JP4992565B2 - Image forming apparatus and container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a storage device, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and a storage device including a storage device in which a plurality of developing devices can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body.

  As a conventional image forming apparatus, a color image forming apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration of the color image forming apparatus 1000.

  The color image forming apparatus 1000 includes a photosensitive cartridge 1001, a developing cartridge 1005 (Y, M, C, K), a developing roller 1007 (Y, M, C, K), and a photosensitive member 1010 (Y, M, C, K). K) and a door 1015. The photoconductor 1010 (Y, M, C, K) is provided in the photoconductor cartridge 1001. The developing cartridge 1005 (Y, M, C, K) is detachably attached to the photoreceptor cartridge 1001. Then, as shown in FIG. 29, the photoconductor cartridge 1001 is taken out of the color image forming apparatus 1000 by opening the door 1015 and pulling it out to the side. Accordingly, since the user can remove the developing cartridge 1005 (Y, M, C, K) outside the color image forming apparatus 1000, the maintainability of the color image forming apparatus 1000 is improved.

  By the way, the photosensitive cartridge 1001 includes a developing roller 1007 (Y, M, C, K) and a photosensitive member 1010 (Y, M, C, K). Therefore, it is necessary to supply the photosensitive body cartridge 1001 from the color image forming apparatus 1000. Therefore, a part of the gear of the color image forming apparatus 1000 is exposed and a part of the gear of the photosensitive cartridge 1001 is exposed, and when the photosensitive cartridge 1001 is attached to the color image forming apparatus 1000, these gears are exposed. Was biting.

  Further, the number of gear connecting portions between the color image forming apparatus 1000 and the photosensitive cartridge 1001 is reduced. Specifically, the power from the gears of the color image forming apparatus 1000 is applied to the developing roller 1007 (Y, M, C, K) and the photoconductor 1010 (Y, M, C, K) inside the photoconductor cartridge 1001. The number of gear connecting portions is reduced.

However, the color image forming apparatus 1000 has a problem that it is difficult to position the color image forming apparatus 1000 and the photosensitive cartridge 1001. That is, in the color image forming apparatus 1000, since there is one gear meshing point, meshing failure tends to occur, and it is necessary to improve the processing accuracy of the photoconductor cartridge 1001 and improve the gear meshing accuracy. It was.
JP 2003-15378 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a container in which a plurality of developing devices can be attached to and detached from a main body with a small force and are less likely to cause malfunction.

The present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body, a plurality of developing devices, and a container that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body by being moved in a predetermined direction. A power source; a first gear rotated by the power source; a first positioning mechanism; and a second positioning mechanism, wherein the container is attached so that the plurality of developing devices can be attached and detached. A container body, a plurality of photoconductors provided in the container body, and a first positioning mechanism to engage the image forming apparatus body and the container body. And a fourth positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body by engaging with the second positioning mechanism, and the third positioning mechanism in the predetermined direction. A second gear that is disposed between the positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism and meshes with the first gear, and the rotation of the second gear is distributed and transmitted to the plurality of photosensitive members. seen including a transmission mechanism, a transfer belt, wherein the plurality of toner images formed on the photosensitive member is transferred, a drive roller which drives the transfer belt by the rotation of the second gear, and the driven roller, the said The transfer belt is stretched between the driving roller and the driven roller, and the second gear has a rotation transmission path to the photosensitive member disposed closest to the driving roller. It is characterized by being arranged so as to be shorter than the transmission path of rotation to the photoconductor .
The image forming apparatus main body includes an image forming apparatus main body, a plurality of developing devices, and a container that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body by being moved in a predetermined direction. Includes a power source, a first gear rotated by the power source, a first positioning mechanism, and a second positioning mechanism, and the container is configured to allow the plurality of developing devices to be attached and detached. The image forming apparatus main body and the container main body are positioned by engaging with a container main body attached to the container, a plurality of photoconductors provided in the container main body, and the first positioning mechanism. A third positioning mechanism; a fourth positioning mechanism that positions the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body by engaging with the second positioning mechanism; and 3 and the fourth positioning mechanism, the second gear meshing with the first gear, and the rotation of the second gear are distributed and transmitted to the plurality of photoconductors. A transfer mechanism for transferring toner images formed on the plurality of photoconductors, a driving roller for driving the transfer belt by rotation of the second gear, and a driven roller, The third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism are respectively aligned with the rotation axis of the driven roller and the rotation axis of the drive roller.

The present invention is also applicable to a container used in an image forming apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to a container body that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus body by being moved in a predetermined direction, and a container body that is attached so that a plurality of developing devices can be attached and detached. A plurality of photoconductors provided in the container main body, a third positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body, and positioning of the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body. And a fourth positioning mechanism that is disposed between the third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism in the predetermined direction and meshes with a first gear provided in the image forming apparatus main body. a second gear, the rotation of the second gear, the transfer belt and transmission mechanism for transmitting and distributing to the plurality of photosensitive body, the toner image formed on the plurality of photosensitive body is transferred The driving roller for driving the transfer belt by the rotation of the second gear, seen including a driven roller, wherein the transfer belt is stretched between the driven roller and the drive roller, the The second gear is disposed such that a rotation transmission path to the photoconductor disposed closest to the drive roller is shorter than a rotation transmission path to the other photoconductor; Features.

  According to the present invention, since the rotation of the second gear is distributed and transmitted to the plurality of photoconductors, the number of gear connection points between the container and the image forming apparatus main body can be reduced. As a result, the container can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body with a small force.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the second gear of the container is provided between the third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism, when the container is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. In addition, even if the third positioning mechanism or the fourth positioning mechanism is displaced from the original position, the contact between the first gear and the second gear is easily maintained. Specifically, when the second gear is provided outside the third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism, if the third positioning mechanism is displaced, the displacement amount of the second gear is the third amount. The displacement amount of the positioning mechanism becomes larger. On the other hand, in the present invention, when the third positioning mechanism is displaced, the displacement amount of the second gear is smaller than the displacement amount of the third positioning mechanism. As a result, the contact between the second gear and the first gear is easily maintained.

  According to the present invention, since the second gear is arranged so that the length of the rotation transmission path between the second gear and the drive roller is shortened, the second gear is generated by the gear existing therebetween. An error in the amount of movement of the transfer belt can be reduced. As a result, a higher definition image can be obtained in the image forming apparatus.

In the present invention, the third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism may coincide with the rotation axis of the driven roller and the rotation axis of the drive roller, respectively.
In the present invention, the third positioning mechanism is located upstream of the fourth positioning mechanism in the mounting direction of the container body, and the first gear rotates in the forward direction. The vector of the force that the first gear exerts on the second gear may be substantially the same as the vector from the fourth positioning mechanism toward the third positioning mechanism.

  According to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus operates, the first gear rotates, the force is applied to the second gear, and the container is drawn into the image forming apparatus main body. As a result, the container can be more securely attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

  In the present invention, the first positioning mechanism and the third positioning mechanism may be a combination of a convex member and a concave member. In the present invention, the second positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism may be a combination of a convex member and a concave member.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
The configuration of an image forming apparatus and a container according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an electrophotographic color printer, and synthesizes images of four colors (Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, K: black) in a so-called tandem system. It is composed. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 2, a photosensitive cartridge 3 as a container, a developing device 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K), a laser scanning optical device 10, a paper feed tray 13, and a paper feed roller 14. A fixing roller pair 15, a paper discharge roller pair 16, a paper discharge tray 17, a door 18, a sensor unit 19, and a secondary transfer roller 20. In the following, when referring to the individual developing device 4, any one of Y, M, C, and K is added after the reference symbol, and when indicating the representative of the developing device 4, Y is appended after the reference symbol. , M, C, K shall not be attached.

  The photoconductor cartridge 3 has a box-like shape with an open top surface, and includes a charger 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K) and a photoconductor drum 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K). , Cleaner 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K), transfer belt 8, primary transfer roller 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K), drive roller 11 and driven roller 12. The developing device 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) includes a supply roller 41 (41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K), a developing roller 42 (42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K) and a regulation blade 43 (43Y, 43M, 43C, 43K). Hereinafter, when referring to the individual charger 5, the photosensitive drum 6, the cleaner 7, the primary transfer roller 9, the supply roller 41, the developing roller 42, and the regulating blade 43, Y, M, and C follow the reference numerals. , K, to indicate a representative of the charger 5, the photosensitive drum 6, the cleaner 7, the primary transfer roller 9, the supply roller 41, the developing roller 42, and the regulating blade 43 Y, M, C, K shall not be attached to

  Each charger 5 is arranged around each photoconductor drum 6 and uniformly charges the surface of each photoconductor drum 6 to a predetermined voltage. The laser scanning optical device 10 is disposed above the photosensitive cartridge 3 and irradiates each photosensitive drum 6 with four laser beams BY, BM, BC, and BK, so that the surface of each photosensitive drum 6 is irradiated. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  The developing device 4 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 6 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and forms a toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 6. Specifically, the developing device 4 stores therein a two-component developer composed of toner and a magnetic carrier. The supply roller 41 is a screw rotatably supported by the developing device 4, and supplies the developer charged by being stirred by a stirring roller (not shown) in the developing device 4 to the developing roller 42. The supply roller 41 is applied with a predetermined supply bias voltage from the image forming apparatus main body 2 and is rotated by the power supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  The developing roller 42 includes a cylindrical magnet and a sleeve that houses the magnet, and plays a role of forming a magnetic brush by supporting the developer on the peripheral surface of the sleeve by magnetic force. The sleeve is applied with a predetermined developing bias voltage from the image forming apparatus main body 2 and is rotated by the power supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  The regulating blade 43 is formed of, for example, a nonmagnetic member and plays a role of regulating the magnetic brush so as to have a certain height. The regulation blade 43 is applied with a predetermined regulation bias voltage from the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  The magnetic brush whose height is adjusted by the regulating blade 43 is pulled by the potential of the photosensitive drum 6 at a position where the developing roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 6 face each other, and only the charged toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 6. And move. As a result, a toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 6. Here, a two-component developer is used, but a one-component developer may be used.

  A toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 is transferred to the peripheral surface of the transfer belt 8 one color at a time by an electric field applied from the primary transfer roller 9. Then, the transfer belt 8 conveys the toner images superimposed on the four colors to the secondary transfer roller 20. The transfer belt 8 is stretched between the driving roller 11 and the driven roller 12. The driving roller 11 is driven by the power supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 2 to drive the transfer belt 8.

  The cleaner 7 collects the toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 6 after the transfer of the toner image to the transfer belt 8 is completed.

  The paper feed tray 13 is a tray on which paper before printing is placed. The paper feed roller 14 takes out the paper one by one from the paper feed tray 13 and conveys the taken paper to the secondary transfer roller 20.

  The secondary transfer roller 20 sandwiches the paper conveyed from the paper supply roller 14 together with the transfer belt 8 to secondarily transfer the toner image onto the paper. The fixing roller pair 15 fixes the toner image on the paper by heating and pressurizing the paper on which the toner image is transferred.

  The paper discharge roller pair 16 discharges the paper on which the toner image is fixed to the paper discharge tray 17. Printed paper is placed on the paper discharge tray 17. With the configuration described above, an image is printed on paper.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1, IDC (Image Density Control) is executed. This IDC forms a test pattern on the transfer belt 8 under predetermined image forming conditions for image stabilization, and optically detects the toner adhesion density on the test pattern by a sensor, thereby forming an image. Feedback to the conditions. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a sensor unit 19 for detecting a test pattern. The sensor unit 19 is provided in the vicinity of the drive roller 11 where the tension of the transfer belt 8 works greatly and inside the door 18 in order to accurately detect the test pattern.

(Removal of photoconductor cartridge)
Next, attachment / detachment of the photosensitive member cartridge 3 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, the user can perform various maintenance by opening the door 18. Specifically, the user can open and close the door 18 and move the photosensitive cartridge 3 to the side in FIG. Further, the user can easily take out the photoreceptor cartridge 3 from the image forming apparatus main body 2 and easily replace the developing device 4 through the opening on the upper surface of the photoreceptor cartridge 3. Further, when the photosensitive drum 6 is consumed, the user can replace the photosensitive cartridge 3. Further, even when a paper jam occurs in the fixing roller pair 15 or the like, the user can open the door 18 and put his hand into the image forming apparatus main body 2 to remove the jammed paper. In order to realize the attachment / detachment of the photosensitive cartridge 3 as described above, the door 18 rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to the moving direction of the photosensitive cartridge 3 and that extends in the horizontal direction, thereby forming the photosensitive cartridge. It plays a role of opening and closing the path through which 3 passes.

  2 and 3 are views showing the state of the image forming apparatus 1 in the process of replacing the developing device 4. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the photoconductor cartridge 3 and the developing device 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state of the image forming apparatus 1 when the jammed paper is removed when the jam occurs. In the following, for simplification of description, in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the left direction is referred to as a drawing direction of the photosensitive cartridge 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as a drawing direction), and the right direction is attached to the photosensitive cartridge 3. The direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the mounting direction).

  When replacing the developing device 4, the user opens the door 18 of the image forming apparatus 1. Next, the user pulls out the photoreceptor cartridge 3 in the pull-out direction. As a result, the photosensitive member cartridge 3 is placed on the door 18 as shown in FIG. In this state, the user can pull out the developing device 4 and remove it as shown in FIGS. In this way, the developing device 4 can be exchanged outside the image forming apparatus main body 2 by pulling out the photosensitive cartridge 3 out of the image forming apparatus main body 2. As a result, the maintainability of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved.

  When a paper jam occurs, the user further moves the photosensitive cartridge 3 from above the door 18 and pushes his hand through the opening of the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. Remove the paper.

(Supplying power to the photoconductor cartridge)
Incidentally, since the photosensitive cartridge 3 is not provided with a power source such as a motor, in order to drive the developing device 4 or rotate the photosensitive drum 6, the photosensitive cartridge from the image forming apparatus main body 2 is used. It is necessary to supply power to 3. Therefore, the supply of power to the photoconductor cartridge 3 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the photoreceptor cartridge 3. In FIG. 6, the photosensitive drum 6 is omitted. FIG. 7 is a view showing a gear of the image forming apparatus main body 2 and a gear of the photosensitive member cartridge 3. When the centers of two adjacent gears are connected by a line, it indicates that these gears are engaged. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 2. In FIG. 8, the door 18 is omitted. FIG. 9 is a side view of the photoreceptor cartridge 3 on the left side in the mounting direction. In FIG. 9, a cover that covers the gears is attached to the photoreceptor cartridge 3 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the photoreceptor cartridge 3. FIG. 10 also shows the gear on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, gears 51 to 67 are provided on the side surface of the left photosensitive cartridge 3 in the mounting direction. In FIG. 6, the gear 60 (60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K) is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gears 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 are arranged so as to mesh with each other in this order, and each gear 60 connected to each photosensitive drum 6 is connected. Rotate. That is, the gears 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60 serve as a transmission mechanism that distributes and transmits the rotation of the gear 51 to each photosensitive drum 6. Specifically, the gear 51 meshes with a gear 60K provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 6K, and rotates the photosensitive drum 6K. The gear 55 meshes with a gear 60C provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 6C, and rotates the photosensitive drum 6C. The gear 57 meshes with a gear 60M provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 6M, and rotates the photosensitive drum 6M. The gear 59 meshes with a gear 60Y provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 6Y, and rotates the photosensitive drum 6Y.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gears 51, 52, and 53 are arranged so as to mesh with each other in this order, and rotate the driving roller 11. Specifically, the gear 52 meshes with a gear 53 attached to one end of the drive roller 11 to rotate the drive roller 11.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gears 61, 62, 63, and 64 are arranged so as to mesh with each other in this order, and rotate the gears 71M and 71Y provided in the developing devices 4M and 4Y. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gears 61 and 65 are arranged so as to mesh with each other, and rotate the gear 71C provided in the developing device 4C. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gears 66 and 67 are arranged so as to mesh with each other, and rotate a gear 71 </ b> K provided in the developing device 4 </ b> K. Specifically, the gear 65 meshes with a gear 71C provided in the developing device 4C and drives the developing device 4C. The gear 62 meshes with a gear 71M provided in the developing device 4M, and drives the developing device 4M. The gear 64 meshes with a gear 71Y provided in the developing device 4Y and drives the developing device 4Y. The gear 67 meshes with a gear 71K provided in the developing device 4K, and drives the developing device 4K. Driving the developing device 4 means rotating the supply roller 41, the developing roller 42, the stirring roller (not shown) and the like by rotating the gear 71.

  Here, in order to drive the photosensitive drum 6, the driving roller 11, and the developing device 4, power must be supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 2 to the photosensitive cartridge 3. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body 2 is provided with motors 81, 83, 85, pinion gears 81 ′, 83 ′, 85 ′ and gears 82, 84, 86 as power sources. Pinion gears 81 ′, 83 ′, and 85 ′ are provided at the tips of the rotation shafts of the motors 81, 83, and 85, respectively. The pinion gears 81 ′, 83 ′, and 85 ′ are respectively gears 82, 84, and 86. Are engaged. A part of the gears 82, 84 and 86 are exposed as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the photosensitive member cartridge 3, as shown in FIG. 9, a part of the gears 51, 61, 66 is exposed from the cover so as to mesh with the gears 82, 84, 86. Therefore, when the photosensitive cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 2, the gears 82, 84, 86 and the gears 51, 61, 66 mesh with each other as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10. That is, power is supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 2 to the photosensitive cartridge 3.

(Regarding the positioning of the image forming apparatus main body and the photosensitive cartridge)
Next, positioning of the image forming apparatus main body 2 and the photosensitive cartridge 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus main body 2 includes positioning concave portions 101 and 102 as positioning mechanisms for positioning the image forming apparatus main body 2 and the photosensitive cartridge 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the photosensitive member cartridge 3 includes positioning shafts 75 and 76 as positioning mechanisms that engage with the positioning recesses 101 and 102.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the positioning shaft 75 is provided so as to protrude vertically from the side surface of the left photosensitive cartridge 3 in the mounting direction so as to coincide with the rotational axis of the driven roller 12. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the positioning shaft 76 is provided so as to protrude vertically from the side surface of the left photosensitive cartridge 3 in the mounting direction so as to coincide with the rotational axis of the driving roller 11. Further, the positioning recesses 101 and 102 are formed at positions corresponding to the positioning shafts 75 and 76 so as to be recessed in the vertical direction with respect to the side surface of the photoreceptor cartridge 3.

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration, the power from the image forming apparatus main body 2 is distributed to the plurality of photosensitive drums 6 and the plurality of developing devices 4 in the photosensitive member cartridge 3. It is possible to reduce the number of gears connected between the image forming apparatus main body 2 and the photosensitive cartridge 3. As a result, when the photosensitive cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 2, it is possible to reduce the resistance force generated when the gears mesh with each other, and the photosensitive cartridge 3 can be attached to the image forming apparatus with a smaller force. It can be attached to the main body 2.

  Furthermore, according to the image forming apparatus 1, even if there are few gears connected between the image forming apparatus main body 2 and the photosensitive cartridge 3, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the image forming apparatus 1 due to poor connection between the gears. . Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the positioning shafts 75 and 76 and the gear 51 in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a positioning in the comparative example. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between shafts 75 and 76 and a gear 51. In the comparative example, the gear 51 is located outside the positioning shafts 75 and 76 in the mounting direction. Further, for simplification of description, the positioning shafts 75 and 76 and the center of the gear 51 are assumed to be aligned.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the driving roller 11 and the driven roller 12 are provided near both ends of the photosensitive cartridge 3 in the mounting direction because the transfer belt 8 needs to be stretched between the developing devices 4. Therefore, the positioning shafts 75 and 76 are also provided in the vicinity of both ends of the photosensitive cartridge 3. As a result, the gear 51 that meshes with the gear 82 of the image forming apparatus main body 2 is disposed between the positioning shaft 75 and the positioning shaft 76 in the mounting direction.

  Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the photosensitive cartridge 3 is attached, when the positioning shaft 76 is shifted upward by L, the gear 51 is moved by L1 smaller than L. Shift upwards. On the other hand, in the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the photosensitive shaft 3 is attached, when the positioning shaft 76 is shifted upward by L, the gear 51 is shifted upward by L2 larger than L. . Thus, as shown in FIG. 11A, by arranging the gear 51 between the positioning shafts 75 and 76 in the mounting direction, compared to the case where the gear 51 is disposed outside the positioning shafts 75 and 76, The magnitude of the shift of the gear 51 caused by the shift of the positioning shafts 75 and 76 can be reduced. As a result, malfunction of the image forming apparatus 1 due to poor coupling between the gear 51 and the gear 82 can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gear 51 has a rotation transmission path to the photosensitive drum 6 </ b> K disposed closest to the driving roller 11, and other photosensitive drums 6 </ b> Y, It is preferably arranged so as to be shorter than the rotation transmission path to 6M and 6C. The driving roller 11 is a roller for driving the transfer belt 8 on which the four color toner images are superimposed. Since the four-color toner images need to be overlaid with high accuracy, the transfer belt 8 is required to operate very precisely. Therefore, in this embodiment, the transmission path from the gear 51 to the drive roller 11 that drives the transfer belt 8 is made as short as possible to reduce an error in the amount of movement of the transfer belt 8 caused by the gear existing between them. ing. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can obtain a higher definition image.

  Further, when the gear 82 rotates in the forward direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 7), the vector of the force exerted on the gear 51 by the gear 82 substantially coincides with the vector from the positioning shaft 76 toward the positioning shaft 75. Preferably it is. The vector of the force exerted on the gear 51 by the gear 82 is inclined by an angle called a pressure angle from the straight line perpendicular to the straight line connecting the centers of the gear 51 and the gear 82 to the gear 51 side. This pressure angle is generally about 20 degrees.

  As described above, the force vector exerted on the gear 51 by the gear 82 and the vector directed from the positioning shaft 76 toward the positioning shaft 75 are substantially matched, so that the gear 82 is moved when the image forming apparatus 1 operates. By rotating, a force is applied to the gear 51, and the photosensitive cartridge 3 is pulled into the image forming apparatus main body 2. As a result, the photoreceptor cartridge 3 can be attached to the image forming apparatus main body 2 more reliably. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may drive the motor 81 to rotate the gear 82 when detecting that the photosensitive cartridge 3 is attached.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, an upward force is applied to the photosensitive member cartridge 3 by driving the gear 82. However, this upward force is canceled by the gravity of the photosensitive member cartridge 3.

  In this embodiment, the positioning shafts 75 and 76 are convex members, the positioning concave portions 101 and 102 are concave members, and positioning is performed by fitting the positioning shafts 75 and 76 with the positioning concave portions 101 and 102. However, the combination of the positioning shafts 75 and 76 and the positioning recesses 101 and 102 is not limited to this. For example, a convex member may be provided on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side, and a concave member may be provided on the photoreceptor cartridge 3 side.

  Although the gear 51 has been described in the present embodiment, the gears 61 and 66 are also preferably disposed between the positioning shaft 75 and the positioning shaft 76 in the mounting direction, as with the gear 51. . Furthermore, it is preferable that the force vector exerted by the gears 84 and 86 on the gears 61 and 66 substantially coincides with the vector from the positioning shaft 76 toward the positioning shaft 75.

  In FIG. 7, gears 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94 are gears provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2. The gear 95 is a gear provided in the photosensitive cartridge 3. The gear 95 serves to rotate a screw that carries toner from a cleaner blade (not shown) of the transfer belt 8 to a waste toner box (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2. The gear 95 is rotated by the gear 94. The waste toner box may be provided in the photoconductor cartridge 3.

(About voltage application to the photoconductor cartridge)
Incidentally, since the developing device 4 is attached to the photosensitive cartridge 3 and the charger 5 is provided, it is necessary to apply various bias voltages from the image forming apparatus main body 2 to the photosensitive cartridge 3. Therefore, application of voltage from the image forming apparatus main body 2 to the photosensitive cartridge 3 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a connection relationship among the image forming apparatus main body 2, the photoconductor cartridge 3, and the developing device 4. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 2. In FIG. 13, the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 2 on the right side in the attachment direction is enlarged and displayed. FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the photoreceptor cartridge 3. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the photosensitive cartridge 3 as viewed from the outside. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the photosensitive cartridge 3 as viewed from the inside. FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of the developing device 4.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus main body 2 includes a main body substrate 110 and a terminal t. The photoreceptor cartridge 3 includes an electrode E, a substrate B, and a terminal T as shown in FIG. The developing device 4 includes an electrode e as shown in FIG. The terminal t and the terminal T are provided with compression springs, and are pressed against the electrodes E and e by the elastic force of the compression springs.

  The voltage application from the image forming apparatus main body 2 to the photosensitive cartridge 3 and the developing device 4 is as follows. In the main body substrate 110 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2, a voltage that is a source of various bias voltages is generated, and the voltage is applied to the electrode E of the photosensitive member cartridge 3 through a terminal t as an electrode. . On the substrate B, the voltage is converted into a plurality of types of various bias voltages, and various bias voltages are applied to the electrodes e of the developing device 4 via terminals T as electrodes.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus main body 2 includes terminals t1 to t11 as the terminals t. The terminals t1 to t11 are provided with compression springs as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, the photosensitive member cartridge 3 includes electrodes E1 to E11 as the electrodes E on the outer side surface on the right side in the mounting direction. The electrodes E1 to E11 and the terminals t1 to t11 are arranged so that they contact each other when the photosensitive cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 2. As a result, a voltage is applied from the image forming apparatus main body 2 to the photosensitive cartridge 3.

  Here, the voltage applied to each terminal t and electrode E will be described. A regulation bias voltage VLK applied to the regulation blade 43K is applied to the terminal t1 and the electrode E1. A primary transfer bias voltage VT applied to the primary transfer roller 9 is applied to the terminal t2 and the electrode E2. A regulation bias voltage VLM applied to the regulation blade 43M is applied to the terminal t3 and the electrode E3. A regulation bias voltage VLY applied to the regulation blade 43Y is applied to the terminal t4 and the electrode E4. A return voltage that returns from the photosensitive cartridge 3 to the image forming apparatus main body 2 is applied to the terminal t5 and the electrode E5. A grid voltage VG to be applied to the scorotron grid of the charger 5 is applied to the terminal t6 and the electrode E6. A regulation bias voltage VLC applied to the regulation blade 43C is applied to the terminal t7 and the electrode E7.

  Further, a high voltage VHK applied to the scorotron discharge wire of the charger 5K is applied to the terminal t8 and the electrode E8. A high voltage VHC applied to the discharge wire of the scorotron of the charger 5C is applied to the terminal t9 and the electrode E9. A high voltage VHM applied to the discharge wire of the scorotron of the charger 5M is applied to the terminal t10 and the electrode E10. A high voltage VHY applied to the scorotron discharge wire of the charger 5Y is applied to the terminal t11 and the electrode E11. For ease of understanding, the voltages applied to the terminals t and the electrodes E are shown in Table 1 below.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the electrodes E1 to E7 are attached to the substrate B. As shown in FIG. 16, the terminal T is a terminal TS (TSY, TSM, TSC, TSK), a terminal TG (TGY). , TGM, TGC, TGK), terminal TL (TLY, TLM, TLC, TLK), terminal TD (TDY, TDM, TDC, TDK) and terminal TT are attached. Note that the terminals TGK and TDY are omitted in FIG. The terminals TS, TG, TL, TD, and TT are provided so as to protrude vertically from the surface of the opposite substrate B to which the electrodes E1 to E7 are attached. Further, the substrate B converts the voltages applied to the electrodes E1 to E7 into a plurality of various bias voltages and distributes them to the terminals TS, TG, TL, TD, and TT provided more than the electrodes E1 to E7. Including a distribution circuit. Hereinafter, the substrate B, the electrodes E1 to E7, and the terminals TS, TG, TL, TD, and TT will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the electrodes E1 to E7 and the terminals TS, TG, TL, TD, and TT on the substrate B. FIG. 19 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the substrate B.

  As shown in FIG. 18, terminals TLY, TSY, and TDY are connected to the electrode E4 to which the regulation bias voltage VLY is applied. At this time, the voltage applied to the terminal TLY is the regulation bias voltage VLY. The voltage applied to the terminal TSY is the supply bias voltage VSY. The voltage applied to the terminal TDY is the development bias voltage VDY. Therefore, a circuit for distributing and converting the voltage is provided between the electrode E4 and the terminals TSY and TDY. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, two thyristors are connected in series in opposite directions between the electrode E4 and the terminal TSY. On the other hand, one thyristor is connected between the electrode E4 and the terminal TDY.

  Terminals TLM, TSM, and TDM are connected to the electrode E3 to which the regulation bias voltage VLM is applied. At this time, the voltage applied to the terminal TLM is the regulation bias voltage VLM. The voltage applied to the terminal TSM is the supply bias voltage VSM. The voltage applied to the terminal TDM is the development bias voltage VDM. Therefore, a circuit for distributing and converting the voltage is provided between the electrode E3 and the terminals TSM and TDM. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, two thyristors are connected in series in opposite directions between the electrode E3 and the terminal TSM. On the other hand, one thyristor is connected between the electrode E3 and the terminal TDM.

  Terminals TLC, TSC, and TDC are connected to the electrode E7 to which the regulation bias voltage VLC is applied. At this time, the voltage applied to the terminal TLC is the regulation bias voltage VLC. The voltage applied to the terminal TSC is the supply bias voltage VSC. The voltage applied to the terminal TDC is the development bias voltage VDC. Therefore, a circuit for distributing and converting the voltage is provided between the electrode E7 and the terminals TSC and TDC. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, two thyristors are connected in series in opposite directions between the electrode E7 and the terminal TSC. On the other hand, one thyristor is connected between the electrode E7 and the terminal TDC.

  Terminals TLK, TSK, and TDK are connected to the electrode E1 to which the regulation bias voltage VLK is applied. At this time, the voltage applied to the terminal TLK is the regulation bias voltage VLK. The voltage applied to the terminal TSK is the supply bias voltage VSK. The voltage applied to the terminal TDK is the development bias voltage VDK. Therefore, a circuit for distributing and converting the voltage is provided between the electrode E1 and the terminals TSK and TDK. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, two thyristors are connected in series in opposite directions between the electrode E1 and the terminal TSK. On the other hand, one thyristor is connected between the electrode E1 and the terminal TDK.

  In the following, when referring to individual supply bias voltages, Y, M, C, and K representing colors are added after VS, such as VSY, VSM, VSC, and VSK. When collectively called, it is expressed as VS. The regulation bias voltage VL and the development bias voltage VD are the same as the supply bias voltage VS.

  Note that the terminals TD and TS are connected to the electrode E5 through a resistor. The electrode E5 applies the voltage applied from the terminals TD and TS to the terminal t5 as a return voltage.

  A terminal TT is connected to the electrode E2 to which the primary transfer bias voltage VT is applied. Terminals TGY, TGM, TGC, and TGK are connected to the electrode E6 to which the grid voltage VG is applied. For easy understanding, Table 2 shows each electrode E, a terminal T connected to each electrode E, and a voltage applied to each terminal T below.

  Since the high voltages VHK, VHC, VHM, and VHY applied to the electrodes E8, E9, E10, and E11 are very high, the photosensitive member cartridge is not directly passed through the substrate B as shown in FIG. 3 is applied to the discharge wire of the scorotron of each charger 5.

  The voltage distributed on the substrate B is applied to the developing device 4, the primary transfer roller 9, and the charger 5 via terminals TL, TD, TS, TT, and TG shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, each developing device 4 is provided with electrodes eL, eD, eS connected to terminals TL, TD, TS. Specifically, in the developing device 4Y, an electrode eLY is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TLY, an electrode eDY is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TDY, and an electrode eSY is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TSY. Similarly, in the developing device 4M, an electrode eLM is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TLM, an electrode eDM is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TDM, and an electrode eSM is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TSM. Similarly, in the developing device 4C, an electrode eLC is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TLC, an electrode eDC is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TDC, and an electrode eSC is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TSC. Similarly, in the developing device 4K, an electrode eLK is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TLK, an electrode eDK is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TDK, and an electrode eSK is provided at a location corresponding to the terminal TSK. As a result, the voltage applied from the image forming apparatus main body 2 is applied to the developing device 4 as various bias voltages.

  The primary transfer bias voltage VT applied to the terminal TT is applied to each primary transfer roller 9 via an electrode (not shown) provided inside the photoconductor cartridge 3. Similarly, the grid voltage VG applied to the terminal TG is applied to the grid of the scorotron of each charger 5 via an electrode (not shown) provided inside the photoconductor cartridge 3.

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, the voltage applied from the image forming apparatus main body 2 is distributed on the substrate B in the photoreceptor cartridge 3. For this reason, the number of contact points (a set of the electrode E and the terminal t) between the image forming apparatus 1 and the photosensitive member cartridge 3 is smaller than the kind of voltage actually used in the photosensitive member cartridge 3. As a result, it is possible to reduce the total resistance generated at the contact point when the photoconductor cartridge 3 is attached / detached, and the photoconductor cartridge 3 can be easily attached / detached.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the terminals E are preferably arranged in two rows so as to extend in the mounting direction. Similarly, the terminals t are preferably arranged in two rows so as to correspond to the electrodes E as shown in FIG. By arranging the electrodes E or the terminals t in a plurality of rows in this way, the distance between the adjacent electrodes E or the terminals t can be made larger than when the electrodes E or the terminals t are arranged in a row. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1 from malfunctioning due to a short circuit between the adjacent electrodes E or the terminals t. As shown in FIG. 14, a step is provided between the rows of electrodes E1, E2, E3, and E4 and the rows of electrodes E5, E6, and E7, thereby further increasing the distance between the electrodes E. Can be bigger.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14, it is preferable that the electrodes E are arranged side by side so that the height in the vertical direction decreases in the direction of attachment. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, it is preferable that the terminals t are also arranged side by side so that the height in the vertical direction becomes lower in the mounting direction. This prevents the electrode E4 and the electrode E7 from coming into contact with the other terminal t before contacting the terminal t4 and the terminal t7, for example, when the photosensitive cartridge 3 is attached. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1 from malfunctioning when the photoreceptor cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 2.

(About sensor unit for IDC)
Next, the IDC sensor unit 19 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the photoreceptor cartridge 3 and the sensor unit 19 with the door 18 closed. In FIG. 20, the image forming apparatus main body 2 is omitted so that the state of coupling between the photosensitive cartridge 3 and the sensor unit 19 can be easily understood. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the door 18 opened. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the end of the sensor unit 19 in the longitudinal direction. 23 and 24 are cross-sectional structural views of the sensor unit 19.

  The sensor unit 19 serves to detect the test pattern transferred to the transfer belt 8 and is provided inside the door 18. In the state in which the door 18 is closed, the sensor unit 19 causes the detection unit 137 side to rise up with respect to the door 18 so that the detection unit 137 faces the transfer belt 8 as shown in FIGS. Rotate to. On the other hand, when the door is opened, the detection unit 137 of the sensor unit 19 does not contact the photosensitive cartridge 3 passing over the door 18 as shown in FIGS. Rotate to fall to the 18th side. Hereinafter, the state of the sensor unit 19 illustrated in FIG. 1 is referred to as a detection state, and the state of the sensor unit 19 illustrated in FIG. 2 is referred to as a retracted state.

  The sensor unit 19 includes a sensor 130 and a holder 134 as shown in FIGS. The sensor 130 serves to detect a test pattern on the transfer belt 8, is mounted on the holder 134, and includes a detection unit 137, a claw 135, and a recess 133. As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, the holder 134 is attached with the sensor 130 and is attached to the door 18, and includes a claw 136 and a contact portion 143. The holder 134 serves as a mount portion for attaching the sensor 130 to the door 18 so as to be rotatable. A torsion coil spring 139 is provided between the sensor 130 and the holder 134, and a compression spring 140 is provided between the holder 134 and the door 18.

  First, the connection relationship between the sensor 130 and the holder 134 will be described. As shown in FIG. 23, the sensor 130 is attached to the holder 134 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 138 parallel to the rotation axis of the door 18. Then, the sensor 130 causes the detection unit 137 to fall to the door 18 side by a torsion coil spring 139 provided so as to sandwich the claw 135 of the sensor 130 and the claw 136 of the holder 134 and the axis coincides with the rotation shaft 138. It is urged in the direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 23).

  Next, the connection relationship between the holder 134 and the door 18 will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, the holder 134 is attached to the door 18 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 141 parallel to the rotation axis of the door 18. The holder 134 is in contact with the compression spring 140 on the lower side of the contact portion 143 and is in contact with the screw 142 on the upper side of the contact portion 143. Thereby, the contact portion 143 of the holder 134 is urged upward by the compression spring 140 so as to be pressed against the screw 142. As a result, when the holder 134 receives a force from above, the compression spring 140 contracts and can rotate in the direction of arrow B. As described above, the sensor 130 has a configuration in which the detection unit 137 can rotate around the rotation shaft 138 and a configuration in which the rotation shaft 138 can rotate around the rotation shaft 141.

  Next, the positioning mechanism of the sensor unit 19 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, U-shaped recesses 133 are formed on both end surfaces of the left and right sensors 130 in the mounting direction. 20 and 22, only the right end of the sensor 130 is shown. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the photosensitive cartridge 3 is formed with a convex portion 131 that fits into the concave portion 133 when the door 18 is closed. The convex portion 131 serves as a positioning portion that rotates the sensor 130 so that the detection portion 137 of the sensor 130 faces the transfer belt 8 when fitted to the concave portion 133. As shown in FIG. 21, the transfer belt 8 is covered with a cover, and a window 132 is formed at a portion of the sensor 130 facing the detection unit 137 so that a part of the transfer belt 8 is exposed. Yes.

  The operation of the sensor unit 19 configured as described above will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit 19 during the transition from the retracted state to the detected state. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the sensor unit 19 in the detection state.

  In the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 23, the torsion coil spring 139 exerts a force on the sensor 130 so that the detecting unit 137 falls to the door 18 side. The amount of protrusion of the sensor 130 from the door 18 is maintained by the torsion coil spring 139 so as to be small. This prevents the sensor unit 19 from preventing the photosensitive cartridge 3 from passing over the door 18.

  Next, the user rotates the door 18 so as to close it. Then, when the door 18 rotates to the position shown in FIG. 25, the edge of the recess 133 comes into contact with the tip of the protrusion 131 as shown in FIG. At the time when the edge of the concave portion 133 and the tip of the convex portion 131 are in contact with each other, the direction in which the concave portion 133 is recessed does not coincide with the direction in which the convex portion 131 projects. Specifically, the direction in which the concave portion 133 is recessed is slightly upward with respect to the direction in which the convex portion 131 protrudes. Therefore, the user further pushes the convex portion 131 into the concave portion 133 by rotating the door 18. Accordingly, the sensor 130 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 27 around the rotation shaft 141 in FIG. As a result, the detection unit 137 of the sensor 130 is positioned at a position facing the transfer belt 8.

  When the door 18 is closed, the sensor 130 receives a force in a direction in which the sensor 130 is pressed against the photosensitive cartridge 3 by the compression spring 140. As a result, the sensor 130 and the photosensitive cartridge 3 are in close contact with each other. Therefore, the sensor 130 can be positioned with higher accuracy by molding the shape of the photoreceptor cartridge 3 so as to follow the shape of the sensor 130.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the sensor 130 is retracted to the door 18 side when the door 18 is opened, and the sensor 130 detects when the door 18 is closed. The portion 137 faces the transfer belt 8 in the vicinity of the driving roller 11. Therefore, the user can smoothly attach and detach the photoreceptor cartridge 3 without colliding with the sensor 130, and the sensor 130 can read the test pattern on the transfer belt 8 with high accuracy.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor 130 has a structure that can be rotated by two rotating shafts 138 and 141. Therefore, the sensor 130 can perform an operation combining two rotational movements. Therefore, the sensor 130 can operate with a greater degree of freedom than when rotating by a single rotating shaft. As a result, the concave portion 133 and the convex portion 131 can be smoothly fitted.

  In the present embodiment, the side surface of the recess 133 preferably has a shape that widens as it approaches the opening, as shown in FIG. Thereby, when the edge of the recessed part 133 and the front-end | tip of the convex part 131 contact, the front-end | tip of the convex part 131 comes to be inserted in the inside of the recessed part 133 smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, the concave portion may be provided in the photoreceptor cartridge 3 and the convex portion may be provided in the sensor unit 19. Even in this case, it is preferable that the side surface of the recess has a shape that widens as it approaches the opening.

(Variation of connection between photoconductor cartridge, developing device and photoconductor unit)
In FIG. 12, it has been described that the photoreceptor cartridge 3 and the developing device 4 are electrically connected with the terminal T formed of a spring pressed against the electrode e. In this way, when the terminal T is pressed against the electrode e, a force is received in a direction in which the side surface of the photosensitive member cartridge 3 falls outward.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the photoconductor unit 150 provided in the photoconductor cartridge 3 has a photoconductor through a terminal T ′ constituted by a tension spring. You may connect with the board | substrate B provided in the side surface of the cartridge 3. FIG. More specifically, one end of the terminal T ′ is hooked on the substrate B, and the other end of the terminal T ′ is hooked on the electrode e ′ provided on the photoreceptor unit 150. The terminal T ′ is an electrode for applying a voltage to the photoconductor unit 150.

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, the terminal T ′ exerts a pulling force on the inner side of the photosensitive member cartridge 3 on the side surface of the photosensitive member cartridge 3, and the terminal T becomes the photosensitive member. The force acting on the side surface of the cartridge 3 is canceled by this force. As a result, it is not necessary to make the side surface of the photoconductor cartridge 3 stronger than necessary, and the photoconductor cartridge 3 can be reduced in size and maintenance can be improved.

  The photosensitive unit 150 includes at least the photosensitive drum 6, and may further include a primary transfer roller 9, a transfer belt 8, and the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of the image forming apparatus in the process of replacing the developing device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of the image forming apparatus in the process of replacing the developing device. 2 is an external perspective view of a photoreceptor cartridge and a developing device. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of the image forming apparatus when a jammed paper is removed when a paper jam occurs. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a photosensitive cartridge. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a gear of an image forming apparatus main body and a gear of a photosensitive cartridge. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of the left photosensitive member cartridge in the mounting direction. 2 is an external perspective view of a photoconductor cartridge. FIG. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the positioning shaft and the gear in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the positioning shaft and the gear in the comparative example. It is the figure which showed these positional relationships. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship among an image forming apparatus main body, a photosensitive cartridge, and a developing device. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a photoconductor cartridge. FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the photosensitive cartridge when viewed from the outside. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the photosensitive cartridge as viewed from the inside. 1 is an external perspective view of a developing device. It is the figure which showed the connection relation of the electrode and terminal in a board | substrate. It is an equivalent circuit diagram of a substrate. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a photosensitive cartridge and a sensor unit in a state where a door is closed. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus with a door open. It is a perspective view of the end part vicinity of the longitudinal direction of a sensor unit. It is a sectional view of a sensor unit. It is a sectional view of a sensor unit. It is the figure which showed the sensor unit in the middle of changing to a detection state from an evacuation state. It is the figure which showed the sensor unit in a detection state. It is the figure which showed a mode that a recessed part and a convex part fit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship among a photosensitive member cartridge, a developing device, and a photosensitive member unit. It is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image forming apparatus main body 3 Photoconductor cartridge 4 Developing apparatus 5 Charger 6 Photoconductor drum 7 Cleaner 8 Transfer belt 9 Primary transfer roller 10 Laser scanning optical device 11 Drive roller 18 Door 19 Sensor unit 41 Supply roller 42 Developing roller 43 Regulating blade 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 71, 82, 84, 86 Gear 75, 76 Positioning axis
81, 83, 85 Motor 81 ', 83', 85 'Pinion gear 101, 102 Positioning recess 110 Main body substrate 130 Sensor 131 Protruding portion 132 Window 133 Recessing portion 134 Holder 135, 136 Claw 137 Detection portion 138, 141 Rotating shaft 139 Torsion coil Spring 140 Compression spring 142 Screw 143 Contact part 150 Photosensitive unit B Substrate e, E electrode t, T terminal

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus main body;
A plurality of developing devices;
A container that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body by being moved in a predetermined direction;
With
The image forming apparatus main body includes:
Power source,
A first gear rotated by the power source;
A first positioning mechanism;
A second positioning mechanism;
Including
The container is
A container body attached so that the plurality of developing devices can be attached and detached; and
A plurality of photoconductors provided in the container body;
A third positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body by engaging with the first positioning mechanism;
A fourth positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body by engaging with the second positioning mechanism;
A second gear that is disposed between the third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism in the predetermined direction and meshes with the first gear;
A transmission mechanism that distributes and transmits the rotation of the second gear to the plurality of photosensitive members;
A transfer belt to which toner images formed on the plurality of photoconductors are transferred;
A driving roller for driving the transfer belt by rotation of the second gear;
A driven roller;
Only including,
The transfer belt is stretched between the driving roller and the driven roller,
The second gear is disposed such that a rotation transmission path to a photoconductor disposed closest to the drive roller is shorter than a rotation transmission path to another photoconductor;
An image forming apparatus. The third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism are respectively coincident with the rotation axis of the driven roller and the rotation axis of the drive roller;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The third positioning mechanism is located upstream of the fourth positioning mechanism in the mounting direction of the container body,
When the first gear rotates in the forward direction, the force vector exerted on the second gear by the first gear is a vector directed from the fourth positioning mechanism to the third positioning mechanism. Approximately match,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The first positioning mechanism and the third positioning mechanism are a combination of a convex member and a concave member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The second positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism are a combination of a convex member and a concave member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. In a container that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body by being moved in a predetermined direction,
A container body attached so that a plurality of developing devices can be attached and detached;
A plurality of photoconductors provided in the container body;
A third positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body;
A fourth positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body;
A second gear that is disposed between the third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism in the predetermined direction and meshes with a first gear provided in the image forming apparatus main body;
A transmission mechanism that distributes and transmits the rotation of the second gear to the plurality of photosensitive members;
A transfer belt to which toner images formed on the plurality of photoconductors are transferred;
A driving roller for driving the transfer belt by rotation of the second gear;
A driven roller;
Only including,
The transfer belt is stretched between the driving roller and the driven roller,
The second gear is disposed such that a rotation transmission path to a photoconductor disposed closest to the drive roller is shorter than a rotation transmission path to another photoconductor;
A container characterized by. The third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism are respectively coincident with the rotation axis of the driven roller and the rotation axis of the drive roller;
The container according to claim 6. The third positioning mechanism is located upstream of the fourth positioning mechanism in the mounting direction of the container body,
When the first gear rotates in the forward direction, the force vector exerted on the second gear by the first gear is a vector directed from the fourth positioning mechanism to the third positioning mechanism. Approximately match,
The container according to any one of claims 6 and 7. The third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism are convex members or concave members;
A container according to any one of claims 6 to 8. An image forming apparatus main body;
A plurality of developing devices;
A container that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body by being moved in a predetermined direction;
With
The image forming apparatus main body includes:
Power source,
A first gear rotated by the power source;
A first positioning mechanism;
A second positioning mechanism;
Including
The container is
A container body attached so that the plurality of developing devices can be attached and detached; and
A plurality of photoconductors provided in the container body;
A third positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body by engaging with the first positioning mechanism;
A fourth positioning mechanism for positioning the image forming apparatus main body and the container main body by engaging with the second positioning mechanism;
A second gear that is disposed between the third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism in the predetermined direction and meshes with the first gear;
A transmission mechanism that distributes and transmits the rotation of the second gear to the plurality of photosensitive members;
A transfer belt to which toner images formed on the plurality of photoconductors are transferred;
A driving roller for driving the transfer belt by rotation of the second gear;
A driven roller;
Only including,
The third positioning mechanism and the fourth positioning mechanism are respectively coincident with the rotation axis of the driven roller and the rotation axis of the drive roller;
An image forming apparatus.

Images