Moving parts and imaging devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a movable component and an imaging device. The movable component includes: a frame, a mounting portion, a rotatable image bearing component, a charging component, and a cleaning component. The cleaning component includes a base portion, the base portion including a first surface located on one side of the frame, a second surface located on the other side of the frame, and a third surface, and includes a protruding portion. The protruding portion includes a first side surface located on the other side and a second side surface located on the one side. The first side surface is located between the first surface and the second surface. The first side surface constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion located on the other side relative to the axial direction, and the second side surface constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion located on the one side relative to the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a movable member used in the image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type and a movable member used in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus in which a developing cartridge having a specific specification can be mounted and in which a developing cartridge having a specification different from the specific specification cannot be mounted.

[0003] In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application (JP-A) 2017-116852, a cleaning member movable by user operation is provided in a pullout member along the axial direction (rotational axis direction) of the photosensitive drum. The pullout member is movable between an (inner) mounted position and an (outer) pulled-out position relative to the imaging device. The cleaning member cleans a charging member used to charge the photosensitive drum.

[0004] Incidentally, the cleaning member in JP-A 2017-116852 further includes a protruding portion. When a cartridge having a different specification is mounted, the protruding portion and the developer cartridge come into contact with each other, preventing the developer cartridge from being mounted in the pull-out member. On the other hand, when a developer cartridge having a specific specification corresponding to the pull-out member is mounted, the protruding portion enters a predetermined recessed portion of the developer cartridge, thereby mounting the developer cartridge in the pull-out member.

[0005] However, the cleaning member in JP-A 2017-116852 is provided close to the charging member, and when the user performs a moving operation of the charging member, the user may mistakenly touch the charging member in some cases, so that the user's contact with the charging member may affect the charging performance of the charging member. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, a main object of the present invention is to provide a movable member and an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the risk of a user coming into contact with a charging member when the user operates a cleaning member.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a movable component that is capable of moving between a first position located inside an imaging device and a second position in which the movable component is pulled out to the outside of the imaging device while a box provided with a predetermined recessed portion is installed, the movable component comprising: a frame; a mounting portion that is provided in the frame and allows the box to be installed and removed; a rotatable image bearing component that is provided in the frame; a charging component that is provided in the frame and is configured to charge the surface of the image bearing component, the charging component extending in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the image bearing component; and a cleaning component that is provided in the frame and is configured to clean the charging component by being arranged close to the charging component, the cleaning component being capable of moving between an end portion of the frame located on one side with respect to the axial direction and an end portion of the frame located on the other side with respect to the axial direction, wherein the cleaning component The component includes: a base portion, which includes a first surface located on the one side and intersecting the axial direction, a second surface located on the other side and intersecting the axial direction, and a third surface located between the first surface and the second surface; and a protrusion, which protrudes outward from the third surface, and when the box is installed in the mounting portion in a state where the cleaning component is located at the end of the frame at the one side, the protrusion can enter a predetermined recessed portion, wherein the protrusion includes a first side surface intersecting the axial direction and located on the other side and a second side surface intersecting the axial direction and located on the one side, wherein the first side surface is located between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the first side surface constitutes an end surface of the protrusion located on the other side relative to the axial direction, and the second side surface constitutes an end surface of the protrusion located on the one side relative to the axial direction.

[0008] 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

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the cartridge tray is detached from the image forming apparatus.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge tray and a developing cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge tray and a developing cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge tray and a cleaning member (partially enlarged) in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a charging member and a cleaning member in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 Part (a) and part (b) are schematic perspective views of a cleaning member in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 is a schematic top (plan) view of a cartridge tray and a (partially enlarged) cleaning member in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing one end portion of the developing cartridge in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 10 1 is a schematic top (plan) view illustrating a positional relationship between a developing cartridge and a cleaning member in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a positional relationship between a developing cartridge and a cleaning member in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 12 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge tray in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the front portion of the cartridge tray in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a cartridge tray in an embodiment of the present invention on one side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below. Furthermore, in the following description, functions, materials, shapes, and the like previously described are similar to those initially described unless otherwise specified.

[0023] In the following description, regarding the imaging device, in some cases, the side provided with the front door is referred to as the front, and the side opposite to the front is referred to as the rear. In addition, when viewing the imaging device from the front, in some cases, the left-hand side is referred to as the left side, and the right-hand side is referred to as the right side.

[0024] Furthermore, the direction in which the components extend along the drum axis of the photosensitive drum included in the cartridge tray is defined as a first direction and is referred to as a "D1 direction." Furthermore, a direction intersecting the D1 direction (in this embodiment, the direction in which the developing cartridge is inserted into the cartridge tray) is defined as a second direction and is referred to as a "D2 direction." Furthermore, a direction in which the cartridge tray is inserted into the imaging apparatus is defined as a third direction and is referred to as a "D3 direction."

[0025] The D1 direction and the D2 direction intersect each other, and are preferably perpendicular to each other. The D2 direction and the D3 direction intersect each other, and are preferably perpendicular to each other. The D3 direction and the D1 direction intersect each other, and are preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0026] <Example>

[0027] [Overall structure]

[0028] First, we will use Figures 1 to 13 An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a full-color laser beam printer that forms a color image on a sheet S based on four colors (Y, M, C, K) using an electrophotographic image forming process.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main assembly 2 , a cartridge tray (movable member) 3 , and four developing cartridges (cartridges) 8 ( 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K).

[0032] The cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridges 8 are mounted so as to be mountable in and detachable from the apparatus main assembly 2. The cartridge tray 3 is a tray capable of accommodating four developing cartridges 8. The cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridges 8 constitute a pull-out unit 38.

[0033] Incidentally, hereinafter, in some cases, the cartridge tray 3 in a state where four developing cartridges 8 are mounted is also simply referred to as the cartridge tray 3 . That is, the cartridge tray (movable member) 3 of the present invention constitutes at least a portion of the pull-out unit 38 .

[0034] The cartridge tray 3 (pull-out unit 38 ) is movable between an image forming position (as a first position PI) where the photosensitive drum can form an image and a pulled-out position (as a second position PO) where the developing cartridge 8 is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main assembly 2 .

[0035] The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a sheet S (eg, a printing sheet) by a developer (eg, toner) supplied from a developing cartridge 8 .

[0036] In this embodiment, four developing cartridges 8 are mounted on a single cartridge tray 3. The four developing cartridges 8 contain developers (hereinafter also referred to as toners) of different colors (for example, yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K, respectively). However, the number of developing cartridges 8 mounted on the cartridge tray 3 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more.

[0037] Incidentally, the developer cartridges 8 have a substantially similar configuration except for the color of the toner image. Therefore, the configuration of the developer cartridge 8Y (yellow) will be primarily described as a representative example. Incidentally, differences between the yellow developer cartridge and the other developer cartridges 8 (8M, 8C, 8K) will be described as appropriate.

[0038] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge tray (3) and the developing cartridge (8Y) in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, a photosensitive drum 4Y is provided in the cartridge tray 3. The photosensitive drum carries a toner image and rotates about a rotation axis extending in the direction D1. Specifically, the direction D1 is the axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4Y. Furthermore, the cartridge tray 3 includes a charging unit 5Y (charging member) that acts on the photosensitive drum 4Y, a first cleaning roller 7Y, and a second cleaning roller 9Y.

[0040] The charging unit 5Y is a Scorotron type corona charger and includes a charging wire 5aY (5a) and a grid 51bY. The developing cartridge 8Y includes a developing roller 6Y for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0041] exist Figure 1 A laser scanner unit LB is provided above the cartridge tray 3. The laser scanner unit LB outputs laser light Z corresponding to image information. The laser light Z passes through the exposure window portion 10 and subjects the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to scanning exposure.

[0042] An electrostatic attraction belt unit 11 is provided below the developer cartridge 8 and the cartridge tray 3. The electrostatic attraction belt unit 11 includes a drive roller 13 and a tension roller 14, around which an electrostatic attraction belt 12 having plasticity extends. The photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) provided in the cartridge tray 3 contact the upper surface of the electrostatic attraction belt 12.

[0043] Transfer rollers 16 (16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K) are provided inside the electrostatic attraction belt 12 at positions opposing the photosensitive drums 4. By applying transfer bias to the transfer rollers 16, the toner image carried on the photosensitive drums 4 is transferred to the sheet S.

[0044] A feeding unit 18 is provided below the electrostatic attraction belt unit 11. The feeding unit 18 includes a feeding tray 19 in which sheets S are stacked and accommodated, and a feeding roller 20, and feeds the sheets S. Behind the electrostatic attraction belt unit 11 ( Figure 1 A fixing unit 21 for fixing an image on a sheet S is arranged at the right side of the image forming apparatus, and a discharge unit 22 for discharging the sheet S to the outside of the image forming apparatus is arranged at the upper portion of the apparatus main assembly 2.

[0045] Figure 2 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the cartridge tray is removed.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the cartridge tray 3 is configured such that after the front door 40 of the imaging device 1 is opened, the cartridge tray can be moved along the guide rails 41 (see FIG. 1 ) provided in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus. Figure 2 The developing cartridge 8 can be replaced independently relative to the cartridge tray 3.

[0047] The apparatus main assembly 2 is provided with an opening 25 through which the pull-out unit 38 can pass. The front door 40 is supported by the apparatus main assembly 2 so as to be movable between a closed position where the front door 40 covers the opening 25 and an open position where the opening 25 is opened.

[0048] Figure 3 : is a schematic perspective view of the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 , there are shown a cartridge tray 3 and a developing cartridge 8 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 3. In FIG. 3, there is shown a state in which a specific one developing cartridge 8C is removed from the cartridge tray 3. Incidentally, mounting and removal of the developing cartridge 8 are performed in the four slots (mounting portions) 31.

[0049] [Imaging Operation]

[0050] Next, we will use Figure 1 and Figure 4 Describe the imaging operation.

[0051] Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, the operation for forming a full-color image is performed as follows: As for the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8, their installation into the image forming apparatus 1 is completed in a state where the front door 40 is closed.

[0052] When the front door 40 is closed, the drum drive coupling not shown provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the drum coupling 54 (54Y, 54M, 54C, 54L) (see FIG. Figure 3) join.

[0053] Each drum coupling 54 is rotationally driven by a not-shown drive output motor and an not-shown gear of the image forming apparatus 1. The associated photosensitive drum 4 is rotated along the drum coupling 54 at a predetermined speed. Figure 1 The motor is driven rotationally in the direction of the arrow.

[0054] The electrostatic attraction belt 12 is also rotationally driven at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4 .

[0055] At this time, the laser scanner unit LB is driven and emits light. In sync with the light emission from the laser scanner unit LB, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging units (charging components) 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K). The laser scanner unit LB subjects the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to scanning exposure with laser light Z in accordance with the image signals for each color. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, corresponding to the image signal for the corresponding color.

[0056] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y is formed by moving the Figure 4 The developing roller 6Y is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow E. The supply roller 70Y is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow F while the supply roller 70Y contacts the surface of the developing roller 6Y. The stirring member 71Y includes a shaft member 71aY and a sheet member 71bY, and is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow G.

[0057] Through this electrophotographic imaging process, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y. Meanwhile, the sheet S is separated and fed one by one by the feed unit 18 at a predetermined control timing. The sheet S is then conveyed along the photosensitive drum 4 by the electrostatic attraction belt 12.

[0058] The sheet S reaches the photosensitive drum 4Y at a predetermined control timing, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 4Y is transferred onto the sheet S. Similarly, toner images corresponding to magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the other photosensitive drums 4 (4M, 4C, 4K). These toner images are then transferred, superimposed on the yellow toner image on the sheet S in this order. Thus, a full-color (unfixed) toner image based on the four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on the sheet S.

[0059] The toner image transferred onto the sheet S is fixed by the fixing unit 21. Then, the sheet S having passed through the fixing unit 21 is discharged onto a discharge tray 23 by the discharge unit 22.

[0060] Residual toner and paper dust remaining on the photosensitive drum 4Y are physically and electrically removed from the photosensitive drum 4Y by the first cleaning roller 7Y. Some of the residual toner remains on the first cleaning roller 7Y, while the remaining residual toner is charged by the first cleaning roller 7Y and then returned to the photosensitive drum 4Y. The residual toner that has returned to the photosensitive drum 4Y is returned to the developing roller 6Y. The paper dust is physically and electrically removed from the first cleaning roller 7Y by the second cleaning roller 9Y.

[0061] [Cartridge tray structure]

[0062] Next, we will use Figure 12 and Figure 13 The configuration of the cartridge tray 3 will be described.

[0063] Figure 12 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of the cartridge tray 3 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the front portion of the cartridge tray 3. Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a cartridge tray at one side in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The cartridge tray 3 includes a tray frame 30 (frame), a slot 31 (mounting portion), a through shaft 55, a photosensitive drum 4 (image bearing member), a charging unit 5, and cleaning frames 27 (27Y, 27M, 27C, 27K) (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0065] like Figure 12 As shown in part (a) of the tray frame 30, the tray frame 30 includes four surfaces: a right side surface 30r, a left side surface 30l, a front surface 30f, and a rear (back) surface 30b. The right side surface 30r is located on the outside of the cartridge tray 3 relative to the D1 direction, and the right side surface covers the right side of the cartridge tray 3. Similarly, the left side surface 30l is located on the outside of the cartridge tray 3 relative to the D1 direction, and the left side surface covers the left side of the cartridge tray 3. In addition, the front surface 30f and the rear surface 30b are surfaces connecting the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l, and the front surface 30f is positioned at the front side of the cartridge tray 3 and the rear surface 30b is positioned at the rear side of the cartridge tray 3.

[0066] The through shaft 55 is supported by the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l, and the end of the through shaft protrudes outward from the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l relative to the D1 direction. In addition, a positioning groove 56 is formed on the rear side of the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l (the positioning groove 56 on the left side surface 30l is not shown). Here, the through shaft 55 is formed by Figure 2 The shaft engaging portion 57 of the apparatus main assembly 2 shown in part (b) is supported, and the positioning groove 56 is formed by Figure 1The cartridge tray 3 is positioned relative to the apparatus main assembly 2 by means of the positioning shaft 24 shown in FIG.

[0067] like Figure 12 As shown in part (a), the photosensitive drum 4 is supported by the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l, and is installed so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the direction D1. The charging unit 5 and the cleaning frame 27 (see Figure 4 ) is integrally supported by the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 301.

[0068] like Figure 13 As shown, the right side surface 30r is provided with tray developing contacts 610 (610Y, 610M, 610C, 610K). Similarly, the right side surface 30r is provided with first tray charging contacts 611 (611Y, 611M, 611C, 611K) and second tray charging contacts 612 (612Y, 612K, 612C, 612K). Similarly, the right side surface 30r is provided with first tray cleaner contacts 613 (613Y, 613M, 613C, 613K) and second tray cleaner contacts 614.

[0069] The tray developing contact 610, the first tray charging contact 611, and the second tray charging contact 612 contact unillustrated contacts of the apparatus main assembly 2, so that voltage is supplied to these contacts. Similarly, the first tray cleaner contact 613 and the second tray cleaner contact 614 also contact unillustrated contacts of the apparatus main assembly 2, so that voltage is supplied to these contacts.

[0070] Next, similarly, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 4 The electrical connection is specifically described by taking the yellow (Y) configuration as a representative example.

[0071] The tray charging contacts 610 are electrically connected to the developing rollers 6 ( 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K), respectively.

[0072] The first tray charging contacts 611 are electrically connected to the charging lines 5a (5aY, 5aM, 5aC, 5aK), respectively. The second tray charging contacts 612 are electrically connected to the gate electrodes 5b (5bY, 5bM, 5bC, 5bK), respectively.

[0073] The first tray cleaner contacts 613 are electrically connected to the first cleaning rollers 7 ( 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K) that extend in the direction D1 and are rotatable around their respective rotation axes.

[0074] The second tray cleaner contact 614 is electrically connected to the second cleaning roller 9Y.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the cleaning rollers 7 and 9 are used, but a configuration can also be employed in which the removal of the residual toner and paper dust is performed by a rubber blade or a sheet.

[0076] [Cleaning parts]

[0077] Next, we will use Figures 4 to 8 The configuration of the cleaning member 50Y is described. Hereinafter, similarly, the configuration of yellow (Y) will be described as a representative example. For convenience of explanation, the symbol "Y" will be omitted in some cases.

[0078] Figure 5 1 is a schematic perspective view of the cartridge tray 3 and the cleaning member 50Y (partially enlarged) in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 6 1 is a schematic perspective view of the charging member 5Y and the cleaning member 50Y in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 ] shows a state in which the cleaning member 50Y is in the cartridge mountable position.

[0080] Figure 7 Part (a) and part (b) of FIG. 5 are schematic perspective views of the cleaning member 50Y in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 8 1 is a top (plan) view of the cartridge tray 3 and the cleaning member 50Y (partially enlarged) in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] As described above, the cartridge tray 3 in the present embodiment is movable between the first position PI in which the cartridge tray 3 is positioned inside the image forming apparatus 1 and the second position PO in which the cartridge tray 3 is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the cartridge tray 3 is movable while mounting the developing cartridges 8, each of which is provided with the recessed portion 801 (predetermined recessed portion) near the end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction (axial direction D1).

[0083] Furthermore, the cartridge tray 3 includes a tray frame 30, a slot 31 provided in the frame and into which the cartridge can be detachably mounted, a photosensitive drum 4 rotatably provided in the frame, and a charging unit 5 for charging the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Incidentally, the charging unit 5 is arranged to extend along the axial direction D1 of the rotation shaft (rotation axis) L1 of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0084] In this embodiment, the box tray 3 can move between an end 501 and an end 502, the end 501 is arranged in the frame at one side (D11) of the frame relative to the axial direction D1, and the end 502 is arranged in the frame at the other side (D12) of the frame relative to the axial direction D1, and the box tray includes a cleaning component 50 arranged near the charging component and used to clean the charging component.

[0085] In this embodiment, the cleaning member 50 is composed of a base portion 51 and a protruding portion 514 .

[0086] Incidentally, the base portion 51 includes a first surface 511, a second surface 512, and a third surface 513, wherein the first surface is located on the one side (D11) and intersects with the axial direction D1; the second surface is located on the other side (D12) and intersects with the axial direction D1; and the third surface is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1.

[0087] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 are two side surfaces that intersect (are perpendicular to) the axial direction D1 in the posture of the cleaning member 50 when in use, and the third surface 513 is a top surface that is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 and connects the first surface 511 and the second surface 512. When the developing cartridge is mounted in the cartridge tray, the third surface 513 is opposite to the cartridge.

[0088] Incidentally, the first surface 511 to the third surface 513 may be flat surfaces or curved surfaces, so that the flat surface is deformed to be provided with grooves (or ribs). Further, in this embodiment, the third surface 513 is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512, and may only need to be provided to intersect with the first surface 511 and the second surface 512.

[0089] The protruding portion 514 is formed to protrude from the third surface 513 toward the outside (the side where the developing cartridge to be mounted is provided).

[0090] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 514 includes a first side surface 516 that intersects the axial direction D1 and is located on the other side, and the first side surface 516 is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 with respect to the axial direction D1. In other words, the first side surface 516, which is located on the same side as the second surface 512, is set back from the position of the second surface 512 in the axial direction D1 (toward the one side (D11)).

[0091] As described later, this significantly reduces the risk of the user contacting the charging unit 5 (charging cable 5a) when operating the protruding portion 514. Specifically, when the user grips the first side surface 516 and second side surface 515 of the protruding portion 514, the user's fingertips (the tips of their fingers) on the other side (D12) facing the opening 301 can contact a portion of the third surface 513 (top surface) of the base portion 51. Consequently, the user's chance of contacting the second surface 512 (side surface) of the base portion 51 is reduced, due to the feel of the fingertips on the other side (D12), thereby reducing the risk of the user contacting the charging cable 5a further back (on the opening 301 side).

[0092] In particular, when the first side surface 516 is retracted further from the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1, the risk of the user contacting the charging cable 5a can be further reduced. For example, the first side surface 516 of the protruding portion 514 can also be arranged to be located between the first surface 511 of the base portion 51 and the center position 51cp.

[0093] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 514 further includes a second side surface 515 intersecting the axial direction D1 and located on the one side ( D11 ). The second side surface 515 is disposed between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1 .

[0094] Furthermore, the charging unit 5 includes a charging wire 5a. The frame 30 is provided with an opening 301 exposing the charging wire 5a so that the cleaning member 50 can be arranged near the charging wire 5a through the opening 301. Next, the cleaning member 50Y will be described in detail.

[0095] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 5 , the cleaning member 50Y is disposed at an upper portion of the charging unit 5Y. The cleaning member 50Y is provided so as to be movable with respect to the direction D1 at least within the range of the image printing area.

[0096] like Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the cleaning member 50Y engages with a guide portion 5dY provided at the upper portion of the charging unit 5Y and is movable in the direction D1 between an end portion 501Y on one side of the charging cord 5aY and an end portion 502Y on the other side of the charging cord 5aY. Here, the guide portion 5dY has a protruding shape and supports a recessed portion 518Y to be engaged. When the cleaning member 50Y is positioned at the end portion 501Y on one side, the developer cartridge 8Y can be mounted in the cartridge tray 3Y at a mountable position.

[0097] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the cleaning member 50Y includes a protruding portion 514Y, which protrudes from the third surface 513Y, and a cleaning portion 517Y. The protruding portion 514Y is used to clean the charging cable 5aY while sandwiching the charging cable 5aY. As described above, the protruding portion 514Y includes a second side surface 515Y located on one side and a first side surface 516Y located on the other side. When contaminants are attracted (adsorbed) to the charging cable 5aY, image defects may occur. The cleaning portion 517Y wipes away the contaminants themselves, thereby preventing image defects.

[0098] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the upper portion of the charging wire 5 aY of the charging unit 5Y is open, and the cleaning member 50 is arranged close to the charging wire 5 aY.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, with respect to the D1 direction, the first side surface 516Y of the protruding portion 514Y on the left side of the figure is arranged closer to the right end than the second surface 512Y of the cleaning member 50 on the left side of the figure. Figure 8 In the figure, the right side is the side where the end portion 501Y located on the one side is arranged, and the left side is the side where the end portion 502Y located on the other side is arranged.

[0100] That is, the protruding portion 514Y is arranged so that the first side surface 516Y located on the other side is closer to the first surface 511Y than the second surface 512Y similarly located on the other side. Figure 8 In this embodiment, "one side" refers to the side where the drum coupling 54Y is provided. By this positional relationship, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, when the cleaning member 50 is in the cartridge mountable position ( Figure 8 When the charging cable 5aY is viewed through the opening 301, the protruding portion 514Y is located on the opposite side to the side where the charging cable 5aY is visible with respect to the direction D1.

[0101] When replacing the developer cartridge 8Y, the cleaning unit 50Y is often located at the cartridge-mountable position. Furthermore, the upper portion of the charging cable 5aY is open, so when a user moves and operates the cleaning unit 50Y from the cartridge-mountable position, there is a risk of the user accidentally touching the charging cable 5aY. In the present invention, a protrusion 514Y is positioned at this position, making it easy for the user to grasp the cleaning unit 50Y when operating it, thereby reducing the likelihood of the user accidentally touching the charging cable 5aY.

[0102] [Installation of the developer cartridge]

[0103] Next, we will use Figures 9 to 11 Mounting of the developing cartridge 8 into the cartridge tray 3 will be described.

[0104] The yellow (Y) configuration will be described as a representative example. For convenience of explanation, the symbol "Y" will be omitted in some cases.

[0105] Figure 9 1 is a schematic perspective view of one end portion of the developing cartridge 8Y in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 10 1 is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the developing cartridge 8Y and the cleaning member 50 (with respect to the D1 direction) in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 11 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the developing cartridge 8Y and the cleaning member 50 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 8Y and the cleaning member 50 when the developing cartridge 8Y is mounted in the cartridge tray 3 .

[0108] In this embodiment, the cartridge tray 3 can restrict the installation of a developer cartridge of a "different specification" other than a developer cartridge of a specific specification suitable for image forming operations. Specifically, when a developer cartridge of a "different specification" is installed in the slot 31 with the cleaning member 50 positioned at the end 501 on one side of the frame 30, the protrusion 514 cannot enter the recessed portion 801 and contact the developer cartridge. Thus, the installation of a developer cartridge of a "different specification" can be prevented.

[0109] Specifically, if Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the frame 80 of the developing cartridge 8Y includes a toner accommodating container 8bY and a cover portion 8aY provided at an end portion of the toner accommodating container 8bY with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0110] The cover member 8 aY is provided with a recessed portion 801Y at a position overlapping with the protruding portion 514Y of the cleaning member 50 with respect to the direction D1 when the developing cartridge 8Y is mounted in the cartridge tray 3 .

[0111] like Figure 11 As shown, when the developer cartridge 8 is installed in the cartridge tray 3, the recessed portion 801Y and the protruding portion 514Y of the cleaning member 50 are not in contact with each other and are spaced apart and facing each other. At this time, when the protruding portion 514Y is viewed along the rotational axis of the developer roller (a direction parallel to the D1 direction), the protruding portion 514Y does not overlap with the cover member 8aY but rather with the toner accommodating container 8bY. Therefore, by providing the recessed portion 801Y in the cover member 8aY rather than the toner accommodating container 8bY, a significant amount of space for the toner accommodating container 8bY is ensured.

[0112] In a case where a developing cartridge having a different specification is mounted in the cartridge tray 3 , the protruding portion 514Y of the cleaning member 50 and the developing cartridge come into contact with each other, so that the developing cartridge having the different specification can be prevented from being mounted.

[0113] The present invention can be summarized as follows.

[0114] (1) The movable member 3 of the present invention can be moved between a first position PI located inside the imaging device 1 and a second position PO pulled out of the imaging device 1, and can be moved while the cartridge 8 provided with the predetermined recessed portion 801 is mounted.

[0115] In addition, the movable component 3 includes: a frame 30, a mounting portion 31, a rotatable image carrying component 4, a charging component 5 and a cleaning component 50, the mounting portion is arranged in the frame and the box can be detachably mounted on the mounting portion; the rotatable image carrying component is arranged in the frame; the charging component is arranged in the frame and not only extends along the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis (rotation axis) L1 of the image carrying component, but also is configured to charge the surface of the image carrying component; the cleaning component 50 is arranged in the frame and can move between an end 501 of the frame on one side relative to the axial direction and an end 502 of the frame on the other side relative to the axial direction, and the cleaning component 50 is arranged close to the charging component and is used to clean the charging component.

[0116] The cleaning member 50 includes a base portion 51 and a protruding portion 514 .

[0117] The base portion 51 includes a first surface 511, a second surface 512 and a third surface 513, wherein the first surface is located on one side and intersects the axial direction D1; the second surface is located on the other side and intersects the axial direction D1; and the third surface is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1.

[0118] The protruding portion 514 is a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the third surface 513 and can enter the recessed portion when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion in a state where the cleaning member is located at the end portion on one side of the frame.

[0119] The protruding portion 514 includes a first side surface 516 intersecting the axial direction and located on the other side and a second side surface 515 intersecting the axial direction and located on the one side, and the first side surface 516 is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction.

[0120] The first side surface 516 constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion 514 located on the other side with respect to the axial direction, and the second side surface 515 constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion 514 located on the one side with respect to the axial direction.

[0121] Thus, when the user operates the protruding portion 514 , the risk of the user touching the charging member can be reduced.

[0122] (2) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, the first side surface 516 of the protruding portion 514 may also be arranged to be located between the first surface 511 of the base portion 51 and the center position 51 cp with respect to the axial direction.

[0123] Thereby, when the user operates the protruding portion, the risk of the user touching the charging member can be further reduced.

[0124] (3) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, the second side surface 515 may also be arranged to be located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 with respect to the axial direction D1.

[0125] Thereby, the risk of the user contacting the charging member can also be reduced when the user once releases his (her) fingers from the protruding portion and then grips the protruding portion with his (her) fingers again during the user's movement of the protruding portion.

[0126] (4) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, the charging member 5 can include the charging wire 5a. The frame 30 can be provided with an opening 301 through which the charging wire 5a is exposed. The cleaning member 50 can also be arranged near the charging wire through the opening.

[0127] (5) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, it is possible to restrict the installation of cartridges having specifications different from those of the cartridges having specific specifications. That is, when the cartridge 8 is installed in the installation portion 31 in a state where the cleaning member 50 is located at the end portion 501 on one side of the frame 30, the protruding portion 514 can also be configured so that the protruding portion 514 does not enter the recessed portion 801 but contacts the cartridge 8.

[0128] (6) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, the cartridge 8 includes the developer carrying member 6 and the developing frame 80 that rotatably supports the developer carrying member 6 , and the recessed portion 801 can also be provided in the developing frame 80 .

[0129] (7) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, the developer remaining on the image bearing member 4 after the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member 4 may also be collected by the developer bearing member 6 .

[0130] (8) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, the mounting portion 31 can include a plurality of mounting portions 31 so that a plurality of image bearing members 4 arranged in parallel in the axial direction D1 can be mounted in and removed from the mounting portions 31 .

[0131] (9) In the movable member 3 of the present invention, the cartridge 8 may also be configured to be mountable in and detachable from the mounting portion 31 along the direction D2 intersecting the axial direction D1 .

[0132] (10) The image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention includes the above-mentioned movable member 3, the above-mentioned cartridge 8, and the above-mentioned fixing member 21, and is capable of forming an image.

[0133] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk that the user comes into contact with the charging member when the user operates the cleaning member.

[0134] 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. A movable member capable of moving between a first position located inside an image forming apparatus and a second position in which the movable member is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus while a cartridge is mounted, the cartridge comprising a toner accommodating container and a cover member provided with a predetermined recessed portion, the movable member comprising: frame; a mounting portion disposed in the frame and allowing the cartridge to be mounted and removed; a rotatable image bearing member disposed in the frame; a charging member provided in the frame and configured to charge a surface of the image bearing member, the charging member extending in an axial direction of a rotation axis of the image bearing member; and a cleaning member provided in the frame and configured to clean the charging member by being arranged close to the charging member, the cleaning member being movable between an end portion of the frame on one side with respect to the axial direction and an end portion of the frame on the other side with respect to the axial direction, Wherein, the cleaning component includes: a base portion including a first surface located on the one side and crossing the axial direction, a second surface located on the other side and crossing the axial direction, and a third surface located between the first surface and the second surface; and a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the third surface and is capable of entering the predetermined recessed portion when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion in a state in which the cleaning member is located at the end of the frame at the one side, wherein the protruding portion includes a first side surface intersecting the axial direction and located on the other side and a second side surface intersecting the axial direction and located on the one side, wherein the first side surface is located between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the first side surface constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion located on the other side relative to the axial direction, and the second side surface constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion located on the one side relative to the axial direction, wherein, when an end portion of the frame located on one side with respect to the axial direction is a first end portion and an end portion of the frame located on the other side with respect to the axial direction is a second end portion, in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, the cleaning member is located in the first end portion, wherein the protruding portion is provided in a base portion region on a first end side of the base portion in the axial direction, and wherein, in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, the protruding portion is arranged at a position in which the protruding portion overlaps with the toner accommodating container when viewed in the axial direction, and overlaps with the cover member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

2. The movable member according to claim 1, wherein The first side surface is located between the first surface and a center position of the base portion with respect to the axial direction.

3. The movable member according to claim 1, wherein With respect to the axial direction, the second side surface is located between the first surface and the second surface.

4. The movable member according to claim 1, wherein The charging component includes a charging cable, wherein the frame is provided with an opening for exposing the charging cable, and The cleaning component is arranged near the charging cable through the opening.

5. The movable member according to claim 1, wherein When the box is installed in the installation portion with the cleaning component located at the end of the frame on the one side, the protrusion contacts the box without the protrusion entering the recessed portion to restrict the installation of other boxes having specifications different from the box having specific specifications.

6. The movable member according to claim 1, wherein: The cartridge includes a developer carrying member, and a developing frame rotatably supporting the developer carrying member, and Wherein, the recessed portion is arranged in the frame.

7. The movable member according to claim 6, wherein: The developer remaining on the image bearing member after the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member is collected by the developer bearing member.

8. The movable member according to claim 1, wherein The mounting portion includes a plurality of the mounting portions, and the image bearing member includes a plurality of the image bearing members, which are arranged parallel to each other with respect to the axial direction so as to be mountable in and detachable from the mounting portions, respectively.

9. The movable member according to claim 1, wherein: The cartridge is mounted in and removed from the mounting portion in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

10. An imaging device for forming an image, comprising: The movable member according to claim 1; said box; and Fusing unit.

Images