JP5630011B2 - Detachable unit and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a detachable unit and an image forming apparatus.

  In a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is known regarding a detachable developing device.

  In JP-A-8-297389 as Patent Document 1, the developing unit (7) is detachably supported on a carrier table (41) that can move toward and away from the photosensitive drum (1). The carrier table (41) describes a configuration for supporting the motor (40), the gears (42, 44, 45) and the like for driving the developing roller (10) of the developing unit (7). In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when the developing unit (7) is mounted, the gear (23) of the developing roller (10) meshes with the gear (45) on the carrier (41) side, so that driving can be transmitted. At the same time, the developing unit (7) and the motor (40) supported by the carrier table (41) are integrated with the photosensitive drum (1) by the tension spring (52) that presses the carrier table (41). Is always pressed against. Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the toner supply roller (11) and the agitator (9) for supplying the developer to the developing roller (10) and the toner layer thickness regulating roller (14) include the developing roller (10). Drive is transmitted from the gears. Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, slit portions (68, 69) are formed in the front and rear side plates (43, 143) of the carrier table (41), and bearing members (front and rear ends) of the developing unit (7) ( 61) passes through the slit portions (68, 69) and is attached and detached.

JP-A-8-297389 (“0036” to “0040”, “0044”, “0046” to “0048”, FIGS. 1 to 6)

  An object of the present invention is to maintain the rigidity of a portion that operates a detachable unit to which a developing device is detachably attached.

In order to solve the technical problem, the detachable unit of the invention according to claim 1 comprises:
An image holding body that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body and forms a latent image on the surface, and a frame that detachably supports a developing device that develops the latent image on the surface of the image holding body into a visible image;
The frame is
An upstream wall disposed on the upstream side of the developing device attached to the frame body in a mounting direction in which the frame body is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body;
A downstream wall disposed downstream of the developing device in the mounting direction;
A connecting member connecting the upstream wall and the downstream wall;
An operation unit provided on the upstream wall and operated when an operator attaches or removes the frame body to or from the image forming apparatus main body;
An upstream support portion that is provided downstream of the upstream wall in the mounting direction and supports an upstream end portion of the developing device in the mounting direction, and is mounted on the frame body from the downstream side in the mounting direction. The upstream support portion for supporting the upstream end portion of the developing device in a positioned state;
A passage opening formed in the downstream wall, where the developing device is attached to the frame body in a state where the upstream wall, the downstream wall, and the connection member are connected from a direction intersecting the mounting direction. When passing to the downstream end of the developing device, and when viewed from the mounting direction , the passage port is a shape cut away from the upstream wall ;
A downstream support portion provided on the downstream wall for fixing and supporting the downstream end portion of the developing device;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 2 is the detachable unit according to claim 1,
The upstream support portion formed in a shape in which the upstream end of the image carrier is detachably cut from a direction opposite to a direction in which the developing device is attached and detached and from a direction intersecting the attachment direction;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 3 is the detachable unit according to claim 1 or 2,
An upstream positioning projection that is supported by one of the upstream end portion and the upstream support portion of the developing device and projects to the other side;
An upstream positioning recess provided on the other of the upstream end portion and the upstream support portion of the developing device and into which the upstream positioning protrusion fits;
A downstream positioning protrusion that is supported by either one of the downstream end of the developing device and the downstream wall and protrudes to the other side, wherein the downstream is formed with a height lower than that of the upstream positioning protrusion. Positioning protrusions;
A downstream positioning recess provided on the other end of the downstream end of the developing device and the downstream wall and into which the downstream positioning projection fits;
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides:
An image carrier on which a latent image is formed on the surface;
The detachable unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which detachably supports a developing device that develops a latent image on the surface of the image holding member into a visible image.
A transfer device for transferring a visible image of the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing a visible image transferred on the surface of the medium;
It is provided with.

According to the first and fourth aspects of the invention, the rigidity of the portion for operating the detachable unit to / from which the developing device is attached / detached can be maintained as compared with the case where the passage opening is formed in the upstream end wall.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the cut shape is formed in the upstream support portion, it is possible to give rigidity to the upstream wall in which the rigidity is maintained.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily perform the positioning on the downstream side as compared with the case where the height of the downstream positioning protrusion is higher than that of the upstream positioning protrusion.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the main body of the image forming apparatus of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the printer interface module and the stacker apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of the image forming apparatus main body, and is an explanatory view of a visible image forming apparatus and a belt module. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the visible image forming apparatus for K color according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the visible image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment when viewed from the front. FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view of the front end in a state where the O-color visible image forming apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a front end portion of the image forming apparatus main body in a state where a guide rail as an example of a drawer supported by the image forming apparatus main body of Example 1 is pulled out. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the rear wall member of the image forming apparatus main body according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory views of the visible image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10A is a perspective view and FIG. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the visible image forming apparatus. 12A and 12B are explanatory views of the visible image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a main part viewed from the left front in a state where the photosensitive unit is removed, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a hook. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of the visible image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the frame of the marking module, FIG. 14A is a perspective view seen from the front obliquely upper side, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view seen from the rear obliquely lower side. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the photoconductor unit of Example 1, FIG. 15A is a view seen from the upper right front, and FIG. 15B is a view seen from the upper rear left. FIG. 16 is a view of the photoreceptor unit as viewed from the right side. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the developing unit of the visible image forming apparatus. FIG. 18 is an enlarged explanatory view of a developer supply port and a developer discharge port portion of the developing unit. 19 is an explanatory view of the developing container, FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXA-XIXA in FIG. 18, and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXB-XIXB in FIG. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the developing unit of Example 1 as viewed obliquely from the upper left front. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the developing unit of Example 1 as viewed from the upper left rear side. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the developing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment viewed from the lower left rear side. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the rear end portion of the developing unit according to the first embodiment. 24 is a sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the motor support member is removed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of the rear part of the developing unit of Example 1 as viewed from the upper right rear side. FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the motor fixing member is removed from the state shown in FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the developing unit fixing member is removed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is an explanatory view of the gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment when viewed from the right rear side. FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of the state shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is a perspective explanatory view of a main part of a gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the driving source and the gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment when viewed obliquely from the front right. FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the driving source and gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment when viewed obliquely from the right rear. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the abutting portion of the first embodiment. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of the developing unit fixing member of Example 1, FIG. 35A is a perspective view of the front developing unit fixing member, FIG. 35B is a perspective view of the rear developing unit fixing member, and FIG. It is principal part explanatory drawing of a hole. FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the front end of the developing unit is positioned on the module front frame. FIG. 37 is an explanatory view of a main part of the urging member of the developing roll. FIG. 38 is an explanatory view of the urging support member supported by the front developing unit fixing member, FIG. 38A is an explanatory view of the urging support member moved to the urging position, and FIG. 38B is an urging support member. It is explanatory drawing of the state which moved to the urging | biasing reduction position. FIG. 39 is an explanatory view of the state shown in FIG. 38A as viewed obliquely from the rear. 40A is an explanatory view of the urging support member, FIG. 40A is a perspective view, FIG. 40B is a view seen from the arrow XLB direction of FIG. 40A, FIG. 40C is a view seen from the arrow XLC direction, and FIG. The figure seen from the arrow XLD direction of FIG. 40B, FIG. 40E is the XLE-XLE sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 40B. FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the front biasing support member has moved to the biasing position. FIG. 41A is a diagram seen from the right, and FIG. 41B is a diagram seen from the rear obliquely upward. 42A and 42B are explanatory views showing a state in which the front urging support member has moved to the urging reduction position. FIG. 42A is a view seen from the right rear side, and FIG. 42B is a view seen from the rear side. FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the marking module is removed. FIG. 44 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 43 viewed from the side. FIG. 45 is an explanatory perspective view of the marking module placed on the guide rail. FIG. 46 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 45 viewed from the side. FIG. 47 is a perspective explanatory view of the marking module fixed to the guide rail from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 48 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 47 viewed from the side. FIG. 49 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state in which the marking module is accommodated in the main body of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 50 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 49 viewed from the side. 51 is an explanatory diagram in the middle of attaching / detaching the developing unit of Example 1 to / from the marking frame, FIG. 51A is an explanatory diagram viewed from the right diagonal front, and FIG. 51B is an explanatory diagram viewed from the diagonal left rear. . 52 is an explanatory diagram in the middle of further removing the developing unit from the marking frame from the state of FIG. 51, FIG. 52A is an explanatory diagram viewed from the left rear, and FIG. 52B is an explanatory diagram viewed from above than FIG. 52A. FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the photosensitive unit of Example 1 is attached to and detached from the marking frame, FIG. 53A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the photosensitive unit has moved to the front side with respect to the marking frame, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the photoreceptor unit has moved to the rear side with respect to the marking frame and has been attached. FIG. 54 is an explanatory view of a difference depending on how to attach / detach the developing unit to / from the marking module. FIG. 54A is an explanatory view of a state in which the developing unit is detached when the developing unit is mounted between the front plate and the rear plate. 54A is an explanatory view showing a state where the developing unit is mounted from the state of FIG. 54A, FIG. 54C is an explanatory view of a state where the developing unit is detached when the developing unit is mounted from the front plate side, and FIG. 54D is a state where developing is performed from the state of FIG. FIG. 54E is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the developing unit is detached in the case of Example 1 in which the developing unit is mounted from the rear plate side, and FIG. 54F is a mounting unit from the state of FIG. 54E. It is explanatory drawing of the state made.

Next, examples as specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

(Description of Printer U of First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the main body of the image forming apparatus of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the printer interface module and the stacker apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
1 to 3, a printer U as an example of an image forming apparatus is disposed downstream of the image forming apparatus main body U1 as an example of an image forming apparatus main body U1 and a bend removing device. An interface module U2 having an operation unit UI for operation and a stacker device U3 disposed on the downstream side in the medium discharge direction of the interface module U2 as an example of a medium discharge stacking device.

(Description of Image Forming Apparatus Main Body U1 of Embodiment 1)
In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body U1 includes an image recording unit U1a and a fixing / reversing unit U1b. From the main body side control unit C1 that controls the image forming apparatus main body U1 and an external information transmission device COM. An information transmission / reception device (not shown) that receives image information transmitted through the interface module U2, a latent image forming device driving circuit D, a power supply circuit E, and the like controlled by the main body side control unit C1.
The latent image forming device driving circuit D of the image recording unit U1a, the operation of which is controlled by the main body side control unit C1, is based on the image information transmitted through the interface module U2, and is G: green, O: orange, Y : Yellow, M: Magenta, C: Cyan, K: Black image information is generated, and drive signals corresponding to the image information are set in advance at the preset timings for the latent image forming devices ROSg, ROSo, ROSi, ROSm of the respective colors G to K. , ROSc, and ROSk.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of the image forming apparatus main body, and is an explanatory view of a visible image forming apparatus and a belt module.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the visible image forming apparatus for K color according to the first embodiment.
2 and 4, below the latent image forming devices ROSg to ROSk of the respective colors G to K, an example of a developing unit and photosensitive unit UG, UO, UY, UM, UC, UK of each color G to K is shown. The developing devices GG, GO, GY, GM, GC, and GK for the respective colors G to K are detachably mounted.
In FIG. 5, the black K photoconductor unit UK includes a photoconductor drum Pk as an example of an image carrier, a charger CCk, and a drum cleaner CLk as an example of an image carrier cleaner. Further, a developing roll R0k as an example of a developing member of the black K developing device GK is disposed adjacent to the right side of the photosensitive drum Pk.

The photosensitive units UG to UC of the other colors G to C are also provided with photosensitive drums Pg, Po, Py, Pm, Pc, chargers CCg, CCo, CCy, CCm, CCc, drum cleaners CLg, CLo, CLy, CLm, CLc. Further, on the right side of the photosensitive drums Pg to Pc for the other colors G to C, developing rolls R0g, R0o, R0y, R0m as examples of developing members of the developing units GG to GC for the other colors G to C are provided. , R0c are arranged adjacent to each other.
In Example 1, the K photosensitive drum Pk, which is frequently used and has a lot of surface wear, is configured to have a larger diameter than the photosensitive drums Pg to Pc of other colors, and is capable of high-speed rotation and has a long service life. It is planned.

  The photosensitive units UG to UK and the developing units GG to GK constitute visible image forming devices UG + GG, UO + GO, UY + GY, UM + GM, UC + GC, UK + GK. In the first embodiment, each of the visible image forming apparatuses UG + GG to UK + GK is configured as a detachable unit that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body U1 when performing maintenance work such as replacement or repair.

2 and 4, the photosensitive drums Pg to Pk are uniformly charged by the chargers CCg to CCk, respectively, and then are examples of latent image writing light output from the latent image forming devices ROSg to ROSk. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the laser beams Lg, Lo, Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Pg to Pk are made of G: green, O: orange, Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, K: black by the developers in the developing units GG to GK. An image and a toner image as an example of a visible image are developed.
When the developer in the developing devices Gg to Gk is consumed by the development, the developer is replenished to the developing devices Gg to Gk from the developer replenishing device U1c provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body U1. In the developer supply device U1c, toner cartridges Kg, Ko, Ky, Km, Kc, Kk as an example of a developer supply container are supported so as to be detachable and replaceable.

2 and 4, the toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Pg to Pk are primary transfer rolls T1g as an example of a primary transfer member in the primary transfer regions Q3g, Q3o, Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k. , T1o, T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k are sequentially transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer member, and a multicolor image, so-called color image, is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. The color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q4.
In the case of only black image data, only the black K photosensitive drum Pk and the developing device GK are used, and only the black K toner image is formed. In addition, when four-color printing of Y, M, C, and K, or two-color and three-color printing according to user settings, etc. are performed, the corresponding photosensitive drums Pg to Pk and developing units GG to GK is used.

After the primary transfer, the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drums Pg to Pk is cleaned by the drum cleaners CLg to CLk for the photosensitive drum and recharged by the chargers CCg to CCk.
In FIG. 5, in the visible image forming devices UG + GG to UK + GK according to the first embodiment, an intake duct D1 as an example of an intake unit that sucks external air is supported above the chargers CCg to CCk. Above the Gg to Gk, an exhaust duct D2 as an example of an exhaust unit that sucks and exhausts air in the vicinity is supported. Therefore, the ozone generated in the chargers CCg to CCk and the developer that has risen from the developing region between the developing rolls R0 (R0g to R0k) and the photosensitive members Pg to Pk flow from the intake duct D1 toward the exhaust duct D2. The air is collected by air, and after passing through a filter (not shown), the air is exhausted outside the printer U.

1, 2, and 4, below each of the photosensitive drums Pg to Pk, a belt module BM as an example of an intermediate transfer device is in a raised position where it contacts the lower surface of each of the photosensitive drums Pg to Pk. It is supported so that it can be moved up and down between a lowering position separated downward from the lower surface.
The belt module BM has the intermediate transfer belt B. The intermediate transfer belt B is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow Ya by a belt drive roll Rd as an example of an intermediate transfer body drive member that supports the intermediate transfer belt B from the back surface, and tension is applied by a tension roll Rt as an example of a tension applying member. Is attached and stretched. The intermediate transfer belt B includes a walking roll Rw as an example of a meandering prevention member for preventing meandering of the intermediate transfer belt B, a plurality of idler rolls Rf as an example of a driven member, and an example of a secondary transfer counter member. The back side is supported by the backup roll T2a.

  In FIG. 4, in Example 1, the upstream side of the G-color primary transfer roll T <b> 1 g in the direction of the arrow Ya is perpendicular to the direction of the arrow Ya and is intermediate to the photosensitive drum Pg. A first retracting roll R1 as an example of an intermediate transfer member support member for contact / separation supported so as to be movable in a contact / separation direction that is a direction in which the transfer belt B is contacted / separated is disposed. Further, on the downstream side in the arrow Ya direction of each O-color primary transfer roll T1o and on the upstream side in the arrow Ya direction of each Y-color primary transfer roll T1y, the contact configured similarly to the first retract roll R1 is provided. A second retract roll R2 and a third retract roll R3, which are examples of the separating intermediate transfer member support member, are arranged side by side. Further, on the downstream side in the arrow Ya direction of each primary transfer roll T1c for C color and on the upstream side in the arrow Ya direction for each primary transfer roll T1k for K color, the contact configured similarly to the first retract roll R1 is provided. A fourth retract roll R4 as an example of a separating intermediate transfer member support member is disposed. Further, a fifth retract roll as an example of the intermediate transfer member support member for contact / separation configured similarly to the first retract roll R1 is provided downstream of the K primary transfer rolls T1k in the direction of the arrow Ya. R5 is arranged.

In FIG. 4, a plate-shaped discharge sheet metal JB as an example of a charge removal member for removing charges on the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt B is disposed on the downstream side in the direction of arrow Ya of each of the primary transfer rolls T1g to T1k. ing. The neutralizing sheet metal JB of Example 1 is disposed in a non-contact manner with the intermediate transfer belt B, and can be disposed, for example, at a position 2 mm away from the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt B.
Belt support rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf as an example of an intermediate transfer member support member that rotatably supports the intermediate transfer belt B from the back surface by the rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a, R1 to R5. , T2a, R1 to R5 are configured.
Further, the belt module according to the first embodiment includes the intermediate transfer belt B, the belt support rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a, R1 to R5, the primary transfer rolls T1g to T1k, the static elimination sheet metal JB, and the like. A BM is configured.

A secondary transfer unit Ut is disposed below the backup roll T2a. The secondary transfer unit Ut is provided with a secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a secondary transfer member. The secondary transfer roll T2b is disposed so as to be in contact with or separated from the backup roll T2a with the intermediate transfer belt B interposed therebetween. The secondary transfer area Q4 is formed by the area where the secondary transfer roll T2b is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt B. Is formed. Further, a contact roll T2c as an example of a contact conduction member is in contact with the backup roll T2a. A secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the developer is applied to the contact roll T2c at a preset time from the power supply circuit E controlled by the main body side controller C1.
The backup roll T2a, the secondary transfer roll T2b, and the contact roll T2c constitute the secondary transfer device T2 of Example 1. The primary transfer rolls T1g to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, and the secondary transfer unit T2 constitute a transfer device T1g to T1k + T2 + B according to the first embodiment.

Below the belt module BM, paper feed trays TR1 and TR2 are provided as an example of a medium storage unit that stores a recording sheet S as an example of a medium. The recording sheets S accommodated in the paper feed trays TR1 and TR2 are taken out from the paper feed trays TR1 and TR2 by a pick-up roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member, and one sheet at a time by a paper roll Rs as an example of a curling member. It is separated and conveyed to the medium supply path SH1.
The recording sheet S conveyed to the medium supply path SH1 is conveyed to a deburring device Bt as an example of a medium unnecessary part removing device by a conveying roll Ra as an example of a medium conveying member. The deburring device Bt includes a pressure roll Bt1 as an example of a pressure member, and a counter roll Bt2 that is pressed against and contacts the pressure roll Bt1 as an example of a counter member. The recording sheet S is pressed and sandwiched by the pressure roll Bt1 and the counter roll Bt2, and is removed, and unnecessary portions at the end of the recording sheet S are removed, so-called deburring of the recording sheet S is performed.

The deburred recording sheet S is conveyed to the double feed detection device Jk. The double feed detection device Jk detects whether or not the recording sheet S is conveyed without being rolled by the separation roll Rs, and a plurality of recording sheets S are conveyed in an overlapping manner, that is, whether or not multiple recording is performed. To do.
Note that a manual feed path SH0 is connected to the upstream side in the medium conveyance direction of the double feed detection device Jk, and the recording sheet S supplied from a manual feed medium supply unit (not shown) is also double-feeded by the double feed detection device Jk. Detected.
The recording sheet S in which it is detected whether or not it is double-fed is conveyed to a skew correction device Sh as an example of an inclination posture correction device. The skew correction device Sh has a cross roll Rc as an example of a skew roll, and the cross roll Rc brings the recording sheet S into contact with an end alignment member (not shown) so that the inclined posture of the recording sheet S, A so-called skew is corrected.
The recording sheet S whose skew has been corrected is conveyed to a registration roll Rr as an example of a conveyance timing adjusting member.

The recording sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr passes through the pre-transfer medium guide member SG1 in accordance with the time when the multi-color image or single-color image on the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed to the secondary transfer region Q4. It is conveyed to the next transfer area Q4.
The multicolor image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording sheet S by the secondary transfer device T2 when passing through the secondary transfer region Q4. In the case of a multi-color image, the toner images primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B are secondarily transferred onto the recording sheet S at once. The intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLb as an example of an intermediate transfer body cleaner.

1 to 3, the recording sheet S on which the unfixed visible image is secondarily transferred passes through the post-transfer medium guide member SG <b> 2, and is fixed to the fixing reversal unit by a conveyance belt HB as an example of a medium conveyance member before fixing. It is conveyed to the fixing device F provided in U1b.
In FIG. 3, the fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heat fixing member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. The recording sheet S is conveyed to a fixing region Q5 where a pair of fixing members Fh and Fp are in contact with each other under pressure. The unfixed visible image on the recording sheet S is heated and fixed by the fixing device F when passing through the fixing region Q5.

In FIG. 2, the heat-fixed recording sheet S is conveyed to the cooling device Co. The cooling device Co rotates as an example of an endless belt-shaped upper transport member, and is opposed to the upper transport belt Co1 as an example of an endless belt-shaped upper transport belt Co1 and an endless belt-shaped lower transport member. And a lower conveyance belt Co2 stretched in a possible manner. A heat sink Co3 as an example of a heat radiating member is disposed inside the upper transport belt Co1, and the heat of the upper transport belt Co1 is taken away and released to the outside by a blower member (not shown).
As a result, when the recording sheet S heated by the fixing device F is sandwiched and transported between the pair of transport belts Co1 and Co2, the heat of the recording sheet S is taken away by the transport belts Co1 and Co2, and the recording is performed. The sheet S is cooled.

The cooled recording sheet S is conveyed to a main body decurling device Hd as an example of a main body side curvature removing device. The main body decurling device Hd, as an example of the first bend removal member, sandwiches the recording sheet S between a large-diameter upper flexible cylindrical member and a small-diameter lower rigid cylindrical member, so that the recording sheet S is curved, so-called curl. Has a roll-type decal member Hd1 for removing water. On the downstream side of the roll-type decal member Hd1 in the medium conveying direction, as an example of the second bend removing member, the recording sheet S is sandwiched between a stretched endless belt-like member and a cylindrical member that contacts the endless belt-like member from above. A belt-type decurling member Hd2 for removing curl is disposed.
In the main body decurling device Hd, after the curl is removed by the roll type decurling member Hd1 and the belt type decurling member Hd2, the recording sheet S is discharged from the main body decurling device Hd by the discharge member Hd3.

A transport path switching member GT1 is provided on the downstream side of the main body decurling apparatus Hd in the medium transport direction. The transport path switching member GT1 selectively switches the transport destination of the recording sheet S transported through the main body processing path SH2 as an example of the medium transport path to either the main body discharge path SH3 or the medium inversion path SH4.
The recording sheet S conveyed to the main body discharge path SH3 is in a so-called face-up state with the image recording surface on which the image is recorded facing upward by a main body discharge roll Rh as an example of a main body discharge member. It is transferred to the interface module U2.

  When the image recording surface of the recording sheet S is reversed from the upward state to the downward state and conveyed to the interface module U2 in a so-called face-down state, the recording sheet S conveyed from the main body processing path SH2 It is guided to the medium reversing path SH4 by the path switching member GT1. Then, when the rear end of the recording sheet S in the medium conveyance direction passes through the conveyance path switching member GT2 provided at the branch portion of the medium reversal path SH4, the reversing roll Rb capable of forward and reverse rotation as an example of the reversal conveyance member is used. Then, the recording sheet S is reversely conveyed and so-called switch back is performed. Then, the recording sheet S that has been switched back is guided to the main body discharge path SH3 by the conveyance path switching member GT2, and the image recording surface of the recording sheet S is inverted from the upward state to the downward state, and is transferred to the interface module U2. Be transported.

When images are recorded on both sides of the recording sheet S, the recording sheet S on which an image has been recorded on one side conveyed from the main body processing path SH2 is guided to the medium reversing path SH4 by the conveyance path switching member GT1. The recording sheet S is conveyed to the medium circulation path SH5 by the reversing roll Rb of the medium reversing path SH4 and is conveyed toward the double-sided recording reversing path SH6. When the rear end of the recording sheet S in the medium conveyance direction passes through the conveyance path switching member GT3 provided at the connection between the medium circulation path SH5 and the double-sided recording reversal path SH6, the recording sheet S is switched back. The recording sheet S that has been switched back is guided to the medium supply path SH1 by the transport path switching member GT3 and is retransmitted to the medium supply path SH1.
As a result, the recording sheet S on which the image is recorded on one side is conveyed through the medium supply path SH1 in a state where the front and back sides are reversed, and is retransmitted to the secondary transfer region Q4, on the other side where no image is recorded. Also images are recorded.

(Description of Interface Module U2 of Example 1)
In FIG. 3, the operation unit UI of the interface module U2 includes a display unit UI1 for displaying information and an input button UI2 for performing various settings of the printer U. Further, the interface module U2 includes a main control unit C2 that receives image information transmitted from the external information transmission device COM and performs various processes and controls the printer U.
Inside the interface module U2, a curl removal path SH21 is provided as an example of a conveyance path of the bend removal device. The recording sheet S is conveyed to the curl removal path SH21 from the main body discharge path SH3 of the image forming apparatus main body U1. The recording sheet S conveyed to the curl removal path SH21 is conveyed to a module decurling apparatus Md as an example of a curvature removing apparatus main body by a conveyance roll MRa. The recording sheet S is decurled by the module decurling device Md, and is discharged from the decurling path SH21 to the stacker device U3 by the discharge roll MRh. The module decal device Md is conventionally known, and, for example, a configuration similar to the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-520333 can be adopted, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Description of Stacker Device U3 of Example 1)
In FIG. 3, the stacker device U3 according to the first embodiment includes a stacker discharge path SH31 connected to the curl removal path SH21 of the interface module U2 as an example of a conveyance path of the medium discharge stacking apparatus. A stacker discharge roll SRh as an example of a medium discharge member of the medium discharge stacking device is disposed on the downstream side of the stacker discharge path SH31 in the medium conveyance direction. The recording sheets S are discharged and stacked by the stacker discharge roll SRh in a stacker container TRh, which is an example of a stack container disposed below. In the stacker container TRh, as an example of a stacking member, a bottom plate TRh1 on which the recording sheets S are stacked is disposed on the top surface. The bottom plate TRh1 automatically moves up and down according to the loading amount of the recording sheets S.

(Description of the main unit)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the visible image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment when viewed from the front.
FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view of the front end in a state where the O-color visible image forming apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a front end portion of the image forming apparatus main body in a state where a guide rail as an example of a drawer supported by the image forming apparatus main body of Example 1 is pulled out.
3 to 7, in the printer U according to the first embodiment, each of the visible image forming apparatuses UG + GG to UK + GK includes a marking module 1 as an example of a detachable unit that is detachably supported by the image forming apparatus body U1. ing. In FIG. 8, a front end wall 3 of a frame 2 as an example of a frame of the image forming apparatus main body U1 projects forward as an example of a main body positioning unit corresponding to each of the visible image forming apparatuses UG + GG to UK + GK. A pair of left and right front body positioning projections 4 are provided. Below the front end wall 3, as an example of a unit partition, a unit partition wall 6 that extends downward is supported corresponding to the left and right sides of each of the visible image forming apparatuses UG + GG to UK + GK. A pair of left and right guide rails 7 corresponding to the left and right sides of each visible image forming device UG + GG to UK + GK are supported on the left and right side surfaces of each unit partition wall 6 as an example of a drawer.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the rear wall member of the image forming apparatus main body according to the first embodiment.
8 and 9, the guide rail 7 includes an outer rail 7a as an example of an outer guide portion fixedly supported on the partition wall 6, and an intermediate guide supported on the inner side of the outer rail 7a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. An intermediate rail 7b as an example of a portion, and an inner rail 7c supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction inside the intermediate rail 7b. Therefore, the guide rail 7 is shown in the drawing position where the inner rail 7c is drawn forward from the image forming apparatus main body U1 as shown in the guide rail 7 in Y of FIG. 8, and in the guide rails 7 other than Y in FIG. The image forming apparatus main body U1 is supported so as to be movable between the housing position in which the inner rail 7c is housed.

  In FIG. 8, a leaf spring-like lock mechanism 8 is supported on the inner rail 7c of the first embodiment as an example of a pull-out restricting member. The lock mechanism 8 is elastically deformed and held in a state of being accommodated between the inner rail 7c and the intermediate rail 7b until the inner rail 7c moves to the drawing position, and the inner rail 7c moves to the drawing position. Furthermore, as shown by Y in FIG. 8, the elastic recovery is performed outward, and the movement of the inner rail 7c, that is, the movement of the entire guide rail 7 is restricted, so-called locked. Then, when the operator operates the operation portion 8a at the front end of the lock mechanism 8 and is elastically deformed by pushing inward with the operator's finger, the lock is released and the inner rail 7c is movable toward the accommodation position. It becomes. Such a lock mechanism 8 can employ a conventionally known configuration, for example, a so-called stop-type disconnect spring.

8 and 9, a pair of left and right unit support rails 11 and 12 are fixedly supported by the pair of left and right inner rails 7c as an example of a unit support member. The unit support rails 11 and 12 have rail upper walls 11a and 12a extending in the front-rear direction along the upper surface of the inner rail 7c, and rail side walls 11b and 12b extending downward from the inner ends of the rail upper walls 11a and 12a.
The right unit support rail 11 is formed with a front end connecting portion 11c formed by bending downward from the front end of the rail upper wall 11a. The front end connecting portion 11c has a screw hole 11d as an example of a fixing portion. Is formed. Further, a positioning opening 11e penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at the front end portion of the rail upper wall 11a as an example of a drawer positioning portion. Moreover, the pin 11f which protrudes upwards as an example of a positioning part is supported by the rear end of the rail upper wall 11a.
On the rail upper wall 12a of the left unit support rail 12, in order from the front side to the rear side, a screw hole 12c as an example of a fixing portion, a positioning opening 12d as an example of a drawer positioning portion, and an example of a drop-off prevention portion The hook hooking opening 12e is formed.

  In FIG. 9, in the image forming apparatus main body U <b> 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the rear wall 16, which is the back side where the marking module 1 is mounted, has a round hole-shaped photoconductor positioning hole 16 a as an example of a main body positioning portion, A long hole-like pin positioning hole 16b disposed obliquely to the right of the photoreceptor positioning hole 16a is formed. The rear wall 16 is also formed with an opening 16 c corresponding to the guide rail 7 and the rear end of the marking module 1.

(Description of marking module)
10A and 10B are explanatory views of the visible image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10A is a perspective view and FIG.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the visible image forming apparatus.
12A and 12B are explanatory views of the visible image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a main part viewed from the left front in a state where the photosensitive unit is removed, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a hook.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of the visible image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
7 and 10 to 13, the marking module 1 according to the first embodiment includes a marking frame 21 as an example of a frame, the developing units GG to GK that are detachably supported by the marking frame 21, and a marking frame. 21 includes the photosensitive unit UG to UK that are detachably supported, an intake duct D1, and an exhaust duct D2.

(Description of marking frame)
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the frame of the marking module, FIG. 14A is a perspective view seen from the front obliquely upper side, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view seen from the rear obliquely lower side.
13 and 14, the marking frame 21 has a plate-like module front frame 26 as an example of an upstream wall that is an example of the front portion of the frame body and that is an upstream side in the insertion direction of the marking module 1. A plate-like module rear frame 27, which is an example of a rear part of the frame body and an example of a downstream wall, is disposed behind the module front frame 26. The module front frame 26 and the module rear frame 27 are examples of connection members. Are connected by a pair of left and right module connecting frames 28 and 29 extending in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 14, on the front surface of the module front frame 26, a cover positioning protrusion 26a protruding forward as an example of a positioning portion and three cover fixing members 26b as examples of fixing portions are supported. At the lower end of the module front frame 26, a plate-like photosensitive unit front support portion 26c extending rearward is formed.
13 and 14, the rear surface of the module front frame 26 can support, as an example of an upstream support member, the front end portion of the photoreceptor Pk of the photoreceptor unit 23, that is, the upstream end portion in the mounting direction of the marking module 1. A pre-photoreceptor support member 31 is supported. Upstream support in which a pair of upper and lower development positioning holes 31a for positioning the front end of the developing unit 22 is formed as an example of an upstream positioning recess and an example of a development positioning portion on the left side of the photoreceptor front support member 31. A pre-development support part 31b as an example of the part is formed. The photoconductor pre-support member 31 is formed with a photoconductor pre-support portion 31c formed in a C shape with the left side open.

In FIG. 14B, a passage opening 27a through which the rear ends of the developing units Gg to Gk pass is formed in the lower right portion of the module rear frame 27. A plate-like photoreceptor unit rear support portion 27b extending forward is formed at the lower end of the module rear frame 27 corresponding to the photoreceptor unit front support portion 26c. Further, a rotation preventing hole 27 c as an example of a fixing portion of the photosensitive unit is formed in the upper left end portion of the module rear frame 27.
In FIG. 13, the rear end of the photoconductor Pk is formed in the module rear frame 27 in the shape of a round hole that can penetrate from the front, and the rear end support of the photoconductor that can support the rear end of the photoconductor Pk of the photoconductor unit 23. The member 32 is supported. A pair of upper and lower development fixing screw holes 33 are formed above and below the photoconductor rear support member 32 as an example of a development fixing portion. In the vicinity of the development fixing screw hole 33, as an example of a downstream positioning projection and an example of a development positioning portion, a development positioning convex portion 34 protruding rearward is formed. Therefore, the rear surface of the module rear frame 27 including the development fixing screw hole 33 and the development positioning convex portion 34 constitutes a post-development support portion 33 + 34 that supports the rear portions of the development units Gg to Gk as an example of the downstream support portion. Yes.

Further, on the upper part of the module rear frame 27, as an example of a unit positioning portion, a unit positioning pin 35 extending backward is supported at a position corresponding to the pin positioning hole 16b formed in the rear wall 16 of the image forming apparatus main body U1. When the marking module 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body U1, the unit positioning pins 35 are fitted through the pin positioning holes 16b to be positioned.
The connection frames 28 and 29 according to the first embodiment are arranged corresponding to the unit support rails 11 and 12 and are plate-shaped extending in the vertical direction facing the inside of the rail side walls 11 b and 12 b of the unit support rails 11 and 12. It has connection main bodies 28a and 29a. At the upper ends of the coupling bodies 28a and 29a, as an example of supported parts, supported rails that are bent outward and extend in the front-rear direction so as to be supported on the upper surfaces of the rail upper walls 11a and 12a of the unit support rails 11 and 12 28b and 29b are formed.

10 and 14, the front end of the right supported rail 28b is formed by bending downward corresponding to the front end coupling portion 11c and facing the front end coupling portion 11c when the marking module 1 is mounted. Is formed. The front end connected portion 36 is formed with a screw through hole 36a constituted by a round hole having a larger diameter than the screw hole 11d, that is, a so-called fool hole, as an example of a fixed portion. Therefore, the supported rail 28b is supported by the unit support rail 11 with a screw that passes through the screw through hole 36a and is screwed into the screw hole 11d. In the first embodiment, a so-called shoulder screw is used as a screw and is configured to be fastened with play and a gap in each direction.
In FIG. 10B, a hooking claw 37 that extends downward from the supported rail 28b and can be engaged with the positioning opening 11e corresponds to the positioning opening 11e as an example of the positioning part at the front end of the supported rail 28b. Is formed. In FIG. 13, a groove 38 extending forward is formed at the rear end of the supported rail 28b so that the pin 11f of the unit support rail 11 is fitted to assist positioning.

13 and 14, the front end of the left supported rail 29 b has a screw through hole formed by a so-called fool hole as an example of a fixed portion corresponding to the screw hole 12 c of the left unit support rail 12. 41 is formed. Behind the screw through hole 41, as an example of a positioned portion, a hooking claw 42 configured similarly to the hooking claw 37 is formed corresponding to the positioning opening 12 d of the left unit support rail 12. In addition, a hook passage opening 43 is formed behind the hooking claw 42 as an example of a drop-off prevention passage portion corresponding to the hook hook opening 12e of the left unit support rail 12.
In FIG. 12, on the right side of the front end of the left supported rail 29b, a hook support portion 46 is supported as an example of a dropout prevention support portion. A hook 47 as an example of a drop-off prevention member is rotatably supported on the hook support portion 46.

  In FIG. 12B, the hook 47 has a plate-like hook main body 47a as an example of a drop-off prevention main body, and a round hole that is rotatably supported by a hook support portion 46 via a screw at a front portion of the hook main body 47a. A rotation center portion 47b is formed. At the front end of the hook body 47a, a lever 47c extending leftward from the upper end is formed as an example of a drop operation portion. At the rear end of the hook body 47a, a claw-like hook claw 47d that extends downward and can pass through the hook passage opening 43 is formed as an example of a drop-off prevention portion. The hook 47 of the first embodiment is set in a state in which the position of the center of gravity is set behind the rotation center portion 47b and no external force is applied, that is, the operator is not operating the lever 47c. The claw 47d is configured to be held while being rotated downward.

  Therefore, when the operator does not operate the lever 47c of the hook 47, the hook claw 47d passes through the hook passage opening 43, and when the marking module 1 is supported by the unit support rails 11 and 12, the hook claw 47d fits and hooks into the hook hook 12e and holds the marking module 1 so that it does not fall off even if the marking module 1 is pushed in the front-rear direction. Then, when the operator operates the lever 47c of the hook 47 and pushes it downward, the hook claw 47d rotates upward, the engagement between the hook claw 47d and the hook 12e is released, and the marking module 1 becomes a unit. The support rails 11 and 12 can be detached.

10 to 12, a module front cover 51 is supported on the front side of the module front frame 26 as an example of a unit operation support member. The module front cover 51 includes a flat cover body 52 as an example of a support member body. In the cover body 52, a cover positioning hole 52a is formed at a position corresponding to the cover positioning protrusion 26a of the module front frame 26, as an example of a positioned portion, through which the cover positioning protrusion 26a passes. The cover main body 52 is formed with a fixing support hole 52b fixed and supported by the cover fixing member 26b as an example of a fixed portion at a position corresponding to the three cover fixing members 26b.
Further, a handle 53 for operating the marking module 1 by an operator is supported as an example of a unit operation unit at the center in the vertical direction of the cover body 52.

A pair of left and right front positioning holes 54 are formed at the upper end of the cover main body 52 as an example of the unit front positioning portion. Therefore, when the marking module 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body U1, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the marking module 1 is fitted by fitting the front positioning hole 54 with the front body positioning projection 4 passing therethrough. Positioning of the front side of is performed.
An operation unit 56 is supported at the lower part of the cover main body 52, and is rotated so that the photosensitive units UG to UK can be held in a state where they are moved to a rear mounting position, which will be described later, or can be detached. Sometimes it is supported so that it can move forward and backward.

10 to 12, a pair of left and right replenishment support portions 57 disposed at intervals is disposed at the right end portion of the cover main body 52, and the replenishment support portions 57 are curved forward at the front end portions. They are connected by a connecting portion 57a. The right supply support portion 57 is integrally formed with a protruding portion 58 that protrudes to the right, and is screwed to the right end portion of the module front frame 26 at the upper portion 58 a of the protruding portion 58. . A gear cover 58b as an example of a gear protection part is formed at the lower part of the overhang part 58.
A replenishment member 59 for replenishing the developer from the toner cartridge Kk to the developing device Gk is supported between the pair of replenishment support portions 57. As shown in FIG. It is connected to the upper developer supply device U1c. The replenishing member 59 and the developer replenishing device U1c are described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-154468 and the like, and any conventionally known configuration can be adopted, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Explanation of photoconductor unit)
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the photoconductor unit of Example 1, FIG. 15A is a view seen from the upper right front, and FIG. 15B is a view seen from the upper rear left.
FIG. 16 is a view of the photoreceptor unit as viewed from the right side.
11, 15, and 16, the photoreceptor units UG to UK that are attached to and detached from the marking frame 21 include a support frame 61 that supports the chargers CCg to CCk and the drum cleaners CLg to CLk. Therefore, the photoconductor units UG to UK of Embodiment 1 are configured so that the photoconductors Pg to Pk, the chargers CCg to CCk, and the drum cleaners CLg to CLk can be integrally attached and detached.

The support frame 61 has a pair of front and rear front end walls 62 and a rear end wall 63. The photoconductor units UG to UK of Example 1 are held in a state where the lower surfaces of the end walls 62 and 63 are supported on the upper surfaces of the photoconductor unit support portions 26c and 27b of the marking frame 21, respectively.
The end walls 62 and 63 are formed with shaft portion support grooves 62a and 63a for U-shaped photoconductors Pg to Pk whose right sides are opened. In FIG. 15B, an anti-rotation protrusion 63 b that protrudes rearward and can pass through the anti-rotation hole 27 c of the marking frame 21 is formed on the upper left portion of the rear end wall 63 as an example of a positioning portion. The photosensitive units UG to UK support a discharge cylinder 63c that extends rearward from the drum cleaners CLg to CLk and from which the collected developer is conveyed and discharged.

11 and 16, the end walls 62 and 63 support bearings 66 that rotatably support the shaft portions 64 at the front ends of the photoreceptors Pg to Pk. In FIG. 16, a small-diameter portion 66a that decreases in diameter toward the rear is formed at the rear end portion of the front bearing 66, and a large-diameter portion 66b is formed at the front portion of the small-diameter portion 66a. The small-diameter portion 66a is formed to have a diameter that can pass through the C-shaped photoconductor front support portion 31c from the left side when the photoconductor units UG to UK are mounted on the marking frame 21. The large-diameter portion 66b having a larger diameter than the small-diameter portion 66a is set to a diameter that cannot pass through the C-shaped gap of the photoconductor front support portion 31c.
In FIG. 15A and FIG. 16, a flange portion 64a against which a tracking member 131 described later is abutted is formed as an example of a contacted portion at the rear end portion of the photoreceptors Pg to Pk.

(Explanation of development unit)
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the developing unit of the visible image forming apparatus.
FIG. 18 is an enlarged explanatory view of a developer supply port and a developer discharge port portion of the developing unit.
19 is an explanatory view of the developing container, FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXA-XIXA in FIG. 18, and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXB-XIXB in FIG.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the developing unit of Example 1 as viewed obliquely from the upper left front.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the developing unit of Example 1 as viewed from the upper left rear side.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the developing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment viewed from the lower left rear side.

  17 to 22, the developing units Gg to Gk have a developing container V, and the developing container V is provided with a pair of upper and lower front projecting portions Va projecting forward and a rear projecting portion Vb projecting rearward. The developing device Gk includes a developing roll R0 housed in the developing container V and a pair of upper and lower stirring augers R1 and R2 as an example of a stirring member. The front end portions of the pair of upper and lower stirring augers R1, R2 extend into the pair of upper and lower front protrusions Va and rear protrusions Vb.

A partition wall V1 that partitions the pair of upper and lower stirring augers R1 and R2 is formed inside the developing container V, and inflow portions E1 are formed at both front and rear ends of the partition wall V1. In FIG. 18, only the front inflow portion E1 is shown, but the rear inflow portion is configured in the same manner as the front inflow portion E1. Therefore, the pair of upper and lower stirring augers R1 transport the developer in opposite directions, so that the developer is transported while being stirred between the lower side and the upper side of the partition wall V1, and from the top to the bottom at the inflow portion E1 on the front side. The developer flows in and circulates as the developer flows in from the bottom to the top in the rear inflow portion.
Note that a developer agitating / conveying member that conveys the developer separated from the surface of the developing roll R0 toward the lower agitating auger R2 while being agitated is provided between the developing roll R0 and the lower agitating auger R2. An auxiliary auger R3 as an example is arranged.
Further, below the developing roll R0, as an example of a collecting member, a collecting roll R5 that collects the developer floating below the developing area and the developer excessively adhered to the surface of the photoreceptors Pg to Pk is rotatably supported. Has been.

A supply member connecting portion 71 is formed on the upper surface of the upper front protruding portion Va, and the supply member connecting portion 71 has a cylindrical connecting portion 71a protruding upward and a supply port 71b. The cylindrical connecting portion 71a is connected to the lower end of the supply member 59, and the developer from the supply member 59 is supplied through the supply port 71b. Further, a developer discharge port V2 through which developer including deteriorated carrier and the like is discharged is formed on the side surface of the upper front protruding portion Va.
17 and 19, a developer discharge cylinder 72 extending in the front-rear direction is supported on the right side of the developer container V. Between the front end portion of the developer discharge cylinder 72 and the front protrusion Va, A connection path forming member 73 is provided for allowing the discharged developer discharged from the front protrusion Va to flow into the front end of the developer discharge cylinder 72.
In the developer discharge cylinder 72, a discharge auger R4 that conveys the discharged developer rearward is disposed as an example of a developer discharge member.

A collection tank connection cylinder 74 as an example of a container connection portion is provided at the rear end portion of the developer discharge cylinder 72. The collection tank connection cylinder 74 is a collection container supported in the image forming apparatus main body U1. It is connected to a collection tank T as an example. The collection tank connecting cylinder 74 is configured to be inserted and connected to the upper end of the collection tank T when the marking module 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body U1.
In a state where the collection tank connection cylinder 74 is connected to the developer collection tank T, the discharged developer conveyed rearwardly in the developer discharge cylinder 72 by the discharge auger R4 is at the rear end portion of the developer discharge cylinder 72. The developer is discharged from the connected collection tank connection cylinder 74 to the developer collection tank T and collected.

(Explanation of fixing structure between motor and developer container)
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the rear end portion of the developing unit of Embodiment 1.
17 and 20 to 23, a developing motor unit M1 as an example of a driving source for driving the stirring auger R1 and the like is disposed at the rear end of the developing units Gg to Gk of the first embodiment. The front end portion of the developing motor unit M1 is fixedly supported by a motor fixing member 81 as an example of a driving source fixing member. The motor fixing member 81 has a fixing member main body 81a to which the developing motor unit M1 is fixed. The fixing member main body 81a is formed with a cable guide groove 81b along the right side and upper side, and a cable guide 81c extending forward from the upper right end of the cable main body 81a as an example of a conductive wire guide. The cable guide groove 81b and the cable guide portion 81c are connected to the control board SK of the developing motor unit M1 and supply control signals and power, and apply a developing voltage to the developing roll R0. The cable Cb is guided.

24 is a sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in FIG.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the motor support member is removed from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of the rear part of the developing unit of Example 1 as viewed from the upper right rear side.
21, 23, 24, and 25, a cover fixing claw 81 d that extends to the left is formed as an example of a support fixing portion at the front portion of the cable guide portion 81 c.
20 to 24, a gear cover 82 as an example of a drive source support member is disposed in front of the motor fixing member 81. As shown in FIG. 24, the gear cover 82 is formed in a substantially U shape with the right side open, and has a cover upper wall 82a, a cover right wall 82b, and a cover lower wall 82c. 20 to 24, the cover upper wall 82a has an opening 82d at a position corresponding to the cover fixing claw 81d. The cover fixing claw 81d is fitted into the opening 82d so that the gear cover 82 and the motor fixing member 81 are fitted. And are connected. In FIG. 26, a plate-like rear wall 82e extending downward is formed at the rear end of the cover upper wall 82a, and the developing motor unit M1 is supported on the rear wall 82e. An upper gear support portion 82f extending forward along the lower surface of the cable guide portion 81c and a right gear support portion 82g extending forward along the right side surface are formed on the right portion of the rear wall 82e.

A container fixing portion 83 extending upward is formed at the front end of the cover upper wall 82a. As an example of the positioning portion, the container fixing portion 83 is formed with an elongated vertical positioning hole 83a formed at the left end and a round positioning hole 83b formed at the right end. Positioning projections 84a and 84b projecting rearward from the upper end of the rear end wall 84 pass therethrough and can be positioned. Between the positioning holes 83a and 83b, as an example of a fixed portion, a round hole-shaped screw through hole (not shown) is formed, and an example of a fixing portion of the rear end wall 84 that penetrates the screw through hole. The gear cover 82 is fixedly supported on the developing container V by screws 86 that fit into screw holes (not shown).
The members denoted by reference numerals 81 to 86 and the developing container V constitute the holder rotation support members 81 to 86 + V of the first embodiment.

(Description of gear train)
FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the motor fixing member is removed from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the developing unit fixing member is removed from the state shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is an explanatory view of the gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment viewed from the right rear side.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 31 is a perspective explanatory view of a main part of a gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the driving source and the gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment when viewed obliquely from the front right.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the driving source and gear train of the developing unit according to the first embodiment when viewed obliquely from the right rear.

24 to 29, the developing motor unit M1 has a motor gear M1a as an example of a drive gear. 24 to 33, a branch shaft 91 extending rearward from the rear end wall 84 of the developing container V is rotatably supported as an example of a rotating shaft and an example of a driven shaft above the motor gear M1a. At the rear end of the branch shaft 91, a first gear 92 as an example of a driven gear that meshes with the motor gear M1a is supported. The branch shaft 91 is, in order from the front, a roller branch gear 93 as an example of a first gear and an example of a holding body branch gear, and an auger branch as an example of a second gear and an example of a stirring branch gear. A gear 94 is supported coaxially with the first gear 92.
The roller branch gear 93 meshes with a developing roll gear 96 supported at the rear end of the developing roll R0 as an example of a holding body gear. Therefore, when the developing motor unit M1 rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the developing roll R0 via the motor gear M1a, the first gear 92, the roller branch gear 93, and the developing roll gear 96, and the developing roll R0 rotates.
Therefore, in the first embodiment, the holding member rotation transmission system is configured by the developing roll gear 96 that directly meshes with the roller branching gear 93 of the branching shaft 91, but one or more between the developing roll gear 96 and the roller branching gear 93. A holding body rotation transmission system including a gear train having a plurality of gears may be used.

On the lower left side of the auger branch gear 94, as an example of an intermediate gear, a first intermediate gear 97 that is rotatably supported on the front surface of the motor fixing member 81 and meshes with the auger branch gear 94 is disposed. The rotation is transmitted from 94 to the first intermediate gear 97. In addition, the diameter and the number of teeth are set so that the 1st intermediate | middle gear 97 of Example 1 may be decelerated in relation to the auger branch gear 94 which meshes | engages.
Below the first intermediate gear 97, a collection transmission shaft 98 extending rearward from the rear end wall 84 of the developing container V and rotatably supported is disposed, and at the rear end of the collection transmission shaft 98, As an example of the intermediate gear, a second intermediate gear 99 that meshes with the first intermediate gear 97 is supported. An eccentric cam 101 as an example of an eccentric member is supported at the front portion of the recovery transmission shaft 98. A rotating shaft R5a of the collecting roll R5 extends obliquely above and to the left of the eccentric cam 101, and a one-way clutch 102 as an example of a one-way transmission member is provided at the rear end of the rotating shaft R5a of the collecting roll R5. A cam transmission member 103 as an example of a rotation transmission member is supported. The cam transmission member 103 has a bifurcated claw portion 103 a that contacts and sandwiches the outer surface of the eccentric cam 101.

28 and 30, the collection transmission shaft 98 supports an auxiliary auger transmission gear 104 as an example of a third agitation transmission gear on the front side of the eccentric cam 101. In FIG. 30, the auxiliary auger transmission gear 104 meshes with an auxiliary auger gear 105 supported at the rear end of the auxiliary auger R3 as an example of a stirring gear.
Therefore, when the developing motor unit M1 is driven, the eccentric cam 101 and the auxiliary auger transmission gear 104 are rotated via the motor gear M1a, the first gear 92, the auger branch gear 94, and the intermediate gears 97 and 99, and the auxiliary auger R3 is rotated. . When the eccentric cam 101 rotates, the cam transmission member 103 reciprocates in the vertical direction around the rotation axis R5a. However, since the one-way clutch 102 transmits the rotation to the rotation axis R5a only in one specific direction, the rotation axis R5a The rotation of the eccentric cam 101 in one specific direction is performed at a rotational speed that is greatly reduced as compared with the rotational speed of the eccentric cam 101. Accordingly, the collection roll R5 rotates at a greatly reduced rotational speed.

  29 and 31 to 33, a third intermediate gear supported by a third intermediate shaft 106 supported by a rear wall 82 e of the gear cover 82, as an example of an intermediate gear, obliquely below and to the right of the branch shaft 91. 107 is arranged and meshes with the auger branch gear 94 to transmit the rotation. The third intermediate gear 107 meshes with an upper auger gear 108 supported by the rear end of the upper stirring auger R1 as an example of a first stirring gear. The upper auger gear 108 meshes with a fourth intermediate gear 109 supported by the rear protrusion Vb as an example of an intermediate gear. The fourth intermediate gear 109 meshes with a fifth intermediate gear 111 as an example of an intermediate gear supported by the rear protrusion Vb obliquely below the fourth intermediate gear 109. The fifth intermediate gear 111 meshes with a lower auger gear 112 supported at the rear end of the lower stirring auger R2 as an example of a second stirring gear.

Therefore, when the developing motor unit M1 is driven, the pair of upper and lower stirring augers R1 and R2 are driven via the motor gear M1a, the first gear 92, the auger branch gear 94, and the gears 107 to 112, and the developing in the developing container V is performed. While the agent is being stirred, it is conveyed and circulated in the developing container V.
The third intermediate gear 107 has a diameter and the number of teeth so that the third intermediate gear 107 is decelerated in relation to the auger branch gear 94 that meshes.

As an example of an intermediate gear, a sixth intermediate gear 116 rotatably supported by the upper gear support portion 82f meshes with the third intermediate gear 107 diagonally to the right. A seventh intermediate gear 117 as an example of an intermediate gear is disposed coaxially with the sixth intermediate gear 116, and the seventh intermediate gear 117 is an example of an intermediate gear rotatably supported by the right gear support portion 82g. The eighth intermediate gear 118 is engaged. A ninth intermediate gear 119 as an example of an intermediate gear is supported on the same axis as the eighth intermediate gear 118.
In FIG. 17, a transmission shaft 121 extending in the front-rear direction supported rotatably to the right of the developing container V is disposed below the ninth intermediate gear 119 and supported by the rear end of the transmission shaft 121. A first discharge transmission gear 122 as an example of a discharge transmission gear meshes with the ninth intermediate gear 119. A second discharge transmission gear 123 as an example of a discharge transmission gear is supported at the front end of the transmission shaft 121, and the second discharge transmission gear 123 is rotatably supported at the front end of the connection path forming member 73. Is engaged with a discharge intermediate gear 124 as an example of the discharged transmission gear. The discharge intermediate gear 124 meshes with a discharge auger gear 126 supported on the front end of the discharge auger R4 as an example of a stirring gear.

Accordingly, when the development motor unit M1 is driven, the discharge auger R4 rotates via the motor gear M1a, the first gear 92, the auger branch gear 94, and the gears 107 and 116 to 126, and the development in the developer discharge cylinder 72 is performed. The agent is conveyed toward the collection tank T.
The members denoted by the reference numerals 97 to 126 constitute the stirring rotation transmission systems 97 to 126 of the first embodiment.
The motor gear M1a, the first gear 92, the branch gears 93 and 94, the holding body rotation transmission system 96, and the stirring rotation transmission systems 97 to 126 constitute a gear train GR as an example of a gear train. The row GR and the developing motor unit M1 constitute the developing unit drive system GR + M1 of the first embodiment.

(Description of tracking member)
FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the abutting portion of the first embodiment.
20, FIG. 22, FIG. 25, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 34, a tracking member 131 as an example of a distance setting member is provided on the rear end wall 84 of the developing container V rather than the rear end of the developing roll R0. It is supported backwards. The tracking member 131 includes a main setting portion 131a formed on the rear side, and a temporary setting portion 131b that is formed in a stepped shape continuous to the front side of the main setting portion 131a and protrudes toward the photoreceptors Pg to Pk. In the tracking member 131, the setting portions 131a and 131b are configured to come into contact with the flange portions 64a on the rear side of the photoreceptor units UG to UK. When the development units Gg to Gk are attached to and detached from the marking frame 21, the distance between the surface of the development roll R0 and the surface of the photoreceptors Pg to Pk is in a state where the temporary setting portion 131b and the flange portion 64a are in contact with each other. Is set to be wider than a preset interval, and in the state where the mounting of the developing units Gg to Gk is completed, the main setting portion 131a and the flange portion 64a are in contact with each other, and the surface of the developing roll R0 and the photosensitive member Pg to The distance between the surface of Pk and the surface is set to a predetermined distance.

(Explanation of development unit fixing member)
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of the developing unit fixing member of Example 1, FIG. 35A is a perspective view of the front developing unit fixing member, FIG. 35B is a perspective view of the rear developing unit fixing member, and FIG. It is principal part explanatory drawing of a hole.
In FIGS. 17, 20 to 27, and 35, development unit fixing members 136 and 137 are arranged at both front and rear ends of the developing container V as an example of a holding member moving support member. In FIG. 35A, the development unit fixing member 136 on the front side in the first embodiment includes a plate-like front fixing plate 136a as an example of a fixing member main body. The front fixing plate 136a is formed with a plurality of passage holes 138 through which a member extending in the front side such as the front end of the collection roll R5 supported by the developing container V can move. That is, the front developing unit fixing member 136 is not fixedly supported with respect to the developing container V, but is supported so as to be relatively movable. The passage hole 138 is formed in a long hole shape extending in a direction in which the developing roll R0 approaches and separates from the photoconductors Pg to Pk, and the developing roll R0 approaches the photoconductors Pg to Pk. It can move in the direction of separation.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the front end of the developing unit is positioned on the module front frame.
35 and 36, the left end portion of the front fixing plate 136a is formed in an arcuate shape corresponding to the front end portions of the photoreceptor units UG to UK, and the notched portion. The upper and lower end portions are examples of upstream positioning projections, and as an example of the development positioning portion, a development positioning projection 139 protruding forward is supported at a position corresponding to the development positioning hole 31a of the marking frame 21. . In the first embodiment, the length of the development positioning protrusion 139 is formed to be longer than the height of the development positioning convex portion 34, and is configured to be able to pass through the development positioning hole 31a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 36, when the developing units Gg to Gk are mounted on the marking frame 21, the developing positioning protrusion 139 penetrates and is positioned through the developing positioning hole 31a.

  In FIG. 35A, a tracking spring mounting portion 140 extending rearward is formed as an example of an urging mounting portion at the upper right end portion of the front fixing plate 136a. In FIG. 35C, the tracking spring mounting part 140 has a tracking spring mounting hole 140c penetrating in the left-right direction in a keyhole shape having a circular hole part 140a and a groove part 140b extending rearward from the circular hole as an example of an urging through part. Is formed. A screw hole 140d as an example of a support fixing portion is formed on the rear side of the tracking spring mounting hole 140c.

  24 to 27 and 35B, the rear development unit fixing member 137 includes a plate-like rear fixing plate 141 as an example of a fixing member main body. 24, 25, and 35, a plurality of members that protrude rearward from the rear end wall of the developing roll gear 96 and the rear end wall 84 such as the branch shaft 91 are passed through the rear fixing plate 141 in a movable state. Passage hole 142 is formed. Similarly to the front-side passage hole 138, the passage hole 142 is also formed in a long hole shape extending in a direction in which the developing roll R0 approaches and separates from the photoreceptors Pg to Pk. Also, as shown in FIG. 24, the lower left portion of the rear fixing plate 141 of Example 1 has a sufficient gap that does not come into contact with the rear protrusion Vb or the collection transmission shaft 98 even if the developing container V moves. It is formed in a shape cut out. Therefore, the rear developing unit fixing member 137 is not fixedly supported with respect to the developing container V, and is supported so as to be relatively movable.

  27 and 28, in the first embodiment, the developing container V, not the rear protrusion Vb, among the developing roll gear 96, the roller branch gear 93, and the stirring rotation transmission systems 97 to 126 is disposed on the front side of the rear fixed plate 141. Only the eccentric cam 101, the one-way clutch 102, the cam transmission member 103, the auxiliary auger transmission gear 104, and the auxiliary auger gear 105 that transmit the rotation to the rotating members R3 and R5 disposed on the front side of the rear end wall 84 are disposed. . Therefore, the remaining stirring rotation transmission systems 97 to 99 and 106 to 126 are arranged on the rear side of the rear fixed plate 141. That is, the shafts and gears that penetrate the rear fixing plate 141 are set to be minimal.

13, FIG. 24 to FIG. 27, and FIG. 35B, a pair of upper and lower developing unit fixed portions 141a and 141b are formed on the left portion of the rear fixing plate 141. A development positioning hole 143 is formed in the fixed portions 141a and 141b at a position corresponding to the development positioning convex portion 34 as an example of a downstream positioning recess and an example of a positioning portion. The rear fixing plate 141 has a development fixing hole 144 formed as a round hole at a position corresponding to the development fixing screw hole 33 as an example of a fixed portion.
Therefore, on the rear side of the developing units Gg to Gk, the screw that penetrates the developing fixing hole 144 is screwed to the developing fixing screw hole 33 with the developing positioning hole 143 of the rear fixing plate 141 fitted in the developing positioning projection 34. As a result, the rear fixing plate 141 is fixed to the marking frame 21.

Therefore, when the developing unit fixing members 136 and 137 are positioned and fixed to the marking frame 21, the developing roll R0 supported by the developing container V that can move relative to the developing unit fixing members 136 and 137. Are supported so as to be movable with respect to the marking frame 21, that is, in a state in which they can be integrally approached and separated from the photoreceptors Pg to Pk.
In the first embodiment, the development positioning protrusion 34 is set to a height that does not pass through the development positioning hole 142 in a state of being fitted into the development positioning hole 142, and is higher than the development positioning protrusion 139 that passes therethrough. The development positioning holes 142 are set so as to be easily fitted without shifting the development units Gg to Gk in the front-rear direction. That is, the rear side positioning can be easily performed.

21 to 23, 25, 27, and 35, a connector support portion 145 that extends rearward is formed as an example of a terminal support portion at the lower left end portion of the rear fixing plate 141. The connector support portion 145 supports a connector CNT extending rearward as an example of a terminal portion. When the cable Cb is connected and the marking module 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body U1, the connector CNT fits into a terminal portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body U1, and the image forming apparatus main body U1. And the developing units Gg to Gk are electrically connected.
A tracking spring mounting portion 146 extending forward is formed at the upper right end portion of the rear fixing plate 141 as an example of an urging mounting portion. Similarly to the front tracking spring mounting portion 140, the rear tracking spring mounting portion 146 is also formed with a keyhole-shaped tracking spring mounting hole 146c having a circular hole portion 146a and a groove portion 146b, and a screw hole 146d. Yes.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory view of a main part of the urging member of the developing roll.
FIG. 38 is an explanatory view of the urging support member supported by the front developing unit fixing member, FIG. 38A is an explanatory view of the urging support member moved to the urging position, and FIG. 38B is an urging support member. It is explanatory drawing of the state which moved to the urging | biasing reduction position.
FIG. 39 is an explanatory view of the state shown in FIG. 38A as viewed obliquely from the rear.
40A is an explanatory view of the urging support member, FIG. 40A is a perspective view, FIG. 40B is a view seen from the arrow XLB direction of FIG. 40A, FIG. 40C is a view seen from the arrow XLC direction, and FIG. The figure seen from the arrow XLD direction of FIG. 40B, FIG. 40E is the XLE-XLE sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 40B.

  In FIGS. 17, 26, 35, and 37 to 39, a tracking pressure adjusting member 151 as an example of an urging support member is mounted on each tracking spring mounting portion 140 146. In FIGS. 17, 26, and 37 to 40, the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 includes a plate-like plate portion 151 a that is disposed outside the tracking spring mounting portions 140 and 146 as an example of the adjusting operation portion. In FIG. 40, a screw through hole 151b corresponding to the screw holes 140d and 146d is formed at one end of the plate portion 151a as an example of a fixed portion. A substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 151c that can pass through the circular hole portions 140a and 146a of the tracking spring mounting holes 140c and 146c is formed at a position away from the screw through hole 151b of the plate portion 151a. A claw-shaped retaining claw 151d protruding outward is formed as an example of a reduction holding portion at the tip of the cylindrical portion 151c. Further, at the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 151c, as an example of an urging holding portion, a protruding portion 151e that protrudes outward and can pass through the groove portions 140b and 146b is formed at a position opposite to the screw through hole 151b. Has been. A spring support protrusion 151f that protrudes from the plate portion 151a is formed inside the cylindrical portion 151c as an example of a biasing member one-end support portion.

  In FIGS. 35 and 37 to 39, a tracking spring as an example of an urging member is provided between a surface facing the tracking spring mounting portions 140 and 146 at the upper right end portion of the developing container V and the spring support protrusion 151 f. 152 is attached. The tracking spring 152 pushes the developing container V against the tracking spring mounting portions 140 and 146 fixedly supported on the marking frame 21 integrally with the developing unit fixing members 136 and 137 so that the developing roll R0 causes the photoconductors Pg to. Energize in the direction approaching Pk. Therefore, the main setting portion 131a of the tracking member 131 is abutted against the flange portion 64a on the rear side of the photoconductor units UG to UK by the urging force of the tracking spring 152, so that the surface of the developing roll R0 and the photoconductors Pg to Pk. The distance from the surface is set to a preset distance.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the front biasing support member has moved to the biasing position. FIG. 41A is a diagram seen from the right, and FIG. 41B is a diagram seen from the rear obliquely upward.
42A and 42B are explanatory views showing a state in which the front urging support member has moved to the urging reduction position. FIG. 42A is a view seen from the right rear side, and FIG. 42B is a view seen from the rear side.
38, 41, and 42, the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 of the first embodiment is in the biased position where the protrusion 151e contacts the inner surface of the tracking spring mounting portions 140 and 146 as shown in FIGS. 38A and 41. The inner surface of the plate portion 151a faces the outer surface of the tracking spring mounting portions 140 and 146, passes through the screw through holes 151b, and can be fixed by screws 153 fitted into the screw holes 140d and 146d.

  Then, when the screw 153 is removed and the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 is rotated by 180 ° about the cylindrical portion 151c as shown in FIGS. 38B and 42, the protrusion 151e is located at a position corresponding to the grooves 140b and 146b. It moves and moves to the bias reduction position as shown in FIGS. 38B and 42 by the elastic force of the tracking spring 152. At the biasing reduction position, the retaining claws 151d are in contact with the inner surfaces of the tracking spring mounting portions 140 and 146 and are caught, and the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 is moved outward as compared with the biasing position. Therefore, in the bias reduction position, the force with which the tracking spring 152 pushes the developing container V is reduced compared to the bias position. Therefore, the urging force of the tracking spring 152 can be increased or decreased by moving the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 between the urging position and the urging reducing position, and the force pushing the developing container V can be adjusted. It is configured.

  The adjustment of the biasing force of the tracking spring 152 is arranged on the right outer surface of the developing devices Gg to Gk so that it can be performed, for example, when the marking module 1 is assembled. In other words, after the developing devices Gg to Gk and the photoconductor units UG to UK are mounted, the photoconductor units UG to UK are arranged on the opposite side so that the urging force can be adjusted. Accordingly, the units UG to UK and Gg to Gk are assembled to the marking frame 21 so as to correspond to the configuration in which the marking module 1 is integrally attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body U1, and the image forming apparatus body U1 is attached to the image forming apparatus body U1. Even in the state immediately before insertion, the biasing force of the tracking spring 152 can be adjusted.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the developing units Gg to Gk and the photoconductor units UG to UK are worn out with the image forming operation, or development of a color different from the color used so far is performed. When using a unit or a photoreceptor unit, the marking module 1 is replaced.

(How to install the removed marking module)
FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the marking module is removed.
FIG. 44 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 43 viewed from the side.
FIG. 45 is an explanatory perspective view of the marking module placed on the guide rail.
FIG. 46 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 45 viewed from the side.
FIG. 47 is a perspective explanatory view of the marking module fixed to the guide rail from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 48 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 47 viewed from the side.
FIG. 49 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state in which the marking module is accommodated in the main body of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 50 is an explanatory view of the state of FIG. 49 viewed from the side.

43 and 44, when the marking module 1 is removed, the lock mechanism 8 holds the guide rail 7 in the locked state shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, and supports the guide rail 7 and the unit. The rails 11 and 12 are held in an immovable state.
43 to 46, when the marking module 1 is placed on the unit support rails 11 and 12 from the state shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the supported rails 28 a and 29 a of the marking module 1 are attached to the unit support rails 11 and 12. It is supported by the rail upper walls 11a and 12a. At this time, the unit support rails 11 and 12 are locked by the lock mechanism 8 and cannot move, and the marking module 1 is mounted on the unit support rails 11 and 12 from above as compared with a configuration in which the lock mechanism 8 does not lock the guide rail 7. Usability has been improved. Further, the unit support rails 11 and 12 locked by the lock mechanism 8 are immovable, and the marking module 1 is supported in a state of being movable along the unit support rails 11 and 12.

Then, when the marking module 1 is moved in the front-rear direction along the unit support rails 11 and 12, the hooking claws 37 and 42 of the marking module 1 are hooked on the positioning openings 11e and 12d of the unit support rails 11 and 12, respectively. 47 and FIG. 48, the marking module 1 is positioned on the unit support rails 11 and 12. When the hooking claws 37 and 42 are engaged with the positioning openings 11e and 12d, the movement of the marking module 1 to the front is restricted, and the marking module 1 is removed from the guide rail and dropped from the positioned state. The problem that 1 is damaged is reduced.
At this time, the hook claw 47d of the hook 47 is automatically hooked on the hook hook 12e. Therefore, when the hook 47 is not provided, the hooking claws 37 and 42 may be detached from the positioning openings 11e and 12d when a strong force is applied. However, the marking module according to the first embodiment in which the hook 47 is provided. 1, the movement of the marking module 1 from the position where it is positioned is suppressed, and the occurrence of a problem of breakage is further reduced.

47 and 48, when the marking module 1 is positioned, the screw through hole 36a and the screw hole 11d are connected and fixed with screws, and the screw through hole 41 and the screw hole 12c are connected and fixed with screws. The
In this state, when the lock mechanism 8 is unlocked, the marking module 1 can be moved into the image forming apparatus main body U1 and is accommodated inside the image forming apparatus main body U1 as shown in FIGS. At this time, the front end of the marking module 1 is positioned by fitting the front positioning hole 54 of the module front cover 51 into the front body positioning protrusion 4, and the rear end of the marking module 1 is positioned on the photosensitive member positioning holes 16 a by the photosensitive members Pg to Pk. The rear end is supported, and the unit positioning pin 35 is positioned through the pin positioning hole 16b.

(How to remove the marking module)
When the marking module 1 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body U1, it is possible to perform the procedure in the reverse order to the case of mounting.
That is, when the handle 53 of the marking module 1 is gripped and pulled forward from the state shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the guide rail 7 is pulled out to the extraction position as shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, and the lock mechanism 8 is locked. Takes automatically.
From this state, remove the screw fixing the screw through hole 36a and the screw hole 11d, and the screw through hole 41 and the screw hole 12c, and press the lever 47c of the hook 47 to remove the hook of the hook claw 47d. When the module 1 is lifted upward, the marking module 1 is removed.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the marking module 1 on which the developing units Gg to Gk and the photoreceptor units UG to UK are supported can be attached and detached by simply placing them on the unit support rails 11 and 12 from above or lifting them upward. It is possible.
Here, in the large-sized printer U as shown in the first embodiment, conventionally, it is often used for business purposes, and the marking module 1 is designed to have a long durability, that is, a so-called life. The weight of the marking module 1 is about 10 [Kg]. Therefore, replacing the entire marking module 1 is burdensome, and conventionally, it was not assumed that the marking module 1 was replaced by a user, a so-called user. Therefore, in the conventional configuration as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-154468, the marking module 1 can be replaced without developing the marking module 1 from the image forming apparatus main body U1 and developing in a state where the marking module is pulled out. The units Gg to Gk and the photoreceptor units UG to UK were removed.

On the other hand, in recent years, the demands of users have been diversified even for business use. Particularly, in the configuration capable of developing six colors as in the first embodiment, other than the four colors Y, M, C, and K. The developing devices Go and Gg are required to change colors for each user or to use a special developer such as a transparent toner for the purpose of surface protection or waterproofing.
The printer U according to the first embodiment employs a configuration in which the entire heavy marking module 1 can be integrally attached and detached. Thereby, a color change or the like is possible. In particular, it can be attached and detached by simply placing it on the unit support rails 11 and 12, and positioning can be easily realized by shifting the marking module 1 in the front-rear direction.

If positioning by the hooking claws 37, 42, etc. is not provided, if a heavy marking module 1 is inserted by applying a strong force to insert a heavy weight, the impact is increased due to the heavy weight and positioning is insufficient. Then, the rear ends of the photoreceptors Pg to Pk, the positioning pins 35, and the rear ends of the developing devices Gg to Gk may be damaged. On the other hand, in Example 1, it has inserted in the state positioned with the hooking claws 37 and 42, and the possibility of damage is reduced.
If the hooking claws 37 and 42 and the hook 47 are not provided, the screw through hole 36a and the screw hole 11d and the screw fixing the screw through hole 41 and the screw hole 12c are forgotten to be tightened and attached to the image forming apparatus main body U1. If the marking module 1 is pulled forward for replacement, if the marking module 1 is pulled out vigorously, the marking module 1 that is not screwed may jump forward and come off the guide rail. In particular, the heavy marking module 1 may come off the guide rail in a state of momentum and fall off. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the pop-up of the marking module 1 is regulated at two stages of the hooking claws 37 and 42 and the hook 47, and the occurrence of problems such as dropping is reduced.

  In addition, in the state where the marking module is pulled out without removing the marking module 1 from the image forming apparatus main body U1 as in the conventional configuration described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-154468, the developing units Gg to Gk When removing the photoconductor units UG to UK, a work or the like is performed by inserting a hand between the marking module and the image forming apparatus main body U1, and there is a problem that the work space is narrow and the work is difficult to perform. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the marking module 1 can be detached from the image forming apparatus main body U1, and the work can be performed in a wide work space by removing the marking module 1, thereby improving workability.

(Explanation of attaching and detaching each unit)
51 is an explanatory diagram in the middle of attaching / detaching the developing unit of Example 1 to / from the marking frame, FIG. 51A is an explanatory diagram viewed from the right diagonal front, and FIG. 51B is an explanatory diagram viewed from the diagonal left rear. .
52 is an explanatory diagram in the middle of further removing the developing unit from the marking frame from the state of FIG. 51, FIG. 52A is an explanatory diagram viewed from the left rear, and FIG. 52B is an explanatory diagram viewed from above than FIG. 52A. FIG.

13, 51, and 52, when the developing units Gg to Gk are removed from the marking module 1, the development fixing hole 144 and the development fixing screw hole 33 of the rear fixing plate 141 are screwed from the state shown in FIG. 13. In the state where the screw is removed, the rear development positioning projection 34 and the development positioning hole 142 are detached by tilting the rear part of the development units Gg to Gk to the right with the front development positioning projection 139 as the center. The state shown in FIG. 51 is obtained. When the developing units Gg to Gk are further inclined from this state, the state shown in FIG. 52 is obtained. When the developing units Gg to Gk are moved rearward from this state, the development positioning hole 31a on the front side and the development positioning projection 139 are detached, and the developing units Gg to Gk are moved. Removed.
When the developing units Gg to Gk are attached to the marking frame 21, they can be attached in the reverse procedure to the case of removal.

53 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the photosensitive unit of Example 1 is attached to and detached from the marking frame, FIG. 53A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the photosensitive unit has moved to the front side with respect to the marking frame, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the photoreceptor unit has moved to the rear side with respect to the marking frame and has been attached.
11 and 53, when the photoconductor units UG to UK are mounted, from the state shown in FIG. 11, the photoconductor units UG to UK are arranged so that the small diameter portion 66a is aligned with the position of the photoconductor front support portion 31c. As shown in FIG. 53A, the lower surfaces of the end walls 62 and 63 are supported on the upper surfaces of the photosensitive unit support portions 26c and 27b of the marking frame 21, respectively. When the photoconductor units UG to UK are moved rearward from this state, the shaft portion 64 at the rear end of the photoconductors Pg to Pk is fitted into the photoconductor rear support member 32 of the module frame 21, and the state shown in FIG. 53B is obtained. . In the state shown in FIG. 53B, in the front end portions of the photoconductors Pg to Pk, the large diameter portion 66b on the front side of the small diameter portion 66a is supported at the position of the photoconductor front support portion 31c. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 53B, the photoconductor units UG to UK are attached to the marking frame 21 in a state where they do not come off to the left.
Note that when removing the photoconductor units UG to UK, it is possible to mount them in the reverse order of the mounting.

  Here, when the development units Gg to Gk of Example 1 are attached to the marking frame 21 and the photoconductor units UG to UK are to be attached or detached, the photoconductor units UG to UK are shifted forward. The flange portion 64a comes into contact with the temporary setting portion 131b from the main setting portion 131a, and the interval between the photoconductors Pg to Pk and the developing roll R0 is widened. If the provisional setting unit 131b is not provided, the distance between the photoconductors Pg to Pk and the developing roll R0 remains narrow, and the photoconductors Pg to Pk and the developing units are operated when the photoconductor units UG to UK are operated. The surface of the roll R0 may come into contact with other members and break. On the other hand, in Example 1, when the photosensitive units UG to UK are moved, the temporary setting portion 131b and the flange portion 64a are in contact with each other, and the interval between the photosensitive members Pg to Pk and the developing roll R0 is wide. Thus, the occurrence of problems that damage the surfaces of the photoreceptors Pg to Pk and the developing roll R0 is reduced.

  In the marking module 1 of the first embodiment, when the developing units Gg to Gk are attached and detached with the photosensitive units UG to UK mounted, the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 of the developing units Gg to Gk is biased. Is moved to the photosensitive member Pg to Pk side by the tracking spring 152 with a strong force. If the developing container V is pressed with a strong force toward the photoreceptors Pg to Pk by the tracking spring 152, it is necessary to perform positioning and screwing operations while suppressing the force of the tracking spring 152, and workability may be deteriorated. There is. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 is supported so as to be movable between the biasing position and the biasing reduction position, and the tracking pressure adjustment is performed before the development units Gg to Gk are attached and detached. It is possible to reduce the elastic force and tracking pressure of the tracking spring 152 by moving the member 151 to the bias reduction position. Therefore, workability is improved as compared with the case where the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 is not provided. Note that after the attachment and detachment of the developing units Gg to Gk is completed, the developing container V can be pushed with a preset force by returning the tracking pressure adjusting member 151 to the urging position.

(Description of the strength of the marking frame)
FIG. 54 is an explanatory view of a difference depending on how to attach / detach the developing unit to / from the marking module. FIG. 54A is an explanatory view of a state in which the developing unit is detached when the developing unit is mounted between the front plate and the rear plate. 54A is an explanatory view showing a state where the developing unit is mounted from the state of FIG. 54A, FIG. 54C is an explanatory view of a state where the developing unit is detached when the developing unit is mounted from the front plate side, and FIG. 54D is a state where developing is performed from the state of FIG. FIG. 54E is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the developing unit is detached in the case of Example 1 in which the developing unit is mounted from the rear plate side, and FIG. 54F is a mounting unit from the state of FIG. 54E. It is explanatory drawing of the state made.
In FIG. 54, the illustration is simplified for easy understanding.

Further, in the marking module 1 of the first embodiment, when the development units Gg to Gk are mounted as described above, the development positioning protrusion 139 at the front end is inclined with the development positioning hole 31a being fitted, and the passage opening 27a is formed. The rear portions of the development units Gg to Gk pass, and are positioned by the rear development positioning convex portion 34 and the development positioning hole 142 and fixed by the development fixing hole 144 and the development fixing screw hole 33. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the module front frame 26 is not formed with an opening as large as the passage opening 27 a of the module rear frame 27.
54A and 54B, if the passage opening 27a is not formed in the module rear frame 027, the module front frame 026 and the front rear frame 027 are fixed to the development unit on the rear side from the front end of the development positioning protrusion 139. It is conceivable that the member 136 is sandwiched up to the rear end. However, as shown in FIG. 54B, when the developing unit is mounted, a gap is required in the front-rear direction by the length of the developing positioning protrusion 0139, and it is difficult to employ a fixing structure such as screwing, and marking. There is a problem that the entire module is enlarged in the front-rear direction. In particular, in the configuration in which the developing motor unit M1 provided in the image forming apparatus main body U1 is supported by the developing units Gg to Gk in the conventional configuration as in the developing units Gg to Gk of the first embodiment, the entire marking module is extremely large. There is a risk of becoming.

54C and 54D, if a passage opening 026a is formed on the module front frame 026 'side, a large passage opening 026a is formed on the module front frame 026', and the rigidity of the module front frame 026 'is increased. Decreases. Therefore, when the operator performs an operation of inserting / removing the marking module 1 using the handle 053 ′, the strength of the module front frame 026 ′ may be insufficient.
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 54E and 54F, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the passage opening 27a is not formed in the module front frame 26 as compared with the configurations shown in FIGS. 54C and 54D, and the rigidity is increased. Has improved. Therefore, when the handle 53 is operated, the insufficient strength of the module front frame 26 is reduced. Further, as compared with the configuration shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B, a simple fixing structure called screwing can be adopted, and an increase in the size of the entire module is reduced.

In particular, in the first embodiment, the height of the development positioning projection 34 on the rear side is formed lower than the development positioning projection 139, and the development positioning hole 34 is higher than the case where the height of the development positioning projection 34 is high. 142 is easy to engage with, and contributes to the overall size reduction.
In Example 1, the front photoreceptor support member 31 on the front side is formed in a C shape, and the rear photoreceptor support member 32 on the rear side is formed of a round hole-shaped member. There are many notched parts, making it difficult to achieve rigidity.
Here, if the module front frame 26 has a passage opening 27a as formed in the module rear frame 27, the module front frame 26 has a passage opening 27a as compared with the case where the passage opening 27a is not formed. If the C-shaped pre-photosensitive-member support member 31 is provided in which the rigidity is lowered and the rigidity is difficult to be obtained, the rigidity on the front side of the marking module 1 becomes severe.

  On the other hand, in the module front frame 26 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, the developing devices Gg to Gk are configured to be attached and detached so as to rotate and to be attached and detached by inserting and removing in the front-rear direction. It is not employed, and a hole such as the passage opening 27a is unnecessary. Therefore, the module front frame 26 is not formed with the passage opening 27a formed in the module rear frame 27, and the rigidity of the module front frame 26 is maintained as compared with the case where the passage opening 27a is formed. Has been. Therefore, the module front frame 26 can provide rigidity even if the C-shaped photoconductor front support member 31 that is difficult to obtain rigidity is disposed on the front side.

  In the first embodiment, in the developing units Gg to Gk, the developing motor unit M1 and the gear train GR are fixed to the developing container V via the motor fixing member 81, the gear cover 82, and the rear end wall 84. Yes. That is, the developing motor unit M1 and the gear train GR are supported so as to be integrally movable with the developing roll R0 that is supported so as to be movable with respect to the marking frame 21 and the photoreceptors Pg to Pk. Not only the image forming apparatus body U1 is provided but also not supported by the developing unit fixing members 136 and 137. In the configuration provided in the image forming apparatus main body U1 as in the past, the gear and the marking module on the image forming apparatus main body U1 side do not move integrally with the developing roll R0 and the developing container V, and the marking module 1 is attached and detached. It is necessary to mesh with the gear on one side. At this time, in the configuration in which the developing roller R0 moves, the meshing between the gears varies, the drive transmission to the developing roller R0, the stirring members R1, R2, etc. becomes unstable, resulting in vibration, noise, and wear. There is a risk of shortening the service life. Similarly, when the developing motor unit M1 is fixed to the developing unit fixing members 136 and 137, there is a possibility that variations occur in the meshing of the gears. That is, in the conventional configuration, the rotation of the developing roller R0 may not be stable, and the development may become unstable and the image quality may deteriorate. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the developing motor unit M1 and the gear train GR can be moved integrally with the developing roll R0. Even if the developing roll R0 moves, the developing motor unit M1 and the like are connected to each other. The positional relationship does not change, and the occurrence of variations in gear meshing is reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the connector CNT is supported by the development unit fixing members 136 and 137, and the connector CNT and the members of the development units Gg to Gk are connected by a flexible cable Cb. Therefore, the connector CNT connected to the terminal fixed to the image forming apparatus main body U1 does not move integrally with the developing roll R0, and the developing motor is secured while ensuring electrical connection with the image forming apparatus main body U1. Power can be stably supplied to the unit M1, the developing roll R0, and the like.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rear developing unit fixing member 137 is disposed between the stirring rotation transmission systems 97 to 99 and 106 to 126, the developing roll gear 96, the roller branching gear 93, and the like. If the developing unit fixing member 137 is disposed on the front side of the developing roll gear 96 or the like, it is necessary to increase the size of the passage hole 142 through which the developing roll gear 96 or the like passes, and the developing unit fixed to the marking frame 21 is required. There is a possibility that the rigidity of the unit fixing member 137 is lowered. On the other hand, if the developing unit fixing member 137 is disposed behind the developing motor unit M1, it is not necessary to form the passage hole 142, and the developing unit fixing member 137 has sufficient rigidity, but the front developing unit fixing member 137 is fixed. If the distance from the member 136 is too far and the entire developing units Gg to Gk are twisted and distorted, the positional deviation with respect to the marking frame 21, that is, the accuracy may be lowered.

  On the other hand, in the development unit fixing member 137 on the rear side of the first embodiment, the first gears 93, 96, 104, 105, etc. disposed just behind the rear end wall 84 of the developing container V, and the rear end wall 84 is disposed between the stirring rotation transmission systems 97 to 99 and 106 to 126 which are separated from the rear side of 84, and the number and size of the through holes 142 to be formed can be minimized. Yes. Therefore, the developing unit fixing member 137 is arranged so that the distance from the front developing unit fixing member 136 is as short as possible while increasing the rigidity of the developing unit fixing member 137, compared to the case where the developing unit fixing member 137 is positioned behind the developing motor unit M1. The accuracy is also improved.

In the developing units Gg to Gk of the first exemplary embodiment, in the gear train GR, the developing roll gear 96 is driven by a roll branch gear 93 that is arranged coaxially with the first gear 92 that directly meshes with the motor gear M1a. The roll branch gear 93 is not meshed with a gear that transmits driving to the stirring augers R1, R2, and the like. For example, when the drive from the roll branch gear 93 is transmitted to the stirring augers R1, R2, etc., or when the drive from the third intermediate gear is transmitted to the developing roll R0, the developing augers R1, R2, etc. are rotating during the rotation. When irregular rotation or vibration is applied to the stirring augers R1 and R2 due to the increase or decrease of the developer in the V or foreign matters, it becomes easy to be transmitted to the developing roll R0 via the gears, and the developed image has a belt-like shape. There is a risk of so-called banding.
On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the drive is transmitted from the roll branch gear 93 arranged coaxially with the most upstream first gear 92 that meshes directly with the motor gear M1a in the motor gear M1a, and is not transmitted from the downstream gear, The auger branch gear 94 transmits the stirring augers R1, R2, and the like. Therefore, even if vibration or the like is generated in the stirring augers R1, R2, etc., vibration or the like is hardly transmitted to the developing roll R0, and adverse effects on the image are reduced.

In particular, in the first embodiment, when rotation is transmitted from the auger branch gear 94 to each auger R1, R2, R4, the speed is reduced, and even if vibration occurs in each auger R1, R2, R4. By the time it is transmitted to the auger branch gear 94, the influence of vibration is reduced and it is easy to attenuate. Therefore, in Example 1, adverse effects such as vibration on the developing roll R0 are further reduced.
Further, in the first embodiment, the driving of the collection roller R5 and the auxiliary auger R3, which have been transmitted from the developing roll gear 96 in the related art, is transmitted from an auger branch gear 94 different from the roller branch gear 93. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, the influence on the developing roll R0 due to the vibration generated in the collecting roller R5 and the auxiliary auger R3 is large. However, in the first embodiment, the branch is caused by the most upstream auger branch gear 94, and the influence is increased. Has been reduced.

  Further, in the first embodiment, in the gear train GR, the developing roll gear 96 to the developing roll R0, the first intermediate gear 97 to the auxiliary roll R3 and the collection roll R5, the third auger R1, R2, and the third to the discharge auger R4. The intermediate gear 106 does not mesh with the first gear 92 that meshes directly with the motor gear M1a, but meshes with the coaxial branch gears 93 and 94. In general, the first gear 92 that directly meshes with the motor gear M1a is highly worn. When the first intermediate gear 97 and the like are meshed with the first gear 92, the first gear 92 causes all of the effects generated by the augers R1 to R5. The wear and wear are accelerated, and the life is likely to be shortened. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, only the motor gear M1a is directly meshed with the first gear 92, so that the life of the first gear 92 is reduced and the life of the entire gear train GR is extended. Has been.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H08) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the printer U as an example of the image forming apparatus is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printer U is configured by a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality or all of these functions. It is also possible to do.
(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the developer of six colors is used as the printer U is illustrated, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a single-color image forming apparatus, 5 colors or less, or 7 colors or more The present invention can also be applied to a multicolor image forming apparatus.

(H03) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide the hooking claws 37 and 42 and the hook 47, but it is also possible to omit one of them and perform positioning only with the other.
(H04) In the embodiment, the tracking member 131 preferably includes the main setting unit 131a and the temporary setting unit 131b. However, the temporary setting unit 131b may be omitted. Further, although the tracking member 131 is provided only on the rear side, it can also be provided on the front side, and can also be provided on both the front and rear sides.

(H05) In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable to reduce the speed when transmitting rotation to each of the augers R1 to R5 of the gear train GR. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any relationship can be used. is there.
(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the rear development unit fixing member 137 includes the first gears 93, 96, 104, 105 and the like disposed just behind the rear end wall 84 of the developing container V, and the rear end wall 84. Although it is desirable to arrange | position between the stirring rotation transmission systems 97-99 and 106-126 which left | separated from the back side, it is not limited to this, It can also arrange | position in arbitrary positions.
(H07) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the height of the development positioning projection 34 on the rear side is formed lower than the development positioning projection 139 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and depending on the design, specifications, etc. It can be changed arbitrarily.

(H08) In the embodiment, when positioning, the relationship between the protrusion, the convex portion, and the hole is not limited to the configuration illustrated in the embodiment, and the relationship between the protrusion and the hole may be reversed. Is possible.

1 ... Detachable unit,
21 ... Frame,
26 ... upstream wall,
27 ... downstream wall,
27a ... Passing port,
28, 29 ... connecting members,
31a: upstream positioning recess,
31b ... Upstream support part,
33 + 34 ... downstream support,
34 ... downstream positioning protrusion,
53 ... operation unit,
139 ... upstream positioning protrusion,
143 ... downstream positioning recess,
F: Fixing device,
Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, Go, Gg ... developing device,
Py, Pm, Pc, Pk, Po, Pg ... Image carrier,
S ... medium
T1g to T1k + T2 + B ... transfer device,
U: Image forming apparatus.

Claims (4)

An image holding body that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body and forms a latent image on the surface, and a frame that detachably supports a developing device that develops the latent image on the surface of the image holding body into a visible image;
The frame is
An upstream wall disposed on the upstream side of the developing device attached to the frame body in a mounting direction in which the frame body is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body;
A downstream wall disposed downstream of the developing device in the mounting direction;
A connecting member connecting the upstream wall and the downstream wall;
An operation unit provided on the upstream wall and operated when an operator attaches or removes the frame body to or from the image forming apparatus main body;
An upstream support portion that is provided downstream of the upstream wall in the mounting direction and supports an upstream end portion of the developing device in the mounting direction, and is mounted on the frame body from the downstream side in the mounting direction. The upstream support portion for supporting the upstream end portion of the developing device in a positioned state;
A passage opening formed in the downstream wall, where the developing device is attached to the frame body in a state where the upstream wall, the downstream wall, and the connection member are connected from a direction intersecting the mounting direction. When passing to the downstream end of the developing device, and when viewed from the mounting direction , the passage port is a shape cut away from the upstream wall ;
A downstream support portion provided on the downstream wall for fixing and supporting the downstream end portion of the developing device;
A detachable unit characterized by comprising: The upstream support portion formed in a shape in which the upstream end of the image carrier is detachably cut from a direction opposite to a direction in which the developing device is attached and detached and from a direction intersecting the attachment direction;
The detachable unit according to claim 1, further comprising: An upstream positioning projection that is supported by one of the upstream end portion and the upstream support portion of the developing device and projects to the other side;
An upstream positioning recess provided on the other of the upstream end portion and the upstream support portion of the developing device and into which the upstream positioning protrusion fits;
A downstream positioning protrusion that is supported by either one of the downstream end of the developing device and the downstream wall and protrudes to the other side, wherein the downstream is formed with a height lower than that of the upstream positioning protrusion. Positioning protrusions;
A downstream positioning recess provided on the other end of the downstream end of the developing device and the downstream wall and into which the downstream positioning projection fits;
The detachable unit according to claim 1, comprising: An image carrier on which a latent image is formed on the surface;
The detachable unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which detachably supports a developing device that develops a latent image on the surface of the image holding member into a visible image.
A transfer device for transferring a visible image of the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing a visible image transferred on the surface of the medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images