus main body. It is preferable to make it. Thereby, a connection with a connector and a connector receptacle can be ensured.
[0014]
The optional unit is preferably a duplex unit. However, the option unit in the present invention is not limited to the duplex unit, and may be a post-processing unit or other units.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 12. An image forming unit 14 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 12. For example, two-stage sheet feeding units 18 a and 18 b are disposed below the image forming apparatus main body 12. Further, under the image forming apparatus main body 12, two stages of paper feed units 18c and 18d that are detachably mounted are arranged.
[0019]
Each of the paper feeding units 18a to 18d has a paper feeding unit main body 20 and a paper feeding cassette 22 in which sheets are stored. The paper feed cassette 22 is slidably attached to the paper feed unit main body 20, and is pulled out in the front direction (right direction in FIG. 3). In addition, a nudger roll 24 is disposed in the upper portion near the back end of the paper feed cassette 22, and a retard roll 26 and a feed roll 28 are disposed in front of the nudger roll 24. Further, the optional paper feed units 18c and 18d are provided with a pair of feed rolls 30 respectively.
[0020]
The main sheet conveyance path 32 is a sheet path from the nudger roll 24 to the discharge port 34 of the lowermost sheet feeding unit 18d. This main sheet conveyance path 32 is the back surface of the image forming apparatus main body 12 (the left side in FIG. 1). Surface) and a portion formed substantially vertically from the feed roll 30 of the lowermost paper feed unit 18d to the fixing device 36 described later. A transfer device 42 and an image carrier 44 described later are disposed on the upstream side of the fixing device 36 in the main sheet conveyance path 32, and a registration roll 38 is disposed on the upstream side of the transfer device 42 and the image carrier 44. Further, a discharge roll 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge port 34 of the conveyance path 32.
[0021]
Therefore, the sheet fed from the sheet feeding cassette 22 of the sheet feeding unit 18 a to 18 d by the nudger roll 24 is rolled by the retard roll 26 and the feed roll 28 and guided to the conveyance path 32, and is temporarily stopped by the registration roll 38. The developer image is transferred between a transfer device 42 and an image carrier 44, which will be described later, at timing, and the transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 36, and is discharged from the discharge port 34 by the discharge roll 40. It is discharged to the discharge unit 16.
[0022]
The discharge unit 16 includes an inclined portion 46 that is rotatable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. The inclined portion 46 is inclined so that the discharge port portion is low and gradually increases toward the front direction (the right direction in FIG. 1). The inclined portion 46 is supported by the image forming apparatus main body 12 so as to be rotatable around the lower end. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, when the inclined portion 46 is rotated upward to be opened, an opening portion 48 is formed, and a process cartridge 60 to be described later can be attached / detached through the opening portion 48. .
[0023]
The image forming unit 14 is of, for example, an electrophotographic system, and is charged by the image carrier 44 made of a photosensitive member, a charging device 50 made of, for example, a charging roll that uniformly charges the image carrier 44, and the charging device 50. An optical writing device 52 for writing a latent image on the image carrier 44 with light, a developing device 54 for visualizing the latent image of the image carrier 44 formed by the optical writing device 52 with toner, and the developing device 54 A transfer device 42 composed of, for example, a transfer roll for transferring a toner image onto a sheet, a cleaning device 56 composed of, for example, a blade for cleaning toner remaining on the image carrier 44, and a toner image on a sheet transferred by the transfer device 42 And a fixing device 36 for fixing the sheet. The optical writing device 52 includes, for example, a scanning type laser exposure device, and is arranged in the vicinity of the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body 12 in parallel with the above-described paper feeding units 18a to 18d. The developing device 54 includes a developing roll 58 that conveys toner to the image carrier 44.
[0024]
The process cartridge 60 is obtained by integrating the image carrier 44, the charging device 50, the developing device 54, and the cleaning device 56. The process cartridge 60 is disposed immediately below the inclined portion 46 of the discharge portion 16 and is attached and detached through the opening portion 48 formed when the inclined portion 46 is opened as described above. A shielding plate 62 is provided between the process cartridge 60 and the fixing device 36 so as to block radiant heat from the fixing device 36 to the process cartridge 60.
[0025]
The first blower fan 64 is for intake, and is disposed obliquely above the optical writing device 52 described above. The second blower fan 66 is for exhaust, and is disposed on the back side of the image forming apparatus main body 12 and in the vicinity of an option unit 80 described later. An intake duct 68 is provided on the upstream side of the first blower fan 64 so as to take in air from an intake hole (not shown) formed in the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 12. A power supply device 70 that supplies power to each part of the image forming apparatus is disposed in the vicinity of the air intake hole, and the power supply device 70 and the optical writing device 52 are cooled by the air sucked from the air intake hole. . An air guide 72 is provided on the downstream side of the first blower fan 64, and the air guide 72 directs air toward the inner surface of the inclined portion 46. A large number of air guide ribs 74 are formed on the inner surface of the inclined portion 46 so as to guide air between the inclined portion 46 and the process cartridge 60. Further, the shield plate 62 is provided with a vent hole 76 and a lattice-shaped sheet guide 78 provided between the transfer device 42 and the fixing device 36. The air is sucked into the second blower fan 66 through the sheet guide 78 and is exhausted from the exhaust hole 82 formed in the option unit 80. Further, the discharge port 34 described above also serves as a vent hole, and air sucked from the discharge port 34 cools the peripheral portion of the fixing device 36.
[0026]
The option unit 80 is, for example, a double-sided unit, and is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12 and is detachably mounted as will be described later. The option unit 80 has a reversing sheet conveyance path 84 formed therein. The reversal sheet conveyance path 84 is provided with, for example, three conveyance rolls 86a to 86c. The reversing sheet conveyance path 84 is connected at one end to a reversing sheet carry-out port 88 formed on the fixing device 36 above the image forming apparatus main body 12 and at the other end below the registration roll 38 of the image forming apparatus main body 12. Are connected to the reversing sheet carry-in port 90 formed in the above. The reversing sheet carry-out port 88 is connected to a bifurcated portion formed between the fixing device 36 and the discharge roll 40, and a switch 92 is provided at the bifurcated portion. The reversing sheet carry-in port 90 is connected to the downstream side of the registration roll 38. The discharge roll 40 described above is rotated forward and backward. When a double-sided image is formed on a sheet, the discharge roll 40 is reversed before the sheet is discharged from the discharge roll 40, and the switch 92 is reversed. The sheet carrying outlet 88 side is opened, the sheet is guided to the reversing sheet conveying path 84 of the option unit 80, and is reversed to the registration roll 38 via the reversing sheet carrying inlet 90 by the rotation of the conveying rolls 94a to 94c. Led in state. Then, similarly to the image formation on the front side, the reversed sheet is temporarily stopped by the resist roll 38, and the developer image is transferred between the transfer device 42 and the image carrier 44 at a timing, The transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 36 to form an image on the back side, and the switch 92 opens the discharge port 34 side, and is discharged from the discharge port 34 to the discharge unit 16 by the discharge roll 40. It is.
[0027]
FIGS. 2 to 6 show states at each stage until the option unit 80 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 12. FIG. 7 is a front view of the image forming apparatus main body 12 on the option unit mounting side.
[0028]
The option unit 80 has two hinge portions 96a and 96b protruding from the lower end of the option unit 80. The image forming apparatus main body 12 is formed with two hinge receivers 98a and 98b corresponding to the hinge portions 96a and 96b. The hinge portions 96a and 96b are attached to and detached from the hinge receivers 98a and 98b, and are supported rotatably. In order to attach the option unit 80 to the image forming apparatus main body 12, the hinge portions 96 a and 96 b of the option unit 80 are engaged with the hinge receivers 98 a and 98 b of the image forming apparatus main body 12. Thereby, a part of the weight of the option unit 80 can be received by the hinge receivers 98a and 98b via the hinge portions 96a and 96b.
[0029]
In addition, the connector 100 is provided in the option unit 80 so as to protrude in the vicinity of one end of the option unit 80 slightly before the tip of the option unit 80. On the other hand, a connector receiver 102 is provided in the vicinity of the end of the image forming apparatus main body 12, and the connector 100 is fitted to the connector receiver 102 so as to be electrically connected. In this embodiment, the elongated connector 100 and the connector receiver 102 are vertically oriented with respect to the mounting direction. However, the connector 100 and the connector receiver 102 are laterally oriented, It is preferable to reduce the connection position error with the rear end and smoothly connect the connector 100.
[0030]
Further, in the option unit 80, positioning portions 104a and 104b are formed so as to protrude in the vicinity of both ends of the option unit 80 between the hinge portions 96a and 96b and the connector 100. The positioning portions 104a and 104b are arranged so that the distances from the hinge portions 96a and 96b are different from each other.
That is, one positioning portion 104a is provided near the lower portion of the connector 100, and the other positioning portion 104b is provided near the upper portion of the hinge portion 96b. On the other hand, positioning receivers 106 a and 106 b are formed in the image forming apparatus main body 12 at different positions in the vertical direction at the end of the image forming apparatus main body 12. When the option unit 80 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12, the other positioning portion 104b is first fitted into the positioning receptacle 106b, and then the one positioning portion 104a is fitted into the positioning receptacle 106a. Since the connector 100 is fitted to the connector receiver 102, the position of the connector 100 is determined in stages, smooth fitting is achieved, and damage to the connector 100 can be prevented. When the option unit 80 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 12, the connector 100, the one positioning portion 104a, and the other positioning portion 104b are unfitted in the order, so that the fitting can be smoothly released. Can be realized.
[0031]
Further, the option unit 80 is provided with engaging portions 108 a and 108 b that protrude in the vicinity of the upper end of the option unit 80. The engaging portions 108 a and 108 b are connected to each other and can be moved in the vertical direction by the action portion 110 provided on the side surface of the option unit 80. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus main body 12, engagement receivers 112a and 112b are formed near both ends, and the engaging portions 108a and 180b engage with the engagement receivers 112a and 112b. If the engagement between the engagement portions 108a and 108b and the engagement receivers 112a and 112b is not completely completed, the connector 100 and the connector receiver 102 are not electrically connected. Thus, the connection with 102 can be reliably performed.
[0032]
The option unit 80 is divided into a fixed unit portion 114 and a rotation unit portion 116, and the rotation unit portion 116 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the fixed unit portion 114. The reversing sheet conveyance path described above is configured between the fixed unit 114 and the rotation unit 116. When the option unit 80 is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12, the fixed unit portion 114 and the rotation unit portion 116 can be integrally attached and detached, but the option unit 80 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12. In this state, the fixed unit portion 114 is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 12, and the rotating unit portion 114 can be freely opened. In addition to the above-described hinge portions 96a and 96b and positioning portions 104a and 104b, the fixed unit portion 114 is provided with fixed portions 118a and 118b made of, for example, screws. On the other hand, fixing receivers 120a and 120b are formed in the image forming apparatus main body 12. When the option unit 80 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12, the fixing portions 118a and 120b are temporarily fixed by the engaging portions 108a and 108b. The fixing unit 114 is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 12 by screwing the 118b to the fixing receivers 120a and 120b. Accordingly, the fixing unit 114 can be fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 12 in a state where the option unit 80 is temporarily fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 12 by the engaging portions 108a and 108b, so that the fixing operation can be easily performed. it can.
The connector 100 and the engaging portions 108a and 108b described above are provided in the rotating unit portion 116.
[0033]
In the image forming apparatus main body 12, a cover portion 122 is rotatably provided inside the rotation unit portion 116 of the option unit 80. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover portion 122 is configured to be openable by opening the rotating unit portion 116 of the option unit 80, and removes a sheet jammed in the vicinity of the fixing device described above. I can do it.
The image forming apparatus main body 12 is formed with the above-described reverse sheet carry-out port 88 and the reverse sheet carry-in port 90, and is further formed with a protruding fan housing portion 124 for receiving the above-described second blower fan. Yes.
[0034]
Next, a method for attaching the option unit 80 to the image forming apparatus main body 12 will be described.
First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hinge portions 96 a and 96 b of the option unit 80 are hooked on the hinge receivers 98 a and 98 b of the image forming apparatus main body 12. Thereby, the weight of the option unit 80 is received by the hinge receivers 98a and 98b. Next, the hinges 96a and 96b are gradually rotated around the fulcrum. As a result, the other positioning portion 104b is first fitted into the positioning receiver 106b, and then the one positioning portion 104a is fitted into the positioning receiver 106a for positioning. Next, the connector 100 tries to fit into the connector receiver 102, but the engaging portions 108a and 108b engage with the engagement receivers 112a and 112b almost simultaneously with the complete fitting. Thereby, the connector 100 and the connector receiver 102 are electrically coupled. Thereafter, the fixing portions 118a and 118b are screwed to the fixing receivers 120a and 120b, and the mounting operation is completed as shown in FIG.
[0035]
When the sheet is jammed in the reversing sheet conveyance path, as shown in FIG. 5, the jammed sheet can be removed by rotating and opening the rotation unit 116. Further, when the sheet is jammed in the vicinity of the fixing device described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the sheet is jammed by opening the cover unit 122 of the image forming apparatus main body 12 with the rotating unit 116 opened. The sheet can be removed.
[0036]
Further details of the option unit 80 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0037]
The rotating unit 116 includes an outer main body 126, a left cover 128, a right cover 130, an upper cover 132, and an inner main body 134. A left cover 128, a right cover 130, and an upper cover 132 are externally mounted on the outer body 126, and an inner body 134 is fixed to the inner upper portion of the outer body 126.
[0038]
As best shown in FIG. 10, the engaging portions 108 a and 108 b described above are rotatably supported on the outer body 126 via a connecting shaft 136. Further, the aforementioned action part 110 is connected to one engagement part 108b. Further, the engaging portions 108 a and 108 b are biased upward by the elastic member 138 and are in contact with the stopper 139. The aforementioned action part 110 faces the right cover 130, and when the action part 110 is pressed upward with a finger, the engaging parts 108a and 108b rotate against the elastic member 138, and the aforementioned image forming apparatus. The main body 12 is disengaged from the engagement receivers 112a and 112b.
[0039]
As best shown in FIG. 9, the option unit 80 includes the sheet inlet 140 connected to the sheet carry-out port 88 of the image forming apparatus main body 12 and the sheet connected to the sheet carry-in port 90 of the image forming apparatus main body 12. And an outlet 142. The sheet inlet 140 is constituted by an outer main body 126 and an inner main body 134 of the rotation unit portion 116 at the upper part of the option unit 80. The sheet outlet 142 includes an outer main body 126 and a fixed unit portion 114.
[0040]
The fixed unit portion 114 is housed so as to be fitted into the lower portion of the outer main body 126 of the rotating unit portion 116. The fixed unit portion 114 is formed with a concave portion 144 that receives the fan housing portion 124 of the image forming apparatus main body 12 described above at substantially the center. A large number of first windows 146 are formed in the recesses 144 for communicating the ventilation holes formed in the fan housing portion 124 of the image forming apparatus main body 12 and the exhaust holes 82 formed in the outer body 126. Yes. In addition, a plurality of similar second window portions 148 are formed in the inner main body 134.
[0041]
Further, rotation support portions 150a and 150b for rotatably supporting the rotation unit portion 116 are provided in the vicinity of the hinge portions 96a and 96b of the fixed unit portion 114. As shown in FIG. 16, the rotation support portions 150 a and 150 b are provided in the left and right covers 128 and 130 and have support pins 152 that are screwed to the fixed unit portion 114. This support pin 152 is loosely fitted in a through hole 154 formed in the outer main body 126 of the rotation unit portion 116, and supports the rotation unit portion 116 on the fixed unit portion 114 in a freely rotatable manner.
[0042]
A large number of outer ribs 154 are formed inside the outer body 126 in parallel with the sheet conveying direction. Further, a first inner rib 156 and a second inner rib 158 are formed outside the fixed unit portion 114 and the inner body 134, and the outer rib 154 and the first and second inner ribs 156 and 158 are formed. A reversing sheet conveyance path is configured. The above-described transport rollers 94a to 94c are rotatably supported by the outer body 126 so that the outer ribs 154 slightly protrude. Corresponding to the transport rolls 94a to 94c, pinch rolls 160a to 160c are rotatably provided on the fixed unit portion 114 and the inner body 134.
[0043]
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the outer body 126 is provided with a motor 162, a wiring board 164, and a sheet detector 166. The motor 162 is housed in, for example, the left cover 128 and is connected to the transport rolls 94a to 94c via the gear train 168 so as to be driven by the transport rolls 94a to 94c. The wiring board 164 and the sheet detector 166 are accommodated in the upper cover 132, for example. The sheet detector 166 includes, for example, an actuator protruding into the reversing sheet conveyance path and a photo interrupter that detects the movement of the actuator, and detects a sheet passing through the reversing sheet conveyance path. The motor 162, the wiring board 164, and the sheet detector 166 are electrically connected to the connector 100 described above.
[0044]
In the above embodiment, the case where the option unit is a duplex unit has been described. However, the option unit includes a post-processing unit and other units.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention,It is possible to provide an option unit with improved workability at the time of attachment and removal, and an image forming apparatus having the option unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and showing a state before an option unit is attached.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention, and showing a state in which the hinge portion of the option unit is engaged with the hinge receiver of the image forming apparatus main body.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a state in which an option unit is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention, and showing a state in which the rotation unit is opened after the option unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention, and showing a state in which the rotation unit and the cover are opened after the option unit is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a front view of an image forming apparatus main body used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing the periphery of the locking portion of the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a fixed unit portion used in the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fixed unit portion used in the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the inner body used in the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the outer body used in the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the outer body used in the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the rotation support portion in the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image forming apparatus
12 Image forming device body
14 Image forming means
80 Option unit
96a, 96b Hinge part
98a, 98b Hinge receiver
100 connector
102 Connector receptacle
104a, 104b Positioning part
106a, 106b Positioning receiver
108a, 108b engaging portion
112a, 112b engagement receiver
114 Fixed unit
116 Rotating unit
118a, 118b fixing part
120a, 120b fixed receiver
122 Cover part
126 outer body
134 Inside body
162 motor

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus main body comprising: a hinge receiver; and a connector receiver disposed above the hinge receiver;
An optional unit that is attached to and removable from the image forming apparatus body; and
Have
The optional unit is
A fixed unit,
A rotation unit provided rotatably with respect to the fixed unit;
Have
The fixed unit portion is
A hinge part that is attached to and detached from the hinge receiver and that supports the fixed unit part and the turning unit part so as to be integrally rotatable while applying at least part of the weight;
The connector receiver is disposed on the distal end side of the fixed unit portion with respect to the rotation fulcrum of the fixed unit portion from the hinge portion, and when the fixed unit portion is rotated and attached to the image forming apparatus main body. A connector for electrical connection with
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus main body includes a positioning receiver,
The optional unit is provided between the connector and the hinge portion, the image forming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a positioning portion for positioning with respect to combined the image forming apparatus main body fitted to receive the positioning. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the positioning portions are provided, and distances from the hinge portions are different from each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector has a long shape, and a longitudinal direction of the connector is parallel to a rotation axis direction of the fixed unit portion. The image forming apparatus main body includes a locking receiver,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the option unit is provided on a distal end side with respect to a rotation fulcrum of the rotation unit portion with respect to the connector , and has an engagement portion that engages with the engagement receiver. Equipment . The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the connector is electrically connected to the connector receiver on condition that the locking portion is locked to the locking receiver.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optional unit is a duplex unit.

Images