Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus is disclosed. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material includes a frame, an image forming unit, a first electric component unit, a first electric component substrate, a second electric component unit, and a second electric component substrate. The second electric component substrate communicates with the first electric component substrate and controls the image forming unit. The first electric component unit pivots around a first pivot shaft located on a first side in a width direction. The second electric component unit pivots around a second pivot shaft located on a second side in the width direction. When the first electric component unit and the second electric component unit are in a closed state, the second electric component unit is located between the first electric component unit and the image forming unit in a front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to image forming apparatus such as printers, copiers, fax machines, or multifunction printers. Background Technology

[0002] The image forming apparatus is equipped with, for example, a main control board for controlling the operation of the entire image forming apparatus, a drive control board for controlling the drive of rotating components such as a photosensitive drum via a motor, and an electrical component board such as a high-voltage board for controlling various voltages used for charging, developing, and transferring via a power supply. The photosensitive drum, which is frequently disassembled for periodic replacement, cleaning, or removal of jammed film, is housed in a housing (also referred to as the apparatus body). The photosensitive drum can be attached to and removed from the apparatus by the operator from the front. Furthermore, the electrical component board is located on the back of the apparatus body to prevent accidental access by the user of the image forming apparatus and to avoid interference during attachment and removal of the photosensitive drum.

[0003] To date, a device has been proposed that has a controller box for storing a main control board, the controller box being pivotally mounted on a housing, so that by pivoting the controller box, an operator can access the drive unit arranged on the depth side of the housing (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-215199).

[0004] The drive control board for controlling the drive and the drive unit, such as a motor, which serves as the control target, are connected by a bundle wire containing multiple signal lines. To reduce the length of the bundle wire, the drive control board is positioned closer to the drive unit than the main control board. According to the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-215199, the drive control board is arranged between the drive unit and the controller housing in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus.

[0005] However, in this configuration, the drive unit is hidden by the drive control board, which degrades the operator's operability of the drive unit. For example, when performing maintenance on the drive unit, the operator can only access the drive unit after pivoting the controller box and removing the drive control board, making the operation time-consuming and difficult to perform effective operations on the drive unit.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this technology is to provide an image forming apparatus that can enhance the operator's operability of the drive unit, wherein the drive unit is arranged on the depth side of the housing compared to the electrical component substrate arranged in a stacked manner. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes: a frame; an image forming unit contained within the frame and configured to form an image on the recording material; a first electrical component unit disposed on a rear surface of the image forming apparatus and configured to switch between an open state and a closed state relative to the frame; a first electrical component substrate configured to communicate with an external device, the first electrical component substrate being mounted to the first electrical component unit; a second electrical component unit disposed on the rear surface of the image forming apparatus and configured to change between an open state and a closed state relative to the frame; and a second electrical component substrate configured to communicate with the first electrical component substrate and control the image forming unit, the second electrical component substrate being mounted to the second electrical component unit. The first electrical component unit is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis located on a first side in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the first pivot axis extending in a direction intersecting the width direction and the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus. The second electrical component unit is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis located on a second side of the image forming apparatus, different from the first side, in the width direction. The second pivot axis extends in a direction intersecting both the width direction and the front-rear direction. When the first and second electrical component units are in a closed state, the second electrical component unit is located between the first electrical component unit and the image forming unit in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus.

[0008] Other features of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the image forming apparatus.

[0011] Figure 3A This is a rear view of the image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 3B This is a top view illustrating the back of the image forming apparatus.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus with the controller box unit closed.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with the controller box unit open.

[0015] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram showing the front of the controller box unit.

[0016] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the controller box unit taken along line A-A'.

[0017] Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram showing the back of the controller box unit.

[0018] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus with the controller box unit and the device controller unit open.

[0019] Figure 7B This is an exploded perspective view of the image forming apparatus with the controller box unit and the device controller unit removed.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating the device controller unit.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the area near the connector section of the device controller unit.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a perspective view illustrating the pivoting state of the device controller unit.

[0023] Figure 11A This is a top view illustrating the pivoting of the device controller unit in the closed state.

[0024] Figure 11B This is a top view illustrating the pivoting of the device controller unit in a pivoting state.

[0025] Figure 11C This is a top view illustrating the pivoting of the device controller unit in the open state.

[0026] Figure 12 It is a perspective view illustrating the guide section and the fastening section.

[0027] Figure 13A This is a top view of the retaining member before movement according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13B This is a top view illustrating the retaining member during movement according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13C This is a top view of the retaining member after movement according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14A This is a top view of the sliding member before movement according to the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14BThis is a top view of the sliding member during movement according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14C This is a top view of the sliding member after movement according to the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a top view of the device controller unit with the pivot axis positioned on the right side of the rear.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a top view of a device controller unit with three pivot axes.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a top view of a device controller unit with a pivot axis.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 19 It is a block diagram illustrating the control system of an image forming system. Detailed Implementation

[0038] First Embodiment

[0039] Image forming apparatus

[0040] The first embodiment will now be described. First, reference will be made to... Figure 1 To describe the general configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 1 is a full-color printer employing an electrophotographic system, having a housing 1A (also referred to as the apparatus body). The housing 1A includes a document reading device 160 for reading image information from original documents and an operation unit 80. The operation unit 80 includes a display unit capable of displaying various information, keys capable of inputting various information in response to user operations, etc. In this specification, the side from which the user stands when operating the operation unit 80 is referred to as the "front," and the opposite side is referred to as the "back." The left side when viewed from the back is referred to as the "left," and the right side when viewed from the back is referred to as the "right." Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 1 is shown as viewed from the front.

[0041] The housing 1A, which serves as the frame, is made of metal and consists of a front panel arranged on the front, a back panel arranged on the back and supporting the image forming unit and the like together with the front panel, a bracket connecting the front panel and the back panel, and multiple frames such as columns supporting the front panel, and is attached with an outer cover made of resin.

[0042] The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a full-color printer employing an intermediate transfer system, wherein image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK, which store toner images for forming yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners in the housing 1A, are arranged facing the intermediate transfer belt 7. The image forming apparatus 1 forms toner images on recording material S based on image data acquired from an original document reading device 160 arranged in the upper part of the housing 1A or from an external device such as a personal computer (not shown). Sheet materials such as paper, plastic film, and cloth are examples of recording material S. The image forming units SY to SK are arranged on the housing 1A in a manner that allows a user to attach and detach them from the front.

[0043] The transport process of the recording material S in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The recording material S is stored in a stacked state in one or more (three in this example) sheet cassettes 4, and the recording material S is fed one by one by the feed rollers 5 at a timing that matches the formation of the image. The recording material S fed by the feed rollers 5 is transported to the alignment rollers 36 arranged in the middle of the sheet transport path 64. Then, tilt correction and timing correction of the recording material S are performed at the alignment rollers 36, and the recording material S is sent to the secondary transfer section ST. The secondary transfer section ST is formed by the secondary transfer inner roller 34 and the secondary transfer outer roller 35 that are opposite each other with the intermediate transfer belt 7 inserted therebetween, and they form a clamping part, at which the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording material S by applying a predetermined pressure and secondary transfer bias.

[0044] The image forming process described below involves timing an image formed from the recording material S, which is transported to the secondary transfer unit ST via the aforementioned transport process. First, the image forming units SY to SK will be described. Since the configurations of the image forming units SY to SK corresponding to each color are essentially the same except for the different toner colors, the black image forming unit SK will be described as an example in the following description.

[0045] The image forming unit SK mainly includes a photosensitive drum 3K (used as a photosensitive sensor), a charging unit 10K, a developing unit 20K, and a drum cleaner 35K, etc. The drum drive unit (see below) Figure 2 The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 3K is pre-charged uniformly by the charging unit 10K, and then an electrostatic latent image is formed by the exposure unit 2K driven by image data. Next, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3K is visualized by toner development via the developing apparatus 20K. The developing apparatus 20K develops the electrostatic latent image using toner contained in the developer and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 3K.

[0046] Subsequently, a predetermined pressure and primary transfer voltage are applied by a primary transfer roller 30K arranged opposite the image forming unit SK, with the intermediate transfer belt 7 inserted therebetween, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3K is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 in one pass. The residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 3K after the primary transfer is collected by the drum cleaner 35K.

[0047] The intermediate transfer belt 7 is an annular belt stretched across the tension roller 32, drive roller 33, and secondary transfer inner roller 34, and moves at a speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the photosensitive drums 3Y to 3K via the drive roller 33, which is driven to rotate by a motor or the like. During the timing when the image is sequentially superimposed on toner images of different colors that have already been transferred once upstream in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 7, various color image forming processes undergo parallel processing by the aforementioned color image forming units SY to SK. As a result, a full-color toner image is finally formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 and conveyed to the secondary transfer section ST. The secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 7 after passing through the secondary transfer section ST is collected from the intermediate transfer belt 7 by the belt cleaner unit 39. The primary transfer rollers 30Y to 30K, the intermediate transfer belt 7, the tension roller 32, the drive roller 33, the secondary transfer inner roller 34, the belt cleaner unit 39, etc., can be integrally deployed as an intermediate transfer belt unit 800.

[0048] Through the aforementioned transport and image forming processes, the timing of the arrival of the recording material S and the full-tone toner image at the secondary transfer unit ST corresponds, and a secondary transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording material S is performed. Afterward, the recording material S is transported to the fixing unit 8, where heat and pressure are applied, thereby fixing the toner image onto the recording material S.

[0049] In single-sided printing mode, where the toner image is formed on only one side of the recording material S, the recording material S, on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 8, is guided to the sheet discharge conveyor path 65 and discharged to the outside of the housing 1A by the sheet discharge roller 37. Simultaneously, in double-sided printing mode, where the toner image is formed on both sides of the recording material S, the recording material S, on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing unit 8, has its front and back sides reversed via the reversing conveyor path 66 before passing through the double-sided conveyor path 67 toward the alignment roller 36. Thereafter, the recording material S undergoes a similar process to the single-sided printing mode to form the toner image on the other surface by the fixing unit 8, and is then guided to the sheet discharge conveyor path 65 and finally discharged to the outside of the housing 1A by the sheet discharge roller 37. According to this embodiment, a finishing unit 150 is connected to the housing 1A to perform post-processing such as binding on the recording material S discharged from the housing 1A, such that the recording material S that has undergone post-processing by the finishing unit 150 is arranged on the sheet discharge tray 154.

[0050] control system

[0051] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 based on Figure 2 The control system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a large number of electrical component substrates. The electrical component substrates are, for example, substrates on which CPUs, memory, electronic components, electrical components, connectors, etc., are mounted. The electrical component substrates may include, for example, a system controller 111, a device controller 201, charging high voltage substrates (202 and 203), a developing high voltage substrate 217, a primary transfer high voltage substrate 218, and a sheet transport driver substrate 219 connected therebetween to allow the transmission of electrical signals.

[0052] In this embodiment, the system controller 111 and the device controller 201 operate in coordination at matched timings to enable control of image forming operations on the recording material S. The system controller 111, serving as the first electrical component substrate, is a main control substrate that operates by receiving a voltage supply from the DC power supply unit 221 and comprehensively controls the entire image forming apparatus, including the device controller 201. The system controller 111 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 112, a read-only memory (ROM) 113 storing various programs, a random access memory (RAM) 114 temporarily storing data, and an external interface (external I / F) 115 for input and output signals. The CPU 112 is a microprocessor that manages the overall control of the image forming apparatus 1 and is the core of the system controller 111. A storage unit 122, such as an SSD / HDD, capable of storing electronic data, is connected to the system controller 111, and image processing programs and image data are stored in the storage unit 122.

[0053] As the image forming process is executed, the system controller 111 transmits data via the video circuit 216, for example, from the original document reading device 160 (see reference 160). Figure 1 Image data acquired from an external device connected via external interface 115 is converted into exposure data. Subsequently, system controller 111 controls exposure units 2Y to 2K to expose photosensitive drums 3Y to 3K based on the exposure data. Additionally, system controller 111 exposes photosensitive drums 3Y to 3K based on exposure data acquired by converting image data read from storage unit 122.

[0054] System controller 111 is connected to the feed roller 5, alignment roller 36, and sheet discharge roller 37 of the sheet conveying device 170, collectively referred to as the sheet conveying device 170, which is used to convey the recording material S, and the original document reading device 160 (see reference). Figure 1 Voltage is supplied from DC power supply unit 221 to original document reading device 160 and sheet conveying device 170 via device controller 201 connected through signal lines for power supply (referred to as power lines).

[0055] The device controller 201, serving as the second electrical component substrate, includes a CPU 252, a ROM 253, and a RAM 254, and controls the processor unit 150 connected via connector 207a and other post-processing devices connected via connector 207b. The device controller 201 is connected to a DC power supply unit 221. The device controller 201 outputs commands to the DC power supply unit 221 to allow DC voltage to be supplied from the DC power supply unit 221 to the various units at the most appropriate timing in response to the control. That is, the DC power supply unit 221 is connected to an AC power supply unit 222 via a power cord. The AC power supply unit 222 connects commercial AC power input from a power outlet via a filter (not shown) to the DC power supply unit 221.

[0056] The DC power supply unit 221 includes a 12V generation circuit 221a, a 24V generation circuit 221b, and a 38V conversion circuit 221c. The DC power supply unit 221 converts the AC voltage supplied from the AC power supply unit 222 into DC voltage, and generates 12V, 24V, and 38V DC voltages via the 12V generation circuit 221a, 24V generation circuit 221b, and 38V conversion circuit 221c for operating various devices. Additionally, the DC power supply unit 221 includes a relay board 221d (relay circuit), which is connected to various electrical component boards via power lines to distribute voltage to these boards. The relay board 221d also functions, for example, to control a cooling fan (not shown) or a fixing unit 8 for drawing external air into the main body of the device, and is also connected to the device controller 201 via signal lines for control.

[0057] Additionally, the device controller 201 is connected to the charging high-voltage substrates (202 and 203), the developing high-voltage substrate 217, the primary transfer high-voltage substrate 218, the sheet transport driver substrate 219, etc. That is, the second electrical component substrate includes the charging high-voltage substrates (202 and 203) and the device controller 201, which serves as the device controller substrate configured to control the charging high-voltage substrates (202 and 203). The device controller 201 is connected to, for example, drum drive units 40Y to 40K, developing drive units (41 and 42), etc. The device controller 201 receives commands from the system controller 111 and executes control. The drum drive units 40Y to 40K, which serve as drive units, are, for example, motors for rotating the photosensitive drum. That is, the drum drive units 40Y to 40K include drive motors configured to rotate the photosensitive drum. The developing drive units (41 and 42) are, for example, motors for rotating the developing sleeve of the developing apparatus 20Y to 20K. Charging high-voltage substrates (202 and 203), developing high-voltage substrate 217, and primary transfer high-voltage substrate 218 generate the high voltage required for charging, developing, and transfer processes. Charging high-voltage substrate 202 supplies voltage to charging units 10Y to 10C, and charging high-voltage substrate 203 supplies voltage to charging unit 10K. Primary transfer high-voltage substrate 218 is configured to generate the high voltage used in primary transfer rollers 30Y to 30K, which serve as a transfer apparatus. Device controller 201, serving as a second electrical component substrate, is connected to primary transfer high-voltage substrate 218. Sheet transport driver substrate 219 controls the feeding roller 5, alignment roller 36, and sheet discharge roller 37 (see reference) of the recording material S. Figure 1 ).

[0058] This embodiment illustrates an example of a sheet transport driver substrate 219 connected to a DC power supply unit 221 via a device controller 201, but the technology is not limited thereto. For example, driver substrates (not shown) may be provided for each of the feed roller 5, alignment roller 36, and sheet discharge roller 37, and each of the driver substrates may be connected to the DC power supply unit 221.

[0059] Additionally, the device controller 201 and the system controller 111 can be connected via an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Furthermore, the device controller 201 and the relay board 221d can be connected via an ASIC.

[0060] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 based on Figures 3A to 5 The rear configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3A This is a rear view of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the rear of the main body or housing 1A. Figure 3B This is a top view showing the back of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0061] like Figure 3A As illustrated in the diagram and described in detail below, the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 are pivotally arranged on the housing 1A at the upper rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. The controller housing unit 100, which serves as a first electrical component unit, is pivotally disposed about a first pivot axis 101, and the device controller unit 200, which serves as a second electrical component unit, is pivotally disposed about a second pivot axis 102. Meanwhile, the aforementioned DC power supply unit 221 and AC power supply unit 222 are arranged within the housing 1A at the lower rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 can be operated when the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 are closed.

[0062] like Figure 3B As illustrated in the diagram, the upper back surface of the image forming apparatus 1 can be roughly divided into three layers in a specified order from the layers closest to the front surface in the front-back direction, namely, layer 1, layer 2, and layer 3. In this embodiment, the drum drive units 40Y to 40K, the developing drive units (41 and 42), and electrical contacts (not shown) for supplying the high voltage required for charging, developing, and transfer processing are arranged on the first layer (layer 1). The drum drive units 40Y to 40K and the developing drive units (41 and 42) are provided with physical interfaces for the photosensitive drums 3Y to 3K and the developing apparatus 20Y to 20K, and they are arranged adjacent to the photosensitive drums 3Y to 3K and the developing apparatus 20Y to 20K arranged in the housing 1A in the front-back direction.

[0063] A device controller 201 for controlling and supplying voltage to the respective drive units arranged on the first layer, and charging high-voltage substrates (202 and 203) for controlling the supply of voltage to the contacts on the first layer, are arranged on the second layer (layer 2). These electrical component substrates are supported on a substrate support plate 205 at adjacent locations for connection to the corresponding drive units arranged on the first layer via the shortest distance. According to this embodiment, the substrate support plate 205 supports the electrical component substrates only on the first surface and not on the second surface opposite to the first surface. Furthermore, the substrate support plate 205 is a conductor.

[0064] The substrate support plate 205 spans the entire area of ​​the housing 1A in the left-right or width direction and is supported at the left and right ends relative to the housing 1A. The device controller 201 and the charging high voltage substrates (202 and 203) are aligned planarly on the first surface of the substrate support plate 205, which serves as the back of the device. The device controller unit 200 is composed of the substrate support plate 205, the device controller 201, and the charging high voltage substrates (202 and 203). As described, the device controller unit 200 includes the charging high voltage substrates (202 and 203) arranged on the surface facing the controller housing unit 100 when the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 are closed.

[0065] System controller 111, storage unit 122, and a metal controller housing 110 that stores and supports system controller 111 are arranged on the third layer (layer 3). Due to the characteristic of system controller 111 to simultaneously process commands and image data from operation unit 80 at high speed, noise is easily generated in system controller 111. Therefore, system controller 111 is stored in the metal controller housing 110 to prevent generated noise from affecting other electrical component substrates. Controller housing unit 100 is composed of system controller 111, storage unit 122, and controller housing 110. Controller housing unit 100 has system controller 111 arranged on the surface facing device controller unit 200 when controller housing unit 100 and device controller unit 200 are closed.

[0066] As described, the image forming apparatus 1 achieves space savings in both the left-right and front-back directions to prevent size increases, and also achieves a high-density arrangement on the back side. However, due to the high-density arrangement, the user cannot easily access the drum drive units 40Y to 40K and the developing drive units (41 and 42) arranged on the first layer. Therefore, the device controller unit 200 and the controller housing unit 100 are respectively pivotally arranged to allow the operator to access the units on the first layer with a few steps. The device controller unit 200 and the controller housing unit 100 can pivot without disconnecting the signal lines connected to them respectively. The controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 are each prevented from being accidentally opened in the closed state by being fixed to the housing 1A via screws or the like.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the controller box unit 100 closed, and Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the controller box unit 100 open.

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As illustrated, the controller housing unit 100 is arranged to be openable and closable relative to the housing 1A by pivoting about a first pivot axis 101. In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the rear or back, the first pivot axis 101 is arranged in the left-right direction at a position closer to the right end than the center of the housing 1A.

[0069] The image forming apparatus 1 is designed such that a user operating system, such as an operation unit 80, is commonly arranged on the front side, so that, for example, when removing a stuck sheet during a recovery operation, the operator does not need to move to the back side of the image forming apparatus 1 and perform the operation from the back side. Since the user operating system is commonly arranged on the front side, the drive system for applying driving force to the various units of the apparatus and the electrical component system for performing electrical control are commonly arranged on the back side. The electrical component system described herein includes electrical component boards such as a power system board, a high-voltage system board, a control system board, and a drive system board, or a wiring system such as a wire harness having bundled multiple signal lines connecting the various boards.

[0070] Relatively heavy loads, such as transformers, are attached to the power system board, and since they are sources of noise generation, the power system board needs to be covered and shielded with a metal plate. Therefore, the power system unit, with a large number of power system boards arranged together, is heavy. Additionally, power cords for supplying power from power outlets are connected to the power system unit. The power cords are securely covered with a safety coating, thus becoming relatively heavy, and since the weight of the cord acts on the connection portion in the disconnecting direction, it is not preferable to arrange the connection point to the power system unit in the upper region of the device body. Therefore, the power system unit is preferably arranged in the lower region of the housing 1A. Figure 5 In area A).

[0071] Meanwhile, electrical component system units such as high-voltage system substrates, control system substrates, and drive system substrates should preferably have short bundle lengths, wherein multiple signal lines arranged near the load location of each substrate are bundled together, and preferably arranged in the area near the image forming units SY to SK. Figure 5 In region B).

[0072] The electrical component substrates of the electrical component system units, which are particularly susceptible to noise, are collectively stored in the controller box 110. The controller box 110 is formed as a box shape of a metal plate to cover and shield the noise-sensitive system controller 111, and it is electrically connected to the housing 1A to set the ground level to be equal to that of the housing 1A, thereby ensuring noise immunity.

[0073] Controller box unit

[0074] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 based on Figures 6A to 6C The configuration of the controller box unit 100 is described below. The controller box unit 100 includes a controller box 110 of the storage system controller 111 and a storage unit storage section 120 of the storage storage unit 122.

[0075] The controller housing unit 100 is pivotable relative to the housing 1A about the first pivot axis 101 of the hinge mechanism 103a while the signal lines remain connected. This corresponds to the need for maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1 by an operator while the controller housing unit 100 is pivoted, and is used, for example, when performing initial diagnosis of fault locations. By pivoting the controller housing unit 100, the operator can access various units arranged on the depth side of the controller housing 110 within the housing 1A without removing the controller housing 110 from the housing 1A.

[0076] The controller box 110 and the storage unit 120 form an independent, enclosed space surrounded by a metal plate, where the system controller 111 and the storage unit 122 are stored separately. For example... Figure 6C As shown in the diagram, covers 117 and 125, each independently removable, are provided on the back of the controller housing 110 and the storage unit 120. Covers 117 and 125 pivot together with the controller housing unit 100. Even when the controller housing unit 100 is closed, the cover 125 of the storage unit 120 can be removed, allowing the operator to access the storage unit 122 while the controller housing unit 100 is closed.

[0077] The controller box unit 100 is fixed to the housing 1A by screws or the like in the closed state, and noise countermeasures can be provided by making electrical contact with the housing 1A through the use of screw fixing parts, hinge pivot parts and washers (not shown) provided on the upper and lower sides.

[0078] Equipment Controller Unit

[0079] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 based on Figures 7A to 10 To describe the device controller unit 200. Figure 7A This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the controller box unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 open. Figure 7B This is an exploded perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the controller box unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 disassembled.

[0080] Here, the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the first pivot axis 101 of the controller housing unit 100 in its closed state and the device controller 201 is called the orthogonal direction, i.e., the left-right direction. That is, the orthogonal direction is the direction that intersects the vertical and horizontal directions and the front-back directions of the image forming apparatus. The second pivot axis 102 is arranged approximately parallel to the first pivot axis 101 on the opposite side of the first pivot axis 101 of the controller housing unit 100, orthogonal to it. The device controller unit 200 is provided in an openable and closable manner relative to the housing 1A by pivoting about the second pivot axis 102. In addition, according to this embodiment, regarding the left-right direction, the direction from the second pivot axis 102 toward the first pivot axis 101 is called the right direction or the first direction, and the direction opposite to the right direction is called the left direction or the second direction. In this embodiment, when the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 are closed, the device controller unit 200 is deployed inside the controller housing unit 100 in a manner that overlaps with the controller housing unit 100. In this configuration, the device controller unit 200 is positioned between the drum drive units 40Y to 40K and the controller housing unit 100, either in the thickness direction or the front-rear direction of the device controller 201. With the controller housing unit 100 open, the device controller unit 200 is pivotally arranged about the second pivot axis 102. As described, the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 are configured to open relative to the housing 1A from the rear.

[0081] Along Figure 7B The dotted lines in the diagram indicate that the shaft portion 101a on the housing 1A is fitted into the fitting hole 101b on the controller housing unit 100, and the shaft portion 101c on the housing 1A is fitted into the fitting hole 101d on the controller housing unit 100. That is, the hinge mechanism 103a (see reference...) Figure 6A It consists of two shaft portions 101a and 101c and two fitting holes 101b and 101d. The shaft portions 101a and 101c are each movable relative to the fitting holes 101b and 101d, thereby the controller housing unit 100 is pivotally supported on the housing 1A.

[0082] Similarly, along Figure 7B As shown by the dashed lines in the diagram, shaft portion 102a, located on housing 1A, engages with fitting hole 102b on device controller unit 200, and shaft portion 102c, located on housing 1A, engages with fitting hole 102d on device controller unit 200. Shaft portions 102a and 102c are each movable relative to fitting holes 102b and 102d, thereby pivotally supporting device controller unit 200 on housing 1A. In other words, shaft portions 102a and 102c, along with fitting holes 102b and 102d, form a hinge mechanism.

[0083] like Figure 7A As illustrated, the controller housing unit 100 is opened by pivoting to the right. With the controller housing unit 100 open, the device controller unit 200, located on the depth side or front side of the controller housing unit 100, is exposed. Thus, the device controller unit 200 can be pivoted, and it is opened by pivoting to the left. As described, the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 open to the right and left. If maintenance is emphasized, it is preferable to design the multi-layered electrical component system to open layer by layer. Therefore, the controller housing unit 100, stacked outside the device controller unit 200, is designed to pivot relative to the housing 1A, thereby allowing the operator to easily perform maintenance on the device controller unit 200. Additionally, the device controller unit 200 is designed to pivot relative to the housing 1A, thereby allowing the operator to easily perform maintenance on the drive unit located on the depth side of the device controller unit 200, which is the target driven by the device controller unit 200.

[0084] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a device controller unit 200 according to a first embodiment, and... Figure 9 The diagram shows the vicinity of connector portions 207a and 207b of the device controller unit 200. Figure 10 The illustration shows the device controller unit 200 in a pivoted state.

[0085] like Figure 8 As illustrated in the diagram, in the device controller unit 200 according to this embodiment, the substrate support plate 205 is generally divided into a first support plate 205a and a second support plate 205b. Charging high-voltage substrates (202 and 203) are arranged on the first support plate 205a, and the device controller 201 is arranged on the second support plate 205b. A third pivot axis 206 is configured to allow the second support plate 205b to pivot relative to the first support plate 205a. The device controller unit 200 includes a first support plate 205a pivoting about a second pivot axis 102, a third pivot axis 206 arranged substantially parallel to the second pivot axis 102 on the opposite side of the second pivot axis 102 of the first support plate 205a in the left-right direction, and a second support plate 205b pivoting about the third pivot axis 206 relative to the first support plate 205a.

[0086] The second support plate 205b includes shaft portions 206a and 206c, and the first support plate 205a includes fitting holes 206b and 206d. The shaft portions 206a and 206c of the second support plate 205b are fitted into the fitting holes 206b and 206d of the first support plate 205a. This allows the second support plate 205b to pivot relative to the first support plate 205a. The aforementioned fitting holes 102b and 102d (see...) Figure 7B It is also set on the first support plate 205a.

[0087] There is a case where a post-processing device for extended functionality is connected to the image forming apparatus 1. This post-processing device and the device controller 201 are electrically connected, and the post-processing device performs post-processing while communicating with the device controller 201. In this embodiment, the finishing unit 150 and the device controller 201 are electrically connected such that the recording material S, after post-processing by the finishing unit 150, is discharged. As described, there may be cases where different housings are connected to the housing 1A of the image forming apparatus 1, and in such cases, there is a signal line connecting to the device controller 201 across the housing. In this case, a connector portion for relaying the connection to the device controller 201 and enabling the signal line to be connected thereto can be arranged at the boundary between the housing and another housing, preferably improving operability during installation operations.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the finishing unit 150 is arranged downstream of the sheet discharge direction of the recording material S in the housing 1A (see reference). Figure 1 Therefore, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As illustrated, connector portions 207a and 207b, which serve as connectors for connecting housing 1A to the housing of finisher unit 150 via signal lines, are arranged to protrude from housing 1A on the right side opposite to the second pivot axis 102, allowing external signal lines to be connected thereto. According to this embodiment, connector portions 207a and 207b are arranged vertically at the right end of the second support plate 205b, one above the other. For example, signal lines for connecting finisher unit 150 are connected to connector portion 207a, which is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction, and signal lines for connecting post-processing devices other than finisher unit 150 are connected to connector portion 207b, which is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0089] Since the connector portions (207a and 207b) are used to connect to a post-processing device arranged downstream of the housing 1A, they are arranged on the downstream side of the device controller unit 200. The connector portions (207a and 207b) should preferably be deployed on the sidewall of the downstream side of the device controller unit 200, so as to protrude from the housing 1A. In this embodiment, as... Figure 9 As shown in the figure, the first connector portion 207a is arranged to be exposed through an opening 301 formed on the right side of the housing 1A, and the second connector portion 207b is arranged to be exposed through a cutout 310 formed on the right side of the housing 1A.

[0090] Furthermore, since the connector portions (207a and 207b) described above are relay portions used to connect the post-processing device and the equipment controller 201, the connector portions (207a and 207b) are preferably provided on the equipment controller unit 200. Therefore, when the equipment controller unit 200 is pivoted, the operator can pivot the connector portions (207a and 207b) integrally with the equipment controller 201 without detaching their connection to the equipment controller 201, thereby improving the operator's operability during maintenance.

[0091] In this embodiment, as described above, the controller box unit 100 is arranged outside the device controller unit 200, and as... Figure 10 As illustrated in the diagram, the first pivot 101 is located on the right side of the housing 1A. The aforementioned connector portions (207a and 207b) are arranged to protrude from the right side at the position in front of the first pivot 101 in the front-rear direction of the controller housing unit 100. That is, since the device controller unit 200 is stacked on top of the controller housing unit 100 in the front-rear direction, a portion of the connector portions (207a and 207b) overlaps with the projection plane of the first pivot 101 of the controller housing unit 100. In this case, when the device controller unit 200 is closed, the right end of the device controller unit 200 on the side opposite to the second pivot 102 is positioned further to the right in the left-right direction than the first pivot 101 of the controller housing unit 100 (see description below). Figure 11A ).

[0092] As described above, when the end of the device controller unit 200 opposite to the second pivot axis 102 is positioned further to the right than the first pivot axis 101, even if the operator attempts to simply pivot the device controller unit 200 around the second pivot axis 102, the pivoting is hindered by the first pivot axis 101. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the device controller unit 200, the third pivot axis 206 is configured such that the second support plate 205b can pivot relative to the first support plate 205a. (Refer to...) Figures 11A to 11C This describes the pivoting movement of the device controller unit 200. Figure 11A The diagram illustrates the closed state of the device controller unit 200 before it pivots. Figure 11B The diagram illustrates the state of the device controller unit 200 during pivoting, and Figure 11C The diagram illustrates the open state of the device controller unit 200 after it has pivoted.

[0093] like Figure 11AAs illustrated, the first pivot axis 101 of the controller housing unit 100 is arranged on the right side, and the second pivot axis 102 of the device controller unit 200 is arranged on the left side. That is, the controller housing unit 100 pivots to the right with its left end as the pivot end, and the device controller unit 200 pivots to the left with its right end as the pivot end.

[0094] like Figure 11B As illustrated, when the device controller unit 200 is opened, the first support plate 205a pivots about the second pivot axis 102 relative to the housing 1A in the direction of arrow M2. Simultaneously, the second support plate 205b pivots about the third pivot axis 206 relative to the first support plate 205a in the direction of arrow M3. As described, when the device controller unit 200 is opened, the second support plate 205b pivots in a manner that folds inward relative to the first support plate 205a. That is, the device controller unit 200 employs a dual-axis pivoting structure including the first support plate 205a and the second support plate 205b. The first support plate 205a, serving as the first plate portion, holds the first substrate. The second support plate 205b, serving as the second plate portion, is pivotally deployed relative to the first support plate 205a and holds a second substrate different from the first substrate. Consequently, the right end of the second support plate 205b moves to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101. Therefore, the right end of the second support plate 205b is moved to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101, such that... Figure 11C As shown in the diagram, the device controller unit 200 can pivot and open significantly about the second pivot axis 102, while its pivotal movement is not hindered by the first pivot axis 101.

[0095] As described, according to this embodiment, the first support plate 205a and the second support plate 205b are designed to pivot about the third pivot axis 206. Thus, as described above, the connector portions (207a and 207b) are deployed on the pivot end of the device controller unit 200 such that even when the pivot end of the device controller unit 200 is positioned further to the right than the first pivot axis 101 in the closed state, the device controller unit 200 can still pivot. Therefore, the connector portions (207a and 207b) can be deployed on the pivot end of the device controller unit 200, which is easily exposed from the housing 1A and where signal lines from the external organizer unit 150 can be easily connected.

[0096] Furthermore, the first support plate 205a and the second support plate 205b are designed via a hinge mechanism 209 including a third pivot axis 206 such that the second support plate 205b does not fold backward relative to the first support plate 205a, that is, it does not fold in the opposite direction to arrow M3. The hinge mechanism 209 acts as a limiting part to restrict the pivoting direction of the second support plate 205b relative to the first support plate 205a.

[0097] Fastening configuration of the device controller unit

[0098] According to this embodiment, the device controller unit 200 is fixed to the housing 1A by fastening its pivot end side (right side in this example) to the housing 1A with screws 220 so as not to be pivoted. Since the device controller unit 200 pivots about a second pivot axis 102 deployed on the first side (left side in this example), it is susceptible to displacement due to the engagement gap of the second pivot axis 102 or the third pivot axis 206. If displacement occurs, the second side (i.e., the pivot end side) opposite the second pivot axis 102 may droop downwards in the direction of gravity compared to the first side. This is not preferred because when closing the device controller unit 200 and screwing it onto the housing 1A, the operator must adjust the position of the device controller unit 200 to a position where it can be fastened to the housing 1A with screws. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a guide is provided on the device controller unit 200 to move the device controller unit 200 to the screw-fastened position on the housing 1A when the device controller unit 200 is closed. (Refer to...) Figure 12 Describe the guidance section.

[0099] Figure 12 It is a magnified view illustration Figure 10 A perspective view of part E. (e.g.) Figure 12 As illustrated, a fastening portion 212, having a fastening hole for fastening a screw 220 (used as an example for fastening components such as the fixed device controller unit 200), is configured to protrude from the right side surface of the housing 1A toward the left. Additionally, a support portion 211, capable of supporting the pivot end side of the device controller unit 200 from below, or more specifically as described below, a guide portion 210, is configured to protrude from the right side surface of the housing 1A toward the left. Fastening holes for fastening the screw 220 are also formed in the support portion 211. The fastening portion 212 and the support portion 211, each having a fastening hole, are positioned vertically separated within the housing 1A.

[0100] Meanwhile, on the pivot end side of the device controller unit 200 (more specifically, the second support plate 205b), the upper side, which can connect with and be threaded into the fastening hole of the fastening part 212, is deployed on the upper side in the vertical direction by the fastening part 214, and the lower side, which can connect with and be threaded into the fastening hole of the support part 211, is deployed on the lower side in the vertical direction by the fastening part 213. Additionally, on the pivot end side of the device controller unit 200, a guide part 210 extending in the horizontal direction is deployed on the plane supporting the device controller 201. When the device controller unit 200 is pivoted and closed, the guide part 210 is supported from below by the support part 211 deployed on the housing 1A.

[0101] The guide portion 210 has an inclined portion 210a, which is tilted such that its downstream portion in the pivot end direction (i.e., the rightward direction) is higher. When the device controller unit 200 is closed, the guide portion 210 contacts the support portion 211. In this state, the inclined portion 210a of the guide portion 210 abuts against the support portion 211, and the pivot end side of the device controller unit 200 moves upward along the inclination of the inclined portion 210a. Then, the guide portion 210 is arranged on the support portion 211, thereby supporting the device controller unit 200 from below by the support portion 211. The support portion 211 is designed such that, in the state of supporting the device controller unit 200, the fastening portion 212 and the upper fastened portion 214 correspond approximately to each other, and the fastening hole of the support portion 211 and the lower fastened portion 213 correspond approximately to each other. Thus, when closed, the device controller unit 200 is positioned at the screw fastening position of the housing 1A by the support portion 211. Therefore, even if the pivot end of the device controller unit 200 is drooping downwards in the direction of gravity than the first side, the operator can smoothly position the device controller unit 200 in the screw fastening position of the housing 1A and perform its screw engagement.

[0102] Additionally, as a configuration for positioning the device controller unit 200 to the screw fastening position of the housing 1A, for example, the second pivot shaft 102 can be arranged at an angle to eliminate sagging of the device controller unit 200. The second pivot shaft 102 can also be tilted, and a guide portion 210 having the aforementioned tilted portion 210a can be further provided.

[0103] From the viewpoint of suppressing the impact of noise on the electrical component substrate, the device controller unit 200 needs to be electrically connected to the housing 1A. In this embodiment, the device controller unit 200 is electrically connected to the housing 1A by threaded engagement with the fastening portion 212 and the support portion 211. In other words, the fastening portion 212 and the support portion 211 provided on the housing 1A, as well as the upper fastening portion 214 and the lower fastening portion 213 provided on the device controller unit 200, are conductive.

[0104] To prevent the device controller unit 200 from being improperly secured to the housing 1A, it is necessary to improve the visibility of the fastening portion 212 to facilitate securing it. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the device controller unit 200 in the closed state has an end (i.e., the pivot end) positioned further to the right than the first pivot axis 101, opposite to the second pivot axis 102. Therefore, when securing the device controller unit 200 to the end side opposite to the second pivot axis 102 (i.e., the pivot end side) with screws 220, it is necessary to ensure that the operator can perform the tightening operation without interference from the first pivot axis 101.

[0105] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the fastening part 212 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 1A with respect to the left-right direction, wherein when viewed in the left-right direction, the screw fastening surface faces inward, that is, towards the front. Specifically, the first fastening surface to which the fastening part 214 fastens on the upper side of the fastening part 212 is inclined, such that its second direction side is positioned closer to the drum drive unit 40Y to 40K in the front-rear direction than its first direction side. From the viewpoint of improving visibility and screw fastening operability, it is preferable that the screw fastening surface of the fastening part 212 is angled at 25 degrees relative to the right side surface of the housing 1A. ° Or larger and 65 ° Or a smaller tilt angle F. In this embodiment, the tilt angle F is 65°. ° The screw fastening surface of the upper fastened portion 214 in the device controller unit 200 is inclined in a manner corresponding to the inclination of the screw fastening surface of the fastening portion 212. That is, the second fastening surface of the fastening portion 212 fastened to the upper fastened portion 214 is arranged in an inclined manner to contact the first fastening surface. As described, by inclining the screw fastening surfaces of the fastening portion 212 and the upper fastened portion 214, when the device controller unit 200 is closed, the upper fastened portion 214 becomes slidable relative to the fastening portion 212 and is easily grounded.

[0106] As described, according to this embodiment, the device controller unit 200 supporting the device controller 201 and the controller housing unit 100 including the system controller 111 are pivotally deployed on the back side of the housing 1A when the device controller unit 200 is arranged on the depth side. The controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 open to the left and right respectively by pivoting relative to the housing 1A. The device controller 201 is arranged in the front-rear direction between the drive units such as drum drive units 40Y to 40K and developing drive units (41 and 42) that are the control targets and the controller housing unit 100. Since the controller housing unit 100 is pivotable relative to the housing 1A, the operator can easily perform maintenance on the device controller unit 200. In addition, since the device controller unit 200 is pivotable relative to the housing 1A, the operator can perform maintenance on the drive units arranged on the depth side of the device controller unit 200. Thus, the operator can easily access the drive units hidden behind the device controller unit 200 by pivoting the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 without spending time. That is, when the drive unit is arranged on the depth side of an electrical component substrate such as a system controller 111 and a device controller 201 arranged in multiple layers, the operability of the drive unit by the operator can be improved.

[0107] Second Embodiment

[0108] In the first embodiment described above, the second support plate 205b pivots relative to the first support plate 205a about the third pivot axis 206, so that the pivoting of the device controller unit 200 is not hindered by the first pivot axis 101 (see reference). Figure 11B However, this technology is not limited to this configuration. See also... Figures 13A to 13C A second embodiment is described that enables the device controller unit 200A to pivot without being obstructed by the first pivot axis 101.

[0109] In the second embodiment, as Figure 13A As illustrated, the device controller unit 200A does not include a third pivot axis 206; instead, a retaining member 140 is provided that allows the device controller unit 200A, which is closed relative to the housing 1A, to move in a left-right direction while maintaining a closed state. The retaining member 140 has a pivot axis 130 disposed on a first side, wherein the first side is pivotally attached to the housing 1A about the pivot axis 130, and a second side is attached to a second pivot axis 102 of the device controller unit 200A to pivotally retain the device controller unit 200A about the second pivot axis 102.

[0110] like Figure 13B As illustrated, by pivoting the retaining member 140, which acts as a moving member, about the pivot axis 130, the device controller unit 200A moves in the left-right direction while closed relative to the housing 1A. Consequently, the right end of the device controller unit 200A moves to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101. Since the right end of the second support plate 205b moves to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101, therefore... Figure 13C As shown in the diagram, the device controller unit 200A can pivot significantly about the second pivot axis 102 without being obstructed by the first pivot axis 101.

[0111] Third Embodiment

[0112] Next, we will refer to Figures 14A to 14C A third embodiment is described in which the device controller unit 200A can pivot without being obstructed by the first pivot axis 101. For example... Figure 14A As illustrated in the figure, in the third embodiment, a sliding member 240 is provided that allows the device controller unit 200A, which is closed relative to the housing 1A, to move in the left-right direction while maintaining a closed state. The sliding member 240, which serves as a moving member, holds the device controller unit 200A together with the second pivot axis 102 at least.

[0113] like Figure 14BAs illustrated, the sliding member 240 is slidably deployed relative to the housing 1A in the left-right direction, and through its sliding movement, the device controller unit 200A slides in the left-right direction while maintaining a closed state relative to the housing 1A. Consequently, the right end of the device controller unit 200A moves to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101. Therefore, the right end of the second support plate 205b moves to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101, such that... Figure 14C As shown in the diagram, the device controller unit 200A can pivot significantly about the second pivot axis 102 without being obstructed by the first pivot axis 101.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the following example has been illustrated: the device controller unit 200 is equipped with a second pivot axis 102 and a third pivot axis 206, such that the pivoting of the device controller unit 200 is not hindered by the first pivot axis 101 (see reference). Figure 8 However, this technology is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 16 As illustrated, the device controller unit 200B may include a substrate support plate 205, which is divided into a first support plate 205a, a second support plate 205b, and a third support plate 205c, wherein a third pivot axis 206 and a fourth pivot axis 208 are arranged therebetween. That is, compared with the device controller unit 200 of the first embodiment, with respect to the left-right direction, the device controller unit 200B includes a fourth pivot axis 208 arranged substantially parallel to the third pivot axis 206 on the opposite side of the third pivot axis 206 on the second support plate 205b, and a third support plate 205c that pivots about the fourth pivot axis 208 relative to the second support plate 205b.

[0115] When the device controller unit 200B is opened, the first support plate 205a pivots about the second pivot axis 102 to the rear, while the second support plate 205b pivots about the third pivot axis 206 such that its pivot end folds inward relative to the first support plate 205a. Additionally, the third support plate 205c pivots about the fourth pivot axis 208 such that its pivot end folds inward relative to the second support plate 205b. As a result, the right end of the third support plate 205c moves to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101. Therefore, because the right end of the third support plate 205c moves to a position that does not overlap with the projection of the first pivot axis 101, the device controller unit 200B opens by pivoting significantly about the second pivot axis 102 without being obstructed by the first pivot axis 101.

[0116] In the above embodiments, the following configuration has been illustrated: the second pivot axis 102 of the device controller unit 200 is arranged on the left and the first pivot axis 101 of the controller housing unit 100 is arranged on the right, but the technology is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 15 As illustrated in the diagram, the following configuration can be adopted: the second pivot 102 of the device controller unit 200 is arranged on the right side and the first pivot 101 of the controller housing unit 100 is arranged on the left side. According to this configuration, if the sheet discharge direction of the recording material S is to the right, the aforementioned connector portions (207a and 207b, see reference 1) can be used. Figure 8 The connectors (207a and 207b) are arranged on one side of the device controller unit 200, which has the second pivot axis 102. Furthermore, if the sheet discharge direction of the recording material S is to the left, the connectors are arranged on the left end of the device controller unit 200 opposite to the second pivot axis 102. This allows for easy electrical connection between the connectors and a post-processing device connected downstream in the sheet discharge direction of the recording material S.

[0117] The device controller unit 200 can be positioned such that, when stacked with the controller housing unit 100, in its closed state, the pivot end of the device controller unit 200 is positioned further to the left than the first pivot axis 101 of the controller housing unit 100. Figure 17 The configuration is illustrated in the diagram. For example... Figure 17 As illustrated in the diagram, if the pivot end of the device controller unit 200 is in a position that does not overlap with the first pivot axis 101, then the pivoting of the device controller unit 200 about the second pivot axis 102 will not be obstructed by the first pivot axis 101. Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to adopt the configuration shown in the above embodiments, which allows the device controller unit 200 to pivot without being obstructed by the first pivot axis 101. Figure 17 In the embodiment illustrated, the substrate support plate 205 is composed of a single plate, and although not shown, the device controller 201, the charging high-voltage substrate (202 and 203), and the connector portions (207a and 207b) are deployed on the substrate support plate 205. As described, by employing a pivotable configuration for the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200, an operator can perform maintenance on the drive unit arranged on the depth side of the device controller unit 200.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the embodiments mentioned above, the image forming apparatus 1 employs an intermediate transfer system in which image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK for forming yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are arranged facing the intermediate transfer belt 7, but the technology is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may employ an inkjet recording system that forms an image onto a sheet by ejecting ink through nozzles in the image forming unit. In this case, the image forming unit of the inkjet recording system may employ a thermal system that ejects ink droplets through nozzles via a heater drive system or a piezoelectric system that ejects ink droplets through nozzles via piezoelectric elements. Even in such a case, only the system of image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK is changed to an inkjet recording system, and the rear configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 (i.e., the configuration of the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200) is similar to that in the embodiments described above. Thus, even when using an inkjet recording system as the image forming unit, the operator can easily access the drive unit hidden behind the device controller unit 200 by simply pivoting the controller housing unit 100 and the device controller unit 200 without any difficulty. Therefore, when the drive unit is arranged deeper than the electrical component substrate of the system controller 111 and device controller 201 which are arranged in a stacked configuration, the operator's operability of the drive unit can be improved.

[0119] Image Forming System

[0120] The above embodiments employ the following configuration: the finishing unit 150 is disposed on the image forming apparatus 1, and is electrically connected to the finishing unit 150 via connector portions (207a and 207b). The above embodiments can be used in other configurations of the image forming system. Figure 18 The figure shows an image forming system 1X employing an image forming apparatus 500.

[0121] In the image forming system 1X, compared to the image forming apparatus 1 described above, an image forming unit SY to SK and an intermediate transfer belt unit 800 (see reference 1) are implemented to perform an image forming process that causes a transfer step for transferring a toner image to the recording material S. Figure 1The image forming apparatus 500 stores the fixing unit 8 in its housing 500A. The fixing unit 8 is stored in the housing 600A of the fixing and transport device 600, which is deployed as a separate component of the image forming apparatus 500. That is, the fixing and transport device 600 storing the fixing unit 8 is connected to the image forming apparatus 500 in a manner capable of transferring the recording material S to it. The image forming apparatus 500 and the fixing and transport device 600 each have independent housings 500A and 600A, respectively, and each device can be moved by multiple casters respectively mounted thereon. Thus, even if the image forming apparatus 500 and the fixing and transport device 600 are large devices, their packaging and transport can be performed for each of the housings 500A and 600A in a separate state, thereby improving the operability of installation. Regarding the configuration of the image forming apparatus 500, except that it does not have a fixing unit 8 and it has a transport path for the recording material S leading to the fixing and transport apparatus 600, its configuration is substantially the same as that of the fixing and transport apparatus 600, so its description is omitted.

[0122] also, Figure 18 The image forming system 1X illustrated in the figure includes a high-capacity sheet feeder 106 containing multiple sheet storage sections and a sensing device 107. The high-capacity sheet feeder 106 is a device that feeds recording material S to the image forming apparatus 500. The sensing device 107 is a device that reads the toner image formed and fixed on one or both sides of the recording material S and provides feedback to the image forming apparatus 500 as an image signal. According to the image forming apparatus 500, image density and image position deviation are detected based on the received image signal, and image data is corrected based on the detected image density and image position deviation. Then, based on the corrected image data, image forming units SY to SK are controlled to form a toner image on the recording material S. With respect to the transport direction (from left to right) of the recording material S of the high-capacity sheet feeder 106, the fixing and transporting device 600 and the sensing device 107 are arranged downstream of the image forming apparatus 500.

[0123] A fixing and transport apparatus 600 will be described. The fixing and transport apparatus 600 includes a fixing unit 8 and a cooling unit 302. The fixing unit 8 includes a heating roller 8a heated by a heater (not shown) and a pressure roller 8b pressing the recording material S against the heating roller 8a. The recording material S, transported from the image forming apparatus 500 on which a toner image has been formed, is held and transported by a fixing clamping part formed by the heating roller 8a and the pressure roller 8b, while being heated and pressurized. Thus, the toner image is fixed onto the recording material S. This example illustrates a fixing unit 8 consisting of a pair of rollers, the heating roller 8a and the pressure roller 8b, but the technology is not limited thereto. For example, a fixing belt can be provided instead of the heating roller 8a, and the recording material S can be held and transported by the fixing clamping part, which is formed by a fixing belt heated by a heater and the pressure roller 8b, whereby the toner image is fixed onto the recording material S.

[0124] The recording material S, heated by the fixing unit 8, is cooled by the cooling unit 302 and then discharged toward the sensing device 107. The cooling unit 302 includes conveyor belts 302a and 302b and a heat sink 303. The conveyor belts 302a and 302b abut against each other to hold and transport the recording material S. The heat sink 303 is arranged to contact the inner circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 302a and cools the conveyor belt 302a. Thus, the recording material S heated by the fixing unit 8 is cooled while being held and transported by the conveyor belts 302a and 302b. Then, the recording material S passes through the sheet discharge conveyor path 304 and is discharged from the housing 600A toward the sensing device 107. Alternatively, according to the recording material S having a toner image fixed to one side in duplex printing mode, the sheet is transported to the re-transport path 305 without being discharged from the housing 600A and returned to the image forming apparatus 500.

[0125] According to such an image forming system 1X, the aforementioned controller housing unit 100 and device controller unit 200 are arranged on the back side of the housing 500A of the image forming apparatus 500. The image forming apparatus 500 is then electrically connected to the fixing and transport device 600 via connector 207a, which is located on connectors 207a and 207b deployed on the device controller unit 200 (see reference 1). Figure 8 The upper side of the vertical direction is connected to the sensing device 107 by the connector portion 207b deployed on the lower side of the vertical direction.

[0126] Figure 19 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of the control system of the image forming system 1X described above. (Refer to the first embodiment described above). Figure 2The control system of the device is similarly denoted by the same reference numerals, and its description is simplified or omitted. The device controller 201 is connected to the fixing unit 8, cooling unit 302, and various conveyor rollers of the fixing and conveying device 600 via signal lines through connector 207a. That is, the device controller 201 performs control of the fixing unit 8 and cooling unit 302, as well as rotation control of the various conveyor rollers.

[0127] Additionally, the device controller 201 is connected to the sensing device 107 via a signal line through connector 207b. The image signal of the toner image read by the sensing device 107 is input to the system controller 111 via the device controller 201. Alternatively, the sensing device 107 and the system controller 111 can be directly connected via a signal line.

[0128] Additionally, the fixing and transport apparatus 600 may be equipped with a power supply unit independent of the image forming apparatus 500. In this case, within the housing 600A of the fixing and transport apparatus 600, the fixing unit 8 and the cooling unit 302 are connected to the power supply unit via power lines and supplied with voltage. However, since the transport control of the recording material S is performed holistically by the device controller 201, the signal lines for control are connected to the device controller 201.

[0129] Even in an image forming system 1X where processing devices such as fixing and conveying device 600 and sensing device 107 are connected to image forming apparatus 500, the various embodiments described above can be employed. Thus, when the drive unit is arranged on the depth side compared to the electrical component substrate including system controller 111 and device controller 201 arranged in a stacked manner, the operator's operability of the drive unit is improved.

[0130] Additionally, although not shown, one or more post-processing devices such as inserters, hole punchers, box binding devices, high-capacity stackers, folders, organizers, and trimmers can be selectively connected in combination to the fixing and transport device 600 or further downstream of the sensing device 107. As described, by allowing a variety of optional devices to be selectively connected upstream and downstream of the image forming apparatus 500, an image forming system 1X with excellent productivity, image quality, stability, and functionality can be provided, capable of inline outputting products that withstand various types of post-processing for a wide variety of materials.

[0131] According to the present invention, in a configuration in which the first electrical component substrate and the second electrical component substrate are arranged in a stacked configuration, the operability of the operator for the drive unit arranged deeper in the housing than these electrical component substrates can be improved.

[0132] Other embodiments

[0133] While the 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 appended claims is to be given the broadest interpretation to include all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: Frame; An image forming unit, which is contained within the frame and configured to form an image on recording material; A first electrical component unit is disposed on the back of the image forming apparatus and configured to switch between an open state and a closed state relative to the frame. A first electrical component substrate, the first electrical component substrate being configured to communicate with an external device, the first electrical component substrate being mounted to the first electrical component unit; A second electrical component unit, disposed on the back surface of the image forming apparatus, and configured to change between an open state and a closed state relative to the frame, and A second electrical component substrate, configured to communicate with and control the image forming unit, is mounted to the second electrical component unit. The first electrical component unit is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis located on a first side in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, and the first pivot axis extends in a direction intersecting both the width direction and the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus. The second electrical component unit is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis located on a second side of the image forming apparatus, different from the first side, in the width direction. The second pivot axis extends in a direction intersecting both the width direction and the front-back direction. Wherein, when the first electrical component unit and the second electrical component unit are in a closed state, the second electrical component unit is located between the first electrical component unit and the image forming unit in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum and a driving unit, the driving unit including a drive motor configured to rotate the photosensitive drum, the driving unit being configured to be exposed by opening the first electrical component unit and the second electrical component unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum and a charging unit, the charging unit being configured to charge the photosensitive drum, and The second electrical component substrate includes a charging high-voltage substrate and a device controller substrate, wherein the device controller substrate is configured to control the charging high-voltage substrate.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The image forming unit also includes a developing device, and The second electrical component substrate is connected to the developing high voltage substrate, which is configured to generate high voltage used in the developing apparatus.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The image forming unit also includes a transfer device, and The second electrical component substrate is connected to a transfer high voltage substrate, which is configured to generate high voltage used in the transfer apparatus.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The image forming unit employs an inkjet recording system.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The second electrical component unit adopts a dual-axis pivot structure, which includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion holds a first substrate, and the second plate portion is pivotally deployed relative to the first plate portion and holds a second substrate different from the first substrate.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus, the second pivot axis of the second electrical component unit is positioned to face forward than the first pivot axis of the first electrical component unit.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, When the second electrical component unit is in a closed state, a connector configured to communicate with a post-processing device is provided on the first side of the second electrical component unit in the width direction.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the first electrical component unit and the second electrical component unit are in a closed state, the first electrical component substrate faces the second electrical component substrate.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum and a charging unit, the charging unit being configured to charge the photosensitive drum. The second electrical component unit includes a high-voltage charging substrate configured to generate a high voltage used in the charging unit, a first support plate attached to the high-voltage charging substrate, and a second support plate attached to the second electrical component substrate. The first support plate is configured to pivot about the second pivot axis, and the second support plate is configured to pivot about the third pivot axis.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The third pivot axis extends in a direction that intersects the width direction and the front-back direction of the image forming apparatus.

Images