JP6922374B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Regarding the conventional image forming apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-49032 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus including a removable process cartridge.

In Patent Document 1, a guide rail serving as a mounting guide for the process cartridge is provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge is attached to the main body of the apparatus by suspending the guide rib of the process cartridge on the guide rail. A spring member is provided on the guide rail. The top surface of the process cartridge has a first recess and a second recess that engage the spring member at the position where the cartridge is completely inserted into the device body and at the position where the process cartridge is pulled out from the device body. It is provided.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-84534 (Patent Document 2) discloses an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a removable process cartridge.

In Patent Document 2, an uneven portion is provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge is provided with an incompatible key that is inserted into the uneven portion when the process cartridge is mounted. Since the shape of the uneven portion and the incompatible key is different for each color of the process cartridge, the operator cannot mistakenly insert the process cartridge of a different color into the main body of the apparatus.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-49032 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-84534

As disclosed in the above-mentioned patent documents, a functional unit such as a process cartridge in which an image carrier, a cleaner, a charger and a developing device are integrated, and a drum cartridge in which an image carrier, a cleaner and a charger are integrally integrated. There is known an image forming apparatus that is detachably provided.

Although there is almost no difference in appearance among such functional units, there are some that have different performance depending on the color of the functional unit and whether it is a starting product or a generic product. exist. If an erroneous functional unit is attached to the image forming apparatus, good image forming may not be performed or the apparatus may be damaged. Therefore, the image forming apparatus may be provided with an incompatible mechanism for mounting only a specific functional unit.

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus, there is a concern that the functional unit may be damaged or the surroundings may be soiled due to the functional unit being accidentally dropped on the floor when the functional unit is attached or detached. In order to eliminate such concerns, the image forming apparatus may be provided with a fall prevention mechanism for preventing the functional unit from falling during attachment / detachment.

When the incompatibility mechanism and the fall prevention mechanism of such a functional unit are provided, if the number of parts is significantly increased or an excessive space is required for incorporating the parts, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus increases, or the image The forming device may become large.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide an image forming apparatus in which the incompatibility mechanism and the fall prevention mechanism of the functional unit are realized by a simple configuration.

An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a first locked portion, and slides and moves in one direction with respect to the first mounting portion. It includes a first functional unit that is detachably provided by the device and a second functional unit that has a second locked portion and is detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the second mounting portion. .. The first mounting portion has a first locking portion that locks the first locked portion when the first functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the first functional unit. The second mounting portion has a second locking portion that locks the second locked portion when the second functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the second functional unit. The first functional unit and the first mounting portion enable the operation of the first functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion. It has a first release operation mechanism unit that is configured. The second functional unit and the second mounting portion enable the operation of the second functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. It has a second release operation mechanism unit that is configured. Between the length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit and between the second locked portion and the second unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. Is different from the length of. The first mounting portion further includes a base member and a rail member that is detachably attached to the base member and extends along the sliding direction of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit. The rail member is provided with a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The rail member is inverted in the sliding direction of the first functional unit and attached to the base member, so that the second locking portion is arranged at a position that restricts the sliding movement of the second functional unit.
An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention has a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a first locked portion, and slides and moves in one direction with respect to the first mounting portion. It includes a first functional unit that is detachably provided by the device and a second functional unit that has a second locked portion and is detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the second mounting portion. .. The first mounting portion has a first locking portion that locks the first locked portion when the first functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the first functional unit. The second mounting portion has a second locking portion that locks the second locked portion when the second functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the second functional unit. The first functional unit and the first mounting portion enable the operation of the first functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion. It has a first release operation mechanism unit that is configured. The second functional unit and the second mounting portion enable the operation of the second functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. It has a second release operation mechanism unit that is configured. Between the length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit and between the second locked portion and the second unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. Is different from the length of. The first mounting portion further includes a rail member that extends along the sliding direction of the first functional unit and guides the first functional unit. The first locking portion is attached to the rail member so that the position of the first functional unit in the slide direction is variable.
An image forming apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention has a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a first locked portion, and slides and moves in one direction with respect to the first mounting portion. A first functional unit that is detachably provided by this means and a second functional unit that has a second locked portion and is detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the second mounting portion. Be prepared. The first mounting portion has a first locking portion that locks the first locked portion when the first functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the first functional unit. The second mounting portion has a second locking portion that locks the second locked portion when the second functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the second functional unit. The first functional unit and the first mounting portion enable the operation of the first functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion. It has a first release operation mechanism unit that is configured. The second functional unit and the second mounting portion enable the operation of the second functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. It has a second release operation mechanism unit that is configured. Between the length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit and between the second locked portion and the second unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. Is different from the length of. The first functional unit has a heavier weight than the second functional unit. The protrusion length of the first functional unit from the first mounting portion in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion is the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locked portion. Is smaller than the protrusion length of the second functional unit from the second mounting portion.
An image forming apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention has a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a first locked portion, and slides and moves in one direction with respect to the first mounting portion. A first functional unit that is detachably provided by this means and a second functional unit that has a second locked portion and is detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the second mounting portion. Be prepared. The first mounting portion has a first locking portion that locks the first locked portion when the first functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the first functional unit. The second mounting portion has a second locking portion that locks the second locked portion when the second functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the sliding movement of the second functional unit. The first functional unit and the first mounting portion enable the operation of the first functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion. It has a first release operation mechanism unit that is configured. The second functional unit and the second mounting portion enable the operation of the second functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. It has a second release operation mechanism unit that is configured. Between the length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit and between the second locked portion and the second unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. Is different from the length of.

According to the image forming apparatus configured in this way, when the first functional unit is attached / detached, the first functional unit is prevented from falling by obtaining the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion. When the second functional unit is attached / detached, the second functional unit can be prevented from falling by obtaining the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. Further, the length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operation mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit, and the second locked portion and the second unlocking operating mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. If the first function unit is erroneously mounted on the second mounting portion because the length between the two is different, the first function is to release the locked state of the first locked portion and the second locking portion. If the unit cannot be operated and the second function unit is erroneously mounted on the first mounting portion, the second function is to release the locked state of the second locked portion and the first locking portion. The unit cannot be operated. In the present invention, since the incompatible mechanism and the fall prevention mechanism of such a functional unit are realized by a common configuration, they can be easily configured.

More preferably, the first mounting portion further includes a base member and a rail member that is detachably attached to the base member and extends along the sliding direction of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit. The rail member is provided with a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The rail member is inverted in the sliding direction of the first functional unit and attached to the base member, so that the second locking portion is arranged at a position that restricts the sliding movement of the second functional unit.

More preferably, the first mounting portion further includes a rail member that extends along the sliding direction of the first functional unit and guides the first functional unit. The first locking portion is attached to the rail member so that the position of the first functional unit in the slide direction is variable.

According to the image forming apparatus configured in this way, the functional unit that can be mounted on the first mounting portion can be easily changed.

Further, preferably, the image forming apparatus has a transport portion for transporting the recording medium and a door portion provided so as to be openable and closable at a position adjacent to the transport portion, and accommodates the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, and the transport portion. Further equipped with a cabinet to be used. The rail member is provided at a position accessible from an opening provided when the door portion is opened.

According to the image forming apparatus configured in this way, it is possible to improve workability when changing the mounting direction of the rail member or changing the position of the first locking portion.

Also preferably, the first functional unit further comprises a first substrate provided at a first position in its sliding direction. The second functional unit further has a second substrate provided at a second position deviated from the first position in the sliding direction. The first mounting portion is provided at a position corresponding to the first position, and further has a first connecting portion to which the first substrate is connected. The second mounting portion is provided at a position corresponding to the second position, and further has a second connecting portion to which the second substrate is connected.

According to the image forming apparatus configured in this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the wrong functional unit from being mounted on the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

Also preferably, the first functional unit has a heavier weight than the second functional unit. The protrusion length of the first functional unit from the first mounting portion in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion is the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locked portion. Is smaller than the protrusion length of the second functional unit from the second mounting portion.

According to the image forming apparatus configured in this way, an excessive load is applied from the heavy first functional unit to the first mounting portion in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locking portion. Can be prevented.

Also preferably, the first functional unit further has a first label showing information about the first functional unit. The second functional unit further has a second label showing information about the second functional unit. The first label is provided at the position of the first functional unit that protrudes from the first mounting portion in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locking portion. The second label is provided at the position of the second functional unit that protrudes from the second mounting portion in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion.

According to the image forming apparatus configured in this way, it becomes easy to check the label when attaching / detaching the functional unit.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the incompatibility mechanism and the fall prevention mechanism of the functional unit are realized by a simple configuration.

It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the image formation unit in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing drum cartridges having different lifespans in the image forming apparatus in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st mounting part and the 1st drum cartridge which is mounted on the 1st mounting part. It is a partially enlarged view which shows the 1st drum cartridge of the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line V in FIG. It is a partially enlarged view which shows the 1st mounting part of the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line VI in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd mounting part and the 2nd drum cartridge which is mounted on the 2nd mounting part. It is a partially enlarged view which shows the 2nd drum cartridge of the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line VIII in FIG. 7. It is a partially enlarged view which shows the 2nd mounting part of the area surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line IX in FIG. 7. It is a side view which shows the 1st step at the time of attaching and detaching the 1st drum cartridge with respect to the 1st mounting part. It is a side view which shows the 2nd step at the time of attaching and detaching the 1st drum cartridge with respect to the 1st mounting part. It is a side view which shows the 3rd step at the time of attaching and detaching the 1st drum cartridge with respect to the 1st mounting part. It is a side view which shows the 4th step at the time of attaching and detaching the 1st drum cartridge with respect to the 1st mounting part. It is a side view which shows the state which the improper drum cartridge is attached to the attachment part. It is a side view which shows the state which the improper drum cartridge is attached to the attachment part. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st mounting part shown in FIG. 4 partially enlarged. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st mounting part shown in FIG. 4 partially enlarged. It is a figure which represented typically the 1st mounting part and the 1st drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which represented typically the 2nd mounting part and the 2nd drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the 2nd mounting part and the 2nd drum cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a partially enlarged view of a first mounting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a partially enlarged view of a first mounting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the 1st drum cartridge is mounted on the 1st mounting part in FIG. 21. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance that the 2nd drum cartridge is mounted on the 1st mounting part in FIG. 22. It is a bottom view which shows the 1st drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows the 2nd drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding members are given the same number.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment is a color image forming apparatus capable of forming a full-color image. First, the overall structure of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of image forming units 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, 102K), an intermediate transfer belt 103, a support roller (opposing roller) 105, a support roller 106, a plurality of transfer rollers 108, and a belt. It has a cleaning unit 109, a plurality of toner cartridges 161, an optical writing device 117, a transport unit 140, a paper feed tray 120, a paper output tray 132, and a cabinet 141.

The support roller 105 and the support roller 106 are provided at a distance from each other. The intermediate transfer belt 103 is arranged in an annular shape by being hung around the support roller 105 and the support roller 106. The intermediate transfer belt 103 is rotationally driven counterclockwise in FIG.

The plurality of image forming units 102 are arranged substantially in the center of the image forming apparatus 100. The plurality of image forming units 102 are provided adjacent to each other below the intermediate transfer belt 103. The image forming apparatus 100 adopts a tandem type in which the image forming unit 102Y, the image forming unit 102M, the image forming unit 102C, and the image forming unit 102K are arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 103.

The plurality of transfer rollers 108 are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 103 arranged in an annular shape. The plurality of transfer rollers 108 are provided so as to face each of the plurality of image forming units 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, 102K). The transfer roller 108 is provided as a primary transfer means.

The belt cleaning unit 109 is provided on the outside of the intermediate transfer belt 103 arranged in an annular shape. The belt cleaning unit 109 is provided adjacent to the support roller 106. The belt cleaning unit 109 is provided as a cleaning means for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 103.

The image forming unit 102Y, the image forming unit 102M, the image forming unit 102C, and the image forming unit 102K have an intermediate toner image having colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. It is formed on the surface of the transfer belt 103. Toner images having the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) are superposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 103.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the image forming unit in FIG. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming unit 102Y, the image forming unit 102M, the image forming unit 102C, and the image forming unit 102K have substantially the same configuration except that they handle different colors.

Each image forming unit 102 includes a photoconductor drum 107 as an image carrier, a charging roller 110 as a charging means, a developing unit 21, and a cleaning blade 112 as a cleaning device. The charging roller 110, the developing unit 21, the transfer roller 108, and the cleaning blade 112 are provided side by side on the outer periphery of the photoconductor drum 107 in the circumferential direction.

The developing unit 21 has a developing roller 115 and a plurality of screws 116. The developing roller 115 is arranged so as to face the photoconductor drum 107. The plurality of screws 116 are provided below the developing roller 115. The developer composed of the toner and the magnetic carrier is regulated to a predetermined thickness of the developer layer by the regulating blade and is supported on the developing roller 115.

The developing unit 21 is not limited to the above-mentioned two-component developing method, and may be a one-component developing method.

The plurality of toner cartridges 161 are provided above the plurality of image forming units 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, 102K). The plurality of toner cartridges 161 are provided corresponding to the plurality of image forming units 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, 102K), respectively. The toner cartridge 161 contains a developer for replenishing the developing unit 21. The toner cartridge 161 is detachably provided with respect to the image forming apparatus 100.

The optical writing device 117 is provided below the plurality of image forming units 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, 102K). The paper feed tray 120 is provided below the optical writing device 117. Paper as a recording medium is loaded on the paper feed tray 120. The transport unit 140 is provided on the side of the plurality of image forming units 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, 102K) and the paper feed tray 120.

The transport unit 140 includes a paper feed roller 121, a resist roller 122, a transfer roller 123, a fixing device 130, and a paper discharge roller 131. The transfer roller 123 is provided as a secondary transfer means. The transfer roller 123 is arranged so as to face the support roller (opposing roller) 105 with the intermediate transfer belt 103 interposed therebetween. The transport unit 140 conveys the paper loaded on the paper feed tray 120 to the paper output tray 132 through the secondary transfer unit between the intermediate transfer belt 103 and the transfer roller 123 and the fixing device 130.

The color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 103 moves to the secondary transfer portion between the intermediate transfer belt 103 and the transfer roller 123. The paper loaded on the paper feed tray 120 is conveyed by the paper feed roller 121 and the resist roller 122 to the secondary transfer section between the intermediate transfer belt 103 and the transfer roller 123. The color toner image supported on the intermediate transfer belt 103 is transferred to the surface of the paper at the secondary transfer section. The color toner image is fixed on the surface of the paper by heating and pressurizing the paper in the fixing device 130. The paper on which the image is formed by the above steps is discharged to the output tray 132 by the output roller 131.

The cabinet 141 is a housing that has the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100. The cabinet 141 has a vertical transport door (door portion) 142. The vertical transport door 142 is provided at a position adjacent to the transport portion 140. The vertical transport door 142 is provided on the side surface of the cabinet 141. The vertical transport door 142 is mainly opened and closed when paper jam occurs in the transport unit 140.

With reference to FIG. 2, the drum cartridge (drum unit) 31 is configured by removing the developing unit 21 from the image forming unit 102. More specifically, the drum cartridge 31 includes a photoconductor drum 107, a charging roller 110, a cleaning blade 112, a cleaning roller 162, a recovery screw 163, and a resin housing 32. The charging roller 110, the cleaning roller 162, the cleaning blade 112, and the recovery screw 163 are held by the resin housing 32.

In the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the developing unit 21 and the drum cartridge 31 are separated and configured. The drum cartridge 31 and the developing unit 21 are provided independently of each other and detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100.

The configuration is not limited to this, and the image forming unit 102 in which the developing unit 21 and the drum cartridge 31 are integrated may be detachably provided as a process cartridge with respect to the image forming apparatus 100.

The development unit 21 is provided with a rotation fulcrum 21p. The developing unit 21 is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation fulcrum 21p in a direction in which the distance from the drum cartridge 31 increases or decreases.

When the developing unit 21 and the drum cartridge 31 are attached to the image forming apparatus 100, first, the developing unit 21 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. The developing unit 21 is prevented from rotating in a direction away from the mounting position of the drum cartridge 31. Next, the drum cartridge 31 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. By operating a rotation lever (not shown), the developing unit 21 is rotated toward the drum cartridge 31. The developing unit 21 is pressed against the drum cartridge 31 by the spring force to position the developing roller 115 and the photoconductor drum 107.

Regulatory members (development unit side) 150 for regulating the gap between the developing roller 115 and the photoconductor drum 107 are provided at both ends of the developing roller 115 in the direction of the rotation axis. Regulatory members (drum cartridge side) 151 for regulating the gap between the developing roller 115 and the photoconductor drum 107 are provided at both ends of the photoconductor drum 107 in the direction of the rotation axis.

The gap between the developing roller 115 and the photoconductor drum 107 is regulated by the regulating member (development unit side) 150 and the regulating member (drum cartridge side) 151 coming into contact with each other. Here, the gap between the developing roller 115 and the photoconductor drum 107 is important for achieving good image formation, and for example, an accuracy of ± 15 μm is required. In the image forming unit 102 shown in FIG. 2, the regulating member (drum cartridge side) 151 is an adjustable type, and the regulating member (development unit side) 150 is a ball bearing. It enables highly accurate positioning through adjustment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing drum cartridges having different lifespans in the image forming apparatus in FIG. FIG. 3A shows a short-life drum cartridge 31 mounted on the color image forming units 102Y, 102M, 102C, and FIG. 3B shows a short-life drum cartridge 31 mounted on the monochrome image forming unit 102K. The long-life drum cartridge 31 to be used is shown.

As an example, depending on the difference between the mounting angle A and the length B of the cleaning blade 112 in FIG. 3 (A) and the mounting angle C and the length D of the cleaning blade 112 in FIG. 3 (B), the drum cartridge 31 The life is fixed. Drum cartridges with different lifespans may be used between color and monochrome, as well as between innovator and generic products, for example.

In such a configuration, only the short-life drum cartridge 31 can be attached to the image-forming units 102Y, 102M, 102C in the image forming apparatus 100, and only the long-life drum cartridge 31 can be attached to the image-forming unit 102K. There is an incompatible mechanism that allows the image to be attached to the device.

Further, the drum cartridge 31 is slid and moved in one direction (the front-back direction of the image forming apparatus 100) when the drum cartridge 31 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a fall prevention mechanism for preventing the drum cartridge 31 from accidentally falling to the floor when the drum cartridge 31 is attached or detached.

Hereinafter, the incompatibility mechanism and the fall prevention mechanism of the drum cartridge 31 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first mounting portion and a first drum cartridge mounted on the first mounting portion. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing the first drum cartridge in the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line V in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view showing the first mounting portion in the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line VI in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second mounting portion and a second drum cartridge mounted on the second mounting portion. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view showing the second drum cartridge in the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the second mounting portion in the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line IX in FIG. 7.

With reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, the image forming apparatus 100 has a first mounting portion 41A and a second mounting portion 41B, and a first drum cartridge 31A and a second drum cartridge 31B.

The first mounting portion 41A and the second mounting portion 41B are provided on the device main body side of the image forming apparatus 100. The first mounting portion 41A and the second mounting portion 41B basically have the same structure, and hereinafter, when the two are not particularly distinguished, they are simply referred to as "mounting portion 41".

The first drum cartridge 31A corresponds to the drum cartridge 31 mounted on the monochrome image forming unit 102K. The second drum cartridge 31B corresponds to the drum cartridge 31 mounted on the color image forming units 102Y, 102M, 102C. The first drum cartridge 31A and the second drum cartridge 31B basically have the same structure, and hereinafter, when the two are not particularly distinguished, they are simply referred to as "drum cartridge 31".

The first drum cartridge 31A is detachably provided by sliding the first drum cartridge 31A with respect to the first mounting portion 41A in one direction (the front-back direction of the image forming apparatus 100). The second drum cartridge 31B is detachably provided by sliding the second drum cartridge 31B with respect to the second mounting portion 41B in one direction (the front-back direction of the image forming apparatus 100). The direction in which the first drum cartridge 31A is slid and moved when it is attached and detached is the same as the direction in which the second drum cartridge 31B is slid and moved when it is attached and detached.

Hereinafter, the direction in which the drum cartridge 31 is slid and moved when it is attached and detached is referred to as "sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31", and in particular, the direction in which the drum cartridge 31 is slid and moved when it is attached (indicated by arrows 201 in FIGS. 4 and 7). Direction) is referred to as "sliding direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted".

The mounting portion 41 has a rail 42 and a rail 43. The rail 42 and the rail 43 extend along the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31. The rail 42 and the rail 43 are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction. The rail 43 is provided below the rail 42. The rail 42 receives the weight of the drum cartridge 31 mounted on the mounting portion 41. A space for accommodating the drum cartridge 31 is formed between the rail 42 and the rail 43.

The mounting portion 41 further includes a slope portion 45. The slope portion 45 is provided on the rail 43. The slope portion 45 has a convex shape that protrudes upward. The side of the slope portion 45 that rises diagonally from the rail 43 is arranged on the front side in the slide direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted, and the side that rises at a right angle from the rail 43 is the back in the slide direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted. It has a convex shape of a substantially triangular shape arranged on the side. The slope portion 45 is provided at a predetermined position on the rail 43 extending along the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31.

The first mounting portion 41A has a first slope portion 45A as the slope portion 45. The second mounting portion 41B has a second slope portion 45B as the slope portion 45. The position where the first slope portion 45A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 is different from the position where the second slope portion 45B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31. The first slope portion 45A is provided on the back side of the second mounting portion 41B in the sliding direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted.

The mounting portion 41 further includes a guide member 44. The guide member 44 has a convex shape that projects downward. The guide member 44 has a corner at a tip that projects downward. The guide member 44 is provided at a position deviated from the slope portion 45 in the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31. The guide member 44 is provided on the front side in the slide direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted, rather than the slope portion 45.

The first mounting portion 41A has a first guide member 44A as a guide member 44. The second mounting portion 41B has a second guide member 44B as a guide member 44. The position where the first guide member 44A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second guide member 44B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are the same.

The drum cartridge 31 has a guide rib 33. The guide rib 33 is provided in the resin housing 32. The guide rib 33 extends in a rib shape along the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31.

When the drum cartridge 31 is attached or detached, the guide member 44 comes into contact with the guide rib 33 from above. The guide rib 33 moves in the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31 while the protruding end of the guide member 44 and the guide rib 33 are in sliding contact with each other.

The guide rib 33 is provided with a recess 35. The recess 35 has a concave shape in which the guide rib 33 is recessed downward. The recess 35 is provided at a predetermined position of the guide rib 33 extending along the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31.

The guide rib 33 of the first drum cartridge 31A is provided with a first recess 35A as a recess 35. The guide rib 33 of the second drum cartridge 31B is provided with a second recess 35B as a recess 35. The position where the first recess 35A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second recess 35B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are different. The first recess 35A is provided on the front side in the slide direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted, with respect to the second recess 35B.

The drum cartridge 31 further includes a guide plate 36. The guide plate 36 is provided in the resin housing 32. The guide plate 36 extends in a plate shape along the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31. The guide plate 36 and the guide rib 33 are provided near the upper end portion of the side surface of the resin housing 32. The guide plate 36 has a protrusion 36q. The protruding portion 36q has a convex shape that protrudes upward. The protruding portion 36q is provided at the end portion on the back side in the slide direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted.

When the drum cartridge 31 is attached or detached, the protruding portion 36q comes into contact with the rail 42 in the horizontal direction. The protruding portion 36q moves in the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31 while the protruding portion 36q and the rail 42 are in sliding contact with each other.

The drum cartridge 31 further has a convex portion 34. The convex portion 34 has a convex shape that protrudes downward. The convex portion 34 has a corner portion at a tip that projects downward. The convex portion 34 is provided near the lower end portion of the side surface of the resin housing 32. The convex portion 34 is provided at a position deviated from the concave portion 35 in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31. The convex portion 34 is provided on the back side in the slide direction when the drum cartridge 31 is mounted, rather than the concave portion 35.

When the drum cartridge 31 is attached or detached, the convex portion 34 comes into contact with the rail 43 from above. The convex portion 34 moves in the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31 while the convex portion 34 and the rail 43 are in sliding contact with each other.

The first drum cartridge 31A has a first convex portion 34A as the convex portion 34. The second drum cartridge 31B has a second convex portion 34B as the convex portion 34. The position where the first convex portion 34A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second convex portion 34B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are the same.

When the drum cartridge 31 is attached / detached, the drum cartridge 31 is guided in the sliding direction by the rail 42, the rail 43 and the guide member 44 on the mounting portion 41 side, and the guide rib 33, the guide plate 36 and the convex portion 34 on the drum cartridge 31 side. Will be done. At this time, the position of the drum cartridge 31 in the vertical direction is determined by the contact between the guide member 44 and the guide rib 33 and the contact between the convex portion 34 and the rail 43.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the slide direction of the first drum cartridge 31A, the length between the first convex portion 34A and the first concave portion 35A is X, and the slide direction of the first drum cartridge 31A. The length between the first slope portion 45A and the first guide member 44A is X.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the slide direction of the second drum cartridge 31B, the length between the second convex portion 34B and the second concave portion 35B is Y, and the slide direction of the second drum cartridge 31B. The length between the second slope portion 45B and the second guide member 44B is Y.

In the sliding direction of the first drum cartridge 31A, the length between the first convex portion 34A and the first concave portion 35A and the length between the first slope portion 45A and the first guide member 44A are the same. In the sliding direction of the second drum cartridge 31B, the length between the second convex portion 34B and the second concave portion 35B and the length between the second slope portion 45B and the second guide member 44B are the same. What is the length between the first convex portion 34A and the first concave portion 35A in the slide direction of the first drum cartridge 31A and the length between the second convex portion 34B and the second concave portion 35B in the slide direction of the second drum cartridge 31B? ,different.

Subsequently, a step at the time of attaching / detaching the drum cartridge 31 to / from the mounting portion 41 will be described. Here, typically, the steps for attaching / detaching the first drum cartridge 31A to the first attachment portion 41A will be described, but the same applies to the steps for attaching the second drum cartridge 31B to the second attachment portion 41B.

10 to 13 are side views showing steps when the first drum cartridge is attached to and detached from the first mounting portion.

With reference to FIG. 10, when the first drum cartridge 31A is mounted on the first mounting portion 41A, the first drum cartridge 31A is inserted into the first mounting portion 41A. By pushing the first drum cartridge 31A toward the back side in the sliding direction at the time of mounting, the first drum cartridge 31A is slid and moved in the first mounting portion 41A.

When the first drum cartridge 31A is further slid with reference to FIG. 11, the first convex portion 34A collides with the left side portion of the first slope portion 45A. As a result, the slide movement of the first drum cartridge 31A is temporarily stopped. At this time, the first guide member 44A is located directly above the first recess 35A.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, by pushing the first drum cartridge 31A to the back side while lifting it, the first guide member 44A enters the inside of the first concave portion 35A, and the first convex portion 34A becomes the first. Overcome the slope section 45A. By pushing the first drum cartridge 31A further to the back side, the first drum cartridge 31A is positioned at a predetermined mounting position in the first mounting portion 41A.

When removing the first drum cartridge 31A from the first mounting portion 41A, the steps described above are executed in reverse order.

With reference to FIG. 13, when the first drum cartridge 31A is removed from the first mounting portion 41A, the first convex portion 34A collides with the right side portion of the first slope portion 45A, so that the first drum cartridge 31A slides. The movement stops temporarily. At this time, the first guide member 44A is located directly above the first recess 35A.

This makes it possible to prevent the first drum cartridge 31A from being pulled out vigorously and accidentally falling to the floor when the first drum cartridge 31A is removed.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 11, by pulling the first drum cartridge 31A toward the front while lifting it, the first guide member 44A enters the inside of the first concave portion 35A, and the first convex portion 34A becomes the first. Overcome the slope section 45A.

In this way, in the first drum cartridge 31A, the first convex portion 34A (first locked portion) and the first convex portion 34A are locked when the first drum cartridge 31A is attached / detached, so that the first drum cartridge 31A A fall prevention mechanism for the first drum cartridge 31A is configured by a first slope portion 45A (first locking portion) that regulates slide movement. The operation of the first drum cartridge 31A (more specifically, the first) for releasing the locked state of the first convex portion 34A and the first slope portion 45A by the first concave portion 35A and the first guide member 44A. The first release operation mechanism unit that enables the operation of lifting the drum cartridge 31A) is configured.

Similarly, in the second drum cartridge 31B, the second convex portion 34B (second locked portion) and the second convex portion 34B are locked when the second drum cartridge 31B is attached / detached, so that the second drum cartridge 31B The second slope portion 45B (second locking portion) that regulates the slide movement constitutes a fall prevention mechanism for the second drum cartridge 31B. The operation of the second drum cartridge 31B (more specifically, the second) for releasing the locked state of the second convex portion 34B and the second slope portion 45B by the second concave portion 35B and the second guide member 44B. A second release operation mechanism unit that enables the operation of lifting the drum cartridge 31B) is configured.

The shapes and dimensions of the convex portion 34 and the slope portion 45 are not particularly limited as long as they realize the fall prevention mechanism of the drum cartridge 31. Further, the shapes and dimensions of the concave portion 35 and the guide member 44 are not particularly limited as long as they realize the operation of the drum cartridge 31 for releasing the locked state of the convex portion 34 and the slope portion 45. For example, the operation of the drum cartridge 31 realized by the release operation mechanism unit may be an operation of shifting the drum cartridge 31 in the left-right direction.

14 and 15 are side views showing how an improper drum cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion.

As described above, the length between the first convex portion 34A and the first concave portion 35A in the slide direction of the first drum cartridge 31A and the second convex portion 34B and the second concave portion 35B in the slide direction of the second drum cartridge 31B. It is different from the length between.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the second drum cartridge 31B is erroneously mounted on the first mounting portion 41A, the second concave portion 35B is in the locked state of the second convex portion 34B and the first slope portion 45A. The first guide member 44A is not located directly above. Therefore, the second drum cartridge 31B cannot be lifted, and the locked state of the second convex portion 34B and the first slope portion 45A cannot be released.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the first drum cartridge 31A is erroneously mounted on the second mounting portion 41B, the first concave portion 35A is in the locked state of the first convex portion 34A and the second slope portion 45B. The second guide member 44B is not located directly above. Therefore, the first drum cartridge 31A cannot be lifted, and the locked state of the first convex portion 34A and the second slope portion 45B cannot be released.

As a result, it is possible to urge the user that an improper drum cartridge 31 is about to be mounted on the mounting portion 41. In the present embodiment, since the incompatible mechanism of the drum cartridge 31 and the fall prevention mechanism of the drum cartridge 31 are realized by a common configuration, the increase in the number of parts and the consumption of space are suppressed. be able to.

In the state shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the convex portion 34, the slope portion 45, the guide rib 33, and the guide member 44 are prevented so that the convex portion 34 does not get over the slope portion 45 by forcibly pushing up the drum cartridge 31. It is preferable that each dimension of the above is strictly controlled.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and FIGS. 8 and 9, the monochrome first drum cartridge 31A has a heavier weight than the color second drum cartridge 31B. In this case, the protrusion length of the first drum cartridge 31A from the first mounting portion 41A in the locked state of the first convex portion 34A and the first slope portion 45A is the second convex portion 34B and the second slope portion 45B. It is preferable that the length is smaller than the protrusion length of the second drum cartridge 31B from the second mounting portion 41B in the locked state.

With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the load capacity on the mounting portion 41 when the drum cartridge 31 is attached / detached.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first drum cartridge 31A has a first label 37A. As shown in FIG. 8, the second drum cartridge 31B has a second label 37B.

Information about the first drum cartridge 31A and the second drum cartridge 31B is shown on the first label 37A and the second label 37B, respectively. More specifically, the first label 37A and the second label 37B indicate the product lot numbers of the first drum cartridge 31A and the second drum cartridge 31B for managing the shipping data, respectively.

In such a configuration, the first label 37A is preferably provided at the position of the first drum cartridge 31A that protrudes from the first mounting portion 41A in the locked state of the first convex portion 34A and the first slope portion 45A. The second label 37B is preferably provided at the position of the second drum cartridge 31B protruding from the second mounting portion 41B in the locked state of the second convex portion 34B and the second slope portion 45B.

According to such a configuration, the first label 37A and the second label 37B can be easily visually recognized when the drum cartridge 31 is attached / detached.

According to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the incompatibility mechanism and the fall prevention mechanism of the drum cartridge 31 can be realized by a simple configuration.

In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the incompatible mechanism and the fall prevention mechanism of the drum cartridge 31 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the toner cartridge, the developing unit, and the drum cartridge and the developing unit are integrated. The present invention can be applied to various functional units used in an image forming apparatus such as a process cartridge made up of the above.

(Embodiment 2)
16 and 17 are perspective views showing a partially enlarged view of the first mounting portion shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the structure of the first mounting portion 41A described in the first embodiment will be described more specifically.

With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the first mounting portion 41A has a base member 51 and a rail member 52.

The rail member 52 is detachably attached to the base member 51. The rail member 52 has a first rail 43A and a second rail 43B as the rail 43 described in the first embodiment. The first rail 43A and the second rail 43B extend in one direction. The first rail 43A and the second rail 43B are provided in parallel with each other at a distance from each other. The first rail 43A is provided with a first slope portion 45A. The second rail 43B is provided with a second slope portion 45B.

The rail member 52 is made of sheet metal. Not limited to this, the rail member 52 may be formed of resin.

The first slope portion 45A is provided at a predetermined position in the extending direction of the first rail 43A. The side of the first slope portion 45A that rises diagonally from the first rail 43A is arranged on one side in the extending direction of the first rail 43A, and the side that rises at a right angle from the first rail 43A extends the first rail 43A. It has a convex shape of a substantially triangular shape arranged on the other side in the direction. The second slope portion 45B is provided at a predetermined position in the extending direction of the second rail 43B. The side of the second slope portion 45B that rises diagonally from the second rail 43B is arranged on the other side in the extending direction of the second rail 43B, and the side that rises at a right angle from the second rail 43B extends the second rail 43B. It has a convex shape of a substantially triangular shape arranged on one side in the direction.

In FIG. 16, the rail member 52 is attached to the base member 51 so that the first rail 43A faces the rail 42 in the vertical direction. In this state, the first slope portion 45A provided on the first rail 43A is arranged at a position that restricts the slide movement of the first drum cartridge 31A. That is, the length between the first guide member 44A and the first slope portion 45A in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 is X in FIG.

In FIG. 17, the rail member 52 is attached to the base member 51 by reversing in the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31 from the attachment position shown in FIG. At this time, in the rail member 52, the second rail 43B faces the rail 42 in the vertical direction. In this state, the second slope portion 45B provided on the second rail 43B is arranged at a position that restricts the slide movement of the second drum cartridge 31B. That is, the length between the first guide member 44A and the second slope portion 45B in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 is Y in FIG.

According to such a configuration, the drum cartridge 31 that can be mounted on the first mounting portion 41A can be changed from the first drum cartridge 31A to the second drum cartridge 31B by changing the mounting direction of the rail member 52. .. At this time, since the rail member 52 can be easily accessed when the drum cartridge 31 and the developing unit 21 are not mounted, the user can easily change the specification change of the incompatible mechanism in the image forming unit 102. Can be done.

The rail member 52 is preferably provided at a position accessible from the opening provided when the vertical transport door 142 in FIG. 1 is opened. With such a configuration, the mounting direction of the rail member 52 can be changed more easily.

According to the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the effect described in the first embodiment can be similarly exhibited.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a first mounting portion and a first drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing a second mounting portion and a second drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus in the present embodiment has basically the same structure as the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the overlapping structure will not be repeated.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, in the present embodiment, a position where the first slope portion 45A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and a position where the second slope portion 45B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31. Is the same. The position where the first convex portion 34A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second convex portion 34B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are the same.

The position where the first recess 35A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second recess 35B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are different. The position where the first guide member 44A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second guide member 44B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are different.

In such a configuration, the length (X) between the first convex portion 34A and the first concave portion 35A in the slide direction of the first drum cartridge 31A, and the second convex portion 34B and the second convex portion 34B in the slide direction of the second drum cartridge 31B. The length (Y) between the second recesses 35B is different.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second mounting portion and the second drum cartridge shown in FIG.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 20, in this modification, the position where the first slope portion 45A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second slope portion 45B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31. But different. The position where the first convex portion 34A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second convex portion 34B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are different.

The position where the first recess 35A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second recess 35B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are the same. The position where the first guide member 44A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 and the position where the second guide member 44B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31 are the same.

In such a configuration, the length (X) between the first convex portion 34A and the first concave portion 35A in the slide direction of the first drum cartridge 31A, and the second convex portion 34B and the second convex portion 34B in the slide direction of the second drum cartridge 31B. The length (Y) between the second recesses 35B is different.

According to the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the effect described in the first embodiment can be similarly exhibited.

(Embodiment 4)
21 and 22 are perspective views showing a partially enlarged view of the first mounting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing how the first drum cartridge is mounted on the first mounting portion in FIG. 21. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing how the second drum cartridge is mounted on the first mounting portion in FIG. 22.

The image forming apparatus in the present embodiment has basically the same structure as the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the overlapping structure will not be repeated.

With reference to FIGS. 21 to 24, in this embodiment, the first mounting portion 41A has a rail member 53. The rail member 53 is provided with the rail 43 described in the first embodiment. A slope portion 45 is attached to the rail member 53 so that the position of the drum cartridge 31 in the slide direction can be changed.

According to such a configuration, the slope portion 45 is the position of the first slope portion 45A that regulates the slide movement of the first drum cartridge 31A and the second slope portion 45B that regulates the slide movement of the second drum cartridge 31B. Can be moved to and from the position. As a result, the specifications of the incompatible mechanism of the drum cartridge 31 in the first mounting portion 41A can be easily changed.

The rail member 53 is preferably provided at a position accessible from the opening provided when the vertical transport door 142 in FIG. 1 is opened. With such a configuration, the position of the slope portion 45 on the rail member 53 can be changed more easily.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view showing a first drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a bottom view showing a second drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 21 to 26, the drum cartridge 31 has a substrate 71. Generally, the fuse in the substrate 71 determines the old and new of the drum cartridge 31, and the resistance in the substrate 71 determines the type (model) of the drum cartridge 31.

The first drum cartridge 31A has a first substrate 71A as the substrate 71. The second drum cartridge 31B has a second substrate 71B as the substrate 71. The first substrate 71A and the second substrate 71B are provided at positions shifted in the sliding direction of the drum cartridge 31.

The mounting portion 41 has a connecting portion 66. The connecting portion 66 is provided so as to face the substrate 71. When the drum cartridge 31 is mounted, the drum cartridge 31 is positioned at a predetermined mounting position in the mounting portion 41, and then the developing unit 21 is pressed against the drum cartridge 31 by operating a rotary lever (not shown). At this time, the old / new / type of the drum cartridge 31 is discriminated by connecting the connecting portion 66 to the substrate 71 in conjunction with the operation of the rotating lever.

The first mounting portion 41A has a first connecting portion 66A as a connecting portion 66. The second mounting portion 41B has a second connecting portion 66B as a connecting portion 66. The first connection portion 66A is provided at a position corresponding to the position where the first substrate 71A is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31. The second connection portion 66B is provided at a position corresponding to the position where the second substrate 71B is provided in the slide direction of the drum cartridge 31.

According to such a configuration, when an appropriate drum cartridge 31 is mounted, the substrate 71 and the connecting portion 66 are connected, and this is electrically recognized to control the output on the device side. Is done. On the other hand, when an improper drum cartridge 31 is mounted, the substrate 71 and the connecting portion 66 are not connected, so that image formation cannot be executed as a mounting error. By changing the mounting position of the substrate 71 in this way, it is possible to determine the type of the drum cartridge 31. In this case, since the substrate 71 is required to discriminate between the old and new drum cartridges 31, the substrate 71 can be used in common.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the connecting portion 66 is provided on the rail member 53. The connection portion 66, together with the slope portion 45, is provided so that the position of the drum cartridge 31 in the slide direction can be changed. Therefore, the slope portion 45 is placed between the position of the first slope portion 45A that regulates the slide movement of the first drum cartridge 31A and the position of the second slope portion 45B that regulates the slide movement of the second drum cartridge 31B. At the same time as moving, the connecting portion 66 can be moved between the position of the first connecting portion 66A facing the first substrate 71A and the position of the second connecting portion 66B facing the second substrate 71B.

According to the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the effect described in the first embodiment can be similarly exhibited.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

The present invention is mainly applied to an image forming apparatus including a removable functional unit.

21 developing unit, 21p rotation fulcrum, 31 drum cartridge, 31A first drum cartridge, 31B second drum cartridge, 32 resin housing, 33 guide ribs, 34 convex parts, 34A first convex part, 34B second convex part, 35 concave parts, 35A 1st recess, 35B 2nd recess, 36 guide plate, 36q protrusion, 37A 1st label, 37B 2nd label, 41 mounting part, 41A 1st mounting part, 41B 2nd mounting part, 42, 43 rails, 43A 1st rail, 43B 2nd rail, 44 guide member, 44A 1st guide member, 44B 2nd guide member, 45 slope part, 45A 1st slope part, 45B 2nd slope part, 51 base member, 52, 53 rail member , 66 connection part, 66A first connection part, 66B second connection part, 71 board, 71A first board, 71B second board, 100 image forming apparatus, 102, 102C, 102K, 102M, 102Y image forming unit, 103 intermediate Transfer belt, 105, 106 support roller, 107 photoconductor drum, 108, 123 transfer roller, 109 belt cleaning unit, 110 charging roller, 112 cleaning blade, 115 developing roller, 116 screw, 117 optical writing device, 120 paper feed tray, 121 Paper Feed Roller, 122 Resist Roller, 130 Fixer, 131 Paper Discharge Roller, 132 Paper Discharge Tray, 140 Conveyor, 141 Cabinet, 142 Vertical Conveyor Door, 161 Toner Cartridge, 162 Cleaning Roller, 163 Recovery Screw.

Claims (6)

The first mounting part and the second mounting part,
A first functional unit having a first locked portion and detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the first mounting portion.
It has a second locked portion, and is provided with a second functional unit that is detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the second mounting portion.
The first mounting portion has a first locking portion that locks the first locked portion when the first functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the slide movement of the first functional unit.
The second mounting portion has a second locking portion that locks the second locked portion when the second functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the slide movement of the second functional unit.
The first functional unit and the first mounting portion operate the first functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locking portion. It has a first release operation mechanism that is configured to enable it.
The second functional unit and the second mounting portion operate the second functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. It has a second release operation mechanism that is configured to enable it.
The length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operation mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit, and the second locked portion and the second locked portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. and the length between the release operation mechanism section Ri is Do different,
The first mounting portion further includes a base member and a rail member that is detachably attached to the base member, extends along the sliding direction of the first functional unit, and guides the first functional unit.
The rail member is provided with the first locking portion and the second locking portion.
An image in which the rail member is inverted in the sliding direction of the first functional unit and attached to the base member, so that the second locking portion is arranged at a position that restricts the sliding movement of the second functional unit. Forming device. The first mounting part and the second mounting part,
A first functional unit having a first locked portion and detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the first mounting portion.
It has a second locked portion, and is provided with a second functional unit that is detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the second mounting portion.
The first mounting portion has a first locking portion that locks the first locked portion when the first functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the slide movement of the first functional unit.
The second mounting portion has a second locking portion that locks the second locked portion when the second functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the slide movement of the second functional unit.
The first functional unit and the first mounting portion operate the first functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locking portion. It has a first release operation mechanism that is configured to enable it.
The second functional unit and the second mounting portion operate the second functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. It has a second release operation mechanism that is configured to enable it.
The length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operation mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit, and the second locked portion and the second locked portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. Unlike the length between the release operation mechanism,
The first mounting portion further includes a rail member that extends along the sliding direction of the first functional unit and guides the first functional unit.
Said first locking portion is to the rail member, it is mounted so as to variably position in the sliding direction of the first functional unit, images forming device. A transport unit that transports recording media and
It has a door portion that can be opened and closed at a position adjacent to the transport portion, and further includes the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, and a cabinet that accommodates the transport portion.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the rail member is provided at a position accessible from an opening provided when the door portion is opened. The first functional unit further includes a first substrate provided at a first position in the sliding direction thereof.
The second functional unit further includes a second substrate provided at a second position deviated from the first position in the sliding direction.
The first mounting portion is provided at a position corresponding to the first position, and further has a first connecting portion to which the first substrate is connected.
The image forming according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the second mounting portion is provided at a position corresponding to the second position and further includes a second connecting portion to which the second substrate is connected. Device. The first functional unit further comprises a first label showing information about the first functional unit.
The second functional unit further has a second label showing information about the second functional unit.
The first label is provided at a position of the first functional unit that protrudes from the first mounting portion in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locking portion.
The second label is provided at a position of the second functional unit protruding from the second mounting portion in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion, according to claims 1 to 4 . The image forming apparatus according to any one item. The first mounting part and the second mounting part,
A first functional unit having a first locked portion and detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the first mounting portion.
It has a second locked portion, and is provided with a second functional unit that is detachably provided by sliding and moving in one direction with respect to the second mounting portion.
The first mounting portion has a first locking portion that locks the first locked portion when the first functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the slide movement of the first functional unit.
The second mounting portion has a second locking portion that locks the second locked portion when the second functional unit is attached / detached and restricts the slide movement of the second functional unit.
The first functional unit and the first mounting portion operate the first functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locking portion. It has a first release operation mechanism that is configured to enable it.
The second functional unit and the second mounting portion operate the second functional unit for releasing the locked state in the locked state of the second locked portion and the second locking portion. It has a second release operation mechanism that is configured to enable it.
The length between the first locked portion and the first unlocking operation mechanism portion in the sliding direction of the first functional unit, and the second locked portion and the second locked portion in the sliding direction of the second functional unit. Unlike the length between the release operation mechanism,
The first functional unit has a heavier weight than the second functional unit and has a weight higher than that of the second functional unit.
The protrusion length of the first functional unit from the first mounting portion in the locked state of the first locked portion and the first locked portion is determined by the second locked portion and the second engaging portion. in the locked state of the stopper portion, smaller than the pop-out length of the second functional unit from the second section, images forming device.

Images