Image forming device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image forming device, the image forming device comprising: a photosensitive member; an optical scanning unit configured to scan the photosensitive member using laser light according to image information; and a moving unit capable of moving to the outside of the image forming device. The optical scanning unit is configured to allow a user to contact the optical scanning unit through a space generated inside the image forming device when the moving unit is moved to the outside of the image forming device. Among an optical box and a cover member of the optical scanning unit, the cover member is opposite to the moving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer in which an optical scanning device is mounted. Background Art

[0002] Hitherto, an image forming apparatus for forming a color image has irradiated lasers from a plurality of light sources of an optical scanning device onto corresponding photosensitive drums to form electrostatic latent images, and superimposed a toner image obtained by forming a visible image using a plurality of color toners, thereby forming a color image. Each of the processing boxes corresponding to the color toners of the plurality of colors includes an integrated processing unit including, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, and a developing unit, and is detachably arranged in the main body of the image forming apparatus. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a feed box for accommodating a recording material for forming a toner image thereon and has the following configuration. When the remaining amount of the recording material becomes small, the feed box is pulled out of the main body of the image forming apparatus. After the feed box is refilled with the recording material, the feed box is accommodated in the main body of the image forming apparatus again.

[0003] For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-003413, the following structure is described. A tray supporting a plurality of process cartridges arranged in a so-called in-line method is provided inside the image forming apparatus, and the tray is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus when the process cartridges are replaced. In addition, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-90769, an image forming apparatus having the following structure is described. A feed box configured to accommodate recording materials is provided inside the image forming apparatus. The feed box is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus and refilled with recording materials.

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-003413, when the tray with the process cartridge thereon is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus, an empty space is defined in the arrangement position of the process cartridge. Then, a person can insert a hand into the empty space, and the person's hand can directly contact the optical box of the optical scanning device arranged near the empty space. In addition, in the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-90769, when the feed box is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus, a person can insert a hand into the defined empty space. A partition is provided between the feed box and the optical scanning device, so that a person's hand cannot directly contact the optical box of the optical scanning device. However, when the partition is removed, for example, in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus, a person's hand can directly contact the optical box.

[0005] In the construction of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-003413 and the construction of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-90769 in which the partition is removed, when a person's hand comes into contact with the optical box and the optical box is pressed, the optical box may be deformed due to the stress applied to the optical box. When stress is applied to the optical box, the posture of optical components such as lenses and reflectors arranged in the optical box may change. Therefore, the position of the photosensitive drum irradiated with the laser emitted from the optical scanning device may change, and the desired image quality cannot be obtained for the image to be formed. In addition, the optical box and the like may sometimes be charged due to the contact of a person's hand with the optical scanning device. Therefore, electrostatic discharge (ESD) may occur in the IC of the laser driver, motor driver, beam detection (BD) sensor, etc. provided inside the optical scanning device, which may sometimes damage the IC. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure is made under such circumstances, and aims to prevent image quality from being degraded due to the optical box being pressed.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming apparatus, which forms a toner image on a recording material, and includes:

[0008] Photosensitive member;

[0009] an optical scanning unit configured to scan the photosensitive member using laser light according to image information, the optical scanning unit comprising: a light source; a deflector configured to deflect the laser light emitted from the light source; an imaging lens configured to form an image of the laser light deflected by the deflector; an optical box configured to hold the deflector and the imaging lens; and a cover member configured to cover an opening of the optical box; and

[0010] a moving unit capable of moving to the outside of the image forming device,

[0011] wherein the optical scanning unit and the moving unit are arranged so that the moving unit and the optical scanning unit are opposite to each other in a state where the moving unit is located inside the image forming device,

[0012] wherein the optical scanning unit is configured to allow a user to contact the optical scanning unit through a space generated inside the image forming device when the moving unit moves to the outside of the image forming device, and

[0013] Among them, among the optical box and the cover member, the cover member is opposite to the moving unit.

[0014] 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

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of the optical scanning device of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating replacement of the process cartridge of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating replacement of the process cartridge of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating replacement of the process cartridge of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating replacement of the process cartridge of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 is an explanatory view for illustrating a method of fixing the cover member of the optical scanning device of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating a deformation of the cover member of the optical scanning apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0024] Fig.10 is a view for illustrating the configuration of an optical scanning device of the second embodiment.

[0025] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of an optical scanning device of the second embodiment.

[0026] Fig.12 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating a state in which the feed cassette of the second embodiment is pulled out.

[0027] Fig.13 is an explanatory view for illustrating a method of fixing the cover member of the optical scanning device of the second embodiment.

[0028] Fig.14 : is an explanatory view for illustrating a deformation of the cover member of the optical scanning apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0029] Fig.15 : is an explanatory view for illustrating a cover member of the optical scanning apparatus of the third embodiment.

[0030] Fig.16 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of an optical scanning device of a fourth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.17 It is an explanatory view for illustrating the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge of the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Fig.18 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating an erroneous mounting state of the process cartridge PK of the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Fig.19 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge PK of the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 20 1 and 2 are views for illustrating an accommodation state of the cartridge tray in which the process cartridge of the fourth embodiment is mounted in a normal position.

[0035] Fig.21 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge PC of the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 22 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge PM of the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.23 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge PY of the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Fig.24 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating an erroneous mounting state of the process cartridge of the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Fig.25 : is an explanatory view for illustrating the configuration of a cover member of the optical scanning apparatus of the fourth embodiment.

[0040] Fig.26A and Fig.26B 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating the impact absorbing mechanism of the cover member of the optical scanning apparatus of the fourth embodiment.

[0041] Fig.27A , Fig.27B and Fig.27C 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating a shock absorbing mechanism of an optical box of an optical scanning device of a fourth embodiment.

[0042] Fig.28It is an explanatory view for illustrating the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] [First embodiment]

[0045] [Image forming device]

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the structure of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 has a structure in which an optical scanning device 2 and process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are mounted on a main body. The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment forms a full-color image by overlapping toner images obtained by forming a visible image using toners of four colors including yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK have the same construction. The letters "a", "b", "c" and "d" at the end of the reference symbols of the components of the respective process boxes indicate that the components represented thereby are components of the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK, respectively. In the following description, unless the components of a specific process box are mentioned, the description of "a", "b", "c" and "d" at the end of the reference symbols will be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a side of the image forming apparatus 1 on which a door 41 to be described later is provided is defined as the “front” side of the image forming apparatus 1, and a side opposite to the door 41 is defined as the “rear” side of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the right side of the image forming apparatus 1 when the “rear” side is viewed from the “front” side is defined as “right”, and the left side of the image forming apparatus 1 when the “rear” side is viewed from the “front” side is defined as “left”.

[0048] Will refer to Figure 1The construction and image forming process of the image forming apparatus 1 are described. The optical scanning device 2 is arranged vertically above the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK, and irradiates the lasers L1, L2, L3 and L4 corresponding to the image data to the photosensitive drum 11, which is the image bearing member that carries the toner image of the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. The photosensitive drum 11 of each process box is charged to a uniform potential by the charging roller 12 in advance, and the charge is released only from the part irradiated by the laser emitted from the optical scanning device 2. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The toner is adhered to the electrostatic latent image on each photosensitive drum 11 by each developing roller 13, and a toner image is formed. A primary transfer roller 22 is arranged at a position facing each photosensitive drum 11, and a transfer voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 22. Accordingly, the toner image on each photosensitive drum 11 is sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 in a superimposed manner.

[0049] At the same time, in synchronization with the above-mentioned image forming process of each process cartridge, the pickup roller 32 feeds the recording material S, which is a recording medium placed in the feed cartridge 31, from the feed cartridge 31, which is arranged vertically below the intermediate transfer belt 21. Each sheet of the recording material S fed from the feed cartridge 31 is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 33, which is a loading unit. Then, the secondary transfer roller 33 transfers the four-color toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto the recording material S. The recording material S onto which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 34, and is heated and pressed in the fixing device 34. Accordingly, the toner image is fixed onto the recording material S. Thereafter, the conveying rollers 35 and 36 convey the recording material S having passed through the fixing device 34 to the external conveying tray 37.

[0050]

Optical scanning equipment

[0051] Figure 2 It is used to illustrate the Figure 1Schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of an optical scanning device 2 for exposing a photosensitive drum 11 of a photosensitive member illustrated in FIG. The optical scanning device 2 deflects laser light (light beams) L1, L2, L3, and L4 emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) as a plurality of light sources by a rotating polygon mirror 4 provided in a deflector 7, and irradiates the laser light to corresponding photosensitive drums 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d through optical members. The optical scanning device 2 includes: a deflector 7 having a rotating polygon mirror 4; first imaging lenses 8a and 8b and second imaging lenses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, which are imaging members of laser light; reflection mirrors 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f, which are reflection members; and an optical box 23, which are arranged in the optical box 23. In order to tightly close the optical box 23, the optical scanning device 2 further includes a cover member 5, which closes (covers) an opening portion of the optical box 23.

[0052] In addition, Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, a support portion 26 as a rib is provided near the optical components (optical system) inside the optical box 23. The support portion 26 is provided upright from the structural member, the support member, the bottom surface, etc. inside the optical box 23 toward the cover member 5, and has a length of about 1 mm as a gap (distance) between the cover member 5 and the distal end portion of the support portion 26 close to the cover member 5. Accordingly, the optical components (for example, the second imaging lens 9) inside the optical scanning device 2, which are arranged with a gap larger than the gap between the cover member 5 and the distal end portion of the support portion 26, can be prevented from directly contacting the cover member 5.

[0053] The optical box 23 is arranged vertically above the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK, and the cover member 5 is arranged vertically below the optical box 23. That is, the cover member 5 is arranged to face the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. In addition, in the deflector 7, a driving circuit board 7a for rotationally driving the rotating polygon mirror 4 is fixed to the bottom surface of the optical box 23, and the rotating polygon mirror 4 is arranged vertically below the driving circuit board 7a.

[0054] Next, the operation of the optical scanning device 2 will be described. The lasers L1, L2, L3, and L4 emitted from a plurality of semiconductor lasers (not shown) pass through a plurality of lenses (not shown), enter the rotating polygon mirror 4 obliquely relative to the scanning plane D, and are deflected (deflection scanning) by the rotating polygon mirror 4. The laser L1 deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 4 passes through the first imaging lens 8a. Thereafter, the optical path of the laser L1 is deflected by the reflector 10c corresponding to the process box PY. Then, the laser L1 passes through the second imaging lens 9a and the opening of the cover member 5, and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11a at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 11a of the corresponding process box PY.

[0055] The laser light L2 deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 4 passes through the first imaging lens 8a. Thereafter, the optical path of the laser light L2 is deflected by the reflection mirrors 10a and 10b corresponding to the process cartridge PM. Then, the laser light L2 passes through the second imaging lens 9b and the opening of the cover member 5, and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11b of the corresponding process cartridge PM at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 11b.

[0056] The laser light L3 deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 4 passes through the first imaging lens 8b. Thereafter, the optical path of the laser light L3 is deflected by the reflective mirror 10d corresponding to the process cartridge PC. Then, the laser light L3 passes through the second imaging lens 9c, the reflective mirror 10e, and the opening of the cover member 5, and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11c of the corresponding process cartridge PC at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 11c.

[0057] The laser light L4 deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 4 passes through the first imaging lens 8b. Thereafter, the optical path of the laser light L4 is deflected by the reflection mirror 10f corresponding to the process cartridge PK. Then, the laser light L4 passes through the second imaging lens 9d and the opening of the cover member 5, and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11d at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 11d of the corresponding process cartridge PK.

[0058] [Replacement of process cartridge]

[0059] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating a method of replacing a process cartridge in an image forming apparatus 1. In each of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, a toner (developer) contained in a developing device 14 is consumed as a toner for image formation. Then, when the toner is consumed and an image cannot be formed, a new process cartridge is used to replace the process cartridge in which the toner has run out. The process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in this embodiment are placed on a pull-out cartridge tray 40 (moving unit). Accordingly, the replacement of the process cartridge is performed by a method of pulling out the cartridge tray 40 from the image forming apparatus 1, replacing the process cartridge to be replaced, and then accommodating the cartridge tray 40 to the image forming apparatus 1 again.

[0060]

Image forming device door

[0061] Figure 3 1 is an explanatory schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus for illustrating a door 41 for maintenance in the image forming apparatus 1 . Figure 3 4 shows an open state of the door 41. In the door 41, a handle 41a (referring to a hook portion) for opening and closing the door 41 is provided at one end, and the other end is pivotable around a horizontal shaft 42. Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , when the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out or the cartridge tray 40 is stored in the image forming apparatus 1 , the door 41 is operated to be opened or closed. Figure 1 The closed state of the door 41 and its open state are shown. When the door 41 is opened, an opening portion 50 through which the cartridge tray 40 passes appears.

[0062] Figure 4 4 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in which the door 41 is opened and the cartridge tray 40 is accommodated in the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 5 4 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in which the door 41 is opened and the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the door 41 has a Figure 4 The door 41 is provided with a horizontal shaft 42 of a hinge member inserted into the left and right sides of the image forming apparatus 1, and is made to be pivotable about the horizontal shaft 42 relative to the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the door 41 can be pivotally moved about the horizontal shaft 42 to be opened. Figure 4 The door 41 is lifted upward in the middle of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby closing the opening 50 of the image forming apparatus 1. At the same time, the door 41 can be pivotally moved about the horizontal axis 42 to move toward the front of the image forming apparatus 1 (towards the Figure 4 The left and right lower sides of the image forming apparatus 1 are dropped, thereby opening the opening 50. On the inner sides of the left frame 60L and the right frame 60R forming the frame body of the image forming apparatus 1, a pair of left and right tray holding members 61L and 61R for holding the cartridge tray 40 are arranged. The tray holding members 61L and 61R are arranged to face each other, and the cartridge tray 40 as a frame-shaped member is sandwiched between the tray holding member 61L and the tray holding member 61R. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 4 , the cartridge tray 40 is sandwiched between the tray holding members 61L and 61R, so that the cartridge tray 40 can move forward and backward along the tray holding members 61L and 61R. As described above, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are placed and supported on the cartridge tray 40, and each process cartridge is installed so as to be individually removable as needed.

[0063] Figure 6 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a state in which the cartridge tray 40 on which the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are placed is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 to replace the process cartridges. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 4 , when the door 41 is opened, the cartridge tray 40 can be moved from the storage position on the tray holding members 61L and 61R to the front of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening portion 50. Figure 6, the cartridge tray 40 is in a state where the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK placed on the cartridge tray 40 are pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (i.e., the pulled-out position). It should be noted that when the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out from the tray holding members 61L and 61R to a predetermined amount outside the image forming apparatus 1, further movement of the cartridge tray 40 being pulled out is restricted by a stopper (not shown), and this pulled-out position where the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out is maintained.

[0064] Then, after the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1, the process cartridge is replaced. Figure 6 The used process cartridge to be replaced is lifted upward, and the used process cartridge is removed from the cartridge tray 40. Next, a new process cartridge is placed at the position on the cartridge tray 40 where the process cartridge is removed, and is mounted on the cartridge tray 40. When this replacement of the process cartridge is completed, the cartridge tray 40 is moved to the accommodating position to accommodate the cartridge tray 40 in the image forming device 1 from the pulled-out position where the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out to the outside of the image processing device 1. When this movement to the accommodating position is completed, the door 41 is closed. Then, in conjunction with the operation of closing the door 41, the cartridge tray 40 is moved from the accommodating position to the transfer contact position where the photosensitive drum 11 in each process cartridge faces the primary transfer roller 22. Then, in conjunction with the movement of the cartridge tray 40, the individual process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are pressed by a pressing member (not shown) and are fixed at a predetermined position. Thus, as Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the photosensitive drums 11 of the respective process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are fixed at positions facing the corresponding primary transfer rollers 22, and the toner images on the photosensitive drums 11 are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 21. Thus, image formation can be performed.

[0065] Incidentally, when the cartridge tray 40 is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the process cartridge, an empty space 51 is defined inside the image forming apparatus 1 at the storage position of the cartridge tray 40 before being pulled out. For the purpose of downsizing, a partition is not provided between the optical scanning device 2 and the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Therefore, the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 is exposed to the empty space 51. Therefore, a person can insert the hand H1 from the opening portion 50 into the empty space 51, and there is a concern that the hand H1 mistakenly contacts the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 to press the cover member 5.

[0066] [Installation of Cover Member of Optical Scanning Device]

[0067] Figure 7 2 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating a method of fixing the cover member 5 to the optical scanning device 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in FIG. 2 , in the optical scanning device 2 , the optical box 23 is arranged on the vertical upper side, and the cover member 5 is arranged on the vertical lower side. Figure 7 5 is a perspective view for illustrating the outer appearance of the optical scanning device 2 when the optical scanning device 2 is viewed from the cover member 5. The four elongated openings provided in the cover member 5 are Figure 2 The opening portion through which the laser lights L1 to L4 shown in the figure pass.

[0068] In order to fix the cover member 5 to the optical box 23, the cover member 5 includes fixing parts 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d of a snap-fit ​​structure molded integrally with the cover member 5. Each of the fixing parts 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d of the snap-fit ​​structure has a square shape with an open middle portion. At the same time, protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d for fixing the cover member 5 are provided near the four corners of the optical box 23 of the optical scanning device 2.

[0069] When the cover member 5 is assembled to the optical box 23, the respective fixing portions of the snap-fit ​​structure are elastically bent so as to pass over the respective protrusions 3 provided in the optical box 23 and corresponding to the respective fixing portions of the snap-fit ​​structure. In this way, the protrusions 3 are engaged with the openings of the respective fixing portions of the snap-fit ​​structure. Therefore, the protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d protrude from the openings of the fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d of the snap-fit ​​structure. Accordingly, the cover member 5 is fixed to the optical box 23.

[0070] [Deformation of Cover Member of Optical Scanning Device]

[0071] Figure 8 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the optical scanning device 2 for illustrating a state of deformation of the cover member 5 when a human hand H1 contacts the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 . Figure 8 is from Figure 7 When the rear side of the optical scanning device 2 is viewed forward, Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section near the position where the protrusions 3a and 3b engage with the fixing portions 5a and 5b of the snap-fit ​​structure in a state where the cover member 5 shown in FIG. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the second imaging lens 9a through which the laser light L1 passes is seen from the cross section. Figure 8 Three ribs vertically provided at the middle portion of the optical box 23 toward the cover member 5 are support portions 26 ( 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c ) to be described later.

[0072] like Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , when a hand H1 is inserted from the opening portion and contacts the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 when replacing the process cartridge, a pressing force P1 of 5N to 20N is applied to the cover member 5 toward the optical box, referring to the pressing force of an ordinary person. When the cover member 5 is bent by the pressing force P1, the fixing portions 5a and 5b ( Figure 8 The fixing parts 5c and 5d are not shown in the figure. Figure 8 In addition, the cover member 5 is elastically deformed from the original position 5' (by Figure 8 The optical scanning device 2 (shown in dotted lines) is deformed into the optical box 23 and contacts the support portion 26 for limiting deformation, which is provided in the optical box 23. The support portion 26 is provided near the optical components (e.g., the second imaging lens 9a) arranged in the optical box 23. The support portion 26 has a length of about 1 mm as a gap (distance) between the cover member 5 and the distal end portion of the support portion 26 itself close to the cover member 5. Accordingly, the optical components inside the optical scanning device 2, which are arranged with a gap larger than the gap between the cover member 5 and the support portion 26, can be prevented from directly contacting the cover member 5.

[0073] As described above, even if the human hand H1 contacts the optical scanning device 2 when moving the cartridge tray 40 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 during cartridge replacement, the optical characteristics of the optical components will not change or the image quality will not be reduced due to fluctuations in the posture of the optical components.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the support portion 26 for alleviating the bending generated when the human hand H1 comes into contact with the cover member 5 is provided near the optical box 23. However, the support portion 26 may be provided on the cover member 5 as follows. That is, the support portion 26 is provided on the bottom surface of the cover member 5 facing the optical box 23 where the optical components are arranged or on the surface facing the internal structure or the like. The support portion 26 is vertically provided vertically toward the optical box 23 and has a distal end portion having a length of about 1 mm as a gap with the surface facing the optical box 23. Therefore, even when the cover member 5 is pressed toward the optical box 23, the support portion 26 provided on the cover member 5 comes into contact with the facing surface of the optical box 23 before the cover member 5 comes into contact with the optical components. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the optical components inside the optical scanning device 2, where the optical components are arranged with a gap larger than that of the support portion 26, from directly coming into contact with the cover member 5.

[0075] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being degraded due to the optical box being pressed.

[0076] [Second embodiment]

[0077] In the first embodiment, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which an optical scanning device is arranged vertically above a process cartridge has been described. In the second embodiment, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which an optical scanning device is installed vertically below a process cartridge and a feed cartridge (moving unit) for feeding recording materials is arranged vertically below the optical scanning device will be described.

[0078] [Image forming device]

[0079] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the structure of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 has a structure in which an optical scanning device 101 and image forming units of yellow (y), magenta (m), cyan (c), and black (K) are mounted on a main body. The image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment forms a full-color image by overlapping toner images obtained by forming a visible image using toners of four colors including yellow (y), magenta (m), cyan (c), and black (k). Fig. 9 , although the colors of the toners are different from each other, the respective image forming units have the same configuration. In addition, the letters "y", "m", "c", and "k" at the end of the reference symbols of the components of the respective image forming units indicate that the components in the image forming units are components whose toner colors are yellow (y), magenta (m), cyan (c), and black (k), respectively. In the following description, unless a component of a specific image forming unit is mentioned, the description of "y", "m", "c", and "k" at the end of the reference symbols will be omitted.

[0080] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, one side of the image forming apparatus 100 in the direction of pulling out the feed cassette 306 to be described later is defined as the "front" side of the image forming apparatus 100, and one side of the image forming apparatus 100 in the direction of pushing the feed cassette 306 is defined as the "rear" side of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, the right side of the image forming apparatus 100 when the "rear" side is viewed from the "front" side is defined as the "right", and the left side of the image forming apparatus 100 when the "rear" side is viewed from the "front" side is defined as the "left". It should be noted that in Fig. 9 , the "front" side of the image forming apparatus 100 is Fig. 9 The near side of the image forming device 100 is Fig. 9 far side.

[0081] Will refer to Fig. 9The configuration and image forming process of the image forming apparatus 100 are described. The optical scanning device 101 is arranged vertically below the photosensitive drum 301 of each image forming unit, and irradiates the photosensitive drums 301y, 301m, 301c and 301k of the image forming unit with lasers Ly, Lm, Lc and Lk corresponding to the image data. The photosensitive drum 301 of each image forming unit is charged to a uniform potential by the charging roller 302 in advance, and the charge is released only from the portion irradiated by the laser emitted from the optical scanning device 101. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 301. The toner is adhered to the electrostatic latent image on each photosensitive drum 301 by each developing roller 303, and a toner image is formed. A primary transfer roller 304 is arranged at a position facing each photosensitive drum 301, and a transfer voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 304. Accordingly, the toner image on each photosensitive drum 301 is sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 305 in a superimposed manner.

[0082] At the same time, in synchronization with the above-mentioned image forming process of each image forming unit, the pickup roller 308 feeds the recording material 307, which is placed in the feeding box 306, from the feeding box 306, which is arranged vertically below the optical scanning device 101. Each sheet of the recording material 307 fed from the feeding box 306 is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 309. Then, the secondary transfer roller 309 transfers the four-color toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 305 to the recording material 307. The recording material 307 on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 310, and is heated and pressed in the fixing device 310. Accordingly, the toner image is fixed to the recording material 307. Thereafter, the conveying roller 311 conveys the recording material 307 having passed through the fixing device 301 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0083]

Optical scanning equipment

[0084] Fig.10 and Fig.11 1 is an explanatory view for illustrating the configuration of the optical scanning device 101 . Fig.10 1 is a view for illustrating the configuration of the optical scanning device 101 when the optical scanning device 101 is viewed from the cover member 105 (opening portion) in a state where the cover member 105 covering the opening portion of the optical scanning device 101 is removed. Fig.11 1 is an explanatory schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of the optical scanning device 101 and the correlation between the photosensitive drum 301 and the laser light emitted from the optical scanning device 101 .

[0085] The optical scanning device 101 of the present embodiment deflects the laser light L emitted from the semiconductor laser 201 as a plurality of light sources by means of the rotating polygon mirror 104 provided in the deflector 107, and irradiates the laser light L to a plurality of corresponding photosensitive drums 301 through optical components. The optical scanning device 101 includes: semiconductor lasers 201y, 201m, 201c and 201k, collimator lenses 202y, 202m, 202c and 202k, and cylindrical lenses 203y, 203m, 203c and 203k. In addition, the optical scanning device 101 includes: deflectors 107a and 107b having rotating polygon mirrors 104a and 104b; and first imaging lenses 108a, 108b, 108c and 108d and second imaging lenses 109a, 109b, 109c and 109d, which are imaging components of the laser light. Furthermore, the optical scanning device 101 includes: reflection mirrors 110 a , 110 b , 110 c , and 110 d , which are reflection members; an optical box 103 to which the above-mentioned optical members are attached; and a cover member 105 for tightly closing the optical box 103 .

[0086] The optical box 103 is disposed vertically below the above-mentioned image forming unit, and the cover member 105 is disposed vertically below the optical scanning device 101. That is, the cover member 105 is disposed to face the feed box 306 instead of facing the optical box 103. In the deflectors 107a and 107b, driving circuit boards 107aa and 107ba for rotationally driving the rotating polygon mirrors 104a and 104b are fixed close to the bottom surface of the optical box 103, and the rotating polygon mirrors 104a and 104b are disposed vertically below the driving circuit boards 107aa and 107ba.

[0087] In addition, Fig.10 , the support portion 106 as a rib is installed near the longitudinal ends of the first imaging lenses 108a, 108b, 108c and 108d. The support portion 106 is vertically arranged from the bottom surface of the optical box 103 toward the cover member 105, and has a length of about 1 mm as a gap (distance) between the cover member 105 and the distal end portion of the support portion 106 itself close to the cover member 105. Accordingly, the optical components (for example, the first imaging lens 108) inside the optical scanning device 101, which are arranged with a gap larger than the gap between the support portion 106 and the cover member 105, can be prevented from directly contacting the cover member 105.

[0088] Next, the operation of the optical scanning device 101 will be described. The laser light Ly emitted from the semiconductor laser 201y is converted into approximately parallel light by the collimator lens 202y, and enters the cylindrical lens 203y. The approximately parallel light beam entering the cylindrical lens 203y is emitted as a parallel light beam on the main scanning section, and the light beam converges on the sub-scanning section, enters the rotating polygon mirror 104a, and is deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 104a. Then, the deflected laser light Ly passes through the first imaging lens 108a, after which its optical path is deflected by the reflector 110a. The laser light Ly having a deflected optical path passes through the second imaging lens 109a and the opening of the optical box 103, and scans the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 301y at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 301y.

[0089] The laser light Lm emitted from the semiconductor laser 201m is converted into approximately parallel light by the collimator lens 202m, and enters the cylindrical lens 203m. The approximately parallel light beam entering the cylindrical lens 203m is emitted as a parallel light beam on the main scanning section, and converges on the sub-scanning section, enters the rotating polygon mirror 104a, and is deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 104a. Then, the deflected laser light Lm passes through the first imaging lens 108b, after which its optical path is deflected by the reflector 110b. The laser light Lm having a deflected optical path passes through the second imaging lens 109b and the opening of the optical box 103, and scans the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 301m at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 301m.

[0090] The laser light Lc emitted from the semiconductor laser 201c is converted into approximately parallel light by the collimator lens 202c, and enters the cylindrical lens 203c. The approximately parallel light beam entering the cylindrical lens 203c is emitted as a parallel light beam on the main scanning section, and the light beam converges on the sub-scanning section, enters the rotating polygon mirror 104b, and is deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 104b. Then, the deflected laser light Lc passes through the first imaging lens 108c, after which its optical path is deflected by the reflector 110c. The laser light Lc having the deflected optical path passes through the second imaging lens 109c and the opening of the optical box 103, and scans the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 301c at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 301c.

[0091] The laser light Lk emitted from the semiconductor laser 201k is converted into approximately parallel light by the collimator lens 202k, and enters the cylindrical lens 203k. The approximately parallel light beam entering the cylindrical lens 203k is emitted as a parallel light beam on the main scanning section, and the light beam converges on the sub-scanning section, enters the rotating polygon mirror 104b, and is deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 104b. Then, the deflected laser light Lk passes through the first imaging lens 108d, after which its optical path is deflected by the reflector 110d. The laser light Lk having the deflected optical path passes through the second imaging lens 109d and the opening of the optical box 103, and scans the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 301k at a constant speed while forming a light spot on the photosensitive drum 301k. It should be noted that the laser light Ly and Lm are deflected by the surface of the rotating polygon mirror 104a, which is adjacent to each other and different. In addition, the laser light Lc and Lk are also deflected by the surface of the rotating polygon mirror 104b, which is adjacent to each other and different.

[0092]

Replacement of recording materials

[0093] Fig.12 307 is an explanatory view for illustrating a method of replacing recording materials in the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. When a print job is executed, an image forming operation is performed in the above-mentioned image forming unit, and image formation is performed for the recording material 307 fed from the feed box 306. Accordingly, the recording material 307 accommodated in the feed box 306 is consumed. Then, when the remaining amount of the recording material 307 in the feed box 306 becomes smaller, or when all the recording material 307 is consumed, the user or the like refills the feed box 306 with the recording material 307. Fig.12 As shown in , in the present embodiment, the feed cassette 306 is refilled with the recording material 307 by pulling out the pull-out feed cassette 306 toward the front of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0094] Fig.12 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating an intermediate state in which the feed cassette 306 is moved from a storage position mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 to a pull-out position to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100. The feed cassette 306 is placed on a holding rail (not shown) so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 100. When refilling the recording material 307, the feed cassette 306 is operated to be pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 ( Fig.12). When the feed cassette 306 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 100 to a predetermined amount outside, further movement of the feed cassette 306 being pulled out is limited by a stopper (not shown). In the state where the feed cassette 306 is pulled out as described above, the feed cassette 306 can be refilled with the recording material 307, or the recording material 307 can be taken out from the feed cassette 306 to change the type of the recording material 307. In addition, when a force is received in a direction of further pulling out to the outside from the position where the pull-out movement is limited, the feed cassette 306 can be removed from the holding rail on which the feed cassette 306 is placed. For example, in the case of further facilitating the work of refilling the feed cassette 306 with recording materials, and in the case of removing a jammed sheet when a jam occurs in which the recording material 307 is stuck in the conveying path during image formation, the feed cassette 306 is removed from the holding rail. Then, the process of refilling the feed cassette 306 with the recording material 307 or removing a jammed sheet from the conveying path is completed, and the feed cassette 306 is moved on the holding rail from the pulled-out position or the position where it is removed after being placed on the holding rail to the storage position mounted on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0095] Then, after being moved to the pushed-in position, the feed cassette 306 is fixed to a predetermined position where image formation can be performed.

[0096] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the optical scanning device 101 is arranged vertically below each image forming unit and vertically above the feed box 306 that accommodates the recording material 307. However, for the purpose of reducing the size of the image forming apparatus 100, no partition is provided between the optical scanning device 101 and the feed box 306. The feed box 306 is made of a frame-shaped mold member. When Fig.12 When the feed cassette 306 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG, the vertical upper portion of the feed cassette 306 is opened, and the opening portion 150 appears. Therefore, a person may insert the hand H2 from the opening portion 150, and there is a concern that the hand H2 mistakenly contacts the cover member 105 of the optical scanning device 101, thereby pressing the cover member 105.

[0097] [Installation of Cover Member of Optical Scanning Device]

[0098] Fig.13 1 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating a method of fixing the cover member 105 to the optical scanning device 101. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the optical scanning device 101 , the optical box 103 is arranged on the vertical upper side, and the cover member 105 is arranged on the vertical lower side. Fig.13 105 is a perspective view for illustrating the outer appearance of the optical scanning device 101 when the optical scanning device 101 is viewed from the cover member 105 .

[0099] In order to fix the cover member 105 to the optical box 103, the cover member 105 includes snap-fit ​​structures 105a, 105b, 105c and 105d integrally molded with the cover member 105. Each of the snap-fit ​​structures 105a, 105b, 105c and 105d has a square shape with an open middle portion. At the same time, protrusions 103a, 103b, 103c and 103d for fixing the cover member 105 are provided near the four corners of the optical box 103 of the optical scanning device 101.

[0100] When the cover member 105 is assembled to the optical box 103, the respective snap-fit ​​structures 105a to 105d are elastically bent so as to pass over the respective protrusions 103a to 103d provided in the optical box 103 and corresponding to the respective snap-fit ​​structures 105a to 105d. In addition, the protrusions 103a to 103d are engaged with the openings of the respective snap-fit ​​structures 105a to 105d. Therefore, the protrusions 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d protrude from the openings of the snap-fit ​​structures 105a, 105b, 105c, and 105d. Accordingly, the cover member 105 is fixed to the optical box 103.

[0101] [Deformation of Cover Member of Optical Scanning Device]

[0102] Fig.14 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the optical scanning device 101 for illustrating a state of deformation of the cover member 105 when a human hand H2 contacts the cover member 105 of the optical scanning device 101 . Fig.14 When viewing from the front side of the optical scanning device 101 to the rear side, Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the optical scanning device 101 taken near the position where the protrusions 103a and 103b engage with the snap-fit ​​structures 105a and 105b in a state where the cover member 105 shown in FIG. is fixed to the optical scanning device 101. Fig.14 , the rotating polygon mirrors 104a and 104b, the first imaging lenses 108a to 108d, the second imaging lenses 109a to 109d, and the reflectors 110a and 110d through which the lasers Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk pass are illustrated from a cross section. In addition, a support portion 106 is provided near the first imaging lenses 108a to 108d, wherein the gap (distance) from the distal end portion to the cover member 105 is smaller than the gap (distance) from the first imaging lenses 108a to 108d and the reflectors 110a to 110d to the cover member 105.

[0103] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the hand H2 is refilling the feed box 306 with the recording material 307 or replacing the recording material 307, the hand H2 is Fig.12) is inserted and contacts the cover member 105, referring to the pressing force of ordinary people, a pressing force P2 of 5N to 20N is applied to the cover member 105 toward the optical box. When the cover member 105 is bent by the pressing force P2, the snap-fit ​​structures 105a and 105d ( Fig.14 The engaging structures 105b and 105c are not shown in the figure. Fig.14 In addition, the cover member 105 is elastically deformed from the original position 105' (by Fig.14 The optical scanning device 101 (shown by a dotted line in the middle) is deformed into the optical box 103 and contacts the support portion 106 for limiting deformation, which is provided in the optical box 103. As described above, the support portion 106 is provided near the optical components (e.g., the first imaging lens 108) arranged in the optical box 103. The support portion 106 has a length of about 1 mm as a gap (distance) between the cover member 105 and the distal end portion of the support portion 106 itself close to the cover member 105. Accordingly, the optical components (e.g., the first imaging lens 108, etc.) inside the optical scanning device 101, which are arranged with a gap larger than the gap between the support portion 106 and the cover member 105, can be prevented from directly contacting the cover member 105.

[0104] As described above, even if the human hand H2 contacts the optical scanning device 101 when moving the feed box 306 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 during refilling of the recording material or replacement of the recording material for the feed box 306, the optical characteristics of the optical components will not change or the image quality will not be reduced due to the fluctuation of the posture of the optical components.

[0105] In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the support portion 106 for alleviating the bending generated when the human hand H2 contacts the cover member 105 is provided in the optical box 103. It should be noted that the support portion 106 is not limited to the support portion provided on the optical box 103, and the support portion 106 may also be provided on the cover member 105. That is, the support portion 106 is provided on the surface of the cover member 105 facing the bottom surface of the optical box 103 where the optical member is arranged. The support portion 106 is vertically provided toward the bottom surface of the optical box 103, and has a distal end portion having a length of about 1 mm as a gap with the bottom surface of the optical box 103. Therefore, even when the cover member 105 is pressed toward the optical box 103, the support portion 106 provided on the cover member 105 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the optical box 103 before the cover member 105 comes into contact with the optical member. Therefore, even when the support portion 106 is provided on the cover member 105, an effect similar to the case where the support portion 106 is provided on the optical box 103 can be achieved. In addition, in Fig.14In the above description, the case where the human hand H2 contacts the vicinity of the deflector 107b of the optical scanning device 101 relative to the position of the cover member 105 in contact with the human hand H2 has been described. However, even when the human hand H2 contacts the vicinity of another deflector 107a, a similar effect can be achieved.

[0106] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being degraded due to the optical box being pressed.

[0107] [Third embodiment]

[0108] In the first and second embodiments, the support portion, which is a rib for protecting the optical components and the like arranged in the optical scanning device when the cover member of the optical scanning device is pressed, has been described. Herein, the optical components and the like are protected from contact with the cover member bent by the pressing. In the third embodiment, the processing and material of the cover member for protecting the electronic equipment in the optical scanning device including the above-mentioned support portion from static electricity will be described.

[0109] [Cover member of optical scanning device]

[0110] Fig.15 4 is a perspective view of an optical scanning device 401 having an outer shape similar to that of the optical scanning device 101 described in the second embodiment. The optical scanning device 401 includes an optical box 403 and a cover member 405, and Fig.15 401 is a perspective view of the optical scanning device 401 viewed from the direction of the cover member 405 , in which the opening portion of the optical box 403 is tightly closed by the cover member 405 .

[0111] The cover member 405 of the present embodiment is molded of resin, and a flat surface area 402 as an outer surface that can be touched by the human hand H2 described in the second embodiment is roughened by texture processing. Herein, the flat surface area 402 is a surface opposite to the surface of the cover member 405 that faces the optical box 403. The texture processing is performed by using a processing method such as etching, sandblasting, hairline, etc., and Fig.15 , the rough flat surface area 402 is illustrated by hatching. Generally speaking, when two substances come into contact with each other and then separate from each other, atoms formed by the respective substances move and remain in one substance. Accordingly, electrons are biased toward one substance, while the electrons of the other substance decrease. Specifically, as the friction force increases when the two substances come into contact with each other, the amount of static electricity carried by the substances increases. As described above, when a person's hand contacts the cover member 405 of the optical scanning device 401 and the optical scanning device 401 is statically charged, the friction force between the cover member 405 and the person's hand decreases as the roughness of the rough surface provided on the flat surface area 402 of the cover member 405 increases. Therefore, the amount of charge of the cover member 405 also decreases.

[0112] In addition, the cover member 405 is made of resin, and for the resin material, a material having a resistivity of 1×10 11 Electrostatic diffusion material of ohm-meter (Ω·m) or less. Since the resistivity of such resin material used for the cover member 405 of the present embodiment is high, the resin material is difficult to charge. In addition, even when the resin material is brought into contact with a charged object (a person's hand), the resin material can dissipate the charge relatively quickly. Therefore, in the cover member 405, strong electrostatic discharge (ESD) does not occur, and accordingly, the ICs in the optical driver, motor driver, BD sensor, etc. inside the optical scanning device 401 can be exempted from electrostatic discharge. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being reduced due to IC damage, etc.

[0113] In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the outer surface of the cover member 405 is formed of a flat surface as a whole, and the flat surface is roughened as a whole by texturing. For example, when the cover member 405 has irregularities and cannot be formed of a single flat surface, a partial area of ​​the cover member 405 located near the driver IC for controlling the deflector is roughened. Accordingly, electronic components sensitive to electrostatic discharge can be protected from static electricity, and similar effects can be achieved. It should be noted that although the present embodiment has been described by using the optical scanning device 401 having an outer shape similar to that of the optical scanning device 101 of the second embodiment, a similar texturing is performed on the cover member 5 for the optical scanning device 2 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, similar effects can also be achieved.

[0114] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the hand of a person inserting the image forming apparatus touches the cover member of the optical scanning device when replacing the cartridge or refilling the feed cartridge with recording materials, the charge amount of the cover member can be reduced. Therefore, an optical scanning device including an electronic component sensitive to electrostatic discharge can be provided, which has tolerance to a variety of ESD modes.

[0115] Furthermore, in each of the above-described first and second embodiments, the present disclosure has been described by using the optical scanning device used in an image forming apparatus of a system called an inline system in which a plurality of process cartridges are arranged. Similarly, the present disclosure is also applicable to an optical scanning device of a monochrome image forming apparatus including a single process cartridge.

[0116] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being degraded due to the optical box being pressed.

[0117] Then, refer to Figures 16 to 19 A fourth embodiment in which the erroneous mounting preventing mechanism of the process cartridge is mounted will be described. Fig.16is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of an optical scanning device of a fourth embodiment.

[0118] [Process cartridge PK incorrect installation prevention mechanism]

[0119] [When each process cartridge is installed in the normal position]

[0120] Fig.17 The cartridge tray 40 is used to illustrate the storage portion T ( Fig.17 It should be noted that in Fig.17 In the figure, the hollow arrow indicates the direction of the accommodating box tray 40 ( Fig.17 left arrow in the figure) and the direction to pull out the box tray 40 ( Fig.17 Note that these also apply to Fig.18 The erroneous installation prevention mechanism of the process cartridge PK is formed by an erroneous installation prevention portion 6K which is a rib provided on the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 and protruding toward the process cartridge PK, and a rib provided at a vertical upper portion of the process cartridge PK and facing the cover member 5. It should be noted that Fig.17 Only the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge PK is shown, and the erroneous installation preventing mechanisms of the process cartridges PM and PC, which will be described later, are not shown.

[0121] like Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the erroneous installation preventing portion 6K provided on the cover member 5 has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the left side of the image forming apparatus 1. The bottom surface 6Kb of the erroneous installation preventing portion 6K facing the process cartridge PK is a horizontal surface and the erroneous installation preventing portion 6K extends vertically to below the top portion K4 which is the rib portion K3 of the process cartridge PK (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.19 ) is the flat surface portion closest to the optical scanning device 2. It should be noted that Fig.17As shown in FIG. 1 , similar to the process box PK, the process boxes PY, PM and PC have ribs facing the cover member 5 at the upper part of the process boxes PY, PM and PC. Then, on the process boxes PY, PM and PC, the top surface portions Y1, M1 and C1 are formed at a height lower than the top of the ribs of the respective process boxes and not allowing the bottom surface 6Kb of the erroneous installation prevention portion 6K to contact the top surface portion. Accordingly, in the process of inserting the box tray 40 into the image forming device 1, the respective process boxes PY, PM and PC do not contact the erroneous installation prevention portion 6K, and the box tray 40 is accommodated to the normal position of the accommodation portion T. Like the other process boxes PY, PM and PC, on the process box PK, the top surface portion K1 is also formed at a height lower than the top of the ribs of the process boxes and not allowing the bottom surface 6Kb of the erroneous installation prevention portion 6K to contact the top surface portion. However, each top surface portion K1 of the process cartridge PK is interrupted in the middle of the downstream side in the direction of insertion of the cartridge tray 40 by an interference wall K2 which is a wall portion vertically provided toward the vertical upper portion of the cover member 5. Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the process cartridge PK is mounted in the normal position of the cartridge tray 40 , there is a gap between each collision wall 6Ka of the erroneous mounting prevention portion 6K and each interference wall K2 , and contact between the collision wall 6Ka and the interference wall K2 is not allowed.

[0122] [In the case of incorrect installation of the process cartridge PK]

[0123] Next, a case where the process cartridge PK is erroneously mounted will be described. Fig.18 1 is an explanatory view illustrating an erroneous installation of the process cartridge PK by taking the following erroneous installation as an example: the state where the cartridge tray 40 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the process cartridge PK is installed in the position of the process cartridge PM. Fig.18 , the process box PK is installed at the position of the process box PM, so the process box PM is installed at the position of the process box PK. When the box tray 40 is gradually inserted in the state where the process box PK is installed at the position of the process box PM, the top surface portion Y1 of the process box PY installed at the normal position is lower than the bottom surface 6Kb of the wrong installation prevention portion 6K. Accordingly, the process box PY passes through the wrong installation prevention portion 6K without contacting the wrong installation prevention portion 6K. Then, when the box tray 40 is further inserted into the image forming device 1, the collision wall 6Ka of the wrong installation prevention portion 6K contacts the interference wall K2 of the process box PK installed at the position of the process box PM. The collision wall 6Ka of the wrong installation prevention portion 6K contacts the interference wall K2 of the process box PK, thereby preventing the box tray 40 from being further inserted into the image forming device 1. As described above, through the wrong installation prevention mechanism of the present embodiment, the user can understand that the process box is incorrectly installed, and prevent the box tray 40 from being accommodated in the accommodating portion T.

[0124] [Structure of the mechanism for preventing incorrect installation of the process cartridge PK]

[0125] Fig.19 It is used to illustrate the Fig.17 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the erroneous installation preventing portion 6K and the rib K3 of the process cartridge PK and the cross section of the optical scanning device 2 and the process cartridge PK, taken along the line XIX-XIX illustrated in FIG. Fig.19 When from Fig.17 Schematic diagram when the optical scanning device 2 and the process box PK are viewed forward from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG.

[0126] exist Fig.19 In the embodiment, the erroneous installation preventing portion 6K of the cover member 5 is provided at a position near both ends facing the optical scanning device 2 along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PK (the longitudinal direction is also a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the cartridge tray 40). In addition, the interference wall K2 is provided at a position of the process cartridge PK corresponding to the erroneous installation preventing portion 6K. At the same time, the process cartridge PK includes, at its vertical upper portion facing the optical scanning device 2: Fig.19 The rib K3 has a recessed top surface portion K1 on both sides (in the right-left direction in the image); and a rib K3 having an interference wall K2 vertically provided from the top surface portion K1. In addition, the rib K3 has a top portion K4 facing the optical scanning device 2. Although not shown, when the rib K3 of the processing box PK is viewed from facing the same optical scanning device 2, the shape of the rib K3 can also be regarded as a T-shape with a wider middle rod portion. Then, when the processing box PK is incorrectly installed, the collision wall 6Ka of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6K is constructed to contact the interference wall K2 of the processing box PK. Fig.18 In the above, the case where the process cartridge PM is mistakenly installed as the process cartridge PK has been described. Even when the process cartridge PK is mistakenly installed at the installation position of the process cartridges PC and PY, the collision wall 6Ka contacts the interference wall K2 of the mistakenly installed process cartridge PK in the process of inserting the cartridge tray 40 into the image forming apparatus 1. Accordingly, the cartridge tray 40 is not accommodated in the accommodating portion T.

[0127] [Mechanism to prevent incorrect installation of process cartridges PM and PC]

[0128] The erroneous installation prevention mechanism for detecting erroneous installation when the process cartridge PK is thus erroneously installed in the position of other process cartridges on the cartridge tray 40 has been described above. In the present embodiment, similar erroneous installation prevention mechanisms are also provided for the process cartridges PM and PC, and will be referred to in detail. Figure 20 to Figure 24 The erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridges PM and PC is described.

[0129] [When each process cartridge is installed in the normal position]

[0130] Fig. 20 1 is a view for illustrating a state in which the cartridge tray 40 in which the respective process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are mounted in normal positions is accommodated in the accommodating portion T of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0131] exist Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the erroneous installation prevention mechanism of the process cartridge PM is formed by: an erroneous installation prevention portion 6M protruding from the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 toward the process cartridge PM; and a rib portion M3 (see Fig. 22 ), which is arranged on the upper part of the processing box PM. Fig. 20 , similar to the erroneous installation preventing portion 6K, the erroneous installation preventing portion 6M has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the left side of the image forming apparatus 1. The bottom surface 6Mb of the erroneous installation preventing portion 6M facing the process cartridge PM is a horizontal surface, and the erroneous installation preventing portion 6M extends vertically to the top M4 (see FIG. Fig. 22 ), the top M4 is the flat surface portion of the rib M3 of the process box PM that is closest to the optical scanning device 2. On the process box PM, a top surface portion M1 is formed at a height that is lower than the top M4 of the rib of the process box PM and does not allow the bottom surface 6Mb of the erroneous installation prevention portion 6M to contact the top surface portion. In the process box PM, similar to the process box PK, a portion of each top surface portion M1 is interrupted by an interference wall M2 that is vertically provided toward the vertical upper portion of the cover member 5 in the middle of the downstream side in the insertion direction of the box tray 40. It should be noted that, as Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the process cartridge PM is mounted in the normal position of the cartridge tray 40 , there is a gap between each collision wall 6Ma of the erroneous mounting prevention portion 6M and each interference wall M2 , and contact between the collision wall 6Ma and the interference wall M2 is not allowed.

[0132] Furthermore, the erroneous installation preventing mechanism of the process cartridge PC is formed by: an erroneous installation preventing portion 6C protruding from the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 toward the process cartridge PC (toward the image forming unit); and a rib C3 (see Fig.21 ), which is arranged on the upper part of the processing box PC. Fig. 20 , similar to the erroneous installation preventing portion 6M, the erroneous installation preventing portion 6C has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the left side of the image forming apparatus 1. The bottom surface 6Cb of the erroneous installation preventing portion 6C facing the process cartridge PC is a horizontal surface, and the erroneous installation preventing portion 6C extends vertically to the top C4 (see FIG. Fig.21), the top C4 is the flat surface portion of the rib C3 of the process box PC that is closest to the optical scanning device 2. On the process box PC, the top surface portion C1 is formed at a height that is lower than the top C4 of the rib of the process box PC and does not allow the bottom surface 6Cb of the erroneous installation prevention portion 6C to contact the top surface portion. In the process box PC, similar to the process box PM, a part of each top surface portion C1 is interrupted by an interference wall C2 vertically provided toward the vertical upper portion of the cover member 5 in the middle of the downstream side in the insertion direction of the box tray 40. It should be noted that, as Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the process cartridge PC is mounted in the normal position of the cartridge tray 40 , there is a gap between each collision wall 6Ca of the erroneous mounting prevention portion 6C and each interference wall C2 , and contact between the collision wall 6Ca and the interference wall C2 is not allowed.

[0133] [Structure of the mechanism for preventing incorrect installation of the process cartridge PC]

[0134] Fig.21 It is used to illustrate the Fig. 20 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the erroneous installation preventing portion 6C and the rib C3 of the process cartridge PC and the cross section of the optical scanning device 2 and the process cartridge PC, taken along the line XXI-XXI illustrated in FIG. Fig.21 When from Fig. 20 Schematic diagram when the optical scanning device 2 and the process box PC are viewed forward from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG.

[0135] exist Fig.21 In the embodiment, the erroneous installation preventing portion 6C of the cover member 5 is disposed at a position closer to the center of the optical scanning device 2 than the above-mentioned erroneous installation preventing portion 6K is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the process box PC. In addition, the interference wall C2 is disposed at a position of the process box PC corresponding to the erroneous installation preventing portion 6C. As described above, the process box PC includes, in its vertical upper portion facing the optical scanning device 2, a plurality of interfering walls C2 extending in the longitudinal direction ( Fig.21 The processing box PC includes a recessed top surface portion C1 on both sides (in the right-left direction in the process). In addition, the processing box PC includes a rib C3 having an interference wall C2, and the interference wall C2 is partially vertically arranged from the top surface portion C1 to contact with the collision wall 6Ca of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6C. The rib C3 includes a top portion C4 facing the optical scanning device 2. Although not shown, when the rib C3 of the processing box PC is viewed from the same optical scanning device 2, the shape of the rib C3 can also be regarded as a T-shape with a wider central rod portion. Then, when the processing box PC is incorrectly installed, the collision wall 6Ca of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6C is constructed to contact with the interference wall C2 of the processing box PC. It should be noted that in the rib C3 of the processing box PC, its longitudinal direction ( Fig.21The width of the rib C3 (in the right-left direction) is shorter than the width of the rib K3 of the process box PK to prevent the collision wall 6Ka of the erroneous installation prevention portion 6K from contacting the rib C3.

[0136] [Structure of the mechanism for preventing incorrect installation of the process cartridge PM]

[0137] Fig. 22 It is used to illustrate the Fig. 20 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the erroneous installation preventing portion 6M and the rib portion M3 of the process cartridge PM and a cross section of the optical scanning device 2 and the process cartridge PM, taken along the line XXII-XXII illustrated in FIG. Fig. 22 When from Fig. 20 Schematic diagram when the optical scanning device 2 and the process box PM are viewed forward from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG.

[0138] exist Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the erroneous installation preventing portion 6M of the cover member 5 is disposed at a position closer to the center of the optical scanning device 2 than the above-mentioned erroneous installation preventing portion 6C in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge PM. In addition, the interference wall M2 is disposed at a position of the process cartridge PC corresponding to the erroneous installation preventing portion 6M. As described above, the process cartridge PM includes, in its vertical upper portion facing the optical scanning device 2, a plurality of interfering walls M2 extending in the longitudinal direction ( Fig. 22 The processing box PM includes a recessed top surface portion M1 on both sides (in the right-left direction in the process). In addition, the processing box PM includes a rib M3 having an interference wall M2, and the interference wall M2 is partially vertically arranged from the top surface portion M1 to contact with the collision wall 6Ma of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6M. The rib M3 includes a top portion M4 facing the optical scanning device 2. Although not shown, when the rib M3 of the processing box PM is viewed from the same optical scanning device 2, the shape of the rib M3 can also be regarded as a T-shape with a wider central rod portion. Then, when the processing box PM is incorrectly installed, the collision wall 6Ma of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6M is constructed to contact with the interference wall M2 of the processing box PM. It should be noted that in the rib M3 of the processing box PM, its longitudinal direction ( Fig. 22 The width of the ribs K3 and C3 of the process box PK is shorter than that of the ribs K3 and C3 to prevent the collision walls 6Ka and 6Ca of the erroneous installation preventing parts 6K and 6C from contacting the ribs M3.

[0139] [Structure of the mechanism for preventing incorrect installation of the process cartridge PY]

[0140] Fig.23 It is used to illustrate the Fig. 20 2 is an explanatory diagram of a cross section of the optical scanning device 2 and the process box PY taken along the line XXIII-XXIII shown in FIG. Fig.23 When from Fig. 20Schematic diagram when the optical scanning device 2 and the process box PY are viewed forward from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG.

[0141] exist Fig.23 In the embodiment, the optical scanning device 2 is not provided with a mechanism for preventing the process box PY installed on the frontmost part of the box tray 40, and the mechanism for preventing the process box PY from being installed is similar to the mechanism for preventing the process box PM, PC and PK from being installed. The process box PY includes, in its vertical upper part facing the optical scanning device 2: a recessed top surface portion Y1 on both sides in the longitudinal direction; and a rib Y3 vertically arranged from the top surface portion Y1. In addition, the rib Y3 has a top Y4 facing the optical scanning device 2. The optical scanning device 2 is not provided with a mechanism for preventing the process box PY from being installed, and therefore the process box PY does not include an interference wall similar to that in the process boxes PM, PC and PK. Although not shown, when the rib Y3 of the process box PY is viewed from the optical scanning device 2 facing the same, the shape of the rib Y3 can also be considered to be I-shaped. In addition, in the rib Y3 of the process box PY, its longitudinal direction ( Fig.23 The width of the ribs Y3 (in the right-left direction) is shorter than the width of the ribs K3, C3 and M3 of the processing boxes PK, PC and PM to prevent the collision walls 6Ka, 6Ca and 6Ma of the incorrect installation prevention parts 6K, 6C and 6M from contacting the ribs Y3.

[0142] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, such a mechanism for preventing the erroneous installation of the process cartridge PY is not provided on the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2. When the process cartridge PY is erroneously installed, at least one of the other process cartridges is also not correctly installed at the same time. Accordingly, the problem caused by not providing the erroneous installation prevention mechanism for the process cartridge PY does not occur.

[0143] As mentioned above, Fig.19 , Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As shown in FIG. 1 , the erroneous installation preventing portions 6C, 6M and 6K and the interference walls C2, M2 and K2 of the optical scanning device 2 are provided on both sides, and the longitudinal center of each process box is sandwiched while translating the formation positions of the preventing portions and the interference walls for each process box. Specifically, the erroneous installation preventing portions 6M, 6C and 6K are formed on the cover member 5 at positions corresponding to the process boxes PM, PC and PK as follows. That is, in the order of the process boxes PM, PC and PK, the positions of the erroneous installation preventing portions 6M, 6C and 6K are translated one by one along the end direction thereof, and the direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the box tray 40 moves to the accommodating position.

[0144] The order of the process boxes PM, PC and PK is also from the downstream side to the upstream side along the direction in which the box tray 40 moves to the accommodating position. Similarly, in the order of the process boxes PM, PC and PK, the positions formed by the interference walls M2, C2 and K2 of the process boxes PM, PC and PK are translated one by one along the direction of their ends, and the direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the box tray 40 moves to the accommodating position. Therefore, when the process box is installed in the normal position, the corresponding collision wall and the corresponding interference wall will not contact each other during the insertion process. Therefore, the box tray 40 is accommodated in the accommodating portion T.

[0145] [In the case of incorrect installation of the process cartridge]

[0146] Next, a case where the process cartridge PC is erroneously mounted will be described. Fig.24 So with the above Fig.18 Taking another different erroneous installation as an example, an exemplary diagram for explaining a state when the cartridge tray 40 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 in a state in which the process cartridge PC is mounted at the position of the process cartridge PM.

[0147] When gradually inserting the box tray 40 on which the process box PC is mistakenly installed, the top surface portion Y1 of the process box PY installed in the normal position is lower than the bottom surfaces 6Kb, 6Cb and 6Mb of each mistaken installation prevention portion 6K, 6C and 6M. Therefore, the process box PY passes through the mistaken installation prevention portion 6K, 6C and 6M without contacting it. Then, when the box tray 40 is further inserted into the image forming device 1, the process box PC passes through the mistaken installation prevention portion 6K without contacting it, because the installation positions of the mistaken installation prevention portion 6K and the interference wall C2 are misaligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the process box. However, when the mistakenly installed process box PC passes through the mistaken installation prevention portion 6C, the collision wall 6Ca contacts with the interference wall C2. Then, the collision wall 6Ca of the mistaken installation prevention portion 6C contacts with the interference wall C2 of the process box PC, thereby preventing the box tray 40 from being further inserted into the image forming device 1.

[0148] Furthermore, for example, when the process cartridge PC is erroneously installed at the position of the process cartridge PY, similarly to the case where the process cartridge PC is installed at the position of the process cartridge PM, when the process cartridge PC passes through the erroneous installation preventing portion 6C, the collision wall 6Ca and the interference wall C2 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the cartridge tray 40 is prevented from being further inserted into the image forming apparatus 1.

[0149] The situation of the wrong installation of the process box PC has been described above, which is also applicable to the wrong installation of the process box PM. For example, consider the situation where the box tray 40 is inserted in which the process box PM is wrongly installed at the position of the process box PY. In this case, the process box PM passes through the wrong installation prevention part 6K without contacting it, because the installation positions of the wrong installation prevention part 6K and the interference wall M2 are misaligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the process box. Similarly, the process box PM passes through the wrong installation prevention part 6C without contacting it, because the installation positions of the wrong installation prevention part 6C and the interference wall M2 are also misaligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the process box. However, when the wrongly installed process box PM passes through the wrong installation prevention part 6M, the collision wall 6Ma contacts the interference wall M2. Then, the collision wall 6Ma of the wrong installation prevention part 6M contacts the interference wall M2 of the process box PM, thereby preventing the box tray 40 from being further inserted into the image forming device 1.

[0150] As described above, when the cartridge tray 40 in which the process cartridge is incorrectly installed is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, the collision wall of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6 corresponding to the incorrectly installed process cartridge contacts the interference wall. Accordingly, the user can understand the incorrect installation. Then, according to which of the incorrect installation prevention portions 6M, 6C, and 6K corresponds to the collision wall of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6 in contact with the interference wall, it can be seen which of the process cartridges PM, PC, and PK corresponds to the incorrectly installed process cartridge. In addition, the installation position of the incorrectly installed process cartridge can be understood based on the installation position of the cartridge tray 40 in which the collision wall of the incorrect installation prevention portion 6 contacts the interference wall.

[0151] [Shock absorption mechanism when the process cartridge is incorrectly installed]

[0152] Next, a mechanism for absorbing a shock when the process cartridge is erroneously mounted will be described.

[0153] [Mounting mechanism for a cover member for accommodating an optical scanning device]

[0154] Fig.25 2 is a perspective view of the optical scanning device 2 in a state where the cover member 5 is mounted on the optical box 23 when viewed from the cover member 5. Fig.25 In the embodiment, the four elongated openings along the right-left direction of the cover member 5 are openings from which laser light to be irradiated to the photosensitive drum 11 is emitted. The trapezoidal member pairs are the above-mentioned erroneous installation preventing portions 6M, 6C and 6K, each of which is provided between the respective openings along the right-left direction. Fig.25As shown in FIG. 2 , the cover member 5 includes a plurality of fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d having a snap-fit ​​structure for fixing the cover member 5 to the optical box 23. The fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are provided at four corners of the optical box 23, and are elastically fixed to the optical box 23 by the snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure of the fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d is molded integrally with the cover member 5, and has a square shape having an opening portion. When the cover member 5 is assembled to the optical box 23, the snap-fit ​​structure of the fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d is elastically bent so as to pass over the protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d provided on the optical box 23. Then, the protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are engaged with the opening portions of the snap-fit ​​structure of the fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. As described above, the protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d of the optical box 23 protrude from and engage with the opening portions provided in the snap-fit ​​structures of the fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d, respectively. Therefore, the cover member 5 is held by the optical box 23. It should be noted that reference will be made to Fig.26A and Fig.26B describe Fig.25 The U portion surrounded by an ellipse in the figure includes the wrong installation prevention portion 6C and the holes 5e and 5f. Fig.27A , Fig.27B and Fig.27C describe Fig.25 Bosses 3g and 3h and base surface 3i are shown in FIG.

[0155] [Structure of impact absorbing mechanism of cover member of optical scanning device]

[0156] Subsequently, the impact absorbing mechanism of the cover member of the present embodiment will be described. Fig.26A and Fig.26B yes Fig.25 1 is an explanatory enlarged view of the U portion in FIG. 1 for illustrating the impact absorbing operation when the collision wall of the erroneous mounting preventing portion 6 provided on the cover member 5 contacts the interference wall of the process cartridge and receives an impact due to erroneous mounting.

[0157] Fig.26A1 is a view for illustrating the state of the U portion when each process cartridge is mounted on the normal position of the cartridge tray 40 and the cartridge tray 40 is accommodated in the accommodation portion T of the image forming apparatus 1. The cover member 5 is held on the optical box 23 by the snap-fit ​​structure of the above-mentioned fixing portions 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d. However, only in this way, the position of the cover member 5 to the optical box 23 cannot be firmly determined. Accordingly, the cover member 5 of the present embodiment is provided with holes 5e and 5f as opening portions, and bosses 3e and 3f which are separately provided on the optical box 23 and vertically provided toward the cover member 5 are inserted into the holes 5e and 5f, respectively. Then, springs 16 and 17 are installed on the cover member 5, and the bosses 3e and 3f (first protrusions) protruding from the holes 5e and 5f are pushed toward the rear of the image forming apparatus 1 (i.e., toward the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40) by the springs 16 and 17, and the springs 16 and 17 are first elastic members bridged with the holes 5e and 5f. In the present embodiment, the width of the spring 16 in the bridging direction of the hole 5e is set to a matching relationship with the diameter of the boss 3e, and the width of the spring 17 in the bridging direction of the hole 5f is set to a matching relationship with the diameter of the boss 3f. Then, by being pushed by the springs 16 and 17, the bosses 3e and 3f are respectively abutted against the end surfaces 5e1 and 5f1 of the holes 5e and 5f (first position). The end surfaces 5e1 and 5f1 are located downstream in the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40. Therefore, the cover member 5 is placed on the optical box 23 by the engagement of the fixing portions of the cover member 5 and the optical box 23 through the above-mentioned snap-fit ​​structure.

[0158] Then, refer to Fig.26B The shock absorbing operation of the cover member 5 when the process cartridge is erroneously mounted is described. Fig.26B It is a view for illustrating the state of the cover member 5 when the collision wall of the wrong installation prevention portion 6 provided on the cover member 5 collides with the interference wall of the process cartridge during the process of inserting the cartridge tray 40 on which the process cartridge is wrongly installed into the image forming apparatus 1. The collision wall of the wrong installation prevention portion 6 collides with the interference wall of the wrongly installed process cartridge. Accordingly, the cover member 5 receives the impact in the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40. As described above, the cover member 5 is pushed toward the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40 only by the elastic force of the springs 16 and 17, and overcomes the thrust of the springs 16 and 17, and temporarily moves in the insertion direction of the cartridge tray together with the impact at the time of the collision (second position). The width of the holes 5e and 5f of the cover member 5 in the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40 is set to be greater than the movement amount of the cover member 5. Accordingly, the bosses 3e and 3f of the optical box 23 do not collide with the end surfaces of the holes 5e and 5f opposite to the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40. It should be noted that the movement amount of the cover member 5 is the length (distance) of the gap between the collision wall of the erroneous mounting preventing portion 6 and the interference wall of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted in the normal position.

[0159] The cartridge tray 40 is prevented from being inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, so the user recognizes that the process cartridge is incorrectly installed, and performs an operation to pull the cartridge tray 40 out of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the cover member 5 moves in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40. Therefore, by the urging force of the springs 16 and 17 whose bending amount of each spring increases, the cover member 5 returns until the bosses 3e and 3f abut against the end surfaces 5e1 and 5f1 of the holes 5e and 5f ( Fig.26A As described above, the cover member 5 is elastically urged to be movable in the direction receiving the impact, so that the impact can be absorbed by the elastic force.

[0160] [Structure of the shock absorption mechanism of the optical box of the optical scanning device]

[0161] Then, refer to Fig.27A , Fig.27B and Fig.27C The shock absorbing mechanism of the optical box 23 of the optical scanning device 2 is described.

[0162] Fig.27A This is a view of the frame (Ff, Fr) mounting portion of the optical scanning device 2 when the frame (Ff, Fr) mounting portion of the optical scanning device 2 is viewed from the process cartridge when the cartridge tray 40 with the process cartridge mounted in the normal position is accommodated in the accommodating portion T of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, Fig.27B is when viewed from above the optical scanning device 2 Fig.27A It should be noted that the frame (Ff, Fr) mounting portion is a mounting portion for fixing the optical scanning device 2 to the front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0163] like Fig.27A As shown in FIG. 1 , in the optical scanning device 2, the base surfaces 3i1 and 3i2 of the optical box 23 abut against the frame Fr of the image forming device 1, and the base surface 3i3 of the optical box 23 abuts against the frame Ff of the image forming device 1. Then, by abutting the base surfaces 3i1 and 3i2 of the optical box 23 against the frame Fr of the image forming device 1, the bosses 3g and 3h (second protrusions) provided on the base surfaces 3i1 and 3i2 of the optical box 23 are respectively inserted through the holes Fr1 and Fr2 provided in the frame Fr. In addition, as shown in FIG. Fig.27B As shown in the figure, the ends of the ribs 3j and 3k vertically arranged on the base surfaces 3i1 and 3i2 of the optical box 23 of the optical scanning device 2 (the ends toward the insertion direction of the box tray 40) are pushed by springs 18 and 19, which are for the second insertion.

[0164] The springs 18 and 19 push the ribs 3j and 3k mounted on the frame Fr in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40. Therefore, the bosses 3g and 3h are brought into contact with the end surfaces Fr3 and Fr4 of the holes Fr1 and Fr2 opposite to the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40 (third position). At the same time, the rib 31 vertically provided on the base surface 3i3 of the optical box 23 of the optical scanning device 2 is pushed toward the frame Ff by the spring 15 bridged across the rib 3l.

[0165] In the present embodiment, the width of the spring 18 in the bridging direction of the hole Fr1 of the frame Fr is set to a matching relationship with the diameter of the boss 3g, and the width of the spring 19 in the bridging direction of the hole Fr2 of the frame Fr is also set to a matching relationship with the diameter of the boss 3h. Then, by the push of the springs 18 and 19, the bosses 3g and 3h are respectively abutted against the end surfaces Fr3 and Fr4 of the holes Fr1 and Fr2, and the base surfaces 3i1, 3i2 and 3i3 of the optical box 23 are fixed to the frames Fr and Ff. Thus, the position of the optical scanning device 2 relative to the frames Ff and Fr of the image forming apparatus 1 is determined.

[0166] [Shock absorbing operation of the optical box of the optical scanning device to the shock absorbing mechanism]

[0167] Next, we will refer to Fig.27C , describing the shock absorbing operation of the optical scanning device 2 when the process cartridge is incorrectly installed. Fig.27C It is a view for illustrating the state of the frame (Ff, Fr) mounting portion of the optical scanning device when the interference wall of the process cartridge erroneously mounted on the cartridge tray 40 collides with the collision wall of the erroneous mounting preventing portion 6 provided on the cover member 5 .

[0168] The collision wall of the wrong installation prevention portion 6 collides with the interference wall of the wrongly installed process box. Accordingly, the optical scanning device 2 receives the impact in the insertion direction of the box tray 40. As described above, the optical scanning device 2 is pushed to the insertion direction of the box tray 40 only by the elastic force of the springs 18 and 19. Accordingly, overcoming the thrust of the springs 18 and 19, the optical scanning device 2 (optical box 23) temporarily moves in the insertion direction of the box tray 40 together with the impact during the collision (fourth position). The width of the holes Fr1 and Fr2 of the frame Fr in the insertion direction of the box tray 40 is set to be greater than the movement amount of the optical scanning device 2. Accordingly, the bosses 3g and 3h of the optical box 23 do not collide with the end surfaces of the holes Fr1 and Fr2 opposite to the insertion direction of the box tray 40. It should be noted that the movement amount of the optical scanning device 2 is the length (distance) of the gap between the collision wall of the wrong installation prevention portion 6 and the interference wall of the process box when the process box is installed in the normal position.

[0169] The cartridge tray 40 is prevented from being inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, so the user recognizes that the process cartridge is incorrectly installed, and performs an operation to pull the cartridge tray 40 out of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the optical scanning device 2 moves in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 40. Therefore, by the urging force of the springs 18 and 19 whose bending amount of each spring increases, the optical scanning device 2 returns until the bosses 3g and 3h abut against the end surfaces Fr3 and Fr4 of the holes Fr1 and Fr2 ( Fig.27A As described above, the optical scanning device 2 is elastically pushed to be able to move in the direction in which the impact is received. Accordingly, the impact on the optical scanning device can be reduced to suppress changes in optical characteristics such as spot diameter.

[0170] In the present embodiment, the case where the process boxes PK, PC and PM are respectively erroneously installed at the position where the process boxes PC, PM and PY are to be installed, which is downstream of the normal position of the box tray 40 in the insertion direction of the box tray 40. The above description can also be considered as an example of the case where the process boxes PC, PM and PY are respectively erroneously installed at the installation positions of PK, PC and PM on the box tray 40, which is upstream of the normal position of the box tray 40 in the insertion direction of the box tray 40. In addition, although there is no erroneous installation prevention portion and interference wall for the process box PY, the fact that the process box PY is erroneously installed means that another process box is erroneously installed at the position of the process box PY. Therefore, the fact that the remaining three process boxes PM, PC and PK are prevented from being erroneously installed means that the erroneous installation prevention mechanism works.

[0171] In addition, although the configuration in which the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are mounted on the cartridge tray 40 has been described in the present embodiment in the order described, the order in which the process cartridges are mounted may be any appropriate order. That is, when the configuration of the erroneous mounting preventing portion 6 of the cover member 5 remains the same (for example, Fig. 20 ), then it is only necessary for the interference wall of the rib of the process cartridge mounted on the cartridge tray 40 to correspond to the collision wall of the wrong installation preventing portion 6. As described above, in a color image forming apparatus using a plurality of process cartridges, it is not necessary to add a component specifically for preventing wrong installation. Therefore, the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus 1 is not impaired.

[0172] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous mounting of the process cartridge without compromising the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus.

[0173] [Fifth embodiment]

[0174] In the fourth embodiment, an embodiment of preventing a process cartridge from being erroneously installed in a color image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a plurality of process cartridges are installed on a cartridge tray has been described. In the fifth embodiment, an embodiment of preventing a process cartridge from being erroneously installed in a color image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a process cartridge can be replaced individually will be described.

[0175]

Structure of optical scanning equipment

[0176] Fig.28 1 is an explanatory schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the configuration of the housing portion T of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment and the optical scanning device 2 adjacent to the housing portion T and irradiating laser light to the respective photosensitive drums 11 of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. In the first embodiment, the optical scanning device 2 is disposed vertically above the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, and is configured to irradiate laser light to the respective photosensitive drums 11 of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, which are disposed vertically below the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the optical scanning device 2 is disposed vertically below the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, and is configured to apply laser light to the photosensitive drums 11 of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, which are disposed vertically above the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Also, in the second embodiment, the internal configuration of the optical scanning device 2 is similar to that of the first embodiment, and the cover member 5 is arranged to face the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Fig.28 , the same reference numerals denote components having functions similar to those in the fourth embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0177] The process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK in this embodiment are different from the process boxes of the first embodiment in that the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK can be replaced and installed separately. Fig.28 The direction of the sheet surface is installed and removed, the Fig.28 The direction of the sheet surface is the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 11. For example, in the case where each process cartridge is pulled out, the direction perpendicular to Fig.28 Pull the process cartridge out to the front side of the sheet surface in the direction of the sheet surface, and with the process cartridge installed, pull the process cartridge out in the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface. Fig.28 Insert the process cartridge to the depth side of the sheet surface in the direction of the sheet surface.

[0178] Then, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent the wrong installation of the process cartridge, the wrong installation preventing portions 6Y1, 6M1, 6C1 and 6K1 are provided on the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2, and the wrong installation preventing portions 6Y1, 6M1, 6C1 and 6K1 are protruding portions having a protruding shape and protruding toward the process cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK. At the same time, recessed groove portions Y5, M5, C5 and K5 having a concave shape are provided at the positions of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK, and the recessed groove portions Y5, M5, C5 and K5 face the wrong installation preventing portions 6Y1, 6M1, 6C1 and 6K1 of the cover member 5. Across with Fig.28 In the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface (i.e., across the two ends in the longitudinal direction), the erroneous installation preventing portions 6Y1, 6M1, 6C1 and 6K1 provided on the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 and the groove portions Y5, M5, C5 and K5 provided on the process cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK are formed. In addition, the groove portions Y5, M5, C5 and K5 are formed to be misaligned with each other in the arrangement direction of the photosensitive drums between the process cartridges. The erroneous installation preventing portions 6Y1, 6M1, 6C1 and 6K1 provided on the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 are formed to be misaligned with each other between the process cartridges.

[0179] Fig.28 2 is a view for illustrating a state where the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are installed in a normal position. Fig.28 In the embodiment, the respective protruding portions of the erroneous installation preventing portions 6Y1, 6M1, 6C1 and 6K1 provided on the cover member 5 and the respective recessed portions of the groove portions Y5, M5, C5 and K5 of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK correctly correspond to each other, and thus, the process cartridges are accommodated in the accommodation portion T accordingly. Meanwhile, when the process cartridge is erroneously installed, the protruding portions of the erroneous installation preventing portions provided on the cover member 5 of the optical scanning device 2 and the recessed portions provided on the process cartridge do not correspond to each other. Accordingly, the process cartridge is prevented from being accommodated in the accommodation portion T, and the user can recognize the erroneous installation.

[0180] Furthermore, regarding the mechanism for absorbing shocks at the time of incorrect installation (the mechanism already described in the fourth embodiment), the construction of the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the present embodiment. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the optical scanning device 2 is constructed to be arranged vertically below the processing boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. The present embodiment is also applicable to a construction similar to that in the fourth embodiment, in which the optical scanning device 2 is arranged vertically above the processing boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. Furthermore, it is only necessary that the positions of the respective protruding portions forming the incorrect installation prevention portions 6Y1, 6M1, 6C1, 6K1 correspond to the positions of the respective recessed portions forming the groove portions Y5, M5, C5 and K5 of the processing boxes PY, PM, PC and PK, but is not limited to. Fig.28As described above, in a color image forming apparatus using a plurality of process cartridges, there is no need to add a dedicated component for preventing erroneous installation. Accordingly, miniaturization of the image forming apparatus 1 is not impaired.

[0181] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous mounting of the process cartridge without compromising the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus.

[0182] 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 image forming device, the image forming device forming a toner image on a recording material, the image forming device comprising: Photosensitive member; an optical scanning unit configured to scan the photosensitive member using laser light according to image information, the optical scanning unit comprising: light source; a deflector configured to deflect laser light emitted from the light source; an imaging lens configured to form an image of the laser light deflected by the deflector; an optical box configured to hold the deflector and the imaging lens; and a cover member configured to cover the opening of the optical box; and a moving unit capable of moving to the outside of the image forming device, wherein the optical scanning unit and the moving unit are arranged so that the moving unit and the optical scanning unit are opposite to each other in a state where the moving unit is located inside the image forming device, wherein the optical scanning unit is configured to allow a user to contact the optical scanning unit through a space generated inside the image forming device when the moving unit moves to the outside of the image forming device, and wherein, in the optical box and the cover member, the cover member is opposite to the moving unit, The optical box includes a support portion for limiting deformation of the cover member, the support portion having a gap between the cover member and a distal end portion of the support portion itself close to the cover member, and the gap in which optical components are arranged inside the optical box is larger than the gap between the cover member and the support portion.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cartridge tray configured to accommodate a process cartridge including the photosensitive member, in, The moving unit is a box tray.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The optical scanning unit is disposed vertically above the photosensitive member.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The moving unit is a cartridge configured to accommodate a recording material to which the toner image is transferred.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The optical scanning unit is disposed vertically below the photosensitive member.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The deflector includes a rotating polygonal mirror configured to deflect the laser light, and The rotating polygonal mirror is arranged vertically below a driving circuit board, and the driving circuit board is configured to drive the deflector.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cover member is made of resin, and at least a portion of the region of the cover member on the opposite side to the moving unit is roughened.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The cover member is made of resin and has a 1×10 11 Resistivity of ohm-meter (Ω·m) or less.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of process cartridges, in, The moving unit is configured to accommodate the plurality of process cartridges, wherein the cover member includes a plurality of erroneous installation preventing portions, the erroneous installation preventing portions protruding toward the moving unit, and When the movable unit moves toward the inside of the image forming device in a state where at least one of the plurality of processing boxes is installed at an incorrect position relative to the movable unit, the processing box installed at the incorrect position collides with one of the plurality of incorrect installation preventing portions.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of erroneous mounting preventing portions are respectively provided at a plurality of positions of the cover member corresponding to the plurality of process cartridges.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of process cartridges is provided with a wall portion, the wall portion being configured to abut against a corresponding erroneous installation preventing portion of the plurality of erroneous installation preventing portions when the moving unit moves toward the inside of the image forming apparatus in a state where the corresponding process cartridge is installed at an erroneous position relative to the moving unit, wherein an erroneous mounting preventing portion corresponding to each of the plurality of process cartridges is provided at each of a plurality of positions in a rotation axis direction of the photosensitive member, and wherein the wall portion of each of the plurality of process cartridges is provided at the each of the plurality of positions in the rotation axis direction.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The number of the erroneous mounting preventing portions corresponding to each of the plurality of process cartridges is 2, and Wherein, a distance between two erroneous installation preventing portions among the plurality of erroneous installation preventing portions increases from a downstream side toward an upstream side along a mounting direction of the moving unit.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: Among the plurality of process cartridges, a process cartridge on the most downstream side in the mounting direction of the moving unit lacks the wall portion.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: An erroneous mounting preventing portion is absent at a position of the cover member corresponding to the process cartridge on the most downstream side.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The cover member comprises: an opening through which the first protrusion of the optical box is inserted; and a first elastic member configured to push the first protrusion inserted through the opening, and The first elastic member pushes the first protrusion along the installation direction of the moving unit.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: The cover member is movable between a first position in which none of the erroneous installation preventing portions contacts the wall portion and a second position in which the erroneous installation preventing portions contacts the wall portion, and Wherein, when the erroneous installation preventing portion is separated from the wall portion, the first elastic member moves the cover member from the second position to the first position.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a frame configured to support the optical scanning unit, in, The framework includes: an opening through which the second protrusion of the optical box is inserted; and a second elastic member configured to push the second protrusion inserted through the opening, and The second elastic member pushes the second protrusion in a direction opposite to the installation direction of the moving unit.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: The optical box is movable between a third position, in which the erroneous installation preventing portion is not in contact with the wall portion, and a fourth position, in which the erroneous installation preventing portion is in contact with the wall portion, and Wherein, when the erroneous installation preventing portion is separated from the wall portion, the second elastic member moves the optical box from the fourth position to the third position.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The optical scanning unit is disposed vertically above the plurality of process cartridges mounted on the moving unit.

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