imaging device

Abstract

The present application relates to an image forming apparatus including a cartridge and a main body, the cartridge being detachably mountable in the main body; the cartridge including a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit; the main body including a rotating member, a supporting member provided at a position away from the rotating member, and a swingable member pivotably movable about the supporting member and configured to be moved by the rotating member; the swingable member being movable between a first position in which the swingable member is in contact with the second unit and a second position in which the swingable member is retracted from the first position; the cartridge being mountable in and detachable from the main body in a state in which the swingable member is in the first position and is supported by the rotating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic process, such as a printer, a copying machine or a facsimile machine. Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic process is generally configured such that a process device for image formation is housed in a cartridge and the cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body.

[0003] A known imaging device cartridge is configured so that a portion of the cartridge moves within the device body. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-213024 discloses an imaging device in which the device body includes a separating member for actuating the cartridge to separate a developing roller from a photosensitive drum. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-58058 discloses an imaging device in which the device body includes a cam for separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum.

[0004] In the case where the main body of the image forming apparatus includes a rotating member for moving a portion of the cartridge, the cartridge applies force to the rotating member of the main body when the cartridge is mounted in or removed from the main body and causes the rotating member to rotate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the possibility that a cartridge applies force to a rotating member of a main body and causes the rotating member to rotate when the cartridge is mounted in or removed from the main body.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging device comprises: a box including a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit; and a main body, in which the box can be detachably installed, the main body comprising: a rotating part rotatable around a rotation axis; a supporting part arranged at a position away from the rotating part; and a swingable part pivotally movable around the supporting part and configured to move the swingable part by the rotating part, the swingable part comprising (i) a first contact surface configured for contacting the rotating part; (ii) a second contact surface configured for contacting the second unit; and (iii) a supported portion supported by the supporting part, the swingable part being able to move between a first position in which the swingable part contacts the second unit and a second position in which the swingable part is retracted from the first position; wherein the box can be installed in and removed from the main body when the swingable part is in the first position and supported by the rotating part.

[0007] 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

[0008] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the imaging apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is a perspective view showing the exterior of the process cartridge.

[0010] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing the process cartridge when the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum.

[0011] Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the process cartridge when the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum.

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the imaging apparatus.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the relationship between the process cartridge and the separation mechanism.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a view for explaining the connection of the control unit, drive source, and release mechanism.

[0015] Figure 8A and Figure 8B 1 and 2 are views for explaining the operation of the separating mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 is a detailed view showing the separation mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 is a detailed view showing a separation mechanism according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the functions, materials, shapes, arrangements, etc. of the elements described in the following embodiments are not intended to specifically limit the scope of the present invention.

[0019] In the following embodiments, the "upward and downward direction" is defined as the direction of gravity (vertical direction), unless otherwise specified. Note that the direction of gravity is defined when the device or component to which the present invention is applied is under normal operating conditions. When the imaging device normally forms an image on a recording medium, the imaging device is under normal operating conditions.

[0020] First embodiment

[0021] Structure of imaging equipment

[0022] Will refer to Figure 1 The structure of the imaging apparatus 1 is described. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, and a word processor.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1 Fig. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 includes a process cartridge (cartridge or replaceable unit) 5 and a main body 2, the process cartridge 5 being detachably installed in the main body 2.

[0024] The main body 2 includes a stack tray (sheet feed cassette) 22 that stacks sheets (recording media) S, a sheet conveying unit 20, a transfer roller 31, a fixing unit 40, a sheet discharge unit 50, and a scanner 60 as an exposure device. The main body 2 also includes a cover (openable and closable member) 3 that covers an installation opening via which the process cartridge 5 is detachably installed. The installation opening is exposed when the cover 3 is opened.

[0025] The process cartridge 5 includes a drum unit (first unit) 10 and a developing unit (second unit) 15 that is movably connected to the drum unit 10.

[0026] The drum unit 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member for bearing an electrostatic latent image, and a charging roller (charging member) 12 that charges the photosensitive drum 11. The developing unit 15 includes a developing roller 16 as a developer bearing member for developing the electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 16 bears a developer (toner). In the present embodiment, the drum unit 10 and the developing unit 15 are connected to each other, thereby integrally forming the process cartridge 5. In this state, the process cartridge 5 is detachably installed in the main body 2.

[0027] Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0028] A surface of the photosensitive drum 11 that is driven to rotate by a driving source (not shown) is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. The scanner 60 exposes the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 according to image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The developing roller 16 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image.

[0029] While the toner image is formed, the sheet feed roller 21 starts to rotate to pick up and convey the uppermost sheet (recording medium) S stacked in the sheet feed cassette 22. In synchronization with the formation of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11, the sheet S is conveyed to a transfer portion 30 formed by the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 31.

[0030] While the sheet S passes through the transfer portion 30, the toner image is transferred onto the sheet S as an unfixed image due to a transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 31. Subsequently, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 40.

[0031] When the sheet S passes through the fixing unit 40 , the fixing unit 40 heats and presses the sheet S, thereby fixing the unfixed image onto the surface of the sheet S. Subsequently, the sheet S to which the toner image is fixed is conveyed into a discharge path 51 .

[0032] When an image is to be formed on only one side of the sheet S, the sheet S is ejected from the ejection path 51 to the ejection tray 53 by the ejection roller pair 52, and the sheet S is stacked on the ejection tray 53. When an image is to be formed on both sides of the sheet S, the sheet S reaches the ejection roller pair 52, which then begins to rotate in the reverse direction. The sheet S is conveyed to the re-conveying path 61 and further conveyed to the transfer section 30 again, having been turned over. Subsequently, an image is formed and fixed on the back side of the sheet S, as in the case of forming an image on one side of the sheet S. Finally, the sheet S is stacked on the ejection tray 53.

[0033] Structure of the process cartridge

[0034] Refer to Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process cartridge 5 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0035] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is a perspective view showing the exterior of the process cartridge 5 . Figure 2A It is a perspective view when viewing one side of the process cartridge 5 . Figure 2B It is a perspective view when viewing another different side of the process cartridge 5 .

[0036] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge 5 when the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 . Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the process cartridge 5 when the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 . Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view taken in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RD of the photoconductor drum 11 .

[0037] In this embodiment, if Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the developing unit 15 and the drum unit 10 are connected to each other at fulcrums 8a and 8b. The developing unit 15 is connected to the drum unit 10 so as to be rotatable about a straight line (i.e., a unit rotation center or unit rotation axis) 8 between the fulcrums 8a and 8b.

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, the photosensitive drum 11 rotates around the rotation axis RD in the arrow direction (counterclockwise direction in the figure). The charging roller 12 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 and rotates with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11. The drum unit 10 has a cleaning blade 13 that serves as a cleaning member. The cleaning blade 13 has an end portion made of an elastic member (e.g., rubber) and the end portion is arranged in contact with the photosensitive drum 11. The cleaning blade 13 removes residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11. The toner recovered by the cleaning blade 13 is stored in a recovered toner container 14a provided on a drum frame 14 of the drum unit 10.

[0039] As shown, the developing roller 16 rotates around the rotation axis RR in the arrow direction (clockwise direction in the figure). The developing unit 15 has a developing blade 17 that serves as a control member to control the thickness of the toner carried on the developing roller 16. The developing unit 15 has a developer container 18 that serves as part of a developing frame member. The developer container 18 has a toner chamber 18a for storing toner. The developing roller 16 is arranged to partially face the toner chamber 18a and partially face the outside of the developing container 18. The toner stored in the toner chamber 18a is supplied to the developing roller 16 and is then carried on the developing roller 16. The developing unit 15 can have a conveying member in the toner chamber 18a. The conveying member conveys toner to the developing roller 16. Figure 3

[0040] The developing blade 17 is arranged so that an end portion of the developing blade 17 is in contact with the developing roller 16. The developing blade 17 is used to control the thickness of the toner so as to obtain a thin layer on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 16.

[0041] The developing unit 15 is movable between a developing position (see Figure 3 ) in which the developing unit 15 develops an electrostatic latent image and a retracted position (see Figure 4 ) in which the developing unit 15 is retracted from the developing position. In the present embodiment, the developing unit 15 is movable between a contact position in which the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 and a separation position in which the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11. More specifically, the developing unit 15 rotates (pivoting movement) around the unit rotation axis 8 so as to move between the contact position and the separation position.

[0042] The process cartridge 5 has a pressing spring (elastic member, urging member) 19 that urges the developing unit 15 toward the drum unit 10. The pressing spring 19 urges the developing unit 15 toward a direction in which the developing roller 16 approaches the photosensitive drum 11. The urging force of the pressing spring 19 causes a moment in the direction in which the developing roller 16 approaches the photosensitive drum 11. Figure 3 ​The developing unit 15 is rotated in the direction Rl about the unit rotation axis 8 acting on the developing unit 15. In this way, the developing roller 16 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 11 with a predetermined pressure. Here, the position of the developing unit 15 with respect to the drum unit 10 is a contact position of the developing unit 15.

[0043] When the developing unit 15 is in the contact position, an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is developed by toner carried on the developing roller 16. In other words, in the present embodiment, the contact position is a developing position.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the developing unit 15 has a bearing member 90 and a bearing member 91 as part of a developing frame member. The bearing members 90 and 91 are located at axial (direction of the rotation axis RR) end portions of the developing roller 16, respectively. The bearing member 90 has a protruding portion 92. The protruding portion 92 receives a force from a separation mechanism 100 provided in the main body 2, which will be described later.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4 , the developing unit 15 is rotated in the direction R2 about the unit rotation axis 8 due to the protruding portion 92 receiving the force from the separation mechanism 100. As a result, the developing unit 15 is retracted from the developing position, thereby separating the developing roller 16 from the photosensitive drum 11. Here, the position of the developing unit 15 with respect to the drum unit 10 is a separation position of the developing unit 15.

[0046] In other words, in the present embodiment, the retraction position is the separation position. The distance between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11 when the developing roller 16 is in the retraction position is greater than the distance between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11 when the developing roller 16 is in the developing position.

[0047] Mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge

[0048] The mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge 5 with respect to the main body 2 will be described with reference to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 5 . Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the outside of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5 , a mounting portion 2a for receiving the process cartridge 5 is formed in the main body 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 when the cover 3 is open. The cover 3 is pivotally provided at the main body 2.

[0050] The main body 2 has a guide portion 6 and a guide portion 7 formed for guiding the process cartridge 5 toward the mounting portion 2a.

[0051] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2Aand Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge 5 has an upper protrusion 93, an upper protrusion 94, a lower protrusion 95, and a lower protrusion 96, which serve as guide portions (protruding portions). In the present embodiment, the drum frame 14 of the drum unit 10 has the upper protrusion 93, the upper protrusion 94, the lower protrusion 95, and the lower protrusion 96.

[0052] In a state in which the guide portion 6 is inserted between the upper protrusion 93 and the lower protrusion 95 and the guide portion 7 is inserted between the upper protrusion 94 and the lower protrusion 96, the process cartridge 5 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 in a direction A in FIG. 1. The process cartridge 5 is attached to and detached from the main body 2 in a direction that intersects (or orthogonally intersects) with a rotation axis RD of the photosensitive drum 11. Figure 5

[0053] An image forming operation is performed in a state in which the process cartridge 5 is attached at the attachment portion 2a.

[0054] An image can be formed after the process cartridge 5 is attached at the attachment portion 2a and the cover 3 is closed. When the process cartridge 5 is attached at the attachment portion 2a, the lower protrusion 95 and the lower protrusion 96 are properly positioned with respect to the main body 2, so that the drum unit 10 is properly positioned with respect to the main body 2. The lower protrusion 95 and the lower protrusion 96 serve as portions that position the process cartridge 5 with respect to the main body 2. In this state, the separation mechanism 100 (to be described later) can move the developing unit 15 with respect to the drum unit 10 between the contact position and the separation position.

[0055] When the process cartridge 5 is detached from the main body 2, the above-described attachment procedure is reversed.

[0056] Separation mechanism

[0057] Next, the separation mechanism 100 arranged in the main body 2 will be described with reference to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8A , Figure 8B

[0058] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the process cartridge 5 and the separation mechanism 100. Figure 7 is a view for explaining the connection of the control unit 2b, the drive source 2c, and the separation mechanism 100 in the main body 2.

[0059] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are views for explaining the operation of the separation mechanism 100. Figure 8A is a side view showing the relationship between the process cartridge 5 and the separation mechanism 100 when the developing unit 15 is in the contact position. Figure 8B is a side view showing the relationship between the process cartridge 5 and the separation mechanism 100 when the developing unit 15 is in the separation position.

[0060] ​​The main body 2 has a separation mechanism 100. The separation mechanism 100 is provided at a position between the longitudinal direction (the same direction as the rotation axis RR of the developing roller 16 or the rotation axis RD of the photosensitive drum 11) of the process cartridge 5. The separation mechanism 100 is provided below the developing unit 15.

[0061] The separation mechanism 100 includes a rotary cam (rotating member) 101, a shaft (support member) 104, and a lever member (swingable member) 103. The rotary cam 101 is rotatable about a rotation axis RC. The shaft 104 is arranged at a position away from the rotary cam 101. The lever member 103 is swingable (pivotally movable) about the shaft 104. The rotary cam 101 moves the lever member 103.

[0062] Since the separation mechanism 100 is provided at a position between the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 5, the developing unit 15 can be switched between the contact position and the separation position without increasing the width of the main body 2.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7 The main body 2 includes a motor 2c and a control unit 2b. The motor 2c serves as a drive source that drives the rotary cam 101, and the control unit 2b controls the motor 2c. The control unit 2b controls the motor 2c so that the developing unit 15 is moved between the separation position and the contact position at a predetermined timing.

[0064] The rotary cam 101 is rotatably supported by the main body 2, with the cam drive shaft 102 therebetween.

[0065] The motor 2c is connected to the cam drive shaft 102. The motor 2c rotates the cam drive shaft 102, thereby rotating the rotary cam 101. In the present embodiment, the rotary cam 101 is made of resin, and the cam drive shaft 102 is formed by folding a metal plate.

[0066] The lever member 103 has a first contact surface 103a, a second contact surface 103b, and a supported portion 103c (see Figure 8A and Figure 8B). The first contact surface 103a is configured to contact the rotating cam 101, and the second contact surface 103b is configured to contact the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15. The supported portion 103c is supported by the shaft 104. The first contact surface 103a is opposite to the rotating cam 101, and the second contact surface 103b is opposite to the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15. The first contact surface 103a is located on the back side of the second contact surface 103b. In the direction of the rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 101 (in the direction parallel to the rotation axis RL of the rod member 103), the first contact surface 103a and the second contact surface 103b are positioned so as to at least partially overlap with each other. With respect to the direction of the rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 101, the position of the first contact surface 103a and the position of the second contact surface 103b at least partially overlap with each other. In other words, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis RC of the rotating cam 101, the first contact surface 103a and the second contact surface 103b overlap with each other.

[0067] The supported portion 103c engages the shaft 104, so that the shaft 104 of the main body 2 pivotally supports the lever member 103. In the present embodiment, the supported portion 103c is formed as a hole into which the shaft 104 is inserted.

[0068] The lever member 103 functions as a cover member for covering the rotating cam 101. When the process cartridge 5 is mounted or removed relative to the main body 2, the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge 5 contacts the lever member 103. Therefore, the lever member 103 prevents the developing unit 15 from directly contacting the rotating cam 101.

[0069] The rod member 103 can be made of metal, resin, or both. If the rod member 103 is made of metal, at least one of the first contact surface 103a and the second contact surface 103b can be made of metal. In this embodiment, the rod member 103 is formed by folding a metal sheet. If the rod member 103 is made of metal, the metal material can reduce wear on the rod member 103.

[0070] The shaft 104 is arranged at a position different from that of the cam drive shaft 102 in the insertion direction of the process cartridge 5. The lever member 103 is provided above the rotating cam 101 and contacts the cam surface 101a of the rotating cam 101 by its own weight. The rotation of the rotating cam 101 causes the lever member 103 to pivotally move about the lever axis (rotation axis, pivotal movement axis) RL.

[0071] Will refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The operation of the separation mechanism 100 is described.

[0072] The lever member 103 is movable between a first position in which the lever member 103 is in contact with the developing unit 15 and a second position in which the lever member 103 is retracted from the first position. In the present embodiment, the rotary cam 101 presses the lever member 103, thereby moving the lever member 103 from the second position to the first position. In other words, the rotary cam 101 is configured to move the lever member 103 from the second position to the first position. On the other hand, when the lever member 103 is moved from the first position to the second position, the lever member 103 is moved by its own weight with the rotation of the rotary cam 101 with the rotary cam 101 supporting the lever member 103.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 is away from the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15 and the developing unit 15 is in the contact position. In the present embodiment, when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 is supported by the rotary cam 101. Note that when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 can be supported by a member other than the rotary cam 101. In this case, a gap is formed between the rotary cam 101 and the lever member 103. Figure 8A As shown in FIG. 10, when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 is away from the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15 and the developing unit 15 is in the contact position. In the present embodiment, when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 is supported by the rotary cam 101. Note that when the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 can be supported by a member other than the rotary cam 101. In this case, a gap is formed between the rotary cam 101 and the lever member 103.

[0074] The motor 2c drives the cam drive shaft 102, thereby rotating the rotary cam 101 in the direction S. When the rotary cam 101 is rotated in the state in which the lever member 103 is in the second position and the developing unit 15 is in the contact position, the lever member 103 is pivotally moved in the direction T1 with the cam face 101a sliding on the first contact face 103a of the lever member 103. As a result, the second contact face 103b of the lever member 103 is moved in a direction in which the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15 is approached.

[0075] The rotary cam 101 is further rotated, thereby bringing the second contact face 103b of the lever member 103 into contact with the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15, and the second contact face 103b presses the developing unit 15 against the pressing force of the pressing spring 19. Since the drum unit 10 of the process cartridge 5 is fixedly positioned with respect to the main body 2, the developing unit 15 is rotated in the direction R2 about the unit rotation axis 8 with respect to the drum unit 10. When the rotary cam 101 is rotated by 180 degrees from the state in which the lever member 103 is in the second position, the lever member 103 reaches the first position.

[0076] Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 11, when the lever member 103 is in the first position, the lever member 103 is in contact with the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15 and the developing unit 15 is in the separation position. In the present embodiment, when the lever member 103 is in the first position, the lever member 103 is supported on the rotary cam 101. In this state, the lever member 103 is sandwiched between the rotary cam 101 and the protrusion 92 of the developing unit 15. ​

[0077] In a state where the lever member 103 is supported on the rotary cam 101 in the first position, the process cartridge 5 can be attached to or detached from the main body 2. The process cartridge 5 is attached to or detached from the main body 2 in a direction intersecting (or orthogonally intersecting) the rotation axis RC of the rotary cam 101. The process cartridge 5 is attached to the main body 2 in an attachment direction (mounting direction) Ca and is detached from the main body 2 in a detachment direction (demounting direction) Cd.

[0078] The lever member 103 extends downstream from the supported portion 103c in the detachment direction Cd of the process cartridge 5. The rotation axis RC of the rotary cam 101 is located downstream of the shaft 104 in the detachment direction Cd.

[0079] The lever member 103 has a first end portion and a second end portion in the detachment direction Cd. The supported portion 103c is formed at the first end portion, and the second end portion is located on the opposite side of the first end portion. The inclined surface 103d is formed at the second end portion of the lever member 103. The inclined surface 103d extends in a direction away from the process cartridge 5. When the process cartridge 5 is attached to the main body 2, the inclined surface 103d can smoothly guide the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15 to the second contact surface 103b.

[0080] When the rotary cam 101 rotates in a state where the lever member 103 is in the first position and the developing unit 15 is in the separation position, the lever member 103 is pivotally moved in the direction T2 by its own weight in a case where the cam surface 101a slides on the first contact surface 103a of the lever member 103.

[0081] Since the drum unit 10 of the process cartridge 5 is fixedly positioned relative to the main body 2, the developing unit 15 rotates relative to the drum unit 10 in the Rl direction about the unit rotation axis 8. The rotary cam 101 is further rotated, and the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge 5 reaches the contact position. Subsequently, the second contact surface 103b of the lever member 103 is separated from the protruding portion 92 of the developing unit 15.

[0082] When the rotary cam 101 is rotated by 180 degrees from the position where the rotary cam 101 supports the lever member 103 in the first position (see Figure 8B ), the rotary cam 101 returns to the position shown in Figure 8A . At this time, the lever member 103 is in the second position, and the developing unit 15 is in the contact position.

[0083] The image forming apparatus 1 is configured to repeatedly move the developing unit 15 between the contact position and the separation position by the rotary cam 101 and the lever member 103. The control unit 2b provided in the main body 2 controls the rotation of the rotary cam 101, thereby enabling the developing unit 15 to switch between the contact position and the separation position at a predetermined timing. During imaging on the sheet S, the developing unit 15 is in the contact position at the time of imaging, and the developing unit 15 is in the separation position at the time of non-imaging. This reduces the deterioration of the photosensitive drum 11, the developing roller 16, and the toner, and also suppresses unnecessary toner consumption at the time of non-imaging.

[0084] If the rotary cam 101 is in direct contact with the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge 5, the developing unit 15 will rub against the rotary cam 101 and cause the rotary cam 101 to rotate when the process cartridge 5 is installed or removed. As a result, an unexpected load will be applied to the mechanism for driving the rotary cam 101 (e.g., the motor 2c and the gears between the motor 2c and the cam driving shaft 102).

[0085] On the other hand, in the case where the rotary cam 101 is covered by the lever member 103 supported by the shaft 104, the rotary cam 101 is prevented from rotating when the process cartridge 5 is installed or removed. This reduces the possibility of an unexpected load being applied to the mechanism for driving the rotary cam 101. Furthermore, this can prevent the rotary cam 101 from being rotated by an external force when the process cartridge 5 is removed. Furthermore, this can prevent the rotary cam 101 from being worn.

[0086] Details of the separation mechanism

[0087] Reference will be made to Figure 9 The separation mechanism 100 will be described in detail. Figure 9 is a detailed view of the separation mechanism 100. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the separation mechanism 100 when the lever member 103 is in the first position.

[0088] The rotary cam 101 has an abutment portion 101b that contacts the first contact surface 103a to hold the lever member 103 in the first position. The abutment portion 101b is a portion of the cam surface of the rotary cam 101.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the abutment portion 101b has a first portion 101c and a second portion 101d that is away from the first portion 101c in the direction of rotation of the rotary cam 101. The first portion 101c and the second portion 101d contact the first contact surface 103a when the lever member 103 is in the first position.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the abutment portion 101b has a flat portion, and the flat portion also comes into contact with the first contact surface 103a. The first portion 101c and the second portion 101d are arranged at both ends of the flat portion (flat shape portion). A straight line L (the straight line L is a line that is perpendicular to the flat portion in the present embodiment) that intersects orthogonally with a straight line connecting between the first portion 101c and the second portion 101d will intersect with the rotational axis RC when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis RC.

[0091] In this state, in a case where the lever member 103 receives an external force, movement of the rotary cam 101 is restricted, thereby preventing the rotary cam 101 from rotating. For example, the lever member 103 receives an external force when the process cartridge 5 is attached or detached, or when the user touches the lever member 103 after the process cartridge 5 is detached.

[0092] Therefore, this reduces the possibility of a load being applied to a mechanism (for example, a gear) for driving the rotary cam 101 when the process cartridge 5 is attached or detached.

[0093] Second Embodiment

[0094] The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10 The second embodiment will be described with reference to

[0095] Figure 10 is a detailed view showing a separation mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment. The separation mechanism 200 of the present embodiment corresponds to the separation mechanism 100 of the first embodiment. However, the separation mechanism 200 includes a rotary cam 201 that includes a shape different from the shape of the rotary cam 101 of the first embodiment.

[0096] The rotary cam 201 of the present embodiment has an abutment portion that comes into contact with the first contact surface 103a to hold the lever member 103 at the first position. The abutment portion has a circular arc surface (circular arc portion) 201b. The circular arc surface 201b is a portion of the cam surface of the rotary cam 201. The first contact surface 103a of the lever member 103 comes into contact with the circular arc surface 201b. The center of the circular arc surface 201b is located at the center of rotation of the rotary cam 201. In other words, the circular arc surface 201b is shaped along an imaginary circle whose center is located at the rotational axis RC of the rotary cam 201. Furthermore, the first contact surface 103a is positioned so as to be tangent to the circular arc surface 201b.

[0097] In this state, when the lever member 103 receives an external force, the force that the lever member 103 exerts on the rotary cam 201 is directed toward the center of rotation of the rotary cam 201, which reduces the possibility that the force will cause the rotary cam 201 to rotate. This reduces the possibility that the rotary cam 201 will rotate.

[0098] Therefore, this reduces the possibility of applying a load to a mechanism (e.g., a gear) for driving the rotating cam 101 when the process cartridge 5 is installed or removed.

[0099] Variants

[0100] In each of the above-described embodiments, the developing roller 16 is configured to contact the photosensitive drum 11 to develop the latent electrostatic image. However, the developing roller 16 can be configured to develop the latent electrostatic image with a gap between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11.

[0101] In the above-described description, the separation mechanism 100 or the separation mechanism 200 is arranged at only one side of the process cartridge 5 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 11. The separation mechanism 100 or the separation mechanism 200 can also be arranged at each side of the process cartridge 5.

[0102] The manner in which the lever member 103 is supported by the main body 2 can also be that the supported portion 103c of the lever member 103 is formed as a shaft, and a hole for receiving the shaft is formed at a position of the main body 2 corresponding to the shaft 104.

[0103] The present application is applicable to an image forming apparatus configured such that a cartridge includes a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit, and the cartridge is installable or removable with respect to an apparatus main body. Therefore, the first unit is not limited to the drum unit 10, and the second unit is not limited to the developing unit 15.

[0104] If necessary, each of the above-described embodiments and variants can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0105] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present application can reduce the possibility that a force is applied from the cartridge to a rotating member of the main body and causes the rotating member to rotate when the cartridge is installed into or removed from the main body.

[0106] While the present application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be given the broadest interpretation to encompass all the variations and equivalents.

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: a cartridge comprising a first unit and a second unit movably connected to the first unit; and The main body, in which the box can be detachably installed, includes: A rotating component rotatable about an axis of rotation; a supporting member disposed at a position away from the rotating member; and a swingable member pivotally movable about the supporting member and configured to be moved by the rotating member, the swingable member including (i) a first contact surface configured to contact the rotating member; (ii) a second contact surface configured to contact the second unit; and (iii) a supported portion supported by the supporting member, the swingable member being movable between a first position in which the swingable member contacts the second unit and a second position in which the swingable member is retracted from the first position; wherein the cartridge can be mounted in and removed from the main body in a state where the swingable member is in the first position and supported by the rotating member; wherein the swingable member extends downstream from the supported portion along a detachment direction of the cartridge from the main body; Wherein, the rotation axis is located downstream of the support component in the disassembly direction.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The rotating member includes an abutment portion configured to contact the first contact surface to hold the swingable member in the first position.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, in, The abutment portion includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being positioned away from the first portion in the rotational direction of the rotating component, and When the swingable member is in the first position, the first portion and the second portion contact the first contact surface.

4. The imaging device according to claim 2, in, The abutment portion of the rotating member includes a flat surface portion, and When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis, a line perpendicular to the planar portion intersects the rotation axis.

5. The imaging device according to claim 2, in, The abutting portion includes an arc portion, and The arc portion is formed along an imaginary circle whose center is located at the rotation axis.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, In the direction of the rotation axis, the first contact surface and the second contact surface are positioned so as to at least partially overlap each other.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The first unit includes an image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image; The second unit includes a developer carrying member configured to carry the developer, and the second unit is configured to move between a developing position where the second unit develops the electrostatic latent image and a retracted position where the second unit is retracted from the developing position, and When the swingable member is in the first position, the second unit is in the retracted position.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The cartridge is mounted to and removed from the main body in a direction intersecting the rotation axis.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The movable parts include: a first end portion at which the supported portion is formed; and The second end portion is located at a position opposite to the first end portion in the disassembly direction, and an inclined surface is formed at the second end portion.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The swingable member is made of a material containing metal.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The subjects include: a drive source that drives the rotating components, and A control unit that controls the drive source.

Images