JP4816064B2

JP4816064B2 - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP4816064B2
Application number: JP2005370630A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 弘晃仁枝
Original assignee: Fuji Xerox Co Ltd; Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
Current assignee: Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
Priority date: 2005-12-22
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2011-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-22
Also published as: JP2007171671A

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a configuration for moving a member in conjunction with the opening/closing of an opening/closing member while downsizing an image forming apparatus. SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is equipped with: an engaging member (51) provided in the opening/closing member (U3) to be opened and closed with a rotational center (U3a) as a center; and link mechanism (12+36 to 43) having a part (43) to be engaged that the engaging member (51) can engage, is coupled to a driving transmission/release member (31) to move the driving transmission/release member (31) between a driving transmission position and a transmission release position, moves the driving transmission/release member (31) from the driving transmission position to the transmission release position while engaging the engaged member (43) with the engaging member (51) as the opening/closing member (U3) is opened, and moves and disengages the engagement member (43) from the engaging member (51) when the driving transmission/release member (31) is moved to the transmission release position. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、プリンタ、ＦＡＸ、複写機あるいはこれら全てまたは複数の機能を備えた複合機等の画像形成装置に関し、特に、回転中心を中心として開閉可能な開閉部材を備えた画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a FAX, a copying machine, or a multifunction peripheral having all or a plurality of functions, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus including an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed around a rotation center.

一般的なプリンタ、ＦＡＸ、複写機等の画像形成装置では、トナーやインク等の消耗材を補給するカートリッジや経年劣化や故障等により交換される回転ドラム等の画像形成装置内部に配置される部材を交換するために、画像形成装置を開放する開閉部材（開閉カバー）が設けられている。前記回転ドラムのような駆動力が伝達され且つ交換可能な部材は、開閉カバーが閉塞された通常時には、駆動力が伝達される状態に保持され、開閉カバーが開放されたメンテナンス時には、回転部材の交換を容易にするためやメンテナンス中の駆動による事故防止のために駆動力が伝達されない状態に保持することが望ましい。 In general image forming apparatuses such as printers, fax machines, and copiers, members that are disposed inside the image forming apparatus, such as cartridges that replenish consumables such as toner and ink, and rotating drums that are replaced due to aging or failure. In order to replace the image forming apparatus, an opening / closing member (opening / closing cover) for opening the image forming apparatus is provided. The exchangeable member such as the rotating drum that is transmitted with the driving force and is exchangeable is normally held in a state where the driving force is transmitted when the opening / closing cover is closed, and the maintenance member with the opening / closing cover being opened is maintained. In order to facilitate replacement or to prevent accidents caused by driving during maintenance, it is desirable to maintain a state in which driving force is not transmitted.

開閉カバーの開閉に連動して、回転部材への駆動力の伝達が解除される部材として、下記の従来技術（Ｊ01），（Ｊ02）が従来公知である。
（Ｊ01）特許文献１（特開平１０−１０４９９６号公報）記載の技術
特許文献１には、開閉カバー（１４）に円弧状の解除部材（２２）を取り付け、円弧状の解除部材（２２）の先端部にカップリング凹軸（１７）の大ギア（２１）に係合するカム部（２２ａ）を形成しておき、前記開閉カバー（１４）の開放に連動してカム部（２２ａ）が大ギア（２１）を押圧し、カップリング凹軸（１７）を引っ込めることにより、感光体ドラム（７）のカップリング凸軸（１８ａ１）とカップリング凹軸（１７）との係合を解除する開閉機構が記載されている。 The following prior arts (J01) and (J02) are conventionally known as members for releasing transmission of driving force to the rotating member in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening / closing cover.
(J01) Technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-104996) In Patent Document 1, an arc-shaped release member (22) is attached to an opening / closing cover (14), and the arc-shaped release member (22) A cam portion (22a) that engages with the large gear (21) of the coupling concave shaft (17) is formed at the tip, and the cam portion (22a) is large in conjunction with the opening of the opening / closing cover (14). Opening and closing to release the engagement between the coupling convex shaft (18a1) of the photosensitive drum (7) and the coupling concave shaft (17) by pressing the gear (21) and retracting the coupling concave shaft (17). The mechanism is described.

（Ｊ02）特許文献２（特開平１０−０２０７４２号公報（特許第３３３７９１５号明細書））記載の技術
特許文献２には、感光体ドラム（７）のカップリング凸軸（３７ａ）に噛合って駆動力を伝達するカップリング凹軸（３９ａ）をカップリング凸軸（３７ａ）に嵌合、離脱させるために、支点（３５ａ）を中心に回転する開閉カバー（３５）の支点（３５ａ）近傍にリンク（６５）の一端を連結し、カップリング凹軸（３９ａ）を軸方向に移動させる外カム（６３）にリンク（６５）の他端を連結することにより、開閉カバー（３５）の開閉に応じて、カップリング凹軸（３９ａ）を離脱、嵌合させる技術が記載されている。 (J02) Technology described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-020742 (Patent No. 3337915)) Patent Document 2 describes that the coupling convex shaft (37a) of the photosensitive drum (7) is engaged. In order to engage and disengage the coupling concave shaft (39a) for transmitting the driving force to and from the coupling convex shaft (37a), it is in the vicinity of the fulcrum (35a) of the opening / closing cover (35) rotating around the fulcrum (35a). One end of the link (65) is connected, and the other end of the link (65) is connected to an outer cam (63) that moves the coupling concave shaft (39a) in the axial direction, thereby opening and closing the opening / closing cover (35). Accordingly, a technique for detaching and fitting the coupling concave shaft (39a) is described.

特開平１０−１０４９９６号公報（「００５４」、図８、図９）Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-104996 ("0054", FIGS. 8 and 9) 特開平１０−０２０７４２号公報（「０１４０」〜「０１４５」、図２７〜図２９）JP-A-10-020742 ("0140" to "0145", FIGS. 27 to 29)

（従来技術の問題点）
前記従来技術（Ｊ01）では、特許文献１の図面に示されているように、開閉カバーに連結された円弧状の解除部材が非常に大きくなるため、解除部材を収容するスペースが必要となり、画像形成装置の小型化が困難であるという問題がある。また、開閉カバー開放時に解除部材が開放部に配置されるため、メンテナンス作業の邪魔になると共に、見栄えが悪くなるという問題もある。
前記従来技術（Ｊ02）では、開閉カバーの支点（回転中心）と、回転させたい外カムとの位置が非常に近いため、開閉カバーの支点近傍と外カムとをリンクで連結することができる。しかし、実際の画像形成装置において、常に、カバーの開閉に連動させて回転させたい部材と開閉カバーの回転中心との距離が接近するように設計することは困難であり、設計の自由度が著しく低下してしまう問題がある。
前記従来技術（Ｊ02）のようにリンクで連結する場合、回転させたい部材と、カバーの回転中心との距離が離れると、前記従来技術（Ｊ01）のようにリンクの長さが長くなってしまい、リンクを収容するためのスペースが必要となり、装置が大型化してしまう問題がある。また、リンクを収容するスペースを確保することと、画像形成装置の他の部材との関係により、設計の自由度が低下するという問題も発生してしまう。 (Problems of conventional technology)
In the prior art (J01), as shown in the drawing of Patent Document 1, the arc-shaped release member connected to the opening / closing cover becomes very large, so a space for accommodating the release member is required, and the image There is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size of the forming apparatus. Further, since the release member is disposed in the opening portion when the opening / closing cover is opened, there is a problem that the maintenance work is disturbed and the appearance is deteriorated.
In the prior art (J02), since the position of the fulcrum (rotation center) of the open / close cover and the outer cam to be rotated is very close, the vicinity of the fulcrum of the open / close cover and the outer cam can be connected by a link. However, in an actual image forming apparatus, it is difficult to always design the distance between the member to be rotated in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover and the rotation center of the opening and closing cover to approach each other, and the degree of freedom in design is extremely high. There is a problem that decreases.
When connecting with a link as in the prior art (J02), if the distance between the member to be rotated and the center of rotation of the cover is increased, the length of the link becomes longer as in the prior art (J01). There is a problem that a space for accommodating the link is required, and the apparatus becomes large. In addition, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in design is reduced due to the relationship between securing a space for accommodating the link and other members of the image forming apparatus.

本発明は、前述の事情に鑑み、次の記載内容（Ｏ01），（Ｏ02）を技術的課題とする。
（Ｏ01）画像形成装置を小型化しつつ、開閉部材の開閉に連動して部材を移動させる構成を提供すること。
（Ｏ02）開閉部材の開閉に連動して部材を移動させる構成を有しつつ設計の自由度を高めること。 In view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention has the following description contents (O01) and (O02) as technical problems.
(O01) To provide a configuration in which a member is moved in conjunction with opening / closing of an opening / closing member while downsizing an image forming apparatus.
(O02) To increase the degree of freedom in design while having a configuration for moving the member in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing member.

（本発明）
次に、前記課題を解決した本発明を説明するが、本発明の要素には、後述の実施の形態の具体例（実施例）の要素との対応を容易にするため、実施例の要素の符号をカッコで囲んだものを付記する。また、本発明を後述の実施例の符号と対応させて説明する理由は、本発明の理解を容易にするためであり、本発明の範囲を実施例に限定するためではない。 (Invention)
Next, the present invention that has solved the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate the correspondence between the elements of the present invention and elements of specific examples (examples) of the embodiments described later, Add the code enclosed in parentheses. The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

（第１発明）
前記技術的課題を解決するために、第１発明の画像形成装置（Ｕ）は、
回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）を中心として開閉される開閉部材（Ｕ３）と、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）に設けられた係合部材（５１）と、
回転駆動する駆動軸（４）と回転部材（ＰＲ）の従動軸（ＰＲａ）とを連結して駆動力が伝達される駆動伝達位置と、前記駆動軸（４）と前記従動軸（ＰＲａ）との連結を解除して駆動力の伝達を解除する伝達解除位置と、の間を移動可能な駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）と、
前記係合部材（５１）が係合可能な被係合部（４３）と、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）に連結された連結部（３６ｂ）とを有し、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置と前記伝達解除位置との間で移動させると共に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作時に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作に伴って前記被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）に係合させた状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置から前記伝達解除位置に移動させ且つ、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に前記被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）から離隔させて係合を解除させるリンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）と、
を備え、
前記リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）は、前記被係合部（４３）と前記連結部（３６ｂ）とを有する連結部材（３６〜４３）と、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）をガイドするガイド部材（１２）と、を有し、
前記連結部材（３６〜４３）は、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置と前記伝達解除位置との間で移動させ、
前記ガイド部材（１２）は、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合における前記連結部材（３６〜４３）の被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）に対応する位置に配置され且つ前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に凹んだ形状の係合解除部（２１ｄ）と、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記駆動伝達位置に移動した場合における前記連結部材（３６〜４３）の被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）に対応する位置に配置され且つ前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に膨らんだ形状の閉鎖時係合解除部（２１ｅ）と、を有し、
前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に前記被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）を前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）側に付勢する付勢部材（４２）が設けられ、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）の軸方向に対して直交する面内において、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が閉鎖された位置から開放された位置に向けて移動を開始する場合に、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）が最初にガイドされる方向を第１の方向とし、前記第１の方向に交差する方向を第２の方向とした場合に、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が閉鎖された状態において、前記係合部材（５１）は、前記第１の方向に対して、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）よりも遠い側に配置され、
前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）は、前記駆動伝達位置に対して、前記第１の方向で前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）よりも近い側且つ前記第２の方向で前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）寄りに前記伝達解除位置が配置され、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作時に前記係合部材（５１）が移動する方向が、前記第２の方向に対して前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）から離脱する方向に設定され且つ、前記駆動伝達位置から前記伝達解除位置に移動する方向が前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）に向かう方向に設定されており、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作時に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作に伴って前記被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）に接触させて係合させた状態で、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）が前記ガイド部材（１２）にガイドされて、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置から前記伝達解除位置に移動され、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に、前記付勢部材（４２）により前記被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）が前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に移動して前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）側に移動し、前記被係合部（４３）が前記係合部材（５１）から離隔して係合が解除されると共に、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の閉鎖動作に伴い前記被係合部（４３）に前記係合部材（５１）が接触して係合し、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記駆動伝達位置に移動完了時に前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）を閉鎖方向に更に移動させた場合に、前記被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）が前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に移動して前記閉鎖時係合解除部（２１ｅ）側に移動し、前記被係合部（４３）と前記係合部材（５１）との係合が解除される
ことを特徴とする。 (First invention)
In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus (U) of the first invention is:
An opening and closing member (U3) that is opened and closed around the rotation center (U3a);
An engagement member (51) provided on the opening / closing member (U3);
A drive transmission position where the driving force is transmitted by connecting the drive shaft (4) that rotates and the driven shaft (PRa) of the rotating member (PR), the drive shaft (4), and the driven shaft (PRa) A drive transmission / release member (31) movable between the transmission release position for releasing the connection of the drive force and releasing the transmission of the driving force;
The drive transmission / release member includes an engaged portion (43) to which the engagement member (51) can be engaged, and a connecting portion (36b) connected to the drive transmission / release member (31). (31) is moved between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position, and when the opening / closing member (U3) is opened, the engaged portion (U3) is opened along with the opening / closing member (U3). 43), the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position, and the drive transmission / release member (31) is engaged with the engagement member (51). ) Is moved to the transmission release position, the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) for releasing the engagement by separating the engaged portion (43) from the engagement member (51),
Equipped with a,
The link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) includes a connecting member (36 to 43) having the engaged portion (43) and the connecting portion (36b), and a guide member for guiding the connecting member (36 to 43). (12)
The connecting members (36 to 43) move the drive transmission / release member (31) between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position,
The guide member (12) is disposed at a position corresponding to the guided portion (36c, 36f) of the coupling member (36-43) when the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the transmission release position. And the engagement release portion (21d) having a shape recessed toward the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) and the drive transmission / release member (31) when moved to the drive transmission position. Closure engagement release portion (in the closed state) which is disposed at a position corresponding to the guided portion (36c, 36f) of the connecting member (36-43) and bulges toward the rotation center (U3a) side of the opening / closing member (U3). 21e)
There is provided a biasing member (42) for biasing the guided portions (36c, 36f) toward the engagement release portion (21d) when the drive transmission / release member (31) moves to the transmission release position. And
In the case where the opening / closing member (U3) starts to move from the closed position to the opened position in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3), When the direction in which the connecting members (36 to 43) are initially guided is the first direction, and the direction intersecting the first direction is the second direction,
In a state where the opening / closing member (U3) is closed, the engagement member (51) is disposed on a side farther from the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) with respect to the first direction. ,
The drive transmission / release member (31) opens and closes in the first direction with respect to the drive transmission position, closer to the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) and in the second direction. The transmission release position is arranged closer to the rotation center (U3a) of the member (U3),
The direction in which the engagement member (51) moves during the opening operation of the opening / closing member (U3) is set to a direction away from the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) with respect to the second direction. And the direction of movement from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position is set to a direction toward the rotation center (U3a),
During the opening operation of the opening and closing member (U3), the engaged portion (43) is brought into contact with and engaged with the engaging member (51) along with the opening operation of the opening and closing member (U3). The connecting members (36 to 43) are guided by the guide member (12), and the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position, and the drive transmission / release member ( 31) moves to the transmission release position, the guided member (36c, 36f) is moved to the rotation center (U3a) side of the opening / closing member (U3) by the biasing member (42). The engagement portion (43d) moves away from the engagement member (51) and is disengaged.
When the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the transmission release position in a state where the opening / closing member (U3) is opened, the engaged portion (U3) is closed along with the closing operation of the opening / closing member (U3). 43) is engaged with the engaging member (51), and when the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the drive transmission position, the opening / closing member (U3) is further moved in the closing direction. In this case, the guided portions (36c, 36f) move to the rotation center (U3a) side of the opening / closing member (U3) and move to the engagement release portion (21e) side when closed, and the engaged portions (43) is disengaged from the engaging member (51).
It is characterized by that.

（第１発明の作用）
前記構成要件を備えた第１発明の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）を中心として開閉される開閉部材（Ｕ３）には、係合部材（５１）が設けられている。駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）は、回転駆動する駆動軸（４）と回転部材（ＰＲ）の従動軸（ＰＲａ）とを連結して駆動力が伝達される駆動伝達位置と、前記駆動軸（４）と前記従動軸（ＰＲａ）との連結を解除して駆動力の伝達を解除する伝達解除位置と、の間を移動する。リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）は、前記係合部材（５１）が係合可能な被係合部（４３）と、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）に連結された連結部（３６ｂ）とを有し、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）に連結されて前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置と前記伝達解除位置との間で移動させる。また、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）は、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作時に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作に伴って前記被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）に係合させた状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置から前記伝達解除位置に移動させる。さらに、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）は、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に前記被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）から離隔させて係合を解除させる。
前記リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）は、前記被係合部（４３）と前記連結部（３６ｂ）とを有する連結部材（３６〜４３）と、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）をガイドするガイド部材（１２）と、を有する。
前記連結部材（３６〜４３）は、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置と前記伝達解除位置との間で移動させる。
前記ガイド部材（１２）は、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合における前記連結部材（３６〜４３）の被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）に対応する位置に配置され且つ前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に凹んだ形状の係合解除部（２１ｄ）と、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記駆動伝達位置に移動した場合における前記連結部材（３６〜４３）の被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）に対応する位置に配置され且つ前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に膨らんだ形状の閉鎖時係合解除部（２１ｅ）と、を有する。
前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に前記被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）を前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）側に付勢する付勢部材（４２）が設けられている。
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）の軸方向に対して直交する面内において、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が閉鎖された位置から開放された位置に向けて移動を開始する場合に、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）が最初にガイドされる方向を第１の方向とし、前記第１の方向に交差する方向を第２の方向とした場合に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が閉鎖された状態において、前記係合部材（５１）は、前記第１の方向に対して、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）よりも遠い側に配置されている。
前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）は、前記駆動伝達位置に対して、前記第１の方向で前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）よりも近い側且つ前記第２の方向で前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）寄りに前記伝達解除位置が配置されている。
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作時に前記係合部材（５１）が移動する方向が、前記第２の方向に対して前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）から離脱する方向に設定され且つ、前記駆動伝達位置から前記伝達解除位置に移動する方向が前記回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）に向かう方向に設定されている。
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作時に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作に伴って前記被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）に接触させて係合させた状態で、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）が前記ガイド部材（１２）にガイドされて、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置から前記伝達解除位置に移動され、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に、前記付勢部材（４２）により前記被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）が前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に移動して前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）側に移動し、前記被係合部（４３）が前記係合部材（５１）から離隔して係合が解除される。
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の閉鎖動作に伴い前記被係合部（４３）に前記係合部材（５１）が接触して係合し、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記駆動伝達位置に移動完了時に前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）を閉鎖方向に更に移動させた場合に、前記被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）が前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）側に移動して前記閉鎖時係合解除部（２１ｅ）側に移動し、前記被係合部（４３）と前記係合部材（５１）との係合が解除される。 (Operation of the first invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, an engaging member (51) is provided on the opening / closing member (U3) that is opened and closed about the rotation center (U3a). The drive transmission / release member (31) connects the drive shaft (4) to be rotated and the driven shaft (PRa) of the rotation member (PR) to transmit a drive force, and the drive shaft ( 4) and the driven shaft (PRa) are released from the connection and the transmission release position for releasing the transmission of the driving force is released. The link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) includes an engaged portion (43) to which the engaging member (51) can be engaged, and a connecting portion (36b) connected to the drive transmission / release member (31). And connected to the drive transmission / release member (31) to move the drive transmission / release member (31) between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position. Further, the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) moves the engaged portion (43) to the engagement member (51) along with the opening operation of the opening / closing member (U3) during the opening operation of the opening / closing member (U3). In the engaged state, the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position. Further, the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) separates the engaged portion (43) from the engagement member (51) when the drive transmission / release member (31) moves to the transmission release position. Release the engagement.
The link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) includes a connecting member (36 to 43) having the engaged portion (43) and the connecting portion (36b), and a guide member for guiding the connecting member (36 to 43). (12)
The connecting members (36 to 43) move the drive transmission / release member (31) between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position.
The guide member (12) is disposed at a position corresponding to the guided portion (36c, 36f) of the coupling member (36-43) when the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the transmission release position. And the engagement release portion (21d) having a shape recessed toward the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) and the drive transmission / release member (31) when moved to the drive transmission position. Closure engagement release portion (in the closed state) which is disposed at a position corresponding to the guided portion (36c, 36f) of the connecting member (36-43) and bulges toward the rotation center (U3a) side of the opening / closing member (U3). 21e).
There is provided a biasing member (42) for biasing the guided portions (36c, 36f) toward the engagement release portion (21d) when the drive transmission / release member (31) moves to the transmission release position. It has been.
In the case where the opening / closing member (U3) starts to move from the closed position to the opened position in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3), When the direction in which the connecting members (36 to 43) are first guided is the first direction and the direction intersecting the first direction is the second direction, the opening and closing member (U3) is closed. In this state, the engagement member (51) is disposed on the far side from the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) with respect to the first direction.
The drive transmission / release member (31) opens and closes in the first direction with respect to the drive transmission position, closer to the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) and in the second direction. The transmission release position is arranged near the rotation center (U3a) of the member (U3).
The direction in which the engagement member (51) moves during the opening operation of the opening / closing member (U3) is set to a direction away from the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3) with respect to the second direction. The direction of movement from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position is set to the direction toward the rotation center (U3a).
During the opening operation of the opening and closing member (U3), the engaged portion (43) is brought into contact with and engaged with the engaging member (51) along with the opening operation of the opening and closing member (U3). The connecting members (36 to 43) are guided by the guide member (12), and the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position, and the drive transmission / release member ( 31) moves to the transmission release position, the guided member (36c, 36f) is moved to the rotation center (U3a) side of the opening / closing member (U3) by the biasing member (42). It moves to the mating release part (21d) side, and the engaged part (43) is separated from the engaging member (51) to release the engagement.
When the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the transmission release position in a state where the opening / closing member (U3) is opened, the engaged portion (U3) is closed along with the closing operation of the opening / closing member (U3). 43) is engaged with the engaging member (51), and when the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the drive transmission position, the opening / closing member (U3) is further moved in the closing direction. In this case, the guided portions (36c, 36f) move to the rotation center (U3a) side of the opening / closing member (U3) and move to the engagement release portion (21e) side when closed, and the engaged portions The engagement between (43) and the engagement member (51) is released.

したがって、第１発明の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）により、開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作に伴って、前記被係合部（４３）が係合部材（５１）に係合した状態で、駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を駆動伝達位置から伝達解除位置に移動させるので、開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開閉に連動して駆動力の伝達および解除ができる。そして、第１発明の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）により、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に、前記被係合部（４３）が前記係合部材（５１）から離隔して係合が解除されるので、従来技術のように開閉部材（Ｕ３）に離隔不可能なリンク等で連結された構成を採用する必要がない。この結果、大きなリンク等を収容する空間を省略できるので、画像形成装置（Ｕ）を小型化することができる。さらに、係合部材（５１）と被係合部（４３）とが係合、係合解除されるので、開閉部材（Ｕ３）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）と、係合部材（５１）や駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）とを接近して配置する必要が無くなる。したがって、設計の自由度も高めることができる。 Accordingly, in the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the present invention, the engaged portion (43) is engaged with the engaging member (51) as the opening / closing member (U3) is opened by the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43). Since the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position in the engaged state, the driving force can be transmitted and released in conjunction with opening / closing of the opening / closing member (U3). In the image forming apparatus (U) of the first invention, when the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the transmission release position by the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43), the engaged portion (43 ) Is separated from the engagement member (51) and the engagement is released, so that it is not necessary to adopt a configuration in which the open / close member (U3) is connected by a non-separable link or the like as in the prior art. As a result, since a space for accommodating a large link or the like can be omitted, the image forming apparatus (U) can be reduced in size. Further, since the engaging member (51) and the engaged portion (43) are engaged and disengaged, the rotation center (U3a) of the opening / closing member (U3), the engaging member (51) and the drive transmission -It is not necessary to arrange the release member (31) close to it. Therefore, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

したがって、ガイド部材（１２）によるガイドにより、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作時に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作に伴って前記被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）に接触させて係合させた状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記駆動伝達位置から前記伝達解除位置に移動させることができるので、開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放に連動して駆動力の伝達や解除ができる。また、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動すると、係合解除部（２１ｄ）によって、被係合部（４３）を前記係合部材（５１）から離隔させて係合を解除できる。
また、前記係合部材（５１）は、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の閉鎖動作に伴い前記被係合部（４３）に係合する。第２リンクガイド部（２１）の閉鎖時係合解除部（２１ｅ）は、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の閉鎖動作時に前記被係合部（４３）と前記係合部との係合を解除させる。したがって、何らかの要因で、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動した場合に、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）の閉鎖しようとして被係合部（４３）と前記係合部とが係合しても、閉鎖時係合解除部（２１ｅ）により被係合部（４３）と前記係合部との係合が解除される。この結果、何らかの要因で、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が前記伝達解除位置に移動しても、開閉部材（Ｕ３）を閉じることができる。 Therefore, when the opening / closing member (U3) is opened by the guide by the guide member (12), the engaged portion (43) is moved along with the opening / closing member (U3). Since the drive transmission / release member (31) can be moved from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position in a state of being brought into contact with and engaged with, the drive is interlocked with the opening / closing member (U3) being opened. Can transmit and release force. When the drive transmission / release member (31) moves to the transmission release position, the engaged portion (43) is separated from the engagement member (51) by the engagement release portion (21d). Can be canceled.
In addition, the engagement member (51) is configured such that when the drive transmission / release member (31) is moved to the transmission release position in a state where the opening / closing member (U3) is opened, the opening / closing member (U3) The engaged portion (43) is engaged with the closing operation. When the second link guide portion (21) is closed, the engagement release portion (21e) releases the engagement between the engaged portion (43) and the engagement portion when the opening / closing member (U3) is closed. . Accordingly, when the drive transmission / release member (31) moves to the transmission release position with the opening / closing member (U3) being opened for some reason, the opening / closing member (U3) is to be closed. Even if the engaging portion (43) and the engaging portion are engaged, the engagement between the engaged portion (43) and the engaging portion is released by the closing engagement releasing portion (21e). As a result, the opening / closing member (U3) can be closed even if the drive transmission / release member (31) moves to the transmission release position with the opening / closing member (U3) opened for some reason. .

（発明の形態１）
発明の形態１の画像形成装置（Ｕ）は、前記第１発明において、
前記駆動軸（４）及び前記従動軸（ＰＲａ）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）を中心として前記駆動伝達位置と前記伝達解除位置との間で回転移動する前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）であって、回転の半径方向に延びる被連結部（３１ｂ）を有する前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）と、
前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）の前記被連結部（３１ｂ）に一端が回転可能に連結され且つ両端部にアーム被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）が形成されたアーム部材（３６）と、前記アーム部材（３６）の他端部側の他端部側アーム被ガイド部（３６ｆ）をスライド移動可能に支持するスライド支持部（４１ｃ）、前記スライド支持部（４１ｃ）を挟んで両側に形成されたリンク被ガイド部（４１ｄ，４１ｅ）および前記被係合部（４３）を有するリンク部材（４１）と、を有する前記連結部材（３６〜４３）と、
前記アーム被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）をガイドするアームガイド部（１６，１７）と、前記被係合部（４３）の反対側の前記リンク被ガイド部（４１ｄ）をガイドする第１リンクガイド部（１８）と、前記被係合部（４３）側の前記リンク被ガイド部（４１ｅ）をガイドし且つ前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）を有する第２リンクガイド部（２１）と、を有する前記ガイド部（１６〜２１）と、
前記第１リンクガイド部（１８）及び第２リンクガイド部（２１）によりガイドされる前記リンク部材（４１）を前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）側に付勢する付勢部材（４２）と、を備えたことを特徴とする。 ( Embodiment 1 )
The image forming apparatus according to the first invention (U), in the first invention,
The drive transmission / release member (31) rotating between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position about the rotation center (U3a) of the drive shaft (4) and the driven shaft (PRa); The drive transmission / release member (31) having a coupled portion (31b) extending in the radial direction of rotation;
An arm member (36) having one end rotatably connected to the connected portion (31b) of the drive transmission / release member (31) and arm guided portions (36c, 36f) formed at both ends; The other end side arm guided portion (36f) on the other end side of the arm member (36) is slidably supported to be formed on both sides of the slide support portion (41c). The link member (41) having the link guided portion (41d, 41e) and the engaged portion (43), and the connecting member (36 to 43) having
An arm guide portion (16, 17) for guiding the arm guided portion (36c, 36f) and a first link guide for guiding the link guided portion (41d) on the opposite side of the engaged portion (43). A second link guide portion (21) for guiding the link guided portion (41e) on the engaged portion (43) side and having the engagement release portion (21d). The guide portion (16-21),
A biasing member (42) for biasing the link member (41) guided by the first link guide part (18) and the second link guide part (21) toward the disengagement part (21d); It is provided with.

（発明の形態１の作用）
前記構成要件を備えた発明の形態１の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）は、回転の半径方向に延びる被連結部（３１ｂ）を有し、前記駆動軸（４）及び前記従動軸（ＰＲａ）の回転中心（Ｕ３ａ）を中心として前記駆動伝達位置と前記伝達解除位置との間で回転移動する。前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）の前記被連結部（３１ｂ）に一端が回転可能に連結されたアーム部材（３６）は、両端部にアーム被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）が形成されている。前記アーム被ガイド部（３６ｃ，３６ｆ）はアームガイド部（１６，１７）によりガイドされる。リンク部材（４１）のスライド支持部（４１ｃ）は、前記アーム部材（３６）の他端部側の他端部側アーム被ガイド部（３６ｆ）をスライド移動可能に支持する。 (Operation of Form 1 of the Invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the invention having the above-described configuration requirements, the drive transmission / release member (31) includes a coupled portion (31b) extending in the radial direction of rotation, and the drive shaft ( 4) and the rotational axis (U3a) of the driven shaft (PRa) is rotated between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position. The arm member (36) whose one end is rotatably connected to the connected portion (31b) of the drive transmission / release member (31) is formed with arm guided portions (36c, 36f) at both ends. . The arm guided portions (36c, 36f) are guided by the arm guide portions (16, 17). The slide support portion (41c) of the link member (41) supports the other end side arm guided portion (36f) on the other end side of the arm member (36) so as to be slidable.

リンク部材（４１）のリンク被ガイド部（４１ｄ，４１ｅ）は、前記スライド支持部（４１ｃ）を挟んで両側に形成されている。第１リンクガイド部（１８）は、前記被係合部（４３）の反対側の前記リンク被ガイド部（４１ｄ，４１ｅ）をガイドする。前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）を有する第２リンクガイド部（２１）は、前記被係合部（４３）側の前記リンク被ガイド部（４１ｄ，４１ｅ）をガイドする。付勢部材（４２）は、前記第１リンクガイド部（１８）及び第２リンクガイド部（２１）によりガイドされる前記リンク部材（４１）を前記係合解除部（２１ｄ）側に付勢する。
したがって、開閉部材（Ｕ３）の開放動作に伴って前記被係合部（４３）が係合部材（５１）に係合した状態で、駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）が駆動伝達位置から伝達解除位置に移動させるように連結部材（３６〜４３）がガイドされ、リンク被ガイド部（４１ｄ，４１ｅ）が第２リンクガイド部（２１）の係合解除部（２１ｄ）に移動すると、付勢部材（４２）によりリンク部材（４１）が係合解除部（２１ｄ）側に移動する。この結果、リンク部材（４１）の被係合部（４３）と係合部材（５１）とが離隔して係合を解除することができる。 Link guided portions (41d, 41e) of the link member (41) are formed on both sides of the slide support portion (41c). The first link guide portion (18) guides the link guided portion (41d, 41e) on the opposite side of the engaged portion (43). The second link guide part (21) having the disengagement part (21d) guides the link guided part (41d, 41e) on the engaged part (43) side. The biasing member (42) biases the link member (41) guided by the first link guide portion (18) and the second link guide portion (21) toward the disengagement portion (21d). .
Accordingly, the drive transmission / release member (31) releases the transmission from the drive transmission position in a state where the engaged portion (43) is engaged with the engagement member (51) as the opening / closing member (U3) opens. When the connecting members (36 to 43) are guided so as to move to the position and the link guided portions (41d, 41e) move to the disengagement portion (21d) of the second link guide portion (21), the urging member (42) moves the link member (41) toward the disengagement part (21d). As a result, the engaged portion (43) of the link member (41) and the engaging member (51) can be separated to release the engagement.

（発明の形態２）
発明の形態２の画像形成装置（Ｕ）は、前記発明の形態１において、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）開放動作時に前記連結部材（３６〜４３）と共に移動して、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で、前記画像形成装置（Ｕ）の開放部を塞ぐカバー部材（４６）と、
前記カバー部材（４６）をガイドするカバーガイド部（１９）を有する前記ガイド部（１６〜２１）と、
を備えたことを特徴とする。 ( Embodiment 2 )
The image forming apparatus according to the second invention (U) is, in the first of the invention,
A cover member that moves together with the connecting members (36 to 43) during the opening operation of the opening / closing member (U3) and closes the opening portion of the image forming apparatus (U) in a state where the opening / closing member (U3) is opened. 46) and
The guide part (16-21) having a cover guide part (19) for guiding the cover member (46);
It is provided with.

（発明の形態２の作用）
前記構成要件を備えた発明の形態２の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、カバー部材（４６）は、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）開放動作時に前記連結部材（３６〜４３）と共に移動して、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で、前記画像形成装置（Ｕ）の開放部を塞ぐ。カバーガイド部（１９）は、前記カバー部材（４６）をガイドする。
したがって、発明の形態２の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、カバー部材（４６）により、開閉部材（Ｕ３）が開放された状態で画像形成装置（Ｕ）の開放部が塞がれるので、内部が見えることにより見栄えが悪くなることを防止できると共に、内部に落下物や埃等が進入することを防止できる。 (Operation of Embodiment 2 )
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the second aspect of the invention having the above-described configuration requirements, the cover member (46) moves together with the connecting members (36 to 43) during the opening operation of the opening / closing member (U3), so that the opening / closing operation is performed. With the member (U3) opened, the open portion of the image forming apparatus (U) is closed. The cover guide portion (19) guides the cover member (46).
Therefore, in the image forming apparatus (U) according to the second aspect of the invention, the open portion of the image forming apparatus (U) is closed by the cover member (46) with the opening / closing member (U3) being opened. It is possible to prevent the appearance from deteriorating by being visible, and to prevent falling objects, dust, and the like from entering the inside.

（発明の形態３）
発明の形態３の画像形成装置（Ｕ）は、前記発明の形態２において、
前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）閉鎖時に前記係合部材（５１）に係合し、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）閉鎖動作に応じて、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）を移動させて前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記伝達解除位置から前記駆動伝達位置に移動させる前記カバー部材（４６）、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
（発明の形態３の作用）
前記構成要件を備えた発明の形態４の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、前記カバー部材（４６）は、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）閉鎖時に前記係合部材（５１）に係合するので、前記開閉部材（Ｕ３）閉鎖動作に応じて、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）を移動させて前記駆動伝達・解除部材（３１）を前記伝達解除位置から前記駆動伝達位置に移動させることができる。 ( Embodiment 3 )
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a third aspect of the invention is the second aspect of the invention,
When the opening / closing member (U3) is closed, the engagement member (51) is engaged, and the connecting member (36-43) is moved in accordance with the opening / closing member (U3) closing operation to move the drive transmission / release member. The cover member (46) for moving (31) from the transmission release position to the drive transmission position;
It is provided with.
(Operation of Form 3 of the Invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the fourth aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, the cover member (46) engages with the engagement member (51) when the opening / closing member (U3) is closed. According to the closing operation of the member (U3), the connecting members (36 to 43) can be moved to move the drive transmission / release member (31) from the transmission release position to the drive transmission position.

（発明の形態４）
発明の形態４の画像形成装置（Ｕ）は、前記第１発明および発明の形態１〜３のいずれかにおいて、
弾性部材（４３）により構成された前記被係合部（４３）、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
（発明の形態４の作用）
前記構成要件を備えた発明の形態４の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、前記被係合部（４３）は弾性部材（４３）により構成されているので、部品公差や組み立て公差等の公差を吸収することができる。 ( Embodiment 4 )
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the image forming apparatus (U) according to any one of the first invention and the first to third aspects of the invention.
The engaged portion (43) configured by an elastic member (43),
It is provided with.
(Operation of Embodiment 4 )
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the fourth aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, since the engaged portion (43) is configured by the elastic member (43), it absorbs tolerances such as component tolerances and assembly tolerances. can do.

（発明の形態５）
発明の形態５の画像形成装置（Ｕ）は、前記第１発明および発明の形態１〜４のいずれかにおいて、
前記係合部材（５１）の先端部に配置され、前記被係合部（４３）が係合する先端係合部（５２ａ）であって、前記先端係合部（５２ａ）および前記被係合部（４３）の接触面と水平面との傾斜角（θ）が、前記被係合部（４３）が前記係合部材（５１）から離隔する方向に対応した角度に設定された前記先端係合部（５２ａ）、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
（発明の形態５の作用）
前記構成要件を備えた発明の形態５の画像形成装置（Ｕ）では、前記係合部材（５１）の先端部に先端係合部（５２ａ）が配置されている。そして、前記先端係合部（５２ａ）および前記被係合部（４３）の接触面と水平面との傾斜角（θ）は、前記被係合部（４３）が前記係合部材（５１）から離隔する方向に対応した角度に設定されている。したがって、被係合部（４３）と先端係合部（５２ａ）とが離隔する際に離隔しやすい。 ( Embodiment 5 )
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the image forming apparatus (U) according to any one of the first invention and the first to fourth aspects of the invention.
A tip engagement portion (52a) disposed at a tip portion of the engagement member (51) and engaged with the engaged portion (43), the tip engagement portion (52a) and the engaged portion The tip engagement in which the inclination angle (θ) between the contact surface of the portion (43) and the horizontal plane is set to an angle corresponding to the direction in which the engaged portion (43) is separated from the engaging member (51). Part (52a),
It is provided with.
(Operation of Embodiment 5 )
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the fifth aspect of the invention having the above-described structural requirements, a tip engagement portion (52a) is disposed at the tip of the engagement member (51). The inclination angle (θ) between the contact surface of the tip engaging portion (52a) and the engaged portion (43) and the horizontal plane is determined by the engaged portion (43) from the engaging member (51). It is set to an angle corresponding to the separating direction. Therefore, it is easy to separate when the engaged portion (43) and the tip engaging portion (52a) are separated.

前述の本発明は、下記の効果（Ｅ01），（Ｅ02）を奏する。
（Ｅ01）画像形成装置を小型化しつつ、開閉部材の開閉に連動して部材を移動させる構成を提供することができる。
（Ｅ02）開閉部材の開閉に連動して部材を移動させる構成を有しつつ設計の自由度を高めることができる。 The above-described present invention has the following effects (E01) and (E02).
(E01) It is possible to provide a configuration in which a member is moved in conjunction with opening / closing of an opening / closing member while downsizing the image forming apparatus.
(E02) The degree of freedom in design can be increased while having a configuration in which the member is moved in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing member.

次に図面を参照しながら、本発明の実施の形態の具体例（実施例）を説明するが、本発明は以下の実施例に限定されるものではない。
なお、以後の説明の理解を容易にするために、図面において、前後方向をＸ軸方向、左右方向をＹ軸方向、上下方向をＺ軸方向とし、矢印Ｘ，−Ｘ，Ｙ，−Ｙ，Ｚ，−Ｚで示す方向または示す側をそれぞれ、前方、後方、右方、左方、上方、下方、または、前側、後側、右側、左側、上側、下側とする。
また、図中、「○」の中に「・」が記載されたものは紙面の裏から表に向かう矢印を意味し、「○」の中に「×」が記載されたものは紙面の表から裏に向かう矢印を意味するものとする。 Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

図１は本発明の実施例１の画像形成装置の斜視説明図である。
図１において、本発明の実施例１の画像形成装置としてのプリンタＵでは、プリンタ本体Ｕ１の上面に排出トレイＴＲｈが設けられ、プリンタ本体Ｕ１の下部には画像が記録される記録シートＳが収容される給紙カセットＴＲ１が収容される。前記プリンタ本体Ｕ１には、フロント回転中心Ｕ２ａを中心として通常位置（図１の実線参照）と開放位置（図１の破線参照）との間を回転可能に支持されたフロントカバーＵ２を有し、紙詰まり（ジャム）が発生した場合等に、ユーザがフロントカバーＵ２を開放位置に回動させてシート搬送路（ＳＨ）を開放して紙詰まりを解消できる。また、プリンタ本体Ｕ１の上端部には、内部の交換可能な部材（トナーカートリッジ等）の交換時に開閉されるトップカバー（開閉部材）Ｕ３が回転中心Ｕ３ａ（図２参照）を中心として回転可能に支持されている。 1 is a perspective explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, in a printer U as an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a discharge tray TRh is provided on the upper surface of the printer body U1, and a recording sheet S on which an image is recorded is accommodated in the lower portion of the printer body U1. The sheet cassette TR1 to be used is accommodated. The printer main body U1 includes a front cover U2 that is rotatably supported between a normal position (see a solid line in FIG. 1) and an open position (see a broken line in FIG. 1) around a front rotation center U2a. When a paper jam (jam) occurs, the user can clear the paper jam by rotating the front cover U2 to the open position to open the sheet conveyance path (SH). In addition, a top cover (opening / closing member) U3 that is opened and closed when replacing an internal replaceable member (toner cartridge or the like) is rotatable about the rotation center U3a (see FIG. 2) at the upper end of the printer body U1. It is supported.

図２は実施例１の画像形成装置の説明図である。
図２において、プリンタ本体Ｕ１はマイクロコンピュータにより構成されたコントローラＣと、コントローラＣにより作動を制御されるＩＰＳ（イメージプロセッシングシステム）、レーザ駆動回路ＤＬ、および電源装置Ｅ等を有している。電源装置Ｅは、後述の帯電ローラＣＲ、現像ローラＧＲおよび転写ローラ(Ｔ１,Ｔ２ｂ)等にバイアス電圧を印加する。
前記ＩＰＳ（イメージプロセッシングシステム）は、外部のホストコンピュータ等から入力された印字データを潜像形成用の画像データに変換して所定のタイミングでレーザ駆動回路ＤＬに出力する。レーザ駆動回路ＤＬは、入力された画像データに応じてレーザ駆動信号を潜像形成装置ＲＯＳ（光走査装置）に出力する。前記ＲＯＳは、レーザ駆動信号に応じて画像書き込み用のレーザビーム（画像書込光）Ｌを照射する。 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 2, the printer main body U1 has a controller C constituted by a microcomputer, an IPS (image processing system) whose operation is controlled by the controller C, a laser drive circuit DL, a power supply device E, and the like. The power supply device E applies a bias voltage to a charging roller CR, a developing roller GR, a transfer roller (T1, T2b) and the like which will be described later.
The IPS (image processing system) converts print data input from an external host computer or the like into image data for forming a latent image and outputs it to the laser drive circuit DL at a predetermined timing. The laser drive circuit DL outputs a laser drive signal to the latent image forming device ROS (optical scanning device) according to the input image data. The ROS emits a laser beam (image writing light) L for image writing in accordance with a laser drive signal.

前記ＲＯＳの上方に配置された回転駆動する像担持体（回転部材）ＰＲは、その表面が帯電ロールＣＲにより一様に帯電された後、潜像書込位置Ｑ１において前記ＲＯＳ（潜像形成装置）のレーザビームＬにより露光走査されて静電潜像が形成される。フルカラー画像を形成する場合は、Ｋ（黒），Ｙ（イエロー），Ｍ（マゼンタ），Ｃ（シアン）の４色の画像に対応した静電潜像が順次形成され、モノクロ画像の場合はＫ（黒）画像に対応した静電潜像のみが形成される。
前記静電潜像が形成された像担持体ＰＲ表面は回転移動して現像領域Ｑ２、１次転写領域Ｑ３を順次通過する。 The rotationally driven image carrier (rotating member) PR disposed above the ROS is uniformly charged by the charging roll CR and then the ROS (latent image forming apparatus) at the latent image writing position Q1. ) Is exposed and scanned by the laser beam L to form an electrostatic latent image. When forming a full-color image, electrostatic latent images corresponding to four color images of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) are sequentially formed. Only the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the (black) image is formed.
The surface of the image carrier PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed rotates and moves sequentially through the development area Q2 and the primary transfer area Q3.

前記ＲＯＳの上方には、ロータリ式の現像装置Ｇが配置されている。前記ロータリ式の現像装置Ｇは、回転軸Ｇａの回転に伴って前記現像領域Ｑ２に順次回転移動するＫ（黒），Ｙ（イエロー），Ｍ（マゼンタ），Ｃ（シアン）の４色の現像器ＧＫ，ＧＹ，ＧＭ，ＧＣを有している。前記各色の現像器ＧＫ，ＧＹ，ＧＭ，ＧＣは、前記現像領域Ｑ２に現像剤を搬送する現像ロールＧＲｋ，ＧＲｙ，ＧＲｍ，ＧＲｃを有しており、現像領域Ｑ２を通過する像担持体ＰＲ上の静電潜像をトナー像に現像する。
前記各現像器ＧＫ，ＧＹ，ＧＭ，ＧＣの現像容器にはそれぞれトナー補給用カートリッジＴＣｋ，ＴＣｙ、ＴＣｍ、ＴＣｃから各色のトナーが補給されるように構成されている。なお、このようなロータリ式現像装置は、従来公知（たとえば特開平１２―１３１９４２、特開平１２―２３１２５０公報等参照）であるので、詳細な説明は省略する。 A rotary developing device G is arranged above the ROS. The rotary developing device G develops four colors of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) that sequentially rotate and move to the developing region Q2 as the rotation shaft Ga rotates. The units GK, GY, GM, and GC are included. The developing devices GK, GY, GM, GC of the respective colors have developing rolls GRk, GRy, GRm, GRc that convey the developer to the developing area Q2, and are on the image carrier PR that passes through the developing area Q2. The electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image.
The developing containers of the developing units GK, GY, GM, and GC are configured to be supplied with toner of each color from toner replenishing cartridges TCk, TCy, TCm, and TCc, respectively. Such a rotary developing device is conventionally known (see, for example, JP-A-12-131942, JP-A-12-231250, etc.), and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

前記像担持体ＰＲの前方には像担持体ＰＲに巻き付けられた中間転写ベルトＢが配置されている。前記中間転写ベルトＢは、複数の従動ロールＲｊ、巻き付き開始位置に配置されたラップインロールＲｗ１、１次転写バイアスが印加される１次バイアスロール（１次転写ロール）Ｔ１、巻き付き終了位置に配置されたラップアウトロールＲｗ２およびバックアップロールＴ２aを含む複数のベルト支持ロール（Ｒｊ，Ｒｗ１，Ｒｗ２，Ｔ１，Ｔ２a）によって回転可能に支持されている。そして、画像形成動作時には、中間転写ベルトＢは回転駆動する像担持体ＰＲに従動して矢印Ｙｂ方向に回転する。 An intermediate transfer belt B wound around the image carrier PR is disposed in front of the image carrier PR. The intermediate transfer belt B includes a plurality of driven rolls Rj, a wrap-in roll Rw1 disposed at a winding start position, a primary bias roll (primary transfer roll) T1 to which a primary transfer bias is applied, and a winding end position. A plurality of belt support rolls (Rj, Rw1, Rw2, T1, T2a) including the wrap-out roll Rw2 and the backup roll T2a are rotatably supported. During the image forming operation, the intermediate transfer belt B rotates in the direction of the arrow Yb following the rotationally driven image carrier PR.

フルカラー画像を形成する場合、潜像書込位置Ｑ１において第１色目の静電潜像が形成され、現像領域Ｑ２において１色目のトナー像が形成される。このトナー像は、ラップインロールＲｗ１からラップアウトロールＲｗ２の間の１次転写領域Ｑ３を通過する際に、１次バイアスロールＴ１によって中間転写ベルトＢ上に静電的に１次転写される。その後同様にして、第１色目のトナー像を担持した中間転写ベルトＢ上に、第２色目、第３色目、第４色目のトナー像が順次重ねて１次転写され、最終的にフルカラーの多重トナー像が中間転写ベルトＢ上に形成される。
単色のモノカラー画像を形成する場合には１個の現像器のみを使用し、単色トナー像が中間転写ベルトＢ上に１次転写される。
１次転写後、像担持体ＰＲ表面に残留した残留トナーは、像担持体クリーナＣＬ１によりクリーニングされる。 When forming a full-color image, an electrostatic latent image of the first color is formed at the latent image writing position Q1, and a toner image of the first color is formed in the development region Q2. The toner image is electrostatically primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary bias roll T1 when passing through the primary transfer region Q3 between the wrap-in roll Rw1 and the wrap-out roll Rw2. Thereafter, similarly, the second, third, and fourth color toner images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B carrying the first color toner image in order, and finally, full-color multiplexing is performed. A toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B.
In the case of forming a monochromatic monochromatic image, only one developing device is used, and the monochromatic toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B.
After the primary transfer, residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier PR is cleaned by the image carrier cleaner CL1.

前記バックアップロールＴ２aに対向する位置には、２次転写ロールＴ２ｂが、図示しない離接装置によって、前記バックアップロールＴ２aに対して離隔した位置と接触した位置との間で移動可能に配置されている。前記バックアップロールＴ２aおよび２次転写ロールＴ２ｂにより２次転写器Ｔ２が構成されている。前記バックアップロールＴ２aおよび２次転写ロールＴ２ｂの接触領域により２次転写領域Ｑ４が形成されている。
前記２次転写ロールＴ２ｂには、現像装置Ｇで使用するトナーの帯電極性と逆極性の２次転写電圧が電源回路Ｅから供給され、前記電源回路ＥはコントローラＣにより制御される。 At a position facing the backup roll T2a, a secondary transfer roll T2b is arranged so as to be movable between a position separated from the backup roll T2a and a position in contact with a separation / contact device (not shown). . The backup roll T2a and the secondary transfer roll T2b constitute a secondary transfer device T2. A secondary transfer region Q4 is formed by a contact region between the backup roll T2a and the secondary transfer roll T2b.
A secondary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner used in the developing device G is supplied from the power supply circuit E to the secondary transfer roll T2b, and the power supply circuit E is controlled by the controller C.

プリンタ本体Ｕ１の下部には、記録シートＳを収容する給紙トレイＴＲ１が配置されており、給紙トレイＴＲ１内の記録シートＳはシート載置プレートＴＲ１ａにより、シート最上面がピックアップロールＲｐに当接する給紙位置に保持されている。給紙トレイＴＲ１に収容された記録シートＳは、所定のタイミングでピックアップロールＲｐにより取り出され、フィードロールＲｓ１およびリタードロールＲｓ２を有するさばきロールＲｓで１枚づつ分離されて、シート搬送路ＳＨの搬送ロールＲａによりレジロールＲｒに搬送される。また、手差し給紙トレイＴＲ０にセットされた記録シートＳは、手差し給紙ロールＲｐ０によりレジロールＲｒに搬送される。前記レジロールＲｒに搬送された記録シートＳは、前記１次転写された多重トナー像または単色トナー像が２次転写領域Ｑ４に移動するのにタイミングを合わせて、転写前シートガイドＳＧ１から２次転写領域Ｑ４に搬送される。
前記２次転写領域Ｑ４において前記２次転写器Ｔ２は、中間転写ベルトＢ上のトナー像を記録シートＳに静電的に２次転写する。２次転写後の中間転写ベルトＢはベルトクリーナＣＬ２により残留トナーが除去される。 A paper feed tray TR1 that accommodates the recording sheet S is disposed below the printer body U1, and the recording sheet S in the paper feed tray TR1 is placed on the pickup roll Rp by the sheet placement plate TR1a. It is held at the paper feed position that touches it. The recording sheets S accommodated in the paper feed tray TR1 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a predetermined timing, separated one by one by the separating roll Rs having the feed roll Rs1 and the retard roll Rs2, and conveyed in the sheet conveyance path SH. The roll Ra is transported to the registration roll Rr. The recording sheet S set in the manual paper feed tray TR0 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr by the manual paper feed roll Rp0. The recording sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is subjected to the secondary transfer from the pre-transfer sheet guide SG1 at the timing when the primary transferred multiple toner image or single color toner image moves to the secondary transfer area Q4. Transported to region Q4.
In the secondary transfer area Q4, the secondary transfer unit T2 electrostatically secondary-transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the recording sheet S. The residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer by the belt cleaner CL2.

なお、前記２次転写ロールＴ２ｂおよびベルトクリーナＣＬ２は、中間転写ベルトＢと離接（離隔および接触）自在に配設されており、カラー画像が形成される場合には最終色の未定着トナー像が中間転写ベルトＢに１次転写されるまで、中間転写ベルトＢから離隔している。
前記像担持体ＰＲ、帯電ロールＣＲ、現像装置Ｇ、１次転写ロールＴ１、中間転写ベルトＢ、２次転写器Ｔ２等により、記録シートＳにトナー像を転写して形成するするトナー像形成装置（ＰＲ＋ＣＲ＋Ｇ＋Ｔ１＋Ｂ＋Ｔ２）が構成されている。 The secondary transfer roll T2b and the belt cleaner CL2 are disposed so as to be separated from (contacted with and separated from) the intermediate transfer belt B. When a color image is formed, an unfixed toner image of the final color is formed. Is separated from the intermediate transfer belt B until it is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B.
Toner image forming apparatus for transferring and forming a toner image on a recording sheet S by the image carrier PR, charging roll CR, developing device G, primary transfer roll T1, intermediate transfer belt B, secondary transfer device T2, etc. (PR + CR + G + T1 + B + T2) is configured.

トナー像が２次転写された前記記録シートＳは、定着装置Ｆの加熱ロールＦｈと加圧ロールＦｐとが圧接する領域（ニップ）により構成された定着領域Ｑ５に搬送される。定着領域Ｑ５を通過する記録シートＳは、定着装置Ｆにより加熱定着される。トナー像が加熱定着された記録シートＳは、シート排出ロールＲｈに搬送され、画像形成装置Ｕ１の上端部に形成されたシート排出口Ｋａから排紙トレイＴＲｈに排出される。
両面印刷時は、前記シート排出ロールＲｈによりスイッチバックされて、シート反転路ＳＨ２を搬送され、記録シートＳの表裏が逆転した状態でレジロールＲｒに再送される。 The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is conveyed to a fixing region Q5 configured by a region (nip) where the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp of the fixing device F are in pressure contact with each other. The recording sheet S passing through the fixing area Q5 is heated and fixed by the fixing device F. The recording sheet S on which the toner image has been heat-fixed is conveyed to a sheet discharge roll Rh, and is discharged from a sheet discharge port Ka formed at the upper end of the image forming apparatus U1 to a discharge tray TRh.
At the time of double-sided printing, it is switched back by the sheet discharge roll Rh, conveyed through the sheet reversing path SH2, and retransmitted to the registration roll Rr with the front and back sides of the recording sheet S reversed.

（カップリング部分の説明）
図３は実施例１の像担持体のカップリング部分の断面説明図である。
図４はカップリング部分の要部拡大説明図であり、図４Ａはカップリング連結時の説明図、図４Ｂはカップリング連結解除時の説明図である。
図３、図４において、像担持体ＰＲの回転軸（従動軸）ＰＲａの後端部には複数の爪ＣＰ１ａを有する従動カップリングＣＰ１が固定支持されている。前記従動カップリングＣＰ１は、図示しないＵ字形のカップリング支持部材によりスライド可能に支持されている。画像形成装置のフレーム１の外側には、ギアボックス２が支持されており、前記ギアボックス２には、前記回転軸ＰＲａと同軸上に配置された駆動軸４がベアリングを介して支持されており、駆動軸４の後端部には図示しない駆動モータから駆動力が伝達される駆動ギアＧ１が支持されている。前記駆動軸４の中央部には、リング状のバネ支持部６が支持されており、先端部には従動カップリングＣＰ１に噛合って駆動力を伝達する駆動カップリングＣＰ２が装着されている。 (Description of coupling part)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the coupling portion of the image carrier of Example 1.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of the main part of the coupling portion, FIG. 4A is an explanatory view when coupling is connected, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory view when coupling is released.
3 and 4, a driven coupling CP1 having a plurality of claws CP1a is fixedly supported at the rear end portion of the rotation shaft (driven shaft) PRa of the image carrier PR. The driven coupling CP1 is slidably supported by a U-shaped coupling support member (not shown). A gear box 2 is supported on the outside of the frame 1 of the image forming apparatus, and a drive shaft 4 disposed coaxially with the rotation shaft PRa is supported on the gear box 2 via a bearing. A driving gear G1 to which a driving force is transmitted from a driving motor (not shown) is supported at the rear end portion of the driving shaft 4. A ring-shaped spring support 6 is supported at the center of the drive shaft 4, and a drive coupling CP2 that engages the driven coupling CP1 and transmits a drive force is mounted at the tip.

図４において、前記駆動カップリングＣＰ２には、駆動軸４に支持された回り止め４ａが嵌合する回り止め嵌合部４ｂが軸方向に沿って形成されており、前記回り止め４ａおよび回り止め嵌合部４ｂにより、駆動カップリングＣＰ２は駆動軸に対して軸方向にスライド可能且つ軸回りに一体的に回転可能に支持されている。前記駆動カップリングＣＰ２は、前記従動カップリングＣＰ１に噛合う複数の爪ＣＰ２ａが形成された前端側の小径部ＣＰ２ｂと、後端側の大径部ＣＰ２ｃと、小径部ＣＰ２ｂと大径部ＣＰ２ｃとの間を接続するリング状傾斜面ＣＰ２ｄとを有する。前記駆動カップリングＣＰ２の大径部ＣＰ２ｃの端面にはリング状のバネ支持部ＣＰ２ｅが形成されており、バネ支持部ＣＰ２ｅとバネ支持部６との間には、駆動カップリングＣＰ２を像担持体ＰＲ側（従動カップリングＣＰ１側）に常時付勢するカップリング付勢バネ７が支持されている。 In FIG. 4, the drive coupling CP2 is formed with an anti-rotation fitting portion 4b in which an anti-rotation 4a supported by the drive shaft 4 is fitted along the axial direction, and the anti-rotation 4a and anti-rotation The drive coupling CP2 is supported by the fitting portion 4b so as to be slidable in the axial direction with respect to the drive shaft and integrally rotatable around the shaft. The drive coupling CP2 includes a small diameter portion CP2b on the front end side where a plurality of claws CP2a meshing with the driven coupling CP1 is formed, a large diameter portion CP2c on the rear end side, a small diameter portion CP2b, and a large diameter portion CP2c. And a ring-shaped inclined surface CP2d connecting the two. A ring-shaped spring support portion CP2e is formed on the end surface of the large-diameter portion CP2c of the drive coupling CP2, and the drive coupling CP2 is provided between the spring support portion CP2e and the spring support portion 6 as an image carrier. A coupling biasing spring 7 that constantly biases to the PR side (driven coupling CP1 side) is supported.

（ガイド部材の説明）
図５は開閉部材が閉じられた状態でのロック解除機構の説明図である。
図６は実施例１のガイドフレームの説明図である。
図７は駆動伝達・解除部材とガイドフレームの要部拡大斜視説明図である。
図３において、前記フレーム１の内側には、ガイドフレーム（ガイド部材）１２が配置されている。図３、図５〜図７において、ガイドフレーム１２には、前記駆動軸１２が貫通する軸貫通孔１２ａが形成されている。なお、実施例１のガイドフレーム１２は、プリンタＵのフレームや他の部材等との位置関係により、前側部分（＋Ｘ側部分）１２ｃの左端面（−Ｙ端面）が中央部分１２ｄの左端面に対して右側（＋Ｙ側）に短く、段差１２ｅが形成されている。軸貫通孔１２ａの周囲には、同心円弧状のロック部材収容壁１３が形成されている。図７において、前記ロック部材収容壁１３と軸貫通孔１２ａとの間には、軸貫通孔１２ａを挟んで一組の円弧状の傾斜ガイド部材１４が、ガイドフレーム１２から外方（−Ｙ方向）に突出して形成されている。前記傾斜ガイド部材１４は、図５〜図７において時計回り方向に進むに従って突出量が少なくなるように傾斜する傾斜面１４ａと、突出量が最も大きな頂部１４ｂと、突出量が最も少ない底部１４ｃとを有する。 (Description of guide member)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism in a state where the opening / closing member is closed.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a guide frame according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of the drive transmission / release member and the guide frame.
In FIG. 3, a guide frame (guide member) 12 is disposed inside the frame 1. 3 and 5-7, the guide frame 12 is formed with a shaft through hole 12a through which the drive shaft 12 passes. In the guide frame 12 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the left end surface (−Y end surface) of the front portion (+ X side portion) 12c is aligned with the left end surface of the center portion 12d depending on the positional relationship with the frame of the printer U and other members. On the other hand, it is short on the right side (+ Y side), and a step 12e is formed. A concentric arc-shaped lock member housing wall 13 is formed around the shaft through hole 12a. In FIG. 7, a pair of arcuate inclined guide members 14 are provided between the lock member housing wall 13 and the shaft through hole 12a so as to sandwich the shaft through hole 12a outward from the guide frame 12 (−Y direction). ) Protruding. 5 to 7, the inclined guide member 14 has an inclined surface 14a that is inclined so that the amount of protrusion decreases as it advances in the clockwise direction, a top portion 14b that has the largest amount of protrusion, and a bottom portion 14c that has the smallest amount of protrusion. Have

図５，図６において、前記ガイドフレーム１２の軸貫通孔１２ａの前側（＋Ｘ側）には、軸貫通孔１２ａと同心の円弧状のロック部材ガイド部（一端側アームガイド部）１６が形成されている。前記ロック部材ガイド部１６は、外方（＋Ｙ方向）に突出するガイド壁１６ａにより囲まれた円弧溝状のガイド溝１６により構成されている。前記ロック部材ガイド部１６内部には、前記ガイドフレーム１２の段差１２ｅを吸収するための突条１６ｂが形成されている。
図６において、前記ロック部材ガイド部１６の上方には、他端側アームガイド部１７が形成されている。前記他端側アームガイド部１７は、下端から上方に延びるアーム上方ガイド部１７ａと、アーム上方ガイド部１７ａの上端から後（−Ｘ方向）斜め上方に延びるアーム斜め方向ガイド部１７ｂとを有する。また、他端側アームガイド部１７は、ロック部材ガイド部１６と同様に、外方に突出するガイド壁１７ｃと突条１７ｄとを有するガイド溝により構成されている。 5 and 6, on the front side (+ X side) of the shaft through hole 12a of the guide frame 12, an arc-shaped lock member guide portion (one end side arm guide portion) 16 concentric with the shaft through hole 12a is formed. ing. The lock member guide portion 16 is configured by a circular groove-shaped guide groove 16 surrounded by a guide wall 16a protruding outward (+ Y direction). A protrusion 16b for absorbing the step 12e of the guide frame 12 is formed in the lock member guide portion 16.
In FIG. 6, an arm guide portion 17 on the other end side is formed above the lock member guide portion 16. The other end side arm guide portion 17 has an arm upper guide portion 17a extending upward from the lower end, and an arm oblique direction guide portion 17b extending obliquely upward rearward (−X direction) from the upper end of the arm upper guide portion 17a. Similarly to the lock member guide portion 16, the other end side arm guide portion 17 is constituted by a guide groove having a guide wall 17c protruding outward and a protrusion 17d.

図６において、前記他端側アームガイド部１７の前方（＋Ｘ方向）には、第１リンクガイド部１８が形成されている。前記第１リンクガイド部１８は、他端側アームガイド部１７と同様に、第１リンク上方ガイド部１８ａと、第１リンク斜め方向ガイド部１８ｂとを有する。実施例１の第１リンクガイド部１８の幅は、アームガイド部１６，１７に比べて狭く設定されており、上方リンクガイド部１８ａの幅に対する上下方向の長さの割合が、他端側アームガイド部１７の幅に対する上下方向の長さの割合に対して、大きく設定されている。また、前記第１リンクガイド部１８は、一部がガイド壁１７ｃと共通のガイド壁１８ｃと、他端側アームガイド部１７と同様の突条１８ｄとを有するガイド溝により構成されている。
前記第１リンクガイド部１８の前側（＋Ｘ側）には鉛直方向に延びるカバーガイド部１９が形成されている。前記カバーガイド部１９は、一部がガイド壁１８ｃと共通のガイド壁１９ａを有するガイド溝により構成されている。 In FIG. 6, a first link guide portion 18 is formed in front of the other end side arm guide portion 17 (+ X direction). The first link guide portion 18 includes a first link upper guide portion 18 a and a first link oblique direction guide portion 18 b, similarly to the other end side arm guide portion 17. The width of the first link guide portion 18 of the first embodiment is set narrower than the arm guide portions 16 and 17, and the ratio of the length in the vertical direction to the width of the upper link guide portion 18a is the other end side arm. It is set large with respect to the ratio of the length in the vertical direction to the width of the guide portion 17. The first link guide portion 18 is constituted by a guide groove having a guide wall 18c that is partly shared with the guide wall 17c and a protrusion 18d that is the same as the arm guide portion 17 on the other end side.
A cover guide portion 19 extending in the vertical direction is formed on the front side (+ X side) of the first link guide portion 18. A part of the cover guide portion 19 is constituted by a guide groove having a guide wall 19a common to the guide wall 18c.

図６において、前記他端側アームガイド部１７の後方（−Ｘ方向）には、第２リンクガイド部２１が形成されている。前記第２リンクガイド部２１は、ガイド壁２１ａにより囲まれたガイド溝２１により構成されている。第２リンクガイド部２１は、鉛直方向に延びる第２リンク上方ガイド部２１ｂと、第２リンク上方ガイド部２１ｂの上端から後（−Ｘ方向）斜め上方に延びる第２リンク斜め方向ガイド部２１ｃと、を有する。実施例１の第２リンクガイド部２１の幅は、第１リンクガイド部１８と同様に、アームガイド部１６，１７に比べて狭く設定されており、第２リンク上方ガイド部２１ｂの幅に対する上下方向の長さの割合が、他端側アームガイド部１７の幅に対する上下方向の長さの割合に対して、大きく設定されている。 In FIG. 6, a second link guide portion 21 is formed behind the other end side arm guide portion 17 (−X direction). The second link guide portion 21 is constituted by a guide groove 21 surrounded by a guide wall 21a. The second link guide portion 21 includes a second link upper guide portion 21b extending in the vertical direction, and a second link oblique guide portion 21c extending obliquely upward (−X direction) from the upper end of the second link upper guide portion 21b. Have. Similarly to the first link guide portion 18, the width of the second link guide portion 21 of the first embodiment is set to be narrower than the arm guide portions 16 and 17, and the width of the second link upper guide portion 21b is vertical. The ratio of the length in the direction is set to be larger than the ratio of the length in the vertical direction with respect to the width of the other end side arm guide portion 17.

図６において、前記第２リンク上方ガイド部２１ｃの後側のガイド壁２１ａの上部には、後方に段差状に形成された係合解除部２１ｄが形成されている。また、前記第２リンク上方ガイド部２１ｂの下方には、第２リンク上方ガイド部２１ｂに連続して、後方（−Ｘ方向）に膨らんだ閉鎖時係合解除部２１ｅが形成されている。
前記第２リンクガイド部２１の後方（−Ｘ方向）には、付勢バネ連結部（付勢部材連結部）２２が形成されている。前記付勢バネ連結部２２の下方には、ベルトクリーナＣＬ２の回転部材を駆動するためのギア列（図示せず）が収容、支持されるギア列収容室２３が形成されており、ギア列収容室２３は、収容室分離壁２３ａによりトップカバーＵ３開放時に埃等がギア列収容室２３内に進入しないように構成されている。 In FIG. 6, a disengagement portion 21d formed in a step shape on the rear side is formed on the upper portion of the guide wall 21a on the rear side of the second link upper guide portion 21c. Further, a closing engagement release portion 21e swelled rearward (in the −X direction) is formed below the second link upper guide portion 21b so as to be continuous with the second link upper guide portion 21b.
An urging spring coupling portion (urging member coupling portion) 22 is formed behind the second link guide portion 21 (−X direction). A gear train housing chamber 23 for housing and supporting a gear train (not shown) for driving the rotating member of the belt cleaner CL2 is formed below the urging spring connecting portion 22. The chamber 23 is configured so that dust or the like does not enter the gear train storage chamber 23 when the top cover U3 is opened by the storage chamber separation wall 23a.

（駆動伝達・解除部材の説明）
図８は実施例１の駆動伝達・解除部材の斜視説明図であり、図８Ａは斜め後方から見た斜視説明図、図８Ｂは図８Ａの矢印ＶＩＩＩＢ方向から見た図である。
図３、図５、図７において、前記ロック部材収容壁１３内には、ロック部材（駆動伝達・解除部材）３１が収容される。図７において、ロック部材３１は、円板状のロック部材本体３１ａと、ロック部材本体３１ａから円板の半径方向に、ロック部材ガイド部１６まで延びる被連結部３１ｂとを有する。図５、図７、図８において、前記被連結部３１ｂには、被連結孔３１ｃと抜け止め通過部３１ｄとが形成されている。図３，図７，図８において、前記ロック部材本体３１ａの中央部には、駆動軸４および駆動カップリングＣＰ２の小径部ＣＰ２ａが貫通する貫通孔３１ｅと、貫通孔３１ｃの周囲にリング状に形成され、駆動カップリングＣＰ２のリング状傾斜面ＣＰ２ｃが当接するリング状傾斜当接面３２（図３参照）とが形成されている。 (Description of drive transmission / release member)
8 is a perspective explanatory view of the drive transmission / release member of the first embodiment, FIG. 8A is a perspective explanatory view seen from obliquely rearward, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB of FIG. 8A.
3, 5, and 7, a lock member (drive transmission / release member) 31 is housed in the lock member housing wall 13. In FIG. 7, the lock member 31 includes a disk-shaped lock member main body 31 a and a connected portion 31 b extending from the lock member main body 31 a to the lock member guide portion 16 in the radial direction of the disk. 5, 7, and 8, the connected portion 31b is formed with a connected hole 31c and a retaining passage portion 31d. 3, 7, and 8, a central portion of the lock member main body 31 a has a through hole 31 e through which the small diameter portion CP 2 a of the drive shaft 4 and the drive coupling CP 2 passes, and a ring shape around the through hole 31 c. A ring-shaped inclined contact surface 32 (see FIG. 3) that is formed and contacts the ring-shaped inclined surface CP2c of the drive coupling CP2 is formed.

前記リング状傾斜当接面３２の外周側には、前記傾斜ガイド部材１４が係合する円弧状の一対の被ガイド部３３が形成されている。図８Ｂにおいて、前記被ガイド部３３は、外側から内側（ガイドフレーム１２側）に傾斜する傾斜被ガイド面３３ａと、外側に凹んだ凹部３３ｂと、前記凹部３３ｂの周方向反対側で傾斜被ガイド面３３ａに連続する内側平面３３ｃとを有する。したがって、図３，図７，図８において、前記傾斜ガイド部材１４の頂部１４ｂがロック部材３１の凹部３３ｂに嵌合した状態（図３に示す状態）では、カップリング付勢バネ７により、駆動カップリングＣＰ２およびロック部材３１が像担持体ＰＲ側に移動する（駆動伝達位置に移動する）。したがって、駆動伝達位置では、ロック部材３１により駆動カップリングＣＰ２が従動カップリングＣＰ１に噛合った状態でロックされ、駆動力が伝達される。
駆動伝達位置からロック部材３１が回転すると、傾斜被ガイド面３３ａが傾斜ガイド面１４ａにガイドされて、前記傾斜ガイド部材１４の頂部１４ｂがロック部材３１の内側平面３３ｃに当接するまで移動し、ロック部材３１が駆動軸４の軸方向に対して像担持体ＰＲから離隔する方向に移動する（伝達解除位置に移動する）。この時、ロック部材３１のリング状傾斜当接面３２が駆動カップリングＣＰ２のリング状傾斜面ＣＰ２ｄに当接して、カップリング付勢バネ７の付勢力（バネ力）に抗して、駆動カップリングＣＰ２を像担持体ＰＲから離隔する方向に移動させる。したがって、伝達解除位置では、ロック部材３１により駆動カップリングＣＰ２と従動カップリングＣＰ１との噛合が解除された状態でロックされ、駆動力の伝達が解除される。 On the outer peripheral side of the ring-shaped inclined contact surface 32, a pair of arc-shaped guided portions 33 with which the inclined guide member 14 is engaged are formed. In FIG. 8B, the guided portion 33 has an inclined guided surface 33a inclined from the outside to the inside (guide frame 12 side), a recessed portion 33b recessed outward, and an inclined guided surface on the opposite side in the circumferential direction of the recessed portion 33b. And an inner flat surface 33c continuous to the surface 33a. 3, 7, and 8, when the top portion 14 b of the inclined guide member 14 is fitted in the concave portion 33 b of the lock member 31 (the state shown in FIG. 3), the driving is performed by the coupling biasing spring 7. The coupling CP2 and the lock member 31 move to the image carrier PR side (move to the drive transmission position). Therefore, at the drive transmission position, the lock coupling 31 locks the drive coupling CP2 in mesh with the driven coupling CP1, and transmits the drive force.
When the lock member 31 rotates from the drive transmission position, the inclined guided surface 33a is guided by the inclined guide surface 14a, and the top 14b of the inclined guide member 14 moves until it abuts against the inner flat surface 33c of the lock member 31, The member 31 moves in a direction away from the image carrier PR with respect to the axial direction of the drive shaft 4 (moves to the transmission release position). At this time, the ring-shaped inclined contact surface 32 of the lock member 31 contacts the ring-shaped inclined surface CP2d of the drive coupling CP2 and resists the urging force (spring force) of the coupling urging spring 7. The ring CP2 is moved away from the image carrier PR. Therefore, at the transmission release position, the lock member 31 is locked in a state where the engagement between the drive coupling CP2 and the driven coupling CP1 is released, and the transmission of the driving force is released.

（アーム部材の説明）
図９は実施例１のアーム部材の斜視説明図であり、図９Ａは斜め後方から見た斜視説明図、図９Ｂは図９Ａの矢印ＩＸＢ方向から見た図である。
図５、図９において、前記ロック部材３１の被連結部３１ｂには、アーム部材３６の下端（一端）が回転可能に連結されている。図９において、アーム部材３６は、鉛直方向に延びるアーム本体３６ａを有する。前記アーム本体３６ａの下端部（一端部）には、外側（−Ｙ方向）に突出する円筒状のロック連結部３６ｂが形成されている。また、アーム本体３６ａの下端部には、ロック連結部３６ｂと同軸上でガイドフレーム１２側（内側）に突出し、ガイド溝状のロック部材ガイド部（アーム一端ガイド部）１６に嵌合してガイドされる下側アーム被ガイド部（一端側アーム被ガイド部）３６ｃが形成されている。 (Explanation of arm member)
FIG. 9 is a perspective explanatory view of the arm member of the first embodiment, FIG. 9A is a perspective explanatory view seen obliquely from the rear, and FIG. 9B is a view seen from the arrow IXB direction of FIG. 9A.
5 and 9, the lower end (one end) of the arm member 36 is rotatably connected to the connected portion 31 b of the lock member 31. In FIG. 9, the arm member 36 has an arm body 36a extending in the vertical direction. At the lower end (one end) of the arm body 36a, a cylindrical lock coupling portion 36b is formed protruding outward (−Y direction). Further, the lower end portion of the arm main body 36a protrudes on the guide frame 12 side (inner side) on the same axis as the lock connecting portion 36b, and is fitted into the guide groove-shaped lock member guide portion (arm one end guide portion) 16 to be guided. A lower arm guided portion (one end side arm guided portion) 36c is formed.

前記ロック連結部３６ｂにはロック抜け止め部３６ｄが形成されている。したがって、ロック抜け止め部３６ｄと、ロック部材３１の抜け止め通過部３１ｄとを一致させて、ロック連結部３６ｂが被連結孔３１ｃを通過した状態で、アーム部材３６とロック部材３１を相対的に回転させることでロック部材３１にアーム部材３６を組み付けることができる。そして、組み付けられた状態では、ロック抜け止め部３６ｄによりアーム部材３６がロック部材３１に対して、回転可能且つ抜け止めされた状態で支持される。
前記アーム本体３６ａの上端部（他端部）には、外側（−Ｙ方向）に突出する円筒状のカバー連結部３６ｅと、ガイドフレーム１２側（内側）に突出し、他端側アームガイド部１７に嵌合してガイドされる円筒状の上側アーム被ガイド部（他端側アーム被ガイド部）３６ｆとが形成されている。前記カバー連結部３６ｅにはカバー抜け止め部３６ｇが形成されている。 The lock connecting portion 36b is formed with a lock retaining portion 36d. Therefore, with the lock retaining portion 36d and the retaining passage portion 31d of the lock member 31 aligned, the arm member 36 and the lock member 31 are relatively moved with the lock coupling portion 36b passing through the coupled hole 31c. The arm member 36 can be assembled to the lock member 31 by rotating it. In the assembled state, the arm member 36 is supported by the lock retaining portion 36d in a state where the arm member 36 is rotatable and prevented from being detached from the lock member 31.
At the upper end (other end) of the arm main body 36a, a cylindrical cover connecting portion 36e protruding outward (−Y direction), and protruding toward the guide frame 12 (inner side), the other end side arm guide portion 17 is provided. A cylindrical upper arm guided portion (the other end side arm guided portion) 36f that is fitted and guided to is formed. A cover retaining part 36g is formed in the cover connecting part 36e.

（リンク部材の説明）
図１０は実施例１のリンク部材の斜視説明図であり、図１０Ａは後方から見た斜視説明図、図１０Ｂは図１０Ａの矢印ＸＢ方向から見た図である。
図５，図１０において、前記アーム部材３６とガイドフレーム１２との間には、リンク部材４１が配置されている。前記リンク部材４１は、略Ｌ字形の形状に形成されており、水平方向（前後方向、Ｘ軸方向）に延びるリンク部材本体４１ａと、前記リンク部材本体４１ａの後端部から上方に延びる被係合部支持体４１ｂとを有する。前記リンク部材本体４１ａの中央部には、前記上側アーム被ガイド部３６ｆが貫通して上側アーム被ガイド部３６ｆをスライド可能に支持するスライド支持部４１ｃが形成されている。図１０Ｂにおいて、前記スライド支持部４１ｃの前後両側には、それぞれ、ガイド溝状の第１リンクガイド部１８および第２リンクガイド部２１に嵌合してガイドされるリンク第１被ガイド部４１ｄおよびリンク第２被ガイド部４１ｅが形成されている。前記被ガイド部４１ｄ、４１ｅの外径は、前記リンクガイド部１８，２１の幅に対応して形成されている。
図５、図１０Ａにおいて、リンク部材本体４１ａの後下端部には付勢バネ連結部（付勢部材連結部）４１ｆが形成されている。図５において、付勢バネ連結部２２，４１ｆの間には、リンク部材４１を常時付勢バネ連結部２２側に付勢する付勢バネ（付勢部材）４２が装着されている。 (Description of link member)
10 is a perspective explanatory view of the link member of Example 1, FIG. 10A is a perspective explanatory view seen from the rear, and FIG. 10B is a view seen from the arrow XB direction of FIG. 10A.
5 and 10, a link member 41 is disposed between the arm member 36 and the guide frame 12. The link member 41 is formed in a substantially L-shape, and a link member main body 41a extending in the horizontal direction (front-rear direction and X-axis direction), and a clerk extending upward from the rear end portion of the link member main body 41a. And a joint support 41b. At the center of the link member main body 41a, a slide support portion 41c through which the upper arm guided portion 36f penetrates and supports the upper arm guided portion 36f is slidable. In FIG. 10B, on both front and rear sides of the slide support portion 41c, a link first guided portion 41d that is guided by being fitted to a first groove guide portion 18 and a second link guide portion 21 each having a guide groove shape, and A link second guided portion 41e is formed. The outer diameters of the guided portions 41d and 41e are formed corresponding to the widths of the link guide portions 18 and 21.
5 and 10A, a biasing spring coupling portion (biasing member coupling portion) 41f is formed at the rear lower end portion of the link member main body 41a. In FIG. 5, a biasing spring (biasing member) 42 that constantly biases the link member 41 toward the biasing spring coupling portion 22 is mounted between the biasing spring coupling portions 22 and 41f.

図１１は実施例１の被係合部と係合部の要部拡大説明図である。
図５、図１０、図１１において、前記被係合部支持体４１ｂの上端部には、ねじりバネ状の被係合部４３をネジ４４で固定するための被係合部材支持部４１ｇが形成されている。図１１に示すように、被係合部４３の先端部は引っ掛かりやすくするために（係合しやすくするために）、枠状に形成されている。前記被係合部材支持部４１ｇの上方には、被係合部４３の上側の位置を規制するための上側位置規制部４１ｈが形成され、前記被係合部材支持部４１ｇの下方には、被係合部４３の下側の位置を規制するための下側位置規制部４１ｉが形成されている。
前記アーム部材３６、リンク部材４１、付勢バネ４２、被係合部４３等により実施例１の連結部材（３６〜４３）が構成されている。また、前記連結部材（３６〜４３）およびガイドフレーム１２により実施例１のリンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）が構成されている。 FIG. 11 is an enlarged explanatory view of main portions of the engaged portion and the engaging portion of the first embodiment.
5, 10, and 11, an engaged member support portion 41 g for fixing a torsion spring-like engaged portion 43 with a screw 44 is formed at the upper end portion of the engaged portion support body 41 b. Has been. As shown in FIG. 11, the distal end portion of the engaged portion 43 is formed in a frame shape so as to be easily caught (in order to be easily engaged). An upper position restricting portion 41h for restricting the upper position of the engaged portion 43 is formed above the engaged member supporting portion 41g, and below the engaged member supporting portion 41g, A lower position restricting portion 41 i for restricting the lower position of the engaging portion 43 is formed.
The arm member 36, the link member 41, the urging spring 42, the engaged portion 43, and the like constitute the connecting members (36 to 43) of the first embodiment. The link members (12 + 36 to 43) of the first embodiment are configured by the connecting members (36 to 43) and the guide frame 12.

（カバー部材の説明）
図１２は実施例１のカバー部材の斜視説明図であり、図１２Ａは斜め後方から見た斜視図、図１２Ｂは図１２Ａの矢印ＸＩＩＢ方向から見た図である。
図５において、前記アーム部材３６の外側（＋Ｙ側）には、カバー部材４６が配置されている。前記カバー部材４６には、前後方向（Ｘ軸方向）に延び、前記カバー連結部３６ｅが貫通するアームスライド支持部４６ａが形成されている。前記カバー部材４６をアーム部材３６に装着する場合、アームスライド支持部４６ａに沿う方向にアーム部材３６を回転させ、カバー抜け止め部３６ｇがアームスライド支持部４６ａを通過した状態で、アーム部材３６を戻すことにより、カバー連結部３６ｅがアームスライド支持部４６ａを貫通した状態で組み立てられる。この状態では、アーム部材３６に対してカバー部材４１がスライド移動可能且つ抜け止めされた状態で支持される。
図１２において、前記カバー部材４６の前端部には、内側（ガイドフレーム１２側）に突出してカバーガイド部１９に嵌合してガイドされるカバー被ガイド部４６ｂを有する。図１１、図１２Ｂにおいて、前記カバー部材４６の上端面４６ｃにより、係合部当接面兼、トップカバーＵ３開放時に、ガイドフレーム１２上端の開口１２ｂ（図１１参照）を通じて内部に物体（クリップや筆記具等の落下物や、埃、ゴミ等）が進入することを防止するための進入防止面が構成されている。 (Description of cover member)
12 is a perspective explanatory view of the cover member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 12A is a perspective view seen from an oblique rear side, and FIG. 12B is a view seen from the direction of arrow XIIB in FIG. 12A.
In FIG. 5, a cover member 46 is disposed outside the arm member 36 (+ Y side). The cover member 46 is formed with an arm slide support portion 46a that extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and through which the cover connecting portion 36e passes. When the cover member 46 is attached to the arm member 36, the arm member 36 is rotated in a direction along the arm slide support portion 46a, and the arm member 36 is moved with the cover retaining portion 36g passing through the arm slide support portion 46a. By returning, the cover connecting portion 36e is assembled in a state of penetrating the arm slide support portion 46a. In this state, the cover member 41 is supported so as to be slidable with respect to the arm member 36 and prevented from coming off.
In FIG. 12, the front end portion of the cover member 46 has a cover guided portion 46 b that protrudes inward (guide frame 12 side) and is guided by being fitted to the cover guide portion 19. 11 and 12B, when the top cover U3 is opened by the upper end surface 46c of the cover member 46, when the top cover U3 is opened, an object (clip or An intrusion prevention surface is provided for preventing a fallen object such as a writing instrument, dust, dust, or the like) from entering.

（係合部材の説明）
図１３は実施例１の係合部材の説明図であり、図１３Ａは係合部材の斜視説明図、図１３Ｂは係合部材が被係合部に係合した状態の角度関係の説明図である。
図２、図５、図１１、図１３において、回転中心Ｕ３ａを中心に回転するトップカバーＵ３には、下方に突出する係合部材５１がトップカバーＵ３と一体的に回転可能に支持されている。前記係合部材５１は、係合爪５２を有しており、係合爪５２はバネ状の前記被係合部４３に係合可能に構成されている。図１３において、前記係合爪５２の先端部には、被係合部４３が確実に係合するように枠状の被係合部４３に対応した先端係合部５２ａが突出して形成されている。図１３Ｂにおいて、前記係合爪５２の先端係合部５２ａは、被係合部４３が係合爪５２から離隔する時に外れやすくするために、被係合部４３の先端部が係合した状態で、先端係合部５２ａと被係合部４３との接触面と水平面との傾斜角θが、離脱時の離脱方向に沿った角度に設定されており、先端係合部５２ａを設けない場合に比べて角度が大きくなるように設定されている。 (Description of engaging member)
13A and 13B are explanatory views of the engaging member of the first embodiment. FIG. 13A is a perspective explanatory view of the engaging member. FIG. is there.
2, 5, 11, and 13, the top cover U 3 that rotates about the rotation center U 3 a supports an engaging member 51 that protrudes downward so as to be integrally rotatable with the top cover U 3. . The engaging member 51 has an engaging claw 52, and the engaging claw 52 is configured to be engageable with the spring-like engaged portion 43. In FIG. 13, a tip engaging portion 52 a corresponding to the frame-like engaged portion 43 protrudes from the tip of the engaging claw 52 so that the engaged portion 43 can be securely engaged. Yes. In FIG. 13B, the distal end engaging portion 52a of the engaging claw 52 is engaged with the distal end portion of the engaged portion 43 so that the engaged portion 43 is easily detached when the engaged portion 43 is separated from the engaging claw 52. In the case where the inclination angle θ between the contact surface between the tip engagement portion 52a and the engaged portion 43 and the horizontal plane is set to an angle along the separation direction at the time of separation, and the tip engagement portion 52a is not provided. The angle is set to be larger than the angle.

図５において、実施例１の係合部材５１では、係合爪５２の先端部は、回転中心Ｕ３ａよりも鉛直下方に配置されており、回転中心Ｕ３ａを中心とする半径αの弧状軌跡５３に沿って移動する。すなわち、被係合部４３が半径αの内側に入ると、被係合部４３と係合部材５１との係合が解除され、被係合部４３が半径αの外側に位置すると、被係合部４３と係合部材５１とが係合した状態で保持される。 In FIG. 5, in the engaging member 51 of the first embodiment, the distal end portion of the engaging claw 52 is arranged vertically below the rotation center U3a, and an arcuate locus 53 having a radius α centered on the rotation center U3a. Move along. That is, when the engaged portion 43 enters the inside of the radius α, the engagement between the engaged portion 43 and the engaging member 51 is released, and when the engaged portion 43 is positioned outside the radius α, the engaged portion 43 The joint 43 and the engaging member 51 are held in an engaged state.

（実施例１の作用）
図１４は実施例１の開閉部材が閉じられた状態でのロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１４Ａは外観説明図、図１４Ｂは図１４Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。
図１５は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、開閉部材の開放動作が開始されて係合部材と被係合部が係合した状態の説明図である。
図１６は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１６Ａは図１５の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１６Ｂは図１６Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。
図１７は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１７Ａは図１６の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１７Ｂは図１７Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。
図１８は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１８Ａは図１７の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１８Ｂは図１８Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。
図１９は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１９Ａは図１８の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１９Ｂは図１９Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。
図２０は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、開閉部材が開放された状態で駆動伝達・解除部材が駆動伝達位置に移動した場合に開閉部材を閉鎖位置に移動させる際に係合部材と被係合部とが係合した状態の説明図である。
図２１は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図２１Ａは図２０の状態からさらに開閉部材が閉鎖された状態の外観説明図、図２１Ｂは図２１Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。
なお、説明をわかりやすくするために、図１４Ｂ〜図２１Ｂでは、被ガイド部はパターンニングされた円で示し、アーム部材やリンク部材、被係合部等は棒線で示している。 (Operation of Example 1)
14A and 14B are operation explanatory views of the unlocking mechanism in a state in which the opening / closing member of Example 1 is closed, FIG. 14A is an external appearance explanatory view, and FIG. 14B is a positional relationship between the guide portion and the guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing demonstrated.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lock release mechanism according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state where the opening operation of the opening / closing member is started and the engaging member and the engaged portion are engaged.
16A and 16B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lock release mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16A is an external view for explaining the state where the opening and closing member is further opened from the state shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16B is the guide portion and the guided portion shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship.
FIG. 17 is an operation explanatory diagram of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 17A is an external explanatory diagram in a state where the opening / closing member is further opened from the state of FIG. 16, and FIG. 17B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship.
18 is an operation explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 18A is an external appearance explanatory view in a state where the opening / closing member is further opened from the state of FIG. 17, and FIG. 18B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship.
FIG. 19 is an operation explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 19A is an external explanatory view in a state where the opening / closing member is further opened from the state of FIG. 18, and FIG. 19B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship.
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lock release mechanism according to the first embodiment. When the drive transmission / release member is moved to the drive transmission position with the opening / closing member being opened, the opening / closing member is moved to the closed position. It is explanatory drawing of the state which the combined member and the to-be-engaged part engaged.
21 is an operation explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 21A is an external appearance explanatory view in a state where the opening / closing member is further closed from the state of FIG. 20, and FIG. 21B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship.
For easy understanding, in FIGS. 14B to 21B, the guided portion is indicated by a patterned circle, and the arm member, the link member, the engaged portion, and the like are indicated by bar lines.

前記構成を備えた実施例１の画像形成装置Ｕでは、画像形成動作等が行われる通常時は、図１４に示すように、トップカバー（開閉部材）Ｕ３は閉鎖され、ロック部材３１は駆動伝達位置に保持される。
画像形成装置Ｕ内部の部材（トナーカートリッジＴＣｙ〜ＴＣｋや像担持体ＰＲ等）を交換するメンテナンス等を実行するためにトップカバーＵ３を開放すると、図１４に示す状態から図１５に示す状態に移行する。このとき、係合部材５１の係合爪５２の先端部は、半径αの軌跡５３に沿って、回転中心Ｕ３ａから離れる方向且つ上方に移動を開始し、被係合部４３に係合する。
図１５の状態から更にトップカバーＵ３を開放していくと、図１６に示すように、係合爪５２により被係合部４３が上方に引張られ、アーム部材３６およびリンク部材４１の被ガイド部３６ｃ、３６ｆ、４１ｄ、４１ｅが、それぞれガイド部１６，１７，１８，２１にガイドされて上方に移動する。したがって、アーム部材３６の移動に伴いロック部材３１が駆動伝達位置から伝達解除位置に向けて移動し始める。このとき、カバー部材４６も被ガイド部４６ｂがガイド部１９にガイドされて上方に移動する。 In the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the top cover (opening / closing member) U3 is closed and the lock member 31 is driven to transmit power as shown in FIG. Held in position.
When the top cover U3 is opened to perform maintenance or the like for exchanging members (toner cartridges TCy to TCk, image carrier PR, etc.) inside the image forming apparatus U, the state shown in FIG. 14 is changed to the state shown in FIG. To do. At this time, the distal end portion of the engagement claw 52 of the engagement member 51 starts to move upward and away from the rotation center U3a along the locus 53 of the radius α, and engages with the engaged portion 43.
When the top cover U3 is further opened from the state of FIG. 15, the engaged portion 43 is pulled upward by the engaging claw 52 as shown in FIG. 16, and the guided portions of the arm member 36 and the link member 41 are guided. 36c, 36f, 41d, and 41e are guided by the guide portions 16, 17, 18, and 21, respectively, and move upward. Accordingly, as the arm member 36 moves, the lock member 31 starts to move from the drive transmission position toward the transmission release position. At this time, the cover member 46 also moves upward as the guided portion 46 b is guided by the guide portion 19.

図１６の状態から更にトップカバーＵ３を開放していくと、図１７に示すように、アーム部材３６の被ガイド部３６ｃ、３６ｆはロック部材３１を回転させるために斜め方向に移動する。一方、実施例１では、上方リンクガイド部１８ａ，２１ｂの幅に対する上下方向の長さの割合が、他端側アームガイド部１７の幅に対する上下方向の長さの割合に対して、大きく設定されているので、リンク部材４１の被ガイド部４１ｄ、４１ｅは、上方ガイド部１８ａ、２１ｂにより、通常時に対して被ガイド部４１ｄ、４１ｅどうしを結ぶ角度を保持したまま（図１７のリンク部材４１を示す直線参照）、鉛直上方にガイドされる。この結果、被係合部４３は係合爪５２の軌跡５３の半径αの外側に保持される。すなわち、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）により係合爪５２と被係合部４３とが係合したまま上方に移動し、ロック部材３１はトップカバーＵ３の開放動作に伴って伝達解除位置側に移動し続ける。 When the top cover U3 is further opened from the state of FIG. 16, the guided portions 36c and 36f of the arm member 36 move in an oblique direction to rotate the lock member 31, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the ratio of the vertical length to the width of the upper link guide portions 18a and 21b is set to be larger than the ratio of the vertical length to the width of the other end side arm guide portion 17. Therefore, the guided portions 41d and 41e of the link member 41 maintain the angle connecting the guided portions 41d and 41e with respect to the normal time by the upper guide portions 18a and 21b (the link member 41 of FIG. Guided vertically upward). As a result, the engaged portion 43 is held outside the radius α of the locus 53 of the engaging claw 52. That is, the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) moves upward while the engaging claw 52 and the engaged portion 43 are engaged, and the lock member 31 moves to the transmission release position side with the opening operation of the top cover U3. Keep doing.

図１７の状態から更にトップカバーＵ３を開放していくと、図１８に示すように、リンク部材４１の被ガイド部４１ｄ、４１ｅが、斜め方向ガイド部１８ｂ、２１ｃにより後斜め上方にガイドされる。このとき第１斜め方向ガイド部１８ｂの鉛直方向に対する傾斜角度が第２斜め方向ガイド部２１ｃの傾斜角度よりも大きいので、リンク部材４１の第２被ガイド部４１ｅ側が第１被ガイド部４１ｄ側に対して上方に傾斜していく。したがって、リンク部材４１が、回転中心Ｕ３ａに近づく方向にガイドされると共に、被係合部４３が配置された第２被ガイド部４１ｅが上方に移動する。この結果、被係合部４３は係合爪５２の軌跡５３の半径αの外側に保持され、ロック部材３１は伝達解除位置側に移動し続けるが、被係合部４３の先端部が半径αの軌跡５３に徐々に近づく。 When the top cover U3 is further opened from the state of FIG. 17, the guided portions 41d and 41e of the link member 41 are guided rearward and obliquely upward by the oblique direction guide portions 18b and 21c, as shown in FIG. . At this time, since the inclination angle of the first oblique direction guide portion 18b with respect to the vertical direction is larger than the inclination angle of the second oblique direction guide portion 21c, the second guided portion 41e side of the link member 41 is directed to the first guided portion 41d side. In contrast, it tilts upward. Therefore, the link member 41 is guided in a direction approaching the rotation center U3a, and the second guided portion 41e on which the engaged portion 43 is disposed moves upward. As a result, the engaged portion 43 is held outside the radius α of the locus 53 of the engaging claw 52, and the lock member 31 continues to move to the transmission release position side, but the distal end portion of the engaged portion 43 has a radius α. Gradually approach the locus 53.

図１８の状態から更にトップカバーＵ３を開放して、図１９に示すように、ロック部材３１が伝達解除位置に移動した状態で、リンク部材４１の第２被ガイド部４１ｅが第２リンクガイド部２１の係合解除部２１ｄに差し掛かると、付勢バネ４２によりリンク部材４１が回転中心Ｕ３ａ側に引張られる。これにより、リンク部材４１の第２被ガイド部４１ｅが係合解除部２１ｄに係合して、被係合部４３が係合爪５２の軌跡５３の半径αの内側に移動する。したがって、係合爪５２と被係合部４３との係合が解除される。
したがって、この後は、付勢バネ４２の付勢力により第２被ガイド部４１ｅが係合解除部２１ｄに係合した状態で保持されると共に、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）やロック部材３１とは関係なく、トップカバーＵ３を開放することができる。したがって、係合解除後は、少ない力でトップカバーＵ３を開閉できる。また、このとき、図１９に示すように、カバー部材４６の上端面４６ｃは、係合部材５１が収容されていたガイド部材１２の開放部分（開口１２ｂ）を閉塞する。 In the state where the top cover U3 is further opened from the state of FIG. 18 and the lock member 31 is moved to the transmission release position as shown in FIG. 19, the second guided portion 41e of the link member 41 is the second link guide portion. When the engagement disengaging portion 21d of 21 is approached, the link member 41 is pulled toward the rotation center U3a by the biasing spring 42. As a result, the second guided portion 41e of the link member 41 engages with the disengagement portion 21d, and the engaged portion 43 moves to the inside of the radius α of the locus 53 of the engaging claw 52. Accordingly, the engagement between the engaging claw 52 and the engaged portion 43 is released.
Therefore, after that, the second guided portion 41e is held in the engaged state by the urging force of the urging spring 42, and the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) and the lock member 31 are held. Regardless, the top cover U3 can be opened. Therefore, after the engagement is released, the top cover U3 can be opened and closed with a small force. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, the upper end surface 46 c of the cover member 46 closes the open portion (opening 12 b) of the guide member 12 in which the engaging member 51 is accommodated.

図１９において、トップカバーＵ３を閉鎖する場合、トップカバーＵ３を下方回転させていくと、係合爪５２と被係合部４３とが係合しないので、係合部材５１の下端面がカバー部材４６の上端面４６ｃに当接する。したがって、この状態でトップカバーＵ３を下方に回動していくと、係合部材５１によりカバー部材４６が下方に押し込まれ、カバー部材４６が下方に移動する。カバー部材４６の下方の移動に伴い、付勢バネ４２の付勢力に抗して係合解除部２１ｄと第２被ガイド部４１ｅとの係合が解除され、スライド支持部４６ａで係合するアーム部材３６が下方に移動し、リンク部材４１も下方に移動する。この結果、アーム部材３６の下方への移動により、ロック部材３１が伝達解除位置（図１９に示す状態）から駆動伝達位置（図５、図１４に示す状態）に移動する。 In FIG. 19, when the top cover U3 is closed, when the top cover U3 is rotated downward, the engaging claw 52 and the engaged portion 43 do not engage with each other, so the lower end surface of the engaging member 51 is the cover member. 46 abuts on the upper end surface 46c of 46. Therefore, when the top cover U3 is rotated downward in this state, the cover member 46 is pushed downward by the engaging member 51, and the cover member 46 moves downward. As the cover member 46 moves downward, the engagement between the disengagement portion 21d and the second guided portion 41e is released against the urging force of the urging spring 42, and the arm is engaged by the slide support portion 46a. The member 36 moves downward, and the link member 41 also moves downward. As a result, the downward movement of the arm member 36 moves the lock member 31 from the transmission release position (state shown in FIG. 19) to the drive transmission position (state shown in FIGS. 5 and 14).

図２０において、トップカバーＵ３が開放された状態で、何らかの要因（例えば、カバー部材４６の上端面４６ｃへの外力等）により、付勢バネ４２の付勢力に抗して係合解除部２１ｄと第２被ガイド部４１ｅとの係合が解除され、ロック部材３１が駆動伝達位置に移動することが考えられる。この場合に、開放されたトップカバーＵ３を閉じようとすると、被係合部４３が半径αの外側に位置しているので、被係合部４３と係合爪５２とが係合する（図２０参照）。
この状態でトップカバーＵ３を下方に回動させて係合爪５２を押し込むと、被係合部４３が後下方向に押し込まれ、リンク部材４１の後側部分（−Ｘ側部分）が下方に押し込まれる。この下方へ移動させる力により、リンク部材４１の第２被ガイド部４１ｅが第２リンク上方ガイド部２１ｂから、下方の閉鎖時係合解除部２１ｄにガイドされるが、アーム部材３６はこれ以上下方に移動できないので、ほとんど移動せず、ロック部材３１も駆動伝達位置に保持される。したがって、第２被ガイド部４１ｅが後側（回転中心Ｕ３ａ側）に膨らんだ閉鎖時係合解除部２１ｄにガイドされることにより、図２１に示すように被係合部４３が、軌跡５３の半径αの内側に移動する。この結果、被係合部４３と係合爪５２との係合が解除され、トップカバーＵ３の下方への回動により係合爪５２は下方に移動する。被係合部４３の下方に係合爪５２が通過した後は、付勢バネ４２の付勢力と、上方に行くほど付勢バネ連結部２２との距離が近くなるように前側斜め上方に傾斜して形成されている閉鎖時係合解除部２１ｄのガイド壁２１ａにより、リンク部材４１は図２１に示す状態（閉鎖時係合解除位置）から、リンク部材４１の姿勢が安定する図１４に示す通常時の位置に復帰する。 In FIG. 20, with the top cover U3 opened, the engagement disengaging part 21d and the urging force of the urging spring 42 against the urging force of the urging spring 42 due to some factor (for example, external force on the upper end surface 46c of the cover member 46). It is conceivable that the engagement with the second guided portion 41e is released and the lock member 31 moves to the drive transmission position. In this case, when the opened top cover U3 is to be closed, the engaged portion 43 is positioned outside the radius α, and therefore the engaged portion 43 and the engaging claw 52 are engaged (see FIG. 20).
When the top cover U3 is rotated downward in this state and the engaging claw 52 is pushed in, the engaged portion 43 is pushed in the rear lower direction, and the rear portion (−X side portion) of the link member 41 is lowered. Pushed in. Due to the downward movement force, the second guided portion 41e of the link member 41 is guided from the second link upper guide portion 21b to the lower closing engagement release portion 21d, but the arm member 36 is further lowered. Therefore, the lock member 31 is held at the drive transmission position. Accordingly, the second guided portion 41e is guided by the closing engagement releasing portion 21d swelled to the rear side (rotation center U3a side), so that the engaged portion 43 is moved along the locus 53 as shown in FIG. Move inside radius α. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 43 and the engaging claw 52 is released, and the engaging claw 52 moves downward by the downward rotation of the top cover U3. After the engaging claw 52 passes below the engaged portion 43, the front side is inclined obliquely upward so that the urging force of the urging spring 42 and the distance from the urging spring coupling portion 22 become closer toward the upper side. As shown in FIG. 14, the link member 41 is stabilized from the state shown in FIG. 21 (closed engagement release position) by the guide wall 21 a of the closing engagement release portion 21 d formed as described above. Return to the normal position.

したがって、実施例１の画像形成装置Ｕでは、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）が係合部材５１と係合、離脱し、従来技術のようにトップカバーＵ３とロック部材３１とが離脱不可能なリンク機構により連結されていない。すなわち、実施例１のように、回転中心Ｕ３ａと係合部材５１との距離が離れていても、リンク機構が大型化することを防止できる。この結果、実施例１の画像形成装置Ｕは装置の大型化を防止しつつ、トップカバーＵ３の開閉動作に伴ってロック部材３１を駆動伝達位置と伝達解除位置との間で移動させることができ、トップカバーＵ３を開閉することにより像担持体ＰＲへの駆動の伝達、解除を行うことができる。また、回転中心Ｕ３ａと係合部材５１との距離を自由に設定できるので、設計の自由度を高めることができる。 Therefore, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment, the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) engages and disengages from the engaging member 51, and the top cover U3 and the lock member 31 cannot be detached from each other as in the related art. Not connected by mechanism. That is, as in the first embodiment, the link mechanism can be prevented from becoming large even if the distance between the rotation center U3a and the engaging member 51 is long. As a result, the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment can move the lock member 31 between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the top cover U3 while preventing the apparatus from becoming large. By opening and closing the top cover U3, it is possible to transmit and release driving to the image carrier PR. In addition, since the distance between the rotation center U3a and the engaging member 51 can be set freely, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

さらに、実施例１では、トップカバーＵ３の開放開始時に、係合部材５１の移動方向が前側斜め上方向で、ロック部材３１の被連結部３１ｂの移動方向が後側斜め上方向に設定されている。このように係合部材５１の移動方向と、ロック部材３１の移動方向が異なる場合、従来技術（Ｊ02）のような直線的なアームにより構成されたリンク機構では、異なる方向に移動させることへの対応が困難であり、非常に複雑なリンクが必要になることが予想される。これに対して、実施例１では、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）とガイド部１６〜２１により、比較的コンパクトな構成で対応できる。この結果、構成を単純化することができ、生産コストを低減できる。 Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the top cover U3 starts to be opened, the moving direction of the engaging member 51 is set to the front diagonally upward direction, and the moving direction of the coupled portion 31b of the lock member 31 is set to the rear diagonally upward direction. Yes. Thus, when the moving direction of the engaging member 51 and the moving direction of the lock member 31 are different, the link mechanism constituted by the linear arm as in the prior art (J02) is moved to a different direction. It is difficult to deal with and it is expected that a very complicated link will be required. On the other hand, in Example 1, it can respond with a comparatively compact structure by the link mechanism (12 + 36-43) and the guide parts 16-21. As a result, the configuration can be simplified and the production cost can be reduced.

また、実施例１の画像形成装置Ｕでは、従来技術のようにトップカバーＵ３とロック部材３１とが離脱不可能なリンク機構が設けられていないので、トップカバーＵ３開放時に離脱不能なリンク機構がメンテナンス作業の邪魔になったり、見栄えが悪くなることを防止できる。特に、実施例１の画像形成装置Ｕでは、トップカバーＵ３開放時にカバー部材４６によりガイドフレーム１２の上端部が閉塞されるため、内部が見えて見栄えが悪くなることを防止できると共に、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）内部に物体が進入して、リンク機構（１２＋３６〜４３）が正常に動作しなくなることを低減できる。
さらに、実施例１の画像形成装置では、被係合部４３がバネ状の部材により構成されているため、アーム部材３６やリンク部材４１、係合部材５１等の部品公差、組み立て公差等により多少のズレがあっても、ズレを吸収することができる。
また、前記被係合部４３がバネ状の部材により構成されているので、トップカバーＵ３を閉じる際に勢いよく閉じても、バネ状の被係合部４３により衝撃を吸収、分散することができる。したがって、仮に、被係合部４３がバネ材でない場合には衝撃を吸収しきれず被係合部４３が破損する恐れがあるが、実施例１のバネ状の被係合部４３により、被係合部４３の破損を免れることができる。 Further, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment, the link mechanism that cannot be detached from the top cover U3 and the lock member 31 is not provided as in the prior art, and therefore there is no link mechanism that cannot be detached when the top cover U3 is opened. It can prevent the maintenance work from getting in the way and the appearance from getting worse. In particular, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment, the upper end portion of the guide frame 12 is blocked by the cover member 46 when the top cover U3 is opened. 12 + 36 to 43) It can be reduced that an object enters the inside and the link mechanism (12 + 36 to 43) does not operate normally.
Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, the engaged portion 43 is formed of a spring-like member, and thus may slightly vary depending on component tolerances, assembly tolerances, and the like of the arm member 36, the link member 41, the engagement member 51, and the like. Even if there is a misalignment, the misalignment can be absorbed.
Further, since the engaged portion 43 is formed of a spring-like member, even if the top cover U3 is closed with force, the spring-like engaged portion 43 can absorb and disperse the impact. it can. Therefore, if the engaged portion 43 is not a spring material, the impact cannot be absorbed and the engaged portion 43 may be damaged. However, the spring-like engaged portion 43 of the first embodiment causes the engaged portion 43 to be engaged. The breakage of the joint portion 43 can be avoided.

（変更例）
以上、本発明の実施例を詳述したが、本発明は、前記実施例に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲に記載された本発明の要旨の範囲内で、種々の変更を行うことが可能である。本発明の変更例（Ｈ01）〜（Ｈ011）を下記に例示する。
（Ｈ01）前記実施例において、画像形成装置として、フルカラーの電子写真方式のプリンタを例示したが、これに限定されず、ＦＡＸ、複写機あるいはこれら全てまたは複数の機能を備えた複合機にも適用可能である。さらに、電子写真方式に限定されず、インクジェット記録方式等、他の画像記録方式の画像形成装置にも適用可能である。さらに、ロータリ式のフルカラー画像形成装置に限定されず、タンデム式のカラー画像形成装置やモノクロの画像形成装置にも適用可能である。 (Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H011) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the full-color electrophotographic printer is exemplified as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to a FAX, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine having all or a plurality of functions. Is possible. Further, the present invention is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus of another image recording method such as an ink jet recording method. Further, the present invention is not limited to the rotary type full-color image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a tandem type color image forming apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus.

（Ｈ02）前記実施例において、バネ状の被係合部４３を使用したが、バネ状に限定されず、弾性のない部材、形状を採用することも可能である。したがって、材料を共通化して、被係合部４３をリンク部材４１と一体成形で構成することも可能である。
（Ｈ03）前記実施例において、係合部材５１の先端係合部５２ａやカバー部材４６は省略可能である。
（Ｈ04）前記実施例において、駆動力を伝達、伝達解除する回転部材として像担持体ＰＲを例示したが、これに限定されず、任意の回転する部材に適用可能である。例えば、現像ロールＧＲｙ〜ＧＲｋやロータリ式現像装置Ｇの回転軸Ｇａ、二次転写器Ｔ２や定着ロールＦｐ、レジロールＲｒ等、回転駆動する部材に適用可能である。
（Ｈ05）前記実施例において、カップリングＣＰ１，ＣＰ２やロック部材３１の構成は、実施例記載の構成に限定されず、ロック部材３１の駆動伝達位置と伝達解除位置との間での移動に応じてカップリングＣＰ１，ＣＰ２を連結、離脱可能な任意の構成を採用可能である。すなわち、実施例では、ロック部材３１を回転させて軸方向にスライドさせることによりカップリングＣＰ１，ＣＰ２を連結、離脱させたが、ロック部材自体を回転させずに軸方向にスライド移動させたりする構成を採用することも可能である。 (H02) In the above embodiment, the spring-like engaged portion 43 is used. However, the spring-like engaged portion 43 is not limited to the spring shape, and an inelastic member or shape may be employed. Therefore, it is possible to make the engaged portion 43 integrally formed with the link member 41 by using a common material.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the tip engaging portion 52a and the cover member 46 of the engaging member 51 can be omitted.
(H04) In the above embodiment, the image carrier PR is exemplified as the rotating member for transmitting and releasing the driving force. However, the image bearing member PR is not limited to this, and can be applied to any rotating member. For example, the invention can be applied to rotationally driven members such as the developing rolls GRy to GRk, the rotary shaft Ga of the rotary developing device G, the secondary transfer unit T2, the fixing roll Fp, and the registration roll Rr.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the configurations of the couplings CP1 and CP2 and the lock member 31 are not limited to the configurations described in the embodiment, but according to the movement of the lock member 31 between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position. It is possible to adopt an arbitrary configuration that allows the couplings CP1 and CP2 to be connected and disconnected. That is, in the embodiment, the coupling members CP1 and CP2 are connected and disconnected by rotating the locking member 31 and sliding in the axial direction, but the sliding movement is performed in the axial direction without rotating the locking member itself. It is also possible to adopt.

（Ｈ06）前記実施例において、開閉部材Ｕ３を閉じた状態で、回転中心Ｕ３ａに対して係合部材５１やリンク機構（３６〜４３）が鉛直下方に配置されたが、これに限定されず、鉛直方向でほぼ同じ高さであったり、鉛直上方に配置することも可能である。
（Ｈ07）前記実施例において、ガイド部１６〜２１や被ガイド部３６ｃ、３６ｆ、４１ｄ、４１ｅ、４６ｂの数や位置は、設計等必要に応じて適宜変更可能である。
（Ｈ08）前記実施例において、開閉部材としてトップカバーＵ３を例示したが、これに限定されず、フロントカバーＵ２や、サイドカバー等の任意の開閉部材に適用可能である。 (H06) In the above embodiment, the engagement member 51 and the link mechanism (36 to 43) are arranged vertically downward with respect to the rotation center U3a with the opening / closing member U3 closed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also possible to arrange them at almost the same height in the vertical direction or vertically above.
(H07) In the above-described embodiment, the number and positions of the guide portions 16 to 21 and the guided portions 36c, 36f, 41d, 41e, and 46b can be appropriately changed as necessary according to design and the like.
(H08) In the above-described embodiment, the top cover U3 is exemplified as the opening / closing member. However, the opening / closing member is not limited to this and can be applied to any opening / closing member such as the front cover U2 or the side cover.

（Ｈ09）前記実施例において、係合部材５１をトップカバーＵ３と別体に構成したが、一体成形で構成することも可能である。
（Ｈ010）前記実施例において、連結部材とガイド部材とにより構成され、開閉部材の動作と駆動伝達・解除部材の動作とをリンクさせるリンク機構を例示したが、これに限定されず、例えば、フレームに回転可能に支持されて、リンク部材やアーム部材の移動を規制する部材と連結部材とにより構成されたリンク機構とすることも可能である。
（Ｈ011）前記実施例において、閉鎖時係合解除部を設けたが、外的な要因により駆動伝達位置から伝達解除位置に移動しないように保証することで（例えば、付勢バネ４２のバネ力を大きくする等）、閉鎖時係合解除部を省略することも可能である。 (H09) In the above embodiment, the engaging member 51 is formed separately from the top cover U3. However, it can also be formed by integral molding.
(H010) In the above-described embodiment, the link mechanism that is constituted by the connecting member and the guide member and links the operation of the opening / closing member and the operation of the drive transmission / release member is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also possible to provide a link mechanism constituted by a connecting member that is rotatably supported by a member and restricts the movement of the link member or the arm member.
(H011) In the above-described embodiment, the disengagement portion at the time of closing is provided, but it is ensured that it does not move from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position due to external factors (for example, the spring force of the biasing spring 42). It is also possible to omit the disengagement portion when closed.

図１は本発明の実施例１の画像形成装置の斜視説明図である。1 is a perspective explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 図２は実施例１の画像形成装置の説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 図３は実施例１の像担持体のカップリング部分の断面説明図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the coupling portion of the image carrier of Example 1. 図４はカップリング部分の要部拡大説明図であり、図４Ａはカップリング連結時の説明図、図４Ｂはカップリング連結解除時の説明図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of the main part of the coupling portion, FIG. 4A is an explanatory view when coupling is connected, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory view when coupling is released. 図５は開閉部材が閉じられた状態でのロック解除機構の説明図である。FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism in a state where the opening / closing member is closed. 図６は実施例１のガイドフレームの説明図である。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a guide frame according to the first embodiment. 図７は駆動伝達・解除部材とガイドフレームの要部拡大斜視説明図である。FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of the drive transmission / release member and the guide frame. 図８は実施例１の駆動伝達・解除部材の斜視説明図であり、図８Ａは斜め後方から見た斜視説明図、図８Ｂは図８Ａの矢印ＶＩＩＩＢ方向から見た図である。8 is a perspective explanatory view of the drive transmission / release member of the first embodiment, FIG. 8A is a perspective explanatory view seen from obliquely rearward, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB of FIG. 8A. 図９は実施例１のアーム部材の斜視説明図であり、図９Ａは斜め後方から見た斜視説明図、図９Ｂは図９Ａの矢印ＩＸＢ方向から見た図である。FIG. 9 is a perspective explanatory view of the arm member of the first embodiment, FIG. 9A is a perspective explanatory view seen obliquely from the rear, and FIG. 図１０は実施例１のリンク部材の斜視説明図であり、図１０Ａは後方から見た斜視説明図、図１０Ｂは図１０Ａの矢印ＸＢ方向から見た図である。10 is a perspective explanatory view of the link member of Example 1, FIG. 10A is a perspective explanatory view seen from the rear, and FIG. 10B is a view seen from the arrow XB direction of FIG. 10A. 図１１は実施例１の被係合部と係合部の要部拡大説明図である。FIG. 11 is an enlarged explanatory view of main portions of the engaged portion and the engaging portion of the first embodiment. 図１２は実施例１のカバー部材の斜視説明図であり、図１２Ａは斜め後方から見た斜視図、図１２Ｂは図１２Ａの矢印ＸＩＩＢ方向から見た図である。12 is a perspective explanatory view of the cover member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 12A is a perspective view seen from an oblique rear side, and FIG. 12B is a view seen from the direction of arrow XIIB in FIG. 図１３は実施例１の係合部材の説明図であり、図１３Ａは係合部材の斜視説明図、図１３Ｂは係合部材が被係合部に係合した状態の角度関係の説明図である。13A and 13B are explanatory views of the engaging member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 13A is a perspective explanatory view of the engaging member, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory view of an angular relationship in a state where the engaging member is engaged with the engaged portion. is there. 図１４は実施例１の開閉部材が閉じられた状態でのロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１４Ａは外観説明図、図１４Ｂは図１４Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。14A and 14B are operation explanatory views of the unlocking mechanism in a state in which the opening / closing member of Example 1 is closed, FIG. 14A is an external appearance explanatory view, and FIG. 14B is a positional relationship between the guide portion and the guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing demonstrated. 図１５は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、開閉部材の開放動作が開始されて係合部材と被係合部が係合した状態の説明図である。FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lock release mechanism according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state where the opening operation of the opening / closing member is started and the engaging member and the engaged portion are engaged. 図１６は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１６Ａは図１５の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１６Ｂは図１６Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。16A and 16B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lock release mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16A is an external view for explaining the state where the opening and closing member is further opened from the state shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16B is the guide portion and the guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship. 図１７は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１７Ａは図１６の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１７Ｂは図１７Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。FIG. 17 is an operation explanatory diagram of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 17A is an external explanatory diagram in a state where the opening / closing member is further opened from the state of FIG. 16, and FIG. 17B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship. 図１８は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１８Ａは図１７の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１８Ｂは図１８Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。18 is an operation explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 18A is an external appearance explanatory view in a state where the opening / closing member is further opened from the state of FIG. 17, and FIG. 18B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship. 図１９は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図１９Ａは図１８の状態からさらに開閉部材が開放された状態の外観説明図、図１９Ｂは図１９Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。FIG. 19 is an operation explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 19A is an external explanatory view in a state where the opening / closing member is further opened from the state of FIG. 18, and FIG. 19B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship. 図２０は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、開閉部材が開放された状態で駆動伝達・解除部材が駆動伝達位置に移動した場合に開閉部材を閉鎖位置に移動させる際に係合部材と被係合部とが係合した状態の説明図である。FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lock release mechanism according to the first embodiment. When the drive transmission / release member is moved to the drive transmission position with the opening / closing member being opened, the opening / closing member is moved to the closed position. It is explanatory drawing of the state which the combined member and the to-be-engaged part engaged. 図２１は実施例１のロック解除機構の作用説明図であり、図２１Ａは図２０の状態からさらに開閉部材が閉鎖された状態の外観説明図、図２１Ｂは図２１Ａのガイド部と被ガイド部との位置関係を説明する説明図である。21 is an operation explanatory view of the unlocking mechanism of the first embodiment, FIG. 21A is an external appearance explanatory view in a state where the opening / closing member is further closed from the state of FIG. 20, and FIG. 21B is a guide portion and a guided portion of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the positional relationship.

Explanation of symbols

４…駆動軸、
１２…ガイド部材、
１２＋３６〜４３…リンク機構、
１６，１７…アームガイド部、
１８…第１リンクガイド部、
１９…カバーガイド部、
２１…第２リンクガイド部、
２１ｄ…係合解除部、
２１ｅ…閉鎖時係合解除部、
３１…駆動伝達・解除部材、
３１ｂ…被連結部、
３６…アーム部材、
３６ｂ…連結部、
３６ｃ，３６ｆ…アーム被ガイド部、
３６ｆ…他端部側アーム被ガイド部、
３６〜４３…連結部材、
４１…リンク部材、
４１ｃ…スライド支持部、
４１ｄ，４１ｅ…リンク被ガイド部、
４２…付勢部材、
４３…被係合部、
４３…弾性部材、
４６…カバー部材、
５１…係合部材、
５２ａ…先端係合部、
ＰＲ…回転部材、
ＰＲａ…従動軸、
Ｕ…画像形成装置、
Ｕ３…開閉部材、
Ｕ３ａ…回転中心、
θ…傾斜角。

4 ... drive shaft,
12 ... Guide member,
12 + 36-43 ... Link mechanism,
16, 17 ... arm guide part,
18 ... 1st link guide part,
19 ... cover guide part,
21 ... Second link guide part,
21d ... disengagement part,
21e ... disengagement part when closed,
31 ... Drive transmission / release member,
31b ... connected part,
36 ... arm member,
36b ... connection part,
36c, 36f ... arm guided portion,
36f ... the other end side arm guided portion,
36-43 ... connecting member,
41 ... Link member,
41c ... slide support part,
41d, 41e ... link guided portion,
42 ... biasing member,
43 ... engaged portion,
43 ... an elastic member,
46: Cover member,
51 ... engaging member,
52a ... tip engaging portion,
PR: Rotating member,
PRa ... driven shaft,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U3 ... Opening / closing member,
U3a ... center of rotation,
θ ... Inclination angle.

Claims

An opening and closing member that opens and closes around the center of rotation;
An engagement member provided on the opening and closing member;
A drive transmission position where the driving force is transmitted by connecting the rotationally driven driving shaft and the driven shaft of the rotating member, and a transmission release where the coupling between the driving shaft and the driven shaft is released and the transmission of the driving force is released. A drive transmission / release member movable between the position and
An engaged portion engageable with the engaging member; and a connecting portion connected to the drive transmission / release member; and the drive transmission / release member between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position. And the drive transmission / release member is driven in the state in which the engaged portion is engaged with the engagement member in accordance with the opening operation of the opening / closing member. A link mechanism that moves from the transmission position to the transmission release position and releases the engagement by separating the engaged portion from the engagement member when the drive transmission / release member moves to the transmission release position; ,
Equipped with a,
The link mechanism includes a connecting member having the engaged portion and the connecting portion, and a guide member for guiding the connecting member,
The connecting member moves the drive transmission / release member between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position,
The guide member is disposed at a position corresponding to the guided portion of the connecting member when the drive transmission / release member moves to the transmission release position, and has a concave shape on the rotation center side of the opening / closing member. Closure portion and a closing shape that is arranged at a position corresponding to the guided portion of the connecting member when the drive transmission / release member is moved to the drive transmission position and swells toward the rotation center of the opening / closing member And a disengagement portion,
A biasing member is provided for biasing the guided portion toward the engagement release portion when the drive transmission / release member moves to the transmission release position;
When the opening / closing member starts to move from the closed position to the opened position in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation center of the opening / closing member, the connecting member is first guided. When the direction is the first direction and the direction intersecting the first direction is the second direction,
In the state where the opening and closing member is closed, the engagement member is disposed on a side farther from the rotation center of the opening and closing member with respect to the first direction.
The drive transmission / release member releases the transmission closer to the rotation center of the opening / closing member in the second direction and closer to the rotation center of the opening / closing member in the second direction with respect to the drive transmission position. Position is placed,
The direction in which the engaging member moves during the opening operation of the opening / closing member is set to a direction away from the rotation center of the opening / closing member with respect to the second direction, and from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position. The direction to move to is set to the direction toward the center of rotation,
At the time of opening operation of the opening and closing member, the connecting member is guided by the guide member in a state where the engaged portion is brought into contact with and engaged with the engaging member along with the opening operation of the opening and closing member. When the drive transmission / release member is moved from the drive transmission position to the transmission release position, and the drive transmission / release member moves to the transmission release position, the biased member causes the guided portion to move the opening / closing member. And moved to the engagement release portion side, the engaged portion is separated from the engagement member to be disengaged, and
When the drive transmission / release member moves to the transmission release position with the open / close member open, the engagement member comes into contact with the engaged portion as the open / close member is closed. When the opening / closing member is further moved in the closing direction when the drive transmission / release member is moved to the driving transmission position, the guided portion moves to the rotation center side of the opening / closing member to close the closing. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is moved to the disengagement portion side to disengage the engaged portion and the engaging member .

The drive transmission / release member that rotates between the drive transmission position and the transmission release position about the rotation center of the drive shaft and the driven shaft, and has a connected portion that extends in the radial direction of rotation. The drive transmission / release member;
An arm member having the connecting portion, one end of which is rotatably connected to the connected portion of the drive transmission / release member, and an arm guided portion formed at both ends, and the other end side of the arm member A slide support portion that supports the other end side arm guided portion in a slidable manner, a link guided portion formed on both sides of the slide support portion, and a link member having the engaged portion. The connecting member;
An arm guide portion for guiding the arm guided portion; a first link guide portion for guiding the link guided portion on the opposite side of the engaged portion; and the link guided portion on the engaged portion side. A guide member and a second link guide part having the disengagement part, and the guide member having
The biasing member that biases the link member guided by the first link guide part and the second link guide part toward the engagement release part;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

A cover member that moves together with the connecting member during the opening / closing member opening operation and closes the opening of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing member is opened;
The guide part having a cover guide part for guiding the cover member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising:

The engagement member is engaged when the opening / closing member is closed, and the connecting member is moved in accordance with the opening / closing member closing operation to move the drive transmission / release member from the transmission release position to the drive transmission position. Cover member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising:

The engaged portion configured by an elastic member;
Claims 1, characterized in that with a to the image forming apparatus according to any one of 4.

A front end engaging portion that is disposed at a front end portion of the engaging member and engages with the engaged portion, and is along the contact surface of the front end engaging portion and the engaged portion and the second direction. The tip engagement portion set to an angle corresponding to a direction in which the engaged portion is separated from the engagement member.
Claims 1, characterized in that with a to the image forming apparatus according to any one of 5.