An image forming apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to an image forming device, which comprises a body, an intermediate transfer unit and a pressure unit arranged in the body, the intermediate transfer unit comprising a driving shaft and a transfer belt, the driving shaft being capable of driving the transfer belt to move when receiving a driving force, and the end of the driving shaft being provided with a support; the pressure unit comprising a pressurizing part and an actuating part, the pressurizing part being capable of applying pressure to the support to limit the radial displacement of the support when the pressure unit is in a first position, and the pressurizing part releasing the pressure applied to the support when the pressure unit is changed from the first position to a second position; the pressure unit being capable of being changed between the first position and the second position through the actuating part; the pressure unit comprising a connecting part, one of the connecting part and the body being provided with a limiting groove, and the other being provided with a limiting column, the limiting column being in sliding connection with the limiting groove. In the application, the pressure unit is in the first position, can stably apply pressure to the support, limit the position of the driving shaft, and enable the driving shaft to stably receive the driving force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] An image forming apparatus is a device that forms an image on a printing medium based on an input signal, such as a printer, copier, fax machine, and a multifunction printer that integrates the functions of a printer, copier, and fax machine.

[0003] The image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer unit. The drive shaft of the intermediate transfer unit can drive the transfer belt to receive and transfer color toner images. The power for the drive shaft comes from the main drive system of the image forming apparatus. To ensure the stable operation of the intermediate transfer unit, it is necessary to ensure stable pressure between the drive shaft and the main drive system.

[0004] In one existing technology, stable engagement of the drive shaft and the main drive system is achieved by screw locking. However, since the intermediate transfer unit needs to be loosened or tightened during disassembly and assembly, the disassembly and assembly of the intermediate transfer unit is complicated, and the screws are prone to being lost or stripped. In another existing technology, stable engagement of the drive shaft and the main drive system is achieved through simple levers or pressure blocks. However, due to the lack of an effective self-locking or limiting structure, the levers or pressure blocks are prone to loosening or misalignment, resulting in poor transmission reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an image forming apparatus to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] An image forming apparatus provided in this application includes: a body, wherein an intermediate transfer unit and a pressure unit are disposed within the body; the intermediate transfer unit includes a drive shaft and a transfer belt; the drive shaft, when receiving a driving force, can drive the transfer belt to move; the end of the drive shaft has a support member; the pressure unit is movably mounted on the body and has a first position and a second position relative to the body; the pressure unit includes a pressurizing part and an actuating part; when the pressure unit is in the first position, the pressurizing part can apply pressure to the support member to limit the radial displacement of the support member; when the pressure unit changes from the first position to the second position, the pressurizing part releases pressure on the support member; the actuating part enables the pressure unit to change between the first position and the second position; the pressure unit includes a connecting part connecting the pressurizing part and the actuating part; one of the connecting part and the body is provided with a limiting groove, and the other is provided with a limiting post; the limiting post is slidably connected to the limiting groove.

[0007] In one possible design, the pressurizing part includes an elastically deformable body.

[0008] In one possible design, the pressurizing part further includes an elastic element, the main body has a mounting groove, the elastic element is mounted in the mounting groove, and both ends of the elastic element abut against the peripheral wall of the mounting groove.

[0009] In one possible design, the body has an inner cavity and a first cover; when the first cover closes the inner cavity, the first cover prevents the pressure unit from changing from the first position to the second position; when the first cover opens the inner cavity, the pressure unit can change from the first position to the second position.

[0010] In one possible design, the body is provided with a first mounting rail, and the intermediate transfer unit can be mounted to the body along the first mounting rail; the first mounting rail includes a first part, a second part, and a third part connected in sequence; at least two of the angles between the first part and the horizontal direction, the second part and the horizontal direction, and the third part and the horizontal direction are not equal.

[0011] In one possible design, along the mounting direction of the intermediate transfer unit, the downstream end of the first portion is higher than the upstream end of the first portion.

[0012] In one possible design, the angle between the first part and the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle between the second part and the horizontal direction.

[0013] In one possible design, the body has a first limiting part and a second limiting part; the intermediate transfer unit has a positioning protrusion, and when the intermediate transfer unit is installed on the body, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against the positioning protrusion from both sides of the positioning protrusion.

[0014] In one possible design, the positioning protrusion is in the shape of a broken line.

[0015] In this application, during the operation of the image forming apparatus, the pressure unit is in a first position, which can stably apply pressure to the support member, restricting the position of the support member and thus restricting the position of the drive shaft. This ensures that the drive shaft can stably receive driving force, preventing problems such as insufficient driving force received by the drive shaft, abnormal noise, or even affecting image quality due to drive shaft displacement. When the pressure unit is in a second position, the pressure applied by the pressure unit to the support member is small or non-existent, thereby facilitating the removal of the intermediate transfer unit from the machine body or the installation of the intermediate transfer unit into the machine body.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus in a specific embodiment; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming apparatus provided in this application in a specific embodiment, wherein the pressure unit is in the first position; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of part of the body, pressure unit, and support components; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the organism's structure; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming apparatus provided in this application in a specific embodiment, wherein the pressure unit is in the second position; Figure 6 for Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of part of the body, the first cover, the pressure unit, and the support components; Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the intermediate transfer unit in one specific embodiment; Figure 8 for Figure 2 A magnified view of region I in the image; Figure 9 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of part of the main body, intermediate transfer unit and pressure unit; Figure 10 for Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of the intermediate transfer unit and the cleaning unit in the process; Figure 11 for Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of the intermediate transfer unit and cleaning unit from another perspective; Figure 12 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the intermediate transfer unit and cleaning unit in the process; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of region II; Figure 14 for Figure 7 A partial sectional view of the drive shaft in the middle; Figure 15 for Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the slider in the diagram.

[0018] Figure label: 10-Body; 11-Side wall; 12-First cover; 13-Second cover; 14-First mounting rail; 141-First part; 142-Second part; 143-Third part; 15-Second mounting rail; 16-Limiting post; 17-Drive cover plate; 18-Limiting slider; 20-Intermediate transfer unit; 21-Drive shaft; 211-Roller body; 212-Roller shaft; 213-Sliding plate; 214-Crack; 215-Support component; 22-Transfer belt; 23-Transfer roller; 24-Tension roller; 25-Waste powder bin; 251-Positioning protrusion; 252-Powder discharge gear; 253-Binding bin body; 254-Binding bin cover; 26-Frame; 27-Support; 30-Pressure unit; 31-Pressure section; 311-Main body; 312-Mounting groove; 313-Elastic element; 32-Actuating part; 33-Connecting part; 331-Limiting groove; 41-Laser unit; 42-Photosensitive unit; 43-Developing unit; 51-Sheet supply box; 52-Paper feed roller; 53-Correction roller; 54-Secondary transfer unit; 55-Fixing unit; 56-Paper discharge tray; 60 - Recycling Unit; 71-Scraper; 72-Scraper blade; 73-Tension spring; 74-Cleaning linkage; 75-Cam; 76-Drive unit.

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0024] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0025] This application provides an image forming apparatus, which is a device for forming images on a sheet using imaging principles. The sheet can be referred to as a printing medium, such as paper, labels, paper tape, or envelopes. More specifically, the image forming apparatus can perform functions such as generating image data, printing image data, receiving image data, and sending image data. The image forming apparatus may include a printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, or a multi-functional peripheral (MFP) device that performs the above functions in a single device. The working principle of the image forming apparatus is explained below by way of example.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a body 10, within which are disposed a laser unit 41, a photosensitive unit 42, a developing unit 43, and an intermediate transfer unit 20. The intermediate transfer unit 20 has a transfer belt 22 and a transfer roller 23. The laser unit 41 converts received image information into a modulated laser beam, which irradiates the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive unit 42 to generate an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive surface. The developer in the developing unit 43 is adsorbed onto the electrostatic latent image under the action of electrostatic principles to generate a toner image on the photosensitive surface. The toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 22 by the action of the transfer roller 23.

[0027] The machine body 10 also includes: a sheet supply box 51, a paper feed roller 52, a correction roller 53, a secondary transfer unit 54, a fixing unit 55, and a paper discharge tray 56. The sheets stacked in the sheet supply box 51 are discharged into the paper discharge tray 56 after passing through the secondary transfer unit 54 and the fixing unit 55 along a preset path under the action of the paper feed roller 52 and the correction roller 53. When the sheet passes through the secondary transfer unit 54, the secondary transfer unit 54 transfers the toner image from the transfer belt 22 onto the sheet. When the sheet passes through the fixing unit 55, the heating roller and pressure roller of the fixing unit 55 firmly fix the toner image onto the sheet.

[0028] The generation of the color image relies on the time-division multiplexing mechanism of the photosensitive unit 42, that is, the four colors are superimposed by the same photosensitive unit 42 in four operations within the rotation cycle. Specifically, the laser unit 41 sequentially illuminates the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive unit 42 with a laser beam to form electrostatic latent images of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Due to the single-drum design, the photosensitive unit 42 processes only one color per rotation, and the developing unit 43 sequentially supplies the corresponding color toner to the photosensitive surface to form the corresponding color toner image. Subsequently, these images are transferred to the transfer belt 22 of the intermediate transfer unit. With the four rotations and imaging of the photosensitive unit 42, the CMYK four-color images are precisely overlaid on the transfer belt 22. After the overlay is completed, the secondary transfer unit 54 transfers the composite color image on the transfer belt 22 onto the sheet in one operation.

[0029] In addition, the body 10 is also equipped with a recycling unit 60, in which waste toner on the photosensitive unit 42 can be collected.

[0030] More specifically, the intermediate transfer unit 20 further includes a drive shaft 21, which can drive the transfer belt 22 to move when receiving driving force. The end of the drive shaft 21 has a support member 215, and the drive shaft 21 can rotate relative to the support member 215. For example, the support member 215 is a bushing.

[0031] To ensure that the drive shaft 21 can receive the driving force smoothly, the drive shaft 21 needs to be in a set position. Therefore, a pressure unit 30 is also provided inside the body 10.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pressure unit 30 includes a pressure-applying part 31. When the pressure unit 30 is in the first position, the pressure-applying part 31 can apply pressure to the support member 215 to limit the radial displacement of the support member 215, thereby limiting the radial displacement of the drive shaft 21, so that the drive shaft 21 is kept in a set position that can receive driving force, and ensuring the reliability of the drive shaft 21 in receiving driving force.

[0033] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the pressure unit 30 changes from the first position to the second position, the pressure unit 31 releases pressure on the support member 215, that is, the pressure applied by the pressure unit 31 to the support member 215 gradually decreases, so that when the pressure unit 30 is in the second position, the force exerted by the pressure unit 31 on the support member 215 is small or non-existent, thereby facilitating the removal of the intermediate transfer unit 20 from the machine body 10 or the installation of the intermediate transfer unit 20 into the machine body 10.

[0034] It is understandable that the pressure applied by the pressurizing part 31 to the support member 215 gradually decreases does not mean that the pressure applied by the pressurizing part 31 to the support member 215 is strictly kept decreasing. It could also mean that the pressure applied by the pressurizing part 31 to the support member 215 increases in part during the decreasing process and then continues to decrease.

[0035] The pressure unit 30 includes an actuator 32, which enables the pressure unit 30 to switch between a first position and a second position. The actuator 32 reduces the difficulty of adjusting the position of the pressure unit 30, thus improving the user experience.

[0036] In this application, during the operation of the image forming apparatus, the pressure unit 30 is in the first position, which can stably apply pressure to the support member 215, restrict the position of the support member 215, and thereby restrict the position of the drive shaft 21, so that the drive shaft 21 can stably receive the driving force, and prevent the drive shaft 21 from shifting, resulting in insufficient driving force received by the drive shaft 21, abnormal noise, or even affecting the imaging quality.

[0037] Optionally, the actuator 32 can be a handle that is manually operated by the user, or it can be a component that is mechanically or electrically actuated.

[0038] Optionally, the pressurizing part 31 may be in direct contact with the support member 215 to apply pressure to the support member 215, or it may not be in direct contact with the support member 215 and apply pressure to the support member 215 through a transmission component.

[0039] The following explanation will take the direct contact between the pressurizing part 31 and the support member 215 as an example.

[0040] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pressurizing part 31 includes a body 311 that can be elastically deformed.

[0041] When the pressurizing part 31 applies pressure to the support member 215, the main body 311 can deform. The contact area between the main body 311 and the support member 215 is large, so that the pressure applied by the pressurizing part 31 to the support member 215 can act on the support member 215 in multiple directions, thereby improving the stability and reliability of limiting the support member 215 and the drive shaft 21.

[0042] As the image forming apparatus ages, the main body 311 and the support member 215 may undergo irreversible plastic deformation. The elastic deformation of the main body 311 can, to some extent, offset the dimensional errors caused by the plastic deformation, ensuring the pressure effect of the pressure unit 31 on the support member 215, thereby extending the service life of the pressure unit 30.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pressurizing part 31 also includes an elastic element 313. The main body 311 has a mounting groove 312. The elastic element 313 is mounted in the mounting groove 312, and both ends of the elastic element 313 abut against the peripheral wall of the mounting groove 312.

[0044] When the pressure unit 30 is in the first position, the elastic element 313 is compressed and applies elastic force to the main body 311. On the one hand, this increases the pressure applied by the pressure part 31 to the support member 215, thereby increasing the difficulty of displacement of the support member 215 and the drive shaft 21 and ensuring the stability of the drive shaft 21 in receiving the driving force. On the other hand, it increases the degree to which the main body 311 can undergo elastic deformation, thereby improving the ability to offset the dimensional errors caused by the plastic deformation of the main body 311 or the support member 215 and extending the service life of the pressure unit 30.

[0045] For example, the elastic element 313 is a spring, and a protrusion is provided on the peripheral wall of the mounting groove 312. When the elastic element 313 is installed in the mounting groove 312, the protrusion can cooperate with the elastic element 313, making it difficult for the elastic element 313 to fall off the mounting groove 312. At the same time, the protrusion can also restrict the position of the elastic element 313, so that the force applied by the elastic element 313 is directed towards the support member 215.

[0046] For example, the thickness of the main body 311 is uneven, and the thickness of the part of the main body 311 that contacts the support member 215 is greater than the thickness of other parts, so that the part of the main body 311 that contacts the support member 215 can undergo a greater degree of elastic deformation.

[0047] For example, the cross-section of the portion of the body 311 used to apply pressure to the support 215 is triangular.

[0048] Preferably, the force applied by the elastic element 313 is directed toward the axis of the support element 215.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pressure unit 30 has a connecting part 33 that connects the pressurizing part 31 and the actuating part 32. One of the connecting part 33 and the body 10 is provided with a limiting groove 331, and the other is provided with a limiting post 16. The limiting post 16 is slidably connected to the limiting groove 331.

[0050] For example, the body 10 is provided with a limiting groove 331, and the connecting part 33 is provided with a limiting post 16. The limiting groove 331 can be a protruding guide rail or a recessed groove, it can be an integrally formed structure on the body 10, or it can be a separate component installed on the body 10.

[0051] For example, the connecting part 33 is provided with a limiting groove 331, and the body 10 is provided with a limiting post 16.

[0052] The connecting part 33 connects the pressurizing part 31 and the actuating part 32 into a whole, so that operating the actuating part 32 can adjust the pressurizing part 31. The limiting post 16 is slidably connected to the limiting groove 331, which limits the movement range of the pressure unit 30, so that the pressure unit 30 moves within the set range, improving the reliability of the pressure unit 30 applying pressure to the support member 215.

[0053] For example, the movement of the pressure unit 30 between the first and second positions corresponds to the movement of the limiting post 16 from one end of the limiting groove 331 to the other. Specifically, when the limiting post 16 slides to one end of the limiting groove 331, the pressure unit 30 is in the first position, so the user can know whether the pressure unit 30 has reached the first position by feeling whether there is significant resistance when pushing the pressure unit 30. When the limiting post 16 slides to the other end of the limiting groove 331, the pressure unit 30 is in the second position, and the limiting post 16 can prevent the pressure unit 30 from falling off the body 10.

[0054] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the body 10 has an inner cavity and a first cover 12. When the first cover 12 closes the inner cavity, it prevents the pressure unit 30 from changing from the first position to the second position. That is, when the first cover 12 closes the inner cavity, the pressure unit 30 can only be in the first position, thereby ensuring that when the image forming apparatus is working, the pressure unit 30 can stably and reliably apply pressure to the support member 215, so that the drive shaft 21 can stably and reliably receive the driving force.

[0055] When the first cover 12 opens the inner cavity, the pressure unit 30 can change from the first position to the second position. When the pressure unit 30 is in the second position, the first cover 12 cannot close the inner cavity, that is, the pressure unit 30 in the second position and the first cover 12 in the closed state interfere with each other, realizing the linkage and interlocking design of the pressure unit 30 and the first cover 12, reminding the user to apply pressure and limit the intermediate transfer unit 20 with the pressure unit 30 before closing the first cover 12.

[0056] For example, when the first cover 12 closes the inner cavity, the actuating part 32 of the pressure unit 30 abuts against the first cover 12, which helps to keep the pressure unit 30 in the first position. It is understood that in some other embodiments, when the first cover 12 closes the inner cavity, the actuating part 32 of the pressure unit 30 does not abut against the first cover 12.

[0057] In addition, the body 10 also has a second cover 13. The first cover 12 and the second cover 13 are located on opposite sides of the body 10, and the second cover 13 can also cover the inner cavity. When the image forming apparatus is working, the second cover 13 covers the inner cavity; when it is necessary to install or remove the intermediate transfer unit 20, the second cover 13 opens the inner cavity, and the intermediate transfer unit 20 can be taken out or put into the body 10 through the area opened by the second cover 13.

[0058] For example, the first cover 12 is rotatably connected to the body 10, and the second cover 13 is rotatably connected to the body 10.

[0059] For example, the first cover 12 is the rear cover of the image forming apparatus, and the second cover 13 is the front cover of the image forming apparatus.

[0060] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the machine body 10 is provided with a first mounting rail 14, and the intermediate transfer unit 20 can be mounted to the machine body 10 along the first mounting rail 14; the first mounting rail 14 includes a first part 141, a second part 142 and a third part 143 connected in sequence; at least two of the angles between the first part 141 and the horizontal direction, the second part 142 and the horizontal direction and the third part 143 and the horizontal direction are not equal.

[0061] When the intermediate transfer unit 20 is installed into the body 10, the intermediate transfer unit 20 sequentially moves along the first part 141, the second part 142, and the third part 143 to the installation position. When the intermediate transfer unit 20 is removed from the body 10, the intermediate transfer unit 20 sequentially moves along the third part 143, the second part 142, and the first part 141 to detach from the body 10.

[0062] The first mounting rail 14 provides guidance for the installation and removal of the intermediate transfer unit 20, reducing the difficulty of installation and removal. The first mounting rail 14 includes at least two parts extending in different directions, increasing the difficulty of the intermediate transfer unit 20 falling off along the first mounting rail 14, making the intermediate transfer unit 20 less likely to fall off.

[0063] For example, the portion of the intermediate transfer unit 20 that slides along the first mounting guide 14 is the support member 215. It will be understood that in some other embodiments, the portion of the intermediate transfer unit 20 that slides along the first mounting guide 14 may also be a portion other than the support member 215.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, along the installation direction of the intermediate transfer unit 20, the downstream end of the first part 141 is higher than the upstream end of the first part 141, thereby reducing the force that the user needs to apply to the intermediate transfer unit 20 when disassembling it and improving the user experience.

[0065] For example, the first part 141 makes an angle of 2° with the horizontal direction.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, along the installation direction of the intermediate transfer unit 20, the downstream end of the third part 143 is lower than the upstream end of the third part 143, thereby increasing the difficulty for the intermediate transfer unit 20 to slide off the body 10 along the third part 143, making the intermediate transfer unit 20 less likely to fall off.

[0067] Furthermore, the angle between the first part 141 and the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle between the second part 142 and the horizontal direction, thereby shortening the required length of the second part 142, shortening the overall length of the first mounting guide rail 14, and reducing the time required to install and disassemble the intermediate transfer unit 20.

[0068] Preferably, the height change rate of the second part 142 is greater than that of the first part 141 and the third part 143, thereby shortening the overall length of the first mounting guide rail 14, reducing the time required to install and disassemble the intermediate transfer unit 20, and improving the efficiency of installing and disassembling the intermediate transfer unit 20.

[0069] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the machine body 10 is provided with a second mounting guide rail 15, and the pressure unit 30 is mounted on the second mounting guide rail 15. The limiting post 16 is located inside the second mounting guide rail 15. After the pressure unit 30 is mounted on the machine body 10 along the second mounting guide rail 15, the limiting post 16 engages with the limiting groove 331.

[0070] Specifically, the support member 215 slides along the first mounting guide rail 14, which is connected to the second mounting guide rail 15. When the pressure unit 30 is in the first position, the pressure part 31 can abut against the support member 215, thereby applying pressure to the support member 215.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the body 10 has a first limiting part and a second limiting part; such as Figure 7As shown, the intermediate transfer unit 20 has a positioning protrusion 251. When the intermediate transfer unit 20 is installed on the machine body 10, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against the positioning protrusion 251 from both sides, thereby restricting the movement of the intermediate transfer unit 20 and improving the installation stability of the intermediate transfer unit 20.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the intermediate transfer unit 20 has a waste toner container 25, and a positioning protrusion 251 is disposed on the container body 253 of the waste toner container 25. The waste toner container 25 and the drive shaft 21 are located approximately at both ends of the intermediate transfer unit 20. When the image forming apparatus is in operation, one end of the intermediate transfer unit 20 is pressured by the pressure unit 30, and the other end of the intermediate transfer unit 20 is limited by the first limiting part and the second limiting part, making it difficult for the intermediate transfer unit 20 to move relative to the machine body 10, which helps to ensure the stability of the intermediate transfer unit 20 during operation.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, the body 10 has a drive cover 17 and a limit slider 18.

[0074] For example, the drive cover 17 is the first limiting part and the limiting slider 18 is the second limiting part. By utilizing the existing structure of the body 10 as at least one of the first limiting part and the second limiting part, no new structure needs to be added, and the structural complexity of the image forming apparatus will not be increased, which is beneficial to reducing the cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0075] Understandably, the first and second limiting parts can also be other structures on the body 10. Furthermore, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the positioning protrusion 251 is in the shape of a broken line, which helps to increase the contact area between the positioning protrusion 251 and the machine body 10, improve the stability of the intermediate transfer unit 20 installed on the machine body 10, and prevent the intermediate transfer unit 20 from moving up and down.

[0076] The positioning protrusion 251 extends from the powder discharge gear 252 toward the drive shaft 21, which helps to improve the strength of the connection between the positioning protrusion 251 and the waste powder bin 25, making the positioning protrusion 251 less likely to be broken. Since the positioning protrusion 251 is close to the powder discharge gear 252, and when the positioning protrusion 251 is limited by the first and second limiting parts, the powder discharge gear 252 is less likely to shift or skip teeth, which helps to improve the rotational stability of the powder discharge gear 252.

[0077] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 9As shown, the body 10 includes two opposing side walls 11, each of which is provided with a first mounting rail 14 and a second mounting rail 15. When installing or removing the intermediate transfer unit 20, the intermediate transfer unit 20 cooperates with the first mounting rails 14 on both sides, and the two first mounting rails 14 guide the installation and removal of the intermediate transfer unit 20.

[0078] Correspondingly, the two second mounting rails 15 are respectively connected to the corresponding first mounting rails 14, and the two sets of pressure units 30 are respectively set in the second mounting rails 15 on the two side walls 11, so that the pressure units 30 can apply pressure to the support 215 from both ends of the intermediate transfer unit 20, and the limiting effect on the support 215 and the drive shaft 21 is more reliable.

[0079] like Figure 9 As shown, the actuators 32 of the two sets of pressure units 30 protrude from their respective side walls 11. After the user opens the first cover 12, the actuators 32 are exposed to the user's line of sight. The user can pull the actuators 32 by hand to release the pressure of the pressure unit 30 on the support member 215. The user does not need to use any special tools, and the operation is simple. Similarly, after the intermediate transfer unit 20 has been inspected or replaced, the user can push the actuator by hand to make the pressure unit 30 apply pressure to the support member 215, so that the support member 215 and the drive shaft 21 are held in a set position that can receive driving force.

[0080] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, the intermediate transfer unit 20 also includes a frame 26 and a tension roller 24. The drive shaft 21 and the tension roller 24 are rotatably connected to both ends of the frame 26, respectively. The transfer belt 22 is sleeved on the frame 26, the drive shaft 21 and the tension roller 24. The tension roller 24 can keep the transfer belt 22 in a taut state.

[0081] The intermediate transfer unit 20 is provided with a cleaning unit for waste toner on the transfer belt 22. The cleaning unit includes a squeegee 71 and a squeegee 72. The squeegee 72 is disposed on the squeegee 71 and can contact the transfer belt 22 to scrape off the waste toner on the transfer belt 22.

[0082] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown, a bracket 27 is provided on the outer side of the tension roller 24, and the bracket 27 can slide relative to the frame 26 with the tension roller 24. One end of the scraper 71 is rotatably connected to the bracket 27, so that the scraper 71 can rotate between the position where the scraper 72 contacts the transfer belt 22 and the position where the scraper 72 separates from the transfer belt 22.

[0083] More specifically, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the cleaning unit also includes a cleaning linkage 74, a cam 75, and a drive unit 76. The drive unit 76 can drive the cam 75 to rotate, and during the rotation of the cam 75, it can contact the cleaning linkage 74 and push the cleaning linkage 74. Figure 11 As shown, since the cleaning link 74 is in contact with or connected to the scraper 71, when the cleaning link 74 is pushed by the cam 75, it can drive the scraper 71 to rotate away from the transfer belt 22, so that the scraper 72 is separated from the transfer belt 22.

[0084] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the cleaning unit also includes a tension spring 73, one end of which is connected to the end of the scraper 71, and the other end is connected to the frame 26. When the cam 75 releases the pushing force on the cleaning linkage 74, the tension spring 73 can pull the scraper 71 back to the position where the scraper 72 contacts the transfer belt 22.

[0085] In the prior art, one end of the tension spring 73 is connected to the end of the squeegee 71, and the other end is connected to the bracket 27. Due to assembly tolerances in the bracket 27 and stroke fluctuations during the operation of the image forming apparatus, the squeegee 71 applies unstable linear pressure to the transfer belt 22, interfering with the rotation of the transfer belt 22. In this embodiment, by connecting one end of the tension spring 73 to the end of the squeegee 71 and the other end to the frame 26, the linear pressure applied by the squeegee 71 to the transfer belt 22 is made more stable, reducing interference with the rotation of the transfer belt 22.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the waste powder bin 25 has a bin cover 254, which can protect the connection of the tension spring 73 and prevent the cleaning unit from failing.

[0087] In the above implementation, such as Figure 14 As shown, the drive shaft 21 includes a roller body 211, a roller shaft 212, and a slide 213. The roller body 211 has a first mounting hole extending in the axial direction, and the roller shaft 212 is mounted in the first mounting hole. The slide 213 is located at the end of the roller body 211 and can support and fix the roller shaft 212. The slide 213 has a second mounting hole through which the roller shaft 212 passes. Because the size of the second mounting hole is very small, the tolerance range of the second mounting hole is also very small, making it difficult to manufacture and costly.

[0088] like Figure 15 As shown, a crack 214 is provided on the slide 213, and the crack 214 communicates with the second mounting hole. The slide 213 can deform to a certain extent at the crack 214, thereby increasing the size range of the roller shaft 212 that the slide 213 can adapt to, and facilitating the installation and disassembly of the slide 213.

[0089] Specifically, multiple cracks 214 are provided on the slider 213, and the multiple cracks 214 can be uniformly or unevenly arranged along the circumference of the second mounting hole.

[0090] For example, four cracks 214 are provided on the slider 213. The four cracks 214 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the second mounting hole, and the width of the cracks 214 is 2mm.

[0091] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes: a body (10), wherein the body (10) is provided with: The intermediate transfer unit (20) includes a drive shaft (21) and a transfer belt (22). When the drive shaft (21) receives a driving force, it can drive the transfer belt (22) to move. The end of the drive shaft (21) has a support member (215). A pressure unit (30) is movably mounted on the body (10) and has a first position and a second position relative to the body (10); the pressure unit (30) includes a pressurizing part (31) and an actuating part (32); when the pressure unit (30) is in the first position, the pressurizing part (31) can apply pressure to the support member (215) to limit the radial displacement of the support member (215); when the pressure unit (30) changes from the first position to the second position, the pressurizing part (31) releases pressure on the support member (215); the actuating part (32) can cause the pressure unit (30) to change between the first position and the second position; The pressure unit (30) includes a connecting part (33) that connects the pressurizing part (31) and the actuating part (32). One of the connecting part (33) and the body (10) is provided with a limiting groove (331), and the other is provided with a limiting post (16). The limiting post (16) is slidably connected to the limiting groove (331).

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurizing part (31) includes an elastically deformable body (311).

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressurizing part (31) also includes an elastic element (313). The main body (311) has a mounting groove (312). The elastic element (313) is installed in the mounting groove (312). Both ends of the elastic element (313) abut against the peripheral wall of the mounting groove (312).

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body (10) has an inner cavity and a first cover (12); When the first cover (12) covers the inner cavity, the first cover (12) prevents the pressure unit (30) from changing from the first position to the second position; When the first cover (12) opens the inner cavity, the pressure unit (30) can change from the first position to the second position.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The body (10) is provided with a first mounting rail (14), and the intermediate transfer unit (20) can be mounted to the body (10) along the first mounting rail (14). The first mounting rail (14) includes a first part (141), a second part (142) and a third part (143) connected in sequence. At least two of the following angles are not equal: the angle between the first part (141) and the horizontal direction, the angle between the second part (142) and the horizontal direction, and the angle between the third part (143) and the horizontal direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the mounting direction of the intermediate transfer unit (20), the downstream end of the first part (141) is higher than the upstream end of the first part (141).

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The angle between the first part (141) and the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle between the second part (142) and the horizontal direction.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The body (10) has a first limiting part and a second limiting part; The intermediate transfer unit (20) has a positioning protrusion (251). When the intermediate transfer unit (20) is installed on the body (10), the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against the positioning protrusion (251) from both sides.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning protrusion (251) is in the shape of a broken line.

Images