imaging device

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members, a transfer unit including an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of transfer members sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt between the plurality of image bearing members and them, a biasing member biasing each of the plurality of transfer members toward the plurality of image bearing members via the intermediate transfer belt, and a frame supporting the intermediate transfer belt, the plurality of transfer members, and the biasing member, and an apparatus main body supporting the plurality of image bearing members and the transfer unit. The apparatus main body includes a support portion supporting the transfer unit and a biasing force receiving portion located between the plurality of transfer members in a moving direction of a surface of the intermediate transfer belt and capable of supporting the transfer unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an imaging device using an electrophotographic system, such as a photocopier and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] As an imaging device employing an electrophotographic system, a tandem imaging device is known, in which multiple imaging sections are arranged along the movement direction of a conveyor belt, an intermediate transfer belt, etc. Each color imaging section has a drum-shaped photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) that serves as an image-carrying component. The toner image of each color carried by the photosensitive drum of each color is transferred onto a transfer material such as paper or OHP sheet conveyed by a transfer material conveyor belt, or after being temporarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt, it is transferred onto the transfer material and subsequently fixed onto the transfer material by a fixing unit.

[0003] The construction including the belt includes a tensioning mechanism that applies tension to the belt for stable driving and a pressing mechanism that biases the photosensitive drum from inside the belt to transfer the toner image. Since this mechanism for applying biasing force to the belt unit (hereinafter referred to as the transfer unit) poses a risk of creep deformation of the component during transportation or long-term storage at the user's location, a construction has been provided to provide measures to prevent creep deformation.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-27506 discloses a structure that suppresses creep deformation of a component by releasing the tension applied to the belt. More specifically, a separation member disposed inside the transfer unit is inserted relative to a bearing supporting a roller (tension roller) that applies tension to the belt. In this configuration, the tension roller is held in a position where the tension on the belt is reduced by overcoming the biasing force of a spring that applies tension to the belt. Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, for structures like those in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-27506, which include a mechanism for releasing tension, at least one new separation member must be provided. Therefore, the increased cost associated with the increased number of parts is a problem, and there is also the risk that the separation operation may ultimately fail because it cannot be performed according to the time of creep deformation (e.g., during transportation, long-term storage, etc.).

[0006] With this in mind, the object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that, based on the time of creep deformation, uses a simple construction to stably suppress creep deformation without providing a new mechanism for releasing tension.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the imaging device according to the present invention includes:

[0008] Multiple image-carrying components;

[0009] Transfer unit;

[0010] The transfer unit includes:

[0011] Intermediate transfer belt;

[0012] Multiple transfer components, which sandwich an intermediate transfer belt between multiple image carrier components and multiple transfer components;

[0013] Biasing members, which bias each of a plurality of transfer members toward a plurality of image-carrying members via an intermediate transfer belt; and

[0014] The frame supports the intermediate transfer belt, multiple transfer components, and biasing components.

[0015] as well as

[0016] The main body of the equipment supports multiple image-carrying components and transfer units;

[0017] The main body of the device includes: a support portion for supporting the transfer unit; and a bias pressure receiving portion located between multiple transfer components in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt surface, and capable of supporting the transfer unit.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the imaging device according to the present invention includes:

[0019] Multiple image-carrying components;

[0020] Transfer unit;

[0021] The transfer unit includes:

[0022] Intermediate transfer belt;

[0023] Multiple transfer components, which sandwich an intermediate transfer belt between multiple image carrier components and multiple transfer components;

[0024] Biasing members, which bias each of a plurality of transfer members toward a plurality of image-carrying members via an intermediate transfer belt; and

[0025] The frame supports the intermediate transfer belt, multiple transfer components, and biasing components.

[0026] as well as

[0027] The main body of the equipment supports multiple image-carrying components and transfer units;

[0028] The main body of the device includes: a support portion for supporting the transfer unit; and a bias pressure receiving portion located below the plurality of transfer components in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt surface, and capable of supporting the transfer unit.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, the imaging device according to the present invention includes:

[0030] Multiple image-carrying components;

[0031] Transfer unit;

[0032] The transfer unit includes:

[0033] Intermediate transfer belt;

[0034] Multiple transfer components, which sandwich an intermediate transfer belt between multiple image carrier components and multiple transfer components;

[0035] Biasing members, which bias each of a plurality of transfer members toward a plurality of image-carrying members via an intermediate transfer belt; and

[0036] The frame supports the intermediate transfer belt, multiple transfer components, and biasing components.

[0037] as well as

[0038] The main body of the equipment supports multiple image-carrying components and transfer units;

[0039] The main body of the equipment includes:

[0040] The first support part supports the transfer unit at one end relative to the middle transfer belt;

[0041] The second support section supports the transfer unit on the other end of the intermediate transfer belt; and

[0042] The bias pressure receiving section can support the transfer unit between the first support section and the second support section.

[0043] According to the present invention, by supporting the transfer unit with a bias pressure receiving portion provided on the main body of the imaging device, creep deformation of the transfer member can be suppressed in a stable manner.

[0044] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view used to explain the external structure of the imaging device according to the first embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the internal structure of the imaging device according to the first embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the support structure of the transfer portion according to the first embodiment;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the support structure of the transfer portion according to the first embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic bottom view used to explain the support structure of the transfer portion according to the first embodiment;

[0050] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the operation of the transfer section in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the door;

[0051] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the operation of the transfer section in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the door;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the removal of the transfer portion according to the first embodiment;

[0053] Figure 9A and 9B This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the support structure of the transfer portion according to the second embodiment;

[0054] Figure 10A and 10B This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the support structure of the transfer portion according to the third embodiment;

[0055] Figure 11A and 11B This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the support structure of the transfer portion according to the fourth embodiment; and

[0056] Figures 12A to 12C This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to explain the support structure of the transfer portion according to the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Embodiments (examples) of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments may be appropriately modified depending on the construction of the device to which the present invention is applied, various conditions, etc. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.

[0058] First Embodiment

[0059] Construction of imaging equipment

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view used to explain the external structure of the imaging device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the imaging device 1. The imaging device 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called tandem imaging device, having multiple imaging sections PY, PM, PC, and PK. The first imaging section PY forms an image using a yellow (Y) toner, the second imaging section PM forms an image using a magenta (M) toner, the third imaging section PC forms an image using a cyan (C) toner, and the fourth imaging section PK forms an image using a black (Bk) toner.

[0061] Furthermore, the imaging device 1 employs a processing box system, where multiple imaging components PY, PM, PC, and PK are configured as processing boxes (multiple boxes) that can be attached to and detached from the device body 2. The detachment or attachment of each processing box is performed when the opening / closing door 3 on the imaging device 1 is open. Figure 2 As shown, the four imaging sections are arranged in a single row at regular intervals, and apart from the color of the toner, the construction of each imaging section has many essentially the same parts. Therefore, in the following description, unless the elements must be distinguished from each other, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K added to the reference numerals to indicate which color will be produced by which element will be omitted, and these elements will be described together.

[0062] Furthermore, in the following description, for imaging device 1, it is assumed that the side with the open / close door 3 is the front (front surface), and the surface opposite the front is the back (rear surface). Additionally, when viewed from the front, the right side of imaging device 1 will be referred to as the driving side, and the left side as the non-driving side. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the direction from the back of the device body 2 towards the front will be defined as the X-axis direction, the direction from the non-driving side of the body towards the driving side will be defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction from the bottom surface of the device body 2 towards the top surface will be defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, each imaging section P is arranged in a horizontal row relative to the bottom surface of the device body 2. The imaging section P has an electrophotographic processing mechanism, to which rotational driving force is transmitted from a cartridge drive transmission section (not shown) disposed on the device body 2. The imaging section P includes multiple photosensitive drums 40 (40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K) serving as image carriers (multiple image carriers) for carrying toner images, a charging component (not shown), and a developing unit (not shown).

[0064] Furthermore, the exposure unit LS is positioned above the imaging section P in the Z-axis direction, and the exposure unit LS outputs a laser L based on the image information received from the controller (not shown). The laser L output from the exposure unit LS passes through the exposure window portion of the imaging section P and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 40.

[0065] Furthermore, the transfer unit 11, which is part of the transfer section, is positioned below the imaging section P in the Z-axis direction. The transfer unit 11 includes an annular intermediate transfer belt 12 movable in the direction of arrow B in the figure, a primary transfer roller 16, a drive roller 13, a storage container 18, a tension roller 17, an auxiliary roller 15, and a collection unit 19. By receiving a driving force and rotating, the drive roller 13 moves the intermediate transfer belt 12 in the direction of arrow B in the figure and tensions the intermediate transfer belt 12 together with the tension roller 17 and the auxiliary roller 15. Details of the tensioning mechanism in the tension roller 17 will be described later. The collection unit 19 collects the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the toner collected by the collection unit 19 is stored in the storage container 18, which is located in the area formed by the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. In this configuration, the storage container 18 serves as a frame within the transfer unit 11.

[0066] The primary transfer rollers 16 are configured as a plurality of transfer members for transferring the toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 40 from the photosensitive drum 40 to the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the primary transfer rollers 16, as a plurality of transfer members, contact the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. Each primary transfer roller 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K is configured to correspond to each photosensitive drum 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K via the intermediate transfer belt 12. Each primary transfer roller 16 is configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrow B in the figure, or in other words, in the Y-axis direction, and is arranged such that the primary transfer rollers 16 are spaced apart in a direction generally parallel to the X-axis. Each primary transfer roller 16 forms a primary transfer portion that biases the intermediate transfer belt 12 toward each photosensitive drum 40, and in this primary transfer portion, the photosensitive drum 40 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are in contact with each other. In this way, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is sandwiched between each photosensitive drum 40 and each primary transfer roller 16.

[0067] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, each primary transfer roller 16 is offset relative to each primary transfer portion that contacts each photosensitive drum 40 and intermediate transfer belt 12. More specifically, each primary transfer roller 16 is arranged to be offset further downstream than the position of each primary transfer portion relative to the direction of movement of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. Alternatively, each primary transfer roller 16 may be arranged to be offset further upstream than the position of each primary transfer portion.

[0068] The collection unit 19 has a frame 19a and a cleaning blade 19b (collection member), the cleaning blade 19b being disposed within the frame 19a and extending along the Y-axis. The cleaning blade 19b is arranged to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12, and collects the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 into the frame 19a.

[0069] The secondary transfer roller 14 is positioned opposite the drive roller 13 (drive rotation member) via the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the secondary transfer section is formed at the position where the secondary transfer roller 14 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 abut against each other. Furthermore, the supply unit 50 is positioned upstream of the secondary transfer section relative to the conveying direction of the transfer material S, and the supply unit 50 includes a paper tray 51 for containing the transfer material S and a paper feed roller 52 for supplying the transfer material S from the paper tray 51 to the secondary transfer section.

[0070] Relative to the conveying direction of the transfer material S, the fixing unit 21 that fixes the toner image onto the transfer material S and the discharge roller pair 22 that discharges the transfer material S, on which the toner image has been fixed, from the equipment body 2 are arranged on the downstream side of the secondary transfer section. The transfer material S discharged from the equipment body 2 by the discharge roller pair 22 is stacked on the paper discharge tray 23.

[0071] Imaging operation

[0072] Next, the imaging operation of the imaging device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. A control unit (not shown), such as a controller, receives an image signal and begins the imaging operation, and the photosensitive drum 40, drive roller 13, etc., begin to rotate at a predetermined circumferential speed (processing speed) due to the driving force from the drive source (not shown).

[0073] The surface of the photosensitive drum 40 is uniformly charged by a charging member (not shown) to the same polarity as the normal charging polarity of the toner (negative polarity in this embodiment). Subsequently, an electrostatic latent image based on image information is formed by irradiation with laser L from the exposure unit LS. Furthermore, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 40 is developed with toner stored in the developing unit (not shown), and a toner image based on the image information is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. At this time, a toner image corresponding to the image components of each color—yellow, magenta, cyan, and black—is carried on each of the photosensitive drums 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K.

[0074] Subsequently, as each photosensitive drum 40 rotates, the toner image of each color carried by each photosensitive drum 40 arrives at each primary transfer section. Furthermore, due to the voltage applied from a power source (not shown) to each primary transfer roller 16, the toner image of each color carried by each photosensitive drum 40 is sequentially overlapped in each primary transfer section and initially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12. Thus, toner images of four colors corresponding to the target color image are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0075] Furthermore, the four colors of toner images carried by the intermediate transfer belt 12 reach the secondary transfer section as the intermediate transfer belt 12 moves, and are jointly transferred onto the surface of the transfer material S, such as paper or OHP sheet, during the process of passing through the secondary transfer section. At this time, a voltage with a polarity opposite to the normal charging polarity of the toner is applied to the secondary transfer roller 14 from the secondary transfer power source (not shown).

[0076] The transfer material S stored in the paper feed cassette 51 is supplied from the paper feed cassette 51 by the paper feed roller 52 at predetermined times and conveyed to the secondary transfer section. Furthermore, when the transfer material S, on which four colors of toner images have already been transferred at the secondary transfer section, is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 21, the four colors of toner are melted, mixed, and fixed onto the transfer material S. Subsequently, the transfer material S is discharged from the main body 2 by the discharge roller pair 22 and stacked on the paper discharge tray 23, which serves as the stacking section.

[0077] After the secondary transfer, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 (hereinafter referred to as untransferred toner) is removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the collection unit 19, which is configured to face the drive roller 13 via the intermediate transfer belt 12. In the imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a full-color printed image is formed through the above operation.

[0078] It should be noted that the imaging device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of various parts of the imaging device, a memory (not shown) as a storage unit for storing various types of control information, etc. The controller performs control related to the transfer of the transfer material S, control related to the driving of the intermediate transfer belt 12 and each imaging part P which is a processing box, and control related to imaging, etc.

[0079] Support structure and creep-resistant shape of the transfer section

[0080] Figure 3 The support structure of the transfer unit 11 (transfer section) in the imaging device 1 is shown. Figure 3(The intermediate transfer belt 12 is not shown). The drive roller bearing 13a, which is coaxially arranged with the drive roller 13, is rotatably supported relative to the main body side plate 70. Specifically, the transfer unit 11 is inserted in the +X direction relative to the slit portion 70a provided on the main body side plate 70, and is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 14 (…). Figure 3 The applied pressure is maintained (not shown in the image).

[0081] Furthermore, a processing box tray 80 for accommodating the processing box P is inserted from the front of the main body. The processing box tray 80 is supported by the main body side plate 70 due to the engagement of the tray slit 80b with the side plate pin 70b and the engagement of the tray pin 80a with the side plate slit 70c provided on the main body side plate 70. The transfer unit 11, supported and movable in the X-axis direction, is pressed in the +Z direction by the pressing portion 31a of the track member 31, which is provided on the main body support 90 and fixed to and held by the main body side plate 70. Additionally, when the transfer unit 11 abuts against the tray contact area 80c provided on the processing box tray 80, the movement of the transfer unit 11 in the Z-axis direction is restricted. In this way, the transfer unit 11 is positioned relative to the main body side plate 70 in the XZ plane via the processing box tray 80. The pressing portion 31a corresponds to the first support portion, which supports the region of the transfer unit 11 on one end side of the primary transfer roller 16 relative to the intermediate transfer belt in the arrangement direction of the primary transfer roller 16. Furthermore, the aforementioned drive roller bearing 13a corresponds to the second support portion, which, according to this embodiment, supports the region of the transfer unit 11 on the other end side of the primary transfer roller 16 relative to the intermediate transfer belt 12 in the arrangement direction of the primary transfer roller 16.

[0082] The tensioning and pressing mechanisms during toner image transfer, as described below, are provided within the storage container 18 of the transfer unit 11. More specifically, the tension roller 17 is pressed in the +X direction by the tension spring 171, resulting in the storage container 18 receiving a force in the direction of arrow C. Furthermore, when the primary transfer roller 16 presses the intermediate transfer belt 12 via the primary transfer bearing 162 due to the primary transfer spring 163 acting as a biasing member, the storage container 18 receives a force in the direction of arrow D from each primary transfer roller 16. Therefore, due to the resultant force in the directions of arrows C and D, the storage container 18 experiences a force in the -Z direction. When creep is reproduced due to high-temperature storage while the transfer unit 11 is supported only by the lower contact portion 112 and the drive roller bearing 13a, the deformation of the storage container 18 in the -Z direction is greatest directly below the primary transfer rollers 16M and 16C.

[0083] To suppress creep, in such Figure 3In the arrangement shown for viewing along the Y-axis, the support structure of the storage container 18 is ideally positioned directly below the section of the storage container 18 along the X-axis from the primary transfer roller 16M to 16C. In this embodiment, the supported portion 18a is configured as part of the storage container 18, and the support portion 31b is configured as part of the track member 31 in the main body of the device. Because the track member 31 is configured to be grounded to the main support 90, the deformation of the storage container 18, which serves as the frame of the transfer unit 11 as described above, can be supported by the main support 90 due to the supported portion 18a and the support portion 31b of the track member 31. In other words, the support portion 31b corresponds to the bias pressure receiving portion, which is able to support the transfer unit 11 (storage container 18) between the pressing portion 31a, which is the first support portion, and the drive roller bearing 13a, which is the second support portion, as described previously.

[0084] The feature of this embodiment is that the support portion 31b suppresses deformation of the transfer unit 11 (storage container 18). Therefore, a new mechanism for creep suppression is not required, and creep suppression can be performed using the supported portion 18a, which forms part of the storage container 18, and the support portion 31b provided on the track member 31. As previously described, the support structure is ideally located directly below the section from the primary transfer roller 16M to 16C in the storage container 18 (the positional relationship in the X-axis direction (the arrangement direction of the primary transfer roller 16, the movement direction of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12) overlaps with the section from the primary transfer roller 16M to 16C). In other words, the support structure is ideally located below the section from the primary transfer roller 16M to 16C in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. Optionally, this location is ideally located directly below either the primary transfer roller 16M or 16C. This is because the amount of deformation caused by creep is greatest directly below the primary transfer rollers 16M and 16C, which is the location separated in the X-axis direction from the pressing portion 31a on one end side of the supporting transfer unit 11 (storage container 18) and the drive roller bearing 13a on the other end side of the supporting transfer unit 11. However, the support structure is not limited to being directly below the section from the primary transfer rollers 16M to 16C in the storage container 18, and it can be effective even when the support portion 31b is positioned anywhere in the X-axis direction section from the drive roller bearing 13a of the supporting transfer unit 11 to the pressing portion 31a. In other words, as Figure 4 As shown ( Figure 4(The intermediate transfer belt 12 is not shown in the diagram). The supported portion 18a and the supporting portion 31b can be positioned such that their positions in the X-axis direction are between the drive roller bearing 13a and the primary transfer roller 16Y. Furthermore, by configuring the supporting portion 31b as a bias pressure receiving portion, ensuring that its position in the X-axis direction at least overlaps with the intermediate transfer belt 12, a sufficient effect can be achieved. Moreover, by providing the supporting portion 31b, the configuration allows the transfer unit 11 to be positioned relative to the main body of the equipment via the drive roller bearing 13a and the supporting portion 31b, while simultaneously suppressing creep deformation using the supporting portion 31b, without the need for the pressing portion 31a.

[0085] While ideally, from a creep suppression performance perspective, the supported portion 18a and the support portion 31b would be restricted in position by making them contact each other, a gap can be provided in a non-contact manner. Although the gap is provided to allow creep corresponding to that gap, a configuration can be adopted in which the gap is provided to suppress further creep in the -Z direction. In other words, in the initial stage of using the transfer unit 11, a configuration in which the supported portion 18a and the support portion 31b do not contact each other can be adopted. Alternatively, a configuration in which the supported portion 18a and the support portion 31b interfere with each other can be adopted, and although the storage container 18 will receive forces in the +Z direction, any configuration can be chosen as long as the positional accuracy of the transfer unit 11 allows for such a configuration.

[0086] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, as previously described, residual toner is collected by a collection unit 19 disposed inside the transfer unit 11. The collection unit 19 also effectively serves as a means to limit displacement along the -Z direction caused by the weight of the residual toner. Even from the perspective of the weight of the residual toner, the support structure is ideally disposed directly below the section from the primary transfer roller 16M to 16C, as a portion close to the approximate center of the storage container 18 in the X-axis direction. By supporting the storage container 18, which is expected to deform due to the weight of the residual toner, with the main body bracket 90 via the supported portion 18a and the support portion 31b, a deformation suppression effect can be generated in a stable manner due to the presence of fewer intervening parts and the smaller impact due to the precision of the parts. Furthermore, even in a configuration where the transfer unit 11 does not have a storage container 18, a creep suppression effect can be generated by providing this configuration to the transfer unit 11.

[0087] This construction increases the freedom of material selection for the storage container 18, which also serves as the frame for the transfer unit 11. In other words, creep can be suppressed even without providing a highly rigid resin material, metal frame, or the like.

[0088] Figure 5The diagram shows a view of the transfer unit 11 from the bottom. Both the driving and non-driving sides of the supported portion 18a are positioned outside the intermediate transfer belt 12 along the Y-axis direction. The belt tensioning mechanism in the transfer unit 11, as well as the tension spring 171 and the initial transfer spring 163 used in the pressing mechanism during toner image transfer, are positioned approximately outside the transfer unit 11 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the supported portion 18a, as a creep-inhibiting member, and the support portion 31b supporting the supported portion 18a are also ideally positioned approximately outside the Y-axis direction of the line of action of the biasing force.

[0089] Inserting / removing (attaching / removing) the transfer section

[0090] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the support portion 31b (biased pressure receiving portion) for creep suppression is configured to abut and separate from the supported portion 18a in conjunction with the operation of the opening / closing door 3, which serves as the first opening / closing member. Figure 6 The operation of the transfer section, combined with opening / closing the door, is shown during long-term storage and imaging. Figure 6 In the middle, the opening / closing door 3 is closed, and the interior of the main body of the equipment is not exposed (closed state). In this state, the transfer unit 11 operates in a manner similar to... Figure 3 The support structure shown is supported by support portion 31b and is positioned to suppress creep. At this time, support portion 31b supports transfer unit 11 in the support position. The track member 31 of the storage container 18 supporting transfer unit 11 is connected to the opening / closing door 3 via the first to third door linkages (32 to 34).

[0091] The following will provide information on... Figure 6 The diagram shows details of the operation of opening / closing the door 3 from the imaging device in the closed state. The door 3 is provided with a rotation center 3a, a groove 3b, and a boss 32b of the first door link 32, which engage with each other and cooperate in the opening direction E (CW direction) of the door 3. The first door link 32 rotates about the rotation center 32a in the CW direction. The boss 32c of the first door link 32 engages with the groove of the second door link 33, and the second door link 33 moves linearly in a generally +X direction. The boss 34b of the third door link 34 engages with the groove of the second door link 33, and the third door link 34 rotates about the rotation center 34a in the CW direction. Furthermore, the groove of the third door link 34 engages with the boss 31c of the track member 31, and the track member 31 moves linearly in a generally -X direction. As a result, the transfer unit 11 rotates about the drive roller bearing 13a in the CW direction.

[0092] Due to the above operations, opening / closing the door 3 is as follows: Figure 7As shown, the imaging device is opened, exposing its internal structure (open state). Additionally, the support portion 31b retracts from and no longer supports the supported portion 18a (retracted state), and moves to a non-supported position where the support portion 31b does not support the transfer unit 11. At this time, the pressing portion 31a of the track member 31 moves in the -X direction and separates from the lower contact portion 112 of the transfer unit 11. The position of the pressing portion 31a is restricted by the limiting member inside the track member 31, and the transfer unit 11 is supported by the pressing portion 31a. Because the support portion 31b is separated from the storage container 18 and the supported portion 18a is separated from the track member 31, the support portion 31b does not interfere with the storage container 18 and the supported portion 18a does not interfere with the track member 31. Therefore, the transfer unit 11 can be directly supported by the pressing portion 31a as described above in a precise manner. In the retracted state, the transfer unit 11 can be inserted into and removed from the device body (attached to and detached from the device body), and the insertion / removal performance (attachment / detachment performance) is improved by providing inclined surfaces in the +X and -X directions of the support portion 31b. Furthermore, the assemblability during insertion is further improved by providing an inclined surface in the +X direction of the supported portion 18a.

[0093] In the main body 2 of the equipment, such as Figure 8 As shown, by opening / closing door 3, track member 31 retracts (moves), support portion 31b moves to the aforementioned non-supported position, and transfer unit 11 enters the non-supported state. By opening rear door 60, which serves as a second opening / closing member (this rear door 60 is located at a different position than the opening / closing door 3 in this state), and by pulling transfer unit 11 toward the rear surface of the main body in the -X direction, transfer unit 11 can be removed from the device body 2. As described above, the construction according to this embodiment makes it easy to ensure replaceability and insertion / removal performance during assembly, while providing creep suppression functionality. On the other hand, with such a construction, after the transfer unit 11 is inserted into the device body 2, in conjunction with the closing operation of opening / closing door 3, support portion 31b automatically moves to a support position, which is a position where support portion 31b can suppress creep, so that creep suppression can be achieved without performing additional operations. Although the support part 31b can switch between the supported position and the non-supported position in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing component, an operation panel (operation part) can be separately provided on the main body of the equipment, and the operation of the operation panel enables the switching between the supported position and the non-supported position.

[0094] Variations in anti-creep shape

[0095] Next, we will refer to Figure 9A and 9BSections 12A to 12C describe other embodiments according to this embodiment for enhancing the effect of the supported portion 18a and the supporting portion 31b. It should be noted that these constructions may be provided as an addition to the construction according to the first embodiment, or may be provided in lieu of the construction according to the first embodiment.

[0096] Second Embodiment

[0097] Reference Figure 9A and 9B This embodiment is described. Figure 9A This is a diagram showing the shape of the support portion required for creep suppression, which is only provided in the support portion 31b of the track member 31, and its state during storage and imaging. Even in this configuration, a creep suppression effect is achieved because the force to be received by the transfer unit 11 can be received by the main support 90 through the support portion 31b of the track member 31. Figure 9B As shown, opening / closing door 3 puts the imaging device into the open state, and the support portion 31b retracts from the supported position and moves to the non-supported position. At this time, since the support portion 31b is inserted into the undulating shape 18b (opening portion) provided on the storage container 18, the support portion 31b will not interfere with the storage container 18. Therefore, the transfer unit 11 can be directly supported by the previously described pressing portion 31a in a precise manner. Furthermore, in this example, the storage container 18 does not need to be provided with a protruding shape such as the supported portion 18a. In addition, in this embodiment, since the shape of the support portion 31b is provided with an inclined surface, the support portion 31b can slide against the edge of the undulating shape 18b when the transfer unit 11 is removed, thus preventing jamming and further improving insertion / removal performance.

[0098] Third Embodiment

[0099] Reference Figure 10A and 10B This embodiment is described. Figure 10A A creep suppression configuration is shown, wherein a biasing member 35 is disposed above the main support 90. During storage and imaging, the biasing member 35 (receiving part biasing member) of the support portion 31b of the biasing force receiving portion abuts against the storage container 18 from below in the Z-axis direction and biases the storage container 18 in the +Z direction. According to this configuration, the transfer unit 11 counteracts the resultant force received from the tension spring 171 and the primary transfer spring 163 in the +Z direction and suppresses creep deformation. In this embodiment, the storage container 18 is directly biased by the support portion 31b provided with the biasing member 35. Therefore, it is not necessary to consider, for example, the positioning accuracy of the supported portion 18a and the support portion 31b on the lower surface of the storage container 18 in the Z direction relative to each other, and a substantially constant biasing force can be applied in the +Z direction. Furthermore, as Figure 10B As shown, when the imaging device enters the open state and the transfer unit 11 is retracted from the device body, the insertion / removal operation of the transfer unit 11 can be performed while compressing the bias member 35. In the configuration according to this embodiment, only the bias member 35 is configured as a creep suppression member. Therefore, unlike the first and second embodiments, the transfer unit 11 can be inserted and removed without providing a mechanism for switching the support portion 31b between a supported position where the transfer unit 11 is supported and an unsupported position where the transfer unit 11 is not supported. In other words, the transfer unit 11 can be inserted and removed and creep suppression can be performed with a simpler configuration.

[0100] Fourth embodiment

[0101] Reference Figure 11A and 11B This embodiment is described. Figure 11A and 11B In addition to setting a reference above track component 31 Figure 10A and 10B In addition to the biasing member 35 described herein, a guide portion 90a (restriction portion) is also provided. When the imaging device enters the open state and the transfer unit 11 is retracted from the device body, the guide portion 90a restricts the movement of the biasing member 35 in the +Z direction. Figure 11A During the storage and imaging process shown, the bias member 35 abuts against the storage container 18 from below in the Z-axis direction and biases the storage container 18 in the +Z direction, similar to Figure 10A Creep is suppressed in this way. Since the storage container 18 is directly biased by the biasing member 35 in a manner similar to the third embodiment, a substantially constant biasing force can be applied in the +Z direction regardless of the positional accuracy of the lower surface of the storage container 18 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 11B As shown, when the imaging device enters the open state and the transfer unit 11 is retracted from the device body, the engagement portion 35a provided on the bias member 35 is restricted by the guide portion 90a provided on the main support 90. According to this configuration, the bias member 35 moves in the -Z direction, creating a gap between the transfer unit 11 and the bias member 35, and the bias member 35 disengages from contact with the lower surface of the storage container 18 in the Z direction. As described above, this configuration further improves the insertion / removal performance of the transfer unit 11 compared to the third embodiment.

[0102] Fifth Embodiment

[0103] Reference Figures 12A to 12C This embodiment is described. Figures 12A to 12C This indicates that when the imaging device is in the off state, it is possible to select whether to use a component for supporting the transfer unit 11 to suppress creep. For example... Figure 12A As shown, in this configuration, the support cam 182 (variable support cam) provided on the transfer unit 11 rotates when it receives a drive transmission from the connecting gear 181, which is connected to a drive source (not shown) on one side of the main body. Although the drive transmission from the connecting gear is achieved by gear and belt drive in this configuration, the device used to achieve the drive transmission is arbitrary, for example, using only a gear coupler.

[0104] In this configuration, in non-imaging modes, such as when long-term storage or transportation is anticipated, as... Figure 12A As shown, the end portion 182a of the support cam 182 contacts the main support 90, and the transfer unit 11 is supported. In addition, the phase (support phase) of the connecting gear 181, which has received drive from the drive source, is controlled so that the support cam 182 is in a position where creep deformation of the transfer unit 11 is suppressed.

[0105] On the other hand, during the imaging process, such as Figure 12B As shown, the support cam 182 rotates via a connecting gear using a drive input from a drive source (not shown) on the main body side. Furthermore, the support cam 182 disconnects from the main body support 90 and enters a phase of the transfer unit 11 where it is not supported by the support cam 182 (non-support phase). According to this configuration, in the transfer unit 11, which is positioned relative to the main body side plate 70 by the processing tray 80, interference between the transfer unit 11 and the main body support 90 during imaging can be avoided even if dimensional inconsistencies arise due to dimensional accuracy, such as interference between the support cam 182 and the main body support 90. Therefore, the transfer unit 11 is not subjected to forces in the +Z direction, and image accuracy can be prevented from being affected by deformation in the supported portion of the drive roller bearing 13a and changes in the backlash removal direction. Figure 12C As shown, since the support cam 182 is set to a non-support phase in a manner similar to that during imaging, the insertion / removal performance is not affected during the insertion / removal of the transfer unit 11.

[0106] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be interpreted in the broadest sense so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: Multiple image-carrying components; Transfer unit; as well as Equipment body, The transfer unit includes: Intermediate transfer belt; Multiple transfer components, which sandwich an intermediate transfer belt between multiple image carrier components and multiple transfer components; A biasing member that biases each of a plurality of transfer members toward a plurality of image-carrying members via an intermediate transfer belt; and The frame supports the intermediate transfer belt, multiple transfer components, and biasing components. The main body of the device supports multiple image-carrying components and transfer units; The main body of the equipment includes: The first support part supports the transfer unit at one end relative to the middle transfer belt; The second support part supports the transfer unit on the other end of the intermediate transfer belt; The bias pressure receiving section is capable of supporting the transfer unit between the first support section and the second support section when the transfer unit is positioned relative to the main body of the device by the first support section and the second support section.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, The transfer component is a rotatable transfer roller. The bias pressure receiving portion is arranged to support the frame on the outside of the intermediate transfer belt in the axial direction of the transfer member.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The main body of the device is configured to move between a support position that can support the transfer unit and a non-support position that does not support the transfer unit.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, The device body also includes an operating section that moves the bias pressure receiving section between a supported position and a non-supported position.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, The operating part is an opening / closing component, which is capable of performing an opening / closing operation that switches between an open state where the interior of the device body is exposed and a closed state where the interior of the device body is not exposed. in, When the opening / closing component is in the closed state, the operating part positions the bias pressure receiving part in the supported position, and when the opening / closing component is in the open state, the operating part positions the bias pressure receiving part in the unsupported position.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, in, The imaging device also includes multiple boxes, each containing the image-carrying member and capable of being attached to and detached from the device body. The opening / closing component is capable of attaching the plurality of boxes to the device body and removing them from the device body when the device is in the open state.

7. The imaging device according to claim 5 or 6, In the case where the open / close component is the first open / close component. The device body also includes a second opening / closing component, which is located at a different position than the first opening / closing component and is capable of performing an opening / closing operation that switches between an open state exposed inside the device body and a closed state not exposed inside the device body. in, When the first opening / closing component and the second opening / closing component are respectively in the open state, the transfer unit can be attached to the device body and detached from the device body.

8. The imaging device according to claim 3 or 4, in, The frame has an opening located between the plurality of transfer members in the direction of movement of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt, and a bias pressure receiving portion in a non-supported position is inserted into the opening.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, The bias pressure receiving portion has an inclined surface that guides the transfer unit by sliding against the edge of the opening portion when the transfer unit is withdrawn from the device body in the unsupported position.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1, The device body further includes a receiving bias member that biases the receiving bias portion toward the transfer unit. in, The bias pressure receiving portion receives bias pressure from the bias pressure member of the receiving portion by being in a supporting position that can support the transfer unit.

11. The imaging device according to claim 3 or 4, The device body further includes a receiving bias member that biases the receiving bias portion toward the transfer unit. in, The main body of the device also includes a limiting part, which limits the bias pressure of the receiving part bias member on the bias pressure receiving part when the bias pressure receiving part is in a non-supported position.

12. The imaging device according to claim 5 or 6, in, In the closed state, the transfer unit also has a variable support cam, which can present a non-support phase in which the variable support cam does not contact the device body and a support phase in which the variable support cam contacts the device body and is supported by the device body.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, in, The variable support cam presents a support phase during non-imaging periods and a non-support phase during imaging and during removal of the transfer unit from the device body.

14. The imaging device according to claim 1, During the initial stage of using the transfer unit, the bias pressure receiving part does not come into contact with the frame.

Images