Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes: (i) an apparatus body including a first end portion and a second end portion positioned opposite each other in a first direction, the first end portion having an opening, the apparatus body including a first side wall at one end in a second direction orthogonal to a vertical direction and the first direction; (ii) a drawable unit movable in a direction crossing the second direction and movable between an inside position and an outside position through the opening; (iii) a fixing device positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; (iv) a power board configured to supply power to the fixing device; and (v) an inlet electrically connected to the power strip and positioned closer to the second end than to the first end in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] Image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction machines include apparatuses in which a cartridge is detachably attached to a tray that is movable between the inside and outside of an apparatus body.

[0003] The image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-244018 includes a tray to which a cartridge is detachably attached, and a fixing device. The tray can be moved to the outside of a body of the image forming apparatus through a plurality of openings.

[0004] Another image forming device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-206897 includes a tray, a transfer unit, and a fixing device, with a cartridge detachably attached to the tray. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-206897, the tray and the transfer unit are movable from the interior of the image forming device to the exterior of the image forming device. Specifically, the fixing device is located at one end of the image forming device body. When the transfer unit is moved to the exterior of the device body, the transfer unit moves in a direction from the other end of the device body toward the one end. When the tray is moved to the exterior of the device body, the tray moves in a direction from the one end of the device body toward the other end.

[0005] Still another image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-20932 includes a tray to which a cartridge is detachably attached, and a power supply. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure further develops the prior art. Specifically, the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus in which electrical components are arranged in a reduced space.

[0007] Various features according to the disclosure of this application are summarized as follows.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming device configured to form an image on a recording material. The image forming device includes: a device body, the device body including a first end and a second end relative to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, the first end having an opening, the second end positioned opposite to the first end, the device body including a first side wall, the first side wall being located at one end of the device body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; a retractable unit capable of moving relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the retractable unit capable of moving between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body through the opening; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply board configured to supply power to the fixing device; and an inlet electrically connected to the power supply board and positioned closer to the second end than to the first end in the first direction. In the first direction, at least a portion of the power supply board is located closer to the second end than the fixing device is to the second end, and is located closer to the first end than the inlet is to the first end.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming device configured to form an image on a recording material. The image forming device includes: a device body, the device body includes a first end and a second end relative to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, the first end having an opening, the second end positioned opposite to the first end, the device body including: a first side wall; a second side wall; a rear wall; and an upper wall, the first side wall being located at one end of the device body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction, the second side wall being located at the other end of the device body in the second direction, the rear wall being located at the second end, at least a portion of the rear wall being located between the first side wall and the second side wall in the second direction, and at least a portion of the upper wall being located in the second direction. between the first side wall and the second side wall; a withdrawable unit, which is movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, and which is movable between an inner position on the inner side of the device body and an outer position on the outer side of the device body through the opening, at least a portion of the withdrawable unit in the inner position being located below the upper wall; a fixing device, which is configured to heat the recording material and is positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply board, which is arranged on the first side wall; and a first circuit board, which is arranged on the rear wall or the upper wall.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming device configured to form an image on a recording material. The image forming device comprises: a device body, the device body comprising a first end and a second end relative to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, the second end being positioned opposite to the first end, the device body comprising a first side wall, the first side wall being located at one end of the device body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; an image forming unit, the image forming unit being configured to transfer an image to a recording material at a transfer portion, the image forming unit comprising a retractable unit, the retractable unit being movable between an inner position located inside the device body and an outer position located outside the device body, the retractable unit comprising a plurality of rotating bodies, the The plurality of rotating bodies include a first rotating body and a second rotating body, wherein the transfer portion is positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a drive unit comprising a drive source and a drive system configured to transmit a driving force of the drive source to each of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, the drive unit being disposed on the first side wall; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; and a power supply unit disposed on the first side wall, the power supply unit comprising a power supply board and a housing for accommodating the power supply board. When the retractable unit is in the inner position, the first rotating body is positioned closer to the first end than the second rotating body is to the first end in the first direction, and at least a portion of the first rotating body is positioned vertically higher than the second rotating body. The power supply unit is vertically located above the drive unit. When viewed in the vertical direction, the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap each other.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material. The image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body including a first end and a second end relative to a first direction orthogonal to a vertical direction, the first end having an opening and the second end positioned opposite to the first end, the apparatus body including a first side wall located at one end of the apparatus body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; a withdrawable unit movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the withdrawable unit including a rotating body, the withdrawable unit movable between an inner position inside the apparatus body and an outer position outside the apparatus body through the opening; a drive unit including a drive source and a drive system configured to transmit a driving force of the drive source to the rotating body, the drive unit being disposed on the first side wall; a fixing device configured to heat a recording material and positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; and a power supply unit disposed on the first side wall, the power supply unit including a power supply board and a housing for accommodating the power supply board. The direction of travel of the withdrawable unit from the inner position to the outer position is defined as a withdrawing direction. The withdrawable unit in the inner position is tilted so that a downstream portion of the withdrawable unit in the withdrawing direction is positioned higher than an upstream portion of the withdrawable unit. The power supply unit is vertically located above the drive unit. When viewed in the vertical direction, the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap each other.

[0012] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 The overall configuration of a printer according to Example 1 is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 The printer according to Example 1 is shown with its door open.

[0015] Figure 3 A printer according to Example 1 is shown whose fixing device is moved.

[0016] Figure 4 The printer according to Example 1 is shown with its transfer unit and tray unit pulled out.

[0017] Figure 5 The printer according to Example 1 is shown with only the transfer unit pulled out.

[0018] Figure 6 How the transfer unit and the tray unit move in Example 1 is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 How the transfer unit and the tray unit move in Example 1 is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 A coupling member that couples the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit to each other in Example 1 is shown.

[0021] Figure 9 A coupling member that couples the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit to each other in Example 1 is shown.

[0022] Figure 10 A coupling member that couples the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit to each other in Example 1 is shown.

[0023] Figure 11 The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 1 are shown.

[0024] Figure 12 The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 1 are shown.

[0025] Figure 13 The locations of the doors and entrances in Example 1 are shown.

[0026] Figure 14 The position of the power supply unit in Example 1 is shown.

[0027] Figure 15 The position of the power supply unit in Example 1 is shown.

[0028] Figure 16 The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 2 are shown.

[0029] Figure 17 The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 3 are shown.

[0030] Figure 18 The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 4 are shown.

[0031] Figure 19 The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 5 are shown.

[0032] Figure 20 The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 6 are shown.

[0033] Figure 21 A control board according to Example 6 is shown.

[0034] Figure 22The positions of electrical components included in the printer according to Example 7 are shown.

[0035] Figure 23A and Figure 23B Shows how to supply power to the tray unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail by way of specific examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sizes, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the elements in the following description of the embodiments will be appropriately changed depending on the configuration and relevant conditions of the device to which the present disclosure is applied. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Overall configuration

[0039] Reference Figure 1 , a printer 1 provided as an image forming apparatus will now be described. Figure 1 There is shown an overall configuration of a printer 1 according to Example 1. In the present embodiment, the printer 1 is an electrophotographic color laser beam printer configured to form an image on a sheet S corresponding to a recording material.

[0040] The printer 1 includes a main body (housing) 1A, a scanner (exposure device) 6, and a door (opening and closing member) 20. The door 20 can be opened and closed on the main body 1A. The printer 1 also includes a sheet feeding section 30, a transfer unit (transfer device) 40, a tray unit (movable unit, support unit, or retractable unit) 50, and a fixing device 70. The combination of the main body 1A and the door 20 is also referred to as the main frame 100. The main frame 100 comprises the exterior components of the printer 1.

[0041] The apparatus body 1A houses the scanner 6 , the sheet feeding portion 30 , the transfer unit 40 , the tray unit 50 , and the fixing device 70 .

[0042] The sheet feeding section 30 includes a stacking tray (stacking box or stacking section) 31 and a feed roller (supply roller) 32. Sheets S, serving as recording materials, are stacked on the stacking tray 31 and are each conveyed from the stacking tray 31 by the feed roller 32. The stacking tray 31 can be drawn or moved toward the door 20 so that it can be refilled with sheets S. The stacking tray 31 includes an inner plate 33 configured to lift the sheets S so that they come into contact with the feed roller 32.

[0043] The tray unit 50 includes a tray (support member or drawer) 51 and cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The tray 51 includes a tray handle 52. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are detachably attached to the tray 51.

[0044] Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be independently attached to and detached from the tray 51. Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK contain corresponding toners (developers) of corresponding colors among yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration, differing only in the color of the toner contained in the cartridges. Therefore, any one of cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be selected to describe its configuration and operation, and the description of the other cartridges can sometimes be omitted. If cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK do not need to be distinguished from each other, then cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can all be simply referred to as cartridges P. In other words, it can also be stated that the tray unit 50 includes a plurality of cartridges P and a tray 51, and the plurality of cartridges P are detachably attached to the tray.

[0045] In Example 1, the tray unit 50 includes a plurality of photosensitive drums (image bearing members) 61, a plurality of charging rollers (charging members) 62, and a plurality of developing rollers (developer carrying members) 63. Specifically, the tray unit 50 includes four photosensitive drums 61, four charging rollers 62, and four developing rollers 63. The directions of the rotational axes of the photosensitive drums 61, the development rollers 63, and the charging rollers 62 are parallel to each other.

[0046] A unit configured to form a black (K) image is referred to as a black station (first station). The photosensitive drum 61 , developing roller 63 , and charging roller 62 of the first station are referred to as a first photosensitive drum, a first developing roller, and a first charging roller, respectively.

[0047] The unit configured to form a cyan (C) image is referred to as a cyan station (second station). The photosensitive drum 61 , developing roller 63 , and charging roller 62 of the second station are referred to as a second photosensitive drum, a second developing roller, and a second charging roller, respectively.

[0048] The unit configured to form a finished red (M) image is referred to as a magenta station (third station). The photosensitive drum 61, developing roller 63, and charging roller 62 of the third station are referred to as a third photosensitive drum, a third developing roller, and a third charging roller, respectively.

[0049] The unit configured to form a yellow (Y) image is referred to as a yellow station (fourth station). The photosensitive drum 61 , developing roller 63 , and charging roller 62 of the fourth station are referred to as a fourth photosensitive drum, a fourth developing roller, and a fourth charging roller, respectively.

[0050] The cartridge PK is attached to the black station. The cartridge PC is attached to the cyan station. The cartridge PM is attached to the magenta station. The cartridge PY is attached to the yellow station. In this embodiment, the cartridge PK is referred to as the first cartridge, the cartridge PC is referred to as the second cartridge, the cartridge PM is referred to as the third cartridge, and the cartridge PY is referred to as the fourth cartridge.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first photosensitive drum, the second photosensitive drum, the third photosensitive drum, and the fourth photosensitive drum can be respectively considered as an exemplary first rotating body, an exemplary second rotating body, an exemplary third rotating body, and an exemplary fourth rotating body. The first developing roller, the second developing roller, the third developing roller, and the fourth developing roller can also be respectively considered as an exemplary first rotating body, an exemplary second rotating body, an exemplary third rotating body, and an exemplary fourth rotating body. Therefore, it can also be said that the tray unit 50 includes a plurality of rotating bodies, and the plurality of rotating bodies include the first rotating body to the fourth rotating body.

[0052] The sequential numbers (ie, first, second, third, and fourth) are defined only for the convenience of distinguishing the elements and can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0053] The photosensitive drum 61 , the charging roller 62 , and the developing roller 63 may be included in at least one of each cartridge P and the tray 51 . In Example 1, the cartridge P includes the photosensitive drum 61 , the charging roller 62 , and the developing roller 63 .

[0054] The transfer unit 40 includes a belt (intermediate transfer belt) 41, a drive roller 46, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaner 43, and a tension roller (driven roller) 47. The drive roller 46 is used to move the belt 41. The printer 1 according to Example 1 includes an optical sensor 44 configured to detect any toner image transferred to the belt 41. In Example 1, the belt 41 is positioned below the photosensitive drums 61 and allowed to contact the photosensitive drums 61, thereby forming a primary transfer portion between the belt 41 and each photosensitive drum 61. The printer 1 also includes secondary transfer rollers 45, which contact the belt 41, forming a secondary transfer portion. The secondary transfer portion is formed between the belt 41 and the secondary transfer rollers 45. The directions of the rotational axes of the primary transfer roller 42, the drive roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the secondary transfer roller 45 are parallel to each other. The registration roller pair 4 is provided before the secondary transfer portion.

[0055] The fixing device 70 includes a fixing unit 70b and a shutter 5. When performing an image forming operation on a sheet S, the fixing device 70 is in a use position. When in the use position, the fixing device 70 is housed within (located inside) the apparatus body 1A. The fixing device 70 is configured to heat the sheet S when in the use position. In this embodiment, the fixing unit 70b includes a heating portion (heating roller) 71 and a pressure portion (pressure roller) 77. The heating portion 71 includes a heater.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 , how the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 move will now be described. Figure 2The printer 1 is shown with the door 20 open. Figure 3 The printer 1 is shown with the fixing device 70 moved. Figure 4 The printer 1 is shown with the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 pulled out. Figure 5 The printer 1 is shown with only the transfer unit 40 pulled out.

[0057] The transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are capable of moving from the inside of the device body 1A to the outside of the device body 1A. The device body 1A has a first end 1b1 and a second end 1b2 relative to the horizontal direction H. The first end 1b1 has an opening 1A1. The second end 1b2 is positioned opposite the first end 1b1. The tray unit 50 is capable of moving between a first inner position inside the device body 1A and a first outer position outside the device body 1A through the opening 1A1. The transfer unit 40 is capable of moving between a second inner position inside the device body 1A and a second outer position outside the device body 1A through the opening 1A1. The opening 1A1 may include an opening configured to allow the tray unit 50 to pass through and an opening configured to allow the transfer unit 40 to pass through. As the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, at least the belt 41 moves so that at least a portion of the belt 41 protrudes from the device body 1A to the outside of the device body 1A.

[0058] The direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is referred to as the tray removal direction (first removal direction) Dd1. The direction opposite to the tray removal direction Dd1 is referred to as the tray attachment direction (first attachment direction) Da1. The tray removal direction Dd1 can also be expressed as the direction from the second end portion 1b2 toward the first end portion 1b1.

[0059] The direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position is referred to as the transfer removal direction (second removal direction) Dd2. The direction opposite to the transfer removal direction Dd2 is referred to as the transfer attachment direction (second attachment direction) Da2. In the transfer removal direction Dd2, the drive roller 46 is located downstream relative to the tension roller 47. The transfer removal direction Dd2 can also be expressed as a direction pointing from the second end portion 1b2 toward the first end portion 1b1.

[0060] Both the tray detachment direction Dd1 and the tray attachment direction Da1 are directions that intersect (preferably are perpendicular to) the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. Both the transfer detachment direction Dd2 and the transfer attachment direction Da2 are directions that intersect (preferably are perpendicular to) the direction of the rotation axis of the drive roller 46. The direction of the rotation axis of the drive roller 46 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0061] In the horizontal direction H, the fixing device 70 is located at one end or first side of the apparatus body 1A (the side where the first end portion 1 b 1 is located).

[0062] The door 20 attached to the apparatus body 1A is movable between a closed position and an open position. When the door 20 is in the closed position (in the closed state of the door 20), as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the door 20 covers the opening 1A1. When the door 20 is in the open position (in the open state of the door 20), as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the opening 1A1 is exposed.

[0063] When the door 20 is in the Figure 1 In the closed position shown, the door 20 covers the fixing device 70 attached to the apparatus body 1A. More specifically, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the upper cover portion 20b included in the door 20 is located above the fixing device 70. The upper cover portion 20b of the door 20 functions as one of the exterior components.

[0064] In the case where the fixing device 70 is supported by the apparatus body 1A, the door 20 can be moved between the open position and the closed position. More specifically, the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position in a manner that moves away from the fixing device 70 supported by the apparatus body 1A. In other words, as Figure 2 The door 20 shown in the open position is positioned away from the fixing device 70 supported by the apparatus body 1A.

[0065] As described below, the fixing device 70 can Figure 2 Move to the position shown Figure 3 As the door 20 and the fixing device 70 move (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1A ), the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are allowed to move from the inside of the apparatus body 1A to the outside of the apparatus body 1A through the opening 1A1. The transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 after the movement are positioned as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0066] In the case where the tray unit 50 is moved to the outside of the apparatus body 1A (eg Figure 4 As shown in Example 1, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be attached to and detached from the tray 51. Thus, the user can replace the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK with new ones. In Example 1, the cartridge P can be attached to and detached from the tray 51 in a direction intersecting (preferably orthogonal to) the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0067] The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are to be removed from the tray 51 by moving them in a direction away from the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In other words, in order to remove the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the tray 51, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are to be moved relative to the tray 51 toward the side opposite to the transfer unit 40. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 40 is located below the tray unit 50. Therefore, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK to be removed from the tray 51 are moved upward relative to the tray 51.

[0068] The transfer unit 40 is detachable from the apparatus body 1A independently of the tray unit 50 , and can be replaced with a new transfer unit 40 .

[0069] Image forming operation

[0070] Reference Figure 1 Now, the image forming operation performed by the printer 1 will be described. The printer 1 is connected to an external host device (external instrument or external device) 400. When the printer 1 receives an image signal from the external host device 400, the printer 1 is configured to start performing an image forming operation on a sheet S based on the received image signal. Examples of the external host device 400 include a personal computer, an image reader, and a facsimile machine.

[0071] When performing an image forming operation on a sheet S, the fixing device 70 is in the use position, the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, and the door 20 is in the closed position. When the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the belt 41 is allowed to contact the photosensitive drum 61. In this state, the tray unit 50 is located above the transfer unit 40.

[0072] A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 62, and the photosensitive drum 61 rotates. The scanner 6 applies a laser beam generated corresponding to the image information to the photosensitive drum 61, thereby exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 pre-charged by the corresponding charging roller 62 to the laser beam. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 61.

[0073] The developing roller 63 carries a corresponding toner. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 63, whereby the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is developed using the toner supplied from the developing roller 63. Consequently, a corresponding toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. In Example 1, the electrostatic latent image is developed while the developing roller 63 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 61. Alternatively, the electrostatic latent image may be developed by using the developing roller 63 with a gap formed between the developing roller 63 and the photosensitive drum 61.

[0074] If a full-color image is to be formed, a toner image of the corresponding color is formed on the corresponding photosensitive drum 61 .

[0075] In Example 1, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the developing roller 63 is able to move between a contact position in which the developing roller 63 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 61, and a separated position in which the developing roller 63 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 61 or does not contact the photosensitive drum 61. Specifically, the state of the developing roller 63 is changed between a state in which the developing roller 63 is in the contact position and a state in which the developing roller 63 is in the separated position or the non-contact position by a changing device provided in the apparatus body 1A. Therefore, when the image forming operation is not being performed, the developing roller 63 is kept spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 61 or does not contact the photosensitive drum 61.

[0076] The printer 1 is capable of performing monochrome printing with the developing roller 63 for the cartridge PK in contact with the corresponding photosensitive drum 61, but the developing rollers 63 for the cartridges PY, PM, and PC are spaced apart from the corresponding photosensitive drums 61. The printer 1 is capable of performing full-color printing with the photosensitive drums 61 for the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in contact with the belt 41.

[0077] The toner images formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums 61 are transferred to the belt 41 at the corresponding primary transfer portions by the corresponding primary transfer rollers 42 , and the toner images are conveyed to the secondary transfer portion formed between the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45 .

[0078] On the other hand, a conveying path (first path or first conveying path) 1c extends inside the apparatus body 1A. The sheet S advancing toward the fixing device 70 is conveyed along the conveying path 1c. In addition, a duplex conveying path (second path or second conveying path) 20a extends inside the door 20. The sheet S exiting the fixing device 70 is conveyed along the conveying path 20a. The door 20 covers the conveying path 1c when closed. When the door 20 is opened, the conveying path 1c and the duplex conveying path 20a are exposed (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 2 ).

[0079] In the sheet feeding section 30, the feed roller 32 separates one sheet S from the stack of sheets S in the stacking tray 31 at a predetermined timing. Any skew of the sheet S is corrected by the registration roller pair 4. The sheet S is then conveyed along the conveying path 1c to the secondary transfer section and further to the fixing device 70.

[0080] At the secondary transfer portion, the toner image is transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S. Toner particles that have not been transferred to the sheet S are removed from the belt 41 by a cleaning blade (cleaning member) 43 a included in the cleaner 43 .

[0081] The printer 1 can also be said to include an image forming unit (image forming section) configured to form an image on the sheet S at a transfer portion (secondary transfer portion). In this embodiment, the image forming unit includes a tray unit 50 and a transfer unit 40. In the horizontal direction H, the secondary transfer portion is positioned closer to the first end portion 1b1 than to the second end portion 1b2.

[0082] The sheet S onto which the toner image is transferred at the secondary transfer portion is conveyed toward the fixing device 70. In the fixing device 70, the sheet S is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 70b, whereby the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. The sheet S with the fixed toner image is conveyed to the flapper 5 serving as a path switching portion.

[0083] The flapper 5 is movable between a sheet ejection position and a sheet reversing position. At the sheet ejection position, the flapper 5 guides the sheet S exiting the fixing device 70 toward the sheet ejection path 1d. At the sheet reversing position, the flapper 5 guides the sheet S to the sheet reversing path 1e.

[0084] In single-sided printing in which an image is formed on the front surface of the sheet S, the flapper 5 guides the sheet S to the sheet discharge path 1 d so that the sheet S is discharged to a discharge tray 1 f provided at an upper portion of the apparatus body 1A.

[0085] During duplex printing, in which images are formed on both the front and back sides of a sheet S, the flapper 5 guides the sheet S to the sheet reversing path 1e. After being guided to the sheet reversing path 1e, the sheet S's conveying direction is reversed. Consequently, the sheet S travels along the duplex conveying path 20a extending within the door 20 and is conveyed toward the secondary transfer unit. At the secondary transfer unit, a toner image is transferred to the back side of the sheet S. The sheet S then passes through the fixing device 70, is guided by the flapper 5 to the sheet discharge path 1d, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 1f provided in the apparatus body 1A.

[0086] How to remove the tray unit and transfer unit, and the location of the fixing unit

[0087] Now refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 How to detach the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 from the apparatus body 1A and the position of the fixing device 70 are described.

[0088] As described above, the fixing device 70 of the printer 1 is located at one end or first side of the apparatus body 1A in the horizontal direction H. Furthermore, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be moved outside the apparatus body 1A through the opening 1A1 provided at the one end or first side of the apparatus body 1A.

[0089] In other words, the fixing device 70 is positioned closer to the first end portion 1b1 than to the second end portion 1b2 in the horizontal direction H. That is, the distance between the fixing device 70 and the first end portion 1b1 in the horizontal direction H is shorter than the distance between the fixing device 70 and the second end portion 1b2. It can also be said that the fixing device 70 is positioned closer to the first end portion 1b1 in the horizontal direction H than to the center of the apparatus body 1A. That is, the distance between the first end portion 1b1 and the fixing device 70 in the horizontal direction H is shorter than the distance between the first end portion 1b1 and the center of the apparatus body 1A.

[0090] As described above, the direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position intersects the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. In such movement, the tray unit 50 moves away from the second end portion 1b2.

[0091] As described above, the direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position intersects the rotation axis of the drive roller 46. In such movement, the transfer unit 40 moves away from the second end portion 1b2.

[0092] As described above, the door 20 according to Example 1 covers the opening 1A1 when closed and also covers at least a portion of the conveying path 1 c provided for the sheet S. The door 20 has the double-sided conveying path 20 a.

[0093] If a sheet S is jammed, the user of the printer 1 can remove the sheet S from one end or first side of the printer body 1A to clear the jam. Specifically, the user moves the door 20 to the open position and accesses the interior of the printer body 1A. This allows the user to remove the jammed sheet S. If a portion of the sheet S exiting the fixing device 70 is exposed to the exterior of the printer body 1A, the user can remove the sheet S by pulling it from the exterior of the printer body 1A without opening the door 20.

[0094] The user of the printer 1 is also allowed to check the status of the transfer unit 40 and the cartridges P and perform maintenance work, replacement work, etc. by moving the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 to the outside of the apparatus body 1A at one end or first side of the apparatus body 1A.

[0095] That is, in the printer 1, when the fixing device 70 is located at one end or first side of the apparatus body 1A, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can move between the inside and outside of the apparatus body 1A at the one end or first side. Therefore, the user can clear a jam, operate the fixing device 70, and operate the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50, all of which can be performed at the first side.

[0096] In this embodiment, the side of the printer 1 where the door 20 is located is defined as the front side. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide space on the front side of the printer 1 for performing tasks such as clearing jams and operating the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50. In other words, there is no need to provide space on the left, right, rear, or top sides of the printer 1 for performing such tasks. Consequently, the space required for installing the printer 1 is reduced.

[0097] If the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50 is configured to be pulled out or moved from the apparatus body 1A at the other end or second side, a user attempting to clear a jam or pull out the transfer unit 40 or tray unit 50 must operate on both the first and second sides of the apparatus body 1A. Furthermore, if one of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is configured to be pulled out from the apparatus body 1A at one end or first side, while the other is configured to be pulled out from the apparatus body 1A at the other end or second side, the user must operate on both the first and second sides of the apparatus body 1A. In such a configuration, space for performing these operations must be provided not only on the front side of the apparatus body 1A but also on the rear side of the apparatus body 1A, thereby increasing the area required for installing the printer 1.

[0098] In Example 1, refilling of sheets S can be performed at one end or the first side of the apparatus body 1A. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide a space for refilling sheets S on the front side of the printer 1. Therefore, the space required for installing the printer 1 is reduced.

[0099] Relationship between the tray unit and the fixing unit

[0100] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the relationship between the tray unit 50 and the fixing device 70 will now be described. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown how the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 move.

[0101] When the tray unit 50 moves between the first inner position where an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S and the first outer position where replacement of the cartridge P is allowed, the tray unit 50 travels through a predetermined space.

[0102] The space through which the tray unit 50 travels when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position is referred to as a first space (travel space for the tray unit 50). The first space may also be referred to as a path or trajectory that the tray unit 50 follows when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position (a first travel path or a first travel trajectory).

[0103] When the transfer unit 40 moves between the second inner position and the second outer position, where an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the transfer unit 40 travels through a predetermined space. The space through which the transfer unit 40 travels when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position is referred to as a second space (a travel space for the transfer unit 40). The second space may also be referred to as a path or trajectory (a second travel path or a second travel trajectory) that the transfer unit 40 follows when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

[0104] The position (use position) that the fixing device 70 takes when an image forming operation is to be performed on the sheet S has the following relationship with the first space and the second space.

[0105] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 in the use position overlaps with the first space. In other words, when the fixing device 70 is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 is located inside the first space.

[0106] In Example 1, as the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 overlaps with the space through which the cartridges P travel. Alternatively, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 may overlap with the space through which the tray 51 travels.

[0107] In such an arrangement, the apparatus body 1A can have a smaller size compared to an arrangement in which the fixing device 70 in the use position is located outside the first space.

[0108] In this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, when the door 20 is closed, at least a portion of the duplex conveying path 20a overlaps with the first space. Specifically, when the door 20 is closed, at least a portion of the duplex conveying path 20a is located inside the first space.

[0109] As described above, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 in the use position is located inside the first space. Therefore, when the fixing device 70 is in the use position, the tray unit 50 is prohibited from moving from the first inside position to the first outside position. In addition, the fixing device 70 can be retracted from the use position. When the fixing device 70 is retracted from the use position, the tray unit 50 is allowed to move from the first inside position to the first outside position. When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inside position to the first outside position, the tray unit 50 travels under the fixing device 70. The fixing device 70 is located outside the second space both when it is in the use position and when it is in the retracted position. Therefore, when the fixing device 70 is in the use position and when it is in the retracted position, the transfer unit 40 is allowed to move from the second inside position to the second outside position. When the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inside position to the second outside position, the transfer unit 40 travels under the fixing device 70.

[0110] The fixing device 70 includes a fixing frame 70a that supports a fixing unit 70b. When the fixing device 70 is retracted from the use position, the fixing frame 70a is displaced relative to the apparatus body 1A while supporting the fixing unit 70b.

[0111] In order to pull the tray unit 50 out of the apparatus body 1A, first move the door 20 to the position shown in FIG. Figure 2 In Example 1, when the fixing device 70 is in the use position, the door 20 is allowed to move between the open position and the closed position. Figure 3 As shown, the fixing device 70 moves from the use position to the retracted position so as to be moved to the outside of the first space.

[0112] In the printer 1 according to Example 1, the fixing device 70 is movable between a use position and a retracted position retracted from the use position while remaining attached to the device body 1A. In this embodiment, when the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, the entire fixing device 70 is located outside the first space.

[0113] In order to move the fixing device 70 to the retracted position above the use position, the fixing device 70 is lifted upward from the use position. That is, the retracted position is higher than the use position. Figure 7As shown, when the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 protrudes from the apparatus body 1A to the exterior of the apparatus body 1A. When the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 is positioned higher than the upper cover portion 20b of the door 20 when it is in the closed position. Therefore, in the vertical direction V, while the size of the printer 1 is kept small when the fixing device 70 is in the use position, the space created by the movement of the fixing device 70 to the retracted position for the tray unit 50 to move is also sufficient. When the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, the door 20 is prohibited from assuming a closed position.

[0114] Specifically, the printer 1 includes a coupling member (a fixing coupling member, a fixing link, or an arm) 75 movably attached to the apparatus body 1A. The fixing device 70 is coupled to the apparatus body 1A via the coupling member 75 .

[0115] The coupling member 75 is capable of rotating around the pivot 75a. As the tray unit 50 moves to the outside of the device body 1A, the coupling member 75 moves to the outside of the first space. The fixing device 70 is rotatably connected to one end of the coupling member 75. The coupling member 75 is connected to the device body 1A at its other end in a manner that allows it to rotate around the pivot 75a. When the fixing device 70 is supported by the coupling member 75 (when the fixing device 70 is connected to the device body 1A via the coupling member 75), the fixing device 70 can move from the use position to the retracted position and can move from the retracted position to the use position. The coupling member 75 is capable of moving (swinging) relative to the device body 1A and the fixing device 70. That is, the fixing device 70 is connected to the device body 1A by means of the coupling member 75. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the fixing device 70 is directly connected to the device body 1A, the amount of travel of the fixing device 70 between the retracted position and the use position can be increased.

[0116] like Figure 7 As shown, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the angle formed between the travel direction of the tray unit 50 and the horizontal direction H is smaller than the angle formed between the travel direction of the tray unit 50 and the vertical direction V. Furthermore, when the fixing device 70 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the amount of travel of the fixing device 70 in the vertical direction V is greater than the amount of travel in the horizontal direction H. In other words, when the fixing device 70 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the amount of travel of the fixing device 70 in a direction perpendicular to the travel direction of the tray unit 50 is greater than the amount of travel in a direction parallel to the travel direction of the tray unit 50.

[0117] The movement of the fixing device 70 between the use position and the retracted position can be achieved by means of a guide which is fixed to the apparatus body 1A and by which the fixing device 70 is attached to the apparatus body 1A. Such a guide may have any shape.

[0118] The method of moving the fixing device 70 to the outside of the first space is not limited to the above-described method.

[0119] For example, the fixing device 70 can be detached from the apparatus body 1A so as to be moved away from its use position, thereby allowing the fixing device 70 to be moved outside the first space. In other words, to bring the fixing device 70 outside the first space, the fixing device 70 can be separated from the apparatus body 1A and the door 20 (and from the main frame 100). Alternatively, the fixing device 70 can be coupled to the door 20. In this case, the door 20 is opened to move the fixing device 70 outside the first space.

[0120] Relationship between the tray unit and the transfer unit

[0121] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the relationship between the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will now be described.

[0122] like Figure 3 As shown, with the fixing device 70 located outside the first space, the user grasps the tray handle 52 of the tray unit 50 and moves the tray unit 50 to the outside of the apparatus body 1A.

[0123] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the transfer unit 40 and the first space have the following relationship.

[0124] When performing an image forming operation on the sheet S, the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position overlaps the first space. In other words, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 is located inside the first space.

[0125] In Example 1, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 overlaps a space through which the tray 51 travels as the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position. Alternatively, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 may overlap a space through which the cartridge P travels.

[0126] In such an arrangement, the apparatus body 1A can have a smaller size compared to an arrangement in which the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position is located outside the first space.

[0127] In the printer 1 according to Example 1, the portion of the transfer unit 40 that overlaps the first space is the cleaner 43 including the cleaning member 43A. Alternatively, another portion of the transfer unit 40 may overlap the first space. In Example 1, the cleaning member 43A included in the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position overlaps the first space.

[0128] It can be said that the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 satisfy the following relationship.

[0129] When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, a portion of the transfer unit 40 (the cleaner 43) is located on the downstream side relative to the tray unit 50 in the direction of travel of the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position. Furthermore, with respect to the vertical direction V, the arrangement area (range) of the portion of the transfer unit 40 (the cleaner 43) located on the downstream side relative to the tray unit 50 at least partially overlaps with the arrangement area (range) of the tray unit 50.

[0130] In this embodiment, when the door 20 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the duplex transport path 20 a overlaps with the second space through which the transfer unit 40 travels when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position. That is, when the door 20 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the duplex transport path 20 a is located inside the second space.

[0131] As described above, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 is located within the first space. Therefore, in Example 1, when the user moves the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position relative to the apparatus body 1A, the transfer unit 40 also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position relative to the apparatus body 1A. In other words, with the transfer unit 40 being carried by the tray unit 50, the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, and the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position.

[0132] Moving the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 together reduces the likelihood that the photosensitive drum 61 may be exposed as the tray unit 50 moves to the first outer position, and thus reduces the likelihood that the photosensitive drum 61 may be scratched and / or contaminated.

[0133] like Figure 7As shown, with the door 20 open and the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 in the first and second outer positions, respectively, the transfer unit 40 supports the tray unit 50 from below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door 20 supports the transfer unit 40. In other words, the transfer unit 40, supported by the door 20, supports the tray unit 50. This state can also be described as the door 20 supporting the tray unit 50 via the transfer unit 40 interposed between the door 20 and the tray unit 50.

[0134] Now refer to Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 A configuration that enables the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 to move together is described. Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 A coupling member (lever, stopper, or locking member) 53 that couples the tray 51 of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 to each other is shown.

[0135] The printer 1 according to Example 1 includes a locking member 53. In Example 1, the locking member 53 is provided on the tray 51 of the tray unit 50. The locking member 53 includes a transfer locking portion 53A and is rotatable around a pivot shaft 53b.

[0136] The tray 51 includes a transfer coupling portion 51A. The transfer unit 40 includes a transfer frame 48 that supports the driving roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the primary transfer roller 42. The transfer frame 48 has a tray coupling groove 48A and a lock coupling portion 48B.

[0137] The locking member 53 rotatable about the pivot 53 b can move between a coupling position and a release position. In the coupling position, the transfer locking portion 53A engages with the lock coupling portion 48B, thereby coupling the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 to each other. The release position is retracted from the coupling position.

[0138] With the transfer coupling portion 51A engaged with the tray coupling groove 48A, the tray unit 50 is prohibited from moving relative to the transfer unit 40 in the first detachment direction (tray detachment direction) Dd1 and in a direction orthogonal to the first detachment direction Dd1. Simultaneously, the transfer unit 40 is prohibited from moving relative to the tray unit 50 in the second attachment direction (transfer attachment direction) Da2 and in a direction orthogonal to the second attachment direction Da2.

[0139] A configuration similar to the above is set at each of the following four positions: positions near the two corresponding ends of the tensioning roller 47 in the direction of the rotation axis of the tensioning roller 47, and positions near the two corresponding ends of the drive roller 46 in the direction of the rotation axis of the drive roller 46.

[0140] When the transfer lock portion 53A of the lock member 53 in the coupled position is engaged with the lock coupling portion 48B, the tray unit 50 is prohibited from moving relative to the transfer unit 40 in the first attachment direction (tray attachment direction) Da1. At the same time, the transfer unit 40 is prohibited from moving relative to the tray unit 50 in the second detachment direction (transfer detachment direction) Dd2.

[0141] The locking member 53 and the locking coupling portion 48B may also be provided at each of both ends of the transfer unit 40 in the direction of the rotation axis of the tension roller 47 .

[0142] That is, when the transfer coupling portion 51A is engaged with the tray coupling groove 48A and the locking member 53 in the coupled position is engaged with the locking coupling portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are prohibited from moving relative to each other. In this state, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 may have a gap therebetween.

[0143] It can also be said that the transfer coupling portion 51A and the locking member 53 serve as the tray-side coupling means, and the tray coupling groove 48A and the locking member 48B serve as the transfer-side coupling means. The tray-side coupling means and the transfer-side coupling means are coupled to each other to couple the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 to each other, whereby the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can move together.

[0144] like Figure 10 As shown, the apparatus body 1A includes an unlocking portion 1B. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the locking member 53 contacts the unlocking portion 1B. In other words, the locking member 53 is in the released position. In this state, the transfer locking portion 53A is away from the locking coupling portion 48B.

[0145] With the locking member 53 in the released position, when the tray unit 50 moves in the first disassembly direction Dd1, the transfer coupling portion 51A pushes the transfer unit 40 in the second disassembly direction Dd2. Consequently, the transfer unit 40 moves in the second disassembly direction Dd2 together with the tray unit 50. When the tray unit 50 moves a predetermined distance in the first disassembly direction Dd1, the locking member 53 moves away from the unlocking portion 1B and into the coupled position, engaging with the locking coupling portion 48B. With the locking member 53 moved to the coupled position and thus engaging with the locking coupling portion 48B, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 move to the first outer position and the second outer position, respectively.

[0146] With the locking member 53 engaged with the locking coupling 48B, when the tray unit 50 moves in the first attachment direction Da1, the locking member 53 pushes the transfer unit 40 in the second attachment direction Da2.

[0147] When the transfer unit 40 moves in the second attachment direction Da2 with the locking member 53 engaged with the locking coupling 48B, the transfer unit 40 pushes the transfer coupling 51A, thereby pushing the tray unit 50 in the first attachment direction Da1. Therefore, the tray unit 50 moves in the first attachment direction Da1 together with the transfer unit 40.

[0148] When the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 move together toward the interior of the apparatus body 1A, the unlocking portion 1B moves the locking member 53 to the released position. In this state, even if the tray unit 50 moves in the first attachment direction Da1, the transfer unit 40 does not move. In addition, during the closing process of the door 20, the force that brings the secondary transfer roller 45 into contact with the transfer unit 40 pushes the transfer unit 40 deeply into the interior of the apparatus body 1A in the second attachment direction Da2 (to the second inner position). In other words, the door 20 can push the transfer unit 40 to bring it to the second inner position. Alternatively, the door 20 can push the tray unit 50 to bring it to the first inner position.

[0149] On the other hand, when the locking member 53 is in the released position and the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 is allowed to move from the second inner position to the second outer position independently of the tray unit 50 when the transfer unit 40 moves in the second detachment direction Dd2. Figure 5 As shown, while the tray unit 50 remains inside the apparatus body 1A (the first inner position), the transfer unit 40 is allowed to move outside the apparatus body 1A (the second outer position). Therefore, the transfer unit 40 can be removed from the apparatus body 1A and replaced with a new transfer unit 40.

[0150] In Example 1, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the position of the tray unit 50 is determined relative to the apparatus body 1A independently of the transfer unit 40. Furthermore, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the position of the transfer unit 40 is determined relative to the apparatus body 1A independently of the tray unit 50. This is because it is prioritized to accurately position each of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 relative to the apparatus body 1A. Therefore, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, a small gap is provided between the tray coupling groove 48a and the transfer coupling portion 51A.

[0151] In order to position the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 relative to each other when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the gap between the tray coupling groove 48A and the transfer coupling portion 51A can be eliminated. In this case, the positioning accuracy of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 relative to each other is increased.

[0152] How the Tray Unit and Transfer Unit Move

[0153] like Figure 1 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H when attached to the apparatus body 1A.

[0154] More specifically, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inside position, the rotation axes of the photosensitive drums 61 closer to the first end 1 b 1 are located higher in the vertical direction V than the rotation axes of the photosensitive drums 61 farther from the first end 1 b 1 .

[0155] That is, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the second photosensitive drum is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the first photosensitive drum is, and the rotation axis of the second photosensitive drum is at a higher position than the rotation axis of the first photosensitive drum in the vertical direction V. Similarly, the third photosensitive drum is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the second photosensitive drum is, and the rotation axis of the third photosensitive drum is at a higher position than the rotation axis of the second photosensitive drum in the vertical direction V. The fourth photosensitive drum is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the third photosensitive drum is, and the rotation axis of the fourth photosensitive drum is at a higher position in the vertical direction V than the rotation axis of the third photosensitive drum.

[0156] When the tray unit 50 is in the first inside position, at least a portion of each of those cartridges P located closer to the first end 1 b 1 is located higher in the vertical direction V than those cartridges P located farther from the first end 1 b 1 .

[0157] That is, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inside position, the cartridge PC is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the cartridge PK, and at least a portion of the cartridge PC is positioned higher than the cartridge PK in the vertical direction V. Similarly, the cartridge PM is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the cartridge PC, and at least a portion of the cartridge PM is positioned higher than the cartridge PC in the vertical direction V. The cartridge PY is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the cartridge PM, and at least a portion of the cartridge PY is positioned higher than the cartridge PM in the vertical direction V.

[0158] Reference Figure 1 , a straight line connecting the centers of the photosensitive drums 61 is represented as line LD. In Example 1, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the line LD is inclined upward relative to the horizontal direction H from the side farther from the first end 1b1 toward the side closer to the first end 1b1.

[0159] Furthermore, the contact surface of the belt 41 with the first, second, third, and fourth photosensitive drums is inclined upward from the side farther from the first end portion 1 b 1 toward the side closer to the first end portion 1 b 1 .

[0160] The direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is referred to as the drawing direction of the tray unit 50. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray unit 50 is tilted so that a downstream portion of the tray unit 50 in the drawing direction of the tray unit 50 is positioned higher than an upstream portion of the tray unit 50 in the vertical direction V. In other words, the tray unit 50 is tilted obliquely upward toward the downstream side in the drawing direction relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0161] Similarly, the direction in which the tray 51 of the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is referred to as the drawing direction of the tray 51. When the tray 51 is in the first inner position, the tray 51 is tilted so that the downstream portion of the tray 51 in the drawing direction of the tray 51 is positioned higher than the upstream portion of the tray 51 in the vertical direction V. In other words, the tray 51 is tilted obliquely upward toward the downstream side in the drawing direction relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0162] like Figure 1 As shown, the tray 51 has a tray lower surface 51c. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray lower surface 51c faces downward. More specifically, the tray lower surface 51c refers to the largest surface among the downward-facing surfaces of the tray 51 when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position. The tray lower surface 51c has a downstream end 51c1 and an upstream end 51c2 relative to the pulling direction of the tray unit 50. When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the downstream end 51c1 is located downstream of the upstream end 51c2. In Example 1, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray lower surface 51c is inclined upward from the side farther away from the first end 1b1 toward the side closer to the first end 1b1 relative to the horizontal direction H. In addition, in the vertical direction V, the downstream end 51c1 is positioned higher than the upstream end 51c2.

[0163] When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 travels in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction H (in this embodiment, a direction inclined upward relative to the horizontal direction H). That is, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 travels diagonally upward.

[0164] During the movement of the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position, the travel direction of the tray unit 50 changes from the oblique upward direction downward.

[0165] The angle formed between the line LD and the horizontal direction H is smaller when the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position than when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position. When the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, although the line LD and the horizontal direction H are parallel to each other in Example 1, the line LD may alternatively be inclined downward or upward relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0166] Similarly, during the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the moving direction of the transfer unit 40 changes from the oblique upward direction downward.

[0167] The angle formed between the contact surface of the belt 41 and the horizontal direction H is smaller when the transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position than when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. When the transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, although the contact surface of the belt 41 and the horizontal direction H are parallel to each other in Example 1, the contact surface of the belt 41 may alternatively be tilted downward or upward relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0168] When the tray unit 50 moves from the first outer position to the first inner position, the tray unit 50 first moves in the horizontal direction H and then moves diagonally downward. When the transfer unit 40 moves from the second outer position to the second inner position, the transfer unit 40 first moves in the horizontal direction H and then moves diagonally downward. In such a configuration, the weight of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 themselves can be used to insert the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 into the apparatus body 1A.

[0169] The horizontal direction H mentioned above can also be referred to as a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction V. The first direction is a direction that intersects (preferably orthogonally) with the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61, and is a direction that intersects (preferably orthogonally) with the direction of the rotation axis of the drive roller 46. The direction orthogonal to both the horizontal direction H and the vertical direction V can also be referred to as a second direction. The second direction is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the drive roller 46 and the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. It can be said that Figures 1 to 7 The second direction may also be referred to as the width direction of the sheet S.

[0170] Hereinafter, in the vertical direction V, the upper side of the printer 1 is referred to as the top side, and the lower side of the printer is referred to as the bottom side. In the horizontal direction H, one side of the printer 1 is referred to as the front side, and the other side of the printer 1 is referred to as the back side. The first end 1b1 is located on the front side, and the second end 1b2 is located on the back side. When viewing the printer 1 from the front side, the right side and left side of the printer in the second direction are referred to as the right side and left side, respectively.

[0171] How to support electrical components

[0172] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The layout of electrical components included in the printer 1 will now be described. The electrical components include a power supply board that receives AC voltage from a commercial power source, circuit boards such as a control board that controls operations of related elements included in the printer 1, and a drive source.

[0173] Figure 11 and Figure 12 1 shows the positions of the electrical components included in the printer 1 according to Example 1. Figure 12 , external components such as the door 20 of the apparatus body 1A of the printer 1 are not shown. Figure 13 The positions of the door 20 according to Example 1 and an inlet 82a to be described below are shown.

[0174] like Figure 12 As shown, the apparatus body 1A includes a right side panel (first side wall) 90 located at one end in the second direction, and a left side panel (second side wall) 91 located at the other end in the second direction. The right and left side panels 90, 91 support the tray unit 50 in the first inner position. The right and left side panels 90, 91 also support the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position. Both the right and left side panels 90, 91 are made of sheet metal.

[0175] The tray unit 50 is movable between a first inner position and a first outer position so as to move relative to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in a direction intersecting (preferably orthogonal to) the second direction.

[0176] The transfer unit 40 is movable between a second inner position and a second outer position in a manner that is movable in a direction intersecting (preferably orthogonal to) the second direction relative to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. The right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 include guide portions that guide the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 when they move.

[0177] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the device body 1A includes a first rear bracket 92 and a second rear bracket 94. The first rear bracket 92 and the second rear bracket 94 are both exemplary rear walls. In the first direction, the first rear bracket 92 and the second rear bracket 94 are positioned closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. More specifically, the first rear bracket 92 is located at the second end 1b2, and at least a portion of the first rear bracket 92 is located between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The second rear bracket 94 is located at the second end 1b2, and at least a portion of the second rear bracket 94 is located between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The first rear bracket 92 and the second rear bracket 94 are both made of metal plates.

[0178] The first rear bracket 92 is fixed to at least one of the right side panel 90 and the left side panel 91. The second rear bracket 94 is fixed to at least one of the right side panel 90 and the left side panel 91. In this embodiment, the first rear bracket 92 is fixed to both the right side panel 90 and the left side panel 91, and the second rear bracket 94 is fixed to both the right side panel 90 and the left side panel 91. In this embodiment, the first rear bracket 92 is fixed to the second rear bracket 94.

[0179] like Figure 11 As shown, the device body 1A includes an upper bracket 93. The upper bracket 93 is an exemplary upper wall. In the first direction, the upper bracket 93 is positioned closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. At least a portion of the upper bracket 93 is located between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The upper bracket 93 is fixed to at least one of the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. In this embodiment, the upper bracket 93 is fixed to both the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. The upper bracket 93 is made of a metal plate.

[0180] When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, at least a portion of the tray unit 50 is located below the upper bracket 93. In this embodiment, the entire tray unit 50 is located below the upper bracket 93, and at least a portion of the scanner 6 is located below the upper bracket 93.

[0181] With respect to the first direction, the upper bracket 93 and the tray unit 50 are at least partially overlapped. That is, at least a portion of the tray unit 50 in the first inner position is directly below the upper bracket 93.

[0182] With respect to the first direction, the position (location) of the upper bracket 93 and the position (location) of the scanner 6 at least partially overlap each other. That is, at least a portion of the scanner 6 is located directly below the upper bracket 93.

[0183] like Figure 11 As shown, the device body 1A includes a bottom plate 95. The bottom plate 95 is an exemplary bottom wall. At least a portion of the bottom plate 95 is located between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The bottom plate 95 is fixed to at least one of the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 95 is fixed to both the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91.

[0184] The right side plate 90 , the left side plate 91 , the first rear bracket 92 , the second rear bracket 94 , the upper bracket 93 and the bottom plate 95 may all be fixed to corresponding components by screwing, welding or the like.

[0185] The printer 1 includes an image forming motor M1, a sheet feeding motor M2, and a fixing motor M3. The image forming motor M1, the sheet feeding motor M2, and the fixing motor M3 are exemplary drive sources.

[0186] The sheet feeding motor M2 is configured to drive the inner plate 33 so that the sheet S on the stacking tray 31 is lifted to reach the feeding roller 32 . The sheet feeding motor M2 is also configured to drive the feeding roller 32 .

[0187] The sheet feeding motor M2 is provided on the right side plate 90 .

[0188] The printer 1 includes a fusing drive unit D2, which includes a fusing motor M3. The fusing drive unit D2 is provided on the right side plate 90. The fusing motor M3 is configured to drive a pressure roller (fusing roller) 77 included in the fusing device 70. The fusing drive unit D2 may include a fusing drive train (fusing gear train) configured to transmit the driving force of the fusing motor M3 to the pressure roller 77.

[0189] The printer 1 includes an imaging drive unit D1, which includes an imaging motor M1 and an imaging drive train (imaging gear train) 74. The imaging drive train 74 is configured to transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to the tray unit 50. The imaging drive unit D1 is provided on the right side plate 90. In this embodiment, the imaging motor M1 is configured to drive the drive roller 46 of the transfer unit 40, etc.

[0190] In the present embodiment, the imaging drive system 74 is configured to transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to the photosensitive drums 61 of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black stations. The imaging drive system 74 may be configured to transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to the developing rollers 63 of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black stations. The imaging drive system 74 may be configured to transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to both the developing rollers 63 and the photosensitive drums 61 of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black stations.

[0191] The imaging drive system 74 includes a drive output portion 74 a. When the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, the drive output portion 74 a is disconnected from the tray unit 50. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and an image forming operation is to be performed on the sheet S, the drive output portion 74 a is connected to the tray unit 50, thereby transmitting the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to the tray unit 50.

[0192] The drive outputs 74a may each be, for example, a gear or a coupling. The imaging drive system 74 includes drive outputs 74aY, 74aM, 74aC, and 74aK.

[0193] The drive output portion 74aY is configured to transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to the yellow station to drive at least one of the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 63 of the yellow station. If the drive output portion 74aY is configured to drive both the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 63, the drive output portion 74aY may include a member that drives the photosensitive drum 61 and a member that drives the developing roller 63.

[0194] The drive output portions 74aM, 74aC, and 74aK are configured to transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to the magenta, cyan, and black stations, respectively. The drive output portions 74aM, 74aC, and 74aK have the same configuration as the drive output portion 74aY.

[0195] like Figure 11 As shown, the transfer unit 40 is tilted downward in the first direction toward a side away from the secondary transfer portion. Because the transfer unit 40 is tilted downward, a portion of the transfer unit 40 is accommodated in the space between the secondary transfer portion and the stacking tray 31 in the vertical direction V. Consequently, the size of the printer 1 in the vertical direction V is reduced.

[0196] As the transfer unit 40 tilts downward, the tray unit 50 tilts downward in the first direction toward the side away from the secondary transfer unit. As the tray unit 50 tilts downward, the direction in which the photosensitive drums 61 are arranged tilts downward in the first direction toward the side away from the secondary transfer unit. Accordingly, the scanner 6 tilts downward in the first direction toward the side away from the secondary transfer unit.

[0197] In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the photosensitive drum 61 of the cyan station is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 in the first direction than the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, at least a portion of the photosensitive drum 61 of the cyan station is positioned higher in the vertical direction V than the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station. The photosensitive drum 61 of the cyan station is an exemplary first rotating body. The photosensitive drum 61 of the black station is an exemplary second rotating body. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, at least a portion of the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station is positioned lower in the vertical direction V than the secondary transfer roller 45. The contact point between the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station and the belt 41 is also positioned lower in the vertical direction V than the secondary transfer roller 45.

[0198] Since the scanner 6 is tilted, the upper bracket 93 and the circuit board provided on the upper bracket 93 are accommodated in the space formed above the scanner 6. In Example 1, the upper bracket 93 is provided with a control board 81, which will be described separately below. In Example 1, the control board 81 is an exemplary upper board provided on the upper bracket 93.

[0199] With respect to the first direction, the position (location) of the circuit board disposed on the upper bracket 93 and the position (location) of the tray unit 50 in the first inner position at least partially overlap each other. In other words, at least a portion of the tray unit 50 in the first inner position is located directly below the circuit board disposed on the upper bracket 93.

[0200] With respect to the first direction, the position of the circuit board disposed on the upper bracket 93 and the position of the scanner 6 at least partially overlap each other. In other words, at least a portion of the scanner 6 is located directly below the circuit board disposed on the upper bracket 93.

[0201] The first rear bracket 92 is provided with a connecting plate 83. In this embodiment, the first rear bracket 92 is bent to have a recess, and the connecting plate 83 is accommodated in the recess of the first rear bracket 92. In Example 1, the connecting plate 83 is an exemplary rear plate provided on the first rear bracket 92.

[0202] The connection board 83 includes a connector (connection-type connector or external connection-type connector) 83a that can be connected to an external instrument (external device) 400. Examples of the connector 83a include a local area network (LAN) connector and a universal serial bus (USB) connector. The external instrument 400 is a device that can output print instructions to the printer 1. Examples of the external instrument 400 include a personal computer. The connection board 83 can generate an image signal based on the print instruction (image information) transmitted from the external instrument 400 connected to the connector 83a via a cable or the like.

[0203] The connecting plate 83 has a mounting surface on which the connector 83 a is mounted. The mounting surface of the connecting plate 83 extends in the vertical direction V. The angle (narrow angle) formed between the mounting surface of the connecting plate 83 and the vertical direction V can be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the connecting plate 83 and the vertical direction V can be parallel to each other.

[0204] The mounting surface of the connecting plate 83 also extends in the second direction. The angle (narrow angle) formed between the mounting surface of the connecting plate 83 and the second direction may be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the connecting plate 83 and the second direction may be parallel to each other.

[0205] The connection board 83 is connected to the control board 81 via a cable FFC1. The cable FFC1 is a flexible flat cable. The image signal generated by the connection board 83 is transmitted to the control board 81 via the cable FFC1.

[0206] The control board 81 includes electrical components 81 a. The electronic components 81 a included in the control board 81 may be a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The control board 81 is configured to receive signals including image signals output from the connection board 83. The control board 81 according to Example 1 is configured to control the imaging motor M1, the sheet feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3. The control board 81 includes a CPU and a drive circuit configured to control the operation of the imaging motor M1, the sheet feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3.

[0207] The control board 81 may be configured to control at least one of the imaging motor M1 , the sheet feeding motor M2 , the fixing motor M3 , the fixing device 70 , and the scanner 6 .

[0208] The control board 81 according to Example 1 also has a function of generating a high voltage to be supplied to the cartridges P and the transfer unit 40 .

[0209] The control board 81 has a mounting surface on which electrical components are mounted. The mounting surface of the control board 81 extends in a first direction. The angle (narrow angle) formed between the mounting surface of the control board 81 and the first direction may be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the control board 81 and the first direction may be parallel to each other.

[0210] The mounting surface of the control board 81 also extends in the second direction. The angle (narrow angle) formed between the mounting surface of the control board 81 and the second direction may be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the control board 81 and the second direction may be parallel to each other.

[0211] The printer 1 has an inlet 82a. In the first direction, the inlet 82a is located closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. A plug or the like for connecting the commercial power supply and the printer 1 to each other is inserted into the inlet 82a. In other words, the inlet 82a is configured to receive an AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply.

[0212] Figure 13 The printer 1 is shown as seen in a first direction. More specifically, Figure 13 is a front view of the printer 1. Figure 13 , the door 20 is in the closed position. When viewed along the first direction, the inlet 82a overlaps with the door 20 in the closed position. The inlet 82a is positioned higher than the rotation axis 20c of the door 20 in the vertical direction V.

[0213] In Example 1, the inlet 82a opens in the first direction, more specifically, in the direction from the first end 1b1 toward the second end 1b2. The inlet 82a is positioned closer to the top of the device body 1A than to the bottom of the device body 1A. In other words, the device body 1A has an upper end and a lower end relative to the vertical direction V, and the inlet 82a is positioned closer to the upper end than to the lower end in the vertical direction V.

[0214] The right side panel 90 is provided with a power supply unit EU. The power supply unit EU includes a power supply board 88 and a power supply board bracket 99. The power supply board bracket 99 serves as a housing for accommodating the power supply board 88. The power supply board 88 is supported by the power supply board bracket 99 and is fixed to the right side panel 90 by means of the power supply board bracket 99. In Example 1, the inlet 82a is supported by the power supply board bracket 99.

[0215] In the first direction, at least a portion of the power supply board 88 is positioned closer to the second end portion 1 b 2 than to the fixing device 70 and is positioned closer to the first end portion 1 b 1 than to the inlet 82 a .

[0216] The power board 88 is supplied with an AC voltage from a commercial power source through the inlet 82a.

[0217] In other words, the power strip 88 is configured to receive an AC voltage supplied from a commercial power source through the inlet 82a.

[0218] The power supply board 88 includes a wiring board 88a and at least one electrical component 88b mounted on the mounting surface of the wiring board 88a. The at least one electrical component 88b includes a plurality of electrical components. Examples of the plurality of electrical components include capacitors and transformers.

[0219] The mounting surface of wiring board 88a (mounting surface of power board 88) extends in the first direction. The angle (narrow angle) formed between the mounting surface of power board 88 and the first direction can be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of power board 88 and the first direction can be parallel to each other.

[0220] The mounting surface of the power board 88 also extends in the vertical direction V. The angle (narrow angle) formed between the mounting surface of the power board 88 and the vertical direction V may be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the power board 88 and the vertical direction V may be parallel to each other.

[0221] In Example 1, the mounting surface of the wiring board 88a faces the right side plate 90 in the second direction. Therefore, the electric component 88b is located between the right side plate 90 and the wiring board 88a in the second direction.

[0222] like Figure 11 As shown, the power supply board 88 overlaps with the discharge tray (paper discharge tray) 1 f and the scanner 6 when viewed in the second direction.

[0223] In the first direction, the power board 88 is positioned closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. In the first direction, the power board 88 has a first board end 88a1 and a second board end 88a2. In the first direction, the first board end 88a1 is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the second board end 88a2.

[0224] like Figure 12 As shown, with respect to the second direction, the positioning (location) of the power supply unit EU (the area (range) in which the power supply unit EU is disposed) and the positioning (location) of the imaging drive unit D1 (the area (range) in which the imaging drive unit D1 is disposed) overlap with each other. In the vertical direction V, the power supply unit EU is positioned higher than the imaging drive unit D1. In the vertical direction V, the power supply unit EU is positioned higher than the imaging drive system 74. In this embodiment, the power supply unit EU is located directly above the imaging drive unit D1 and directly above the imaging drive system 74.

[0225] The tray unit 50 tilts downward in the first direction toward the side away from the first end 1b1. As the tray unit 50 tilts downward, the direction in which the photosensitive drums 61 are arranged tilts downward in the first direction toward the side away from the first end 1b1. Accordingly, the imaging drive system 74 tilts downward in the first direction toward the side away from the first end 1b1. Consequently, the space above the imaging drive unit D1 increases near the second end 1b2.

[0226] In Example 1, the power supply unit EU is located above the imaging drive unit D1. That is, the space above the imaging drive unit D1 is effectively used to place the power supply unit EU.

[0227] In the vertical direction V, the first board end 88a1 is shorter than the second board end 88a2. Therefore, the length of the power supply board bracket 99 at the end closer to the first end 1b1 in the first direction can be made shorter than the length of the power supply board bracket 99 at the end closer to the second end 1b2 in the first direction. Therefore, the space formed by tilting the imaging drive system 74 can be more effectively used to accommodate the power supply unit EU.

[0228] Since an increased space is provided above the imaging drive unit D1 , the inlet 82 a is allowed to be provided above the imaging drive unit D1 . That is, the degree of freedom of positioning (position) of the inlet 82 a increases.

[0229] The power supply board 88 includes a connector 82b. The connector 82b is connected to the inlet 82a via a cable C3. An AC voltage generated by a commercial power source is supplied from the inlet 82a to the power supply board 88 via the cable C3 and the connector 82b.

[0230] The power board 88 functions as a so-called AC-DC converter, converting AC voltage into DC voltage. To achieve this function, the power board 88 includes a rectifier, a smoothing capacitor, a transformer, a switching element, and a control integrated circuit (IC). The rectifier, smoothing capacitor, transformer, switching element, and control IC are exemplary electrical components 88b.

[0231] The power board 88 is configured to supply power to the connection board 83, the control board 81, the imaging motor M1, the sheet feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3. More specifically, the power board 88 is configured to convert a commercial power supply voltage into a DC voltage such as 24V or 3.3V and supply the DC voltage to the connection board 83, the control board 81, the imaging motor M1, the sheet feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3. The imaging motor M1, the sheet feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3 are each exemplary drive sources driven by power supplied from the power board 88.

[0232] In Example 1, the power supply board 88 and the control board 81 are connected to each other through the cable C8. The DC voltages of 24V and 3.3V are supplied to the control board 81 through the cable C8.

[0233] In Example 1, the power board 88 and the control board 81 are connected to each other via a cable FFC3. The cable FFC3 is a flexible flat cable. Signals for controlling the operation of the power board 88 are transmitted from the control board 81 to the power board 88 via the cable FFC3. These signals include a signal for changing the operating mode of the AC-DC converter of the power board 88 when the printer 1 enters power saving mode.

[0234] In Example 1, the control board 81 and the connection board 83 are connected to each other via the cable C1. A 3.3V DC voltage is supplied from the control board 81 to the connection board 83 via the cable C1, thereby activating control elements (such as a central processing unit or processor) included in the connection board 83.

[0235] In Example 1, the power supply board 88 is configured to supply electric power to the fixing device 70 . More specifically, the heating roller 71 of the fixing device 70 includes a heater 87 , and the power supply board 88 supplies electric power to the heater 87 .

[0236] The power supply board 88 is configured to control the turning on and off of the triac so as to provide a function of converting the commercial power supply voltage into a desired fixing power supply voltage and supplying the converted voltage to the heater 87. The commercial power supply voltage to be converted in Example 1 may be an AC voltage received as it is from a commercial power supply, or may be a voltage obtained by passing through a current fuse and / or a noise filter (not shown).

[0237] In order to supply desired power to the fixing device 70, the power supply board 88 carries a switching element such as a triac, a circuit configured to activate the triac, a circuit configured to detect the period and / or phase of the commercial power supply voltage, etc. By controlling the on and off of the triac, the commercial power supply voltage (AC voltage) is converted into the desired fixing power supply voltage before being supplied to the heater 87.

[0238] The fixing device 70 includes a receiving connector (fixing connector) 72 for receiving power from a power supply board 88. The receiving connector 72 is connected to the heater 87 via a cable C7. Meanwhile, the device body 1A is provided with a supply connector 73 and a cable C5. The cable C5 is connected to a connector 82c provided on the power supply board 88. In the first direction, the connector 82c is positioned closer to the fixing device 70 than the inlet 82a.

[0239] The supply connector 73 is electrically connected to the power supply board 88 through the cable C5 and the connector 82c. The receiving connector 72 is detachably connected to the supply connector 73.

[0240] In the second direction, the receiving connector 72 and the supply connector 73 are located closer to the right side plate 90 than to the left side plate 91. In the first direction, the receiving connector 72 and the supply connector 73 are located closer to the first end 1b1 than to the second end 1b2.

[0241] Electric power is supplied from the power supply board 88 to the heater 87 through the connector 82 c , the cable C5 , the supply connector 73 , the receiving connector 72 , and the cable C7 .

[0242] A signal for detecting the phase of the commercial power supply voltage is transmitted to the control board 81 via the cable FFC3 connecting the power supply board 88 and the control board 81 to each other, and a heater control signal generated by the control board 81 according to the phase of the commercial power supply voltage is transmitted to the power supply board 88. Based on the heater control signal, the triac is controlled to be turned on and off to supply power to the heater 87 so that the heater 87 has a desired temperature corresponding to the characteristics of the sheet S and / or the printing speed.

[0243] Location of the power supply unit

[0244] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the position of the power supply unit EU will be described in further detail.

[0245] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The position of the power supply unit EU according to Example 1 is shown.

[0246] The printer 1 including the imaging drive unit D1 and the fixing drive unit D2 further includes a feeding drive unit D3 . The feeding drive unit D3 is provided on the right side plate 90 .

[0247] The feeding drive unit D3 includes a sheet feeding motor M2. The feeding drive unit D3 may include gears (not shown) configured to transmit the driving force of the sheet feeding motor M2 to the inner plate 33 and / or a feeding drive train (feeding gear train) configured to transmit the driving force of the sheet feeding motor M2 to the feeding roller 32.

[0248] Figure 15 FIG. 1 shows the printer 1 as viewed in the vertical direction V, more specifically, the printer 1 as viewed from the top side. Figure 15 , the feeding drive unit D3 is indicated by an oblique line-shaped hatched portion, and the imaging drive unit D1 is indicated by a dot-shaped hatched portion.

[0249] As described above, the power supply unit EU is located above the imaging driving unit D1 .

[0250] like Figure 15 As shown, the power supply unit EU and the imaging drive unit D1 at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction V. In Example 1, as described above, the electrical component 88b mounted on the wiring board 88a of the power supply board 88 is located between the wiring board 88a and the right side plate 90 in the second direction. Figure 15 As shown, when viewed in the vertical direction V, the wiring board 88 a , the electric components 88 b , and the power supply board bracket 99 overlap with the imaging drive unit D1 .

[0251] That is to say, if Figure 14As shown, with respect to the first direction, the position (location) of the power supply unit EU (the area (range) in which the power supply unit EU is disposed) and the position (location) of the imaging drive unit D1 (the area (range) in which the imaging drive unit D1 is disposed) at least partially overlap with each other. In other words, at least a portion of the power supply unit EU is located directly above the imaging drive unit D1.

[0252] like Figure 14 As shown, with respect to the second direction, the positioning (position) of the feeding drive unit D3 and the positioning (position) of the imaging drive unit D1 at least partially overlap with each other.

[0253] like Figure 14 As shown, with respect to the vertical direction V, the positioning (position) of the feeding drive unit D3 and the positioning (position) of the imaging drive unit D1 at least partially overlap with each other.

[0254] When viewed from the top, the fixing drive unit D2 and the power supply board support 99 are arranged so as not to overlap the discharge tray 1f. Therefore, the power supply board 88 can be positioned so as to overlap the discharge tray (paper discharge tray) 1f in the second direction. This arrangement reduces the height of the printer 1 in the vertical direction V.

[0255] like Figure 14 As shown, at least a portion of the fusing drive unit D2 is positioned higher than the imaging drive unit D1 in the vertical direction V. In Example 1, at least a portion of the fusing drive unit D2 is located directly above the imaging drive unit D1. That is, when viewed in the vertical direction V, the fusing drive unit D2 at least partially overlaps with the imaging drive unit D1.

[0256] With respect to the second direction, the positioning (position) of the imaging drive unit D1 (the area (range) in which the imaging drive unit D1 is located) and the positioning (position) of the fixing drive unit D2 (the area (range) in which the fixing drive unit D2 is located) at least partially overlap. Therefore, the size of the printer 1 in the second direction is reduced.

[0257] With respect to the first direction, the positioning (position) of the imaging drive unit D1 (the area (range) where the imaging drive unit D1 is provided) and the positioning (position) of the fixing drive unit D2 (the area (range) where the fixing drive unit D2 is provided) at least partially overlap. Specifically, as Figure 15 As shown, the imaging driving unit D1 and the fixing driving unit D2 overlap each other in a range E1 with respect to the first direction.

[0258] Extending the fusing drive unit D2 rearward provides a satisfactory space for arranging components within the fusing drive unit D2. In addition, extending the fusing drive unit D2 rearward reduces the space available for accommodating the power supply unit EU. However, as described above, the power supply unit EU is located above the imaging drive unit D1. In other words, the space above the imaging drive unit D1 is effectively used to accommodate the power supply unit EU. In the vertical direction V, the first plate end 88a1 is shorter than the second plate end 88a2.

[0259] Therefore, the length of the power supply board bracket 99 at the end closer to the first end portion 1b1 in the first direction can be made shorter than the length of the power supply board bracket 99 at the end closer to the second end portion 1b2 in the first direction. Therefore, the space formed by tilting the imaging drive system 74 can be more effectively used to accommodate the power supply unit EU.

[0260] In Example 1, the imaging drive unit D1 and the feeding drive unit D3 are separate units. Alternatively, the imaging drive unit D1 and the feeding drive unit D3 may be integrated into a single unit, and the integrated unit may be arranged on the bottom side in the vertical direction V relative to the fixing drive unit D2 and the power supply board bracket 99.

[0261] According to Example 1, the space in which the power supply unit EU is provided is reduced.

[0262] Beneficial effects

[0263] The printer 1 according to this embodiment includes a door 20 at the first end portion 1b1. Therefore, the tray unit 50, transfer unit 40, stacking tray 31, fixing device 70, transport path 1c, and duplex transport path 20a are operable at the first end portion 1b1. As described above, the inlet 82a is positioned closer to the second end portion 1b2 in the first direction than to the first end portion 1b1. Therefore, a plug-equipped power cable inserted into the inlet 82a is unlikely to interfere with operations performed on the aforementioned components.

[0264] Since the door 20 is provided at the first end portion 1b1 and the entrance 82a is provided at the second end portion 1b2, the door 20 and the entrance 82a in the closed position are arranged in such a manner as to overlap each other when viewed in the first direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 shown.

[0265] In the first direction, at least a portion of the power board 88 is positioned closer to the second end 1b2 than the fixing device 70 and closer to the first end 1b1 than the inlet 82a. Therefore, power is supplied via a short path from the inlet 82a through the power board 88 to the fixing device 70.

[0266] In the first direction, the connector 82c is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the inlet 82a. This arrangement reduces the distance between the connector 82c and the supply connector 73 and thus reduces the length of the cable C5. In other words, the cost associated with the cable C5 is reduced.

[0267] In Example 1, the power supply board 88 and imaging drive unit D1 are disposed on the right side plate 90. The power supply board 88 includes a tall electrical component 88b (e.g., a transformer). Meanwhile, the imaging drive unit D1 includes a motor M1. With respect to the second direction, the positioning (location) of the motor M1 (the area (range) in which the motor M1 is disposed) and the positioning (location) of the electrical component 88b (the area (range) in which the electrical component 88b is disposed) overlap. Consequently, the space available for accommodating the motor M1 and the electrical component 88b is reduced.

[0268] Any one of the control board 81 and the connection board 83 is considered to be an exemplary first circuit board provided on any one of the upper bracket 93 and the first rear bracket 92. If one of the control board 81 and the connection board 83 is defined as the first circuit board, the other of the control board 81 and the connection board 83 is defined as an exemplary second circuit board electrically connected to the first circuit board.

[0269] The printer 1 according to this embodiment includes a door 20 at the first end 1b1. Therefore, the tray unit 50, transfer unit 40, stacking tray 31, fixing device 70, transport path 1c, and duplex transport path 20a are accessible at the first end 1b1. In other words, the printer 1 does not require an opening on its back side that allows access to the interior of the printer 1 and a door that covers the opening. Consequently, sufficient space for accommodating circuit boards is provided on the back side of the printer 1, and this space is used to accommodate the circuit boards.

[0270] The control board 81, power board 88, and connection board 83 are connected to each other via a connecting cable, such as an electrical cable or a flexible flat cable. The shorter the distance between the boards, the shorter the connecting cables, and the greater the cost reduction. Furthermore, the shorter the connecting cables, the less space is required to lay them.

[0271] In the printer 1 according to Example 1, the control board 81 is located on the top side of the printer 1, the power board 88 is located on the right side, and the connection board 83 is located on the back side. More specifically, the control board 81 is mounted on the upper bracket 93, the power board 88 is mounted on the right side panel 90, and the connection board 83 is mounted on the first rear bracket 92. Thus, the control board 81, power board 88, and connection board 83 are positioned close to one another. Furthermore, since the control board 81, power board 88, and connection board 83 are not centrally located on a single side of the printer 1 but are located on different sides, space on each side is utilized.

[0272] In Example 1, the power board 88 is positioned closer to the upper end of the printer 1 than to the lower end of the printer 1 in the vertical direction V. This arrangement reduces the length of the cable C8 and the cable FFC3 that connect the control board 81 and the power board 88 to each other. The control board 81 can be positioned closer to the right side plate 90 than to the left side plate 91 in the second direction.

[0273] In the first direction, the control board 81 is located closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. This arrangement reduces the length of the cable C1 and the cable FFC1 connecting the control board 81 and the connection board 83 to each other.

[0274] In Example 1, the space provided for the control board 81 is larger than the space provided for the connection board 83 .

[0275] In Example 1, the power board 88 , inlet 82 a , supply connector 73 , and receiving connector 72 are provided on the right side plate 90 ; alternatively, the power board 88 , inlet 82 a , supply connector 73 , and receiving connector 72 may be provided on the left side plate 91 .

[0276] Example 2

[0277] A description will now be given of Example 2. In Example 2, elements having the same configuration as those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of such elements is omitted in principle.

[0278] Figure 16 The positions of electrical components included in the printer 1 according to Example 2 are shown.

[0279] The printer 1 according to Example 2 differs from the printer 1 according to Example 1 in that the power supply board 88 is provided on the upper bracket 93 , and the control board 81 is provided on the right side plate 90 .

[0280] The right side plate 90 is provided with a control board 81 and a control board bracket 98 serving as a housing for accommodating the control board 81. The control board 81 is supported by the control board bracket 98 and fixed to the right side plate 90 by means of the control board bracket 98.

[0281] In Example 2, the inlet 82a is supported by the second rear bracket 94. In the first direction, the inlet 82a is located closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. When viewed in the first direction, the inlet 82a overlaps with the door 20 in the closed position. The inlet 82a is located higher than the rotation axis 20c of the door 20 in the vertical direction V.

[0282] In Example 2, the inlet 82a opens in the first direction. More specifically, the inlet 82a opens in the direction from the first end 1b1 toward the second end 1b2. The inlet 82a is positioned closer to the top of the device body 1A than to the bottom of the device body 1A. In other words, the device body 1A has an upper end and a lower end relative to the vertical direction V, and the inlet 82a is positioned closer to the upper end than to the lower end in the vertical direction V.

[0283] Beneficial effects

[0284] Likewise, in the printer 1 according to Example 2, the plug-equipped power cable inserted into the inlet 82a is unlikely to interfere with operations to be performed on related components included in the printer 1. Furthermore, since the door 20 is provided at the first end portion 1b1 and the inlet 82a is provided at the second end portion 1b2, the door 20 and the inlet 82a in the closed position are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the first direction.

[0285] In the first direction, at least a portion of the power board 88 is positioned closer to the second end 1b2 than the fixing device 70 and closer to the first end 1b1 than the inlet 82a. Therefore, power is supplied via a short path from the inlet 82a through the power board 88 to the fixing device 70.

[0286] In the first direction, the connector 82c is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the inlet 82a. This arrangement reduces the distance between the connector 82c and the supply connector 73 and thus reduces the length of the cable C5. That is, the cost associated with the cable C5 is reduced.

[0287] Example 3

[0288] A description will now be given of Example 3. In Example 3, elements having the same configuration as those described in any of Examples 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of such elements is omitted in principle.

[0289] Figure 17 The positions of electrical components included in the printer 1 according to Example 3 are shown. The printer 1 according to Example 3 differs from the printer 1 according to Example 1 in that the inlet 82a is positioned closer to the bottom of the apparatus body 1A in the vertical direction V than to the top.

[0290] Likewise, in Example 3, the inlet 82a is positioned closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1 in the first direction. When viewed in the first direction, the inlet 82a overlaps with the door 20 in the closed position. The inlet 82a is positioned higher than the rotation axis 20c of the door 20 in the vertical direction V.

[0291] In Example 3, the inlet 82 a opens in the first direction, more specifically, the inlet 82 a opens in the direction from the first end 1 b 1 toward the second end 1 b 2 .

[0292] Beneficial effects

[0293] Likewise, in the printer 1 according to Example 3, the plug-equipped power cable inserted into the inlet 82a is unlikely to interfere with operations to be performed on related components included in the printer 1. Furthermore, since the door 20 is provided at the first end portion 1b1 and the inlet 82a is provided at the second end portion 1b2, the door 20 and the inlet 82a in the closed position are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the first direction.

[0294] In the first direction, at least a portion of the power board 88 is positioned closer to the second end 1b2 than the fixing device 70 and closer to the first end 1b1 than the inlet 82a. Therefore, power is supplied via a short path from the inlet 82a through the power board 88 to the fixing device 70.

[0295] In the first direction, the connector 82c is positioned closer to the first end 1b1 than the inlet 82a. This arrangement reduces the distance between the connector 82c and the supply connector 73 and thus reduces the length of the cable C5. That is, the cost associated with the cable C5 is reduced.

[0296] Example 4

[0297] A description will now be given of Example 4. In Example 4, elements having the same configuration as those described in any one of Examples 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of such elements is omitted in principle.

[0298] Figure 18 The positions of electrical components included in the printer 1 according to Example 4 are shown. The printer 1 according to Example 4 differs from the printer 1 according to Example 1 in that the fixing power supply board 82 and the AC-DC power supply board 84 each have functions similar to the power supply board 88 of the printer 1 according to Example 1. The printer 1 according to Example 4 also differs from the printer 1 according to Example 1 in that the inlet 82 a is positioned closer to the bottom of the apparatus body 1A than to the top of the apparatus body 1A in the vertical direction V.

[0299] The right side plate 90 is provided with an AC-DC power supply board 84 and an AC-DC power supply bracket 97 serving as a housing for accommodating the AC-DC power supply board 84. The AC-DC power supply board 84 is supported by the AC-DC power supply bracket 97 and is fixed to the right side plate 90 by means of the AC-DC power supply bracket 97.

[0300] The right side plate 90 is provided with a fixing power supply board 82 and a fixing power supply bracket 96 serving as a housing for accommodating the fixing power supply board 82. The fixing power supply board 82 is supported by the fixing power supply bracket 96 and fixed to the right side plate 90 by means of the fixing power supply bracket 96.

[0301] In Example 4, the inlet 82a is supported by the AC-DC power supply bracket 97. In the first direction, the inlet 82a is located closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. When viewed in the first direction, the inlet 82a overlaps with the door 20 in the closed position. In the vertical direction V, the inlet 82a is located higher than the rotation axis 20c of the door 20.

[0302] The AC voltage generated by the commercial power supply is supplied via cable C3 to connector 84b provided on the AC-DC power supply board 84. The AC-DC power supply board 84 includes an AC-DC converter (not shown) and is configured to convert the commercial power supply voltage into a DC voltage such as 24V or 3.3V, and supply the DC voltage to the connection board 83, the control board 81, the imaging motor M1, the sheet feeding motor M2, and the fixing motor M3. In Example 4, the DC voltages of 24V and 3.3V are supplied to the control board 81 via cable C6.

[0303] Cable C6 transmits signals for controlling the operation of the AC-DC power board 84. The signals for controlling the operation of the AC-DC power board 84 include a signal for changing the operation mode of the AC-DC converter when the printer 1 enters the power saving mode.

[0304] The AC voltage supplied from the commercial power source to the AC-DC power board 84 is supplied to the connector 82b of the fixing power board 82 through the cable C4. The AC voltage generated by the commercial power source may be supplied to the fixing power board 82 as it is, or may be supplied through a current fuse and / or a noise filter (not shown).

[0305] The fixing power board 82 may carry a switching element such as a triac, a driving circuit, a circuit configured to detect a cycle and / or phase of a commercial power source, etc. The fixing power board 82 is configured to control the turning on and off of the triac so as to provide a function of converting an AC voltage into a desired voltage and supplying the converted voltage to the fixing device 70.

[0306] The fixing power board 82 and the control board 81 are connected to each other by a cable FFC2. The cable FFC2 is a flexible flat cable. The cable FFC2 transmits a heater control signal generated by the control board 81 based on a signal for detecting the phase of the commercial power supply and the phase of the commercial power supply.

[0307] Based on the heater control signal, the fixing power board 82 controls the on and off of the triac to supply power to the heater 87 so that the heater 87 has a desired temperature corresponding to the characteristics of the sheet S and / or the printing speed.

[0308] Beneficial effects

[0309] Likewise, in the printer 1 according to Example 4, the plug-equipped power cable inserted into the inlet 82a is unlikely to interfere with operations to be performed on related components included in the printer 1. Furthermore, since the door 20 is provided at the first end portion 1b1 and the inlet 82a is provided at the second end portion 1b2, the door 20 and the inlet 82a in the closed position are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the first direction.

[0310] In the first direction, at least a portion of the AC-DC power supply board 84 and at least a portion of the fixing power supply board 82 are positioned closer to the second end portion 1b2 than the fixing device 70 and closer to the first end portion 1b1 than the inlet 82a. Therefore, power is supplied via a short path from the inlet 82a through the AC-DC power supply board 84 and the fixing power supply board 82 to the fixing device 70.

[0311] Example 5

[0312] A description will now be given of Example 5. In Example 5, elements having the same configuration as those described in any one of Examples 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of such elements is omitted in principle.

[0313] Figure 19 The positions of electrical components included in the printer 1 according to Example 5 are shown.

[0314] The printer 1 according to Example 5 differs from the printer 1 according to Example 1 in that the connection plate 83 is provided on the upper bracket 93, and the control board 81 is provided on the first rear bracket 92. In Example 5, the connection plate 83 is an exemplary upper plate, and the control board 81 is an exemplary rear plate.

[0315] In Example 5, the connector 83 a of the connection board 83 opens toward the rear surface of the printer 1. In Example 5, the connection board 83 and the power supply board 88 are connected to each other via the cable C9 and the cable (flexible flat cable) FFC4, and the connection board 83 and the control board 81 are connected to each other via the cable C1 and the cable (flexible flat cable) FFC1.

[0316] Cable C9 is intended to supply power for activating elements included in connection board 83 and control board 81. A signal output from control board 81 for controlling power board 88 is transmitted to power board 88 through cable FFC1 and cable FFC4.

[0317] Beneficial effects

[0318] Likewise, in Example 5, any one of the control board 81 and the connection board 83 is considered to be an exemplary circuit board provided on any one of the upper bracket 93 and the first rear bracket 92. If one of the control board 81 and the connection board 83 is defined as a first circuit board, the other of the control board 81 and the connection board 83 is defined as an exemplary second circuit board electrically connected to the first circuit board.

[0319] Likewise, in Example 5, a satisfactory space for arranging the circuit board is provided on the back side of the printer 1, and this space is used to arrange the circuit board.

[0320] In the printer 1 according to Example 5, the control board 81 is located on the back side of the printer 1, the power board 88 is located on the right side, and the connection board 83 is located on the top side. More specifically, the control board 81 is mounted on the first rear bracket 92, the power board 88 is mounted on the right side panel 90, and the connection board 83 is mounted on the upper bracket 93. Thus, the control board 81, power board 88, and connection board 83 are positioned close to one another. Furthermore, since the control board 81, power board 88, and connection board 83 are not centrally located on a single side of the printer 1 but are located on different sides, space on each side is utilized.

[0321] In Example 5, the power supply board 88 is positioned closer to the upper end of the printer 1 than to the lower end of the printer 1 in the vertical direction V. This arrangement reduces the length of the cable C9 and the cable FFC4 that connect the connection board 83 and the power supply board 88 to each other. The connection board 83 can be positioned closer to the right side plate 90 than to the left side plate 91 in the second direction.

[0322] In the first direction, the connection plate 83 is located closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. This arrangement reduces the length of the cable C1 and the cable FFC1 connecting the control board 81 and the connection plate 83 to each other.

[0323] In Example 5, the space provided for the connection board 83 is larger than the space provided for the control board 81 .

[0324] Example 6

[0325] A description will now be given of Example 6. In Example 6, elements having the same configuration as those described in any one of Examples 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of such elements is omitted in principle.

[0326] Figure 20 The positions of electrical components included in the printer 1 according to Example 6 are shown. Figure 21 A control board 86 according to Example 6 is shown.

[0327] The printer 1 according to Example 6 is obtained by replacing the control board 81 and the connection board 83 according to Example 1 with a control board 86 having functions of both the control board 81 and the connection board 83 .

[0328] Now refer to Figure 21 Description of the control board 86. The control board 86 includes an image controller B83, a body controller B81, and an image signal line S1 connecting the image controller B83 and the body controller B81 to each other.

[0329] The image controller B83 includes a plurality of connectors 83a connected to the external instrument 400. The plurality of connectors 83a are the same as the connector 83a according to Example 1.

[0330] The image controller B83 includes a CPU and a driving circuit for the CPU. The image controller B83 is configured to generate an image signal based on a print instruction received at the arbitrary connector 83a, and transmit the image signal to the body controller B81 through the image signal line S1.

[0331] The body controller B81 is configured to perform image formation on the sheet S based on the image signal. The body controller B81 includes a CPU, a drive circuit for the CPU, and a circuit configured to generate a high voltage and apply the high voltage to the cartridge P and the transfer unit 40. The CPU of the body controller B81 is responsible for activating the motors (M1, M2, and M3), supplying power to the heater 87, controlling the operating mode of the AC-DC converter, and the like.

[0332] The body controller B81 includes a connector 86a for receiving the cable FFC3. The body controller B81 also includes a connector 86b for receiving the cable C8.

[0333] In Example 6, the connector 86a and the connector 86b are positioned closer to the right side plate 90 in the second direction than to the left side plate 91. Such an arrangement reduces the lengths of the cable FFC3 and the cable C8.

[0334] In Example 6, in the second direction, the image controller B83 is positioned closer to the left side plate 91 than the body controller B81, and the body controller B81 is positioned closer to the right side plate 90 than the image controller B83.

[0335] In the second direction, connector 83a is located closer to left plate 91 than right plate 90, and connectors 86a and 86b are located closer to right plate 90 than left plate 91. This arrangement reduces the length of cables FFC3 and C8.

[0336] In Example 6, the control board 86 is located on the back side of the printer 1. Alternatively, the control board 86 may be located on the top side. In this case, the control board 86 is provided on the upper bracket 93. In other words, the control board 86 may be provided on either the upper bracket 93 or the first rear bracket 92.

[0337] Beneficial effects

[0338] Likewise, in Example 6, the control board 86 is considered to be an exemplary first circuit board provided on either one of the upper bracket 93 and the first rear bracket 92 .

[0339] In the printer 1 according to Example 6, the control board 86 is located on the back or top side of the printer 1, and the power board 88 is located on the right side. More specifically, the control board 86 is mounted on the first rear bracket 92 or the upper bracket 93, and the power board 88 is mounted on the right side panel 90. Thus, the control board 86 and the power board 88 are positioned close to each other. Furthermore, since the control board 86 and the power board 88 are not centrally located on a single side of the printer 1 but are located on different sides, space on each side is utilized.

[0340] Example 7

[0341] Now, Example 7 will be described. In Example 7, elements having the same configuration as those described in any one of Examples 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of such elements is omitted in principle.

[0342] Figure 22 The positions of electrical components included in the printer 1 according to Example 7 are shown. Figure 23A and Figure 23B It shows how the tray unit 50 is supplied with power.

[0343] The printer 1 according to Example 7 is obtained by replacing the control board 81 according to Example 1 with a control board 89 and a high-voltage board 85. The high-voltage board 85 includes a high-voltage generating circuit included in the control board 81 according to Example 1. The control board 89 has the same functions as the control board 81 according to Example 1 except for the function of generating high voltage.

[0344] The control board 89 and the high voltage board 85 are electrically connected to each other through a cable (flexible flat cable) FFC4. In Example 7, the control board 89 and the high voltage board 85 are positioned adjacent to each other and attached to the upper bracket 93. This arrangement reduces the length of the cable FFC4.

[0345] The high-voltage board 85 is configured to perform switching operations on a transformer (not shown) or the like to generate a desired voltage by increasing the voltage to be input to the transformer. In Example 7, the high-voltage board 85 is configured to generate 1000V and 300V DC voltages, 120V AC voltage, etc.

[0346] In Example 7, the voltage input to the high voltage board 85 is 24 V and is supplied from the control board 89 through the cable FFC4. A signal for switching the transformer is transmitted from the CPU of the control board 89 to the high voltage board 85 through the cable FFC4.

[0347] The high voltage generated by the high voltage board 85 is supplied to the tray unit 50. Now referring to Figure 23A and Figure 23B , how such power is supplied from the high voltage board 85 to the tray unit 50 will be described.

[0348] Figure 23A The high voltage board 85 , the left side board 91 , and the right side board 90 are shown as viewed from the top surface side. Figure 23A Connector 85A is shown for receiving cable FFC4.

[0349] The high voltage board 85 is provided with jumper wires (leads) JP1 and JP2 at its ends. In Example 7, the jumper wires JP1 and JP2 are used to supply a high voltage as a developing bias to the developing roller 63. The jumper wires JP1 and JP2 extend across corresponding slits provided in the high voltage board 85.

[0350] Jumper JP1 is provided with a lead JP11. Jumper JP2 is provided with a lead JP22. Leads JP11 and JP22 can be flexible so as to be crimped to jumper JP1 and jumper JP2, respectively. Jumper JP1 has the same electrical potential as lead JP11. Jumper JP2 has the same electrical potential as lead JP22.

[0351] As described below, the jumper JP1 is used to supply a development bias voltage to the yellow station, the magenta station, and the cyan station, while the jumper JP2 is used to supply a development bias voltage to the black station.

[0352] Figure 23B Shown along Figure 23A The cross section taken along line XXIIIB-XXIIIB given in FIG. 1 is, specifically, Figure 23B A cross section of the printer 1 as seen from the left side is shown.

[0353] like Figure 23B As shown, the tray unit 50 has electrical contacts Ec (EcY, EcM, EcC, and EcK). The electrical contacts EcY, EcM, EcC, and EcK are electrically connected to the developing rollers 63Y, 63M, 63C, and 63K, respectively.

[0354] The voltage generated by the high-voltage board 85 is applied to the electrical contacts EcY, EcM, EcC, and EcK. More specifically, the voltage generated by the high-voltage board 85 is applied to the electrical contacts EcY, EcM, and EcC through the jumper JP1 and the lead JP11, and is applied to the electrical contact EcK through the jumper JP2 and the lead JP22.

[0355] In the second direction, the electrical contacts EcY, EcM, EcC, and EcK are positioned closer to the left side plate 91 than to the right side plate 90. The high voltage board 85 is positioned closer to the left side plate 91 than to the right side plate 90. This arrangement reduces the length of the leads JP11 and JP22, and thus reduces the cost associated with the leads JP11 and JP22 and reduces the space used to lay the leads JP11 and JP22.

[0356] The configurations described according to Examples 1 to 7 can be combined appropriately and as needed.

[0357] According to the present disclosure, the existing technology can be further developed.

[0358] While the present disclosure 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 apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: a device body comprising a first end portion and a second end portion relative to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, the first end portion having an opening, the second end portion being positioned opposite to the first end portion, the device body comprising a first side wall located at one end of the device body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; a retractable unit, the retractable unit being movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the retractable unit being movable through the opening between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and positioned closer to the first end portion than to the second end portion in the first direction; a power supply board configured to supply power to the fixing device; as well as an inlet electrically connected to the power strip and positioned closer to the second end than to the first end in the first direction, In the first direction, at least a portion of the power supply board is positioned closer to the second end than the fixing device is to the second end, and is positioned closer to the first end than the inlet is to the first end.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The power supply board is arranged on the first side wall.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a connecting member configured to electrically connect the power supply board and the fixing device to each other, wherein the power board includes a connector, the connecting member is connected to the connector, and Wherein, in the first direction, the connector is positioned closer to the fixing device than the inlet is to the fixing device.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The power board has a function of converting the AC voltage received via the inlet into a DC voltage.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising: a driving source configured to operate by supplying the DC voltage, The withdrawable unit includes a rotating body configured to rotate by receiving a driving force from the driving source.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The inlet is opened in a direction from the first end toward the second end.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device body includes a second side wall positioned opposite to the first side wall in the second direction, wherein the fixing device includes a receiving connector configured to receive power from the power board, and in, In the second direction, the receiving connector is positioned closer to the first side wall than to the second side wall.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a supply connector electrically connected to the power strip and connectable to the receiving connector, wherein in the first direction, the supply connector is positioned closer to the first end than to the second end.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power board has a first power terminal and a second power terminal relative to the first direction, the second power terminal being positioned opposite to the first power terminal, and in, In the first direction, the first power terminal is located closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second power terminal is located closer to the second end than to the first end.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an opening and closing member movable between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is exposed, Here, with respect to the second direction, a range in which the opening and closing member is provided and a range in which the entrance is provided overlap with each other.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device body has an upper end and a lower end relative to the vertical direction, and in, In a vertical direction, the inlet is located closer to the upper end than to the lower end.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The withdrawable unit includes a tray and a box, and the box is detachably attached to the tray.

13. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: a device body, the device body including a first end and a second end relative to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, the first end having an opening, the second end being positioned opposite to the first end, the device body including: a first side wall; a second side wall; a rear wall; and a top wall, the first side wall being located at one end of the device body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction, the second side wall being located at the other end of the device body in the second direction, the rear wall being located at the second end, at least a portion of the rear wall being located between the first side wall and the second side wall in the second direction, and at least a portion of the top wall being located between the first side wall and the second side wall in the second direction; a removable unit, the removable unit being movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the removable unit being movable through the opening between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body, wherein at least a portion of the removable unit in the inner position is located below the upper wall; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and positioned closer to the first end portion than to the second end portion in the first direction; a power supply board, the power supply board being disposed on the first side wall; and A first circuit board is arranged on the rear wall or the upper wall.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a second circuit board, the second circuit board being electrically connected to the first circuit board, One of the first circuit board and the second circuit board is an upper board provided on the upper wall, and the other of the first circuit board and the second circuit board is a rear board provided on the rear wall.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, One of the upper plate and the rear plate includes a connector that can be connected to an external device.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: Drive source, wherein the withdrawable unit comprises a rotating body configured to be driven by the driving source, and The other of the upper plate and the rear plate is a control board configured to receive a signal output from the one of the upper plate and the rear plate and control at least one of the driving source and the fixing device.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, The upper plate is positioned closer to the first side wall than to the second side wall in the second direction.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: Drive source, wherein the withdrawable unit comprises a rotating body configured to be driven by the driving source, and The first circuit board includes a connector connectable to an external device and is configured to control at least one of the driving source and the fixing device.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: an electrical contact, the electrical contact being provided on the withdrawable unit; as well as a high voltage board configured to generate a voltage to be applied to the electrical contacts, wherein the electrical contact is positioned closer to the second side wall than to the first side wall in the second direction, and The high-voltage board is located closer to the second side wall than to the first side wall in the second direction.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, The high-voltage plate is arranged on the upper wall.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, The power strip is configured to receive an AC voltage supplied via an inlet.

22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, The power supply board has the function of converting AC voltage into DC voltage.

23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, The power supply board is configured to supply power to the fixing device.

24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, The withdrawable unit includes a tray and a box, and the box is detachably attached to the tray.

25. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: a device body comprising a first end and a second end relative to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, the second end being positioned opposite to the first end, the device body comprising a first side wall located at one end of the device body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; an image forming unit configured to transfer an image to a recording material at a transfer portion, the image forming unit including a withdrawable unit movable between an inner position located inside the apparatus body and an outer position located outside the apparatus body, the withdrawable unit including a plurality of rotating bodies including a first rotating body and a second rotating body, the transfer portion being positioned closer to the first end portion than to the second end portion in the first direction; a drive unit including a drive source and a drive system configured to transmit a drive force of the drive source to each of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, the drive unit being disposed on the first side wall; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and positioned closer to the first end portion than to the second end portion in the first direction; as well as a power supply unit, the power supply unit being arranged on the first side wall, the power supply unit comprising a power board and a housing for accommodating the power board, wherein when the withdrawable unit is in the inner position, the first rotating body is positioned closer to the first end portion in the first direction than the second rotating body is to the first end portion, and at least a portion of the first rotating body is positioned higher than the second rotating body in the vertical direction, wherein the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in a vertical direction, and Wherein, when viewed in a vertical direction, the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap each other.

26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, The withdrawable unit is movable in a direction intersecting the second direction.

27. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26, The withdrawable unit is movable between the inner position and the outer position through an opening provided at the first end.

28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the image forming unit includes an intermediate transfer belt, and The first rotating body is a first photosensitive drum allowed to come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and the second rotating body is a second photosensitive drum allowed to come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt.

29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising: a transfer roller arranged to form the transfer portion between the intermediate transfer belt and the transfer roller, When the withdrawable unit is in the inner position, at least a portion of the second photosensitive drum is located below the transfer roller in a vertical direction.

30. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising: a discharge tray on which the recording material on which the image is formed can be stacked, Wherein the discharge tray and the power supply board overlap each other when viewed in the second direction.

31. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising: a fixing roller included in the fixing device; as well as a fixing drive unit configured to drive the fixing roller, At least a portion of the fixing drive unit is located above the drive unit in a vertical direction.

32. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising: a stacking portion on which recording materials can be stacked; a feed roller configured to convey the recording material from the stacking portion; as well as a feed drive unit configured to drive the feed roller, Wherein, relative to the second direction, the position of the feed drive unit and the position of the drive unit at least partially overlap with each other.

33. The image forming apparatus according to claim 32, in, With respect to a vertical direction, a position of the feed drive unit and a position of the drive unit at least partially overlap each other.

34. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, The power board includes a first board end and a second board end relative to the first direction, and The first board end is located closer to the first end portion than the second board end in the first direction, and the first board end is shorter than the second board end with respect to the vertical direction.

35. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, The power strip is configured to receive an AC voltage supplied via an inlet.

36. The image forming apparatus according to claim 35, The power supply board has the function of converting AC voltage into DC voltage.

37. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, The withdrawable unit includes a tray and a box, and the box is detachably attached to the tray.

38. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: a device body comprising a first end portion and a second end portion relative to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, the first end portion having an opening, the second end portion being positioned opposite to the first end portion, the device body comprising a first side wall located at one end of the device body in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; a retractable unit, the retractable unit being movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the retractable unit comprising a rotating body, the retractable unit being movable through the opening between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body; a driving unit, the driving unit including a driving source and a driving system, the driving system being configured to transmit a driving force of the driving source to the rotating body, the driving unit being disposed on the first side wall; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and positioned closer to the first end portion than to the second end portion in the first direction; as well as a power supply unit, the power supply unit being arranged on the first side wall, the power supply unit comprising a power board and a housing for accommodating the power board, wherein a travel direction of the withdrawable unit from the inner position to the outer position is defined as a withdrawing direction, the withdrawable unit in the inner position is tilted so that a downstream portion of the withdrawable unit in the withdrawing direction is positioned higher than an upstream portion of the withdrawable unit, wherein the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in a vertical direction, and Wherein, when viewed in a vertical direction, the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap each other.

Images