Image holder unit and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses an image holding body unit and an image forming apparatus. The image holding body unit includes: an image holding body that holds an image on a surface; a removal member that removes attachments attached to the surface of the image holding body; a transport unit that discharges and transports the deposits removed by the removal member in the axial direction by means of shaft rotation; and a grip portion for a user to grip when the image holding body unit is inserted into and pulled out of an image forming apparatus that forms an image of the image holding body on a recording medium, the grip portion including a recessed portion, the recessed portion is recessed in the direction of the conveying portion in a cross section intersecting with the axial direction of the conveying portion to form a part of the outer surface, and a wall spaced from the conveying portion is a curved surface.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-93099 discloses an image forming apparatus which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and is characterized in that it has a recovery unit for wrapping up and recovering a detachable unit containing toner and / or carrier when the unit is replaced. Summary of the invention

[0003] Here, it is required to provide a gripping portion of the image holding body unit so that when the image holding body unit is inserted or removed from the image forming apparatus, the user's hands will not be dirty when the user grips the gripping portion of the image holding body unit to perform operations. On the other hand, if the gripping portion is formed by a separate component, the outer shape of the image holding body unit will increase, making it difficult to reduce the storage space when the image holding body unit is stored in the image forming apparatus, and it becomes difficult to achieve space saving.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to achieve space saving compared to a case where a grip portion is constituted by a separate member.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image retaining body unit, comprising: an image retaining body that retains an image on a surface; a removing component that removes attachments attached to the surface of the image retaining body; a conveying portion that discharges and conveys the attachments removed by the removing component in an axial direction by rotating the axis; and a holding portion that is used for a user to hold the image retaining body unit when inserting and removing the image retaining body unit from an image forming device that forms an image of the image retaining body on a recording medium, the holding portion including a recessed portion that is recessed in a direction of the conveying portion in a cross-section intersecting the axial direction of the conveying portion to constitute a part of an outer surface, and the wall separating the conveying portion from the conveying portion is a curved surface.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image holding body unit according to the first aspect, the recessed portion is formed so that a thickness of a wall of the curved surface in the cross section does not change.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image holding body unit according to the first or second aspect, the recessed portion has a bottom surface portion located further back than a position of a rotation axis of the conveying portion.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image holding body unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, the grip portion has a reinforcing portion formed so as to be connected to the wall of the curved surface.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image holding body unit according to the fourth aspect, the recessed portion includes a first region having a long length in the axial direction and a second region having a short length, and the reinforcing portion is formed at a boundary position between the first region and the second region.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image holding body unit based on any one of the first to third aspects, a stripe pattern extending in a concave direction of the concave portion of the cross section is formed on an opposite wall of the cross section opposite to the wall of the curved surface.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image holding body unit according to the sixth aspect, the ribbed pattern extends in a direction intersecting the recessed direction.

[0012] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image holding body unit based on any one of the first to third aspects, the image holding body unit is tilted relative to the image forming device using its own weight in a state where it is pulled out from the image forming device to a position preset in the pulling-out direction.

[0013] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming device, comprising: an image forming unit, which forms an image; an image retaining body unit, which constitutes a part of the image forming unit and is pluggable relative to a device body having the image forming unit, and the image retaining body unit comprises: an image retaining body, which retains an image on a surface; a removal component, which removes attachments attached to the surface of the image retaining body; a conveying unit, which discharges and conveys the attachments removed by the removal component in an axial direction by axial rotation; and a holding portion, which is used for a user to hold the image retaining body unit when plugging and unplugging it from the device body, the holding portion including a recessed portion, which is recessed in a direction of the conveying unit on a cross-section intersecting the axial direction of the conveying unit to constitute a part of an outer surface, and the wall separating it from the conveying unit is a curved surface.

[0014] (Effect)

[0015] According to the first aspect, compared with a structure in which the grip portion is formed by a separate member, space saving can be achieved.

[0016] According to the second aspect, the recessed portion is formed so that the thickness of the wall of the curved surface in the cross section does not change, and the strength can be improved compared to a case where this structure is not provided.

[0017] According to the third aspect, the recessed portion has a bottom surface portion located further back than the position of the rotation axis of the conveying portion, and thus operability can be improved compared to a case where this structure is not provided.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, the grip portion includes the reinforcement portion formed so as to be connected to the curved wall, and the strength can be improved compared to a case where this structure is not provided.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, the recessed portion includes a first region having a long length in the axial direction and a second region having a short length, and the reinforcing portion is formed at the boundary between the first region and the second region, which can improve the strength compared to a case without this structure.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, the ribs extending in the concave direction of the concave portion of the cross section are formed on the wall facing the curved surface in the cross section, and the insertion and removal work can be performed more easily than in a case without this structure.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect, the ribs extend in a direction intersecting the recessed direction, and the insertion and removal work can be performed more easily than in a case where this structure is not provided.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, the image holding body unit is tilted relative to the image forming device by its own weight when pulled out from the image forming device to a position preset in the pulling-out direction. This makes it easier to grasp the timing of gripping the grip portion than when this structure is not provided.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, compared with a case where the grip portion is formed of a separate member, space saving can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an image forming apparatus to which this embodiment is applied;

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a photoreceptor unit;

[0026] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a photosensitive body unit;

[0027] Figure 4 A diagram showing an example of a photosensitive body unit when being gripped by a user to be inserted or removed from an image forming apparatus;

[0028] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the photosensitive body unit for explaining the first operating portion;

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the housing when viewed from the first operating portion side;

[0030] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating a first operating portion of a modified example;

[0031] Figure 8 A diagram for explaining the posture of the photosensitive body unit when the photosensitive body unit is pulled out from the image forming apparatus;

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the posture of the photoreceptor unit when the photoreceptor unit is pulled out from the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the size, thickness, etc. of each part in the drawings referred to in the following description may be different from the actual size.

[0034] <Image Forming Apparatus 100 >

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an image forming apparatus 100 to which the present embodiment is applied.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 includes: a document reading device 1 for reading information of a document G; an image forming unit 2 for forming an image on a recording paper S based on the information of the document read by the document reading device 1 (read image); and a paper feeding unit 3 for feeding the recording paper S fed to the image forming unit 2. In the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 2 and the paper feeding unit 3 are housed inside a main body 101, and the document reading device 1 is disposed above the main body 101. The main body 101 has a discharge storage unit 102 on its upper surface for discharging and storing the recording paper S on which an image is formed.

[0037] The document reading device 1 has a housing 103. In addition, the document reading device 1 has a light-transmitting document table 105 on which a document G is placed, and a document cover 106 that covers the document table 105 and can be opened and closed relative to the housing 103, on the upper surface of the housing 103. The document cover 106 is provided with: an automatic document conveying unit 107 that conveys the document G to a reading position and discharges the read document G; a document tray 108 that loads the document G conveyed by the automatic document conveying unit 107; and a storage unit 109 that stores the document G discharged from the automatic document conveying unit 107.

[0038] The image forming section 2, for example in an electronic photography method, comprises: an image forming unit 20 that forms colorant images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K); an intermediate transfer unit 26 that conveys the colorant image formed by the image forming unit 20 until it is transferred to a recording paper S; and a fixing unit 27 that fixes the colorant image transferred from the intermediate transfer unit 26 to the recording paper S.

[0039] The image forming unit 20 includes a photosensitive body unit 4 indicated by a dotted line corresponding to each color. Each of the photosensitive body units 4 is attachable to and detachable from the main body 101 , and a user can perform an attaching and detaching operation of the photosensitive body unit 4 .

[0040] The paper feed section 3 includes a draw-out storage body 31 capable of loading a plurality of recording papers S of a predetermined size, type, etc., and a delivery device 32 for delivering the recording papers S stored in the storage body 31 one by one to a delivery path. Between the paper feed section 3 and the image forming section 2, a supply delivery path 28 is arranged for delivering the recording papers S delivered from the paper feed section 3 to the secondary transfer position.

[0041] Next, the basic operation of image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0042] First, in the document reading device 1, the user places the document G on either the document table 105 or the document tray 108. Then, when the user operates an operation button (not shown) or the like to receive an instruction to read the document, the reading operation of the document G starts. That is, the document reading device 1 obtains the read information of the document G. Then, the image forming unit 2 performs an image forming operation based on the read information of the document G received from the document reading device 1. At this time, in coordination with the operation of the image forming unit 2, the recording paper S is fed out from the paper feeding unit 3. And, after the toner image is fixed on the recording paper S by the image forming unit 2, it is discharged to the discharge storage unit 102. The above image forming operation is repeated in the same manner as the number of sheets of the document G and the number of sheets of image formation.

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 2 The image forming unit 20 to which the present embodiment is applied will be described. More specifically, the photosensitive body unit 4 constituting a part of the image forming unit 20 will be described. The photosensitive body unit 4 is an example of an image holding body unit.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of the photoconductor unit 4 , and is a diagram when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from the front side.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown in the figure, the photosensitive drum 11 that rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow is provided in the photosensitive unit 4. In addition, the photosensitive unit 4 includes a charging roller 12, an exposure device 13, a developing device 14, a transfer roller 15, and a cleaning device 16 as components arranged around the photosensitive drum 11. In addition, the photosensitive unit 4 may have a structure other than a structure including all these components or a structure without some of them.

[0046] The photosensitive drum 11 is composed of a cylindrical body, and a photosensitive layer (not shown) is formed on the surface of the cylindrical body.

[0047] The charging roller 12 is composed of a conductive rubber roller or the like, and charges the photosensitive drum 11 .

[0048] The exposure device 13 irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 charged by the charging roller 12 with light from a light source such as a laser light source or an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 .

[0049] The developing device 14 causes toner to adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 with toner of a predetermined color. Thus, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 in the present embodiment.

[0050] The developer is stored in the developing device 14. The developer of this embodiment is composed of a magnetic carrier and a colored toner, and is a so-called two-component developer.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a developer container 19 is provided that contains a developer to be supplied to the developing device 14. In the present embodiment, new developer is supplied from the developer container 19 to the developing device 14 through a developer conveying path (not shown).

[0052] The transfer roller 15 is composed of a conductive rubber roller or the like.

[0053] In this embodiment, the area where the transfer roller 15 and the photosensitive drum 11 face each other is a transfer portion T. A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 15. The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, that is, the toner image held by the photosensitive drum 11, is transferred to the belt of the intermediate transfer unit 26 at the transfer portion T.

[0054] The cleaning device 16 is provided with a contact member 16A arranged to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 , and the cleaning device 16 removes attached matter such as toner on the photosensitive drum 11 .

[0055] Next, the specific structure of the photoconductor unit 4 will be described.

[0056] Figure 3It is a cross-sectional view showing the photoconductor unit 4 .

[0057] Figure 3 The photosensitive body unit 4 shown includes a housing 41 and a conveying auger 42 in addition to the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 11 and cleaning device 16 .

[0058] The housing 41 is a component that constitutes the main body of the photosensitive body unit 4, and rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 11 and the conveying screw auger 42. More specifically, the housing 41 supports the photosensitive drum 11 and the conveying screw auger 42 in such a manner that the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 and the rotation axis of the conveying screw auger 42 extend in the same direction. The rotation axes of the photosensitive drum 11 and the conveying screw auger 42 extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0059] The housing 41 has a wall portion 43 located below the transport auger 42 and forming a space for accommodating the transport auger 42. The wall portion 43 is located on the opposite side to the photosensitive drum 11 with the transport auger 42 interposed therebetween.

[0060] The wall portion 43 is an example of a curved wall.

[0061] The conveying screw auger 42 is disposed adjacent to the photosensitive drum 11 and is formed by installing a spiral blade around a rotating shaft. Therefore, when the conveying screw auger 42 rotates, the toner and other attached materials removed by the cleaning device 16 are conveyed in one direction. The storage space of the conveying screw auger 42 formed by the wall portion 43 constitutes a recovery path.

[0062] The transport auger 42 is an example of a transport unit.

[0063] Figure 3 The cleaning device 16 shown is a device for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by removing toner and other attached materials attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The toner and other attached materials removed by the contact member 16A of the cleaning device 16 are recovered in the above-mentioned recovery path, but part of them are splashed in the toner splashing direction 40.

[0064] The contact member 16A of the cleaning device 16 is an example of a removing member.

[0065] The housing 41 will be further described. The housing 41 includes a first operating portion 51 and a second operating portion 52 which are used by a user to perform operations when inserting or removing the photosensitive unit 4 from the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0066] The first operating portion 51 is provided at a middle position of the housing 41 with respect to the up-down direction V, and the second operating portion 52 is provided at a lower portion of the housing 41. To further describe, the first operating portion 51 is formed in a space 53 separated from the conveying auger 42 by the wall portion 43. The space 53 of the first operating portion 51 is formed by being recessed in a direction D from the outer surface toward the conveying auger 42.

[0067] Figure 3 The cross section shown is a cross section intersecting the axial direction of the conveying screw auger 42, and the wall portion 43 forming the space 53 of the first operating portion 51 and the bottom portion 44 described later are examples of a recessed portion that is recessed toward the conveying screw auger 42 and constitutes a part of the outer surface.

[0068] In addition, the housing 41 includes a restriction portion 54, which is located above the first operating portion 51 and restricts the toner splashed from the toner splashing direction 40 toward the space 53. The restriction portion 54 is a shape extending toward the upper side of the up-down direction V and toward the toner splashing direction 40, and is formed in the axial direction of the conveying screw auger 42 (vertical direction of the paper).

[0069] The second operating portion 52 is located at the lower portion of the housing 41 and has a flat surface 52a. The second operating portion 52 has a protruding portion 52b that protrudes in the opposite direction to the first operating portion 51 in order to expand the surface 52a.

[0070] Figure 4 The figure shows an example of a state in which the user holds the photoreceptor unit 4 when inserting or removing it from the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, when the user holds the photoconductor unit 4 with the left hand LH, for example, the user can place the thumb LH1 on the first operating portion 51 and support the second operating portion 52 from below with the remaining four fingers LH2.

[0072] To further explain, since the space 53 is not in the toner splashing direction 40 (refer to Figure 3 ) and the limiting portion 54 corresponding to the toner splashing direction 40 (refer to Figure 3 ) exists, the amount of toner adhesion is suppressed. Therefore, when replacing the photosensitive body unit 4, even if the user touches the first operating portion 51, the toner will not adhere to the user's hand.

[0073] Figure 5 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the photoconductor unit 4 for explaining the first operation portion 51 .

[0074] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 4 , the first operating portion 51 is formed by the wall portion 43. More specifically, the first operating portion 51 is composed of the wall portion 43 and the bottom surface portion 44. Figure 5 As shown, the wall portion 43 and the bottom surface portion 44 are located at different positions in the vertical direction, and the wall portion 43 is located above the bottom surface portion 44 in the vertical direction V. The bottom surface portion 44 is a surface facing the wall portion 43 and is an example of an opposing wall.

[0075] The wall portion 43 is a wall separating from the conveying auger 42, and has a curved surface shape convex toward the space 53. The wall portion 43 is formed so that the thickness is constant in the cross section. Thus, the strength of the wall portion 43 is improved.

[0076] The bottom surface 44 of the wall portion 43 has a portion 53a located further back than a straight line 42b including the rotation axis 42a of the conveying auger 42 and extending in the vertical direction V. The portion 53a is a part of the bottom surface 44, but may be the entire part.

[0077] The bottom surface portion 44 of the present embodiment is located further back than the rotation shaft 42 a , thereby improving the operability when the user uses the first operating portion 51 .

[0078] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the housing 41 as viewed from the first operation portion 51 side.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the first operating part 51 includes a conveying screw conveyor 42 (see, for example, Figure 3 ) in the axial direction J. A reinforcing portion 57 is formed at the boundary between the first region 55 and the second region 56 so as to be connected to the wall portion 43. Compared with a case where the reinforcing portion 57 is not provided at the boundary between the first region 55 and the second region 56, the strength of the photosensitive body unit 4 is improved.

[0080] Furthermore, in addition to the boundary position between the first region 55 and the second region 56 , a reinforcement portion 57 is also provided between the first region 55 and the second region 56 , thereby further improving the strength.

[0081] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, in the first operating portion 51, a stripe pattern 58 is formed on the bottom surface portion 44 opposite to the wall portion 43. The stripe pattern 58 is formed in a manner extending along the recessed direction D. The stripe pattern 58 increases the contact area with the user's finger. Therefore, compared with a case where the stripe pattern 58 is not provided, the operation of inserting and removing the photosensitive body unit 4 from the image forming apparatus 100 becomes easier.

[0082] Figure 7is a partial perspective view for explaining the first operating unit 51 of the modified example, and Figure 6 Similarly, the case 41 is shown as viewed from the first operation portion 51 side.

[0083] Figure 7 The first operating portion 51 of the modified example shown in FIG. 1 is replaced by a stripe pattern 58 (see FIG. 1 ) formed in a manner extending in the recessed direction D. Figure 6 ), and the bottom surface portion 44 has a stripe pattern 59 extending in a direction intersecting at an angle θ with respect to the recessed direction D. The stripe pattern 59 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the recessed direction D, increases the contact area with the user's finger, and makes the finger less likely to slide.

[0084] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The following describes the posture of the photoreceptor unit 4 when the photoreceptor unit 4 is pulled out from the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. The following describes a case where the user pulls out the photoreceptor unit 4 with the right hand and holds the first operation unit 51 with the left hand.

[0085] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The figure is for explaining the posture of the photoreceptor unit 4 when the photoreceptor unit 4 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0086] When the photosensitive body unit 4 is pulled out from the main body 101 in the pulling direction H, the center of gravity 60 of the photosensitive body unit 4 is as shown in FIG. Figure 8 In the case shown in FIG. 1 , the device is in the main body 101 and maintains the posture relative to the main body 101 before being drawn out.

[0087] On the other hand, when the photosensitive body unit 4 is further pulled out and Fig. 9 In the case where the center of gravity 60 is not within the body 101, Figure 8 Unlike the case of FIG. 1 , the front side of the photosensitive body unit 4 in the pulling direction H moves downward by its own weight and is inclined at an inclination angle α.

[0088] Thus, in the present embodiment, as the photosensitive body unit 4 is pulled in the pulling direction H, the posture of the photosensitive body unit 4 changes according to the position of the center of gravity 60 relative to the main body 101. In other words, the photosensitive body unit 4 is tilted relative to the image forming device 100 by its own weight in a state where it is pulled out from the image forming device 100 to a position preset in the pulling direction H. Therefore, the user who performs the pulling operation is visually alerted that if the operation is continued, the rear side in the pulling direction H may fall off from the main body 101. Thus, the user can grasp the timing of holding the photosensitive body unit 4, the holding of the first operating portion 51 and the second operating portion 52 (see FIG. 1 ), and the timing of holding the photosensitive body unit 4. Figure 3 ) timing.

[0089] The pulling direction H is an example of a drawing direction, and the position where the center of gravity 60 of the photoconductor unit 4 is not inside the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 is an example of a preset position.

[0090] <Note> (((1)))

[0092] An image holding unit, comprising:

[0093] an image holder that holds the image on the surface;

[0094] a removing member for removing attached matter attached to the surface of the image holding body;

[0095] a conveying part that discharges and conveys the attached matter removed by the removing member in an axial direction by rotating the shaft;

[0096] a gripping portion for a user to grip when inserting or removing the image holding body unit from an image forming device that forms an image of the image holding body on a recording medium,

[0097] The gripping portion includes a recessed portion, which is recessed toward the conveying portion in a cross section intersecting the axial direction of the conveying portion to form a part of the outer surface, and a wall separated from the conveying portion is a curved surface. (((2)))

[0099] The image holding body unit according to (((1))) is characterized in that:

[0100] The recessed portion is formed so that the thickness of the wall of the curved surface in the cross section is constant. (((3)))

[0102] The image holding body unit according to (((1))) or (((2))) is characterized in that:

[0103] The recessed portion has a bottom surface portion located further back than the position of the rotation axis of the conveying portion. (((4)))

[0105] The image holding body unit according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), characterized in that:

[0106] The grip portion has a reinforcement portion formed in a manner connected to the wall of the curved surface. (((5)))

[0108] The image holding body unit according to (((4))) is characterized in that:

[0109] The recessed portion includes a first region with a long length in the axial direction and a second region with a short length.

[0110] The reinforcement portion is formed at a boundary position between the first region and the second region. (((6)))

[0112] The image holding body unit according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), characterized in that:

[0113] On an opposing wall of the cross section that is opposite to the wall of the curved surface, a stripe pattern extending along a concave direction of the concave portion of the cross section is formed. (((7)))

[0115] The image holding body unit according to (((6))) is characterized in that:

[0116] The stripe pattern extends in a direction intersecting the concave direction. (((8)))

[0118] The image holding body unit according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), characterized in that:

[0119] The image holding body unit is tilted relative to the image forming device by its own weight in a state in which the image holding body unit is pulled out from the image forming device to a position set in advance in a pulling-out direction. (((9)))

[0121] An image forming device comprising:

[0122] an image forming unit that forms an image;

[0123] an image holding body unit, the image holding body unit constituting a part of the image forming unit and being pluggable and removable relative to a device main body having the image forming unit,

[0124] The image holding unit comprises:

[0125] an image holder that holds the image on the surface;

[0126] a removing member for removing attached matter attached to the surface of the image holding body;

[0127] a conveying part that discharges and conveys the attached matter removed by the removing member in an axial direction by rotating the shaft;

[0128] a gripping portion for a user to grip when inserting or removing the image holding body unit from the device body,

[0129] The gripping portion includes a recessed portion, which is recessed toward the conveying portion on a cross section intersecting the axial direction of the conveying portion to form a part of the outer surface, and a wall separated from the conveying portion is a curved surface.

[0130] According to (((1))), compared with a structure in which the gripping portion is constituted by a separate member, space saving can be achieved.

[0131] According to (((2))), the recessed portion is formed so that the thickness of the wall of the curved surface in the cross section does not change, and the strength can be improved compared to a case where this structure is not provided.

[0132] According to (((3))), the recessed portion has a bottom surface portion located further back than the position of the rotation axis of the conveying portion, and thus operability can be improved compared to a case where this structure is not provided.

[0133] According to (((4))), the grip portion includes the reinforcement portion formed so as to be connected to the curved wall, and the strength can be improved compared to a case where this structure is not provided.

[0134] According to (((5))), the recessed portion includes a first region that is long in the axial direction and a second region that is short in length, and the reinforcing portion is formed at a boundary between the first region and the second region, thereby improving strength compared to a case where this structure is not provided.

[0135] According to (((6))), a rib pattern extending in the concave direction of the concave portion of the cross section is formed on the opposite wall to the curved wall in the cross section, and the insertion and removal operation can be performed more easily than in a case without this structure.

[0136] According to (((7))), the ribs extend in a direction intersecting the recessed direction, and the insertion and removal operations can be performed more easily than in a case where this structure is not provided.

[0137] According to (((8))), the image holding body unit is tilted relative to the image forming device by its own weight when it is pulled out from the image forming device to a position preset in the pulling-out direction, and the timing of grasping the gripping portion can be easily grasped compared to a case without this structure.

[0138] According to (((9))), space saving can be achieved compared to a case where the grip portion is formed of a separate member.

Claims

1. An image holding unit, characterized in that: have: an image holder that holds the image on the surface; a removing member for removing attached matter attached to the surface of the image holding body; a conveying part that discharges and conveys the attached matter removed by the removing member in an axial direction by rotating the shaft; as well as a gripping portion for a user to grip when inserting or removing the image holding body unit from an image forming device that forms an image of the image holding body on a recording medium, The gripping portion includes a recessed portion, The recessed portion is recessed toward the conveying portion in a cross section intersecting the axial direction of the conveying portion to constitute a part of the outer surface, and a wall separating the recessed portion from the conveying portion is a curved surface.

2. The image holding body unit according to claim 1, wherein: The recessed portion is formed so that the thickness of the wall of the curved surface in the cross section is constant.

3. The image holding body unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The recessed portion has a bottom surface portion located further back than the position of the rotation axis of the conveying portion.

4. The image holding body unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The grip portion has a reinforcement portion formed in a manner connected to the wall of the curved surface.

5. The image holding body unit according to claim 4, wherein: The recessed portion includes a first region with a long length in the axial direction and a second region with a short length. The reinforcement portion is formed at a boundary position between the first region and the second region.

6. The image holding body unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: On an opposing wall of the cross section that is opposite to the wall of the curved surface, a stripe pattern extending along a concave direction of the concave portion of the cross section is formed.

7. The image holding body unit according to claim 6, wherein: The stripe pattern extends in a direction intersecting the concave direction.

8. The image holding body unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The image holding body unit is tilted relative to the image forming device by its own weight in a state in which the image holding body unit is pulled out from the image forming device to a position set in advance in a pulling-out direction.

9. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: an image forming unit that forms an image; an image holding body unit, the image holding body unit constituting a part of the image forming unit and being pluggable and removable relative to a device main body having the image forming unit, The image holding unit comprises: an image holder that holds the image on the surface; a removing member for removing attached matter attached to the surface of the image holding body; a conveying part that discharges and conveys the attached matter removed by the removing member in an axial direction by rotating the shaft; as well as a gripping portion for a user to grip when inserting or removing the image holding body unit from the device body, The gripping portion includes a recessed portion, The recessed portion is recessed toward the conveying portion in a cross section intersecting the axial direction of the conveying portion to constitute a part of the outer surface, and a wall separating the recessed portion from the conveying portion is a curved surface.

Images