Image forming device

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming device capable of guiding the relative positional relationship between a solid head and a photosensitive drum. The image forming device comprises a housing, a solid head unit, a photosensitive drum, and a second guide. The solid head unit is fixed to the housing and comprises a base, a solid head for exposure, a lifting mechanism for lifting the solid head relative to the base, and a first guide for guiding within a specified dimension in a scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction when the solid head is lifted. The second guide guides the solid head in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction relative to the drum housing when the solid head is lifted toward the photosensitive drum and the guidance based on the first guide is released.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The following technology is known. In an image forming device such as an electronic photographic device, a photosensitive drum of an imaging unit is exposed by an exposure device having a solid head such as an LED print head, a developer such as a toner is attached to the photosensitive drum, and the developer is transferred to a sheet such as paper.

[0003] When cleaning the solid head, replacing the imaging unit, etc., the solid head is located at a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum. In addition, when forming an image, the solid head abuts the imaging unit and is located at a specified abutment position relative to the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, in order to set the relative position of the solid head and the photosensitive drum to a specified separation position or abutment position, the solid head and the imaging unit need to be positioned. Therefore, there is provided a mechanism that can move back and forth between the following two positions, namely, an abutment position abutting the imaging unit when printing, and a separation position when cleaning the head / removing the imaging unit. Furthermore, the following structure is formed, if the solid head moves from the separation position to the abutment position during printing, the positioning hole of the solid head is inserted into the positioning protrusion located at the imaging unit, thereby determining the position of the solid head relative to the imaging unit in the scanning direction and the conveying direction.

[0004] In such a structure, when the solid head moves, the outer shell around the head becomes a guide during movement, and the front end of the protrusion of the imaging unit is thinner, and the surrounding area of ​​the hole for positioning the solid head is rounded or R-shaped, thereby playing the role of a guide during insertion.

[0005] However, if the positional relationship between the solid head and the imaging unit is deviated, the protrusion of the imaging unit cannot be inserted into the hole of the solid head, and there is a possibility that positioning cannot be performed. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably guiding the relative positional relationship between a solid head and a photosensitive drum.

[0007] According to an embodiment, an image forming device comprises: a housing; a solid head unit, which is fixed to the housing and includes a base, a solid head for exposure, a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the solid head relative to the base, and a first guide member for guiding within a specified dimension in a scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction when the solid head is lifted and lowered; a photosensitive drum, which is arranged at a specified position relative to the raised solid head and is supported by the drum housing; and a second guide member for guiding the solid head in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction relative to the drum housing when the solid head is lifted and lowered toward the photosensitive drum and when the guidance based on the first guide member is released. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a front view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the main part of the image forming apparatus.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the main part of the image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a solid head unit and an imaging unit used in the image forming apparatus.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit and the imaging unit.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the structures of the main parts of the solid head unit and the imaging unit with part cut away.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view showing the structures of the main parts of the solid head unit and the imaging unit with part cut away.

[0017] Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit.

[0018] Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit.

[0019] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit.

[0020] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit.

[0021] Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit.

[0022] Fig.15 This is a front view showing the structure of the main parts of the solid head unit and the imaging unit.

[0023] Fig.16 This is a front view showing the structure of the main parts of the solid head unit and the imaging unit.

[0024] Fig.17 This is a front view showing an enlarged structure of a main part of the solid head unit and the second guide in the imaging unit.

[0025] Fig.18 1 is a front view schematically showing a first guide member in the solid head unit.

[0026] Fig.19 is a front view schematically showing the solid head unit and the second guide in the imaging unit.

[0027] Fig. 20 1 is a front view schematically showing a first guide member in the solid head unit.

[0028] Fig.21 is a front view schematically showing the solid head unit and the second guide in the imaging unit.

[0029] Fig. 22 1 is a front view schematically showing a first guide member in the solid head unit.

[0030] Description of Reference Numerals

[0031] 1…image forming device; 11…housing; 12…solid head unit; 13…imaging unit; 14…storage tray; 15…scanning unit; 15a…tray; 16…transfer belt; 17…fixing device; 18…paper discharge tray; 21…front housing; 21a…insertion port; 22…rear housing; 31…base; 32…lifting mechanism; 32a…operating lever; 32a1…operating portion; 32a2…shaft portion; 32b…conversion mechanism; 32b1…protrusion; 32b2…groove; 32b3…cylinder; 32c…slider; 32d…application force component; 32e…support component; 32f…connecting rod; 32f1…first axis; 32f2…connecting rod body; 32f3…second axis; 33…solid head; 34…first guide component; 34a…guide rail; 34b…guide rail; 35…limiting rib; 36…auxiliary guide; 41…print head; 41a…opening; 42…bracket; 43…force component; 44…tenon; 51…drum shell; 52…photosensitive drum; 53…second guide component; 53a…plate-like portion; 54…protrusion; P…first guide; Q…second guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Next, use Figure 1 to Figure 22 An image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment is described. In addition, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is described below with the direction along the insertion direction of the imaging unit 13 as the X direction (scanning direction), the direction along the gravity direction as the Z direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction as the Y direction (sub-scanning direction). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is described with the X direction as the front-back direction and the side into which the imaging unit 13 is inserted as the front side. In addition, the X direction is also the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 52 when the imaging unit 13 is arranged in the housing 11 and mounted on the solid head unit 12.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 and 2 are a perspective view and a front view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The decorative plate used in the image forming apparatus 1 is omitted. Figure 3 and Figure 4 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the main part of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 5 For ease of illustration, only one of the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of one solid head unit 12 and one imaging unit 13 used in the image forming apparatus 1 . Figure 7 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit 12 . Figure 8 and Fig. 9This is a perspective view showing the structures of the main parts of the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 with a part cut away. Figure 10 to Figure 14 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the solid head unit 12 . Fig.15 and Fig.16 It is a front view showing the structure of the main parts of the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 . Fig.17 , Fig.19 , Fig.21 1 is a front view schematically showing the second guide Q in the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 when installed. Fig.18 , Fig. 20 , Fig. 22 1 is a front view schematically showing the first guide P in the solid head unit 12 when installed.

[0034] In the following description, a combination of a dowel 44 and a restriction rib 35 guiding the dowel 44 is referred to as a first guide P, and a combination of a protrusion 54 and an opening 41 a guiding the protrusion 54 is referred to as a second guide Q.

[0035] The image forming device 1 is, for example, a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that integrates copying, scanning, printing and other functions. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the image forming device 1 includes a housing 11, a plurality of solid head units 12, and a plurality of imaging units 13. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, a storage tray 14, a scanning unit 15, a transfer belt 16, a fixing device 17, a paper discharge tray 18, a conveying device, and a control unit. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a decorative panel on the outer surface side.

[0036] In addition, the number of the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 used in the image forming apparatus 1 is set according to the type of developer used in the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, as an example, a structure using four color toners of yellow, magenta, cyan and black as developer is described. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, for example, the image forming apparatus 1 includes four solid head units 12 and four imaging units 13 .

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 11 includes a front housing 21, a rear housing 22, and a plurality of connection housings connecting the front housing 21 and the rear housing 22. A decorative plate is provided on the outer surface of the housing 11. The housing 11 supports various components used in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0038] The front housing 21 and the rear housing 22 are arranged to face each other in the X direction, which is the direction in which the imaging unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 is inserted. The four solid head units 12 are fixed to the front housing 21 and the rear housing 22 .

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the front housing 21 has an insertion port 21a for inserting the plurality of imaging units 13 from the front housing 21 side toward the rear housing 22 along the X direction. The insertion port 21a is an opening formed in the front housing 21. The insertion port 21a exposes the end of the solid head unit 12 fixed to the housing 11 and the imaging unit 13 to the outside of the housing 11. As a specific example, the insertion port 21a exposes at least the operating rod 32a of the solid head unit 12 described later and the imaging unit 13 to the outside.

[0040] That is, the insertion opening 21a has a shape that allows the four imaging units 13 to be inserted while the ends of the four solid head units 12 are exposed to the outside. In addition, the shape of the insertion opening 21a is appropriately set according to the number and arrangement of the solid head units 12 and the imaging units 13. Figure 2 As shown, in the Z direction, the imaging unit 13 is arranged above the solid head unit 12, and is set to be arranged so that the height positions of the four solid head units 12 and the four imaging units 13 in the Z direction gradually change from one side to the other side in the Y direction. In addition, the shape of the insertion port 21a is set to a shape in which these solid head units 12 and imaging units 13 can be arranged.

[0041] like Figure 4 to Figure 7 As shown, the solid head unit 12 includes a base 31, a lifting mechanism 32, a solid head 33, and a first guide member 34. The solid head unit 12 is formed to be long in one direction, and is fixed to the housing 11 such that the length direction is along the X direction.

[0042] The base 31 is fixed to the front housing 21 and the rear housing 22 by fastening members such as screws. The base 31 supports a part of the lifting mechanism 32.

[0043] The lifting mechanism 32 enables the solid head 33 to move back and forth in one direction relative to the base 31. In the following, the back and forth movement of the solid head 33 relative to the base 31 in one direction is described as lifting. Figure 4 to Figure 7 As shown, the lifting mechanism 32 includes, for example, an operation lever 32a, a conversion mechanism 32b, a slider 32c, a biasing member 32d, a supporting member 32e, and a link 32f.

[0044] The operating lever 32a is formed so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range by being operated. Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating lever 32a includes an operating portion 32a1 that is rotated and operated by an operator, and a shaft portion 32a2 that is provided integrally with the operating portion 32a1. The shaft portion 32a2 rotates as the operating portion 32a1 rotates.

[0045] The conversion mechanism 32b converts the rotational movement of the shaft portion 32a2 into the axial movement of the shaft portion 32a2. When the fixed head unit 12 is fixed to the housing 11, the axial direction of the shaft portion 32a2 is along the X direction.

[0046] As a specific example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the conversion mechanism 32b is composed of a protrusion 32b1 provided on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 32a2 and a cylinder 32b3, the cylinder 32b3 covers the shaft portion 32a2 and has a groove 32b2 extending in a direction inclined relative to the circumferential direction and the axial direction. As a specific example, the groove 32b2 is an opening extending in a spiral shape along the circumferential surface of the cylinder 32b3. If the operating portion 32a1 is operated to rotate the shaft portion 32a2, the movement of the protrusion 32b1 provided on the shaft portion 32a2 is guided by the groove 32b2, thereby, the conversion mechanism 32b converts the movement of the shaft portion 32a2 in the rotation direction into the movement of the shaft portion 32a2 in the rotation direction and the axial direction. The cylinder 32b3 is fixed to the base 31, for example.

[0047] The slider 32c is fixed to the shaft portion 32a2 in the axial direction of the shaft portion 32a2. The slider 32c is fixed to the shaft portion 32a2 by a fastening member such as a screw. As a specific example, the slider 32c is fixed to the shaft portion 32a2 in such a manner that the shaft portion 32a2 can rotate relative to the slider 32c around an axis in the X direction. The slider 32c is supported by the base 31 in such a manner that it can move in the X direction. The shaft portion 32a2 is fixed to one end side of the slider 32c in the X direction, and the other end side is connected to the force applying member 32d. When the slider 32c moves in the X direction, the connecting rod 32f is operated in the X direction. As a specific example, the slider 32c supports one end of the connecting rod 32f so that it can rotate.

[0048] The urging member 32d urges the slider 32c in one direction. As a specific example, the urging member 32d is a coil spring. The urging member 32d urges the slider 32c in a direction away from the operating rod 32a along the X direction. One end of the urging member 32d is supported by the base 31, and the other end is supported by the slider 32c.

[0049] One end of the support member 32e is rotatably supported by the base 31, and the other end rotatably supports a first shaft 32f1 of the link 32f described later. For example, two support members 32e are provided.

[0050] The connecting rod 32f is provided at two locations in the X direction, for example. Figure 5 As shown, the link 32f includes: a first shaft 32f1 rotatably supported by a support member 32e; a link body 32f2 provided at an end portion of the first shaft 32f1 in the axial direction; and a pair of second shafts 32f3 provided at both ends of the link body 32f2.

[0051] The connecting rod body 32f2 is a plate-shaped or rod-shaped component that is long in one direction. The connecting rod body 32f2 is provided with a first axis 32f1 at the center in the length direction, and a second axis 32f3 is provided at both ends in the length direction. A pair of second axes 32f3 protrude from the main surfaces at both ends of the connecting rod body 32f2 in the same direction as the first axis 32f1. Figure 5 As shown, the pair of second shafts 32f3 are rotatably supported by holes provided on the side surface of the slider 32c and holes provided on the side surface of the solid head 33, respectively.

[0052] Regarding such a link 32f, if the slider 32c moves in the X direction, a second shaft 32f3 supported by the slider 32c moves in the X direction, and thus a force in the X direction is applied to the end of the link body 32f2 on the slider 32c side. However, the slider 32c moves only in the X direction, and the other second shaft 32f3 of the link body 32f2 is supported by the solid head 33. Therefore, the first shaft 32f1 provided at the center of the length direction of the link body 32f2 presses the support member 32e, and the support member 32e is rotated relative to the base 31 around one end of the support member 32e. And at this time, the link body 32f2 rotates around the first shaft 32f1, so that the angle of the link body 32f2 relative to the X direction changes, and the second shaft 32f3 supported by the solid head 33 is raised and lowered. As described above, regarding the link 32f, when the slider 32c moves in the X direction, the link body 32f2 and the support member 32e rotate and move, thereby raising and lowering the second shaft 32f3 on the solid head 33 side, and raising and lowering the solid head 33 relative to the base 31.

[0053] The solid head 33 is an exposure device. The solid head 33 constitutes a light source (eg, LED) for writing an electrostatic latent image formed in the imaging unit 13. Figure 6 As shown, the solid head 33 includes a print head 41, a bracket 42, and a force applying member 43. When the solid head 33 is raised relative to the base 31 and is located at a predetermined position relative to the imaging unit 13, for example, a portion of the front end of the print head 41 or the bracket 42 in the rising direction abuts against a portion of the imaging unit 13. A dowel 44 is provided on the wall surface of the bracket 42 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction).

[0054] The print head 41 has a shape that is long in one direction. The print head 41 is, for example, an LED print head that uses an LED for emitting light as a light source. The print head 41 is arranged to have a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a photosensitive drum 52 described later of the imaging unit 13 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 52 and in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 52 when exposing the imaging unit 13. Figure 7 As shown, the print head 41 has a guide opening 41a formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction and at the front end in the ascending direction of the solid head 33. In addition, the print head 41 is configured such that the end faces of both ends formed with the openings 41a abut against a portion of the imaging unit 13. The opening 41a is a circular or elliptical hole. In addition, for example, the front end face of the print head 41 of the opening 41a and the edge of the inner peripheral surface are formed into a chamfered shape by an annular plane or curved surface. In addition, the print head 41 appropriately has an abutment portion or protrusion that abuts against any structure of the imaging unit 13 so that it is set to a predetermined position relative to the photosensitive drum 52 of the imaging unit 13.

[0055] The support 42 supports the print head 41. Figure 7 As shown, as a specific example, the support 42 supports the lower surface side of the print head 41 opposite to the side facing the photosensitive drum 52 in the lifting direction of the solid head 33 and both ends of the print head 41 in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] The force applying member 43 applies force to the print head 41 in a direction away from the bracket 42 and away from the photosensitive drum 52. A plurality of force applying members 43 are provided. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the urging members 43 are provided between the print head 41 and the bracket 42 in the lifting direction of the print head 41 and at two locations on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the print head 41. The urging members 43 are, for example, coil springs.

[0057] The first guide member 34 is fixed to at least one of the housing 11 and the base 31. When the imaging unit 13 is inserted from the insertion port 21a of the front housing 21 and when the imaging unit 13 is moved in the X direction on the fixed head unit 12 after being inserted from the insertion port 21a, the first guide member 34 guides the moving direction of the imaging unit 13 along the X direction. The first guide member 34 is, for example, a guide rail that guides the imaging unit 13 by contacting a portion of the imaging unit 13 when the imaging unit 13 is inserted from the insertion port 21a. Figure 4 As shown, for example, the first guide member 34 is composed of a pair of guide rails 34a and 34b extending in the X direction and slidably supporting a part of the outer surface of the imaging unit 13. A restriction rib 35 and an auxiliary guide 36 formed integrally on the upper side of the restriction rib 35 are formed on the inner wall surface of the guide rail 34a. The width dimension of the restriction rib 35 in the X direction (scanning direction) is specified as described later.

[0058] The imaging unit 13 is, for example, an electrophotographic processing unit (EPU). Figure 2 As shown, an imaging unit 13 containing yellow toner, an imaging unit 13 containing magenta toner, an imaging unit 13 containing cyan toner, and an imaging unit 13 containing black toner are arranged in sequence from the primary side to the secondary side in the conveying direction of the paper sheets.

[0059] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the image forming unit 13 includes a drum casing 51, a photosensitive drum 52, a second guide member 53, and a protrusion 54. Also, the image forming unit 13 includes, for example, a developing roller, a charging unit, a toner cartridge, and a cleaning agent cartridge.

[0060] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the drum case 51 is formed long in one direction. The drum case 51 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 52. When the imaging unit 13 is inserted from the insertion port 21a, the drum case 51 abuts against the pair of guide rails 34a and 34b of the first guide member 34 to guide the movement of the imaging unit 13 in the X direction.

[0061] The photosensitive drum 52 is formed so that uniform charges can be formed on the surface and an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface by exposing the surface. In addition, the photosensitive drum 52 is formed so that the toner attached to the electrostatic latent image can be transferred to paper.

[0062] The second guide member 53 is formed integrally with the drum casing 51 , for example. For example, the second guide member 53 is integrally formed with the drum casing 51 , or is integrally assembled with the drum casing 51 .

[0063] When the imaging unit 13 is inserted into the insertion port 21a, if it contacts the solid head 33, the second guide member 53 guides the position of the solid head 33 relative to the imaging unit 13 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the imaging unit 13 and the ascending direction of the solid head 33. Furthermore, when the solid head 33 of the solid head unit 12 ascends toward the photosensitive drum 52, the second guide member 53 guides the movement of the solid head 33 so that the solid head 33 is at a predetermined position relative to the photosensitive drum 52.

[0064] The protrusion 54 is a so-called dowel. The protrusion 54 is, for example, a protrusion provided on the drum shell 51. The protrusion 54 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape, and the ridge portion at the front end is rounded by an annular plane or curved surface, or the front end is reduced in diameter. The protrusion 54 is adjacent to both ends of the second guide member 53 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 52. The protrusion 54 is inserted into the opening 41a provided in the print head 41. The protrusion 54 is inserted into the opening 41a to position the photosensitive drum 52 supported by the drum shell 51 relative to the length direction (scanning direction) of the solid head 33. In addition, the protrusion 54 is inserted into the opening 41a to limit the movement of the drum shell 51 in the X direction, thereby fixing the imaging unit 13 to the housing 11 and the solid head unit 12.

[0065] The developing roller supplies the toner in the toner cartridge to the surface of the photosensitive drum 52. The charging unit forms a uniform charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52. The toner cartridge stores the toner. The toner cartridge collects the toner remaining when the toner is attached to the photosensitive drum 52.

[0066] The storage tray 14 stores paper, films and other paper for printing. The storage tray 14 is arranged below the housing 11, for example, below the plurality of solid head units 12 and the plurality of imaging units 13. The storage tray 14 includes a pickup roller, and takes out the corresponding paper according to the image forming process. In addition, the taken out paper is conveyed to the imaging unit 13 and the transfer belt 16 by a conveying device or the like.

[0067] The scanning unit 15 reads a placed original document etc. The scanning unit 15 includes, for example, a manual feed tray 15a.

[0068] The transfer belt 16 transfers the toner attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 52 to the paper passing through the photosensitive drum 52. The fixing device 17 fixes the toner on the paper to which the toner has been transferred.

[0069] The paper discharge tray 18 receives the discharged paper sheets to which the toner has been fixed. The conveying device conveys the paper sheets from the storage tray 14 to the paper discharge tray 18. For example, the conveying device is composed of a plurality of rollers provided in the housing 11 and a driving device for rotating the rollers. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the decorative plate of the paper discharge tray 18 is omitted.

[0070] The control unit controls each structure to perform image forming processing. The image forming processing includes, for example: charging processing, controlling the charging unit to form a uniform charge on the photosensitive drum 52 of the imaging unit 13; exposure processing, controlling the solid head unit 12 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 52; developing processing, causing the toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive drum 52; transfer processing, transferring the toner attached to the electrostatic latent image to the paper passing through the photosensitive drum 52 by the transfer belt 16, etc.; fixing processing, fixing the toner on the paper to which the toner is transferred by the fixing device 17.

[0071] Next, as an example of the disassembly and assembly operation of the imaging unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 thus configured, an example of the replacement operation of the imaging unit 13 is described below. In addition, since the toner is a consumable item, the imaging unit 13 is replaced when the toner is exhausted, for example. In addition, as another example of the disassembly and assembly of the imaging unit 13, an example of temporarily removing the imaging unit 13 from the image forming apparatus 1 when cleaning the solid head 33, etc. is considered.

[0072] First, if Fig.10 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operator operates the operating lever 32a of the solid head unit 12 on which the imaging unit 13 to be removed is mounted. Specifically, if the operator moves the operating portion 32a1 of the solid head unit 12 to Fig.10 If the shaft 32a2 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow, the shaft 32a2 rotates following the rotation of the operating portion 32a1. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion 32b1 provided on the shaft portion 32a2 moves along the groove 32b2 of the cylinder 32b3, and the shaft portion 32a2 moves from the rear side to the front side along the X direction in addition to the movement in the rotation direction.

[0073] When the shaft 32a2 moves in the X direction, the slider 32c fixed to the shaft 32a2 also moves in the X direction. When the slider 32c moves from the rear side to the front side in the X direction, the support member 32e and the link body 32f2 rotate and move, and the solid head 33 descends toward the base 31.

[0074] When the solid head 33 is lowered toward the base 31, the protrusion 54 of the imaging unit 13 inserted into the opening 41a of the print head 41 is removed from the opening 41a. Thus, the restriction of the X direction of the imaging unit 13 is released. On the other hand, the dowel 44 is guided to the bottom side of the restriction rib 35, so that the movement in the X direction is restricted.

[0075] Then, the operator pulls out the imaging unit 13 along the X direction. With this operation, the imaging unit 13 is guided by the first guide member 34 and moves in the X direction. That is, the drum case 51 is separated from the rear housing 22, and the drum case 51 abuts against the first guide member 34 and moves in the X direction. In addition, the imaging unit 13 is pulled out from the front housing 22.

[0076] Then, if Fig.14 As shown, the operator inserts the new imaging unit 13 to be replaced from the insertion port 21a while the solid head 33 is lowered to the side of the base 31. The imaging unit 13 inserted from the insertion port 21a first abuts the drum shell 51 against the first guide member 34, and moves in the X direction along the first guide member 34. Then, the drum shell 51 abuts against the rear housing 22. Thus, the imaging unit 13 is supported by the rear housing 22 and the solid head unit 12.

[0077] The pair of protrusions 54 provided on the imaging unit 13 are substantially opposed to the pair of openings 41 a formed in the print head 41 of the solid head 33 .

[0078] At this time, if Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown in the figure, when the solid head 33 is lowered to the side of the base 31, due to the accumulation of gaps δ and tolerances of the components in the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13, relative misalignment occurs in the X direction. When the relative misalignment exceeds the guide range α2 in the X direction based on the second guide Q, i.e., the protrusion 54 and the opening 41a, the protrusion 54 cannot be inserted into the opening 41a. Therefore, the guide range α1 in the X direction of the dowel 44 based on the first guide P, i.e., the limiting rib 35 is set to be smaller than the guide range α2.

[0079] In addition, if the operating rod 32a is operated to raise the solid head 33 relative to the base 31, Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 4 , the protrusion 54 reaches the entrance of the opening 41a. Fig. 20 As shown, the dowel 44 is released from the restricting rib 35 and is located within the range of the auxiliary guide 36. Therefore, the protrusion 54 can move into the opening 41a in the X direction regardless of the restriction range of the first guide P.

[0080] In addition, if the operating rod 32a is operated to raise the solid head 33 relative to the base 31, Fig.21 As shown, the protrusion 54 is inserted into the opening 41a. Fig. 22 As shown, the dowel 44 is released from the restricting rib 35 and is located within the range of the auxiliary guide 36. Finally, the protrusion 54 can be reliably inserted into the opening 41a.

[0081] To explain more specifically, when the operator moves the operating unit 32a1 to Fig.11When the shaft 32a2 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1 , the shaft 32a2 rotates following the rotation of the operating portion 32a1. Fig.14 As shown, the protrusion 32b1 provided on the shaft portion 32a2 moves along the groove 32b2 of the cylinder 32b3, and the shaft portion 32a2 moves from the front side to the rear side along the X direction in addition to the movement in the rotation direction.

[0082] If the shaft 32a2 moves in the X direction, the slider 32c fixed to the shaft 32a2 also moves in the X direction. If the slider 32c moves from the front side to the rear side in the X direction, the support member 32e and the connecting rod body 32f2 rotate and move. As a result, the solid head 33 rises toward the photosensitive drum 52 in the second guide member 53. At this time, the bracket 42 is Figure 6 The solid head 33 moves between the pair of plate-shaped portions 53a of the second guide member 53 shown, thereby guiding the position of the solid head 33 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the imaging unit 13 into the bracket 42 and the lifting direction of the solid head 33 to a predetermined position.

[0083] In addition, the solid head 33 rises, the protrusion 54 is inserted into the opening 41a of the print head 41, and the print head 41 abuts against the drum case 51 or the photosensitive drum 52, for example. As a result, the movement of the imaging unit 13 in the X direction is restricted, and the solid head 33 is fixed to the housing 11 and the solid head unit 12, and the solid head 33 is positioned at a predetermined position suitable for image forming processing relative to the photosensitive drum 52. In addition, the print head 41 is always urged toward the photosensitive drum 52 by the urging member 43, and is maintained at a predetermined position relative to the photosensitive drum 52.

[0084] According to the image forming apparatus 1 configured in this way, even when relative displacement occurs in the X direction due to the accumulation of gaps δ and tolerances between the components in the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13, by setting the guide range α1 of the dowel 44 in the X direction based on the restriction rib 35 to be smaller than the guide range α2 of the X direction based on the protrusion 54 and the opening 41a, the protrusion 54 can be inserted into the opening 41a, and the relative position of the solid head 33 and the photosensitive drum 52 can be guided to a predetermined position suitable for image forming processing. In other words, the protrusion 54 of the imaging unit 13 can be positioned at the opening 41a of the solid head 33 by the first guide member P. Therefore, the operation of installing the imaging unit 13 to the image forming apparatus 1 can be an operation of operating the operating lever 32a after inserting the imaging unit 13 until the imaging unit 13 abuts against the rear housing 22. Therefore, the imaging unit 13 can be easily installed to the solid head unit 12.

[0085] In addition, for the purpose of improving the ease of installation, the dimensions of the solid head unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 are designed to have a size difference. However, by guiding the position of the protrusion 54 relative to the opening 41a by the first guide member P, the relative position of the solid head 33 and the photosensitive drum 52 can be guided to a position suitable for image forming processing.

[0086] According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment described above, the relative positional relationship between the solid head 33 and the imaging unit 13 can be guided.

[0087] For example, in the above example, as a structure for raising and lowering the solid head 33 relative to the photosensitive drum 52, a structure using the slider 32c and the connecting rod 32f is described, the slider 32c moves linearly by the rotation of the operating rod 32a, and the connecting rod 32f rotates by the movement of the slider 32c to raise and lower the solid head 33, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0088] In the above example, the imaging unit 13 is arranged above the solid head unit 12 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging unit 13 may be arranged below the solid head unit 12 .

[0089] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured as follows, for example, as a configuration using only black toner, and may include one solid head unit 12 and one imaging unit 13. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 may include other configurations and processes in addition to the above configurations and processes.

[0090] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are only presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new 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, characterized in that: have: case; a solid head unit fixed to the housing and comprising a base, a solid head for exposure, a lifting mechanism for lifting the solid head relative to the base, and a first guide member for guiding the solid head within a specified dimension in a scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction when lifting the solid head; A photosensitive drum is arranged at a predetermined position relative to the raised solid head and is supported by a drum shell; as well as The second guide member guides the solid head in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction relative to the drum shell when the solid head is raised and lowered toward the photosensitive drum and the guidance by the first guide member is released. A tapered auxiliary guide is continuously formed on the first guide and gradually expands from the released position toward the photosensitive drum side.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first guide includes a groove provided on the base and a protrusion provided on the solid head.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A guide range of the first guide in the scanning direction is set to be narrower than a guide range of the second guide in the scanning direction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The second guide includes a protrusion provided on the drum shell and an opening provided on the solid head.

Images