JP4882593B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

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

  As an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, image forming apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 are known.

The image forming apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 include an opening / closing section provided in the apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable, and by opening and closing the opening / closing section, the cartridge as a replacement part in the apparatus main body is replaced and a conveyance path is provided. A configuration for removing the recording medium sandwiched between the two is disclosed.
JP 2000-039827 A JP 2004-240354 A JP 2005-062326 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-098402 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-043594

  By the way, in an apparatus like patent documents 1-5, it is desirable that exchanging work nature at the time of exchanging a cartridge in an apparatus main part is good, and removal work nature at the time of removing a recording medium pinched in an apparatus is good. Good is desirable.

  In view of the above facts, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that improves the replacement workability when replacing a cartridge in the apparatus body and the removal workability when removing a recording medium sandwiched in the apparatus. Objective.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a cartridge that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and forms an image on a recording medium, a conveying member that faces the cartridge and conveys the recording medium, and the conveying member. An opening / closing portion that opens and closes with respect to the apparatus main body, a movement mechanism that moves the cartridge toward the opening side of the opening / closing portion in conjunction with an opening operation of the opening / closing portion, and a movement mechanism that opens the opening / closing portion. Selecting means for selecting whether or not to function.

  According to this configuration, when the cartridge is exchanged, the moving mechanism functions by being selected by the selection means. As a result, the cartridge moves to the opening side of the opening / closing section in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing section, so that it is easy to take out the cartridge from the apparatus main body, and the replacement workability when replacing the cartridge in the apparatus main body is improved. Good.

  On the other hand, when the recording medium sandwiched between the cartridge and the conveying member is to be removed, the moving mechanism does not function by selecting with the selection means. Thus, even if the opening / closing part is opened, the cartridge does not move and the space between the cartridge and the transport member is opened. Therefore, the removal workability when removing the recording medium sandwiched between the cartridge and the transport member Is good.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the first aspect, it is possible to improve the replacement workability when replacing the cartridge in the apparatus main body and the removal workability when removing the recording medium sandwiched in the apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the moving mechanism includes a link member that connects the opening / closing portion and the cartridge, and the selection unit includes the link. It is characterized by comprising release means for releasing the connected state of the members.

  According to this configuration, whether or not to move the moving mechanism is selected depending on whether or not the connection state of the link member that connects the opening and closing unit and the cartridge is released. You can choose whether or not.

  An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the release means is provided in the engagement member provided to be displaceable in the opening / closing portion and the link member. An engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion, an urging means that urges the engaging portion in an engagement direction with the engaged portion, and an urging force of the urging means And an operating portion that moves the engaging portion in a direction opposite to the engaging direction.

  According to this structure, the engaging part provided in the opening / closing part so as to be displaceable is biased in the engaging direction with the engaged part provided in the link member. Thereby, the connection state of the link member that connects the opening / closing portion and the cartridge is maintained, and the cartridge moves to the opening side of the opening / closing portion in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing portion.

When removing the recording medium sandwiched between the cartridge and the conveying member, the operating portion is operated to move the engaging portion in the direction opposite to the engaging direction against the urging force of the urging means. .
Thereby, the connection state of the link member is released, the cartridge does not move, and the space between the cartridge and the transport member is opened.

  As described above, when removing the recording medium sandwiched between the cartridge and the conveying member, it is only necessary to operate the operation unit, so that the cartridge replacement workability and the recording medium removal workability are good.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of the cartridges are arranged, and the conveying member is a belt member arranged across a toner image carrier of the plurality of cartridges. .

In the image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, the opening / closing portion opens / closes an upper portion of the apparatus main body, the plurality of cartridges are disposed in a lateral direction, and the moving mechanism includes the plurality of cartridges. The first cartridge located near the free end of the opening / closing part is moved toward the opening side of the opening / closing part at a first opening angle of the opening / closing part, and the free end of the opening / closing part is moved more than the first cartridge. The second cartridge positioned far from the first opening angle is moved to the opening side of the opening / closing portion at a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle.

  According to this configuration, when the opening / closing part is opened up to the first opening angle, the first cartridge located near the free end of the opening / closing part among the plurality of cartridges moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part. When the opening / closing part is opened to a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle, the second cartridge positioned farther from the free end of the opening / closing part than the first cartridge moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part. .

  Thus, since the first cartridge and the second cartridge are moved according to the opening angle of the opening / closing portion, the first cartridge and the second cartridge move with a time difference. That is, after the first cartridge is moved, the second cartridge is moved. As a result, the second cartridge can be moved using the space where the first cartridge was present, and there is no need to separately secure a space for moving the cartridge, so that a plurality of cartridges can be arranged in a compact manner.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, the first cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, and the second cartridge is a color cartridge. It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, since the monochrome cartridge having a high replacement frequency can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing portion, the operability when replacing the monochrome cartridge is good.

An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the open / close section is provided with a reading section for reading an image on a document. .

  According to this configuration, even when a heavy image reading unit is provided in the opening / closing unit, the first cartridge can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing unit. Therefore, an operation for replacing the first cartridge can be performed. Good sex. Further, in the configuration in which the first cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, it is easy to replace a monochrome cartridge that is frequently replaced. Therefore, even when a heavy image reading unit is provided in the opening / closing unit, the monochrome cartridge is replaced. The operability is good.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention, in the configuration of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moving mechanism moves the first cartridge upward, the first cartridge It is characterized in that it can be turned to the open side.

  According to this configuration, since the first cartridge is moved upward and can be rotated further to the open side, even a vertically long cartridge can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing portion.

An image forming apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention, in the configuration of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the moving mechanism moves the first cartridge upward, the second cartridge times It is made to move to the open side of the said opening-closing part, moving.

  According to this configuration, since the second cartridge can be rotated using the space that is created by the movement of the first cartridge, the mechanism is not complicated and the size can be reduced.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect , wherein the moving mechanism includes a cartridge case in which one end is supported by the apparatus main body and accommodates the second cartridge; A link member that is connected to the other end and the opening / closing portion and rotates the cartridge case in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion.

  According to this configuration, the link member connected to the other end of the cartridge case and the opening / closing portion rotates the cartridge case in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion.

  Here, the cartridge case in which the second cartridge is accommodated is supported on the apparatus main body side. For this reason, the load of the opening / closing part does not become excessive, and the operability when opening / closing the opening / closing part is good.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to improve the replacement workability when replacing the cartridge in the apparatus main body and the removal workability when removing the recording medium sandwiched in the apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a box-shaped apparatus main body 12, and the apparatus main body 12 is provided with an opening / closing unit 50 that opens and closes the upper portion of the apparatus main body 12. . One end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the opening / closing part 50 is rotatably supported by the support part 50A, and the upper part of the apparatus main body 12 is opened by turning about the support part 50A. The The opening / closing unit 50 is provided with an image reading unit 52 that reads an image of a document and converts it into an electrical image signal.

  The image reading unit 52 includes a glass platen 54 on which a document to be read is placed. A platen cover 56 for holding a document placed on the platen 54 is attached to the upper part of the platen 54 so as to be openable and closable. The image reading unit 52 scans the irradiation light applied to the document placed on the platen 54 along the horizontal direction (for example, the horizontal direction in FIG. 1), detects the reflected light reflected from the document, and The image is converted into a correct image signal. Further, the image signal is configured to be sent to an exposure device 34 described later.

  On the other hand, the apparatus main body 12 is provided with a paper feed tray 14 in which sheets (recording media) P are stacked in a bundle at a corner portion (an end portion on the upper right in FIG. 1) at the upper portion thereof. .

  A feed roll 16 is disposed immediately above the leading end side (left end side in FIG. 1) of the sheet feeding tray 14 to send the sheet P from the sheet feeding tray 14 while being in pressure contact with the leading end side of the upper surface of the sheet P.

  Further, the apparatus main body 12 is formed with a conveyance path 22 that extends from the leading end of the paper feed tray 14 and extends substantially horizontally in the lateral direction.

  Along the conveyance path 22, in order from the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, a pair of conveyance rolls 24 that sandwich and convey the sheet P, and an endless transfer that conveys the sheet P in close contact with the sheet P on which an image is formed. A belt 26 is disposed.

  The transfer belt 26 is stretched between a stretching roller 27 disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction and a stretching roller 29 disposed on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. One of them is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1), whereby the transfer belt 26 is rotated (circulation driven) in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1).

  A plurality of process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K (hereinafter referred to as 28Y, 28M) corresponding to the respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are provided below the transfer belt 26 with the conveyance path 22 therebetween. , 28C, and 28K are collectively referred to as 28) along the transport path 22 and arranged in a row in the apparatus body 12 in a substantially horizontal direction. That is, the process cartridge 28K is a monochrome cartridge for forming a monochrome image, and is disposed at a position near the free end of the opening / closing portion 50. The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are color cartridges for forming a color image. It is arrange | positioned in the position far from the free end of the opening / closing part 50.

  Each process cartridge 28 is provided with a photosensitive drum 30 that rotates in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1).

  Around the photosensitive drum 30, the charging roller 32 for charging the photosensitive drum 30 and the charged photosensitive drum 30 are exposed to the photosensitive drum 30 in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 30. An exposure device 34 that forms a latent image thereon and a developing roller 36 that attaches and develops toner of each color to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are provided.

  The charging roller 32 and the developing roller 36 are provided in each process cartridge 28, respectively.

  A transfer device 38 for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductive drum 30 to the paper P at a predetermined transfer position is provided on the inner peripheral side of the transfer belt 26 above the photoconductive drum 30. ing.

  A fixing device 40 that fixes the transferred toner image onto the paper P and a discharge roll pair 44 that discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 20 are arranged in this order on the downstream side of the transfer belt 26 in the paper conveyance direction.

  Next, an image forming operation for forming an image in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image reading unit 52 reads an image from a document placed on a platen and converts it into an electrical image signal. This image signal is input to the exposure device 34.

  On the other hand, the paper P is sent out from the paper feed tray 14, transported in the lateral direction along the transport path 22 by the transport roller pair 24, and sent to the transfer belt 26. The paper P sent to the transfer belt 26 is brought into close contact with the transfer belt 26, conveyed in the lateral direction, and sequentially sent to a predetermined transfer position corresponding to each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

  On the paper P sent to the predetermined transfer position, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are transferred by the transfer device 38 to form a full color image. Further, the toner image conveyed and transferred to the fixing device 40 is fixed by the fixing device 40. After the toner image is fixed, the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roll pair 44. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

  Here, the moving mechanism 60 for moving the process cartridge 28 to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50 will be described.

  2A and 2B, the moving mechanism 60 according to the present embodiment includes a cartridge case 62 that accommodates the process cartridge 28K and a cartridge case 63 that accommodates the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C. I have.

  The process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are detachably fixed to the cartridge case 62 and the cartridge case 63 by a latch mechanism or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the cartridge cases 62 and 63 are opened at the upper end, and the photosensitive drum 30 of the process cartridge 28 passes through the opening to the sheet P passing between the transfer belt 26 and the sheet P. It is comprised so that it may contact. The cartridge cases 62 and 63 are opened at the lower ends, and the process cartridge 28 can be attached and detached through the openings.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, protrusions 64 projecting in the lateral direction are formed on both side surfaces of the lower portion of the cartridge case 62, respectively. Guide grooves 65 for guiding the protrusions 64 are formed on the inner wall of the apparatus main body 12, respectively. The guide groove 65 extends in the vertical direction, and has an insertion port formed in the upper portion. The protrusion 64 is inserted into the guide groove 65 from the upper insertion port.

  As a result, when the cartridge case 62 is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12, the cartridge case 62 moves downward along the guide groove 65, and the protrusion 64 contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove 65 and is positioned at a predetermined position. . Further, the cartridge case 62 is guided upward along the guide groove 65 when taken out from the apparatus main body 12.

  Further, one end portion of the link member 66 is rotatably connected to both side surfaces of the upper portion of the cartridge case 62, and the other end portion of the link member 66 is rotated to both side surfaces of the lower portion of the opening / closing portion 50. They are connected to each other as possible.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the cartridge case 62 is pulled up by the link member 66 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50. When the cartridge case 62 is pulled up and moved upward, the cartridge case 62 moves to the open side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, to the open space formed by opening the opening / closing part 50 (FIG. 3A). And FIG. 3B).

  Further, the cartridge case 62 is moved downward along the guide groove 65 in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing part 50 by the link member 66.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, two laterally projecting protrusions 67 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the cartridge case 63 side by side. Guide grooves 68 for guiding the protrusions 67 are formed on the inner wall of the apparatus main body 12.

  The guide groove 68 is inclined toward the cartridge case 62 and extends obliquely upward, and an insertion port is formed in the upper portion. The protrusion 67 is inserted into the guide groove 68 from the upper insertion port.

  Thus, when the cartridge case 63 is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12, the cartridge case 63 moves obliquely downward along the guide groove 68, and the protruding portion 67 contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove 68 and is positioned at a predetermined position. The The cartridge case 63 is guided obliquely upward along the guide groove 68 when taken out from the apparatus main body 12.

  In addition, one end of the link member 69 is rotatably connected to a position on both side surfaces of the upper portion of the cartridge case 63 and closer to the process cartridge 28K (leftward position in FIG. 2B). . The other end of the link member 69 is rotatably connected to one end of the link member 70, and the other end of the link member 70 is rotatably connected to both side surfaces of the lower part of the opening / closing part 50. Yes.

  Further, on both side surfaces of the upper part of the cartridge case 63, at positions away from the process cartridge 28K (positions on the right side in FIG. 2B), projections 71 projecting in the lateral direction are formed. The opening / closing part 50 is provided with a support arm 72 that supports the protrusion 71 when the opening / closing part 50 is opened and closed. A U-shaped hook 72A is formed at the tip of the support arm 72, and the protrusion 71 is engaged with and held by the hook 72A.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the link member 69 and the link member 70 that have been folded extend in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the hook 72A of the support arm 72 is The protrusion 71 is engaged. At this time, the cartridge case 63 remains stationary (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  When the opening / closing portion 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cartridge case 62 moves in association with the opening operation of the opening / closing portion 50. It rotates using the space which can be done, and it is pulled up by the link members 69 and 70 and the support arm 72, rotating.

  When the opening / closing portion 50 is opened to the opening angle θ2, a space is secured on the lower end side of the cartridge cases 62, 63, and the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C are removed from the openings at the lower ends of the cartridge cases 62, 63, respectively. Can be done.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, since the cartridge case 62 is rotatably connected to the link member 69, the cartridge case 62 is rotated when it is opened to the opening angle θ1. The process cartridge 28K may be removed by moving it.

  2B, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5B, the protrusion 64, the guide groove 65, the link member 66, the protrusion 67, the guide groove 68, and the link member 69. , 70, the protrusion 71 and the support arm 72 are only shown.

  Next, selection means for selecting whether or not to move the moving mechanism will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the release means 90 that releases the connected state of the link member 66 is used as the selection means.

  The release means 90 includes a protruding portion 91 as an engaged portion formed at the upper end portion of the link member 66. The opening / closing part 50 is provided with a connecting member 92 that connects the link member 66 to the opening / closing part 50. A central portion of the connecting member 92 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 92A, and a hook 93 serving as an engaging portion provided at an opening / closing portion is formed at one end of the connecting member 92. ing.

  The hook 93 connects the link member 66 and the opening / closing part 50 by engaging with the protrusion 91. Below the hook 93, a spring 94 is provided as a biasing means that biases the hook 93 in the direction of engagement with the protrusion 91.

  At the other end of the connecting member 92, an operating lever 95 is formed as an operating portion that moves the hook 93 in a direction opposite to the engaging direction against the urging force of the spring 94.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the hook 93 is urged in the engaging direction to engage with the protrusion 91 provided on the link member 66. Thereby, the connection state of the link member 66 which connects the opening / closing part 50 and the process cartridge 28K is maintained.

  In this state, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the cartridge case 62 is pulled upward in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the opening side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, the opening / closing part 50 is opened. Moves to an open space formed by opening (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  Further, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the link member 69 and the link member 70 that have been folded extend in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the protrusions project on the hooks 72A of the support arm 72. Part 71 engages. (See FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  Next, when the opening / closing portion 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 63 is pulled up while being rotated by the link members 69 and 70 and the support arm 72 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing portion 50. .

  When the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 62 is further lifted upward in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50.

  Then, the process cartridge 28 is pulled out from the lower end of the process cartridge 28 (the end without the photosensitive drum 30), and the process cartridge 28 is removed from the cartridge cases 62 and 63 and replaced. As a result, the process cartridge 28 can be removed without touching the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, so that the hand is not soiled and the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is not damaged. After the process cartridge 28 is replaced, the opening / closing part 50 is closed, and the cartridge cases 62 and 63 are returned to their original positions.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, when the opening / closing part 50 provided in the apparatus main body 12 is opened, the process cartridge 28 moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50. . Thereby, it becomes easy to take out the process cartridge 28 from the apparatus main body 12, and the operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28 in the apparatus main body 12 is good.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the process cartridge 28 is arranged in the apparatus main body 12 in a substantially horizontal direction, the person who replaces the process cartridge 28 faces the apparatus main body 12 from the arrangement direction of the process cartridge 28 and performs the process. When accessing the cartridge 28, that is, when accessing the process cartridge 28 from the free end side (discharge tray 20 side) of the opening / closing part 50, the distance to each process cartridge 28 is different, and each process cartridge 28 can be easily taken out. Is different. That is, it is more difficult to take out the process cartridge 28Y at the back than the process cartridge 28K at the front.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K, which is a monochrome cartridge with a high replacement frequency, is arranged on the free end side of the opening / closing part 50 and can be rotated to the opening side, so that the opening / closing part is not greatly opened. Can be exchanged. Further, even if the heavy image reading unit 52 and the transfer belt 26 are provided in the opening / closing unit 50 as in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing unit. The operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28K is good.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C move separately according to the opening angle of the opening / closing part 50. Therefore, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M are moved with a time difference. , 28C move. Accordingly, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be moved using the space in which the process cartridge 28K is located, and it is not necessary to separately secure a space for moving the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C. The process cartridge 28 can be arranged compactly.

  In addition, since the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are moved while being rotated using the space that is created by the movement of the process cartridge 28K, the mechanism is not complicated and the size can be reduced.

  When removing the paper P sandwiched between the process cartridge 28K and the transfer belt 26, the operation lever 95 is operated to oppose the hook 93 against the urging force of the spring 94. Move in the direction.

  Thereby, even if the connection state of the link member 66 is released and the opening / closing part 50 is opened, the process cartridge 28K does not move, and the process cartridge 28K and the transfer belt 26 are opened (FIG. 6A). And FIG. 6B).

  As described above, when removing the paper P sandwiched between the process cartridge 28K and the transfer belt 26, the operation lever 95 only has to be operated. Therefore, the workability of replacing the process cartridge 28K and the workability of removing the paper P are as follows. Is good.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the moving mechanism 80 according to the second embodiment includes a cartridge case 82 that houses the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C.

  The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are detachably fixed to the cartridge case 82 by a latch mechanism or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the cartridge case 82 has an upper end opened, and the photosensitive drum 30 of the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C passes through the opening and the transfer belt 26. It is comprised so that P may be contacted. In addition, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be attached and detached through this opening.

  In the second embodiment, the process cartridge 28K is not accommodated in the cartridge case, and projecting portions 84 and 87 projecting in the lateral direction are formed on the lower and central portions of both side surfaces of the process cartridge 28K, respectively. Yes. Guide grooves 85 for guiding the projections 84 and 87 are formed on the inner wall of the apparatus main body 12, respectively. The guide groove 85 extends in the vertical direction and is curved to the free end side (left side in FIG. 7A) of the opening / closing part 50 at the upper part of the apparatus main body 12. Further, an insertion port is formed in the upper portion of the guide groove 85, and the protrusions 84 and 87 are inserted into the guide groove 85 from the upper insertion port.

  Thus, when the process cartridge 28K is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12, the process cartridge 28K moves downward along the guide groove 85, and the protrusion 84 contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove 85 and is positioned at a predetermined position. . Further, when the process cartridge 28K is taken out from the apparatus main body 12, the process cartridge 28K rotates while being guided upward along the guide groove 85, and the opening side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, the opening / closing part 50 is opened. The direction is changed to the open space to be formed.

  In addition, support arms 86 that support the protrusions 84 on both side surfaces of the process cartridge 28K are provided. A hook 86 </ b> A for hooking the protrusion 84 is formed at the tip of the support arm 86.

  One end portion of the link member 83 is rotatably connected to the rear end portion of the support arm 86, and the other end portion of the link member 83 is rotatably connected to the lower portion of the opening / closing portion 50.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the process cartridge 28K is pulled up by the support arm 86 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50. When the process cartridge 28K is pulled up and moved upward, the process cartridge 28K moves to the open side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, to the open space formed by opening the opening / closing part 50 (FIG. 8A). And FIG. 8B).

  The process cartridge 28 </ b> K moves downward along the guide groove 85 in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing part 50 by the support arm 86.

  On the other hand, on both side surfaces of the lower part of the cartridge case 82 and at positions close to the process cartridge 28K (positions to the left in FIG. 7B), as shown in FIG. It has been. The cartridge case 82 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 12 by the support shaft 87.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, one end of the link member 88 is located on both side surfaces of the lower portion of the cartridge case 82 and away from the process cartridge 28K (a position on the right side in FIG. 7B). Each is pivotably connected. One end portion of the link member 89 is rotatably connected to the other end portion of the link member 88, and the other end portion of the link member 89 is rotatably connected to both side surfaces of the lower portion of the opening / closing portion 50. Yes.

  Thus, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the link members 88 and 89 are extended in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). When the opening / closing portion 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 82 is pulled up by the link members 88, 89 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing portion 50 (FIGS. 9A and 9B). reference).

  When the cartridge case 82 is pulled up, the cartridge case 82 rotates around the support shaft 87, the end is lifted, the upper opening is inclined toward the open side, and the open / close unit 50 moves toward the open side. Through the upper opening, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be removed from the photosensitive drum 30 side.

  7B, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 9B, the protrusions 84 and 87, the guide groove 85, the support arm 86, the link member 83, the support shaft 87, and the link members 88 and 89 are Only one is shown.

  Next, selection means for selecting whether or not to move the moving mechanism will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the release means 90 that releases the connected state of the link member 66 is used as the selection means.

  The release means 90 includes a protruding portion 91 as an engaged portion formed at the upper end portion of the link member 66. The opening / closing part 50 is provided with a connecting member 92 that connects the link member 66 to the opening / closing part 50. A central portion of the connecting member 92 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 92A, and a hook 93 serving as an engaging portion provided at an opening / closing portion is formed at one end of the connecting member 92. ing.

  The hook 93 connects the link member 66 and the opening / closing part 50 by engaging with the protrusion 91. Below the hook 93, a spring 94 is provided as a biasing means that biases the hook 93 in the direction of engagement with the protrusion 91.

  At the other end of the connecting member 92, an operating lever 95 is formed as an operating portion that moves the hook 93 in a direction opposite to the engaging direction against the urging force of the spring 94.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the hook 93 is urged in the engaging direction to engage with the protrusion 91 provided on the link member 66. Thereby, the connection state of the link member 66 which connects the opening / closing part 50 and the process cartridge 28K is maintained.

  In this state, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ1, the process cartridge 28K is pulled up in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and the opening side of the opening / closing part 50, that is, the opening / closing part 50 is moved. It moves to the open space formed by being opened (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). The process cartridge 28K moved to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 is removed, and the process cartridge 28K is replaced.

  Next, when the opening / closing part 50 is opened to a predetermined opening angle θ2, the cartridge case 82 is pulled up by the link members 88, 89 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50, and rotates around the support shaft 87. Then, the end is lifted, and the upper opening is tilted to the open side (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are respectively removed from the photosensitive drum 30 through the upper opening inclined to the opening side of the opening / closing section 50, and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are replaced.

  According to this embodiment, when the opening / closing part 50 provided in the apparatus main body 12 is opened, the process cartridge 28 moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 50.

  Thereby, it becomes easy to take out the process cartridge 28 from the apparatus main body 12, and the operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28 in the apparatus main body 12 is good.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the process cartridge 28 is arranged in the apparatus main body 12 in a substantially horizontal direction, the person who replaces the process cartridge 28 faces the apparatus main body 12 from the arrangement direction of the process cartridge 28 and performs the process. When accessing the cartridge 28, that is, when accessing the process cartridge 28 from the free end side (discharge tray 20 side) of the opening / closing part 50, the distance to each process cartridge 28 is different, and each process cartridge 28 can be easily taken out. Is different. That is, it is more difficult to take out the process cartridge 28Y at the back than the process cartridge 28K at the front.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K, which is a monochrome cartridge with a high replacement frequency, is arranged on the free end side of the opening / closing part 50 and rotated to the opening side, so that the opening / closing part is not greatly opened. Can be exchanged. Further, even if the heavy image reading unit 52 and the transfer belt 26 are provided in the opening / closing unit 50 as in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K can be replaced without greatly opening the opening / closing unit. The operability when exchanging the process cartridge 28K is good.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C move separately according to the opening angle of the opening / closing part 50. Therefore, the process cartridge 28K and the process cartridges 28Y, 28M are moved with a time difference. , 28C move. Accordingly, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C can be moved using the space in which the process cartridge 28K is located, and it is not necessary to separately secure a space for moving the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C. The process cartridge 28 can be arranged compactly.

  In addition, since the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are moved while being rotated using the space that is created by the movement of the process cartridge 28K, the mechanism is not complicated and the size can be reduced.

  Further, since the cartridge case 82 in which the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are accommodated is supported on the apparatus main body 12 side, the load on the opening / closing part 50 is not excessive, and the operability when opening / closing the opening / closing part 50 is achieved. Is good.

  When removing the paper P sandwiched between the process cartridge 28K and the transfer belt 26, the operation lever 95 is operated to oppose the hook 93 against the urging force of the spring 94. Move in the direction.

  As a result, even if the connected state of the link member 66 is released and the opening / closing part 50 is opened, the process cartridge 28K does not move, and the process cartridge 28K and the transfer belt 26 are opened (FIG. 10A). And FIG. 10B).

  As described above, when removing the paper P sandwiched between the process cartridge 28K and the transfer belt 26, the operation lever 95 only has to be operated. Therefore, the workability of replacing the process cartridge 28K and the workability of removing the paper P are as follows. Is good.

  In the first and second embodiments, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are positively moved after the process cartridge 28K is moved. However, after the process cartridge 28K is moved, the process cartridge 28K is moved. 28Y, 28M, and 28C may be configured to be movable, and a person who performs an exchange operation may manually move the opening / closing portion 50 to the open side to replace the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, and 28C are moved together, but may be configured to move separately to the opening side of the opening / closing part 50.

  In the first and second embodiments, the process cartridge 28 is arranged along the horizontal direction. However, the process cartridge arranged in the horizontal direction according to the present invention is not limited to this, for example, FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the process cartridge 28 may be arranged in a lateral direction while gradually shifting upward or downward (in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the right side It gradually shifts upwards as you move towards). FIG. 13A shows an example in which the process cartridge is directed in the vertical direction, and FIG. 13B shows an example in which the process cartridge is inclined obliquely.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an apparatus main body 112, and paper (recording media) P is stacked and stored in a lower portion of the apparatus main body 112 in a bundle shape. A tray 114 is arranged.

  Immediately above the front end side (right end side in FIG. 1) of the paper feed tray 114, a feed roll 116 is disposed that presses the front end side of the upper surface of the paper P and feeds the paper P from the paper feed tray 114. Below the feed roll 116, a retard roll 118 for preventing double feeding is disposed oppositely.

  Further, the apparatus main body 112 is formed with a conveyance path 122 that extends from the front end portion of the paper feed tray 114, is gently curved, and extends substantially vertically upward on the front side of the apparatus (right side in FIG. 1). Yes.

  Along the transport path 122, a pair of transport rolls 124 that sandwich and transport the paper P and a process cartridge 128 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the paper transport direction.

  The process cartridge 128 is provided with a photosensitive drum 130 that rotates in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1).

  Around the photosensitive drum 130, the charging roller 132 for charging the photosensitive drum 130 and the charged photosensitive drum 130 are exposed to the photosensitive drum 130 in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 130. An exposure device 134 that forms a latent image thereon, and a developing roller 136 that develops toner of each color attached to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 130 are provided. The charging roller 132 and the developing roller 136 are provided in each process cartridge 128.

  The process cartridge 128 is detachably provided on the apparatus main body 112, and is removed by being pulled out in the lateral direction as shown in FIG.

  In addition, transfer devices 138 for transferring the toner images formed on the photoconductive drum 130 onto the paper P at a predetermined transfer position are provided in the lateral direction facing the photoconductive drum 130. The transfer device 138 is provided in an opening / closing portion 150 that opens and closes a side portion of the apparatus main body 12. When the opening / closing portion 150 is opened / closed, the transfer device 138 moves integrally with the opening / closing portion 150 (FIG. 12 ( A) and FIG. 12B). One end (the lower end in FIG. 11) of the opening / closing part 150 is rotatably supported by the support part 150A, and the side part of the apparatus main body 12 is opened by turning about the support part 50A. Is done.

  Further, a fixing device 140 that fixes the transferred toner image onto the paper P and a discharge roll pair 144 that discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 120 are arranged in this order on the downstream side of the transfer device 138 in the paper conveyance direction. Yes.

  Next, an image forming operation for forming an image in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when an image is formed on the paper P, first, the paper P taken out from the paper feed tray 114 is transported upward along the transport path 122 by the transport roller pair 124, and a predetermined transfer is performed. Sent to position.

  The toner image formed on the photoconductive drum 130 is transferred by the transfer device 138 to the paper P sent to a predetermined transfer position. Further, the toner image conveyed and transferred to the fixing device 140 is fixed by the fixing device 140. After the toner image is fixed, the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 120 by the discharge roll pair 144. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

  Here, a configuration for moving the process cartridge 128 to the opening side of the opening / closing unit 150 and a configuration for selecting whether to move the process cartridge 128 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing unit 150 will be described. .

  A link member 152 is provided between the process cartridge 128 and the opening / closing part 150 as a moving mechanism for moving the process cartridge 128 to the opening side of the opening / closing part 150 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 150. One end portion of the link member 152 is rotatably connected to a shaft portion 130 </ b> A provided on the photosensitive drum 130, and the other end portion of the link member 152 is disposed above the opening / closing portion 150. At the other end of the link member 152, a protrusion 154 as an engaged portion is provided.

  The opening / closing part 150 is provided with a connecting member 156 that connects the link member 152 to the opening / closing part 150. The connecting member 156 is rotatably supported at its central portion by a support shaft 156A, and at one end of the connecting member 156, a hook 158 is formed as an engaging portion provided to be displaceable at the opening / closing portion. ing. The hook 158 connects the link member 152 and the opening / closing part 150 by engaging with the protrusion 154. Below the hook 158, a spring 160 is provided as a biasing means that biases the hook 158 in the direction of engagement with the protrusion 154.

  At the other end of the connecting member 156, an operation lever 162 is formed as an operation unit that moves the hook 158 in the direction opposite to the engagement direction against the urging force of the spring 160.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the hook 158 is biased in the engaging direction in which the hook 158 is engaged with the protrusion 154 provided on the link member 152. As a result, the connection state of the link member 152 that connects the opening / closing part 150 and the process cartridge 128 is maintained, and the process cartridge 128 moves to the opening side of the opening / closing part 150 in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part 150 (FIG. 12 (A)).

  Thereby, it becomes easy to take out the process cartridge 128 from the apparatus main body 112, and the exchanging workability when exchanging the process cartridge 128 in the apparatus main body 112 is good.

  Further, when removing the paper P sandwiched between the process cartridge 128 and the transfer device 138, the hook 158 is opposed to the engaging direction against the biasing force of the spring 160 by operating the operation lever 162. Move in the direction.

  As a result, even if the connected state of the link member 152 is released and the opening / closing part 150 is opened, the process cartridge 128 does not move, and the process cartridge 128 and the transfer device 138 are opened (FIG. 12B). reference)).

As described above, when removing the paper P sandwiched between the process cartridge 128 and the transfer device 138, the operation lever 162 may be operated, so that the workability of replacing the process cartridge 128 and the workability of removing the paper P are improved. Is good.
Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the fixing roller 140 is disposed at an interval shorter than the transport direction length of the transportable recording medium with the transport roller pair 124 and the process cartridge 128 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the paper P may be jammed while being sandwiched between the pair of conveyance rolls 124 and the fixing device 140. In this state, the connection state of the link member 152 that connects the opening / closing unit 150 and the process cartridge 128 is maintained. If the opening / closing part 150 is opened as it is, the process cartridge 128 may break through the paper P. According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the paper P can be removed without being damaged.

  The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the electrophotographic cartridge has been described in the present embodiment, but the present invention can also be applied to an ink jet cartridge.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment is closed, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating closing of the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which carried out. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment is opened at a predetermined first opening angle, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which opened the opening / closing part which concerns on predetermined | prescribed 1st opening angle. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the first embodiment is opened at a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle, and FIG. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which open | released the opening-and-closing part which concerns on 1st Embodiment at the 2nd open angle. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state in which the cartridge case according to the first embodiment is rotated, and the movement mechanism in a state in which the cartridge case according to the first embodiment is rotated. It is the schematic which shows a structure. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus when the opening / closing portion is opened in a case where the link member according to the first embodiment is disconnected, and FIG. These are the schematic diagrams which show the structure of a moving mechanism when an opening / closing part is open | released, when the connection state of the link member which concerns on 1st Embodiment is cancelled | released. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing part according to the second embodiment is closed, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating closing of the opening / closing part according to the second embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which carried out. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the second embodiment is opened at a predetermined first opening angle, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which opened the opening / closing part which concerns on predetermined | prescribed 1st opening angle. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in a state where the opening / closing portion according to the second embodiment is opened at a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle, and FIG. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the moving mechanism in the state which open | released the opening-and-closing part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment at the 2nd open angle. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus when the opening / closing portion is opened in the case where the link member according to the second embodiment is disconnected, and FIG. These are the schematic diagrams which show the structure of a moving mechanism when an opening / closing part is open | released, when the connection state of the link member which concerns on 1st Embodiment is cancelled | released. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a case where the opening / closing part is opened in a state where the link member is connected, and FIG. 10B shows a case where the opening / closing part is opened when the connection state of the link member is released. FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the arrangement of the process cartridges according to the first and second embodiments.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Apparatus main body 26 Transfer belt 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K Process cartridge 50 Opening / closing part 52 Image reading part 60 Moving mechanism 80 Moving mechanism 82 Cartridge case 88 Link member 89 Link member 90 Release means (selection means)
91 Protrusion (engaged part)
93 Hook (engagement part)
94 Spring (biasing means)
95 Control lever (control unit)
100 Image forming apparatus 154 Protruding part (engaged part)
158 Hook (engagement part)
160 Spring (biasing means)
162 Operation lever (operation unit)

Claims (8)

A cartridge that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and forms an image on a recording medium;
A conveying member that opposes the cartridge and conveys the recording medium;
An opening / closing part for opening / closing the conveying member with respect to the apparatus main body;
In conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing part, a moving mechanism for moving the cartridge to the opening side of the opening / closing part,
A selection means for selecting whether or not to allow the movement mechanism to function when opening the opening / closing section;
With
A plurality of the cartridges are arranged,
The conveying member is a belt member disposed across a toner image carrier of the plurality of cartridges;
The opening / closing part opens and closes an upper part of the apparatus main body,
The plurality of cartridges are arranged with respect to the apparatus main body in a lateral direction from a proximal end side to a free end side of the opening / closing portion in a closed state,
The moving mechanism moves, among the plurality of cartridges, a first cartridge positioned near a free end of the opening / closing portion to an opening side of the opening / closing portion at a first opening angle of the opening / closing portion, The second cartridge positioned farther from the free end of the opening / closing part than the first cartridge is moved to the opening side of the opening / closing part at a second opening angle larger than the first opening angle. Image forming apparatus. The moving mechanism includes a link member that connects the opening / closing portion and the cartridge,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit includes a release unit that releases a connection state of the link member. The release means is
An engaging portion provided in a displaceable manner in the opening and closing portion;
An engaged portion provided on the link member and engaged with the engaging portion;
Urging means for urging the engaging portion in an engaging direction with the engaged portion;
An operation unit that moves the engagement portion in a direction opposite to the engagement direction against the urging force of the urging means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, and the second cartridge is a color cartridge.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing unit includes a reading unit that reads an image on a document.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism moves the first cartridge upward and allows the first cartridge to rotate to the open side. apparatus.   The said moving mechanism moves the said 1st cartridge upwards, and moves the said 2nd cartridge to the open | release side of the said opening-closing part, rotating. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The moving mechanism is
  A cartridge case having one end supported by the apparatus main body and accommodating the second cartridge;
  A link member connected to the other end portion of the cartridge case and the opening / closing portion, and rotating the cartridge case in conjunction with an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion;
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

Images