imaging device

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, an opening / closing member, a cartridge configured to be inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus main body, a support member configured to support the cartridge, a moving mechanism configured to support the support member and move the support member from a second position to a first position in accordance with movement of the opening / closing member from an open position to a closed position, and a force applying member configured to apply a force to the support member or the moving mechanism so that the support member is held at the second position by the moving mechanism in a state where the opening / closing member is at the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Technology

[0002] In electrophotographic imaging equipment, one or more components for performing electrophotographic processing are housed in a case that can be detachably attached to the imaging equipment body (hereinafter referred to as the equipment body) to facilitate replacement. With the case attached to the equipment body, it is positioned suitable for performing imaging operations. In Japanese Patent Application Publications Nos. 2010-164993 and 2009-282397, with an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to the equipment body, the case is inserted into the equipment body through an opening and supported by a support member. Then, by closing the opening / closing member, the support member is raised, thereby positioning the case.

[0003] However, in the constructions described in Japanese Patent Application Publications Nos. 2010-164993 and 2009-282397, it is desirable to improve the positional accuracy of the support member when the opening / closing component is open. If the positional accuracy of the support member is high when the opening / closing component is open, the box attached to and removed from the device body along the support member will hardly interfere with components located around the opening portion of the device body. As a result, the operability of attaching and removing the box can be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an imaging device that improves the operability of attaching and detaching the cartridge.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, an imaging apparatus includes: an apparatus body; an opening / closing member configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the opening / closing member closes an opening portion disposed in the apparatus body, and in the open position the opening / closing member opens the opening portion; a cassette configured to be inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus body through the opening portion when the opening / closing member is in the open position; a support member configured to support the cassette inserted into the apparatus body, the support member being configured to guide the cassette when it is inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus body; a moving mechanism configured to support the support member and move the support member from a second position to a first position according to the movement of the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position, the first position being a position where the cassette is permitted to be used for performing imaging operations, and the second position being a position where the cassette is permitted to be inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus body; and a force-applying member configured to apply force to the support member or the moving mechanism such that the support member is held in the second position by the moving mechanism when the opening / closing member is in the open position.

[0006] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device of the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imaging device of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2B This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imaging device of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the box in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4A This is a perspective view showing the state of the box support member and other components of the first embodiment when the door is open.

[0012] Figure 4B It is magnification Figure 4A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0013] Figure 5A This is a perspective view showing the state of the box support members and other components of the first embodiment obtained with the door closed.

[0014] Figure 5B It is magnification Figure 5A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0015] Figure 6A This is a diagram showing the door of the imaging device of the first embodiment in an open state.

[0016] Figure 6B It is magnification Figure 6A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0017] Figure 7A This is a diagram showing the state of the front door of the imaging device of the first embodiment being opened / closed.

[0018] Figure 7B It is magnification Figure 7A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0019] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing the door of the imaging device of the first embodiment in the closed state.

[0020] Figure 8B It is magnification Figure 8A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0021] Figure 9A This is a diagram illustrating the box support component, front arm, and other components of the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9B This is a diagram illustrating the box support component, front arm, and other components of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of the box support component and other components of the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating one type of forearm.

[0025] Figure 10C This is a diagram showing another type of forearm. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] In the following description, the imaging device and its components will be described in terms of arrangement and size with reference to three directions, X, Y, and Z. The X, Y, and Z directions are common to the imaging device and its components and intersect each other. The Z direction is the vertical direction (direction of gravity) of the imaging device placed on a horizontal plane. The Y direction is the direction of the rotation axis of the image-bearing component (also called the photoreceptor in electrophotography) and is the main scanning direction in imaging. The X direction is the direction that intersects with the Y and Z directions. Preferably, the X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Therefore, the X and Y directions are preferably horizontal directions orthogonal to the Z direction. In the accompanying drawings described below, the X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, when a direction is indicated by the symbol "+", that direction is indicated by a corresponding arrow in each figure; when a direction is indicated by the symbol "-", that direction is opposite to the direction indicated by the corresponding arrow. Furthermore, regarding components detachably attached to the main body of the imaging device, the position and orientation of the components in the state of being integrated into the main body of the device will be described.

[0028] First Embodiment

[0029] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment, showing a cross-section of the imaging device 1 perpendicular to the Y direction. This cross-sectional view shows the overall structure of the imaging device 1. Figure 2A and 2B This is a perspective view showing the appearance of imaging device 1. Figure 2A The front door 31 is shown to be closed. Figure 2B The image shows the state where the front door 31 is open and the box 12M is being inserted (or removed) into the main body 1A of the imaging device 1.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the imaging device 1 includes an intermediate transfer cascaded electrocam mechanism serving as the imaging section. The electrocam mechanism includes an intermediate transfer unit 16 and four processing cartridges (hereinafter referred to as cartridges) 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. The intermediate transfer unit 16 includes an intermediate transfer belt 18 serving as an intermediate transfer component, and the four cartridges are arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 18. The electrocam mechanism also includes a scanner unit 13 serving as an exposure section, a secondary transfer roller 21 serving as a transfer section, and a fixing device 25 serving as a fixing section. The imaging device 1 has an imaging function (printing function) that forms an image on a recording material P based on image data and instructions for performing an imaging operation. The image data and instructions are transmitted from an external device.

[0031] The cartridge 2 is housed in the lower part of the imaging device 1. The cartridge 2 stores recording material P and can be extracted from the main body 1A of the device. Near the edge portion in the X direction of the cartridge 2, a feeding unit 3 is provided for feeding the recording material P stacked and stored in the cartridge 2. Specifically, the feeding unit 3 separates the recording material P from other recording materials one by one and feeds the recording material P. The recording material P fed by the feeding unit 3 is conveyed toward the alignment roller pair 5.

[0032] The recording material P can be a sheet of paper, such as ordinary or thick paper, plastic film, cloth, sheet material on which certain surface treatments have been performed, such as coated paper, sheet material of a special shape, such as envelope or index paper, or any of various sheets of different sizes and materials. The main body 1A is the part of the imaging device 1 excluding the detachable units (such as cassette 2 and cassettes 12Y to 12K, front door 31, cassette support members 29Y to 29K, and linkage unit 54). The front door 31, cassette support members 29Y to 29K, and linkage unit 54 will be described later.

[0033] Cylinders 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are imaging units (also called processing units) that form images (toner images) using yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively. When viewed along the Y-direction, the four boxes 12Y to 12K are arranged substantially adjacent to each other in the X-direction.

[0034] Aside from the color of the toner contained in each cartridge, the four cartridges 12Y to 12K have essentially the same construction. Each cartridge 12Y to 12K includes a cleaner unit 6, a developing unit 9, and a photosensitive drum 7 that serves as an image-carrying component. The photosensitive drum 7 is a cylindrical component with its central axis extending in the Y direction and has a photosensitive layer formed on its outer peripheral portion and made of a photosensitive material such as an organic photosensitive material. The cleaner unit 6 includes a charging device 8 and a drum cleaner 10. The charging device 8 may be a roller component that abuts against the photosensitive drum 7. When a voltage is applied, the charging device 8 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 through proximity discharge. The drum cleaner 10 includes a scraper that abuts against the photosensitive drum 7. The scraper serves as a cleaning component to remove foreign matter (such as residual toner from the transfer) from the photosensitive drum 7. The developing unit 9 contains a developer containing yellow, magenta, cyan, or black toner. The developing apparatus 9 includes a developing roller 11, which serves as a developer carrier and supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 7.

[0035] Scanner unit 13 is disposed below housings 12Y to 12K. Scanner unit 13 includes a laser beam source and an optical system such as a polygonal mirror. The polygonal mirror receives a laser beam emitted from the laser beam source and emits the laser beam back onto the photosensitive drum 7. Furthermore, the polygonal mirror scans the photosensitive drum 7 along the Y direction with the laser beam.

[0036] Intermediate transfer unit 16 is disposed above cartridges 12Y to 12K and is detachably attached to the main body 1A. Intermediate transfer unit 16 includes an intermediate transfer belt 18, a secondary transfer inner roller 23, a tension roller 24, a primary transfer roller 19, and a belt cleaner 22. Each primary transfer roller 19 is associated with a corresponding photosensitive drum 7. The intermediate transfer belt 18 is tensioned by the secondary transfer inner roller 23 and the tension roller 24, which are disposed separately from each other; and extends substantially in the X direction. The intermediate transfer belt 18 is a rotatable annular belt. Each primary transfer roller 19 is configured to contact the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18. Therefore, a primary transfer portion 20 is formed between the primary transfer roller 19 and the corresponding photosensitive drum 7, which contacts the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18. Each primary transfer roller 19 is a primary transfer component that transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 7 to the intermediate transfer belt 18 when voltage is applied. The cleaner 22 includes a scraper that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 18. The scraper serves as a cleaning component to remove foreign matter (such as residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 18).

[0037] The secondary transfer roller 21 is configured to contact the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18. Therefore, a secondary transfer section 17 is formed between the secondary transfer roller 21 and the secondary transfer inner roller 23, which contacts the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18. The secondary transfer roller 21 is a secondary transfer component that transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 18 onto the recording material P when a voltage is applied.

[0038] The fixing device 25 includes a heating unit 25a that conveys the recording material P while heating it, and a pressure roller 25b that is in pressure contact with the heating unit 25a. For example, the heating unit 25a is a heater unit disposed on the inner surface side of the annular belt and includes a resistor that generates heat when supplied with current flowing through it. The fixing device 25 applies heat and pressure to the image formed on the recording material P while it is held between the heating unit 25a and the pressure roller 25b, while conveying the recording material P through the clamping portion formed between the heating unit 25a and the pressure roller 25b. A discharge roller pair 26 is disposed downstream of the fixing device 25 as a discharge unit. Furthermore, a discharge tray 27 is disposed on the top surface of the device body 1A as a stacking portion on which the recording material P that has been discharged by the discharge roller pair 26 is stacked.

[0039] Note that the low-voltage power supply is located on the rear surface of the main body 1A of the equipment (i.e., Figure 1 The dorsal side in the Y direction, or Figure 2A and 2B The middle section (opposite to the front door 31) is used to supply voltage to the drive circuits for motors, fans, solenoids, etc., installed in the imaging device 1. Furthermore, a high-voltage power supply is located in the space above the intermediate transfer unit 16 of the device body 1A to supply high voltage to the charging device 8, developing device 9, primary transfer roller 19, secondary transfer roller 21, etc. Additionally, a control board is installed in the device body 1A to serve as a control unit for controlling the power supply and overall operation of the imaging device 1.

[0040] Imaging operation

[0041] Next, the imaging operation performed by imaging device 1 will be described. First, the photosensitive drums 7 of each cartridge 12Y to 12K and the intermediate transfer belt 18 are rotated, and the surface of the photosensitive drums 7 is uniformly charged by charging device 8. Scanner unit 13 irradiates the photosensitive drums 7 with a laser beam modulated according to the image data to be formed into an image (printed image), thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drums 7. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drums 7 is developed (visualized) into a four-color toner image using a developer provided by developing device 9.

[0042] The toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred from the photosensitive drum 7 to the intermediate transfer belt 18 at the primary transfer portion 20 (primary transfer). Specifically, the transfer is performed such that the image is transferred in the direction of movement of the intermediate transfer belt 18 (i.e., ...). Figure 1The toner image transferred at the downstream of the primary transfer section 20 (in the right direction) overlaps with the toner image already transferred at the upstream of the primary transfer section 20 in the moving direction. As a result, a full-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 18. Adhering substances such as residual toner that were not transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18 at the primary transfer section 20 and remain on the photosensitive drum 7 are collected by the drum cleaners 10 of each cartridge 12Y to 12K.

[0043] In parallel with the imaging process described above, recording material P is fed from cartridge 2. Alignment rollers 5 transport the recording material P synchronously with the imaging process, such that the recording material P arrives at the secondary transfer section 17 at the same time the image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 18 arrives. Then, in the secondary transfer section 17, the image is transferred (secondary transfer) from the intermediate transfer belt 18 onto the recording material P. Adhering substances such as residual toner that were not transferred to the recording material P at the secondary transfer section 17 and remain on the intermediate transfer belt 18 are removed by belt cleaner 22 and collected in a collection container (not shown).

[0044] The recording material P, which has passed through the secondary transfer section 17, is heated and pressurized in the fixing device 25. In this operation, toners of various colors are melted and mixed together, and then cooled and cured, so that the image is fixed onto the recording material P. The recording material P, which has passed through the fixing device 25, is discharged to the outside of the device body 1A by the discharge roller pair 26 and stacked on the discharge tray 27.

[0045] Qianmen

[0046] like Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the imaging device 1 includes a front door 31 (also referred to as a door component or cover component), which serves as an opening / closing component capable of being opened and closed relative to the device body 1A. The front door 31 is disposed on a side surface of the device body 1A positioned along the -Y direction. The front door 31 can... Figure 2A The position shown (closed position) and Figure 2B The state of the front door 31 can be moved between the indicated positions (open position). That is, the state of the front door 31 can be adjusted by the user. Figure 2A The shown closed state and Figure 2B Switch between the shown open states.

[0047] In the following text, the state in which the front door 31 is in the open position (i.e., the state in which the front door 31 is open relative to the device body 1A) is defined as the door open state, and the state in which the front door 31 is in the closed position (i.e., the state in which the front door 31 is closed relative to the device body 1A) is defined as the door closed state. Furthermore, the side of the imaging device 1 with the front door 31 (i.e., the side of the imaging device 1 in the -Y direction) is defined as the front, and the side of the imaging device 1 opposite to the front is defined as the back.

[0048] like Figure 2B As shown, in this embodiment, hinge components 37 are disposed on the lower part of the front door 31 at two edge portions in the X direction. Each hinge component 37 is pivotally supported by a hinge support component 35 disposed on the front frame 33 of the front portion of the frame constituting the device body 1A. Therefore, the front door 31 is supported by the device body 1A so that it can pivot about an axis BB extending in the X direction.

[0049] When the upper edge of the front door 31 pivots downwards and toward the front of the imaging device 1, the front door 31 moves from the closed position ( Figure 2A Move to the open position ( Figure 2B Furthermore, when the upper edge of the front door 31 pivots in the opposite direction, the front door moves from the open position to the closed position. In this embodiment, the front door 31 can move between the closed and open positions. The closed position is the position where the front door 31 faces the front frame 33, which is substantially vertical when viewed along the X direction and substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The open position is the position where the front door 31 pivots approximately 90° from the closed position, and in this position, the front door 31 is substantially horizontal. Note that in this embodiment, the housing 2 can also be pulled towards the front of the imaging device 1 by gripping the gripping portion (front panel) 32 located below the front door 31.

[0050] like Figure 2B As shown, the opening 38 formed in the front frame 33 is located in the side of the device body 1A in the -Y direction and opens towards the -Y direction. When the front door 31 is in the closed position, the front door 31 covers the opening 38 when the device body 1A is viewed from the -Y direction. When the front door 31 is in the open position, the front door 31 exposes the opening 38 when the device body 1A is viewed from the -Y direction, and allows the boxes 12Y to 12K to be attached to or removed from the device body 1A, as described later.

[0051] box

[0052] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of box 12, which can be used as... Figure 1The imaging device 1 has cartridges 12Y, 12M, 12C, or 12K. With the developing device 9 containing a developer of appropriate color, cartridge 12 is attached to the device body 1A as cartridge 12Y, 12M, 12C, or 12K. In the following text, if the cartridges do not need to be distinguished from each other, cartridges 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are collectively referred to as cartridge 12.

[0053] Box 12 is an assembly (unit) whose longitudinal direction is equal to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 7 (i.e., the direction of the axis shown by the dashed line). Boxes 12Y to 12K are attached to the imaging device 1 with the longitudinal direction of the box substantially equal to the Y direction.

[0054] The photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction by a front bearing 40 and a rear bearing 41. The front bearing 40 and the rear bearing 41 are connected to the frame of the cleaner unit 6 and the frame of the developing device 9. The frame of the cleaner unit 6 and the frame of the developing device 9 extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 12. The frame of the cleaner unit 6 and the frame of the developing device 9 constitute the frame (outer shell) of the cartridge 12. Furthermore, one of the cleaner unit 6 and the developing device 9 has a guided portion 42. In this embodiment, the cleaner unit 6 has a guided portion 42 formed in the lower part of the cleaner unit 6. When the cartridge 12 is inserted into the device body 1A, the guided portion 42 is guided by the cartridge support member 29, which will be described later, and after the cartridge 12 is inserted into the device body 1A, the guided portion is supported by the cartridge support member 29. That is, when the box 12 is inserted into the device body 1A, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the frame of the box 12 (i.e., the guided portion 42 in this embodiment) is supported from below by the box support member 29 in the direction of gravity.

[0055] Attaching and removing the box

[0056] When the toner in the developing device 9 runs out, or when the photosensitive drum 7 reaches the end of its service life, replace cartridges 12Y to 12K attached to the imaging device 1 with other cartridges. For example... Figure 2B As shown, when replacing cartridges 12Y to 12K with other cartridges, the opening portion 38 is exposed by opening the front door 31, which serves as an opening / closing component. When the opening portion 38 is exposed, cartridges 12Y to 12K are moved from a position where imaging operations can be performed to a position where they can be removed from the device body 1A, as described later, according to the operation of opening the front door 31. Thereafter, the user can remove each of cartridges 12Y to 12K from the device body 1A by holding the cartridge and pulling it out towards the front side (i.e., the -Y direction) of the imaging device 1. When cartridges 12Y to 12K are removed, they are pulled out along the longitudinal direction of cartridges 12Y to 12K (i.e., the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 7).

[0057] Figure 2BThe image shows the magenta box 12M being pulled out of the device body 1A. Note that guide ribs 31g are provided on the inner surface 31b of the front door 31 (i.e., the upper surface in the open position) corresponding to boxes 12Y to 12K, for guiding the movement of boxes 12Y to 12K in the Y direction. The guide ribs 31g are rib-shaped protrusions that project upward from the inner surface 31b of the front door 31 and extend along the Y direction when the front door 31 is in the open position.

[0058] When the user attaches the cartridges 12Y to 12K to the device body 1A, the user opens the front door 31 and sets the longitudinal direction of the cartridges 12Y to 12K to the Y direction. Then, the user inserts the cartridges 12Y to 12K into the device body 1A from the front side of the imaging device 1 through the opening 38 along the +Y direction, which is the insertion direction. When the cartridges 12Y to 12K are inserted into the device body 1A, they are guided by the guide ribs 31g of the front door 31 and the cartridge support member 29, described later, and are prevented from moving in a direction intersecting the +Y direction. After the cartridges 12Y to 12K are fully inserted into the device body 1A, the user closes the front door 31 by pivoting it upwards. When the front door 31 is closed, as described later, the cartridges 12Y to 12K move from a position where they can be removed from the device body 1A to a position where they can perform imaging operations, according to the operation of closing the front door 31.

[0059] Box support components

[0060] In the main body 1A of the equipment, box support components 29Y, 29M, 29C and 29K are configured to support (hold) boxes 12Y to 12K respectively. Figure 1 In the following text, if box support components 29Y, 29M, 29C and 29K do not need to be distinguished from each other, box support components 29Y, 29M, 29C and 29K are collectively referred to as box support components 29.

[0061] Figure 4A This is a perspective view showing the box support members 29Y to 29K, the front door 31, and related components with the front door 31 open. Figure 4B It's enlarged. Figure 4A A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 5A This is a perspective view showing the box support members 29Y to 29K, the front door 31, and related components with the front door 31 closed. Figure 5B It's enlarged. Figure 5A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0062] like Figure 4A and Figure 5AAs shown, the box support member 29 extends along the Y direction along which the box 12 is attached to and detached from the device body 1A. The box support member 29 has a rectangular shape (i.e., a U-shape) with an opening on one side, which opens upward when viewed along the Y direction. That is, the box support member 29 includes a bottom 293 and sides 291 and 292. When viewed along the Y direction, the bottom 293 extends substantially horizontally (X direction), and the sides 291 and 292 extend upward (along the +Z direction) from the two edge portions of the bottom 293 located in the X direction (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0063] When the box 12 is attached to and removed from the device body 1A, the bottom 293 of the box support member 29 faces the guided portion 42 of the box 12 from below. Figure 3 The box 12 is guided by the box support member 29, and the sides 291 and 292 of the box support member 29 face the guided portion 42 from both sides in the X direction. That is, the box 12 is guided by the box support member 29 such that the guided portion 42 moves along the groove defined by the bottom 293 and the sides 291 and 292 of the box support member 29. Therefore, the box 12 is attached to and detached from the device body 1A in the Y direction, and is prevented from moving in a direction intersecting the Y direction.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, with the box 12 inserted into the device body 1A, the box 12 is supported by the box support member 29, such that the guided portion 42 is held by the recessed interior portion (recessed portion) of the box support member 29. Specifically, the bottom 293 of the box support member 29 serves as a support portion for supporting the box 12 from below. As described below, the box 12 inserted into the device body 1A is positioned according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31 by moving the box support member 29 according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31.

[0065] In this embodiment, when viewed along the Y direction, the guided portion 42 has a protruding shape (projecting shape), and the box support member 29 has a recessed shape for receiving the guided portion 42. However, the guided portion 42 may have a recessed shape, while the box support member 29 may have a protruding shape. Furthermore, the box support member 29, which serves as the guiding member, must only have a shape that prevents the box 12 from moving in at least one direction intersecting the Y direction.

[0066] Linkage unit

[0067] Box support component 29 is composed of a linkage unit 54 that moves according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31. Figure 4A and Figure 5AThe linkage unit 54 provides support, enabling the box support member 29 to move relative to the main body 1A between a first position and a second position. The linkage unit 54 positions the box support member 29 in the first position when the front door 31 is in the closed position and in the second position when the front door 31 is in the open position.

[0068] The first position is the following position relative to the main body 1A of the equipment ( Figure 1 This position allows the cartridge 12 to perform imaging operations. Specifically, the first position is the position of the cartridge support member 29 through which the cartridge 12 is positioned so that it can perform imaging operations. In this embodiment, the first position is the position of the cartridge support member 29 such that the photosensitive drum 7 of the cartridge 12, supported by the cartridge support member 29, contacts the intermediate transfer belt 18. The second position is the position where the cartridge 12 moves from the first position such that the cartridge 12 can be attached to and detached from the device body 1A. In this embodiment, the second position is lower than the first position, and when the cartridge support member 29 is in the second position, the photosensitive drum 7 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 18 and located below the intermediate transfer belt.

[0069] like Figure 4A and Figure 5A As shown, the linkage unit 54 includes multiple (four in this embodiment) front arms 55, linkage shafts 57, and linkage members 58. The front arms 55 are correspondingly arranged with respect to the box support members 29Y to 29K. The linkage shaft 57 is rotatably supported by bearings from the device body 1A and extends in the X direction. The axis of rotation 57A of the linkage shaft 57 is substantially parallel (preferably parallel) to the axis BB of the front door 31. Figure 4A The front door 31 rotates about the axis BB by opening / closing the front door 31. Each front arm 55 is an arm that protrudes from the connecting shaft 57, which serves as a shaft, in a direction intersecting the X direction (i.e., outward in the radial direction from the axis of rotation). That is, the plurality of front arms 55 are connected to each other via the connecting shaft 57 and rotate together with the connecting shaft 57. The connecting unit 54, including the connecting shaft 57 and the front arms 55, serves as the connecting component (first connecting component) in this embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, the connecting rod member 58 is located at the end of the connecting rod shaft 57 in the X direction. The connecting rod member 58 is connected to or linked to the connecting rod shaft 57 by a connecting pin so that it does not rotate relative to the connecting rod shaft 57. Therefore, the connecting rod member 58 rotates together with the connecting rod shaft 57. Figure 4BAs shown, the front door 31 is provided with a connecting portion 31a that engages with a part of the connecting rod 58 (i.e., the engaging portion 58a). The connecting portion 31a is a protrusion that protrudes in the X direction from the aforementioned guide rib 31g. The connecting rod 58 is held between the connecting portion 31a and the surface 31b of the front door 31. Therefore, the front door 31 and the connecting rod 58 engage with each other, and the connecting rod 58 pivots about the connecting rod axis 57 according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31. That is, since the connecting rod axis 57 and the front arm 55 are engaged with the front door 31 via the connecting rod 58, which serves as a connecting member, the connecting rod axis 57 and the front arm 55 pivot about the rotation axis of the connecting rod axis 57 according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31.

[0071] Furthermore, the engagement portion 31a is formed such that the connecting rod 58 can slide on the engagement portion 31a while maintaining the engagement state between the connecting rod 58 and the engagement portion 31a. Therefore, although the pivot trajectory of the engagement portion 31a and the pivot trajectory of the connecting rod 58 are due to the pivot center of the front door 31 (i.e., Figure 4A The axis of the connecting rod 58 (BB) and the axis of the connecting rod shaft 57 (around which the connecting rod 58 rotates) are different from each other, but the engagement state between the connecting rod 58 and the engagement portion 31a can be maintained.

[0072] like Figure 4B As shown, each front arm 55 is connected to a corresponding box support member 29 via a connecting shaft 29a, thereby enabling it to rotate together with the box support member 29. The connecting shaft 29a is formed at the front end (i.e., the upstream end in the insertion direction) of the box support member 29. Furthermore, as... Figure 5A and 5B As shown, multiple (four in this embodiment) rear arms 56 are disposed on the rear side of the device body 1A corresponding to the box support members 29Y to 29K. Each rear arm 56 (second linkage member) is connected to the corresponding box support member 29 via a connecting shaft 29b so as to be able to pivot together with the box support member 29. The connecting shaft 29b is formed at the rear end of the box support member 29 (i.e., the downstream end in the insertion direction). Each rear arm 56 is supported by the device body 1A so as to be able to rotate about axis 56a. Note that the connecting shafts 29a and 29b may be shaft members integral with the box support member 29, shaft members integral with the front arm 55 and / or the rear arm 56, or shaft members separate from the box support member 29, the front arm 55, and the rear arm 56.

[0073] Note that the distance from the pivot center of the front arm 55 to the axis of the connecting shaft 29a is substantially equal to the distance from the pivot center of the rear arm 56 to the axis of the connecting shaft 29b. Furthermore, the axes of the connecting shafts 29a and 29b are substantially parallel to the axis of the link shaft 57. That is, through the parallelogram linkage mechanism formed by the front arm 55 and the rear arm 56, the box support member 29 is supported such that it can move relative to the main body 1A.

[0074] When viewed along the X direction, which is the axis of the connecting rod 57, the box support member 29 is obliquely translated relative to the Y and Z directions. In other words, when the box support member 29 moves from the second position ( Figure 4A Move to the first position ( Figure 5A When the first position is reached, the box support member 29 moves backward (towards the +Y direction) and upward (towards the +Z direction) along an arc whose center is equal to the rotation axis 57A of the connecting rod shaft 57. On the other hand, when the box support member 29 moves from the first position to the second position, the box support member 29 moves forward (towards the -Y direction) and downward (towards the -Z direction) along the aforementioned arc. Furthermore, due to the use of a parallelogram linkage mechanism, the box support member 29 moves without changing its orientation when viewed from the X direction.

[0075] Linkage unit 54 and rear arm 56 constitute the moving mechanism 59 of this embodiment. This moving mechanism supports the box support member 29 so that the box support member 29 can move relative to the device body 1A, and moves the box support member 29 according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31. Note that known mechanisms other than parallelogram linkage structures can be used as mechanisms to support the box support member 29 so that the box support member 29 can move.

[0076] Force applied to the moving mechanism

[0077] Imaging device 1 includes a force-applying component that, when the front door 31 is open (door open state), applies force to the moving mechanism 59 to position the cartridge support component 29 in a second position. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 5A As shown, multiple (four in this embodiment) tension springs 52 are configured as force-applying components corresponding to the box support components 29Y to 29K.

[0078] like Figure 5B As shown, each tension spring 52 is a spring component stretched between a first hook 29c and a second hook 30c. The first hook 29c is disposed on the box support member 29, and the second hook 30c is disposed on the bracket 30, which is part of the frame of the device body 1A. Note that the bracket 30 is a metal component located below the box support members 29Y to 29K in the device body 1A and extends along the X and Y directions (see [reference]). Figure 1 ,4A (and 5A).

[0079] The first hook portion 29c is located on the front side in the Y direction and the upper side in the Z direction relative to the second hook portion 30c. The tension spring 52 is a torsion coil spring; and the axial direction of the coil is substantially perpendicular to the X direction, with the coil arranged along a direction that intersects the Y and Z directions obliquely. Therefore, a force is applied from the tension spring 52 rearward in the Y direction and downward in the Z direction to the box support member 29. As described later, in each of the states of the front door 31 being open (door open state) and the front door 31 being closed (door closed state), the box support member 29 is positioned according to the force applied by the tension spring 52.

[0080] Note that the tension spring 52 is positioned along one side 292 on the outside of the box support member 29, which has a concave shape when viewed along the Y direction. Figure 5B Therefore, when the tension spring 52 is connected to the box support member 29, the tension spring 52 does not interfere with the guided portion 42 of the box 12, which is guided along the recessed interior portion of the box support member 29.

[0081] Operations performed when opening and closing the door

[0082] refer to Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 8A and Figure 8B The description will cover the position of the box support component 29, the operation of the linkage unit 54, and the effect of the tension spring 52 in each of the open and closed states of the front door 31. Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the imaging device 1 viewed along the X direction with the door open. Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of an imaging device 1 viewed along the X direction when the current door 31 is being opened or closed. Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the imaging device 1 viewed along the X direction with the door closed. Figure 6B It is magnification Figure 6A An enlarged view of a portion of the structure (i.e., the forearm 55 and its surrounding area). Figure 7B It is magnification Figure 7A An enlarged view of a portion of the structure (i.e., the forearm 55 and its surrounding area). Figure 8B It is magnification Figure 8A An enlarged view of a portion of the structure (i.e., the forearm 55 and its surrounding area).

[0083] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6BWith the door open as shown, the cartridge support member 29 is in the second position. The cartridge 12, supported by the cartridge support member 29, is positioned to separate the photosensitive drum 7 from the intermediate transfer belt 18. In this state, the user holds the cartridge 12 from the front of the imaging device 1 and pulls the cartridge 12 forward (towards the -Y direction) through the opening portion 38. When the user pulls out the cartridge 12, the guided portion 42 of the cartridge 12 is guided by the cartridge support member 29 and the guide rib 31g. Therefore, movement of the cartridge 12 in a direction intersecting the Y direction is suppressed, and the direction of movement of the cartridge 12 is restricted to the -Y direction.

[0084] When the user fully pulls out the cartridge 12 and attaches the new cartridge 12 to the device body 1A, the user holds the new cartridge 12 so that the axis of the photosensitive drum 7 is set in the Y direction, and inserts the new cartridge 12 backward (towards the +Y direction) into the device body 1A through the opening portion 38. In this case, the guided portion 42 of the cartridge 12 is guided by the cartridge support member 29 and the guide rib 31g. Therefore, movement of the cartridge 12 in a direction intersecting the Y direction is suppressed, and the movement direction of the cartridge 12 is restricted to the +Y direction.

[0085] Figure 6B This illustrates the applied force f1 from the box support member 29 to the front arm 55 of the linkage unit 54 when the door is open. The applied force f1 is generated by the tension spring 52 ( Figure 6A The force f1 is generated and applied to the front arm 55 via the connecting shaft 29a between the box support member 29 and the front arm 55 as the application point. The direction of the applied force f1 is the direction in which the tension spring 52 pulls the box support member 29 (i.e., in the direction of the tension spring 52 pulling the box support member 29). Figure 6A (From the direction extending from the first hook 29c to the second hook 30c).

[0086] Based on the positional relationship between the line drawn from the center of the connecting shaft 29a toward the direction of the applied force f1 and the rotation axis 57A of the connecting rod shaft 57, the applied force f1 generates a torque about the rotation axis 57A in the direction indicated by arrow L, and this torque is applied to the front arm 55. The direction indicated by arrow L is the direction in which the front arm 55 pivots when the box support member 29 moves from the first position to the second position. That is, in the open state, the applied force of the tension spring 52 is applied to the connecting rod unit 54, which is a connecting rod member, in the direction that holds the box support member 29 in the second position (indicated by arrow L).

[0087] The above description also applies to the rear arm 56, which, together with the front arm 55, forms a parallelogram linkage mechanism. That is, the force applied by the tension spring 52 is directed to the connecting shaft 29b between the box support member 29 and the rear arm 56. Figure 6A The method used as the application point is applied to the rear arm 56; and in Figure 6AA counterclockwise torque is generated around axis 56a, and this torque is applied to the rear arm 56.

[0088] Therefore, both the front arm 55 and the rear arm 56 are subjected to the force of the tension spring 52 in the rotational direction that causes the box support member 29 to move downward. Then, at least a portion of the lower surface of the box support member 29 abuts against the bracket 30 (which is part of the frame of the device body 1A) in the Z direction, so that the box support member 29 is in the second position. That is, in the open state, the force of the tension spring 52 is applied to the moving mechanism 59 of the box support member 29 in the direction that holds the box support member 29 in the second position.

[0089] Note that when the door is open, since the torque is applied to the front arm 55 through the force f1 of the tension spring 52 in the direction indicated by arrow L, the applied force f1 is also applied to the front door 31 connected to the front arm 55 via the connecting rod 58. That is, when the door is open, the applied force f1 of the tension spring 52 is applied in the direction that holds the front door 31 in the open position.

[0090] like Figure 7A As shown, when the already opened front door 31 is closed, the inner surface 31b of the front door 31 presses against the pressing portion 58b of the linkage member 58, causing the linkage unit 54 to... Figure 7A Rotate clockwise. Additionally, as... Figure 7B As shown, the front arm 55 of the linkage unit 54 pivots in the direction indicated by arrow R, causing the box support member 29 to be lifted from the second position to the first position. Note that while the front arm 55 pivots, the rear arm 56 also pivots in the same direction as indicated by arrow R. Figure 7A Therefore, the box support component 29 is raised while maintaining its posture.

[0091] Box support component 29 moves rearward in the Y direction and upward in the Z direction according to the operation of closing the front door 31. Figure 6A and 7A Therefore, the connecting shaft 29a of the connecting box support component 29 and the front arm 55 also moves rearward and upward relative to the rotation axis 57A of the connecting rod shaft 57. Figure 6B and 7B That is, the position of the point where the force f1 applied by the tension spring 52 to the front arm 55 is applied changes relative to the rotation axis 57A, which is the pivot center of the front arm 55. As a result, as... Figure 7B As shown, at the moment when the front door 31 moves from the open position to the closed position, the applied force f1 of the tension spring 52 generates a torque applied to the front arm 55 about the rotation axis 57A in the direction indicated by arrow R.

[0092] The direction indicated by arrow R is the direction in which the front arm 55 pivots when the box support member 29 moves from the second position to the first position. That is, when the front door 31 is being opened or closed, the direction of the torque applied to the linkage unit 54 by the force applied by the tension spring 52 changes. Similarly, when the front door 31 is being opened or closed, the direction of the torque applied to the rear arm 56 by the force applied by the tension spring 52 also changes.

[0093] like Figure 8A As shown, with the front door 31 in the closed position, the cartridge support member 29 is in the first position. Because the cartridge support member 29 is in the first position, the cartridge 12 is positioned where it can perform imaging operations, i.e., where the photosensitive drum 7 rests against the intermediate transfer belt 18. When the cartridge 12 is in this position, the front bearing 40 of the cartridge 12 abuts against the contact portion 33a of the front frame 33 of the device body 1A, and the rear bearing 41 of the cartridge 12 abuts against the contact portion 34a of the rear frame 34 of the device body 1A. In this way, the cartridge 12 is positioned relative to the device body 1A in a direction intersecting the Y direction.

[0094] like Figure 8B As shown, in the closed state, the applied force f1 of the tension spring 52 generates a torque applied to the front arm 55 about the rotation axis 57A in the direction indicated by arrow R. As mentioned above, the direction indicated by arrow R is the direction in which the front arm 55 pivots when the box support member 29 moves from the second position to the first position. That is, in the closed state, the applied force of the tension spring 52 is applied to the linkage unit 54, which is a linkage member, in the direction that holds the box support member 29 in the first position (indicated by arrow R).

[0095] The above description also applies to the rear arm 56. That is, the force applied by the tension spring 52 is directed to the connecting shaft 29b between the box support member 29 and the rear arm 56. Figure 8A The method of applying the method as the application point is applied to the rear arm 56; and generates a surrounding area. Figure 8A The torque is applied clockwise to the rear arm 56 along the axis 56a.

[0096] Therefore, both the front arm 55 and the rear arm 56 are subjected to the force of the tension spring 52 in the rotational direction that moves the box support member 29 upward. Then, the front bearing 40 and the rear bearing 41 of the box 12 abut against the contact portions 33a and 34a of the device body 1A, so that the box support member 29 is in the first position. That is, in the closed state, the force of the tension spring 52 is applied to the moving mechanism 59 of the box support member 29 in the direction that holds the box support member 29 in the first position.

[0097] Note that when the door is closed, since the torque is applied to the front arm 55 through the force f1 of the tension spring 52 in the direction indicated by arrow R, the applied force f1 is also applied to the front door 31 connected to the front arm 55 via the linkage 58. That is, when the door is closed, the applied force f1 of the tension spring 52 is applied in the direction that keeps the front door 31 in the closed position.

[0098] Incidentally, during the closing operation of the front door 31, before the front door 31 reaches the closed position, the front bearing 40 and the rear bearing 41 abut against the contact portions 33a and 34a of the device body 1A. When the front bearing 40 and the rear bearing 41 abut against the contact portions 33a and 34a, the box 12 receives a reaction force from the front frame 33 and the rear frame 34 in the vertical direction (i.e., the -Z direction). The reaction force causes friction between the guided portion 42 of the box 12 and the contact portion of the box support member 29. As a result, the box support member 29 receives a frictional force applied in the -Y direction. However, the tension spring 52 of this embodiment helps the box support member 29 overcome the frictional force and move more reliably to the first position. That is, the applied force F1 of the tension spring 52 that pulls the hook 29c of the box support member 29 includes a component applied in the direction opposite to the direction in which the box support member 29 receives the frictional force from the box 12 (+Y direction). Preferably, the component F1cosθ1 is equal to or greater than the aforementioned frictional force, where θ1 is the angle between the applied force F1 from the tension spring 52 to the hook 29c and the horizontal direction.

[0099] As described above, the imaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a device body 1A, a front door 31 configured to open and close relative to the device body 1A, and a box 12 configured to be inserted into the device body 1A when the front door 31 is open. The box 12 is configured to be pullable out of the device body 1A. The imaging device 1 also includes a box support member 29 configured to guide the box 12 so that the box 12 is inserted into and pulled out of the device body. The box support member 29 is also configured to support the box 12 inserted into the device body 1A. The imaging device 1 also includes a moving mechanism 59 configured to support the box support member 29 so that the box support member 29 is movable between a first position and a second position, and to move the box support member 29 from the second position to the first position according to the operation of closing the open front door 31. The first position is a position that allows the box 12 to perform imaging operations, and the second position is a position that allows the box 12 to be pulled out of the device body 1A. The imaging device 1 also includes a tension spring 52 configured to apply force to the moving mechanism when the front door 31 is open, in order to hold the box support member 29 in the second position.

[0100] In this configuration, with the front door 31 open, the case support member 29 is precisely positioned in the second position by the force applied by the tension spring 52. Therefore, the operability of attaching and detaching the case guided by the case support member 29 can be improved. For example, the possibility of interference between the front bearing 40 and rear bearing 41 of the case 12 and the contact portions 33a, 34a of the device body 1A when the case 12 is attached to or detached from the device body 1A can be reduced. Furthermore, since the front bearing 40 and rear bearing 41 hardly interfere with the contact portions 33a and 34a, the size of the opening portion 38 can be minimized, or the amount of movement of the case support member 29 between the first and second positions (i.e., the distance the case support member 29 moves up and down) can be minimized. As a result, the size of the imaging device 1 can be reduced.

[0101] Variation Example 1

[0102] In the first embodiment, multiple box support members 29, multiple front arms 55, and multiple rear arms 56 are provided corresponding to multiple boxes 12. However, this disclosure can also be applied to imaging devices having a single box 12. In this case, a single box support member 29, a single front arm 55, and a single rear arm 56 can be provided corresponding to a single box 12.

[0103] Variation Example 2

[0104] In the first embodiment, the tension spring 52, which serves as a force-applying component, is connected to the box support component 29, and the applied force f1 of the tension spring 52 is applied to the front arm 55 (linkage unit 54) and the rear arm 56 via the box support component 29. Alternatively, the force-applying component can be directly connected to the front arm 55 (linkage unit 54) or the rear arm 56 (i.e., the force-applying component can directly apply force to the components of the moving mechanism 59).

[0105] For example, a tension spring can be tensioned between the front arm 55 or the rear arm 56 and the frame of the device body 1A. Similarly, in this case, with the door open, a torque is applied to the front arm 55 or the rear arm 56 simply by applying force through the force-applying component in the direction (indicated by arrow L) that holds the box support member 29 in the second position, as shown in the reference. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Furthermore, more preferably, when the door is closed, a torque is applied to the front arm 55 or the rear arm 56 by applying force from the force-applying member in the direction (indicated by arrow R) that holds the box support member 29 in the first position, as described above. Figure 8A and 8B As stated above.

[0106] Furthermore, a spring or coil spring can be used as the force-applying component if, at least when the door is open, the force-applying component can exert force on the moving mechanism 59 in the direction that holds the box support component 29 in the second position. In another case, multiple types of force-applying components can be used in combination with each other. In yet another case, multiple box support components 29 can be positioned by a single force-applying component (e.g., one of the four tension springs 52 in the first embodiment, or the spring that exerts force on the linkage unit 54 in variation 2).

[0107] Second Embodiment

[0108] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that components identical to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the connection between the front arm 55 and the front end of the box support member 29.

[0109] Figure 9A and 9B This is a view of the box support member 29 and its surroundings in the second embodiment, viewed from the +X direction. Figure 9A The door is shown to be closed. Figure 9B The door is shown in the open position. Note that the central portion of the box support member 29 in the Y direction is not shown.

[0110] Similar to the first embodiment, the box support member 29 moves according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31 via the linkage unit 54, which engages with the front door 31 and serves as a linkage component. That is, the box support member 29 is located in a first position when the door is closed. Figure 9A ) and in the second position when the door is open ( Figure 9B ).

[0111] like Figure 9A and 9B As shown, the front arm 55A of this embodiment includes a mating hole portion 55a and abutting portion 55b. The mating hole portion 55a engages with a connecting shaft 29a provided on the front end of the box support member 29. The abutting portion 55b is the portion abutted by the abutting portion 29d at the front end of the box support member 29. The mating hole portion 55a has an elongated hole, and... Figure 9A When the box support member 29 is in the first position (i.e., the door is closed), the connecting shaft 29a contacts the first edge portion 55a1 of the engagement hole portion 55a. Figure 9B When the box support member 29 is in the second position (door open), the abutted portion 55b contacts the abutting portion 29d located in front of the abutted portion 55b. Note that in Figure 9BWith the box support member 29 in the second position, the connecting shaft 29a is located between the first edge portion 55a1 and the second edge portion 55a2 of the engagement hole portion 55a. Furthermore, in Figure 9A When the box support member 29 is in the first position, the abutted part 55b does not contact the abutted part 29d.

[0112] Currently, door 31 is Figure 9A When the door shown is in the closed state and is opened, the front arm 55A of the linkage unit 54 moves according to the operation of opening the front door 31. Figure 9A The pivot rotates counterclockwise. In this case, the first edge portion 55a1 of the engagement hole portion 55a presses against the connecting shaft 29a, causing the box support member 29 to begin moving from the first position to the second position (i.e., to begin moving forward and downward).

[0113] Currently, door 31 is Figure 9B When the door shown is closed from the open position, the front arm 55A of the linkage unit 54, according to the operation of closing the front door 31, [operates as follows]. Figure 9B The middle pivots clockwise. In this case, the second edge portion 55a2 of the engagement hole portion 55a presses against the connecting shaft 29a, causing the box support member 29 to begin moving from the second position to the first position (i.e., to begin moving backward and upward).

[0114] In this way, the box support member 29 and the front arm 55A are connected to each other, thereby pivoting and sliding relative to each other within a predetermined range. Furthermore, according to the opening / closing operation of the front door 31, the box support member 29 moves between a first position and a second position via the front arm 55A. Additionally, since the rear arm 56 pivots simultaneously with the pivoting of the front arm 55A, the box support member 29 moves up and down while maintaining its orientation.

[0115] Next, the function of the tension spring 52, which serves as a force-applying component, will be described. The tension spring 52 is positioned in the same location as in the first embodiment. That is, the tension spring 52 is tensioned between the first hook 29c of the box support member 29 and the second hook 30c of the bracket 30 of the device body 1A, and applies a force F2 to pull the box support member 29 forward and downward.

[0116] like Figure 9AAs shown, in the closed state, the connecting shaft 29a of the box support member 29 contacts the first edge portion 55a1 of the engagement hole portion 55a of the front arm 55A, and presses the first edge portion 55a1 due to the applied force of the tension spring 52. The direction in which the connecting shaft 29a presses the first edge portion 55a1 is the direction in which the applied force F2 of the tension spring 52 pulls the box support member 29. Therefore, through the applied force of the tension spring 52, a torque is applied to the front arm 55A in the direction indicated by arrow R (i.e., in the direction that holds the box support member 29 in the first position).

[0117] like Figure 9B As shown, in the open state, the abutting portion 29d of the box support member 29 contacts the abutted portion 55b of the front arm 55A, and presses the abutted portion 55b due to the force applied by the tension spring 52. The direction in which the abutting portion 29d presses the abutted portion 55b is determined by the angle between the contact plane between the abutting portion 29d and the abutted portion 55b. In this embodiment, since the abutted portion 55b is shaped like a circular shaft, the direction is determined by the angle of the surface of the abutting portion 29d. In this embodiment, the abutting portion 29d is formed such that the normal vector of the abutting portion 29d extends through... Figure 9B The space below the rotation axis 57A of the connecting rod shaft 57. Therefore, by applying force through the tension spring 52, torque is applied to the front arm 55A in the direction indicated by arrow L (i.e., in the direction that holds the box support member 29 in the second position).

[0118] Therefore, in this embodiment, where the connection between the front arm 55A and the box support member 29 differs from that of the first embodiment, the box support member 29 can be positioned in either the first or second position by the force applied by the tension spring 52 in both the open and closed states of the door. Thus, this embodiment also produces the same advantages as the first embodiment.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the torque applied to the front arm 55A in the direction indicated by arrow L when the door is open can be easily adjusted. For example, in this embodiment, the contact position between the abutting portion 29d and the abutted portion 55b, which serves as the point of application of the force of the tension spring 52, and the orientation of the contact plane between the abutting portion 29d and the abutted portion 55b, which serves as the direction of the applied force, can be changed. Therefore, the distance (i.e., the torque arm length) from the rotation axis 57A of the connecting rod shaft 57 to the force line (along which the applied force of the tension spring 52 is applied to the front arm 55A) can be easily changed. The aforementioned force line is a straight line passing through the abutting position between the abutting portion 29d and the abutted portion 55b (which is the point of application of the applied force of the tension spring 52), and this straight line is perpendicular to the contact plane between the abutting portion 29d and the abutted portion 55b. Therefore, if the tension spring 52 of this embodiment has the same spring constant as the tension spring 52 of the first embodiment, a larger torque can be generated in the direction indicated by arrow L, so the box support member 29 can be held in the second position more reliably.

[0120] Furthermore, as described above, the abutting portion 29d and the abutted portion 55b serve as cam portions that change the direction of the applied force F2 received by the box support member 29 from the tension spring 52 and applied from the box support member 29 to the front arm 55A. Therefore, the direction of the applied force F2 of the tension spring 52 can be set more freely. For example, it is possible to make the direction of the applied force F2 of the tension spring 52 more flexible when the box support member 29 is in the first position. Figure 9A The angle θ2 between the direction of the applied force F2 and the horizontal direction is shown in the figure and is smaller than the angle θ1 in the first embodiment. Figure 8A In this case, Figure 9A In this embodiment, the distance from the rotation axis 57A of the connecting rod shaft 57 to the force line (along which the applied force of the tension spring 52 is applied to the front arm 55A) (i.e., the torque arm length) is longer than that of the first embodiment. Therefore, if the tension spring 52 of this embodiment has the same spring constant as the tension spring 52 of the first embodiment, a larger torque can be generated in the direction indicated by arrow R, thus the box support member 29 can be held in the first position more reliably.

[0121] As described above, in the construction of this embodiment, if the force of the tension spring 52 pulling the box support member 29 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the box support member 29 can be more firmly held in the first or second position in both the door open and door closed states. For example, a spring with a smaller spring constant can be used as the tension spring 52. In this case, since the required strength of the box support member 29 is reduced, the box support member 29 can be reduced in size, weight, and cost.

[0122] Third Embodiment

[0123] Next, the third embodiment will be described. Note that components identical to those described in the first or second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. In this embodiment, the connection between the box support member 29 and the front arm 55 described in the first embodiment and the connection between the box support member 29 and the front arm 55A described in the second embodiment are combined with each other and used.

[0124] Figure 10A This is a perspective view showing the box support members 29Y to 29K, the linkage unit 54, and their surroundings in the open state according to the third embodiment. Of the four box support members 29Y to 29K, two box support parts 29Y and 29K are connected to the front arm 60 of the first type, and the other two box support members 29M and 29C are connected to the front arm 61 of the second type. All four front arms 60 and 61 are attached to the linkage shaft 57 and constitute the linkage unit 54. Furthermore, a linkage member 58 is provided at one end of the linkage shaft 57 in the direction of its rotation axis.

[0125] Figure 10B The first type of front arm 60 and its surroundings are shown when viewed along the X direction. The first type of front arm 60 has a generally circular shaft hole portion 60a, which pivotally engages with the connecting shaft 29a of the box support member 29. With the box support member 29 in a second position, the tension spring 52 pulls the box support member 29, and the connecting shaft 29a presses against the shaft hole portion 60a. As a result, an applied force Fb is applied to the front arm 60. The direction of the applied force Fb is the direction in which the tension spring 52 pulls the box support member 29.

[0126] Figure 10C A second type of front arm 61 and its surroundings are shown when viewed along the X direction. The second type of front arm 61 includes an engagement hole portion 61a and abutment portion 61b. The engagement hole portion 61a has an elongated hole that engages with the connecting shaft 29a of the housing support member 29, allowing the engagement hole portion 61a to pivot together with and slide on the connecting shaft 29a. The abutment portion 61b is the portion abutted by the abutment portion 29d of the housing support member 29. With the housing support member 29 in a second position, the tension spring 52 pulls the housing support member 29, and the abutment portion 29d of the housing support member 29 contacts the abutment portion 61b of the front arm 61. As a result, an applied force Fc is applied to the front arm 61. The direction of the applied force Fc is perpendicular to the contact plane between the abutment portion 29d and the abutment portion 61b.

[0127] like Figure 10B and 10CAs shown, with the box support member 29 in the second position (i.e., the door open), the direction of the torque applied to the first type front arm 60 is different from the direction of the torque applied to the second type front arm 61. The force Fb applied by the tension spring 52 applies torque to the first type front arm 60 in the direction indicated by arrow R (which is the pivoting direction of the box support member 29 from the second position to the first position). Conversely, the force Fc applied by the tension spring 52 applies torque to the second type front arm 61 in the direction indicated by arrow L (which is the pivoting direction of the box support member 29 from the first position to the second position).

[0128] Furthermore, the total torque applied to the two first-type front arms 60 corresponding to box support members 29Y and 29K is less than the total torque applied to the two second-type front arms 61 corresponding to box support members 29M and 29C. As a result, the total torque is applied to the entire linkage unit 54 in the direction indicated by arrow L (which is the direction that holds the box support member 29 in the second position) about the rotation axis 57A of the linkage shaft 57.

[0129] In other words, in this embodiment, at least one of the plurality of tension springs 52 generates a torque applied about the rotation axis 57A in a first direction (indicated by arrow R) when the door is open. The plurality of tension springs 52 collectively generate a torque applied to the linkage unit 54 in a second direction (indicated by arrow L) about the rotation axis 57A when the door is open. Therefore, also in this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the box support member 29 can be positioned in a second position by the applied forces Fb and Fc of the tension springs 52 when the door is open.

[0130] Incidentally, in the first and second embodiments, the torque applied to the front arm 55 or 55A is generated in the same direction. Therefore, a large torque is applied between one end of the connecting rod shaft 57 held by the connecting rod member 58 and the other end of the connecting rod shaft 57 opposite to said one end. Therefore, to ensure sufficient strength of the connecting rod shaft 57, the connecting rod shaft 57 has a sufficient shaft diameter and is made of a material with sufficient rigidity.

[0131] However, in this embodiment, the forces applied by the multiple tension springs 52 in the open state are applied to the linkage unit 54 via the multiple front arms 60 and 61, and some of the torque applied by the applied forces around the rotation axis 57A is canceled out. Therefore, the torque applied to the linkage shaft 57 can be smaller than in the first and second embodiments. Since less strength is required for the linkage shaft 57, its shaft diameter can be smaller, or it can be made of inexpensive materials. Therefore, the device can be smaller in size or lower in cost.

[0132] Note that in this embodiment, the two outer front arms 60 of the four front arms 60 and 61 arranged along the X direction are of the first type, and the two inner front arms 61 are of the second type. However, the number and arrangement of the first and second types can be changed. In this case, it is only necessary to apply the torque of the four tension springs 52 as a whole to the linkage unit 54 when the door is open. Figure 10C The direction indicated by arrow L is generated.

[0133] Variations

[0134] In each of the above embodiments, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus having an intermediate transfer cascade system has been described. However, this disclosure is also applicable to other imaging apparatuses with different systems, provided that the imaging apparatus includes a cartridge that can be detachably attached to the apparatus body. For example, this disclosure is applicable to imaging apparatuses in which multiple processing cartridges are arranged along a conveyor belt carrying recording material, and in which toner images are transferred directly from the image-carrying component of each processing cartridge onto the recording material carried by the conveyor belt. In another case, this disclosure is applicable to monochrome imaging apparatuses that include only one processing cartridge.

[0135] Other embodiments

[0136] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation in order to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an apparatus main body; an opening / closing member configured to be rotated between a closed position in which the opening / closing member closes an opening portion provided in the apparatus main body and an open position in which the opening / closing member opens the opening portion; a cartridge configured to be inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus main body through the opening portion in a state where the opening / closing member is in the open position; a support member configured to support the cartridge inserted into the apparatus main body, the support member being configured to guide the cartridge when the cartridge is being inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus main body; a moving mechanism including an arm portion configured to be rotated about a rotation axis in a first direction to move the support member from a second position to a first position in accordance with a rotation of the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position and configured to be rotated about the rotation axis in a second direction to move the support member from the first position to the second position in accordance with a rotation of the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, the first position being a position in which the cartridge supported by the support member is allowed to be used to perform an image forming operation, the second position being a position in which the cartridge is allowed to be inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus main body, the arm portion extending in a direction intersecting with the rotation direction and having a connected portion pivotally connected to the support member; and a force applying member configured to apply a force to the support member or the moving mechanism such that a rotational moment about the rotation axis in the second direction is applied to the arm portion in a state where the opening / closing member is in the open position.

2. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein, the force applying member is configured to apply a force to the support member or the moving mechanism such that a rotational moment about the rotation axis in the first direction is applied to the arm portion in a state where the opening / closing member is in the closed position.

3. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein, the force applying member is a spring attached to the support member, and wherein the applied force of the spring is applied to the arm portion of the moving mechanism via the support member.

4. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein, the force applying member is connected to the support member, wherein the support member includes an abutting portion configured to abut against a portion of the arm portion at a position different from the connected portion, and wherein the applied force of the force applying member is applied to the arm portion via the abutting portion in a state where the opening / closing member is in the open position.

5. The imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the cartridge includes a rotatable image bearing member, wherein the opening portion provided in the apparatus main body is open toward one side of the image bearing member in a direction of a rotation axis of the image bearing member, and wherein the cartridge is allowed to be inserted into the apparatus main body through the opening portion along the direction of the rotation axis in a state where the opening / closing member is open.

6. The imaging device of claim 5, wherein, the cartridge includes a bearing configured to rotatably support the image bearing member, wherein the device body includes a contact portion configured to position the cartridge by abutting against the bearing in a state where the support member is located at the first position, and wherein the exertion force received by the support member from the force application member has a component in a direction extending along a direction of an axis of rotation of the image bearing member, and the component is opposite in direction to a frictional force exerted by the cartridge to the support member when the bearing abuts against the contact portion when the support member moves from the second position to the first position.

Images