Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image holding body unit which is attachable and detachable with respect to an apparatus main body and has an image holding body; a developing roller that conveys toner to the image holding body at a position close to the image holding body; and an operation part which, by being operated, moves to a blocking position at which the image holding body unit is blocked from being separated from the apparatus main body and a permitting position at which the image holding body unit is permitted to be separated from the apparatus main body, and which, when the operation part moves to the blocking position, moves the developing roller in conjunction with the operation part to approach the image holding body, and moves to the permitting position at which the image holding body unit is permitted to be separated from the apparatus main body. When moving to the permissible position, the developing roller is linked with the permissible position and is separated from the image holding body; and a positioning portion that positions the image holding body unit on the apparatus main body in an attachment / detachment direction of the image holding body unit when the operation portion moves toward the blocking position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] The processing box described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-191070 comprises: an image holding body assembly, which is inserted and removed relative to a preset assembly receiving portion, and includes an image holding body that holds a latent image; a developing assembly, which includes a developer holding body that holds a developer; a force applying member, which applies force to the developing assembly by pressing the developer holding body of the developing assembly against both ends of the image holding body of the image holding body assembly in the long side direction; and a contact and separation mechanism, which is arranged on the front side of the insertion and removal direction of the image holding body assembly, and is operated in a preset direction to cause the image holding body to be pressed against the developer holding body of the developing assembly. The assembly and the developing assembly resist the force based on the force-applying component and move in the separation direction; and a gap forming mechanism, when the image retaining body assembly is pulled out in the removal direction in a state where the developing assembly is separated from the image retaining body assembly by the contact separation mechanism, a portion of the image retaining body assembly on the inner side in the insertion and extraction direction abuts against a guide portion extending along the insertion and extraction direction provided on the developing assembly, thereby, the gap forming mechanism resists the force of the force-applying component and forms a gap on the inner side and between the image retaining body and the developer retaining body that is larger than the gap before the image retaining body assembly is pulled out. Summary of the invention

[0003] The image forming device comprises an image holding body unit having an image holding body and a developing roller close to the image holding body. In addition, the image holding body unit is attachable to and detachable from the device main body.

[0004] In such a structure, the image holding body unit is separated from the device body after the developing roller close to the image holding body is separated from the image holding body. Specifically, when the operating part arranged at the blocking position for blocking the separation of the image holding body unit is moved to the allowing position for allowing the separation of the image holding body unit, the developing roller close to the image holding body is separated from the image holding body in conjunction with the movement.

[0005] On the other hand, a positioning portion is provided separately from the operating portion, and the positioning portion positions the image retaining body unit on the device body in the installation and removal direction of the image retaining body unit when the image retaining body unit is installed on the device body. The image retaining body unit is positioned on the device body by operating the positioning portion independently separated from the operating portion.

[0006] The present invention aims to position the image holding body unit relative to the apparatus body without independently operating the positioning portion in a structure in which the developing roller approaches or separates from the image holding body in conjunction with the operation of an operating portion that prevents or permits separation of the image holding body unit.

[0007] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an image forming device is provided, the image forming device comprising: an image retaining body unit, which is detachable relative to a device body and has an image retaining body; a developing roller, which conveys colorant to the image retaining body at a position close to the image retaining body; an operating portion, which is moved to a blocking position for preventing the image retaining body unit from being separated from the device body and a allowing position for allowing the image retaining body unit to be separated from the device body by being operated, and when moving to the blocking position, the developing roller is linked with the developing roller to approach the image retaining body, and when moving to the allowing position, the developing roller is linked with the developing roller to separate from the image retaining body; and a positioning portion, which, when the operating portion moves to the blocking position, positions the image retaining body unit relative to the device body in the direction of installation and removal of the image retaining body unit.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when the operation portion moves to the allowable position, the positioning portion releases the positioning of the image holding body unit relative to the apparatus body.

[0009] According to a third scheme of the present invention, based on the image forming device of the second scheme, the moving force of the operating part is directly or indirectly transmitted to the positioning part, and the positioning part positions the image holding body unit on the device body, thereby releasing the positioning of the image holding body unit relative to the device body.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, based on the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the operating portion has a gripping member for an operator to grip and a shaft member that rotatably supports the gripping member, and a portion of the positioning portion is directly mounted on the shaft member.

[0011] According to the fifth scheme of the present invention, on the basis of the image forming device of any one of the first to fourth schemes, the positioning portion has a recessed portion which is arranged on the image holding body unit and is recessed in a cross direction intersecting with the installation and removal direction of the image holding body unit, and a convex portion which moves together with the operating portion and is inserted and pulled out relative to the recessed portion.

[0012] According to the sixth scheme of the present invention, on the basis of the image forming device of the fifth scheme, the operating part has a holding part for the operator to hold and an axis part that rotatably supports the holding part and extends along the installation and removal direction, the convex part is installed on the axis part and protrudes radially of the axis part, the concave part is recessed in the intersection direction, so that the rotating convex part can be plugged in and out, a guide surface is provided in the concave part, when the convex part is inserted into the concave part, the guide surface guides the convex part to the concave part, and the guide surface is inclined relative to the intersection direction to expand the opening width of the concave part, and another guide surface is provided in the convex part, when the convex part is inserted into the concave part, the other guide surface guides the convex part to the concave part and can contact the guide surface, and the other guide surface is inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the axis part.

[0013] (Effect)

[0014] According to the first aspect, in the structure in which the developing roller approaches or separates from the image holder in conjunction with the operation of the operating portion that prevents or permits separation of the image holder unit, the image holder unit can be positioned relative to the apparatus body without independently operating the positioning portion.

[0015] According to the second aspect, the positioning of the image holding body unit can be released without independently operating the positioning portion.

[0016] According to the third aspect, the positioning portion can be made to function without operating the actuator using electricity.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, compared with the case where the moving force of the operating portion is transmitted to the positioning portion using a link, the mechanism for transmitting the moving force can be made into a simple structure.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, compared with the case where the image holding body unit is positioned by engaging the concave portion recessed in the attachment and detachment direction of the image holding body unit with the convex portion, the positioning portion can be arranged on the detaching side in the attachment and detachment direction.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect, compared with a case where the cross section of the concave portion is rectangular and the cross section of the convex portion is rectangular, the convex portion can be easily inserted into the concave portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a structural diagram showing an image holding unit, a developing unit, etc. included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3is a structural diagram showing an image holding unit, a developing unit, etc. included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an image holding unit, a developing unit, etc. included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an image holding unit, a developing unit, etc. included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 (A) and (B) are perspective views showing a positioning structure of an image holding body unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a positioning structure of an image holding body unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the positioning structure of the image holding body unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] according to Figures 1 to 8 An example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Arrow H in the figure indicates the vertical direction of the apparatus, arrow W indicates the width direction of the apparatus, and arrow D indicates the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0029] (Overall Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 10)

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 for forming a toner image by electrophotography and a conveying unit 14 for conveying a sheet member P as a recording medium along a conveying path 14a. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a storage unit 18 for storing the sheet member P and a control unit 28 for controlling the entire apparatus.

[0031] In this configuration, in the image forming apparatus 10, the sheet member P accommodated in the accommodating member 18 is transported along the transport path 14a by the transport section 14. Furthermore, a toner image formed by the image forming section 12 is formed on the sheet member P, and the sheet member P on which the toner image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0032] [Image forming unit 12]

[0033] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming section 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming sections 30 for forming toner images of respective colors, and a transfer section 32 for transferring the toner images formed by the toner image forming sections 30 onto a sheet member P. Furthermore, the image forming section 12 includes a fixing device 34 for fixing the toner images transferred onto the sheet member P by the transfer section 32 onto the sheet member P.

[0034] -Toner Image Forming Unit 30-

[0035] A plurality of toner image forming units 30 are provided so as to form a toner image for each color. In the present embodiment, toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for a total of four colors, namely yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are provided. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), Y, M, C, and K added to the symbols are omitted.

[0036] The toner image forming units 30 of various colors are basically configured in the same manner except for the toner used. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image holding body unit 16 includes a rotating cylindrical image holding body 36 and a charger 42 for charging the image holding body 36. In addition, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 44 for irradiating the charged image holding body 36 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 46 for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using a developer G containing a toner. Thus, the toner image forming units 30 of each color form images of each color using toners of each color.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the image holders 36 of each color are in contact with the transfer belt 50 (described in detail later) that is moving in a circular motion. In addition, in the circular motion direction of the transfer belt 50 (see arrow in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged side by side in order from the upstream side.

[0038] - Transfer unit 32 -

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the transfer section 32 includes a transfer belt 50 and a primary transfer roller 52 . The primary transfer roller 52 is disposed on the opposite side of the image holder 36 of each color with the transfer belt 50 interposed therebetween, and transfers the toner image formed on the image holder 36 of each color to the transfer belt 50 .

[0040] The transfer unit 32 also includes a winding roller 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a driving roller 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits a rotational force to the transfer belt 50. Thus, the transfer belt 50 is wound in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0041] The transfer section 32 also includes a secondary transfer roller 54 disposed on the opposite side of the winding roller 56 with the transfer belt 50 interposed therebetween, and transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P. A transfer nip NT for transferring the toner image to the sheet member P is formed between the secondary transfer roller 54 and the transfer belt 50 .

[0042] In this structure, the toner images are primarily transferred to the transfer belt 50 by the primary transfer roller 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In addition, the toner images are transferred from the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P conveyed between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roller 54 by the secondary transfer roller 54. Then, the sheet member P to which the toner images are transferred is conveyed toward the fixing device 34.

[0043] In addition, in the case of removing a paper jam, by operating a retracting lever (not shown), the primary transfer roller 52 and the transfer belt 50 move, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the transfer belt 50 is separated from the image holding body 36 .

[0044] - Fixing device 34 -

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 34 is disposed downstream of the transfer nip NT in the conveying direction of the sheet member P. The fixing device 34 heats and presses the toner image transferred onto the sheet member P to fix the toner image onto the sheet member P.

[0046] [Transmission unit 14]

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveying section 14 includes a delivery roller 20 for delivering the sheet member P accommodated in the accommodating section 18 to the conveying path 14a, and a preventing roller 22 for preventing overlapped feeding of the sheet member P delivered by the delivery roller 20. In addition, the conveying section 14 includes an adjusting roller 24 for adjusting the timing of the sheet member P delivered to the transfer nip NT, and a discharge roller 26 for discharging the sheet member P to which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 34 to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0048] (Main structure)

[0049] Next, the developing device 46 and the image holding body unit 16 will be described.

[0050] [Developing device 46]

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the developing device 46 includes a frame 64 , a developing roller 60 disposed to face the image holding member 36 , a supply auger 66 for supplying the developer G to the developing roller 60 , and a stirring auger 68 for stirring the developer G.

[0052] The developing device 46 is positioned by the apparatus main body 10a so as to be close to the developing roller 60 and the image holding member 36 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) and the separation position where the developing roller 60 is separated from the image holding body 36 (refer to Figure 3 ) is supported in a movable manner. In addition, when the developing roller 60 is arranged in a close position, the developing roller 60 conveys the toner to the image holding body 36 formed with the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image.

[0053] [Image holding body unit 16]

[0054] At once Figure 2 The image holding body unit 16 shown is supported by the device body 10 a in a detachable manner relative to the device body 10 a by moving the image holding body unit 16 in the device depth direction.

[0055] Specifically, the apparatus body 10a is provided with a cover (not shown) covering the toner image forming section 30 from the front side in the depth direction of the apparatus. When the cover is opened to expose the toner image forming section 30, the image holding body unit 16 is detachable from the apparatus body 10a.

[0056] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image holding body unit 16 includes a gripping portion 38, and the gripping portion 38 is gripped by the operator when the image holding body unit 16 is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 10a. The gripping portion 38 is provided at the front side of the image holding body 36 in the apparatus depth direction, and a cylindrical portion 40 is provided between the gripping portion 38 and the image holding body 36 in the apparatus depth direction, with the apparatus depth direction being the axial direction. In this way, the gripping portion 38 is attached to the image holding body 36 via the cylindrical portion 40.

[0057] The gripping portion 38 is formed in a plate shape with the plate surface facing the up-down direction, and is rectangular in shape extending in the device depth direction when viewed from above. In addition, a plurality of convex portions (symbols omitted) extending in the device width direction are formed side by side in the device depth direction on the upper surface of the gripping portion 38.

[0058] 〔other〕

[0059] On the other hand, Figure 4 As shown, the developing device 46 has a blocking position (see FIG. 1 ) for blocking the image holding body unit 16 from being separated by operation. Figure 4 ) and the permissible position for allowing the image holding body unit 16 to be detached (refer to Figure 5 When the operating portion 70 moves to the blocking position, the developing roller 60 approaches the image holding member 36 (see Figure 2 ), when the operating portion 70 moves to the permissible position, the developing roller 60 separates from the image holding body (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0060] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in (A) and (B), the image forming apparatus 10 includes a positioning unit 80 that determines the position of the image holding body unit 16 relative to the apparatus body 10a in the attachment and detachment direction of the image holding body unit 16 (in the apparatus depth direction in this embodiment).

[0061] - Operation unit 70 -

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the operation portion 70 is disposed on the front side of the developing device 46 in the device depth direction, and includes a grip member 72 gripped by an operator and a shaft member 74 rotatably supporting the grip member 72 .

[0063] The shaft member 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape, extends in the depth direction of the device, and is rotatably supported by a support member 102 mounted on a frame (not shown). Specifically, the shaft member 74 is disposed on one side of the image holder 36 in the width direction of the device when viewed from the depth direction of the device, and is separated from the image holder unit 16. In addition, the gripping member 72 is mounted on the front side of the shaft member 74 in the depth direction of the device.

[0064] The gripping member 72 includes a blocking portion 72a, which is disposed at the front side of the gripping portion 38 in the device depth direction when the operating portion 70 is disposed in the blocking position. The blocking portion 72a is configured to be a plate-shaped plate with the plate surface facing the up-down direction when the operating portion 70 is disposed in the blocking position, and is a rectangular shape extending in the device width direction when viewed from above. In addition, a plurality of convex portions (symbols omitted) extending in the device depth direction are formed side by side in the device width direction on the upper surface of the blocking portion 72a.

[0065] In addition, a cam member (not shown) is provided on the convex portion 88 of the positioning portion 80, and a contact portion (not shown) of the developing device 46 applies force to the peripheral surface of the cam member. As a result, the developing device 46 moves in conjunction with the movement of the operating portion 70 to move to the close position (see FIG. 1 ) where the developing roller 60 and the image holding body 36 are close to each other. Figure 2 ) and the separation position where the developing roller 60 is separated from the image holding body 36 (refer to Figure 3 )move.

[0066] Specifically, the frame 64 of the developing device 46 extends in the depth direction of the device and is supported to be rotatable around a shaft member (not shown) provided on the developing device 46. In addition, the frame 64 of the developing device 46 is linked to the movement of the operating portion 70, and rotates around a shaft member (not shown) via a cam member, and the developing device 46 moves to a close position (refer to FIG. 1 ) where the developing roller 60 and the image holding body 36 are close. Figure 2 ) and the separation position where the developing roller 60 is separated from the image holding body 36 (refer to Figure 3 )move.

[0067] In this structure, the rotation range of the operation portion 70 is limited by a stopper (not shown) to a blocking position (see FIG. 1 ) that blocks the image holding body unit 16 from detaching. Figure 4 ) and the permissible position for allowing the image holding body unit 16 to be detached (refer to Figure 5 )move.

[0068] Specifically, when the holding member 72 is moved to the blocking position, Figure 4 As shown in the figure, when viewed from the depth direction of the device, the blocking portion 72a of the operation portion 70 overlaps with the grip portion 38 of the image holding body unit 16 and is arranged on the front side of the grip portion 38 in the depth direction of the device. In this way, the operation portion 70 moved to the blocking position blocks the detachment of the image holding body unit 16. In addition, the developing device 46 moves to the approach position in conjunction with the movement of the operation portion 70 to the blocking position.

[0069] On the other hand, when the operating unit 70 is moved to the allowable position, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the depth direction of the device, the gripping member 72 is separated from the image holding body unit 16. Thus, the operation unit 70 moved to the allowable position allows the image holding body unit 16 to be separated toward the front side in the depth direction of the device. Furthermore, the developing device 46 moves to the separated position in conjunction with the movement of the operation unit 70 to the allowable position.

[0070] - Positioning portion 80 -

[0071] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the positioning portion 80 includes a recessed portion 82 formed in the cylindrical portion 40 of the image holding body unit 16 and a protruding portion 88 that moves in conjunction with the operation portion 70 and is insertable and removable with respect to the recessed portion 82 .

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown in (A) and (B), the recessed portion 82 is open toward the shaft member 74 in the device width direction. In other words, the recessed portion 82 is formed to be recessed in the device width direction. The device width direction is an example of a cross direction.

[0073] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the recess 82 extends along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 40, and is formed with a guide surface 82a for guiding the convex portion 88 toward the recess 82 when the convex portion 88 is inserted into the recess 82, and a depth surface 82b facing the front side in the depth direction of the device.

[0074] The guide surface 82a is formed in the opening portion of the recess 82 on the inner side in the device depth direction, extending along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 40, and the opening width of the recess 82 is expanded in the device depth direction by being inclined relative to the device width direction. In addition, the depth surface 82b is configured to be in contact with the edge of the guide surface 82a on the front side in the depth direction. In addition, the guide surface 82a is also inclined relative to the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 40.

[0075] In contrast, Figure 6 As shown in (A) and (B), the projection 88 is attached to the shaft member 74 of the operation portion 70 and has a base 90 surrounding the shaft member 74 and a projection 92 projecting from the base 90 in the radial direction of the shaft member 74. The projection 88 is an example of a part of the positioning portion 80.

[0076] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the cross section of the protrusion 92 is set to a rectangular shape, and the protrusion 92 is formed with a guide surface 92a for guiding the protrusion 92 toward the recess 82 when the protrusion 92 of the convex part 88 is inserted into the recess 82, and a depth surface 92b facing the inner side in the depth direction of the device. The guide surface 92a is an example of another guide surface.

[0077] The guide surface 92a is formed to extend in the radial direction of the shaft member 74 at the inner portion of the protrusion 92 in the device depth direction, and is inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the shaft member 74. In addition, the depth surface 92b is arranged to contact the inner edge of the guide surface 92a in the depth direction.

[0078] In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a biasing member 98 (see Figure 4 , Figure 5 ), when the operating portion 70 in the allowable position is moved to the blocking position with the image holding body unit 16 mounted on the device body 10a, the force-applying component 98 applies force to the image holding body unit 16 so that the guide surface 82a of the recess 82 contacts the guide surface 92a of the protrusion 92.

[0079] In this structure, if Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the operation unit 70 is arranged at the permitted position, the image holding body unit 16 separated from the device body 10a is moved to the inner side in the device depth direction and installed in the device body 10a. In this state, the positioning of the image holding body unit 16 relative to the device body 10a is released. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, the operating portion 70 in the allowing position is rotated and moved to the preventing position.

[0080] When the operating portion 70 at the allowable position is rotated and moved to the blocking position, Figure 7 , Figure 8 The guide surface 92a of the protrusion 92 in the convex portion 88 of the positioning portion 80 shown in the figure contacts the guide surface 82a of the concave portion 82. Specifically, the image holding body unit 16 is biased by the biasing member 98 (see Figure 4 ) is applied to the front side of the device in the depth direction, and the guide surface 82a of the recessed portion 82 contacts the guide surface 92a of the protruding portion 92. In this way, while the guide surface 82a contacts the guide surface 92a, the convex portion 88 rotates, guides the convex portion 88 to the recessed portion 82, and inserts it into the recessed portion 82 (see Figure 7 ).

[0081] In addition, when the convex portion 88 is inserted into the concave portion 82, the image holding body unit 16 is urged toward the front side in the device depth direction by the urging force of the urging member 98, whereby the depth surface 82b of the concave portion 82 contacts the depth surface 92b of the protrusion 92 when the convex portion 88 is inserted into the concave portion 82 (see FIG. Figure 7 ) In this way, the image holding body unit 16 is positioned relative to the device body 10a in the device depth direction.

[0082] On the other hand, when the operating portion 70 at the blocking position is rotated and moved to the allowing position, Figure 7 , Figure 8 The protruding portion 92 of the convex portion 88 shown is pulled out from the concave portion 82, and the positioning of the image holding body unit 16 relative to the device body 10a is released.

[0083] Thus, the moving force of the operation part 70 is transmitted to the convex part 88 of the positioning part 80, and the convex part 88 is inserted into or removed from the concave part 82. Here, the moving force is the operation force that moves the convex part 88 by operating the operation part 70.

[0084] (Summary)

[0085] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the image holding body unit 16 is mounted on the apparatus body 10a and the operation portion 70 is arranged at the allowable position, Figure 3 As shown, the developing roller 60 is arranged at a separated position from the image holding body 36. In this state, when the operating portion 70 at the allowable position is rotated and moved to the blocking position, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the developing roller 60 moves to a position close to the image holding body 36. Figure 4As shown, the blocking portion 72a of the gripping member 72 in the operating unit 70 is arranged on the front side of the gripping portion 38 of the image holding body unit 16 in the device depth direction. Thus, the image holding body unit 16 is prevented from moving to the front side in the device depth direction and detaching from the device main body 10a. In addition, the convex portion 88 of the positioning portion 80 rotates as the operating unit 70 rotates, and the protruding portion 92 of the convex portion 88 is inserted into the concave portion 82. Thus, the image holding body unit 16 is positioned on the device main body 10a in the device depth direction.

[0086] In this way, in a structure where the developing roller 60 approaches or separates from the image holder 36 in conjunction with the operation of the operating portion 70 that prevents or allows the image holder unit 16 from detaching, the image holder unit 16 is positioned relative to the apparatus body 10a without having to operate the positioning portion 80 independently.

[0087] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the operating portion 70 at the blocking position is rotated and moved to the allowing position, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 92 of the convex portion 88 in the positioning portion 80 is pulled out from the concave portion 82, and the positioning of the image holding body unit 16 relative to the device body 10a is released. In this way, the positioning of the image holding body unit 16 can be released without operating the positioning portion separately.

[0088] In the image forming apparatus 10, the moving force of the operation portion 70 is transmitted to the convex portion 88 of the positioning portion 80, and the convex portion 88 is inserted into or removed from the concave portion 82. In other words, the moving force of the operation portion 70 is transmitted to the positioning portion 80, and the positioning portion 80 positions the image holding body unit 16 relative to the apparatus main body 10a, or releases the positioning of the image holding body unit 16 relative to the apparatus main body 10a. In this way, the positioning portion 80 can function without operating the actuator by electric power.

[0089] In the image forming apparatus 10, the operation portion 70 includes a gripping member 72 for the operator to grip and a shaft member 74 for rotatably supporting the gripping member 72, and the convex portion 88 constituting the positioning portion 80 is attached to the shaft member 74. The convex portion 88 is rotated by the rotational force of the shaft member 74 and is inserted and removed from the concave portion 82. Thus, compared with the case where the moving force of the operation portion is transmitted to the positioning portion using a connecting rod, the mechanism for transmitting the moving force is simple.

[0090] In the image forming apparatus 10, the positioning portion 80 includes a recessed portion 82 and a protruding portion 92 of a protruding portion 88, the recessed portion 82 is recessed in a direction intersecting with the mounting and dismounting direction of the image holding body unit 16, i.e., the device width direction, and the protruding portion 92 of the protruding portion 88 is moved in conjunction with the operation portion 70 and is insertable and removable relative to the recessed portion 82. Furthermore, the recessed portion 82 and the protruding portion 88 are arranged at a portion of the image holding body unit 16 on the front side in the device depth direction. In other words, the recessed portion 82 and the protruding portion 88 are arranged at a portion on the detaching side in the mounting and dismounting direction of the image holding body unit 16. In this way, compared with a case where the image holding body unit is positioned by engaging a recessed portion and a protruding portion recessed in the mounting and dismounting direction of the image holding body unit, i.e., the device depth direction, the recessed portion 82 and the protruding portion 88 are arranged at a portion on the front side in the device depth direction.

[0091] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, the protrusion 92 of the convex portion 88 of the positioning portion 80 is formed with a guide surface 92a, which guides the protrusion 92 to the concave portion 82 when the protrusion 92 is inserted into the concave portion 82. In addition, the concave portion 82 of the positioning portion 80 is formed with a guide surface 82a, which guides the protrusion 92 to the concave portion 82 when the protrusion 92 of the convex portion 88 is inserted into the concave portion 82 and can contact the guide surface 92a, and is inclined with respect to the device width direction. As a result, the protrusion 92 of the convex portion 88 is easier to insert into the concave portion 82 than in the case where the cross section of the concave portion is rectangular and the cross section of the protrusion is rectangular.

[0092] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, a biasing member 98 is provided, and when the protrusion 92 of the convex portion 88 of the positioning portion 80 is inserted into the concave portion 82, the biasing member 98 biases the image holding body unit 16 so that the guide surface 82a of the concave portion 82 contacts the guide surface 92a of the protrusion 92. Thus, the protrusion 92 of the convex portion 88 is smoothly inserted into the concave portion 82, compared with a case where the guide surface 82a is unstable relative to the guide surface 92a.

[0093] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, a biasing member 98 is provided, and when the protruding portion 92 of the convex portion 88 of the positioning portion 80 is inserted into the concave portion 82, the biasing member 98 biases the image holding body unit 16 so that the deep surface 82b of the concave portion 82 contacts the deep surface 92b of the protruding portion 92. Thus, the positioning accuracy of the image holding body unit 16 relative to the apparatus main body 10a is improved compared to a case where the convex portion inserted into the concave portion shakes relative to the concave portion.

[0094] In addition, the present invention has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various other embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention, which is obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the moving force of the operating portion 70 is transmitted to the positioning portion 80, and the positioning portion 80 positions the image holding body unit 16 relative to the device body 10a, or releases the positioning of the image holding body unit 16 relative to the device body 10a. However, for example, the positioning portion can also be made to function by using electric power to make the actuator work in conjunction with the rotation of the operating portion. In this case, the function achieved by the positioning portion 80 using the moving force of the operating portion 70 is invalid.

[0095] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the convex portion 88 constituting the positioning portion 80 is attached to the shaft member 74, and the rotational force of the rotating shaft member 74 is transmitted to the convex portion 88, and the convex portion 88 is inserted and removed from the recessed portion 82. However, for example, a connecting rod or the like may be used to transmit the moving force of the operating portion 70 to the convex portion 88. In this case, the effect achieved by the rotational force of the rotating shaft member 74 being transmitted to the convex portion 88 and the convex portion 88 being inserted and removed from the recessed portion 82 is invalidated.

[0096] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the guide surface 92a is formed on the protrusion 92 of the convex part 88 of the positioning part 80, and the guide surface 82a is formed on the concave part 82. However, for example, the cross section of the concave part may be rectangular, and the cross section of the protrusion may be rectangular. At least one of them may be rectangular. In this case, the effect achieved by forming the guide surface on the convex part 88 and the concave part 82 is invalid.

[0097] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the force applying member 98 applies force to the image holding body unit 16 toward the front side in the device depth direction, but a limiting member may be provided to limit the moving range of the image holding body unit 16 in the device depth direction in a state where the force applying member 98 applies force to the image holding body unit 16. Specifically, the limiting member limits the moving range of the image holding body unit 16 so that the guide surface 82a and the guide surface 92a are in contact with each other, thereby effectively bringing the guide surfaces 92a into contact with each other.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the recessed portion 82 of the positioning portion 80 is formed on the image holding body unit 16 and the protruding portion 88 is attached to the shaft member 74. However, the protruding portion may be attached to the image holding body unit and the recessed portion may be formed on the shaft member.

[0099] (Note)

[0100] (((1)))An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0101] An image holding body unit, the image holding body unit being attachable to and detachable from the device body and having an image holding body;

[0102] a developing roller that delivers toner to the image holding body at a position close to the image holding body;

[0103] an operating portion, the operating portion being operated to move to a blocking position for blocking the image holding body unit from the device main body and to a allowing position for allowing the image holding body unit to be separated from the device main body, the developing roller being linked therewith to approach the image holding body when moving to the blocking position, and being linked therewith to separate from the image holding body when moving to the allowing position; and

[0104] A positioning portion is configured to position the image holding body unit relative to the device main body in a mounting and removal direction of the image holding body unit when the operation portion moves to the blocking position.

[0105] (((2)))The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

[0106] When the operation portion moves to the allowable position, the positioning portion releases the positioning of the image holding body unit relative to the apparatus body.

[0107] (((3)))The image forming apparatus according to (((2))), wherein:

[0108] The moving force of the operation portion is directly or indirectly transmitted to the positioning portion, and the positioning portion positions the image holding body unit relative to the device body, and releases the positioning of the image holding body unit relative to the device body.

[0109] (((4)))The image forming apparatus according to (((3))), wherein:

[0110] The operating portion includes a gripping member for an operator to grip and a shaft member that rotatably supports the gripping member.

[0111] A portion constituting the positioning portion is directly mounted on the shaft member.

[0112] (((5)))The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein:

[0113] The positioning portion includes a recessed portion provided in the image holding body unit and recessed in a direction intersecting with a mounting and removal direction of the image holding body unit, and a convex portion that moves together with the operation portion and is inserted and removed from the recessed portion.

[0114] (((6)))The image forming device according to (((5))), wherein:

[0115] The operating portion includes a gripping member for the operator to grip and a shaft member that rotatably supports the gripping member and extends along the attachment and detachment direction.

[0116] The convex portion is mounted on the shaft member and protrudes in the radial direction of the shaft member.

[0117] The concave portion is recessed in the intersecting direction so that the rotating convex portion can be inserted and removed.

[0118] The recessed portion is provided with a guide surface, and when the convex portion is inserted into the recessed portion, the guide surface guides the convex portion toward the recessed portion, and the guide surface is inclined relative to the intersecting direction to expand the opening width of the recessed portion.

[0119] The convex portion is provided with another guide surface, which guides the convex portion toward the concave portion and can contact the guide surface when the convex portion is inserted into the concave portion, and the other guide surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the shaft member.

[0120] According to the image forming device (((1))), in a structure in which the developing roller approaches or separates from the image retaining body in conjunction with the operation of an operating portion that prevents or allows the image retaining body unit to detach, the image retaining body unit can be positioned relative to the device body without independently operating the positioning portion.

[0121] According to the image forming apparatus of (((2))), the positioning of the image holding body unit can be released without independently operating the positioning portion.

[0122] According to the image forming apparatus of (((3))), the positioning portion can function without operating the actuator using electric power.

[0123] According to the image forming apparatus of (((4))), compared with the case where the moving force of the operating portion is transmitted to the positioning portion using a link, the mechanism for transmitting the moving force can be made into a simple structure.

[0124] According to the image forming apparatus of (((5))), compared with the case where the image holding body unit is positioned by engaging the concave portion recessed in the attachment and detachment direction with the convex portion, the positioning portion can be arranged on the detaching side in the attachment and detachment direction.

[0125] According to the image forming apparatus of (((6))), the convex portion can be easily inserted into the concave portion, compared with a case where the concave portion has a rectangular cross section and the convex portion has a rectangular cross section.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: An image holding body unit, the image holding body unit being attachable to and detachable from the device body and having an image holding body; a developing roller that delivers toner to the image holding body at a position close to the image holding body; an operating portion, the operating portion being operated to move to a blocking position for blocking the image holding body unit from separating from the device main body and to a allowing position for allowing the image holding body unit to separate from the device main body, the developing roller being linked therewith to approach the image holding body when moving to the blocking position, and being linked therewith to separate from the image holding body when moving to the allowing position; as well as A positioning portion is configured to position the image holding body unit relative to the apparatus main body in a mounting and removal direction of the image holding body unit when the operation portion moves to the blocking position.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the operation portion moves to the allowable position, the positioning portion releases the positioning of the image holding body unit relative to the apparatus body.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The moving force of the operation portion is directly or indirectly transmitted to the positioning portion, and the positioning portion positions the image holding body unit relative to the device body, and releases the positioning of the image holding body unit relative to the device body.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The operating portion includes a gripping member for an operator to grip and a shaft member that rotatably supports the gripping member. A portion constituting the positioning portion is directly attached to the shaft member.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The positioning portion includes a recessed portion provided in the image holding body unit and recessed in a direction intersecting with a mounting and removal direction of the image holding body unit, and a convex portion that moves together with the operation portion and is inserted and removed from the recessed portion.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The operating portion includes a gripping member for an operator to grip and a shaft member that rotatably supports the gripping member and extends along the attachment and detachment direction. The convex portion is mounted on the shaft member and protrudes in the radial direction of the shaft member. The concave portion is recessed in the intersecting direction so that the rotating convex portion can be inserted and removed. The recessed portion is provided with a guide surface, and when the convex portion is inserted into the recessed portion, the guide surface guides the convex portion toward the recessed portion, and the guide surface is inclined relative to the intersecting direction to expand the opening width of the recessed portion. The convex portion is provided with another guide surface, which guides the convex portion toward the concave portion and can contact the guide surface when the convex portion is inserted into the concave portion, and the other guide surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the shaft member.

Images