Image formation device

Abstract

To further develop a conventional technique.SOLUTION: An image formation device for forming an image on a recording material has: a first side plate; a second side plate; a first connection member which is fixed to the first side plate in a first fixed part and is fixed to the second side plate in a second fixed plate; and a resin frame which is fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate. One of the first side plate and the frame has a first hole, the other of the first side plate and the frame has a first projection inserted to the first hole, one of the second side plate and the frame has a second hole, and the other of the second side plate and the frame has a second projection inserted to the second hole. At least one of the first side plate and the first connection member is deformed so that the first fixed part is formed, and at least one of the second side plate and the first connection member is deformed so that the second fixed part is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices, a frame may be formed by combining metal members and resin members.

[0003] The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a frame formed by a pair of side plates, a resin conveying body attached to the pair of side plates, and a metal stay. In Patent Document 1, the resin conveying body and the metal stay are fixed to the pair of side plates with screws. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-77735 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention is a further development of conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One of the inventions related to this application is as follows.

[0007] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A first side panel made of metal; a second side plate made of metal facing the first side plate in a first direction; a first connecting member made of metal, the first connecting member being fixed to the first side plate at a first fixing portion and being fixed to the second side plate at a second fixing portion; a frame sandwiched between the first side plate and the second side plate, the frame being made of resin and fixed to the first side plate and to the second side plate; having one of the first side plate and the frame has a first hole, the other of the first side plate and the frame has a first protrusion inserted into the first hole, one of the second side plate and the frame has a second hole, and the other of the second side plate and the frame has a second protrusion inserted into the second hole; an image forming apparatus, characterized in that at least one of the first side plate and the first connecting member is deformed so as to form the first fixed portion, and at least one of the second side plate and the first connecting member is deformed so as to form the second fixed portion.

[0008] One of the inventions related to this application is as follows.

[0009] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A first side panel made of metal; a second side plate made of metal facing the first side plate in a first direction; a first connecting member made of metal, the first connecting member being non-releasably fixed to the first side plate at a first fixing portion and non-releasably fixed to the second side plate at a second fixing portion; a second connecting member releasably fixed to the first side plate and releasably fixed to the second side plate; a frame sandwiched between the first side plate and the second side plate, the frame being made of resin and releasably fixed to the first side plate and releasably fixed to the second side plate; having When the second connecting member is fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate, removal of the frame from the first side plate and the second side plate is restricted, an image forming apparatus characterized in that by releasing the fixation between at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and the second connecting member, and releasing the fixation between the first side plate and the second side plate and the frame, it is possible to remove the frame from the first side plate and the second side plate while the first connecting member is fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate. Effect of the Invention

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, conventional techniques can be further developed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a main body frame of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main body frame of the image forming apparatus; [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are side views showing a main body frame of an image forming apparatus; [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are side views showing a main body frame of an image forming apparatus; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating engagement between the left and right plates and the transfer frame. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are perspective views of the fixing part. (c) are cross-sectional views of the fixing part. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are perspective views of the fixing part. (c) are cross-sectional views of the fixing part. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating disassembly of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating disassembly of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating disassembly of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating disassembly of an image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiment may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0013] <Image forming device> An image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is configured to form an image on a sheet P as a recording material. The image forming apparatus 100 has an apparatus main body 100A and a cartridge CR that is detachably mountable to the apparatus main body 100A. The apparatus main body 100A can also be said to be a portion of the image forming apparatus 100 excluding the cartridge CR.

[0015] The device body 100A of the image forming apparatus 100 has a sheet storage section 21 with a sheet lifting section 21a, a paper feed section 22, a pair of conveying rollers 23, a pair of conveying rollers 24, a transfer section (transfer roller) 25, a scanner 11 as an exposure device, a fixing section 26, a paper discharge section 29, and a paper discharge tray 30.

[0016] The cartridge CR has a photosensitive drum (photoconductor) 1, a charging member 43 that charges the photosensitive drum 1, and a developing roller 41 that faces the photosensitive drum 1 and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The cartridge CR has a developing unit (developing device) 40 that contains toner as a developer and has the developing roller 41.

[0017] The sheet P is set on the sheet lifting portion 21a. When an image forming operation is performed on the sheet P, the sheet P is lifted by the sheet lifting portion 21a and passes from the paper feed portion 22 through the conveying roller pair 23 and the conveying roller pair 24 to the transfer portion 25.

[0018] The apparatus body 100A of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a transfer frame 53. The transfer frame 53 forms at least a part of the transport path through which the sheet P passes. A part of the transfer frame 53 faces the transport path of the sheet P and has a function as a guide portion that guides the sheet P. In other words, the transfer frame 53 has a guide portion that guides the sheet P.

[0019] Meanwhile, the photosensitive drum 1 is charged by a charging member 43. The scanner 11 is configured to expose the photosensitive drum 1. Laser light L is irradiated from the scanner 11 onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 in accordance with image information. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Toner is supplied as a developer from the developing roller 41 to the photosensitive drum 1, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed. Then, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0020] The transfer unit 25 faces the photosensitive drum 1, and a nip portion is formed between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer unit 25. A predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer unit 25 from a power source (not shown), and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the sheet P by the transfer unit 25.

[0021] The fixing unit 26 has a heating unit (heater), a heating unit 28 including a fixing film containing the heating unit, and a pressure roller 27. The sheet P onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated by the fixing unit 26, whereby the toner image is fixed onto the sheet P. Then, the sheet P is discharged from the paper discharge unit 29 onto the paper discharge tray 30.

[0022] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 can also transport the sheet P that has passed through the fixing unit 8 toward the transfer unit 6 through a double-sided transport path, and form images on both sides of the sheet P.

[0023] As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is a laser beam printer that uses an electrophotographic process to form a monochrome image on a sheet P as a recording material. However, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a printer other than a laser beam printer, such as an inkjet printer or a so-called LED printer that uses a light-emitting diode as an exposure device, or may be an image forming apparatus that forms a color image on a sheet P.

[0024] <Main frame> The main body frame 50 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4(a), 4(b), 5(a), 5(b), and 6. FIG.

[0025] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a main body frame 50 of the image forming apparatus 100, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the main body frame 50 of the image forming apparatus 100. Components such as the paper feed unit 22, the pair of transport rollers 23, the pair of transport rollers 24, and the scanner 11, and exterior parts such as the paper discharge tray 30 are omitted in Figs.

[0026] In the following description, the up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions are defined based on the view in the direction of arrow A in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The up / down direction is parallel to the vertical direction. Arrow A is parallel to the front / rear direction. The front / rear and left / right directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. The up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body frame 50 has a left side plate 55 and a right side plate 54. The left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 face each other in the facing direction fd. A conveying path along which the sheet P is conveyed is disposed between the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55 in the facing direction fd. In this embodiment, the facing direction fd coincides with the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet P. In this embodiment, the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 are made of metal, more specifically, made of sheet metal.

[0028] Further, the main body frame 50 has a transfer frame (transfer transport frame, transport frame, resin frame) 53 as a frame, a scanner front stay 51, a scanner rear stay 52, a rear stay 57, and a front stay 56.

[0029] In the opposing direction fd, the transfer frame 53, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are disposed between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. The scanner front stay 51 and the scanner rear stay 52 support the scanner 11. The opposing direction fd is parallel to the left-right direction.

[0030] The scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, and front stay 56 are arranged parallel to each other so as to bridge the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55, and are connected to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55. In this embodiment, the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, and front stay 56 are made of metal, more specifically, sheet metal.

[0031] The scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are examples of first connecting members fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55. That is, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has a plurality of first connecting members. In this embodiment, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55 in a non-releasable (non-separable, non-disassembleable) manner.

[0032] In this embodiment, "fixing two members in an unreleasable manner" refers to the following fixing. That is, a fixing method that requires plastic deformation of at least one of the two members or a fixing member for fixing the two members in order to release the fixation of the two members is called "unreleasable (unseparable) fixation." Plastic deformation here also includes the act of cutting the target member.

[0033] Examples of methods for fixing two components irremovably include caulking, gluing, and welding. Caulking includes a method of plastically deforming at least one of the two components and a method of using a rivet as a fixing member. In the former case, in order to release the fixation between the two components, it is necessary to plastically deform one or both of the two components. In the latter case, in order to release the fixation between the two components, it is necessary to plastically deform the rivet as a fixing member.

[0034] Note that the method of fixing two members with screws as fastening members is different from the irreleasable fixation in this embodiment because the fixation between the two members can be released by removing the screws.

[0035] The front stay 56 is an example of a second connecting member fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55. The front stay 56 is releasably fixed to the right side plate 54 and to the left side plate 55 at the front side of the main body frame 50. More specifically, the front stay 56 is fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55 by a plurality of screws (fastening members) 58F. Therefore, by removing the plurality of screws 58F, the fixation between the front stay 56 and the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55 is released.

[0036] The transfer frame 53 is made of resin, and is sandwiched between a right side plate 54 and a left side plate 55 in the facing direction fd. In this embodiment, the transfer frame 53 supports the transfer unit 25 as a rotating body. In order to prevent leakage of the voltage applied to the transfer unit 25, the transfer frame 53 is made of insulating resin. The transfer frame 53 also supports one of the pair of transport rollers 23, one of the pair of transport rollers 24, a part of the paper feed unit 22, etc. The facing direction fd coincides with the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer unit 25.

[0037] Next, the connections between the transfer frame 53, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, the rear stay 57, the front stay 56, the left side plate 55, and the right side plate 54 will be described.

[0038] 3, the support surface 55b of the left side plate 55 and the support surface 54b of the right side plate 54 face each other in the facing direction fd. The support surface 55b of the left side plate 55 and the support surface 54b of the right side plate 54 are surfaces that intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the facing direction fd. The transfer frame 53, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are fixed to the support surface 55b of the left side plate 55 and the support surface 54b of the right side plate 54.

[0039] 4(a) and (b) are side views showing the main body frame 50 of the image forming apparatus 100. Figures 4(a) and (b) are side views of the main body frame 50 as seen in the facing direction fd, more specifically, side views of the main body frame 50 as seen from the right side. In Figure 4(b), the right side panel 54 is omitted.

[0040] 5(a) and (b) are side views showing the main body frame 50 of the image forming apparatus 100. Figures 5(a) and (b) are side views of the main body frame 50 as seen in the facing direction fd, more specifically, side views of the main body frame 50 as seen from the left side. In Figure 5(b), the left side plate 55 is omitted.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining engagement between the left side plate 55, the right side plate 54 and the transfer frame 53. As shown in FIG.

[0042] 2 and 4(a), the transfer frame 53 has a protrusion 53aR, and the right side plate 54 is provided with a hole 54h. As shown in Fig. 4(a) and 6, the protrusion 53aR is inserted into the hole 54h of the right side plate 54, so that the transfer frame 53 is supported by the right side plate 54.

[0043] In this embodiment, the transfer frame 53 includes a plurality of protrusions 53aR, and the right side plate 54 includes a plurality of holes 54h. The plurality of holes 54h includes a round hole and an elongated hole. In this embodiment, the transfer frame 53 includes a plurality of frames, and each of the plurality of frames includes at least one protrusion 53aR. The number of the protrusions 53aR and the holes 54h may be appropriately set as necessary.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the protrusion 53aR is inserted into the hole 54h, the position of the protrusion 53aR and the position of the hole 54h overlap in the facing direction fd at an engagement portion ER formed by inserting the protrusion 53aR into the hole 54h. As a result, the transfer frame 53 is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction fd relative to the right side plate 54. In this embodiment, the state where the protrusion 53aR is inserted into the hole 54h can be said to be a state where the protrusion 53aR penetrates the right side plate 54 through the hole 54h. The engagement portion ER can be said to be an engagement portion formed by the engagement between the right side plate 54 and the transfer frame 53.

[0045] Alternatively, the transfer frame 53 may have a hole corresponding to the hole 54h, and the right side plate 54 may have a protrusion to be inserted into the hole. In other words, one of the transfer frame 53 and the right side plate 54 may have a protrusion, and the other of the transfer frame 53 and the right side plate 54 may have a hole into which the protrusion is inserted.

[0046] In this embodiment, the transfer frame 53 is releasably fixed to the right side plate 54. More specifically, the transfer frame 53 is fixed to the right side plate 54 by a plurality of screws 58R as fastening members. The fixation between the right side plate 54 and the transfer frame 53 is released by removing the plurality of screws 58R.

[0047] 2 and 5(a), the transfer frame 53 has a protrusion 53aL, and a hole 55h is provided in the left side plate 55. As shown in Fig. 5(a) and 6, the protrusion 53aL is inserted into the hole 55h of the left side plate 55, so that the transfer frame 53 is supported by the left side plate 55.

[0048] In this embodiment, the transfer frame 53 includes a plurality of protrusions 53aL, and the left side plate 55 includes a plurality of holes 55h. The holes 55h include round holes and elongated holes. In this embodiment, the transfer frame 53 includes a plurality of frames, and each of the plurality of frames includes at least one protrusion 53aL. The numbers of the protrusions 53aL and the holes 55h may be appropriately set as necessary.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, when the projection 53aL is inserted into the hole 55h, the position of the projection 53aL overlaps with the position of the hole 55h in the facing direction fd at an engagement portion EL formed by inserting the projection 53aL into the hole 55h. As a result, the transfer frame 53 is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction fd relative to the left side plate 55. In this embodiment, the state in which the projection 53aL is inserted into the hole 55h can be said to be a state in which the projection 53aL penetrates the left side plate 55 through the hole 55h. The engagement portion EL can be said to be an engagement portion formed by the left side plate 55 and the transfer frame 53 engaging with each other.

[0050] Alternatively, transfer frame 53 may have a hole corresponding to hole 55h, and left side plate 55 may have a protrusion to be inserted into the hole. In other words, one of transfer frame 53 and left side plate 55 may have a protrusion, and the other of transfer frame 53 and left side plate 55 may have a hole into which the protrusion is inserted.

[0051] In this embodiment, the transfer frame 53 is releasably fixed to the left side plate 55. More specifically, the transfer frame 53 is fixed to the left side plate 55 by a plurality of screws 58L as fastening members. The fixation between the left side plate 55 and the transfer frame 53 is released by removing the plurality of screws 58L.

[0052] In this embodiment, the fastening direction (attachment direction) of the multiple screws 58L and the fastening direction (attachment direction) of the multiple screws 58R are a direction that intersects with the fastening direction (attachment direction) of the multiple screws 58F. The fastening directions of the multiple screws 58L and the multiple screws 58R are parallel to each other. The fastening directions of the multiple screws 58L and the multiple screws 58R are along the facing direction fd. The fastening direction of the multiple screws 58F is a direction that intersects with the facing direction fd (preferably a direction perpendicular to it).

[0053] 4B, the transfer frame 53 is disposed between the front stay 56 and the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57. The scanner front stay 51 and the scanner rear stay 52 are located above the front stay 56.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4( b ) and FIG. 5( b ), the cartridge CR is accommodated between a scanner front stay 51 , a scanner rear stay 52 , and a transfer frame 53 .

[0055] In this embodiment, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are unreleasably fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 at fixing portions 101 (101L, 101R). As a result, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are restricted from moving relative to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 in the facing direction fd, the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the facing direction fd, and the direction perpendicular to the orthogonal direction to the facing direction fd.

[0056] Either the left side plate 55 or the right side plate 54 can be called the first side plate, and the other can be called the second side plate. In this embodiment, for convenience, the right side plate 54 is called the first side plate and the left side plate 55 is called the second side plate, but the right side plate 54 can also be called the second side plate and the left side plate 55 can also be called the first side plate.

[0057] If the right side plate 54 is the first side plate and the left side plate 55 is the second side plate, the fixing part 101R between the right side plate 54 and the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 can be called the first fixing part. Also, the fixing part 101L between the left side plate 55 and the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 can be called the second fixing part.

[0058] Among the screws 58F, the screws fastened to the right side plate 54 can be called first fastening members, and the screws fastened to the left side plate 55 can be called second fastening members. The screws 58R (plurality of screws 58R) can be called third fastening members, and the screws 58L (plurality of screws 58L) can be called fourth fastening members.

[0059] The protrusions 53aL and 53aR extend along the opposing direction fd. The protrusions 53aL and 53aR can be called first protrusions, and the protrusion 53aL can be called second protrusions. The hole 54h can be called a first hole, and the hole 55h can be called a second hole.

[0060] <Fixed part> As described below, it is preferable that at least one of the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, left side plate 55, and right side plate 54 is deformed (plastically deformed) to form the fixed portion 101.

[0061] In this embodiment, the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, and fixing portion 101 for fixing left side plate 55 and right side plate 54 have a common configuration. The fixing portion 101 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0062] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fixed portion 101. Figs. 7(a) and (b) are perspective views of the fixed portion 101. Fig. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view of the fixed portion 101. Specifically, Fig. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along X1-X1 in Fig. 7(a).

[0063] The first metal plate S1 and the second metal plate S2 are fixed to each other at a fixing portion 101. One of the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, the rear stay 57, the left side plate 55, and the right side plate 54 corresponds to the first metal plate S1, and the other corresponds to the second metal plate S2.

[0064] In FIGS. 7(a), (b), and (c), the fixing portion 101 is formed by deforming a first metal sheet S1 and a second metal sheet S2.

[0065] The first sheet metal S1 has a first opposing surface S1f and a first back surface S1r on the back side of the first opposing surface S1f. The second sheet metal S2 has a second opposing surface S2f facing the first opposing surface S1f and a second back surface S2r on the back side of the second opposing surface S2f.

[0066] The first opposing surface S1f and the first back side surface S1r are surfaces perpendicular to the sheet thickness direction of the first metal sheet S1. The second opposing surface S2f and the second back side surface S2r are surfaces perpendicular to the sheet thickness direction of the second metal sheet S2.

[0067] The first sheet metal S1 and the second sheet metal S2 are deformed in a deformation direction (first direction) Sd. The deformation direction Sd is a direction from the first back side surface S1r of the first sheet metal S1 toward the first opposing surface S1f. The deformation direction Sd is preferably parallel to the sheet thickness direction of the first sheet metal S1. The deformation direction Sd is preferably along (preferably parallel to) the opposing direction fd.

[0068] The fixing portion 101 includes a protruding portion 101a protruding in the deformation direction Sd from the second back side surface S2r of the second sheet metal S2. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 101a is formed by deforming the second sheet metal S2. Also, by deforming the first sheet metal S1, a recessed portion 101c recessed from the first back side surface S1r toward the first opposing surface S1f is formed. That is, the fixing portion 101 of this embodiment includes a recessed portion 101c. The fixing portion 101 of this embodiment is formed so that no protruding portion is formed on the first back side surface S1r.

[0069] The fixing portion 101 is formed in the following manner. First, the first sheet metal S1 and the second sheet metal S2 are stacked so that the first opposing surface S1f and the second opposing surface S2f are in contact with each other. Meanwhile, a receiving base having a concave shape is placed on the second back side surface S2r side of the second sheet metal S2. Also, a cylindrical pressing body is placed on the first back side surface S1r side of the first sheet metal S1.

[0070] By pressing the first back side surface S1r toward the concave shape of the support base with the pressing body, the first metal sheet S1 and the second metal sheet S2 are deformed to enter the concave shape, and a convex portion 101a and a concave portion 101c are formed. At this time, the concave shape and the shape of the pressing body may be set so that a part of the first metal sheet S1 protrudes outward in the radial direction of the pressing body, forming an engaging portion 101b. By forming the engaging portion 101b, it is possible to more reliably prevent the first metal sheet S1 and the second metal sheet S2 from separating.

[0071] In this embodiment, the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 correspond to the first metal plate S1, and the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 correspond to the second metal plate S2. Therefore, the convex portion 101a protrudes toward the space between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. In other words, the convex portion 101a protrudes toward the inside of the device main body 100A (the space between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54) in the facing direction fd. Therefore, the distance between the convex portion 101a of the fixing portion 101L formed on the left side plate 55 and the convex portion 101a of the fixing portion 101R formed on the right side plate 54 in the facing direction fd can be shortened. Moreover, the fixed portion 101 may have a configuration as shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of the fixed portion 101. Figs. 8(a) and (b) are perspective views of the fixed portion 101. Fig. 8(c) is a cross-sectional view of the fixed portion 101. Specifically, Fig. 8(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along X4-X4 in Fig. 8(a).

[0072] The fixing part 101 shown in Fig. 7 is formed by deforming the first metal sheet S1 and the second metal sheet S2. In the fixing part 101 shown in Fig. 8, the first metal sheet S1 and the second metal sheet S2 are fixed to each other by deforming the first metal sheet S1.

[0073] That is, the fixing portion 101 shown in FIG. 8 is formed by deforming the first sheet metal S1. The first sheet metal S1 is deformed in the deformation direction Sd, enters the hole S2h of the second sheet metal S2, and a convex portion 201a is formed. That is, the fixing portion 101 includes a convex portion 201a that protrudes in the deformation direction Sd relative to the second back side surface S2r of the second sheet metal S2. In the fixing portion 101 shown in FIG. 8, the convex portion 201a is formed by deforming the first sheet metal S1. The fixing portion 101 in this embodiment is formed so that no convex portion is generated on the first back side surface S1r.

[0074] The fixing portion 101 shown in Fig. 8 can be formed by so-called burring rivet. A part of the first metal sheet S1 is deformed to form a cylindrical shape with a hole S1h, and the cylindrical shape fits into the hole S2h. The tip of the cylindrical shape that fits into the hole S2h is further deformed to form the locking portion 201b. The locking portion 201b can more reliably prevent the first metal sheet S1 and the second metal sheet S2 from being separated.

[0075] 8, the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 correspond to the first metal plate S1, and the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 correspond to the second metal plate S2. Therefore, the protruding portion 201a protrudes toward the space between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. In other words, the protruding portion 201a protrudes toward the inside of the device body 100A in the facing direction fd.

[0076] Although the protrusion 201a is formed by burring and crimping, other methods such as press crimping can be used to deform the first metal sheet S1 and form the protrusion.

[0077] The fixing portion 101 shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 can be called a rivet portion formed by utilizing plastic deformation of the first metal plate S1 or the first metal plate S1 and the second metal plate S2 without using rivets. By fixing the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 to the left plate 55 and the right plate 54 with the fixing portion 101, there is no need to use fastening parts such as screws or rivets. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the space required for arranging parts such as screws and rivets, and the part costs. In addition, the rigidity of the main body frame 50 can be increased.

[0078] Furthermore, the method of forming the crimped portion by utilizing the plastic deformation of the first metal sheet S1 or the first metal sheet S1 and the second metal sheet S2 does not generate discharge, heat, or sparks as occurs in welding (electric welding), and does not require an adhesive to bond the first metal sheet S1 and the second metal sheet S2.

[0079] The scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, left side plate 55, and right side plate 54 are non-releasably connected to each other. When releasing the fixation between the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, and left side plate 55 and right side plate 54, it is necessary to plastically deform at least one of the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, and left side plate 55 and right side plate 54. In this case, the plastic deformation includes the act of cutting the target part.

[0080] <Method of Assembling Image Forming Apparatus> A description will now be given of a method for assembling (producing) the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The method for assembling the image forming apparatus 100 includes a step of assembling the main body frame 50 (a method for producing the main body frame 50).

[0081] The process of assembling the main body frame 50 will be described. The right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55 are attached to the transfer frame 53, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57. At this time, the protrusion 53aR of the transfer frame 53 is inserted into the hole 54h, and the protrusion 53aL is inserted into the hole 55h.

[0082] With the transfer frame 53, scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 sandwiched between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54, a fixed portion 101 is formed. As a result, the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 are fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. Then, the transfer frame 53 is fixed to the left side plate 55 by a screw 58L, and the transfer frame 53 is fixed to the right side plate 54 by a screw 58R. Also, the front stay 56 is fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 by a screw 58F. In this manner, the main body frame 50 is assembled.

[0083] When the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 are fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54, widening of the space between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 is restricted. Therefore, before the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 are fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54, the protrusion 53aR is inserted into the hole 54h, and the protrusion 53aL is inserted into the hole 55h.

[0084] That is, the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 are attached to the transfer frame 53 before forming the fixed portion 101. In other words, the fixed portion 101 is formed after the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 are attached to the transfer frame 53.

[0085] If the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 are fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 by welding, there is a possibility that heat and sparks will be generated by welding. Therefore, if the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 are fixed by welding with the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 attached to the transfer frame 53, the materials that can be used for the transfer frame 53 are limited.

[0086] In this embodiment, after the solenoid 54r (see FIG. 2) is attached to the right side plate 54, the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 are fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. In addition, with an electronic board (not shown) provided on the transfer frame 53 facing the left side plate 55, the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 are fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54.

[0087] If electric welding is performed, there is a restriction on attaching electrically operated parts to the left side plate 55, right side plate 54, scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, or their vicinity before electric welding. Examples of electrically operated parts include actuators such as solenoids and motors, as well as various electric parts and electronic boards.

[0088] The fixed part 101 in this embodiment is formed by plastically deforming at least one of the left side plate 55, the right side plate 54, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57. In other words, no discharge occurs when the fixed part 101 is formed. Therefore, electrically operated parts can be attached to the left side plate 55, the right side plate 54, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, the rear stay 57, or their vicinity before the fixed part 101 is formed.

[0089] As described above, by fixing the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 to the left side plate 55 and right side plate 54 by the fixing portion 101, the constraints on the order of assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced. For example, after the left side plate 55 and right side plate 54 are attached to the transfer frame 53, the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 can be fixed to the left side plate 55 and right side plate 54. Also, electrically operated parts can be attached to the left side plate 55, right side plate 54, scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57, or to the vicinity thereof, before the fixing portion 101 is formed. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the transfer frame 53 (the material of the parts used in the image forming apparatus 100) can be improved.

[0090] <Disassembly of image forming device> In the image forming apparatus 100, the left side plate 55, the right side plate 54, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are made of metal, and the transfer frame 53 is made of resin. The image forming apparatus 100 is disassembled, and the transfer frame 53 can be removed from the main body frame 50 with the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. In other words, in the image forming apparatus 100, the transfer frame 53, which is a resin part, can be separated from the main body frame 50 which has metal parts and resin parts.

[0091] A method for disassembling the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 (Figures 9(a) and (b)), 10, 11, and 12. The method for disassembling the image forming apparatus 100 includes a step of disassembling the main body frame 50 (a method for disassembling the main body frame 50). The method for disassembling the main body frame 50 includes a step of detaching (removing) the transfer frame 53.

[0092] 9 (FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)), 10, 11, and 12 are diagrams for explaining disassembly of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG.

[0093] 6, when the protrusion 53aR is inserted into the hole 54h, the transfer frame 53 is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction fd relative to the right side plate 54. When the protrusion 53aL is inserted into the hole 55h, the transfer frame 53 is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction fd relative to the left side plate 55.

[0094] When the front stay 56 is fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55, it is restricted from widening the space between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. Therefore, in this state, it is restricted from removing the projection 53aR from the hole 54h and from removing the projection 53aL from the hole 55h, and it is restricted from removing the transfer frame 53 from the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54.

[0095] Therefore, the fixation between the front stay 56 and at least one of the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 is released. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the screw 98F for fixing the front stay 56 to the left side plate 55 is removed from the front stay 56 and the left side plate 55. This releases the fixation between the front stay 56 and the left side plate 55. The screw 98F for fixing the front stay 56 to the right side plate 54 is removed from the front stay 56 and the right side plate 54. This releases the fixation between the front stay 56 and the right side plate 54.

[0096] When the fixation between the front stay 56 and the left side plate 55 and the fixation between the front stay 56 and the right side plate 54 are released, the front stay 56 can be detached (removed) from the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55.

[0097] In this embodiment, as further shown in Fig. 9(b), the screws 98L for fixing the transfer frame 53 to the left side plate 55 are removed (dismounted) from the transfer frame 53 and the left side plate 55. This releases the fixation between the transfer frame 53 and the left side plate 55. The screws 98R for fixing the transfer frame 53 to the right side plate 54 are removed (dismounted) from the transfer frame 53 and the right side plate 54. This releases the fixation between the transfer frame 53 and the right side plate 54.

[0098] The order in which the screws 98F, 98L, and 98R are removed is not particularly limited. Also, the screws 98L and 98R may be removed before removing the front stay 56.

[0099] At least one of the fixation between the front stay 56 and the left side plate 55 and the fixation between the front stay 56 and the right side plate 54 is released, and the fixation between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 and the transfer frame 53 is released, so that the distance between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 can be increased.

[0100] In this embodiment, the screws 98L and 98R are used to fix the transfer frame 53 to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54, but the transfer frame 54 may be sandwiched between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 without using the screws 98L and 98R. In this case, the gap between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 can be widened by releasing at least one of the fixation between the front stay 56 and the left side plate 55 and the fixation between the front stay 56 and the right side plate 54.

[0101] In a state in which the gap between the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 is allowed to be widened, the right side plate 54 is allowed to move relative to the transfer frame 53, and the left side plate 55 is allowed to move relative to the transfer frame 53, as shown in Fig. 10. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54 move in the direction of arrow D relative to the transfer frame 53. At this time, at least one of the left side plate 55, the right side plate 54, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 is deformed.

[0102] 11, by moving the right side plate 54 relative to the transfer frame 53, the protrusion 53aR is removed from the hole 54h, and the engagement between the protrusion 53aR and the hole 54h is released. Similarly, by moving the left side plate 55 relative to the transfer frame 53, the protrusion 53aL is removed from the hole 55h, and the engagement between the protrusion 53aL and the hole 55h is released.

[0103] As a result, with the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, and rear stay 57 fixed to the left side plate 55 and right side plate 54 by the fixing parts 101, the transfer frame 53 can be removed from the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 12, the transfer frame 53 moves relative to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55 in the perpendicular direction G perpendicular to the facing direction fd, and is removed from the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55.

[0105] The left side plate 55, the right side plate 54, the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 are made of metal, and the transfer frame 53 is made of resin. By the disassembly method described above, the transfer frame 53 can be removed from the main body frame 50 with the scanner front stay 51, the scanner rear stay 52, and the rear stay 57 fixed to the left side plate 55 and the right side plate 54. In other words, the transfer frame 53, which is a resin part, can be separated from the main body frame 50 which has metal parts and resin parts.

[0106] <Modification> In the present embodiment, a plurality of first connecting members are fixed irreleasably to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55, but the number of first connecting members is arbitrary. For example, one first connecting member may be fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55.

[0107] In the present embodiment, one second connecting member is releasably fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55, but the number of second connecting members is arbitrary. For example, a plurality of second connecting members may be fixed to the right side plate 54 and the left side plate 55.

[0108] In this embodiment, as viewed in the facing direction fd, the scanner front stay 51 and scanner rear stay 52 are disposed above the cartridge CR in the vertical direction, and the transfer frame 53 is disposed below the cartridge CR. Also, as viewed in the facing direction fd, the cartridge CR and transfer frame 53 are disposed between the rear stay 57 and the front stay 56 in the horizontal direction. However, the arrangement of the scanner front stay 51, scanner rear stay 52, rear stay 57, transfer frame 53, and cartridge CR is not limited to this arrangement.

[0109] Moreover, front stay 56 as the second connecting member was releasably fixed to left side plate 55 and right side plate 54 at the front side (front surface) of image forming apparatus 100 in the horizontal direction. However, the position at which the second connecting member is releasably fixed to left side plate 55 and right side plate 54 may be at least one of the upper side (upper surface), lower side (lower surface), front side (front surface), and rear side (rear surface) of the image forming apparatus.

[0110] <Summary> This embodiment discloses at least the following configuration.

[0111] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A first side panel made of metal; a second side plate made of metal facing the first side plate in a first direction; a first connecting member made of metal, the first connecting member being fixed to the first side plate at a first fixing portion and being fixed to the second side plate at a second fixing portion; a frame sandwiched between the first side plate and the second side plate, the frame being made of resin and fixed to the first side plate and to the second side plate; having one of the first side plate and the frame has a first hole, the other of the first side plate and the frame has a first protrusion inserted into the first hole, one of the second side plate and the frame has a second hole, and the other of the second side plate and the frame has a second protrusion inserted into the second hole; an image forming apparatus, characterized in that at least one of the first side plate and the first connecting member is deformed so as to form the first fixed portion, and at least one of the second side plate and the first connecting member is deformed so as to form the second fixed portion.

[0112] (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus described in configuration 1, characterized in that the first side plate and the first connecting member are deformed to form the first fixed portion, and the second side plate and the first connecting member are deformed to form the second fixed portion.

[0113] (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus described in configuration 2, characterized in that the first fixed portion includes a convex portion formed by deformation of the first connecting member, and the convex portion protrudes toward a space between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction.

[0114] (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a second connecting member fixed to the first side plate by a first fastening member and fixed to the second side plate by a second fastening member.

[0115] (Configuration 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the frame is fixed to the first side plate by a third fastening member and is fixed to the second side plate by a fourth fastening member.

[0116] (Configuration 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the frame is disposed between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0117] (Configuration 7) 7. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the first connecting member supports an exposure device configured to expose a photoconductor.

[0118] (Configuration 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the frame has a guide portion that guides a recording material.

[0119] (Configuration 9) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A first side panel made of metal; a second side plate made of metal facing the first side plate in a first direction; a first connecting member made of metal, the first connecting member being non-releasably fixed to the first side plate at a first fixing portion and non-releasably fixed to the second side plate at a second fixing portion; a second connecting member releasably fixed to the first side plate and releasably fixed to the second side plate; a frame sandwiched between the first side plate and the second side plate, the frame being made of resin and releasably fixed to the first side plate and releasably fixed to the second side plate; having When the second connecting member is fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate, removal of the frame from the first side plate and the second side plate is restricted, an image forming apparatus characterized in that by releasing the fixation between at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and the second connecting member, and releasing the fixation between the first side plate and the second side plate and the frame, it is possible to remove the frame from the first side plate and the second side plate while the first connecting member is fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0120] (Configuration 10) one of the first side plate and the frame has a first hole, the other of the first side plate and the frame has a first protrusion inserted into the first hole, one of the second side plate and the frame has a second hole, and the other of the second side plate and the frame has a second protrusion inserted into the second hole; The image forming apparatus described in configuration 9, characterized in that when the fixation between at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and the second connecting member is released, the first side plate is allowed to move relative to the frame so as to release the engagement between the first hole and the first protrusion, and the second side plate is allowed to move relative to the frame so as to release the engagement between the second hole and the second protrusion.

[0121] (Configuration 11) 11. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 10, wherein the first protrusion extends along the first direction, and the second protrusion extends along the first direction.

[0122] (Configuration 12) 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the frame has the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0123] (Configuration 13) 13. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 9 to 12, wherein the frame is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and removed from the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0124] (Configuration 14) 14. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 9 to 13, wherein the frame is disposed between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0125] (Configuration 15) 15. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 9 to 14, wherein the first connecting member is located above the second connecting member.

[0126] (Configuration 16) 16. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 9 to 15, wherein the second connecting member is made of metal.

[0127] (Configuration 17) 17. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 9 to 16, wherein the first connecting member supports an exposure device configured to expose a photoconductor.

[0128] (Configuration 18) 18. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 9 to 17, wherein the frame has a guide portion that guides a recording material.

[0129] (Configuration 19) 19. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 9 to 18, wherein the first connecting member is fixed to the first side plate by crimping, adhesive, or welding, and the first connecting member is fixed to the second side plate by crimping, adhesive, or welding.

[0130] (Configuration 20) the second connecting member is releasably fixed to the first side plate by a first fastening member and releasably fixed to the second side plate by a second fastening member; the frame is releasably fixed to the first side plate by a third fastening member and releasably fixed to the second side plate by a fourth fastening member; The first fastening member is removed to release the fixation between the first side plate and the second connecting member, the second fastening member is removed to release the fixation between the second side plate and the second connecting member, the third fastening member is removed to release the fixation between the first side plate and the frame, and the fourth fastening member is removed to release the fixation between the second side plate and the frame. 20. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 9 to 19. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 54 Right side plate 55 Left side plate 53 Transfer Frame 51 Scanner front stay 52 Scanner rear stay 56 Front stay 57 Rear stay 58F, 58R, 58L screws 101 Fixed part

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a first side plate made of metal, the first side plate having a first support surface; a second side plate made of metal facing the first side plate in a first direction, the second side plate having a second support surface facing the first support surface in the first direction; a first connecting member made of metal, the first connecting member being fixed to the first support surface of the first side plate at a first fixing portion and being fixed to the second support surface of the second side plate at a second fixing portion; a frame sandwiched between the first side plate and the second side plate, the frame being made of resin and fixed to the first support surface of the first side plate and fixed to the second support surface of the second side plate; and one of the first side plate and the frame has a first hole, the other of the first side plate and the frame has a first protrusion inserted into the first hole, one of the second side plate and the frame has a second hole, and the other of the second side plate and the frame has a second protrusion inserted into the second hole; at least one of the first side plate and the first connecting member is deformed to form the first fixing portion, and at least one of the second side plate and the first connecting member is deformed to form the second fixing portion; an image forming apparatus characterized in that the first fixed portion includes a first convex portion protruding in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the first side plate, and the second fixed portion includes a second convex portion protruding in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the second side plate.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first side plate and the first connecting member are deformed to form the first fixing portion, and the second side plate and the first connecting member are deformed to form the second fixing portion.

3. An image forming apparatus as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the first convex portion protrudes toward the space between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second connecting member fixed to the first side plate by a first fastening member and fixed to the second side plate by a second fastening member.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the frame is fixed to the first side plate by a third fastening member and to the second side plate by a fourth fastening member.

6. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the frame is disposed between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting member supports an exposure device configured to expose a photosensitive member.

8. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a guide portion for guiding a recording material.

9. The one of the first side plate and the frame has a plurality of the first holes, the other of the first side plate and the frame has a plurality of the first protrusions, the one of the second side plate and the frame has a plurality of the second holes, and the other of the second side plate and the frame has a plurality of the second protrusions.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. When viewed in the first direction, the frame is located between the upper and lower ends of the first side plate, and the frame is located between the upper and lower ends of the second side plate.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. The frame is fixed to the first side plate with screws and to the second side plate with screws.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. The image forming apparatus further includes a transfer member facing the photosensitive drum so as to form a nip between the transfer member and the photosensitive drum, The frame supports the transfer member.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. The recording medium further includes a pair of conveying rollers that convey the recording material toward the transfer member, the frame supports one of the pair of conveying rollers; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

14. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a first side plate made of metal; a second side plate made of metal facing the first side plate in a first direction; a first connecting member made of metal that is non-releasably fixed to the first side plate at a first fixing portion and non-releasably fixed to the second side plate at a second fixing portion; a second connecting member releasably fixed to the first side plate and releasably fixed to the second side plate; a frame sandwiched between the first side plate and the second side plate, the frame being made of resin and releasably fixed to the first side plate and releasably fixed to the second side plate; and When the second connecting member is fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate, removal of the frame from the first side plate and the second side plate is restricted, An image forming apparatus characterized in that the frame can be removed from the first side plate and the second side plate while the first connecting member is fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate by releasing the fixation between at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and the second connecting member, and by releasing the fixation between the first side plate and the second side plate and the frame.

15. one of the first side plate and the frame has a first hole, the other of the first side plate and the frame has a first protrusion inserted into the first hole, one of the second side plate and the frame has a second hole, and the other of the second side plate and the frame has a second protrusion inserted into the second hole; 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, when the fixation between at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and the second connecting member is released, the first side plate is allowed to move relative to the frame so as to release the engagement between the first hole and the first protrusion, and the second side plate is allowed to move relative to the frame so as to release the engagement between the second hole and the second protrusion.

16. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first protrusion extends along the first direction, and the second protrusion extends along the first direction.

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the frame has the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

18. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the frame is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and is detached from the first side plate and the second side plate.

19. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the frame is disposed between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

20. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first connecting member is located above the second connecting member.

21. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second connecting member is made of metal.

22. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first connecting member supports an exposure device configured to expose a photoreceptor.

23. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the frame has a guide portion for guiding a recording material.

24. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first connecting member is fixed to the first side plate by crimping, adhesive, or welding, and the first connecting member is fixed to the second side plate by crimping, adhesive, or welding.

25. the second connecting member is releasably fixed to the first side plate by a first fastening member and releasably fixed to the second side plate by a second fastening member; the frame is releasably fixed to the first side plate by a third fastening member and to the second side plate by a fourth fastening member; When the first fastening member is removed, the fixation between the first side plate and the second connecting member is released, when the second fastening member is removed, the fixation between the second side plate and the second connecting member is released, when the third fastening member is removed, the fixation between the first side plate and the frame is released, and when the fourth fastening member is removed, the fixation between the second side plate and the frame is released.

24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

Images