Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body to which a cartridge is detachably mounted. The apparatus main body includes a frame having an opening portion through which the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, an opening and closing member rotatably supported by the frame between an opening position in which the opening portion is exposed and a closing position in which the opening portion is covered, and having a stacking surface on which a sheet is stacked, a discharge roller to discharge the sheet onto the stacking surface in a discharge direction, and a control wall movably mounted to the opening and closing member and extending from the stacking surface toward the discharge roller in a direction intersecting the discharge direction to control an upstream end of the sheet in the discharge direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 22, 2020, with application number 202010573765.X and invention title "Image Forming Apparatus". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, a copier, and a fax machine. Background Technology

[0003] A known image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-133624, which has a box and a device body on which the box is detachably mounted, includes a frame with an opening for mounting and removing the box; an opening and closing member that rotates between a position blocking the opening and a position exposing the opening and whose upper surface serves as a sheet stacking surface; and a discharge roller for discharging the sheet onto the stacking surface.

[0004] It is conceivable that the opening and closing components are equipped with a control wall configured to control the position of the trailing edge of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking surface.

[0005] In recent years, the size of the main body of image forming apparatuses has been reduced to minimize installation space. At the same time, the size of the cartridge has increased due to factors such as the increase in toner capacity. Therefore, there is a need for an image forming apparatus where the opening and closing components can be opened and closed in a compact manner without hindering the installation and removal of the cartridge or interfering with the main body of the apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, comprising: a cassette; and an apparatus body, the cassette being detachably mounted to the apparatus body, the apparatus body including: a frame having an opening therein, the cassette being mounted to the apparatus body through the opening; an opening / closing member configured to move between an open position in which the opening / closing member is opened to expose the opening and a closed position in which the opening / closing member is closed to cover the opening, the opening / closing member having a supported portion supported by the frame so that the opening / closing member is rotatable about a rotation axis, the opening / closing member having a stacking surface on which sheets are stacked when the opening / closing member is in the closed position; a discharge roller configured to discharge the sheets onto the stacking surface in a discharge direction when the opening / closing member is in the closed position; and a control wall configured to control the position of an upstream end of the sheets stacked on the stacking surface in the discharge direction, the control wall extending from the stacking surface toward the discharge roller in an intersecting direction intersecting the discharge direction, the control wall being movably mounted to the opening / closing member.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, comprising: a cassette; and an apparatus body, the cassette being detachably mounted to the apparatus body, the apparatus body including: a frame having an opening therein, the cassette being mounted to the apparatus body through the opening; a discharge roller configured to discharge sheet material in a discharge direction; and an opening / closing member configured to move between an open position to expose the opening and a closed position to cover the opening, the opening / closing member having a supported portion supported by the frame so that the opening / closing member is rotatable about a rotation axis, the opening / closing member having a supporting portion in the position where the opening / closing member is located... The closed position is a stacked surface of the sheet material discharged by the discharge roller; the supported portion is movable between a first position and a second position downstream of the first position in the discharge direction, the supported portion being located at the first position when the opening / closing member is in the closed position, and at the second position when the opening / closing member is in the open position; and a control wall is configured to control the position of the upstream end of the sheet material stacked on the stacked surface in the discharge direction, the control wall extending from the stacked surface toward the discharge roller in an intersecting direction intersecting the discharge direction, the control wall being mounted to the opening / closing member.

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

[0009] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, showing an enlarged view of the discharge roller and its vicinity when the opening and closing member is in the closed position.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, showing an enlarged view of the discharge roller and its vicinity when the opening and closing member is in the closed position.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, showing an enlarged view of the discharge roller and its vicinity when the opening and closing member is in the closed position.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing component according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component is in the closed position, according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component is in the closed position, according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 10 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 10 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 20 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 20 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 40 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 40 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component is near the closed position according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing member of the first variant according to the first embodiment is in the closed position.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing member of the first variant according to the first embodiment is in the closed position.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing component according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 The opening / closing component and the control component according to the second embodiment are shown as viewed from the direction of rotation axis of the discharge roller.

[0027] Figure 15A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component is in the closed position, according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component is in the closed position, according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 5 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 16B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 5 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 17A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 20 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 17B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 20 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 18A This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the cam surface near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 40 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 18B This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the control wall near the discharge roller when the opening and closing component has been rotated 40 degrees from the closed position to the open position according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing component and the control wall according to a variant of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] First Embodiment

[0037] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will now be described. Reference will be made to... Figure 1 The structure of an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus 100 is described. Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0038] 1. Image forming apparatus

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a processing cartridge 30 and an apparatus body 2. The processing cartridge 30 can be installed onto and removed from the apparatus body via an installation-removal area 96 (i.e., the area between the dotted lines 97). The processing cartridge 30 includes a photosensitive drum 31 that carries a toner image, a charging roller 32 that electrostatically charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 uniformly, and a developing unit 33 that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 31.

[0040] Image forming unit 3 for forming toner images on sheet S includes processing box 30, transfer roller 34 for transferring toner images formed on photosensitive drum 31 to sheet S, and laser scanner 35 for irradiating photosensitive drum 31 with laser light.

[0041] The image forming process performed in the image forming unit 3 will be described. The surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly electrostatically charged by the charging roller 32. Then, based on the image signal from the host (not shown), the laser scanner 35 irradiates the photosensitive drum 31, which has an electrostatically charged surface, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. Subsequently, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 using toner supplied from the developing unit 33.

[0042] The sheet feeding device 4 is disposed at the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet feeding device 4 has a container 41 in which a sheet S is contained and a control plate 42 that controls the sheet S contained in the container 41 in its width direction. In addition, a separation roller pair 47 consisting of a contact roller 44 and a drive roller 45 is provided. Furthermore, a pickup roller 46 that can pivot about the drive roller 45 is also provided.

[0043] As the pickup roller 46 pivots based on the print signal to contact the sheet S, the sheet S is conveyed toward the separation roller pair 47. Then, the conveyor roller 61 conveys the sheet S to the transfer unit 62, which consists of the photosensitive drum 31 and the transfer roller 34, where the toner image is transferred onto the sheet S. The sheet S with the toner image transferred onto it undergoes toner image fixing processing at the fixing unit 63 and is sequentially discharged by the discharge roller (discharge component) 64 onto the sheet stacking surface 6 on the upper surface of the device body 2. The discharge roller 64 is configured to rotate about the second rotation axis 64a. Figure 2 ).

[0044] The following description pertains to duplex printing. A fixing ejector sensor 80 is disposed between the fixing unit 63 and the ejector roller 64. In addition, a duplex transport path 81 connecting the ejector roller 64 and the transport roller 61 is provided, a duplex transport roller pair 82 disposed in the middle portion of the duplex transport path 81, and a baffle member (not shown) disposed in the duplex transport roller pair 82.

[0045] When the fixing ejection sensor 80 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing edge of the sheet S conveyed by the ejection roller 64 has passed, the drive switching unit (not shown) causes the ejection roller 64 to rotate in the opposite direction to the direction in which the sheet S is ejected onto the sheet stack surface 6. Therefore, the sheet S is conveyed along the double-sided conveying path 81. Subsequently, as the sheet S passes through the double-sided conveying roller pair 82, it undergoes a skew correction process by having its leading edge abut against a baffle member (not shown) and then being clamped by the double-sided conveying roller pair 82, thereby correcting the skewness of the sheet S. The sheet S then reaches the conveying roller 61. Subsequent processing is the same as that of the first side of the sheet S, and therefore will not be described again.

[0046] The main body 2 of the device has a frame 222 with an opening 900. Figure 2 During the installation and removal of the processing box 30, the processing box 30 passes through the opening 900. The device body 2 also has an opening and closing member 90, configured to rotate between a closed position where the opening and closing member 90 covers the opening 900 and an open position where the opening and closing member 90 exposes the opening 900. The opening and closing member 90 has a sheet stacking surface on which the sheets discharged by the discharge roller 64 are stacked, and also has a control wall 7 configured to control the position of the trailing edge of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking surface 6. The opening and closing member 90 also has a pressing portion (pressing member) 8 for pressing the processing box 30.

[0047] The discharge roller 64 is arranged at the lowest possible position in the height direction to reduce the size of the device body 2. In the discharge direction N of the discharge roller 64, the discharge roller 64 is arranged facing downstream to ensure a distance X (not shown) for flipping the sheet S.

[0048] 2. Structure of the opening and closing components

[0049] Reference Figures 2 to 9B Describe the detailed structure of the opening and closing component 90. Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100, taken along a direction orthogonal to the second rotation axis 64a, when the opening / closing member 90 is in the closed position. The opening / closing member 90 has a supported portion 110, which is positioned relative to the frame 222 of the apparatus body 2 at arrow Q ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 It is supported in a manner that allows it to rotatably rotate about the first rotation axis 110a in the direction of ). Figure 2 As shown, the direction of the first rotating shaft 110a is the direction in which the second rotating shaft 64a extends along the discharge roller 64.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the opening / closing member 90 has a sheet stacking surface 6 on which sheets (recording media) discharged by the discharge roller 64 are stacked, and also has a control wall 7 configured to control the position of the trailing edge of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking surface 6. The opening / closing member 90 is configured to be able to Figure 1 The dashed line indicates that the opening / closing component 90 rotates between the closed position, where it covers the closed position of the opening portion 900, and the open position, where it exposes the opening portion 900. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the opening / closing member 90 is in the closed position, the control wall 7 extends from the sheet stacking surface 6 toward the discharge roller 64 in a direction intersecting with the sheet stacking surface 6. The end of the control wall 7 on the side away from the sheet stacking surface 6 is defined as end 7a.

[0051] Figure 2 The dashed line 120 in the diagram represents a dashed circle with the first rotating axis 110a as its center and the distance between the first rotating axis 110a and the end 7a of the control wall 7 as its radius when the opening / closing component 90 is closed. Figure 2 In the middle, the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122 are located outside the dashed line 120. The protrusion 122 supports the charge removal component 1222, which contacts the sheet S discharged by the discharge roller 64 to remove static electricity from the sheet S.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100 when the opening / closing component 90 is in the closed position. Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100 when the opening / closing component 90 is in the closed position. Figure 4 The cross-section in the image forming apparatus 100 is orthogonal to the second rotation axis 64a in the region outside the control wall 7 in the direction of the second rotation axis 64a. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing component 90.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the end 7a of the control wall 7 is comb-shaped. (As indicated...) Figure 4 As shown, the supported portion 110 of the opening / closing component 90 is fitted into an elongated hole 115 provided in the cover 92. (As indicated...) Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the opening / closing member 90 has a cam surface 111 at its opposite end, located outside the control wall 7, in a direction relative to the first rotation axis 110a. Figure 4As shown, cam surfaces 111 face the frame 222 and each has a first region 111a, a second region 111b, and a third region 111c. The second region 111b of each cam surface 111 is closer to the first rotation axis 110a than the first region 111a, and is positioned upstream of the first region 111a in the direction in which the opening / closing member 90 rotates from the closed position to the open position. The third region 111c is further away from the first rotation axis 110a than the second region 111b, and is positioned upstream of the second region 111b in the direction in which the opening / closing member 90 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0054] The cover 92 of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an elongated hole 115 in which a supported portion 110 is fitted and a compression spring 333 biasing the supported portion 110 in the direction of arrow B. The frame 222 has a contact portion 125, which is configured to contact the cam surface 111 while the opening / closing member 90 rotates.

[0055] Next, we will refer to Figure 6A , 6B 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B describe the position of the end 7a of the control wall 7 when the opening and closing component 90 rotates from the closed position to the open position about the first rotation axis 110a.

[0056] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100, taken along a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis 110a, when the opening / closing member 90 is in the closed position. Specifically, Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of the area where the cam surface 111 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the region where the control wall 7 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a. Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the middle, the supported portion 110 of the opening / closing member 90 is biased by the spring 333 in the direction of arrow B, thereby being located at the distal portion (first position) of the elongated hole 115 relative to the sheet stacking surface 6. The first region 111a of the cam surface 111 of the opening / closing member 90 contacts the contact portion 125. Figure 6B The dashed line 120 is a dotted circle with the first rotation axis 110a as its center and the distance between the first rotation axis 110a and the end 7a of the control wall 7 as its radius when the supported part 110 is in the first position. The end 7a of the control wall 7 is located at the position where the dashed line 120 coincides with the discharge roller 64, the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122.

[0057] Figure 7A and 7B When the opening and closing component 90 is from Figure 6A and6B The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100, taken in a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis 110a, when the closed position has been rotated 10 degrees. Specifically, Figure 7A It is a cross-sectional view of the region where the cam surface 111 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a; Figure 7B It is a cross-sectional view of the area where the control wall 7 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a.

[0058] like Figure 7A As shown, with Figure 6A Similarly, the first region 111a of the cam surface 111 contacts the contact portion 125, and the supported portion 110 is in the first position. Figure 7A As shown, with Figure 6B Similarly, the dashed line 120 coincides with the discharge roller 64, the outer cover 121, and the protrusion 122. The 10-degree angle is the angle at which the supported part 110 moves in the direction of arrow B, starting from the first position of the elongated hole 115.

[0059] Figure 8A and 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100, taken in a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis 110a, when the opening / closing member 90 is rotated 20 degrees from the closed position. Specifically, Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of the area where the cam surface 111 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a. Figure 8B It is a cross-sectional view of the area where the control wall 7 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a.

[0060] like Figure 8A As shown, the second region 111b of the cam surface 111 contacts the contact portion 125.

[0061] In the discharge direction N of the discharge roller 64, the second region 111b is closer to the supported portion 110 than the first region 111a. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 90 rotates 20 degrees from the closed position, the area of ​​the cam surface 111 that contacts the contact portion 125 changes from the first region 111a to the second region 111b. When the second region 111b of the cam surface 111 contacts the contact portion 125, the second region 111b is pressed against the contact portion 125, thereby causing the opening / closing member 90 to move against the spring force of the spring 333 in the discharge direction N (i.e., the direction of arrow I) of the discharge roller 64 on the sheet S. As a result, Figure 8A As shown, the supported portion 110 moves to a second position on the proximal portion of the elongated hole 115 relative to the sheet stacking surface 6. In the discharge direction N of the discharge roller 64, the second position is closer to the sheet stacking surface 6 than the first position.

[0062] Figure 8B The dashed line 140 is a dotted circle centered on the first rotation axis 110a and defining the distance between the first rotation axis 110a and the end 7a of the control wall 7 as its radius when the supported portion 110 is in the second position. The dashed line 140 is located outside the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122. Therefore, when the supported portion 110 is in the second position, even when the opening and closing member 90 rotates around the first rotation axis 110a, the end 7a of the control wall 7 will not interfere with the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122.

[0063] Figure 9A and 9B This is a cross-sectional view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100, taken in a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis 110a, when the opening / closing member 90 is rotated 40 degrees from the closed position. Specifically, Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional view of the area where the cam surface 111 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a. Figure 9B It is a cross-sectional view of the area where the control wall 7 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a.

[0064] like Figure 9A As shown, the third region 111c of the cam surface 111 contacts the contact portion 125.

[0065] In the sheet discharge direction N of the discharge roller 64, the third region 111c is further away from the supported portion 110 than the second region 111b. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 90 rotates from 20 degrees to 40 degrees, the area of ​​the cam surface 111 that contacts the contact portion 125 changes from the second region 111b to the third region 111c. As a result, the opening / closing member 90 moves toward the supported portion 110 (in the direction of arrow B) according to the spring force of the spring 333 until the third region 111c of the cam surface 111 contacts the contact portion 125, and as... Figure 9A As shown, the supported portion 110 moves to the first position of the elongated hole 115.

[0066] According to the above structure, without increasing the height of the main body 2 of the device or increasing the rotation angle of the opening and closing component 90, the opening and closing component 90 can be retracted to outside the area through which the processing box 30 passes during the installation and disassembly of the processing box 30.

[0067] Next, Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of the area where the cam surface 111 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 110a, when the opening / closing member 90 is near the closed position. As the opening / closing member 90 rotates from the open position to the closed position, it receives a reaction force in the direction of arrow D from the pressing part 8 that presses the processing cartridge 30 toward the image forming position. To prevent the supported portion 110 of the opening / closing member 90 from moving from the first position to the second position of the elongated hole 115 due to the reaction force, the following structure is provided.

[0068] The opening / closing component 90 has a controlled surface 103 and a positioning boss 102, and the main body 2 has a controller (controlling surface) 104. When the opening / closing component 90 rotates from the open position to the closed position in the direction of arrow J, the controller 104 contacts the controlled surface 103 of the opening / closing component 90, thereby controlling the movement of the supported part 110 of the opening / closing component 90 in the direction of arrow D.

[0069] By making the control width Z of the control surface 104 greater than the longitudinal length Y of the elongated hole 115, the opening / closing component 90 can be rotated to the closed position. Furthermore, when the opening / closing component 90 is in the closed position, the positioning boss 102 of the opening / closing component 90 is fitted into the hole 101 in the outer cover 121, thereby stabilizing the position of the opening / closing component 90.

[0070] Now refer to Figure 11 The structure of the first variant of this embodiment is described. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the spring 333 is configured to apply pressure in the direction (arrow E) in which the supported portion 110 moves from the first position to the second position. A contact portion 151 is provided facing the cam surface 311, such that the cam surfaces 311, each having a first region 311a, a second region 311b, and a third region 311c, face outwards, which is the opposite of the embodiment described above. When the opening / closing member 90 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the contact portion 151 sequentially contacts the first region 311a, the second region 311b, and the third region 311c of each cam surface 311. When the second region 311b of the cam surface 311 contacts the contact portion 151, the distance between the second region 311b and the first rotation axis 110a is shorter than the distance between the first region 311a, thereby the supported portion 110 is pressed by the spring 333 and moves by this distance difference in the direction of arrow E. As a result, the supported part 110 moves together with the control wall 7 in the direction of arrow E, so that the opening and closing part 90 can rotate from the closed position to the open position without interference.

[0071] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 A second variation of this embodiment is described. For example... Figure 12As shown, the cam surface 111 is located between the contact portion 125 and the contact portion 151, thereby controlling the back-and-forth movement of the opening and closing component 90 during the opening-closing operation, thus achieving similar advantages to the first embodiment even if the spring pressing the supported portion 110 is omitted.

[0072] As described above, this embodiment can provide an image forming apparatus in which the opening and closing member can be opened and closed in a compact manner without hindering the installation and removal process of the cartridge or interfering with the apparatus body. The term "interference" as used herein means that the contact between the opening and closing member and a portion of the apparatus body other than the opening and closing member reaches a level where the opening and closing member cannot be opened or closed, but does not include contact to the extent that the opening and closing member can be opened and closed.

[0073] Second Embodiment

[0074] Now refer to Figure 13 , 14 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B describe the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. Descriptions of components identical to those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing component 200. Figure 14 The opening and closing component 200 is shown as viewed from the direction of the second rotating shaft 64a of the discharge roller 64.

[0075] The opening / closing member 200 has a stacked surface 201 and a supported portion 220. The supported portion 220 is supported such that the opening / closing member 200 can be positioned relative to the frame 222 (see [link]). Figure 2 The first rotating axis 220a rotates about the first rotating axis 220a. The direction of the first rotating axis 220a is the direction in which it extends along the second rotating axis 64a of the discharge roller 64. The opening and closing member 200 is configured to be able to cover the first rotating axis 220a as shown in the figure. Figure 1 The opening portion 900 shown rotates between the closed position and the open position where the opening / closing component 200 exposes the opening portion 900.

[0076] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following ways. Unlike the first embodiment, where the control wall 7 is fixed to the opening / closing member 90, in the second embodiment, the control member (control wall) 205 corresponding to the control wall 7 in the first embodiment is configured to pivot relative to the opening / closing member 200. The control member 205 has a pivotable support 208 supported by the opening / closing member 200 in a manner pivotable about a pivot axis 208a relative to the opening / closing member 200. The pivot axis 208a extends along a first rotation axis 220a. The control member 205 has a control surface (control wall) 202 that controls the trailing edge of the sheet S stacked on the stacking surface 201, and a cam surface 204 located at an opposite end outside the control surface 202 in the direction of the pivot axis 208a. The end of the control surface 202 on the side away from the stacking surface 201 in the direction intersecting the stacking surface 201 is defined as an end 202a.

[0077] like Figure 14 As shown, the control component 205 is provided with a pivotable support member 208 at its end on the stacked surface 201 side in the direction intersecting with the stacked surface 201, and a stop 207 is provided at its end opposite to the pivotable support member 208. The stop 207 is provided to control the pivoting of the control component 205 in the direction of arrow G. Specifically, when the opening / closing component 200 is in the closed position, the stop 207 has the following function. When the control component 205 tends to pivot in the direction that increases the distance between the end 202a of the control surface 202 and the supported portion 220 (i.e., the first rotation axis 220a) of the opening / closing component 200, the stop 207 contacts the abutment portion 209 ( Figure 15A The pivoting of the control component 205 is limited by a stop 207 disposed at the end in the direction of the pivot axis 208a. Alternatively, a biasing component (not shown) biasing the control component 205 in the direction of arrow F may be disposed instead of the stop 207.

[0078] Cam surface 204 faces frame 222 (see Figure 2 Each cam surface 204 has a first region 204a and a second region 204b. The second region 204b of each cam surface 204 is located closer to the first rotation axis 220a than the first region 204a, and is disposed upstream of the first region 204a in the direction in which the opening / closing member 200 rotates from the closed position to the open position. The first region 204a of the cam surface 204 is configured such that the distance from the first rotation axis 220a to the first rotation axis 220a decreases upstream in the direction in which the opening / closing member 200 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0079] Next, we will refer to Figure 15A , 15B16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 18A and 18B describe the position of the control component 205 when the opening / closing component 200 rotates.

[0080] Figure 15A and 15B This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge roller 64 and its vicinity in the image forming apparatus 100 when the opening / closing member 200 is in the closed position, taken in a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis 220a. Specifically, Figure 15A This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the cam surface 204 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 220a. Figure 15B This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the control surface 202 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 220a.

[0081] like Figure 15A As shown, a first region 204a of the cam surface 204 contacts the contact portion 215. The stop 207 abuts (i.e. engages) with the abutment portion 209 disposed in the inner cover 212. The control member 205 is located between the contact portion 215 and the abutment portion 209, thereby restricting the pivoting of the control member 205 about the pivot axis 208a in any direction.

[0082] In image forming processing, control is achieved through control component 205. Figure 1 The discharge guide 95 shown moves in the direction of arrow K. When the opening / closing component 200 is in the closed position, rotation of the control component 205 relative to the opening / closing component 200 is prevented, thereby preventing the user from accessing the fixing unit 63 located within the control component 205.

[0083] The dashed line 155, which is a dashed circle centered on the first rotation axis 220a and whose radius is defined by the distance between the first rotation axis 220a and the end 202a of the control surface 202, is located within the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122.

[0084] Figure 16A and 16B This is a cross-sectional view when the opening / closing component 200 has rotated 5 degrees around the first rotation axis 220a from the closed position to the open position. Specifically, Figure 16A This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the cam surface 204 is located, relative to the first rotation axis 220a. Figure 16B This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the control surface 202 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 220a.

[0085] As the opening / closing component 200 rotates 5 degrees from the closed position, the stop 207 and the abutment 209 disengage from each other, and the control component 205 is pressed by the contact portion 215, thus rotating about the pivot axis 208a in the direction of arrow G. Figure 16A As shown, the control member 205 rotates while the first region 204a of the cam surface 204 and the contact portion 215 are in contact with each other. In this case, a dashed line 165, which is a dashed circle centered on the first rotation axis 220a and whose radius is defined as the distance between the first rotation axis 220a and the end 202a of the control surface 202, is located within the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122.

[0086] Figure 17A and Figure 17B This is a cross-sectional view when the opening / closing component 200 has rotated 20 degrees around the first rotation axis 220a from the closed position to the open position. Specifically, Figure 17A This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the cam surface 204 is located, relative to the first rotation axis 220a. Figure 17B This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the control surface 202 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 220a. (See image below.) Figure 17A As shown, the second region 204b of the cam surface 204 contacts the contact portion 215. As the opening / closing member 200 rotates from a 5-degree position to a 20-degree position, the region in contact with the contact portion 215 changes from the first region 204a to the second region 204b, thereby pressing the control member 205 against the contact portion 215 and causing it to rotate about the pivot axis 208a in the direction of arrow G. In this case, the dashed line 175, which is a dashed circle centered on the first rotation axis 220a and whose radius is defined as the distance between the first rotation axis 220a and the end 202a of the control surface 202, lies outside the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122. Specifically, the control member 205 pivots relative to the opening / closing member 200 such that the end 202a of the control surface 202 of the control member 205 can cause the opening / closing member 200 to rotate without interfering with the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122.

[0087] Figure 18A and Figure 18B This is a cross-sectional view when the opening / closing component 200 has rotated 40 degrees around the first rotation axis 220a from the closed position to the open position. Specifically, Figure 18A This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the cam surface 204 is located, relative to the first rotation axis 220a. Figure 18B This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 in the region where the control surface 202 is located, relative to the direction of the first rotation axis 220a. (See image below.) Figure 18AAs shown, the opening / closing member 200 has rotated to the position where the second region 204b of the cam surface 204 has passed the contact portion 215. Therefore, due to its own weight, the control member 205 rotates about the pivot axis 208a in the direction of arrow F. In this case, the dashed line 185, which is a dashed circle centered on the first rotation axis 220a and whose radius is defined as the distance between the first rotation axis 220a and the end 202a of the control surface 202, is located within the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122. Specifically, assuming that the opening / closing member 200 rotates from this position to the closed position without the control member 205 pivoting in the direction of arrow G, then in Figure 18B In this configuration, the end 202a of the control surface interferes with the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122. When the opening / closing member 200 rotates from this position toward the closed position, the control member 205 rotates in the direction of arrow G because the stop 207 contacts the tapered portion 209a of the abutment portion 209. As a result, the opening / closing member 200 can move to... Figure 15A and 15B The closed position is shown, and the end 202a of the control surface 202 does not interfere with the outer cover 121 and the protrusion 122.

[0088] As described above, this embodiment provides an image forming apparatus in which the opening and closing member can be opened and closed in a compact manner without hindering the installation and removal process of the cartridge or interfering with the apparatus body. The term "interference" as used herein means that the opening and closing member contacts a portion of the apparatus body other than the opening and closing member to the extent that the opening and closing member cannot be opened and closed, excluding contact to the extent that the opening and closing member can be opened and closed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening and closing member 200 can be opened and closed without interference without moving the supported portion 220 of the opening and closing member 200, thus achieving superior practicality compared to the first embodiment. Additionally, since the rib 240 disposed at the end of the control surface 202 on the stacked surface 201 side extends in the direction of gravity to a position below the stacked surface 201, a gap is unlikely to form between the stacked surface 201 and the control surface 202. Therefore, even if a foreign object is present on the stacked surface 201, it is unlikely to fall into the apparatus body 2. Furthermore, the opening and closing member 200 can prevent... Figure 1 The photosensitive drum 31 shown is exposed.

[0089] In the above description, the control component 205 is configured to rotate to the opening / closing component 200. Alternatively, as... Figure 19As shown, when the opening / closing component 200 is open, the control component 205 can use a cam (not shown) to move the control wall 300 parallel to the opening / closing component 200 in the direction of arrow H. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the cam disposed in the control component is pressed by the contact portion of the device body to move the control component, as an alternative, an electric brake can be used to link the opening and closing operations of the control component and the opening / closing component.

[0090] 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 appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: box; as well as The device body, wherein the box is detachably mounted to the device body, the device body comprising: A frame having an opening therein, through which the box is mounted to the main body of the device; The discharge roller is configured to discharge the sheet in the discharge direction; An opening / closing member is configured to rotate between an open position where the opening / closing member opens the opening portion and a closed position where the opening / closing member closes the opening portion. The opening / closing member has a supported portion supported by the frame, allowing it to rotate about a rotation axis. The opening / closing member has a stacking surface on which sheets discharged by the discharge roller are stacked when the opening / closing member is in the closed position. The supported portion is movable between a first position and a second position downstream of the first position in the discharge direction. When the opening / closing member is in the closed position, the supported portion is located at the first position, and when the opening / closing member is in the open position, it is located at the second position. A control wall is configured to control the position of the upstream end of the sheets stacked on the stacked surface in the discharge direction, the control wall extending from the stacked surface toward the discharge roller in an intersecting direction intersecting the discharge direction, and the control wall being disposed on the opening / closing member. The opening and closing component includes a cam surface. The device body includes a contact portion configured to contact the cam surface, and, While the opening / closing component rotates from the closed position toward the open position, the contact portion presses against the cam surface, causing the opening / closing component to be guided to move relative to the frame in the discharge direction, and the supported portion to move from the first position to the second position.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, When the opening / closing component is in the closed position, the cam surface has a first region and a second region located upstream of the first region in the direction in which the opening / closing component rotates from the open position toward the closed position, the second region being located at a position where the distance from the rotation axis to the second region is shorter than the distance from the rotation axis to the first region. Specifically, when the opening / closing component rotates from the closed position toward the open position, the supported portion of the opening / closing component is located at the first position when the first area of ​​the cam surface contacts the contact portion, and the supported portion of the opening / closing component is located at the second position when the second area of ​​the cam surface contacts the contact portion.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, in, The main body of the device includes a biasing member configured to bias the opening / closing member relative to the frame in the direction in which the supported portion moves from the second position to the first position.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, in, The opening and closing component has a controlled surface and a pressing portion configured to press the cartridge in a direction toward the image forming position. The frame includes: a control surface configured to contact the controllable surface of the opening / closing member as the opening / closing member rotates from the open position toward the closed position; and... The opening and closing component is configured such that when the pressing portion presses the box, the controlled surface contacts the controlled surface of the frame to prevent the supported portion from moving from the first position toward the second position.

Images