Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus is provided. An image forming apparatus includes a first unit detachably arranged in an image forming apparatus, participating in image formation; a power supply unit that supplies power to the first unit; a second unit that is independently of the first unit detachably arranged in the image forming apparatus, participates in image formation, and is arranged between the first unit and the power supply unit; and a power supply path that is provided to the second unit, is supplied with power from the power supply unit, and supplies power to the first unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for an image forming apparatus. In this prior art, the image forming apparatus includes: a fixed frame on which transfer rollers are mounted; a plurality of fixed-side support rollers mounted on the fixed frame; a movable frame oscillatingly mounted on the fixed frame and on which the plurality of transfer rollers are mounted; movable-side support rollers mounted on the movable frame; and an endless belt tensioned between the fixed-side support rollers and the movable-side support rollers, contacting the transfer rollers mounted on the fixed frame and supported on the movable frame, and contacting the plurality of photosensitive drums. Furthermore, the oscillation center of the movable frame is located at the center of the belt portion on both sides of the oscillation center. In monochrome mode, the movable frame oscillates, causing the belt to move away from the photosensitive drums outside the monochrome mode.

[0003] [Prior Technology Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-282124 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When a power supply path from the power supply unit to a unit related to image formation of the powered object is provided on the device housing, space is required for providing the power supply path within the device housing.

[0008] Compared to the case where the power supply path is located in the device housing, the present invention reduces the device width of the image forming apparatus.

[0009] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: a first unit detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus and participating in image forming; a power supply unit supplying power to the first unit; a second unit detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus independently of the first unit and participating in image forming, and disposed between the first unit and the power supply unit; and a power supply path disposed in the second unit, powered by the power supply unit, and supplying power to the first unit.

[0011] The second aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the first unit is installed in the image forming apparatus, the power supply path supplies power from the power supply unit to the first unit.

[0012] A third aspect is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein an image forming apparatus is provided, wherein the second unit comprises: an intermediate transfer belt, which is an intermediate transfer body holding a developer image formed by the first unit; a tensioning roller, which is arranged along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and tensions and supports the intermediate transfer belt; a transfer roller, which is arranged along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and transfers the developer image onto the intermediate transfer belt; and a roller support body, which is arranged at the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and supports both ends of the tensioning roller and the transfer roller, wherein the power supply path is provided in the roller support body.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the power supply path is disposed between the outer end of the roller support along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and the outer end of the intermediate transfer belt along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a power supply side first contact portion protruding toward the second unit side is provided in the power supply unit, and in the power supply path, the path side first contact portion is provided at a position further inward than the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the path side first contact portion is exposed on the power supply unit side so as to contact the power supply side first contact portion.

[0015] The sixth aspect is an image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the second unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and when the second unit is installed in the image forming apparatus, the path-side first contact portion contacts the power-side first contact portion.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus, the power supply path has a path-side second contact portion, wherein the path-side second contact portion is exposed toward the rear side of the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the first unit is provided with a first unit-side contact portion, and when the first unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the first unit-side contact portion contacts the path-side second contact portion.

[0017] According to the eighth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the first unit side contact portion is disposed at a position located behind the first unit relative to the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus.

[0018] According to the ninth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the first unit has a plurality of image forming sections that form developer images, and a first unit-side branch path is provided in the first unit, the first unit-side branch path branching from the first unit-side contact to supply power to the plurality of image forming sections.

[0019] According to the tenth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the first to ninth aspects, the power supply unit supplies power to both the first unit and the second unit, the power supply unit is provided with a power-side second contact portion protruding toward the second unit, the second unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus, the second unit is provided with a second unit-side transfer contact portion, and when the second unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the second unit-side transfer contact portion contacts the power-side second contact portion.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the first unit includes a plurality of image forming sections for forming developer images, the second unit includes an intermediate transfer body and a plurality of transfer rollers, the plurality of transfer rollers being disposed corresponding to the plurality of image forming sections and transferring the developer image onto the intermediate transfer body, and the second unit being provided with a second unit-side branch path, the second unit-side branch path branching from the second unit-side transfer contact section and supplying power to the plurality of transfer rollers.

[0021] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: a first unit detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus and participating in image forming; a power supply unit supplying power to the first unit; a second unit detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus independently of the first unit and participating in image forming, and disposed between the first unit and the power supply unit; and a power supply path, which, viewed from the stacking direction of the power supply unit and the second unit, is disposed at a position more inward than the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, and the power supply path supplies power to the first unit from the power supply unit.

[0022] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus of the twelfth aspect, the second unit comprises: an intermediate transfer belt, which is an intermediate transfer body holding a developer image formed by the first unit; a tensioning roller disposed along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and tensioning the intermediate transfer belt; a transfer roller disposed along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and transferring the developer image onto the intermediate transfer belt; and a roller support disposed at an outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and supporting both ends of the tensioning roller and the transfer roller, wherein the power supply path is disposed between the outer end of the roller support along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and the outer end of the intermediate transfer belt along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

[0023] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth aspect, a power supply side power supply path connected to the power supply path is provided in the power supply unit, and the base end of the power supply side power supply path is disposed at a position closer to the roller support body than the center position of the power supply unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

[0024] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, a first contact portion on the power supply side protruding toward the second unit is provided in the power supply path on the power supply side. In the power supply path, the first contact portion on the path side is located further inward than the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus. The first contact portion on the path side is exposed toward the power supply unit side so as to contact the first contact portion on the power supply side and be powered. When viewed from the stacking direction of the power supply unit and the second unit, the first contact portion on the power supply side and the first contact portion on the path side overlap.

[0025] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, the second unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and the power supply path is provided in the second unit.

[0026] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus described in any one of the twelfth to sixteenth aspects, the first unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and a path-side second contact portion is provided in the power supply path, the path-side second contact portion being exposed to the rear side of the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus. In the first unit, a first unit-side contact portion that contacts the path-side second contact portion when the first unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus is located at a position further inward than the outer end of the first unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

[0027] According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus described in the seventeenth aspect, the first unit side contact portion is provided at a position located behind the first unit relative to the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus.

[0028] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, wherein the first unit has a plurality of image forming sections for forming developer images, and in the first unit, a first unit side branch path is disposed at a position further inward than the outer end of the first unit in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the first unit side branch path branches off from the first unit side contact to supply power to the plurality of image forming sections.

[0029] According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth aspects, the power supply unit supplies power to both the first unit and the second unit, the power supply unit is provided with a power-side second contact portion protruding toward the second unit, the second unit is provided with the power supply path and is detachable from the image forming apparatus, in the second unit, viewed from the stacking direction of the power supply unit and the second unit, a second unit-side transfer contact portion is provided at a position further inward than the outer end of the second unit in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second unit-side transfer contact portion protrudes toward the power supply unit and contacts the power-side second contact portion when the second unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

[0030] According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus described in the twenty-tenth aspect, the first unit has a plurality of image forming sections for forming a developer image, and the second unit has a plurality of transfer rollers that transfer the developer image formed by the plurality of image forming sections onto an intermediate transfer body. In the second unit, a second unit-side branch path is provided at a position further inward than the outer end of the second unit in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second unit-side branch path branches off from the second unit-side transfer contact section to supply power to the plurality of transfer rollers.

[0031] [The effects of the invention]

[0032] According to the first aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared with the case where the power supply path is disposed in the apparatus housing, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0033] According to the second aspect of the image forming apparatus, the first unit is not powered on when it is not installed.

[0034] According to the third aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared to the case where the power supply path is located on a component further outward than the roller support of the second unit, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0035] According to the fourth aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared to the case where the power supply path is located further outward at the outer end of the roller support in the width direction of the apparatus, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0036] According to the fifth aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared with the case where the first contact portion on the path side of the power supply path is located further outward than the outer end of the second unit in the direction of device width, the device width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0037] According to the sixth aspect of the image forming apparatus, the first unit is not energized when the second unit is not installed.

[0038] According to the seventh aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared to the case where the second contact portion on the path side of the power supply path is exposed in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the first unit, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0039] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, compared with the case where the first unit side contact portion is located on the front side of the mounting direction of the first unit, the movement range of the first unit side contact portion in the image forming apparatus during loading and unloading of the first unit is smaller.

[0040] According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, the number of contact points can be reduced compared to the case where each image forming unit has a contact point.

[0041] According to the tenth aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared with the case where a power supply unit for a second unit is provided in addition to the power supply unit for the first unit, the image forming apparatus can be miniaturized.

[0042] According to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, the number of contact points can be reduced compared to the case where each transfer roller has a contact point.

[0043] According to the image forming apparatus of the twelfth aspect, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced compared to the case where the power supply path is disposed in the apparatus housing and compared to the case where it is disposed on the outside.

[0044] According to the thirteenth aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared with the case where the power supply path is located further outward than the outer end of the roller support in the width direction of the apparatus, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0045] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, compared with the case where the base end of the power supply path is disposed at the center position of the power supply unit along the width direction of the apparatus, the power supply path can be shortened.

[0046] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifteenth aspect, compared with the case where the first contact portion on the power supply side is located outside the width direction of the first contact portion on the path side, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0047] According to the sixteenth aspect of the image forming apparatus, compared with the case where the power supply path is provided in the apparatus housing, the width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0048] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventeenth aspect, compared with the case where the first unit side contact portion is located further outward than the outer end of the first unit in the device width direction, the device width of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0049] According to the imaging device of the eighteenth aspect, compared with the case where the first unit side contact part is located on the front side of the mounting direction of the first unit, the movement range of the first unit side contact part within the device is smaller when loading and unloading the first unit.

[0050] According to the image forming apparatus of the nineteenth aspect, compared with the case where each image forming unit has a contact portion, the contact portion can be reduced.

[0051] According to the image forming apparatus of aspect 20, compared with the case where a power supply unit for a second unit is provided in addition to the power supply unit for the first unit, the apparatus can be miniaturized.

[0052] According to the image forming apparatus of aspect twenty-one, compared with the case where each transfer roller has a contact portion, the number of contact portions can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 The image forming apparatus representing one embodiment of the present invention is a perspective view showing the first and second opening / closing doors in the closed position.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the entire image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the first opening / closing door configured in the open position and the first unit disengaged.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the entire image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the first and second opening / closing doors arranged in the open position and the first unit disengaged.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the entire image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the first and second opening / closing doors in the open position and the first and second units in a disengaged state.

[0058] Figure 6 This is an enlarged side view of the power supply structure portion, a main part of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the width direction of the device.

[0059] Figure 7 This is an enlarged front view of the power supply structure portion, a main part of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second unit, the power supply side developing contact section, and the power supply side energizing contact section.

[0061] Figure 9 This is an enlarged 3D view of the power supply structure, which is the main part of the second unit.

[0062] Figure 10 This is an enlarged side view of the power supply structure, which is the main part of the second unit, as viewed from the width direction of the device.

[0063] Label Explanation

[0064] 10 Image forming apparatus

[0065] 10A Device Housing

[0066] 18. Image forming unit (an example of an image forming section)

[0067] 36 like maintaining the body

[0068] 66. Intermediate transfer belt (an example of an intermediate transfer body)

[0069] 66A Outer end (an example of the outer end of the intermediate transfer belt)

[0070] 68. Primary transfer roller (an example of a transfer roller)

[0071] 70 tensioning rollers

[0072] 100 Unit 1

[0073] 110. Developing contact section (an example of a first unit side contact section)

[0074] 116 Development Branch (An example of a branch path on the first unit side)

[0075] 120. Live contact section (an example of a contact section on the first unit side)

[0076] 126. Live branch (an example of a branch path on the first unit side)

[0077] 200 Unit 2

[0078] 204A Roller Support

[0079] 205A Outer end (an example of the outer end of the roller support, an example of the outer end of the second unit in the width direction)

[0080] 210 Power supply path for developing (an example of a power supply path)

[0081] 212 First contact section for developing (an example of a first contact section on the path side)

[0082] 214. Second contact section for developing (an example of a path-side second contact section)

[0083] 220. Live power supply path (an example of a power supply path)

[0084] 222. Example of a live first contact section (path-side first contact section)

[0085] 224. Example of a live second contact section (path-side second contact section)

[0086] 230 Power supply path for transfer printing

[0087] 232 Transfer contact section (an example of a transfer contact section on the second unit side)

[0088] 234 Transfer section (an example of a side branch path in the second unit)

[0089] 300 power supply units

[0090] 310 Power supply path for developing (an example of a power supply path on the power supply side)

[0091] 312 Developing base tip (an example of a base tip)

[0092] 314 Power supply side developing contact section (an example of the first contact section on the power supply side)

[0093] 320 Power supply path for live power supply on the power supply side (an example of a power supply path on the power supply side)

[0094] 322. Base terminal for live applications (an example of a base terminal)

[0095] 324 Power supply side live contact section (an example of the first contact section on the power supply side)

[0096] 330 Power supply path for power transfer

[0097] 334 Power supply side transfer contact section (an example of a second contact section on the power supply side)

[0098] P-sheet component (an example of a recording medium) Detailed Implementation

[0099] An example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] <Overall Structure> First, the overall structure of the image forming apparatus will be described. Additionally, in the diagram, arrow H indicates the vertical direction of the apparatus, arrow W indicates the width direction (horizontal direction), and arrow D indicates the depth direction (horizontal direction).

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device width direction is the rotation axis direction of the intermediate transfer belt 66, which is an example of the intermediate transfer body described below. In this embodiment, the device width is the total length of the image forming apparatus 10 in the device width direction.

[0102] Furthermore, the stacking direction of the first unit 100, the second unit 200, and the power supply unit 300 described later in this embodiment is the vertical direction of the device.

[0103] [Image forming apparatus] such as Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes: a storage section 26 that stores a sheet P serving as a recording medium from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction (direction of arrow H); a transport section 16 that transports a sheet component P, such as recording paper, which serves as a recording medium, stored in the storage section 26; an image forming section 20 that forms an image on the sheet component P transported from the storage section 26 by the transport section 16; a power supply unit 300; and an image reading section 90 that reads an image recorded on a manuscript.

[0104] The image forming apparatus 10 also includes an apparatus housing 10A, which internally houses the transport section 16, the storage section 26, the image forming section 20, and the power supply unit 300, etc.

[0105] (Storage Department)

[0106] The storage section 26 can be pulled out from the device housing 10A of the image forming apparatus 10 towards the front side in the device depth direction, and the sheet component P is loaded in the storage section 26. In addition, a delivery roller 30 is provided in the storage section 26, which delivers the uppermost sheet P loaded in the storage section 26 to the conveying path 28 that constitutes the transport section 16.

[0107] (Transportation Department)

[0108] The conveying unit 16 has a plurality of conveying rollers 32 that convey sheet component P along a predetermined conveying path 28.

[0109] (Image forming unit)

[0110] The image forming unit 20 includes a first unit 100, which comprises image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K representing four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Furthermore, the image forming unit 20 includes exposure devices 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K of various colors, which illuminate image holders 36Y, 36M, 36C, and 36K disposed within the image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K. In the following description, Y, M, C, and K may be omitted unless it is necessary to distinguish them.

[0111] In addition, the image forming unit 20 is provided with a second unit 200, which includes: an endless intermediate transfer belt 66 that rotates around the direction of arrow A in the figure; and a primary transfer roller 68 that transfers the toner image formed by the image forming units 18 of each color onto the intermediate transfer belt 66.

[0112] In addition, the image forming unit 20 includes: a secondary transfer roller 60, which transfers the toner image of the intermediate transfer belt 66 onto the sheet component P; and a fixing device 62, which heats and pressurizes the sheet component P to fix the toner image onto the sheet component P.

[0113] (Exposure device)

[0114] Exposure devices 22 are arranged according to weekly colors and are positioned below the image holders 36 of each color, such that the exposure devices 22 are opposite to the image holders 36 of each color in the vertical direction of the apparatus. Each color exposure device 22 is mounted in the apparatus housing 10A of the image forming apparatus 10. The exposure devices 22 irradiate exposure light onto the surface of the charged image holders 36, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image holders 36.

[0115] (Unit 1)

[0116] The first unit 100 includes: four-color image forming units 18; and a first unit housing 102 that integrates the four-color image forming units 18 as a single unit. A detachable toner cartridge and a waste toner cartridge (not shown) are connected to the outer side of the first unit 100 in the width direction of the device. Further details of the first unit 100 will be described later in the "Main Part Structure" section.

[0117] (Image forming unit)

[0118] The image forming units 18 of each color disposed in the first unit 100 include: an image holder 36 whose rotation axis is set in the width direction of the device; a charging roller 24 that charges the surface of the image holder 36; and a developing apparatus 33 having a developing roller 25 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed by irradiating the surface of the charged image holder 36 with exposure light, thereby visualizing the electrostatic latent image as a toner image. The four color image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C and 18K are arranged in this order from the front side to the depth side in the depth direction of the device.

[0119] Here, in this embodiment, "the side near the front in the depth direction of the device" refers to the side facing the user using the image forming apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the direction of the rotation axis of the image holder 36 is the width direction of the device.

[0120] (Unit 2)

[0121] The second unit 200 includes: an intermediate transfer belt 66; a primary transfer roller 68; a pair of tensioning rollers 70, the intermediate transfer belt 66 being wound around the pair of tensioning rollers 70, and the rotation axis of the tensioning rollers 70 being in the width direction of the device; and roller supports 204A and 204B, which support the various parts as a whole (see...). Figure 6 wait).

[0122] A pair of tensioning rollers 70 are separately arranged in the depth direction of the device. An intermediate transfer belt 66 is wound around the pair of tensioning rollers 70, and image holders 36 of each color contact the intermediate transfer belt 66 from its underside. Furthermore, a plurality of primary transfer rollers 68 are provided for each color, and the primary transfer rollers 68 are arranged on the opposite side of the image holders 36, separated by the intermediate transfer belt 66.

[0123] By transmitting rotational driving force to either tensioning roller 70 and rotating the tensioning roller 70, the intermediate transfer belt 66 rotates around the direction of arrow A. Further, the primary transfer roller 68 transfers the toner image formed on the image holder 36 onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 66. Details of the second unit 200 will be described later in the section on "Structure of the Main Parts".

[0124] As described above, the width direction of the device in this embodiment is the rotation axis direction of the intermediate transfer belt 66, which is an example of an intermediate transfer body.

[0125] (Secondary transfer roller)

[0126] The secondary transfer roller 60 is positioned on the opposite side of the tensioning roller 70, located on the inner side of the device in the depth direction, across the intermediate transfer belt 66. Furthermore, the conveying path 28 of the sheet component P passes between the intermediate transfer belt 66 and the secondary transfer roller 60. The secondary transfer roller 60 transfers the toner image transferred onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 66 onto the sheet component P conveyed by the transport roller 32.

[0127] (Power supply unit)

[0128] Figure 1 The power supply unit 300 shown supplies power to the charged rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K, the developing rollers 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K in the image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K of the first unit 100, and the primary transfer rollers 68Y, 68M, 68C, and 68K of the second unit 200. Further details of the power supply unit 300 will be explained in the "Structure of Main Components" section below.

[0129] (Fixing device)

[0130] The fixing device 62 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer roller 60 in the transport direction of the sheet component P. The fixing device 62 fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet component P on the sheet component P.

[0131] (Image Reading Unit)

[0132] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the image reading unit 90 is located on the upper side of the device housing 10A, and includes a document transport unit 92 for transporting original documents and a document reading unit 94 for reading original documents. The document transport unit 92 and the document reading unit 94 are connected by a hinge 96. The document transport unit 92 rotates around the hinge 96, thereby opening and closing the document table glass (not shown) of the document reading unit 94.

[0133] The image reading unit 90 reads images recorded on originals transported by the original transport unit 92 or images recorded on originals placed on the platen glass.

[0134] (Image forming process)

[0135] exist Figure 1 In the image forming apparatus 10 shown, an image is formed on a sheet component P, which is an example of a recording medium, in the following manner.

[0136] The image reading unit 90 reads images recorded on originals transported by the original transport unit 92 or images recorded on originals placed on the platen glass.

[0137] The charged rollers 24 of each color, which are powered by the power supply unit 300 and subjected to voltage, make the surface of the image holder 36 of each color negatively charged to a set potential.

[0138] Based on image data read by the image reading unit 90, the exposure apparatus 22 irradiates the charged surfaces of the image holders 36 of each color with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image. Therefore, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of each color image holder 36.

[0139] The developing apparatus 33 for each color develops the electrostatic latent image through the developing roller 25 powered by the power supply unit 300 and subjected to voltage, and visualizes it as a toner image.

[0140] The toner image formed on the surface of the image holder 36 of each color is transferred to the rotating intermediate transfer belt 66 by the primary transfer roller 68, which is powered by the power supply unit 300 and is subjected to voltage.

[0141] On the other hand, the sheet component P, which is fed from the receiving section 26 to the conveying path 28 by the delivery roller 30, is delivered to the secondary transfer position T where the intermediate transfer belt 66 contacts the secondary transfer roller 60. At the secondary transfer position T, the sheet component P is conveyed by being sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 66 and the secondary transfer roller 60, thereby transferring the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 66 onto the sheet component P.

[0142] The toner image transferred onto the sheet component P is fixed by the fixing device 62. Then, the sheet component P with the fixed toner image is discharged to the discharge section 11 by the transport roller 32.

[0143] [Structure of the main parts]

[0144] Next, the first unit 100, the second unit 200, the power supply unit 300, the assembly and disassembly of the first unit 100, the assembly and disassembly of the second unit 200, and the mechanism for supplying power to the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first unit 100, the second unit 200, and the power supply unit 300 are in the shape of a flat box.

[0145] (Configuration of the first unit, the second unit, and the power supply unit)

[0146] like Figure 1 As shown, the first unit 100, the second unit 200, and the power supply unit 300, which are flat and box-shaped, are arranged vertically along the thickness direction, with the second unit 200 positioned between the first unit 100 and the power supply unit 300. Alternatively, from another perspective, the first unit 100, the second unit 200, and the power supply unit 300, arranged vertically along the thickness direction, are stacked vertically in the order of first unit 100, second unit 200, and power supply unit 300, starting from the bottom.

[0147] Furthermore, the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 can be installed and removed from the device housing 10A independently of each other. That is, the first unit 100 can be installed and removed regardless of whether the second unit 200 is installed or removed, and the second unit 200 can be installed and removed regardless of whether the first unit 100 is installed or removed. More specifically, the first unit 100 can be installed and removed in both the installed and removed states of the second unit 200. Similarly, the second unit 200 can be installed and removed in both the installed and removed states of the first unit 100.

[0148] like Figure 5 As shown, the first unit 100 is installed and removed in the width direction of the device. Furthermore, the installation direction of the first unit 100 is the S-direction, which is the opposite direction to the width direction of the device. The second unit 200 is installed and removed along the depth direction of the device. The installation direction of the second unit 200 is the front direction of the depth direction of the device, i.e., the R-direction.

[0149] (Unit 1)

[0150] As mentioned above, Figure 6The first unit 100 shown includes: image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K of four colors; and a first unit housing 102 that houses the image forming units 18 of each color. The upper portions of the image holders 36 of each color provided on the image forming units 18 protrude upwards from openings provided in the first unit housing 102. Furthermore, a side portion 104 is provided on the first unit housing 102 at one end in the device width direction, in other words, at the rear end in the mounting direction.

[0151] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a developing contact portion 110 and a energizing contact portion 120, both made of flexible wires, are provided in the side portion 104. A coil-shaped developing winding portion 112 is formed at the upper end of the developing contact portion 110, and a coil-shaped energizing winding portion 122 is formed at the upper end of the energizing contact portion 120. These developing winding portions 112 of the developing contact portion 110 and energizing winding portions 122 of the energizing contact portion 120 protrude upwards from the mounting portion of the side portion 104.

[0152] Despite Figure 7 Only the developing contact portion 110 is shown, but the upper part of the energized contact portion 120 is similar to the upper part of the developing contact portion 110. Figure 6 The two devices shown have the same shape, differing only in their arrangement along the depth direction. Therefore, in Figure 7 In the diagram, the brackets represent "112(122)".

[0153] In addition, the developing winding portion 112 of the developing contact portion 110 and the energizing winding portion 122 of the energizing contact portion 120 are provided near the rear end of the first unit 100 in the S direction, which is the mounting direction, that is, near the end in the direction opposite to the S direction.

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown, the lower end portion 114 of the developing contact portion 110 meanders in the side portion 104 and is electrically connected to the developing roller 25Y of the image forming unit 18C (see Figure 114). Figure 1 The developing terminal portion 118C contacts the developing terminal portion 118. Furthermore, a developing branch portion 116, made of flexible wires, is provided within the side portion 104. The developing branch portion 116 meanders within the side portion 104 and contacts the developing terminal portions 118Y, 118M, 118C, and 118K, wherein the developing terminal portions 118Y, 118M, 118C, and 118K contact the developing rollers 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K of the image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K (see [link to image forming unit 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K]). Figure 1Electrical connection. Therefore, the developing contact portion 110 is connected to the developing rollers 25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K (see developing branch portion 116 and developing terminal portions 118Y, 118M, 118C, 118K) via the developing branch portion 116 and the developing terminal portions 118Y, 118M, 118C, 118K. Figure 1 Electrical connection.

[0155] like Figure 6 As shown, within the side portion 104, a live-line branch 126 extends from the lower end portion 124 of the live-line contact portion 120. The live-line branch 126 meanders within the side portion 104 and contacts the live-line terminals 128Y, 128M, 128C, 128K, wherein the live-line terminals 128Y, 128M, 128C, 128K are connected to the live rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K of the image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, 18K (see [link to image forming unit]). Figure 1 Electrical connection. Therefore, the live contact portion 120 is connected to the live rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K (see [reference]) via the live branch portion 126 and the live terminal portions 128Y, 128M, 128C, 128K. Figure 1 Electrical connection.

[0156] (Unit 2)

[0157] As mentioned above, Figure 6 and Figure 8 The second unit 200 shown includes: an intermediate transfer belt 66; a primary transfer roller 68 (see...). Figure 1 ); a pair of tensioning rollers 70 (see Figure 1 ), intermediate transfer belt 66 (see Figure 1 The components are wound and hung on the pair of tensioning rollers 70, and the rotation axis of the pair of tensioning rollers 70 is in the direction of the width of the device; and the second unit housing 202 supports the components as a whole.

[0158] The second unit housing 202 has roller supports 204A and 204B, which form the outer end of the second unit 200 in the width direction of the device and support the primary transfer roller 68 (see...). Figure 1 ) and tensioning roller 70 (see Figure 1 The two ends of ).

[0159] like Figure 6 As shown, the roller support 204A of the second unit 200 is provided with a developing power supply path 210 and a charging power supply path 220. The developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220 are located between the outer end 205A of the roller support 204A in the device width direction and the outer end 66A of the intermediate transfer belt 66 in the device width direction.

[0160] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, a first contact portion 212 for developing is provided on the power supply path 210 for developing, and this first contact portion 212 for developing is exposed on the side of the power supply unit 300, that is, from above. In this embodiment, the first contact portion 212 for developing is formed by a plate surface whose thickness direction is in the direction of the power supply unit 300. In addition, the first contact portion 212 for developing is located on the inner side of the device width direction, which is further than the outer end 205A of the upper surface 206A of the roller support 204A.

[0161] Similarly, a first contact portion 222 for live operation is provided in the power supply path 220, exposed above the power supply unit 300 side. In this embodiment, the first contact portion 222 for live operation is formed by a plate surface with the plate thickness direction in the direction of the power supply unit 300 side. The first contact portion 222 for live operation is located inside the device width direction, further than the outer end 205A of the upper surface 206A of the roller support 204A.

[0162] In addition, Figure 7 The diagram only shows the power supply path 210 for developing, but as shown in the image... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the power supply path 220 for charging and the power supply path 210 for developing have the same shape, differing only in their arrangement in the depth direction. Therefore, in Figure 7 In the diagram, the brackets represent "210(220)".

[0163] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the power supply path 210 for developing includes a second contact portion 214 for developing, which protrudes towards the rear side in the S-direction, which is the mounting direction of the first unit 100, i.e., in the direction opposite to the S-direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second contact portion 214 for developing is formed by a plate surface with the S-direction as its thickness direction.

[0164] Similarly, the power supply path 220 for energization includes a second contact portion 224 for energization, which protrudes towards the rear side in the S-direction, which is the mounting direction of the first unit 100, i.e., in the direction opposite to the S-direction. In this embodiment, the second contact portion 224 for energization is formed by a plate surface with the S-direction as its thickness direction.

[0165] Furthermore, the developing winding portion 112 of the developing contact portion 110 and the energized winding portion 122 of the energized contact portion 120 respectively contact the developing second contact portions 214 and energized second contact portions 224. The elastic developing contact portion 110 and energized contact portion 120 are elastically deformable, and the developing winding portion 112 and energized winding portion 122 contact the developing second contact portions 214 and energized second contact portions 224 respectively.

[0166] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a power supply path 230 for transfer is provided at the end of the roller support 204B in the mounting direction, i.e., the R direction, of the second unit 200. The power supply path 230 for transfer has a transfer contact portion 232 that protrudes towards the R direction side. In this embodiment, the transfer contact portion 232 is formed by a plate surface with the R direction as the plate thickness direction.

[0167] like Figure 10 As shown, a transfer branch 234 extending from the transfer power supply path 230 is provided within the roller support 204B. The transfer branch 234 is provided within the roller support 204B and contacts transfer terminals 238Y, 238M, 238C, and 238K, wherein the transfer terminals 238Y, 238M, 238C, and 238K are in contact with the primary transfer rollers 68Y, 68M, 68C, and 68K of the second unit 200 (see...). Figure 1 Electrical connection. Therefore, the power supply path 230 for transfer is connected to the primary transfer rollers 68Y, 68M, 68C, 68K via the transfer branch 234 and the transfer terminal portions 238Y, 238M, 238C, 238K (see...). Figure 1 Electrical connection.

[0168] (Power supply unit)

[0169] like Figure 6 As shown, the power supply unit 300 is provided with a power supply path 310 for developing on the power supply side and a power supply path 320 for energizing on the power supply side, both of which are made of flexible wires.

[0170] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a coil-shaped developing base end portion 312 is formed at the upper end of the developing power supply path 310 on the power supply side. Figure 7 As shown, the developing base end 312 is positioned closer to the roller support 204A of the second unit 200 than the center position in the device width direction of the power supply unit 300. Figure 6 and 7As shown, in the power supply path 310 for developing on the power supply side, the developing shaft portion 315, which is bent into an L shape, extends from the developing base end portion 312, and the developing contact portion 314 for developing on the power supply side protrudes downward from the developing shaft portion 315 toward the second unit 200 side.

[0171] like Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the width direction of the device, the power supply side developing contact portion 314 is bent downward into a convex shape, and the apex of the bend, that is, the lower end of the power supply side developing contact portion 314, forms a developing winding portion 316 wound into a coil shape (see also...). Figure 7 ).like Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the developing winding portion 316 of the power supply side developing contact portion 314 contacts the developing first contact portion 212. The elastic power supply side developing contact portion 314 is elastically deformed, and the developing winding portion 316 contacts the developing first contact portion 212.

[0172] When viewed from the vertical direction of the device as the stacking direction, the developing winding portion 316 of the developing contact portion 314 on the power supply side overlaps with the developing first contact portion 212.

[0173] Here, in Figure 7 The diagram only shows the power supply path 310 for developing on the power supply side, but as shown in the image... Figure 6 As shown, the power supply path 320 for energizing on the power supply side and the power supply path 310 for developing on the power supply side have the same shape, differing only in their arrangement in the depth direction. Therefore, in Figure 7 In the diagram, the brackets represent “310(320)”.

[0174] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a coil-shaped base end portion 322 for energizing is formed at the upper end of the energized power supply path 320 on the power supply side. (As indicated...) Figure 7 As shown, the energized base end portion 322 is positioned closer to the roller support 204A side of the second unit 200 than the center position in the device width direction of the power supply unit 300. Furthermore, in the power supply path 320 for energizing the power supply side, an L-shaped energized shaft portion 325 extends from the energized base end portion 322, and a power supply contact portion 324 protrudes downward from the energized shaft portion 325 toward the second unit 200 side.

[0175] like Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the width direction of the device, the power supply side live contact portion 324 is bent downward into a convex shape, and a live winding portion 326 wound into a coil shape is formed at the apex of the bend, i.e., the lower end of the power supply side live contact portion 324 (see also...). Figure 7 Moreover, such as Figure 6 and7 As shown, the energized winding portion 326 of the power supply side energized contact portion 324 contacts the energized first contact portion 222 from above. The elastic power supply side energized contact portion 324 is elastically deformable, and the energized winding portion 326 contacts the developing first contact portion 222.

[0176] Furthermore, when viewed from the vertical direction of the device as the stacking direction, the energized winding portion 326 of the energized contact portion 324 on the power supply side overlaps with the energized first contact portion 222.

[0177] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the power supply unit 300 is provided with a power supply path 330 for power transfer. A coil-shaped transfer base end 332 is formed at the upper end of the power supply path 330. Furthermore, an L-shaped transfer shaft portion 335 extends from the transfer base end 332 within the power supply path 330, and a power supply side transfer contact portion 334 protrudes from this shaft portion 335 toward the second unit 200. A coil-shaped transfer winding portion 336 is formed at the front end of the power supply side transfer contact portion 334. This coil-shaped transfer winding portion 336 contacts the transfer contact portion 232 of the power supply path 230 of the second unit 200.

[0178] (Loading and unloading in Unit 1)

[0179] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the device housing 10A has a first opening / closing door 81 that opens to one side (left side in the figure) in the width direction of the device. The first opening / closing door 81 has a first door body 81A and a first hinge 81B mounted on the lower end of the first door body 81A. The first opening / closing door 81 is in a closed position that closes the interior of the device housing 10A (see reference). Figure 2 ) and the opening position for opening the interior of the device housing 10A (refer to Figures 3-5 Rotate and move between ).

[0180] Furthermore, the first switch door 81 is opened, and the first unit 100 is installed or removed along the width direction of the device. The installation direction of the first unit 100 is the S direction, which is the other side of the width direction of the device.

[0181] like Figure 7 As shown, when the first unit 100 is installed on the device housing 10A, the developing winding portion 112 of the developing contact portion 110 and the energized winding portion 122 of the energized contact portion 120 of the first unit 100 respectively contact the developing second contact portion 214 of the developing power supply path 210 and the energized second contact portion 224 of the energized power supply path 220 of the second unit 200 (see also...). Figure 6 ).

[0182] (Loading and unloading in Unit 2)

[0183] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a second opening / closing door 82 opens the interior of the device housing 10A in the direction of device depth. The second opening / closing door 82 has a second door body 82A and a second hinge 82B mounted on the lower end of the second door body 82A. This second opening / closing door 82 is in a closed position that closes the interior of the device housing 10A (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and the opening position for opening the interior of the device housing 10A (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Move between () . For example Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the secondary transfer roller 60 is mounted on the second opening and closing door 82.

[0184] Then, the second switch door 82 is opened, and the second unit 200 is installed or removed along the depth direction of the device. The installation direction of the second unit 200 is the R direction, which is the forward direction of the depth direction of the device.

[0185] like Figure 7 As shown, when the second unit 200 is installed on the device housing 10A, the developing first contact portion 212 of the developing power supply path 210 and the energized first contact portion 222 of the energized power supply path 220 of the second unit 200 come into contact with the developing winding portion 316 of the developing contact portion 314 of the power supply side developing power supply path 310 and the energized winding portion 326 of the power supply side energized contact portion 324 of the power supply side energized power supply path 320 provided in the power supply unit 300 (see also...). Figure 6 ).

[0186] In addition, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, when the second unit 200 is installed on the device housing 10A, the transfer contact portion 232 of the transfer power supply path 230 of the second unit 200 contacts the transfer winding portion 336 of the power supply side transfer contact portion 334 of the power supply side transfer power supply path 330.

[0187] <Functions and Effects>

[0188] Next, the function and effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0189] When the second unit 200 is installed on the device housing 10A, the developing first contact portion 212 of the developing power supply path 210 and the energized first contact portion 222 of the energized power supply path 220 of the second unit 200 come into contact with the developing winding portion 316 of the developing contact portion 314 of the power supply side developing power supply path 310 and the energized winding portion 326 of the power supply side energized contact portion 324 of the power supply side energized power supply path 320 provided in the power supply unit 300.

[0190] When the first unit 100 is installed on the device housing 10A, the developing winding portion 112 of the developing contact portion 110 and the energized winding portion 122 of the energized contact portion 120 of the first unit 100 come into contact with the developing second contact portion 214 of the developing power supply path 210 and the energized second contact portion 224 of the energized power supply path 220 of the second unit 200.

[0191] The developing contact portion 110 is electrically connected to the developing rollers 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K via the developing branch portion 116 and the developing terminal portions 118Y, 118M, 118C, and 118K.

[0192] Similarly, the live contact portion 120 is electrically connected to the live rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K via the live branch portion 126 and the live terminal portions 128Y, 128M, 128C, and 128K.

[0193] Thus, when the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are installed, power is supplied from the power supply unit 300 to the developing rollers 25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K and the charged rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K of the first unit 100 via the developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220 of the second unit 200.

[0194] When the second unit 200 is installed, the transfer contact portion 232 of the transfer power supply path 230 of the second unit 200 contacts the transfer winding portion 336 of the power supply side transfer contact portion 334 of the power supply side transfer power supply path 330. The transfer power supply path 230 is electrically connected to the primary transfer rollers 68Y, 68M, 68C, and 68K via the transfer branch portion 234.

[0195] When the second unit 200 is installed in this way, power is supplied from the power supply unit 300 to the primary transfer rollers 68Y, 68M, 68C and 68K.

[0196] The developing power supply path 210 and the energizing power supply path 220 are provided in the second unit 200. Therefore, compared with the case where the developing power supply path 210 and the energizing power supply path 220 are provided in the device housing 10A, the device width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0197] When the first unit 100 is installed on the device housing 10A, a power supply path is formed from the power supply unit 300 to the first unit 100. Therefore, the first unit 100 is not powered when it is not installed.

[0198] The developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220 are disposed in the roller support 204A of the second unit 200. Therefore, compared to the case where they are disposed in components further outward than the developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220, such as in the device housing 10A, the device width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, when viewed from the stacking direction, the developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220 are disposed in a position further inward than the outer end of the second unit 200 in the device width direction, i.e., the outer end 205A of the roller support 204. Therefore, compared to the case where the developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220 are disposed in the device housing 10A located further outward than the outer end 205A of the roller support 204, the device width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0199] The developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220 are disposed between the outer end 205A of the roller support 204A in the device width direction and the outer end 66A of the intermediate transfer belt 66 in the device width direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the developing power supply path 210 and the charging power supply path 220 are disposed outside the outer end 205A of the roller support 204A in the device width direction, the device width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0200] Furthermore, the developing base end 312 of the power supply path 310 for developing on the power supply side of the power supply unit 300 and the charging base end 322 of the power supply path 320 for charging on the power supply side are positioned closer to the roller support 204A of the second unit 200 than the center position of the power supply unit 300 in the device width direction. Therefore, the device width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0201] Furthermore, compared to the case where the developing base end 312 of the power supply path 310 for developing on the power supply side of the power supply unit 300 and the charging base end 322 of the power supply path 320 for charging on the power supply side are arranged at the center position in the width direction of the device, the device width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0202] In addition, the developing base end 312 of the power supply path 310 for developing on the power supply side of the power supply unit 300 and the energized base end 322 of the power supply path 320 for energizing on the power supply side can be shortened.

[0203] When viewed from the stacking direction, i.e., the vertical direction of the device, the developing winding portion 316 of the power supply side developing contact portion 314 overlaps with the developing first contact portion 212, and the energizing winding portion 326 of the power supply side energizing contact portion 324 overlaps with the energizing first contact portion 222. Therefore, compared to the case where the developing winding portion 316 of the power supply side developing contact portion 314 and the energizing winding portion 326 of the power supply side energizing contact portion 324 are located outside the device width direction of the developing first contact portion 212 and the energizing first contact portion 222, respectively, the device width of the imaging device 10 can be reduced.

[0204] In the power supply path 310 for developing and the power supply path 320 for energizing provided in the power supply unit 300, a power supply contact portion 314 for developing and a power supply contact portion 324 for energizing are formed, protruding toward the second unit 200. In the power supply path 210 for developing and the power supply path 220 for energizing in the second unit 200, a first contact portion 212 for developing and a first contact portion 222 for energizing, which are exposed on the power supply unit 300 side and in contact with the power supply contact portion 314 for developing and the power supply contact portion 324 for energizing, are provided at a position further inward than the outer end of the second unit 200 in the device width direction, that is, the outer end 205A of the roller support body 204A in the device width direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the developing first contact portion 212 of the developing power supply path 210 and the energizing first contact portion 222 of the energizing power supply path 220 of the second unit 200 are located at a position further outward than the outer end of the second unit 200 in the device width direction, i.e., the outer end 205A of the roller support body 204A in the device width direction, the device width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0205] When the second unit 200 is installed, the developing first contact portion 212 and the energizing first contact portion 222 of the second unit 200 contact with the power supply-side developing contact portion 314 and the power supply-side energizing contact portion 324 provided in the power supply unit 300. Therefore, the first unit 100 is not energized when the second unit 200 is not installed.

[0206] Furthermore, when the first unit 100 is installed, the developing contact portion 110 and the energizing contact portion 120 of the first unit 100 come into contact with the developing second contact portion 214 and the energizing second contact portion 224, which are exposed to the rear side in the S-direction, the mounting direction of the first unit 100. In this embodiment, the developing second contact portion 214 and the energizing second contact portion 224 are constructed from a plate surface with the S-direction as the plate thickness direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the developing second contact portion 214 and the energizing second contact portion 224 are exposed in a direction intersecting the S-direction, the width of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0207] The developing contact portion 110 and the energizing contact portion 120 are located on the rear side of the first unit 100 in the mounting direction, i.e., the S-direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the developing contact portion 110 and the energizing contact portion 120 are located on the front side in the S-direction, which is the mounting direction of the first unit 100, the movement range of the developing contact portion 110 and the energizing contact portion 120 within the image forming apparatus 10 is smaller when the first unit 100 is installed or removed. Therefore, for example, when the first unit 100 is installed or removed, the possibility of the developing contact portion 110 and the energizing contact portion 120 coming into contact with other components is reduced.

[0208] Furthermore, the first unit 100 is provided with a developing branch 116 and a charging branch 126, which branch from the developing contact section 110 and the charging contact section 120 respectively, and supply power to the image forming units 18 of each color. Therefore, compared with the case where each image forming unit 18 of a color has a contact section, the number of contact points can be reduced.

[0209] When the second unit 200 is installed, the transfer contact portion 232 provided on the second unit 200 contacts the power-side transfer contact portion 334 provided on the power supply path 330 for power supply on the power supply unit 300, thereby supplying power from the power supply unit 300 to the second unit 200. Therefore, compared to the case where a separate power supply unit is provided for the second unit 200, the image forming apparatus 10 can be miniaturized.

[0210] Furthermore, the second unit 200 is provided with a transfer branch 234 that branches from the transfer contact section 232 and supplies power to the primary transfer rollers 68 of each color. Therefore, compared to the case where each primary transfer roller 68 has a contact section for each color, the number of contact points can be reduced.

[0211] <Other>

[0212] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0213] For example, in the above embodiment, the first unit 100 is loaded and unloaded along the width direction of the device, and the second unit 200 is loaded and unloaded along the depth direction of the device, but is not limited thereto. The first unit 100 may be loaded and unloaded along the depth direction of the device. The second unit 200 may be loaded and unloaded along the width direction of the device. In addition, the loading and unloading direction of the first unit 100 may be the same as the loading and unloading direction of the second unit 200.

[0214] Additionally, for example, in the above embodiment, the first unit 100, the second unit 200, and the power supply unit 300, which are arranged with the thickness direction as the vertical direction, are stacked in the order of first unit 100, second unit 200, and power supply unit 300 starting from the bottom, but are not limited to this. For example, they can be stacked in the order of first unit 100, second unit 200, and power supply unit 300 starting from the top. Alternatively, the first unit 100, second unit 200, and power supply unit 300, which are arranged with the thickness direction as the width direction or depth direction of the device, can also be stacked in the order of first unit 100, second unit 200, and power supply unit 300 in the width direction or depth direction of the device.

[0215] In short, any structure that includes a second unit 200 between the first unit 100 and the power supply unit 300 is acceptable.

[0216] Furthermore, the structure of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiments, and can be various other structures. For example, in the above embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can be applied to image forming apparatuses that form images on a recording medium by inkjet methods, electrostatic recording methods, thermal transfer methods, etc.

[0217] Furthermore, it can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: The first unit, which is detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus, participates in image formation; A power supply unit that supplies power to the first unit; The second unit, which is independently and detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus, participates in image formation and is located between the first unit and the power supply unit; as well as The power supply path is located in the second unit, is powered by the power supply unit, and also powers the first unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When the first unit is installed in the image forming apparatus, the power supply path is configured to supply power from the power supply unit to the first unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second unit has: an intermediate transfer belt, which is an intermediate transfer body that holds the developer image formed by the first unit; The tensioning support roller is arranged along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and tensions the intermediate transfer belt; A transfer roller, which is arranged along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, transfers the developer image onto the intermediate transfer belt; as well as A roller support body is disposed at the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, and supports both ends of the tensioning roller and the transfer roller. The power supply path is located in the roller support.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The power supply path is disposed between the outer end of the roller support along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and the outer end of the intermediate transfer belt along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply unit is provided with a first power-side contact portion protruding towards the second unit side. In the power supply path, the path-side first contact portion is located further inward than the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the path-side first contact portion is exposed on the power supply unit side so as to contact the power supply-side first contact portion.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The second unit can be loaded and unloaded from the image forming apparatus. When the second unit is installed in the image forming apparatus, the path-side first contact portion contacts the power-side first contact portion.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first unit can be loaded and unloaded from the image forming apparatus. The power supply path has a path-side second contact portion, wherein the path-side second contact portion is exposed towards the rear side of the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus. The first unit is provided with a first unit side contact portion. When the first unit is installed in the image forming apparatus, the first unit side contact portion contacts the path side second contact portion.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The first unit side contact portion is located at a position relative to the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus, and is located on the rear side of the first unit.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The first unit has a plurality of image forming sections for forming developer images. The first unit is provided with a first unit side branch path, which branches off from the first unit side contact to supply power to the plurality of image forming units.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply unit supplies power to both the first unit and the second unit. The power supply unit is provided with a second power-side contact portion protruding towards the second unit side. The second unit can be loaded and unloaded from the image forming apparatus. The second unit is provided with a second unit-side transfer contact portion. When the second unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the second unit-side transfer contact portion contacts the power supply-side second contact portion.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising: The first unit, which is detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus, participates in image formation; A power supply unit that supplies power to the first unit; The second unit, which is independently and detachably disposed within the image forming apparatus, participates in image formation and is located between the first unit and the power supply unit; as well as The power supply path, when viewed from the stacking direction of the power supply unit and the second unit, is located inside the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, and the power supply path supplies power to the first unit from the power supply unit.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The second unit has: Intermediate transfer belt, which is an intermediate transfer body that holds the developer image formed by the first unit; Tensioning rollers are arranged along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and tension the intermediate transfer belt; A transfer roller, which is arranged along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, transfers the developer image onto the intermediate transfer belt; as well as A roller support body is disposed at the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, and supports both ends of the tensioning roller and the transfer roller. The power supply path is disposed between the outer end of the roller support along the width direction of the image forming apparatus and the outer end of the intermediate transfer belt along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The power supply unit is provided with a power supply path on the power supply side that is connected to the power supply path. The base end of the power supply path on the power supply side is positioned closer to the roller support than the center position of the power supply unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The power supply path on the power supply side is provided with a first contact portion on the power supply side that protrudes towards the second unit side. In the power supply path, the path-side first contact portion is located inside the outer end of the second unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the path-side first contact portion protrudes towards the power supply unit side so as to contact the power supply-side first contact portion and be powered. When viewed from the stacking direction of the power supply unit and the second unit, the power supply side first contact portion and the path side first contact portion overlap.

15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The second unit can be loaded and unloaded from the image forming apparatus. The power supply path is located in the second unit.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first unit can be loaded and unloaded from the image forming apparatus. A second contact portion on the path side is provided in the power supply path, and this second contact portion on the path side is exposed to the rear side facing the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus. In the first unit, when the first unit is installed in the image forming apparatus, the first unit side contact portion that contacts the path-side second contact portion is located inside the outer end of the first unit along the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The first unit side contact portion is located at a position relative to the mounting direction in which the first unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus, and is located on the rear side of the first unit.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The first unit has multiple image forming sections for forming developer images. In the first unit, a first unit side branch path is located inside the outer end of the first unit in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the first unit side branch path branches off from the first unit side contact to supply power to the plurality of image forming units.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The power supply unit supplies power to both the first unit and the second unit. The power supply unit is provided with a second power-side contact portion protruding towards the second unit side. The second unit is provided with the power supply path and can be installed and removed from the image forming apparatus. In the second unit, when viewed from the stacking direction of the power supply unit and the second unit, a second unit-side transfer contact portion is provided at a position inside the outer end of the second unit in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second unit-side transfer contact portion is exposed to the power supply unit side and contacts the power supply-side second contact portion when the second unit is installed in the image forming apparatus.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The first unit has multiple image forming sections for forming developer images. The second unit has multiple transfer rollers that transfer the developer image formed by the multiple image forming sections onto an intermediate transfer body. In the second unit, a second unit side branch path is provided at a position inside the outer end of the second unit in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second unit side branch path branches from the second unit side transfer contact portion to supply power to the plurality of transfer rollers.

Images