Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a main body frame; a processing unit that is removably mounted in the first direction with respect to the mounting region; a pressing member that presses the processing unit toward one side in the second direction; and a restricting member that restricts a positional displacement of the processing unit in the second direction, the processing unit having a restricting plate protruding downward from the unit frame, the restricting member having a pair of clamping surfaces that clamp the restricting plate in the second direction, and the restricting member being configured to restrict a positional displacement of the processing unit in the second direction by mounting the processing unit in the mounting region. The processing unit is pressed toward one side in the second direction by the pressing member, and the restricting plate is brought into contact with the nip surface located on the one side in the second direction, thereby restricting the positional displacement of the processing unit in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A conventional image forming apparatus includes a process unit that is detachably mounted on the apparatus body. The process unit includes a photosensitive drum and the like, and performs a process of developing an electrostatic latent image into a toner image.

[0003] In the structure that the processing unit can be attached and detached relative to the device body, it is easy to replace the processing unit. However, when the processing unit is installed on the device body, if the processing unit cannot be positioned with high precision relative to the device body, the problem of reduced print image quality will occur. Summary of the invention

[0004] To solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a structure in which a processing unit is detachable from a main body of the apparatus and the processing unit can be positioned with high precision relative to the main body of the apparatus.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an image forming device in one embodiment of the present invention includes: a main frame having an installation area; a processing unit, which is installed in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded relative to the installation area along a first direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and performs a development process of developing an electrostatic latent image into a colorant image; a pressing member, which presses the processing unit installed in the installation area to one side of a second direction that is horizontally perpendicular to the first direction; and a limiting member, which is arranged in the installation area, and limits the positional deviation of the processing unit installed in the installation area in the second direction. The processing unit has: a unit frame; and a limiting plate, which is arranged on the unit frame, has the second direction as a plate thickness direction and protrudes downward from the unit frame. The limiting member has a pair of clamping surfaces that clamp the limiting plate in the second direction. By installing the processing unit in the installation area, the processing unit is pressed to one side of the second direction by the pressing member, so that the limiting plate abuts against the clamping surface located on one side of the second direction among the pair of clamping surfaces, thereby limiting the positional deviation of the processing unit in the second direction.

[0006] According to the present invention, in a structure including a processing unit that is attachable to and detachable from a device main body, the processing unit can be positioned with high precision relative to the device main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with its front cover opened. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing an image forming section of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the process unit is pulled out. Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a main body side contact of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a high voltage substrate of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a unit-side contact of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of a unit-side contact of the image forming apparatus shown. Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing a contact structure between a main body side contact and a unit side contact of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing a guide member of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig.12 This is a perspective view of the lower left portion of the process unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, as viewed from below. Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between a restriction member and a process unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig.14 It is an enlarged perspective view of a restricting member of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the restriction member and the restriction plate of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig.16 This is a plan view of a process unit and its surroundings of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, as seen from above. Fig.17 This is a side view (a view showing the arrangement position of the contact portion) of the process unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment when viewed from one side in the second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 17 , an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. In the following description, a tandem color laser printer is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to printers, and can also be applied to a digital multifunction machine having a copy function.

[0009] In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the flat ground on which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed is referred to as the up-down direction. In addition, one direction in the horizontal directions perpendicular to the up-down direction is denoted by reference numeral D1 and referred to as the first direction D1, and the other direction perpendicular to the one direction is denoted by reference numeral D2 and referred to as the second direction D2. In addition, "horizontal" is not an absolute horizontal direction, but includes a substantially horizontal direction.

[0010] For example, the first direction D1 is the front-to-back direction (depth direction) of the image forming apparatus 100. One side of the first direction D1 is the front side, and the other side opposite to the one side of the first direction D1 is the rear side. In addition, the second direction D2 is the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the image forming apparatus 100. One side of the second direction D2 is the left side, and the other side opposite to the one side of the second direction D2 is the right side.

[0011] <Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> The image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment has Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image forming apparatus 100 has a main frame 1. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 has a front cover CV. The main frame 1 is covered by a sealing cover (other covers are omitted from the figure) including the front cover CV. The main frame 1 supports the sealing cover. The front cover CV is arranged on one side of the first direction D1. The front cover CV covers the internal area of ​​the image forming apparatus 100 from one side of the first direction D1.

[0012] The main frame 1 has an installation area 100A (see FIG. 1 ) for installing a processing unit 2 described later. Figure 6 and Fig.11 ). The internal area of ​​the image forming device 100 becomes the installation area 100A. The main frame 1 supports the front cover CV so that it can rotate around the axis extending in the second direction D2. The front cover CV rotates by swinging its upper end with its lower end as a fulcrum. In other words, the front cover CV is supported to be openable and closable relative to the main frame 1. By opening the front cover CV, the installation area 100A is exposed to one side of the first direction D1 (refer to Figure 2 By closing the front cover CV, the mounting area 100A is covered from one side in the first direction D1 (see Figure 1 ).

[0013] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main conveying path MP. Figure 3 The main transport path MP is indicated by a solid arrow in the figure, and the double-sided printing transport path DP described later is indicated by a dotted arrow.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a sheet cassette CA. The sheet cassette CA stores sheets S used for printing. The type of the sheets S is not particularly limited.

[0015] In a print job, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies the sheet S from the sheet cassette CA to the main conveyance path MP and conveys the sheet S along the main conveyance path MP. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on the conveyed sheet S. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 transfers a toner image to the conveyed sheet S.

[0016] The sheet cassette CA is installed below the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet cassette CA is attachable to and detachable from the main body (in other words, the main frame 1) of the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet cassette CA can be removed from the main body by pulling the sheet cassette CA out from the main body toward one side in the first direction D1.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 100 includes image forming units 110 for four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each image forming unit 110 forms a toner image of a corresponding color. Hereinafter, the configuration of a certain image forming unit 110 will be described. The basic configurations of the image forming units 110 are the same. Therefore, the configuration of the other image forming units 110 will be described by referring to the following description, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] like Figure 4 As shown, the image forming unit 110 includes a developing cartridge 200. The developing cartridge 200 contains toner of corresponding colors and performs a developing process using the toner. In addition, the image forming unit 110 includes a photosensitive drum 111 and a charging device 112. In addition, the image forming device 100 includes an exposure unit 113 for the image forming unit 110 of four colors. In addition, the image forming unit 110 includes a cleaning device 114.

[0019] When the image is formed by the image forming unit 110, the photosensitive drum 111 is rotated. The charging device 112 charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 111. The exposure unit 113 exposes the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 111 to form an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 111. In addition, as a development process, the developer cartridge 200 supplies toner to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 111 to perform a process of developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. In addition, the toner image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred once to the intermediate transfer belt 121 described later. The cleaning device 114 removes the toner that has not been transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 121 and remains on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 111.

[0020] return Figure 3The image forming apparatus 100 includes an intermediate transfer unit 120. The intermediate transfer unit 120 is disposed below each image forming unit 110. The intermediate transfer unit 120 includes an intermediate transfer belt 121. The intermediate transfer belt 121 is an endless belt.

[0021] The intermediate transfer belt 121 is stretched and supported rotatably by a plurality of rollers including a driving roller 122 (other rollers are not labeled). The intermediate transfer belt 121 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 111 and rotates in this state. The driving roller 122 receives power from a belt motor (not shown) and rotates. The intermediate transfer belt 121 rotates as the driving roller 122 rotates.

[0022] The intermediate transfer unit 120 includes a first transfer roller 123. One first transfer roller 123 is allocated to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each first transfer roller 123 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt 121. Each first transfer roller 123 is arranged opposite to the photosensitive drum 111 of the corresponding color and sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 121.

[0023] The intermediate transfer unit 120 includes a second transfer roller 124. The second transfer roller 124 is in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 121, and forms a transfer nip with the intermediate transfer belt 121. The main conveying path MP passes through the transfer nip.

[0024] Each image forming unit 110 forms a toner image of a corresponding color. Furthermore, each first transfer roller 123 transfers the toner image to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 121. That is, the intermediate transfer belt 121 receives the transfer of the toner image from the processing unit 2 described later. The intermediate transfer belt 121 carries the toner image transferred from each photosensitive drum 111 on the outer peripheral surface and rotates. When the sheet S passes through the transfer slit, the sheet S contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 121. A transfer electric field is formed between the second transfer roller 124 and the intermediate transfer belt 121, and the toner image is secondarily transferred to the sheet S passing through the transfer slit.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a fixing roller pair 130. The fixing roller pair 130 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller has a built-in heater. The pressure roller forms a fixing nip with the heating roller by being in pressure contact with the heating roller, and the fixing roller pair 130 rotates while sandwiching a sheet S conveyed from the transfer nip. That is, the fixing roller pair 130 heats and presses the sheet S passing through the fixing nip. In this way, the fixing roller pair 130 fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet S on the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray ET.

[0026] As a printing job, the image forming apparatus 100 can perform not only a single-sided printing job of printing a toner image on only one side of a sheet S, but also a double-sided printing job of printing a toner image on both sides of a sheet S. To perform the double-sided printing job, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a double-sided printing conveying path DP.

[0027] The duplex printing conveying path DP branches from the main conveying path MP downstream of the fixing slit in the sheet conveying direction, and merges with the main conveying path MP upstream of the transfer slit in the sheet conveying direction.

[0028] When the executed job is a single-sided printing job, the sheet S passes through the transfer slit only once, and the primary transfer process is performed on the sheet S that passes through the transfer slit. After the primary transfer process, the sheet S is directly discharged to the discharge tray ET.

[0029] When the job to be executed is a double-sided printing job, the sheet S passes through the transfer slit twice because the front and back sides of the sheet S are transferred once respectively. Specifically, when the sheet S passes through the transfer slit for the first time, the transfer process is performed on one side of the sheet S. After the first transfer process, after the rear end of the sheet S passes through the fixing slit and before the sheet S is completely discharged to the discharge tray ET, the sheet S is switched back. In this way, the sheet S is introduced into the double-sided printing conveying path DP from its rear end.

[0030] Then, the sheet S is conveyed along the double-sided printing conveying path DP. Furthermore, the sheet S is returned to the main conveying path MP from the upstream side of the transfer slit in the sheet conveying direction. The sheet S returned to the main conveying path MP passes through the transfer slit again. At this time, the direction of the front and back sides of the sheet S is reversed compared to the previous time it passed through the transfer slit. In this way, when the sheet S passes through the transfer slit for the second time, the other side opposite to the one side of the sheet S is subjected to transfer processing.

[0031] <Processing unit configuration> The image forming apparatus 100 includes a processing unit 2 that performs a development process for developing an electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Specifically, four image forming units 110 corresponding to four colors, namely, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, are unitized to form the processing unit 2. In other words, the processing unit 2 includes at least four developing cartridges 200 corresponding to four colors, namely, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0032] The processing unit 2 has a unit frame 21 (see Figure 5). Four image forming units 110 are arranged on the unit frame 21. That is, four developing cartridges 200 are arranged on the unit frame 21. By arranging the four image forming units 110 on the unit frame 21, the four image forming units 110 are unitized.

[0033] The four image forming units 110 are arranged in the first direction D1. That is, the four developing boxes 200 are arranged in the first direction D1. Here, the unit frame 21 has at least a pair of side plates that clamp the four image forming units 110 in the second direction D2. In addition, among the pair of side plates, the left side plate arranged on one side (left side) in the second direction D2 is equivalent to the "unit side plate", and the figure mark 210 is sometimes marked and referred to as the unit side plate 210 in the following description. The pair of side plates of the unit frame 21 including the unit side plate 210 supports each rotating body included in the four image forming units 110 so that it can rotate.

[0034] The unit frame 21 is installed relative to the main frame 1 in a manner that it can be attached and detached in the horizontal direction (specifically, the first direction D1). In this way, the processing unit 2 can be attached and detached relative to the device body (i.e., the main frame 1) of the image forming apparatus 100 in the horizontal direction. When the image forming apparatus 100 is maintained, the processing unit 2 is removed from the device body. For example, when a certain developing cartridge 200 is replaced, the processing unit 2 is removed from the device body.

[0035] In the removal operation of the processing unit 2, first, the front cover CV is opened in a state where the processing unit 2 is installed in the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 (that is, the unit frame 21 is installed in the main frame 1). By opening the front cover CV, the front cover CV is opened. Figure 2 The processing unit 2 is in the state shown. That is, the processing unit 2 is exposed to one side in the first direction D1. And, from this state, the unit frame 21 is pulled out to one side in the first direction D1. The processing unit 2 is removed from the main frame 1 by being pulled out to one side in the first direction D1 from the state installed in the installation area 100A.

[0036] For example, the unit frame 21 has a grip portion 2 a that is gripped by a worker who removes the processing unit 2 . Figure 5 The processing unit 2 is shown in a state where it is pulled out to one side in the first direction D1 relative to the main frame 1 .

[0037] By pulling out the processing unit 2 from the main frame 1, the four developing cartridges 200 are exposed upward. The four developing cartridges 200 are installed relative to the unit frame 21 in a manner that they can be independently loaded and unloaded. Under this structure, even if a certain developing cartridge 200 is removed from the unit frame 21, the other developing cartridges 200 are still installed on the unit frame 21. That is, in order to remove all four developing cartridges 200 from the unit frame 21, it is necessary to remove the four developing cartridges 200 separately. Regarding the structural elements different from the developing cartridge 200, such as the photosensitive drum 111 in the image forming unit 110, they are all fixedly mounted on the unit frame 21 and cannot be removed from the unit frame 21.

[0038] The four developing cartridges 200 are vertically attachable and detachable to the unit frame 21. When removed from the unit frame 21, the four developing cartridges 200 are lifted up relative to the unit frame 21. Therefore, the unit frame 21 does not cover the four developing cartridges 200 from above.

[0039] <Contact structure of the device body and processing unit> The image forming apparatus 100 has Figure 6 to Figure 10 Thus, when the processing unit 2 is mounted on the main frame 1, the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus 100 and the processing unit 2 are electrically connected.

[0040] Specific as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body side contact 10. The main body side contact 10 is connected to a high voltage substrate 100B. The high voltage substrate 100B is arranged on the main body frame 1. In this way, the main body side contact 10 is arranged on the main body frame 1. In addition, Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the installation area 100A as viewed from the left front of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0041] The high voltage substrate 100B is arranged on the right side of the main frame 1. The main body side contact 10 protrudes from the right side of the main frame 1 to the mounting area 100A. In other words, the main body side contact 10 protrudes in the second direction D2. In other words, at least a part of the main body side contact 10 is arranged in the mounting area 100A. In this way, the main body side contact 10 can contact the processing unit 2 arranged in the mounting area 100A.

[0042] In addition, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a unit side contact 20. The unit side contact 20 is disposed on the process unit 2. In other words, the process unit 2 includes the unit side contact 20. The unit side contact 20 is supported by a unit frame 21. The unit side contact 20 is exposed from a through hole 21a formed on the unit frame 21. The unit side contact 20 is connected to the components of the process unit 2 (such as the photosensitive drum 111 and the developing cartridge 200).

[0043] The number of the main body side contacts 10 is plural. The number of the main body side contacts 10 is 10. The plurality of main body side contacts 10 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The plurality of main body side contacts 10 are classified into an upper column and a lower column. The upper column includes 4 main body side contacts 10, and the lower column includes 6 main body side contacts 10.

[0044] The number of the unit-side contacts 20 is the same as the number of the main body-side contacts 10 (i.e., multiple). One unit-side contact 20 is allocated to each of the multiple main body-side contacts 10. If the number of the main body-side contacts 10 is 10, the number of the unit-side contacts 20 is 10. When the processing unit 2 is mounted in the mounting area 100A, the multiple unit-side contacts 20 are respectively in contact with the allocated main body-side contacts 10 among the multiple main body-side contacts 10. In this way, the processing unit 2 is electrically connected to the high-voltage substrate 100B.

[0045] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with focus on one of the main body side contacts 10. Here, the plurality of main body side contacts 10 are made of the same material and have the same shape. Therefore, the following description will be referred to for the other main body side contacts 10, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0046] The main body side contact 10 is a helical torsion spring (see Fig.10 ). That is, the main body side contact 10 has a coil spring portion (reference numerals omitted), and a pair of arm portions 10a and 10b extending from both ends of the coil spring portion in a tangential direction. The helical torsion spring as the main body side contact 10 has an axial direction in the up-down direction. In the helical torsion spring as the main body side contact 10, one arm portion 10a protrudes toward the mounting area 100A and can contact the processing unit 2 mounted in the mounting area 100A. In the helical torsion spring as the main body side contact 10, the other arm portion 10b is fixed and connected to the high voltage substrate 100B.

[0047] The main body side contact 10 presses the processing unit 2 installed in the installation area 100A to one side in the second direction D2 (i.e., from the right side to the left side). By installing the processing unit 2 in the installation area 100A, the main body side contact 10 generates a pressing force on the processing unit 2. In the above configuration, the main body side contact 10 is equivalent to a "pressing member".

[0048] By installing the processing unit 2 in the installation area 100A, Fig.10 The state change of the above figure is Fig.10 In the state of the figure below, the processing unit 2 is pressed toward one side of the second direction D2. Fig.10 The state in the above figure is the state before the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A. Fig.10The state of the lower figure is a state in which the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A.

[0049] exist Fig.10 In the state of the above figure, the unit side contact 20 and the main body side contact 10 are not in contact. Fig.10 In the state shown in the figure above, the processing unit 2 is further pushed into the installation area 100A, and the unit side contact 20 contacts the arm 10a of one side of the main body side contact 10. At this time, the main body side contact 10 is deformed in the torsion direction of the helical torsion spring. Moreover, the processing unit 2 is further pushed into the installation area 100A. In this way, Fig.10 In the state of the figure below, the processing unit 2 is pressed by the main body side contact 10 toward one side of the second direction D2.

[0050] Fig.10 The arrow Db in FIG. 1 represents the push direction of the processing unit 2 when the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A. Fig.10 The arrow Da in the figure represents the direction in which the processing unit 2 installed in the installation area 100A is pulled out when it is removed from the main frame 1. The same applies to the drawings referred to in the following description. In addition, the pulling-out direction Da of the processing unit 2 corresponds to the direction to one side of the first direction D1, and the pushing-in direction Db of the processing unit 2 corresponds to the direction to the other side opposite to the one side of the first direction D1.

[0051] <Installation and removal guidance of processing unit> like Fig.11 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a guide member 30. The guide member 30 is disposed on one side of the installation area 100A in the second direction D2 (lower left side of the installation area 100A). The guide member 30 is supported by the main frame 1 and is disposed in the installation area 100A. In other words, the main frame 1 includes the guide member 30 disposed in the installation area 100A.

[0052] The guide member 30 has a guide surface 31 extending in the first direction D1. The upper surface of the guide member 30 is the guide surface 31. The upper surface of the guide member 30 (i.e., the guide surface 31) is not flat. Although not shown, a guide member similar to the guide member 30 is arranged on the other side of the installation area 100A in the second direction D2 (lower right side of the installation area 100A).

[0053] When the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the guide member 30 is disposed below the processing unit 2. The guide member 30 guides the processing unit 2 to be installed and removed from the installation area 100A. The processing unit 2 moves along the guide surface 31 in the first direction D1 to be installed and removed from the installation area 100A.

[0054] Specific as Fig.12 As shown, the processing unit 2 has a roller 22, and the roller 22 can rotate around an axis extending in the second direction D2. The roller 22 is supported by the unit frame 21 so as to be rotatable. The roller 22 is arranged on the unit side plate 210 (i.e., the left side plate). The roller 22 is arranged at the end of the other side (i.e., the rear side) of the unit side plate 210 in the first direction D1. In other words, the roller 22 is arranged at the end of the upstream side in the extraction direction of the processing unit 2 when the processing unit 2 is removed from the main frame 1.

[0055] When the processing unit 2 is loaded and unloaded relative to the installation area 100A, the roller 22 moves on the guide surface 31. When the processing unit 2 is loaded and unloaded relative to the installation area 100A, by slightly lifting the gripping portion 2a of the unit frame 21, it is in a state where only the roller 22 contacts the guide surface 31. In the above state, when the processing unit 2 is pushed in or pulled out, the roller 22 rotates, and the processing unit 2 moves in the first direction D1. In this way, the loading and unloading of the processing unit 2 becomes easy. In other words, the loading and unloading of the processing unit 2 relative to the installation area 100A is guided. In addition, although not shown in the figure, a roller may be arranged on the right side plate of the unit frame 21, and a component replacing the roller may be arranged.

[0056] <Positioning of processing units> like Figure 13 to Figure 15 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a limiting member 40. The limiting member 40 is disposed on one side of the second direction D2 in the installation area 100A (lower left side of the installation area 100A). The limiting member 40 is supported by the main frame 1 and is disposed in the installation area 100A. In other words, the main frame 1 includes the limiting member 40 disposed in the installation area 100A.

[0057] When the process unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the restriction member 40 is disposed below the process unit 2. The restriction member 40 restricts positional deviation in the second direction D2 of the process unit 2 installed in the installation area 100A.

[0058] In order to limit the positional deviation of the processing unit 2 by the limiting member 40, the processing unit 2 is provided with a limiting plate 23. The processing unit 2 has a member made of a metal plate (a metal plate subjected to various processes) as the limiting plate 23. The limiting plate 23 has the second direction D2 as the plate thickness direction and protrudes downward from the unit frame 21. In addition, the limiting plate 23 is supported by the unit side plate 210 (left side plate).

[0059] The unit side plate 210 includes an inner side plate 211 and an outer side plate 212. The inner side plate 211 constitutes the inner side surface of the unit side plate 210, and the outer side plate 212 constitutes the outer side surface of the unit side plate 210. The unit side plate 210 is obtained by assembling the inner side plate 211 and the outer side plate 212 with each other in the second direction D2. The restricting plate 23 is clamped between the inner side plate 211 and the outer side plate 212 in the second direction D2.

[0060] In addition, although not shown, the inner side plate 211 has positioning portions for positioning various structural elements (such as the photosensitive drum 111 and the developing cartridge 200) of the processing unit 2. The outer side plate 212 supports a drive system for driving various structural elements (such as the photosensitive drum 111 and the developing cartridge 200) of the processing unit 2. The outer side plate 212 covers the drive system from the outside in the second direction D2.

[0061] When viewed from the first direction D1, the restricting member 40 is a U-shaped member with an upper opening. In other words, the restricting member 40 is a concave member that is recessed from above downward and penetrates in the first direction D1.

[0062] The restricting member 40 has a pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42 that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. One clamping surface 41 is located on one side in the second direction D2, and the other clamping surface 42 is located on the other side in the second direction D2. That is, one clamping surface 41 is a surface facing the other side in the second direction D2, and the other clamping surface 42 is a surface facing one side in the second direction D2. The pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42 clamp the restricting plate 23 in the second direction D2 when the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A.

[0063] By normally installing the processing unit 2 into the installation area 100A, the restricting plate 23 is disposed between the pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42 in the second direction D2. Therefore, when installing the processing unit 2 into the installation area 100A, an operation of pushing the processing unit 2 into the installation area 100A while aligning the restricting plate 23 with the position of the restricting member 40 in the second direction D2 is performed. At this time, when viewed from the operation direction of the operator (viewed from the front side of the image forming apparatus 100), since the restricting member 40 is U-shaped, it is easy to perform the alignment of the restricting plate 23 with the restricting member 40 in the second direction D2.

[0064] In the state where the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the processing unit 2 is pressed by the main body side contact 10 toward one side in the second direction D2. In other words, in the state where the restricting plate 23 is clamped by the pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42 in the second direction D2, the processing unit 2 is pressed by the main body side contact 10 toward one side in the second direction D2.

[0065] At this time, the restricting plate 23 abuts against the clamping surface 41 located on one side in the second direction D2 (refer to Fig.15 ).exist Fig.15 The blank arrow in the figure indicates the direction in which the main body side contact 10 as the pressing member presses the processing unit 2, and the reference symbol Dp is given.

[0066] The limiting plate 23 is in contact with the clamping surface 41 located on one side of the second direction D2, and cannot be further displaced to one side of the second direction D2. In this way, the movement of the processing unit 2 to one side of the second direction D2 is restricted. In addition, since the processing unit 2 is pressed to one side of the second direction D2 by the main body side contact 10, the movement to the other side of the second direction D2 is also restricted. As a result, when the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the positional deviation of the processing unit 2 in the second direction D2 is restricted.

[0067] In the present embodiment, by providing the restriction member 40 on the apparatus body (i.e., the main frame 1) of the image forming apparatus 100 and providing the restriction plate 23 on the process unit 2, when the process unit 2 is mounted in the mounting area 100A, the process unit 2 can be positioned with high accuracy in the second direction D2 relative to the apparatus body (i.e., the main frame 1) of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, since the main parts such as the photosensitive drum 111 that greatly affect the quality of the printed image are one of the structural elements of the process unit 2, by positioning the process unit 2 with high accuracy in the second direction D2, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the quality of the printed image.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the processing unit 2 installed in the installation area 100A is always pressed toward one side in the second direction D2, the processing unit 2 is positioned in the second direction D2 by providing a member for abutting against a part of the processing unit 2 at one side in the second direction D2 of the processing unit 2. Specifically, when the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the limiting plate 23 is clamped by the pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42 in the second direction D2.

[0069] As a result, according to this embodiment, the processing unit 2 can be easily positioned in the second direction D2. In addition, since the main body side contact 10 is used as a pressing member, it is not necessary to provide a pressing member separately. In this way, the complexity and size of the structure can be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of limiting members 40 are arranged in the installation area 100A. Specifically, the limiting members 40 are arranged on one side and the other side of the first direction D1 relative to the center position of the installation area 100A in the first direction D1. In the above configuration, by installing the processing unit 2 in the installation area 100A, the limiting members 40 are arranged on one side and the other side of the first direction D1 relative to the center position of the processing unit 2 in the first direction D1. Moreover, the limiting plate 23 abuts against each limiting member 40 on one side and the other side of the first direction D1. In this way, since the processing unit 2 is positioned on one side and the other side of the first direction D1, the processing unit 2 can be positioned with higher accuracy.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, the limiting member 40 is disposed adjacent to the guide surface 31 in the second direction D2. When the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the processing unit 2 is moved to the other side of the first direction D1 by the roller 22 traveling on the guide surface 31, and the limiting plate 23 is guided to the second direction D2 between the pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42. That is, when the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the limiting plate 23 is disposed to the second direction D2 between the pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42 by moving the processing unit 2 along the guide surface 31 to the other side of the first direction D1. In this way, the limiting plate 23 can be easily disposed to the second direction D2 between the pair of clamping surfaces 41 and 42.

[0072] In this embodiment, in addition to the positioning by the limiting plate 23 and the limiting member 40, positioning is also performed at other locations. Fig.16 and Fig.17 Specific instructions. Fig.16 The pressing direction of the processing unit 2 by the main body side contact 10 as the pressing member is indicated by a blank arrow and is denoted by a reference symbol Dp.

[0073] The main frame 1 includes a main body side plate 11 disposed on one side (i.e., the left side) of the second direction D2 of the installation area 100A. The main body side plate 11 covers the installation area 100A from one side of the second direction D2. When the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the main body side plate 11 and the unit side plate 210 are opposite in the second direction D2.

[0074] The unit side plate 210 has a contact portion 24 protruding toward one side in the second direction D2. The contact portion 24 is integrally formed on the unit side plate 210 (specifically, the outer plate 212). Since the unit side plate 210 is made of resin, the contact portion 24 is also made of resin. Fig.16 and Fig.17 In order to make the contact portion 24 clear, the contact portion 24 is hatched.

[0075] When the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the contact portion 24 protrudes toward the main body side plate 11. Here, when the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, the processing unit 2 is pressed toward one side of the second direction D2 by the main body side contact 10. In this way, the contact portion 24 contacts the main body side plate 11, and the movement of the processing unit 2 toward one side of the second direction D2 is restricted. That is, the positional deviation of the processing unit 2 in the second direction D2 is restricted. In this way, the positioning of the processing unit 2 in the second direction D2 relative to the main body frame 1 can be performed with higher accuracy.

[0076] Here, in the present embodiment, the limiting plate 23 protrudes downward from the unit frame 21 and abuts against the limiting member 40 disposed below the unit frame 21, thereby positioning the processing unit 2 in the second direction D2. On the other hand, the abutting portion 24 is disposed above the portion of the limiting plate 23 that abuts against the limiting member 40. That is, the position of the abutting portion 24 in the up-down direction is located above the position of the portion of the limiting plate 23 that abuts against the limiting member 40 in the up-down direction. For example, the abutting portion 24 is disposed at the approximately central portion of the unit side plate 210 in the up-down direction. In this way, when the processing unit 2 is mounted in the mounting area 100A, even if the processing unit 2 is pressed by the main body side contact 10, the processing unit 2 can be prevented from tilting relative to the up-down direction.

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, the contact portion 24 is arranged at the substantially central portion of the first direction D1 of the unit side plate 210. For example, when viewed from the second direction D2, the contact portion 24 is arranged between the central two developing cartridges 200 of the four developing cartridges 200 in the first direction D1 (refer to Fig.17 Thus, when the processing unit 2 is installed in the installation area 100A, even if the processing unit 2 is pressed by the main body side contact 10, the processing unit 2 can be prevented from tilting relative to the first direction D1. Fig.17 In the figure, the configuration position of the developing cartridge 200 is indicated by a dotted circle mark.

[0078] In addition, all the contents of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiments, but is indicated by the claims, and includes contents equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that include: a main frame having a mounting area; A processing unit is detachably mounted relative to the mounting area in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and performs a development process for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image; A pressing member presses the processing unit installed in the installation area toward one side of a second direction that is horizontally perpendicular to the first direction; as well as a limiting member, arranged in the installation area, for limiting the positional deviation of the processing unit installed in the installation area in the second direction, The processing unit has: Unit frame; as well as The limiting plate is arranged on the unit frame, has the second direction as the plate thickness direction, and protrudes downward from the unit frame. The limiting member has a pair of clamping surfaces for clamping the limiting plate in the second direction, By installing the processing unit in the installation area, the processing unit is pressed toward one side of the second direction by the pressing member, so that the limiting plate abuts against the clamping surface of the pair of clamping surfaces located on one side of the second direction, thereby limiting the position deviation of the processing unit in the second direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting members are respectively arranged on one side and the other side of the first direction relative to the center position of the installation area in the first direction, The restriction plate abuts against each of the restriction members on one side and the other side in the first direction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main frame includes a main body side plate covering the installation area from one side of the second direction, The unit frame includes a unit side plate opposite to the main body side plate in the second direction, The unit side plate has an abutment portion protruding toward the main body side plate, The processing unit is pressed toward one side in the second direction by the pressing member, so that the contact portion contacts the main body side plate, thereby restricting positional deviation of the processing unit in the second direction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The vertical position of the contact portion is higher than the vertical position of a portion of the restriction plate that contacts the restriction member.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The processing unit has four developing cartridges arranged in the first direction, the four developing cartridges are mounted on the unit frame and respectively contain toner for the developing process. The contact portion is arranged between two central developing boxes among the four developing boxes in the first direction when viewed from the second direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A guide member is provided to guide the processing unit to be attached to and detached from the installation area. The guide component has a guide surface extending along the first direction, The processing unit is installed and removed relative to the installation area by moving along the guide surface in the first direction. The limiting member and the guide surface are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, When the processing unit is mounted in the mounting area, the limiting plate is arranged between the pair of clamping surfaces in the second direction by moving the processing unit along the guide surface toward the other side opposite to the one side in the first direction.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A main body side contact point is provided as the pressing member, the main body side contact point is arranged on the main body frame, the main body side contact point protrudes toward the installation area and toward one side of the second direction, and when the processing unit is installed in the installation area, the main body side contact point is electrically connected to the processing unit by contacting the processing unit, The main body side contact is a helical torsion spring, which has a coil spring portion and a pair of arm portions extending from both ends of the coil spring portion in a tangential direction, and the up-down direction is the axial direction of the coil spring portion. The arm portion of one side of the coil torsion spring protrudes toward the mounting area, thereby enabling the main body side contact point and the processing unit to contact each other. When the processing unit is installed in the installation area, the arm portion on one side contacts the processing unit, causing the main body side contact to deform in the torsion direction of the helical torsion spring, and the processing unit is pressed toward one side of the second direction by the main body side contact.

Images