Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, comprising an apparatus main body, a mounting unit, a restricting portion configured to move to a restricting position and an allowing position, a first connector, and a second connector configured to move between an assembling position and a releasing position, and an interlocking portion configured to move between a first operating position and a second operating position and configured to interlock with the restricting portion and the second connector. The linkage portion includes an operation portion, a pivot shaft configured to pivot integrally with the operation portion and configured to pivotally support the restriction portion, and a cam pivotally supported by the pivot shaft and configured to move the second connector from the fitting position to the release position.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] JP 2020-71403 A proposes an imaging device including a fixing unit that can be inserted into and removed from a device body. A main body-side drawer connector is provided on the device body, and a unit-side drawer connector is provided on the fixing unit. When the fixing unit is inserted into the device body, the unit-side drawer connector of the fixing unit is assembled with the main body-side drawer connector of the device body.

[0003] However, the main body-side drawer connector and the unit-side drawer connector described in JP 2020-71403 A are configured to be assembled or separated simultaneously with the insertion and removal of the fixing unit when the fixing unit is inserted into and removed from the device main body. Therefore, when the fixing unit is removed from the device main body, a force is required to release the assembly between the main body-side drawer connector and the unit-side drawer connector, and operability when removing the fixing unit is deteriorated. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging device configured to form an image on a sheet includes: a device body; a mounting unit mounted on the device body at a mounting position; a limiting portion configured to move to a limiting position, in which the limiting portion limits movement of the mounting unit from the mounting position, and to move to a allowing position, in which the limiting portion allows movement of the mounting unit from the mounting position; a first connector provided in either the device body or the mounting unit; a second connector provided in the other of the device body and the mounting unit and configured to move between an assembly position and a release position, in which the second connector is assembled to the first connector to electrically connect the device body to the mounting unit, and in which the assembly of the second connector with the first connector is released; and a linkage portion configured to move between a first operating position and a second operating position, and configured to be linked with the limiting portion and the second connector, the linkage portion moving from the first operating position to the second operating position so that the limiting portion moves from the limiting position to the allowing position and the second connector moves from the assembly position to the release position. The linkage portion includes an operating portion, a pivot configured to pivot integrally with the operating portion and configured to pivotally support the restricting portion, and a cam pivotally supported by the pivot and configured to move the second connector from the fitting position to the releasing position.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an imaging device configured to form an image on a sheet includes: a device body; a mounting unit, which is mounted on the device body at a mounting position; a limiting portion, which is configured to move to a limiting position, in which the limiting portion limits the mounting unit from moving from the mounting position, and is configured to move to a allowing position, in which the limiting portion allows the mounting unit to move from the mounting position; a first connector, which is provided in either the device body or the mounting unit; a second connector, which is provided in the other of the device body and the mounting unit, and is configured to move between an assembly position and a release position, in which the second connector is assembled to the first connector to electrically connect the device body to the mounting unit, and in which the assembly of the second connector with the first connector is released; and a linkage portion, which is configured to move between a first operating position and a second operating position, and is configured to be linked with the limiting portion and the second connector, the linkage portion moving from the first operating position to the second operating position so that the limiting portion moves from the limiting position to the allowing position and the second connector moves from the assembly position to the release position. The mounting unit is a fixing device configured to fix the toner image onto the sheet by applying heat and pressure to the sheet.

[0006] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the imaging apparatus.

[0008] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image forming apparatus in a state where the manual feed tray is opened.

[0009] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image forming apparatus in a state where the fixing device is removed.

[0010] Figure 3A is a perspective view showing the linkage unit when the operating lever is located at the first position.

[0011] Figure 3B is a perspective view showing the linkage unit when the operating lever is located at the third position.

[0012] Figure 3C is a perspective view showing the linkage unit when the operating lever is located at the second position.

[0013] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus when the operation lever is located at the first position.

[0014] Figure 4Bis a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus when the operation lever is located at the second position.

[0015] Figure 4C It is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the operating lever is locked to the locking member.

[0016] Figure 4D It is a perspective view showing a state in which the apparatus main body and the feed table are separated from each other.

[0017] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the linkage unit, the locking member, and the connector unit.

[0018] Figure 6A is a side view showing the locking member when the operating lever is located at the first position.

[0019] Figure 6B is a side view showing the locking member when the operating lever is located at the third position.

[0020] Figure 6C is a side view showing the locking member when the operating lever is located at the second position.

[0021] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view showing the connector unit.

[0022] Figure 8A is a side view showing the connector unit when the operating lever is located at the first position.

[0023] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the connector unit when the operation lever is located at the third position.

[0024] Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view showing the connector unit when the operating lever is located at the second position.

[0025] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a linkage unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 is a sectional view showing an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing a fixing device.

[0028] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the linkage unit and the fixing lock member.

[0029] Figure 13A It is an exploded perspective view showing the fixing device, a connector unit provided on one side of the fixing device, and a connector insert.

[0030] Figure 13BIt is an exploded perspective view showing a connector unit provided on one side of the device main body.

[0031] Figure 14A It is a perspective view showing a state where the handle is operated to the second position.

[0032] Figure 14B It is a perspective view showing a state in which the fixing device is removed from the apparatus main body.

[0033] Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing lock member at the restricting position.

[0034] Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing lock member located at the allowing position.

[0035] Figure 16A is a side view showing the connector unit when the handle is located in the first position.

[0036] Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing-side connector and the main body-side connector when the handle is located at the first position.

[0037] Figure 16C It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the lifting cam.

[0038] Figure 17A is a side view showing the connector unit when the handle is located in the second position.

[0039] Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing-side connector and the main body-side connector when the handle is located at the second position.

[0040] Figure 17C It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the lifting cam.

[0041] Figure 18A is a cross-sectional view showing the connector insert and the connector holder during door closing.

[0042] Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view showing the connector insert and the connector retainer when the door is in the closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] First embodiment

[0044] Overall structure

[0045] The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an electrophotographic full-color laser beam printer. Figure 1A is a sectional view showing the imaging apparatus 1, and Figure 1B2 is a cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the manual feed tray 21 is opened. It should be noted that the shapes of the components described in each embodiment, their relative arrangements, etc. should be appropriately changed according to the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] It should be noted that imaging devices include printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction peripherals, and are devices that form images on sheets serving as recording media based on image information input from an external personal computer (PC) or read from a document. Imaging devices include not only devices with imaging capabilities but also devices that can be connected to accessory devices such as optional feeders, image readers, and sheet processing devices. The entire system connected to these accessory devices also falls under the category of imaging devices. Sheets include paper such as sheets or envelopes, plastic film such as sheets used for overhead projectors (OHPs), and cloth.

[0047] like Figure 1A As shown, the imaging device 1 includes an opening portion 9 (see Figure 2 ), an apparatus body 1A serving as an opening and closing member, a door 20 serving as an opening and closing member, and a feed table 100 provided below the apparatus body 1A. The door 20 is configured to be pivotable relative to the apparatus body 1A about a pivot 20 b between a closed position in which the door 20 covers the opening portion 9 and an open position in which the door 20 opens the opening portion 9. Furthermore, the door 20 pivotally supports a manual feed tray 21 about a pivot 21 a.

[0048] The apparatus body 1A accommodates an imaging unit 70 that forms an image on a sheet S, a feeding unit 30 , a fixing device 80 , and a discharge unit 130 . The imaging unit 70 includes a transfer unit 40 , a tray unit 50 disposed above the transfer unit 40 , and a scanner 2 disposed above the tray unit 50 .

[0049] The tray unit 50 includes a tray 51 that can be pulled out relative to the apparatus body 1A, and four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK that form toner images of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. The four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are placed on the tray 51. The tray 51 includes a tray handle 52 that can be grasped by the user.

[0050] The four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration except for the colors of images to be formed. Therefore, only the configuration and image forming process of the process cartridge PY will be described, and descriptions of the process cartridges PM, PC, and PK will be omitted.

[0051] The process cartridge PY includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging roller 62, and a developing roller 71. The photosensitive drum 61 is formed by applying an organic photoconductor layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). The directions of the rotation axes of the photosensitive drum 61, the developing roller 71, and the charging roller 62 are parallel to each other.

[0052] The transfer unit 40 includes a drive roller 46, a tension roller 47, and an intermediate transfer belt 41 wound around the drive roller 46 and the tension roller 47. Primary transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are disposed on the inner side of the intermediate transfer belt 41. A secondary transfer roller 45 is disposed facing the drive roller 46, such that the intermediate transfer belt 41 is sandwiched between the secondary transfer roller 45 and the drive roller 46. The intermediate transfer belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45 form a transfer nip for transferring an image onto a conveyed sheet S. The imaging unit 70 includes an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41. The rotational axes of the primary transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K, the drive roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the secondary transfer roller 45 are parallel to one another.

[0053] The feeding unit 30 is provided at the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 1 and includes a cassette 31 on which sheets S are stacked and a pickup roller 32 that feeds the sheets S stacked on the cassette 31. The cassette 31 is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body 1A on the same side as the opening portion 9. The discharge unit 130 includes a discharge roller pair 131 and a discharge tray 1f on which the sheets S discharged by the discharge roller pair 131 are stacked.

[0054] The fixing device 80 includes a fixing unit 81, a guide member 5, and a pair of reversing rollers 132. The fixing unit 81 applies heat and pressure to the sheet, fixing the toner image on the sheet. The fixing unit 81 includes a heating roller 83 containing a heater (not shown) and a pressure roller 84. The heating roller 83 and the pressure roller 84 form a fixing nip for holding the sheet S. The guide member 5 is pivotable between a discharge position, where it guides the sheet S toward a discharge path 1d, and a reversing position, where it guides the sheet S toward a reversing path 1e.

[0055] The feed table 100, which serves as a mounting unit and a stacking device, has a configuration substantially the same as that of the feed unit 30 and includes a cassette 101 on which sheets S are stacked and a pickup roller 102 that feeds the sheets S stacked on the cassette 101. The cassette 101 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A on the same side as the opening portion 9. The feed table 100 includes a table side connector 104, and the table side connector 104, which serves as a first connector, can be assembled to a main body side connector 15 provided at a lower portion of the apparatus main body 1A. When the table side connector 104 and the main body side connector 15 are assembled with each other, the apparatus main body 1A and the feed table 100 are electrically connected to each other. When the sheets S stacked on the cassette 101 are fed by the pickup roller 102, the sheets S are conveyed toward the registration roller pair 4 of the apparatus main body 1A through a feed path 103.

[0056] In this embodiment, "assembly" means that the first component and the second component are assembled with each other, rather than simply abutting or contacting each other. When the first component and the second component are assembled with each other, the first component and the second component are also engaged in a direction orthogonal to the assembly direction.

[0057] Furthermore, an environment sensor 18 and a control unit 3 are provided in the imaging device 1. The environment sensor 18 can detect the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the imaging device 1 is installed. The control unit 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM), and controls the imaging device 1.

[0058] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 constructed as described above will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 3 connected to an external host device 110. The control unit 3 controls the scanner 2 based on an image signal received from the external host device 110 or a reading unit to irradiate the photosensitive drum 61 of the process cartridge PY with laser light corresponding to the image signal. The external host device 110 is, for example, a personal computer, an image reader, or a facsimile machine.

[0059] At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 is uniformly charged in advance to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 62, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 by irradiation with laser light from the scanner 2. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is developed by the developing roller 71, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0060] The developing roller 71 is configured to be able to abut against or separate from the photosensitive drum 61. When the image forming apparatus 1 is not performing an image forming operation, the developing roller 71 is separated from the photosensitive drum 61, thereby extending the life of the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 71.

[0061] Similarly, the corresponding photosensitive drums of the process cartridges PM, PC, and PK are also illuminated by laser light from the scanner 2, and magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums. The toner images of each color formed on each photosensitive drum are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 41 by the primary transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K, and then conveyed to the transfer nip by the intermediate transfer belt 41, which is rotated by the drive roller 46. The image forming process for each color is performed at the time when the toner image is superimposed on the upstream toner image that has been primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 41. Residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 61 is removed by a cleaning blade.

[0062] In parallel with the image forming process, the sheet S accommodated in the cassette 31 of the feed unit 30 is fed to the conveying path 1c by the pickup roller 32. The sheet S may be fed from the feed table 100 or the manual feed tray 21 instead of from the feed unit 30. Figure 1B As shown, the manual feed tray 21 is used in a state of being opened relative to the door 20. The sheet S placed on the manual feed tray 21 is fed by the pickup roller 33 and conveyed toward the registration roller pair 4. Then, the skew feeding of the sheet S is corrected by the registration roller pair 4 provided in the conveying path 1c, and the sheet S is conveyed at a predetermined conveying timing according to the image transfer timing at the transfer nip.

[0063] The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is transferred to the sheet S at the transfer nip by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 45. Residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is removed by a cleaning blade 43A provided in the cleaning unit 43. The heating roller 83 and pressure roller 84 of the fixing device 80 apply predetermined heat and pressure to the sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred, causing the toner to melt and fuse (fix). The sheet S, having passed through the fixing device 80, is guided by a guide member 5 to a discharge path 1d or a reverse path 1e.

[0064] When a single-sided print job with an image printed on only one side is input, the guide member 5 is located at the discharge position and the sheet S is guided to the discharge path 1d. The sheet S guided to the discharge path 1d is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 131 and stacked on the discharge tray 1f.

[0065] When a duplex print job in which images are formed on both sides of a sheet S is input, the sheet S, having an image formed on its first side through the transfer nip, is guided to the reversing path 1e by the guide member 5 located at the reversing position. The reversing roller pair 132 provided in the reversing path 1e reverses after the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the guide member 5, thereby folding the sheet S back. At this point, the guide member 5 moves to the ejection position, and the folded-back sheet S is guided by the guide member 5 to the duplex transport path 20a.

[0066] The sheet S guided to the duplex transport path 20a is transported to the transport path 1c by a plurality of transport roller pairs, and an image is formed on the second side of the sheet at the transfer nip. The sheet S, after the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 80 as described above, is discharged to the discharge tray 1f by the discharge roller pair 131.

[0067] Movement of the transfer unit and tray unit

[0068] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The movements of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are described. Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the door 20 is opened and the fixing device 80 is removed. Figure 2 As shown, when the door 20 is opened, the opening portion 9 of the apparatus body 1A is opened. When the door 20 is moved to the open position, the fixing device 80 is exposed to the outside of the imaging apparatus 1 through the opening portion 9. Therefore, the fixing device 80 can be removed to the outside of the imaging apparatus 1 via the opening portion 9. When the door 20 is opened from the closed position to the open position, the opening portion 9 is opened, and the conveying path 1c and the duplex conveying path 20a are exposed. Therefore, the sheet S jammed in the conveying path 1c or the duplex conveying path 20a can be processed. The door 20 pivotally supports the secondary transfer frame 25 that supports the secondary transfer roller 45. By pivoting the secondary transfer frame 25 in a state where the door 20 is in the open position, the duplex conveying path 20a can be opened more widely.

[0069] Then, when the fixing device 80 is removed from the apparatus main body 1A, the space in front of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 becomes empty. Therefore, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50, which serve as an image forming section for forming a toner image on a sheet, can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A via the opening portion 9. The user can pull the tray unit 50 out of the imaging apparatus 1 by gripping the tray handle 52 and pulling the tray unit 50 toward the opening portion 9.

[0070] With the tray unit 50 pulled out of the apparatus main body 1A, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be attached to and detached from the tray 51. Thus, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be replaced. The transfer unit 40 can also be replaced. The imaging apparatus 1 can resume printing by returning the tray unit 50 and transfer unit 40 to the interior of the apparatus main body 1A and closing the door 20.

[0071] As described above, the fixing device 80, the transfer unit 40, and the tray unit 50 can all be attached and detached through the door 20 of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when the fixing device 80, the transfer unit 40, and the tray unit 50 are attached and detached, they can be accessed from one side of the image forming apparatus 1, which can improve usability and save installation space when installing the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, since the cartridges 31 and 101 can also be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A on the same side as the opening portion 9, it is possible to achieve improved usability and space saving.

[0072] Configurations of linkage unit, locking member, and connector unit

[0073] Next, we will refer to Figures 3A to 8C The linkage unit 300 , the locking member 122 , and the connector unit 320 provided in the apparatus main body 1A are described. Figure 3A is a perspective view showing the linkage unit 300 when the operating lever 121 is located at the first position, and Figure 3B is a perspective view showing the linkage unit 300 when the operating lever 121 is located at the third position. Figure 3C is a perspective view showing the linkage unit 300 when the operating lever 121 is located at the second position. Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus 1 when the operation lever 121 is located at the first position, and Figure 4B is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus 1 when the operation lever 121 is located at the second position. Figure 4C is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where the operating lever 121 is locked to the stopper 127, and Figure 4D 1A is a perspective view showing a state in which the apparatus body 1A and the feed stage 100 are separated from each other.

[0074] Figure 5 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the linkage unit 300 , the locking member 122 , and the connector unit 320 . Figure 6A is a side view showing the locking member 122 when the operating lever 121 is located at the first position, and Figure 6B is a side view showing the locking member 122 when the operating lever 121 is located at the third position. Figure 6C is a side view showing the locking member 122 when the operating lever 121 is located at the second position. Figure 7 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector unit 320 . Figure 8A is a side view showing the connector unit 320 when the operating lever 121 is located at the first position, and Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the connector unit 320 when the operation lever 121 is located at the third position. Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view showing the connector unit 320 when the operating lever 121 is located at the second position.

[0075] like Figure 3A As shown, a linkage unit 300 serving as a linkage portion, a locking member 122 serving as a restriction portion provided to be linked to the linkage unit 300, and a connector unit 320 are provided in the apparatus body 1A. The linkage unit 300 includes a pivotable operating lever 121, and when a user operates the operating lever 121 serving as an operating portion, the locking member 122 and the connector unit 320 move.

[0076] like Figure 4A As shown, the imaging device 1 has a back surface 1m opposite to the door 20, and the back surface 1m is provided with a recess 1n in which the operating rod 121 is movably accommodated. The recess 1n is formed in a substantially fan shape so as not to interfere with the movement trajectory of the operating rod 121.

[0077] like Figure 4A As shown, in a state where the feed table 100 is mounted on the apparatus body 1A, the operating lever 121 is located at the first position. Figures 4B to 4D As shown, when the operating lever 121 is pivoted from the first position to the second position, the feed table 100 can be separated from the apparatus body 1A. The position of the linkage unit 300 when the operating lever 121 is in the first position is defined as the first operating position, and the position of the linkage unit 300 when the operating lever 121 is in the second position is defined as the second operating position. The position of the linkage unit 300 when the operating lever 121 is in the third position described below is defined as the third operating position.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, the linkage unit 300 includes a linkage shaft 124 pivotally supported by a frame (not shown) of the apparatus body 1A, parallel pins H1, H2, and H3 fixed to the linkage shaft 124, an operating lever 121, and three E-shaped rings 301. The operating lever 121, the locking member 122, and the connector cam 123 are pivotally supported by the linkage shaft 124, which serves as a pivot. The operating lever 121 pivots integrally with the linkage shaft 124 by being fitted to the parallel pin H1. The operating lever 121 is positioned in the thrust direction by the parallel pin H1 and the E-shaped rings 301.

[0079] like Figure 3A and Figure 4C As shown, the stopper unit 330 is arranged above the operating lever 121. The stopper unit 330 includes a stopper holder 128 supported by a frame (not shown) of the apparatus body 1A, a stopper 127 movably supported by the stopper holder 128, and a biasing spring 129 that biases the stopper 127. The stopper holder 128 is provided with a guide groove 128b, and the stopper 127 is slidable along the guide groove 128b. The stopper 127 is biased to a predetermined locking position by the biasing spring 129. A tapered surface 127a is provided at the distal end portion of the stopper 127.

[0080] like Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, when the operating lever 121 pivots from the first position toward the second position, the operating lever 121 abuts against the tapered surface 127a of the stopper 127 in the locked position. As the operating lever 121 further pivots toward the second position, the operating lever 121 presses against the tapered surface 127a, and the stopper 127 retracts upward from the locked position. When the operating lever 121 moves past the tapered surface 127a of the stopper 127, the operating lever 121 reaches the second position, and the stopper 127 returns to the locked position due to the biasing force of the biasing spring 129. Thus, the stopper 127, serving as a locking portion, is locked to the operating lever 121 in the second position in the locked position, and the operating lever 121 can be retained in the second position.

[0081] The connector cam 123, which serves as a cam, is provided with a pin groove 123a so as to be fitted to the parallel pin H3. Therefore, the connector cam 123 pivots integrally with the linkage shaft 124 by being fitted to the parallel pin H3. The connector cam 123 is positioned in the thrust direction by the parallel pin H3 and the E-ring 301.

[0082] The locking member 122 is configured to Figure 5 and Figure 6A The predetermined clearances P1 and P2 in the parallel pin H2 are engaged with the parallel pin H2. In addition, the locking member 122 is positioned in the thrust direction by the parallel pin H2 and the E-ring 301. Figure 6A As shown, the parallel pin H2 can rotate relative to the locking member 122 within the range of clearances P1 and P2. Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, in the process of the operating lever 121 pivoting from the first position to the third position, the parallel pin H2 passes through the clearances P1 and P2, and therefore, the operating lever 121 and the locking member 122 do not interlock. Figure 6B As shown, when the operating lever 121 reaches the third position, the parallel pin H2 abuts against the locking member 122. Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, when the operating lever 121 pivots from the third position to the second position, the operating lever 121 is linked with the locking member 122 , and the operating lever 121 and the locking member 122 pivot integrally.

[0083] On the other hand, when the operating lever 121 pivots from the second position to the third position, the operating lever 121 and the locking member 122 pivot integrally. When the operating lever 121 pivots from the third position to the first position, the parallel pin H2 passes through the clearances P1 and P2, and therefore, the operating lever 121 and the locking member 122 do not move in conjunction.

[0084] like Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the upper surface 105 of the feed table 100 is provided with an engagement hole portion 106, and the locking member 122 has a locking claw 122a that can be locked to the engagement hole portion 106. Figure 3A and Figure 6A As shown, when the operating lever 121 is in the first position, the locking member 122 is in the restricting position, which serves to restrict the removal of the feed table 100 from the apparatus body 1A. In other words, in the restricting position, the locking member 122 restricts the movement of the feed table 100 from the position where the feed table 100 is mounted on the apparatus body 1A. At this time, the distal end portion of the locking member 122 passes through the hole defined by the engagement hole portion 106, and the locking claw 122a is locked to the engagement hole portion 106.

[0085] like Figure 3B and Figure 6B As shown, when the operating lever 121 is in the third position, the locking member 122 is also in the restricted position. This is because, as described above, even when the parallel pin H2 pivots integrally with the operating lever 121, the parallel pin H2 passes through the clearances P1 and P2, and the operating lever 121 and the locking member 122 do not interlock with each other. Figure 3C and Figure 6C As shown, when the operating lever 121 is in the second position, the locking member 122 is in the allowing position, thereby allowing the feed table 100 to be removed from the apparatus body 1A. In other words, in the allowing position, the locking member 122 allows the feed table 100 to be moved from the position where the feed table 100 is mounted on the apparatus body 1A. At this time, the locking claw 122a and the engagement hole portion 106 are released at the distal end portion of the locking member 122, and the locking member 122 is allowed to move upward.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the connector unit 320 includes a guide portion 126 supported by a frame (not shown) of the apparatus main body 1A, a connector holder 125, and a main body side connector 15 attached to the connector holder 125. The connector holder 125 is slidably supported by a guide rail 126a of the guide portion 126, and the main body side connector 15 serving as a second connector moves integrally with the connector holder 125.

[0087] like Figure 3A and Figure 8A As shown, the connector holder 125 is provided with an upper rib 125a and a lower rib 125b, which are arranged to sandwich the connector cam 123 in the vertical direction. Figure 8A As shown, when the operating lever 121 is located at the first position, the side surface 123b of the connector cam 123 abuts on the upper rib 125a, and the cam surface 123c of the connector cam 123 abuts on the lower rib 125b. Figure 4DAs shown, the main body side connector 15 attached to the connector holder 125 is located at a fitting position where the main body side connector 15 is fitted with the table side connector 104 protruding upward from the upper surface 105 of the feed table 100 .

[0088] like Figure 8B As shown, when the operating lever 121 is located at the third position, the cam surface 123c of the connector cam 123 abuts against the upper rib 125a. Figure 3B As shown, the main body side connector 15 is located at the release position, in which the assembly of the main body side connector and the table side connector 104 is released. When the main body side connector 15 is located at the release position, the electrical connection between the device body 1A and the feed table 100 is released. Similarly, as shown in FIG. Figure 3C and Figure 8C As shown, when the operation lever 121 is located at the second position, the cam surface 123 c of the connector cam 123 abuts on the upper rib 125 a , and the main body side connector 15 is located at the release position.

[0089] Movement of the locking member and the main body side connector when the operating lever is operated

[0090] Next, the movement of the locking member 122 and the main body side connector 15 when the user operates the operating lever 121 will be described. Figure 4A As shown, when the imaging apparatus 1 is in use, the feed table 100 is attached to the apparatus body 1A, and the operating lever 121 is located in the first position. Figure 3A As shown, the locking member 122 is in the restricted position, and the main body-side connector 15 is in the assembled position. That is, the separation between the apparatus main body 1A and the feed table 100 is restricted by the locking member 122 in the restricted position. When the main body-side connector 15 in the assembled position and the table-side connector 104 are assembled with each other, the apparatus main body 1A and the feed table 100 are electrically connected to each other.

[0091] like Figure 4B As shown, when the operating lever 121 is pivoted from the first position in the direction of the arrow, first, the operating lever 121 reaches the position shown in FIG. Figure 3B When the operating lever 121 pivots from the first position to the third position, the connector cam 123 moves from the Figure 8A The position shown pivots to Figure 8B The position shown is shown. At this time, the upper rib 125a of the connector holder 125 is pressed upward by the cam surface 123c of the connector cam 123, and the connector holder 125 and the main body-side connector 15 move upward. As a result, the main body-side connector 15 moves from the assembled position to the released position. As a result, the assembly between the main body-side connector 15 and the stage-side connector 104 is released, and the electrical connection between the device body 1A and the feed stage 100 is also released.

[0092] When the operating lever 121 moves from the first position to the third position, the locking member 122 does not pivot and is held at the restricted position as described above. This is because the play P1 and P2 are provided in the locking member 122 .

[0093] When the operating lever 121 is Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown in FIG. 1 , when pivoting from the third position to the second position, the height of the abutment point between the cam surface 123c of the connector cam 123 and the upper rib 125a of the connector holder 125 does not change significantly, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B and Figure 8C Therefore, even when the operation lever 121 is pivoted from the third position to the second position, the main body side connector 15 attached to the connector holder 125 is retained at the release position.

[0094] When the operating lever 121 is pivoted from the third position to the second position, the main body side connector 15 can be moved further upward than the release position. However, as in this embodiment, when the main body side connector 15 is held in the release position, space for the connector holder 125 and the main body side connector 15 to move further upward than the release position becomes unnecessary, which contributes to reducing the size of the imaging device 1.

[0095] When the operating lever 121 pivots from the third position to the second position, the locking member 122 pivots from the restricting position to the allowing position. Therefore, the locking between the locking member 122 and the feed table 100 is released, and the apparatus body 1A and the feed table 100 can be separated from each other.

[0096] like Figure 4C As shown, the operating lever 121 is held in the second position by the stopper 127 located in the locking position. Therefore, the operating lever 121 can be restricted from returning from the second position toward the first position by the weight of the connector holder 125, the main body side connector 15, the locking member 122, the connector cam 123, and the like.

[0097] Then, if Figure 4D As shown, the user can separate the device body 1A from the feed table 100 by lifting the device body 1A upward, and can remove the feed table 100 from the device body 1A. When reinstalling the feed table 100 on the device body 1A, the user places the device body 1A on the feed table 100 and then pivots the operating lever 121 from the second position to the first position. As a result, after the locking member 122 pivots from the permitting position to the restricting position, the main body-side connector 15 moves from the release position to the mounting position.

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, the locking member 122 and the main body side connector 15 can be moved by operating the operating lever 121. In other words, the linkage unit 300 including the operating lever 121 is configured to be able to be linked with the locking member 122 and the main body side connector 15.

[0099] When the operating lever 121 pivots between the first and second positions, the timing at which the locking member 122 pivots is different from the timing at which the main body-side connector 15 moves. Specifically, the operating lever 121 can be in a third position between the first and second positions, and when the operating lever 121 pivots between the first and third positions, the locking member 122 does not pivot from the restricted position, and only the main body-side connector 15 moves between the assembled position and the released position. Furthermore, when the operating lever 121 pivots between the third and second positions, the main body-side connector 15 does not move from the assembled position, and only the locking member 122 pivots between the restricted position and the released position.

[0100] As described above, when the operation lever 121 is operated, by making the timing at which the lock member 122 is pivoted different from the timing at which the main body-side connector 15 moves, the operation force for the operation lever 121 can be reduced.

[0101] When the operating lever 121 is in the second position, the locking member 122 is in the enabling position, and the main body-side connector 15 is in the releasing position. In this state, the user can separate the feed table 100 from the device body 1A by lifting the device body 1A. Therefore, no force is required to pull the main body-side connector 15 out of the table-side connector 104 when lifting the device body 1A. Similarly, no force is required to assemble the main body-side connector 15 to the table-side connector 104 when placing the feed table 100 on the device body 1A. Therefore, the operability when attaching and detaching the feed table 100 can be improved. In other words, the operability when moving the feed table 100 from the installed position can be improved.

[0102] In plan view, the main body connector 15 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the center of gravity of each of the device body 1A and the feed table 100. Therefore, when inserting and removing the main body connector 15 and the table-side connector 104 when attaching and detaching the feed table 100 to and from the device body 1A, the force required to lift the device body 1A is not well balanced, resulting in reduced operability. However, in this embodiment, the device body 1A is lifted after the main body connector 15 is pulled out from the table-side connector 104. Therefore, the balance of the force required to lift the device body 1A can be improved, and operability when removing the feed table 100 from the device body 1A can be enhanced.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the operation lever 121 is provided on the back surface 1 m of the apparatus body 1A, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the operation lever 121 may be provided at another position on the apparatus body 1A.

[0104] The linkage unit 300 including the operating lever 121 and the locking member 122 may be provided in the feed table 100 instead of the apparatus main body 1A. In this case, it is preferable to configure the table-side connector 104 to be movable rather than the main body-side connector 15. That is, a connector that can be moved between the assembly position and the release position may be provided in either the apparatus main body 1A or the feed table 100, and a connector that does not move may be provided in the other.

[0105] Modification example of the first embodiment

[0106] Next, we will refer to Figure 9 A modified example of the first embodiment is described. Figure 9 1 is a perspective view showing a linkage unit 300 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. In this modified example, the linkage unit 300 is operated by a motor M instead of the operating lever 121. The motor M serving as an actuator includes a pinion MG fixed to the output shaft, and the pinion MG is engaged with a gear 150 fixed to the linkage shaft 124. Therefore, when the motor M is driven, the linkage shaft 124 rotates. The operation of the locking member 122 and the main body side connector 15 when the linkage shaft 124 rotates is similar to that in the first embodiment. Other actuators such as a solenoid can be applied instead of the motor M.

[0107] In the first embodiment and the modified examples, the locking member 122 and the connector cam 123 for moving the main body-side connector 15 are pivotally supported by the same linkage shaft 124, but the present technology is not limited to this. For example, the locking member 122 and the connector cam 123 may be supported by separate shafts. When the operating lever 121 or the motor M is operated, the separate shafts can be controlled to rotate. Even in this case, it is desirable that the locking member 122 moves to the enabling position after the main body-side connector 15 is in the releasing position.

[0108] Second embodiment

[0109] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the fixing device 180 and the apparatus body 1001A are connected by a connector. Therefore, a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment will be described by omitting illustration or attaching the same reference numerals to the drawings. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an imaging apparatus 1001 according to a second embodiment.

[0110] like Figure 10As shown, the image forming apparatus 1001 according to the present embodiment includes an apparatus main body 1001A having an opening portion 9, a door 20, and a feed stage 100. The door 20 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the apparatus main body 1001A between a closed position in which the door 20 covers the opening portion 9 and an open position in which the door 20 opens the opening portion 9. Similar to the first embodiment, the apparatus main body 1001A accommodates the imaging unit 70, the feed unit 30, the fixing device 180, and the discharge unit 130.

[0111] The fixing device 180 includes a fixing unit 81, a guide member 5, and a pair of reverse rollers 132. The fixing unit fixes the toner image on the sheet to the sheet by applying heat and pressure to the sheet. The fixing unit 81 includes a heating roller 83 containing a heater (not shown) and a pressure roller 84. The heating roller 83 and the pressure roller 84 form a fixing nip for holding the sheet S. Since the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1001 is similar to that of the first embodiment, its description will be omitted.

[0112] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a fixing device 180 serving as a mounting unit. Figure 11 A state is shown in which the user can access the fixing device 180 through the opening portion 9 by opening the door 20 , and the apparatus main body 1001A is not shown.

[0113] like Figure 11 As shown, the fixing device 180 includes a left fixing cover 181, a right fixing cover 182, and a front fixing cover 183. The front fixing cover 183 is provided with locked portions 183a and 183b. The device body 1001A is provided with a guide member (not shown), and the fixing device 180 is supported by the guide member so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The fixing device 180 can be removed from the device body 1001A by moving upward relative to the device body 1001A when the fixing locking member 202 described below is in the allowing position.

[0114] Configuration of linkage unit, fixing lock member, and connector unit

[0115] Next, we will refer to Figures 12 to 18B The interlocking unit 400 , the fixing lock member 202 , and the connector units 420 and 520 provided in the apparatus main body 1001A are described. Figure 12 2 is a perspective view showing the linkage unit 400 and the fixing lock member 202 . Figure 13A is an exploded perspective view showing the fixing device 180, the connector unit 420 provided on one side of the fixing device 180, and the connector insert 186, and Figure 13B 1001A is an exploded perspective view showing the connector unit 520 provided on one side of the apparatus main body 1001A. Figure 14Ais a perspective view showing a state where the handle 201 is operated to the second position, and Figure 14B 1001A is a perspective view showing a state in which the fixing device 180 is removed from the apparatus main body 1001A.

[0116] Figure 15A is a sectional view showing the fixing lock member 202 at the restriction position, and Figure 15B 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing lock member 202 located at the allowing position. Figure 16A 2 is a side view showing the connector units 420, 520 when the handle 201 is located in the first position. Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing side connector 185 and the main body side connector 223 when the handle 201 is located at the first position, and Figure 16C 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lifting cam 205 . Figure 17A 2 is a side view showing the connector units 420 and 520 when the handle 201 is located at the second position. Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing side connector 185 and the main body side connector 223 when the handle 201 is located at the second position, and Figure 17C 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lifting cam 205 . Figure 18A is a cross-sectional view showing the connector insert 186 and the connector retainer 184 during closing of the door 20 . Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view showing the connector insert 186 and the connector retainer 184 when the door 20 is in the closed position.

[0117] like Figure 12 As shown, a linkage unit 400 serving as a linkage portion is provided in the device body 1001A. The linkage unit 400 mainly includes a left frame member 207 and a right frame member 208, and a linkage shaft 204 rotatably supported by the frame members 207 and 208. More specifically, the frame members 207 and 208 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction LD of the fixing device 180. The fixing device 180 mounted on the device body 1001A is arranged between the frame members 207 and 208. The linkage shaft 204, serving as a pivot, extends in the longitudinal direction LD. The linkage shaft 204 can support the lower surface of the fixing device 180.

[0118] Frame member 207 has holes 207a and 207b, and frame member 208 has holes 208a and 208b. Holes 207a and 208a are coaxially arranged and connected to a shaft provided in device body 1001A. Therefore, frame members 207 and 208 are pivotally supported by device body 1001A.

[0119] Support members 206 and 206 are attached to holes 207b and 208b, respectively. Support members 206 and 206 attached to holes 207b and 208b rotatably support the linkage shaft 204. The fixing lock members 202 and 202, the handle 201, and the ring gear 203 are fixed to the linkage shaft 204 via parallel pins H4, H5, H6, and H7, respectively. The fixing lock members 202 and 202, the handle 201, and the ring gear 203 are positioned in the thrust direction by the parallel pins H4, H5, H6, and H7 and the E-ring 401.

[0120] The right frame member 208 is provided with a cam shaft 209, and the cam shaft 209 rotatably supports the lifting cam 205. When the handle 201 serving as an operating portion is operated to rotate the linkage shaft 204, the ring gear 203 also rotates integrally with the linkage shaft 204. The ring gear 203 is engaged with the lifting cam 205, and as the ring gear 203 rotates, the lifting cam 205 rotates around the cam shaft 209. As described below, the lifting cam 205 serving as a cam is configured to be able to lift and lower the fixing side connector 185. As described above, the linkage unit 400 includes the frame members 207 and 208, the linkage shaft 204, the ring gear 203, the lifting cam 205, etc., and is configured to be linked with the fixing locking members 202 and 202 and the fixing side connector 185.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the fixing device 180 is removed from the apparatus main body 1001A, the linkage unit 400 is arranged in the opening portion 9 that is opened when the door 20 is opened. Similar to the first embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 1001A, the linkage unit 400 is pressed by the tray unit 50 and pivots about the holes 207a and 208a. In other words, the linkage unit 400 is configured to be retractable so as not to interfere with the movement trajectory of the tray unit 50 when the tray unit 50 moves toward the opening portion 9. In addition, the linkage unit 400 is configured to be retractable so as not to interfere with the movement trajectory of the transfer unit 40. Therefore, even when the tray unit 50 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 1001A, the linkage unit 400 does not interfere with the pulling out of the tray unit 50, and usability can be improved.

[0122] like Figure 13A As shown, the right fixing cover 182 is provided with eaves portions 182a and 182b and grooves 182c and 182d, and the eaves portions 182a and 182b and the grooves 182c and 182d support the connector holder 184 of the connector unit 420 in a manner that can be raised and lowered. A fixing-side connector 185 serving as a second connector is attached to the connector holder 184. The right fixing cover 182 is provided with a claw portion 182e that engages with a hole portion provided in the connector holder 184 to prevent the connector holder 184 from falling off the right fixing cover 182.

[0123] In addition, the connector insert 186 is pivotally supported by the right fixing cover 182, and the connector insert 186 is arranged above the connector holder 184. The connector insert 186 rotatably supports the driven roller 187. An elastic portion 186a that is elastically deformable is provided at a lower portion of the connector insert 186.

[0124] like Figure 13B As shown, the connector unit 520 is provided on the apparatus main body 1001A. The connector unit 520 includes a base member 221 attached to the apparatus main body 1001A, a connector holder 222 held with clearance by the base member 221, and a main body side connector 223 serving as a first connector attached to the connector holder 222. The connector holder 222 has a tapered surface 222a that guides the fixing side connector 185 toward the main body side connector 223.

[0125] like Figure 11 and Figure 15A As shown, when the handle 201 is in the first position, the left and right fixing locking members 202 serving as the limiting portion are in the limiting position for limiting the removal of the fixing device 180 from the apparatus main body 1001A. In other words, in the limiting position, the fixing locking members 202 limit the movement of the fixing device 180 from the installation position where the fixing device 180 is installed on the apparatus main body 1001A. The fixing device 180 is located Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14A At this time, the left fixing locking member 202 and the right fixing locking member 202 are respectively engaged with the locked portions 183a and 183b provided on the front fixing cover 183. Therefore, the movement of the fixing device 180 is restricted.

[0126] like Figure 14A and Figure 15B As shown, when the handle 201 is in the second position, the left and right fixing locking members 202 are in the allowing position, for allowing the fixing device 180 to be removed from the device body 1001A. In other words, in the allowing position, the fixing locking members 202 allow the fixing device 180 to be moved from the installation position where the fixing device 180 is installed on the device body 1001A. At this time, the left fixing locking member 202 and the right fixing locking member 202 are disengaged from the locked parts 183a and 183b respectively. Therefore, the fixing device 180 can be removed upward toward the outside of the device body 1001A. When the door 20 is opened, the handle 201 is in the first position and is configured to be pivoted upward from the first position to the second position by the user. When the handle 201 is in the first position, the position of the linkage unit 400 is defined as the first operating position, and when the handle 201 is in the second position, the position of the linkage unit 400 is defined as the second operating position.

[0127] like Figure 16A and Figure 16C As shown, the connector holder 184 of the connector unit 420 located on the fixing device 180 side has a pressed surface 184a facing the lifting cam 205. When the handle 201 is in the first position, the pressed surface 184a of the connector holder 184 has not been lifted by the lifting cam 205. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 16B As shown, the fixing-side connector 185 held by the connector holder 184 is located at a fitting position where the fixing-side connector 185 is fitted to the main body-side connector 223 to electrically connect the apparatus main body 1001A and the fixing device 180 .

[0128] like Figure 17C As shown, when the handle 201 is pivoted from the first position to the second position, the linkage shaft 204, the ring gear 203 and the lifting cam 205 (see Figure 12 ) pivots together with the pivoting of the handle 201. Therefore, the cam surface 205a of the lifting cam 205 presses the pressed surface 184a of the connector holder 184 upward. Then, as Figure 17A and Figure 17B As shown, the fixing side connector 185 slides upward together with the connector holder 184 and moves to the release position to release the assembly with the main body side connector 223. Therefore, the electrical connection between the device body 1001A and the fixing device 180 is released. At this time, since the handle 201 is in the second position, the fixing locking member 202 is in the position as shown in FIG. Figure 15B Thus, the fixing device 180 can be removed from the apparatus body 1001A.

[0129] Figure 18A The fixing device 180 is mounted on the apparatus body 1001A and the handle 201 is returned to the first position. At this time, when the door 20 is closed to the closed position, the inclined surface portion 23 provided on the door 20 abuts against the driven roller 187 supported by the connector insert 186. When the door 20 is further closed toward the closed position, the inclined surface portion 23 presses the driven roller 187 downward, and the connector insert 186 is pressed against the driven roller 187. Figure 18A Therefore, the elastic portion 186 a provided at the lower portion of the connector insert 186 pushes the connector holder 184 downward, and the connector holder 184 slides downward toward the main body side connector 223 .

[0130] That is, the connector insert 186, the driven roller 187, and the inclined surface portion 23 form a moving portion 600 that positions the fixing-side connector 185 at the fitting position when the door 20 moves from the open position to the closed position. Even if the connector insert 186 is further pivoted counterclockwise after the fixing-side connector 185 attached to the connector holder 184 is fitted to the main body-side connector 223, the elastic portion 186a is elastically deformed to absorb the force.

[0131] like Figure 18B As shown, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the inclined surface portion 23 provided on the door 20 passes by the driven roller 187 and does not come into contact with the driven roller 187. With this configuration, the inclined surface portion 23 and the door 20 do not continuously receive the force from the connector insert 186 and the driven roller 187, so that deformation of the door 20 can be suppressed.

[0132] As described above, in this embodiment, the fixing lock member 202 and the fixing-side connector 185 can be moved by operating the handle 201. In other words, the linkage unit 400 including the handle 201 is configured to be linked with the fixing lock member 202 and the fixing-side connector 185.

[0133] By rotating the handle 201 from the first position to the second position, the fixing-side connector 185 moves from the fitting position to the release position, and the fixing locking member 202 pivots from the restricting position to the allowing position. When the user lifts up the fixing device 180 in a state where the fitting between the fixing-side connector 185 and the main body-side connector 223 is released, the fixing device 180 is removed from the apparatus main body 1001A.

[0134] Therefore, there is no need to use force to pull the fixing-side connector 185 out of the main body-side connector 223 when lifting the fixing device 180. Similarly, there is no need to use force to fit the fixing-side connector 185 to the main body-side connector 223 when installing the fixing device 180 on the device main body 1001A. Therefore, the operability when removing the fixing device from the device main body 1001A and installing the fixing device 180 on the device main body can be improved. In other words, the operability when moving the fixing device 180 from the installation position can be improved.

[0135] In a plan view, the fixing-side connector 185 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the center of gravity of the fixing-side connector 185. Therefore, when the fixing-side connector 185 and the main body-side connector 223 need to be inserted and removed when attaching and removing the fixing device 180 to and from the device main body 1001A, the force balance when lifting the fixing device 180 is not well balanced, which leads to a decrease in operability. However, in this embodiment, after the fixing-side connector 185 is pulled out from the main body-side connector 223, the fixing device 180 is lifted. Therefore, the balance of the force when lifting the fixing device 180 can be improved, and the operability when removing the fixing device 180 from the device main body 1001A can be improved.

[0136] Furthermore, when the door 20 is closed after the fixing device 180 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1001A, the connector insert 186 moves the connector holder 184 and the fixing-side connector 185 to the assembly position. Consequently, the fixing-side connector 185 can be prevented from being inserted into and removed from the main body-side connector 223 while the fixing device 180 is tilted, and breakage of the fixing-side connector 185 and the main body-side connector 223 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the assembly work between the fixing-side connector 185 and the main body-side connector 223 is not performed simultaneously with the installation work of the fixing device 180, the user's operating force can be reduced.

[0137] In this embodiment, the handle 201 is provided on one side of the opening portion 9 of the device body 1001A, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the handle 201 may be provided at other locations such as the back surface of the device body 1001A.

[0138] In addition, the linkage unit 400 including the handle 201 and the fixing locking member 202 may be provided in the apparatus main body 1001A instead of being provided in the fixing device 180. In this case, it is preferable to configure the main body side connector 223 to be movable instead of the fixing side connector 185. That is, a connector that can be moved between the assembly position and the release position may be provided in either the fixing device 180 or the apparatus main body 1001A, and a connector that does not move may be provided in the other of the fixing device 180 and the apparatus main body 1001A.

[0139] In addition, in this embodiment, the fixing lock member 202 is fixed to the interlocking shaft 204, and the lifting cam 205 for moving the fixing-side connector 185 is rotatably supported by the cam shaft 209, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the fixing lock member 202 and the lifting cam 205 may be supported by the same shaft.

[0140] Other embodiments

[0141] In the second embodiment, the handle 201 and the fixing locking member 202 are configured to always pivot as one, but the present technology is not limited to this. For example, similar to the first embodiment, a clearance can be set between the linkage shaft 204 and the fixing locking member 202, and when the handle 201 pivots from the first position to the third position, only the lifting cam 205 can move from the assembly position to the release position. When the handle 201 pivots from the third position to the second position, only the fixing locking member 202 can pivot from the restriction position to the permission position. The third position is a position between the first position and the second position. Therefore, after releasing the assembly between the fixing side connector 185 and the main body side connector 223, the fixing device 180 can be removed from the device body 1001A, and the operating force of the handle 201 can be reduced.

[0142] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the fixing device 180 is removed upward relative to the device body 1001A, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the fixing device 180 may be configured to be movable from the installation position to an upper position above the installation position by a link mechanism or the like, and the fixing device 180 may be supported by the device body 1001A in the upper position. For example, the fixing device 180 may be supported in the upper position by the linkage shaft 204 of the linkage unit 400. In this configuration, in the restricting position, the fixing locking member 202 restricts movement of the fixing device 180 from the installation position to the upper position, and in the allowing position, the fixing locking member 202 allows movement of the fixing device 180 from the installation position to the upper position.

[0143] In the second embodiment, the fixing lock member 202 and the fixing-side connector 185 are configured to move by operating the handle 201 exposed when the door 20 is opened, but the present technology is not limited to this. For example, the door 20 and the linkage shaft 204 may be connected by a link mechanism, and the fixing lock member 202 and the fixing-side connector 185 may move in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 20. In this case, when the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position, the linkage unit 400 moves from the first operating position to the second operating position.

[0144] In any of the above embodiments, the fixing device 80 or 180 includes a heating roller 83 and a pressure roller 84, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, a heating unit including a heater (such as a ceramic heater) and a fixing film heated by the heater may be used in place of the heating roller 83. Alternatively, a fixing belt including a heat-generating layer that generates heat through electromagnetic induction heating may be used in place of the heating roller 83.

[0145] In any of the above embodiments, the photosensitive drum 61 , charging roller 62 , and developing roller 71 are provided in the process cartridges (PY to PK), but the present technology is not limited thereto. That is, the photosensitive drum 61 , charging roller 62 , and developing roller 71 may be provided in either the process cartridge or the tray 51 .

[0146] In any of the above embodiments, the door 20 is pivotable about the pivot shaft 20 b , but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, a cover that is slidable or removable relative to the apparatus body 1A may be provided instead of the door 20 .

[0147] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus comprising: Equipment body; an installation unit, the installation unit being installed on the device body at an installation position; a restricting portion configured to move to a restricting position in which the restricting portion restricts movement of the mounting unit from the mounting position, and to move to a allowing position in which the restricting portion allows movement of the mounting unit from the mounting position; a first connector provided in any one of the device main body and the mounting unit; a second connector provided in the other of the device main body and the mounting unit and configured to move between a fitting position in which the second connector is fitted to the first connector to electrically connect the device main body to the mounting unit and a release position in which fitting of the second connector to the first connector is released; as well as a linkage portion configured to move between a first operating position and a second operating position and configured to be linked with the restricting portion and the second connector, wherein the linkage portion moves from the first operating position to the second operating position so that the restricting portion moves from the restricting position to the allowing position and the second connector moves from the fitting position to the releasing position, Wherein, the linkage part includes an operating part, a pivot and a cam, the pivot is configured to pivot integrally with the operating part and is configured to pivotally support the limiting part, and the cam is pivotally supported by the pivot and is configured to move the second connector from the assembly position to the release position.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The mounting unit is a fixing device configured to fix a toner image to the sheet by applying heat and pressure to the sheet.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The mounting unit is a stacking device on which sheets to be fed toward the apparatus main body are stacked.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein The stacking device is arranged below the device body, and The second connector is provided in the apparatus main body, and slides upward while moving from the fitting position toward the releasing position.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein The restricting portion is provided in the apparatus main body, and restricts movement of the mounting unit from the mounting position by engaging with the mounting unit at the restricting position.

6. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein The interlocking portion is configured to move from the second operating position to the first operating position so that the restricting portion moves from the allowing position to the restricting position and the second connector moves from the releasing position to the fitting position.

7. The imaging device according to claim 3, further comprising: A locking portion is configured to lock the linkage portion in the second operating position.

8. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein The linkage portion is configured to move between the first operating position and the second operating position to a third operating position, In a case where the linkage portion is located at the third operating position, the restriction portion is located at the restriction position and the second connector is located at the release position, and The interlocking portion moves the second connector from the fitting position to the releasing position by moving from the first operating position to the third operating position, and moves the restricting portion from the restricting position to the allowing position by moving from the third operating position to the second operating position. 9 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising an actuator configured to move the linkage portion from the first operating position to the second operating position.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The second connector is arranged at a position that does not overlap with a center of gravity of the mounting unit in a plan view.

11. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus comprising: Equipment body; an installation unit, the installation unit being installed on the device body at an installation position; a restricting portion configured to move to a restricting position in which the restricting portion restricts movement of the mounting unit from the mounting position, and to move to a allowing position in which the restricting portion allows movement of the mounting unit from the mounting position; a first connector provided in any one of the device main body and the mounting unit; a second connector provided in the other of the device main body and the mounting unit and configured to move between a fitting position in which the second connector is fitted to the first connector to electrically connect the device main body to the mounting unit and a release position in which fitting of the second connector to the first connector is released; as well as a linkage portion configured to move between a first operating position and a second operating position and configured to be linked with the restricting portion and the second connector, wherein the linkage portion moves from the first operating position to the second operating position so that the restricting portion moves from the restricting position to the allowing position and the second connector moves from the fitting position to the releasing position, Here, the mounting unit is a fixing device configured to fix the toner image to the sheet by applying heat and pressure to the sheet.

12. The imaging device according to claim 11, further comprising an opening and closing member that is openably and closably supported relative to the device body between a closed position in which the opening member covers the opening portion of the device body and an open position in which the opening member opens the opening portion. in, The fixing device is configured to be movable upward from the mounting position toward the opening portion when the restricting portion is located at the allowing position.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein The second connector is provided in the fixing device and slides upward while moving from the fitting position toward the releasing position.

14. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein The interlocking portion includes an operating portion exposed from the opening portion when the opening and closing member is located at the open position, and is configured to move between the first operating position and the second operating position when the operating portion is operated.

15. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein The interlocking portion moves the restricting portion from the allowing position to the restricting position by moving from the second operating position to the first operating position, and The imaging apparatus further includes a moving portion that moves the second connector to the fitting position when the opening and closing member moves from the open position to the closed position.

16. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein The interlocking portion moves from the first operating position to the second operating position when the opening and closing member moves from the closed position to the open position.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an image forming portion configured to form the toner image on the sheet, in, The interlocking portion is configured to be retractable so as not to interfere with a movement trajectory of the imaging portion when the imaging portion moves toward the opening portion.

18. The imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein The restricting portion is provided in the fixing device and restricts movement of the fixing device from the installation position by engaging with the apparatus main body at the restricting position.

Images