Image forming apparatus

Abstract

There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body to which a cartridge is mountable. The main body includes: a housing provided with an opening for allowing the cartridge to pass through; and an opening / closing member movable between a closed position and an open position. The opening / closing member includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion, the first cover portion facing an end surface of the cartridge on an upstream side in the mounting direction and the second cover portion facing a top surface of the cartridge on the upstream side in the mounting direction when the opening / closing member is in the closed position. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the opening and closing member is moved to the open position by rotating downward about a rotation axis provided at a lower end of the first cover portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to imaging devices. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, etc. using an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system, a process cartridge obtained by integrating a photosensitive drum as an image bearing member and a developing unit is detachably mountable to an apparatus main body.

[0003] For example, in an image forming apparatus, in order to ensure visibility and accessibility of a process cartridge inside the apparatus for the purpose of facilitating removal / installation operations, a large opening extending from the side surface side to the top surface side when the apparatus is installed is provided. In such an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to cover both surfaces on the side surface side and the top surface side by an openable and closable cover corresponding to the opening.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication 2005-195704 discloses an example of such an open-close cover. As such an open-close cover, a general open-close cover can rotate around a single rotation axis, and the surface covering the front side and the surface covering the top surface side are formed integrally. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Publication 2005-195704 discloses a construction in which a member covering the front surface side and a member covering the top surface side in the open-close cover are formed by separate members, and these members are swingably mounted relative to each other. In this open-close cover, the cover on the top surface side is biased in the product interior direction by a spring, and the angle formed by the cover on the front side and the cover on the top surface side in the state in which the open-close cover is opened becomes smaller than the angle in the state in which the open-close cover is closed. Summary of the invention

[0005] However, in the open-close cover structure in which the surface covering the front side and the surface covering the top side are integrated, when removing or installing a cartridge such as a process cartridge, a toner cartridge, a developer cartridge, etc. by opening the open-close cover, the cover on the top side is located near the removal / installation operation area, so that the operation space is narrow. Therefore, it is difficult for the operator's hand to hold the grip portion of the cartridge.

[0006] Furthermore, in the configuration of the opening and closing cover in which the surface covering the front side and the surface covering the top surface side can swing relative to each other, in the process of closing the opening and closing cover, it is necessary to push the cover on the top surface side, which has been biased and swung in the direction of the inside of the device, back to a normal posture. Therefore, in the state in which the opening and closing cover is opened, it is difficult to set the swing amount to be large. Therefore, it is difficult to make the cover on the top surface side sufficiently retreat from the disassembly / installation track of the process cartridge, and similar to the configuration of the aforementioned integrated opening and closing cover, the disassembly / installation operability of the cartridge is reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to improve the operability of removal / installation of an opening / closing cover provided on an opening for mounting and removing a cartridge relative to an image forming apparatus main body.

[0008] The present invention provides an imaging device, comprising:

[0009] Box; and

[0010] The device body, the box can be installed on the device body along the installation direction,

[0011] Among them, the equipment body includes:

[0012] a housing provided with an opening through which the cartridge passes when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus body; and

[0013] an opening and closing member configured to be movable relative to the housing between a closed position where the opening and closing member closes the opening and an open position where the opening and closing member opens the opening,

[0014] The opening and closing member includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the first cover portion is opposite to the end surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the end surface of the box. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the second cover portion is opposite to the top surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the top surface of the box.

[0015] When the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the opening and closing member moves from the closed position to the open position by rotating downward about a rotation axis provided at a lower end portion of the first cover portion, and

[0016] The second cover portion is slidable relative to the first cover portion.

[0017] The present invention also provides an imaging device, comprising:

[0018] Box; and

[0019] The device body, the box can be installed on the device body along the installation direction,

[0020] Among them, the equipment body includes:

[0021] a housing provided with an opening through which the cartridge passes when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus body; and

[0022] an opening and closing member configured to be movable relative to the housing between a closed position where the opening and closing member closes the opening and an open position where the opening and closing member opens the opening,

[0023] The opening and closing member includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the first cover portion is opposite to the end surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the end surface of the box. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the second cover portion is opposite to the top surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the top surface of the box.

[0024] When the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the opening and closing member moves from the closed position to the open position by rotating downward in a first rotation direction about a first rotation axis provided at a lower end portion of the first cover portion, and

[0025] When the opening and closing member is in the closed position and the second cover is opposite to the top surface of the box, the posture of the second cover relative to the first cover is a first posture, the second cover is configured to change from the first posture to the second posture by rotating relative to the first cover along the first rotation direction around a second rotation axis extending in the direction of the first rotation axis.

[0026] According to the present invention, with respect to the open / close cover provided on the opening for mounting and demounting the cartridge with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus, the operability of the demounting / mounting can be improved.

[0027] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the printer in the first embodiment with the access cover closed;

[0029] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the printer in the first embodiment with the access cover opened;

[0030] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a state where the top surface sliding portion is slid in the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a sectional view and a perspective view of the state where the cartridge is taken out in the first embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the printer in the second embodiment with the access cover closed;

[0033] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the printer in the second embodiment with the access cover opened;

[0034] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a state in which the top surface rotating portion of the second embodiment is rotated to a rotating position;

[0035] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a sectional view and a perspective view of a state where the cartridge is taken out in the second embodiment;

[0036] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B It is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a state where the box contacts the top surface rotating portion in the second embodiment;

[0037] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the printer in the third embodiment with the opening and closing cover closed;

[0038] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the printer in the third embodiment with the access cover opened;

[0039] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the state where the cartridge is taken out in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Now, an exemplary manner of implementing the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise stated, the sizes, materials, shapes and relative arrangements of the constituent parts described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only this. In the following description, unless otherwise stated again, the materials and shapes of the components described once are the same in the subsequent description as in the first description. For the constructions and steps that are not particularly illustrated or described, the techniques well known in the technical field or the known techniques can be applied. Sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0041] Imaging equipment

[0042] First, a printer P is described as an image forming apparatus to which the embodiment of the present invention is applicable. Figure 1A and Figure 1B , describing the schematic configuration of the imaging device in this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 1A : is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of an electrophotographic monochrome laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as “printer P”) including an image forming unit for forming a toner image. Figure 1B It is a perspective view of the printer P.

[0044] like Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the printer P includes a cartridge 1 (second sheet stacking unit) which can be detachably mounted to the apparatus main body 100 at the front side of the apparatus (i.e., the right side in the figure). Sheets S contained in the cartridge 1 as recording materials to be imaged are separated and fed one by one by a feed roller 2 and a separation pad 3 which is in press contact with the feed roller 2. The separated sheets S are supplied by a conveying roller pair 4 to a nip portion between a photosensitive drum 5a and a transfer roller 6 provided in a conveying path, and after a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5a corresponding to image information is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer roller 6, the sheet S is conveyed to a fixing roller pair 7.

[0045] When the sheet S has been conveyed to the fixing roller pair 7 as a toner fixing unit and when the sheet S passes through the nip portion of the fixing roller pair 7, the toner image transferred on the surface of the sheet S is heated, pressed, and fixed to the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is discharged via the discharge roller pair 8 to a sheet stacking unit 9 which is a stacking unit for stacking sheets and is provided on the top surface portion of the printer P, with the toner image surface facing downward, thereby completing the image forming operation.

[0046] The process cartridge 5 integrally contains a photosensitive drum 5 a , a charging roller 5 b , a developing roller 5 c , and the like, and is detachably mountable to the apparatus main body 100 .

[0047] In the image forming step, the surface of the photosensitive drum 5a (the photosensitive drum is an image bearing member having a photosensitive layer on the surface) is uniformly charged by the charging roller 5b. Next, the laser corresponding to the image information from the laser scanner 10 is reflected by the reflection mirror 10b through the laser light path 10a, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 5a is applied with and exposed to the laser, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image thereon. The electrostatic latent image is developed and visualized with a toner by the developing roller 5c.

[0048] First embodiment

[0049] 1-(1) Open and close cover

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B as well as Figure 2A and Figure 2B The opening and closing cover 11 as the opening and closing member to which the present invention is applied will be described. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The state in which the opening and closing cover 11 of the printer P is closed (closed state) is shown. In the closed state, the opening and closing cover 11 closes the opening 12 . Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe state where the opening and closing cover 11 is opened (open state) is shown. In the open state, the opening and closing cover 11 opens the opening 12 so that the process cartridge 5 can pass through the opening 12 when the process cartridge 5 is mounted to the apparatus body 100. In this way, the opening and closing cover 11 is a member movable between an open position and a closed position. Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a printer P, Figure 2B 2 is a perspective view of the printer P. In the following, A in the figure number indicates a schematic cross-sectional view of the printer P, and B in the figure number indicates a perspective view of the printer P.

[0051] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B as well as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, in the printer P, a sheet stacking unit 9 (sheet stacking unit) for stacking sheets S discharged from a discharge roller pair 8 (discharge rollers) is provided on a top surface portion of an apparatus body 100 , and an opening and closing cover 11 is provided on the front side of the printer P.

[0052] The sheet stacking unit 9 has a cutout 9a on the far side of the sheet S discharge direction, which forms a part of the opening 12 for entering and exiting the inside of the printer P. The opening and closing cover 11 has a front cover portion 11a covering the front side of the printer P and a top surface sliding portion 11b covering the cutout 9a, and the top surface sliding portion 11b is provided to be slidable relative to the front cover portion 11a. The opening and closing cover 11 can rotate around the rotation axis of the rotation shaft 11c provided at the lower end of the front cover portion 11a. In the closed state, the opening and closing cover 11 can be moved to the open position ( Figure 2A The opening 12 is formed in the housing 101 of the apparatus main body 100 and is provided in the direction R in the apparatus main body 100 so that the opening 12 can be opened and closed by the opening 12. The opening 12 is an opening provided in the housing 101 of the apparatus main body 100 as an inlet and outlet path for the process cartridge 5 to pass through when being removed and installed. The opening 12 is formed in the area from the side surface portion to the top surface portion of the housing 101. When the opening 12 is opened and closed as described below, the state of the opening 12 is switched between an open state in which the process cartridge 5 is allowed to pass through and a closed state in which the opening 12 is covered by the opening 12.

[0053] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the state where the middle opening and closing cover 11 is closed, the top surface sliding portion 11b is located in the closed position to close the cutout 9a while protruding from the front cover portion 11a due to the biasing force of the biasing unit 11f, so that the front side of the printer P and the cutout 9a are closed. In this case, the top surface sliding portion 11b as the second cover portion covers the area of ​​the top surface portion of the opening 12 corresponding to the housing 101. Figure 2A As shown, the installation direction of the process cartridge 5 is indicated by D. Then, when Figure 1AWhen the opening and closing cover 11 is in the closed position, the top surface sliding portion 11b is opposite to the top surface 5k of the process cartridge 5 on the upstream side of the installation direction D. In addition, the front cover portion 11a as the first cover portion covers the area of ​​the opening 12 corresponding to the side surface of the housing 101. In other words, when the opening and closing cover 11 is in the closed position, the top surface sliding portion 11b is opposite to the top surface 5k of the process cartridge 5 on the upstream side of the installation direction D. Figure 1A When the opening and closing cover 11 is located at the closed position, the front cover portion 11 a faces the end surface 5 m of the process cartridge 5 on the upstream side in the mounting direction D.

[0054] Furthermore, in a state where the opening and closing cover 11 is closed, the movement of the top surface sliding portion 11 b is restricted by a locking unit (not shown) so that the top surface sliding portion 11 b cannot slide relative to the opening and closing cover 11 . Figure 1A The positional relationship between the top surface sliding portion 11b and the front cover portion 11a is sometimes referred to as a "reference positional relationship". The reference positional relationship is the positional relationship between the top surface sliding portion 11b and the front cover portion 11a when the opening and closing cover 11 is in the closed position (a position closing the opening 12). Note that in this embodiment, the reference positional relationship is not necessarily taken when the opening and closing cover 11 is in the closed position, but can be taken in any other position. Figure 2A The opening and closing cover 11 is shown in the open position (position where the opening 12 is opened).

[0055] Note that in this example, the top surface sliding portion 11b also has a function of supporting stacking of sheets S discharged from the discharge roller pair 8 as part of the sheet stacking unit 9, but whether to stack sheets S on the top surface sliding portion 11b can be freely selected according to the device configuration of the printer P.

[0056] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the state where the middle opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the opening and closing cover 11 rotates around the rotation axis 11c as a fulcrum, and an opening 12 formed by the front side of the printer P and the cutout 9a is exposed. Therefore, the user can insert and remove (disassemble and install) the above-mentioned process cartridge 5 relative to the printer P via the opening 12. In this example, as an imaging unit that can be disassembled and installed relative to the apparatus main body 100, not only an integrated process cartridge but also a replaceable unit such as a toner cartridge, a drum cartridge, a developing toner cartridge, etc. can be adopted.

[0057] In addition, in the state where the opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the above-mentioned movement restriction of the top surface sliding part 11b is released, and the top surface sliding part 11b is slidable relative to the front cover part 11a. The top surface sliding part 11b is biased in the sliding protruding direction by the biasing unit 11f. The top surface sliding part 11b is maintained in the protruding position in the natural state, and only when a force greater than a predetermined force is applied, the top surface sliding part 11b slides and retreats in the direction approaching the front cover part 11a. Figure 3AThe positional relationship between the top surface sliding portion 11b and the front cover portion 11a is also referred to as a "retracted positional relationship". The retracted positional relationship is a positional relationship that can be taken only when the opening and closing cover 11 is in the open position, and is a positional relationship in which the top surface sliding portion 11b is retracted from the trajectory through which the top surface sliding portion 11b is removed / installed from the process cartridge 5. In the opening and closing cover 11, the top surface sliding portion 11b is biased by the biasing unit 11f in (i) a direction in which the top surface sliding portion 11b leaves the front cover portion 11a to cover the top surface of the process cartridge 5 and (ii) a direction intersecting the surface of the front cover portion 11a.

[0058] 1-(2) Removing / installing the process cartridge

[0059] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4A and Figure 4B Detaching / installing the process cartridge 5 with respect to the printer P will be described. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram shows a state where the access cover 11 is open and the top surface slide portion 11 b is slidably moved to a storage position where the top surface slide portion 11 b is stored on the front cover portion 11 a side by an external force (direction Q) applied from a hand H of the operator of the printer P. Figure 4A and Figure 4B is from Figure 3A and Figure 3B An explanatory diagram of a state in which the process cartridge 5 is taken out.

[0060] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, in this embodiment, the gripping portion 5d is provided at the center portion in the width direction of the process cartridge 5. The process cartridge 5 installed in the printer P is exposed to the opening 12, and the gripping portion 5d can be visually recognized from above the cutout 9a.

[0061] Furthermore, the process cartridge 5 is configured to have a trajectory such that the process cartridge 5 can be pulled out from the printer P in the upper front direction, and removed and installed by the apparatus operator as necessary.

[0062] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4A and Figure 4B When the middle opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the top surface sliding portion 11b is moved from the protruding position to the storage position close to the front cover portion 11a by the operator's hand H. Therefore, the top surface sliding portion 11b is retracted from the vicinity of the insertion / removal trajectory of the process cartridge 5, thereby expanding the operating space in front of the process cartridge 5. In this way, when moving in the upper right direction ( Figure 4A When the process cartridge 5 is pulled out from the printer P in the direction E), a sufficient gap can be ensured between the operator's hand H holding the grip portion 5 d and the top surface sliding portion 11 b.

[0063] According to this embodiment, when the opening cover for opening and closing the opening for taking in and putting in the processing box in the main body of the imaging device is opened, the opening is greatly exposed, and at the same time, the visibility of the processing box in the opening is ensured and the operability of disassembly / installation of the processing box is improved.

[0064] Note that when the top surface sliding portion 11b moves to the storage position, the top surface sliding portion 11b can engage with the front cover portion 11a so that the sliding movement is prohibited, and when the opening and closing cover 11 is closed from the open state, the engagement with the front cover portion 11a can be released so that the top surface sliding portion 11b can move in the sliding protrusion direction.

[0065] In addition, when the opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the gravity acting on the top surface sliding part 11b may exceed the biasing force of the biasing unit 11f, so that the top surface sliding part 11b automatically slides and retreats. Alternatively, when the user moves the top surface sliding part 11b to the storage position when the opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the top surface sliding part 11b can be fixed to the storage position by activating a locking mechanism (not shown). In this case, when closing the opening and closing cover 11, the user can release the locking mechanism to slide the top surface sliding part 11b.

[0066] Second embodiment

[0067] Next, refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 8B The configuration of the opening and closing cover 11 in the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The state in which the opening and closing cover 11 is closed in the printer P is shown. In the closed state, the opening and closing cover 11 closes the opening 12 . Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The state in which the opening and closing cover 11 is opened in the printer P is shown. In the open state, the opening and closing cover 11 opens the opening 12 so that the process cartridge 5 can pass through the opening 12 when the process cartridge 5 is mounted to the apparatus body 100. In this way, the opening and closing cover 11 is a member movable between an open position and a closed position. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The opening and closing cover 11 is shown in the open state, and the top surface rotating part 11d is Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An illustration of a state in which the state is rotated to a rotation position. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is from Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An explanatory diagram of the state in which the process cartridge 5 is removed from the state in FIG. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B11d. It is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the process cartridge 5 in the removed state contacts the top surface rotating portion 11d. Note that the same configuration as in the first embodiment described above is represented by the same reference numerals, and description is omitted. A in the figure number represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the printer P, and B in the figure number represents a stereoscopic view of the printer P.

[0068] 2-(1) Opening and closing cover

[0069] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, similar to the first embodiment, the opening and closing cover 11 is provided on the front side of the printer P. The opening and closing cover 11 includes a front cover portion 11a as a first cover portion covering the front side of the printer P and a top surface rotating portion 11d as a second cover portion covering the cutout 9a. The opening and closing cover 11 can rotate around a first rotating axis 11c provided at a lower end portion of the front cover portion 11a. In the closed state, the opening and closing cover 11 rotates downward around the first rotating axis and can thus be moved to the open position ( Fig. 6A In addition, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The top surface rotating part 11d has a second rotating shaft 11e, and the second rotating axis as the axis of the second rotating shaft 11e extends in the same direction as the first rotating axis as the axis of the rotating shaft 11c. Therefore, the top surface rotating part 11d can rotate around the second rotating axis of the second rotating shaft 11e in the same direction as the first rotating direction relative to the front cover part 11a.

[0070] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B When the middle opening and closing cover 11 is closed, the top surface rotating portion 11d is located at a closed position to close the opening 12 at a substantially right angle relative to the front cover portion 11a by a biasing member (not shown), and is configured to close the front side of the printer P and the cutout 9a. In this case, the top surface rotating portion 11d as the second cover portion covers the area of ​​the opening 12 corresponding to the top surface portion of the housing 101. Fig. 6A As shown, the installation direction of the process cartridge 5 is indicated by D. Then, when Figure 5A When the middle opening and closing cover 11 is in the closed position, the top surface rotating portion 11d is opposite to the top surface 5k of the process cartridge 5 on the upstream side in the installation direction D. In addition, the front cover portion 11a as the first cover portion covers the area of ​​the opening 12 corresponding to the side surface of the housing 101. In other words, when the Figure 5A When the opening and closing cover 11 is located at the closed position, the front cover portion 11 a faces the end surface 5 m of the process cartridge 5 on the upstream side in the mounting direction D.

[0071] In addition, when the access cover 11 is closed, the top surface rotating portion 11d is restricted from rotating relative to the access cover 11 due to the engagement relationship with other covers (not shown) of the printer P. When the top surface rotating portion 11d has a Figure 5A When the opening and closing cover 11 is in the positional relationship, the top surface rotating part 11d has a first posture relative to the front cover part 11a. Figure 5A In the closed state in the process cartridge 5, the top surface rotating portion 11d has a first posture and is opposite to the top surface 5k of the process cartridge 5. Fig. 6A As shown, even when the open-close cover 11 is located at the open position (a position where the opening 12 is opened), the top surface rotating portion 11 d can take the first posture.

[0072] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B When the middle opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the opening and closing cover 11 rotates about the rotation axis 11c as a fulcrum, so that the opening 12 is exposed. In addition, in this state, since the engagement relationship with other covers (not shown) is eliminated, the rotation of the top surface rotating part 11d is not restricted, so the top surface rotating part 11d can rotate relative to the front cover part 11a. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The top surface rotating portion 11d is freely rotatable in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In addition, the top surface rotating portion 11d is configured to automatically return to a position substantially at a right angle to the front cover portion 11a by a biasing member (not shown).

[0073] 2-(2) Removing / installing the process cartridge

[0074] Reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Detaching / installing the process cartridge 5 with respect to the printer P will be described.

[0075] like Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in a state where the access cover 11 is opened, the process cartridge 5 installed in the printer P is exposed to the opening 12, and the user can visually recognize the gripping portion 5d from above the printer P. In addition, on both sides in the width direction of the process cartridge 5 near the lower space of the photosensitive drum 5a, ribs 5e protruding from the photosensitive drum 5a are provided.

[0076] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B as well as Fig. 8A and Figure 8B1 shows a state (direction T) in which the operator's hand H pushes down the top surface rotating portion 11d after the opening and closing cover 11 is opened. The top surface rotating portion 11d can rotate freely and follows the operation area through which the operator's hand H can pass when removing / installing the process cartridge 5. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the top surface rotating portion 11d does not hinder the operator's removal / installation work. Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A In the figure, the posture of the top surface rotating portion 11d that has rotated about the second rotation axis relative to the front cover portion 11a is referred to as the "second posture". The second posture is a positional relationship in which the top surface rotating portion 11d is retracted from the trajectory that the top surface rotating portion 11d passes through when the process cartridge 5 is removed / installed. The top surface rotating portion 11d is configured to transition from the first posture to the second posture by rotating relative to the front cover portion 11a in the first rotation direction R about the second rotation axis extending in the direction of the first rotation axis.

[0077] In addition, if Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As shown, during the process of removing and installing the process cartridge 5, the rib 5e provided at the bottom surface of the process cartridge 5 contacts the top surface rotating portion 11d and pushes the top surface rotating portion 11d downward. In this way, the top surface rotating portion 11d retreats from the pulling-out trajectory of the process cartridge 5, and the photosensitive drum 5a and the top surface rotating portion 11d do not interfere with each other. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the closed position, the top surface rotating portion 11d is engaged with the housing so that the position of the top surface rotating portion 11d is restricted so as not to change from the first posture to the second posture. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The top surface rotating portion 11d is configured to be in the open position of the front cover portion 11a, and the top surface rotating portion 11d is configured to be transformed from the first posture to the second posture relative to the front cover portion 11a by an external force applied to the top surface rotating portion 11d.

[0078] As described above, in all steps of the removal and installation work of the process cartridge 5, the top surface rotating portion 11d can be rotated to a position retracted from the removal / installation operation area.

[0079] In this example, the rib 5e is provided on the process cartridge 5, but the configuration is not limited thereto. A shape having the same function as the rib 5e may be provided to the housing of the printer P or the opening and closing cover 11.

[0080] Third embodiment

[0081] Next, refer to FIG. 10A to FIG. 12B The configuration of the opening and closing cover 11 in the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment of the present invention is described. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The state in which the opening and closing cover 11 is closed in the printer P is shown. In the closed state, the opening and closing cover 11 closes the opening 12 . Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The state in which the opening and closing cover 11 in the printer P is opened is shown. In the open state, the opening and closing cover 11 opens the opening 12, so that the process cartridge 5 can pass through the opening 12 when the process cartridge 5 is mounted to the apparatus body 100. In this way, the opening and closing cover 11 is a member that can move between an open position and a closed position. The opening and closing cover 11 can rotate around a first rotation axis of a rotation shaft 11c provided at a lower end portion of the front cover portion 11a. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The state in which the opening and closing cover 11 is opened is shown, and the process cartridge 5 is opened from Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Note that the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. A in the figure indicates a schematic cross-sectional view of the printer P, and B in the figure indicates a stereoscopic view of the printer P.

[0082] 3-(1) Opening and closing cover

[0083] like Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown, the printer P is provided with an opening and closing cover 11 formed of a front cover portion 11a and a top surface rotating portion 11d. In addition, the printer P includes an opening and closing link portion 13 having a first link shaft 13a and a second link shaft 13b. The housing 101 of the printer P is connected to the first link shaft 13a, and the top surface rotating portion 11d is connected to the second link shaft 13b, so that the rotation state of the top surface rotating portion 11d can be switched by the opening and closing link portion 13.

[0084] exist Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B When the middle opening and closing cover 11 is in a closed state, the opening and closing link portion 13 restricts the top surface rotating portion 11d to a closed position that closes the cutout 9a at a substantially right angle relative to the front cover portion 11a. In this case, the top surface rotating portion 11d as the second cover portion covers an area of ​​the opening 12 corresponding to the top surface portion of the shell 101. In other words, the top surface rotating portion 11d is opposite to the top surface 5k of the processing box 5 on the upstream side of the installation direction D. In addition, the front cover portion 11a as the first cover portion covers an area of ​​the opening 12 corresponding to the side surface portion of the shell 101. In other words, the front cover portion 11a is opposite to the end surface 5m of the processing box 5 on the upstream side of the installation direction D. When the top surface rotating portion 11d has an angle with respect to the front cover portion 11a Fig. 10A When the positional relationship is in the state in which the top surface rotating part 11d is in the state in which the front cover 11a ...

[0085] exist Fig.11A and Fig. 11BWhen the middle opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the opening and closing link portion 13 restricts the top surface rotating portion 11 d so that the top surface rotating portion 11 d moves toward the front cover portion 11 a to a position where it is folded at an acute angle. Fig.11A The posture of the top surface rotating portion 11 d relative to the front cover portion 11 a is referred to as a “second posture.” The second posture is a positional relationship in which the top surface rotating portion 11 d is retracted from a trajectory along which the top surface rotating portion 11 d is detached from or attached to the process cartridge 5 .

[0086] 3-(2) Removing / installing the process cartridge

[0087] Reference Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Describe the removal / installation of the process cartridge 5 relative to the printer P. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown, in a state where the opening and closing cover 11 is opened, the process cartridge 5 installed in the printer P is exposed to the opening 12, and the grip portion 5d can be visually recognized from above the printer P.

[0088] By opening and closing the link portion 13, Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The top surface rotating portion 11d is shown in the open position. In this state, the top surface rotating portion 11d is retracted from the vicinity of the pull-out trajectory of the process cartridge 5, thereby expanding the operating space on the front side of the process cartridge 5.

[0089] Next, Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The state in which the operator holds the grip 5d of the process cartridge 5 and pulls the process cartridge 5 out of the printer P in the upper right direction in the figure is shown. In this state, the top surface rotating portion 11d is retracted from the front side of the process cartridge 5, so the operator's hand H holding the grip 5d is not likely to interfere with the top surface rotating portion 11d.

[0090] As described above, the top surface rotating part 11d can rotate to a position away from the removal / installation operation area in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening and closing cover 11. At this time, the top surface rotating part 11d changes from the first posture to the second posture relative to the front cover part 11a.

[0091] Note that in this example, the top surface rotating portion 11 d is rotated in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening and closing cover 11 by the opening and closing link portion 13 , but the top surface rotating portion 11 d may be configured to slide in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing cover 11 .

[0092] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: box; and The device body, the box can be installed on the device body along the installation direction, Among them, the equipment body includes: a housing provided with an opening through which the cartridge passes when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus body; and an opening and closing member configured to move relative to the housing between a closed position in which the opening and closing member closes the opening and an open position in which the opening and closing member opens the opening, The opening and closing member includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the first cover portion is opposite to the end surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the end surface of the box. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the second cover portion is opposite to the top surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the top surface of the box. When the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the opening and closing member moves from the closed position to the open position by rotating downward about a rotation axis provided at a lower end portion of the first cover portion, and The second cover portion is configured to slide relative to the first cover portion.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The second cover portion is biased by a biasing unit in (i) a direction in which the second cover portion moves away from the first cover portion to cover the top surface of the box and (ii) a direction intersecting with the surface of the first cover portion, and when the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the second cover portion is set at a position opposite to the top surface of the box by the biasing force of the biasing unit.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: When the opening and closing member is located at the open position, the second cover portion slides in a direction in which the second cover portion approaches the first cover portion due to gravity, overcoming the biasing force.

4. An imaging device comprising: box; and The device body, the box can be installed on the device body along the installation direction, Among them, the equipment body includes: a housing provided with an opening through which the cartridge passes when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus body; and an opening and closing member configured to move relative to the housing between a closed position in which the opening and closing member closes the opening and an open position in which the opening and closing member opens the opening, The opening and closing member includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the first cover portion is opposite to the end surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the end surface of the box. When the opening and closing member is in the closed position, the second cover portion is opposite to the top surface of the box on the upstream side of the installation direction to cover the top surface of the box. When the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the opening and closing member moves from the closed position to the open position by rotating downward in a first rotation direction about a first rotation axis provided at a lower end portion of the first cover portion, and When the opening and closing member is in the closed position and the second cover is opposite to the top surface of the box, the posture of the second cover relative to the first cover is a first posture, the second cover is configured to change from the first posture to the second posture by rotating relative to the first cover along the first rotation direction around a second rotation axis extending in the direction of the first rotation axis.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein: When the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the second cover portion is engaged with the housing so that the position of the second cover portion is restricted from being shifted from the first posture to the second posture.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein: When the opening and closing member is located at the open position, the second cover portion is configured to be shifted from a first posture to a second posture relative to the first cover portion by an external force applied to the second cover portion.

7. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein: When the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the second cover rotates relative to the first cover in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover in the first rotation direction, so that the second cover changes from the first posture to the second posture relative to the first cover.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein: The second cover portion of the opening and closing member is connected to the housing.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 4, further comprising: a sheet stacking unit exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus; and a discharge roller configured to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed to the sheet stacking unit in a discharge direction, When the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the top surface of the second cover portion is a part of the sheet stacking unit.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 4, further comprising: a sheet stacking unit exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus; and a discharge roller configured to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed to the sheet stacking unit in a discharge direction, Here, when the opening and closing member is located at the closed position, the first cover portion constitutes a portion of an end surface of the image forming apparatus on the downstream side in the discharge direction.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, further comprising: a second sheet stacking unit on which sheets are stacked; and a feed roller configured to feed the sheet from the second sheet stacking unit in a feed direction, The feeding direction is opposite to the discharging direction.

Images