Moving mechanism and image forming device

Abstract

The present invention provides a moving mechanism and an image forming device that facilitate the positioning and operation of a workbench. The image forming device includes a photosensitive body unit, a first terminal, a workbench, a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a slider, and an exposure device. The photosensitive body unit includes a photosensitive body that carries an electrostatic latent image. The workbench can move from a first position to a second position, the first position being a position close to the photosensitive body so that the second terminal is engaged with the first terminal, and the second position being a position farther from the photosensitive body in the second direction than the first position. The slider has a first position limiting portion and a second position limiting portion at positions separated from each other in a third direction. The thickness of the first position limiting portion in the first direction is thinner than the thickness of the second position limiting portion in the first direction. The slider has a guide portion that slides relative to the first protrusion between the base and the second protrusion and extends in the third direction. The exposure device is supported on the workbench and emits light to depict the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive body.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Image forming devices sometimes use linear light sources, such as LED arrays, as exposure light sources. These linear light sources are held in an exposure device. Light emitted from the linear light source is focused onto a line by a lens included in the exposure device. The exposure device is supported by a moving mechanism that moves back and forth toward a photoreceptor unit that includes a photoreceptor.

[0003] The moving mechanism moves the exposure device between a contact position where the exposure device contacts the photosensitive body unit and a separation position where the exposure device separates from the photosensitive body unit. At the contact position, the exposure device is positioned relative to the photosensitive body so that the emitted light is focused at the exposure position on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0004] For example, if a deviation occurs in the movement path of the moving mechanism due to component errors, assembly errors, etc., there is a possibility that positioning at the abutment position may be hindered. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a moving mechanism and an image forming apparatus that are easy to position and operate a worktable.

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photoreceptor unit, a first terminal, a worktable, a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a slider, and an exposure device. The photoreceptor unit includes a photoreceptor for carrying an electrostatic latent image. The first terminal is supported by the photoreceptor unit. The worktable has a second terminal that engages with the first terminal and limits relative movement between the worktable and the photoreceptor in a first direction. The worktable is movable from a first position to a second position. The first position is when the worktable is close to the photoreceptor so that the second terminal engages with the first terminal. The second position is when the worktable is further away from the photoreceptor in the second direction than in the first position. The first protrusion protrudes from a base provided on the worktable in a direction intersecting the second direction. The second protrusion protrudes from the first protrusion in a direction intersecting the first direction at a position separated from the base in the first direction. The slider moves in a third direction intersecting the second direction and the first direction. The slider has a first position limiting portion and a second position limiting portion at a position separated from each other in the third direction. The first position limiting portion limits the position of the first protrusion in the second direction when the worktable is in the first position. The second position restricting portion abuts the first protrusion when the worktable is in the second position. The thickness of the first position restricting portion in the first direction is thinner than the thickness of the second position restricting portion in the first direction. The slider includes a guide portion that slides relative to the first protrusion between the base portion and the second protrusion and extends in the third direction from the second position restricting portion to the first position restricting portion. The exposure device is supported by the worktable and emits light to draw an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor.

[0007] The moving mechanism of the embodiment is used for an image forming device, the image forming device comprising: a photosensitive body unit including a photosensitive body, the photosensitive body being used to carry an electrostatic latent image; a first terminal supported by the photosensitive body unit; and an exposure device emitting light to depict the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive body; the moving mechanism comprises: a workbench having a second terminal and being movable from a first position to a second position, the workbench supporting the exposure device, the second terminal being engaged with the first terminal, for limiting relative movement of the workbench and the photosensitive body in a first direction, the first position being a position where the workbench is close to the photosensitive body so that the second terminal is engaged with the first terminal, and the second position being a position where the workbench is farther away from the photosensitive body in the second direction than the first position; a first protrusion protruding from a base provided on the workbench in a direction intersecting with the second direction; a second The cam is configured to move the guide rails relative to the first support frame, and the guide rails are configured to move relative to the first support frame when the cam is in the first position and the second position is greater than the limit stop of the second support frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing an exposure unit and a base in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view showing a photoreceptor, an exposure unit, and a moving mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a perspective schematic diagram of a housing accommodating a photoreceptor in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of the F5-F5 line in FIG.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of an exposure unit and a moving mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing a work table in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 Schematic cross-sectional view of the F8-F8 line.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a schematic right side view of a workbench in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the first protrusion in the moving mechanism of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the entire slider in the moving mechanism of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the main part of the slider in the moving mechanism of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 It is a schematic left side view of a guide member in the moving mechanism of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing a guide member in the moving mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 It is a left side schematic diagram showing the exposure section and the moving mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment when descending.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the moving mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram showing the lifting and lowering operation of the table of the moving mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram showing the lifting and lowering operation of the table of the moving mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram showing the lifting and lowering operation of the table of the moving mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 20 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving mechanism according to a first modified example of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 21 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving mechanism according to a second modified example of the embodiment.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 7…Photosensitive drum, 25, 25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K…Image forming unit, 25A…Casing, 25D…Photosensitive unit, 25eF, 25eR…First positioning unit, 26…Exposure unit, 40…Frame, 40e, 40f…Inclined surface, 41, 41…Slider, 41A, 41B, 41C…Guide member, 41i, 41iA…First guide plate, 41j…Second guide plate, 41m…Latching portion, 41n, 41p…Guide, 42, 42…Stay, 42h…Side portion, 42j, 42j1, 42j2, 42j3 2j3…first protrusion, 42k, 42kB…second protrusion, 42ka…surface, 43…exposure device, 44F, 44R…force-applying component, 46…operating portion, 47, 47A, 47B…moving mechanism, 50…light source, 51…lens, 53…holding component, 53hF, 53hR…second positioning portion, 53hFa…cylindrical portion, 53hFb, 53hRb…bending portion, 60…workbench, 100…image forming device, L…optical axis, M…second direction, N…first direction, P, PA…plate, Pa…side surface, Pb…inclined surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus and the moving mechanism of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following figures, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified.

[0032] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a control panel 1 , a scanner unit 2 , a printer unit 3 , a sheet feeding unit 4 , a conveying unit 5 , a manual unit 10 , and a control unit 6 .

[0035] When referring to relative positions in the image forming apparatus 100, the X1 direction, X2 direction, Y1 direction, Y2 direction, Z1 direction, and Z2 direction shown in the figure may be used. The X1 direction is when standing in front of the image forming apparatus 100 ( Figure 1The X2 direction is the opposite direction of the X1 direction. The Y1 direction is the direction from the back toward the front of the image forming apparatus 100. The Y2 direction is the opposite direction of the Y1 direction. The Z1 direction is the vertically upward direction. The Z2 direction is the vertically downward direction. In cases where the X1 (Y1, Z1) direction and the X2 (Y2, Z2) direction are irrelevant, or both directions are included, only the X (Y, Z) direction is recorded.

[0036] The plane having a normal line in the X direction is referred to as the YZ plane, the plane having a normal line in the Y direction is referred to as the ZX plane, and the plane having a normal line in the Z direction is referred to as the XY plane. In the image forming apparatus 100 , the ZX plane is a plane parallel to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The XY plane is a horizontal plane.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the shapes and arrangements of the components of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described based on the state in which they are arranged in the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0038] The image forming apparatus 100 is operated by a user operating the control panel 1 .

[0039] The scanner unit 2 reads image information of the copy object as light and dark, and outputs the read image information to the printer unit 3 .

[0040] The printer section 3 forms an image on a sheet S based on image information from the scanner section 2 or the outside.

[0041] The printer unit 3 forms an output image (toner image) using a developer including toner. The printer unit 3 transfers the toner image onto the surface of the sheet S. The printer unit 3 applies heat and pressure to the toner image on the surface of the sheet S, thereby fixing the toner image to the sheet S.

[0042] The sheet feeding section 4 feeds the sheets S one by one to the printer section 3 in accordance with the timing at which the printer section 3 forms a toner image.

[0043] The sheet feeding section 4 includes a paper feeding cassette 20 and a cassette-type paper feeding section 21 .

[0044] The paper feed cassette 20 accommodates sheets S of various sizes.

[0045] The cassette paper feed unit 21 is located above an end portion in the X1 direction of the paper feed cassette 20. The cassette paper feed unit 21 includes a pickup roller 22B, a paper feed roller 22A, and a separation roller 22C.

[0046] The pickup roller 22B conveys the sheet S required for image formation from the paper feed cassette 20 to the nip portion between the paper feed roller 22A and the separation roller 22C.

[0047] The paper feed roller 22A conveys the sheet S conveyed to the nip portion to the conveyance portion 5 .

[0048] When a plurality of sheets S are conveyed, the separation roller 22C separates one sheet S.

[0049] The transport unit 5 includes registration rollers 24 .

[0050] The registration rollers 24 align the leading end of the sheet S fed by the paper feed roller 22A at the nip NP. The registration rollers 24 convey the sheet S according to the timing when the printer unit 3 transfers the toner image to the sheet S. The registration rollers 24 convey the sheet S to the transfer unit 28 .

[0051] The printer section 3 includes image forming sections 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K, an exposure section 26 , an intermediate transfer belt 27 , a transfer section 28 , a fixing device 29 , and a transfer belt cleaning unit 35 .

[0052] The image forming sections 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K are sequentially arranged in the X1 direction.

[0053] The image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K each form a toner image transferred to the sheet S on the intermediate transfer belt 27 .

[0054] The image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K each include a photosensitive drum 7. The photosensitive drum 7 has a photosensitive layer on its surface and is an example of a photosensitive member for carrying an electrostatic latent image.

[0055] The image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K develop the electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 7 , thereby forming yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images on the photosensitive drums 7 .

[0056] A charger, an exposure unit 26, a developer 8, a primary transfer roller, a cleaning unit, and a static remover are arranged around each photosensitive drum 7. The primary transfer roller faces the photosensitive drum 7. An intermediate transfer belt 27 is sandwiched between the primary transfer roller and the photosensitive drum 7.

[0057] Toner cartridges 33Y, 33M, 33C, and 33K are arranged above the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K. The toner cartridges 33Y, 33M, 33C, and 33K contain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively.

[0058] The toners in the toner cartridges 33Y, 33M, 33C, and 33K are supplied to the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K through toner supply pipes (not shown).

[0059] The exposure unit 26 irradiates light onto the surfaces of the charged photosensitive drums 7. The light is controlled to emit light based on image information. The exposure unit 26 of this embodiment has a light source with a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the Y1 direction. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the exposure section 26 is disposed below each of the image forming sections 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K.

[0060] Image information corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is supplied to each exposure section 26 . Each exposure section 26 forms an electrostatic latent image based on the image information on the surface of each photosensitive drum 7 .

[0061] Figure 2 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing an exposure unit and a base in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0062] like Figure 2 As in the example of the exposure unit 26 in the image forming unit 25K shown in FIG. 1 , the exposure unit 26 is arranged on the base 11 provided in the printer unit 3 .

[0063] The base 11 has four recesses 11 a in which four exposure units 26 can be placed. Each recess 11 a is a groove that is long in the Y direction. Each recess 11 a positions the bottom and side portions of each exposure unit 26 .

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the intermediate transfer belt 27 is an endless belt. Tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 27 by multiple rollers abutting its inner circumference. The intermediate transfer belt 27 is stretched flat. The inner circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 27 abuts the support roller 28a at the position in the X1 direction, which is the farthest point in the stretching direction. The inner circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 27 abuts the transfer belt roller 32 at the position in the X2 direction, which is the farthest point in the stretching direction.

[0065] The support roller 28a constitutes a part of the transfer section 28. The support roller 28a guides the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the secondary transfer position.

[0066] The transfer belt roller 32 guides the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the cleaning position.

[0067] Image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K, excluding the primary transfer roller, are sequentially arranged in the X1 direction on the lower surface of the intermediate transfer belt 27. In the region between the transfer belt roller 32 and the backup roller 28a, the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K are spaced apart from one another.

[0068] When the toner image reaches the primary transfer position, a transfer bias is applied to each primary transfer roller of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K. Each primary transfer roller primarily transfers the toner image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 7 onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 .

[0069] The transfer section 28 is disposed on the intermediate transfer belt 27 at a position adjacent to the image forming section 25K.

[0070] The transfer unit 28 includes a backup roller 28a and a secondary transfer roller 28b. The secondary transfer roller 28b and the backup roller 28a sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 27. The position where the secondary transfer roller 28b and the intermediate transfer belt 27 contact each other is the secondary transfer position.

[0071] The transfer section 28 transfers the charged toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the surface of the sheet S at a secondary transfer position. The transfer section 28 applies a transfer bias to the secondary transfer position. The transfer section 28 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the sheet S using the transfer bias.

[0072] The fixing device 29 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S. The fixing device 29 uses the heat and pressure to fix the toner image transferred to the sheet S. The fixing device 29 is arranged above the transfer unit 28 .

[0073] The transfer belt cleaning unit 35 faces the transfer belt roller 32. The transfer belt cleaning unit 35 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 27. The transfer belt cleaning unit 35 scrapes off the toner on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 27.

[0074] Conveyance paths 30A and 30B for conveying the sheet S from downward to upward are sequentially formed between the registration roller 24 and the transfer section 28 and between the transfer section 28 and the fixing device 29 , respectively.

[0075] Each of the conveyance paths 30A, 30B, and 30C includes conveyance guides and conveyance rollers that face each other with the sheet S interposed therebetween.

[0076] The manual unit 10 supplies sheets S on which images are to be formed to the printer unit 3. When the manual tray 13 is used, the manual tray 13 is rotated clockwise in the figure to open it as shown by the solid line. Sheets S of various sizes can be placed on the opened manual tray 13.

[0077] The manual unit 10 includes a pickup roller, a paper feed roller, and a separation roller similar to those of the sheet feeding portion 4 .

[0078] The control unit 6 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 and its various components. For example, the control unit 6 controls the control panel 1, scanner unit 2, printer unit 3, sheet feeding unit 4, conveying unit 5, and manual unit 10 to convey the sheet S and form an image on the sheet S.

[0079] As a device configuration of the control unit 6 , for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be adopted.

[0080] The detailed structure of each exposure section 26 will be described. The structure of each exposure section 26 is common to each other. Hereinafter, the image forming sections 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K disposed above the exposure section 26 will be referred to as the image forming section 25 without being distinguished from each other.

[0081] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view showing a photoreceptor, an exposure unit, and a moving mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 4 It is a perspective schematic diagram of a housing accommodating a photoreceptor in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the image forming unit 25 includes a photoreceptor unit 25D including a photoreceptor drum 7 and a housing 25A that accommodates the photoreceptor drum 7. The exposure unit 26 in the image forming unit 25 includes an exposure device 43 and a moving mechanism 47. The exposure device 43 emits light to draw an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 7. The moving mechanism 47 moves the exposure device 43 in the second direction between a second position and a first position.

[0083] For example, the second direction is defined as the optical axis direction of light emitted from the exposure unit 26. The first position is the position in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 using light emitted from the exposure device 43. At the first position, the exposure unit 26 and the photosensitive body unit 25D abut against each other in the second direction, thereby maintaining a constant distance between the exposure device 43 and the photosensitive drum 7. At the second position, the exposure unit 26 and the photosensitive body unit 25D are separated in the second direction, forming a wider gap between the exposure device 43 and the photosensitive body unit 25D than in the first position.

[0084] The photoconductor unit 25D can be pulled out in the Y1 direction while the exposure section 26 remains in the printer section 3 .

[0085] The photosensitive drum 7 is elongated in the Y direction and has a rotational shaft 7a at each end in the Y direction. Each rotational shaft 7a is coaxial with a central axis O, which is parallel to the Y direction. A gear 7c is provided at the distal end of the rotational shaft 7a in the Y direction. The driving force that rotates the photosensitive drum 7 is transmitted to the gear 7c.

[0086] The housing 25A includes a bottom plate 25c, side plates 25aF and 25aR, contact portions 25fF and 25fR, and first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR.

[0087] The first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR are examples of first terminals supported by the photoconductor unit.

[0088] The bottom plate 25c is positioned above the exposure unit 26. An opening 25d is formed in the bottom plate 25c to transmit light emitted upward from the exposure unit 26. For example, the opening 25d is a hole extending through the bottom plate 25c in the thickness direction and extending in the Y direction. For example, the shape of the opening 25d as viewed from the Z2 direction is rectangular.

[0089] A side plate 25aF protruding in the Z1 direction is provided at the end of the bottom plate 25c in the Y1 direction. A side plate 25aR protruding in the Z1 direction is provided at the end of the bottom plate 25c in the Y2 direction. A bearing 25b is provided on each of the side plates 25aF and 25aR. These bearings 25b support the rotating shaft 7a so that it can rotate about the central axis O.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, the contact portion 25fF and the first positioning portion 25eF are provided in this order and spaced apart from each other in the Y1 direction at a portion of the lower surface of the bottom plate 25c that is spaced apart from the opening 25d in the Y1 direction.

[0091] On the lower surface of the bottom plate 25c, at a location spaced apart from the opening 25d in the Y2 direction, two contact portions 25fR and the first positioning portion 25eR are sequentially spaced apart from each other in the Y2 direction.

[0092] The contact portion 25fF and each of the contact portions 25fR protrude downward from the lower surface of the bottom plate 25c along the normal line of the bottom plate 25c. In this embodiment, the normal line of the bottom plate 25c is parallel to the second direction M of movement of the exposure device 43. The distances between the front ends of the contact portion 25fF and each of the contact portions 25fR in the protruding direction and the central axis O are equal.

[0093] The shapes of the contact portion 25fF and each contact portion 25fR are not particularly limited as long as they can maintain a constant distance between the exposure unit 26 and the photosensitive drum 7 by contacting the upper plate 53a of the exposure unit 26. The contact between the front ends of the contact portions 25fF and 25fR and the upper plate 53a may be point contact, line contact, or surface contact.

[0094] For example, the contact portion 25fF and each contact portion 25fR may be cylindrical, prismatic, hemispherical, plate-shaped, etc. The distal end of the contact portion 25fF and each contact portion 25fR may be a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0095] For example, the contact portion 25fF and each of the contact portions 25fR may be a cylinder whose distal end is formed by a plane parallel to the central axis O.

[0096] The first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR are shaft members that protrude downward from the lower surface of the bottom plate 25c along the normal line of the bottom plate 25c. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR are cylindrical, elongated in the second direction M, with each distal end tapering to a tapered shape. The first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR each have a cylindrical portion 25ea and a tapered portion 25eb. The cylindrical portion 25ea of each of the first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR protrudes further in the protruding direction than the distal ends of the abutting portions 25fF and 25fR.

[0097] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of the F5-F5 line in FIG. Figure 6 This is an exploded view of an exposure unit and a moving mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the exposure device 43 includes a light source 50 , a lens 51 , and a bracket 52 .

[0099] The light source 50 is longer in the Y direction. Figure 5 As shown, the light source 50 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 50a and a circuit substrate 50b. For example, the plurality of light-emitting elements 50a is a solid-state light-emitting element array. For example, the plurality of light-emitting elements 50a are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the light source 50. The longitudinal direction of the light source 50 is the Y direction within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0100] For example, the plurality of light emitting elements 50a may be an LED array, an organic EL array, or the like.

[0101] The number of the plurality of light emitting elements 50 a is equal to or greater than the number of pixels in the main scanning direction during image formation.

[0102] Each of the plurality of light emitting elements 50 a emits light L1 in response to a driving current supplied from the circuit board 50 b .

[0103] The circuit board 50 b controls the driving current for the plurality of light emitting elements 50 a according to the control signal sent from the control unit 6 , thereby turning on and off the plurality of light emitting elements 50 a .

[0104] The lens 51 focuses the light L1 emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 50a, forming spot-shaped light L2 at respective focal positions on the optical axis L. The type of lens 51 is not particularly limited as long as it can independently focus the light L1 emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 50a. For example, a SELFOC (registered trademark) lens array or the like may be used as the lens 51.

[0105] The optical axes L of the lights L1 and L2 from the plurality of light emitting elements 50a are parallel to each other and are tilted θ relative to the vertical line in the ZX plane. The tilt direction of the optical axis L is Figure 5 Clockwise direction in .

[0106] When the exposure device 43 is located at the first position, the focal position at which each light L2 is condensed is located on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0107] The incident angle of the optical axis L of the light L2 with respect to the photosensitive drum 7 is not particularly limited.

[0108] The bracket 52 is a resin component that holds the light source 50 and the lens 51. The bracket 52 has an opening through which the lens 51 is inserted and a recessed portion in which the light source 50 is positioned. For example, the lens 51 is bonded to the opening. When the light source 50 is fixed to the recessed portion, the light-emitting portions of the plurality of light-emitting elements 50a are located at the front focal point (front focal point) of the lens 51.

[0109] like Figure 6 As shown, the moving mechanism 47 includes a frame 40 , a table 60 , biasing members 44F and 44R, a slider 41 , guide members 41A, 41B, and 41C, and an operating unit 46 .

[0110] like Figure 5 As shown, the frame 40 houses the worktable 60 and the slider 41. The frame 40 is mounted within the recess 11a of the base 11. The frame 40 is placed on the bottom surface 11b of the recess 11a and is sandwiched between the right side 11c and the left side 11d, which protrude from the bottom surface 11b in the Z1 direction. For example, the frame 40 is engaged and fixed by the engagement portion formed on the bottom surface 11b, the claw-shaped portion formed on the right side 11c, and the engagement portion formed on the left side 11d.

[0111] The frame 40 has a bottom 40a, a first side wall 40b, an upper cover 40c, and a second side wall 40d. The bottom 40a, first side wall 40b, upper cover 40c, and second side wall 40d are longer than the exposure device 43, the stage 60, and the slider 41 in the Y direction.

[0112] The bottom portion 40a supports the slider 41 so that it can slide in the Y direction. The bottom portion 40a is placed on the bottom surface 11b of the recessed portion 11a. The shape of the top surface of the bottom portion 40a is not particularly limited, as long as it allows the slider 41 to slide in the Y direction. For example, the top surface of the bottom portion 40a may have a flat surface parallel to the XY plane. For example, the top surface of the bottom portion 40a may have a protrusion or a ridge located on a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0113] The upper surface of the bottom surface portion 40 a in the present embodiment has an inclined surface having the second direction M as a normal direction at least in a portion where the urging members 44F and 44R are arranged.

[0114] The first side wall 40b extends from the X1 end of the bottom surface 40a along the right side 11c of the recess 11a in the Z1 direction. The slider 41 is arranged close to the bottom surface 40a on the X2 side of the first side wall 40b.

[0115] The upper cover portion 40c is a plate-like portion that is L-shaped in the ZX plane. The upper cover portion 40c is formed within a range that covers the upper surface of the slider 41 from above. An inclined surface 40e parallel to the second direction M and the Y direction is formed at the end of the upper cover portion 40c in the X2 direction.

[0116] The second side wall 40d is a flat plate-shaped wall portion extending from the end of the bottom surface portion 40a in the X2 direction and parallel to the second direction M and the direction Y. The lower end portion of the second side wall 40d is adjacent to the left side surface 11d of the recessed portion 11a.

[0117] In the frame 40 , a space 40 g having a substantially trapezoidal cross section, which is surrounded by the bottom portion 40 a , the first side wall 40 b , and the upper cover portion 40 c , is long in the direction Y. The slider 41 is inserted into the space 40 g .

[0118] The upper surface of the bottom portion 40a, on which the slider 41 is placed, supports the slider 41 so that the slider 41 can slide in the Y direction. The lower surface of the upper cover portion 40c guides the upper surface of the slider 41 in the Y direction. The side surface of the first side wall 40b on the X2 direction side guides the side surface of the slider 41 on the X1 direction side in the Y direction.

[0119] The space 40g enables the slider 41 to move linearly in the Y direction.

[0120] In the frame 40, the distance between the inclined surface 40f on the X1 direction side of the second side wall 40d and the inclined surface 40e of the upper cover portion 40c is slightly wider than the width of the exposure device 43 in a direction perpendicular to the second direction M in the ZX plane. A space 40h is formed between the inclined surfaces 40f and 40e, in which the exposure device 43 and a portion of the stage 60 can move in the second direction M.

[0121] like Figure 6 As shown, a mounting portion 40 i that protrudes further in the Z2 direction than the bottom surface portion 40 a is provided at an end in the Y1 direction of the frame body 40 .

[0122] The mounting portion 40i is provided with a boss 40j for mounting the operating portion 46. The boss 40j protrudes from a side portion of the mounting portion 40i in the X2 direction.

[0123] The table 60 includes a holding member 53 and a stay 42 .

[0124] The holding member 53 holds the light source 50 and the lens 51 fixed to the bracket 52. The material of the holding member 53 can also be metal or resin. The holding member 53 can also be formed of a composite material of metal and resin. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the holding member 53 has a box shape formed by bending a metal plate such as a mild steel plate or a stainless steel plate.

[0125] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, the holding member 53 includes an upper plate 53a, a left side plate 53b, and a right side plate 53c (see Figure 5 )、Rear side panel 53fR (refer to Figure 6 ) and the front side plate 53fF (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0126] The upper plate 53a is a flat plate forming the upper surface of the holding member 53. The normal line of the upper plate 53a is parallel to the second direction M. The shape of the upper plate 53a observed from the second direction M is a rectangular shape that is long in the Y direction. Figure 2 As shown, the upper plate 53 a is longer than the length of the drum surface of the photosensitive drum 7 .

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , an opening 53 d is formed in the center of the upper plate 53 a in the X direction. The upper end of the holder 52 holding the lens 51 is inserted into the opening 53 d.

[0128] Figure 7 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing a work table in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 Schematic cross-sectional view of the F8-F8 line. Figure 9 It is a schematic right side view of a workbench in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0129] like Figure 7 As shown, the stage 60 has second positioning portions 53hF and 53hR. The second positioning portions 53hF and 53hR are examples of second terminals that fit (mate) with the first terminals to restrict relative movement in the first direction N with the photoreceptor.

[0130] Here, the first direction N is a direction from the left side plate 53 b toward the right side plate 53 c among directions orthogonal to the second direction M and the Y direction.

[0131] The second positioning portion 53hF is provided at the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y1 direction. The end of the upper plate 53a in the Y1 direction refers to the upper plate 53a in the range between the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y1 direction and the end of the lens 51. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, the second positioning portion 53hF is provided in a region close to the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y1 direction, among the end portions of the upper plate 53a in the Y1 direction.

[0132] The second positioning portion 53hF can be engaged (matched) with the first positioning portion 25eF of the housing 25A. In this embodiment, the first positioning portion 25eF is a convex portion, and the second positioning portion 53hF is a concave portion. The second positioning portion 53hF positions the first positioning portion 25eF in the Y direction and the X direction. For example, the second positioning portion 53hF enables the cylindrical portion 25ea of the first positioning portion 25eF to be pluggable. Figure 8 As shown, the second positioning portion 53hF includes a cylindrical portion 53hFa extending in the direction opposite to the second direction M, and a curved portion 53hFb that smoothly curves along an arc from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 53hFa toward the upper plate 53a. The inner diameter of the curved portion 53hFb increases in the second direction M from the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 53hFa to form a trumpet shape.

[0133] like Figure 7 As shown, the second positioning portion 53hR is provided at the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y2 direction. The end of the upper plate 53a in the Y2 direction means the upper plate 53a between the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y2 direction and the end of the lens 51. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, the second positioning portion 53hR is provided in a region close to the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y2 direction, among the end portions of the upper plate 53a in the Y2 direction.

[0134] The second positioning portion 53hR is capable of engaging with the first positioning portion 25eR of the housing 25A in a concave-convex manner. In this embodiment, the first positioning portion 25eR is a convex portion, and the second positioning portion 53hR is a concave portion. The second positioning portion 53hR positions the first positioning portion 25eR in the X direction. For example, the second positioning portion 53hR is a long hole that is longer in the Y direction. The second positioning portion 53hR has a short side width that allows the cylindrical portion 25ea of the first positioning portion 25eR to be pluggably engaged in the X direction, and a long side width that is longer than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25ea of the first positioning portion 25eR.

[0135] The second positioning portion 53hR includes a cylindrical portion 53hRa having a long hole shape extending in the opposite direction to the second direction M and a curved portion 53hRb smoothly curved along an arc from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 53hRa toward the upper plate 53a. Figure 8As shown, similarly to the bent portion 53hFb, the short side width of the bent portion 53hRb increases in a trumpet shape from the short side width of the cylindrical portion 53hRa in the second direction M. The cross-sectional shape of the long side width is also the same.

[0136] The second positioning portions 53hF and 53hR are separated from the light source 50 in the Y direction and sandwich the light source 50 therebetween. The second positioning portions 53hF and 53hR respectively engage with the first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR to position the holding member 53 relative to the abutting portions 25fF and 25fR in the Y direction and in the first direction N intersecting the Y direction.

[0137] The first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR are provided on the photoreceptor unit 25D. At the first position, the first positioning portions 25eF and 25eR engage with the second positioning portions 53hF and 53hR of the work table 60 in a concave-convex manner, thereby positioning the work table 60 in a direction intersecting the second direction M. In the present embodiment, the direction intersecting the second direction M is the short side direction and the long side direction of the upper plate 53 a, which are directions along the upper plate 53 a.

[0138] The stage 60 is movable from a first position where the stage 60 is close to the photoreceptor so that the second terminal is engaged with the first terminal to a second position where the stage 60 is farther from the photoreceptor in the second direction than the first position.

[0139] At the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y1 direction, an abutment portion 53gF is provided adjacent to the second positioning portion 53hF in the Y2 direction, with which the front end of the abutment portion 25fF abuts. The shape of the abutment portion 53gF is not particularly limited as long as it can abut against the abutment portion 25fF. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, the contact portion 53 gF is a planar surface of the upper plate 53 a sandwiched between two slits 53 i that are long in the X direction and separated from each other in the Y direction.

[0140] At the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y2 direction, an abutment portion 53gR is provided adjacent to the second positioning portion 53hR in the Y1 direction, with which the front end of the abutment portion 25fR abuts. The shape of the abutment portion 53gR is not particularly limited as long as it can abut against the abutment portion 25fR. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, the contact portion 53gR and the contact portion 53gF are similarly the planar surface of the upper plate 53a sandwiched between the two slits 53i.

[0141] When the contact portions 53gF and 53gR contact the contact portions 25fF and 25fR, the holding member 53 , the stage 60 including the holding member 53 , and the exposure device 43 held by the stage 60 are respectively positioned at the first position.

[0142] like Figure 8 As shown, the left side plate 53b is bent in the opposite direction of the second direction M from the end of the upper plate 53a in the X2 direction.

[0143] The right side plate 53 c is bent in the opposite direction to the second direction M from the end of the upper plate 53 a in the X1 direction.

[0144] The outer shape of the left side plate 53b viewed from the X1 direction is a rectangular shape that is long in the Y direction (see Figure 6 The outer shape of the right side plate 53c viewed from the X2 direction is a rectangular shape that is long in the Y direction, similar to the left side plate 53b (see Figure 9 ).

[0145] The rear side plate 53fR is bent from the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y2 direction in the Z2 direction. The length of the rear side plate 53fR in the Z direction is substantially equal to the length of the left side plate 53b in the Z direction.

[0146] The front side plate 53fF is bent from the end of the upper plate 53a in the Y1 direction toward the Z2 direction. The length of the front side plate 53fF in the Z direction is substantially equal to the length of the left side plate 53b in the Z direction.

[0147] like Figure 6 As shown, holes 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D penetrate the left plate 53b in the thickness direction near the lower end (end in the Z2 direction). The centers of the holes 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D are located on the same straight line parallel to the upper plate 53a.

[0148] like Figure 9 As shown, in the right side plate 53c, holes 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D penetrate in the thickness direction at the same positions as those in the left side plate 53b.

[0149] The overall shape of the holding member 53 is a box shape in which a left side plate 53b, a rear side plate 53fR, a right side plate 53c, and a front side plate 53fF stand on the outer edge of an upper plate 53a.

[0150] like Figure 6 As shown, the stay 42 is shorter than the holding member 53 in the Y direction and longer than the distance between the hole 53A and the hole 53D. The width of the upper portion of the stay 42 in the X direction is large enough to be inserted into the inner side of the holding member 53. The stay 42 is connected to the holding member 53 when the upper portion of the stay 42 is inserted into the inner side of the holding member 53.

[0151] The stay 42 is made of, for example, resin.

[0152] like Figure 7 As shown, the stay 42 is shaped like a plate that is long in the Y direction as a whole.

[0153] The stay 42 includes side panels 42b and 42c. The side panels 42b and 42c are flat plates parallel to the second direction M and the Y direction. The side panels 42b and 42c are arranged sequentially in the X1 direction and face each other in their respective thickness directions. The side panels 42b and 42c are connected to each other in the opposing directions by a plurality of ribs.

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown, on the side plate portion 42b, protrusions 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D respectively engage with the holes 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D in the left side plate 53b from the inside to the side plate portion 42c (see Figure 7 ) on the opposite side.

[0155] like Figure 9 As shown, on the side plate portion 42c, protrusions 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D respectively engage with the holes 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D in the right side plate 53c from the inside to the side plate portion 42b (refer to Figure 7 The shapes of the protrusions 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D provided on the side plate portion 42c are the same as the protrusions 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D provided on the side plate portion 42b, except for the protruding direction.

[0156] In this embodiment, each protrusion 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D is formed on a side plate portion 42b, 42c, which is formed into a sheet by slits formed near each protrusion. Each protrusion 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D can be inserted into the inner side of the retaining member 53 by elastic deformation of each sheet. After insertion, each protrusion 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D is urged toward each hole 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D by the elastic restoring force of each sheet, and fits into each hole 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D from the inner side of the retaining member 53.

[0157] The retaining member 53 and the stay 42 are connected by the engagement of the holes 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D with the protrusions 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D. When connected, the protrusions 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D do not protrude beyond the left and right panels 53b and 53c, or if they do protrude, they do so only slightly. For simplicity, the following description will be based on an example in which the protrusions 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D do not protrude beyond the left and right panels 53b and 53c.

[0158] The width of the stage 60 in the first direction N (hereinafter referred to as the short side width) is narrower than the distance between the inclined surfaces 40 e and 40 f. The stage 60 is movable in the second direction M and the first direction N between the inclined surfaces 40 e and 40 f in the frame 40 .

[0159] like Figure 7 As shown, on the surface of the side plate portion 42 c in the X1 direction, a step portion 42 i that is long in the Y direction protrudes between the protrusions 42A and 42B that are adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0160] like Figure 9 As shown, on the X1-direction surface of the side plate portion 42c, a step portion 42i extending in the Y direction protrudes between adjacent protrusions 42B and 42C, and between protrusions 42C and 42D. The short side width of each step portion 42i extends from the lower end of the right side plate 53c coupled to the stay 42 to the lower end of the side plate portion 42c.

[0161] The protruding heights of the step portions 42i are equal to each other. Figure 5 As shown, the surface of each step portion 42i in the protruding direction and the surface of the right side plate 53c on the X1 direction side are located on substantially the same plane.

[0162] like Figure 7 As shown, the side surface portion 42h formed in the protruding direction of each step portion 42i is provided with a first protrusion 42j at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The side surface portion 42h is an example provided at the base of the workbench 60.

[0163] like Figure 5 In the example shown in FIG, each first protrusion 42j protrudes from the side surface portion 42h in a direction intersecting the second direction M. In this embodiment, each first protrusion 42j protrudes in the X1 direction. Each first protrusion 42j protrudes in the ZX plane relative to the normal line of the side surface portion 42h. Figure 5 The counterclockwise tilt angle θ.

[0164] The shape of the first protrusion 42j is not particularly limited as long as at least its upper surface can be slidably engaged with the slider 41. For example, the first protrusion 42j may be a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a rod with a rounded end surface in the Z1 direction, a polygonal prism, or the like.

[0165] Figure 10 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the first protrusion in the moving mechanism of the embodiment.

[0166] like Figure 10 As shown, the first protrusion 42j in this embodiment has a first curved surface 42ja, a side surface 42jb, a second curved surface 42jc, and a slit 42jd.

[0167] The first curved surface 42ja is the upper surface of the first protrusion 42j, and has a cylindrical surface shape that is a semicircle convex upward and extends in the X1 direction.

[0168] The side surfaces 42jb extend from both lower ends of the first curved surface 42ja in the Z1 direction. Each side surface 42jb is a plane parallel to the ZX plane.

[0169] The second curved surface 42jc is the lower surface of the first protrusion 42j and has a cylindrical surface shape that is a semicircle convex downward and extends in the X1 direction.

[0170] The slit 42jd is formed from the center of the second curved surface 42jc toward the Z1 direction and is a groove portion that is long in the X1 direction. The slit 42jd is provided to reduce the average wall thickness of the first protrusion 42j.

[0171] A second protrusion 42k that protrudes from the first protrusion 42j in a direction along the side surface portion 42h is provided at a front end of the first protrusion 42j in the protruding direction.

[0172] The second protrusion 42 k only needs to protrude from the surface of the first protrusion 42 j in at least one of the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction. Figure 10 In the illustrated example, the second protrusion 42k is in a flange shape that protrudes from the entire circumference of the surface of the first protrusion 42j.

[0173] When viewed from the X2 direction, the second protrusion 42k is in the shape of a plate having a substantially circular outer shape. Figure 5 As shown, a surface 42ka of the second protrusion 42k that faces the step portion 42i is a plane parallel to the side surface portion 42h.

[0174] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 4 , the urging members 44F and 44R are provided between the bottom surface portion 40a of the frame body 40 and the holding member 53. The urging members 44F and 44R urge the holding member 53 in the second direction M.

[0175] The urging members 44F and 44R are not particularly limited as long as they can urge the holding member 53 in the second direction M. For example, the urging members 44F and 44R may be elastic springs, elastic bodies, etc. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the biasing members 44F and 44R are compression coil springs.

[0176] The urging member 44F urges the end portion in the Y1 direction of the holding member 53 from the back surface of the upper plate 53a. For example, the urging member 44F may urge the holding member 53 at a position overlapping with the contact portion 53gF in the second direction M.

[0177] The urging member 44R urges the end portion in the Y2 direction of the holding member 53 from the back surface of the upper plate 53a. For example, the urging member 44R may urge the holding member 53 at a position overlapping with the contact portion 53gR in the second direction M.

[0178] The slider 41 will be described.

[0179] Figure 11 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the entire slider in the moving mechanism of the embodiment.

[0180] like Figure 11 As shown, the slider 41 is generally in the shape of a plate that is thin in the X direction and long in the Y direction.

[0181] like Figure 5 As shown, the cross section of the slider 41 parallel to the ZX plane is a substantially trapezoidal shape housed in the space 40g of the frame 40. The slider 41 is disposed adjacent to the stay 42 in the X1 direction within the space 40g.

[0182] The slider 41 has a bottom surface 41 a , a side plate 41 b , an upper surface portion 41 c , and a side surface 41 d on the outer periphery.

[0183] The bottom surface 41a is a flat surface that is slidable in the Y direction. The bottom surface portion 40a is formed at a plurality of locations in the Y direction.

[0184] The side plate 41b extends in the Z1 direction along the first side wall 40b of the frame 40. A protrusion 41e extending in the Y direction is provided at the upper and lower ends of the side plate 41b. Each protrusion 41e is capable of abutting the inner surface of the first side wall 40b. When the protrusion 41e abuts the first side wall 40b, it reduces the sliding resistance of the slider 41 in the Y direction.

[0185] The upper surface portion 41 c has a surface shape that is slidable in the Y direction with respect to the lower surface of the upper cover portion 40 c of the frame body 40 .

[0186] Side surface 41d forms the X2-direction end surface of slider 41. When viewed from the Y2-direction, side surface 41d is inclined clockwise at an angle θ relative to the YZ plane. Side surface 41d is formed within the X-direction movable range of slider 41 in space 40g at a position that does not protrude further in the X2 direction than the plane aligned with inclined surface 40e of frame 40. Side surface 41d faces side surface portion 42h and right side plate 53c of table 60 in the X1 direction, separated by a gap.

[0187] like Figure 11 As shown, a boss 41f that protrudes further in the X2 direction than the side surface 41d is provided at the end in the Y1 direction of the slider 41. The operating portion 46 is attached to the boss 41f.

[0188] When an external force in the Y direction is applied to the boss 41 f from the operation portion 46 , the slider 41 can move in the Y direction within the housing 40 .

[0189] The Y1 direction or the Y2 direction is an example of a third direction that intersects the second direction M and the X1 direction that is an example of the first direction.

[0190] The slider 41 has guide members 41A, 41B, and 41C on a portion of the side surface 41 d.

[0191] The guide members 41A, 41B, and 41C convert the Y-direction movement of the slider 41 into the Z1-direction movement, and transmit the movement to the first protrusions 42 j .

[0192] The guide members 41A, 41B, and 41C are formed on the slider 41 at the same arrangement intervals as the three first protrusions 42 j on the stay 42 .

[0193] Since the structures of the guide members 41A, 41B, and 41C are the same, the guide member 41A will be described below as an example.

[0194] Figure 12 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the main part of the slider in the moving mechanism of the embodiment. Figure 13 It is a schematic left side view of a guide member in the moving mechanism of the embodiment. Figure 14 It is a perspective schematic diagram showing a guide member in the moving mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0195] like Figure 12 As shown, the guide member 41A is arranged opposite to the side plate 41b in the X direction, and the surface in the X2 direction is formed by the plate P forming the side surface 41d. The plate P is formed with a through hole G that penetrates in the X1 direction. The first protrusion 42j between the protrusions 42A and 42B is inserted through the through hole G (see Figure 5 ).

[0196] The plate P includes a first guide plate 41 i located closer to the Z1 direction side than the through-hole G, and a second guide plate 41 j located closer to the Z2 direction side than the through-hole G. The Z2-direction end edge of the first guide plate 41 i forms the Z1-direction inner surface of the through-hole G. The Z1-direction end edge of the second guide plate 41 j forms the Z2-direction inner surface of the through-hole G.

[0197] like Figure 13 As shown, when viewed from the X1 direction, the through hole G has a first guide G1 , a second guide G2 , a third guide G3 , and an insertion hole portion G4 .

[0198] The first guide G1 is a hole extending from the Y2-direction end of the guide member 41A toward the Y1 direction. The inner surface of the first guide G1 in the Z1 direction serves as a locking portion 41m that locks the first protrusion 42j in the Z1 direction. When the first protrusion 42j is locked with the locking portion 41m, the worktable 60 is in the second position. The locking portion 41m also moves the worktable 60 to the lowest position within the range of movement of the worktable 60 in the second direction M.

[0199] The locking portion 41 m is an example of a second position regulating portion that comes into contact with the first protrusion 42 j when the stage 60 is located at the second position.

[0200] In this embodiment, the locking portion 41m is a plane parallel to the XY plane.

[0201] The inner surface of the first guide G1 in the Z2 direction is a lower surface 41r parallel to the locking portion 41m.

[0202] The second guide G2 is a hole portion that tilts toward the Z1 direction as it is pushed in the Y1 direction from the Y1 end of the first guide G1. The Z1 inner surface of the second guide G2 comprises guide portions 41n and 41p, which raise the position of the first protrusion 42j. The guide portion 41n is connected to the Y1 end of the locking portion 41m. The guide portion 41p is connected to the Y1 end of the guide portion 41n. The inclination of the guide portion 41p is smaller than that of the guide portion 41n.

[0203] Compared with the guide portion 41n, the guide portion 41p changes the lifting amount of the table 60 more gradually when approaching the first position. If the table 60 can be lifted at a constant rate from the second position to the first position, the guide portion 41p may be omitted.

[0204] The third guide G3 is a hole extending from the Y1 end of the second guide G2 toward the Y1 direction. The inner surface of the third guide G3 in the Z1 direction serves as a stopper surface 41q that limits the upward position of the first protrusion 42j. The stopper surface 41q is parallel to the XY plane.

[0205] The stopper surface 41q is an example of a first position restricting portion that restricts the position of the first protrusion 42j in the second direction M when the table 60 is located at the first position. The first position restricting portion and the second position restricting portion are separated from each other in the Y direction, which is the third direction.

[0206] The insertion hole G4 is a hole extending from the end of the third guide G3 in the Y1 direction toward the end of the through hole G in the Y1 direction.

[0207] The opening widths of the first guide G1 , the second guide G2 , and the third guide G3 in the Z direction are wider than the width of the first protrusion 42 j in the Z direction, and narrower than the width of the second protrusion 42 k in the Z direction.

[0208] The insertion hole G4 has an opening larger than the outer shape of the second protrusion 42k. The insertion hole G4 is used to insert the second protrusion 42k into the through hole G during manufacturing.

[0209] The length of the through hole G in the Y direction is longer than the movement stroke of the slider 41 in the Y direction.

[0210] For example, when the slider 41 moves to the maximum in the Y1 direction, as shown by the first protrusion 42j1, the first protrusion 42j faces the locking portion 41m in the Z direction. A gap is formed between the first protrusion 42j locked in the locking portion 41m and the lower surface 41r.

[0211] For example, when the slider 41 has made the maximum movement in the Y2 direction, the first protrusion 42 j faces the stopper surface 41 q in the Z direction as indicated by the first protrusion 42 j 3 .

[0212] For example, when the slider 41 moves to the middle of the movement stroke, as shown by the first protrusion 42j2, the first protrusion 42j faces the guide portion 41n in the Z direction.

[0213] like Figure 12 As shown, a bottom surface 41a is provided on the Z2 side of the guide member 41A over a range approximately equal to the length of the guide member 41A in the Y direction. A lower opening 41g having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the Z1 direction is formed in the center of the bottom surface 41a.

[0214] An upper opening 41h is formed on the upper surface portion 41c in a range overlapping with a portion of the third guide G3 and the insertion hole portion G4 when viewed from the X1 direction.

[0215] When the workbench 60 moves to the first position, the second protrusion 42k can enter the upper opening 41h (see Figure 5 ).

[0216] like Figure 5 As shown, the plate P has a thickness that decreases uniformly above the lower surface 41r, at least within the range where the through-holes G are formed, as it progresses toward the second direction M. The plate P is thickest at a height below the lower surface 41r and thinnest at the upper end of the plate P.

[0217] For example, Figure 14 As shown, the plate thickness of the guide portions 41n and 41p in the X1 direction decreases uniformly as it progresses in the second direction M, starting from the plate thickness at the locking portion 41m.

[0218] As the gap between the first guide plate 41 i and the side plate 41 b and the gap between the second guide plate 41 j and the side plate 41 b progress toward the second direction M, the plate thickness increases uniformly.

[0219] Since the plate P has such a thickness, the thickness of the stopper surface 41q in the first direction N is thinner than the thickness of the locking portion 41m.

[0220] The slider 41 is made of resin. The reduction rate of the plate thickness of the plate P is larger than the reduction rate of the slider 41 based on the average draft angle.

[0221] like Figure 6 As shown, the operating portion 46 moves the slider 41 back and forth in the Y direction relative to the frame 40. For example, the operating portion 46 is a lever that rotates along the YZ plane.

[0222] The operating portion 46 includes an elongated lever body 46 b and a link 46 d connecting the lever body 46 b to the slider 41 .

[0223] The first end portion of the lever body 46b in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the front end of the boss 40j of the frame 40 via a rotating joint 46c. The rotating joint 46c supports the lever body 46b so that the lever body 46b can rotate about the central axis of the boss 40j. The central axis of the boss 40j is parallel to the X direction.

[0224] A grip portion 46 a that can be gripped by a user is provided at a second end portion of the lever body 46 b on the opposite side to the first end portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0225] A rotation joint 46f connected to the link 46d is provided between the first end and the second end of the lever body 46b in the longitudinal direction.

[0226] A first end portion of the link 46d in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the lever body 46b via a rotating joint 46f.

[0227] A second end portion of the link 46 d , which is opposite to the first end portion in the longitudinal direction, is rotatably connected to a front end of the boss 41 f of the slider 41 via a rotation joint 46 e .

[0228] The link 46d is rotatable relative to the lever body 46b about the revolving joint 46f, while the link 46d is rotatable relative to the lever body 46b about the revolving joint 46c.

[0229] The operation of the moving mechanism 47 in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described focusing on the roles of the guide members 41A, 41B, and 41C.

[0230] The moving mechanism 47 can move the workbench 60 up and down in the second direction M relative to the frame 40 .

[0231] like Figure 3 As shown, when the operating portion 46 is raised and the rotating joint 46e is positioned approximately directly above the rotating joint 46c, the holding member 53 of the work table 60 abuts against the abutment portions 25fF and 25fR at the abutment portions 53gF and 53gR. The work table 60 is in the first position. In the first position, the back focus of the lens 51 is located on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7.

[0232] The holding member 53 presses the contact portions 25fF and 25fR in the second direction M due to the urging forces from the urging members 44F and 44R.

[0233] Figure 15 It is a left side schematic diagram showing the exposure section and the moving mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment when descending.

[0234] like Figure 15 As shown, when the lever body 46b is rotated clockwise from the upright position, the slider 41 moves in the Y1 direction. The work table 60 and the slider 41 are lowered together in the second direction M. The work table 60 is in the second position. In the second position, the holding member 53 is separated from the abutting portions 25fF and 25fR by the moving mechanism 47 against the biasing force of the biasing members 44F and 44R.

[0235] The switching operation between the second position and the first position by the moving mechanism 47 will be described in detail.

[0236] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the moving mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 16 Schematic diagram showing the forces acting on the stays in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 16 , (a) shows the case of the first position, and (b) shows the case of the second position.

[0237] like Figure 16 As shown in (a), in the first position, the stay 42 moves in the Y2 direction by the raised operating portion 46. The guide members 41A, 41B, 41C also move in the Y2 direction together with the stay 42. Figure 13 Each first protrusion 42j, like the first protrusion 42j3 shown in FIG. 1 , is located inside the third guide G3.

[0238] like Figure 16As shown in FIG. 1 (b), in the second position, the operating portion 46 is rotated clockwise in the figure to be horizontally oriented, causing the stay 42 to move in the Y1 direction. The guide members 41A, 41B, and 41C also move in the Y1 direction together with the stay 42. As a result, each first protrusion 42j abuts against the guide portion 41n and is pressed in the direction opposite to the second direction M by the guide portion 41n.

[0239] Each first protrusion 42j moves toward the first guide G1 below the third guide G3 while being guided by the guide portion 41n. In the first guide G1, each first protrusion 42j abuts against the locking portion 41m and is pressed in the direction opposite to the second direction M by the locking portion 41m.

[0240] The ascending operation of the moving mechanism 47 will be described in a cross section parallel to the ZX plane.

[0241] Figure 17 、 18 19 is a schematic diagram showing the lifting and lowering action of the workbench of the moving mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0242] Figure 17 The cross section of the workbench 60 is shown when it is in the second position. Figure 13 The upper end of the first protrusion 42j is locked by the locking portion 41m.

[0243] The gaps between the left side plate 53b and the inclined surface 40f and the gaps between the right side plate 53c and the inclined surface 40e of the holding member 53 are both d.

[0244] The distance between the side surface portion 42h and the inclined surface 40e is w.

[0245] The distance δ1 is between the lowermost end of the surface 42ka and the second guide plate 41j in the first direction N. The distance Δ1 is between the intersection of the first curved surface 42ja and the surface 42ka and the first guide plate 41i in the first direction N. As the thickness of the plate P decreases as it moves in the second direction M, Δ1 becomes larger than δ1.

[0246] By making w and δ1 smaller than d, the moving range of the stage 60 in the first direction N is smaller than d. As w and δ1 are smaller, the positional deviation of the stage 60 in the first direction N at the second position can be suppressed.

[0247] Figure 18 FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the workbench 60 when it is halfway from the second position to the first position. Figure 18 In the embodiment, the first protrusion 42j is located between Figure 13The first protrusion 42j is positioned at the same position as the first protrusion 42j2 in the first direction N. The upper end of the first protrusion 42j abuts the guide portion 41n and is in the process of rising along the inclination of the guide portion 41n. The distance δ2 between the lowermost end of the second protrusion 42k and the second guide plate 41j is greater than the distance Δ2 between the first curved surface 42ja and the surface 42ka in the first direction N and the first guide plate 41i.

[0248] As the plate P moves in the second direction M, the plate thickness becomes thinner. Therefore, δ2 is larger than δ1, and Δ2 is larger than Δ1.

[0249] By making δ2 smaller than d, the moving range of the stage 60 in the first direction N is smaller than d. Since δ2 is larger than δ1, the moving range of the stage 60 in the first direction N is larger than that of the stage 60 at the second position.

[0250] The width of the guide portion 41n in the first direction N is narrower than the width of the locking portion 41m. Therefore, the contact length between the first protrusion 42j and the first guide plate 41i is shorter than the contact length at the second position. The contact length between the first protrusion 42j and the first guide plate 41i gradually decreases as the worktable 60 rises. Therefore, the friction force generated between the first protrusion 42j and the first guide plate 41i gradually decreases.

[0251] As the table 60 rises, the pulling force of the stay 42 decreases, and therefore, the operating force of the operating portion 46 decreases.

[0252] As the worktable 60 rises in the second direction M, the upper plate 53a approaches the first positioning portion 25eF. For example, if the axis of the first positioning portion 25eF deviates from the central axis of the cylindrical portion 53hFa of the second positioning portion 53hF due to component variations or assembly errors during manufacturing, the first positioning portion 25eF may not fit into the cylindrical portion 53hFa, or a large force may be required for engagement. If the force required for engagement exceeds the force applied by the force applying members 44F and 44R, the worktable 60 may be unable to rise further before reaching the first position.

[0253] In this embodiment, a curved portion 53hFb that expands upward is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 53hFa, and a tapered portion 25eb is formed at the lower end of the first positioning portion 25eF. Therefore, the deviation between the axis of the first positioning portion 25eF and the central axis of the cylindrical portion 53hFa can be absorbed to a certain extent.

[0254] In this embodiment, even if the moving range of the table 60 in the first direction N is expanded as the table 60 rises, the deviation between the axis of the first positioning portion 25eF and the central axis of the cylindrical portion 53hFa can be easily absorbed.

[0255] Figure 19 FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the workbench 60 when it is in the first position. Figure 19 In the embodiment, the first protrusion 42j is located between Figure 13 The same position of the first protrusion 42j3 in.

[0256] The cylindrical portion 25ea of the first positioning portion 25eF fits into the cylindrical portion 53hFa, positioning the table 60 in the first direction N and the direction Y. The upper plate 53a contacts the contact portion 25fF, positioning the table 60 in the first position in the second direction M.

[0257] The first protrusion 42j moves into the third guide G3 and separates from the second guide plate 41j. The external force from the second guide plate 41j does not act on the stay 42 through the first protrusion 42j, so the worktable 60 is pressed toward the abutment portion 25fF by the biasing member 44F.

[0258] The above description focuses on the relative motion between the guide member 41A and the first protrusion 42j, and the relative motion between the first positioning portion 25eF and the second positioning portion 53hF, to explain the ascending motion of the table 60. The relative motion between the guide member 41B and the first protrusion 42j, and between the guide member 41C and the first protrusion 42j is similar.

[0259] The relative motion between the first positioning portion 25eR and the second positioning portion 53hR is the same as the relative motion between the first positioning portion 25eR and the second positioning portion 53hR, except that the second positioning portion 53hR is not positioned in the Y direction with respect to the first positioning portion 25eR.

[0260] The operation of image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0261] First, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be briefly described.

[0262] exist Figure 1 In the image forming apparatus 100 shown, each exposure unit 26 is installed in the printer unit 3 so that the holding member 53 is located at the first position. In the first position, the focal position of the lens 51 is aligned with the surface of the photosensitive drum 7.

[0263] Image formation is initiated by operating the control panel 1 or receiving an external signal. The scanner unit 2 reads the copy object and transmits the image information to the printer unit 3, or image information is transmitted from an external source to the printer unit 3. Based on the operation of the control panel 1 or the external signal, and based on a control signal generated by the control unit 6, the printer unit 3 feeds the sheet S in the sheet feeder 4 or the manual unit 10 to the registration roller 24.

[0264] When an operation input for image formation is performed from the control panel 1 , the control unit 6 performs control to start feeding the sheet S and image formation, for example.

[0265] Each exposure unit 26 exposes the photosensitive drums 7 of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K based on the image information corresponding to each color sent from the control unit 6, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information. Each electrostatic latent image is developed by the developer 8. As a result, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 7.

[0266] The toner images are primarily transferred by the transfer rollers to the intermediate transfer belt 27. The toner images are sequentially superimposed on each other without causing color shift as the intermediate transfer belt 27 moves, and are then conveyed to the transfer section 28.

[0267] The sheet S is fed from the registration roller 24 to the transfer section 28. The toner image reaching the transfer section 28 is secondarily transferred to the sheet S. The secondarily transferred toner image is fixed to the sheet S by the fixing device 29. Thus, an image is formed on the sheet S.

[0268] In image forming apparatus 100, it is sometimes necessary to pull photoreceptor unit 25D out of the apparatus for maintenance. The user tilts operating portion 46 of moving mechanism 47 in the Y1 direction, moving table 60 to the second position. Table 60 moves downward, away from contact portions 25fF and 25fR. Exposure device 43, secured to table 60, also descends along with table 60. A gap is created above upper plate 53a and above lens 51 based on the amount of descent of table 60. This allows photoreceptor unit 25D to be pulled out in the Y1 direction without interfering with exposure unit 26.

[0269] When maintenance of the photoreceptor unit 25D is completed, the photoreceptor unit 25D is returned to the printer section 3 , and then the operation section 46 is raised to move the stage 60 to the first position.

[0270] For example, when cleaning the lens 51, the workbench 60 is similarly moved to the second position. The cleaning staff inserts the cleaning tool onto the lens 51 lowered to the second position, and after cleaning the lens 51, the operating unit 46 is raised to move the workbench 60 to the first position.

[0271] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, since the moving mechanism 47 is provided, the holding member 53 can be switched between the second position and the first position by operating the operating portion 46. Since the operating portion 46 merely switches the rotational position about the rotational joint 46 c, the operation can be performed easily.

[0272] The moving mechanism 47 reduces the thickness of the first guide plate 41i and the second guide plate 41j of the slider 41 as it moves in the second direction M. In the second position, positional deviation of the table 60 in the first direction N is suppressed. The moving mechanism 47 can stably hold the table 60 in the second position.

[0273] Near the first position, the range of movement of the table 60 in the first direction N is increased. Therefore, even if the axis of the first positioning portion 25eF, 25eR deviates from the central axis of the second positioning portion 53hF, 53hR due to, for example, component variations or assembly errors during manufacturing, the first positioning portion 25eF, 25eR can be smoothly engaged with the second positioning portion 53hF, 53hR. The moving mechanism 47 can accurately and smoothly move the table 60 to the first position.

[0274] According to the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 47 and the image forming apparatus 100 that facilitate positioning of the stage 60 and operation of the stage 60 can be provided.

[0275] Next, modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0276] Figure 20 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving mechanism according to a first modified example of the embodiment.

[0277] Figure 20 The moving mechanism 47A of the first modified example shown includes a slider 141 instead of the slider 41 of the moving mechanism 47 of the embodiment. The moving mechanism 47A may be used in the image forming apparatus 100 instead of the moving mechanism 47.

[0278] The slider 141 has a first guide plate 41 iA instead of the first guide plate 41 i of the slider 41 .

[0279] The first guide plate 41iA includes a plate PA instead of the plate P of the slider 41. The plate PA differs from the plate P in that the surface in the first direction N includes a side surface Pa parallel to the side surface 41d and an inclined surface Pb that approaches the side surface 41d as it moves from the upper end of the side surface Pa toward the second direction M.

[0280] The side surface Pa is formed to have a height from the end of the plate PA in the Z2 direction to the locking portion 41m.

[0281] The inclined surface Pb is formed on the first guide plate 41i and the second guide plate 41j on the second direction M side relative to the locking portion 41m.

[0282] According to this modification, the distance between the side surface Pa and the surface 42ka of the second protrusion 42k is δ1. While the second protrusion 42k faces the side surface Pa, the movement range of the stage 60 in the first direction N is limited to the range of w and δ1.

[0283] The distance between the inclined surface Pb and the surface 42ka of the second protrusion 42k is determined according to the inclination amount of the inclined surface Pb, and gradually decreases from δ1 as it progresses in the second direction M.

[0284] According to this modification, the upper and lower ends of the second protrusion 42 k facing the side surface Pa respectively limit the movement range of the table 60 in the first direction N. Therefore, the positional stability of the table 60 at the second position is improved.

[0285] Figure 21 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving mechanism according to a second modified example of the embodiment.

[0286] Figure 21 The moving mechanism 47B of the second modified example shown includes a stay 242 instead of the stay 42 of the moving mechanism 47 of the embodiment. The moving mechanism 47B can be used in the image forming apparatus 100 instead of the moving mechanism 47.

[0287] The stay 242 has a second protrusion 42 kB instead of the second protrusion 42 k of the slider 41 .

[0288] The second protrusion 42kB is flange-shaped, with its lower end not protruding beyond the second curved surface 42jc. A surface 42ka of the second protrusion 42kB faces the surface of the first guide plate 41i on the first direction N side, but does not face the second guide plate 41j.

[0289] In this modified example, the gap between the intersection of the first curved surface 42ja and the surface 42ka and the first guide plate 41i is set to δ1. Since the second protrusion 42kB does not protrude further downward than the second curved surface 42jc, even if the gap between the upper end and the first guide plate 41i is as narrow as δ1, the lower end of the second protrusion 42kB does not interfere with the second guide plate 41j.

[0290] This modification is an example in which the second guide plate 41 j is not used to limit the moving range of the table 60 in the first direction N.

[0291] According to this modification, the same function as that of the embodiment can be achieved by the first guide plate 41i and the second protrusion 42kB.

[0292] According to this modification, for example, if there is no need for strength, the second guide plate 41 j constituting a portion of the through hole G may be deleted.

[0293] In the embodiments and various variations, the first and second positioning portions are described as being a hole and a cylindrical pin, respectively. However, the first and second positioning portions are not limited to this embodiment as long as they can engage with each other in a concave-convex manner. For example, the second positioning portion may be a cylindrical pin, while the first positioning portion may be a hole.

[0294] The recessed portion for the concave-convex fitting may be a recessed portion other than a hole. For example, it may be a hole portion with a bottom.

[0295] The convex portion used for the concave-convex fitting may also be a pin or a protrusion having various cross-sectional shapes other than a cylinder.

[0296] In the embodiment and various modifications, the operating portion of the moving mechanism is described as a lever that rotates in the YZ plane. However, the operating portion is not limited to a lever that rotates in the YZ plane as long as it can move the guide member in the Y direction.

[0297] In the embodiment and various modifications, the example in which the stage of the moving mechanism holds an exposure device and is used to raise and lower the exposure device in image forming apparatus 100 has been described. However, components other than the exposure device may be mounted on the stage. The moving mechanism may also be used for equipment other than image forming apparatuses.

[0298] According to at least one embodiment described above, a moving mechanism and an image forming apparatus are provided that facilitate positioning and operation of the table by including a table including first and second protrusions and a guide member whose pressure decreases as the table is moved in the second direction.

[0299] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative 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 modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also intended to be within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: A photoreceptor unit, comprising a photoreceptor, wherein the photoreceptor is used to carry an electrostatic latent image; a first terminal supported on the photosensitive body unit; a workbench having a second terminal and being movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the second terminal engages with the first terminal and is used to limit relative movement of the workbench and the photoreceptor in a first direction, wherein the first position is a position where the workbench is close to the photoreceptor so that the second terminal engages with the first terminal, and the second position is a position where the workbench is farther from the photoreceptor in the second direction than the first position; a first protrusion protruding from a base provided on the workbench in a direction intersecting the second direction; a second protrusion protruding from the first protrusion in a direction intersecting the first direction at a position separated from the base in the first direction; a slider that moves in a third direction intersecting the second direction and the first direction and has a first position limiting portion and a second position limiting portion at positions separated from each other in the third direction, the first position limiting portion being thinner in the first direction than the second position limiting portion, the first position limiting portion limiting the position of the first protrusion in the second direction when the table is in the first position, the second position limiting portion abutting against the first protrusion when the table is in the second position, the slider having a guide portion that slides relative to the first protrusion between the base and the second protrusion and extends in the third direction from the second position limiting portion to the first position limiting portion; as well as An exposure device is supported on the table and emits light to draw an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the second position restriction portion in the first direction is large enough to fit into a gap between the base portion and the second protrusion.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein When viewed from the first direction, the guide portion is inclined in a direction obliquely intersecting the second direction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: When viewed from the first direction, the guide portion is inclined in a direction obliquely intersecting the second direction.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first terminal has a shaft member extending in the second direction, The second terminal has: a cylindrical portion capable of engaging with the first terminal at least in the first direction; as well as The curved portion gradually increases in diameter from an end portion of the cylindrical portion in the second direction toward the second direction.

6. A moving mechanism for an image forming device, The image forming device comprises: A photoreceptor unit, comprising a photoreceptor, wherein the photoreceptor is used to carry an electrostatic latent image; a first terminal supported on the photosensitive body unit; as well as an exposure device for emitting light to draw an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor; The moving mechanism comprises: a workbench having a second terminal and being movable from a first position to a second position, the workbench supporting the exposure device, the second terminal engaging with the first terminal to restrict relative movement of the workbench and the photoreceptor in a first direction, the first position being a position where the workbench is close to the photoreceptor so that the second terminal engages with the first terminal, and the second position being a position where the workbench is farther from the photoreceptor in the second direction than the first position; a first protrusion protruding from a base provided on the workbench in a direction intersecting the second direction; a second protrusion protruding from the first protrusion in a direction intersecting the first direction at a position separated from the base in the first direction; as well as The slider moves in a third direction intersecting the second direction and the first direction, and has a first position limiting portion and a second position limiting portion at positions separated from each other in the third direction, the thickness of the first position limiting portion in the first direction is thinner than the thickness of the second position limiting portion in the first direction, the first position limiting portion limits the position of the first protrusion in the second direction when the workbench is in the first position, the second position limiting portion abuts against the first protrusion when the workbench is in the second position, the slider has a guide portion, the guide portion slides relative to the first protrusion between the base and the second protrusion, and extends in the third direction between the second position limiting portion and the first position limiting portion.

Images