Imaging equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, comprising: an apparatus main body including an opening portion and an opening and closing member; a process unit detachably attached to and supported by the apparatus main body, the process unit including an image bearing member, a toner storage portion, and a supply portion; a sheet supporting portion; and a rotary feed member. When viewed in the direction of gravity, the supply portion is arranged on the same side of the image bearing member as the side on which the sheet supporting portion is arranged, and the opening portion is arranged on the opposite side of the image bearing member to the side on which the sheet supporting portion is arranged. With the opening and closing member positioned in an open position, the process unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body through the opening portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet. Background Art

[0002] Typically, an electrophotographic imaging device forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum to a sheet. To supply developer, a process cartridge replacement system or a toner supply system is used. In a process cartridge replacement system, when the developer runs out, the process cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge. In a toner supply system, when the toner in a developer container runs out, additional toner is supplied to the developer container. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-056323 proposes a process cartridge for a toner supply system.

[0003] The process cartridge described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-056323 is exposed to the outside by opening a discharge tray arranged in the upper part of the imaging device, and a toner pack for supplying toner can be attached to a supply inlet formed in the process cartridge. In addition, with the discharge tray open, the process cartridge can be removed from the device body in an upward direction.

[0004] However, in the imaging device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-056323, since the processing cartridge is attached to and detached from the device body through a small opening portion exposed to the outside when the discharge tray is opened, the maintainability of the processing cartridge is insufficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body including an opening portion and an opening and closing member configured to move between a closed position in which the opening and closing member closes the opening portion and an open position in which the opening and closing member opens the opening portion; a process unit detachably attached to and supported by the apparatus body and configured to form an image on a sheet, the process unit including an image bearing member configured to bear a toner image and rotate, a toner storage portion configured to store toner, and a supply portion configured to communicate with the toner storage portion and receive toner supplied from outside the process unit when the process unit is attached to the apparatus body; a sheet supporting portion configured to support a sheet; and a rotary feed member configured to feed the sheet on the sheet supporting portion. When viewed in the direction of gravity, the supply portion is arranged on the same side of the image bearing member as the side on which the sheet supporting portion is arranged, and the opening portion is arranged on the opposite side of the image bearing member from the side on which the sheet supporting portion is arranged. With the opening and closing member positioned at the open position, the process unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body through the opening portion.

[0006] 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

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire imaging apparatus.

[0008] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus.

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the imaging apparatus.

[0010] Figure 4 is a block diagram for illustrating the functions of a power board.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus in a state before the process unit is attached to the imaging apparatus.

[0012] Figure 6A It is a rear view and an enlarged view showing a configuration in which the processing unit is positioned by the left side plate frame.

[0013] Figure 6B It is a rear view and an enlarged view showing a configuration in which the processing unit is positioned by the right side plate frame.

[0014] Figure 7is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the process unit is attached to the imaging apparatus.

[0015] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a processing unit.

[0016] Figure 9 is a sectional view showing a supply portion and a developer container.

[0017] Figure 10A is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in a state where the discharge tray is closed.

[0018] Figure 10B is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in a state where the discharge tray is opened.

[0019] Figure 10C is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in a state where a supply pack is attached to a supply portion.

[0020] Figure 11A It is a perspective view showing a supply portion.

[0021] Figure 11B is a perspective view showing a supply portion and a portion of a supply pack.

[0022] Figure 11C is a perspective view showing the supply portion in a state where the operation portion is positioned at the supply position.

[0023] Figure 12 is a left side view showing the imaging apparatus.

[0024] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the imaging apparatus.

[0025] Figure 14A is a perspective view showing the supply package in a state where the package shutter portion is positioned at a closed position.

[0026] Figure 14B is another perspective view showing the supply package in a state where the package shutter portion is positioned at the closed position.

[0027] Figure 15A is a perspective view showing the supply package in a state where the package shutter portion is positioned at an open position.

[0028] Figure 15B is another perspective view showing the supply package in a state where the package shutter portion is positioned at the open position.

[0029] Figure 16A is an exploded perspective view showing the supply package.

[0030] Figure 16B is another exploded perspective view showing the supply package.

[0031] Figure 17A is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the rear cover is closed.

[0032] Figure 17B is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the rear cover is opened.

[0033] Figure 17C is a perspective view illustrating the image forming apparatus in a state in which a transfer unit is opened.

[0034] Figure 18A is a sectional view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the rear cover is closed.

[0035] Figure 18B is a sectional view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the rear cover is opened.

[0036] Figure 18C is a sectional view illustrating the image forming apparatus in a state in which a transfer unit is opened.

[0037] Figure 18D is a sectional view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the rear cover is closed.

[0038] Figure 19A is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the rear cover is closed.

[0039] Figure 19B is a perspective view illustrating the image forming apparatus in a state in which a transfer unit is opened.

[0040] Figure 19C is a perspective view showing a state where removal of a processing unit is started.

[0041] Figure 19D It is a perspective view showing a state in which removal of a processing unit is being performed.

[0042] Figure 20A is a sectional view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the rear cover is closed.

[0043] Figure 20B is a sectional view illustrating the image forming apparatus in a state in which a transfer unit is opened.

[0044] Figure 20C is a cross-sectional view showing a state where removal of the processing unit begins.

[0045] Figure 20Dis a cross-sectional view showing a state in which removal of the processing unit is being performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the sizes, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments may be appropriately changed depending on the configuration and various conditions to which the apparatus of the present invention is applied. That is, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0047] First embodiment

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of an imaging device 1. The imaging device 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information transmitted from an external device. The recording material can be a variety of sheets made of different materials. For example, the recording material can be a paper sheet (e.g., plain paper or thick paper), a plastic film used as a sheet for an overhead projector, a specially shaped sheet (e.g., envelope or index paper), or a cloth sheet.

[0049] In the following description, the height direction (opposite to the vertical direction) of the imaging device 1 placed on a horizontal plane is defined as the Z direction. In addition, the direction intersecting with the Z direction and parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 11 described later (i.e., the main scanning direction) is defined as the X direction. In addition, the direction intersecting with the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction. Preferably, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction intersect with each other at right angles. For ease of description, the positive direction of the X direction is referred to as the right side, the negative direction of the X direction is referred to as the left side, the positive direction of the Y direction is referred to as the front side or the front surface side, the negative direction of the Y direction is referred to as the rear side or the rear surface side, the positive direction of the Z direction is referred to as the upper side, and the negative direction of the Z direction is referred to as the lower side.

[0050] Overall configuration

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 20, a feeding section 30, a fixing section 9, and a discharge roller pair 10. The image forming section 20 forms a toner image on a recording material; the feeding section 30 feeds the recording material P; and the fixing section 9 fixes the toner image formed by the image forming section 20 onto the recording material.

[0052] The image forming section 20 includes a scanner unit 50, an electrophotographic process unit 40, and a transfer unit 7. The transfer unit 7 includes a transfer roller 7a that transfers the toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 11 of the process unit 40 to a recording material P as a sheet. The process unit 40 includes a photosensitive drum 11, a cleaning unit 13, a charging roller 17, a developing roller 12, and a developer container 230 (see FIG. Figure 8 ), the developer container includes a storage portion 18 for storing toner. A cleaning unit 13, a charging roller 17, and a developing roller 12 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 11. The transfer roller 7a is urged toward the photosensitive drum 11 by an urging member (not shown).

[0053] The photosensitive drum 11 used as an image bearing member is a cylindrical photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 11 of this embodiment includes a drum-shaped base and a photosensitive layer formed on the base. The base is made of aluminum, and the photosensitive layer is made of a negatively charged organic photoreceptor. In addition, the photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member is driven by a motor and rotates in a predetermined direction (i.e., a predetermined process speed) at a predetermined speed. Figure 2 The device rotates in the R direction.

[0054] The charging roller 17 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 with a predetermined pressure contact force, thereby forming a charged portion. The charging roller 17 is supplied with a desired charging voltage from a charging high-voltage power source, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 at a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 11 is negatively charged by the charging roller 17.

[0055] The scanner unit 50 generates a laser beam based on image information transmitted from an external device and emits the laser beam via a polygonal mirror onto the photoconductor drum 11 to scan and expose the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image based on the image information on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. It should be noted that the scanner unit 50 is not limited to a laser scanner device. For example, the scanner unit 50 used may be an LED exposure device including an LED array, wherein a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor drum 11.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the apparatus body 2 of the imaging apparatus 1 includes a left side plate frame 74 and a right side plate frame 75. A scanner holding member 76 is suspended between the left side plate frame 74 and the right side plate frame 75. The scanner holding member 76 holds the scanner unit 50. In addition, a drive motor 311 serving as a drive source is attached to the right side plate frame 75, and a pinion gear coupled to the drive motor 311 is arranged on the right side plate frame 75, that is, on the positive direction side (right side) in the X direction. The driving force of the drive motor 311 is transmitted to the feed roller 5a and the photosensitive drum 11 via the pinion gear.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the developing roller 12 is rotatably supported by the storage portion 18, which serves as a toner storage portion. In addition, the developing roller 12 is arranged in a developer container 230 (see FIG. 1 ) including the storage portion 18. Figure 8 ) in the opening portion of the developing roller 12 so as to face the photosensitive drum 11. It should be noted that a supply roller may be arranged in the storage portion 18 for applying the toner contained in the storage portion 18 and serving as a developer to the surface of the developing roller 12.

[0058] In the process unit 40 of this embodiment, a contact development system is used as the development system. Specifically, the toner layer carried by the developing roller 12 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 in the development portion (development area) where the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 12 face each other. A development voltage is applied to the developing roller 12 by a high-voltage development power supply. Therefore, the toner carried by the developing roller 12 is transferred from the developing roller 12 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by the development voltage according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image.

[0059] In addition, the toner of the present embodiment is a so-called single-component non-magnetic developer, which does not contain a magnetic component. Therefore, the toner of the present embodiment is carried by the developing roller 12 mainly due to intermolecular force or electrostatic force (image force). However, a single-component developer containing a magnetic component can be used. These single-component developers can contain not only toner particles, but also additives (for example, wax and silica fine particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging ability of the toner. In another case, a two-component developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier can be used as a developer. In the case of using a magnetic developer, a cylindrical developing sleeve can be used as a developer carrying member, and the developing sleeve can have a magnet arranged inside the developing sleeve.

[0060] The fixing section 9 is a heat fixing system that performs an image fixing process by heating and melting the toner image formed on the recording material and applying a pressing pressure to the toner image. The fixing section 9 includes a heating roller 9a including a fixing heater 9c and a pressing roller 9b that is in pressure contact with the heating roller 9a.

[0061] The feeding portion 30 includes a cassette 4, a pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, and a separation roller 5b. The cassette 4 serves as a sheet supporting portion on which the recording material P is stacked. The pickup roller 3 serves as a rotating feeding member. It should be noted that the pickup roller 3 may not be a roller and may be another rotating member such as a belt. A front cover 70 is arranged in a portion of the front surface of the imaging device 1. The front cover 70 covers the circuit board 100. The device body 2 of the imaging device 1 includes a housing 72. The housing 72 includes the front cover 70, the discharge tray 14, and a rear cover 73 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 17A) and an outer cover 71. The outer cover 71 serves as the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 except for the front cover 70, the discharge tray 14, and the rear cover 73. In addition, an outlet 15 is formed in the housing 72, and a sheet to be discharged to the discharge tray 14 passes through the outlet 15.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, imaging device 1 includes a circuit board 100. Circuit board 100 includes a wiring board 101 made of an insulator and electronic components 111 and 121 soldered to wiring board 101. Since conductor wiring is arranged above and within wiring board 101, electronic components 111 and 121 are electrically connected to each other. For example, circuit board 100 has the function of converting AC power supplied from outside of imaging device 1 into DC power, and also has the function of converting input voltage to obtain a predetermined voltage required for imaging processing.

[0063] The circuit board 100 is oriented so that the discharge direction intersects the surface of the wiring board 101 on which the electronic components 111 and 121 are mounted. In addition, the wiring board 101 is arranged between the front cover 70 and the scanner unit 50 in the discharge direction. The electronic components 111 and 121 are mounted on the surface of the wiring board 101 that faces the scanner unit 50.

[0064] Next, the imaging operation of the imaging device 1 will be described. When the imaging device 1 receives an imaging instruction, the imaging section 20 begins imaging based on image information transmitted from an external computer connected to the imaging device 1. The scanner unit 50 emits a laser beam toward the photosensitive drum 11 based on the image information received by the imaging device 1. The photosensitive drum 11 is precharged by the charging roller 17. Therefore, when the laser beam is emitted to the photosensitive drum 11, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. The electrostatic latent image is then developed by the developing roller 12, forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0065] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the pickup roller 3 of the feeding section 30 feeds the recording material P supported by the cassette 4. The recording material P fed by the pickup roller 3 is separated sheet by sheet from each other by the feeding roller 5a and the separating roller 5b, and is conveyed to the conveying roller pair 5c. The recording material P is then conveyed toward the transfer nip N1 formed by the transfer roller 7a and the photosensitive drum 11 by the conveying roller pair 5c serving as a conveying section.

[0066] The transfer roller 7a is supplied with a transfer voltage from a high-voltage transfer power supply, and the toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the recording material P being conveyed by the conveying roller pair 5c. The recording material P, onto which the toner image has been transferred, is then conveyed to the fixing section 9. The toner image is heated and pressed as the recording material P passes through the fixing nip N2 formed between the heating roller 9a and the pressing roller 9b of the fixing section 9. This operation melts the toner particles, which then solidify and adhere to the recording material P, causing the toner image to be fixed to the recording material P. The recording material P, having passed through the fixing section 9, is discharged from the outlet 15 to the exterior of the imaging apparatus 1 by the discharge roller pair 10 and stacked on the discharge tray 14.

[0067] If images are to be formed on both sides of the recording material P, the recording material P with the images formed on its first surface is turned back by the discharge roller pair 10 and guided to the duplex transport path 16. The recording material P guided to the duplex transport path 16 is again transported through the transport path 19 toward the transfer roller 7a by the duplex transport roller pair 5d. After the image is formed on the second surface of the recording material P by the transfer roller 7a, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 by the discharge roller pair 10b. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 after the toner image is transferred to the recording material P is removed by the cleaning unit 13.

[0068] Control Block

[0069] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram for illustrating the functions of the circuit board 100 of the present embodiment. The circuit board 100 includes a low-voltage power supply section 110 and a high-voltage power supply section 120. The low-voltage power supply section 110 receives power from an external power source through a power input section (not shown) mounted on the edge portion of the board, and causes a rectification and smoothing circuit including an electrolytic capacitor to convert an AC voltage into a stable DC voltage. Then, the low-voltage power supply section 110 causes a switching element (such as a transistor) to convert the DC voltage into a high-frequency AC voltage, and applies the high-frequency AC voltage to a low-voltage power transformer. The low-voltage power transformer converts the high-frequency AC voltage as the input voltage into an AC voltage (output voltage) with a desired voltage value. Then, the low-voltage power supply section 110 converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage again, and outputs the DC voltage to the high-voltage power supply section 120. In the low-voltage power supply section 110, since the loss in each circuit component becomes heat, a heat sink (not shown) made of aluminum or iron is arranged to dissipate heat.

[0070] The high-voltage power supply section 120 converts the voltage (e.g., 24V) supplied from the low-voltage power supply section 110 into the high voltage required for the imaging process, which includes a charging process, a developing process, and a transfer process. The voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply section 110 is converted into a voltage for the charging process by a transformer for the charging process and is supplied to the charging roller 17. In addition, the voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply section 110 is converted into a voltage for the developing process by a transformer for the developing process and is supplied to the developing roller 12. In addition, the voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply section 110 is converted into a voltage for the transfer process by a transformer for the transfer process and is supplied to the transfer roller 7a.

[0071] The low-voltage power supply section 110 not only supplies voltage (e.g., 3.3V or 5V) to the high-voltage power supply section 120, but also supplies voltage to the scanner unit 50, the drive motor 311, the engine controller 130, and the video controller 140. The engine controller 130 serves as a control section and controls the various processing components as a whole. The engine controller 130 includes a CPU (not shown), RAM (not shown), and ROM (not shown). The RAM is used to calculate data required to control the imaging device 1 and to temporarily store data. The ROM is used to store programs for controlling the imaging device 1 and to store various types of data. The video controller 140 receives print data by communicating with an external device such as a personal computer, analyzes the print data, and transmits the analysis results to the engine controller 130. It should be noted that the engine controller 130 and the video controller 140 can be mounted on another board besides the circuit board 100, or can be mounted on the circuit board 100.

[0072] The AC power received by the power input portion from the commercial power source is supplied not only to the low voltage power supply portion 110 but also to the fixing heater 9c. Note that the roller of the fixing portion 9 is driven by a drive motor 311.

[0073] Configuration of positioning processing unit

[0074] Next, we will refer to Figures 5 to 7 A configuration for positioning the processing unit 40 is described. Figure 5 4 is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus 1 in a state before the processing unit 40 is attached to the imaging apparatus 1 . Figure 6A 1 is a rear view and an enlarged view showing a configuration in which the processing unit 40 is positioned by the left side plate frame 74 . Figure 6B 1 is a rear view and an enlarged view showing a configuration in which the process unit 40 is positioned by the right side plate frame 75 .

[0075] like Figure 5As shown, the processing unit 40 includes a left side surface 30L and a right side surface 30R, which are end surfaces of the processing unit 40 in the longitudinal direction LD parallel to the X-direction indicated by the arrow. The left side surface 30L is provided with a left positioning boss 41L and a left anti-rotation boss 42L, and the right side surface 30R is provided with a right positioning boss 41R (not shown) and a right anti-rotation boss 42R (not shown). The left positioning boss 41L and the right positioning boss 41R are respectively arranged upstream of the left anti-rotation boss 42L and the right anti-rotation boss 42R in the attachment direction AD of the processing unit 40.

[0076] It should be noted that although the boss-shaped positioning boss and the boss-shaped anti-rotation boss are arranged on the processing unit 40 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, non-boss-shaped positioning portions and non-boss-shaped anti-rotation portions may be arranged on the processing unit 40.

[0077] The apparatus body 2 of the imaging apparatus 1 includes a left plate frame 74 and a right plate frame 75 which are metal plate members. The left plate frame 74 and the right plate frame 75 face each other with a gap therebetween in the longitudinal direction LD serving as the second direction.

[0078] like Figure 5 and Figure 6A As shown, the left side plate frame 74 includes a first left surface 81Lf and a second left surface 82Lf extending along the attachment direction AD (Y direction) and the Z direction. The second left surface 82Lf is formed by performing a stretching process on the first left surface 81Lf, and is arranged inside the device body 2 at a distance X1 in the longitudinal direction LD relative to the first left surface 81Lf. That is, the first left surface 81Lf and the second left surface 82Lf are not flush with each other. In the present embodiment, the second left surface 82Lf serving as the second surface is a surface extending parallel to the attachment direction AD (Y direction) and the Z direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second left surface 82Lf can be a curved surface extending along the attachment direction AD (Y direction) and the Z direction.

[0079] The first left surface 81Lf has a left positioning portion 81L with which the left positioning boss 41L can engage. The left positioning portion 81L is a cutout whose upstream portion in the attachment direction AD is open. The second left surface 82Lf has a left anti-rotation portion 82L with which the left anti-rotation boss 42L can engage. The left anti-rotation portion 82L is a U-shaped cutout whose upstream portion in the attachment direction AD is open. It should be noted that since the second left surface 82Lf is formed by a stretching process, a slope that guides the left positioning boss 41L toward the left positioning portion 81L can be formed in the second left surface 82Lf.

[0080] Furthermore, since the first left surface 81Lf and the second left surface 82Lf are spaced apart from each other by a distance X1 in the longitudinal direction LD, the left anti-rotation portion 82L is also spaced apart from the left positioning portion 81L by a distance X1 in the longitudinal direction LD. In other words, the left anti-rotation portion 82L is arranged at a position different from that of the left positioning portion 81L in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0081] Similarly, if Figure 5 and Figure 6B As shown, the right side plate frame 75 includes a first right surface 81Rf and a second right surface 82Rf extending along the attachment direction AD (Y direction) and the Z direction. The second right surface 82Rf is formed by performing a stretching process on the first right surface 81Rf, and is arranged inside the device body 2 at a distance X2 in the longitudinal direction LD relative to the first right surface 81Rf. That is, the first right surface 81Rf and the second right surface 82Rf are not flush with each other. In the present embodiment, the first right surface 81Rf and the second right surface 82Rf are surfaces extending parallel to the attachment direction AD (Y direction) and the Z direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second right surface 82Rf can be a curved surface extending along the attachment direction AD (Y direction) and the Z direction.

[0082] The first right surface 81Rf has a right positioning portion 81R, with which the right positioning boss 41R can engage. The right positioning portion 81R is a cutout whose upstream portion in the attachment direction AD is open. The second right surface 82Rf has a right anti-rotation portion 82R, with which the right anti-rotation boss 42R can engage. The right anti-rotation portion 82R is a U-shaped cutout whose upstream portion in the attachment direction AD is open. It should be noted that since the second right surface 82Rf is formed by a stretching process, a slope that guides the right positioning boss 41R toward the right positioning portion 81R can be formed in the second right surface 82Rf.

[0083] Furthermore, since the first right surface 81Rf and the second right surface 82Rf are spaced apart from each other by a distance X2 in the longitudinal direction LD, the right anti-rotation portion 82R is also spaced apart from the right positioning portion 81R by a distance X2 in the longitudinal direction LD. In other words, the right anti-rotation portion 82R is arranged at a position different from that of the right positioning portion 81R in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0084] Figure 7 1 is a perspective view showing the imaging device 1 in a state where the processing unit 40 is attached to the imaging device 1. Figures 5 to 7As shown, in a state in which the process unit 40 is attached to the apparatus main body 2, the left positioning boss 41L of the process unit 40 engages with the left positioning portion 81L of the left plate frame 74, and the left anti-rotation boss 42L of the process unit 40 engages with the left anti-rotation portion 82L of the left plate frame 74. Similarly, in a state in which the process unit 40 is attached to the apparatus main body 2, the right positioning boss 41R of the process unit 40 engages with the right positioning portion 81R of the right plate frame 75, and the right anti-rotation boss 42R of the process unit 40 engages with the right anti-rotation portion 82R of the right plate frame 75.

[0085] The process unit 40 is positioned in the attachment direction AD by engaging the left positioning boss 41L with the left positioning portion 81L and the right positioning boss 41R with the right positioning portion 81R. Furthermore, the process unit 40 is prevented from rotating on the left positioning boss 41L and the right positioning boss 41R by engaging the left anti-rotation boss 42L with the left anti-rotation portion 82L and the right anti-rotation boss 42R with the right anti-rotation portion 82R. In other words, the process unit 40 is positioned in the Z direction, which is the first direction.

[0086] In this state, the process unit 40 is fixed in a direction from the rear surface side toward the front surface side by fixing members 79L and 79R (see FIG. Figure 19B ) is fixed to the left side plate frame 74 and the right side plate frame 75.

[0087] In this embodiment, since the left positioning portion 81L and the left anti-rotation portion 82L are formed in the left side plate frame 74 as a single metal plate member, the cumulative tolerance is reduced and the positioning accuracy of the processing unit 40 is improved. In addition, since the left positioning portion 81L is arranged upstream of the left anti-rotation portion 82L in the attachment direction AD, the cutout of the left positioning portion 81L formed in the first left surface 81Lf has a smaller area. Since the cutout formed in the left side plate frame 74 has a smaller area, the rigidity of the left side plate frame 74 is maintained. Since the rigidity of the left side plate frame 74 is maintained, the positioning accuracy of the processing unit 40 relative to the device body 2 is improved. In addition, since there is no need to make the left side plate frame 74 thicker, the weight and cost of the left side plate frame 74 are reduced. The same applies to the right side plate frame 75.

[0088] Developer container

[0089] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The developer container 230 and its surroundings are described. Figure 8As shown, the developer container 230 includes a storage portion 18 and a supply portion 200. When the process unit 40 is attached to the apparatus main body 2, the supply portion 200 communicates with the storage portion 18 and receives toner supplied from outside the process unit 40. The supply portion 200 includes: an operating portion 201; a cylindrical toner receiving portion 202; a supply path portion 203 connecting the toner receiving portion 202 and the storage portion 18; and a main body shutter portion 206 serving as a main body shutter. A side surface opening portion 205 is formed in the inner wall of the toner receiving portion 202 so as to communicate with the supply path portion 203.

[0090] like Figure 9 As shown, a supply pack 210 described later is attached to the supply portion 200, and the toner discharged from the supply pack 210 is supplied to the storage portion 18 through the opening portion 207 of the main body baffle portion 206, the side surface opening portion 205 of the toner receiving portion 202 and the supply path portion 203.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, the supply path portion 203 is engaged with a portion of the storage portion 18, which is formed on one end side of the storage portion 18 in the longitudinal direction of the developer container 230 (that is, in the X direction). Figure 9 As shown, the stirring member 60 is arranged in the storage portion 18. The stirring member 60 rotates on a rotation shaft 60a extending in the X direction. The stirring member 60 includes a blade portion 60b fixed to the rotation shaft 60a. The blade portion 60b is driven and rotated by the drive motor 311, so that the toner in the storage portion 18 is stirred and transported toward the developing roller 12. It should be noted that although the stirring member 60 includes the rotation shaft 60a and the blade portion 60b in the present embodiment, the stirring member 60 may be a spiral stirring member that is used to transport the toner from one end of the storage portion 18 to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the storage portion 18.

[0092] Furthermore, the stirring member 60 circulates the toner that has not been used for development and removed from the developing roller 12 in the storage portion 18, thereby making the toner in the storage portion 18 uniform. It should be noted that a rotating stirring member 60 need not be used. Instead, for example, another stirring member that oscillates may be used. Furthermore, in addition to the stirring member 60, another stirring member may be arranged.

[0093] The storage portion 18 also includes a remaining amount detection portion 312, which is a sensor for detecting the amount of toner contained in the storage portion 18. The remaining amount detection portion 312 includes a light emitting portion 312a and a light receiving portion 312b. Light emitted from the light emitting portion 312a passes through the interior of the storage portion 18 and is received by the light receiving portion 312b. That is, the light emitting portion 312a and the light receiving portion 312b generate an optical path Q1 formed in the storage portion 18. It should be noted that the light emitting element of the light emitting portion 312a and the light receiving element of the light receiving portion 312b can be arranged inside the storage portion 18. In another case, the light emitting element and the light receiving element can be arranged outside the storage portion 18, and the light can be introduced into and out of the storage portion 18 via the light guiding portion.

[0094] The light emitting portion 312a and the light receiving portion 312b are arranged in the center portion of the storage portion 18 in the X direction. Since the light emitting portion 312a and the light receiving portion 312b are arranged in the center portion of the storage portion 18, the remaining toner amount of the storage portion 18 can be reliably detected. That is, the developer (toner) is unevenly distributed in the end portions of the storage portion 18 in the X direction, but the unevenness of the distribution in the center portion of the storage portion 18 is less. Therefore, in actual use, the remaining toner amount can be detected in the center portion.

[0095] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the light emitting portion 312a uses an LED, and the light receiving portion 312b uses a phototransistor that turns on when receiving light from the LED. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the light emitting portion 312a can use a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp, and the light receiving portion 312b can use a photodiode or an avalanche photodiode.

[0096] Supply section

[0097] Next, we will refer to Figures 10A to 11C The supply portion 200 is described. The discharge tray 14 is supported so that the discharge tray 14 is closed and positioned at the closed position and is opened and positioned at the open position. The closed position is a position where the recording material P is stacked on the discharge tray 14, as shown in FIG. Figure 10A The open position is a position where the discharge tray 14 is opened relative to the apparatus body 2 of the imaging apparatus 1. Figure 10B As shown. In the closed position, the discharge tray 14 covers the supply portion 200. When the discharge tray 14 is opened and positioned at the open position, the top surface portion 240 and the supply portion 200 arranged on the top surface portion 240 are exposed to the outside. Figure 10CAs shown, the supply pack 210 can be attached to and detached from the supply portion 200. Therefore, a user or maintenance personnel can supply toner to the developer container 230 from the outside without removing the developer container 230 from the apparatus body 2. Hereinafter, the user and workers such as maintenance personnel are collectively referred to as users.

[0098] The supply portion 200 is arranged on the same side in the Y direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 11 as the side on which the cartridge 4 is arranged. In other words, when viewed in the direction of gravity, the supply portion 200 is arranged on the side (front side) on which the cartridge 4 is arranged with respect to the photosensitive drum 11, and the opening portion 91 (see FIG. 1 ) described later is Figure 17B ) is arranged on the other side (the rear surface side) relative to the photosensitive drum 11. That is, when viewed in the direction of gravity, the supply portion 200 is arranged on the same side as the side on which the cartridge 4 is arranged relative to the photosensitive drum 11, and the opening portion 91 is arranged opposite to the cartridge 4 relative to the photosensitive drum 11. Therefore, since the supply of toner and recording material P can be performed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, usability can be improved.

[0099] like Figure 10B and Figure 10C As shown, the operating portion 201 is arranged on the top surface portion 240 and forms a supply inlet 204, which is an inlet for supplying toner. The operating portion 201 includes an annular portion 201a and a lever portion 201b. The annular portion 201a is arranged so as to surround the supply inlet 204 and is rotatably supported by the top surface portion 240 or the toner receiving portion 202. The lever portion 201b is integral with the annular portion 201a. The operating portion 201 is a member for externally controlling the opening and closing operations of the main body shutter portion 206 and the package shutter portion 214.

[0100] like Figure 11A As shown in FIG. 1 , in the toner receiving portion 202, guide portions 247 and 248 are formed. The guide portions 247 and 248 are formed inside the main body baffle portion 206 and are integrated with the toner receiving portion 202. The main body baffle portion 206 is a cylindrical member concentric with the toner receiving portion 202 and is rotatably arranged inside the toner receiving portion 202. The main body baffle portion 206 includes an opening portion 207 (see FIG. Figure 11C ).exist Figure 11A In the closed position shown, the opening portion 207 is offset from the side surface opening portion 205 of the toner receiving portion 202. Further, a sealing member 243 is fixed to the main body shutter portion 206 so as to surround the periphery of the opening portion 207.

[0101] It should be noted that Figure 11A, since the side surface opening portion 205 is covered by the main body shutter portion 206 positioned at the closed position, the side surface opening portion 205 is indicated by a dotted line. Therefore, the side surface opening portion 205 is blocked by the main body shutter portion 206, and the toner is not discharged to the supply path portion 203.

[0102] In contrast, when the body baffle portion 206 is positioned Figure 11C When in the open position shown, the opening portion 207 overlaps with the side surface opening portion 205 of the toner receiving portion 202. Therefore, the supply pack 210 (see FIG. 20) attached to the supply portion 200 is not included in the supply pack 210. Figure 10C ) The supplied toner can be discharged to the supply path portion 203 through the opening portion 207 and the side surface opening portion 205.

[0103] A main body shutter portion driving force transmission protrusion 206a is formed in the main body shutter portion 206. As will be described in detail later, the main body shutter portion driving force transmission protrusion 206a receives a driving force from the supply pack 210 and rotates the main body shutter portion 206. Rotating the operating portion 201 with the supply pack 210 attached to the supply portion 200 moves the main body shutter portion 206 between the closed position and the open position.

[0104] In the operating portion 201, an operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d is formed, and the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d protrudes inwardly in the radial direction from the inner circumferential surface of the colorant receiving portion 202. The operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d engages with the main body shutter portion driving force transmission protrusion 206a via a pair of driving force transmission surfaces 214b (see Figure 14b) of the pack shutter portion 214 of the supply pack 210. When the user rotates the lever portion 201b of the operating portion 201 by 90 degrees counterclockwise, the main body shutter portion 206a is engaged with the main body shutter portion 206a. Figure 11A The closed position shown moves to Figure 11C Shown in the open position.

[0105] When an image is formed on the recording material P, the recording material P is stirred in the storage portion 18 by the stirring member 60 (see FIG. Figure 9 ) stirs the toner. Therefore, the side surface opening portion 205 needs to be blocked by the main body baffle portion 206 for preventing the toner from leaking from the side surface opening portion 205. Therefore, when forming an image on the recording material P, the operating portion 201 is positioned Figure 11A 206 is positioned at the closed position. On the other hand, when toner is supplied from a supply pack 210 described later to the storage portion 18, the side surface opening portion 205 needs to be opened. Therefore, when toner is supplied from a supply pack 210 described later to the storage portion 18, the operating portion 201 is positioned at the closed position. Figure 11CThe delivery position is shown with the body shutter portion 206 positioned in the open position.

[0106] Arrangement and configuration of the supply section

[0107] Next, the arrangement and configuration of the supply portion 200 will be described in detail. Figure 12 1 is a left side view showing the imaging device 1. It should be noted that Figure 12 The outer cover 71 and the left side plate frame 74 are not shown.

[0108] like Figure 12 As shown, when the supply portion 200 is viewed along the rotation axis direction (X direction) of the photosensitive drum 11, at least a portion of the supply portion 200 overlaps with the scanner unit 50. Figure 12 In the figure, the portion where the scanner unit 50 overlaps with the supply section 200 is indicated by a dotted line. Specifically, the supply section 200 is arranged such that, when viewed along the rotational axis of the photoconductor drum 11, the toner receiving portion 202 and the supply path portion 203 of the supply section 200 overlap with the scanner unit 50. For purposes of this description, the area in the horizontal direction (Y direction) where the supply inlet 204 is arranged is defined as region R1, and the area in the horizontal direction (Y direction) where the scanner unit 50 is arranged is defined as region R2. In this case, when viewed along the rotational axis of the photoconductor drum 11, region R1 overlaps with region R2.

[0109] In addition, a virtual plane S is defined as a virtual plane extending parallel to the horizontal plane and passing through the top edge portion 18b of the frame 18a of the storage portion 18. Figure 12 , a virtual plane S is indicated by an alternating long and short dash line. In this case, the entire operating portion 201 of the supply portion 200, a portion of the toner receiving portion 202, and a portion of the supply path portion 203 are positioned above the virtual plane S. In other words, a portion of the supply portion 200 is positioned above the virtual plane S. In addition, when the supply portion 200 is viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 11, the portion of the supply path portion 203 located above the virtual plane S and the toner receiving portion 202 overlap with the scanner unit 50.

[0110] On the other hand, when the supply portion 200 is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11, a portion of the storage portion 18 overlaps with the drum frame 11a. Figure 12 In the figure, the portion of storage section 18 that overlaps with drum frame 11a is indicated by a dotted line. Since the capacity of storage section 18 is increased in this manner, the amount of toner contained in storage section 18 can also be increased. Drum frame 11a supports photosensitive drum 11 so that it can rotate, and storage section 18 supports developing roller 12 that carries developer so that it can rotate. Figure 13 is a plan view showing the imaging device 1. It should be noted that Figure 13 In the figure, the outer cover 71 is not shown. In the X direction, the width X3 of the supply portion 200 is smaller than the width X4 of the storage portion 18.

[0111] like Figure 13 As shown, the laser beam emitted from the scanner unit 50 toward the photosensitive drum 11 is expanded into a trapezoidal shape by a polygonal mirror and a lens (neither shown). Therefore, in the X direction, the width X5 of the scanner unit 50 is smaller than the width X6 of the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, a space is created between the left end portion of the scanner unit 50 and the left side plate frame 74. In this embodiment, the supply section 200 is arranged in this space.

[0112] Furthermore, in the X direction, the supply portion 200 (having a width of X3) and the scanner unit 50 (having a width of X5) are arranged adjacent to each other in the area (having a width of X4) where the storage portion 18 is arranged. Therefore, arranging the supply portion 200 less affects the size of the imaging apparatus 1.

[0113] Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of gravity, at least a portion of the processing unit 40 overlaps with the scanner unit 50. Figure 20A As shown, at least a portion of the process unit 40 overlaps with the fixing section 9 when viewed in the direction of gravity. Since the process unit 40, the scanner unit 50, and the fixing section 9 are arranged in this manner, the capacity of the storage section 18 for storing toner can be increased without increasing the size of the image forming apparatus 1. It should be noted that the arrangement of the process unit 40, the scanner unit 50, and the fixing section 9 is not limited to the arrangement described above.

[0114] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the supply portion 200 is arranged opposite to the drive motor 311 in the direction of the rotation axis (X direction) of the photosensitive drum 11 relative to the position of the scanner unit 50. In other words, the supply portion 200 is arranged opposite to the drive motor 311 in the direction of the rotation axis (X direction) with the scanner unit 50 interposed therebetween. In this embodiment, since the size of the drive motor 311 is relatively small, the drive motor 311 does not overlap with the supply portion 200 in the Z direction. Figure 12 However, since the supply section 200 is arranged opposite the drive motor 311 with the scanner unit 50 interposed therebetween as described above, the drive motor 311 can be replaced by a large-sized drive motor that overlaps the supply section 200 in the Z direction. Therefore, design flexibility can be improved.

[0115] Supply Package

[0116] Next, we will refer to Figures 14A to 16B The configuration of supply package 210 is described. Figure 14A and Figure 14B 2 is a perspective view showing the supply pack 210 in a state where the pack shutter portion 214 is positioned at a closed position. Figure 15A and Figure 15B 2 is a perspective view showing the supply pack 210 in a state where the pack shutter portion 214 is positioned at the open position. Figure 16A and Figure 16B is an exploded perspective view showing the supply pack 210 .

[0117] Supply bag 210, which serves as a toner container, includes a bag portion 211, an insert portion 212, and a bag shutter portion 214. Bag portion 211 is a bag that holds the toner to be supplied. Insert portion 212 is a cylindrical portion that is inserted into supply inlet 204. Bag shutter portion 214 serves as a container shutter. Insert portion 212 serves as a nozzle portion and communicates with bag portion 211. An opening portion 213 is formed in insert portion 212 and serves as an opening portion through which the toner in bag portion 211 is discharged to the outside. It should be noted that while bag portion 211 is a bag made of easily deformable plastic, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, bag portion 211 may be a resin bottle, or may be a paper or vinyl container.

[0118] In the bag portion 211, a bag end portion 216 is formed at an end portion opposite to the insertion portion 212. The bag portion 211 is formed so as to become flatter as the bag portion 211 extends toward the bag end portion 216. The bag end portion 216 extends in a radial direction of the pack shutter portion 214 orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the pack shutter portion 214.

[0119] The pack shutter portion 214 is a cylindrical member concentric with the insertion portion 212 and is arranged radially outside the insertion portion 212. The pack shutter portion 214 includes an opening portion 214c. By rotating the pack shutter portion 214 relative to the insertion portion 212, the pack shutter portion 214 moves between a closed position, in which the pack shutter portion 214 blocks the opening portion 213 of the insertion portion 212, and an open position, in which the pack shutter portion 214 opens the opening portion 213. When the opening portion 214c of the pack shutter portion 214 and the opening portion 213 of the insertion portion 212 overlap, toner can be supplied from the supply pack 210 to the supply portion 200.

[0120] Furthermore, a sealing member 231 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the baffle portion 214. The sealing member 231 slides on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 212 and blocks the opening portion 213 of the insertion portion 212 when the baffle portion 214 is positioned at the closed position.

[0121] like Figure 16A As shown, a guided portion 232 is formed in the insertion portion 212. The guided portion 232 is recessed relative to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 212 and includes a pair of first guided portions 232a and a pair of second guided portions 232b. When the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply portion 200, the guide portions 247 and 248 integral with the toner receiving portion 202 are inserted into the guided portion 232. As a result, the insertion portion 212 and the toner receiving portion 202 are prevented from moving relative to each other in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis of the pack shutter portion 214.

[0122] In addition, if Figure 16B As shown, a positioning portion 217 and a driving force transmission surface 214b are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the retaining plate portion 214. The positioning portion 217 engages with the operating portion 201. The driving force transmission surfaces 214b face each other in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the retaining plate portion 214, with the positioning portion 217 interposed therebetween. In other words, a recessed portion (i.e., a recessed portion that is concave inward in the radial direction of the retaining plate portion 214) is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the retaining plate portion 214; the positioning portion 217 serves as the bottom surface of the recessed portion (recessed portion), and the driving force transmission surface 214b serves as the side surface of the recessed portion. The recessed portion opens at the front edge of the outer circumferential surface of the retaining plate portion 214 in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 212. The driving force transmission surface 214b receives force from the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d of the operating portion 201, thereby rotating the retaining plate portion 214 relative to the insertion portion 212.

[0123] When the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, the opening portion 214c of the pack shutter 214 and the guided portion 232, which is recessed relative to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 212, overlap during the circumferential rotation phase. In this state, the guide portions 247 and 248 are inserted into the guided portion 232 of the supply pack 210, and the opening portion 214c fits onto the outer circumference of the sealing member 243 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shutter 206. When the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply portion 200, the first guided portion 232a of the guided portion 232, formed upstream in the insertion direction, engages with the guide portion 247, while the second guided portion 232b, formed downstream in the insertion direction, faces the guide portion 248. The step between the first and second guided portions 232a and 232b forms a circumferentially extending surface, and the step between the guide portions 247 and 248 forms a circumferentially extending surface. Therefore, the surface serving as the step between first guided portion 232a and second guided portion 232b engages with the surface serving as the step between guide portion 247 and guide portion 248, thereby determining the position of insertion portion 212 and operating portion 201 in the insertion direction. The width of opening portion 214c increases as insertion portion 212 extends toward its front end, and opening portion 214c is shaped to open like a slit. Therefore, when supply pack 210 is attached to supply portion 200, the pair of circumferentially facing portions of opening portion 214c sandwich seal member 243 in the circumferential direction.

[0124] The driving force transmission surface 214b of the package shutter portion 214 engages with the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d of the operating portion 201 and with the main body shutter portion driving force transmission protrusion 206a of the main body shutter portion 206. The package shutter portion 214 rotates in response to the force applied to the operating portion 201, transmits the force to the main body shutter portion 206, and causes the main body shutter portion 206 to move together with the package shutter portion 214. Specifically, the driving force transmission surface 214b has a region serving as a force receiving area that abuts and engages the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d. The operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d has a convex portion extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the operating portion 201, and the driving force transmission surface 214b has a region serving as a force applying area that abuts and engages the main body shutter portion driving force transmission protrusion 206a.

[0125] Toner supply procedure

[0126] Next, we will refer to 10A to 16B The procedure for supplying toner by using the supply pack 210 is described. First, as Figures 10A to 10C As shown, the user removes the recording material P stacked on the discharge tray 14 and opens the discharge tray 14, moving the discharge tray 14 from the closed position to the open position. This operation exposes the supply portion 200 to the outside. Since the supply portion 200 is arranged on the upper portion of the front side of the imaging apparatus 1, it can easily supply toner.

[0127] In a state where the discharge tray 14 is opened and positioned at the open position and the supply portion 200 is exposed to the outside, the operating portion 201 is positioned at the operating position. Then, the user positions the positioning cutout 217 (see FIG. 21) of the supply pack 210. Figure 16B ) is aligned with the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d of the supply portion 200; and the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply portion 200. The supply portion 200 is designed so that if the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d and the positioning cutout 217 are not aligned with each other, the supply pack 210 interferes with the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d and cannot be inserted into the supply portion 200.

[0128] Figure 10C 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply portion 200. Figure 10C As shown, in this embodiment, when the direction D indicated by the arrow and in which the bag end portion 216 extends is parallel to the X direction, the supply pack 210 can be inserted into the supply portion 200. When the supply pack 210 is fully inserted into the supply portion 200, the driving force transmission surface 214b forming the positioning cutout 217 engages with the operating portion driving force transmission protrusion 201d of the operating portion 201. In addition, the driving force transmission surface 214b of the pack shutter portion 214 engages with the main body shutter portion driving force transmission protrusion 206a of the main body shutter portion 206.

[0129] That is, the rotational force of the operating portion 201 is transmitted to the package shutter portion 214, and the rotational force of the package shutter portion 214 is transmitted to the main body shutter portion 206. Therefore, the main body shutter portion 206 and the package shutter portion 214 are engaged with each other and become one body, so that the operating portion 201, the package shutter portion 214 and the main body shutter portion 206 move together with each other.

[0130] Then, the user rotates the lever portion 201b of the operating portion 201 counterclockwise by 90 degrees. Figure 11CAs shown. This operation rotates the operating portion 201 from the operating position to the supply position, and the bag shutter portion 214 and the main body shutter portion 206 rotate from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the opening portion 214c of the bag shutter portion 214, the opening portion 213 of the insertion portion 212 of the supply bag 210, the opening portion 207 of the main body shutter portion 206, and the side surface opening portion 205 of the toner receiving portion 202 overlap with each other. As a result, the toner contained in the supply bag 210 is discharged into the storage portion 18 through the supply path portion 203.

[0131] In other words, when the operating portion 201 is positioned at the supply position, the supply portion 200 is in a supplyable state in which toner can be supplied from the supply pack 210 to the storage portion 18. In this state, the opening portion 213 of the supply pack 210 and the side surface opening portion 205 of the toner receiving portion 202 communicate with each other.

[0132] When the toner supply from the supply pack 210 to the storage unit 18 is complete, the user returns the operating unit 201 from the supply position to the operating position. That is, the user rotates the lever portion 201b of the operating unit 201 90 degrees clockwise. This operation rotates the pack shutter portion 214 and the main body shutter portion 206 from the open position to the closed position.

[0133] In other words, when the operating portion 201 is positioned at the operating position, the supply portion 200 is in a non-supply state in which toner cannot be supplied from the supply pack 210 to the storage portion 18. In this state, the opening portion 213 of the supply pack 210 and the side surface opening portion 205 of the toner receiving portion 202 are not in communication with each other.

[0134] Then, the user removes supply pack 210 from supply portion 200. Therefore, in a state where supply pack 210 is removed from supply portion 200, since pack shutter portion 214 is positioned at the closed position, toner can be prevented from leaking from opening portion 213 of supply pack 210.

[0135] Rear cover and transfer unit

[0136] Next, we will refer to 17A to 18D Describe the surroundings of the rear cover 73 and the transfer unit 7. 17A to 18DAs shown, an opening portion 91 defined by the outer cover 71 and a rear cover 73 covering the opening portion 91 are arranged on the rear side of the imaging device 1. The rear cover 73 serves as an opening and closing member and is supported so that the rear cover 73 can rotate about the cover engagement portion 73d and can be opened and positioned in an open position, and closed and positioned in a closed position. When positioned in the closed position, the rear cover 73 covers the opening portion 91, the transfer unit 7, and the process unit 40. When positioned in the open position, the rear cover 73 opens the opening portion 91 and exposes the transfer unit 7 and the process unit 40 to the outside. Furthermore, the transfer unit 7 is supported so that the transfer unit 7 can rotate about the pivot 7c and can be opened and positioned in an open position, and closed and positioned in a closed position.

[0137] A holding portion 73c is provided on the outer side surface 73b of the rear cover 73, that is, on the surface constituting the outer surface of the housing 72. The user can hold the holding portion 73c when opening or closing the rear cover 73. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) engaging hooks 73a, a plurality of conveying ribs 73g, and a pressing rib 73e serving as a pressing portion are provided on the inner side surface 73f of the rear cover 73, which is opposite to the outer side surface 73b.

[0138] The rear cover 73 is held in place by engaging with the outer cover 71 through the engagement hooks 73a. Figure 17A and Figure 18A The rear cover 73 is positioned in the closed position. Furthermore, with the rear cover 73 positioned in the closed position, the transfer unit 7 is pulled into the interior of the apparatus body 2 via a link member (not shown). Thus, the transfer unit 7 is sealed until a user operates the transfer unit 7. When the transfer unit 7 is positioned in the closed position, the transfer roller 7a, serving as a transfer portion, transfers the toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 11 onto a sheet.

[0139] like Figure 17B and Figure 18B As shown, when the rear cover 73 is opened and positioned in the open position, the duplex conveying path 16 is open. The duplex conveying path 16 is a path through which the recording material P conveyed by the duplex conveying roller pair 5d passes. The duplex conveying path 16 is formed by a plurality of conveying ribs 73g of the rear cover 73 and a plurality of conveying ribs 16a formed on the outer surface of the transfer unit 7. In other words, when the rear cover 73 is positioned in the closed position, the conveying ribs 73g, which serve as guides, form a portion of the duplex conveying path 16 that serves as a second conveying path. In other words, the rear cover 73 is movable between a closed position, in which the rear cover 73 covers the duplex conveying path 16, and an open position, in which the rear cover 73 opens the duplex conveying path 16 and exposes it to the outside. The duplex conveying path 16 and the conveying path 19 are conveying paths through which sheets are conveyed.

[0140] The pressing roller 9b of the fixing portion 9 abuts against or separates from the heating roller 9a via a connecting rod (not shown) according to the opening and closing operation of the rear cover 73. Therefore, when the rear cover 73 is positioned at the open position and the duplex conveying path 16 is opened, the pressing roller 9b is separated from the heating roller 9a.

[0141] like Figure 17C and Figure 18C As shown, when the transfer unit 7 is rotated about the pivot 7C and opened in a state where the rear cover 73 is positioned at the open position, the conveying path 19 is opened. The conveying path 19 serves as a first conveying path and is a path through which the recording material P passes. The recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 3 and is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 5c, the transfer nip N1, and the fixing nip N2. That is, the transfer unit 7 can move between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is a first position in which the transfer unit 7 covers the conveying path 19, and the open position is a second position in which the transfer unit 7 opens the conveying path 19 and exposes the conveying path 19 to the outside. It should be noted that when the transfer unit 7 is positioned at the open position, the conveying path 19 is open even in a state in which the processing unit 40 is attached to the device body 2.

[0142] On the inner side surface of the transfer unit 7, there are arranged transport ribs 19a constituting the transport path 19. On the outer side surface of the transfer unit 7, there are arranged holding portions 7b (see FIG. 1 ) in addition to the plurality of transport ribs 16a. Figure 17B ). Thus, by the user gripping and moving the holding portion 7b, the transfer unit 7 rotates between the closed position and the open position.

[0143] Paper jam handling

[0144] Next, a paper jam processing method executed when a paper jam occurs in the duplex conveying path 16 or the conveying path 19 will be described. Figure 17A 、 Figure 17B 、 Figure 18A and Figure 18B As shown, if a recording material P jam occurs during the image forming operation, the user opens the rear cover 73 from the closed position to the open position. By this operation, the duplex conveying path 16 is opened. Therefore, if a paper jam occurs near the duplex conveying path 16, the user can remove the jammed recording material P.

[0145] If a paper jam occurs near the transfer nip N1, the user opens the rear cover 73 and positions the rear cover 73 at the open position, and then opens the transfer unit 7 and positions the transfer unit 7 at the open position, as shown in FIG. Figure 17C and Figure 18CAs shown. This operation opens the transport path 19, and the user can remove the recording material P that is jammed near the transport path 19. In this manner, even if a paper jam occurs in the duplex transport path 16 or transport path 19, the user can handle the jam on the rear surface side of the imaging apparatus 1 while the processing unit 40 remains attached to the apparatus main body 2. Consequently, jam handling becomes less troublesome, and jam handling performance can be improved.

[0146] After the paper jam processing is completed, the user closes the rear cover 73 from the open position to the closed position while the transfer unit 7 remains in the open position. Figure 18D As shown. In this case, the rear cover 73 pivots independently until the rear cover 73 is closed approximately 25° from the open position. Thereafter, the pressing rib 73e of the rear cover 73 contacts the pressed portion 7d of the transfer unit 7. If the rear cover 73 continues to close toward the closed position, the transfer unit 7 is pressed by the pressing rib 73e, and the transfer unit 7 also moves from the open position toward the closed position. Therefore, since the closing operation for the transfer unit 7 can be omitted, usability can be improved. It should be noted that the user can close the transfer unit 7 before closing the rear cover 73.

[0147] Attaching and removing the processing unit

[0148] Next, refer to 19A to 20D , a method of attaching and detaching the processing unit 40 will be described. For example, when the processing unit 40 is replaced with another processing unit, or when maintenance is performed on the processing unit 40, the attachment and detachment of the processing unit 40 are performed. Figure 19A 、 Figure 19B 、 Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown, when removing the process unit 40 from the apparatus body 2, the user moves the rear cover 73 to the open position and also moves the transfer unit 7 to the open position, as in the aforementioned paper jam handling. This operation exposes the process unit 40 to the outside. However, in this state, the process unit 40 is secured to the left and right plate frames 74 and 75 by securing members 79L and 79R.

[0149] It should be noted that although the process unit 40 is fixed to the left plate frame 74 and the right plate frame 75 by using the fixing members 79L and 79R which are metal plate members in this embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the process unit 40 may be held in the apparatus body 2 by an urging member such as a spring or by using the urging force of the transfer roller 7a of the transfer unit 7 against the photosensitive drum 11.

[0150] To remove the process unit 40 from the apparatus body 2, first remove the fixing members 79L and 79R. Then, the engagement in the driving force transmission portion between the pinion gear of the drive motor 311 and the photosensitive drum 11 is disconnected, and the process unit 40 is moved toward the removal direction DD as shown in FIG. Figure 19C and Figure 20C As shown, the removal direction is the same as the attachment direction AD (see Figure 5 ) is opposite. Through this operation, the left positioning boss 41L and the right positioning boss 41R are separated from the left positioning portion 81L and the right positioning portion 81R, respectively, and the left anti-rotation boss 42L and the right anti-rotation boss 42R are separated from the left anti-rotation portion 82L and the right anti-rotation portion 82R, respectively. That is, when the rear cover 73 is positioned at the open position and the transfer unit 7 is positioned at the open position, the processing unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the device main body 2 through the opening portion 91. Since the opening portion 91 is arranged on the rear side of the device main body 2 and can have a relatively large area, the attachment and detachment of the processing unit 40 becomes easy, so that the maintainability of the processing unit 40 can be improved.

[0151] In this embodiment, the fixing section 9 is held by a fixing stay 78 suspended between the left plate frame 74 and the right plate frame 75. Furthermore, in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus 1, the supply section 200, which is part of the process unit 40, overlaps with the fixing section 9 in the X and Z directions. In other words, the supply section 200 is arranged upstream of the fixing section 9 in the removal direction DD, and when viewed in the removal direction DD, the supply section 200 is arranged so that at least a portion of the supply section 200 overlaps with the fixing section 9.

[0152] Therefore, if Figure 19D and Figure 20D As shown in FIG. 1 , in the process of extracting the process unit 40 from the apparatus main body 2, the user moves the process unit 40 in the removal direction DD while rotating the process unit 40 on an axis extending parallel to the X direction. Furthermore, since the opening 78 a is formed in the fixing stay 78 serving as a holding member, the supply portion 200 can pass through the opening 78 a when the process unit 40 is extracted from the apparatus main body 2.

[0153] It should be noted that the process unit 40 may not overlap with the fixing portion 9 in the drawing direction DD, so that the process unit 40 can be drawn out from the apparatus main body 2 in the drawing direction DD without being rotated. In addition, the process unit 40 may not overlap with the fixing portion 9 in the Z direction, so that the process unit 40 can be drawn out from the apparatus main body 2 in the −Y direction.

[0154] The processing unit 40 can be attached to the apparatus body 2 in the reverse order of the above-described method of removing the processing unit 40. That is, the processing unit 40 is attached to the apparatus body 2 in the attachment direction AD (see FIG. 1 ) while rotating around the X axis. Figure 5 ) is attached to the device body 2.

[0155] As described above, in the imaging device 1 having a toner supply system of the present embodiment, paper jam handling and attachment and detachment of the processing unit 40 are both performed through the opening portion 91 arranged on the rear surface side of the imaging device 1. In this configuration, the space efficiency of the interior of the imaging device 1 can be increased. For example, the area occupied by the movement trajectory of the processing unit 40 when the processing unit 40 is attached to and detached from the device body 2 can be reduced. In addition, since the opening portion 91 can have a relatively large area, the operability of attachment and detachment of the processing unit 40 and paper jam handling is increased. Therefore, the size of the device body 2 can be reduced, while the capacity of the storage portion 18 for accommodating toner can be increased, and the paper jam handling performance and maintainability of the processing unit 40 can be improved.

[0156] Other embodiments

[0157] It should be noted that while the image forming apparatus 1 includes the duplex transport path 16 in the above embodiment for forming images on both sides of the recording material P, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may not include the duplex transport path 16 and may form an image on only one side of the recording material P. In this case, for example, the transfer unit 7 may not be opened and closed, and the transfer roller 7a may be rotatably supported by the rear cover 73. In this configuration, the transport path 19 is opened by opening the rear cover 73.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the supply portion 200 and the cartridge 4 are arranged on one side (i.e., the front side) relative to the photosensitive drum 11, and the opening portion 91 is arranged on the other side (i.e., the rear surface side) when viewed in the direction of gravity. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the supply portion 200 may be arranged on the other side (i.e., the rear surface side) relative to the photosensitive drum 11.

[0159] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: The device body comprises: opening part; an ejection tray that is openable and configured to support sheets ejected to the outside of the apparatus main body with the ejection tray closed; and an opening and closing member configured to move between a closed position where the opening and closing member closes the opening portion and an open position where the opening and closing member opens the opening portion; a processing unit that is detachably attached to and supported by the apparatus main body and is configured to form an image on a sheet, the processing unit comprising: an image bearing member configured to bear a toner image and to rotate, a toner storage portion configured to store toner, and a supply portion configured to communicate with the toner storage portion and receive toner supplied from outside the process unit in a state in which the process unit is attached to the apparatus main body, the supply portion being exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body in a state in which the discharge tray is open, and being covered by the discharge tray in a state in which the discharge tray is closed; a sheet material supporting portion configured to support a sheet material; and a rotary feeding member configured to feed the sheet on the sheet supporting portion, wherein, when viewed in the direction of gravity, in a direction intersecting both the direction of gravity and the direction of the rotation axis of the image bearing member, the supply portion is arranged on the same side with respect to the image bearing member as the side on which the sheet supporting portion is arranged, and the opening portion is arranged on the side opposite to the side on which the sheet supporting portion is arranged with respect to the image bearing member, and wherein, with the opening and closing member positioned at the open position, the processing unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body through the opening portion.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scanner unit configured to emit a laser beam toward the image bearing member and form an electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member, in, When viewed in the rotation axis direction of the image bearing member, at least a portion of the process unit overlaps with the scanner unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a driving source configured to drive the image bearing member, in, The supply portion is arranged opposite to the drive source across the scanner unit in the rotation axis direction of the image bearing member.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a fixing portion configured to fix the toner image transferred onto the sheet onto the sheet, in, At least a portion of the process unit overlaps the fixing portion when viewed in the gravity direction.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein The supply portion is arranged upstream of the fixing portion in a removing direction of the process unit, and wherein at least a portion of the supply portion overlaps the fixing portion when viewed along the removal direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a holding member configured to hold the fixing portion, in, The holding member includes an opening through which the supply portion passes when the processing unit is removed from the apparatus main body in the removal direction.

7. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein The process unit is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the rotational axis direction of the image bearing member in a case where the process unit is removed from the apparatus main body.

8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The opening and closing member includes a guide portion configured to form a portion of a conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed at the closed position and to open the conveyance path at the open position in a state in which the process unit is attached to the apparatus body.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the process unit further comprises a transfer unit configured to move between a first position and a second position, the transfer unit comprising a transfer portion configured to transfer the toner image carried by the image bearing member onto the sheet with the transfer unit positioned at the first position, in, The process unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body with the opening and closing member positioned at the open position and the transfer unit positioned at the second position.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the conveying path includes a first conveying path through which the sheet guided toward the transfer portion passes, and a second conveying path configured to guide the sheet having the first surface onto which the image has been transferred again toward the first conveying path, wherein the guide portion is configured to constitute a portion of the second transport path when the opening and closing member is positioned at the closed position, and Here, the transfer unit is configured to open the first transport path at the second position in a state in which the process unit is attached to the apparatus main body.

11. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein The opening and closing member includes a pressing portion configured to move the transfer unit from the second position to the first position simultaneously with the movement of the opening and closing member from the open position to the closed position.

Images