imaging device

Abstract

This invention relates to an imaging apparatus. The main body of the imaging apparatus includes: a first guide portion having an entrance shape that corresponds to the external shape of a joint disposed in the housing when viewed along the attachment direction from the housing to the apparatus body, and guiding the joint portion; a second guide portion guiding a positioning target portion disposed on the housing, the positioning target portion being used to position the housing in an attachment completion position relative to the apparatus body; and a movable member located at a control position where the guide path of the second guide portion guiding the positioning target portion is blocked, the movable member being unable to move from the control position unless pressed by the joint portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Imaging Apparatus and Apparatus Body", with a national application date of December 27, 2019 and national application number 201911372112.9. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an image carrier member carrying a developer, a cassette having the cleaning device and used in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

[0003] Electrophotographic imaging devices use electrophotographic imaging systems to form images on recording media. Examples include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), fax machines, and word processors. Background Technology

[0004] In a so-called cassette system imaging apparatus, a cassette that is permitted or approved to be attached to the main body of the imaging apparatus may be attached to the main body, while a cassette that is not permitted or approved to be attached to the main body may also be attached to the cassette attachment part of the main body of the imaging apparatus. This is a cassette attachment error (insertion error). A cassette that is permitted to be attached to the main body of the imaging apparatus is a cassette whose product model matches the product model of the imaging apparatus. In the following text, a cassette that is permitted to be attached to the main body of the imaging apparatus is referred to as a permitted cassette, and a cassette that is not permitted to be attached to the main body of the imaging apparatus is referred to as a disallowed cassette.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-66794 discloses a method for preventing attachment errors of unauthorized boxes. In this method, when an unauthorized box is inserted into the main body of an imaging apparatus, a movable base located near an opening in the main body of the imaging apparatus cannot engage with a boss located in the unauthorized box, thereby preventing attachment errors. That is, in the above configuration, a joint is provided in the movable base such that the boss of the authorized box engages with the movable base, while the boss of the unauthorized box interferes with the movable base to prevent further insertion.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-66797 discloses a method for identifying whether a box is an permitted or unpermitted box. In this method, when the box is inserted into the device body, after the first abutting portion of the box passes through the protruding direction of the movable member of the device body, the first abutting portion and the rotating member of the device body separate when the second abutting portion abuts against the abutting target portion of the movable member. Furthermore, when the second abutting portion separates from the movable member, the first abutting portion can pass through the protruding direction of the rotating member, and the box can be inserted into the device body. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention also aims to improve upon conventional examples and to provide a technique that can more reliably determine whether a cartridge is permitted to be attached to an imaging device with a simple construction.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention comprises:

[0009] The device body and a housing that can be detachably attached to the device body, and the imaging device forms an image on the recording material, wherein...

[0010] The box includes:

[0011] Positioning target section, used for attachment completion position relative to the positioning box of the main body of the device; and

[0012] Joint,

[0013] The main body of the device includes:

[0014] The positioning part abuts against the positioning target part when the box is in the attachment completed position;

[0015] The first guide portion guides the joint portion and has an inlet shape that corresponds to the external shape of the joint portion when viewed along the attachment direction from the box to the main body of the device;

[0016] The second guidance unit guides and positions the target unit; and

[0017] The movable member is configured to be pressed by the engagement portion as the box moves toward the attachment completion position, thereby moving the movable member from a controlled position where the guide path guiding the positioning target portion of the second guide portion is blocked to a non-controlled position where the guide path is not blocked.

[0018] The movable member in the controlled position is configured such that it cannot move from the controlled position unless pressed by the joint.

[0019] To achieve this objective, an imaging apparatus body according to the invention is provided, the imaging apparatus forming an image on a recording material, the apparatus body being configured such that a cartridge can be detachably attached thereto, the apparatus body comprising:

[0020] The positioning part abuts against the positioning target part provided in the box when the box is in the attachment completed position;

[0021] The first guide portion guides the joint portion and has an inlet shape that corresponds to the external shape of the joint portion provided in the box when viewed along the attachment direction from the box to the device body.

[0022] The second guidance unit guides and positions the target unit; and

[0023] The movable member is configured to be pressed by the engagement portion as the box moves toward the attachment completion position, thereby moving the movable member from a controlled position where the guide path guiding the positioning target portion of the second guide portion is blocked to a non-controlled position where the guide path is not blocked.

[0024] The movable component in the controlled position cannot move from the controlled position unless pressed by the joint.

[0025] To achieve this objective, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention comprises:

[0026] The device body and a housing that can be detachably attached to the device body, and the imaging device forms an image on the recording material, wherein...

[0027] As a first attachment error prevention mechanism to allow only the box to be attached to the device body.

[0028] The box includes:

[0029] The first and third identification target parts are disposed at one end in a first direction orthogonal to the attachment direction of the box.

[0030] The main body of the device includes:

[0031] The first identification unit is located at one end to guide the attachment and removal of the box; and

[0032] A first movable part is provided on one end side. The first movable part is pressed by the first identification target part, thereby moving the first movable part from a first control position where the guide path of the third identification target part is blocked to a first allowable position where the guide path of the third identification target part is not blocked.

[0033] This serves as a second attachment error prevention mechanism to allow only the box to be attached to the device body.

[0034] The box includes:

[0035] The second and fourth target identification units are disposed at the other end in the first direction.

[0036] The main body of the device includes:

[0037] A second identification section is provided on the other end side to guide the attachment and removal of the box; and

[0038] The second movable part is provided on the other end side. The second movable part is pressed by the second identification target part, thereby moving the second movable part from the second control position where the guide path of the fourth identification target part is blocked to the second allowable position where the guide path of the fourth identification target part is not blocked.

[0039] Furthermore, to achieve this objective, the imaging device according to the present invention includes:

[0040] The main body of the device; and

[0041] The box, which can be detachably attached to the main body of the device along the attachment direction,

[0042] The box includes a pressing part and a positioning part protruding in a direction orthogonal to the attachment direction.

[0043] The main body of the device includes:

[0044] The positioning part is configured to position the box relative to the device body in the attachment direction by abutting against the part of the box to be positioned.

[0045] The guide portion, configured to guide the portion of the box to be positioned toward the positioning portion as the box moves in the attachment direction; and

[0046] A movable member having a pressing portion and configured to rotate about a rotation axis from a first position to a second position, the rotation axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the attachment direction; the first position being a position where a portion of the movable member is located within the movement path of the positioning portion of the box in the guide portion; and the second position being a position where said portion of the movable member is located outside said movement path.

[0047] When the box moves along the attachment direction, the pressing part of the box presses the pressing part of the movable member so that the movable member moves from the first position to the second position. While the movable member is in the second position by pressing the pressing part of the movable member to the pressing part, the positioning part of the box passes through the part of the movable member and then abuts against the positioning part.

[0048] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine more reliably whether a cartridge is permitted to be attached to an imaging device with a simple construction.

[0049] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1A This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0051] Figure 1B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0052] Figure 1C This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0053] Figure 1D This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0054] Figure 1E This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the box according to Embodiment 1;

[0057] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the box according to Example 1;

[0058] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the box according to Example 1;

[0059] Figure 6A and 6B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1;

[0060] Figure 7A and 7B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1;

[0061] Figures 8A to 8C This is a diagram illustrating how the box is attached to the imaging device according to Embodiment 1;

[0062] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0063] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0064] Figures 11A to 11C This is a diagram illustrating the construction of the box and imaging device according to Embodiment 2;

[0065] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 2;

[0066] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the box according to Embodiment 2;

[0067] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the box according to Example 2;

[0068] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the box according to Example 2;

[0069] Figure 16A and 16B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 2;

[0070] Figure 17A and 17B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 2;

[0071] Figures 18A to 18C This is a diagram illustrating how the box is attached to the imaging device according to Embodiment 2;

[0072] Figure 19A This is a diagram used to describe the first attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0073] Figure 19B This is a diagram used to describe the first attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0074] Figure 19C This is a diagram used to describe the first attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0075] Figure 19D This is a diagram used to describe the first attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0076] Figure 19E This is a diagram used to describe the first attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0077] Figure 20 This is a diagram used to describe the first attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0078] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism during removal of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0079] Figure 22A and 22B This is a diagram used to describe the second attachment error prevention mechanism according to Embodiment 2;

[0080] Figure 23A and 23B This is a diagram used to describe the second attachment error prevention mechanism according to Embodiment 2;

[0081] Figure 24A and 24B This is a diagram used to describe the second attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0082] Figure 25A and 25BThis is a diagram used to describe the second attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2;

[0083] Figure 26A and 26B This is a diagram illustrating the second attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2; and

[0084] Figure 27A and 27B This is a diagram used to describe the second attachment error prevention mechanism during insertion of the cartridge according to Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0085] In the following description, embodiments (examples) of the invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the various embodiments may be appropriately varied depending on the construction of the device to which the invention is applied, various conditions, etc. Therefore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.

[0086] A cartridge and an imaging apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a laser beam printer will be described as an example of an imaging apparatus, and a cartridge used in a laser beam printer will be described as an example of a cartridge.

[0087] In the following description, it is assumed that the longitudinal direction of the box matches the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum, which serves as the image-carrying component.

[0088] Furthermore, the reference numerals in the following description are for reference to the accompanying drawings and do not limit the construction.

[0089] The components integrated into the box are appropriately designed according to the device structure, etc., and are not limited to those components of the box shown herein.

[0090] Example 1

[0091] Overall structure of the imaging device

[0092] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device body A (hereinafter referred to as "device body A") and the box B, which is the first box, of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the imaging apparatus) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a sectional view of box B.

[0093] Here, the main body A is the part of the imaging device structure other than box B.

[0094] Figure 2 The imaging device shown is a laser beam printer that uses electrophotography and in which the cartridge B can be detachably attached to the main body A.

[0095] Below box B is a sheet tray 4 containing stacked recording media (recording materials) (hereinafter referred to as "sheet PA") used as imaging targets.

[0096] In addition, along the conveying direction D of the sheet PA, the main body A is sequentially arranged with a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a conveying guide 8, a fixing device 9, an exhaust roller pair 10, and an exhaust tray 11. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0097] Imaging process

[0098] Next, an overview of the imaging process will be described. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum 62 or simply drum 62) moves along a predetermined circumferential speed (processing speed) based on the printing start signal. Figure 2 and 3 Rotate in the direction indicated by arrow R in the diagram.

[0099] The charging roller (charging component) 66, which is subjected to a bias voltage, contacts the outer periphery of the drum 62 so that the outer periphery of the drum 62 is uniformly charged.

[0100] Exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam L corresponding to the image information. The laser beam L passes through a laser opening 71h provided in the cleaning frame body 71 of the housing B to scan and expose the outer periphery of the drum 62. In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer periphery of the drum 62.

[0101] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the developing unit 20, which is a developing apparatus, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is stirred and conveyed by the rotation of the conveying member (stirring member) 43, and delivered to the toner supply chamber 28.

[0102] The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller (developing sleeve) 32 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller (fixed magnet) 34. The developing roller 32 is a developing agent carrying member that carries the developing agent (toner T) on its surface to develop the latent image formed on the drum 62.

[0103] The thickness of the toner T on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 32, which serves as a developer carrier, is controlled while being rubbed and charged by the developing doctor blade 42.

[0104] Toner T is supplied to drum 62 according to the electrostatic latent image to develop the latent image. In this way, the latent image is visualized as a toner image (developer image). Drum 62 is an image-bearing member on its surface that carries the latent image or the image formed by the toner (toner image or developer image). Figure 2As shown, sheet PA stored in the lower part of the device body A is delivered from sheet tray 4 in time with the output of laser beam L by means of pick-up roller 5a and feed roller pair 5b. Sheet PA is conveyed through transfer guide 6 to the transfer position between drum 62 and transfer roller 7. At the transfer position, toner image is sequentially transferred from drum 62 to sheet PA.

[0105] The sheet PA with the toner image transferred is separated from the drum 62 and conveyed along the conveying guide 8 to the fixing unit 9. The sheet PA passes through a clamping part located between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b forming the fixing unit 9. At this clamping part, pressure and heat are applied, and the toner image is fixed onto the sheet PA. The sheet PA with the toner image fixed is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to the discharge tray 11.

[0106] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, residual toner left on the outer periphery of the drum 62 after the transfer operation is removed by the cleaning blade 77 and reused in the imaging process. The toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71b of the cleaning unit 60. The cleaning unit 60 is a unit having the photosensitive drum 62.

[0107] The charging roller 66, developing roller 32, transfer roller 7, and cleaning blade 77 are processing devices that act on the drum 62.

[0108] Overall structure of the box

[0109] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 , 4 5. Describe the overall structure of box B. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of box B. Figure 4 and 5 This is an exploded perspective view used to describe the construction of box B. In this embodiment, the description of the screws used to assemble the various components will be omitted.

[0110] Box B includes a cleaning unit (photosensitive component holding unit, drum holding unit, image carrier component holding unit, or first unit) 60 and a developing unit (developer carrier component holding unit or second unit) 20.

[0111] Typically, a processing cartridge is a component in which an electrophotographic photosensitive element and at least one processing device acting on the photosensitive element are integrated into a cartridge so that it can be detachably attached to the body (device body) of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. Examples of processing devices include charging devices, developing devices, and cleaning devices.

[0112] like Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning unit 60 includes a drum 62, a charging roller 66, a cleaning component 77, and a cleaning frame body 71 that supports these components.

[0113] like Figure 4 As shown, on the drive side, the drum 62 is configured such that the drive-side drum flange 63 located at the drive-side end of the drum 62 is rotatably supported by the hole 73a of the drum support portion 73. In a broader sense, the drum support portion 73 and the cleaning frame body 71 can also be collectively referred to as the cleaning frame body.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, on the non-drive side, the drum 62 is configured such that the drum shaft 78, which is press-fitted into the hole 71c formed in the cleaning frame body 71, is rotatably supported by the hole (not shown) of the non-drive side drum shaft.

[0115] The drum flange is a support target part that is rotatably supported by the support part.

[0116] In the cleaning unit 60, the charging roller 66 and the cleaning member 77 are configured to contact the outer periphery of the drum 62.

[0117] The cleaning component 77 includes a rubber scraper 77a as an elastic member and a support member 77b supporting the rubber scraper. The rubber scraper 77a is a scraper-shaped elastic member formed of rubber. The rubber scraper 77a abuts against the drum 62 in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the drum 62. That is, the rubber scraper 77a abuts against the drum 62 such that the distal end of the rubber scraper 77a faces the upstream side in the rotational direction of the drum 62.

[0118] like Figure 3 As shown, the waste toner removed from the surface of the drum 62 by the cleaning component 77 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71b formed by the cleaning frame body 71 and the cleaning component 77.

[0119] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a spade 65 for preventing waste toner from leaking from the cleaning frame body 71 is provided at the edge of the cleaning frame body 71 in a manner that abuts against the drum 62.

[0120] The charging roller 66 is rotatably attached to the cleaning unit 60 via charging roller supports 67 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame body 71.

[0121] The longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame body 71 (the longitudinal direction of box B) is approximately parallel to the direction of extension (axial direction) of the rotation axis of drum 62. Therefore, in the following text, unless otherwise specified, the longitudinal direction or axial direction refers to the axial direction of drum 62.

[0122] The charging roller 66 is in pressure contact with the drum 62 in such a way that the charging roller support 67 is pressed against the drum 62 by the biasing member 68. The charging roller 66 rotates as the drum 62 rotates.

[0123] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 supporting the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, etc. The developing roller 32 is supported by support members 26 located at both ends of the developing roller 32. Figure 4 ) and 27 ( Figure 5 It is rotatably attached to the developing container 23.

[0124] Furthermore, a magnetic roller 34 is disposed within the developing roller 32. A developing doctor blade 42 for controlling the toner layer on the developing roller 32 is arranged within the developing unit 20. Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the spacer retaining member 38 is attached to both ends of the developing roller 32, and the spacer retaining member 38 and the drum 62 abut against each other, thereby holding the developing roller 32 in a manner that forms a very small gap between the drum 62 and the developing roller 32.

[0125] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a blowout shield 33, used to prevent toner leakage from the developing unit 20, is disposed at the edge of the bottom member 22 in a manner that abuts against the developing roller 32. Furthermore, a conveyor frame 43 is disposed within the toner chamber 29 formed by the developing container 23 and the bottom member 22. The conveyor frame 43 agitates the toner stored in the toner chamber 29 and conveys the toner towards the toner supply chamber 28.

[0126] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, box B is formed by combining cleaning unit 60 and developing unit 20.

[0127] When assembling the developing unit and the cleaning unit, firstly, the center of the first developing support boss 26a of the support member 26 is aligned with the center of the first drive-side suspension hole 71i relative to the cleaning frame body 71, so that the center of the second developing support boss 27a of the support member 27 is matched with the center of the second non-drive-side suspension hole 71j. Specifically, the developing unit 20 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow G, such that the first developing support boss 26a and the second developing support boss 27a are respectively fitted into the first suspension hole 71i and the second suspension hole 71j. In this way, the developing unit 20 is connected to be movable relative to the cleaning unit 60. More specifically, the developing unit 20 is rotatably connected to the cleaning unit 60. That is, the developing roller 32 is connected in a manner that allows it to move toward and away from the drum 62. Afterward, the drum support 73 is assembled with the cleaning unit 60 to form cartridge B.

[0128] In this embodiment, the non-driving side bias member 46L ( Figure 5 ) and drive-side bias component 46R ( Figure 4The developing unit 20 is formed by compression springs. Through the biasing force of these springs, the driven-side biasing member 46R and the non-driven-side biasing member 46L bias the developing unit 20 toward the cleaning unit 60, thereby reliably pressing the developing roller 32 toward the drum 62. Furthermore, a spacer retaining member 38 is attached to both ends of the developing roller 32. That is, the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 are in contact with each other at a predetermined contact pressure with the spacer retaining member 38 positioned between them, thereby holding the developing roller 32 at a predetermined distance from the drum 62 and determining their relative positions.

[0129] Here, in order for the electrostatic latent image on the drum 62 to be stably developed by the toner T carried on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 32, it is desirable to maintain the gap between the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 with high precision and constancy. In other words, it is required to stably maintain the contact pressure when the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 are in contact with each other with the gap holding member 38 arranged between them.

[0130] Box attachment

[0131] Then, refer to Figure 6A , 6B 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B describe in detail the attachment of box B. Figure 6A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive-side guide portion of imaging device A, used to depict the attachment of box B. Figure 6B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the non-drive side guide portion of imaging device A, used to describe the attachment of box B. Figure 7A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive side of imaging device A, used to describe the positioning of box B. Figure 7B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the non-driven side of imaging device A, used to describe the positioning of box B. Figure 8A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive-side guide portion of imaging device A, used to depict the attachment of box B. Figure 8B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the non-drive side guide portion of imaging device A, used to describe the attachment of box B.

[0132] Describe the attachment of box B. For example... Figure 6A and 6B As shown, the first drive side plate 15 has an upper guide rail 15g and a guide rail 15h as guide members, while the non-drive side plate 16 has a guide rail 16d and a guide rail 16e. Furthermore, the drum support portion 73 provided on the drive side of the housing B has a rotation stop target portion 73c.

[0133] The attachment direction of box B is substantially orthogonal to the axis of drum 62 (see arrow C).

[0134] Furthermore, the cleaning frame body 71 has a positioning target portion 71d and a rotation stop target portion 71g on its non-drive side in the longitudinal direction. When attaching box B from the box insertion opening 17 of the device body A, the boss 73g and the rotation stop target portion 73c of box B are guided to the upper guide rail 15g and guide rail 15h of the device body A on the drive side of box B. On the non-drive side of box B, the positioning target portion 71d and the rotation stop target portion 71g of box B are guided to the guide rail 16d and guide rail 16e of the device body A, respectively. In this way, box B is attached to the device body A.

[0135] Next, the state of door 13 being closed will be described. For example... Figure 6A , 6B As shown in 7A and 7B, the first drive side plate 15 has an upper positioning portion 15a, a lower positioning portion 15b, an upper rotation stop portion 15c1, and a lower rotation stop portion 15c2, which serve as positioning portions. Furthermore, the non-drive side plate 16 has a positioning portion 16a, an upper rotation stop portion 16c1, and a lower rotation stop portion 16c2. The drum support portion 73 has an upper positioning target portion (first positioning target portion, first protrusion, or first bulge) 73d and a lower positioning target portion (second positioning target portion, second protrusion, or second bulge) 73f.

[0136] Furthermore, the box pressing members 1 and 2 are rotatably attached to both ends of the door 13 in the axial direction. Box pressing springs 19 and 21 are attached to both ends of the front plate provided in the imaging device A in the longitudinal direction. The drum support 73 has a pressing target portion 73e as a bias pressure receiving portion, and the cleaning frame body 71 has a pressing target portion 71o on the non-drive side (see...). Figure 3 and 6A (To 7B). When door 13 is closed, the pressing target parts 73e and 71o of box B are pressed by the box pressing members 1 and 2 biased by the box pressing springs 19 and 21 of the device body A (see 7B). Figure 7A and 7B ).

[0137] Thus, on the driving side, the upper positioning target part 73d, the lower positioning target part 73f, and the rotation stop target part 73c of box B abut against the upper positioning part 15a, the lower positioning part 15b, and the rotation stop part 15c of the device body A, respectively. As a result, box B and drum 62 are positioned on the driving side. Furthermore, on the non-driving side, the positioning target part 71d and the rotation stop target part 71g of box B abut against the positioning part 16a and the rotation stop part 16c of the device body A, respectively. Thus, box B and drum 62 are positioned on the non-driving side.

[0138] Although the above-described structure has been described as an example of a structure for determining the position of box B relative to the main body A of the device, the structure of the positioning device is not limited to this. The positioning device can act directly on the upper positioning target part 73d and the lower positioning target part 73f on the driving side of box B, as well as on the positioning target part 71d and the rotation stop target part 71g on the non-driving side, to fix each positioning part.

[0139] Box attachment error prevention mechanism

[0140] The box attachment error prevention mechanism (attachment error prevention system) will be described using examples of box B as a first box (permitted box or approved box) that is permitted or approved to be attached to the device body A, and boxes E1 and E2 as second boxes (unpermitted box or unapproved box) that are not permitted or approved to be attached to the device body A.

[0141] Case B

[0142] Reference Figures 1A to 1E Sections 8A to 8C describe the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism for box B.

[0143] Figures 1A to 1E This is a side sectional view showing the process of attaching box B to the main body A of the device. For simplicity, only the non-drive side plate 16 and the cleaning unit 60 are shown. Furthermore, although in Figure 1A The cleaning unit 60 and rod 16g are only marked with shading to identify the shape of each component, but for convenience, they are not shown in the image. Figures 1B to 1E The cleaning unit 60 and the rod 16g are not marked with shading.

[0144] Figure 8A This is a perspective view showing the state in which box B is attached to the main body of device A. Figure 8B and 8C This is a detailed partial view showing the state in which box B is attached to device body A. In this example, for simplicity, only the non-drive side panel 16 is shown for device body A.

[0145] like Figure 8A and 8B As shown, a rib 71p extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is provided at the non-driving side end of the cleaning frame body 71. A first joint 71p1 is provided on the downstream side of the rib 71p in the box insertion direction (indicated by arrow C).

[0146] Furthermore, a guide rail 16f, serving as the first guide section, is provided in the non-drive side plate 16. During the insertion of box B, the guide rail 16f does not interfere with the rib 71p. However, as... Figure 8CAs shown, when box E2 (the first unapproved box) is inserted in the longitudinal direction at a position different from that of box B's rib 71p, rib 71q (as an unapproved or unauthorized joint) cannot pass through guide rail 16f. That is, guide rail 16f controls the insertion of box E2 (to the attachment completion position).

[0147] That is, when viewed along the direction in which the box is attached to the device body A, the guide rail 16f has an inlet shape corresponding to the external shape of the rib 71p (first joint 71p1), and a control wall abutting against the rib 71q is formed around the inlet. The guide rail 16f and its surrounding structure form the first guide portion of the present invention. The first guide portion and joint portion (rib 71p and rib 71q) provided in boxes B and E2 form a first identification portion, which is used to identify whether the box to be attached to the device body A is an authorized box or an unauthorized box.

[0148] like Figure 1A As shown, a rod 16g, as a movable member, is provided in the non-drive side plate 16. The rod 16g is configured to swing about the axis center H. The rod 16g is biased in the direction indicated by arrow N1 by a biasing force applied from a biasing member (not shown), and the control target surface 16g1 of the rod 16g contacts the control surface 16b provided in the non-drive side plate 16, thereby determining the position of the rod 16g. In this case, the rod 16g forms a state in which the guide rail 16d (second guide portion) blocks the guide path of the positioning target portion 71d (this is the first position or control position). In this way, the engagement target portion 16g2 provided in the rod 16g is configured such that the positioning target portion 71d2 of the control box E1 advances along the attachment direction (the direction indicated by arrow C) through the guide rail 16d, as will be described later. As will be described in detail later, the movable member in the controlled position (the engagement target portion 16g2 of the rod 16g) and the positioning target portions 71d and 71d2 of the box form a second identification portion, which is used to identify whether the box to be attached to the main body of the device A is an authorized box or an unauthorized box.

[0149] like Figure 1B As shown, the surface 16g3 of the engagement target portion, which engages with the first engagement portion 71p1, is provided in the rod 16g. The engagement target portion 16g2 and the surface 16g3 are positioned closer to the downstream side in the box insertion direction than the guide rail 16f.

[0150] When inserting box B in the direction indicated by arrow C, the first engagement portion 71p1 contacts the surface 16g3 after passing through the guide rail 16f. In this case, the positioning target portion 71d is closer to the upstream side in the insertion direction (direction indicated by arrow C) than the engagement target portion 16g2 of the rod 16g.

[0151] like Figure 1CAs shown, during the insertion of box B in the direction indicated by arrow C, the engagement target 16g3 receives force F1 from the first engagement portion 71p1 provided in box B due to the insertion force of box B. In this way, the rod 16g moves about the axis center H in the direction indicated by arrow N2 while resisting the biasing force from the biasing member (not shown). In this way, a state is formed in which the rod 16g is fully released without obstructing the guide path of the guide rail 16d to the positioning target 71d (this is the second position or uncontrolled position). That is, a state in which the positioning target 71d of box B is allowed to advance toward the guide rail 16d. In this case, the positioning target 71d is arranged closer to the upstream side in the insertion direction (the direction indicated by arrow C) than the position of the rod 16g in the first position.

[0152] like Figure 1D As shown, after the insertion of box B and the positioning target 71d passes the position of rod 16g at the first position, the rib 71p with the first engagement 71p1 and the engagement target 16g3 maintain contact.

[0153] like Figure 1E As shown, during the insertion of box B, the contact between rib 71p and engagement target 16g3 disappears. In this way, rod 16g receives a force in the direction indicated by arrow N1 due to the biasing force from the biasing member (not shown), and moves until the first position.

[0154] As described above, during the insertion of box B, rod 16g moves between a first position (controlled position) and a second position (uncontrolled position) without contacting the positioning target 71d.

[0155] Case E1

[0156] Reference Figure 9 Describes the operation of the attachment error prevention mechanism for box E1 (second unauthorized box).

[0157] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing the box E1 inserted into the main body A of the device. Similar to... Figures 1A to 1E ,exist Figure 9 Only the non-drive side panel 16 and the cleaning unit 60 are shown in the image.

[0158] The difference between box E1 and box B is that box E1 does not have a shape corresponding to the first engagement portion 71p1. Therefore, when box E1 is inserted into the imaging device, it can advance in the direction indicated by arrow C without interfering with the guide rail 16f. However, box E1 does not have a shape corresponding to the first engagement portion 71p1. Therefore, even when box E1 is inserted, it does not contact the surface 16g3 of the rod 16g, and no force is applied to move the rod 16g to the second position (non-controlled position). Therefore, the rod 16g remains blocking the guide rail 16d (i.e., the first position). Therefore, when box E1 is inserted, the positioning target portion 71d2 of box E1, which serves as the second identification portion, contacts the protrusion 16g4 provided in the engagement target portion 16g2 of the rod 16g. In this case, a force F2 from the positioning target portion 71d2 is applied to the protrusion 16g4 due to the attachment force of box E1.

[0159] The protrusion 16g4 is configured to abut against the positioning target portion 71d2 such that the force F2 received from the positioning target portion 71d2 of the box E1 does not generate a force acting in the direction of resisting the biasing force acting on the rod 16g (therefore, the force F2 does not include such a component force). At least the force F2 received by the protrusion 16g4 from the positioning target portion 71d2 can act in a direction orthogonal to the movable direction of the engagement target portion 16g2 of the rod 16g. Preferably, the protrusion 16g4 can be pressed from the positioning target portion 71d2 at an angle such that a force is generated acting in the direction of rotation of the rod 16g (opposite to the direction toward the non-controlled position) due to the biasing force.

[0160] Here, on the side of the rod 16g opposite to the engagement target 16g2 that is pressed from the positioning target 71d2 (downstream of the insertion direction (indicated by arrow C)), a control surface 16k is provided in the non-drive side plate 16 as a support for the rod 16g. In this way, for example, even when the box E1 is forcibly inserted, the rod 16g receives force F2 from the positioning target 71d, and the rod 16g deforms. The deformation of the rod 16g in the direction of force F2 can be controlled by the control surface 16k. As a result, deformation and damage to the rod 16g can be prevented, and the insertion of boxes that are not permitted (reaching the attachment completion position) can be reliably controlled.

[0161] In this embodiment, although the positioning target portions 71d and 71d2 on the non-drive side of the box are used as the second identification portion in order to save space, the present invention is not limited to this structure. Other structural portions can be used, and other structures dedicated to the identification portion can be provided.

[0162] Box removal

[0163] Next, we will refer to Figure 10Describe the operation of removing box B.

[0164] As described above, when box B is in the attached state, rod 16g is in the first position.

[0165] The second joint 71p2 is disposed on the upstream side of the rib 71p of the box B in the insertion direction (direction indicated by arrow C). When the box B moves in the direction opposite to that indicated by arrow C, the second joint 71p2 contacts the surface 16g3 before the positioning target 71d contacts the rod 16g. Force F3 is applied to the rod 16g through the second joint 71p2 disposed between the two parts due to the removal force of the box B. In this way, the rod 16g rotates about the axis center H in the direction N2 and moves from the first position to the second position. The subsequent removal operation is the reverse of the attachment operation of the box B described above, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0166] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably determine whether a cartridge is permitted to be attached to the imaging device with a simple construction, without any adverse effect on the attachment / removal operation of the permitted cartridge.

[0167] Example 2

[0168] The box and imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0169] In the following description, components identical to those in Embodiment 1 in Embodiment 2 will be referred to by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it is assumed that the longitudinal direction Y, which is the first direction, matches the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum, which serves as the image-carrying member. Additionally, in the longitudinal direction Y, the side from which the driving force is transmitted from the main body of the imaging device to the photosensitive drum is referred to as the driving side, and the opposite side is referred to as the non-driving side.

[0170] Overall structure of the imaging device

[0171] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device body 2A (hereinafter referred to as "device body 2A") and the box 2B, which is the first box, of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the imaging apparatus) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a sectional view of box 2B.

[0172] Here, the main body 2A of the device is the part of the imaging device structure other than the box 2B.

[0173] Figure 12 The imaging device shown is a laser beam printer that uses electrophotography technology and in which the cartridge 2B can be detachably attached to the main body 2A.

[0174] Below the cartridge 2B is a sheet tray 4 on which the recording medium (recording material) (hereinafter referred to as "sheet P") used as the imaging target is stacked.

[0175] In addition, along the conveying direction D of the sheet P, the main body 2A is sequentially arranged with a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a conveying guide 8, a fixing device 9, an exhaust roller pair 10, and an exhaust tray 11. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0176] Imaging process

[0177] Next, an overview of the imaging process will be described. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum 262 or simply drum 262) moves along a predetermined circumferential speed (processing speed) based on the printing start signal. Figure 12 and 13 Rotate in the direction indicated by arrow R in the diagram.

[0178] The charging roller (charging component) 266, which is subjected to a bias voltage, contacts the outer periphery of the drum 262 to charge the outer periphery of the drum 262 uniformly.

[0179] Exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam L corresponding to the image information. The laser beam L passes through a laser opening 271h provided in the cleaning frame body 271 of the housing 2B to scan and expose the outer periphery of the drum 262. In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer periphery of the drum 262.

[0180] On the other hand, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the developing unit 220, which is a developing apparatus, the toner T in the toner chamber 229 is stirred and conveyed by the rotation of the conveying member (stirring member) 243, and delivered to the toner supply chamber 228.

[0181] The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller (developing sleeve) 232 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller (fixed magnet) 234. The developing roller 232 is a developing agent carrying member that carries the developing agent (toner T) on its surface to develop the latent image formed on the drum 262.

[0182] The thickness of the toner T on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 232, which serves as the developer carrier, is controlled while being rubbed and charged by the developing doctor blade 242.

[0183] Toner T is supplied to drum 262 according to the electrostatic latent image to develop the latent image. In this way, the latent image is visualized as a toner image (developer image). Drum 262 is an image-bearing member on its surface that carries the latent image or the image formed by the toner (toner image or developer image). Figure 12As shown, a sheet P stored in the lower part of the device body 2A is delivered from the sheet tray 4 in time with the laser output by means of a pick-up roller 5a and a feed roller pair 5b. The sheet P is conveyed through the transfer guide 6 to the transfer position between the drum 262 and the transfer roller 7. At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 262 onto the sheet P.

[0184] The sheet P, with the toner image transferred onto it, separates from drum 262 and is conveyed along conveyor guide 8 to fixing unit 9. The sheet P passes through a clamping section located between heating roller 9a and pressure roller 9b, which form the fixing unit 9. At this clamping section, pressure and heat are applied, and the toner image is fixed onto the sheet P. The sheet P with the fixed toner image is then conveyed upwards to discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to discharge tray 11.

[0185] On the other hand, such as Figure 13 As shown, residual toner left on the outer periphery of drum 262 after the transfer operation is removed by cleaning blade 277 and reused in the imaging process. The toner removed from drum 262 is stored in waste toner chamber 271b of cleaning unit 260. Cleaning unit 260 is a unit having photosensitive drum 262.

[0186] Charging roller 266, developing roller 232, transfer roller 7 and cleaning blade 277 are processing devices that act on drum 262.

[0187] Overall structure of the box

[0188] Next, we will refer to Figure 13 , 14 Section 15 describes the overall structure of box 2B. Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of box 2B. Figure 14 and 15 This is an exploded perspective view used to describe the construction of box 2B. In this embodiment, the description of the screws used to assemble the various components will be omitted.

[0189] Box 2B includes a cleaning unit (photosensitive component holding unit, drum holding unit, image carrier component holding unit or first unit) 260 and a developing unit (developer carrier component holding unit or second unit) 220.

[0190] Typically, a processing cartridge is a component in which an electrophotographic photosensitive element and at least one processing device acting on the photosensitive element are integrated into a cartridge so that it can be detachably attached to the body (device body) of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. Examples of processing devices include charging devices, developing devices, and cleaning devices.

[0191] like Figure 13As shown, the cleaning unit 260 includes a drum 262, a charging roller 266, a cleaning component 277, and a cleaning frame body 271 that supports these components.

[0192] like Figure 14 As shown, on the drive side, which is the other end, the drum 262 is configured such that the drive-side drum flange 263 located at the drive-side end of the drum 262 is rotatably supported by the hole 273a of the drum support portion 273. In a broader sense, the drum support portion 273 and the cleaning frame body 271 can also be collectively referred to as the cleaning frame body.

[0193] like Figure 15 As shown, on the non-drive side, which is one end side, the drum 262 is configured such that the drum shaft 278 press-fitted into the hole 271c formed in the cleaning frame body 271 is rotatably supported by the hole (not shown) of the non-drive side drum shaft.

[0194] The drum flange is a support target part that is rotatably supported by the support part.

[0195] In the cleaning unit 260, the charging roller 266 and the cleaning component 277 are arranged to contact the outer periphery of the drum 262.

[0196] The cleaning component 277 includes a rubber scraper 277a as an elastic member and a support member 277b supporting the rubber scraper. The rubber scraper 277a is a scraper-shaped elastic member formed of rubber. The rubber scraper 277a abuts against the drum 262 in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the drum 262. That is, the rubber scraper 277a abuts against the drum 262 with its distal end facing the upstream side in the rotational direction of the drum 262.

[0197] like Figure 13 As shown, waste toner removed from the surface of drum 262 by cleaning member 277 is stored in waste toner chamber 271b formed by cleaning frame body 271 and cleaning member 277.

[0198] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, a spade 265 for preventing waste toner from leaking from the cleaning frame body 271 is provided at the edge of the cleaning frame body 271 in such a way that it abuts against the drum 262.

[0199] The charging roller 266 is rotatably attached to the cleaning unit 260 via charging roller supports 267 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame body 271.

[0200] The charging roller 266 comes into pressure contact with the drum 262 in such a way that the charging roller support 267 is pressed against the drum 262 by the biasing member 268. The charging roller 266 rotates as the drum 262 rotates.

[0201] like Figure 13 As shown, the developing unit 220 includes a developing roller 232, a developing container 223 supporting the developing roller 232, a developing blade 242, etc. The developing roller 232 is supported by support members 226 provided at both ends of the developing roller 232. Figure 14 ) and 227 ( Figure 15 It is rotatably attached to the developing container 223.

[0202] Furthermore, a magnetic roller 234 is disposed within the developing roller 232. A developing doctor blade 242 for controlling the toner layer on the developing roller 232 is arranged within the developing unit 220. Figure 14 and 15 As shown, the spacer retaining member 238 is attached to both ends of the developing roller 232, and the spacer retaining member 238 and the drum 262 abut against each other, thereby holding the developing roller 232 in a state in which a very small gap is formed between the drum 262 and the developing roller 232.

[0203] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, a developing film member 233, designed to prevent toner leakage from the developing unit 220, is disposed at the edge of the bottom member 222 in a manner that abuts against the developing roller 232. Furthermore, a conveying member 243 is disposed in the toner chamber 229 formed by the developing container 223 and the bottom member 222. The conveying member 243 agitates the toner stored in the toner chamber 229 and conveys the toner to the toner supply chamber 228.

[0204] like Figure 14 and 15 As shown, cartridge 2B is formed by combining cleaning unit 260 and developing unit 220.

[0205] When assembling the developing unit and the cleaning unit, firstly, the center of the first developing support boss 226a of the support member 226 is aligned with the center of the first drive-side suspension hole 271i relative to the cleaning frame body 271, so that the center of the second developing support boss 227a of the support member 227 is matched with the center of the second non-drive-side suspension hole 271j. Specifically, the developing unit 220 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow G, such that the first developing support boss 226a and the second developing support boss 227a are respectively fitted into the first suspension hole 271i and the second suspension hole 271j. In this way, the developing unit 220 is connected to be movable relative to the cleaning unit 260. More specifically, the developing unit 220 is rotatably connected to the cleaning unit 260. That is, the developing roller 232 is connected in a manner that allows it to move toward and away from the drum 262. Afterwards, the drum support 273 is assembled with the cleaning unit 260 to form the cartridge 2B.

[0206] In this embodiment, the non-driving side bias member 246L ( Figure 15) and drive-side biasing component 246R ( Figure 14 The developing unit 220 is formed by compression springs. Through the biasing force of these springs, the driven-side biasing member 246R and the non-driven-side biasing member 246L bias the developing unit 220 toward the cleaning unit 260, thereby reliably pressing the developing roller 232 toward the drum 262. Furthermore, a spacer retaining member 238 is attached to both ends of the developing roller 232. That is, the drum 262 and the developing roller 232 are in contact with each other at a predetermined contact pressure with the spacer retaining member 238 arranged between them, thereby holding the developing roller 232 at a predetermined distance from the drum 262 and defining their relative positions.

[0207] Here, in order to stably develop the electrostatic latent image on the drum 262 by the toner T carried on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 232, it is desirable to maintain the gap between the drum 262 and the developing roller 232 with high precision and constancy. In other words, it is required to stably maintain the contact pressure when the drum 262 and the developing roller 232 are in contact with each other with the gap holding member 238 arranged between them.

[0208] Box attachment

[0209] Next, we will refer to Figure 16A , 16B 17A, 17B, 11A, 11B and 11C describe in detail the attachment of box 2B to the main body 2A of the device.

[0210] Figures 16A to 17B This is an explanatory diagram (schematic cross-sectional view) showing the attachment portion from the main body 2A to the box 2B, wherein, Figure 16A and 17A The non-drive side is shown, while Figure 16B and 17B The drive side is shown. Figures 11A to 11C This is a diagram showing the box 2B attached to the main body 2A of the device, and is a view taken from the side closer to the downstream side than the upstream side in the attachment direction C of the box 2B.

[0211] like Figure 16A and 16B As shown, a door 13 for exposing and covering the attachment portion S of the box 2B is provided in the device body 2A. When attaching the box 2B, the door 13 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R1 to expose the attachment portion S of the box 2B and the insertion opening 217 formed in the attachment portion S as an entrance for attaching the box 2B. In this way, a state in which the box 2B can be attached to the device body 2A in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y (attachment direction C) can be obtained.

[0212] like Figure 16A , 11AAs shown in 11B, the non-drive side guide 216 is provided on the non-drive side of the attachment portion S. The non-drive side guide 216 has a non-drive side upper guide 216d with a cutout along the attachment direction C, a non-drive side lower guide 216e, and a non-drive side inner surface 216k opposite (facing) the attachment portion S.

[0213] On the other hand, such as Figure 16B , 11A As shown in Figure 11C, a second guide rail 218 (second guide portion) and a drive-side guide member 215, serving as the second identification portion, are provided on the drive side of the attachment portion S. The drive-side guide member 215 and the second guide rail 218 each have a drive-side guide portion 215d and a guide portion 218a, respectively, with cutouts along the attachment direction C. Furthermore, the second guide rail 218 also has a drive-side inner surface 218c that faces the attachment portion S.

[0214] On the other hand, a guide target part is provided in the box 2B, along which the attachment of the device body 2A is guided.

[0215] like Figures 11A to 11C As shown in Figure 15, on the non-driving side of box 2B, the cleaning frame body 271 is provided with an end surface 271k orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y, a positioning target part 271d (third protrusion) protruding outward from the end surface 271k along the longitudinal direction Y and serving as a third identification target part, and a rotation stop target part 271g.

[0216] like Figures 11A to 11C As shown in Figure 14, on the drive side of the box 2B, the drum support portion 273 is provided with an end surface 273h orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y, a rotation stop target portion 273c (first protrusion) protruding outward from the end surface 273h along the longitudinal direction, and a recognition target boss 273g (second protrusion) serving as a second recognition target portion.

[0217] like Figures 11A to 11C As shown, when the box 2B is attached from the box insertion opening 217 of the device body 2A, the non-drive side end surface 271k and the drive side end surface 273h of the box 2B approach and face the non-drive side inner surface 216k and the drive side inner surface 218c, respectively. In this way, the position (trajectory) in the longitudinal direction Y during the attachment of the box 2B is determined.

[0218] Additionally, on the non-drive side of box 2B, the positioning target part 271d is guided to the upper guide member 216d on the non-drive side, while the rotation stop target part 271g is guided to the lower guide member 216e on the non-drive side.

[0219] In contrast, on the drive side of box 2B, the target identification protrusion 273g is guided to the second guide portion 218a, while the rotation stop target portion 273c is guided to the drive side guide portion 215d.

[0220] In this way, the position (trajectory) of box 2B in the direction orthogonal to the attachment direction C and the longitudinal direction Y (vertical direction Z) during the attachment of box 2B is determined.

[0221] In this way, box 2B is attached to device body 2A along the determined attachment trajectory (attachment direction C).

[0222] Next, the state of door 13 being closed will be described. For example... Figure 16A , 16B As shown in 17A and 17B, the drive-side guide 215 has an upper positioning portion 215a, a lower positioning portion 215b, and a rotation stop portion 215c, which serve as positioning portions. Furthermore, the non-drive-side guide 216 has a positioning portion 216a and a rotation stop portion 216c. The drum support portion 273 has an upper positioning target portion 273d and a lower positioning target portion 273f.

[0223] Furthermore, the box pressing members 201 and 202 are rotatably attached to both ends of the door 13 in the axial direction. Box pressing springs 19 and 21 are attached to both ends of the front plate of the device body 2A in the longitudinal direction Y. The drum support 273 has a pressing target portion 273e serving as a bias pressure receiving portion, and the cleaning frame body 271 has a pressing target portion 271o on the non-drive side (see...). Figure 13 , 15 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B). When door 13 is closed, the pressing target portions 273e and 271o of box 2B are pressed by the box pressing members 201 and 202 biased by the box pressing springs 19 and 21 of the device body 2A (see 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B). Figure 17A and 17B ).

[0224] In this manner, on the driving side, the upper positioning target portion 273d, the lower positioning target portion 273f, and the rotation stop target portion 273c of the box 2B abut against the upper positioning portion 215a, the lower positioning portion 215b, and the rotation stop portion 215c of the driving side guide 215, respectively. As a result, the box 2B and the drum 262 are positioned on the driving side. Furthermore, on the non-driving side, the positioning target portion 271d and the rotation stop target portion 271g of the box 2B abut against the positioning portion 216a and the rotation stop portion 216c of the device body 2A, respectively. In this manner, the box 2B and the drum 262 are positioned on the non-driving side.

[0225] Although the above-described structure has been described as an example of a structure for determining the position of the housing 2B relative to the device body 2A, the structure of the positioning device is not limited to this. The positioning device can act directly on the positioning target part 271d and the rotation stop target part 271g located on the driving side of the housing 2B, and on the positioning target part 273d and the rotation stop target part 273f located on the non-driving side, to fix each positioning part.

[0226] Box attachment error prevention mechanism

[0227] Reference Figures 11A to 11C Sections 18A to 21 describe a box attachment error prevention system according to this embodiment.

[0228] Reference Figures 11A to 11C Describe the overview of the box attachment error prevention system. For example... Figures 11A to 11C As shown, the box attachment error prevention system includes a first attachment error prevention mechanism disposed on one end side (non-drive side) in the longitudinal direction Y, and a second attachment error prevention mechanism disposed on the other end side (drive side). The first and second attachment error prevention mechanisms operate independently and can attach boxes permitted by both mechanisms to the device body 2A (details will be described later).

[0229] First attachment error prevention mechanism of the box

[0230] Reference Figures 18A to 18C Describe the construction of the first box attachment error prevention mechanism. Figure 18A This is an explanatory diagram of the device body 2A and the box 2B related to the first attachment error prevention mechanism. Figure 18B This is an explanatory diagram of the main body 2A and the box 2B of the device.

[0231] like Figure 18A As shown, a rib 271p extending in a direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction Y and the attachment direction C (vertical direction Z) and serving as the first identification target portion is provided at the non-driving side end of the cleaning frame body 271. A first abutment portion 271p1 is provided on the upstream side of the rib 271p in the box attachment direction C. Meanwhile, as... Figure 18B As shown, the non-drive side identification track 216f, which serves as the first identification unit, is provided in the device body 2A. The cutout 216f1 (first guide part) is provided in the non-drive side identification track 216f at a position that matches the rib 271p in the longitudinal direction Y of the box 2B.

[0232] In addition, such as Figure 11BAs shown, a movable rod 216g, serving as the first movable member, is provided in the non-drive side guide 216. The movable rod 216g is configured to swing around the axis center H and is biased by a biasing member (not shown) in the direction indicated by arrow N1. The position of the movable rod 216g is determined such that the control target surface 216g1 of the movable rod 216g contacts the control surface 216b provided on the non-drive side plate 216 (this is the first control position). In this case, the movable rod 216g blocks the attachment path (guide path) G1 formed by the positioning target portion 271d of the housing 2B through the non-drive side upper guide 216d (third guide portion). Furthermore, in the movable rod 216g, an abutment surface 216g3 is provided on the downstream side of the attachment direction C of the housing 2B, which is closer to the notch 216f1. In the first controlled position, the abutment surface 216g3 is a surface that intersects the attachment direction C of the housing 2B and the direction indicated by arrow N1 (the tangent direction of the circle centered on the axis center H) and faces the direction indicated by arrow N1. Furthermore, a rod control portion 216g2, serving as the first movable part, is provided near the control target surface 216g1 of the movable rod 216g. In the first controlled position, the rod control portion 216g2 is a surface that intersects the attachment direction C of the housing 2B and faces the direction indicated by arrow N3.

[0233] The process of attaching box 2B to device body 2A

[0234] Reference Figures 19A to 19E The process of attaching a box 2B, which is allowed to be attached to the device body 2A, to the non-drive side of a first attachment error prevention mechanism is described. Figures 19A to 19E This is a side sectional view showing the process of attaching the box 2B to the device body 2A. For simplicity, only the non-drive side guide 216 and the cleaning unit 260 are shown. Furthermore, although in Figure 19A The cleaning unit 260 and the movable rod 216g are only marked with shaded lines to identify the shape of each part, but for convenience, they are not shown in the image. Figures 19B to 19E The components are not marked with shading.

[0235] like Figure 19B As shown, when the box 2B is inserted into the device body 2A, the rib 271p passes through the cut 216f and enters the device body 2A. Subsequently, when the box 2B enters the device body 2A, before the positioning target part 271d abuts against the rod control part 216g2, the first abutting part 271p1 of the rib 271p abuts against the abutting surface 216g3 of the movable rod 216g.

[0236] When box 2B is further inserted along direction C in this state, as follows: Figure 19CAs shown, the first abutment portion 271p1 applies a force F1 originating from the attachment force (user's operating force) of the box 2B to the abutment surface 216g3. With the aid of this force F1, the movable rod 216g rotates in the direction indicated by arrow N2, and the box 2B can further enter the device body 2A. Furthermore, in this case, as the movable rod 216g rotates, the rod control portion 216g2 also moves in the direction indicated by arrow N2 until it reaches the attachment path G1 of the positioning target portion 271d of the box 2B (see...). Figure 11B The first permitted location (unregulated location) to be released.

[0237] Furthermore, when inserting box 2B, such as Figure 19D As shown, with the rib 271p and the abutment surface 216g3 in contact with each other, the positioning target part 271d passes through the rod control part 216g2. When the rib 271p passes the abutment surface 216g3, the box 2B can finally reach the attachment completion position relative to the device body 2A, as described above at this attachment completion position. Figure 17A The positioning target part 271d and the rotation stop target part 271g shown abut against the positioning part 216a and the rotation stop part 216c of the main body 2A of the device, respectively.

[0238] In this case, since rib 271p does not abut against the abutment surface 216g3, therefore... Figure 19E As shown, the movable rod 216g is moved back to the first control position due to the bias force.

[0239] In this way, when the box 2B, which is allowed to be attached to the device body 2A, is inserted, the rib 271p rotates the movable rod 216g through the cutout 216f1. In this way, the box 2B can enter the device body 2A while preventing the positioning target part 271d from abutting against the rod control part 216g2.

[0240] The process of preventing attachment errors of box D1 (first unacceptable case)

[0241] Reference Figures 18A to 18C Describe the process of preventing attachment errors from the first attachment error prevention mechanism, the prevention box D1 (first unauthorized box), to the device body 2A. For example... Figure 18C As shown, box D1 has a rib 271q at a different position in the longitudinal direction Y than the rib 271p of box 2B (serving as an unauthorized identification target portion). When box D1 is to be inserted, since the position of rib 271q in the longitudinal direction is different from the position of the cutout 216f1 of the non-drive side identification track 216f, box D1 cannot pass through the non-drive side identification track 216f. In this way, the attachment of box D1 can be controlled.

[0242] That is, when viewed along the attachment direction from the box to the device body 2A, the cutout 216f1 of the non-drive side identification track 216f has an entrance shape corresponding to the external shape of the rib 271p of the box 2B. A control wall is formed around the entrance, abutting against the rib 271q of the box D2. The first identification of whether the box to be attached to the device body 2A is an authorized box or an unauthorized box is achieved by the non-drive side identification track 216f, which serves as the first identification part, and the ribs 271p and 271q, which serve as the first identification target parts provided in the box 2B or D1.

[0243] The process of preventing attachment errors of box D2 (second unacceptable case).

[0244] Reference Figure 20 Describe the process for preventing incorrect attachment of another box D2 (the second unauthorized box). Figure 20 This is a side sectional view showing the state in which the box D2 is attached to the device body 2A. Similar to... Figures 19A to 19E Only the non-drive side guide 216 and the cleaning unit 260 are shown.

[0245] like Figure 20 As shown, box D2 does not have the rib 271p of box 2B. Therefore, box D2 can advance along the attachment direction C while preventing interference between the cleaning frame body 271 and the non-drive side identification track 216f. However, if box D2 is inserted in this state, it advances without the cleaning frame body 271 abutting against the abutment surface 216g3. Thus, with the movable rod 216g in the first control position, the positioning target part 271d2 of box D2, which serves as the third identification target part, contacts the rod control part 216g2. Thus, a force F2 originating from the attachment force of box D2 is applied from the positioning target part 271d2 to the rod control part 216g2.

[0246] Since the lever control section 216g2 faces the direction indicated by arrow N3, force F2 acts in a manner that causes the movable lever 216g to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow N1. Thus, the movable lever 216g cannot move further, and the attachment path G1 remains blocked. This allows for the attachment of the control box D2.

[0247] That is, the third identification of whether the box to be attached to the main body 2A is an allowed box or an unallowed box is achieved by the rod control part 216g2 of the movable rod 216g as the third identification part and the positioning target part 271d2 of the box D2 as the third identification target part.

[0248] More specifically, the protrusion 216g4 is located at the distal end of the lever control portion 216g2 in the direction indicated by arrow N1, and the protrusion 216g4 of the lever control portion 216g2 mainly contacts the positioning target portion 271d2 of the box D2. The protrusion 216g4 is configured to abut against the positioning target portion 271d2, so that it does not generate a force acting in the direction of resisting the biasing force acting on the movable lever 216g due to the force F2 received from the positioning target portion 271d2 (such that the force F2 does not include such a component force). At least the force F2 received by the protrusion 216g4 from the positioning target portion 271d2 can act in a direction orthogonal to the movable direction of the lever control portion 216g2 of the movable lever 216g (the direction indicated by arrows N1 and N2). Preferably, the protrusion 216g4 can be pressed from the positioning target 271d2 at such an angle that a force is generated acting in the direction of rotation of the movable rod 216g (opposite to the direction toward the non-controlled position) due to the bias pressure.

[0249] Here, on the side of the movable rod 216g opposite to the rod control portion 216g2 pressed from the positioning target portion 271d2 (downstream of the insertion direction (in the direction shown by arrow C), a control surface 216l is provided in the non-drive side guide 216 as a support portion for supporting the movable rod 216g. Thus, for example, even when the box D2 is forcibly inserted, the movable rod 216g receives force F2 from the positioning target portion 271d, and the movable rod 216g deforms. This deformation of the movable rod 216g in the direction of force F2 can be controlled by the control surface 216l. Therefore, deformation and damage to the movable rod 216g can be prevented, and the insertion of boxes that are not permitted (reaching the attachment completion position) can be reliably controlled.

[0250] As described above, by using a first attachment error prevention mechanism disposed on one end side (non-drive side) of the box, it is possible to allow the attachment of permitted boxes and control the attachment of unpermitted boxes (first or second unpermitted boxes).

[0251] Box removal

[0252] Reference Figure 21 Describe the operation when removing box 2B.

[0253] As described above, when box 2B is in the attached state, movable rod 216g is in the first control position.

[0254] The second abutment portion 271p2 is disposed upstream of the insertion direction (in the direction indicated by arrow C) of the rib 271p of the housing 2B. When the housing 2B moves in the direction opposite to that indicated by arrow C, the second abutment portion 271p2 abuts against the abutment surface 216g3 before the positioning target portion 271d contacts the movable rod 216g. Force F3 is applied to the movable rod 216g by means of the second abutment portion 271p2 disposed between the housing 2B and the moving part due to the removal force of the housing 2B. Thus, the movable rod 216g rotates about the axis center H in the direction indicated by arrow N2 and moves from the first controlled position to the first permitted position. The subsequent removal operation is the reverse of the attachment operation of the housing 2B described above, and its description will be omitted.

[0255] The second attachment error prevention mechanism of the box

[0256] Reference Figures 22A to 23B Describe the second box attachment error prevention mechanism installed on the drive side of the device body 2A. Figure 22A This is an explanatory diagram of the second attachment error prevention mechanism of box 2B. Figure 22B This is an explanatory diagram of the second attachment error prevention mechanism of the main body 2A of the device. Figure 23A and 23B This is an illustration of the second attachment error prevention mechanism of the main body 2A of the device, some of which are shown in the diagram.

[0257] like Figure 22A As shown, on the drive side of the box 2B in the longitudinal direction Y, in addition to the identification target boss 273g (second identification target part) and the rotation stop target part 273c, an abutting target part 273f, serving as a fourth identification target part, is also provided. The abutting target part 273f is integrally provided with the downstream end of the end surface 273h of the drum support part 273 in the attachment direction C and has a surface perpendicular to the attachment direction C. During the attachment process of the box 2B, the abutting target part 273f passes through the area located on the drive side of the drum support part 273 in the drive side. Figure 22B The location shown is near the inner surface 218c on the drive side (which is similar to the end surface 273h on the drive side). Here, as... Figure 22A As shown, the distance in the vertical direction Z between the target protrusion 273g and the rotation-stop target part 273c is defined as distance 73r, and the path traversed by the abutting target part 273f is defined as attachment trajectory G2 (fourth guide part) (see...). Figure 22B ).

[0258] On the other hand, such as Figure 22BAs shown, in addition to the drive-side guide 215 and the second guide rail 218 (second identification part), a movable slider 240 and a movable cam 241, serving as second movable members, are also provided on the drive side of the device body 2A. As described above, the drive-side guide 215d is provided in the drive-side guide 215, and the second guide 218a is provided in the second guide rail 218. The distance between these guides in the vertical direction Z is defined as a distance 15r.

[0259] The movable slider 240 is supported by the second guide rail 218 and is configured to move in the vertical direction Z of the housing 2B. The movable slider 240 is biased by a slider spring 242, which acts as a compression spring, in the direction indicated by arrow M1 to block the second guide portion 218a. Furthermore, the movable slider 240 has an abutment surface 240a on its upstream side in the attachment direction C of the housing 2B, such that this abutment surface 240a intersects the attachment direction C and the direction indicated by arrow M1 and faces the upstream side in the attachment direction C. Additionally, as... Figure 23A and 23B As shown, the movable slider 240 has a connecting portion 240b for operating the movable cam 241 on the downstream side of the attachment direction C of the box 2B.

[0260] The movable cam 241 is positioned on the downstream side of the movable slider 240 in the attachment direction C of the housing 2B by the second guide rail 218 (see...). Figure 22A Support. For example... Figure 23A and 23B As shown, the movable cam 241 includes a cam control section 241a (fourth recognition section) as a second movable part, and a second guide rail 218 (see...). Figure 22A The movable cam 241 is supported by a support target 241c and a connecting target 241b that receives operating force from the movable slider 240. The movable cam 241 is supported so that it can rotate about the support target 241c in a direction parallel to the attachment direction C and can be in a second control position. Figure 23A ) and second permitted location ( Figure 23B The movable cam 241 moves between the two positions. Here, when the movable cam 241 is in the second control position, as... Figure 23A As shown, the cam control section 241a protrudes further from the inner surface 218c on the drive side to block the attachment path G2 of the abutment target section 273f. In contrast, as Figure 23B As shown, when the movable cam 241 is in the second permissible position (non-controlled position), the cam control section 241a does not extend from the inner surface 218c on the drive side to release the attachment path G2 of the abutment target section 273f. Furthermore, the movable cam 241 is biased in the direction indicated by arrow Q2 by the cam spring 243, which is a torsion helical spring (i.e., thus being in the second permissible position).

[0261] like Figure 23AAs shown, in its natural state without external force, the movable slider 240 moves in the direction indicated by arrow M1 due to the biasing force of the slider spring 242. Thus, the connecting portion 240b presses against the connecting target portion 241b in the direction indicated by arrow M1, thereby causing the movable cam 241 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow Q1 while resisting the biasing force of the cam spring 243. When the boss 215e provided in the drive-side guide 215 is fitted into the guide 240c provided in the movable slider 240 to abut against the upper surface 240c1 of the guide, the movement of the movable slider 240 in direction M1 is controlled. The connecting portion 240b and the connecting target portion 241b interlock with each other, thereby determining the position (second controlled position) of the movable cam 241 and the cam control portion 241a.

[0262] In comparison, such as Figure 23B As shown, when the movable slider 240 moves in the direction opposite to that indicated by arrow M1 (the direction indicated by arrow M2) due to an external force, the connecting part 240b separates from the connecting target part 241b of the movable cam 241. Thus, the movable cam 241 rotates in the direction opposite to that indicated by arrow Q1 (the direction indicated by arrow Q2) due to the biasing force of the cam spring 243, until the connecting target part 241b abuts against the connecting part 240b.

[0263] Furthermore, when the movable cam 241 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow Q2 due to an external force, the movable slider 240 moves in the direction indicated by arrow M2 while resisting the biasing force of the slider spring 242. In this way, these components are similarly interlocked even when the operating direction is opposite to the master-slave relationship.

[0264] Although the spring (biasing device) is provided in both the movable slider 240 and the movable cam 241, the biasing device can be provided in either the movable slider 240 or the movable cam 241, and the movable slider 240 and the movable cam 241 can be connected by a linkage mechanism.

[0265] The process of attaching box 2B to device body 2A

[0266] Reference Figures 24A to 25B Describe the process of attaching box 2B to device body 2A. Figures 24A to 25B This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the attachment process of box 2B and is a view along arrow VC. The drive-side guide 215 and drum support 273 are shown in a simplified manner. In addition, the arrow VC view is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the movable slider 240 and movable cam 241 on the side closer to the downstream side than the upstream side in the attachment direction C of box 2B.

[0267] First, such as Figure 24AAs shown, the distance 73r between the box 2B and the distance 15r between the main body A and the device body A are the same. Therefore, when the box 2B is attached to the main body 2A, the box 2B enters along the attachment direction C while the target identification boss 273g is guided to the second guide portion 218a and the rotation stop target portion 273c is guided to the drive side guide portion 215d.

[0268] Thus, as Figure 24B As shown, the identification target boss 273g abuts against the abutment surface 240a of the movable slider 240. When the box 2B is moved along the attachment direction C in this state, the identification target boss 273g applies a force F4 originating from the attachment force of the box 2B to the abutment surface 240a.

[0269] With the help of this force F4, such as Figure 25A As shown, the movable slider 240 moves in the direction indicated by arrow M2 while resisting the biasing force of the slider spring 242, and the box 2B can further enter the device body 2A. In this case, the movable cam 241 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow Q2 as the movable slider 240 moves and moves until the attachment path G2 of the abutment target portion 273f of the box 2B is released to the second permissible position.

[0270] When further inserting box 2B, as Figure 25B As shown, the target protrusion 273g is identified by the movable slider 240 moving in the direction indicated by arrow M2. In this situation, since the contact between the movable slider 240 and the target protrusion 273g disappears, the movable cam 241 begins to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow Q1 due to the biasing force of the slider spring 242. The cam abutment portion 241d abuts against the drive side end surface 273h of the drum support portion 273, thereby stopping the rotation of the movable cam 241.

[0271] When the box 2B is further inserted, the box 2B reaches relative to the device body 2A. Figure 27B The attachment is completed as shown above. That is, the upper positioning target part 273d, the lower positioning target part 273f, and the rotation stop target part 273c of the box 2B abut against the upper positioning part 215a, the lower positioning part 215b, and the rotation stop part 215c of the device body 2A, thereby completing the attachment.

[0272] In summary, when the box 2B, which is permitted to be attached to the device body 2A, is inserted, the target protrusion 273g is identified via the second guide 218a. When the cam control section 241a (movable cam 241) is moved to the second permitted position by means of the movable slider 240, the box 2B can enter the device body 2A while preventing the abutting target 273f from abutting against the cam control section 241a.

[0273] The process of preventing attachment errors of box D3 (first unacceptable case).

[0274] Reference Figure 26A and 26B The process of using a second drive-side attachment error prevention mechanism to prevent attachment errors of box D3 (third unauthorized box) to device body 2A is described. Figure 26A and 26B This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the attachment process of the housing D3, in which the drive-side guide 215 of the device body 2A and the drum support 274 of the housing D3 are shown in a simplified manner.

[0275] like Figure 26A As shown, unlike the distance 73r of box 2B, box D3 is constructed such that the distance 74r between the identification boss 274g and the rotation stop target part 274c is narrower. When box D3 is inserted in the direction indicated by arrow C, the distance 74r is different from the distance 15r of the device body. Therefore, as Figure 26B As shown, the drum support 274 interferes with the drive-side guide 215 or the second guide rail 218, and the box D3 cannot enter the attachment part S. In this way, the attachment of the box D3 can be controlled.

[0276] That is, when viewed along the attachment direction from the box to the device body 2A, the second guide portion 218a of the second guide rail 218 has an entrance shape corresponding to the external shape of the identification target protrusion 273g of the box 2B. A control wall is formed around the entrance, abutting against the identification protrusion 274g of the box D3. The second identification, whether the box to be attached to the device body 2A is an authorized box or an unauthorized box, is achieved by the second guide rail 218 as the second identification part, and the identification target protrusion 273g and identification target protrusion 274g provided in the box 2B or D4 as the second identification target part.

[0277] The process of preventing attachment errors of box D4 (second unacceptable case).

[0278] Reference Figure 27A and 27B Describe the process for preventing attachment errors of another box, D4 (the fourth unauthorized box). Figure 27A and 27B This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the attachment process of the housing D4, and is a view along arrow VC. The drive-side guide 215 of the device body 2A and the drum support 275 of the housing D4 are shown in a simplified manner. Furthermore, the arrow VC view is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the movable slider 240 and the movable cam 241 on the side closer to the downstream side than the upstream side in the attachment direction C of the housing D4.

[0279] like Figure 27AAs shown, the box D4 includes a drum support portion 275 (having only a rotation stop target portion 275c) that does not have the identification target boss 273g of the box 2B. Therefore, when the box D4 is inserted along the attachment direction C, as... Figure 27B As shown, the box D4 can advance along the attachment direction C while preventing the drum support 275 from interfering with the drive-side guide 215 and the second guide rail 218. However, when the box D4 is inserted in this state, it enters while preventing the drum support 275 from abutting against the abutting surface 240a of the movable slider 240. Thus, with the cam control section 241a in the second control position, the abutting target section 275f of the box D4 contacts the cam control section 241a. Thus, a force F5 originating from the attachment force of the box D4 is applied from the abutting target section 275f to the cam control section 241a. Thus, the movable cam 241 cannot move from the second control position, and the attachment path G2 remains blocked. Since the force F5 acts in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction of the movable cam 241 and the movement of the movable cam 241 is controlled by the movable slider 240, the movable cam 241 does not move when the attachment path G2 is blocked. This allows for the attachment of control box D4.

[0280] That is, the fourth identification of whether the box to be attached to the main body 2A is an authorized box or an unauthorized box is achieved by the cam control section 241a, which serves as the fourth identification section, and the abutting target section 273f, which serves as the fourth identification target section, of the box D4.

[0281] As described above, by using the second attachment error prevention mechanism located on the other end (drive side) of the box, it is possible to allow the attachment of permitted boxes and control the attachment of unpermitted boxes (the third or fourth unpermitted boxes).

[0282] In addition to the first attachment error prevention mechanism, only boxes 2B permitted by both the first and second attachment error prevention mechanisms are allowed to be attached to the device body 2A. In contrast, boxes (boxes D1 to D4) determined by either the first or second attachment error prevention mechanism to be disallowed from being attached to the device body 2A are restricted.

[0283] More specifically, the attachment error prevention mechanism determines that boxes D1 to D4 correspond to either (i) a first disallowed condition or (ii) a second disallowed condition, and that attachment to the device body 2A is controlled. The first disallowed condition is where attachment is controlled at the uppermost first attachment position in the attachment path. The second disallowed condition is where, although the box can pass the first attachment position, attachment is controlled at a second attachment position closer to the upstream side than the attachment completion position, and the box cannot reach the attachment completion position. Therefore, by identifying at both ends in the longitudinal direction, the number of permitted and disallowed identification patterns can be increased.

[0284] In this embodiment, the non-drive-side recognition mode (the combination of the first recognition unit and the first recognition target unit) is arranged such that whether the positions of the boxes match in the longitudinal direction Y can be identified. Furthermore, the drive-side recognition mode (the combination of the second recognition unit and the second recognition target unit) is arranged such that whether the positions of the boxes match in the vertical direction Z can be identified. However, the recognition mode is not limited to this configuration, and the arrangement direction of the recognition mode can be arbitrarily selected according to the arrangement space of the attachment error prevention mechanism. As a result, multiple attachment error prevention mechanisms can be arranged to improve the space efficiency of the device body 2A.

[0285] 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 should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: Main body of the device; and The box, which can be detachably attached to the main body of the device along the attachment direction, The box includes a pressing part and a positioning part protruding in a direction orthogonal to the attachment direction. When the box is attached, the positioning part and the pressing part move together in the attachment direction. The main body of the device includes: The positioning part is configured to position the box relative to the device body in the attachment direction by abutting against the part of the box to be positioned. The guide portion, configured to guide the portion of the box to be positioned toward the positioning portion as the box moves in the attachment direction; and A movable member having a pressing portion and configured to rotate about a rotation axis from a first position to a second position, the rotation axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the attachment direction; the first position being a position where a portion of the movable member is located within the movement path of the positioning portion of the box in the guide portion; and the second position being a position where said portion of the movable member is located outside said movement path. When the box moves along the attachment direction, the pressing part of the box presses the pressing part of the movable member so that the movable member moves from the first position to the second position. While the movable member is in the second position by pressing the pressing part of the movable member to the pressing part, the positioning part of the box passes through the part of the movable member and then abuts against the positioning part.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The main body of the device includes an inlet section, which has a shape corresponding to the external shape of the pressing part of the box. When viewed along the attachment direction, the inlet section is positioned at the point where it overlaps with the pressing part of the box. In this process, after the pressing part of the box passes through the inlet, the pressing part of the box presses the part to be pressed of the movable member, so that the movable member moves from the first position to the second position.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The box includes: The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum capable of rotating about the drum's rotation axis; The developing unit has a developing roller and is connected to the drum unit so as to rotate relative to the drum unit. The drum unit includes the part to be positioned and the pressing part, and the part to be positioned extends in the direction of the drum rotation axis.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The portion of the movable member is further away from the axis of rotation of the movable member than the portion of the movable member to be pressed.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3, in, The box includes a frame that supports the photosensitive drum, and The part to be pressed is a rib that protrudes from the frame in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the drum.

6. The imaging device according to claim 3, in, The positioning part and pressing part of the box are arranged on the non-driving side of the drum unit in the direction of the drum rotation axis. The non-driving side is opposite to the driving side in the direction of the drum rotation axis. On the driving side, the drum unit receives the driving force from the main body of the device to rotate the photosensitive drum.

Images