Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, a unit, a member to be joined, a pull-in member that can pull in the member to be joined, and an ejection member that ejects the unit. When the unit is inserted in the first direction, the pull-in member engages the member to be engaged and pulls in the member to be engaged such that the unit is displaced in the first direction. When the unit is subjected to an external force in the first direction in a case where the pull-in member is engaged with the member to be engaged, one of the member to be engaged and the pull-in member is displaced in the first direction with respect to the main body by the external force such that the pull-in member and the member to be engaged are disengaged, and the unit is pushed out in the second direction by the push-out member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-101888 discusses an image forming apparatus including a unit detachably attached to a main body (apparatus main body) and an elastic member that biases the unit when the unit is attached and detached. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to providing a novel image forming apparatus including a main body (apparatus main body) and a unit detachably attached to the main body.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming device includes: a main body; a unit configured to be inserted into the main body in a first direction and to be pulled out from the main body in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a member to be engaged; a pull-in member configured to engage with the member to be engaged and pull the member to be engaged in; and a push-out member configured to push the unit in the second direction, wherein one of the member to be engaged and the pull-in member is disposed on the main body, wherein the other of the member to be engaged and the pull-in member is disposed on the unit, wherein the pull-in member is configured to engage with the member to be engaged and pull the member to be engaged in so that the unit is displaced in the first direction when the unit is inserted into the main body in the first direction, and wherein when the pull-in member engages with the member to be engaged and the unit is subjected to an external force in the first direction, the other of the member to be engaged and the pull-in member is displaced relative to the main body in the first direction by the external force, so that the pull-in member and the member to be engaged are disengaged, and the unit is pushed out in the second direction by the push-out member.

[0005] 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

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3A and Figure 3Bis a schematic diagram illustrating a unit moving device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0009] 4A to 4F is a plan view of a unit moving device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E is a plan view of a unit moving device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 is a plan view of a unit moving device according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0012] 7A to 7C is a plan view of a unit moving device according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 is a plan view of a unit moving device according to a first modification of the second exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a plan view of a unit moving device and members to be joined according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Fig.10 is a plan view of a unit moving device and members to be joined according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is a plan view of a unit moving device and members to be joined according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a plan view of a unit moving device according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Fig.13 is a plan view of members to be joined according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a plan view of members to be joined according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Fig.15 is a plan view of members to be joined according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device and units.

[0022] Fig.17 It is a plan view of the unit moving device and the components to be joined.

[0023] Fig.18It is a plan view of the unit moving device and the components to be joined.

[0024] Fig.19 It is a plan view of the unit moving device and the components to be joined.

[0025] Fig. 20 It is a plan view of the unit moving device and the components to be joined. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following exemplary embodiments will be appropriately changed according to the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0027] In the following description and drawings, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface will be referred to as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and in which the sheet feeding cassette 2 to be described below is pulled out and inserted will be referred to as the X direction. The direction intersecting both the Z direction and the X direction will be referred to as the Y direction.

[0028] The X direction and the Y direction are desirably horizontal directions. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are desirably orthogonal to each other. Where appropriate, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the figure are referred to as the +X side, the +Y side, and the +Z side, respectively, and the opposite directions are referred to as the -X side, the -Y side, and the -Z side, respectively.

[0029] In the following description, numbers such as first, second are merely for convenience of description, and in principle, ordinal numbers can be interchanged where appropriate.

[0030] [Image forming apparatus]

[0031] Will refer to Figure 1 A schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus and a series of image forming operations according to a first exemplary embodiment are described.

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of a full-color laser beam printer (hereinafter, referred to as “image forming apparatus 1 ”) as an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 1A that forms an image on a sheet S in an electrophotographic manner and a fixing unit 110 that fixes the formed image to the sheet S.

[0034] The image forming unit 1A includes a station for forming toner images of four corresponding colors of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black B, and an intermediate transfer belt 102a. The image forming unit 1A includes photosensitive drums 101 (101Y, 101M, 101C, and 101B), and developing units 104 (104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104B) including developing rollers. In the present exemplary embodiment, each station includes one of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B and one of the corresponding developing units 104Y to 104B. The intermediate transfer belt 102a is an endless belt, and is stretched across a tension roller 102b, a driving roller 102c that circulates the intermediate transfer belt 102b, and a steering roller 102d. The intermediate transfer belt 102a is in contact with the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B. The primary transfer rollers 106 (106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106B) are located on the inner side of the intermediate transfer belt 102a. Each of the primary transfer rollers 106Y to 106B and one of the corresponding photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B form a primary transfer nip therebetween. The intermediate transfer belt 102a is in contact with the secondary transfer roller 105. The driving roller 102c and the secondary transfer roller 105 form a secondary transfer nip therebetween.

[0035] When the image forming unit 1A starts the image forming operation, the laser scanner 103 used as an exposure device irradiates each of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B with light corresponding to the image signal, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B. The electrostatic latent image is developed with color toners of yellow, magenta, cyan and black contained in the corresponding developing units 104Y to 104B. The toner image (visible image) is thus formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 102a in sequence. The toner image formed with the four-color toner is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip by the intermediate transfer belt 102a.

[0036] In parallel with such a toner image forming operation, the pickup roller 107 feeds the sheets S one by one from the sheet feeding cassette 2 attached to the accommodating unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0037] The fed sheet S is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip formed between the intermediate transfer belt 102a and the secondary transfer roller 105 by the feed roller 108 and the registration roller 109 that corrects the inclination of the sheet S. Here, the position of the sheet S in the sheet switching direction is adjusted to the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 102a. Therefore, the timing at which the sheet S is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip is adjusted by performing conveying speed control on the registration roller 109 and the feed roller 108.

[0038] A bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 105 , so that the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 102 a to the sheet S at the secondary transfer nip.

[0039] The sheet S to which the toner image is transferred is then conveyed to the fixing unit 110. The fixing unit 110 applies heat and pressure to fix the toner image to the sheet S. After the toner image is fixed, the sheet S is discharged by the discharge rollers 111 to the discharge unit 112 located at the top of the apparatus body.

[0040] [Sheet Feed Cassette]

[0041] Will refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The sheet feeding cassette 2 is described. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 , and illustrates a state in which the sheet feeding cassette 2 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0042] Figure 2B 2 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a rear plate 2C of a sheet feeding cassette 2. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body (device main body) 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 and a sheet feeding cassette 2. The sheet feeding cassette 2 is a accommodating unit that can accommodate recording materials. The sheet feeding cassette 2 can be attached to the main body 1a. The sheet feeding cassette 2 is an example of a unit that is detachably attached to the main body 1a. In the present embodiment, the -X direction side end refers to the downstream end in the pull-out direction or the upstream end in the insertion direction. The +X direction side end refers to the downstream end in the insertion direction or the upstream end in the pull-out direction. The insertion direction and the pull-out direction may be collectively referred to as the attachment-detachment direction or the moving direction of the sheet feeding cassette 2 relative to the main body 1a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the X direction is a direction that intersects (desirably is orthogonal to) the conveying direction of the recording material (sheet) S.

[0043] The sheet feeding box 2 includes a front plate (front wall) 2A and a rear plate (rear wall) 2C. The front plate 2A is located at the -X direction side end of the sheet feeding box 2. The rear plate 2C is located at the +X direction side end of the sheet feeding box 2. In other words, the front plate 2A is located at one end of the sheet feeding box 2 in the X direction, and the rear plate 2C is located at the other end of the sheet feeding box 2 opposite to the one end. The rear plate 2C is located downstream of the front plate 2A in the insertion direction of the sheet feeding box 2. The front plate 2A has a gripping portion 2B at its +Y direction side end and -Y direction side end.

[0044] The sheet feeding cassette 2 includes a sheet accommodating portion 2D for accommodating sheets S, and a side wall 2E guided by a sliding guide (unit guide) 113 disposed on the inner wall of the accommodating unit 3. The side wall 2E is connected to the front plate 2A. The sheet feeding cassette 2 (side wall 2E) can move in an insertion direction (+X direction) and a pull-out direction (-X direction) opposite to the insertion direction along the sliding guide (unit guide) 113 disposed on the inner wall of the accommodating unit 3.

[0045] The opening 1C is formed at the -X direction side end of the main body 1a. The sheet feed box 2 can be moved into and out of the main body 1a through the opening 1C. More specifically, the sheet feed box 2 can be inserted into the accommodating unit 3 of the main body 1a through the opening 1C and can be taken out from the accommodating unit 3. In the following description, the first direction refers to the direction in which the sheet feed box 2 (unit) is inserted into the main body 1a-that is, the +X direction. The second direction refers to the direction opposite to the first direction-that is, the direction in which the sheet feed box 2 (unit) is pulled out from the main body 1a, or the -X direction.

[0046] The front plate 2A is located at the upstream end of the sheet feeding cassette 2 in the +X direction and widely covers the opening 1C of the main body 1a. The length of the front plate 2A in the Y direction is greater than the length of the sheet accommodating portion 2D and greater than the distance between the two side walls 2E. The length of the front plate 2A in the Z direction is greater than the length of the sheet accommodating portion 2D.

[0047] The user can move the sheet feeding cassette 2 relative to the main body 1a in the X direction by applying an external force in the X direction to the sheet feeding cassette 2 using the front plate 2A and the grip portion 2B. When the user pushes the front plate 2A in the +X direction (the front plate 2A is subjected to the external force in the +X direction), the front plate 2A, the sheet accommodating portion 2D, the side wall 2E, and the rear plate 2C of the sheet feeding cassette 2 move in the +X direction.

[0048] The sheet feeding cassette 2 includes a to-be-engaged member 100 and a moving member 200. Figure 2B As shown in , the member to be engaged 100 and the movable member 200 are attached to the +X direction side end of the rear plate 2C. In other words, the member to be engaged 100 and the movable member 200 are located downstream of the rear plate 2C in the insertion direction of the sheet feeding box 2. The member to be engaged 100 includes a lock pin (force receiving portion, first force receiving portion) 5, a lock pin holding arm 6 and a fulcrum shaft 7. The lock pin 5 is held by the lock pin holding arm 6. The lock pin holding arm 6 and the lock pin 5 can rotate relative to the sheet feeding box 2 via the fulcrum shaft 7. The fulcrum shaft 7 extends in a direction intersecting (desirably orthogonal) with the X direction and the Y direction. The rotation axis direction of the lock pin holding arm 6 and the lock pin 5 refers to a direction intersecting (desirably orthogonal) with the X direction and the Y direction.

[0049] The moving member 200 includes a pin (second force applying portion) 80, a pin holding arm 8, and a fulcrum shaft 9. The pin 80 is held by the pin holding arm 8. The distance from the rear plate 2C to the pin 80 in the +X direction is greater than the distance from the rear plate 2C to the lock pin 5 in the +X direction. The pin holding arm 8 and the pin 80 can rotate relative to the sheet feeding cassette 2 via the fulcrum shaft 9. The fulcrum shaft 9 extends in a direction intersecting (desirably orthogonal) with the X direction and the Y direction. The rotation axis direction of the pin holding arm 8 and the pin 80 refers to a direction intersecting (desirably orthogonal) with the X direction and the Y direction.

[0050] [Unit Mobile Equipment]

[0051] The unit moving device 4 will be described. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the unit moving device 4. Figure 3B is a plan view of the unit moving device 4.

[0052] like Figure 2A As shown in , the main body 1a includes a rear side plate 1b downstream of the opening 1C in the +X direction. The unit moving device 4 is deployed on the rear side plate 1b. The main body 1a includes one end (front end, upstream end) and the other end (distal end, downstream end) opposite to the one end in the X direction. The opening 1C is closer to one end of the main body 1a than the other end of the main body 1a in the X direction. The unit moving device 4 and the rear side plate 1b are closer to the other end of the main body 1a than one end of the main body 1a in the X direction. The unit moving device 4 and the rear side plate 1b can be said to be located at the downstream end of the accommodating unit 3 in the insertion direction.

[0053] The unit moving device 4 includes a pulling unit 300, a guide member 17, and a damper 18. The pulling unit 300 includes a toggle arm (pulling member, force applying member, first force applying member, first arm) 10, a toggle arm shaft 11, a toggle spring (biasing member, elastic member, first biasing member, first elastic member) 12, and a toggle spring shaft 14.

[0054] The toggle arm 10 includes an engagement member (engagement unit) 10a that can engage with the lock pin 5. The toggle arm 10 can rotate around the toggle arm shaft 11 relative to the main body 1a and the guide member 17. The toggle arm shaft 11 extends in a direction that intersects (desirably is orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction. The rotation axis direction of the toggle arm 10 refers to a direction that intersects (desirably is orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction.

[0055] The toggle spring 12 is hooked on a connecting shaft 13 of the toggle arm 10 and a toggle spring shaft 14 about which the toggle spring 12 swings. The pulling-in unit 300 generates a rotational moment on the toggle arm 10 from the contraction force of the toggle spring 12, and the rotational moment generates a force for retracting the sheet feeding cassette 2. In other words, the toggle spring 12 biases the toggle arm 10 in a direction in which the pulling-in unit 300 pulls in the to-be-engaged member 100. Although the toggle spring 12 is a tension spring in the present exemplary embodiment, a compression spring or a torsion coil spring may also be used.

[0056] The guide member 17 has a first groove shape (first groove, first guide groove) 15 for guiding the movement of the lock pin 5 and a second groove shape (second groove, second guide groove) 16 for guiding the pin 80. Although, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first groove shape 15 and the second groove shape 16 are formed in the guide member 17, the first groove shape 15 and the second groove shape 16 may be formed in corresponding different members.

[0057] The first groove shape 15 forms a first path 15a, a second path 15c, and a third path 15b as movement paths through which the lock pin 5 can move in the guide member 17. The first path 15a extends from the -X direction side end of the guide member 17 toward the +X direction side.

[0058] The first path 15a includes a moving path of the lock pin 5, and the pull-in unit 300 engaged with the lock pin 5 moves from the standby position described below to the release position along the moving path. The third path 15b is a path connecting the first path 15a and the second path 15c. The direction in which the third path 15b extends includes a +X direction component and a -Y direction component. In other words, the third path 15b extends away from the pull-in unit 300 in the Y direction. The second path 15c is connected to the third path 15b and extends to the -X direction side end of the guide member 17 in the -X direction. The second path 15c includes a path for the lock pin 5 to move when the sheet feeding box 2 is pushed out in the second direction by the push-out member 19 described below. The third path 15b is located between the first path 15a and the second path 15c in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0059] The second groove shape 16 includes a fourth path 16a, a fifth path 16c and a sixth path 16b through which the pin 80 can pass. The fourth path 16a extends from the -X direction side end of the guide member 17 toward the +X direction side. The sixth path 16b is a path connecting the fourth path 16a and the fifth path 16c. The direction in which the sixth path 16b extends includes a +X direction component and a +Y direction component. In other words, the sixth path 16b extends away from the pull-in unit 300 in the Y direction. The fifth path 16c is connected to the sixth path 16b and extends to the -X direction side end of the guide member 17 in the -X direction. The sixth path 16b is located between the fourth path 16a and the fifth path 16c in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction (Z direction). The sixth path 16b is connected to the middle section of the fifth path 16c (between one end and the other end of the fifth path 16b).

[0060] The unit moving device 4 includes a first limiting member (first limiting portion, first stopper portion) 17b and a second limiting member (second limiting portion, second stopper portion) 17a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first limiting member 17b and the second limiting member 17a are part of the guide member 17. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first limiting member 17b and the second limiting member 17a are configured to receive the toggle arm 10 biased by the toggle spring 12.

[0061] The damper (damper member) 18 is a linear oil damper supported on the -X direction side end of the guide member 17. The damper 18 is movable (compressible) in the -X direction relative to the guide member 17. The damper 18 is configured to contact the sheet feed cassette 2 when the sheet feed cassette 2 is inserted into the main body 1a.

[0062] [Attachment of Sheet Feed Cassette]

[0063] The attaching operation of the sheet feeding cassette 2 will be described. 4A to 4F 1 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the unit moving device 4 and the sheet feeding cassette 2 .

[0064] The toggle arm 10 can be Figure 4A The standby position and Figure 4C . When the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position, the engaging member 10a is in the engaging position where the engaging member 10a can engage with the lock pin 5. When viewed in the -Z direction, the toggle arm 10 in the standby position is rotated counterclockwise to move the toggle arm 10 to the release position. When the toggle arm 10 is in the release position, the engaging member 10a is in the disengaging position where the engaging member 10a can disengage from the lock pin 5.

[0065] In the following description, it is assumed that the engaging member 10a is in the engaging position when the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position, and the engaging member 10a is in the disengaging position when the toggle arm 10 is in the release position, and the description thereof may be omitted. The state in which the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position may be referred to as the standby state of the pulling-in unit 300. The state in which the toggle arm 10 is in the release position may be referred to as the release state (pulling-in state) of the pulling-in unit 300. In other words, the pulling-in unit 300 may be switched between the standby state and the release state.

[0066] like Figure 4A As shown in, in the state that the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position, the toggle arm 10 is biased by the toggle spring 12 in the direction from the release position to the standby position, and is received by the first limiting member 17b. When the lock pin 5 and the pin 80 are located upstream of the guide member 17 in the +X direction, by applying an external force in the +X direction to the front plate 2A, the sheet feeding box 2 can move in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a. As a result, the lock pin 5 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, enters the first path 15a, and engages with the recess of the engagement member 10a in the engagement position. Before the lock pin 5 engages with the engagement member 10a, the pin 80 passes through the fourth path 16a and the sixth path 16b. This operation will be described below.

[0067] when Figure 4A When the sheet feeding cassette 2 in the state of being inserted further in the +X direction, the lock pin 5 presses the toggle arm 10 via the engaging member 10a. As a result, the toggle arm 10 swings about the toggle arm shaft 11 as a swing fulcrum. The swing of the toggle arm 10 moves the connecting shaft 13 in the +X direction. When the connecting shaft 13 moves in the +X direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 1 , the toggle arm shaft 11, the connecting shaft 13, and the toggle spring shaft 14 fall on a straight line, and in this state, the toggle arm 10 is free from the rotational moment. After the toggle arm 10 reaches this state, in response to the sheet feeding cassette 2 further moving in the +X direction, the toggle arm 10 starts to swing around the toggle arm shaft 11 due to the contraction force of the toggle spring 12, and rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the -Z direction.

[0068] In such a state, the toggle arm 10 is biased from the standby position to the released position by the toggle spring 12. Therefore, in the process of the toggle arm 10 moving from the standby state to the released state, the direction in which the toggle arm 10 is biased is switched.

[0069] The locking pin 5 receives a force applied by the rotational torque acting on the toggle arm 10 from the engaging member 10a. As a result, the locking pin 5 is pulled in along the first path 15a in the +X direction. In other words, the sheet feed cassette 2 is pulled in in the insertion direction. In the case where the sheet feed cassette 2 is pulled in in the insertion direction by the biasing force of the toggle spring 12, the sheet feed cassette 2 moves in the +X direction even if no external force acts on the sheet feed cassette 2 in the +X direction. After the user moves the sheet feed cassette 2 to the position where the toggle arm 10 begins to be pulled in, the sheet feed cassette 2 therefore no longer needs to be pushed further in the insertion direction. In the following description, the pulling in of the pulling-in unit 300 refers to the movement of the sheet feed cassette 2 in the insertion direction due to the toggle arm 10 and the toggle spring 12.

[0070] When the lock pin 5 moves in the first path 15a, the rear plate 2C of the sheet feeding box 2 contacts the -X direction side end of the damper 18. The damper 18 has a function of reducing the moving speed of the sheet feeding box 2 in the first direction when the pull-in unit 300 pulls in the to-be-engaged member 100. The damping action of the damper 18 prevents the toggle arm 10 from being sharply rotated by the toggle spring 12, and the moving speed is reduced. This can reduce the moving speed of the sheet feeding box 2 in the +X direction. When the lock pin 5 moves in the first path 15a, the pin 80 moves in the fifth path 16c in the +X direction.

[0071] when Figure 4B When the lock pin 5 in the state of being pulled in further by the pulling unit 300, the toggle arm 10 is located at the release position and the engaging member 10a is located at the disengagement position ( Figure 4C ). In this manner, the toggle arm 10 can be moved from the standby position to the release position, and the engaging member 10a can be moved from the engaging position to the disengaging position.

[0072] In the present exemplary embodiment, the state in which the toggle arm 10 is in the release position and the engaging member 10a engaged with the lock pin 5 is in the aforementioned disengaged position is referred to as the attached state in which the sheet feeding cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a (accommodating unit 3). When the engaging member 10a is in the disengaged position, the toggle arm 10 is subjected to the contraction force of the toggle spring 12, and a rotational moment in the A1 direction (counterclockwise) acts on the toggle arm 10. However, the toggle arm 10 abuts against the second limiting member 17a, whereby the movement of the engaging member 10a in the +X direction is limited. In other words, when the toggle arm 10 reaches the release position, the second limiting member 17a limits the movement of the toggle arm 10 in the pulling-in direction by contacting the pulling-in unit 300. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second limiting member 17a limits the movement of the toggle arm 10 in the pulling-in direction by contacting the toggle arm 10.

[0073] The main body 1a of the image forming device 1 includes a push-out member 19 including a spring (elastic body). When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is pulled in by the toggle arm 10 and the lock pin 5 moves in the first path 15a in the +X direction, the rear plate 2C contacts the push-out member 19 and retracts the push-out member 19. In the present exemplary embodiment, the push-out member 19 is disposed on the rear side plate 1b of the main body 1a. However, the push-out member 19 may be disposed on the sheet feeding cassette 2. For example, the push-out member 19 may be disposed on the rear plate 2C.

[0074] When the engaging member 10a is in the disengaged position, the push-out member 19 has a certain level of elastic force or higher and applies force via the rear plate 2C to push out the sheet feed cassette 2 in the -X direction (second direction). In other words, the elastic force of the push-out member 19 presses the lock pin 5 against the toggle arm 10.

[0075] When the toggle arm 10 is in the release position, the second restricting member 17a receives the toggle arm 10, and the biasing force of the toggle spring 12 does not act on the lock pin 5. At the same time, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is biased in the -X direction by the push-out member 19, and the lock pin 5 is pressed against the toggle arm 10 in the -X direction. As a result, the sheet feeding cassette 2 enters an attached state relative to the main body 1a. Here, the position of the sheet feeding cassette 2 can be referred to as an attached position relative to the main body 1a.

[0076] When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is in the attached position (in the attached state of the sheet feeding cassette 2), the sheet S can be fed from the sheet feeding cassette 2. The pin 80 is located downstream of the fifth path 16c in the -X direction.

[0077] [Removal of Sheet Feed Cassette]

[0078] The disassembly (pulling out) operation of the sheet feed cassette 2 will be described. The sheet feed cassette 2 according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to ultimately not be removed from the main body 1a even when the sheet feed cassette 2 moves in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a. However, the sheet feed cassette 2 may be configured to be removable from the main body 1a. In other words, the +X direction side end of the sheet feed cassette 2 according to the present exemplary embodiment is limited to not being located downstream of the -X direction side end of the main body 1a in the -X direction. However, the +X direction side end of the sheet feed cassette 2 may be located downstream of the -X direction side end of the main body 1a in the -X direction for removal.

[0079] The sheet feed cassette 2 can be moved from the attachment position inside the main body 1a to the detachment position (pulled-out position) on the -X direction side relative to the attachment position of the main body 1a. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is in the detachment position, at least a portion of the sheet feed cassette 2 is exposed from the main body 1a, and the user can perform operations such as replenishing the sheet feed cassette 2 with sheets S.

[0080] In the present exemplary embodiment, detachment of the sheet feed cassette 2 refers to moving the sheet feed cassette 2 from the attachment position to the detachment position. detachment of the sheet feed cassette 2 in the present exemplary embodiment does not necessarily include an operation of separating the sheet feed cassette 2 from the main body 1a.

[0081] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, there are two methods for disassembling the sheet feeding cassette 2. In the first disassembly method, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is in the attached state ( Figure 4C ) is moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a. More specifically, in the first disassembly method, the user applies an external force in the -X direction to the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position to move the sheet feed cassette 2 in the -X direction from the attached position. As a method for applying the external force, the user may hold the grip portion 2B and move the sheet feed cassette 2 in the -X direction. When in the attached state ( Figure 4C ) is moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, the lock pin 5 moves in the -X direction in the first path 15a. When the engaging member 10a reaches the engaging position ( Figure 4A ), the engaging member 10a and the lock pin 5 are disengaged. In this process, when viewed in the -Z direction, the toggle arm 10 rotates counterclockwise from the release position to the standby position against the biasing force of the toggle spring 12. More specifically, the toggle arm 10 is moved from the release position to the standby position by the lock pin 5.

[0082] When the lock pin 5 moves in the −X direction in the first path 15 a , the pin 80 moves in the −X direction in the fifth path 16 c , and is finally detached from the guide member 17 .

[0083] Therefore, by moving the sheet feed cassette 2 in the -X direction, the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position can be moved to the detached position. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is pulled out of the main body 1a in this way, the toggle arm 10 returns to the standby position ( Figure 4A As described above, by moving the sheet feed cassette 2 in the second direction, the toggle arm 10 located at the release position and engaged with the member to be engaged 100 is moved to the standby position. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is further moved in the second direction, the toggle arm 10 and the member to be engaged 100 are disengaged.

[0084] The second disassembly method will be described. In the second disassembly method, the Figure 4C) is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a. In other words, in the second disassembly method, the user applies an external force in the +X direction to the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position to move the sheet feed cassette 2 in the +X direction from the attached position. As a method for applying the external force, the user may press the front plate 2A to move the sheet feed cassette 2 in the +X direction.

[0085] When in the attached state ( Figure 4C ) is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the engaging member 10a and the lock pin 5 in the release position are disengaged. The lock pin 5 enters the third path 15b and further enters the second path 15c. That is, by applying an external force in the +X direction to the sheet feed box 2 in the attached position, the lock pin 5 is moved relative to the main body 1a and separated from the toggle arm 10. In other words, the external force in the +X direction applied to the sheet feed box 2 in the attached position causes the lock pin 5 and the engaging member 10a of the toggle arm 10 to disengage. More specifically, in the attached state of the sheet feed box 2, the lock pin 5 is engaged with the engaging member 10a of the toggle arm 10. When the sheet feed box 2 in such a state is subjected to an external force in the +X direction, the external force causes the lock pin 5 to move in the +X direction, causing the lock pin 5 and the toggle arm 10 to disengage. The lock pin 5 can be moved so that the position of the lock pin 5 in the Y direction is away from the position of the first path 15a ( Figure 4D ).

[0086] When the user stops pushing the sheet feeding cassette 2 with the lock pin 5 in the second path 15c (external force acting in the +X direction disappears), the sheet feeding cassette 2 is pushed in the -X direction by the push member 19. Here, the damper 18 is restored from the compressed state.

[0087] The external force acting on the sheet feeding cassette 2 in the +X direction moves the pin 80 in the +X direction. When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is pushed out by the pushing member 19, the pin 80 moves in the -X direction through the fifth path 16c and is finally removed from the guide member 17. Through such a process, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is removed from the main body 1a (accommodating unit 3).

[0088] As described above, after the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position is moved in the +X direction by an external force, the sheet feed cassette 2 is moved in the -X direction to the detached position by the push member 19. With the sheet feed cassette 2 pulled out of the main body 1a in this manner, the sheet feed cassette 2 is released when the toggle arm 10 is in the released position ( Figure 4E ) from the attached position to the detached position.

[0089] When the sheet feed cassette 2 is in the attached position, the front plate 2A is exposed from the main body 1a to the outside (the outside of the image forming apparatus 1). The front plate 2A can be said to be an external force receiving portion that receives an external force in the +X direction when the second disassembly method is used to disassemble the sheet feed cassette 2. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is in the attached position, the user can disassemble the sheet feed cassette 2 by pressing any part of the front plate 2A in the +X direction.

[0090] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the sheet feeding cassette 2 can be pulled out from the main body 1a using the aforementioned two disassembly methods. This improves the usability of the sheet feeding cassette 2 during disassembly.

[0091] [Reset engagement member]

[0092] When the sheet feed box 2 is disassembled using the first disassembly method, the toggle arm 10 is pressed in the -X direction by the lock pin 5, and the engaging member 10a reaches the engaging position. This enables the lock pin 5 to engage with the engaging member 10a when the sheet feed box 2 is inserted into the main body 1a again. In contrast, when the sheet feed box 2 is disassembled using the second disassembly method, the toggle arm 10 is in a release position, and the engaging member 10a is in a disengagement position at the release position. When the engaging member 10a is in the disengagement position when the sheet feed box 2 is inserted into the main body 1a again, the lock pin 5 cannot engage with the engaging member 10a.

[0093] In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the sheet feed cassette 2 is inserted into the main body 1a with the toggle arm 10 in the released position, the toggle arm 10 is thus restored from the released position to the standby position before the lock pin 5 engages with the toggle arm 10. Restoring the toggle arm 10 from the released position to the standby position will hereinafter be referred to as resetting the position of the toggle arm 10 or resetting the position of the engagement member 10a.

[0094] In the present exemplary embodiment, in order to reset the position of the engaging member 10 a , the moving member 200 is provided on the rear plate 2C, and the second groove shape 16 is formed in the guide member 17 .

[0095] A method for resetting the position of the engaging member 10a will be described. In response to the sheet feed cassette 2 being disassembled from the main body 1a and the lock pin 5 and the pin 80 being disassembled from the guide member 17 using the second disassembly method, the toggle arm 10 is located in the release position ( Figure 4D Here, the toggle arm 10 overlaps with the fourth path 16a. When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction again, as shown in FIG. Figure 4E As shown in FIG. 1 , the pin 80 enters the fourth path 16 a. The toggle arm 10 overlaps with the movement route of the pin 80 through the fourth path 16 a. Therefore, the pin 80 contacts the toggle arm 10.

[0096] When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction, the pin 80 moves from the fourth path 16a toward the fifth path 16c while pressing the toggle arm 10 in the +X direction. Since the toggle arm 10 is pressed in the +X direction, Figure 4F As shown in FIG. 1 , the toggle arm 10 rotates clockwise (A2 direction) when viewed in the -Z direction.

[0097] The pin 80 eventually rotates the toggle arm 10 to a position where the toggle arm 10 is biased toward the standby position by the toggle spring 12, and the toggle arm 10 is located at the standby position by the toggle spring 12. By such an operation, the engaging member 10a is reset to the engaging position. Therefore, in a case where the lock pin 5 is separated from the toggle arm 10, the moving member 200 can move the toggle arm 10 from the release position to the standby position.

[0098] The toggle arm 10 in the standby position does not overlap the fourth path 16a. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is further inserted in the +X direction after the toggle arm 10 is restored to the standby position, the pin 80 reaches the fifth path 16c. At the same time, the lock pin 5 can engage with the engaging member 10a in the engaging position (see Figure 4A ).

[0099] As described above, by inserting the sheet feed cassette 2 in the first direction, the moving member 200 can contact the pull-in unit 300 and move the toggle arm 10 from the release position to the standby position. More specifically, when the sheet feed cassette 2 is inserted in the first direction with the toggle arm 10 in the release position, the moving member 200 contacts the toggle arm 10. The moving member 200 moves the toggle arm 10 to the standby position. By further inserting the sheet feed cassette 2 in the first direction, the to-be-engaged member 100 engages with the toggle arm 10 in the standby position.

[0100] [First Modification]

[0101] A first modification of the first exemplary embodiment will be described. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E : is a plan view illustrating a part of a unit moving device 4 and a sheet feeding cassette 2 according to a first modification.

[0102] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, the distance from the rear plate 2C to the pin 80 in the +X direction is greater than the distance from the rear plate 2C to the lock pin 5 in the +X direction. Therefore, in a case where the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved relative to the main body 1a in the +X direction, the pin 80 first contacts the toggle arm 10 to reset the position of the engagement member 10a before the lock pin 5 engages with the engagement member 10a. In contrast, in the first modified example, the distance from the rear plate 2C to the pin 38 in the +X direction is less than the distance from the rear plate 2C to the lock pin 5 in the +X direction.

[0103] In the first modified example, when the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the lock pin 5 is separated from the engagement member 10a, and then the pin 38 contacts the toggle arm 10 to reset the position of the engagement member 10a. The configuration is similar to the first exemplary embodiment except for the lock pin 5 and the pin 38. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] Even in the configuration of the first modification, when the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved from the detached position to the attached position relative to the main body 1a in the +X direction, the lock pin 5 first engages with the engaging member 10a, and the engaging member 10a moves to the disengaged position. Figure 5A Illustrated engagement member 10a is in a disengaged position.

[0105] Here, the pin 38 has not yet come into contact with the toggle arm 10. When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved from the main body 1a in the +X direction Figure 5A When the state is further moved, such as Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , the lock pin 5 is separated from the engagement member 10a of the toggle arm 10, and then the pin 38 is in contact with the toggle arm 10. Meanwhile, the lock pin 5 separated from the engagement member 10a is located in the third path 15b.

[0106] When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved from the main body 1a in the +X direction Figure 5B When the state is further moved, the pin 38 moves from the fourth path 16a to the fifth path 16c, while pressing the toggle arm 10 in the +X direction ( Figure 5C The pin 38 finally presses the toggle arm 10, so that the engagement member 10a in the engagement position moves to the disengagement position ( Figure 5D Specifically, the pin 38 rotates the toggle arm 10 to a position where the toggle arm 10 is biased toward the standby position by the toggle spring 12, whereby the toggle arm 10 is located in the standby position.

[0107] When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved from the main body 1a in the +X direction Figure 5D When the state is further moved, such as Figure 5E As shown in FIG. 1 , the pin 38 moves to the fifth path 16c and the lock pin 5 moves to the second path 15c. In this state, in response to the disappearance of the external force applied to the sheet feeding cassette 2 in the +X direction, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is pushed out in the -X direction by the push member 19.

[0108] As described above, when the member to be engaged 100 and the pull-in unit 300 are engaged, inserting the sheet feed cassette 2 in the first direction disengages the member to be engaged 100 and the pull-in unit 300. Further inserting the sheet feed cassette 2 in the first direction brings the moving member 200 into contact with the pull-in unit 300, whereby the toggle arm 10 is moved to the standby position.

[0109] [Second Modification]

[0110] Will refer to Figure 6 A second variation of the first exemplary embodiment is described. In the first exemplary embodiment, after the locking pin 5 is pulled out from the second path 15c, the pin 80 remains in the fifth path 16c until the sheet feed box 2 moves a predetermined amount in the -X direction. In the case where the pin 80 remains in the fifth path 16c, in the case where the sheet feed box 2 is moved in the +X direction so that the locking pin 5 is inserted into the first path 15a again, the toggle arm 10 will not be restored to the standby position by the pin 80. As a result, the locking pin 5 contacts the toggle arm 10 in the release position (the engaging member 10a in the disengaged position). If the user further inserts the sheet feed box 2 in the +X direction in such a state, the locking pin 5 and the engaging member 10a may interfere with each other and break.

[0111] In view of this, in the second modification, a seventh path 15e is further formed in the first groove shape 15. The seventh path 15e extends in the Y direction and connects the first path 15a and the second path 15c. The seventh path 15e is located upstream of the third path 15b in the +X direction. A path 15e1 where the seventh path 15e intersects with the first path 15a is located upstream of the engagement member 10a in the disengaged position in the +X direction. This enables the lock pin 5 in contact with the engagement member 10a in the disengaged position to move to the second path 15c via the seventh path 15e. As a result, the lock pin 5 and the engagement member 10a can be prevented from breaking.

[0112] Will refer to 7A to 7C A unit moving device 21 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. 7A to 7C 1 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the unit moving device 21 and the sheet feeding cassette 2. The pull-in unit 400 according to the second exemplary embodiment has a configuration different from that of the pull-in unit 300 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The second exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that the moving member 200 or the second groove shape 16 is not included.

[0113] The main body 1a according to the second exemplary embodiment includes a unit moving device 21, and the sheet feeding cassette 2 includes a member to be engaged 100. The unit moving device 21 is located at the same position as the unit moving device 4 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The member to be engaged 100 may be substantially the same as described in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0114] The unit moving device 21 includes a pull-in unit 400 and a guide member 25. Like the first exemplary embodiment, the guide member 25 includes a first path 15a, a second path 15c, and a third path 15b. The configurations of the first path 15a, the second path 15c, and the third path 15b are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment, so their description will be omitted. The guide member 25 includes a limiting portion 25a. The pull-in unit 400 includes a stopper 22 (a pull-in member, a force applying member, a first force applying member, a first arm), a stopper shaft 23, and a stopper spring 24. The stopper 22 is a locking unit that can swing around the stopper shaft 23 disposed on the guide member 25. The stopper 22 includes a first surface 22a, a corner 22b, and a second surface 22c at its -Y direction side end. The corner 22b connects the first surface 22a and the second surface 22c. The first surface 22a extends in the Y direction and the X direction, and overlaps with the first path 15a when viewed in the vertical direction. The corner portion 22b overlaps the first path 15a when viewed in the vertical direction. The second surface 22c extends in the Y direction and the X direction, and overlaps the first path 15a when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0115] The stopper spring 24 is disposed on the guide member 25. The stopper spring 24 contacts the +Y direction side end of the stopper 22. When the stopper 22 moves in the +Y direction, the stopper spring 24 accumulates elastic force and plays a role in pushing the stopper 22 in the -Y direction. Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , the stopper 22 is urged by the stopper spring 24 to contact the restricting portion 25 a , so that the stopper 22 cannot move beyond the restricting portion 25 a on the −Y direction side.

[0116] The attaching operation of the sheet feeding cassette 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described. When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, as shown in FIG. Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking pin 5 passes through the first path 15 a and contacts the first surface 22 a .

[0117] When the sheet feeding cassette 2 moves further in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the lock pin 5 presses the first surface 22a and moves the stopper 22 in the +Y direction. Thus, the elastic force of the stopper spring 24 is accumulated. Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 2 , when the lock pin 5 reaches the corner portion 22 b , the elastic force of the stopper spring 24 becomes maximum.

[0118] When the lock pin 5 moves beyond the corner 22b in the +X direction, the accumulated elastic force of the stopper spring 24 is released to move the stopper 22 in the -Y direction. As a result, the stopper 22 pulls in the lock pin 5 in the +X direction, so that the lock pin 5 moves in the X direction in contact with the second surface 22c. As a result, the sheet feeding cassette 2 moves in the +X direction. When the stopper 22 pulls in the lock pin 5, the rear plate 2C contacts the push-out member 19, and the push-out member 19 accumulates elastic force. The stopper 22 contacts the limiting portion 25a, so that the movement of the stopper 22 in the -Y direction is limited ( Figure 7C ).like Figure 7C , the sheet feeding cassette 2 in the attached position is biased in the −X direction by the push-out member 19, and the lock pin 5 is in contact with the second surface 22c of the stopper 22. Such a state in which the lock pin 5 is in contact with the second surface 22c and the stopper 22 is in contact with the restricting portion 25a will be referred to as a state in which the sheet feeding cassette 2 is in the attached position.

[0119] Like the first exemplary embodiment, the user can disassemble the sheet feeding cassette 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment using the first disassembly method and the second disassembly method.

[0120] The first disassembly method will be described. When external force is applied to the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position so that the sheet feed cassette 2 moves in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, the lock pin 5 presses the second surface 22c in the -X direction. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is further moved in the -X direction, the lock pin 5 passes through the corner 22B. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is further moved in the -X direction, the lock pin 5 moves along the first surface 22a, and the sheet feed cassette 2 can be finally disassembled.

[0121] The second disassembly method will be described. When the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position is subjected to an external force so that the sheet feed cassette 2 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the lock pin 5 enters the third path 15b and further enters the second path 15c. When the lock pin 5 is in the second path 15c, the force of the push-out member 19 pressing the sheet feed cassette 2 in the -X direction causes the lock pin 5 to move in the -X direction in the second path 15c, so that the sheet feed cassette 2 can be finally disassembled.

[0122] In the present exemplary embodiment, the stopper 22 serving as the locking unit of the lock pin 5 is disposed on the guide member 25. However, an elastically deformable lever may be disposed on the guide member 25 instead of the stopper 22 without a swing fulcrum or an elastic member.

[0123] As a first modification of the second exemplary embodiment, Figure 8 As shown in , the path switching damper 45 can be disposed on the guide member 25. When viewed in the -Z direction, the path switching damper 45 is biased to rotate clockwise. Figure 8 As shown in , when viewed in the vertical direction, the path switching flapper 45 is therefore in contact with the guide member 25 to block the connection between the first path 15a and the second path 15c. By applying an external force, when viewed in the -Z direction, the path switching flapper 45 can rotate counterclockwise. When the sheet feeding cassette 2 in the attachment position moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 presses the path switching flapper 45 in the +X direction. When viewed in the -Z direction, this causes the path switching flapper 45 to rotate counterclockwise, so that the connection between the first path 15a and the second path 15c is not blocked. This enables the locking pin 5 to move to the second path 15c. After the locking pin 5 moves to the second path 15c, the path switching flapper 45 rotates to the position where the connection between the first path 15a and the second path 15c is blocked again. In other words, the path switching flapper 45 acts as a check valve (switching valve) for preventing the locking pin 5 from flowing back from the second path 15c to the first path 15a.

[0124] As described above, according to the second exemplary embodiment, the position of the stopper 22 is reset by the elastic force of the stopper spring 24. Therefore, unlike the first exemplary embodiment, the moving member 200 does not need to be provided. The sheet feeding cassette 2 can be pulled out from the main body 1a using the aforementioned first disassembly method and the second disassembly method. This improves the usability of the sheet feeding cassette 2 during disassembly.

[0125] Will refer to Fig.9A and FIG. 9B to FIG. 14A and Fig. 14B A unit moving device 27 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. Fig.9A , Fig.11A , Fig. 12A , Fig.13 and Fig.14A is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 28 taken along the X direction. Fig. 9B , Fig.10 , Fig. 11B , Fig. 12B and Fig. 14B : is a plan view of the member to be joined 500 viewed in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0126] The main body 1a according to the third exemplary embodiment includes a unit moving device 27, and the sheet feeding cassette 2 includes a to-be-engaged member 500. The unit moving device 27 is located at the same position as the unit moving device 4 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The unit moving device 27 includes a pull-in unit 400 and a guide member 28.

[0127] The member to be engaged 500 and the guide member 28 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment have different configurations from those of the member to be engaged 100 and the guide member 25 according to the second exemplary embodiment. The remaining configuration is similar to that of the second exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] Will refer to Fig.9A The configuration of the guide member 28 is described. The guide member 28 according to the present exemplary embodiment does not include the second path 15c or the third path 15b according to the second exemplary embodiment. On the other hand, the guide member 28 includes an eighth path 15f, which is a path along which the lock pin 29 moves. The eighth path 15f extends from the first path 15a. The direction in which the eighth path 15f extends includes a +X direction component and a +Z direction component. The guide member 28 has an inclined surface 15fb on the eighth path 15f, and the lock pin 29 can move along the inclined surface 15fb.

[0129] Will refer to Fig.9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The configuration of the member to be engaged 500 is described. The member to be engaged 500 includes a fulcrum shaft 70, a lock pin holding arm 31, a lock pin 29, and a fixing mechanism 30. The fulcrum shaft 70 and the lock pin holding arm 31 respectively have configurations similar to those of the fulcrum shaft 7 and the lock pin holding arm 6 according to the second exemplary embodiment. More specifically, the lock pin 29 is held by the lock pin holding arm 31. The lock pin holding arm 31 and the lock pin 29 can rotate relative to the sheet feeding cassette 2 via the fulcrum shaft 70. The lock pin 29 has a groove portion 29a, a restricting surface 29b, and a surface to be pressed 29c. The groove portion 29a has a radially recessed groove shape. As shown in FIG. Fig. 12A As shown in , the limiting surface 29b is a flat surface constituting the groove portion 29a and extending radially. The lock pin 29 passes through the lock pin holding arm 31 in the Z direction via the hole 44 formed in the lock pin holding arm 31. The limiting surface 29b contacts the +Z direction side end of the lock pin holding arm 31. In other words, the limiting surface 29b limits the movement of the lock pin 29 in the -Z direction relative to the lock pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight. As described below, the lock pin 29 can move in the +Z direction relative to the lock pin holding arm 31 through the hole 44 when subjected to an external force in the +Z direction. The surface 29c to be pressed of the lock pin 29 refers to the outer peripheral surface of the lock pin 29.

[0130] The member to be joined 500 includes a fixing mechanism 30. The fixing mechanism 30 includes a first fixing member 30a and a second fixing member 30b. The first fixing member 30a is disposed to be rotatable around a first support shaft 32 disposed on a lock pin holding arm 31. Fig. 9BAs shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed in the -Z direction, the first fixing member 30a rotates clockwise (B1 direction) by a torsion coil spring not shown. The second fixing member 30b is arranged to be rotatable around a second support shaft 33 arranged on the first fixing member 30a by a torsion coil spring not shown. Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 1 , the second fixing member 30 b rotates counterclockwise (B2 direction) when viewed in the −Z direction.

[0131] The operation when the sheet feeding cassette 2 is attached will be described. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B 30a is a diagram illustrating a state in which the locking pin 29 is located upstream of the guide member 28 in the +X direction. In other words, in this state, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is not attached to the main body 1a. The second fixing member 30b has an end face 34. The second fixing member 30b contacts the first fixing member 30a via the end face 34. The torsion coil spring that rotates the first fixing member 30a has a greater biasing force than the torsion coil spring that rotates the second fixing member 30b. In other words, since the fixing mechanism 30 rotates clockwise when viewed in the -Z direction, the first fixing member 30a presses the surface 29c to be pressed of the first fixing member 30a.

[0132] exist Fig.9A In the state, as described above, the limiting surface 29b contacts the +Z direction side end of the lock pin holding arm 31 to limit the movement of the lock pin 29 in the -Z direction relative to the lock pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight. Here, when viewed in the X direction, the lock pin 29 and the stopper 22 overlap.

[0133] In the sheet feed cassette 2 from Fig.9A and Fig. 9B When the state of being moved relative to the main body 1a in the +X direction, the second fixing member 30b contacts the pin 35 disposed on the main body 1a ( Fig.10 ).

[0134] When the sheet feeding cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the second fixing member 30b is pressed by the pin 35 and rotates clockwise (B3 direction) when viewed in the -Z direction. After the second fixing member 30b is located downstream of the pin 35 in the +X direction, the second fixing member 30b returns to Fig. 9B status.

[0135] In the case where the sheet feeding cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a after the second fixing member 30b is located downstream of the pin 35 in the +X direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.11A As shown in , the lock pin 29 moves the stopper 22 and then engages with the stopper 22. Here, Fig. 11BThe state of the to-be-engaged member 500 is illustrated. The engagement operation of the lock pin 29 and the stopper 22 has been described in the second exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] There will be described an operation when disassembling the sheet feeding cassette 2. First, a second disassembling method will be described.

[0137] like Fig. 12A As shown in , when the sheet feeding cassette 2 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a from the state where the lock pin 29 is engaged with the stopper 22, the lock pin 29 moves along the inclined surface 15fb on the eighth path 15f. When the lock pin 29 moves in the +X direction along the eighth path 15f, the -Z direction side end of the lock pin 29 contacts the inclined surface 15fb and receives a force in the +Z direction from the inclined surface 15fb. This causes the lock pin 29 to move in the +Z direction relative to the lock pin holding arm 31 and the fixing mechanism 30. When the lock pin 29 is moved in the +Z direction relative to the fixing mechanism 30, as shown in FIG. Fig. 12A and 12B As shown in , the first fixing member 30a is engaged with the groove portion 29a. Here, the first fixing member 30a contacts to press the groove portion 29a by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring. The groove portion 29a includes a flat surface 29at that constitutes the groove portion 29a and extends radially. When the first fixing member 30a is engaged with the groove portion 29a, the flat surface 29at is located downstream of the first fixing member 30b in the +Z direction and overlaps with the first fixing member 30a when viewed in the Z direction. This prevents the lock pin 29 from moving in the -Z direction relative to the lock pin retaining arm 31 due to its own weight. When the first fixing member 30a is engaged with the groove portion 29a, the lock pin 29 is located above the stopper 22 in the vertical direction.

[0138] Fig. 12A The diagram shows a state where the lock pin 29 is located on the +X direction side of the stopper 22. As has been described in the second exemplary embodiment, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is pressed in the -X direction by the push member 19. In response to the external force in the +X direction acting on the sheet feeding cassette 2, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is pushed out from the push member 19. Fig. 12A The state disappears, such as Fig.13 As shown in , the sheet feeding cassette 2 is thus moved in the −X direction relative to the main body 1 a . Here, the lock pin 29 is located above the stopper 22 in the vertical direction and therefore does not interfere with the stopper 22 .

[0139] After the lock pin 29 moves to the position where the lock pin 29 is located on the -X direction side of the stopper 22, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14BAs shown, the -X direction side end of the second fixing member 30b contacts the pin 35. When the lock pin 29 further moves in the -X direction, the second fixing member 30b rotates in the B2 direction, whereby the first fixing member 30a also rotates in the B2 direction via the end surface 34. This disengages the first fixing member 30a and the groove portion 29a, and the lock pin 29 moves in the -Z direction relative to the lock pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight. When the lock pin 29 moves in the -Z direction relative to the lock pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight, the restriction surface 29b contacts the +Z direction side end of the lock pin holding arm 31. In other words, the lock pin 29 is restricted from moving in the -Z direction relative to the lock pin holding arm 31.

[0140] A first disassembly method will be described. Fig.11A ) in the case where the sheet feeding cassette 2 is moved in the -Z direction relative to the main body 1a, the lock pin 29 and the stopper 22 can be disengaged. The operation for disengaging the lock pin 29 and the stopper 22 using the first disassembly method is similar to the operation described in the second exemplary embodiment. Therefore, its description will be omitted. The operation of the fixing mechanism 30 in the first disassembly method will now be described. After the disengagement between the lock pin 29 and the stopper 22 and the movement of the lock pin 29 to the -X direction side of the stopper, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is further moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14B , the second fixing member 30b is in contact with the pin 35. In the case where the sheet feeding cassette 2 is further moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, the second fixing member 30b is pressed by the pin 35 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed in the -Z direction. This causes the second fixing member 30b to move in the X direction relative to the pin 35, and the second fixing member 30b is finally located on the -X direction side of the pin 35. After the second fixing member 30b is located on the -X direction side of the pin 35, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B As shown in , the fixing mechanism 30 returns to the state where the first fixing member 30a presses the surface to be pressed 29c.

[0141] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first disassembly method and the second disassembly method can be implemented without the moving member 200 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Since the configuration does not include the second path 15c or the third path 15b according to the second exemplary embodiment, the guide member 28 can be reduced in size in the +Y direction.

[0142] Will refer to Fig.15 A unit moving device 37 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment is described. Fig.15 is a plan view of the unit moving device 37.

[0143] The main body 1a according to the fourth exemplary embodiment includes a unit moving device 37, and the sheet feeding cassette 2 includes a to-be-engaged member 100. The unit moving device 37 is located at the same position as the unit moving device 4 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0144] The unit moving device 37 includes a guide member 41. The guide member 41 includes a pull-in unit 600, a plunger solenoid 60, and a sensor unit 55. The sensor unit 55 is a transmission type photoelectric sensor, and includes a light emitting element 55a and a light receiving element 55b.

[0145] The pulling-in unit 600 includes a toggle arm 39, a toggle arm shaft 40, a toggle spring 12, a toggle spring shaft 14, a connecting shaft 13, and an engaging member 39a. The operations of the toggle arm 39, the toggle arm shaft 40, the toggle spring 12, the toggle spring shaft 14, the connecting shaft 13, and the engaging member 39a have been described in the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] The plunger solenoid 60 has a function of functioning as a moving member for returning the toggle arm 39 from the release position to the standby position. The plunger solenoid 60 is coupled with the movable core 42 as a driving member. The movable core 42 is connected to the connecting shaft 43 of the toggle arm 39.

[0147] Like the first to third exemplary embodiments, the guide member 41 includes the first groove shape 15. A first path 15a is formed in the first groove shape 15, which is a path through which the lock pin 5 can move. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the pull-in unit 600 pulls in the lock pin 5 by an operation similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment, so that the sheet feeding cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a. Therefore, the description of the method for attaching the sheet feeding cassette 2 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be omitted.

[0148] A method for disassembling the sheet feed cassette 2 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described. The operation of the first disassembly method is similar to the operation of the first disassembly method of the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, its description will be omitted. The second disassembly method will now be described. In this exemplary embodiment, when the movement of the sheet feed cassette 2 in the +X direction from the attachment position relative to the main body 1a is detected, the toggle arm 39 moves from the release position to the standby position.

[0149] Fig.15The diagram illustrates a state in which the sheet feed cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a. Like the first exemplary embodiment, when the sheet feed cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a, the push-out member 19 is pressed by the sheet feed cassette 2 to accumulate elastic force. In response to the sheet feed cassette 2 attached to the main body 1a being moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the lock pin 5 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a. Therefore, the push-out member 19 is further compressed by the sheet feed cassette 2 in the +X direction and accumulates elastic force. When the lock pin 5 passes through the detection area of ​​the sensor unit 55, the sensor unit 55 detects the lock pin 5. The unshown control unit (central processing unit [CPU]) of the image forming device 1 energizes the plunger solenoid 60 based on the detection signal from the sensor unit 55. The plunger solenoid 60 thus generates magnetic flux inside. The plunger solenoid 60 uses magnetic force to pull in the movable core 42 in the +X direction. Pulling in the movable core 42 in the +X direction pulls in the connecting shaft 43 in the +X axis direction. In other words, the plunger solenoid 60 pulls in the connecting shaft 43, so that the toggle arm 39 rotates clockwise when viewed in the -Z direction. With the toggle arm 39 in the released position, the toggle spring 12 pulls in the toggle arm 39, so that the toggle arm 39 rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the -Z direction. However, since the force of the plunger solenoid 60 to move the toggle arm 39 is greater than the pulling-in force of the toggle spring 12, the toggle arm 39 rotates clockwise when viewed in the -Z direction. As a result, the toggle arm 39 moves to the standby position, and the engaging member 39a moves to the engaging position. When the toggle arm 39 moves to the standby position, the push-out member 19 applies a biasing force in the -X direction.

[0150] In the present exemplary embodiment, the toggle arm 39 is located at the release position when the movable core 42 protrudes, and is located at the standby position when the movable core 42 is pulled in. However, the toggle arm 39 may be located at the standby position when the movable core 42 protrudes, and may be located at the release position when the movable core 42 is pulled in. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plunger solenoid 60 may be a holding solenoid.

[0151] In the present exemplary embodiment, the toggle arm 39 is made of a non-magnetic material so that no current flows from the movable core 42 to the toggle arm 39 .

[0152] Through the aforementioned operation, like the second exemplary embodiment and the third exemplary embodiment, the second disassembly method can be implemented without the moving member 200 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Since the biasing force of the plunger solenoid 60 is applied in addition to the biasing force of the push-out member 19 when practicing the second disassembly method, the usability of the user's pulling-out operation can be improved.

[0153] In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the unit moving device is fixed to the rear side plate 1b of the image forming apparatus 1, and the member to be engaged is fixed to the -X direction side end of the rear plate 2C. However, it is sufficient to deploy one of the member to be engaged and the unit moving device on the main body and deploy the other of the member to be engaged and the unit moving device on the unit attached to and detached from the main body.

[0154] In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the member to be engaged is disposed on the sheet feed cassette 2 serving as a unit, and the unit moving device is disposed on the main body 1a. However, the member to be engaged may be disposed on the main body 1a, and the unit moving device may be disposed on the sheet feed cassette 2. In the case where there is a moving member that moves the pull-in member from the release position to the standby position, the moving member is disposed on the main body 1a.

[0155] In such a case, when the sheet feeding cassette 2 is subjected to external force and is moved from the attachment position in the insertion direction relative to the main body 1 a , the unit moving device is moved by the external force, and the pull-in unit and the member to be engaged of the unit moving device are disengaged.

[0156] More specifically, in a case where the unit moving device is deployed on the sheet feeding box 2, when the sheet feeding box 2 is inserted into the main body 1a, the unit moving device moves in the +X direction relative to the member to be engaged. In a case where the sheet feeding box 2 in the attached position is disassembled from the main body 1a using the first disassembly method, the unit moving device moves in the -X direction relative to the member to be engaged. In a case where the sheet feeding box 2 in the attached position is disassembled from the main body 1a using the second disassembly method, the unit moving device moves in the +X direction relative to the member to be engaged, and then moves in the -X direction. Even in such a case, the change in the relative positional relationship between the member to be engaged or the moving member and the unit moving device when the sheet feeding box 2 moves relative to the main body 1a is similar to that described in the exemplary embodiment.

[0157] For example, Fig.17 As shown in , the unit moving device 4 according to the first exemplary embodiment may be fixed to the +X direction side end of the rear plate 2C, and the to-be-engaged member 100 and the moving member 200 may be fixed to the rear side plate 1b of the main body 1a.

[0158] In such a case, the operation for inserting the sheet feed cassette 2 into the main body 1a and the operation for removing the sheet feed cassette 2 from the main body 1a are similar to the operations in the first exemplary embodiment. More specifically, when attaching the sheet feed cassette 2, the sheet feed cassette 2 is inserted into the main body 1a in the first direction, whereby the unit moving device 4 is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a and engages with the lock pin 5. Specifically, the toggle arm 10 in the standby position moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a and engages with the lock pin 5 deployed on the main body 1a. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is further inserted in the +X direction, the toggle arm 10 moves to the release position and pulls in the lock pin 5 in the second direction, so that the sheet feed cassette 2 is displaced in the first direction.

[0159] When the sheet feed cassette 2 is disassembled using the first disassembly method, an external force in the -X direction is applied to the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attached position. This causes the sheet feed cassette 2 to move in the -X direction from the attached position, and the guide member 17 including the first path 15a and the toggle arm 10 to move in the -X direction relative to the lock pin 5. In this process, the toggle arm 10 moves from the release position to the standby position and disengages from the lock pin 5.

[0160] When the sheet feed cassette 2 is disassembled using the second disassembly method, an external force in the +X direction is applied to the sheet feed cassette 2 in the attachment position. This causes the sheet feed cassette 2 to move in the +X direction from the attachment position, and the guide member 17 and the toggle arm 10 including the first path 15a move in the +X direction relative to the lock pin 5. Thus, when the toggle arm 10 is in the release position, the lock pin 5 is disengaged from the toggle arm 10. The lock pin 5 enters the third path 15b and then enters the second path 15c. Then, the sheet feed cassette 2 is pressed in the second direction by the push-out member 19, whereby the sheet feed cassette 2 is moved relative to the main body 1a.

[0161] For example, Fig.18 As shown in , the unit moving device 21 according to the second exemplary embodiment may be fixed to the +X direction side end of the rear plate 2C, and the member to be joined 100 may be fixed to the rear side plate 1b of the main body 1a.

[0162] For example, Fig.19 As shown in , the unit moving device 27 according to the third exemplary embodiment may be fixed to the +X direction side end of the rear plate 2C, and the member to be engaged 500 may be fixed to the rear side plate 1 b of the main body 1 a.

[0163] For example, Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the unit moving device 37 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment may be fixed to the +X direction side end of the rear plate 2C, and the member to be joined 100 may be fixed to the rear side plate 1 b of the main body 1 a .

[0164] In the first exemplary embodiment, the push-out member 19 is disposed on the main body 1 a . In the first modified example, the push-out member 19 is disposed on the rear plate 2C. That is, the push-out member 19 may be disposed on either the main body 1 a or the sheet feeding cassette 2 .

[0165] In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the sheet feeding cassette 2 is described as an example of a unit to be attached to and detached from the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the unit is not limited to the sheet feeding cassette 2. The unit may be any component that is detachably attached to the main body 1a. For example, Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be applied with a fixing unit 110 that fixes a toner image onto a sheet or a developing unit (toner containing unit) 104 that contains toner as a unit.

[0166] The present disclosure includes at least the following configurations.

[0167] (Configuration 1)

[0168] An image forming device, comprising:

[0169] main body;

[0170] a unit configured to be inserted into the body in a first direction and to be pulled out of the body in a second direction opposite to the first direction;

[0171] Components to be joined;

[0172] a pulling-in member configured to engage with the member to be engaged and pull the member to be engaged in; and

[0173] a pushing member configured to push the unit in a second direction,

[0174] wherein one of the to-be-engaged member and the pulled-in member is deployed on the main body,

[0175] wherein the other of the member to be engaged and the member to be pulled in is deployed on the unit,

[0176] wherein the pulling member is configured to engage with the member to be engaged and pull the member to be engaged in so that the unit is displaced in the first direction when the unit is inserted into the body in the first direction, and

[0177] When the pulling-in member is engaged with the member to be engaged and the unit is subjected to an external force in the first direction, the other of the member to be engaged and the pulling-in member is displaced relative to the main body in the first direction by the external force, so that the pulling-in member and the member to be engaged are disengaged, and the unit is pushed out in the second direction by the pushing member.

[0178] (Configuration 2)

[0179] The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the pulling member is configured to move between a standby position where the pulling member engages with the member to be engaged and a release position where the pulling member disengages from the member to be engaged.

[0180] (Configuration 3)

[0181] The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 2 further includes a guide member configured to guide movement of the member to be engaged,

[0182] wherein the guide member forms a movement path of the member to be joined, the movement path comprising a first path, a second path, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path,

[0183] wherein the first path includes a movement path of the member to be engaged in which the pull-in member engaged with the member to be engaged moves from the standby position to the release position, and

[0184] The second path includes a path along which the member to be engaged moves when the unit is pushed out by the pushing member in the second direction.

[0185] (Configuration 4)

[0186] An image forming apparatus according to Configuration 3, wherein the third path is located between the first path and the second path in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the perpendicular direction.

[0187] (Configuration 5)

[0188] The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4,

[0189] wherein the guide member forms a fourth path connecting the first path and the second path, and

[0190] The fourth path is located upstream of the third path in the pulling direction in which the pulling member pulls in the unit.

[0191] (Configuration 6)

[0192] The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 5, further including a restricting member,

[0193] The limiting member is configured to contact the pulling member to limit the movement of the pulling member in the pulling direction when the pulling member reaches the release position.

[0194] (Configuration 7)

[0195] The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 6, further including a moving member,

[0196] The moving member is configured to contact the retracting member and move the retracting member from the release position to the standby position when the unit moves in the first direction.

[0197] (Configuration 8)

[0198] According to the image forming apparatus of configuration 7,

[0199] wherein the moving member is configured to contact the retracting member and move the retracting member to the standby position when the retracting member is in the release position and the unit is inserted in the first direction, and

[0200] The to-be-engaged member is configured to engage with the retracted member in the standby position when the unit is further inserted in the first direction.

[0201] (Configuration 9)

[0202] According to the image forming apparatus of configuration 7,

[0203] wherein the insertion unit in the first direction disengages the member to be engaged and the member to be pulled in when the member to be engaged and the member to be pulled in are engaged, and

[0204] The moving member is configured to contact the retracting member and move the retracting member to the standby position when the unit moves further in the first direction.

[0205] (Configuration 10)

[0206] The image forming apparatus according to configurations 1 to 9, further comprising a damping member,

[0207] The damping member is configured to reduce a moving speed of the unit in the first direction when the pulling-in member pulls in the member to be engaged.

[0208] (Configuration 11)

[0209] The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, wherein the pushing member is an elastic member.

[0210] (Configuration 12)

[0211] The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the unit is a housing unit configured to house a recording material.

[0212] (Configuration 13)

[0213] The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the unit is a fixing unit configured to fix a toner image formed on a recording material or a toner containing unit configured to contain toner.

[0214] (Configuration 14)

[0215] The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, further including an elastic member,

[0216] The elastic member is configured to bias the pulling-in member in a direction in which the pulling-in member pulls in the member to be engaged.

[0217] (Configuration 15)

[0218] The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 9 and 11 to 14,

[0219] wherein the pulling-in member is moved to the standby position when the pulling-in member is in the release position and engaged with the member to be engaged and the unit moves in the second direction, and

[0220] Wherein, when the unit is further moved in the second direction, the pull-in member and the member to be engaged are disengaged.

[0221] (Configuration 16)

[0222] The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 15, wherein the to-be-engaged member is disposed on the unit and the pulling-in member is disposed on the main body.

[0223] (Configuration 17)

[0224] The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 15, wherein the to-be-engaged member is disposed on the main body and the pulling-in member is disposed on the unit.

[0225] 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 such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming device, comprising: main body; a unit configured to be inserted into the body in a first direction and to be pulled out of the body in a second direction opposite to the first direction; Components to be joined; a pulling-in member configured to engage with the member to be engaged and pull the member to be engaged in; as well as a pushing member configured to push the unit in the second direction, wherein one of the to-be-engaged member and the pull-in member is disposed on the body, wherein the other of the member to be engaged and the member to be pulled in is deployed on the unit, wherein the pulling member is configured to engage with the member to be engaged and pull the member to be engaged in such that the unit is displaced in the first direction when the unit is inserted into the body in the first direction, and In which, when the pulling-in member is engaged with the member to be engaged and the unit is subjected to an external force in the first direction, the other of the member to be engaged and the pulling-in member is displaced relative to the main body in the first direction by the external force, so that the pulling-in member and the member to be engaged are disengaged, and the unit is pushed out in the second direction by the pushing member. 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pulling member is configured to move between a standby position at which the pulling member engages with the member to be engaged and a release position at which the pulling member disengages from the member to be engaged.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a guide member configured to guide movement of the member to be engaged, wherein the guide member forms a moving path of the member to be engaged, the moving path including a first path, a second path, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path, wherein the first path includes a movement path of the member to be engaged in which the pull-in member engaged with the member to be engaged moves from the standby position to the release position, and wherein the second path includes a path along which the member to be engaged moves when the unit is pushed out in the second direction by the pushing member. 4 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the third path is located between the first path and the second path in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and a vertical direction.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide member forms a fourth path connecting the first path and the second path, and The fourth path is located upstream of the third path in a pulling direction in which the pulling member pulls the unit in.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a restricting member, The limiting member is configured to contact the pulling member to limit movement of the pulling member in the pulling direction when the pulling member reaches the release position.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a moving member, wherein the moving member is configured to contact the pulling-in member and move the pulling-in member from the releasing position to the waiting position when the unit moves in the first direction.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the moving member is configured to contact the pulling member and move the pulling member to the standby position when the pulling member is in the release position and the unit is inserted in the first direction, and The to-be-engaged member is configured to engage with the pulling-in member in the standby position when the unit is further inserted in the first direction.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, in a state where the member to be engaged and the pull-in member are engaged, inserting the unit in the first direction causes the member to be engaged and the pull-in member to be disengaged, and The moving member is configured to contact the pulling-in member and move the pulling-in member to the standby position if the unit is further moved in the first direction.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a damping member, The damping member is configured to reduce a moving speed of the unit in the first direction when the pulling-in member pulls in the member to be engaged. 11 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pushing member is an elastic member. 12 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the unit is a housing unit configured to house a recording material. 13 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the unit is a fixing unit configured to fix a toner image formed on a recording material or a toner containing unit configured to contain toner.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member, The elastic member is configured to bias the pulling-in member in a direction in which the pulling-in member pulls in the member to be engaged.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pulling-in member is moved to the standby position when the pulling-in member is in the release position and engaged with the member to be engaged and the unit moves in the second direction, and Wherein, when the unit is further moved in the second direction, the pulling-in member and the member to be engaged are disengaged. 16 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the to-be-engaged member is disposed on the unit and the pulling-in member is disposed on the main body. 17 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the to-be-engaged member is disposed on the main body and the pulling-in member is disposed on the unit.

Images