Drum unit and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a drum unit and an image forming apparatus. The drum unit includes a frame, a plurality of photosensitive drums, a charging line, and a cleaning member, a first developing cartridge corresponding to the first photosensitive drum among the plurality of developing cartridges is configured to be mountable on the drum unit when the cleaning member is located at an end of one side, the cleaning member includes a base portion, a cleaning portion, and a plurality of protruding portions, the first protruding portion is integrally provided at a different position from the cleaning portion in the rotational axis direction, and the first protruding portion is provided at a side closer to the one-side end of the frame with respect to the cleaning portion in the rotational axis direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the title of “movable member and image forming apparatus”, the national application date of October 12, 2021, and the national application number of 202111184716.8. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a drum unit for an image forming apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type and a drum unit used in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been proposed, in which a developing cartridge having a certain specification can be installed in the image forming apparatus, while a developing cartridge having a specification different from the certain specification cannot be installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0004] In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application (JP-A) No. 2017-116852, a cleaning member that is movable by a user’s operation is provided in a pull-out member along an axial direction (a direction of an axis of rotation) of a photosensitive drum, which is movable relative to an image forming apparatus between an (internal) installed position and an (external) pulled-out position. The cleaning member is capable of cleaning a charging member for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0005] Incidentally, the cleaning member in JP-A 2017-116852 further includes a protruding portion that comes into contact with a developing cartridge when a cartridge having a different specification is installed, so that the developing cartridge cannot be installed in the pull-out member. On the other hand, when a developing cartridge having a certain specification corresponding to the pull-out member is installed, the protruding portion enters a predetermined recessed portion of the developing cartridge, thereby installing the developing cartridge in the pull-out member.

[0006] However, the cleaning member in JP-A 2017-116852 is disposed close to the charging member, and when the user performs a moving operation of the charging member, the user also erroneously touches the charging member in some cases, so that the user’s contact with the charging member can have an influence on the charging performance of the charging member. SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the above-described problems, a main object of the present invention is to provide a movable member and an image forming apparatus in which a risk of a user’s contact with a charging member when the user operates a cleaning member can be reduced.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a movable component is provided, which is movable between a first position located inside an imaging device and a second position wherein the movable component is pulled out to the outside of the imaging device while a cassette with a predetermined recessed portion is mounted thereon. The movable component includes: a frame; a mounting portion disposed in the frame and allowing installation and removal of the cassette; a rotatable image carrier disposed in the frame; a charging component disposed in the frame and configured to charge the surface of the image carrier, the charging component extending in an axial direction along the rotation axis of the image carrier; and a cleaning component disposed in the frame and configured to clean the charging component by being arranged close to the charging component, the cleaning component being movable between an end of the frame located on one side relative to the axial direction and an end of the frame located on the other side relative to the axial direction, wherein the cleaning component... The component includes: a base portion comprising a first surface located on one side and intersecting the axial direction, a second surface located on the other side and intersecting the axial direction, and a third surface located between the first and second surfaces; and a protruding portion protruding outward from the third surface, wherein when the box is installed in the mounting portion with the cleaning component located at the end of the frame on one side, the protruding portion is capable of entering a predetermined recessed portion, wherein the protruding portion includes a first side surface intersecting the axial direction and located on the other side and a second side surface intersecting the axial direction and located on one side, wherein the first side surface is located between the first and second surfaces, and wherein the first side surface constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion relative to the axial direction on the other side, and the second side surface constitutes an end surface of the protruding portion relative to the axial direction on the one side.

[0009] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the imaging device with the tray removed from the imaging device.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the tray and developing cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tray and developing cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5This is a schematic perspective view of the box tray and (partially enlarged) cleaning components in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the charging component and the cleaning component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 Parts (a) and (b) are schematic perspective views of the cleaning component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic top (plan) view of the tray and (partially enlarged) cleaning components in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view showing one end of a developing cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic top view (plan view) illustrating the positional relationship between the developing cartridge and the cleaning component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the positional relationship between the developing cartridge and the cleaning component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 12 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of a box tray in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the front of the box tray in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic side view of the box tray on one side in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments for implementing the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise stated, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the functions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the constituent elements described below. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise stated, functions, materials, shapes, etc., previously described are similar to those described in the first description.

[0024] Furthermore, in the following description, regarding the imaging device, in some cases, the side with the front door is referred to as the front, while the side opposite the front is referred to as the rear. Additionally, when viewing the imaging device from the front, in some cases, the left-hand side is referred to as the left side, and the right-hand side as the right side.

[0025] Furthermore, the direction in which the component extends along the drum axis of the photosensitive drum included in the cartridge tray is defined as the first direction and referred to as the "D1 direction". Additionally, the direction intersecting the D1 direction (in this embodiment, the direction in which the developing cartridge is inserted into the cartridge tray) is defined as the second direction and referred to as the "D2 direction". Finally, the direction in which the cartridge tray is inserted into the imaging device is defined as the third direction and referred to as the "D3 direction".

[0026] Directions D1 and D2 intersect each other, preferably perpendicular to each other. Directions D2 and D3 intersect each other, preferably perpendicular to each other. Directions D3 and D1 intersect each other, preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0027] <Example>

[0028] [Overall Structure]

[0029] First, we will utilize Figures 1 to 13 An imaging device that describes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In this embodiment, the imaging device 1 is a full-color laser beam printer that uses electrophotographic imaging processing to form a color image on a sheet S based on four colors (Y, M, C, K).

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 1 includes a main device component 2, a tray (movable part) 3, and four developing cassettes (cassettes) 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K).

[0033] The cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridges 8 are installed in and detachable from the main equipment assembly 2. The cartridge tray 3 is a tray capable of holding four developing cartridges 8. The cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridges 8 constitute a pull-out unit 38.

[0034] Incidentally, in the following text, in some cases, the cartridge tray 3 with four developing cartridges 8 installed is also simply referred to as cartridge tray 3. That is, the cartridge tray (movable part) 3 of the present invention constitutes at least a part of the pull-out unit 38.

[0035] The tray 3 (pull-out unit 38) can move between the imaging position where the photosensitive drum can form an image (as the first position PI) and the pull-out position where the developing cartridge 8 is exposed to the outside of the main assembly 2 of the device (as the second position PO).

[0036] Imaging device 1 forms an image on sheet S (e.g., printing sheet) using developer (e.g., toner) supplied from developer cartridge 8.

[0037] In this embodiment, four developer cartridges 8 are mounted in a single cartridge tray 3. The four developer cartridges 8 contain developer (hereinafter also referred to as toner) of different colors (e.g., yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K, respectively). However, the number of developer cartridges 8 mounted on the cartridge tray 3 can also be one to three, and may also be five or more.

[0038] Incidentally, aside from the colors of the toner image, the developing cartridges 8 have a basically similar construction. Therefore, the construction of developing cartridge 8Y (yellow) will be described primarily as a representative example. Incidentally, the differences between the yellow developing cartridge and other developing cartridges 8 (8M, 8C, 8K) will be described as appropriate.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tray (3) and developing cartridge (8Y) in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, a photosensitive drum 4Y is disposed in the cartridge tray 3. The photosensitive drum carries the toner image and rotates about a rotation axis extending in the D1 direction. That is, the D1 direction is the axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4Y. In addition, the cartridge tray 3 includes a charging unit 5Y (charging component) acting on the photosensitive drum 4Y, a first cleaning roller 7Y, and a second cleaning roller 9Y.

[0041] The charging unit 5Y is a Scorotron-type corona charger and includes a charging cable 5aY (5a) and a gate 51bY. The developing cartridge 8Y includes a developing roller 6Y for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0042] exist Figure 1 A laser scanner unit LB is disposed above the tray 3. The laser scanner unit LB outputs a laser Z corresponding to the image information. The laser Z passes through the exposure window 10 and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0043] Below the developing cartridge 8 and cartridge tray 3, an electrostatic attraction belt unit 11 is provided. This electrostatic attraction belt unit 11 includes a drive roller 13 and a tension roller 14, with a plastic electrostatic attraction belt 12 extending around the drive roller 13 and tension roller 14. A photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) disposed in the cartridge tray 3 contacts the upper surface of the electrostatic attraction belt 12.

[0044] Inside the electrostatic attraction belt 12, transfer rollers 16 (16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K) are positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 4. By applying a transfer bias to the transfer rollers 16, the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 4 is transferred onto the sheet S.

[0045] A feeding unit 18 is provided below the electrostatic attraction belt unit 11. This feeding unit 18 includes a feeding tray 19 in which the sheets S are stacked and housed, and a feeding roller 20, and feeds the sheets S. Behind the electrostatic attraction belt unit 11 ( Figure 1 On the right side of the device, a fixing unit 21 for fixing an image onto the sheet S is arranged, and an exhaust unit 22 for discharging the sheet S to the outside of the imaging device is arranged at the upper part of the main assembly 2.

[0046] Figure 2 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the imaging device with the tray removed.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown in part (a), the cassette tray 3 is configured such that after the front door 40 of the imaging device 1 is opened, the cassette tray can move along the guide rail 41 provided in the main assembly of the device (see section (a)). Figure 2 Part (b) moves in the D3 direction. The developing cartridge 8 can be replaced individually relative to the cartridge tray 3.

[0048] The main component 2 of the device is provided with an opening 25 through which the pull-out unit 38 can pass. The front door 40 is supported by the main component 2 of the device, so that the front door can move between a closed position in which the front door 40 covers the opening 25 and an open position in which the opening 25 is opened.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8 in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in Figure 3 The image shows the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8 according to this embodiment. Specifically, in... Figure 3 The image shows the state of a specific developer cartridge 8C being removed from the cartridge tray 3. Incidentally, the installation and removal of the developer cartridge 8 are performed in the four slots (mounting sections) 31.

[0050] [Imaging Operation]

[0051] Next, we will use Figure 1 and Figure 4 Describe the imaging operation.

[0052] Incidentally, in the imaging apparatus 1 of the present invention, the operation for forming a panchromatic image is performed as follows. As for the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8, they are installed into the imaging apparatus 1 with the front door 40 closed.

[0053] When the current door 40 is closed, the drum drive connector (not shown) installed in the imaging device 1 connects to the drum connector 54 (54Y, 54M, 54C, 54L) connected to the photosensitive drum 4 (see...). Figure 3) join.

[0054] Each drum connector 54 is rotated via a drive output motor (not shown) and gears (not shown) of the imaging device 1. The associated photosensitive drum 4 travels along the drum connector 54 at a predetermined speed. Figure 1 The arrow direction is driven by rotation.

[0055] The electrostatic attraction belt 12 is also driven to rotate at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0056] At this time, the laser scanner unit LB is driven and emits light. Synchronized with the light emission of the laser scanner unit LB, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and predetermined potential through the charging units (charging components) 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K). The laser scanner unit LB exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to laser Z scanning based on the image signals of each color. As a result, an electrostatic latent image depending on the corresponding color image signal is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0057] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y is generated by moving along a predetermined speed. Figure 4 The developing roller 6Y is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow E for development. With the supply roller 70Y in contact with the surface of the developing roller 6Y, the supply roller 70Y is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow F. The stirring member 71Y includes a shaft member 71aY and a sheet-like member 71bY, and the stirring member is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow G.

[0058] Through this electrophotographic imaging process, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component in the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y. Meanwhile, the sheet S is separated and fed one sheet at a predetermined control time by the feed unit 18. Then, the sheet S is transported along the photosensitive drum 4 by the electrostatic attraction belt 12.

[0059] The sheet S arrives at the photosensitive drum 4Y at a predetermined controlled timing, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 4Y is transferred onto the sheet S. Similarly, toner images corresponding to magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the other photosensitive drums 4 (4M, 4C, 4K). These toner images are then overlaid and transferred onto the yellow toner image on the sheet S in the order of magenta, cyan, and black toner images. Thus, a full-color (unfixed) toner image based on the four colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on the sheet S.

[0060] The toner image transferred onto the sheet S is fixed by the fixing unit 21. Then, the sheet S passing through the fixing unit 21 is discharged by the discharge unit 22 onto the discharge tray 23.

[0061] Residual toner and paper dust remaining on the photosensitive drum 4Y are physically and electrically removed from it via the first cleaning roller 7Y. A portion of the residual toner remains on the first cleaning roller 7Y, while the remaining toner is charged by the first cleaning roller 7Y and then returned to the photosensitive drum 4Y. The residual toner returned to the photosensitive drum 4Y is then returned to the developing roller 6Y. Paper dust is physically and electrically removed from the first cleaning roller 7Y via the second cleaning roller 9Y.

[0062] [The structure of the box tray]

[0063] Next, we will use Figure 12 and Figure 13 Describe the structure of box tray 3.

[0064] Figure 12 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view of the box tray 3 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view of the front of the box tray 3. Figure 13 This is a schematic side view of the box tray in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] The tray 3 includes a tray frame 30 (frame), a groove 31 (mounting part), a through shaft 55, a photosensitive drum 4 (image carrying component), a charging unit 5, and a cleaning frame 27 (27Y, 27M, 27C, 27K) (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0066] like Figure 12 As shown in part (a), the tray frame 30 includes four surfaces: a right side surface 30r, a left side surface 30l, a front surface 30f, and a rear (back) surface 30b. The right side surface 30r is located outside the box tray 3 relative to the D1 direction and covers the right side of the box tray 3. Similarly, the left side surface 30l is located outside the box tray 3 relative to the D1 direction and covers the left side of the box tray 3. Furthermore, the front surface 30f and the rear surface 30b are surfaces that connect the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l, with the front surface 30f positioned on the front side of the box tray 3 and the rear surface 30b positioned on the rear side of the box tray 3.

[0067] The through shaft 55 is supported by the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l, and the ends of the through shaft protrude outward from the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l relative to the D1 direction. Additionally, positioning grooves 56 are formed on the rear sides of the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l (the positioning groove 56 on the left side surface 30l is not shown). Here, the through shaft 55 is supported by... Figure 2 The shaft engagement portion 57 of the main device assembly 2 shown in part (b) is supported, and the positioning groove 56 is provided by Figure 1The positioning shaft 24 of the main device component 2 shown is used for support. As a result, the tray 3 is positioned relative to the main device component 2.

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown in part (a), the photosensitive drum 4 is supported by the right side surface 30r and the left side surface 30l, and is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the D1 direction. The charging unit 5 and the cleaning frame 27 (see...) Figure 4 It is supported by the right surface 30r and the left surface 30l as a whole.

[0069] like Figure 13 As shown, tray developing contacts 610 (610Y, 610M, 610C, 610K) are provided on the right side surface 30r. Similarly, a first tray charging contact 611 (611Y, 611M, 611C, 611K) and a second tray charging contact 612 (612Y, 612K, 612C, 612K) are provided on the right side surface 30r. Similarly, a first tray cleaner contact 613 (613Y, 613M, 613C, 613K) and a second tray cleaner contact 614 are provided on the right side surface 30r.

[0070] The tray developing contact 610, the first tray charging contact 611, and the second tray charging contact 612 contact contacts (not shown) of the main component 2 of the device, such that voltage is supplied to these contacts. Similarly, the first tray cleaner contact 613 and the second tray cleaner contact 614 also contact contacts (not shown) of the main component 2 of the device, such that voltage is supplied to these contacts.

[0071] Next, similarly, we will refer to Figure 13 and Figure 4 Electrical connections are specifically described using the yellow (Y) construction as a representative example.

[0072] The tray charging contact 610 is electrically connected to the developing rollers 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) respectively.

[0073] The first tray charging contacts 611 are electrically connected to the charging cables 5a (5aY, 5aM, 5aC, 5aK). The second tray charging contacts 612 are electrically connected to the gates 5b (5bY, 5bM, 5bC, 5bK).

[0074] The first tray cleaner contact 613 is electrically connected to the first cleaning rollers 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K) that extend along the D1 direction and are each rotatable about a rotation axis.

[0075] The second tray cleaner contact 614 is electrically connected to the second cleaning roller 9Y.

[0076] In this embodiment, cleaning rollers 7 and 9 are used, but a configuration in which residual toner and paper dust are removed by means of a rubber scraper or sheet can also be used.

[0077] [Cleaning components]

[0078] Next, we will use Figures 4 to 8 The construction of cleaning component 50Y is described below. Similarly, the construction shown in yellow (Y) will be used as a representative example in the following description. For ease of explanation, the symbol "Y" will be omitted in some cases.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of the tray 3 and cleaning component 50Y (partially enlarged) in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the charging component 5Y and the cleaning component 50Y in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in Figure 6 The image shows the cleaning component 50Y in the box-installable position.

[0081] Figure 7 Parts (a) and (b) are schematic perspective views of the cleaning component 50Y in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a top (plan) view of the tray 3 and cleaning component 50Y (partially enlarged) in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] As described above, in this embodiment, the cartridge tray 3 is movable between a first position PI in which the cartridge tray 3 is positioned inside the imaging device 1 and a second position PO in which the cartridge tray 3 is pulled out to the outside of the imaging device 1. Furthermore, the cartridge tray 3 is movable while the developing cartridges 8 are mounted, each developing cartridge 8 having a recessed portion 801 (a predetermined recessed portion) near its end relative to the longitudinal direction (axial direction D1).

[0084] Furthermore, the cartridge tray 3 includes: a tray frame 30, a slot 31, a rotatable photosensitive drum 4 disposed in the frame, and a charging unit 5. The slot is disposed in the frame and the cartridge can be detachably installed into the slot. The charging unit is used to charge the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Incidentally, the charging unit 5 is arranged to extend along the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis (rotation axis) L1 of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0085] In this embodiment, the tray 3 is movable between end 501 and end 502. End 501 is disposed in the frame on one side (D11) of the frame relative to the axial direction D1, and end 502 is disposed in the frame on the other side (D12) of the frame relative to the axial direction D1. The tray includes a cleaning member 50 arranged close to the charging member and used for cleaning the charging member.

[0086] In this embodiment, the cleaning component 50 is composed of a base portion 51 and a protruding portion 514.

[0087] Incidentally, the base portion 51 includes a first surface 511, a second surface 512, and a third surface 513. The first surface is located on one side (D11) and intersects the axial direction D1; the second surface is located on the other side (D12) and intersects the axial direction D1; and the third surface is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1.

[0088] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 are two side surfaces of the cleaning component 50 that intersect (are perpendicular to) the axial direction D1 when in use, and the third surface 513 is the top surface located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 and connecting the first surface 511 and the second surface 512. When the developing cartridge is installed in the cartridge tray, the third surface 513 is opposite to the cartridge.

[0089] Incidentally, the first surface 511 to the third surface 513 can be flat surfaces or curved surfaces, such that a flat surface is deformed to provide a groove (or rib). Further, in this embodiment, the third surface 513 is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512, and can simply be configured to intersect with the first surface 511 and the second surface 512.

[0090] The protruding portion 514 is formed to protrude outward from the third surface 513 (on the side where the developing cartridge to be installed is located). With the cleaning component 50 located at the end of the frame side, the protruding portion 514 can enter the recessed portion 801 when the cartridge is installed in the mounting portion.

[0091] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 514 includes a first side surface 516 that intersects the axial direction D1 and is located on the other side, and the first side surface 516 is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1. That is, the first side surface 516, which is located on the same side as the second surface 512, is positioned at a location that retracts from the position of the second surface 512 along the axial direction D1 (towards the side (D11)).

[0092] Therefore, as will be described later, the risk of the user contacting the charging unit 5 (charging cable 5a) when operating the protruding portion 514 is significantly reduced. Specifically, when the user holds the first side surface 516 and the second side surface 515 of the protruding portion 514, the user's fingertip (finger tip) facing the other side (D12) of the opening 301 can contact a portion of the third surface 513 (top surface) of the base portion 51. Therefore, through the sensation of the fingertip on the other side (D12), the chance of the user contacting the second surface 512 (side surface) of the base portion 51 is reduced, thus also reducing the risk of the user contacting the charging cable 5a located further back (on the opening 301 side).

[0093] In particular, the risk of a user coming into contact with the charging cable 5a can be further reduced when the first side surface 516 retracts further from the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1. For example, the first side surface 516 of the protruding portion 514 can also be arranged between the first surface 511 of the base portion 51 and the center position 51cp.

[0094] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 514 further includes a second side surface 515 that intersects the axial direction D1 and is located on one side (D11). The second side surface 515 is arranged between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1.

[0095] Furthermore, the charging unit 5 includes a charging cable 5a. The frame 30 is provided with an opening 301 exposing the charging cable 5a, allowing the cleaning component 50 to be arranged near the charging cable 5a through the opening 301. The cleaning component 50Y will now be described in detail.

[0096] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cleaning component 50Y is arranged above the charging unit 5Y. The cleaning component 50Y is configured to be movable relative to the D1 direction, at least within the image printing area.

[0097] like Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the cleaning component 50Y engages with the guide portion 5dY located on the upper part of the charging unit 5Y, and is movable along the D1 direction between an end 501Y on one side of the charging cable 5aY and an end 502Y on the other side of the charging cable 5aY. Here, the guide portion 5dY has a protruding shape and supports the portion 518Y to be engaged, which has a recessed shape. When the cleaning component 50Y is located at the end 501Y on one side, the developing cartridge 8Y can be installed in the cartridge tray 3Y in an installable position.

[0098] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the cleaning component 50Y includes a protruding portion 514Y and a cleaning portion 517Y. The protruding portion extends from the third surface 513Y, and the cleaning portion is used to clean the charging cable 5aY while it is sandwiched between the cable and the third surface. As described above, the protruding portion 514Y includes a second side surface 515Y on one side and a first side surface 516Y on the other side. When contaminants are attracted (adsorbed) onto the charging cable 5aY, image defects may occur. The cleaning portion 517Y wipes away the contaminants themselves, thereby preventing image defects from occurring.

[0099] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the upper part of the charging cable 5aY of the charging unit 5Y is open, and the cleaning component 50 is arranged close to the charging cable 5aY.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, relative to the D1 direction, the first side surface 516Y of the protrusion 514Y on the left side of the figure is arranged closer to the right end than the second surface 512Y of the cleaning component 50 on the left side of the figure. Here, in Figure 8 In the middle, the right side is the side where the aforementioned end 501Y is located on one side, and the left side is the side where the aforementioned end 502Y is located on the other side.

[0101] That is, the protruding portion 514Y is arranged such that the first side surface 516Y located on the other side is closer to the first surface 511Y than the second surface 512Y similarly located on the other side. Figure 8 (The right end of the middle). In this embodiment, "one side" refers to the side where the drum connector 54Y is located. Through this positional relationship, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the cleaning component 50 is in the box-installable position ( Figure 8 When the protruding part 514Y is on the right side of the D1 direction, it is located on the opposite side from the side where the charging line 5aY can be seen through the opening 301.

[0102] When the developing cartridge 8Y is replaced, the cleaning component 50Y is often located at the cartridge mounting position. Furthermore, the upper part of the charging cable 5aY is open, so when the user moves and operates the cleaning component 50Y from the cartridge mounting position, the user may accidentally contact the charging cable 5aY. In this invention, a protruding portion 514Y that is easily grasped by the user when operating the cleaning component 50Y is arranged at the aforementioned position, thereby reducing the possibility of the user accidentally contacting the charging cable 5aY.

[0103] [Developer cartridge installation]

[0104] Next, we will use Figures 9 to 11 The description describes the installation of the developer cartridge 8 into the cartridge tray 3.

[0105] The construction of yellow (Y) will be described as a representative example. For ease of explanation, the symbol "Y" will be omitted in some cases.

[0106] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of one end of the developing cartridge 8Y in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 10 This is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship (relative to the D1 direction) between the developing cartridge 8Y and the cleaning component 50 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the positional relationship between the developing cartridge 8Y and the cleaning component 50 in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in Figure 11 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the developer cartridge 8Y and the cleaning component 50 when the developer cartridge 8Y is installed in the cartridge tray 3.

[0109] In this embodiment, the tray 3 can restrict the installation of developing cartridges of "different specifications" that are different from those of developing cartridges with specific specifications suitable for imaging operations. That is, with the cleaning member 50 located at the end 501 on one side of the frame 30, when a developing cartridge of "different specifications" is installed in the slot 31, the protruding portion 514 cannot enter the recessed portion 801 and come into contact with the developing cartridge. Thus, the installation of developing cartridges of "different specifications" can be prevented.

[0110] Specifically, such as Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the frame 80 of the developing cartridge 8Y includes a toner container 8bY and a cover portion 8aY, the cover portion being disposed at the end of the toner container 8bY relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0111] The cover component 8aY is provided with a recessed portion 801Y at a position where it overlaps with the protrusion 514Y of the cleaning component 50 in the direction relative to D1 when the developing cartridge 8Y is installed in the cartridge tray 3.

[0112] like Figure 11 As shown, with the developing cartridge 8 installed in the cartridge tray 3, the recessed portion 801Y and the protruding portion 514Y of the cleaning component 50 do not contact each other and are in a state where these portions are spaced apart and opposite to each other. At this time, when the protruding portion 514Y is viewed along the rotation axis direction of the developing roller (parallel to the D1 direction), the protruding portion 514Y does not overlap with the cover component 8aY but overlaps with the toner container 8bY. Therefore, by providing the recessed portion 801Y on the cover component 8aY instead of on the toner container 8bY, a significant increase in space for the toner container 8bY is achieved.

[0113] When developing cartridges of different sizes are installed in the cartridge tray 3, the protrusion 514Y of the cleaning component 50 and the developing cartridges come into contact with each other, thereby preventing the installation of developing cartridges of different sizes.

[0114] The present invention can be summarized as follows.

[0115] (1) The movable part 3 of the present invention can move between a first position PI located inside the imaging device 1 and a second position PO pulled out to the outside of the imaging device 1, and the movable part can move while the box 8 on which the predetermined recessed portion 801 is installed is mounted.

[0116] Furthermore, the movable component 3 includes: a frame 30, a mounting portion 31, a rotatable image carrier component 4, a charging component 5, and a cleaning component 50. The mounting portion is disposed in the frame and the box can be detachably mounted to the mounting portion. The rotatable image carrier component is disposed in the frame. The charging component is disposed in the frame and extends not only along the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis (rotation axis) L1 of the image carrier component, but is also configured to charge the surface of the image carrier component. The cleaning component 50 is disposed in the frame and can move between an end 501 of the frame located on one side relative to the axial direction and an end 502 of the frame located on the other side relative to the axial direction. The cleaning component 50 is disposed close to the charging component and is used to clean the charging component.

[0117] The cleaning component 50 includes a base portion 51 and a protruding portion 514.

[0118] The base portion 51 includes a first surface 511, a second surface 512, and a third surface 513. The first surface is located on one side and intersects the axial direction D1; the second surface is located on the other side and intersects the axial direction D1; and the third surface is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1.

[0119] The protruding portion 514 is a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the third surface 513, and when the box is installed in the mounting portion with the cleaning component at one end of the frame, the protruding portion can enter the recessed portion.

[0120] The protruding portion 514 includes a first side surface 516 that intersects the axial direction and is located on the other side, and a second side surface 515 that intersects the axial direction and is located on one side, wherein the first side surface 516 is located between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction.

[0121] The first side surface 516 constitutes the end surface of the protruding portion 514 located on the other side relative to the axial direction, and the second side surface 515 constitutes the end surface of the protruding portion 514 located on the same side relative to the axial direction.

[0122] Therefore, when the user operates the protruding part 514, the risk of the user touching the charging component can be reduced.

[0123] (2) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, the first side surface 516 of the protruding portion 514 may also be arranged between the first surface 511 of the base portion 51 and the center position 51cp, relative to the axial direction.

[0124] Therefore, when the user operates the protruding part, the risk of the user touching the charging component can be further reduced.

[0125] (3) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, the second side surface 515 may also be arranged between the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 relative to the axial direction D1.

[0126] Therefore, the risk of the user coming into contact with the charging component can be reduced when the user once releases his / her finger from the protrusion and then grasps the protrusion again while the user is moving the protrusion.

[0127] (4) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, the charging component 5 may include a charging cable 5a. The frame 30 may be provided with an opening 301 through which the charging cable 5a is exposed. The cleaning component 50 may also be arranged near the charging cable through the opening.

[0128] (5) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, it is possible to restrict the installation of boxes with different specifications than those of boxes with specific specifications. That is, when the box 8 is installed in the mounting portion 31 with the cleaning component 50 located at the end 501 on one side of the frame 30, the protruding portion 514 can also be configured such that the protruding portion 514 does not enter the recessed portion 801, but contacts the box 8.

[0129] (6) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, the cartridge 8 includes a developer carrier 6 and a developing frame 80 that rotatably supports the developer carrier 6, and the recessed portion 801 can also be provided in the developing frame 80.

[0130] (7) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, after the developer image is transferred from the image carrier component 4, the developer remaining on the image carrier component 4 can also be collected by the developer carrier component 6.

[0131] (8) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, the mounting portion 31 can include a plurality of mounting portions 31, such that a plurality of image carrier components 4 arranged in parallel along the axial direction D1 can be respectively mounted in each mounting portion 31 and can be respectively detached from each mounting portion.

[0132] (9) In the movable component 3 of the present invention, the box 8 can also be configured to be installed in the mounting portion 31 and removed from the mounting portion along a direction D2 that intersects the axial direction D1.

[0133] (10) The imaging device 1 of the present invention includes the movable part 3, the box 8 and the fixing part 21, and is capable of forming an image.

[0134] According to the present invention, the risk of a user coming into contact with a charging component when the user operates the cleaning component can be reduced.

[0135] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A drum unit configured to be mounted on a main assembly of an imaging device and movable toward the main assembly with a plurality of developing cartridges, including a developing roller, mounted on the drum unit, the drum unit comprising: frame; A plurality of photosensitive drums, the plurality of photosensitive drums including a first photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the frame; A charging cable extends along the rotation axis of the first photosensitive drum and is configured to charge the surface of the first photosensitive drum. and A cleaning component is configured to move along the charging cable in the direction of rotational axis between one end of the frame located on one side and the other end of the frame located on the other side of the direction of rotational axis, and is configured to clean the charging cable by moving while in contact with the charging cable. When the cleaning component is located at the end of one side, the first developing cartridge, which corresponds to the first photosensitive drum, is configured to be mounted on the drum unit. The cleaning component includes: Base section; The cleaning portion, when the drum unit is in a mounting position on the main assembly, protrudes downward from the base portion, and the cleaning portion is configured to contact and clean the charging cable; and Multiple protrusions, wherein the multiple protrusions protrude upward from the base portion in the mounting posture, and including a first protrusion that protrudes the highest from the base portion, and The first protruding portion is disposed at a different position from the cleaning portion in the direction of the rotation axis, and the first protruding portion is disposed on the side of the cleaning portion that is closer to the frame on one side in the direction of the rotation axis.

2. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein, The protruding portion is located on a plane intersecting the direction of the rotation axis, and is provided with a first side surface located on the other side in the direction of the rotation axis. The first side surface is positioned further to one side than the cleaning component in the direction of the rotation axis.

3. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein, The highest protruding part of the first protruding part is located on the central part of the first protruding part in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis.

4. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein, The frame is provided with an opening configured to expose the charging cable, and The cleaning component is capable of moving along the opening in the direction of the rotation axis.

5. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein, When the developing cartridge is installed with the cleaning component positioned at the end of the frame on one side, the first protrusion contacts the developing cartridge without entering the recess formed on the developing cartridge, thus limiting the installation of other developing cartridges with different specifications than those with specific specifications.

6. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein, The developing cartridge includes a developing frame that rotatably supports the developing roller, and The recessed portion is disposed within the developing frame.

7. The drum unit according to claim 6, wherein, After the developer image is transferred from the photosensitive drum, the developer residue remaining on the photosensitive drum is collected by the developing roller.

8. The drum unit according to claim 1 further includes a plurality of mounting portions disposed in the frame, wherein the developing cassette can be mounted on the plurality of mounting portions. in, Each mounting section is a groove-shaped part.

9. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of developing cartridges are mounted on the plurality of mounting portions in a manner arranged along a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis.

10. An imaging apparatus for forming an image, comprising: The drum unit according to claim 1; Developing box; and Fixing component.

Images