Image forming apparatus and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The present application relates to an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus including: a first housing including a first frame; a second housing including a second frame, the second housing being connected to the first housing and configured to be separable from the first housing in a vertical direction; and a wiring unit including wiring connected to the electrical component. The second frame includes a mounting portion on which the wiring unit is mounted. The mounting portion is provided with at least one opening on a side facing the first frame. The opening is at least partially covered by a portion of the first frame in a state in which the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to image forming apparatus such as printers, copiers, fax machines, and integrated machines, as well as methods of manufacturing image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming apparatuses include electrical components such as motors, sensors, switches, fans, control circuit boards for controlling these components, and power supplies. These electrical components are typically located on the rear side of the image forming apparatus in most cases. However, due to space constraints, some electrical components are located on the front side of the image forming apparatus. In this case, wiring is provided from the front to the rear of the apparatus body to electrically connect the electrical components arranged on the front and rear sides via wiring. In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-175261, a method for improving the operability of wiring installation is proposed by installing wiring units, including wiring, extending between the front panel on the front side and the rear panel on the rear side of the pre-assembled apparatus body, thereby improving the assemblability, replaceability, and maintainability of the electrical components.

[0003] However, to date, installing cabling within the equipment body requires assembling cabling units while working around the supports and struts that make up the equipment body, which increases the workload. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides an image forming apparatus that further improves the operability of installing wiring within the apparatus body.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on recording material includes: a first housing including a first frame; a second housing including a second frame, the second housing being connected to the first housing and configured to be separable from the first housing in a vertical direction; and a wiring unit including wiring connected to electrical components. The second frame includes a mounting portion on which the wiring unit is mounted. The mounting portion has at least one opening on its side facing the first frame. When the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other, the opening is at least partially covered by a portion of the first frame.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on recording material includes: a first housing including a first frame; a second housing including a second frame, the second housing being connected to the first housing and configured to be separable from the first housing in a vertical direction; and a wiring unit including wiring connected to electrical components. In a state where the first housing and the second housing are separated from each other, at least a portion of the wiring unit is configured to be mountable to the side of the second frame connected to the first frame.

[0007] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material is disclosed. The method includes: an installation step of installing a wiring unit including wiring; and a connection step of connecting a first housing including a first frame and a second housing including a second frame to each other. In the installation step, the wiring unit is installed to the second frame of the second housing on a first side of the second housing. In the connection step, the first housing is connected to the second housing on the first side of the second housing. The connection step is performed after the installation step.

[0008] The features of this disclosure will become clear from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the separation configuration in an image forming apparatus.

[0011] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram showing the sheet ejection frame.

[0012] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram showing the imaging frame.

[0013] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram showing the sheet supply frame.

[0014] Figure 4A This is a perspective view showing the wiring component configuration of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4B This is a perspective view showing the wiring component configuration of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relay connector section.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing wiring units with a separate configuration.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a top view showing wiring units with a separate configuration.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the wiring assembly configuration of the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring saddle in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10A This is a perspective view showing the wiring component configuration of the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10B This is a perspective view showing the wiring component configuration of the third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the wiring assembly configuration of the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] First Embodiment

[0025] Image forming equipment

[0026] This embodiment will be described below. First, it will be used Figure 1 This embodiment describes a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus. Note that in the following description, "front" and "rear" refer to the front and rear sides of the image forming apparatus, respectively, and "right" and "left" correspond to the right and left sides when viewed from the front side of the image forming apparatus. The front side of the image forming apparatus refers to the side where the user operates the image forming apparatus, and is, for example, the side where the operation panel is arranged or the side from which the sheet feed cassette storing recording material is retrieved. Furthermore, "vertical direction" refers to the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus is mounted on a floor or similar surface. Figure 1 In the image forming device 1, it is shown as being viewed from the front.

[0027] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 1 shown is a full-color printer in an intermediate transfer system. Image forming sections PY, PM, PC, and PK, which respectively form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), are arranged facing the intermediate transfer belt 21. Image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 500. The image forming unit 500 forms toner images on recording material S based on image signals received from a document reading device (not shown) or an external device such as a personal computer. The image forming unit 500 includes image forming sections PY, PM, PC, and PK, and an intermediate transfer unit 600.

[0028] The process of conveying the recording material S in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The recording material S is stored in one or more (in this case, two) sheet feed cassettes 31 in a stacked manner. The conveying of the recording material S is initiated by the sheet supply unit 300. The sheet supply unit 300 includes a sheet supply roller 31a. The recording material S is supplied sheet by sheet from the sheet feed cassette 31 to the conveying path 60 by the sheet supply roller 31a in sync with the time point of image formation. In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the conveying path 60 is arranged in a manner that allows the recording material S to be conveyed from the bottom to the top (so-called vertical conveying system). This conveying direction is exemplary, and the recording material S can be configured to be conveyed in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) depending on the apparatus configuration. The recording material S can cover various types of sheet materials, including paper (e.g., plain paper, thick paper, coarse paper, embossed paper, and coated paper), plastic film, cloth, etc.

[0029] Recording material S supplied from sheet feed cassette 31 to conveying path 60 is conveyed to alignment roller pair 42 arranged along the middle of conveying path 60. Alignment roller pair 42 corrects the skewness of recording material S and conveys the skewed recording material S to secondary transfer holding section formed by secondary transfer inner roller 22 and secondary transfer outer roller 44.

[0030] Regarding the aforementioned process of transferring the recording material S to the secondary transfer clamping section, the image formation process of the toner image transferred to the secondary transfer clamping section at a similar time point will be described. First, the image forming sections PY to PK will be described. However, since the image forming sections PY to PK are essentially the same for each color except for the color of the toner, the image forming section PY for yellow will be described as a representative example below.

[0031] The image forming section PY includes a photosensitive drum 11Y, a charging unit 12Y, an exposure unit 13Y, and a developing unit 14Y. The surface of the photosensitive drum 11Y, which is rotatably driven, is pre-charged uniformly by the charging unit 12Y, and thereafter, an electrostatic latent image is formed by a laser emitted by the exposure unit 13Y, which is driven by an image signal. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11Y is then developed into a toner image by the developing unit 14Y. The developing unit 14Y develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using a developer containing toner and a carrier. A primary transfer voltage is applied to the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 11Y by a primary transfer roller 25Y arranged opposite the photosensitive drum 11Y across an intermediate transfer belt 21, thereby transferring the toner image from the photosensitive drum 11Y to the intermediate transfer belt 21 in one pass.

[0032] The intermediate transfer belt 21 is an annular belt, and it is tensioned by the secondary transfer inner roller 22, drive roller 23, tension roller 24, etc. Figure 1The movement is directed in the direction of arrow A. While tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 21, the tension roller 24 is rotatably driven in conjunction with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 21 driven by the drive roller 23. At the point in time that each color toner image is sequentially superimposed onto the toner image that has already been transferred once upstream onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 along the moving direction, the image formation process for each color, processed in parallel by the image formation sections PY to PK, is executed. As a result, a full-color toner image is finally formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21. It should be noted that the primary transfer rollers 25Y to 25K, the intermediate transfer belt 21, the secondary transfer inner roller 22, the drive roller 23, and the tension roller 24 are integrally configured as the intermediate transfer unit 600.

[0033] Through the transport and image formation processes described above, the timing of the recording material S and the pantone toner image is synchronized at the secondary transfer clamping section, and a secondary transfer is performed, through which the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the recording material S. By applying a predetermined pressure and a secondary transfer voltage relative to the recording material S held and transported at the secondary transfer clamping section, the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the recording material S.

[0034] Recording material S, on which a toner image has already been transferred, is conveyed to fixing unit 50 via conveying path 60. The toner image is fixed onto the recording material S by applying heat and pressure within the fixing unit 50. The fixing unit 50 includes a fixing roller heated by a heater (not shown) and a pressure roller that forms a fixing clamping portion by contacting the fixing roller. The toner image is fixed onto the recording material S by applying heat and pressure relative to the recording material S passing through the fixing clamping portion.

[0035] Recording material S, with the toner image fixed by fixing unit 50, is further conveyed upward via conveying path 60 and discharged to the outside by sheet discharge unit 700. Sheet discharge unit 700 includes sheet discharge roller 61, and recording material S is discharged by sheet discharge roller 61 onto sheet discharge tray 81. In this embodiment, in the case of a double-sided mode where the image is formed on both surfaces of recording material S, in order to form an image also on the second surface of recording material S on its first surface, the recording material S is conveyed to a double-sided conveying path 701 for reversing the recording surface. In double-sided mode, recording material S is conveyed by the forward rotation of sheet discharge roller 61 until the trailing edge passes baffle 63; thereafter, by reversing the rotation of sheet discharge roller 61, the leading and trailing edges are interchanged, and recording material S is conveyed to double-sided conveying path 701. Recording material S conveyed to double-sided conveying path 701 returns to alignment roller pair 42. Since the subsequent conveying and image formation process on the second surface are the same as described above, the description will be omitted. Recording material S, on which images have been formed on both surfaces, is discharged to the outside by sheet discharge unit 700.

[0036] Equipment body

[0037] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 Use Figures 2 to 3C The device body 1A of this embodiment is described. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the device body 1A is divided into three separable structures: a sheet supply block 110, an imaging block 120, and a sheet discharge block 130. In other words, the sheet supply block 110, imaging block 120, and sheet discharge block 130 are vertically connected in a state where the three blocks can be separated from each other. In this specification, the term "structure" refers to the configuration of various units and components installed within a housing formed by a frame portion such as pillars, struts (beams), and side plates. Furthermore, the term "connection" in this embodiment refers to a functional association. For example, even when the sheet discharge block 130 is only placed on top of the imaging block 120, it can be said that the sheet discharge block 130 and the imaging block 120 are connected when they are functionally integrated to perform image formation. Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the housing 1101 of the sheet supply block 110, the housing 1201 of the imaging block 120, and the housing 1301 of the sheet discharge block 130 each include a sheet supply frame 111, an imaging frame 121, and a sheet discharge frame 131. To allow the housings 1101, 1201, and 1301 to be separated individually, the sheet supply frame 111, the imaging frame 121, and the sheet discharge frame 131 are connected to each other in a separable manner.

[0038] Return to Figure 2In this embodiment, the device body 1A, which performs a series of functions for forming an image on the recording material S, is configured such that the imaging block 120 is stacked on top of the sheet supply block 110, and the sheet discharge block 130 is stacked on top of the imaging block 120. Although not illustrated, the stacked imaging block 120 and the sheet discharge block 130 are connected, for example, by fastening with screws to a metal plate-like member (connecting member) extending across a vertically aligned support post. Similarly, the sheet supply block 110 and the imaging block 120 are also connected by a connecting member.

[0039] In this embodiment, the double-sided conveying block 70, which forms the double-sided conveying path 701, is pre-configured to be separate from the sheet supply block 110, the imaging block 120, and the sheet discharge block 130. The double-sided conveying block 70 is pivotally mounted relative to either the sheet supply block 110 or the imaging block 120, so as to extend between the imaging block 120 and the sheet discharge block 130. That is, the double-sided conveying block 70 separates at the junction with the imaging block 120 and the sheet discharge block 130. The double-sided conveying block 70, together with the imaging block 120 and the sheet discharge block 130, forms the conveying path 60 (see reference). Figure 1 When the double-sided conveyor block 70 is in the closed position, the conveyor path 60 is formed, and when the double-sided conveyor block 70 is in the open position, the conveyor path 60 is opened. Thus, if the recording material S is stuck in the conveyor path 60, the user can remove the stuck recording material S from the conveyor path 60 by opening the double-sided conveyor block 70, which pivots in an openable and closable manner. To open the conveyor path 60, roller 421 constituting one side roller of the alignment roller pair 42, the secondary transfer outer roller 44, and rollers constituting one side roller of the roller pair that conveys the recording material S in the conveyor path 60 are provided in the double-sided conveyor block 70. It should be noted that in the closed state, the double-sided conveyor block 70 is locked by a locking mechanism (not shown) provided in the sheet discharge block 130 to prevent the conveyor path 60 from opening automatically.

[0040] Sheet supply block, imaging block and sheet ejection block

[0041] The sheet supply block 110 is a structure in which the sheet supply unit 300 and the sheet supply conveying section 610 are disposed within the sheet supply frame 111. Additionally, a support component (not shown), such as a track member that slidably supports the sheet feed cassette 31 in the front-to-back direction, is assembled into the sheet supply block 110. The imaging block 120 is a structure in which the image forming unit 500, including the intermediate transfer unit 600, and the imaging conveying section 620 are disposed within the imaging frame 121. The image forming unit 500 is detachably disposed within the imaging frame 121. The sheet discharge block 130 is a structure in which the sheet discharge unit 700, the sheet discharge conveying section 630, the fixing unit 50, etc., are disposed within the sheet discharge frame 131.

[0042] In this embodiment, a separate transport path 60 for conveying the recording material S from bottom to top is formed in each of the sheet supply block 110, imaging block 120, and sheet discharge block 130. Specifically, the sheet supply transport section 610 forms a part of the transport path 60 in the sheet supply block 110, the imaging transport section 620 forms a part of the transport path 60 in the imaging block 120, and the sheet discharge transport section 630 forms a part of the transport path 60 in the sheet discharge block 130. In this embodiment, because a vertical transport path 60 is used, the sheet supply block 110, imaging block 120, and sheet discharge block 130 are stacked vertically.

[0043] like Figure 3A As shown, the sheet ejection frame 131 includes a right front frame portion 132, a right upper frame portion 133a, a right lower frame portion 133b, a left lower frame portion 133c, a front lower frame portion 133d, a rear lower frame portion 133e, and a rear side panel 134. Figure 3B As shown, the imaging frame 121 includes a right front frame portion 122a, a left front frame portion 122b, a right upper frame portion 123a, a left upper frame portion 123b, a right lower frame portion 123c, a rear side plate 124a serving as a first frame portion, and a front side plate 124b serving as a second frame portion arranged separately from the rear side plate 124a. Figure 3C As shown, the sheet supply frame 111 includes a right front frame portion 112a, a left front frame portion 112b, a right upper frame portion 113a, a right lower frame portion 113b, a left lower frame portion 113c, a front lower frame portion 113d, a front upper frame portion 113e, and a rear side panel 114.

[0044] The sheet discharge frame 131, imaging frame 121, and sheet supply frame 111 are connected by stacking in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). In this embodiment, when the sheet discharge frame 131 and imaging frame 121 are stacked, at least the rear side plate 134 of the sheet discharge frame 131 and the rear side plate 124a of the imaging frame 121 overlap when viewed from above. Furthermore, when the imaging frame 121 and sheet supply frame 111 are stacked, at least the rear side plate 124a of the imaging frame 121 and the rear side plate 114 of the sheet supply frame 111 overlap when viewed from above. In this state, the sheet discharge frame 131 and imaging frame 121, as well as the imaging frame 121 and sheet supply frame 111, are connected by connecting members (not shown). Therefore, by connecting multiple frames (131, 121, 111), an image forming apparatus 1 is provided, which is capable of performing a series of operations related to forming an image on a recording material using units and components disposed in each of the multiple frames (131, 121, 111).

[0045] Although figures are omitted here, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, electrical components such as various motors, various sensors and switches, and fans, as well as control circuit boards that manage these electrical components. The electrical components and control circuit boards are primarily arranged on the rear side (back side) of the image forming apparatus 1; however, some electrical components are arranged on the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, for electrical components arranged on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, the operator must perform the operation of installing wiring to electrically connect the electrical components to the control circuit board arranged on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the operator assembles a wiring unit including wiring to extend between the front side panel and the rear side panel within the apparatus body. In this embodiment, the wiring unit is arranged between the sheet ejection frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically connected state. The wiring is then configured such that the operator can easily install the wiring relative to the imaging frame 121 in a separated state (in other words, a non-stacked state of the sheet ejection frame 131). Hereinafter, reference will be made to FIG3 and using... Figures 4A to 7 The wiring component configuration of the first embodiment is described.

[0046] Cabling component configuration

[0047] The image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes a wiring unit 203. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the wiring unit 203 includes wiring 201 capable of being electrically connected to electrical components and a retaining portion 202 for retaining the wiring 201. The wiring 201 is ultimately connected to the electrical components. In the imaging frame 121 (second frame), a mounting portion is formed on one side of the discharge frame 131 in each of the rear side plate 124a and the front side plate 124b. The wiring unit 203 is mounted to the mounting portion such that the retaining portion 202 extends between the mounting portions of the rear side plate 124a and the front side plate 124b. It should be noted that in this case, the housing 1201 of the imaging block 120 corresponds to the second housing, and the housing 1301 of the sheet discharge block 130 corresponds to the first housing (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0048] Here, as the mounting portion of the rear side panel 124a, a first engagement groove 1241 is provided in the portion of the rear side panel 124a located on the side of the sheet discharge frame 131. The first end portion 202a of the retaining portion 202 located on the side of the rear side panel 124a (first frame portion side) engages with the first engagement groove 1241. As the mounting portion of the front side panel 124b, a second engagement groove 1231 is provided in the portion of the front side panel 124b located on the side of the sheet discharge frame 131. The second end portion 202b of the retaining portion 202 located on the side of the front side panel 124b (second frame portion side) engages with the second engagement groove 1231. The first engagement groove 1241 and the second engagement groove 1231 are formed with openings that respectively allow the first end portion 202a and the second end portion 202b of the retaining portion 202 to enter vertically from the side of the sheet discharge frame 131. That is, the first engagement groove 1241 and the second engagement groove 1231 are formed such that, when the sheet ejection frame 131 is separated from the imaging frame 121, the wiring unit 203 can be installed vertically from the side connected to the sheet ejection frame 131. In this embodiment, when the wiring unit 203 is installed into the first engagement groove 1241 and the second engagement groove 1231, the wiring 201 is completely laid out in the front-back direction within the device body 1A.

[0049] During the manufacture of the image forming apparatus 1, after the mounting step of installing the wiring unit 203 in the imaging frame 121, a connection step is performed to connect the sheet ejection frame 131 and the imaging frame 121. The sheet ejection frame 131 includes a rear side plate 134, which faces the rear side plate 124a relative to the vertical direction when stacked on the imaging frame 121. Furthermore, the sheet ejection frame 131 includes a front lower frame portion 133d (see reference). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The lower front frame portion faces the front side plate 124b in the vertical direction when stacked on the imaging frame body 121. When the sheet ejection frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 are connected, the opening of the first engagement groove 1241 is closed by the rear side plate 134 of the sheet ejection frame 131. Furthermore, when the sheet ejection frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 are connected, the opening of the second engagement groove 1231 is closed by the lower front frame portion 133d of the sheet ejection frame 131. That is, when the sheet ejection frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 are stacked, the opening is at least partially covered, and the vertical movement of the wiring unit 203 relative to the imaging frame 131 is restricted by the rear side plate 134 and the lower front frame portion 133d.

[0050] It is important to note that, such as Figure 5As shown, in the wiring unit 203, the wiring 201 is arranged with a degree of flexibility on top of the holding portion 202. Additionally, the wiring unit 203 may include relay connector portions 205a and 205b, which serve as electrical components for electrical connection to other wiring 2011. The relay connector portions 205a and 205b are preferably disposed on the sides of the rear side plate 124a and the front side plate 124b, respectively. Thus, in the event that the wiring 201 must be replaced due to any malfunction during use of the image forming apparatus 1, the operator can perform the replacement of the wiring 201 without separating the stacked sheet ejection frame 131 and imaging frame 121.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the holding portion 202 of the wiring unit 203 can be configured to separate into at least two or more portions between the rear side plate 124a and the front side plate 124b of the imaging frame 121. With the sheet ejection frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 connected, the separated rear holding portion 2021 (first holding portion) becomes removable from the first engagement groove 1241 to the outside of the rear side plate 124a, and the separated front holding portion 2022 (second holding portion) becomes removable from the second engagement groove 1231 to the outside of the front side plate 124b. Furthermore, in this case, the wiring 201 is arranged in a separable manner as a first wiring 201a and a second wiring 201b, and the first wiring 201a and the second wiring 201b are held by the rear holding portion 2021 and the front holding portion 2022, respectively. Then, either the rear holding portion 2021 or the front holding portion 2022 includes a connector portion 206 for electrically separating the first wiring 201a and the second wiring 201b. Therefore, in the event that the wiring 201 must be replaced due to any malfunction during the use of the image forming apparatus 1, the operator can easily perform the replacement of the wiring 201 without separating the stacked sheet ejection frame 131 and imaging frame 121.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the three structures of the device body 1A, namely the sheet supply block 110, the imaging block 120, and the sheet discharge block 130, are detachably connected to each other. Therefore, the sheet supply frame 111, the imaging frame 121, and the sheet discharge frame 131 are configured to be separate from each other. Then, a wiring unit 203, including wiring 201, is arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121, which are in a vertically stacked state. With the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 separated from each other, the operator can install the wiring unit 203 vertically from the side connected to the sheet discharge frame 131. Thus, since the operator does not need to assemble the wiring unit 203 to install the wiring 201 within the device body 1A while operating around the pillars and struts constituting the image forming apparatus 1, labor requirements are reduced. The operator can easily lay the wiring 201 in the separated imaging frame 121; in other words, the operability of installing the wiring 201 within the device body 1A can be further improved.

[0053] It should be noted that although the wiring unit 203 is arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state, it is not limited thereto, and the wiring unit 203 can also be arranged between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state. In this case, the first engagement groove 1241 and the second engagement groove 1231 are formed in the sheet supply frame 111, such that when the imaging frame 121 is separated from the sheet supply frame 111 and is not stacked on the sheet supply frame 111, the wiring unit 203 can be installed vertically from one side of the imaging frame 121. In addition, the wiring unit 203 can be arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state on one side of the imaging frame 121, and further arranged between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state on one side of the sheet supply frame 111.

[0054] Second Embodiment

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 3 and use Figure 8 and Figure 9 The wiring assembly configuration of the second embodiment is described. In the first embodiment, the entire wiring unit 203 is mounted to the mounting portion. In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus is configured such that an operator mounts a portion of the wiring unit to the mounting portion. Figure 8As shown, the wiring assembly of the second embodiment is configured with wiring 201 capable of being electrically connected to electrical components and a retaining portion 2020 for retaining wiring 201. The retaining portion 2020 is disposed on one side of the sheet discharge frame 131 in the imaging frame 121, extending between the rear side plate 124a and the front side plate 124b. In the imaging frame 121, mounting portions that allow the retaining portion 2020 to be mounted between the rear side plate 124a and the front side plate 124b are formed in the portions of the rear side plate 124a and the front side plate 124b located on the side of the sheet discharge frame 131.

[0056] Here, as an example of the mounting portion, an example including a first engagement groove 1251 and a second engagement groove 1261 is shown. The first engagement groove 1251 is formed on the portion of the rear side plate 124a on the side of the sheet discharge frame 131 and engages with the first end portion 2020a of the retaining portion 2020 on the side of the rear side plate 124a (first frame portion side). The second engagement groove 1261 is formed on the portion of the front side plate 124b on the side of the sheet discharge frame 131 and engages with the second end portion 2020b of the retaining portion 2020 on the side of the front side plate 124b (second frame portion side). The first engagement groove 1251 and the second engagement groove 1261 are formed to have openings that respectively allow the first end portion 2020a and the second end portion 2020b of the retaining portion 2020 to enter vertically from the side of the sheet discharge frame 131. That is, the first engagement groove 1251 and the second engagement groove 1261 are formed such that, in the state where the imaging frame 121 is separated from the sheet discharge frame 131 and does not overlap, the holding portion 2020 can be installed vertically from one side of the sheet discharge frame 131.

[0057] The retaining portion 2020 is configured such that, with the imaging frame 121 separated from the sheet discharge frame 131 and not overlapping, the wiring 201 can be mounted vertically from one side of the sheet discharge frame 131. Specifically, the retaining portion 2020 includes a plurality of wiring saddles 204a, 204b, and 204c, which allow the wiring 201 to enter from one side of the sheet discharge frame 131 and be arranged in a row from the rear side plate 124a toward the front side plate 124b. Additionally, edge saddles 204d and 204e (referred to as edge saddles to distinguish them from the wiring saddles) are provided at the first end portion 2020a and the second end portion 2020b of the retaining portion 2020. Figure 9As shown, wiring saddles 204a, 204b, and 204c hold the wiring 201 pressed vertically from one side of the sheet discharge frame 131. One side of each edge saddle 204d and 204e on the sheet discharge frame 131 side is configured to be openable and closable; thus, by opening said one side on the sheet discharge frame 131 side, the wiring 201 can be inserted vertically, and by closing said one side on the sheet discharge frame 131 side, the inserted wiring 201 can be held in place.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, the retaining portion 2020, including wiring saddles 204a, 204b, and 204c and edge saddles 204d and 204e, is configured such that the wiring 201 can be installed vertically from one side of the sheet discharge frame 131 when the imaging frame 121 and the sheet discharge frame 131 are separated from each other. That is, the operator can install the wiring 201 vertically relative to the wiring saddles 204a, 204b, and 204c and the edge saddles 204d and 204e. Therefore, since the operator does not need to assemble the wiring unit to install the wiring 201 within the device body 1A while operating around the pillars and struts constituting the image forming apparatus 1, labor requirements are reduced. As described above, the operator can easily lay out the wiring 201 in the imaging frame 121 when it is in a separated and non-overlapping state; in other words, the operability of installing the wiring 201 within the device body 1A can be further improved.

[0059] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the wiring 201 is also installed and removed through the opening of the first engagement groove 1251, which is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the plurality of wiring saddles 204a to 204e can be eliminated. Instead of wiring saddles, the wiring 201 can be fixed with double-sided tape or the like. Specifically, for wiring with a large planar surface area (e.g., flexible flat cables), double-sided tape is more effective than wiring saddles for fixing.

[0060] It should be noted that although the aforementioned retaining portion 2020 is arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state, it is not limited thereto, and the retaining portion 2020 can also be arranged between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state. In this case, the retaining portion 2020 is formed in the sheet supply frame 111 such that, in a state where the sheet supply frame 111 is separated from the imaging frame 121 and does not overlap, the aforementioned first engagement groove 1261 and second engagement groove 1251 allow the wiring 201 to be installed vertically from one side of the imaging frame 121. Additionally, the retaining portion 2020 can be arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state, on the side of the imaging frame 121, and further between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state, on the side of the sheet supply frame 111.

[0061] Third Embodiment

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 3 and use Figure 10A and Figure 10B The wiring component configuration of the third embodiment is described. For example... Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, the wiring unit 303 includes wiring 301 and a holding portion 302 for holding the wiring 301. The wiring 301 is electrically connectable to electrical components (such as a concentration sensor and a temperature / humidity sensor) arranged within the imaging frame 121 (within the second frame). In the imaging frame 121, a mounting portion to which the wiring unit 303 can be mounted is formed on a portion of the rear side plate 124a located on one side of the sheet supply frame 111.

[0063] Here, as an example of the mounting portion, an example including an engagement groove 1271 is shown. This engagement groove is provided on the portion (first frame portion) of the rear side plate 124a located on one side of the sheet supply frame 111 to engage with the retaining portion 302. The engagement groove 1271 is formed with an opening that allows the retaining portion 302 to enter vertically from the sheet supply frame 111 side while retaining the wiring 301. That is, the engagement groove 1271 is formed such that the wiring unit 303 can be mounted vertically from the sheet supply frame 111 side when the imaging frame 121 is separated from and not stacked on the sheet supply frame 111. In the case of this embodiment, when the wiring unit 303 is mounted to the engagement groove 1271, the wiring 301 is externally routed within the imaging frame 121.

[0064] The sheet supply frame 111 includes a rear side plate 114, which faces the rear side plate 124a relative to the vertical direction when overlapping with the imaging frame 121 (see reference). Figure 3B and Figure 3C The opening of the aforementioned engagement groove 1271 is closed by the rear side plate 114 of the sheet supply frame 111 when the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 are stacked. That is, when the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 are stacked, the vertical movement of the wiring unit 303 relative to the imaging frame 121 is restricted by the rear side plate 114. Furthermore, the wiring unit 303 mounted to the engagement groove 1271 is arranged separately from the front side plate 124b (the second frame portion). This aspect differs from the wiring unit 203 of the first and second embodiments.

[0065] Similarly, in this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments described above, the labor requirements are reduced because the operator does not need to assemble the wiring unit 303 to install the wiring 301 within the device body 1A while operating around the pillars and struts constituting the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, the operator can easily lay out the wiring 301 in the imaging frame 121 in a separated and non-overlapping state; in other words, the operability of installing the wiring 301 within the device body 1A can be further improved.

[0066] It should be noted that although the wiring unit 303 is arranged between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state, it is not limited thereto, and the wiring unit 303 can also be arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state. In this case, the engagement groove 1271 is formed in the sheet discharge frame 131, so that when the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 are separated and not stacked, the wiring unit 303 can be installed vertically from one side of the imaging frame 121. In addition, the wiring unit 303 can be arranged between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state on the side of the imaging frame 121 in the sheet supply frame 111, and further, it can be arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state on the side of the sheet discharge frame 131 in the imaging frame 121.

[0067] Fourth embodiment

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 10A Use Figure 11 The wiring component configuration of the fourth embodiment is described. For example... Figure 11As shown, the wiring assembly configuration of the fourth embodiment includes wiring 301 capable of being electrically connected to electrical components (e.g., a concentration sensor and a temperature / humidity sensor) arranged within the imaging frame 121 (within the second frame), and an edge saddle 304 (wiring saddle) serving as a retaining portion for holding the wiring 301. In the imaging frame 121, an engagement groove 1271, serving as a mounting portion allowing the edge saddle 304 to be mounted to the rear side plate 124a, is formed on the portion of the rear side plate 124a located on the side of the sheet supply frame 111 (see reference). Figure 10A The engagement groove 1271 is formed with an opening that allows the edge saddle 304 to enter vertically from one side of the sheet supply frame 111. That is, the engagement groove 1271 is formed such that the edge saddle 304 can be mounted vertically from one side of the sheet supply frame 111 when the imaging frame 121 is separated from and not stacked on the sheet supply frame 111.

[0069] The edge saddle 304 is configured such that, when the imaging frame 121 is separated from and not stacked on the sheet supply frame 111, the wiring 301 can be mounted vertically from one side of the sheet supply frame 111. One side of the edge saddle 304 on the sheet supply frame 111 side is provided in an openable and closable manner; thus, by opening said one side on the sheet supply frame 111 side, the wiring 301 can be inserted vertically, and by closing said one side on the sheet supply frame 111 side, the inserted wiring 301 can be held in place.

[0070] Similarly, in this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments described above, the labor requirements are reduced because the operator does not need to assemble the wiring unit to install the wiring 301 within the device body 1A while operating around the pillars and struts constituting the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, the operator can easily lay out the wiring 301 within the imaging frame 121 in a separated and non-stacked state; in other words, the operability of installing the wiring 301 within the device body 1A can be further improved.

[0071] It should be noted that although the aforementioned edge saddle 304 is arranged between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state, it is not limited thereto, and the edge saddle 304 can also be arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state. In this case, the aforementioned engagement groove 1271 is formed in the sheet discharge frame 131, such that when the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 are separated and not stacked, the edge saddle 304 allows the wiring 301 to be installed vertically from one side of the imaging frame 121. In addition, the aforementioned edge saddle 304 can be arranged between the imaging frame 121 and the sheet supply frame 111 in a vertically stacked state on one side of the imaging frame 121, and further, it can be arranged between the sheet discharge frame 131 and the imaging frame 121 in a vertically stacked state on one side of the sheet discharge frame 131.

[0072] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense to include all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1.An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: a first housing including a first frame; a second housing including a second frame, the second housing being connected to the first housing and configured to be separable from the first housing in a vertical direction; and a wiring unit including a wiring connected to an electrical component, wherein the second frame includes a mounting portion to which the wiring unit is mounted, wherein the mounting portion is provided with at least one opening on a side facing the first frame, and wherein the opening is at least partially covered by a portion of the first frame in a state in which the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other. 2.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separable from the first frame portion, wherein the mounting portion includes a first mounting portion provided in the first frame portion and a second mounting portion provided in the second frame portion, wherein the at least one opening includes an opening provided in the first mounting portion and closed by the first frame and an opening provided in the second mounting portion and closed by the first frame, and wherein the wiring unit is configured to be mounted to extend between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. 3.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separable from the first frame portion, wherein the mounting portion is provided in the first frame portion, and wherein the wiring unit mounted to the mounting portion is arranged to be separable from the second frame portion. 4.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wiring unit includes a holding portion configured to hold the wiring, and wherein the holding portion is configured to be removed from the second frame through an opening of the mounting portion in a state in which the first housing is separated from the second housing. 5.The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separable from the first frame portion, wherein the mounting portion includes a first mounting portion provided in the first frame portion and a second mounting portion provided in the second frame portion, wherein the at least one opening includes an opening provided in the first mounting portion and closed by the first frame and an opening provided in the second mounting portion and closed by the first frame, and wherein the wiring unit is configured to be mounted to extend between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. 6.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wiring is configured to be removed from the second frame through an opening of the mounting portion in a state in which the first housing is separated from the second housing. ​ 7.The image forming apparatus of claim 6, wherein the wiring unit includes a holding portion configured to hold the wiring and a plurality of wiring saddles provided in the holding portion. 8.The image forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separated from the first frame portion, wherein the mounting portion includes a first mounting portion provided in the first frame portion and a second mounting portion provided in the second frame portion, wherein the at least one opening includes an opening provided in the first mounting portion and closed by the first frame and an opening provided in the second mounting portion and closed by the first frame, and wherein the holding portion of the wiring unit is configured to be mounted to extend between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. 9.The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wiring unit includes a connector configured to be connected to the wiring. 10.An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: a first housing including a first frame; a second housing including a second frame, the second housing connected to the first housing and configured to be separable from the first housing in a vertical direction; and a wiring unit including a wiring connected to an electrical component, wherein at least a portion of the wiring unit is configured to be mountable to a side of the second frame connected to the first frame in a state in which the first housing and the second housing are separated from each other. 11.The image forming apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separated from the first frame portion, and wherein the wiring unit is configured to be mounted to extend between the first frame portion and the second frame portion. 12.The image forming apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separated from the first frame portion, wherein a mounting portion is provided in the first frame portion, and wherein the wiring unit mounted to the first frame portion is arranged to be separated from the second frame portion. 13.The image forming apparatus of claim 10, wherein the wiring unit includes a holding portion configured to hold the wiring, and wherein the holding portion is configured to be mounted to the second frame from a side connected to the first frame in a state in which the first housing is separated from the second housing. 14.The image forming apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separated from the first frame portion, and wherein the holding portion of the wiring unit is configured to be mounted to extend between the first frame portion and the second frame portion. 15.The image forming apparatus of claim 10, wherein the wiring is configured to be mounted to the second frame from a side connected with the first frame in a state where the first housing and the second housing are separated. 16.The image forming apparatus of claim 15, wherein the wiring unit includes a holding portion configured to hold the wiring and a plurality of wiring saddles provided in the holding portion. 17.The image forming apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion arranged to be separated from the first frame portion, wherein the holding portion of the wiring unit is configured to be mounted to extend between the first frame portion and the second frame portion. 18.The image forming apparatus of claim 10, wherein the wiring unit includes a connector configured to be connected to the wiring. 19.The image forming apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second frame includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion arranged to be separated from the first frame portion, a first mounting portion provided in the first frame portion, and a second mounting portion provided in the second frame portion, wherein the wiring includes a first wiring and a second wiring; wherein the wiring unit includes a first holding portion configured to be mounted to the first mounting portion and configured to hold the first wiring, and a second holding portion configured to be mounted to the second mounting portion and configured to hold the second wiring, and wherein the wiring unit further includes a connector configured to connect the first wiring and the second wiring. 20.A method of manufacturing an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the method comprising: a mounting step of mounting a wiring unit including a wiring; and a connecting step of connecting a first housing including a first frame and a second housing including a second frame to each other, wherein in the mounting step, the wiring unit is mounted to the second frame of the second housing at a first side of the second housing, wherein in the connecting step, the first housing is connected to the second housing at the first side of the second housing, and wherein the connecting step is performed after the mounting step.

Images