Image forming device and cartridge

Abstract

To allow a cartridge to be inserted / removed suitably without increasing a manufacturing cost and a use amount of resources, in an image forming device into / from which the cartridge can be inserted / removed.SOLUTION: An image forming device has a device body with an opening, and is able to insert / remove a cartridge through the opening. The cartridge has a guided part and a link member. The device body has a guide part that guides the guided part, and a contact part that contacts the link member. The cartridge may be in a first state in which the guided part does not contact the guide part, and a second state in which the guided part contacts the guide part, the link member is able to change its posture while contacting the contact part, and the cartridge is able to change its posture by rotating while being regulated by the link member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers, a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum) is generally used. In an image forming operation, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by selectively exposing the surface of the uniformly charged photosensitive drum, and then the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum is developed with toner. Thereafter, the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred to a recording material, and the transferred toner image is fixed by heat and pressure. In such image forming apparatuses, a process cartridge (also simply referred to as a "cartridge") has been put into practical use, in which the photosensitive drum, charging means, developing means, cleaning means, etc. are integrated into a cartridge within a frame. Such a cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, which facilitates toner supply and maintenance of various process means.

[0003] The main body of such a cartridge-type image forming apparatus is provided with an opening for inserting or removing a cartridge (collectively also referred to as "inserting or removing" or "attaching or detaching"). An openable door member is attached to the main body of the apparatus, and when the door member is open, the inside of the opening is exposed to the outside of the apparatus, allowing the cartridge to be inserted or removed. The main body of the apparatus is provided with a guide member for guiding the cartridge to an installation position, and the cartridge is provided with a guided portion that abuts against the guide member. The cartridge is inserted or removed from the image forming apparatus with the guide member abutting against the guided portion. Here, it is preferable that the attitude of the cartridge relative to the image forming apparatus and the trajectory of insertion and removal (insertion and removal trajectory) are always regulated to prevent deterioration of operability and damage due to contact.

[0004] In recent years, in response to the demand for miniaturization of image forming apparatuses, the arrangement of units within the apparatus body has become denser, and the opening has become narrower accordingly. On the other hand, there is a demand for a cartridge with a larger capacity to reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement by users, and accordingly, the toner container and waste toner container of the cartridge have also tended to become larger. As a result, in recent years, it has been required to insert and remove a large-capacity cartridge through a narrow opening while avoiding various units arranged within the machine into a small apparatus body. In this case, if it is difficult to insert and remove the cartridge without changing the attitude or insertion / removal trajectory of the cartridge, it is necessary to regulate the attitude and insertion / removal trajectory of the cartridge from the vicinity of the opening. However, since there is no guide member before the cartridge is inserted, it is difficult to regulate or change the attitude and insertion / removal trajectory of the cartridge near the opening.

[0005] In response to this, for example, there is a method of making part of the opening and closing door a guide portion, thereby lengthening the range in which the cartridge posture and insertion / removal trajectory can be guided, as shown in Patent Document 1. In addition, a method of guiding the cartridge from outside the opening by making the guide portion movable is also under consideration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-058350 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the above-mentioned methods of using part of the opening and closing door as a guide portion or making the guide portion movable involve larger parts, an increase in the number of parts, and a more complex mechanism, which may result in increased manufacturing costs and increased resource usage.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide technology that enables cartridges to be inserted and removed conveniently in an image forming device in which cartridges can be inserted and removed without increasing manufacturing costs or resource usage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention employs the following configuration. An image forming apparatus having an apparatus body with an opening through which a cartridge can be inserted and removed, The cartridge has a guided portion and a link member, the device body has a guide portion that guides the guided portion and a contact portion that contacts the link member, The cartridge comprises: a first state in which the guided portion is not in contact with the guide portion; a second state in which the guided portion is in contact with the guide portion, the link member is capable of changing its posture while in contact with the contact portion, and the cartridge is capable of changing its posture by rotating while being restricted by the link member. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that: The present invention also employs the following configuration. A cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from an apparatus body through an opening, The cartridge has a guided portion and a link member, the device body has a guide portion that guides the guided portion and a contact portion that contacts the link member, The cartridge comprises: a first state in which the guided portion is not in contact with the guide portion; a second state in which the guided portion is in contact with the guide portion, the link member is capable of changing its posture while in contact with the contact portion, and the cartridge is capable of changing its posture by rotating while being restricted by the link member. The cartridge is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for enabling a cartridge to be suitably inserted and removed from an image forming apparatus into which a cartridge can be inserted and removed without increasing manufacturing costs or resource usage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main body A of the image forming apparatus; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a guide portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge B in a closed state according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge B in a first embodiment with the shutter open; [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of the cartridge B in the first embodiment with the shutter closed; [Figure 7] 1 is a side view of the cartridge B in the first embodiment with the shutter open; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a link member and a drum shutter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state before the cartridge B of the first embodiment is inserted. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows a state in which the cartridge B of the first embodiment is being inserted. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a continuation of the diagram showing the state in which the cartridge B of the first embodiment is being inserted. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a continuation of the diagram showing the state in which the cartridge B of the first embodiment is being inserted. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a continuation of the diagram showing the state in which the cartridge B of the first embodiment is being inserted. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the cartridge B of the first embodiment is completely installed. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a guide portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge B according to a second embodiment with a cover attached; [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cartridge B according to a second embodiment with the cover removed; [Figure 18] 13 is a side view of the cartridge B in the second embodiment with the cover attached. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a side view of the cartridge B of the second embodiment with the cover removed. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the cartridge B of the second embodiment is being inserted. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a continuation of the diagram showing the state in which the cartridge B of the second embodiment is being inserted. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a continuation of the diagram showing the state in which the cartridge B of the second embodiment is being inserted. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a continuation of the diagram showing the state in which the cartridge B of the second embodiment is being inserted. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the cartridge B of the second embodiment is completely installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the materials, shapes, etc. of the members once described in the following description will be the same as those described at the beginning. Well-known or publicly known technologies in the relevant technical field can be applied to configurations and processes not specifically shown or described.

[0013] [Example 1] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration and image forming process will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as "image forming apparatus 100") according to the first embodiment. Note that parts other than those described in this embodiment are omitted and simplified.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body A and a process cartridge (hereinafter, referred to as "cartridge B"). Here, the apparatus main body A refers to the portion of the image forming apparatus 100 excluding the cartridge B. For convenience, the right side of FIG. 1 is the front side of the apparatus main body A, and hereinafter, the left-right direction of the apparatus main body A is the left-right direction when the apparatus main body A is viewed from the front side. That is, the back side on the paper surface is the right side of the apparatus main body A, and the front side is the left side of the apparatus main body A. The front side is the Y direction +, the rear side is the Y direction -, the right side viewed from the front side is the X direction +, and the left side is the X direction -. In addition, when the apparatus is installed, the upper side in the direction of gravity is the Z direction +, and the lower side is the Z direction -.

[0015] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> The image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a laser beam printer that uses electrophotographic technology. A cartridge B is detachably attached to an apparatus main body A. The cartridge B generally includes a photosensitive drum 302 as an image carrier, a developing roller 305 that supplies toner, which is a developer contained in a developing unit 311, to the photosensitive drum 302, a cleaning unit 312 having a cleaning member 313, and a charging roller 304.

[0016] A laser scanner unit (hereinafter, referred to as "scanner 301") serving as an exposure device is disposed in a position in the main assembly A of the apparatus where it can irradiate a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum 302 of the cartridge B when the cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus. A scanner 301 irradiates a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum 302 that is electrically charged based on image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0017] At the bottom of the device main body A, a sheet storage section 101 is disposed, which stores recording media (hereinafter, referred to as "sheets PA") on which images are to be formed. Furthermore, in the device main body A, a paper feed section 1, a transport section 2, an image forming section 3, a fixing section 4, and a paper discharge section 5 are disposed in this order along the transport direction C (broken line arrow) of the sheets PA. Note that as an image forming apparatus, there are those that have a paper feed section other than the sheet storage section 101, those that have multiple paper feed sections, those that have multiple paper discharge sections, those that enable automatic double-sided printing by transporting the sheets PA to a reversing section, and so on. In this case, illustrations and explanations of these mechanisms are omitted.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 100 communicates with an external information processing device (not shown) to receive image information and receive instructions to perform an image forming operation. The apparatus main body A also includes a control unit 50 for performing a series of controls. The control unit 50 is an information processing device that includes computational resources such as a processor and memory. The control unit 50 communicates with each component in the apparatus to perform various controls.

[0019] <Image formation process> Next, a series of operations performed by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described, including the image forming process. When the control unit 50 receives a print start signal from an external information processing device, processing starts. A pickup roller 102 and a separation unit 103 in the paper feed unit 1 feed one sheet PA stored in the sheet storage unit 101 to a conveying path. A conveying unit 2 having a first conveying roller pair 201a and a second conveying roller pair 201b conveys the fed sheet PA along the conveying path. The conveyed sheet PA is supplied to an image forming unit 3 including a scanner 301, a photosensitive drum 302, a transfer roller 303, a charging roller 304, a developing roller 305, a toner container 306, and a waste toner container 307.

[0020] When the sheet PA is transported to a predetermined position, an image formation start signal is issued by the control unit 50. For example, the transport unit 2 may be provided with a sheet leading edge detection unit (not shown). With this configuration, the image formation process can be started based on the image formation start signal issued by the control unit 50 when the leading edge of the sheet is detected. When the image formation process is started, the charging roller 304, which is a charging member to which a bias voltage is applied, uniformly charges the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 302.

[0021] The scanner 301 outputs a laser beam L corresponding to image information. The laser beam L scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 302. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 302.

[0022] On the other hand, the toner in the cartridge B is carried by a developing roller 305 and supplied to the photosensitive drum 302. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum is visualized as a toner image.

[0023] The sheet PA is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 302 and an elastic transfer roller 303. The transfer roller 303 is constantly pressed against the photosensitive drum 302 by an elastic member (not shown), and a transfer nip is formed between the photosensitive drum 302 and the transfer roller 303. When the sheet PA passes through this transfer nip, a toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 302 to the sheet PA.

[0024] The sheet PA onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 302 and conveyed to the fixing unit 4. Then, a pressure and heat fixing process is performed in a nip portion formed in the fixing unit 4, so that the toner image is fixed onto the sheet PA. The sheet PA, which has undergone the toner image fixing process, The paper reaches the paper discharge section 5 and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 501 outside the main body.

[0025] <Cartridge installation> Next, the mounting of the cartridge will be described. First, the parts of the main assembly A of the apparatus in this embodiment that relate to the mounting of the cartridge will be described.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus main body A as seen from the upper right. The opening and closing door 601 is disposed on the upper front side of the apparatus main body A. FIG. 2 shows the state in which the opening and closing door 601 is rotated upward and opened. In the state of FIG. 2, when the opening and closing door 601 is open, an opening 602 which is an opening leading to the inside of the apparatus main body A is exposed to the outside of the apparatus. Insertion and removal of a cartridge is performed in this state. On the other hand, when the opening and closing door 601 is rotated downward from the state of FIG. 2, the opening 602 is covered by the opening and closing door 601. An image forming operation on a sheet PA is performed in this state. Also, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus main body A shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the left side, and allows the lower guide member 701 and the upper guide member 702 to be confirmed. FIG. 3 also shows the state in which the opening and closing door 601 is open.

[0027] The apparatus main body A has a guide portion 7 for guiding the cartridge B when it is inserted or removed. The guide portion 7 includes a lower guide member 701 and an upper guide member 702. The guide portion 7 is fixed to the apparatus main body A. In this embodiment, the guide portion 7 is similarly arranged on both the left and right sides of the apparatus main body A (only the left guide portion 7 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3). In addition, portions of the cartridge B having a shape corresponding to the guide portion 7 are also arranged on both the left and right sides. Hereinafter, only the left side of the apparatus main body A will be described, and the right side will be omitted since it has the same configuration and operation.

[0028] A cover portion 603 protruding toward the guide portion 7 is provided on the front side of the device main body A. In this embodiment, the device main body A has a second paper feed opening (not shown), and the upper part of the second paper feed opening is covered by the cover portion 603. The cover portion 603 also has a stop portion 604 formed in the shape of a wall that hangs down approximately vertically.

[0029] The guide portion 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The guide portion 7 is composed of a lower guide member 701 and an upper guide member 702, and is fixed to the apparatus main body A. The lower guide member 701 has a guide portion 701a which is an inclined surface having an angle with respect to the horizontal plane, and the guide portion 701a is formed in a position in the apparatus main body A where it is hidden by the opening and closing member 601 when the opening and closing member 601 is closed. The guide portion 701a in the illustrated example is provided on the lower side of the opening 602, and is arranged so as not to come into contact with the opening and closing door 601 even when the opening and closing door 601 is opened and closed. The lower guide member 701 also has an abutment portion 701b which is continuous with the guide portion 701a. In this embodiment, the abutment portion 701b extends in a substantially horizontal direction, but depending on the form, it may be a surface having an angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0030] The upper guide member 702 is fixed to the upper part of the lower guide member 701. The upper guide member 702 has a regulating portion 702a. The regulating portion 702a is formed at a fixed distance from the guide portion 701a of the lower guide member 701. The upper guide member 702 also has a rotation stopper abutment portion 702b on the upper side for abutting against a rotation stopper portion of the cartridge B described later. The upper guide member 702 also has a mounting regulating portion 702c for abutting against a guided portion when the mounting of the cartridge B is completed. The guide portion 702 has a mechanism for an electrical contact for supplying power to the cartridge B (not shown).

[0031] Next, the cartridge B will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 8. The cartridge B of this embodiment has a drum shutter 801 to protect the surface of the photosensitive drum 302 when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus. Fig. 4 shows the cartridge B with the drum shutter 801 closed. 4 is a perspective view of cartridge B viewed from the lower left side of the main body A of the apparatus with the drum shutter 801 of cartridge B open. In the state of FIG. 4, the photosensitive drum 302 can be protected when cartridge B is not installed in the main body A of the apparatus. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of cartridge B viewed from the lower left side of the main body A of the apparatus with the drum shutter 801 of cartridge B open. When cartridge B is installed in the main body A of the apparatus in the state of FIG. 5, image formation is possible. FIGS. 6 and 7 are side views of cartridge B viewed from the left side of the main body. FIG. 6 corresponds to a state in which the drum shutter 801 is closed, and FIG. 7 corresponds to a state in which the drum shutter 801 is open. Incidentally, cartridge B has a mechanism for electrical contacts for power supply on the left side (not shown).

[0032] The photosensitive drum 302 of the cartridge B is rotatably supported by a photosensitive drum central shaft 802 inserted from the outside. The photosensitive drum central shaft 802 is covered with a cylindrical portion. This cylindrical portion abuts against a guide portion 701a when the cartridge B is inserted or removed. The cylindrical portion may be formed of a member such as a cap, or may be formed integrally with the central shaft 802. In this embodiment, this cylindrical portion is the guided portion 803. In addition, the cartridge B has a rotation stopper portion 804 for restricting the position of the cartridge B in a completely mounted state, and a temporary rotation stopper portion 805 for temporarily restricting the insertion / removal trajectory and position.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a state in which the drum shutter 801 is closed, i.e., the cartridge B is outside the apparatus main body A. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the drum shutter 801 is open, i.e., the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A. Fig. 6(a) shows a state in which the drum shutter 801 is closed. Fig. 6(b) shows an excerpt of the drum shutter part in the state of Fig. 6(a). Fig. 7(a) shows a state in which the drum shutter 801 is open. Fig. 7(b) shows an excerpt of the drum shutter part in the state of Fig. 7(a).

[0034] Fig. 8 shows an extracted drum shutter 801, a link member 806 connected thereto, and an auxiliary link member 808. Fig. 8(a) is an overall view, and Fig. 8(b) is an enlarged view of the left side (corresponding to the part circled in the overall view). The drum shutter 801 is provided rotatably with respect to the cartridge B by the link member 806. The link member 806 in this embodiment has a link member rotation center 811 upstream of the guided portion 803 in the insertion direction of the cartridge B, and the drum shutter 801 is connected to the opposite end.

[0035] 4 to 8, in this embodiment, an auxiliary link member 808 is provided between a link member rotation center 811 of the link member 806 and the guided portion 803 so as to be rotatable with respect to the cartridge B, and is also rotatably connected to the drum shutter 801. As a result, the drum shutter 801, the link member 806, and the auxiliary link member 808 operate as a four-joint link. In addition to such a four-joint link mechanism, a configuration that does not use the auxiliary link member 808, for example, using a biasing member, is also possible.

[0036] 6A, outside the apparatus main body A, the drum shutter 801 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) to cover the surface of the photosensitive drum 302. Moreover, the drum shutter 801 does not rotate further in the clockwise direction (in the direction of arrow G) than the position in FIG. 6A, that is, the position where the drum shutter 801 is closed.

[0037] 8(b), the link member 806 is made by bending a wire. The wire is bent so as to protrude outward from the cartridge B, thereby forming a contact portion 807. As the cartridge is inserted, the contact portion 807 on the cartridge B side comes into contact with the contact portion 701b of the apparatus main body A together with the guided portion 803, and is positioned.

[0038] The drum shutter 801 has a drum shutter abutment portion 810. Since the drum shutter 801 moves in association with the movement of the link member 806, the position of the drum shutter abutment portion 810 also moves in association with the movement of the link member 806.

[0039] Here, cartridge B has a handle portion 809 facing the front side of the apparatus main body A relative to the photosensitive drum 302 (see FIG. 4). When inserting or removing cartridge B, the user holds the handle portion 809, but unless the user intentionally lifts cartridge B, the cartridge is inserted or removed while the guided portion 803 is in contact with the contact portion 701b and the guide portion 701a due to the action of gravity. In this embodiment, cartridge B is inserted or removed in this state.

[0040] Next, the mounting of the cartridge will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 14. Fig. 9 shows a state immediately after the start of the insertion of the cartridge B with the opening and closing door 601 of the main body A of the apparatus open, and the cartridge B is still outside the main body A of the apparatus. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the vicinity of the guide portion 7 of the main body A of the apparatus and the left side of the cartridge B, and is a virtual view showing a state in which the left wall surface of the main body A of the apparatus is removed and the guide portion 7 is exposed. Fig. 9(a) is an overall view, and Fig. 9(b) is an enlarged view of the circled portion (near the opening 602) in Fig. 9(a). Also, portions that are not used in the description of this embodiment are omitted. Similarly, Figs. 10 to 14 below show (a) an overall view, and (b) an enlarged view of the circled portion in (a). In Fig. 9, the drum shutter 801 covers the surface of the photosensitive drum 302. When the insertion of the cartridge B proceeds in the direction of the arrow J1 from Fig. 9, the state transitions to that of Fig. 10.

[0041] Figure 10 shows a state in which the insertion of the cartridge B progresses and the guided portion 803 comes into contact with the contact portion 701b of the lower guide member 701. At the same time, the contacted portion 807 comes into contact with the contact portion 701b. Note that the opening and closing door 601 is omitted from Figures 10 to 14.

[0042] In Fig. 10, the position of cartridge B is determined by the guided portion 803 and the abutted portion 807 contacting the abutting portion 701b at the same time. At this time, the drum shutter 801 remains closed. At this time, the stop portion 604 and the drum shutter abutting portion 810 are separated. In this embodiment, the state in which the guided portion 803 and the abutting portion 701b are in abutment as in cartridge B in Fig. 10 is referred to as the first state. In the figure, a part of the shape of the lower guide member 701 is cut out to illustrate the stop portion 604. Hereinafter, the shape of the lower guide member 701 will be cut out and explained as necessary.

[0043] 10, the operator moves cartridge B in the direction of arrow J2, that is, by pushing it toward the rear of the apparatus main body A. At this time, the insertion of cartridge B proceeds while the guided portion 803 and the abutted portion 807 maintain the abutment state with the abutment portion 701b.

[0044] During the insertion, it is necessary to regulate the attitude of cartridge B so that the waste toner container 307 of cartridge B does not come into contact with the stay member 704 of the apparatus main body A. This is to prevent deterioration of operability and damage due to contact between the two. Therefore, when cartridge B is further inserted, it is necessary to rotate the attitude of cartridge B from the state shown in FIG. 10 in the counterclockwise direction (the direction of arrow H) with respect to guided portion 803.

[0045] FIG. 11 shows a state where the cartridge B has been inserted further from the state shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the guided portion 803 was in contact with the contact portion 701b. On the other hand, in FIG. 11, the guided portion 803 has passed over the connecting portion 701d where the contact portion 701b and the guide portion 701a are connected and the gradient is changed, and is in contact with the guide portion 701a. That is, FIG. 11 shows the guided portion 803 in contact with the guide portion 701a. 11 shows a state immediately after the contact target of the guided portion 803 is switched from the contact portion 701b to the guide portion 701a. In this embodiment, the state in which the guided portion 803 is in contact with the guide portion 701a is called the second state. It can also be said that the cartridge B in FIG. 11 is in the second state immediately after switching from the first state to the second state.

[0046] 10 to 11, the guided portion 803 is inserted between the guide portion 701a and the restricting portion 702a of the upper guide member 702. Note that the guided portion 803 cannot be inserted into any other location. That is, only the movement of the guided portion 803 in the inclined direction of the guide portion 701a and the rotational movement are not restricted.

[0047] Also, from the state in Fig. 10, the drum shutter 801 cannot rotate clockwise from the closed state. That is, the link member 806 connected to the drum shutter 801 cannot rotate clockwise from the closed state of the drum shutter 801 either. Therefore, in order to proceed with the insertion from the state in Fig. 10 to the state in Fig. 11, it is necessary to rotate the link member 806 counterclockwise. Note that the terms "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" in this specification refer to the rotation direction in the drawings.

[0048] Here, when the state of FIG. 10 is changed to the state of FIG. 11, the guided portion 803 is changed to a state in which it abuts against the guide portion 701a, and the abutted portion 807 is changed to a state in which it abuts against the abutting portion 701b. As a result, the attitude of the cartridge B changes so that it rotates counterclockwise around the photosensitive drum central axis 802. With this change in attitude of the cartridge B, the attitude of the link member 806 is changed so that it rotates counterclockwise. That is, the attitude of the cartridge B changes in the direction in which the drum shutter 801 opens. Here, the drum shutter 801 has a drum shutter abutting portion 810, and the drum shutter abutting portion 810 abuts against the stop portion 604. This abutment restricts the clockwise rotation of the link member 806, and restricts the change in attitude of the cartridge B.

[0049] In this embodiment, the link member 806 is connected to the drum shutter 801. Therefore, after FIG. 10, the drum shutter 801 moves so as to open relative to the photosensitive drum 302 as the link member 806 rotates. When the insertion of the cartridge B proceeds in the direction of the arrow J3 from FIG. 11, the state transitions to that shown in FIG. 12.

[0050] FIG. 12 shows a state where the cartridge B has been further inserted from the state shown in FIG. 11. In this figure, the cartridge B is still in the second state where the guided portion 803 is in contact with the guide portion 701a. As in the state shown in FIG. 11, the contacted portion 807 and the contact portion 701b, and the stop portion 604 and the drum shutter contact portion 810 maintain their contact state. That is, the cartridge B changes its posture from FIG. 11 to FIG. 12 so as to rotate further counterclockwise with respect to the guided portion 803. At this time, the link member 806 further rotates around the vicinity of the portion where the contact portion 701b contacts with the contacted portion 807. The change in posture of the cartridge B in the counterclockwise direction (arrow H direction) with respect to the guided portion 803 from FIG. 11 to FIG. 12 is such that the toner container 306 is raised, and the waste toner container 307 side is further lowered. This prevents the stay member 704 from contacting the waste toner container 307. In this embodiment, in the second state in which the guided portion 803 and the guiding portion 701a abut, the posture of the cartridge B is gradually changed by the link member 806, so that the cartridge B can be inserted while regulating the insertion path to avoid contact.

[0051] 13 shows a state in which the insertion has progressed further from the state shown in FIG. 12. The guided portion 803 abuts against the guide portion 701a and is located between the guide portion 701a and the restricting portion 702a. The abutted portion 807 abuts against the abutting portion 701b, but is not in contact with the drum shutter abutting portion 702a. 810 and stop portion 604 do not abut.

[0052] That is, in the state where the cartridge has been inserted as shown in Figure 13, the link member 806 does not regulate the attitude of the cartridge B. In the state shown in Figure 13, the temporary rotation stopper portion 805 provided on the cartridge B abuts against the cover portion 603, thereby regulating the attitude of the cartridge B.

[0053] FIG. 14 shows a state where the cartridge B has been further inserted from the state shown in FIG. 13 and is in the mounting completion position. This state is defined as the third state of the cartridge B in this embodiment. An upper guide member 702 is fixed to the apparatus main body A on the upper part of the lower guide member 701. The upper guide member 702 has a mounting restriction portion 702c for abutting against a guided portion 803 in the mounting completion state. The transfer roller 303 in this embodiment is biased upward by a biasing member (not shown). As a result, the transfer roller 303 presses the photosensitive drum 302 upward, and the guided portion 803 abuts against the mounting restriction portion 702c from the lower side to the upper side.

[0054] In the cartridge B of this embodiment, the rotation stopper 804 is disposed on the toner container 306 side with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 302. The cartridge B is also designed so that a moment is generated in the clockwise direction (arrow G direction) in Fig. 14 around the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 302 due to the weight of the toner container 306 and the waste toner container. As a result, in the state of Fig. 14, the rotation stopper 804 is always in contact with the rotation stopper contact portion 702b.

[0055] In this manner, when the cartridge B is fully inserted, its posture is restricted by the contact of the guided portion 803 with the mounting restriction portion 702c and the contact of the rotation stopper portion 804 with the rotation stopper contact portion 702b.

[0056] At this time, the contact portion 807 of the link member 806 is placed on the guide portion 701a of the lower guide member 701, and the attitude of the cartridge B is not affected.

[0057] As described above, even near the opening 602 during the initial insertion of the cartridge B, the relationship between the abutted portion 807 of the link member 806, the guide portion 701a, and the stop portion 604 regulates the attitude and insertion / removal trajectory of the cartridge B.

[0058] As mentioned above, in recent years, the openings have tended to become narrower due to the demand for miniaturization of image forming apparatuses. As an example, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, it is necessary to change the position of the cartridge B when inserting or removing it through the opening provided on the upper front side of the main body A of the apparatus, and this tends to increase the possibility of contact during insertion or removal. According to this embodiment, even when insertion or removal is performed with a change in position, it is possible to avoid contact between the cartridge B (waste toner container 307 in this embodiment) and the main body A of the apparatus (stay member 704 in this embodiment).

[0059] Furthermore, even if it is necessary to change the posture and insertion / removal trajectory of cartridge B during insertion more significantly than shown in this embodiment, this can be easily achieved by changing the relationship between the guide portion 701a, contact portion 701b, and stop portion 604 of the apparatus main body A and the contacted portion 807 and drum shutter contact portion 810 of cartridge B.

[0060] The above has specifically described the insertion of the cartridge B. When removing the cartridge B, the cartridge is removed by following the reverse process to that described above. That is, even when removing the cartridge B, the operation of the link member 806 makes it possible to avoid contact between the cartridge B (waste toner container 307) and the apparatus main body A (stay member 704) near the opening. .

[0061] In this embodiment, the guided portion 803 is regulated between the guide portion 701a and the regulating portion 702a near the opening 602. For example, if the weight of the cartridge B is sufficiently large and the guided portion 803 and the guide portion 701a come into contact with each other due to gravity alone, there is no need to regulate between the guide portion 701a and the regulating portion 702a. Therefore, if the weight of the cartridge B is sufficiently heavy, the upper guide member 702 can be made shorter and smaller.

[0062] [Example 2] A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Note that the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 and the process of the image forming operation are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted. Also, the same reference numerals will be used for the same parts as those in the first embodiment.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the drum shutter 801 and the link member 806 are connected, but in this case, there are restrictions on the size and operation of the link member 806. Here, when the cartridge B is completely installed in the main body A of the apparatus and the drum shutter 801 is open, a space is required below the toner container 306 to accommodate the drum shutter 801. This accommodation space is shown as the area M enclosed by a dashed line in FIG. 7(c). However, if the drum shutter 801 is eliminated, this accommodation space is no longer necessary, and the capacity of the cartridge B can be increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, a removable drum cover 901 is used to protect the surface of the photosensitive drum 302.

[0064] 15 shows the guide member shown in this embodiment. The guide unit 7 of this embodiment includes a lower guide member 904 and an upper guide member 702 similar to that of embodiment 1. Note that since the components other than the lower guide member 904 are similar to those of embodiment 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The lower guide member 904 has a guide portion 904a for guiding the cartridge B. The guide portion 904a is an inclined surface angled with respect to the horizontal, and is formed in the main assembly A of the apparatus below the opening 602 at a position hidden by the opening / closing member 601 when the opening / closing member 601 is closed. The lower guide member 904 also has a first contact portion 904b continuous with the guide portion 904a. The lower guide member 904 also has a V-shaped stop portion 904d formed by a protruding shape continuous with the first contact portion 904b. Furthermore, the lower guide member 904 has a second contact portion 904c formed continuous with the stop portion 904d. In this embodiment, the first contact portion 904b and the second contact portion 904c are horizontal, but depending on the embodiment, they may be surfaces angled with respect to the horizontal.

[0066] The cartridge B of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 16 to 19. The cartridge B of this embodiment is provided with a removable drum cover 901 to protect the surface of the photosensitive drum 302 when the cartridge B is removed from the main body A of the apparatus. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the cartridge B viewed from the lower left side of the main body A of the apparatus with the drum cover 901 attached to the cartridge B and the photosensitive drum 302 protected. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the cartridge B viewed from the lower left side of the main body A of the apparatus with the drum cover 901 removed from the cartridge B and ready for image formation. Figs. 18 and 19 are side views of the cartridge B viewed from the left side of the main body. Fig. 18 shows the cartridge B with the drum cover 901 attached, and Fig. 19 shows the cartridge B with the drum cover 901 removed.

[0067] FIG. 16 shows a state where the drum cover 901 is attached, i.e., the cartridge B is outside the main assembly A of the apparatus. FIG. 17 shows a state where the drum cover 901 is removed, i.e., the cartridge B is attached to the main assembly A of the apparatus. Similarly, FIG. 18 shows a state where the drum cover 901 is attached, and FIG. 19 shows a state where the drum cover 901 is removed. There are.

[0068] The link member 902 in this embodiment is rotatable about a link member rotation center 903 with respect to the cartridge B. The link member 902 has the link member rotation center 903 on the upstream side of the photosensitive drum 302 in the insertion direction of the cartridge B, and is biased in a direction approaching the photosensitive drum 302 by a biasing means (not shown). The link member 902 is configured not to rotate clockwise beyond the position shown in FIG. 19. The dashed line shown in FIG. 19 indicates the position where the link member 902 has rotated maximally counterclockwise about the link member rotation center 903. In this embodiment, the link member 902 has a pointed end on the side opposite to the link member rotation center 903.

[0069] Similarly to the first embodiment, the cartridge B has a handle portion 809 facing the front side of the main body A of the apparatus relative to the photosensitive drum 302. When inserting or removing the cartridge B, the user holds the handle portion 809, but unless the user intentionally lifts the cartridge B, the cartridge is inserted or removed while the guided portion 803 is in contact with the first contact portion 904b and the guide portion 904a due to gravity. This embodiment describes insertion and removal in this state.

[0070] <Insert the cartridge> Figure 20 shows a state in which the guided portion 803 comes into contact with the first contact portion 904b of the lower guide member 904 when the cartridge B is inserted. At the same time, the tip of the link member 902 comes into contact with the second contact portion 904c. The position of the cartridge B is determined by these two contacts. Note that the opening and closing door 601 is not shown in Figure 20 and subsequent figures.

[0071] From the state shown in Fig. 20, the operator moves cartridge B by pushing it toward the rear side of the apparatus main body A (in the direction of arrow P1). That is, the insertion of cartridge B is proceeded while maintaining the abutment state between guided portion 803 and first abutment portion 904b, and between link member 902 and second abutment portion 904c. In this embodiment, the state in which guided portion 803 abuts against first abutment portion 904b is called the first state of cartridge B.

[0072] Here, during insertion, it is necessary to regulate the position of the cartridge B so that the toner container 307 and the stay member 704 do not come into contact with each other. This is to prevent deterioration of operability and damage due to contact between the two. Therefore, the cartridge B needs to be rotated in the counterclockwise direction (the direction of the arrow H) with respect to the guided portion 803.

[0073] FIG. 21 shows a state where the cartridge B has been inserted further from the state shown in FIG. 20. In FIG. 20, the guided portion 803 was in contact with the first contact portion 904b. On the other hand, in FIG. 21, the guided portion 803 has passed over a connection portion 904e where the first contact portion 904b and the guide portion 904a are connected and the gradient is changed, and is in contact with the guide portion 904a. FIG. 21 shows a state immediately after the contact object of the guided portion 803 has changed from the first contact portion 904b to the guide portion 904a. In this embodiment, the state where the guided portion 803 is in contact with the guide portion 904a is called the second state, and FIG. 21 shows the state immediately after the change from the first state to the second state.

[0074] 20 to 21, the guided portion 803 is inserted between the guide portion 904a and the restricting portion 702a of the upper guide member 702, as in the first embodiment. Note that the guided portion 803 cannot be inserted in any other location. That is, only the movement of the guide portion 803 in the inclined direction of the guide portion 904a and the rotational movement are not restricted.

[0075] At this time, the tip of the link member 902 is in contact with the bottom of the V-shaped stop portion 904d. Here, the link member 902 cannot rotate clockwise around the link member rotation center 903 from this state. Therefore, in order to proceed with the insertion of the cartridge B from the state of FIG. 21, it is necessary to rotate the link member 902 counterclockwise. That is, after the state of FIG. 21, the tip of the link member 902 makes contact with the bottom of the stop portion 904d and rotates while changing the attitude of the cartridge B. Note that the shape of the tip of the link member 902 and the shape of the stop portion 904d are not limited to the combination of a pointed tip and a V-shaped groove as shown in the figure. Any combination is acceptable as long as the tip of the link member 902 and the stop portion 904d are joined to restrict movement while allowing rotation.

[0076] Figure 22 shows a state where insertion has progressed further in the direction of arrow P2 from the state of Figure 21. As in the state of Figure 21, the tip of link member 902 abuts against the bottom of stop portion 904d, and guided portion 803 abuts against guide portion 904a.

[0077] That is, from FIG. 21 to FIG. 22, the cartridge B changes its posture so as to rotate further in the counterclockwise direction (arrow H direction) with respect to the guided portion 803. That is, when the link member 902 is in contact with the bottom of the stop portion 904d, the stop portion 904d is V-shaped, so that the link member 902 is only allowed to rotate about the bottom of the stop portion 904d. Therefore, the rotation of the link member 902 changes the posture of the cartridge B in a direction in which the toner container 306 is lifted. This is a downward direction with respect to the waste toner container 307 located on the opposite side with respect to the guided portion 803. In this embodiment, in the second state in which the guided portion 803 and the guide portion 904a are in contact with each other, the posture of the cartridge B is gradually changed by the link member 902. This prevents the stay member 704 from contacting the waste toner container 307.

[0078] Figure 23 shows a state where the cartridge B has been further inserted in the direction of arrow P3 from the state shown in Figure 22. As the cartridge B advances, the link member 902 moves away from the stop portion 904d. In this state, the link member 902 is simply resting on the lower guide member 904 and does not regulate the attitude of the cartridge B. In the state where the cartridge B has been further inserted as shown in Figure 23, the temporary rotation stop portion 805 provided on the cartridge B comes into contact with the cover portion 603, thereby temporarily determining the attitude of the cartridge B.

[0079] FIG. 24 shows the state where the cartridge B has been further inserted in the direction of the arrow P4 from the state shown in FIG. 23 and has been completely mounted. This state is defined as the third state of the cartridge B in this embodiment. An upper guide member 702 is fixed to the apparatus main body A above the lower guide member 904. The upper guide member 702 has a mounting regulating portion 702c for abutting against the guided portion 803 in the mounting complete state. The transfer roller 303 in this embodiment is urged upward by a urging member (not shown). As a result, the transfer roller 303 presses the photosensitive drum 302 upward, and the guided portion 803 abuts against the mounting regulating portion 702c from the bottom to the top.

[0080] In the cartridge B of this embodiment, the rotation stopper 804 is disposed on the toner container 306 side with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 302. The cartridge B is also designed to generate a moment in the clockwise direction (the direction of the arrow G) in FIG. 24 around the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 302. As a result, the rotation stopper 804 is always in contact with the rotation stopper contact portion 702b of the upper guide member 702.

[0081] In this manner, when the cartridge B is fully inserted, its posture is restricted by the contact of the guided portion 803 with the mounting restriction portion 702c and the contact of the rotation stopper portion 804 with the rotation stopper contact portion 702b.

[0082] At this time, the link member 902 is placed on the guide portion 904a of the lower guide member 904. In this state, the link member 902 does not affect the attitude of the cartridge B.

[0083] As described above, even near the opening 602 during the initial insertion of the cartridge B, the position and insertion / removal trajectory of the cartridge B are regulated by the relationship between the link member 902 and the lower guide member 904.

[0084] According to this embodiment, even when the cartridge is attached to an image forming apparatus in which it becomes necessary to change the attitude of the cartridge B when inserting or removing it, for example when an opening is provided on the front upper side of the apparatus main body A in a larger size than in the conventional case, it is possible to avoid contact between the cartridge B (waste toner container 307 in this embodiment) and the apparatus main body A (stay member 704 in this embodiment).

[0085] Furthermore, even if it is necessary to change the posture and insertion / removal trajectory of cartridge B during insertion more significantly than shown in this embodiment, this can be easily achieved by changing the relationship between the guide portion 904a and the stop portion 904d of the apparatus main body A and the link member 902 of cartridge B.

[0086] The above has specifically described the insertion of cartridge B. When cartridge B is to be removed, it is removed by going through the reverse of the state described above. That is, even during removal, the operation of link member 902 makes it possible to prevent contact between cartridge B (waste toner container 307) and apparatus main body A (stay member 704) near opening 602.

[0087] In this embodiment, the guided portion 803 near the opening 602 is regulated between the guide portion 904a of the lower guide member 904 and the regulating portion 702a of the upper guide member 702. For example, if the weight of the cartridge B is sufficiently large so that the guided portion 803 and the guide portion 904a come into contact with each other due to gravity alone, there is no need to regulate between the guide portion 904a and the regulating portion 702a. Therefore, if the weight of the cartridge B is sufficiently heavy, the upper guide member 702 can be made shorter and smaller.

[0088] [Configuration 1] An image forming apparatus having an apparatus body with an opening through which a cartridge can be inserted and removed, The cartridge has a guided portion and a link member, the device body has a guide portion that guides the guided portion and a contact portion that contacts the link member, The cartridge comprises: a first state in which the guided portion is not in contact with the guide portion; a second state in which the guided portion is in contact with the guide portion, the link member is capable of changing its posture while in contact with the contact portion, and the cartridge is capable of changing its posture by rotating while being restricted by the link member. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: [Configuration 2] the cartridge is capable of being in a third state in which the cartridge is in a fully loaded position; When the cartridge is inserted, the state of the cartridge changes in the following order: the first state, the second state, and the third state; When the cartridge is removed, the state of the cartridge changes in the following order: the third state, the second state, and the first state. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, [Configuration 3] When the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus body, the cartridge transitions from the first state through the second state to the third state by the guided portion moving while being guided by the guide portion. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, [Configuration 4] The cartridge has a photosensitive drum and a shutter member that is rotatably attached to the link member and that is movable between a position that covers the photosensitive drum and a position that exposes the photosensitive drum in response to the operation of the link member. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction. [Configuration 5] The link member has an abutment portion for abutting against the abutment portion, In the second state, the cartridge changes its posture by rotating in response to rotation of the link member while maintaining the contact between the contacted portion and the contact portion. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. [Configuration 6] the link member has a rotation center on an upstream side of the photosensitive drum in the insertion direction of the cartridge, The link member is biased in a direction such that the shutter member connected to the link member covers the photosensitive drum. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. [Configuration 7] The guide portion is an inclined surface having an angle with respect to a horizontal plane such that the abutting portion is on the upper side and the mounting completion position is on the lower side. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, [Configuration 8] The contact portion extends substantially horizontally, In the first state, the guided portion of the cartridge and the link member come into contact with the contact portion due to gravity. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, [Configuration 9] The abutment portion has a stop portion that abuts against the link member, The stop portion comes into contact with the link member, thereby restricting the rotation of the link member. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, [Configuration 10] The cartridge has a photosensitive drum, a cover member for covering a surface of the photosensitive drum is detachably attached to the cartridge; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is removed when the cartridge is inserted into the main body of the apparatus. [Configuration 11] A cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from an apparatus body through an opening, The cartridge has a guided portion and a link member, the device body has a guide portion that guides the guided portion and a contact portion that contacts the link member, The cartridge comprises: a first state in which the guided portion is not in contact with the guide portion; a second state in which the guided portion is in contact with the guide portion, the link member is capable of changing its posture while in contact with the contact portion, and the cartridge is capable of changing its posture by rotating while being restricted by the link member; can be taken A cartridge characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] A: main body of the device, B: cartridge, 602: opening, 701a: guide portion, 701b: contact portion, 806: link member

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a device body provided with an opening, through which a cartridge can be inserted and removed, The cartridge has a guided portion and a link member, The main body of the device has a guide portion that guides the guided portion and a contact portion configured to contact the link member, The aforementioned cartridge is A first state in which the guided portion is not in contact with the guide portion, The second state in which the guided portion is in contact with the guide portion, You can take it, When the cartridge transitions from the first state to the second state, the link member can change its orientation while in contact with the contact portion, and the cartridge can change its orientation by rotating while being restricted by the link member. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The cartridge is capable of taking a third state in which the cartridge is in the installed position. When the cartridge is inserted, the state of the cartridge changes in the order of the first state, the second state, and the third state. When the cartridge is removed, the state of the cartridge changes in the order of the third state, the second state, and the first state. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. When the cartridge is inserted into the main body of the device, the cartridge moves from the first state through the second state, with the guided portion being guided by the guide portion, thereby transitioning to the third state. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a shutter member that is rotatably attached to the link member and is movable between a position covering the photosensitive drum and a position exposing the photosensitive drum as the link member moves. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The link member has a contact portion for contacting the contact portion, In the second state, the cartridge changes its orientation by rotating in accordance with the rotation of the link member while maintaining contact between the contacted portion and the contacting portion. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The link member has its center of rotation upstream of the photosensitive drum in the insertion direction of the cartridge. The link member is biased in a direction such that the shutter member connected to the link member covers the photosensitive drum. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

7. The guide portion is an inclined surface with an angle such that the contact portion is on the upper side and the completed mounting position is on the lower side with respect to the horizontal plane. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

8. The aforementioned contact portion extends approximately horizontally, In the first state described above, gravity causes the guided portion and the link member of the cartridge to come into contact with the contact portion. The image forming apparatus according to feature 7.

9. The aforementioned contact portion has a stopping portion that contacts the link member, The rotation of the link member is restricted when the stopper comes into contact with the link member. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

10. The aforementioned cartridge has a photosensitive drum, The cartridge has a removable cover member that covers the surface of the photosensitive drum. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover member is removed when the cartridge is inserted into the main body of the apparatus.

11. A cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from a device body having an opening, The cartridge has a guided portion and a link member, The main body of the device has a guide portion that guides the guided portion and a contact portion configured to contact the link member, The aforementioned cartridge is A first state in which the guided portion is not in contact with the guide portion, The second state in which the guided portion is in contact with the guide portion, You can take it, When the cartridge transitions from the first state to the second state, the link member can change its orientation while in contact with the contact portion, and the cartridge can change its orientation by rotating while being restricted by the link member. A cartridge characterized by the following features.

Images