JP6591008B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.

  Here, the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine and an electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.).

  The recording medium is an image on which an image is formed using an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, a recording sheet, an OHP sheet, a label, and the like.

  The process cartridge is a cartridge in which the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) and process means acting on the photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge. A process cartridge system is employed in which the cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person, so that the maintainability can be remarkably improved. For this reason, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

  A conventional process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum unit having a cleaning frame for holding a photosensitive drum, a developing roller as a means for developing a latent image on the photosensitive drum, a developing blade, and a developing unit having toner as a developer. It is composed of

  An image forming apparatus known as an inline system in which a plurality of process cartridges are arranged is known. This in-line image forming apparatus includes a process cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a developing unit for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and superimposes images of the respective colors to form a full color image.

  When forming an image, the developing roller is biased toward the photosensitive drum with a predetermined pressure. In the contact development method in which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum for development, the developing roller is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum with a predetermined pressure.

  For example, when a developing roller having an elastic layer is used and the elastic layer is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum and is not used for a long time, the elastic layer of the developing roller may be deformed. As a result, image unevenness may occur during development.

  As another example, when the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum during non-image formation regardless of the presence or absence of the elastic layer, the developer carried on the developing roller may unnecessarily adhere to the photosensitive drum. There is. Further, as another example, when the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other other than during development and rotate, the photosensitive drum, the developing roller, and In some cases, deterioration of the developer is promoted.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a device body of an image forming apparatus is provided with a mechanism that acts on a process cartridge to separate a photosensitive drum and a developing roller when image formation is not performed. This image forming apparatus has a configuration in which a process cartridge is mounted on a drawer member movably provided in the apparatus main body, and the process cartridge is mounted inside the image forming apparatus together with the drawer member. When the drawer member is moved to attach or detach the process cartridge to or from the apparatus main body, the separation mechanism is retracted from the movement path of the process cartridge so that the separation mechanism does not interfere with the process cartridge.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-213024

The present invention aims Rukoto further development of the prior art described above.

Typical configurations disclosed in this application are:
In the image forming apparatus,
(I) a main body of the image forming apparatus,
(Ii) a spacing member;
(I-ii) a movable member that is movable in a state of supporting the separation member, wherein the separation member is (a) a normal position with respect to the movement member, and (b) a retreat position that is retreated from the normal position. A moving member configured to move between,
A device body comprising:
(Ii) a process cartridge detachable from the apparatus main body,
(Ii-i) a photosensitive drum;
(Ii-ii) a developing roller capable of approaching and separating from the photosensitive drum;
(Ii-iii) a separation force receiving portion that receives a separation force for moving the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum from the separation member of the apparatus main body;
(Ii-iv) a contact portion for contacting the spacing member and retracting the spacing member;
A process cartridge comprising:
Have
The spacing member is configured to apply the spacing force to the spacing force receiving portion with the movement of the moving member when positioned at the normal position; and
The spacing member is an image forming apparatus configured to retract from the normal position to the retracted position when contacting the contact portion of the process cartridge.

Another exemplary configuration disclosed in this application is:
In the image forming apparatus,
(I) an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, (ii) an apparatus main body including a separation member;
(Ii) a process cartridge detachable from the apparatus main body,
(Ii-i) a photosensitive drum;
(Ii-ii) a developing roller capable of approaching and separating from the photosensitive drum;
(Ii-iii) a separation force receiving portion that receives a separation force for moving the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum from the separation member of the apparatus main body;
(Ii-iv) a contact portion for contacting the spacing member and retracting the spacing member;
A process cartridge comprising:
Have
The spacing member is
(A) a first position for applying the separation force to the separation force receiving portion in order to move the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum;
(B) a second position moved from the first position to move away from the separation force receiving portion to allow the developing roller to approach the photosensitive drum;
(C) a third position retracted by contact with the contact portion to avoid interference with the process cartridge;
The image forming apparatus is movable to three different positions.

According to the present invention , the above prior art can be developed .

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) is a perspective view which shows the state which the opening-and-closing door closed. (B) It is a perspective view which shows the state which the opening-and-closing door opened. (C) It is a perspective view which shows the state which pulled out the cartridge tray. (A) It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the opening-and-closing door closed. (B) is sectional drawing which shows the state which the opening-and-closing door opened. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) It is a perspective view which shows the time of process cartridge mounting | wearing. (B) It is a perspective view which shows the state which has a developing unit in a contact position. (C) It is a perspective view which shows the state which has a developing unit in a separation position. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) The figure which shows the movement member 62 and the separation member 61, (b) The figure which shows the separation member 61. (C) The figure which shows the moving member 62. FIG. (A) It is sectional drawing which shows the time of process cartridge mounting | wearing. (B) It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has a developing unit in a contact position. (C) It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has a developing unit in a separation position. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relationship between a process cartridge and a separation mechanism according to the first embodiment. (A) It is sectional drawing which shows the time of process cartridge mounting | wearing. (B) It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has a developing unit in a contact position. (C) It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has a developing unit in a separation position. 6 is an enlarged view of a moving member and a separation member according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a moving member and a separation member according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relationship between a process cartridge and a separation mechanism according to a third embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relationship between a process cartridge and a separation mechanism according to a third embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a separation mechanism according to Embodiment 3. FIG. (A) It is sectional drawing which shows the time of process cartridge mounting | wearing. (B) It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has a developing unit in a contact position. (C) It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has a developing unit in a separation position. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relationship between a process cartridge and a separation mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a separation mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relationship between a process cartridge and a separation mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a separation mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a process cartridge according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relationship between a process cartridge and a separation mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a separation mechanism according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a separation mechanism according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a separation mechanism according to a sixth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

<Example 1>
1 to 5 show a laser beam printer which is an image forming apparatus A of the present embodiment. The overall configuration and function of this laser beam printer will be described. In the following embodiment, as the image forming apparatus A, a full-color image forming apparatus in which four process cartridges can be attached and detached is illustrated.
Note that the number of process cartridges attached to the image forming apparatus is not limited to this. It is appropriately set as necessary.

[Outline of image forming apparatus]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus A of this embodiment. In the main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”) 100 of the image forming apparatus A, there are a laser scanner 11, an intermediate transfer belt 13, a fixing film 24, a pressure roller 25, a paper feed tray 19, a paper feed roller 20, and the like. is set up.

  In addition, four process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) of the first process cartridge PY, the second process cartridge PM, the third process cartridge PC, and the fourth process cartridge PK are arranged in the horizontal direction. ing. Each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) has the same electrophotographic image forming process mechanism, and the color of the developer is different.

  Each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) includes a developing unit 4 including a developing roller 41 that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1.

  The first process cartridge PY contains a yellow (Y) developer in the developing unit 4 and forms a yellow developer image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

  The second process cartridge PM contains a magenta (M) developer in the developing unit 4 and forms a magenta developer image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

  The third process cartridge PC contains a cyan (C) developer in the developing unit 4 and forms a cyan developer image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

  The fourth process cartridge PK contains a black (K) developer in the developing unit 4 and forms a black developer image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

  The paper (recording medium) S stacked and stored in the paper feed tray 19 is fed by a paper feed roller 20 that rotates in the clockwise direction (in the direction of arrow W) in the figure, and the belt drive roller 14 and the secondary transfer roller 18 It is sent to the contact part (hereinafter referred to as “nip part”).

  The photosensitive drum 1 rotates counterclockwise (arrow K direction) in the figure, and an electrostatic latent image is sequentially formed on the outer peripheral surface by the laser light L from the laser scanner 11, and then the electrostatic drum image is electrostatically charged. The latent image is developed by the developing roller 41 to form a toner image (developer image).

  The photosensitive drum 1 is an image carrier that carries an image (toner image). The developing roller 41 is a developer carrying member that carries a developer (toner) for developing the electrostatic latent image.

  The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 13 as an intermediate transfer member. When forming a color image, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black colors are developed on the photosensitive drum 1, and the toner images formed on the respective colors are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 13.

  Next, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 13 is transferred to the sheet S sent to the nip portion between the belt driving roller 14 and the secondary transfer roller 18. In this embodiment, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is once transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 13 and then transferred to the paper S. However, the toner image may be directly transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the paper S. In this case, instead of the intermediate transfer belt 13, a conveyance belt (conveyance member) that conveys the recording medium (paper S) is provided, and the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black colors of the paper S conveyed by the conveyance belt are provided. The toner images may be transferred sequentially.

  The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is sent to the nip portion between the fixing film 24 and the pressure roller 25, where it is heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the sheet S. The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to a discharge tray 27 by a discharge roller pair 26.

[Overview of process cartridge replacement method]
3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining a process cartridge replacement method according to this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a method for replacing the process cartridge P of the laser beam printer will be described.

A member that moves while holding the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK is referred to as a cartridge tray (cartridge holding member) 28 in the following description. The cartridge tray 28 is a mounting member for mounting the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The cartridge tray 28 is supported by a cartridge tray holding member (hereinafter referred to as “tray holding member”) 32 with respect to the apparatus main body 100 and is slidable in the lateral direction (arrow M, N direction) in FIG. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the space inside the apparatus main body 100 is a mounting portion for the process cartridge P. By placing the process cartridge P on the cartridge tray 28, the process cartridge P moves toward the mounting portion of the apparatus main body 100 and is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. Further, the process cartridge P can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion of the apparatus main body 100. This will be described in detail below.

  The opening / closing door 30 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body 100, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 30 is opened. The opening / closing door 30 is an opening / closing member that opens and closes an opening through which the cartridge tray 28 passes. By opening the open / close door 30 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 3, the user can access a cartridge tray handle portion (hereinafter referred to as “handle portion”) 29.

  A connecting arm 33 is provided to connect the opening / closing door 30 and the tray holding member 32. The connecting arm 33 and the tray holding member 32 constitute interlocking means (interlocking mechanism) that moves the cartridge tray 28 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 30. That is, when the open / close door 30 is opened from the closed state (see FIG. 2), the connecting arm 33 pulls the tray holding member 32 upward (in the direction of the arrow Y) to move the cartridge tray 28 upward. Move (see FIG. 3). At this time, the photosensitive drum 1 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 13, and the cartridge tray 28 can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 100. That is, the user can pull out the cartridge tray 28 by pulling the handle portion 29.

  At this time, the process cartridge P placed on the cartridge tray 28 is also moved in the direction intersecting the axis of the photosensitive drum 1 and pulled out of the apparatus main body 100.

  Hereinafter, an interlocking mechanism for moving the cartridge tray 28 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 30 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the opening / closing door 30 is closed, and FIG. 6B shows a state in which the opening / closing door 30 is opened. FIG. 6C shows a state where the cartridge tray 28 is further pulled out from the inside of the apparatus main body 100 of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the opening / closing door 30 and the cartridge tray 28. FIG. 7A shows a state where the open / close door 30 is closed, and FIG. 7B shows a state where the open / close door 30 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, a connecting arm 33 is attached to the opening / closing door 30, and a boss 33 a provided on the connecting arm 33 engages with a groove 32 b provided on the tray holding member 32. Yes. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 30 and the tray holding member 32 are interlocked. That is, the tray holding member 32 has a boss 32 a, and this boss 32 a is engaged with a groove 101 a provided on the side plate 101 of the apparatus main body 100. When the opening / closing door 30 is opened from the closed state (see FIG. 7A), the tray holding member 32 moves along the groove 101a of the side plate 101 in the direction of the arrow D1 shown in FIG.

  Here, since the groove 101a of the side plate 101 has a step, when the tray holding member 32 moves, it moves not only in the horizontal direction but also in the upward direction by a distance L1. For this reason, the cartridge tray 28 held by the tray holding member 32 also moves L1 upward. At this time, if the process cartridge P is mounted on the cartridge tray 28, the photosensitive drum 1 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 13.

  In this state, when the user pulls the handle portion 29 shown in FIG. 6B, the cartridge tray 28 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 100 and moved to the pull-out position as shown in FIG. 6C.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge tray 28 is pulled out from the inside of the apparatus main body 100 in the direction of arrow C. In this state, the upper surfaces of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are opened, and the respective process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be removed upward (in the direction of arrow E) as shown in FIG.

  When the process cartridge P is attached to the apparatus main body 100, the cartridge tray 28 is pulled out and the process cartridge P is loaded in the reverse procedure, and then the cartridge tray 28 is accommodated in the apparatus main body 100. At this time, the process cartridge P placed on the cartridge tray 28 also moves in a direction crossing the axis of the photosensitive drum and moves toward the mounting portion of the apparatus main body 100.

  Then, by closing the open / close door 30 after the cartridge tray 28 is stored in the apparatus main body 100, the tray holding member 32 is pushed down in the lower left direction (arrow Z direction) in FIG. As a result, the cartridge tray 28 also moves downward, and the photosensitive drum 1 of the process cartridge P contacts the intermediate transfer belt 13. That is, by closing the opening / closing door 30, the cartridge tray 28 is mounted at the mounting position inside the apparatus main body 100. At the same time, the process cartridge P is disposed at a position where the photosensitive drum 1 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 13 and image formation is possible (see FIG. 2).

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the contact state and the separation state of the photosensitive drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 13 are switched in conjunction with the opening / closing of the opening / closing door 30 is shown. However, as described above, a transport belt for transporting the paper S may be provided instead of the intermediate transfer belt 13. In this case, the contact state and separation state of the photosensitive drum 1 and the conveyance belt may be switched in conjunction with opening / closing of the opening / closing door 30.

  FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. As described above, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same electrophotographic process mechanism, and the toner color and the toner filling amount are different from each other.

  The process cartridge P is a horizontally long box type assembly in which the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the photosensitive drum 1 is the left-right direction and the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported by a driving side cartridge cover member 46 disposed on the right side surface portion of the cleaner unit 5 and a non-driving side cartridge cover member 47 disposed on the left side surface portion. A drum coupling member 55 (see FIG. 9) serving as a photosensitive drum driving input unit and a developing coupling member serving as a driving input unit to the developing roller 41 in the developing unit 4 are provided at the driving side shaft end of the process cartridge P. 56. Details will be described later. A cartridge electrical contact (not shown) is disposed on the left side surface. In the process cartridge P described above, the right side surface provided with the drum coupling member 55 to which the driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main body 100 and the developing coupling member 56 (see FIG. 9) is the driving side, and the opposite side. Is the non-driving side.

    FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section when the process cartridge P is cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The driving force from the apparatus main body 100 is transmitted to the drum coupling member 55 and the developing coupling member 56 (see FIG. 9) of the process cartridge P. As a result, in FIG. 10, the photosensitive drum 1 is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed in the counterclockwise direction (arrow K direction) and the developing roller 41 in the clockwise direction (arrow L direction).

  In this embodiment, the process cartridge P includes a cleaner unit 5 and a developing unit 4 that is rotatably coupled to the cleaning unit 5. The cleaner unit 5 is a first unit (photosensitive drum unit) that holds the photosensitive drum 1, and the developing unit 4 is a second unit that holds the developing roller 41.

  The charger 3 provided in the cleaner unit 5 is a contact charging type charging member that abuts on the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in a driven manner. The cleaning blade 51 is an elastic rubber blade and is disposed with its tip portion in contact with the photosensitive drum 1. The cleaning blade 51 serves to remove toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1. The transfer residual toner removed by the cleaning blade 51 is accommodated in a toner accommodating portion 52 in the cleaner unit 5.

  The developing unit 4 includes a developing roller 41 as a developing unit and a developing blade 42. The developing unit 4 further has a developing chamber (developer containing portion) 43 for containing toner.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the developing roller 41 is disposed in the developing chamber 43, and the developing blade 42 is disposed in contact with the developing roller 41 at the tip. The developing blade 42 serves to regulate the toner carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 41 into a thin layer.

  FIG. 13 shows a part of the component configuration of the developing unit 4. As shown in the drawing, a bearing member 44 that rotatably supports the developing coupling member 56 and the developing roller 41 is fixed to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 4. More specifically, the first bearing portion 44p (cylindrical outer surface) of the bearing member 44 is fitted with the developing coupling member 56, and the second bearing portion 44q (cylindrical inner surface) is fitted with the shaft portion 41a of the developing roller 41. Are supported rotatably. A developing roller gear 45 is fitted to the shaft portion 41 a of the developing roller 41. An outer peripheral surface 56 g of the developing coupling member 56 is a gear portion that meshes with the developing roller gear 45. Thus, the driving force input from the apparatus main body 100 is configured to be transmitted to the developing roller 41 via the developing coupling member 56.

  A developing cover member 57 is fixed to the outside of the developing unit 4. The developing cover member 57 is configured to cover the developing coupling member 56 and the developing roller gear 45. Further, the developing cover member 57 is provided with a cylindrical portion 57b. The developing coupling member 56 is exposed from the opening 57d inside the cylindrical portion 57b.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the developing unit 4 and the cleaner unit 5 are assembled, the cylindrical portion 57b of the developing cover member 57 is rotatable on the support portion 46a of the driving side cartridge cover member 46 at one longitudinal end. Fit. On the other end side, a projecting portion 4b that projects from the developing unit 4 is fitted in a support hole 47a of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 47 so as to be rotatable. Thus, the developing unit 4 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the cleaner unit 5. Here, the rotation center (rotation axis) of the developing unit 4 with respect to the cleaner unit 5 is referred to as a rotation center (rotation axis) X. The rotation center X is an axis connecting the center of the support hole 46a and the center of the support hole 47a.

  The developing unit 4 is urged by a pressure spring 53 that is an elastic member, and is configured such that the developing roller 41 abuts on the photosensitive drum 1 around the rotation center X. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the developing unit 4 is pressed in the direction of the arrow G shown in the figure by the urging force of the pressure spring 53, and the moment in the direction of the arrow J1 is centered on the rotation center X. It becomes the structure which acts. As a result, the developing roller 41 can contact the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined pressure. Further, the position of the developing unit 4 with respect to the cleaner unit 5 at this time is defined as a contact position.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a bearing member 44 is disposed at the end of the developing unit 4 in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the developing roller 41, and a protruding portion 44 d is formed on the bearing member 44. As shown in FIG. 13, the protruding portion 44 d protrudes in a direction intersecting the axis of the developing roller 41 and away from the developing roller 41. The projecting portion 44d is provided with a force receiving portion 44b that abuts against the separation mechanism 60 provided in the apparatus main body 100 and receives a force. When the force receiving portion 44b receives a force from the separation mechanism 60, the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are brought into contact with and separated from each other. The configuration of the protruding portion 44d, the force receiving portion 44b, and the separation mechanism 60 will be described in detail below.

[Separation mechanism of main body of electrophotographic image forming apparatus]
Next, a separation mechanism 60 that separates the developing roller 41 of the developing unit 4 from the photosensitive drum 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 14, and 15. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the process cartridge P and the separation mechanism 60. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the process cartridge P and the separation mechanism 60. 14 is a partially enlarged view of the separation mechanism 60. FIG. 14A shows a state in which the separation member 61 is assembled to the moving member 62. FIG. 14B shows the separation member 61 and FIG. c) shows the moving members 62, respectively.

  As described above, the developing unit 4 is biased by the pressure spring 53 provided in the process cartridge P, and is located at a contact position where the developing roller 41 contacts the photosensitive drum 1. However, if the developing roller 41 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 for a long time, the developing roller 41 may have a dent mark. Therefore, when the image is not formed, the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated from each other. It is desirable. Therefore, the apparatus main body 100 of this embodiment includes a separation mechanism 60 that separates the developing roller 41 from the photosensitive drum 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, the separation mechanism 60 includes a moving member 62 that is movably provided inside the apparatus main body 100, and a separation member 61 that is movably supported by the moving member 62.

  The separation member 61 is an engagement member that is L-shaped and engages with the process cartridge P. That is, the separating member 61 applies (forces) the force receiving portion 44b by engaging (contacting) with the force receiving portion 44b which is the engaged portion of the process cartridge P.

  The separation member 61 can move in the height direction of the apparatus main body 100 (vertical direction in FIG. 15, arrow H1 and H2 directions) with respect to the moving member 62. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the separation member 61 is slid (slid) in the directions of arrows H <b> 1 and H <b> 2 by being supported by a support portion (hereinafter, guide portion) 62 a of the moving member 62. Specifically, the hole 61p of the engaging member 61 is engaged with the shaft 62p of the moving member 62. Further, the locking portion 61q of the separation member 61 is disposed in the locking hole 62q of the moving member 62. The engaging portion 61 q of the separating member 61 is engaged with the restricting portion 62 b of the moving member 62, so that the separating member 61 does not drop off from the moving member 62.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the separation member 61 is engaged with the force receiving portion 44 b by an urging spring 63 as an elastic member attached to the moving member 62 (hereinafter referred to as “normal position”). ). That is, the biasing spring 63 functions as a biasing member that biases the separating member 61 toward the normal position.

  The moving member 62 is positioned below the process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) and is provided so as to be movable in the apparatus main body 100. That is, the moving member 62 is provided with a circular cam 64, and the cam drive shaft 65 is connected to the cam 64 at a position away from the center of the circle forming the cam 64. The cam 64 receives a driving force from a driving source (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100, thereby rotating around the cam driving shaft 65, and moving the moving member 62 in a substantially horizontal direction (left and right direction in FIG. Move in the direction of arrows M and N).

  The rotation of the cam 64 causes the moving member 62 to contact the photosensitive drum 1 at a position where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated (hereinafter referred to as “non-image forming position”). It moves to a position that permits this (hereinafter referred to as “image forming position”). Further, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the separation member 61 supported by the moving member 62 is pressed and retracted from the process cartridge P when the process cartridge P is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. It is said.

  Hereinafter, the behavior of the separation member 61 when the process cartridge P is mounted on the apparatus main body 100 and the mechanism in which the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated by the separation mechanism 60 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 16 shows the process cartridge P and the separation mechanism 60 when the cartridge tray 28 and the process cartridge P are mounted on the apparatus main body 100. As described above, when the open / close door 30 is opened, the cartridge tray 28 moves upward (in the direction of arrow H2) (in FIG. 3, it moves in the upper right direction and in the direction of arrow Y). At this time, the separation member 61 and the protrusion 44d of the bearing member 44 have a gap d. Therefore, in this state, even if the cartridge tray 28 and the process cartridge P are moved in the horizontal direction (directions of arrows M and N), the separation member 61 and the bearing member 44 do not interfere with each other.

  After the cartridge tray 28 and the process cartridge P are inserted into the apparatus main body 100, the open / close door 30 is closed. As described above, the process cartridge P moves in the apparatus main body 100 in the lower left direction (in the direction of arrow Z in the figure) in conjunction with the operation of closing the opening / closing door 30, and the photosensitive drum 1 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 13 ( (See FIGS. 2 and 3). The reason for this will be described later. At this time, the moving member 62 is in the non-image forming position shown in FIGS. 9A and 15A, and the separation member 61 supported by the moving member 62 is the process cartridge P. It is in the position to interfere.

However, a biasing spring 63 is attached to the separation member 61. Therefore, when the separation member 61 interferes with the process cartridge P and is pressed from the pressing portion (contact portion) 44c of the process cartridge P, the biasing spring 63 is compressed to cause the separation member 61 to move in the moving direction of the process cartridge P ( Move substantially parallel to the direction of arrow H1). That is, the separation member 61 is retracted from the normal position (moved to the retracted position) by being pressed from the pressing portion 44c, and allows the process cartridge P to move. As a result, the process cartridge P is mounted at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body 100. The pressing portion 44c is formed on the end surface of the protruding portion 44d protruding from the developing unit 4.

  Next, the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d and the separation member 61 are engaged. For this purpose, the moving member 62 is once moved in the right direction (arrow N direction) in FIG. 15A to move the moving member 62 to a position (image forming position) where the separating member 61 and the protruding portion 44d do not interfere with each other. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 15B, when the moving member 62 moves to the image forming position where the separating member 61 does not interfere with the protruding portion 44d, the separating member 61 is extended by the urging spring 63 extending. Move upward (arrow H2 direction). As a result, the separating member 61 rises to a position (normal position) where it can engage with the force receiving portion 44b.

  Next, when the moving member 62 moves in the left direction (arrow M direction) in FIG. 15B, the separating member 61 engages with the force receiving portion 44b provided in the protruding portion 44d. When the moving member 62 further moves to the left (arrow M direction) and returns to the non-image forming position, the moving member 62 applies a force to the force receiving portion 44b via the separating member 61. As a result, the moving member 62 moves the developing unit 4 to a position where the developing roller 41 is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 with a gap e (separated position) as shown in FIGS. 9C and 15C. Let the state be

  As shown in FIG. 14, the separating member 61 has a moving direction with respect to the moving member 62 determined by the guide portion 62a, and can slide (slide) only in the directions of arrows H1 and H2. The moving direction (arrow H1, H2 direction) of the separating member 61 is a direction intersecting the moving direction (arrow M, N direction) of the moving member 62. Therefore, when the moving member 62 moves, even if the separating member 61 receives a force from the force receiving portion 44b in the directions of arrows M and N, the separating member 61 is supported by the guide portion 62a and engages with the force receiving portion 44b. Can be kept. As a result, the moving member 62 can reliably move the developing unit 4 to the separation position where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated. In particular, in this embodiment, the moving direction of the separating member 61 (arrows H1 and H2 directions) is set to be substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the moving member 62 (arrows M and N directions).

  When the image forming apparatus forms an image, the moving member 62 moves to the image forming position shown in FIG. At this time, the developing unit 4 is moved from the separated position to the contact position by the force of the pressure spring 53 (see FIG. 8), and causes the developing roller 41 to contact the photosensitive drum 1 (see FIG. 15B). In this state, the developing roller 41 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 using a developer.

  When the image formation is completed, the moving member 62 moves to the non-image forming position, thereby maintaining the developing roller 41 away from the photosensitive drum 1 until the image forming operation is started (FIG. 15C). reference). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 41 from being deformed by the contact pressure with the photosensitive drum 1.

[Three positions of the separating member]
In summary, the separating member 61 can move at three different positions (the separating member 61 can take three different states).

  (1) FIG. 15C shows a state in which the separation member 61 is in the operating position (first position). When the separation member 61 is in the operating position with the process cartridge P mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the separation member 61 engages with the force receiving portion 44b. As a result, the separating member 61 acts on the developing unit 4 (applying force), moves the developing unit 4 to the separating position, and separates the developing roller 41 from the photosensitive drum 1.

  (2) FIG. 15B shows a state in which the separating member 61 is in the non-operating position (second position). When the separation member 61 is in the non-operating position with the process cartridge P mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the separation member 61 allows the developing roller 41 to contact the photosensitive drum 1. That is, the separation member 61 does not apply force to the force receiving portion 44b, or reduces the force applied to the force receiving portion 44b, so that it does not act on the developing unit 4. As a result, the developing unit 4 brings the developing roller 41 closer to the photosensitive drum 1 by the force of the pressure spring 53 (see FIG. 10). That is, the developing unit 4 moves to the contact position.

  (3) FIG. 15A shows a state in which the separating member 61 is in the retracted position (third position). When the process cartridge P is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the separation member 61 collides with the descending process cartridge P and is pressed to be in a retracted state. That is, the separation member 61 allows the process cartridge P to be attached to the apparatus main body 100 by moving to the retracted position (third position).

  When the separating member 61 is in the operating position or the non-operating position, the separating member 61 is in a normal position (a position where it is not retracted) with respect to the moving member 62.

  That is, that the separating member 61 is in the operating position means that the relative position of the separating member 61 with respect to the moving member 62 is the normal position, and the moving member 62 is in the non-image forming position. At this time, the separation member 61 engages with the development unit 4 (acts on the development unit 4), and applies a force to the development unit 4 to move the development unit to the separation position. The developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated from each other.

  Further, that the separating member 61 is in the non-operating position means that the relative position of the separating member 61 with respect to the moving member 62 is the normal position, and the moving member 62 is in the image forming position. At this time, the moving member 62 does not act on the developing unit 4 by moving away from the developing unit 4 or reducing the force applied to the developing unit. As a result, the developing unit 4 moves to the contact position, and the developing roller 41 contacts the photosensitive drum 1.

  On the other hand, when the separating member 61 is in the retracted position, the separating member 61 is retracted from the normal position, the moving member 62 is in the non-image forming position, and the developing unit 4 is in the contact position.

  The table below summarizes the results.

  Here, after the image formation is completed, the moving member 62 is arranged at a non-image forming position for separating the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1. Therefore, when the process cartridge P is mounted, the moving member 62 is at the non-image forming position. When the process cartridge P is mounted, the developing unit 4 is in a state in which the developing roller 41 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 by the biasing force of the pressure spring 53. Therefore, the protrusion 44d of the developing unit 4 is It interferes with the separation member 61 (see FIG. 15A). However, as described above, the separation member 61 is moved from the normal position (operation position: see FIG. 16) to the retracted position (see FIG. 15 (a)) by being pushed from the pressing portion 44c provided on the protrusion 44d. can do. Therefore, the separation member 61 does not hinder the movement of the process cartridge P, and the process cartridge P is securely attached to the apparatus main body 100.

  On the other hand, when the process cartridge P is removed from the image forming apparatus in a state where the separation member 61 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 15A), the separation member 61 is moved to the normal position (operation position: FIG. Return to 16). That is, by opening the door 30 (FIG. 30), the process cartridge P is raised in the H2 direction in FIG. In conjunction with the movement of the process cartridge P, the separation member 61 also moves in the H2 direction.

  In summary, in this embodiment, the separation member 61 that engages with the force receiving portion 44b of the process cartridge P is provided so as to be movable on the moving member 62, and is configured to be pushed by the process cartridge P and retract. Thereby, the mechanism for retracting the separation member 61 can be simplified, and the configuration of the separation mechanism 60 and the apparatus main body 100 and the configuration of the process cartridge P can be simplified. Further, since the separating member 61 has only to be retracted by the distance that the process cartridge P moves, there is no need to provide a large retreat space for retracting the separating member 61. Thereby, the size of the apparatus main body 100 can be reduced.

  The moving member 62 reciprocates between the non-image forming position and the image forming position, thereby moving the separating member 61 in the retracted position (FIG. 15A) to the non-acting position (FIG. 15B). It is moved to the action position (FIG. 15 (c)). The separation member 61 can be engaged with the developing unit 4 to separate the developing roller 41 from the photosensitive drum 1. Thereby, it can suppress that the developing roller 41 deform | transforms. Further, it is possible to suppress the toner adhering to the developing roller 41 from adhering to the photosensitive drum 1 during non-image formation.

  Further, the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are not rubbed during non-image formation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 41, or the toner carried on the developing roller 41. Therefore, the process cartridge P can be used for a long time.

  The separation mechanism 60 in the above embodiment corresponds to the arrangement of the four process cartridges P in the horizontal direction (the directions of arrows M and N in FIG. 15) with the four separation members 61 arranged on the same moving member 62. It is arranged at the position. In this case, by moving the moving member 62, the plurality of developing rollers 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 can be all separated at the same time.

  However, the separation mechanism 60 is not limited to this. For example, a separation mechanism 60 (a separation member 61 and a moving member 62) corresponding only to the black process cartridge PK is provided. Separately, a separation mechanism 60 (a separation member 61 and a moving member 62) corresponding to a process cartridge (PY, PM, PC) other than black is provided. Such an image forming apparatus may be used. In this case, when the image forming apparatus forms a monochrome image, a part of the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive member, such as separating the developing roller 41 from the photosensitive drum 1 by a process cartridge (PY, PM, PC) other than black. Only the drum 1 can be separated. Such a configuration will be described in detail in a sixth embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a color image forming apparatus, and includes a plurality of (four) process cartridges and the separation members 61 corresponding to the number of process cartridges. not. The separation mechanism may be applied to a monochrome image forming apparatus in which only one process cartridge is mounted (in this case, only one separation member 61 is required).

<Example 2>
In the present embodiment, a modified example of the separation member (engagement member) provided in the separation mechanism is shown. That is, a configuration in which the separation member 71 is retracted by rotating with respect to the moving member 72 is shown. In the present embodiment, the description will be focused on the configuration different from the first embodiment, and the description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the separation member 71 is supported so as to be rotatable about a support portion 74 provided on the moving member 72. Further, the separation member 71 is biased to a position where it can engage with the force receiving portion 44b by a biasing spring 73. Also in this embodiment, the separating member 71 can move to three different positions (operating position, non-operating position, and retracted position).

  FIG. 17A shows a state in which the process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. At this time, the moving member 72 is in the non-image forming position, and the separating member 71 supported by the moving member 72 is in a position where it interferes with the process cartridge P. The separation member 71 interferes with the protrusion 44d of the process cartridge P and is pressed downward (in the direction of the arrow H1). As a result, the separation member 71 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow V1) about the support portion 74 in FIG. 17A, and retracts to a position where the process cartridge P is securely mounted in the apparatus main body 100. That is, the separating member 71 moves to the retracted position.

  In order to engage the force receiving portion 44b and the separating member 71 from the state shown in FIG. 17A, the moving member 72 is moved to the right until the separating member 71 does not interfere with the protruding portion 44d (image forming position). Move in the direction (arrow N direction). As shown in FIG. 17B, when the separating member 71 moves to a position where it does not interfere with the projecting portion 44d, the spacing member 71 rotates clockwise (in the direction of the arrow V2) around the support portion 74 by the force of the biasing spring 73. It moves to a normal position (non-acting position) where it can engage with the force receiving portion 44b.

  Next, when the moving member 72 is moved in the left direction (arrow M direction) from the image forming position shown in FIG. 17B, the separating member 71 and the force receiving portion 44b are engaged. If the moving member 72 is further moved in the left direction (arrow M direction) in this state, the moving member 72 is in a non-image forming position, or the separation member 71 has a gap e between the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1. Then, the developing unit 4 is moved to a position (separated position) that is separated. Then, from the end of the image forming operation to the resumption of the image forming operation, the developing roller 41 is kept away from the photosensitive drum 1 (see FIG. 17C). FIG. 17C shows a state in which the separating member 71 has moved to the operating position.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 18, the moving member 72 has a rotation restricting portion 72 b that stops (restricts) its rotation in a state where the separating member 71 is held at the normal position (acting position). Therefore, when the moving member 72 moves in the left direction (arrow M direction) shown in FIG. 17B, the separating member 71 moves together with the moving member 72 in a state of being engaged with the force receiving portion 44b, and moves to the force receiving portion 44b. Apply power. As a result, the separation member 71 moves the developing unit 4 to the separation position and maintains this state.

  In summary, when the separating member 71 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 17A), the moving member 72 reciprocates between the image forming position and the non-image forming position, so that the separating member 71 receives force. Engage with the portion 44b. Then, the developing unit 4 is moved to the separated position (see FIG. 17C).

  In this embodiment, the separation member is rotatably provided on the moving member, so that rattling when the separation member moves is suppressed as compared with the case where the separation member moves linearly (see FIG. 15), and the operation of the separation member. Can be stabilized. More specifically, when the spacing member 61 is linearly moved as shown in the first embodiment, the spacing member 61 and the guide 62a are engaged (see FIG. 14). Variation occurs in the dimension of the hole 61p of the separation member 61 and the dimension of the insertion part 62p of the guide 62a. When this dimensional variation is large, as shown in FIG. 19, the separation member 61 is inclined with respect to the guide 62a, and the movement of the separation member 61 in the directions of arrows H1 and H2 with respect to the guide 62a may become unstable. In this embodiment, by providing the separation member 71 on the moving member 72 so as to be rotatable, the operation of the separation member 71 can be stabilized.

  On the other hand, as in the spacing member 61 (see FIG. 14) of the first embodiment, the area required to move the spacing member can be made smaller by moving the spacing member linearly than by rotating the spacing member. As a result, the size of the separation mechanism can be reduced, and the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size. The instability of the operation due to the inclination of the separating member 61 with respect to the guide 62a as described above can be suppressed by strictly managing each dimension.

  Therefore, the moving configuration of the separating members (61, 71) may be appropriately selected according to the functions required of the image forming apparatus 100 and the separating mechanism (60, 70).

<Example 3>
In the present embodiment, a modified example of the shape of the separation member 61, the protruding portion 44d, and the force receiving portion 44b provided in the separation mechanism 60 is shown. In the present embodiment, the description will be focused on the configuration different from the first embodiment, and the description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the protruding portion 44d is formed with a convex portion 44a and a concave portion 44g in order to securely engage the separation member 61 with the force receiving portion 44b. A force receiving portion 44b is formed in a recess 44g provided in the protruding portion 44d. Although details will be described later, the force receiving portion 44b and the abutting portion 61b are inclined at a predetermined angle so that the engagement between the force receiving portion 44b and the separating member 61 is reliably maintained.

  Prior to the description of the above operation, the shape and arrangement of the force receiving portion 44b of the projecting portion 44d and the contact portion 61b of the separating member 61 in this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 21, in the state where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are in contact with each other, the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d is orthogonal to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction) of the moving member 62. In contrast, the angle θ1 is inclined.

  FIG. 22 shows a state in which the developing unit 4 is rotated clockwise (in the direction of arrow J2) by the angle θ0 from the state shown in FIG. Here, the angle θ0 is the rotation angle of the developing unit 4. In FIG. 22, the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated with a gap e. Further, the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d is inclined by an angle θ2 with respect to an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction) of the moving member 62.

At this time, the angles θ0, θ1, and θ2 have the following relationship.
θ1 = θ0 + θ2

  The protruding portion 44d protrudes downward (arrow H1 direction). That is, the protruding portion 44 d protrudes in a direction intersecting the axis 41 x of the developing roller 41 and away from the developing roller 41 and the rotation center X. When the process cartridge P is viewed along the axis 41x of the developing roller 41 (when the process cartridge P is viewed in a plane orthogonal to the axis 41x), the force receiving portion 44b of the projecting portion 44d is It faces the center (axis 41x) direction. In other words, in FIG. 21 (a plane orthogonal to the axis 41x of the developing roller 41), when a straight line (tangent line) Q that touches the force receiving portion 44b and extends along the force receiving portion 44b is drawn, Thus, the center (axis line 41x) of the force receiving portion 44b and the developing roller 41 is on the opposite side.

  This does not mean that the force receiving portion 44b is directly limited to the developing roller 41, and the force receiving portion 44b is provided outside the developing roller 41 in the axial direction as shown in FIG. It may be. That is, when the force receiving portion 44b is viewed along the axis 41x of the developing roller 41 (when the force receiving portion 44b is viewed in a plane orthogonal to the axis 41x), the force receiving portion 44b is positioned at the position where the developing roller 41 is positioned. It means that it faces the side.

  Further, the shape of the force receiving portion 44b is not intended to be limited to a plane. The force receiving portion 44b may have another shape such as a curved surface as long as at least a region (surface) that contacts the separating member 61 faces the side where the developing roller 41 is located.

  More specifically, in FIG. 21, the straight line Q extending along the force receiving portion 44b starting from the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d does not pass through the axis 41x of the developing roller 41. Further, the axis 41x of the developing roller 41 is disposed on the side of the protruding portion 44d facing the force receiving portion 44b (in FIG. 21, the arrow R side with respect to the straight line Q).

  Further, the force receiving portion 44 b of the protruding portion 44 d faces the rotation center X direction of the developing unit 4. More specifically, the straight line Q does not pass through the rotation center X of the developing unit 4 in FIG. Further, the rotation center X of the developing unit 4 is disposed on the side of the protruding portion 44d facing the force receiving portion 44b (in FIG. 21, the arrow R side with respect to the straight line Q). That is, in FIG. 21, the force receiving portion 44b and the rotation center X are located on the opposite side with respect to the straight line Q. More specifically, the force receiving portion 44b and the photosensitive drum 1 are located on the opposite side with respect to the tangent line Q.

  Further, the protruding portion 44d has a convex portion 44a protruding so as to cover the rotation center X and the developing roller 41. The protrusion 44a protrudes in a direction approaching the cleaning unit 5 and the photosensitive drum 1, thereby forming a recess 44g. The recess 44g is a recess that is recessed in a direction away from the cleaning unit 5 and the photosensitive drum 1. The recess 44g is a space formed between the force receiving portion 44b and the developing roller 41 (a region closer to the developing roller 41 than the contact portion 44b). The force receiving portion 44b and the separation member 61 can be engaged by the leading end of the separation member 61 entering this space (recess 44g).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the contact portion 61b of the separation member 61 is inclined at an angle θ3 with respect to the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction) of the moving member 62.

  FIG. 23 shows the force receiving portion 44b and the separation member 61 in a state where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are in contact with each other. FIG. 20 shows the relationship between the force receiving portion 44b and the separating member 61 in a state where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated from each other.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 20 in the present embodiment, when the moving member 62 moves in the arrow M direction, the contact portion 61b of the separating member 61 receives the force F1 from the force receiving portion 44b. This force F1 is a force generated in a direction perpendicular to the contact portion 61b. Here, since the contact portion 61b is inclined by θ3 with respect to a direction orthogonal to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction) of the moving member, the force F1 is equal to the component F1x parallel to the moving direction of the moving member 62. , Having a component F1y perpendicular to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction). Among these components, the component F1y is a component of force directed upward (in the direction of arrow H2) in FIG. In other words, the component F1y is a component of the force that acts in the direction (arrow H2 direction) from the retracted position 61 (see FIG. 15A) toward the normal position (action position: see FIG. 15C). . The force receiving portion 44b receives a downward force F1y '(component force in the direction of the arrow H1) from the contact portion 61b of the separating member 61 as a reaction force of the force component F1y.

  That is, in this embodiment, the contact portion 61b of the separation member 61 moves in the direction in which the separation member 61 moves from the retracted position to the normal position (action position) by the force F1 received from the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d (upward). , A component force (F1y) acting in the direction of arrow H2 is generated. That is, the contact portion 61b of the separation member 61 is inclined by the angle θ3 so that the force F1 received by the separation member 61 from the force receiving portion 44b has the component F1y.

  Further, the force receiving portion 44b is inclined in the same direction as the contact portion 61b so that the force receiving portion 44b of the developing unit 4 is surely in contact with the contact portion 61b of the separating member 61. That is, the contact portion 61b and the force receiving portion 44b are inclined from the upstream side in the arrow H1 direction and the upstream side in the arrow N direction toward the downstream side in the arrow H1 direction and the downstream side in the arrow M direction.

  The direction of the arrow H1 is a direction in which the separating member 61 moves from the operating position (see FIGS. 15C and 16) to the retracted position (FIG. 15A). That is, the arrow H1 direction is a direction in which the separating member 61 is retracted. The arrow N direction is a direction in which the separating member 61 moves from the operating position (see FIG. 15C) toward the non-operating position (see FIG. 15B). That is, the arrow M direction is a direction in which the separating member 61 moves to bring the developing roller 41 into contact with the photosensitive drum 1.

  By inclining the separating member 61 and the force receiving portion 44b as described above, when the separating member 61 and the force receiving portion 44b are engaged (contacted), a force acts in a direction in which they are drawn together. ing. That is, a force is applied upward (H2 direction) to the separating member 61, and a force is applied downward (H1 direction) to the force receiving portion 44b, whereby the separating member 61 and the force receiving portion 44b are attracted to each other. As a result, even if the separating member 61 is movably provided on the moving member 62, when it is engaged with the force receiving portion 44b, it is surely maintained at the normal position (acting position) by the component force F1y. The state engaged with the receiving portion 44b is maintained.

In particular, in this embodiment, the angle between the force receiving portion 44b and the contact portion 61b of the separation member 61 is set as follows, so that the engagement state of the force reception portion 44b and the separation member 61 is more stably maintained. I have to.
θ1 ≧ θ3 (see FIG. 20) and θ2 ≧ θ3 (see FIG. 23).

  This is because the angle (θ1, θ2) formed by the force receiving portion 44b with respect to the vertical direction is the contact portion of the separation member 61 in both the case where the developing unit 4 is in the separation position and the contact position. It means that it becomes larger than the angle θ3 formed by 61b. As a result, regardless of the attitude of the developing unit 4, the tip of the force receiving portion 44 b reliably comes into contact with the surface on which the contact portion 61 b of the separating member 61 is formed. Therefore, the contact state between the force receiving portion 44b and the contact portion 61b of the separating member 61 is stably maintained.

Organizing the above formula,
θ1 ≧ θ3 and θ2 = θ1−θ0 ≧ θ3
That is,
θ1 ≧ θ3 and θ1-θ3 ≧ θ0
It is.

  In this state, when the developing unit 4 is in the contact position, the angle (θ1−θ3) formed by the contact portion 61b of the separating member 61 and the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d is the rotation angle of the development unit 4. It means that it is equal to or greater than θ0 (angle from the contact position to the separation position).

<Example 4>
In the present embodiment, a modification of the shape of the separation member 71 and the protrusion 44d provided in the separation mechanism 70 is shown. In this embodiment, the description will be focused on the configuration different from the second embodiment, and the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the separation member 71 is supported so as to be rotatable about a support portion 74 provided on the moving member 72. Further, the separation member 71 is biased to a position where it can engage with the force receiving portion 44b by a biasing spring 73. Also in this embodiment, the separating member 71 can move to three different positions (operating position, non-operating position, and retracted position).

  FIG. 25A shows a state in which the process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is attached to the apparatus main body 100. At this time, the moving member 72 is in the non-image forming position, and the separating member 71 supported by the moving member 72 is in a position where it interferes with the process cartridge P. The separation member 71 interferes with the protrusion 44d of the process cartridge P and is pressed downward (in the direction of the arrow H1). As a result, the separating member 71 rotates clockwise (in the direction of the arrow U1) about the support portion 74 in FIG. 25A, and retracts to a position where the process cartridge P is securely mounted in the apparatus main body 100. That is, the separating member 71 moves to the retracted position.

  In order to engage the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d and the separating member 71 from the state shown in FIG. 25A, the position where the separating member 71 does not interfere with the process cartridge P (projecting portion 44d) (image formation). The moving member 72 is moved in the right direction (arrow N direction) until (position). As shown in FIG. 25B, when the separating member 71 moves to a position where it does not interfere with the projecting portion 44d, the spacing member 71 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of the arrow U2) about the support portion 74 by the force of the biasing spring 73. . Then, the separating member 71 moves relative to the moving member 72 and rises to a normal position (non-operating position) where the force receiving portion 44b provided in the protruding portion 44d can be contacted and engaged.

  Next, when the moving member 72 is moved leftward (arrow M direction) from the image forming position shown in FIG. 25B, the separating member 71 and the force receiving portion 44b are engaged. In this state, when the moving member 72 is further moved in the left direction (arrow M direction), the moving member 72 reaches the non-image forming position, and the separating member 71 is a position where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated (separated). The developing unit 4 is moved to (position). Then, from the end of the image forming operation to the resumption of the image forming operation, the developing roller 41 is kept away from the photosensitive drum 1 (see FIG. 25C). FIG. 25C shows a state where the separating member 71 is located at the operating position.

  In summary, when the separation member 71 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 25A), the movement member 72 reciprocates between the image forming position and the non-image forming position, so that the separation member 71 does not act. Move to the working position via the position. The separation member 71 engages with the force receiving portion 44b and moves the developing unit 4 to the separation position (see FIG. 25C).

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, similarly to the third embodiment, the protruding portion 44d is formed with a convex portion 44a and a concave portion 44g for reliably engaging the separation member 71 and the force receiving portion 44b. Is done. In the present embodiment, the force receiving portion 44b is formed on the concave portion 44g, and the contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 contacts.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, in the state where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are in contact with each other, the force receiving portion 44b of the protruding portion 44d moves in the moving direction of the moving member 72 (in the directions of arrows M and N). The angle θ1 is inclined with respect to the orthogonal direction orthogonal to (). Further, as shown in FIG. 22, in a state where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated from each other, the force receiving portion 44b is perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving member 72 (directions of arrows M and N). The angle θ2 is inclined.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 is inclined at an angle θ3 with respect to the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction) of the moving member 72.

    FIG. 27 shows the relationship between the force receiving portion 44b and the separating member 71 in a state where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are in contact with each other. FIG. 26 shows the relationship between the force receiving portion 44b and the separating member 71 in a state where the developing roller 41 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated from each other.

By making the relationship between the force receiving portion 44b and the contact portion 71b of the separating member 71 as follows, a force for maintaining the engaged state of the force receiving portion 44b and the separating member 71 is generated.
θ1 ≧ θ3 and θ2 ≧ θ3 (see FIGS. 26 and 27).

  The force receiving portion 44b is inclined in the same direction as the contact portion 71b. That is, the force receiving portion 44b and the contact portion 71b are inclined from the upstream side in the arrow N direction and the upstream side in the arrow u1 direction toward the downstream side in the arrow N direction and the upstream side in the arrow u1 direction (FIG. 27). reference). The arrow u1 is the direction in which the separation member 71 is retracted (the direction in which the separation member 71 moves from the normal position (operation position: see FIG. 25C) toward the retraction position (FIG. 25A)). is there.

  Furthermore, the angle (θ1, θ2) of the force receiving portion 44b is set larger than the angle θ3 of the contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 in both cases where the developing unit 4 is in the contact position and in the separation position. Yes.

Organizing the above formula,
θ1 ≧ θ3 and θ1-θ0 ≧ θ3
It becomes. This means
θ1 ≧ θ3 and θ1-θ3 ≧ θ0
It is.

  In this state, when the developing unit 4 is in the contact position, the angle (θ1−θ3) formed by the contact portion 71b of the separating member 71 and the force receiving portion 44b is equal to or larger than the rotation angle θ0 of the development unit. Means.

  This will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, when the moving member 72 moves in the arrow M direction, the contact portion 71b of the separating member 71 receives the force F1 from the force receiving portion 44b. This force F1 is a force generated in a direction perpendicular to the contact portion 71b. Further, the force receiving portion 44 b receives a force F <b> 1 ′ opposite to the force F <b> 1 from the contact portion 71 b of the separating member 71.

  Hereinafter, the force received by the contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 and the force receiving portion 44b will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 29 shows the force F <b> 1 received by the contact portion 71 b between the separation mechanism 70 and the separation member 71. When the separating member 71 receives the force F1, the contact portion 71b is inclined at an angle θ3 so as to receive a rotational moment in the direction of the arrow U2 around the support portion 74. That is, the normal line of the contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 (region F1a in FIG. 29) is positioned below the straight line passing through the center 74a of the support portion 74 and perpendicular to the contact portion 71b. Yes. For this reason, the separating member 71 receives a rotational moment in the direction of the arrow U2 by the force F1. That is, a rotational moment toward the force receiving portion 44b of the process cartridge P is received. In other words, the separation member 71 is a component facing in the direction from the retracted position toward the normal position. FIG. 30 shows the force F1 'received by the force receiving portion 44b.

  The force F1 'can be decomposed into a component F1x' parallel to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction) of the moving member 72 and a component F1y 'perpendicular to the moving direction (arrow M, N direction). Among these components, the component F1y ′ is a component facing downward, in other words, receives a force toward the separating member 71.

  Further, the force F1 received by the contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 from the force receiving portion 44b acts in a direction in which the separation member 71 moves from the retracted position to the normal position and in a direction in which the separation member 71 approaches the force reception portion 44b. . Further, the abutting portion 71b is inclined by θ3 so that such an action occurs. Further, the force receiving portion 44b is also inclined in the same direction so as to maintain the state in which the contact portion 71b is reliably contacted.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, when the separating member 71 and the force receiving portion 44b come into contact with each other, a force in a direction in which the separating member 71 and the force receiving portion 44b are pulled in acts on each other. As a result, even when the separating member 71 is provided so as to be movable with respect to the moving member 72, when engaging with the force receiving portion 44b, it is surely positioned at the normal position and engaged with the force receiving portion 44b. Keep the state.

<Example 5>
In the present embodiment, a modification of the shape of the protrusion of the process cartridge P is shown. In this embodiment, the description will be focused on the configuration different from the first to fourth embodiments, and the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 31, in the present embodiment, the process cartridge P is formed with a projecting portion 44e having a substantially rectangular ring shape. The protruding portion 44e protrudes in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the developing roller 41 and away from the rotation center X of the developing roller 41 and the developing unit, as in the previous embodiment. The projecting portion 44e has an opening 44r and a force receiving portion 44h. FIG. 32 shows a state in which the process cartridge P and the separation member 71 of the separation mechanism 70 are engaged. The contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 passes through the opening 44r of the protruding portion 44e and contacts and engages with a force receiving portion 44h provided in the opening 44r.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, when the moving member 72 moves in the arrow M direction, the contact portion 71b of the separating member 71 receives the force F1 from the force receiving portion 44h. This force F1 is a force generated in a direction perpendicular to the contact portion 71b. The force receiving portion 44 h receives a force F <b> 1 ′ opposite to the force F <b> 1 from the contact portion 71 b of the separating member 71. Hereinafter, as in the fourth embodiment, the separation member 71 receives a rotational moment directed in the direction from the retracted position toward the normal position, and the force receiving portion 44 h receives a force toward the separation member 71.

  That is, in this embodiment, the force F1 received by the contact portion 71b of the separation member 71 from the force receiving portion 44h of the protrusion 44e acts in the direction (upward) in which the separation member 71 moves from the retracted position to the normal position. A contact portion 71b and a contact portion 44h are configured. When the separating member 71 and the force receiving portion 44h come into contact with each other, a force is applied in a direction in which they are drawn together. As a result, even when the separation member 71 is movably provided on the moving member 72, when the separation member 71 is engaged with the force receiving portion 44h, the separation member 71 is reliably positioned at the normal position and engaged with the force receiving portion 44h. Keep.

  Also in this embodiment, the force receiving portion 44h is a surface facing the direction in which the center (rotating shaft 41x) and the rotation center X of the developing roller 41 are located. A space is formed between the contact portion h and the developing roller 41 by the opening 44r. As the spacing member 71 enters the space (opening 44r), the spacing member 71 and the contact portion 44h are reliably engaged.

  In the above, the contact portion 71b and the force receiving portion 44h of the separation member 71 are not limited to a planar shape. The contact portion 71b and the force receiving portion 44h may be curved surfaces. Further, it may be a minute region that forms a ridge line or a point.

<Example 6>
In this embodiment, the configuration of the moving member 72 is changed from the above-described embodiment. There are two moving members 72 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish between the two moving members 72, they are referred to as a moving member 72R and a moving member 72L, respectively. Further, the separation member (engagement member) 71 provided on the moving member 72R is particularly referred to as separation members 71Y, 71M, 71M, and the separation member (engagement member) 71 provided on the movement member 72L is particularly referred to as the separation member 71K. Call it.

  The moving member 72R is a moving member for moving the process cartridge PK containing black toner. On the other hand, the moving member 72L is a moving member for moving the process cartridges PY, PM, and PC containing yellow, magenta, and cyan toners. Since there are a plurality of moving members 72, only the developing units 4 of some of the four process cartridges (black process cartridge PK in this embodiment) can be moved to the contact position. The developing units 4 of the other process cartridges (yellow, magenta, cyan process cartridges PY, PM, PC) can be held at the separated positions. This will be described below.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus A (see FIG. 2) can switch between a monochrome mode for printing a monochrome image (black and white image) and a full color mode for printing a full color image. In the monochrome mode, since only the black process cartridge PK is used, the moving member 72L does not move and only the moving member 72R needs to move. That is, the moving member 72R moves in the right direction in FIG. 33A, whereby the separating member 71K is separated from the force receiving portion 44b. As a result, the developing roller 41 of the black process cartridge PK contacts the photosensitive drum 1. On the other hand, the moving member 72L does not have to move from the state shown in FIG. When forming a monochrome image, the yellow, cyan, and magenta process cartridges PY, PM, and PC may be kept in a state in which the developing roller 41 is separated from the photosensitive drum 1.

  On the other hand, in the full color mode, both the moving member 72R and the moving member 72L move rightward from the state shown in FIG. 33A, so that the developing roller 41 contacts the photosensitive drum 1 with all the cartridges P. It is good to let them.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the moving member 72R and the moving member 72L can move separately. When printing a monochrome image, the developing roller 41 can be separated from the photosensitive drum 1 in the yellow, magenta, and cyan process cartridges PY, PM, and PC. The deformation of the yellow, magenta, and cyan developing rollers 41 can be reliably suppressed. Further, in the monochrome mode, it is possible to suppress the toner carried on the yellow, magenta, and cyan developing rollers 41 from adhering to the photosensitive drum 1. Further, in the yellow, magenta, and cyan process cartridges PY, PM, and PC, since the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 41 do not rub, the deterioration of the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 41, and the toner can be suppressed.

  As a modification of the present embodiment, there is a configuration shown in FIG. In FIG. 33 (b), the separating member 71 provided on the moving member 72R and the separating members 71Y, 71M, 71C provided on the moving member 72L are at different rotational centers. For example, in the separation member 71Y (engagement member A), the support portion 74Y that is the center of rotation is on the right side of the contact portion 71Yb (the portion that contacts the force receiving portion 44b). On the other hand, the support portion 74K, which is the rotation center in the separation member 71K (engagement member B), is on the left side of the contact portion 71Kb (the portion that contacts the force receiving portion 44b). Therefore, the width W7b of the separation mechanism 70 in FIG. 33B is shorter than the width W7a of the separation mechanism 70 in FIG. In the configuration shown in FIG. 33B, the separation mechanism 70 can be made compact.

  In order to shorten the width W7b, among the plurality of separating members 71 arranged side by side, a separating member 71Y (engaging member A) and a separating member 71K (engaging member B) located at both ends (right end and left end). The position of the center of rotation should be close. In the configuration shown in FIG. 33B, the rotation center (support portion 74Y) of the separation member 71Y and the rotation center (support portion 74K) of the separation member 71K are located between the contact portion 71Yb and the contact portion 71Kb. That is, the support portions 74Y and 74K are arranged inside the region Z sandwiched between the contact portion 71Kb and the contact portion 71Yb to shorten W7b.

  The spacing member 71Y disclosed in FIG. 33B will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 shows a state in which the separation member 71Y is engaged with the process cartridge PY. The separation member 71Y engages (contacts) with the force receiving portion 44b to apply force to the force receiving portion 44b, but simultaneously receives the force F1 from the force receiving portion 44b.

  This force F1 generates a moment in the direction of the arrow s2 around the support portion 74Y. Due to the moment in the direction of arrow s2, the separating member 71Y is held at a position (normal position) where it can engage with the force receiving portion 44b. That is, the separating member 71b is not retracted in the direction of the arrow s1.

  In this embodiment, the elastic member (the biasing spring 73) that biases the separation member 71 is a compression coil spring. However, the configuration of the elastic member is not limited to this, and for example, a torsion spring 75 may be used as shown in FIG. In addition to the present embodiment, it is effective to use the torsion spring 75 in the configuration in which the separating member 71 rotates as in the second and fourth embodiments.

1 Photosensitive drum 4 Development unit (second unit)
5 Cleaning unit (first unit)
13 Intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member)
28 Cartridge tray (mounting member)
30 Opening and closing door (opening and closing member)
41 Developing roller 61 Separating member (engaging member)
62 Moving member 62a Guide part (support part)
71 Separation member (engagement member)
72 Moving member 74 Center of rotation (support)
100 apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body)
204 Developing cartridge A Image forming apparatus P (PY, PM, PC, PK) Process cartridge

Claims (34)

In the image forming apparatus,
(I) a main body of the image forming apparatus,
(Ii) a spacing member;
(I-ii) a movable member that is movable in a state of supporting the separation member, wherein the separation member is (a) a normal position with respect to the movement member, and (b) a retreat position that is retreated from the normal position. A moving member configured to move between,
A device body comprising:
(Ii) a process cartridge detachable from the apparatus main body,
(Ii-i) a photosensitive drum;
(Ii-ii) a developing roller capable of approaching and separating from the photosensitive drum;
(Ii-iii) a separation force receiving portion that receives a separation force for moving the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum from the separation member of the apparatus main body;
(Ii-iv) a contact portion for contacting the spacing member and retracting the spacing member;
A process cartridge comprising:
Have
The spacing member is configured to apply the spacing force to the spacing force receiving portion with the movement of the moving member when positioned at the normal position; and
The image forming apparatus configured to retract from the normal position to the retracted position when the spacing member contacts the contact portion of the process cartridge. The apparatus main body is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an urging member that urges the separation member to advance from the retracted position toward the normal position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spacing member receives a force that suppresses movement from the normal position toward the retracted position by engaging the spacing force receiving portion. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation member is configured to receive a force drawn toward the process cartridge when engaged with the separation force receiving portion. 5. . The separation member has an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the advancing / retreating direction of the separation member and that engages with the separation force receiving portion,
The inclined portion of the separation member is inclined so as to receive a force from the separation force receiving portion that suppresses the movement of the separation member toward the retracted position. The image forming apparatus described. The separation force receiving portion has an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the advancing / retreating direction of the separation member and that engages with the separation member,
The inclined portion of the separation force receiving portion is inclined so as to apply a force for suppressing the separation member from moving toward the retracted position when engaged with the separation member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spacing member is configured to receive an upward force from the spacing force receiving portion by engaging with the spacing force receiving portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving member is configured to reciprocate. As the moving member moves from a state where the spacing member is in contact with the contact portion of the process cartridge, the spacing member moves away from the contact portion and advances from the retracted position to the normal position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, configured as described above. From the state where the spacing member is in contact with the contact portion of the process cartridge, as the moving member moves in one direction, the spacing member moves away from the contact portion from the retracted position. Advancing to a normal position, and then, as the moving member moves in a direction opposite to the one direction, the separating member approaches the separating force receiving unit, and the separating force receiving unit receives the separating force. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be added. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation member advances and retracts between the normal position and the retracted position with a rotational movement with respect to the moving member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation member advances and retreats between the normal position and the retracted position with a linear motion with respect to the moving member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation member is retracted from the normal position to the retracted position by moving downward. The process cartridge is
A first unit comprising the photosensitive drum;
A second unit comprising the developing roller;
With
14. The second unit according to claim 1, wherein the second unit moves relative to the first unit so as to move the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum when the separation force receiving unit receives the separation force. The image forming apparatus described in the item. The apparatus main body is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cartridge holding member that holds the process cartridge and moves the process cartridge from the outside to the inside of the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of the process cartridges,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus main body includes a plurality of the separation members so as to correspond to the plurality of process cartridges. In the image forming apparatus,
(I) an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, (ii) an apparatus main body including a separation member;
(Ii) a process cartridge detachable from the apparatus main body,
(Ii-i) a photosensitive drum;
(Ii-ii) a developing roller capable of approaching and separating from the photosensitive drum;
(Ii-iii) a separation force receiving portion that receives a separation force for moving the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum from the separation member of the apparatus main body;
(Ii-iv) a contact portion for contacting the spacing member and retracting the spacing member;
A process cartridge comprising:
Have
The spacing member is
(A) a first position for applying the separation force to the separation force receiving portion in order to move the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum;
(B) a second position moved from the first position to move away from the separation force receiving portion to allow the developing roller to approach the photosensitive drum;
(C) a third position retracted by contact with the contact portion to avoid interference with the process cartridge;
The image forming apparatus is movable to three different positions. The apparatus main body is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a moving member that supports the separating member so as to be able to advance and retreat, and is movable while supporting the separating member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the moving member is configured to reciprocate. When the spacing member moves relative to the moving member, the spacing member can move back and forth between the first position and the third position.
20. The separation member according to claim 18, wherein the separation member is movable between the first position and the second position by moving the moving member in a state where the separation member is advanced. Image forming apparatus. The spacing member is
Advanceable and retreatable between the first position and the third position;
21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the image forming apparatus is movable between the first position and the second position in a direction different from the forward / backward direction. The apparatus main body is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising an urging member that urges the separation member to advance from the third position toward the process cartridge. 23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the separation member is configured to receive a force drawn toward the process cartridge when engaged with the separation force receiving portion. . The separation member has an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the advancing / retreating direction of the separation member and that engages with the separation force receiving portion,
24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the inclined portion of the separation member is inclined so as to receive a force drawn from the separation force receiving portion toward the process cartridge. The separation force receiving portion has an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the advancing / retreating direction of the separation member and that engages with the separation member,
25. The inclined portion according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the inclined portion of the separation force receiving portion is inclined so as to draw the separation member toward the process cartridge when engaged with the separation member. Image forming apparatus. 26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the spacing member is configured to receive an upward force from the spacing force receiving portion by engaging with the spacing force receiving portion. 27. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the separation member moves from the third position to the first position via the second position. The separation member moves from the third position to the second position as the separation member moves away from the contact portion, and then, the separation member approaches the separation force receiving portion to the second position. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the image forming apparatus is moved from the first position to the first position. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the separation member retracts to the third position with a rotational movement when contacting the contact portion. 30. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 29, wherein the separation member retracts to the third position with a linear motion when contacting the contact portion. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 30, wherein the third position is a position moved downward from the first position. The process cartridge is
A first unit comprising the photosensitive drum;
A second unit comprising the developing roller;
With
32. The second unit according to any one of claims 17 to 31, wherein the second unit moves relative to the first unit so as to move the developing roller away from the photosensitive drum when the separation force receiving portion receives the separation force. The image forming apparatus described in the item. The apparatus main body is
33. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a cartridge holding member for moving the process cartridge from the outside to the inside of the apparatus main body while holding the process cartridge. The image forming apparatus includes:
A plurality of process cartridges;
The apparatus main body is
34. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, comprising a plurality of the separation members so as to correspond to the plurality of process cartridges.