Imaging equipment

Abstract

In an imaging device, a tray unit to which a box is detachably mounted and configured to be movable between an internal position located within a main body of the device and an external position located outside the device includes a first side plate and a second side plate configured to support the box, and both are made of metal and include a supporting portion and an outer portion, the supporting portion including a positioning portion, the positioning portion being configured to contact the box to position the box relative to an imaging position. The main body of the device includes a first pressing member and a second pressing member, each of which is movable between a pressing position in which the box is pressed and a separation position in which the box is separated from the box. The first pressing member and the second pressing member are arranged to intersect with an imaginary plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersects with the positioning portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] There are imaging devices such as printers, copiers, and multifunction peripherals in which a cartridge is detachably mounted to a movable member that moves between the inside and outside of a device main body. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-114620 discloses an imaging device in which a cartridge is detachably mounted to a movable member that moves between the inside and outside of a device main body. The movable member in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-114620 is provided with a metal reinforcing member. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention further advances conventional technology. It relates to an imaging device comprising an apparatus body and a tray unit having metal side panels, to which a cartridge is detachably mounted, wherein the tray unit is configured to be movable relative to the apparatus body. One object of the present invention is to provide a technique that improves the mountability of the cartridge to the apparatus body and space conservation in the apparatus configuration.

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention configured to perform an image forming operation using a cartridge includes:

[0005] the device body; and

[0006] a tray unit to which the cartridge is detachably mounted and configured to be movable relative to the apparatus main body between an inner position located within the apparatus main body and an outer position located outside the apparatus main body, the tray unit comprising:

[0007] a first side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the first side plate is made of metal and includes a first supporting portion and a first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a first positioning portion, and the first positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to an imaging position where an imaging operation is performed,

[0008] a second side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the second side plate is made of metal and includes a second supporting portion and a second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a second positioning portion, and the second positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to the imaging position, and

[0009] a mounting portion to which the cartridge is mounted in a mounting direction, wherein the mounting portion is formed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion when viewed in the mounting direction,

[0010] The device body includes:

[0011] a first pressing member movable between a first pressing position where the cartridge is pressed and a first separated position where the cartridge is separated, and

[0012] a second pressing member movable between a second pressing position where the cartridge is pressed and a second separated position where the cartridge is separated from the second pressing member,

[0013] wherein the first pressing member is arranged to intersect with a first imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersects with the first positioning portion,

[0014] And wherein the second pressing member is provided to intersect with a second imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersects with the second positioning portion.

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention configured to perform an image forming operation using a cartridge includes:

[0016] the device body; and

[0017] a tray unit to which the cartridge is detachably mounted and configured to be movable relative to the apparatus main body between an inner position located within the apparatus main body and an outer position located outside the apparatus main body, the tray unit comprising:

[0018] a first side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the first side plate is made of metal and includes a first supporting portion and a first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a first positioning portion, and the first positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to an imaging position where an imaging operation is performed,

[0019] a second side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the second side plate is made of metal and includes a second supporting portion and a second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a second positioning portion, and the second positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to the imaging position, and

[0020] a mounting portion to which the cartridge is mounted in a mounting direction, wherein the mounting portion is formed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion when viewed along the mounting direction,

[0021] wherein the tray unit has a tray contact configured to be electrically connected to a cartridge contact of the cartridge, the tray contact having a contact portion that contacts the cartridge contact,

[0022] And wherein the contact portion is located between the second support portion and the second outer portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention configured to perform an image forming operation using a cartridge includes:

[0024] the device body; and

[0025] a tray unit to which the cartridge is detachably mounted and configured to be movable relative to the apparatus main body between an inner position located within the apparatus main body and an outer position located outside the apparatus main body, the tray unit comprising:

[0026] a first side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the first side plate is made of metal and includes a first supporting portion and a first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a first positioning portion, and the first positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to an imaging position where an imaging operation is performed,

[0027] a second side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the second side plate is made of metal and includes a second supporting portion and a second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a second positioning portion, and the second positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to the imaging position, and

[0028] a mounting portion to which the cartridge is mounted in a mounting direction, wherein the mounting portion is formed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion when viewed along the mounting direction,

[0029] wherein the tray unit has a first guided groove and a second guided groove guided by the apparatus main body in a case of moving from the outer position to the inner position,

[0030] And wherein, with respect to the longitudinal direction, at least a portion of the first guided groove is located between the first supporting portion and the first outer portion, and at least a portion of the second guided groove is located between the second supporting portion and the second outer portion.

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the mountability of the cartridge to the apparatus main body and the space saving of the apparatus configuration.

[0032] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view showing a printer according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 is a general schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the printer;

[0035] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are front and rear perspective views showing a process cartridge;

[0036] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are front and rear perspective views showing a cartridge tray;

[0037] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are front and rear perspective views showing the cartridge tray in a state where a process cartridge is mounted;

[0038] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a side view showing the drive side of the cartridge tray;

[0039] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a side view showing the non-driven side of the cartridge tray;

[0040] Figure 8 is a top view of the box tray;

[0041] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a frame structure of a printer body;

[0042] Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view showing the positioning axis of the cartridge tray;

[0043] Figure 11A is a sectional view showing a state in which the positioning shaft at the device body side is engaged with the positioning groove;

[0044] Figure 11Bis a sectional view showing the positioning shaft and the positioning groove in a state where the cartridge tray is slightly pulled out from the mounted state;

[0045] Figure 11C is shown in the box tray from Figure 11B A cross-sectional view of the positioning shaft and the positioning groove in a state further pulled out from the state in FIG.

[0046] Figure 11D is a sectional view showing a state in which the positioning shaft on the cartridge tray side is engaged with the positioning groove;

[0047] Figure 11E is a sectional view showing the positioning shaft and the positioning groove in a state where the cartridge tray is slightly pulled out from the mounted state;

[0048] Figure 11F is shown in the box tray from Figure 11E A cross-sectional view of the positioning shaft and the positioning groove in a state further pulled out from the state in FIG.

[0049] Figure 12 is a front view showing ribs provided to the cartridge tray;

[0050] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The view of arrow A in FIG;

[0051] Figure 14A is a front perspective view of the process cartridge and the cartridge tray with the front door closed;

[0052] Figure 14B is a front perspective view of the process cartridge and the cartridge tray with the front door open;

[0053] Figure 15A is a rear perspective view of the process cartridge and the cartridge tray in a state where the front door is closed;

[0054] Figure 15B is a rear perspective view of the process cartridge and the cartridge tray with the front door open;

[0055] Figure 16A is a side view of the process cartridge and cartridge tray with the front door closed;

[0056] Figure 16B is a side view of the process cartridge and cartridge tray with the front door open;

[0057] Figure 16C is a side view of the process cartridge and cartridge tray with the front door open;

[0058] Figure 17A and Figure 17B is a diagram showing a state where the cartridge tray is pulled out;

[0059] 18A to 18C is a diagram showing a pressed state at the left side of the process cartridge and a contact state of the contact point;

[0060] 19A to 19C is a diagram showing a pressed state at the right side of the process cartridge; and

[0061] Figure 20A and Figure 20B It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a contact portion for supplying power to a charging roller and a photosensitive drum, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment (example) of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the size, material, shape, relative arrangement, etc. of the components described in the embodiment may be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied, various conditions, etc. Therefore, the size, material, shape, relative arrangement, etc. of the components described in the embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments. Each of the embodiments of the present invention described below may be implemented separately, or as a combination of multiple embodiments or their features where necessary or where a combination of elements or features from various embodiments in a single embodiment is beneficial.

[0063] First embodiment

[0064] Overall structure

[0065] First, the printer 100 serving as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is a full-color laser beam printer according to the electrophotographic system. Figure 1 As shown, the printer 100 includes a device body 100A and a front door 31 supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the device body 100A. Note that in the description of the printer 100, directions are defined as follows. Specifically, the side of the printer 100 on which the front door 31 is provided is the front side (or front side), and the side opposite thereto is the rear side (or rear side), and the direction from the rear side toward the front side and the direction from the front side toward the rear side are the front-to-back directions.

[0066] The left side (or non-driven side) and the right side (or driven side) as well as the top and bottom are defined based on the state of viewing the printer 100 from the front. The direction from the right side to the left side and the direction from the left side to the right side are the left-right direction, and the direction from the bottom side to the top side and the direction from the top side to the bottom side are the up-down direction.

[0067] like Figure 2As shown, the printer 100 includes an imaging unit 10 for forming an image on a sheet S, a sheet feeding section 18, a fixing device 23, a pair of discharge rollers 24, and a control section 200. The printer 100 can form a full-color image or a monochrome image on a sheet-like recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet S") based on an electrical image signal output from an external host device 400 and input to the control section 200 via an interface section 300. Examples of the external host device 400 include a personal computer, an image reader, a facsimile device, and the like.

[0068] The control section 200 is a control unit for controlling the electrophotographic image forming process of the printer 100, and exchanges various types of electrical information with the external host device 400. The control section 200 also manages processing of electrical information input from various types of processing devices and sensors, processing of command signals to various types of processing devices, predetermined initial sequence control, predetermined sequence control of the image forming process, and the like.

[0069] The sheet feeding section 18 is located at the lower portion of the printer 100 and includes a cassette 19 for accommodating sheets S, a sheet plate 21 that supports the sheets S so that they can be raised and lowered, a pickup roller 20a, and a pair of separation rollers 20b. The cassette 19 is configured to be pulled out and mounted from the front side of the apparatus body 100A. The sheets S loaded on the sheet plate 21 are fed by the pickup roller 20a and separated into individual sheets by the pair of separation rollers 20b. Note that a torque limiter system or a retard roller system may be used for the pair of separation rollers 20b, and a separation pad may be used in place of one of the rollers of the pair of separation rollers 20b.

[0070] The fixing device 23 includes a fixing film 23a heated by a heater and a pressure roller 23b pressed against the fixing film 23a, and the fixing film 23a and the pressure roller 23b form a fixing nip Q. The discharge roller pair 24 includes a discharge drive roller 24a and a discharge driven roller 24b that rotates following the drive of the discharge drive roller 24a.

[0071] The imaging unit 10 includes a cartridge tray 40, four process cartridges (cartridges) PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK, a scanner unit 11, a transfer unit 12, and a cleaning unit 26. The transfer unit 12 includes a drive roller 14, an auxiliary roller 15, a tension roller 16, and an intermediate transfer belt 13. The intermediate transfer belt 13 is stretched over the drive roller 14, the auxiliary roller 15, and the tension roller 16, and is made of a dielectric material and has flexibility. The printer 100 is configured to perform an imaging operation using the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK that are detachably mounted to the apparatus body 100A.

[0072] Primary transfer rollers 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K facing the respective photosensitive drums of process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are provided on the inner side of the intermediate transfer belt 13. A secondary transfer roller 27 is provided on the opposite side of the drive roller 14 across the intermediate transfer belt 13. The intermediate transfer belt 13 and the secondary transfer roller 27 together form a secondary transfer nip T2.

[0073] The four process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK form toner images of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. It should be noted that the four process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK all have the same construction, except for the color of the images formed thereby (the color of the toner contained therein). Therefore, the construction and image formation process will be described with respect to one of the four process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK, and the description of the others will be omitted. Furthermore, if there is no need to distinguish between the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK, the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK may be simply referred to as "process cartridge PP."

[0074] The process cartridge PPY has a drum unit OP and a developing unit DP integrated into one unit. Figures 2 to 3B As shown. The drum unit OP has a photosensitive drum 1 serving as an image bearing member, and the developing unit DP has a developing roller 3 that develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 into a toner image, and a storage portion 3b that stores the developer. A drum coupling (drive transmission member, first drive transmission member) 1c and a developing coupling (drive transmission member, second drive transmission member) 3c are both provided on the drive side (right side) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 3. A driving force from an unillustrated driving force source of the apparatus main body 100A is transmitted to the drum coupling 1c and the developing coupling 3c, and the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 3 rotate.

[0075] Furthermore, the cartridge developing contact 2 is provided on the non-driving side (left side) in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 3. The developing bias is applied to the developing contact 2 and to the main body developing contact 38 (see FIG. 1 ) described later provided to the apparatus main body 100A. Figure 20B ) is applied to the cartridge developing contact 2. A grounding member (cartridge contact, cartridge electrode) 1b for connecting the photosensitive drum 1 to ground potential is provided at the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0076] The drum bearing (driving side supporting member, first end portion supporting member) 1aR is provided to the driving side end portion (first end portion) of the process cartridge PPY in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3BA drum bearing (non-driving side supporting member, second end portion supporting member) 1aL is provided to the non-driving side end portion (second end portion) of the process cartridge PPY on the side opposite to the driving side end portion. The drum bearing 1aR and the drum bearing 1aL support the photosensitive drum 1.

[0077] Note that the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY is the same as the rotational axis direction (longitudinal direction) of the photosensitive drum 1 and the rotational axis direction (longitudinal direction) of the developing roller 3. When describing the apparatus body 100A and the cartridge tray 40 in the following description, the term "longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY" means the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY when mounted to the mounting portion 40a described later. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY is the direction of movement of the cartridge tray 40 and, in the present embodiment, is a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the process cartridge PPY is mounted.

[0078] The process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK, which are a plurality of cartridges, are detachably mounted to a cartridge tray (tray unit, movable member, movable unit) 40. The cartridge tray 40 is configured to be movable relative to the apparatus main body 100A between an internal position within the apparatus main body 100A and an external position outside the apparatus main body 100A while supporting the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK, as will be described later. In the present embodiment, when the cartridge tray 40 is positioned at the internal position, the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are positioned at the imaging position and perform imaging operations. When the cartridge tray 40 is positioned at the external position, the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are positioned at the mounting / detachment position and can be mounted to or detached from the cartridge tray 40.

[0079] The printer 100 is provided with a front door (opening / closing member) 31 attached to the device body 100A. The front door 31 can be moved between a closed position covering the cartridge tray 40 at an internal position and an open position exposing the cartridge tray 40 at an internal position. When the user opens the front door 31, the cartridge tray 40 is exposed and the user can access the cartridge tray 40. Then, the user can place the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK at the installation / detachment position by pulling the cartridge tray 40 out to the front side, and can replace the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK.

[0080] Imaging operation

[0081] Next, the image forming operation of the printer 100 configured in this manner will be described. When the control section 200 of the printer 100 receives a task signal from the interface section 300, a development separation mechanism (not shown) provided to the apparatus body 100A moves in the front-rear direction. The development separation mechanism brings the developing roller 3 into contact with the photosensitive drum 1.

[0082] Note that, in a task of forming a monochrome image, only the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge PPK contacts the developing roller, whereas in a task of forming a full-color image, the photosensitive drums of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK contact the corresponding developing rollers. The photosensitive drums, developing rollers, and intermediate transfer belt 13 are then driven by a driving force source (not shown).

[0083] The scanner unit 11 projects a laser beam corresponding to an image signal onto the photosensitive drum 1 of the process cartridge PPY. The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by a charging member (charging roller) 5 in advance, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the laser light projected from the scanner unit 11. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by the developing roller 3, thereby forming a yellow (Y) toner image on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0084] Note that the cartridge tray 40 is provided with a light guide 57 (see Figure 5B ) as a pre-exposure unit. Each light guide 57 is formed, for example, of a transparent acrylic or similar substance. Light from a light source (not shown) is emitted before the charging roller 5 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. This light is uniformly dispersed in the longitudinal direction by the light guide 57 and projected onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Consequently, the potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is stabilized, allowing the formation of a good toner image.

[0085] In the same manner, a laser beam is projected from the scanner unit 11 onto the photosensitive drum in each of the process cartridges PPM, PPC, and PPK, and magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums. The toner images of the corresponding colors formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 13 by the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K. The full-color toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 13 is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip T2 by the intermediate transfer belt 13, which is rotated by the drive roller 14. It should be noted that the image formation process for each color is performed at the time of overlaying the toner image transferred upstream to the intermediate transfer belt 13 by the primary transfer.

[0086] In parallel with this image forming process, the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding portion 18 is subjected to skew correction by the registration roller pair 22. The registration roller pair 22 further conveys the sheet S toward the secondary transfer roller 27 based on the toner image conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt 13. The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 13 is transferred to the sheet S at the secondary transfer nip T2 by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 27. Furthermore, after the toner image is transferred, the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 13 is removed by the cleaning unit 26 and recovered in a waste toner recovery container (not shown).

[0087] The sheet S onto which the toner image is transferred is subjected to predetermined heat and pressure at the fixing nip Q of the fixing device 23. This causes the toner to melt and then harden, thereby fixing the image to the sheet S. The sheet S having passed through the fixing device 23 is discharged by the discharge roller pair 24 onto a discharge tray 25.

[0088] Box Tray

[0089] Next, the configuration of the cartridge tray 40 will be described. The cartridge tray 40 has tray side plates 41L and 41R provided with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction, connecting members 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 connecting the tray side plates 41L and 41R to each other, and guide members 47L and 47R, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Note that, in the following description, members provided as a pair of left and right members are distinguished with respect to left and right by appending "R" or "L" after the symbols.

[0090] The process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are supported by the tray side plates 41L and 41R. The mounting portion 40a, to which the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are mounted, is formed between the tray side plate (drive-side side plate, first side plate) 41R and the tray side plate (non-drive-side side plate, second side plate) 41L. The process cartridge PPY is mounted to the mounting portion 40aY, the process cartridge PPM is mounted to the mounting portion 40aM, the process cartridge PPC is mounted to the mounting portion 40aC, and the process cartridge PPK is mounted to the mounting portion 40aK. The process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are mounted to the mounting portions 40aY, 40aM, 40aC, and 40aK in the mounting direction (direction of arrow In).

[0091] The connecting members 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 are made of resin material and are arranged in sequence from the front side to the rear side. The above-mentioned light guide 57 is provided to each of the connecting members 42, 43, 44 and 45. The tray side plates 41L and 41R are made of metal material. The guide member (drive side cover member, first cover member) 47R is supported by the tray side plate 41R, and the guide member (non-drive side cover member, second cover member) 47L is supported by the tray side plate 41L. The guide member 47R is provided with a guide groove (first guided groove) 47aR, and the guide member 47L is provided with a guide groove (second guided groove) 47aL. The guide grooves 47aL and 47aR extend along the direction in which the plurality of cartridges are arranged, and guide the cartridge tray 40 in the direction of being pulled out from the device main body 100A and the direction of being inserted into the device main body 100A. The guide grooves 47 aL and 47 aR also engage unillustrated stoppers provided to the apparatus body 100A, thereby restricting the cartridge tray 40 from being pulled out beyond a predetermined position.

[0092] The connecting member 42 has a receiving portion 42b and a gripping portion 42d. The user can pull the cartridge tray 40 out of the device body 100A by gripping the gripping portion 42d and pulling. When the printer 100 is subjected to an impact from the front direction with the front door 31 closed, the receiving portion 42b suppresses damage to the internal components of the printer 100 caused by the impact on the front door 31. In the same manner, the connecting member 46 has a receiving portion 46a. When the printer 100 is subjected to an impact from the rear direction, the receiving portion 46a suppresses damage to the internal components of the printer 100 caused by the impact on the fixing bracket 35 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 9 ) causing damage to the internal components of the printer 100.

[0093] The tray side plates 41L and 41R have a shape in which the upper portion is pulled outward compared to the lower portion, wherein the distance between the tray side plates 41L and 41R in the left-right direction is larger at the upper portion and smaller at the lower portion. Therefore, the left-right width of the cartridge tray 40 can be reduced without hindering easy insertion / removal of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK, thereby contributing to the reduction in size of the printer 100.

[0094] Furthermore, the lower sides of the tray side panels 41L and 41R are curved into the shape of the letter L to ensure strength. Although the tray side panels 41L and 41R and the connecting members 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 are fastened with screws, this is not restrictive and heat caulking or the like may be used. Alternatively, an arrangement may be configured in which the connecting members 42 and 46 are fastened to the tray side panels 41L and 41R alone and the connecting members 43, 44, and 45 are not fastened to the tray side panels 41L and 41R.

[0095] The tray side plate 41R is provided with box engaging portions (first positioning portions) 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR, each of which is formed to have a substantially V-shape, such as Figures 4A to 5B Specifically, the cartridge engaging portions 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR are formed so that the front side inclined surfaces thereof form an angle of 65° with respect to the pull-out direction, and the rear side inclined surfaces thereof form an angle of 45°.

[0096] The tray side plate 41L is provided with box engaging portions (second positioning portions) 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, and 41jL, which are formed to have a substantially V-shape as shown in FIG. Figure 4A Specifically, the box engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, and 41jL are formed so that the front side inclined surfaces thereof form an angle of 65° with respect to the pull-out direction, and the rear side inclined surfaces thereof form an angle of 45°.

[0097] The process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are positioned at the image forming position by the cartridge tray 40 to perform the image forming operation. When the image forming operation is performed, the drum bearing 1aR (see FIG. 1a ) of the process cartridge PPY is Figure 3A ) contacts the cartridge engaging portion 41gR, and the drum bearing 1aL (see Figure 3B ) contacts with the box engaging portion 41gL. In the same way, the drum bearing 1aR of the process cartridges PPM, PPC and PPK contacts with the box engaging portions 41hR, 41iR and 41jR. In addition, the drum bearing 1aL of the process cartridges PPM, PPC and PPK contacts with the box engaging portions 41hL, 41iL and 41jL. That is, the box engaging portion 41gR and the box engaging portion 41gL contact and support the drum bearing 1aR and the drum bearing 1aL of the process cartridge PPY so that the process cartridge PPY is positioned at the imaging position. In the same way, the box engaging portions 41hR, 41iR and 41jR and the box engaging portions 41hL, 41iL and 41jL contact and support the drum bearing 1aR and the drum bearing 1aL of the process cartridges PPM, PPC and PPK.

[0098] The process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are pressed under their own weight or by the pressed units 33 and 34 (first pressing member 34, second pressing member 33) ( Figures 14A to 20B ) downwardly and positioned relative to the cartridge tray 40. The pressing units 33 and 34 press the process cartridge downward during image formation to position the process cartridge and the cartridge tray 40, which is integral with the process cartridge, relative to the apparatus main body 100A. The pressing units 33 and 34 are assembled to the apparatus main body 100A so as to be movable between a pressing position for pressing the process cartridge and a detached position for detaching from the process cartridge in conjunction with the opening and closing of the front door 31 of the printer 100, as will be described in detail later.

[0099] Furthermore, boss portions 42aL, 43aL, 44aL, and 45aL are formed to the left end portions of the connecting members 42, 43, 44, and 45, respectively, and boss portions 42aR, 43aR, 44aR, 45aR are formed to the right end portions thereof, respectively. Note that recessed portions 1dR and 1dL are formed on the left and right end portions of the process cartridge for each color, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown. The groove portions 1dR and 1dL of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK then engage with the boss portions 42aL, 43aL, 44aL, and 45aL at the left end side, and engage with the boss portions 42aR, 43aR, 44aR, and 45aR at the right end side. Thus, the rotation of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK relative to the cartridge tray 40 is suppressed.

[0100] Therefore, the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are mounted to the cartridge tray 40, and each process cartridge is grounded through the wire member (drum ground) 48 provided to the guide member 47L.

[0101] Detail of box tray

[0102] Will refer to Figures 6A to 8 The details of the cartridge tray 40 will be described. Figure 6A and Figure 6B 1 is a side view showing the driving side of the cartridge tray 40 . Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a diagram of the cartridge tray 40 viewed along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY, and Figure 6B The guide member 47R is not shown. Figure 7A and Figure 7B 1 is a side view showing the non-driving side of the cartridge tray 40 . Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram of the cartridge tray 40 viewed along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY, and Figure 7B The guide member 47L is not shown. Figure 8 It is a plan view of the cartridge tray 40 . Figure 8 4 is a diagram of the cartridge tray 40 as viewed along the mounting direction In of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK.

[0103] The tray side plate 41R is provided with a first supporting portion 41R1 having box engaging portions 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR, a first outer portion 41R2, and a first connecting portion 41R3 connecting the first supporting portion 41R1 and the first outer portion 41R2. Figure 6B As shown. The tray side plate 41R is made of metal. In this embodiment, the tray side plate 41R is a metal plate and is integrally provided with the first supporting portion 41R1, the first outer portion 41R2, and the first connecting portion 41R3. The first supporting portion 41R1 and the first outer portion 41R2 extend along the direction in which the cartridge tray 40 moves relative to the apparatus body 100A.

[0104] The tray side plate 41R is formed by drawing on a metal plate. Therefore, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY, the first connecting portion 41R3 has a portion located between the first supporting portion 41R1 and the first outer portion 41R2 in the horizontal direction, and a portion located between the first supporting portion 41R1 and the first outer portion 41R2 in the vertical direction. In addition, the tray side plate 41R is provided with a first opening 41R5. The cartridge engaging portions 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR are formed in the first opening 41R5. With respect to the vertical direction, the upper end of the first opening 41R5 is higher than the lower end of the first outer portion 41R2, and the lower end of the first opening 41R5 is lower than the upper end of the first supporting portion 41R1 and the first connecting portion 41R3. The process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are exposed to the outside of the mounting portion 40a through the first opening 41R5. More specifically, the drum couplings 1 c of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are exposed outward from the cartridge tray 40 through the first opening 41R5 .

[0105] like Figure 6A As shown, the cartridge tray 40 has a guide member (first covering member) 47R attached to the tray side plate 41R on the outer side of the mounting portion 40a. The guide member 47R covers the first supporting portion 41R1. More specifically, the guide member 47R covers the first supporting portion 41R1 so that when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY, the cartridge engaging portions 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR are exposed.

[0106] Furthermore, as described above, the guide member 47R is provided with a guide groove (first guided groove) 47aR. The guide groove 47aR is located on the downstream side of the cartridge engaging portions 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR in the mounting direction In of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK. The guide groove 47aR extends in the direction in which the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are arranged. Therefore, the cartridge tray 40 can move relative to the apparatus main body 100A in the direction in which the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are arranged.

[0107] The tray side plate 41L is provided with a second supporting portion 41L1 having box engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, and 41jL, a second outer portion 41L2, and a second connecting portion 41L3 connecting the second supporting portion 41L1 and the second outer portion 41L2, as shown in FIG. Figure 7BAs shown. The tray side plate 41L is made of metal. In this embodiment, the tray side plate 41L is a metal plate and is integrally provided with the second supporting portion 41L1, the second outer portion 41L2, and the second connecting portion 41L3. The second supporting portion 41L1 and the second outer portion 41L2 extend along the movement direction of the cartridge tray 40 relative to the apparatus body 100A.

[0108] The tray side plate 41L is formed by drawing on a metal plate. Therefore, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY, the second connecting portion 41L3 has a portion located between the second supporting portion 41L1 and the second outer portion 41L2 in the horizontal direction, and a portion located between the second supporting portion 41L1 and the second outer portion 41L2 in the vertical direction. In addition, the tray side plate 41L is provided with a second opening (contact opening) 41L5. The cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL and 41jL are formed in the second opening 41L5. With respect to the vertical direction, the upper end of the second opening 41L5 is higher than the lower end of the second outer portion 41L2, and the lower end of the second opening 41L5 is lower than the upper end of the second supporting portion 41L1 and the second connecting portion 41L3. The process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC and PPK are exposed to the outside of the mounting portion 40a through the second opening 41L5. More specifically, the grounding members 1 b of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are exposed outward from the mounting portion 40 a through the second opening 41L5 .

[0109] like Figure 7A As shown, the cartridge tray 40 has a guide member (second covering member) 47L attached to the tray side plate 41L on the outer side of the mounting portion 40a. The guide member 47L covers the second supporting portion 41L1. More specifically, the guide member 47L covers the second supporting portion 41L1 so that at least a portion of the second opening 41L5 is covered when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY. The guide member 47L is also provided with a wire member 48. When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PPY, the wire member 48 is provided at a position overlapping the second opening 41L5.

[0110] Furthermore, as described above, the guide member 47L is provided with a guide groove (second guided groove) 47aL. The guide groove 47aL is located on the downstream side of the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, and 41jL in the mounting direction In of the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK. The guide groove 47aL extends in the direction in which the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are arranged. Therefore, the cartridge tray 40 can move relative to the apparatus main body 100A in the direction in which the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are arranged.

[0111] like Figure 8As shown, when observing on the mounting direction In, the first supporting portion 41R1 and the second supporting portion 41L1 are positioned between the first outside portion 41R2 and the second outside portion 41L2 on the longitudinal direction (arrow LD) of the process cartridge PP that is installed to the mounting portion 40a. In addition, when observing on the mounting direction In, box engaging portion 41gR, 41hR, 41iR and 41jR are exposed to the upstream side (the near side in the drawing plane) on the mounting direction In via the first opening 41R5. In the same manner, box engaging portion 41gL, 41hL, 41iL and 41jL are exposed to the upstream side (the near side in the drawing plane) on the mounting direction In via the second opening 41L5.

[0112] Cartridge tray positioning structure

[0113] Next, the positioning structure of the cartridge tray 40 will be described. Figure 1 ) has a main body frame 30, the main body frame 30 having a pair of left and right main body side plates 36L and 36R, a fixing bracket 35 connecting the main body side plates 36L and 36R and also dividing the processing area and the fixing area, as shown Figure 9 The process area is an area in which the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK are housed, and the fixing area is an area in which the fixing device 23 is housed. The main body side plates 36L and 36R and the fixing bracket 35 are made of a metal material.

[0114] The main body side plates 36L and 36R have shaft support portions 50aL and 50aR at the back side of the device, respectively, wherein the positioning shaft 50 is supported by the shaft support portions 50aL and 50aR. Note that the positioning shaft 50 is immovably fixed to the shaft support portions 50aL and 50aR, but can be rotatably supported as long as it cannot move in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0115] The main body side plates 36L and 36R also have positioning grooves 36aL and 36aR, respectively, at the front side of the device. Figure 10 As shown, shaft support portions 41dL and 41dR are respectively formed at the front sides of the tray side plates 41L and 41R of the box tray 40. The positioning shaft 49 is supported by the shaft support portions 41dL and 41dR. The positioning shaft 49 passes through the tray side plates 41L and 41R, wherein the left end portion 49a and the right end portion (omitted in the figure) of the positioning shaft 49 protrude to the outside of the tray side plates 41L and 41R. It should be noted that the positioning shaft 49 is immovably fixed to the shaft support portions 41dL and 41dR, but can be rotatably supported as long as it cannot move in the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction. In addition, the positioning shafts 49 and 50 are composed of a round rod-shaped shaft extending in the left-right direction and having a circular cross-sectional shape, but their shape is not limited.

[0116] A shaft contact portion 42c is formed on the connecting member 42. This shaft contact portion 42c supports the positioning shaft 49 approximately in the middle of the axial direction from below. The shaft contact portion 42c restricts downward deflection of the positioning shaft 49. It should be noted that the shaft contact portion 42c is not limited to the approximately middle of the axial direction of the positioning shaft 49 and can support the positioning shaft 49 from below at other locations. However, it is suitable to restrict downward deflection of the positioning shaft 49 at the middle of the positioning shaft 49. In addition, the shaft contact portion 42c can be formed to be longer in the axial direction.

[0117] The positioning groove 36aR of the main body side plate 36R is formed along the insertion direction Y1 of the cartridge tray 40, and has a fitting groove 37aR formed at the deep side and a guide groove 37bR formed at the near side, as shown in FIG. Figure 11D shown.

[0118] The engaging groove 37aR has a width equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the positioning shaft 49, and is engaged with the end portion 49a of the positioning shaft 49 when the cartridge tray 40 is located at the mounting position. The guide groove 37bR has a width greater than the outer diameter of the positioning shaft 49, and guides the end portion 49a of the positioning shaft 49 to the engaging groove 37aR when the cartridge tray 40 is mounted in the apparatus main body 100A. Note that the guide groove and the engaging groove are formed in the same manner as for the main body side plate 36L, and guide and engage the left end portion of the positioning shaft 49.

[0119] Positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR are formed at the deep sides of the tray side plates 41L and 41R, respectively. Figure 5B The positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR position the cartridge tray 40 by engaging the positioning shaft 49 . Figures 11A to 11C Note that since the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR have the same configuration, only the positioning groove 41bR will be described, and the description of the positioning groove 41bL will be omitted.

[0120] The positioning groove 41bR has an inclined surface 41f and a positioning surface 41e formed continuously from the inclined surface 41f. Figures 11A to 11C As shown. The positioning surface 41e extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction Y1 of the cartridge tray 40 and positions the cartridge tray 40 in the insertion direction by abutting against the positioning shaft 50. The inclined surface 41f is inclined downward toward the insertion direction Y1. In addition, the sliding surface 46d (see Figure 5B ) is formed on the connecting member 46 of the cartridge tray 40, wherein a sliding surface 46d is formed so as to be continuous from the inclined surface 41f toward the near side.

[0121] When the cartridge tray 40 is mounted, downward force is applied from the weight of the cartridge tray 40 and the pressing units 33 and 34 (see FIG. Figure 14A), the inclined surface 41f receives the reaction force F1 from the positioning shaft 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 11A As shown. The reaction force F1 includes a component force in the insertion direction Y1, and thus the cartridge tray 40 is pulled inward in the insertion direction Y1 and moves in the direction F2. Therefore, the positioning surface 41e is pressed against the positioning shaft 50, and the cartridge tray 40 can be accurately positioned relative to the device body 100A. In this way, the inclined surface 41f is formed to generate a component force.

[0122] like Figure 12 As shown, the positioning shaft 50 is supported by the shaft support portions 50aL and 50aR of the main body side plates 36L and 36R. When the cartridge tray 40 is mounted to the apparatus main body 100A, the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR are located on the inner sides of the shaft support portions 50aL and 50aR in the axial direction. Therefore, the middle portion of the positioning shaft 50 can be moved under the weight of the cartridge tray 40 and the pressing units 33 and 34 (see FIG. Figure 14A ) is downward under the action of the downward force ( Figure 12 deflection in the direction of the outline arrows).

[0123] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rib 46b is formed at the approximately middle portion of the connecting member 46 in the axial direction (left-right direction). The rib 46b limits the downward deflection of the positioning shaft 50 by contacting the approximately middle portion of the positioning shaft 50 in the axial direction and supporting it from below. It should be noted that the rib 46b is not limited to the approximately middle portion of the positioning shaft 50 in the axial direction, and can support the positioning shaft 50 from below at other positions. However, it is appropriate to limit the downward deflection of the positioning shaft 50 at the middle portion of the positioning shaft 50. In addition, the rib 46b can be formed longer in the axial direction, or multiple ribs 46b can be provided along the axial direction. In addition, although the downward deflection caused by the positioning shaft 50 being subjected to a force in the direction of gravity is limited in this embodiment, the arrangement does not necessarily need to be in contact with the lower portion of the positioning shaft 50, as long as it receives the force in the deflection direction of the positioning shaft 50 and limits the deflection of the positioning shaft 50.

[0124] In addition, if Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown in FIG. 4 , the retaining portion 46c configured to keep the fixed bracket 35 is formed on the connecting member 46. The retaining portion 46c can limit the downward deflection of the cartridge tray 40 comprising the connecting member 46 by keeping the fixed bracket 35. Suppressing the downward deflection of the cartridge tray 40 also suppresses the deformation of the cartridge tray 40 at the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR, and the cartridge tray 40 can be accurately positioned relative to the positioning shaft 50. It should be noted that, when the installation operation of the cartridge tray 40 is not hindered, only one retaining portion 46c, or three or more retaining portions 46c can be provided. In addition, a retaining portion 46c can be formed longer in the axial direction (left-right direction).

[0125] Pulling out and installing the box tray

[0126] Next, description will be made of the operation of pulling out and installing the cartridge tray 40. Once the developer in the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK has been consumed to the extent that images of a quality that satisfies the purchasing user can no longer be formed, the product value as the process cartridge is lost.

[0127] Therefore, it is possible to make an arrangement in which, for example, a unit (omitted from the illustration) is provided for detecting the remaining developer amount of each process cartridge, and the control section 200 compares the detected remaining amount with a preset threshold value for cartridge life notification and life warning. In this arrangement, a display of the life notification or life warning of the process cartridge is displayed on the display section (omitted from the illustration) for the process cartridge for which the detected remaining amount is a remaining amount value lower than the threshold value, thereby prompting the user to replace the process cartridge. The user then opens the front door 31 of the printer 100, pulls out the cartridge tray 40 to the outside of the device, and replaces the process cartridges PPY, PPM, PPC, and PPK. The operation of pulling out and installing the cartridge tray 40 will be described in detail below.

[0128] The front door 31 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the apparatus body 100A. Figures 14A to 15B The open state can be maintained by connecting door links 32L and 32R between the front door 31 and the apparatus body 100A.

[0129] When the user opens the front door 31, the transfer unit 12 rotates about 1° around the drive roller 14 by a plurality of link members (omitted from the illustration) that move cooperatively via the door links 32L and 32R. As a result, the photosensitive drum 1 of the process cartridge is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 13, as shown in FIG. Figure 16C shown.

[0130] Next, the main body developing contact 38 provided to the left side (non-driving side) of the apparatus main body 100A is electrically connected to the cartridge developing contact 2 (see FIG. 1 ) of the developing roller 3. Figure 3B ) retracts, and the pressure of the pressing units 33 and 34 is released, as shown Figure 20B That is, the pressing unit 33 serving as the second pressing member moves from the second pressing position to the second separation position, and the pressing unit 34 serving as the first pressing member moves from the first pressing position to the first separation position. Next, the drum coupling 1c at the driving side of the process cartridge is brought into contact with the developing coupling 3c ( Figure 3A ) is released, and the pressing of the tray pressing unit 51 on the cartridge tray 40 is also released, as shown in FIG. Figure 14B and Figure 16B Therefore, the cartridge tray 40 is in a state in which it can be removed to the outside of the apparatus main body 100A.

[0131] Now, the tray pressing unit 51 is provided to each of the holders 52L and 52R supported by the main body side plates 36L and 36R, and presses the cartridge tray 40 from the rear side toward the front side when forming an image. Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, the tray pressing units 51 each have a tray pressing lever 53 , a tray pressing link 54 , and a biasing spring (omitted from the illustration).

[0132] like Figure 16A As shown, in the state that the front door 31 is closed, the tray pressing lever 53 is pressed by the tray pressing link 54, and the tray pressing link 54 is biased by the biasing spring. Therefore, the tray pressing lever 53 presses the pressed portion 41c formed on the tray side plate 41R of the cartridge tray 40 backward.

[0133] like Figure 16B As shown, when the front door 31 is opened, the tray pressing lever 53 is retracted downward through the door links 32L and 32R and the link member omitted from the illustration. Therefore, the pressure of the tray pressing lever 53 toward the rear side of the cartridge tray 40 is released, and the cartridge tray 40 can be removed to the outside of the apparatus main body 100A.

[0134] Next, we will refer to Figures 11A to 11F The movement of the components near the positioning shafts 49 and 50 will be described. However, it should be noted that the positioning structure of the cartridge tray 40 is the same on the right and left sides with respect to the positioning shafts 49 and 50, and therefore the right side of the device will be described, and the description of the left side of the device will be omitted. When the cartridge tray 40 starts to be pulled out, the inclined surface 41f slides relative to the positioning shafts 50, and thus the deep side of the cartridge tray 40 is moved as shown in FIG. Figures 11A to 11F The cartridge tray 40 is then moved in the pull-out direction Y2 , wherein the sliding surface 46 d provided to the connecting member 46 of the cartridge tray 40 slides relative to the positioning shaft 50 .

[0135] At the same time, the end portion 49a of the positioning shaft 49 of the cartridge tray 40 exits the fitting groove 37aR of the positioning groove 36aR and is delivered to the guide groove 37bR. The cartridge tray 40 is pulled out in the pulling direction Y2 with the end portion 49a of the positioning shaft 49 guided by the guide groove 37bR. Figure 11A and Figure 11D The state in which the cartridge tray 40 is located at the mounting position is shown. Figure 11B and Figure 11E The cartridge tray 40 is shown in a state where it is pulled out by about 3 mm from the mounting position. Figure 11C and Figure 11F The cartridge tray 40 is shown in a state where it is pulled out by about 10 mm from the mounting position.

[0136] When the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out to a certain extent, the cartridge tray 40 rides on and is guided by the rollers 56L and 56R (the first rotating member and the second rotating member). Figure 14B and Figure 15B The cartridge tray 40 is thus pulled out to the outside of the apparatus body 100A. Note that, when forming an image, the cartridge tray 40 and the rollers 56L and 56R do not contact each other, and a gap of approximately 0.5 mm is ensured between them.

[0137] Figure 17A and Figure 17B 32L is a diagram showing a process in which the cartridge tray is pulled out. The guide groove 47aL of the cartridge tray 40 is guided by the guide portion 32aL provided on the door link 32L. The construction of the guide groove 47aR and the guide portion 32aR is identical with the construction of the guide groove 47aL and the guide portion 32aL. Therefore, even when the pull-out amount of the cartridge tray 40 is very large, the cartridge tray 40 can be pulled out smoothly with a reduced inclination. In addition, the posture of the cartridge tray 40 when pulled out can be stable, thereby facilitating the replacement of the process cartridge.

[0138] Guide grooves 47aL and 47aR are formed into an open box shape that opens toward the outside and are arranged on the outside of the first supporting part 41R1 and the second supporting part 41L1 of the tray side plates 41L and 41R made of metal material. The protrusions 41L4 and 41R4 (first protrusion and second protrusion) that extend toward the outside from the first supporting part 41R1 and the second supporting part 41L1 are arranged below guide grooves 47aL and 47aR. Guide grooves 47aL and 47aR are arranged between the outer parts 41L2 and 41R2 and the protrusions 41L4 and 41R4. In the installation direction of the process cartridge to the cartridge tray 40, guide groove 47aL is arranged on the downstream side of the cartridge engaging parts 41gL, 41hL, 41iL and 41jL, and guide groove 47aR is arranged on the downstream side of the cartridge engaging parts 41gR, 41hR, 41iR and 41jR. Therefore, a strong guide can be configured. When the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out, the protruding portions 41L4 and 41R4 are supported to ride on the rollers 56L and 56R.

[0139] Furthermore, guide grooves 47aL and 47aR are disposed on the inner sides of first outer portion 41R2 and second outer portion 41L2 in the longitudinal direction of photosensitive drum 1, with at least a portion thereof being located between first support portion 41R1 and first outer portion 41R2, and between second support portion 41L1 and second outer portion 41L2, respectively, in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the layout of cartridge tray 40 and imaging apparatus is achieved without increasing its size. Process cartridges can be mounted on cartridge tray 40 by dropping them through an opening extending outward from the top of cartridge tray 40. Tray side plates 41L and 41R are provided with first and second connecting portions 41R3 and 41L3 connecting between first and second supporting portions 41R1 and 41L1, and between first and second outer portions 41R2 and 41L2. First and second connecting portions 41R3 and 41L3 have inclined surfaces that slope from the outside of mounting portion 40a toward the inside relative to the longitudinal direction LD. More specifically, the inclined surfaces of the first and second connecting portions 41R3 and 41L3 are inclined from upstream to downstream in the mounting direction of the process cartridge PP and from outside to inside the mounting portion 40a. These inclined surfaces enable the process cartridge PP to be smoothly mounted on the cartridge tray 40.

[0140] The installed process cartridge PP is positioned by the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, 41jL, 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR of the tray side plates 41L and 41R. At this time, the grounding member 1b, which is a cartridge contact point provided at the end portion of the photosensitive drum 1, contacts the wire member 48, which is a contact point member provided on the cartridge tray 40 for each process cartridge PP. The wire member 48 serves as an intermediate contact point for electrically connecting the photosensitive drum 1 and the main frame 30 of the device main body 100A, serving as a tray contact point. The wire member 48 contacts the wire 59 below the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, and 41jL, and is connected to the main body side plates 36L of the main frame 30 via the wire 59. That is, when the cartridge tray 40 is located at an inner position of the device main body 100A, the grounding member 1b is electrically connected to the device main body 100A via the wire member 48 and the side plates 41L.

[0141] Wire member 48 all has the arm portion 48b that serves as the spring portion with spring property, and the winding portion 48a that is wound along the insertion direction In of process cartridge PP at the contact portion that contacts with ground member 1b.The winding portion 48a is biased toward the ground member 1b side by the spring property of arm portion 48b.The ground member 1b and winding portion 48a contact at the position on the upstream side of box engaging portion 41gL, 41hL, 41iL and 41jL and the downstream side of second outside portion 41L2 in the direction that process cartridge is installed to cartridge tray 40.Simultaneously, winding portion 48a is roughly positioned by inserting and passing the contact point limiting portion 47eL that is set on guide member 47L.Due to this contact point limiting portion 47eL, even when no process cartridge is installed to mounting portion 40a, the contact position of ground member 1b and winding portion 48a is also limited to predetermined position. Furthermore, by disposing the wire member 48 below the second connecting portion 41L3, damage to the wire member 48 can be suppressed when inserting the process cartridge PP into the cartridge tray 40, and the process cartridge PP can be smoothly inserted. Furthermore, by disposing the wire member 48 on the inner side of the second outer portion 41L2 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1, the layout thereof can be achieved without increasing the size of the cartridge tray 40 and the image forming apparatus.

[0142] The wire member 48 is provided on the outer side of the second support portion 41L1 of the tray side plate 41L in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1, and further, a guide member 47L having a guide groove 47aL is provided on the outer side to hold the wire member 48. The wire member 48 is also electrically connected to the tray side plate 41L made of a metal material, and as described later, the tray side plate 41L and the positioning shafts 49 and 50 are connected, and the positioning shafts 49 and 50 are connected to the main body frame 30. Therefore, a strong grounding contact path is formed.

[0143] When the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out and the process cartridge is replaced, the cartridge tray 40 is mounted to the apparatus main body 100A. The mounting operation when mounting the cartridge tray 40 to the apparatus main body 100A is the opposite of the pulling operation. At this time, the sliding surface 46d first starts to slide relative to the positioning shaft 50, and after the positioning shaft 50 moves beyond the sliding surface 46d, the end portion 49a of the positioning shaft 49 is transferred from the guide groove 37bR to the fitting groove 37aR, as shown in FIG. Figure 11B and Figure 11E shown.

[0144] The boundary portion between the guide groove 37bR and the mating groove 37aR is an upwardly inclined portion, and the end portion 49a of the positioning shaft 49 is mated with the mating groove 37aR, and therefore, the operating force applied by the user when installing the cartridge tray 40 is large. However, after the sliding surface 46d has moved beyond the positioning shaft 50, the positioning shaft 49 enters the mating groove 37aR, and therefore, the time when the user applies a large operating force is not concentrated, and the operating force can be reduced. It should be noted that in this configuration, when the cartridge tray 40 is inserted as far as a predetermined distance from the installation position, the cartridge tray 40 is automatically tightened to the installation position by a tightening device described later.

[0145] When the cartridge tray 40 is inserted into the mounting position and the front door 31 (opening / closing member) is closed, the tray pressing unit 51 presses the cartridge tray 40 toward the deep side, as shown in FIG. Figure 14A 、 Figure 15A and Figure 16A The developing coupling 3c and the drum coupling 1c on the driving side of the process cartridge PP (see Figure 3A ) are engaged, and the pressing units 33 and 34 press the process cartridge PP from above.

[0146] 18A to 19C 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating a pressing state in which the pressing units 33 and 34 press the process cartridges. Figure 18A It is a schematic perspective view partially cut away in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 of the junction between the main body development junction 38 and the cartridge development junction 2 connected to the development roller 3 and the junction between the pressing portion 33a and the storage member 7 at the left side of the process cartridge PPK. Figure 18B is viewed in the moving direction of the cartridge tray 40 Figure 18A Schematic diagram of the cross section. Figure 18C It is along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 Figure 18B The second imaginary plane IFL shown is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the process cartridge and the cartridge tray 40 as viewed from above. Figure 19A 1 is a schematic perspective view partially cut away in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 about the center of the drum coupling 1 c at the right side of the process cartridge PPK. Figure 19B is viewed in the moving direction of the cartridge tray 40 Figure 19A Schematic diagram of the cross section. Figure 19CIt is along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 Figure 19B The first imaginary plane IFR shown is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the process cartridge and the cartridge tray 40 as viewed from above.

[0147] Now, the pressing units 33 and 34 press the drum bearings 1aL and 1aR toward the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, 41jL, 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR. The pressing unit 34 (first pressing member) is arranged to intersect with a first imaginary plane IFR that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 and intersects with the cartridge engaging portions 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR (first positioning member). The pressing unit 33 (second pressing member) is arranged to intersect with a second imaginary plane IFL that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersects with the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, and 41jL (second positioning member).

[0148] In addition, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1, a portion of the contact portion (pressing portion) 39, which is a portion where the pressing units 33 and 34 come into contact with the cartridge, is arranged to overlap with the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, 41jL, 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR relative to the pressing direction of the pressing units 33 and 34. In other words, the force of the pressing units 33 and 34 that press the process cartridge is received by the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, 41jL, 41gR, 41hR, 41iR, and 41jR that are in a straight line therewith. Therefore, the process cartridge can be securely held and positioned in a stable manner.

[0149] Furthermore, the shaft supporting portions 41dL and 41dR and the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR of the tray side plates 41L and 41R are provided on the same plane as the cartridge engaging portions 41gL, 41hL, 41iL, 41jL, 41gR, 41hR, 41iR and 41jR and are supported by the positioning shafts 49 and 50 ( Figures 6A to 7B ). In addition, the pressing portion 33a, which is a part of the contact portion 39 of the pressing unit 33, is also provided with a contact point for a storage member 7 provided to the process cartridge PP for storing various types of information such as an operation history of the relevant process cartridge, performance information unique to the process cartridge, etc. By firmly holding and positioning the process cartridge in a stable manner as described above, stable application of power and communication can be maintained.

[0150] In addition, the pressing unit 33 is provided with a main body charging contact 37 for supplying power to the charging roller 5. Figure 20A and Figure 20BThe process cartridge PP has a charging contact 6 electrically connected to the charging roller 5. The main body charging contact 37 is composed of a wire member having the same configuration as the wire member 48 described above, and is configured to be biased against and in contact with the charging contact 6 by its spring properties. Figure 20A and Figure 20B 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a power supply contact for supplying power to the charging roller 5 , the photosensitive drum 1 , the charging roller 5 , and the like. Figure 20A 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a contact portion of the main body charging contact 37 and the charging contact 6 , partially cut away in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 at the left side of the process cartridge PPK. Figure 20B is viewed in the moving direction of the cartridge tray 40 Figure 20A Schematic diagram of a cross section in FIG. Even at the portion where the main body charging contact 37 is provided, the pressing unit 33 presses the process cartridge PP from above. The pressing unit 33 presses the process cartridge PP from above, and the main body charging contact 37 is also positioned relative to the process cartridge's charging contact 6, thereby connecting the main body charging contact 37 and the charging contact 6. The main body charging contact 37 is provided at a position that overlaps with the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 5 along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1. In other words, the contact position of the main body charging contact 37 and the charging contact 6 is provided at a position that overlaps with the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 5 along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1. Therefore, by pressing the pressing unit 33 near the contact portion of the main body charging contact 37 and the charging contact 6, the contact portion, the photosensitive drum 1, and the charging roller 5 can each be accurately positioned relative to one another. In other words, the process cartridge can be securely held and positioned in a stable manner, thereby maintaining stable energization. Furthermore, a strong and stable contact path can be formed near the end portions of the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 5, and thus the contact path in the process cartridge can be shortened, and the process cartridge can be manufactured inexpensively. Note that the main body charging contact 37 and the charging contact 6 are provided between the first supporting portion 41R1 and the second supporting portion 41L1 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0151] As described above, after entering the state where the pressing units 33 and 34 press the process cartridge from above, the main body developing contact 38 is connected to the cartridge developing contact 2 (see FIG. Figure 3B ) contacts and the transfer unit 12 rotates upward with the driving roller 14 as the center. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 1 of each process cartridge contacts the intermediate transfer belt 13.

[0152] As described above, in a state where the front door 31 is closed and the printer 100 is capable of forming an image, the positioning shaft 50 and the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR are engaged at the front side of the cartridge tray 40. The inclined surface 41f is provided on the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR, and therefore, at this time, the cartridge tray 40 is pulled inward in the insertion direction Y1 based on the weight of the cartridge tray 40 and the downward force from the pressing units 33 and 34. Therefore, the positioning surface 41e is pressed against the positioning shaft 50, and the cartridge tray 40 can be accurately positioned in the insertion direction Y1.

[0153] Furthermore, the positioning shaft 49 and the positioning grooves 36aL and 36aR are engaged at the rear side of the cartridge tray 40. At this time, the end portion 49a of the positioning shaft 49 is fitted into the fitting grooves of the positioning grooves 36aL and 36aR, and thus the cartridge tray 40 can be suppressed from rotating in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction Y1 (i.e., centered around the positioning shaft 50).

[0154] The above-mentioned positioning shaft 50 and the positioning grooves 36aL and 36aR provided to the apparatus body 100A, and the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR and the positioning shaft 49 provided to the cartridge tray 40 constitute a positioning mechanism 60 (see Figure 11A and Figure 11D The positioning mechanism 60 positions the cartridge tray 40 relative to the apparatus main body 100A.

[0155] In addition, the positioning shaft 50 is supported from below by the rib 46b provided on the connecting member 46 of the cartridge tray 40, thereby limiting the downward deflection of the positioning shaft 50. In addition, the deformation of the cartridge tray 40 itself is suppressed by the retaining portion 46c provided on the connecting member 46. The positioning shaft 49 at the rear side of the cartridge tray 40 is also supported from below by the shaft contact portion 42c, thereby limiting the downward deflection of the positioning shaft 49. According to this configuration, the positioning shafts 49 and 50 can be formed to have a smaller shaft diameter, or made of an inexpensive resin material, and thus the cost and size can be reduced.

[0156] Based on this, the cartridge tray 40 can be accurately positioned relative to the apparatus main body 100A at the installation position. Specifically, when forming an image, the process cartridges held in the cartridge tray 40 are pressed from the upper side by the pressing units 33 and 34, but this does not affect the positioning accuracy of the cartridge tray 40. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the process cartridges held in the cartridge tray 40, particularly the positional accuracy between the photosensitive drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 13, is improved, and thus high-quality images can be formed.

[0157] Furthermore, due to the operation of the inclined surface 41f at the front side of the cartridge tray 40 and the pressing of the tray pressing unit 51 at the rear side, the cartridge tray 40 is biased toward the front side in the installed position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce positional deviation of the cartridge tray 40 caused by vibrations during image formation, etc. Furthermore, by generating pressing forces at the front and rear of the cartridge tray 40, the inward pressing force is dispersed, and the elastic force of the biasing spring of the tray pressing unit 51 can be kept small. Therefore, the size and cost of the tray pressing unit 51 can be reduced.

[0158] According to the present invention, with the above-described configuration, the cartridge can be positioned on the side plate of the tray unit in a stable manner.

[0159] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the tray contacts of the tray unit to be electrically connected to the cartridge contacts of the cartridge can be arranged while saving space.

[0160] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the guide grooves of the tray unit guided by the apparatus main body can be arranged while saving space.

[0161] Note that, to which of the apparatus main body 100A and the cartridge tray 40 the positioning shaft 50 and the positioning grooves 41bL and 41bR included in the positioning mechanism 60 belong can be switched, as long as one is provided in one and the other is provided in the other. Furthermore, to which of the apparatus main body 100A and the cartridge tray 40 the positioning shaft 49 and the positioning grooves 36aL and 36aR included in the positioning mechanism 60 belong can be switched, as long as one is provided in one and the other is provided in the other.

[0162] Furthermore, the positioning shaft 49 is not limited to a through shaft over the entire length in the left-right direction of the cartridge tray 40. It is sufficient that two protrusions are formed so as to protrude outward to both sides of the cartridge tray 40.

[0163] Although the drum unit OP and the developing unit DP are integrally formed in the process cartridge, these may be configured separately. For example, the cartridge tray 40 may hold only the drum unit OP, or only the developing unit DP.

[0164] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device configured to perform an imaging operation using a cartridge, the imaging device comprising: Equipment body; as well as a tray unit to which the cartridge is detachably mounted and configured to be movable relative to the apparatus body between an inner position located within the apparatus body and an outer position located outside the apparatus body, the tray unit comprising: - a first side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the first side plate is made of metal and includes a first supporting portion and a first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a first positioning portion, and the first positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to an imaging position where an imaging operation is performed, a second side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the second side plate is made of metal and includes a second supporting portion and a second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a second positioning portion, and the second positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to the imaging position, and a mounting portion to which the cartridge is mounted in a mounting direction, wherein the mounting portion is formed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion, when viewed along the mounting direction, The first side plate integrally includes the first supporting portion, the first outer portion, and a first connecting portion connecting the first supporting portion and the first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a pair of first inclined surfaces, and wherein the second side plate integrally includes the second supporting portion, the second outer portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the second supporting portion and the second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a pair of second inclined surfaces, The device body includes: a first pressing member movable between a first pressing position where the cartridge is pressed and a first separated position where the cartridge is separated, and a second pressing member movable between a second pressing position in which the cartridge is pressed and a second separated position from the cartridge, wherein the first pressing member is arranged to intersect with a first imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersects with the first positioning portion, And wherein the second pressing member is provided to intersect with a second imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersects with the second positioning portion.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the box has a storage member for storing information, And wherein the second pressing member is configured to press the storage member.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an opening / closing member attached to the apparatus main body and movable between a closed position in which the tray unit located at the inner position is covered and an open position in which the tray unit located at the inner position is exposed, wherein the first pressing member moves from the first separated position to the first pressing position in conjunction with the opening / closing member moving from the open position to the closed position, And wherein the second pressing member moves from the second separated position to the second pressing position in conjunction with the opening / closing member moving from the open position to the closed position.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the box comprises: -Photosensitive drum, - a first end portion supporting member provided on the first end portion in said longitudinal direction, and - a second end portion supporting member provided on the second end portion located on the opposite side opposite to the first end portion in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first end portion supporting member supports the photosensitive drum and is configured to be in contact with the first positioning portion by being pressed by the first pressing member, And wherein the second end portion supporting member supports the photosensitive drum and is configured to be in contact with the second positioning portion by being pressed by the second pressing member.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the box comprises: - a charging member configured to charge the photosensitive drum, and - charging contacts, which are electrically connected to the charging member, wherein the second pressing member has a main body charging contact configured to be in contact with the charging contact and to press the case at a portion where the main body charging contact is provided, And the position where the charging contact and the main body charging contact come into contact overlaps with the position of the photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side plate has a first opening, the first opening exposing the box to the outside of the mounting portion, And wherein the second side plate has a second opening, the second opening exposes the box to the outside of the mounting portion.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the first positioning portion is disposed in the first opening, And wherein the second positioning portion is disposed in the second opening.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, in, When viewed in the installation direction, The first positioning portion is exposed toward the upstream side in the mounting direction, and The second positioning portion is exposed toward the upstream side in the mounting direction.

9. The imaging device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cartridge includes a drive transmission member that transmits a driving force from the apparatus main body, And wherein the first opening exposes the drive transmission member to the outside of the tray unit.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, in, When viewed in the longitudinal direction, The first connection portion has a portion located between the first support portion and the first outer portion with respect to the horizontal direction and a portion located between the first support portion and the first outer portion with respect to the vertical direction, and The second connection portion has a portion located between the second support portion and the second outer portion with respect to the horizontal direction and a portion located between the second support portion and the second outer portion with respect to the vertical direction.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, The first supporting portion and the second supporting portion extend toward a moving direction of the tray unit relative to the device body.

12. An imaging device configured to perform an imaging operation using a cartridge, the imaging device comprising: Equipment body; as well as a tray unit to which the cartridge is detachably mounted and configured to be movable relative to the apparatus main body between an inner position located within the apparatus main body and an outer position located outside the apparatus main body, the tray unit comprising: - a first side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the first side plate is made of metal and includes a first supporting portion and a first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a first positioning portion, and the first positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to an imaging position where an imaging operation is performed, a second side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the second side plate is made of metal and includes a second supporting portion and a second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a second positioning portion, and the second positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to the imaging position, and a mounting portion to which the cartridge is mounted in a mounting direction, wherein the mounting portion is formed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion, when viewed along the mounting direction, The first side plate integrally includes the first supporting portion, the first outer portion, and a first connecting portion connecting the first supporting portion and the first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a pair of first inclined surfaces, and wherein the second side plate integrally includes the second supporting portion, the second outer portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the second supporting portion and the second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a pair of second inclined surfaces, wherein the tray unit has a tray contact configured to be electrically connected to a cartridge contact of the cartridge, the tray contact having a contact portion that contacts the cartridge contact, And wherein the contact portion is located between the second support portion and the second outer portion with respect to the longitudinal direction and the contact portion is provided lower than the second connection portion.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, in, With the tray unit located at the inner position, the cartridge contact is electrically connected to the apparatus main body via the tray contact and the second side plate.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein the cartridge has a photosensitive drum, And wherein the cartridge contact is a grounding member that connects the photosensitive drum to a ground potential.

15. The imaging device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the contact portion is located at an upstream side of the second positioning portion and at a downstream side of the second outer portion with respect to the mounting direction.

16. The imaging device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the tray contact has a spring portion that biases the contact portion toward the first side plate in the longitudinal direction, And wherein the tray unit has a contact point restriction portion that restricts a position of the contact portion when the cartridge is not mounted to the mounting portion.

17. The imaging device according to claim 16, wherein the contact portion is provided in a winding portion wound along the mounting direction, And wherein the contact point restriction portion is inserted into the winding portion.

18. The imaging device according to claim 17, The tray unit comprises: - a first covering member attached to the first side panel on an outer side of the mounting portion and covering the first supporting portion, and - a second covering member attached to the second side plate on the outer side of the mounting portion and covering the second supporting portion, And wherein the second covering member includes the contact limiting portion.

19. The imaging device according to claim 12 or 13, The second side plate has a contact opening, and the contact opening exposes the box contact to the outside of the mounting portion.

20. An imaging device configured to perform an imaging operation using a cartridge, the imaging device comprising: Equipment body; a door supported by the device body, the door being capable of opening and closing; a first door link connected between the device body and the door, the first door link including a first guide portion, a second door link connected between the device body and the door, the second door link including a second guide portion, a tray unit to which the cartridge is detachably mounted, and configured to be movable relative to the apparatus body between an inner position located within the apparatus body and an outer position located outside the apparatus body, the tray unit comprising: - a first side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the first side plate is made of metal and includes a first supporting portion and a first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a first positioning portion, and the first positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to an imaging position where the imaging operation is performed, a second side plate configured to support the cartridge, wherein the second side plate is made of metal and includes a second supporting portion and a second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a second positioning portion, and the second positioning portion is configured to contact the cartridge to position the cartridge relative to the imaging position, and a mounting portion to which the cartridge is mounted in a mounting direction, wherein the mounting portion is formed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion, when viewed along the mounting direction, The first side plate integrally includes the first supporting portion, the first outer portion, and a first connecting portion connecting the first supporting portion and the first outer portion, the first supporting portion includes a pair of first inclined surfaces, and wherein the second side plate integrally includes the second supporting portion, the second outer portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the second supporting portion and the second outer portion, the second supporting portion includes a pair of second inclined surfaces, wherein the tray unit has a first guided groove and a second guided groove, the first guided groove being guided by the first guide portion and the second guided groove being guided by the second guide portion in a case of moving from the outer position to the inner position, and wherein, with respect to the longitudinal direction, at least a portion of the first guided groove is located between the first support portion and the first outer portion, and at least a portion of the second guided groove is located between the second support portion and the second outer portion, wherein the first side plate has a first protruding portion connected to the first supporting portion and extending in a direction away from the mounting portion in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second side plate has a second protruding portion connected to the second supporting portion and extending in a direction away from the mounting portion in the longitudinal direction, And wherein the first guided groove is provided between the first outer portion and the first protruding portion, and the second guided groove is provided between the second outer portion and the second protruding portion.

21. The imaging device according to claim 20, The device body includes: - a first rotating member, and - a second rotating member, And wherein the first rotating member supports the first protruding portion, and the second rotating member supports the second protruding portion.

22. The imaging device according to claim 20, in, The first guided groove is provided on a downstream side of the first positioning portion, and the second guided groove is provided on a downstream side of the second positioning portion with respect to the mounting direction.

23. The imaging device according to claim 20, wherein the tray unit is capable of detachably mounting a plurality of boxes, And wherein the first guided groove and the second guided groove extend along the direction in which the plurality of cartridges are arranged.

24. The imaging device according to claim 20, The tray unit comprises: - a first covering member attached to the first side panel outside the mounting portion and covering the first supporting portion, and - a second covering member attached to the second side plate outside the mounting portion and covering the second supporting portion, And wherein the first covering member has the first guided groove, and the second covering member has the second guided groove.

Images