Image forming device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an image forming device. The image forming device of an embodiment includes a processing unit, a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a driving force transmission mechanism and a displacement mechanism. The processing unit forms an image. The first rotating body can rotate around an axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second rotating body is arranged side by side with the first rotating body. The second rotating body is connected to the processing unit in a detachable manner. When the first rotating body rotates in the first direction, the driving force transmission mechanism transmits the driving force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body to rotate the second rotating body around the axis. When the first rotating body rotates in the second direction, the displacement mechanism releases the connection between the second rotating body and the processing unit by displacing the second rotating body in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] The image forming device includes a processing unit for forming an image and a connection mechanism for transmitting a driving force to the processing unit. The processing unit is sometimes removed from the image forming device for maintenance, etc. Therefore, the connection mechanism is configured to be detachable relative to the processing unit.

[0003] However, the image forming apparatus described above has a problem in that the connection mechanism has a complicated structure and is not easy to be miniaturized. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to the embodiment, the image forming device comprises: a processing unit that forms an image; a first rotating body that can rotate around an axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a second rotating body that is arranged side by side with the first rotating body and is detachably connected to the processing unit; a driving force transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body to rotate the second rotating body around the axis when the first rotating body rotates in the first direction; and a displacement mechanism that releases the connection between the second rotating body and the processing unit by displacing the second rotating body in the axial direction when the first rotating body rotates in the second direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a first rotating body and an engaging portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 8It is a plan view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 9 It is a plan view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Fig.10 It is a plan view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Fig.11 It is a plan view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig.12 It is a plan view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Fig.13 It is a plan view of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig.14 It is a structural diagram of a modified example of the engaging portion.

[0019] Fig.15 It is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Fig.16 It is a perspective view of a connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Fig.17 It is a perspective view of a connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Fig.18 It is a perspective view of a connection mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The image forming device of the embodiment includes a processing unit, a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a driving force transmission mechanism and a displacement mechanism. The processing unit forms an image. The first rotating body can rotate around an axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second rotating body is arranged side by side with the first rotating body. The second rotating body is connected to the processing unit in a detachable manner. When the first rotating body rotates in the first direction, the driving force transmission mechanism transmits the driving force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body to rotate the second rotating body around the axis. When the first rotating body rotates in the second direction, the displacement mechanism releases the connection between the second rotating body and the processing unit by displacing the second rotating body in the axial direction.

[0024] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same components. In each figure, the size and shape of each component may be exaggerated or simplified for easier viewing.

[0025] (First Embodiment)

[0026] An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment includes a printer section 11 as an image forming section. The printer section 11 includes four sets of process units 20. The four sets of process units 20 are process units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that use toners of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), respectively. The process units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are arranged side by side along the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0028] The process unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum (photosensitive body) 22 , a charger (charging device) 23 , an exposure scanning head (optical device) 24 , a developing device 26 , and a photosensitive body cleaner 27 .

[0029] The photosensitive drum 22 has a photosensitive layer coated on the surface of a conductive cylindrical support. The charging charger 23 applies electric charge to the photosensitive drum 22 to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 22. The exposure scanning head 24 irradiates light to the photosensitive drum 22 to form an exposure latent image. The developing device 26 of each processing unit 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K is respectively equipped with a two-component developer composed of a toner of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) and a carrier. The developing device 26 develops the exposure latent image with the developer. The photosensitive body cleaner 27 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 22.

[0030] The printer unit 11 includes a support roller 18a, a driven roller 18b, a tension roller (not shown), an intermediate transfer belt 18, a plurality of primary transfer rollers 28, and a secondary transfer roller 30. The support roller 18a, the driven roller 18b, and the tension roller (not shown) support the intermediate transfer belt 18. The intermediate transfer belt 18 rotates in the direction of arrow m. The primary transfer rollers 28 are respectively provided at positions facing the photosensitive drums 22 via the intermediate transfer belt 18. The secondary transfer roller 30 is provided at a position facing the support roller 18a via the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0031] A paper feed section (not shown) for feeding sheets is provided below the printer section 11. The printer section 11 includes a registration roller 31a, a fixing device 32, and a pair of discharge rollers 33. The registration roller 31a, the secondary transfer roller 30, the fixing device 32, and the pair of discharge rollers 33 are provided in a conveying path for conveying the sheets.

[0032] The primary transfer roller 28 primarily transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 22 to the intermediate transfer belt 18. The primary transfer rollers 28 of the process units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K sequentially overlap the toner images of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) on the intermediate transfer belt 18 to form a color toner image.

[0033] The secondary transfer roller 30 is driven and rotated by the intermediate transfer belt 18. The secondary transfer roller 30 secondarily transfers the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 18 to the fed sheet.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a connection mechanism 100. The connection mechanism 100 includes a first rotating body 41, a second rotating body 42, a driving force transmission mechanism 43, a displacement mechanism 44, a base 45, a first shaft 46, a second shaft 47, a stopper 48, and a spring 49 (biasing member).

[0035] The first shaft portion 46 protrudes perpendicularly from the main surface 45a of the base 45 with respect to the main surface 45a. The first shaft portion 46 is inserted through the first rotating body 41. The second shaft portion 47 protrudes perpendicularly from the main surface 45a of the base 45 with respect to the main surface 45a. The second shaft portion 47 is inserted through the second rotating body 42. The second shaft portion 47 is formed to be separated from the first shaft portion 46 in the radial direction. The second shaft portion 47 is formed in parallel with the first shaft portion 46.

[0036] Hereinafter, the protruding direction of the first shaft portion 46 and the second shaft portion 47 is tentatively referred to as “forward F.” The direction opposite to the “forward” is tentatively referred to as “rearward R.”

[0037] The first rotating body 41 includes a first cylindrical portion 51. The first cylindrical portion 51 includes a cylindrical main portion 52 and a cylindrical small diameter portion 53 (see Figure 3 ). The outer diameter of the small diameter portion 53 is smaller than the outer diameter of the main portion 52. The small diameter portion 53 extends rearward from the rear end of the main portion 52. The first rotating body 41 is mounted on the first shaft portion 46. The first rotating body 41 can rotate around the axis with the first shaft portion 46 as the center axis. In detail, the first rotating body 41 can rotate in a first direction R1 as a direction around the axis and a second direction R2 as a direction around the axis opposite to the first direction R1.

[0038] A flat portion (not shown) against which abutment protrusions 68 (described later) of elastic piece 67 abut may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of small diameter portion 53. For example, the flat portion is a part of the outer peripheral surface of small diameter portion 53 and is a flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of small diameter portion 53.

[0039] The second rotating body 42 includes a cylindrical second cylinder portion 54. The second rotating body 42 is mounted on the second shaft portion 47. The second rotating body 42 is rotatable about the second shaft portion 47. The second rotating body 42 is movable in the axial direction (the central axis direction of the second rotating body 42).

[0040] A fitting protrusion 42a (fitting portion) that fits with the fitting recess 29a (fitting receiving portion) of the coupling 29 of the processing unit 20 is formed at the front end of the second rotating body 42. The fitting protrusion 42a is formed to protrude forward on the front end surface of the second rotating body 42. The fitting protrusion 42a is formed along the radial direction of the second rotating body 42. When the fitting protrusion 42a is fitted with the fitting recess 29a, the rotational driving force of the second rotating body 42 can be transmitted to the coupling 29.

[0041] In addition, the structure (connection structure) of connecting the processing unit and the second rotating body is not particularly limited to Figure 2 The structure shown. For example, the above-mentioned connection structure can also be constructed as follows. The coupling of the processing unit has an interlocking protrusion (interlocking receiving portion). The second rotating body has an interlocking recess (interlocking portion). The interlocking protrusion of the processing unit can be interlocked with the interlocking recess of the second rotating body. The processing unit and the second rotating body are connected by the interlocking protrusion and the interlocking recess.

[0042] The driving force transmission mechanism 43 includes a first gear 56 and a second gear 57. The first gear 56 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main portion 52 of the first rotating body 41. The first gear 56 is formed integrally with the first cylindrical portion 51.

[0043] The second gear 57 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder 54. The second gear 57 is formed integrally with the second cylinder 54. The first gear 56 and the second gear 57 are meshed with each other, and can transmit the driving force of the first rotating body 41 to the second rotating body 42 to rotate the second rotating body 42 about the axis.

[0044] The displacement mechanism 44 includes an inclined portion 61 and an engaging portion 62 .

[0045] The inclined portion 61 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 54 of the second rotating body 42. The inclined portion 61 is a convex portion formed in a spiral shape around the central axis of the second rotating body 42. The inclined portion 61 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 54 to the radially outward side of the second cylindrical portion 54. The inclined portion 61 extends in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction of the second rotating body 42.

[0046] like Figure 3As shown, the engaging portion 62 includes a base 63, an arm 64, and an engaging protrusion 65. The base 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The small diameter portion 53 of the first cylindrical portion 51 is inserted through the insertion hole 63a of the base 63. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 63a is substantially equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 53.

[0047] A U-shaped cutout 66 is formed in the base 63. A tongue-shaped elastic piece 67 is formed in the base 63 through the cutout 66. The elastic piece 67 extends in the circumferential direction of the base 63. An abutment protrusion 68 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the elastic piece 67. The abutment protrusion 68 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the elastic piece 67 to the radial inner side of the base 63. For example, the abutment protrusion 68 is set to a cylindrical shape. The central axis direction of the cylindrical abutment protrusion 68 is parallel to the radial direction of the base 63. The abutment protrusion 68 is formed at a position close to the front end of the extension direction of the elastic piece 67. The shape of the abutment protrusion is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The shape of the engaging protrusion can be a rectangular parallelepiped, a hemispherical shape, a polygonal pyramid shape, etc.

[0048] The abutment protrusion 68 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body 41 in a pushing state by the bending elastic force of the elastic piece 67. When the abutment protrusion 68 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body 41, the engaging portion 62 becomes easy to rotate integrally with the first rotating body 41 due to the friction force between the abutment protrusion 68 and the first rotating body 41. When the abutment protrusion 68 abuts against the flat portion (not shown) of the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 53, the engaging portion 62 becomes less likely to be displaced in the relative rotation direction with respect to the first rotating body 41.

[0049] The arm 64 extends outward from the base 63 starting from the base 63. The arm 64 extends in the tangential direction of the cylindrical base 63. The arm 64 is formed into a rectangular plate. The arm 64 is formed into a plate parallel to the central axis direction of the base 63.

[0050] The engaging protrusion 65 is formed on one surface 64a of the arm portion 64. The engaging protrusion 65 is a convex portion that protrudes perpendicularly to the surface 64a from the surface 64a of the arm portion 64. For example, the engaging protrusion 65 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0051] In addition, the shape of the engaging protrusion is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and the shape of the engaging protrusion may be a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, a polygonal pyramid shape, or the like.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the spring 49 is, for example, a coil spring. The spring 49 receives a reaction force from the main surface 45 a of the base 45 to urge the second rotating body 42 toward the processing unit 20 .

[0053] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0054] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 during normal operation will be described.

[0055] Figure 2 The coupling 29 shown is built into the processing unit 20. The fitting recess 29a of the coupling 29 is formed on the connecting surface 21 (see Figure 8 ) exposed.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the first direction R1 by a driving source not shown. At this time, the engaging portion 62 can rotate in the first direction R1 together with the first rotating body 41. The engaging portion 62 is restricted from rotating in the first direction R1 when the arm portion 64 abuts against the stopper 48.

[0057] The driving force of the first rotating body 41 in the first direction R1 is transmitted to the second rotating body 42 via the driving force transmission mechanism 43 (the first gear 56 and the second gear 57). Therefore, the second rotating body 42 is driven by the first rotating body 41 and rotates in the direction of the arrow.

[0058] When the fitting protrusion 42a of the second rotating body 42 is fitted into the fitting recess 29a of the coupling 29 (not shown), the rotational driving force of the second rotating body 42 is transmitted to the coupling 29. The position of the second rotating body 42 connected to the coupling 29 is referred to as a "connected position".

[0059] Next, the operation when the process unit 20 is removed for maintenance or the like will be described.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, on the control panel (not shown), press the main switch, setting switch, maintenance switch, and PU (processing unit) replacement switch in sequence.

[0061] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2 by a driving source not shown. That is, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the opposite direction to the normal operation. The engaging portion 62 rotates in the second direction R2 together with the first rotating body 41. As a result, the arm portion 64 approaches the second rotating body 42. The engaging protrusion 65 becomes engageable with the inclined portion 61.

[0062] The driving force of the first rotating body 41 in the second direction R2 is transmitted to the second rotating body 42 via the first gear 56 and the second gear 57. Therefore, the second rotating body 42 is driven by the first rotating body 41 and rotates in the direction of the arrow.

[0063] In a state where the engagement protrusion 65 is engaged with the inclined portion 61, when the second rotating body 42 is Figure 5 )When rotating in the direction of the arrow, Figure 7As shown, the second rotating body 42 is in contact with the processing unit 20 (see Figure 2 ) is displaced in the axial direction of the second rotating body 42 in the direction of separation (rearward). As a result, the second rotating body 42 is disengaged from the coupling 29. When the second gear 57 is disengaged from the first gear 56, the second rotating body 42 loses the driving force and stops.

[0064] The position of the second rotating body 42 separated from the coupling 29 is referred to as a “disconnection position”.

[0065] After the second rotating body 42 is separated from the coupling 29, the rotation of the first rotating body 41 is stopped. The control panel (not shown) displays that the PU (processing unit) can be replaced (see Figure 5 ).

[0066] Since the second rotating body 42 is separated from the coupling 29 , the process unit 20 can be removed from the image forming apparatus 10 for maintenance.

[0067] Next, the operation when the process unit 20 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 10 after the maintenance is completed will be described.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, an inclined portion 21 a is formed on the connection surface 21 of the processing unit 20 .

[0069] First, the operation during normal installation of the processing unit will be described.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the processing unit 20 is moved in the installation direction (see arrow). Normally, the second rotating body 42 is in the connection release position (retracted position).

[0071] like Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 As shown, when the coupling 29 reaches the position corresponding to the second rotating body 42, the second rotating body 42 is advanced by the force of the spring 49, and the fitting protrusion 42a is fitted with the fitting recess 29a (see Fig.10 ).

[0072] Next, the operation during the installation of the processing unit when the second rotating body moves forward will be described.

[0073] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the second rotating body 42 is in the advanced position, the connection mechanism 100 operates as follows: The processing unit 20 moves in the installation direction (see arrow).

[0074] like Fig.12 as well as Fig.13As shown, the front end of the second rotating body 42 abuts against the inclined portion 21 a of the processing unit 20 and moves backward as the inclined portion 21 a inclines.

[0075] like Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 As shown, when the coupling 29 reaches the position corresponding to the second rotating body 42, the second rotating body 42 is moved forward by the force of the spring 49, and the fitting protrusion 42a is fitted with the fitting recess 29a (see Fig.10 ).

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 10 includes a connection mechanism 100 having a displacement mechanism 44. When the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2 (the direction opposite to that in normal operation), the displacement mechanism 44 is displaced in the axial direction so as to separate the second rotating body 42 from the processing unit 20. Thus, the connection between the second rotating body 42 and the processing unit 20 is released. Since the connection between the second rotating body 42 and the processing unit 20 can be released by the connection mechanism 100 with a simple structure, the image forming apparatus 10 can be miniaturized.

[0077] The displacement mechanism 44 can displace the second rotating body 42 in a direction away from the processing unit 20 along with the inclination of the inclined portion 61 by rotating the first rotating body 41 in the second direction R2. Since the displacement mechanism 44 displaces the second rotating body 42 using the inclined portion 61, the structure of the connecting mechanism 100 can be simplified.

[0078] Since the inclined portion 61 is formed in the spiral direction around the axis of the second rotating body 42 , the second rotating body 42 can be displaced in the direction away from the process unit 20 over a wide range in the rotation direction.

[0079] The engaging portion 62 includes a base portion 63, an arm portion 64, and an engaging protrusion 65. The engaging portion 62 does not engage with the second rotating body 42 when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the first direction R1, but engages with the inclined portion 61 of the second rotating body 42 when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2. Therefore, although it is a simple structure, the second rotating body 42 can be displaced in a direction away from the processing unit 20 only when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2.

[0080] When the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2, the engaging portion 62 rotates together with the first rotating body 41 in a direction in which the engaging protrusion 65 approaches the second rotating body 42. Therefore, although it is a simple structure, the second rotating body 42 can be displaced in a direction away from the processing unit 20 only when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2.

[0081] The engagement portion 62 has an elastic piece 67 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body 41. Therefore, the engagement portion 62 can easily rotate integrally with the first rotating body 41 due to friction between the engagement portion 62 and the first rotating body 41. Therefore, the engagement portion 62 can be reliably operated.

[0082] Since the connection mechanism 100 includes the spring 49 , the second rotating body 42 can be pressed toward the processing unit 20 to be connected to the coupling 29 .

[0083] As Figure 3 An engagement portion according to a modified example of the engagement portion 62 shown will be described.

[0084] like Fig.14 As shown, the engagement portion 162 of the modified example includes a base 163, an arm portion 64, an engagement protrusion 65, an abutment body 168, and a force-applying body 169. In terms of including the abutment body 168 and the force-applying body 169, the engagement portion 162 and Figure 3 The engaging portion 62 shown is different.

[0085] The applied force of the force applying body 169 is set to "F". "Fx" is the radial component of the applied force F and is the force of the contact body 168 braking the first rotating body 41. "Fy" is the component of the applied force F in the tangential direction (the tangential direction of the point where the contact body 168 contacts the first rotating body 41). The point where the contact body 168 contacts the first rotating body 41 is called the "contact point of the contact body 168".

[0086] The inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 163a of the base 163 is formed with a housing hole 170 for housing the abutment body 168 and the biasing body 169. Fig.14 ), the receiving hole 170 is formed to be inclined relative to the radial direction of the insertion hole 163a. ​​Fy is the same direction as the tangential direction component of the first direction R1 at the contact point of the abutment body 168. The formation direction (depth direction) of the receiving hole 170 is a direction inclined toward the upstream side of the first direction R1 relative to the radial direction of the insertion hole 163a.

[0087] The abutment body 168 is a spherical body. For example, the abutment body 168 is made of metal such as stainless steel. The abutment body 168 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body 41 in a pushing state by the applied force of the force applying body 169. When the abutment body 168 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body 41, the engaging portion 162 becomes easy to rotate integrally with the first rotating body 41 due to the friction between the abutment body 168 and the first rotating body 41.

[0088] The contact body 168 is held between the biasing body 169 and the first rotating body 41 in a rotatable state.

[0089] For example, the urging body 169 is a coil spring and is received in the receiving hole 170. The urging body 169 receives a reaction force at the bottom of the receiving hole 170 and urges the contact body 168 toward the first rotating body 41. The urging force of the urging body 169 is in parallel with the direction in which the receiving hole 170 is formed.

[0090] When the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2, the contact resistance of the engaging portion 162 relative to the first rotating body 41 is greater than the contact resistance of the engaging portion 162 relative to the first rotating body 41 when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the first direction R1. Therefore, during normal operation, the contact resistance is relatively small. When the first rotating body 41 rotates in the direction opposite to that during normal operation (the second direction R2), the contact resistance becomes larger than that during normal operation. Therefore, according to the engaging portion 162 of the modified example, the wear of the engaging portion 162 during normal operation can be suppressed. According to the engaging portion 162, when rotating in the direction opposite to that during normal operation (the second direction R2), the engaging portion 162 can be reliably rotated.

[0091] When the first rotating body 41 rotates, the contact body 168 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body 41 and rotates along with the rotation of the first rotating body 41 .

[0092] Since the engagement portion 162 uses the contact body 168 which is a rotatable spherical body, wear of the contact body 168 can be suppressed when the first rotating body 41 rotates. When the contact body 168 is made of metal, wear caused by contact with the first rotating body 41 can be suppressed.

[0093] (Second Embodiment)

[0094] An image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are used for common components with those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connection mechanism 200 of the image forming apparatus 210 of the second embodiment is different from the connection mechanism 200 of the image forming apparatus 210 of the second embodiment in that the connection mechanism 200 is replaced by the connection mechanism 244. Figure 2 The connection mechanism 100 shown is different.

[0096] The displacement mechanism 244 includes an outer cylinder 260 , a one-way bearing 263 (one-way clutch), and an engagement portion 262 .

[0097] The one-way bearing 263 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The one-way bearing 263 has a structure that transmits rotational force only in one direction. As the one-way bearing 263, a well-known structure can be adopted. The second cylinder portion 254 of the second rotating body 242 is inserted into the one-way bearing 263.

[0098] The outer cylinder 260 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second cylinder 254 of the second rotating body 242 and the one-way bearing 263 are inserted through the outer cylinder 260. The outer cylinder 260 has an inclined portion 261 formed on its outer peripheral surface. The inclined portion 261 is a convex portion formed in a spiral shape around the central axis of the second rotating body 242.

[0099] Since the one-way bearing 263 is inserted, the outer cylinder 260 operates as follows: when the second rotating body 242 rotates driven by the rotation of the first rotating body 41 in the first direction R1, the outer cylinder 260 does not rotate. When the second rotating body 242 rotates driven by the rotation of the first rotating body 41 in the second direction R2, the outer cylinder 260 rotates together with the second rotating body 242.

[0100] The engagement portion 262 includes a pair of arms 264, 264 and an engagement protrusion 265. The arm 264 protrudes perpendicularly from the main surface 45a of the base 45. The arm 264 is formed near the second shaft 47. The pair of arms 264, 264 are formed at positions facing each other across the second shaft 47.

[0101] The engaging protrusion 265 is formed on one surface 264a of the arm portion 264. The surface 264a is a surface facing the second shaft portion 47. The engaging protrusion 265 is a convex portion protruding perpendicularly to the surface 264a of the arm portion 264. The engaging protrusion 265 is formed at a position capable of engaging with the inclined portion 261. The engaging protrusion 265 is formed at the front end of the arm portion 264 in the extending direction.

[0102] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 210 will be described.

[0103] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 210 during normal operation will be described.

[0104] like Fig.16 As shown, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the first direction R1. The second rotating body 242 rotates in the direction of the arrow driven by the first rotating body 41. The driving force of the second rotating body 242 is transmitted to the processing unit 20 via the coupling 29 (refer to Fig.15 ).

[0105] As described above, the outer cylinder 260 does not rotate due to the function of the one-way bearing 263. Since the displacement mechanism 244 does not function, the second rotating body 242 maintains the state of being connected to the processing unit 20.

[0106] Next, the operation when the process unit 20 is removed for maintenance or the like will be described.

[0107] like Fig.17As shown, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the second direction R2. The second rotating body 242 is driven by the first rotating body 41 and rotates in the direction of the arrow.

[0108] As described above, the outer cylinder 260 rotates together with the second rotating body 242 due to the function of the one-way bearing 263 .

[0109] In the state where the engaging protrusion 265 is engaged with the inclined portion 261, when the second rotating body 242 is moved in the direction of the arrow (refer to Fig.17 ) when rotating, such as Fig.18 As shown, the second rotating body 242 is in contact with the processing unit 20 (see Fig.15 ) is displaced in the axial direction of the second rotating body 242 in the direction of separation (rearward). As a result, the second rotating body 242 is disengaged from the coupling 29. When the second gear 57 is disengaged from the first gear 56, the second rotating body 242 loses the driving force and stops.

[0110] After the second rotating body 242 is separated from the coupling 29, the rotation of the first rotating body 41 is stopped.

[0111] Since the second rotating body 242 is separated from the coupling 29 , the process unit 20 can be removed from the image forming apparatus 210 for maintenance.

[0112] The image forming apparatus 210 includes a displacement mechanism 244 having an outer cylinder 260. When the second rotating body 242 rotates driven by the rotation of the first rotating body 41 in the first direction R1, the outer cylinder 260 does not rotate. When the second rotating body 242 rotates driven by the rotation of the first rotating body 41 in the second direction R2, the outer cylinder 260 rotates together with the second rotating body 242. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a structure that allows the engaging portion 262 to be attached to and detached from the second rotating body 242. Since the connection between the second rotating body 242 and the processing unit 20 can be released by the connection mechanism 200 of a simple structure, the image forming apparatus 210 can be miniaturized.

[0113] In the image forming device 10, the fitting protrusion 42a is a convex part, and the fitting recess 29a is a concave part, but as long as the structure of the fitting receiving part and the fitting part can transmit the rotational driving force, it is not limited to the structure shown in the figure. For example, the fitting receiving part can also be a concave part, and the fitting part can be a convex part.

[0114] The image forming apparatus may be a monochrome image forming apparatus. The number of processing units is not limited. The image forming apparatus may include a plurality of printer units.

[0115] According to at least one embodiment described above, when the first rotating body rotates in the second direction (the direction opposite to that in normal operation), the displacement mechanism is displaced in the axial direction in such a manner as to separate the second rotating body from the processing unit. Thus, the connection between the second rotating body and the processing unit is released. Since the connection between the second rotating body and the processing unit can be released by a connection mechanism with a simple structure, the image forming apparatus can be miniaturized.

[0116] Although several embodiments are described, these embodiments are only presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the purpose of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming device comprising: a processing unit to form an image; a first rotating body capable of rotating about an axis in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction; A second rotating body, arranged side by side with the first rotating body and detachably connected to the processing unit; a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body to rotate the second rotating body around the axis when the first rotating body rotates in the first direction; as well as The displacement mechanism releases the connection between the second rotating body and the processing unit by displacing the second rotating body in the axial direction when the first rotating body rotates in the second direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The displacement mechanism comprises: an inclined portion provided on the second rotating body so as to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction; and The engaging portion is detachably engaged with the inclined portion. When the engaging portion is engaged with the inclined portion, the first rotating body is rotated in the second direction, so that the second rotating body is rotated by the driving force transmitted by the driving force transmission mechanism and is displaced in a direction away from the processing unit as the inclined portion tilts.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The inclined portion is formed in a spiral direction around the axis of the second rotating body.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The engaging portion includes a base portion, an arm portion, and an engaging protrusion. The base portion is attached to the first rotating body. The arm portion extends from the base portion. The engaging protrusion is provided on the arm portion and detachably engaged with the inclined portion.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: As the first rotating body rotates in the second direction, the engaging protrusion of the engaging portion rotates in a direction approaching the second rotating body.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The base portion is provided with an elastic piece that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body in a pressing state.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The engaging portion further includes an abutment body and a force applying body, wherein the abutment body abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body in a pushing state, and the force applying body applies force to the abutment body toward the first rotating body. The abutment body is a spherical body capable of self-rotation.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The abutting body is made of metal.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The inclined portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder through which the second rotating body is inserted. When the second rotating body rotates driven by the rotation of the first rotating body in the first direction, the outer cylindrical body does not rotate, and when the second rotating body rotates driven by the rotation of the first rotating body in the second direction, the outer cylindrical body rotates together with the second rotating body.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The image forming apparatus further includes a biasing member configured to bias the second rotating body toward the processing unit.

Images