Image-forming device

Abstract

To provide an image-forming device in a new form having a body (device body) and a unit attachable to or detachable from the body.SOLUTION: An image-forming device includes a body, a unit, an engaged member, a lead-in member capable of leading in the engaged member, and a pushing member for pushing out the unit. The lead-in member is engaged with the engaged member by insertion of the unit in a first direction, and leads in the engaged member such that the unit is displaced in the first direction. The other of the engaged member and the lead-in member is displaced in the first direction relative to the body by external force such that engagement of the lead-in member and the engaged member is released when the unit receives external force in the first direction in a state in which the lead-in member and the engaged member are engaged, and the unit is pushed out in a second direction by the pushing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a unit that is detachable from a main body (apparatus main body), and an elastic member that biases the unit when the unit is attached or detached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-101888 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of image forming apparatus that includes a main body (apparatus main body) and a unit that is detachable from the main body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is as follows.

[0006] The main body, a unit capable of being inserted into the body in a first direction and being withdrawn from the body in a second direction opposite to the first direction; An engaged member; a retracting member that is engaged with the engaged member and is capable of retracting the engaged member; a push-out member that pushes out the unit in the second direction; having one of the engaged member and the retracting member is provided on the main body, and the other of the engaged member and the retracting member is provided on the unit; When the unit is inserted into the main body in the first direction, the retracting member engages with the engaged member and retracts the engaged member so as to displace the unit in the first direction; An image forming apparatus characterized in that when the unit receives an external force in the first direction while the retraction member is engaged with the engaged member, the other of the engaged member and the retraction member is displaced in the first direction relative to the main body by the external force so that the engagement between the retraction member and the engaged member is released, and the unit is pushed in the second direction by the push-out member. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new type of image forming apparatus that includes a main body (apparatus main body) and a unit that is detachable from the main body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are perspective views of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a unit moving device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2A to 2F are plan views of a unit moving device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13(a) to 13(e) are plan views of a unit moving device according to Modification 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a unit moving device according to a second modified example. [Figure 7] 13(a) to 13(c) are plan views of a unit moving device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a unit moving device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are plan views of a unit moving device and an engaged member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are plan views of a unit moving device and an engaged member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are plan views of a unit moving device and an engaged member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13(a) and 13(b) are plan views of a unit moving device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an engaged member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13(a) and 13(b) are plan views of an engaged member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an engaged member according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] Schematic diagram of the moving device and unit. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments 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 following embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0010] In the following description and in each drawing, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is defined as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and the direction in which a paper feed cassette 2, which will be described later, is pulled out and inserted is defined as the X direction. The direction intersecting both the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the Y direction. The X direction and the Y direction are preferably horizontal. Furthermore, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are preferably perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, as necessary, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in each drawing are represented as the +X side, the +Y side, and the +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides are represented as the -X side, the -Y side, and the -Z side, respectively.

[0011] In the following description, the numbers such as first and second are used merely for convenience in the description, and in principle can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0012] Example 1 [Image forming device] First, a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus and a series of image forming operations will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a full-color laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as "image forming apparatus 1"), which is an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 1A that forms an image on a sheet S by electrophotography, and a fixing unit 110 that fixes the formed image on the sheet S.

[0014] The image forming unit 1A includes stations for forming toner images of four colors, yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black B, and an intermediate transfer belt 102a. The image forming unit 1A includes photosensitive drums 101 (101Y, 101M, 101C, 101B) and developing units 104 (104Y, 104M, 104C, 104B) each including a developing roller. In this embodiment, each station includes one of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B and one of the developing units 104Y to 104B corresponding to the photosensitive drum. The intermediate transfer belt 102a is an endless belt and is stretched over a tension roller 102b, a drive roller 102c that circulates the intermediate transfer belt 102a, and a turn roller 102d. The intermediate transfer belt 102a comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B. Primary transfer rollers 106 (106Y, 106M, 106C, 106B) are disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 102a. A temporary transfer nip is formed between each of the primary transfer rollers 106Y to 106B and the corresponding photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B. The intermediate transfer belt 102a contacts a secondary transfer roller 105. A secondary transfer nip is formed between the drive roller 102c and the secondary transfer roller 105.

[0015] When the image forming operation is started in the image forming unit 1A, a laser scanner 103 as an exposure device irradiates each of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B with light corresponding to an image signal. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on each of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B. Each electrostatic latent image is developed with toner of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black contained in the developing units 104Y to 104B, respectively. As a result, a toner image (visible image) is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B. The toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101B are sequentially primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 102a, and the toner images formed with the four color toners are transported to the secondary transfer nip by the intermediate transfer belt 102a.

[0016] In parallel with such a toner image forming operation, sheets S are fed one by one from a paper feed cassette 2 mounted in a storage unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 by a pickup roller 107.

[0017] The fed sheet S is transported to the secondary transfer nip formed by the intermediate transfer belt 102a and the secondary transfer roller 105 by a feed roller 108 and a registration roller 109 that corrects skew of the sheet S. Here, the sheet S needs to be aligned in the sheet transport direction with respect to the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 102a. Therefore, the timing of transporting the sheet S to the secondary transfer nip is adjusted by controlling the transport speed of the registration roller 109 and the feed roller 108.

[0018] A bias is then applied to the secondary transfer roller 105, whereby the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 102a to the sheet S at the secondary transfer nip.

[0019] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is then conveyed to a fixing unit 110, where the sheet S is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image onto the sheet S. After the toner image has been fixed onto the sheet S, the sheet S is discharged by discharge rollers 111 to a discharge section 112 provided on the upper part of the main body of the apparatus.

[0020] [Paper cassette] Next, the paper feed cassette 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1, showing a state in which the paper feed cassette 2 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view showing the paper feed cassette 2 and a part of the front plate 2A of the paper feed cassette 2. The image forming apparatus 1 has a main body (apparatus main body) 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 and the paper feed cassette 2. The paper feed cassette 2 is a storage section capable of storing recording materials. The paper feed cassette 2 can be attached to the main body 1a. The paper feed cassette 2 is an example of a unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body 1a. In the following description, the end on the -X direction side refers to the downstream end in the pull-out direction, or the upstream end in the insertion direction. Also, the end on the +X direction side refers to the downstream end in the insertion direction, or the upstream end in the pull-out direction. Also, the insertion direction and the pull-out direction can be collectively called the attachment / detachment direction or movement direction of the paper feed cassette 2 with respect to the main body 1a. In this embodiment, the X direction is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the conveying direction of the recording material S.

[0021] Further, the sheet feed cassette 2 has a front plate (front wall) 2A and a rear plate (rear wall) 2C. The front plate 2A is provided at the end of the sheet feed cassette 2 on the -X direction side, and the rear plate 2C is provided at the end of the sheet feed cassette 2 on the +X direction side. In other words, the front plate 2A is disposed at one end of the sheet feed cassette 2 in the X direction, and the rear plate 2C is disposed at the other end opposite to the one end of the sheet feed cassette 2. With respect to the insertion direction of the sheet feed cassette 2, the rear plate 2C is located downstream of the front plate 2A. The front plate 2A has gripping portions 2B at the end on the +Y direction side and the end on the -Y direction side.

[0022] The sheet cassette 2 also has a sheet storage section 2D for storing sheets S, and a side wall 2E guided by a slide guide (unit guide) 11 provided on the inner wall of the storage section 3. The side wall 2E is connected to the front plate 2A. The sheet cassette 2 (side wall 2E) can move along a slide guide (unit guide) 113 provided on the inner wall of the storage section 3 in an insertion direction (+X direction) and a pull-out direction (-X direction) opposite to the insertion direction. An opening 1c is formed at an end of the main body 1a on the -X direction side, and the sheet cassette 2 can move inside and outside the main body 1a through the opening 1c. More specifically, the sheet cassette 2 can be inserted into and removed from the storage section 3 of the main body 1a through the opening 1c. In the following description, the first direction is the direction in which the sheet cassette 2 (unit) is inserted into the main body 1a, which is the +X direction. The second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction, the direction in which the paper feed cassette 2 (unit) is pulled out relative to the main body 1a, and is the -X direction.

[0023] The front plate 2A is disposed at the upstream end of the sheet cassette 2 in the +X direction and widely covers the opening 1c of the main body 1a. In the Y direction, the length of the front plate 2A is longer than the length of the sheet storage unit 2D and longer than the distance between the two side walls 2E. In the Z direction, the length of the front plate 2A is longer than the length of the sheet storage unit 2D.

[0024] A user can apply an external force in the X direction to the sheet cassette 2 using the front plate 2A and the gripping portion 2B, thereby moving the sheet cassette 2 in the X direction relative to the main body 1a. When the user pushes the front plate 2A in the +X direction (the front plate 2A receives an external force in the +X direction), the front plate 2A, the sheet storage portion 2D, the side wall 2E, and the rear plate 2C of the sheet cassette 2 move in the +X direction.

[0025] The sheet cassette 2 also has an engaged member 100 and a moving member 200. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the engaged member 100 and the moving member 200 are attached to the end of the rear plate 2C on the +X direction side. In other words, in the insertion direction of the sheet cassette 2, the engaged member 100 and the moving member 200 are disposed on the downstream side of the rear plate 2C. The engaged member 100 has a locking pin (force receiving portion, first force receiving portion) 5, a locking pin holding arm 6, and a fulcrum shaft 7. The locking pin 5 is held by the locking pin holding arm 6. The locking pin holding arm 6 and the locking pin 5 are rotatable with respect to the sheet cassette 2 via the fulcrum shaft 7. The fulcrum shaft 7 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the X direction and the Y direction. In other words, the rotation axis direction of the locking pin holding arm 6 and the locking pin 5 is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the X direction and the Y direction.

[0026] The moving member 200 has a pin (second force application portion) 80, a pin holding arm 8, and a fulcrum shaft 9. The pin 80 is held by the pin holding arm 8. The distance from the rear plate 2C to the pin 80 in the +X direction is longer than the distance from the rear plate 2C to the locking pin 5 in the +X direction. The pin holding arm 8 and the pin 80 are rotatable with respect to the paper feed cassette 2 via the fulcrum shaft 9. The fulcrum shaft 9 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the X and Y directions. In other words, the rotation axis direction of the pin holding arm 8 and the pin 80 is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the X and Y directions.

[0027] [Unit movement device] Next, the unit moving device 4 will be described. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the unit moving device 4, and Figure 3(b) is a plan view of the unit moving device 4.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the main body 1a has a rear plate 1b downstream of the opening 1c in the +X direction, and the rear plate 1b is provided with a unit moving device 4. The main body 1a has one end (front end, upstream end) in the X direction and the other end (rear end, downstream end) opposite to the one end. In the X direction, the opening 1c is closer to one end of the main body 1a than the other end of the main body 1a, and the unit moving device 4 and the rear plate 1b are closer to the other end of the main body 1a than the one end of the main body 1a. It can also be said that the unit moving device 4 and the rear plate 1b are disposed at the end on the downstream side of the storage section 3 in the insertion direction.

[0029] The unit moving device 4 has a retraction unit 300, a guide member 17, and a damper 18. The retraction unit 300 has a toggle arm (retraction member, force applying member, first force applying member, first arm) 10, a toggle arm shaft 11, a toggle spring (biasing member, elastic member, first biasing member, first elastic member) 12, and a toggle spring shaft 14.

[0030] The toggle arm 10 has an engagement member (engagement portion) 10a that can engage with the locking pin 5. The toggle arm 10 is rotatable around a toggle arm shaft 11 relative to the main body 1a and the guide member 17. The toggle arm shaft 11 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the X and Y directions. In other words, the rotation axis direction of the toggle arm 10 is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the X and Y directions.

[0031] The toggle spring 12 is engaged with a connecting shaft 13 of the toggle arm 10 and a toggle spring shaft 14 which serves as the swing center of the toggle spring 12. The retraction unit 300 generates a rotational moment in the toggle arm 10 by the contraction force of the toggle spring 12, thereby generating a force to retract the sheet feed cassette 2. In other words, the toggle spring 12 biases the toggle arm 10 in a direction in which the retraction unit 300 retracts the engaged member 100. Note that, although the toggle spring 12 is a tension spring in this embodiment, it may be a compression spring or a torsion coil spring.

[0032] Guide member 17 has a first groove shape (first groove, first guide groove) 15 that guides (guides) the movement of locking pin 5, and a second groove shape (second groove, second guide groove) 16 that guides (guides) pin 80. Note that in this embodiment, first groove shape 15 and second groove shape 16 are formed in one guide member 17, but the member in which first groove shape 15 is formed and the member in which second groove shape 16 is formed may be different members.

[0033] Due to the first groove shape 15, the guide member 17 is formed with a first path 15a, a second path 15c, and a third path 15b, which are movement paths along which the locking pin 5 can move. The first path 15a extends from the end of the guide member 17 on the -X direction side toward the +X direction side. The first path 15a also includes a movement path of the locking pin 5 from a standby position to a release position of the retracting unit 300 engaged with the locking pin 5. The third path 15b is a path that connects the first path 15a and the second path 15c, and the direction in which the third path 15b extends has a +X direction component and a -Y direction component. That is, the third path 15b extends in the Y direction away from the retracting unit 300. The second path 15c connects with the third path 15b and extends in the -X direction toward the end of the guide member 17 on the -X direction side. The second path 15c includes a path along which the locking pin 5 moves as the sheet cassette 2 is pushed in the second direction by a push-out member 19 (described later). In the direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction (Z direction), the third path 15b is located between the first path 15a and the second path 15c.

[0034] The second groove shape 16 is formed with a fourth path 16a, a fifth path 16c, and a sixth path 16b through which the pin 80 can pass. The fourth path 16a extends from the end of the guide member 17 on the -X direction side toward the +X direction side. The sixth path 16b is a path that connects the fourth path 16a and the fifth path 16c, and the direction in which the sixth path 16b extends has a +X direction component and a +Y direction component. That is, the sixth path 16b extends in the Y direction so as to move away from the retracting unit 300. The fifth path 16c connects with the sixth path 16b, and extends in the -X direction toward the end of the guide member 17 on the -X direction side. In a direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the vertical direction (Z direction), the fifth path 16c is between the fourth path and the sixth path. The sixth path 16b is connected to the middle of the fifth path 16c (between one end and the other end of the fifth path 16c).

[0035] The unit moving device 4 has a first limiting member (first limiting portion, first stopper portion) 17b and a second limiting member (second limiting portion, second stopper portion) 17a. In this embodiment, the first limiting member 17b and the second limiting member 17a are part of the guide member 17. The first limiting member 17b and the second limiting member 17a are configured to receive the toggle arm 10 biased by the toggle spring 12.

[0036] Damper (damper member) 18 is a linear oil damper supported on the end of guide member 17 on the -X direction side. Damper 18 can be moved (compressed) in the -X direction relative to guide member 17. Damper 18 is configured to come into contact with paper feed cassette 2 when paper feed cassette 2 is inserted into main body 1a.

[0037] [Installing the paper cassette] Next, an explanation will be given of the mounting operation of the sheet cassette 2. Figures 4(a) to 4(f) are plan views showing a part of the unit moving device 4 and the sheet cassette 2.

[0038] The toggle arm 10 is rotatable about a rotation axis between a standby position shown in Fig. 4(a) and a release position shown in Fig. 4(C). When the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position, the engagement member 10a is in an engagement position capable of engaging with the locking pin 5. When the toggle arm 10 in the standby position rotates counterclockwise as viewed in the -Z direction, the toggle arm 10 moves to the release position. When the toggle arm 10 is in the release position, the engagement member 10a is in a release position capable of disengaging from the locking pin 5.

[0039] In the following description, when the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position, the engaging member 10a is in the engaged position, and when the toggle arm 10 is in the released position, the engaging member 10a is in the released position, and the description may be omitted. The state in which the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position may be called the standby state of the retraction unit 300, and the state in which the toggle arm 10 is in the released position may be called the released state (retracted state) of the retraction unit 300. In other words, the retraction unit 300 can transition between the standby state and the released state.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4(a), when the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position, the toggle arm 10 is biased by the toggle spring 12 in a direction from the release position toward the standby position, and is received by the first limiting portion 17b. In the +X direction, when the locking pin 5 and the pin 80 are on the upstream side of the guide member 17, an external force is applied to the front plate 2A in the +X direction, so that the sheet feed cassette 2 can be moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a. As a result, the locking pin 5 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, is positioned on the first path 15a, and further engages with the recess of the engagement member 10a in the engagement position. Note that before the locking pin 5 engages with the engagement member 10a, the pin 80 passes through the fourth path 16a and the sixth path 16b, and this operation will be described later.

[0041] Next, when the paper feed cassette 2 in the state of FIG. 4(a) is further inserted in the +X direction, the locking pin 5 presses the toggle arm 10 via the engagement member 10a. As a result, the toggle arm 10 swings about the toggle arm shaft 11, which is the swing fulcrum, and the swing of the toggle arm 10 moves the connecting shaft 13 in the +X direction. When the connecting shaft 13 moves in the +X direction, the toggle arm shaft 11, the connecting shaft 13, and the toggle spring shaft 14 are aligned in a straight line as shown in FIG. 4(b), and no rotational moment is applied to the toggle arm 10. After reaching this state, when the paper feed cassette 2 moves further in the +X direction, the toggle arm 10 starts to swing about the toggle arm shaft 11 due to the contraction force of the toggle spring 12, and rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the -Z direction. In this state, the toggle arm 10 is urged by the toggle spring 12 from the standby position toward the release position. In this manner, the direction in which the toggle arm 10 is biased is switched during the process in which the toggle arm 10 moves from the standby position to the release position.

[0042] The locking pin 5 receives the action force due to the rotation moment acting on the toggle arm 10 from the engagement member 10a. As a result, the locking pin 5 is retracted in the +X direction along the first path 15a. In other words, the sheet cassette 2 is retracted in the insertion direction. In addition, in a state in which the sheet cassette 2 is retracted in the insertion direction by the biasing force of the toggle spring 12, the sheet cassette 2 moves in the +X direction even if an external force in the +X direction is not acting on the sheet cassette 2. Therefore, after the user moves the sheet cassette 2 to a position where the retraction by the toggle arm 10 starts, it is not necessary to push the sheet cassette 2 further in the insertion direction. In the following description, the retraction by the retraction unit 300 refers to the movement of the sheet cassette 2 in the insertion direction by the toggle arm 10 and the toggle spring 12.

[0043] As the locking pin 5 moves along the first path 15a, the rear plate 2c of the paper feed cassette 2 comes into contact with the end of the damper 18 on the -X direction side. The damper 18 has a function of reducing the moving speed of the paper feed cassette 2 in the first direction as the retraction unit 300 retracts the engaged member 100. Due to the damping action of the damper 18, the toggle arm 10 is prevented from being rapidly rotated by the toggle spring 12, and the moving speed is reduced. This reduces the moving speed of the paper feed cassette 2 in the +X direction. Incidentally, as the locking pin 5 moves along the first path 15a, the pin 80 moves along the fifth path 16c in the +X direction.

[0044] When the locking pin 5 in the state of Fig. 4(b) is further retracted into the retraction unit 300, the toggle arm 10 is located at the release position, and the engaging member 10a is located at the release position where it can be disengaged from the locking pin 5 (Fig. 4(b)). As described above, the toggle arm 10 can move from the standby position to the release position, and the engaging member 10a can move from the engaged position to the release position.

[0045] In this embodiment, the state in which the toggle arm 10 is in the release position and the engagement member 10a engaged with the locking pin 5 is in the release position described above is regarded as the mounted state in which the paper feed cassette 2 is mounted to the main body 1a (storage section 3). In addition, in the state in which the engagement member 10a is in the release position, the contraction force of the toggle spring 12 acts on the toggle arm 10, and a rotation moment in the A1 direction (counterclockwise) is generated. However, the toggle arm 10 abuts against the second limiting member 17a, so that the movement of the engagement member 10a in the +X direction is restricted. In other words, when the toggle arm 10 reaches the release position, the second limiting member 17a abuts against the retracting unit 300, so that the second limiting member 17a restricts the movement of the toggle arm 10 in the retracting direction. In this embodiment, the second limiting member 17a abuts against the toggle arm 10, so that the second limiting member 17a restricts the movement of the toggle arm 10 in the retracting direction.

[0046] Further, the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 has a push-out member 19 having a spring (elastic body). When the paper feed cassette 2 is pulled in by the toggle arm 10 and the locking pin 5 moves in the +X direction along the first path 15a, the rear plate 2C comes into contact with the push-out member 19, and the rear plate 2C contracts the push-out member 19. In this embodiment, the push-out member 19 is provided on the rear side plate 1b of the main body 1a, but it may also be provided on the paper feed cassette 2. For example, the push-out member 19 may also be provided on the rear plate 2C.

[0047] When the engaging member 10a is in the release position, the push-out member 19 has a certain elastic force or more, and generates a force to push the sheet feed cassette 2 in the -X direction (second direction) through the rear plate 2C. That is, the elastic force of the push-out member 19 presses the locking pin 5 against the toggle arm 10.

[0048] When the toggle arm 10 is in the released position, the toggle arm 10 is received by the second limiting member 17a, so that the urging force of the toggle spring 12 does not act on the locking pin 5. On the other hand, the sheet feed cassette 2 is urged in the -X direction by the pushing member 19, so that the locking pin 5 is pressed against the toggle arm 10 in the -X direction. As a result, the sheet feed cassette 2 is in an attached state with respect to the main body 1a. The position of the sheet feed cassette 2 at this time can be called the attached position with respect to the main body 1a.

[0049] When the sheet cassette 2 is in the installed position (the sheet cassette 2 is installed), the sheet S can be fed from the sheet cassette 2. The pin 80 is located downstream of the fifth path 16c in the -X direction.

[0050] [Remove the paper cassette] Next, the operation of removing (pulling out) the paper feed cassette 2 will be described. Note that the paper feed cassette 2 in this embodiment is configured so that it cannot be ultimately removed from the main body 1a even if it is moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, but it may be removable from the main body 1a. In other words, the end of the paper feed cassette 2 on the +X side in this embodiment is restricted so as not to be positioned downstream in the -X direction from the end of the -X side of the main body 1a. However, the end of the paper feed cassette 2 on the +X side may be removed so as to be positioned downstream in the -X direction from the end of the -X side of the main body 1a.

[0051] The sheet feed cassette 2 can be moved from an installation position located inside the main body 1a to an removal position (pulled-out position) located in the -X direction with respect to the main body 1a from the installation position. When the sheet feed cassette 2 is in the removal position, at least a part of the sheet feed cassette 2 is exposed to the outside of the main body 1a, and a user can perform operations such as refilling the sheet feed cassette 2 with sheets S.

[0052] In this embodiment, removing the sheet cassette 2 means moving the sheet cassette 2 from the mounting position to the removal position. Note that removing the sheet cassette 2 in this embodiment does not need to include the operation of separating the sheet cassette 2 from the main body 1a.

[0053] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, there are two methods for removing the paper feed cassette 2. In the first removal method, the paper feed cassette 2 in the mounted state (FIG. 4(c)) is moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a. That is, in the first removal method, the user applies an external force in the -X direction to the paper feed cassette 2 in the mounted position, and moves the paper feed cassette 2 from the mounted position in the -X direction. As a method for applying an external force, the user grasps the gripping portion 2B and moves the paper feed cassette 2 in the -X direction. By moving the paper feed cassette 2 in the mounted state (FIG. 4(c)) in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 moves in the -X direction through the first path 15a, and when the engaging member 10a reaches the engaging position (FIG. 4(a)), the engagement between the engaging member 10a and the locking pin 5 is released. In this process, the toggle arm 10 is rotated from the release position to the standby position against the biasing force of the toggle spring 12 in the clockwise direction as viewed in the -Z direction. More specifically, the toggle arm 10 is moved from the release position to the standby position by the lock pin 5 .

[0054] When the locking pin 5 moves in the −X direction along the first path 15 a , the pin 80 moves in the −X direction along the fifth path 16 c , and finally the pin 80 is removed from the guide member 17 .

[0055] In this manner, when the paper feed cassette 2 is in the mounting position, the paper feed cassette 2 can be moved in the -X direction to move the paper feed cassette 2 to the removal position. When the paper feed cassette 2 is pulled out from the main body 1a in this manner, the toggle arm 10 is returned from the release position to the standby position (FIG. 4(a)). As described above, when the toggle arm 10 is in the release position and engaged with the engaged member 100, the toggle arm 10 moves to the standby position by moving the paper feed cassette 2 in the second direction. When the paper feed cassette 2 is further moved in the second direction, the engagement between the toggle arm 10 and the engaged member 100 is released.

[0056] Next, the second removal method will be described. In the second removal method, the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed state (FIG. 4(c)) is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a. That is, in the second removal method, the user applies an external force in the +X direction to the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed position, and moves the paper feed cassette 2 from the installed position in the +X direction. As a method of applying the external force, the user presses the front plate 2A to move the paper feed cassette 2 in the +X direction. By moving the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed state (FIG. 4(c)) in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the engagement between the engagement member 10a in the release position and the locking pin 5 is released, and the locking pin 5 proceeds to the third path 15b and further to the second path 15c. That is, by applying an external force in the +X direction to the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed position, the locking pin 5 moves relative to the main body 1a and separates from the toggle arm 10. In other words, an external force in the +X direction applied to the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed position disengages the locking pin 5 from the engaging member 10a of the toggle arm 10. More specifically, when the paper feed cassette 2 is installed, the locking pin 5 engages with the engaging member 10a of the toggle arm 10. When the paper feed cassette 2 receives an external force in the -X direction from this state, the external force moves the locking pin 5 of the paper feed cassette 2 in the -X direction so that the engagement between the locking pin 5 and the toggle arm 10 is released. The locking pin 5 can move so that the position of the locking pin 5 in the Y direction is separated from the position of the first path 15a (FIG. 4(d)).

[0057] When the user stops pushing the sheet cassette 2 (the external force acting in the +X direction disappears) with the locking pin 5 moving to the second path 15c, the sheet cassette 2 is pushed out in the -X direction by the pushing member 19. At this time, the damper 18 returns from the compressed state.

[0058] Furthermore, the pin 80 moves in the +X direction due to an external force in the +X direction acting on the paper feed cassette 2. Then, as the paper feed cassette 2 is pushed out by the push-out member 19, the pin 80 moves in the -X direction along the fifth path 16c, and finally the pin 80 is removed from the guide member 17. Through the above-mentioned flow, the paper feed cassette 2 is removed from the main body 1a (accommodation section 3).

[0059] In this way, when the paper feed cassette 2 is in the installed position, the paper feed cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction by an external force, and then the paper feed cassette 2 is moved in the -X direction by the push-out member 19 to the removal position. When the paper feed cassette 2 is pulled out of the main body 1a in this manner, the paper feed cassette 2 is moved from the installed position to the removal position with the toggle arm 10 in the released position (FIG. 4(e)).

[0060] Here, the front plate 2A is exposed from the main body 1a toward the outside (outside the image forming apparatus 1) when the paper feed cassette 2 is in the mounted position. The front plate 2A can be said to be an external force receiving portion that receives an external force in the +X direction when the paper feed cassette 2 is removed by the second removal method. When the paper feed cassette 2 is in the mounted position, the user can remove the paper feed cassette 2 by pushing any location on the front plate 2A in the +X direction.

[0061] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the sheet feed cassette 2 can be pulled out from the main body 1a by the above-mentioned two pulling methods. Therefore, usability when removing the sheet feed cassette 2 is improved.

[0062] [Resetting the engagement members] When the paper feed cassette 2 is removed by the first removal method, the toggle arm 10 is pressed in the -X direction by the locking pin 5, and the engaging member 10a reaches the engaging position. As a result, when the paper feed cassette 2 is inserted again into the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 can engage with the engaging member 10a at the engaging position. However, when the paper feed cassette 2 is removed by the second removal method, the toggle arm 10 is at the release position where the engaging member 10a is located at the release position. Therefore, when the paper feed cassette 2 is inserted again into the main body 1a, if the engaging member 10a is at the release position, the locking pin 5 cannot engage with the engaging member 10a.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the paper feed cassette 2 is inserted into the main body 1a with the toggle arm 10 in the released position, the toggle arm 10 is returned from the released position to the standby position before the locking pin 5 engages with the toggle arm 10. Hereinafter, returning the toggle arm 10 from the released position to the standby position will be referred to as "resetting the position of the toggle arm 10 or the position of the engaging member 10a."

[0064] In this embodiment, in order to reset the position of the engagement member 10a, a moving member 200 is provided on the rear plate 2C, and a second groove shape 16 is provided on the guide member 17.

[0065] A method for resetting the position of the engaging member 10a will be described. When the paper feed cassette 2 is removed from the main body 1a using the second method and the locking pin 5 and the pin 80 are removed from the guide member 17, the toggle arm 10 is positioned at the release position (FIG. 4(d)). At this time, a part of the toggle arm 10 overlaps with the fourth path 16a. When the paper feed cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction again, the pin 80 enters the fourth path 16a as shown in FIG. 4(e). The toggle arm 10 overlaps with the movement trajectory of the pin 80 moving inside the fourth path 16a. Therefore, the pin 80 comes into contact with the toggle arm 10.

[0066] Furthermore, by moving the paper feed cassette 2 in the +X direction, the pin 80 moves from the fourth path 16a to the fifth path 16b while pressing the toggle arm 10 in the +X direction. By pressing the toggle arm 10 in the +X direction, as shown in FIG. 4(f), the toggle arm 10 rotates clockwise (in the A2 direction) when viewed in the -Z direction.

[0067] Finally, the pin 80 rotates the toggle arm 10 to a position where the toggle arm 10 is biased toward the standby position by the toggle spring 12, and the toggle arm 10 is positioned at the standby position by the toggle spring 12. By the above operation, the engaging member 10a is reset to the engaged position. In this manner, the moving member 200 can move the toggle arm 10 from the released position to the standby position with the locking pin 5 separated from the toggle arm 10.

[0068] When the toggle arm 10 is in the standby position, the toggle arm 10 does not overlap the fourth path 16a. When the sheet cassette 2 is further inserted in the +X direction after the toggle arm 10 is returned to the standby position, the pin 80 reaches the fifth path 16c. On the other hand, the locking pin 5 can engage with the engagement member 10a in the engagement position (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0069] As described above, by inserting the paper feed cassette 2 in the first direction, the movable member 200 comes into contact with the retraction unit 300, and the toggle arm 10 can be moved from the release position to the standby position. More specifically, when the toggle arm 10 is in the release position, by inserting the paper feed cassette 2 in the first direction, the movable member 200 comes into contact with the toggle arm 10. Then, the movable member 200 moves the toggle arm 10 to the standby position. By further inserting the paper feed cassette 2 in the first direction, the engaged member 100 engages with the toggle arm 10 in the standby position.

[0070] [Variation 1] Next, a first modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Figures 5(a) to 5(e) are plan views of a portion of the unit moving device 4 and the paper feed cassette 2 in the first modified example.

[0071] As described above, in the first embodiment, the distance from the rear plate 2C to the pin 38 in the +X direction is longer than the distance from the rear plate 2C to the locking pin 5 in the +X direction. Therefore, when the sheet feed cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, first the pin 38 comes into contact with the toggle arm 10, and after the position of the locking member 10a is reset, the locking pin 5 is engaged with the locking member 10a. However, in the first modification, the distance from the rear plate 2C to the pin 38 in the +X direction is shorter than the distance from the rear plate 2C to the locking pin 5 in the +X direction.

[0072] In the first modification, when the sheet cassette 2 in the mounting position is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 leaves the engaging member 10a, and then the pin 38 comes into contact with the toggle arm 10, resetting the position of the engaging member 10a. Note that the configuration other than the locking pin 5 and the pin 38 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] In the configuration of the first modified example, when the sheet cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a from the removal position to the installation position, the locking pin 5 first engages with the engaging member 10a, and the engaging member 10a moves to the release position. Figure 5(a) shows the state where the engaging member 10a is in the release position.

[0074] At this time, the pin 38 has not yet come into contact with the toggle arm 10. When the sheet cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a from the state shown in Fig. 5(a), the locking pin 5 leaves the engaging member 10a of the toggle arm 10, and then the pin 38 comes into contact with the toggle arm 10, as shown in Fig. 5(b). Meanwhile, the locking pin 5 that has left the engaging member 10a is positioned in the third path 15b.

[0075] When the paper feed cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a from the state of Fig. 5(b), the pin 38 moves from the fourth path 16a to the fifth path 16b while pressing the toggle arm 10 in the +X direction (Fig. 5(c)). Finally, the pin 38 presses the toggle arm 10 so that the locking member 10a in the engaged position moves to the released position (Fig. 5(d)). Specifically, the pin 38 rotates the toggle arm 10 to a position where the toggle arm 10 is biased by the toggle spring 12 toward the standby position, and the toggle arm 10 is positioned at the standby position.

[0076] When the sheet cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a from the state shown in Fig. 5(d), the pin 38 moves to the fifth path 16c and the locking pin 5 moves to the second path 15c as shown in Fig. 5(e). In this state, when the external force applied to the sheet cassette 2 in the +X direction is removed, the sheet cassette 2 is pushed out in the -X direction by the push-out member 19.

[0077] As described above, when the engaged member 100 and the retracting unit 300 are engaged, inserting the paper feed cassette 2 in the first direction disengages the engaged member 100 from the retracting unit 300. Furthermore, inserting the paper feed cassette 2 in the first direction causes the moving member 200 to come into contact with the retracting unit 300, moving the toggle arm 10 to the standby position.

[0078] [Variation 2] Next, a second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the first embodiment, after the locking pin 5 is pulled out from the second path 15c, the pin 80 remains in the fifth path 16c until the paper feed cassette 2 is moved a predetermined amount in the -X direction. When the paper feed cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction so that the locking pin 5 is inserted again into the first path 15a while the pin 80 remains in the fifth path 16c, the toggle arm 10 is not returned to the standby position by the pin 80. As a result, the locking pin 5 abuts against the toggle arm 10 in the release position (the locking member 10a in the release position). In this state, if the user further inserts the paper feed cassette 2 in the +X direction, the locking pin 5 and the locking member 10a may interfere with each other and break.

[0079] Therefore, in the second modification, the first groove shape 15 is further configured to have a seventh path 15e formed therein. The seventh path 15e extends in the Y direction and connects the first path 15a and the second path 15c. The seventh path 15e is located upstream of the third path 15b in the +X direction. The path 15e1, which is a path where the seventh path 15e and the first path 15a intersect, is located upstream of the engaging member 10a in the release position in the +X direction. This allows the engaging pin 5 to move to the second path 15c via the seventh path 15e even if the engaging pin 5 abuts against the engaging member 10a in the release position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engaging pin 5 or the engaging member 10a from being broken.

[0080] Example 2 A unit moving device 21 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 7(a) to (c). Figs. 7(a) to (c) are plan views showing the unit moving device 21 and a part of the paper feed cassette 2. A retracting unit 400 in the second embodiment is different in configuration from the retracting unit 300 in the first embodiment. Also, the second embodiment is different in that it does not have the moving member 200 and the second groove shape 16 in the first embodiment.

[0081] The main body 1a of the second embodiment has a unit moving device 21, and the paper feed cassette 2 has an engaged member 100. The unit moving device 21 is disposed at the same position as the unit moving device 4 of the first embodiment. In addition, the engaged member 100 may be substantially the same as that shown in the first embodiment.

[0082] The unit moving device 21 has a retraction unit 400 and a guide member 25. The guide member 25 has a first path 15a, a second path 15c, and a third path 15b formed therein as in the first embodiment. The configurations of the first path 15a, the second path 15c, and the third path 15b are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted. The guide member 25 also has a regulating portion 25a. The retraction unit 400 has a stopper 22 (retraction member, force applying member, first force applying member, first arm), a stopper shaft 23, and a stopper spring 24. The stopper 22 is a locking portion that can swing around the stopper shaft 23 provided on the guide member 25 as a fulcrum. The stopper 22 also has a first surface 22a, a corner portion 22b, and a second surface 22c at the end portion on the -Y direction side. The corner portion 22b connects the first surface 22a and the second surface 22c. The first surface 22a extends in the Y and X directions, and overlaps with the first path 15a when viewed in the vertical direction. The corner 22b overlaps with the first path 15a when viewed in the vertical direction. The second surface 22c extends in the Y and X directions, and overlaps with the first path 15a when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0083] The stopper spring 24 is provided on the guide member 25. The stopper spring 24 abuts against an end of the stopper 22 on the +Y direction side, and stores elastic force as the stopper 22 moves in the +Y direction, and acts to push the stopper 22 in the -Y direction. The stopper 22 is pushed out by the stopper spring 24, but as shown in Fig. 7(a), the stopper 22 abuts against a restricting portion 25a and cannot move in the -Y direction beyond the restricting portion 25a.

[0084] Next, a description will be given of an installation operation of the sheet cassette 2 in the embodiment 2. When the sheet cassette 2 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, it passes through the first path 15a, and the locking pin 5 comes into contact with the first surface 22a as shown in FIG.

[0085] Furthermore, as the sheet cassette 2 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 presses the first surface 22a, moving the stopper 22 in the +Y direction. This accumulates the elastic force of the stopper spring 24. Then, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when the locking pin 5 reaches the corner 22b, the elastic force of the stopper spring 24 becomes maximum.

[0086] When the locking pin 5 passes over the corner 22b and moves in the +X direction, the elastic force of the stopper spring 24 that has been accumulated is released, and the stopper 22 moves in the -Y direction. As a result, the stopper 22 retracts the locking pin 5 in the +X direction so that the locking pin 5 moves in the +X direction while abutting against the second surface 22c. As a result, the paper feed cassette 2 moves toward the +X direction. Meanwhile, while the stopper 22 is retracting the locking pin 5, the rear plate 2C abuts against the push-out member 19, and the push-out member 19 accumulates elastic force. The stopper 22 abuts against the regulating portion 25a, so that the movement of the stopper 22 in the -Y direction is restricted (FIG. 7(c)). As shown in FIG. 7(c), when the paper feed cassette 2 is in the mounting position, the paper feed cassette 2 is urged in the -X direction by the push-out member 19, and the locking pin 5 abuts against the second surface 22c of the stopper 22. When the locking pin 5 is in contact with the second surface 22c and the stopper 22 is in contact with the regulating portion 25a, the sheet cassette 2 is in the mounted position.

[0087] As in the first embodiment, the user can remove the sheet feed cassette 2 in the second embodiment by using a first removal method and a second removal method.

[0088] First, the first removal method will be described. When the sheet cassette 2 is in the mounting position and an external force is applied so that the sheet cassette 2 moves in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 presses the second surface 22c in the -X direction. When the sheet cassette 2 is further moved in the -X direction, the locking pin 5 passes the corner 22B. When the locking pin 5 is further moved in the +X direction, the locking pin 5 moves along the first surface 22A, and finally the sheet cassette 2 can be removed.

[0089] Next, the second removal method will be described. When the sheet cassette 2 is in the mounting position and receives an external force that moves the sheet cassette 2 in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 moves to the third path 15b and then to the second path 15c. When the locking pin 5 is positioned in the second path 15c, the force of the push-out member 19 pressing the sheet cassette 2 in the -X direction causes the locking pin 5 to move in the -X direction on the second path 15c, and finally the sheet cassette 2 can be removed.

[0090] In this embodiment, the stopper 22 is provided on the guide member 25 as a locking portion for the locking pin 5, but it is also possible to provide an elastically deformable lever on the guide means 25 instead of the stopper 22 without providing a swing fulcrum and an elastic member.

[0091] As a first modification of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a path-switching flapper 45 may be provided on the guide member 25. The path-switching flapper 45 is biased to rotate clockwise when viewed in the -Z direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when viewed in the vertical direction, the path-switching flapper 45 abuts against the guide member 25 so as to block the connection between the first path 15a and the second path 15c. In addition, the path-switching flapper 45 can rotate counterclockwise when viewed in the -Z direction by applying an external force. When the paper feed cassette 2 is in the mounting position, the locking pin 5 presses the path-switching flapper 45 in the +X direction by moving the paper feed cassette 2 in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a. As a result, the path-switching flapper 45 rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the -Z direction, eliminating the blockage of the connection between the first path 15a and the second path 15c. The locking pin 5 becomes movable to the second path 15c, and after the locking pin 5 moves to the second path 15c, the path-switching flapper 45 rotates again to a position where the first path 15a and the second path 15c are disconnected from each other. That is, the path-switching flapper 45 functions as a check valve (switching valve) that prevents backflow of the locking pin 5 from the second path 15c to the first path 15a.

[0092] As described above, in the second embodiment, the position of the stopper 22 is reset by the elastic force of the stopper spring 24, so there is no need to provide the moving member 200 as in the first embodiment. Also, the sheet cassette 2 can be pulled out of the main body 1a by the above-mentioned first and second removal methods. Therefore, usability when removing the sheet cassette 2 is improved.

[0093] Example 3 Next, a unit moving device 27 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Figures 9(a), 11(a), 12(a), 13, and 14(a) are cross-sectional views of guide member 28 cut along the X direction. Figures 9(b), 10, 11(b), 12(b), and 14(b) are plan views of engaged member 500 viewed in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0094] The main body 1a of the third embodiment has a unit moving device 27, and the paper feed cassette 2 has an engaged member 500. The unit moving device 27 is disposed in the same position as the unit moving device 4 of the first embodiment. The unit moving device 27 has a pull-in unit 400 and a guide member .

[0095] The engaged member 500 and the guide member 28 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the third embodiment are different in configuration from the engaged member 100 and the guide member 25 of the second embodiment. The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] First, the configuration of the guide member 28 will be described with reference to FIG. 9(a). In this embodiment, the guide member 28 does not have the second path 15c and the third path 15b of the second embodiment. On the other hand, the guide member 28 has an eighth path 15f which is a path along which the locking pin 29 moves. The eighth path 15f extends from the first path 15a, and the direction in which the eighth path 15f extends has a +X direction component and a +Z direction component. In addition, the guide member 28 has a slope 15fb on the eighth path 15f, and the locking pin 29 can move along the slope 15fb.

[0097] Next, the configuration of the engaged member 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 9(a)-(b) and 12. The engaged member 500 has a fulcrum shaft 70, a locking pin holding arm 31, a locking pin 29, and a fixing mechanism 30. The fulcrum shaft 70 and the locking pin holding arm 31 are the same as the fulcrum shaft 7 and the locking pin holding arm 6 of the second embodiment, respectively. That is, the locking pin 29 is held by the locking pin holding arm 31, and the locking pin holding arm 31 and the locking pin 29 are rotatable with respect to the paper feed cassette 2 via the fulcrum shaft 70. The locking pin 29 has a groove 29a, a restricting surface 29b, and a pressed surface 29c. The groove 29a has a groove shape recessed in the X direction. The restricting surface 29b is a flat surface constituting the groove 29a and extends in the X direction, as shown in Fig. 12(a). The locking pin 29 passes through a hole 44 provided in the locking pin holding arm 31 and penetrates the locking pin holding arm 31 in the Z direction. In addition, the restricting surface 29b abuts against the end of the locking pin holding arm 31 on the +Z direction side. In other words, the restricting surface 29b restricts the locking pin 29 from moving in the -Z direction relative to the locking pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight. As will be described later, the locking pin 29 is able to move in the +Z direction relative to the locking pin holding arm 31 through the hole 44 by receiving an external force in the +Z direction. In the locking pin 29, the pressed surface 29c is the outer circumferential surface of the locking pin 29.

[0098] The engaged member 500 has a fixing member 30. The fixing member 30 has a first fixing member 30a and a second fixing member 30b. The first fixing member 30a is provided rotatably around a first support shaft 32 provided on the locking pin holding arm 31. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the first fixing member 30a rotates clockwise (B1 direction) as viewed in the -Z direction by a torsion coil spring (not shown). The second fixing member 30b is provided rotatably around a second support shaft 33 provided on the first fixing member 30a by a torsion coil spring (not shown). As shown in FIG. 9(b), the second fixing member 30b rotates counterclockwise (B2 direction) as viewed in the -Z direction.

[0099] Next, the operation when the paper feed cassette 2 is attached will be described. FIGS. 9(a)-(b) are diagrams showing a state when the locking pin 29 is located upstream of the guide member 28 in the +X direction. That is, this is a state when the paper feed cassette 2 is not attached to the main body 1a. The second fixing member 30b has an end face 34, and the second fixing member 30b abuts against the first fixing member 30a via the end face 34. Note that the torsion coil spring that rotates the first fixing member 30a has a larger biasing force than the torsion coil spring that rotates the second fixing member 30b. That is, the fixing member 30 rotates clockwise when viewed in the -Z direction, so that the first fixing member 30a presses the pressed surface 29c of the locking pin 29.

[0100] 9(a), as described above, the restricting surface 29b abuts against the end of the locking pin holding arm 31 on the +Z direction side, thereby restricting the locking pin 29 from moving in the -Z direction due to its own weight relative to the locking pin holding arm 31. At this time, the locking pin 29 and the stopper 22 overlap when viewed in the X direction.

[0101] 9(a)-(b), when the paper feed cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the second fixing member 30b comes into contact with a pin 35 provided on the main body 1a (FIG. 10). When the paper feed cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the second fixing member 30b is pressed by the pin 35 and rotates clockwise (in the B3 direction) as viewed in the -Z direction. After the second fixing member 30b is positioned downstream of the pin 35 in the +X direction, the second fixing member 30b returns to the state shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0102] When the second fixing member 30b is positioned downstream of the pin 35 in the +X direction and the sheet feed cassette 2 is further moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 29 moves the stopper 22, and then the locking pin 29 engages with the stopper 22 as shown in Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(b) shows the state of the engaged member 500 at this time. The operation of the locking pin 29 engaging with the stopper 22 has been described in the second embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] Next, a description will be given of an operation for removing the sheet cassette 2. First, a second removal method will be described.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 12(a), when the locking pin 29 is engaged with the stopper 22, when the sheet cassette 2 is moved in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a, the locking pin 29 moves along the eighth path 15f along the inclined surface 15fb. When the locking pin 29 moves in the +X direction along the eighth path 15f, the end of the locking pin 29 on the -Z direction side abuts against the inclined surface 15fb and receives a force in the +Z direction from the inclined surface 15fb, so that the locking pin 29 moves in the +Z direction relative to the locking pin holding arm 31 and the fixed member 30. When the locking pin 29 moves in the +Z direction relative to the fixed member 30, the first fixed member 30a engages with the groove portion 29a as shown in FIG. 12(a)-(b). At this time, the first fixed member 30a abuts against the groove portion 29a so as to press it due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring. The groove 29a has a plane 29at extending in the X direction, which is a surface constituting the groove 29a. When the first fixing member 30a is engaged with the groove 29a, the plane 29at is located downstream of the first fixing member 30a in the +Z direction and overlaps with the first fixing mechanism 30a when viewed in the Z direction. This prevents the locking pin 29 from moving in the -Z direction relative to the locking pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight. Furthermore, when the first fixing member 30a is engaged with the groove 29a, the locking pin 29 is located higher than the stopper 22 in the vertical direction.

[0105] In Fig. 12(a), the locking pin 29 is in the -X direction relative to the stopper. As described above in the second embodiment, the sheet feed cassette 2 is pressed in the -X direction by the push-out member 19. Therefore, when the external force in the +X direction applied to the sheet feed cassette 2 in the state shown in Fig. 12(a) is removed, the sheet feed cassette 2 moves in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, as shown in Fig. 13. At this time, the locking pin 29 is in a position higher than the stopper 22 in the vertical direction, and therefore does not interfere with the stopper 22.

[0106] After the locking pin 29 moves to a position on the -X direction side of the stopper 22, the -X direction end of the first fixing member 30a abuts against the pin 35 as shown in FIG. 14(b). When the locking pin 29 further moves in the -X direction, the second fixing member 30b rotates in the B2 direction, and the first fixing member 30a also rotates in the B2 direction via the end face 34. This releases the engagement between the first fixing member 30a and the groove 29a, and the locking pin 29 moves in the -Z direction relative to the locking pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight. When the locking pin 29 moves in the -Z direction relative to the locking pin holding arm 31 due to its own weight, the restricting surface 29b abuts against the end of the locking pin holding arm 31 on the +Z direction side, that is, the movement of the locking pin 29 in the -Z direction relative to the locking pin holding arm 31 is restricted.

[0107] Next, the first removal method will be described. When the paper feed cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a (FIG. 11(a)), the engagement between the locking pin 29 and the stopper 22 can be released by moving the paper feed cassette 2 in the -Z direction relative to the main body 1a. The operation of releasing the engagement between the locking pin 29 and the stopper 22 in the first removal method is the same as that described in the second embodiment, so the description will be omitted. The operation of the fixing mechanism 30 in the first removal method will be described. After the engagement between the locking pin 29 and the stopper 22 is released and the locking pin 29 is positioned on the -X direction side of the stopper 22, when the paper feed cassette 2 is further moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, the second fixing member 30b abuts against the pin 35 as shown in FIG. 14(b). When the paper feed cassette 2 is further moved in the -X direction relative to the main body 1a, the second fixing member 30b is pressed against the pin 35 so as to rotate counterclockwise when viewed in the -Z direction. As a result, the second fixing member 30b moves in the -X direction relative to the pin 35, and finally, the second fixing member 30b is positioned in the -X direction relative to the pin 35. After the second fixing member 30b is positioned in the -X direction relative to the pin 35, the fixing member 30 returns to a state in which the first fixing member 30a presses the pressed surface 29c, as shown in FIG.

[0108] As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second removal methods can be performed without the movable member 200 in embodiment 1. In addition, since the second path 15c and the third path 15b in embodiment 2 are not provided, the guide member can be made smaller in size in the +Y direction.

[0109] Example 4 Fourth embodiment A unit moving device 37 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the unit moving device 37.

[0110] The main body 1a of the fourth embodiment has a unit moving device 37, and the paper feed cassette 2 has an engaged member 100. The unit moving device 37 is disposed at the same position as the unit moving device 4 of the first embodiment.

[0111] The unit moving device 37 has a guide member 41, and the guide member 41 is provided with a retraction unit 600, a plunger solenoid 38, and a sensor unit 55. The sensor unit 55 is a transmission type photoelectric sensor, with 55a being a light emitting element and 55b being a light receiving element. The retraction unit 600 has a toggle arm 39, a toggle arm shaft 40, a toggle spring 12, a toggle spring shaft 14, a connecting shaft 13, and an engaging member 39a. The operations of the toggle arm 39, the toggle arm shaft 40, the toggle spring 12, the toggle spring shaft 14, the connecting shaft 13, and the engaging member 39a have been described in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] The plunger solenoid 38 functions as a moving member that returns the toggle arm 39 from the release position to the standby position. The plunger solenoid 38 is connected to a movable iron core 42 that is a driving component, and the movable iron core 42 is connected to a connecting shaft 43 provided on the toggle arm 39. As in the first to third embodiments, the guide member 41 has a first groove shape 15. Also, the first groove shape 15 has a first path 15a that is a moving path along which the locking pin 5 can move. In the fourth embodiment, the retracting unit 600 retracts the locking pin 5 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the paper feed cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a. Therefore, a description of a method for attaching the paper feed cassette 2 in the fourth embodiment will be omitted.

[0113] Next, a method for removing the sheet cassette 2 in the fourth embodiment will be described. The first removal method is the same as that in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. A second removal method will be described. In this embodiment, when it is detected that the sheet cassette 2 has moved in the +X direction from the mounting position relative to the main body 1a, the toggle arm 39 is moved from the release position to the standby position.

[0114] FIG. 15 shows a state in which the paper feed cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a. As in the first embodiment, when the paper feed cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a, the push-out member 19 is pressed by the paper feed cassette 2 and stores elastic force. When the paper feed cassette 2 is attached to the main body 1a, the locking pin 5 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a by moving the paper feed cassette 2 in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a. As a result, the push-out member 19 is further contracted in the +X direction by the paper feed cassette 2 and stores elastic force. In addition, when the locking pin 5 passes through the detection area of ​​the sensor unit 55, the sensor unit 55 detects the locking pin 5. The control means (CPU) of the image forming apparatus 1 (not shown) causes the plunger solenoid 38 to be energized based on the detection signal of the sensor unit 55. This generates a magnetic flux inside the plunger solenoid 38. Due to this magnetic force, the plunger solenoid 38 draws in the movable iron core 42 in the +X direction. As the movable iron core 42 is pulled in the X direction, the connecting shaft 43 is pulled in the +X direction. That is, the plunger solenoid 38 pulls in the connecting shaft 43 so that the toggle arm 39 rotates clockwise as viewed in the -Z direction. Note that, when the toggle arm 39 is in the released position, the toggle arm 39 is pulled in by the toggle spring 12 so that it rotates counterclockwise as viewed in the -Z direction. However, since the force with which the plunger solenoid 38 moves the toggle arm 39 is greater than the pulling force of the toggle spring 12, the toggle arm 39 rotates clockwise as viewed in the -Z direction. As a result, the toggle arm 39 moves to the standby position, and the engaging member 39a moves to the engaging position. In the process in which the toggle arm 39 moves to the standby position, the pushing spring 19 also exerts a biasing force in the -X direction.

[0115] In this embodiment, when the movable core 42 is protruding, the toggle arm 39 is located at the release position, and when the movable core 42 is retracted, the toggle arm 39 is located at the standby position. However, when the movable core 42 is protruding, the toggle arm 39 may be located at the standby position, and when the movable core 42 is retracted, the toggle arm 39 may be located at the release position. Also, in this embodiment, the plunger solenoid 38 may be a so-called keep solenoid.

[0116] In this embodiment, the toggle arm 39 is made of a non-magnetic material, so that no current flows from the movable core 42 to the toggle arm 39 .

[0117] By the above operations, the second removal method is possible even without the moving member 200 in the first embodiment, similarly to the second and third embodiments. Furthermore, when the second removal method is performed, the biasing force of the plunger solenoid 38 is applied in addition to the biasing force of the push-out member 19, so that the usability of the user's pull-out operation can be improved.

[0118] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, the unit moving device is fixed to the rear side plate 1b of the image forming apparatus 1, and the engaged member is fixed to the end portion of the rear plate 2C on the -X direction side. However, one of the engaged member and the unit moving device may be provided on the main body, and the other of the engaged member and the unit moving device may be provided on a unit that is detachable from the main body.

[0119] That is, in the first to fourth embodiments, the engaged member is provided in the paper feed cassette 2 as a unit, and the unit moving device is provided in the main body 1a. On the other hand, the engaged member may be provided in the main body 1a, and the unit moving device may be provided in the paper feed cassette 2. In this case, when a moving member that moves the retracting member from the release position to the standby position is provided, the moving member is provided in the main body 1a.

[0120] In this case, when the paper feed unit 2 is subjected to an external force and moved in the insertion direction from the mounting position relative to the main body 1a, the unit moving device is moved by the external force, and the engagement between the retracting unit of the unit moving device and the engaged member is released.

[0121] More specifically, in the case where the unit movement device is provided in the paper feed cassette 2, when the paper feed cassette 2 is inserted into the main body 1a, the unit movement device moves in the +X direction relative to the engaged member. When the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed position is removed from the main body 1a by the first removal method, the unit movement device moves in the -X direction relative to the engaged member. When the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed position is removed from the main body 1a by the second removal method, the unit movement device moves in the +X direction relative to the engaged member and then moves in the -X direction. Even in such a case, the change in the relative positional relationship between the engaged member or moving member and the unit movement device when the paper feed cassette 2 moves relatively to the main body 1a is the same as that described in each embodiment.

[0122] For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the unit moving device 4 of the first embodiment may be fixed to the end of the rear plate 2C on the +X direction side, and the engaged member 100 and the moving member 200 may be fixed to the rear plate 1b of the main body 1a.

[0123] In this case, the operation of inserting the paper feed cassette 2 into the main body 1a and the operation of removing it from the main body 1a are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, when the paper feed cassette 2 is attached, the paper feed cassette 2 is inserted into the main body 1a in a first direction, and the unit moving device 4 moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a and engages with the locking pin 5. Specifically, the toggle arm 10 in the standby position moves in the +X direction relative to the main body 1a and engages with the locking pin 5 provided on the main body 1a. Then, when the paper feed cassette 2 is further inserted in the +X direction, the toggle arm 10 moves to the release position and retracts the locking pin 5 in the second direction so as to displace the paper feed cassette 2 in the first direction.

[0124] When removing the paper feed cassette 2 by the first removal method, an external force is applied in the -X direction to the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed position. This causes the paper feed cassette 2 to move in the -X direction from the installed position, and the guide member 17 having the first path 15a and the toggle arm 10 move in the -X direction relative to the locking pin 5. During this process, the toggle arm 10 moves from the release position to the standby position, and the engagement with the locking pin 5 is released.

[0125] When the paper feed cassette 2 is removed by the second removal method, an external force is applied in the +X direction to the paper feed cassette 2 in the installed position. This causes the paper feed cassette 2 to move in the +X direction from the installed position, and the guide member 17 having the first path 15a and the toggle arm 10 move in the +X direction relative to the locking pin 5. In this case, the engagement between the locking pin 5 and the toggle arm 10 is released with the toggle arm 10 in the release position. The locking pin 5 moves to the third path 15b and further to the second path 15c. After that, the paper feed cassette 2 is pressed in the second direction by the push-out spring 19, and the paper feed cassette 2 moves relative to the main body 1a.

[0126] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the unit moving device 21 of the second embodiment may be fixed to the end portion on the +X direction side of the rear plate 2C, and the engaged member 100 may be fixed to the rear plate 1b of the main body 1a.

[0127] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the unit moving device 27 of the third embodiment may be fixed to the end portion on the +X direction side of the rear plate 2C, and the engaged member 500 may be fixed to the rear plate 1b of the main body 1a.

[0128] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the unit moving device 37 of the fourth embodiment may be fixed to the end portion on the +X direction side of the rear plate 2C, and the engaged member 100 may be fixed to the rear plate 1b of the main body 1a.

[0129] In the first embodiment, the push-out member 19 is provided on the main body 1a, but in the first modification, the push-out member 19 is provided on the rear plate 2C. That is, the push-out member 19 may be provided on either the main body 1a or the paper feed cassette 2.

[0130] In the first to fourth embodiments, the paper feed cassette 2 has been described as an example of a unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus, but the unit is not limited to the paper feed cassette 2. The unit may be any part that can be attached to and detached from the main body 1a. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the present invention can be applied to a fixing unit 110 that fixes a toner image on a sheet and a developing unit (toner storage unit) 104 that stores toner as units.

[0131] Summary of the Disclosure The present disclosure includes at least the following configurations.

[0132] (Configuration 1) The main body, a unit capable of being inserted into the body in a first direction and being withdrawn from the body in a second direction opposite to the first direction; An engaged member; a retracting member that is engaged with the engaged member and is capable of retracting the engaged member; a push-out member that pushes out the unit in the second direction; having one of the engaged member and the retracting member is provided on the main body, and the other of the engaged member and the retracting member is provided on the unit; When the unit is inserted into the main body in the first direction, the retracting member engages with the engaged member and retracts the engaged member so as to displace the unit in the first direction; An image forming apparatus characterized in that when the unit receives an external force in the first direction while the retraction member is engaged with the engaged member, the other of the engaged member and the retraction member is displaced in the first direction relative to the main body by the external force so that the engagement between the retraction member and the engaged member is released, and the unit is pushed in the second direction by the push-out member.

[0133] (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the retraction member is movable between a standby position where it can engage with the engaged member and a release position where it can release the engagement with the engaged member.

[0134] (Configuration 3) a guide member for guiding the movement of the engaged member; the guide member forms a first path, a second path, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path, which are movement paths of the engaged member; the first path includes a movement path of the engaged member from the standby position to the release position of the retracting member engaged with the engaged member, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the second path includes a path along which the engaged member moves as the unit is pushed in the second direction by the pushing member.

[0135] (Configuration 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third path is between the first path and the second path in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction.

[0136] (Configuration 5) the guide member forms a fourth path connecting the first path and the second path, 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the fourth path is located upstream of the third path in a direction in which the retraction member retracts the unit.

[0137] (Configuration 6) A limiting member is provided. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 2 to 5, characterized in that when the retraction member reaches the release position, the limiting member abuts against the retraction member, thereby limiting movement of the retraction member in the retraction direction.

[0138] (Configuration 7) A movable member is provided. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 2 to 6, characterized in that, by moving the unit in the first direction, the movable member comes into contact with the retraction member, thereby moving the retraction member from the release position to the standby position.

[0139] (Configuration 8) When the retraction member is in the release position, The image forming apparatus described in configuration 7, characterized in that by inserting the unit in the first direction, the movable member abuts against the retraction member, moving the retraction means to the standby position, and by further inserting the unit in the first direction, the engaged member engages with the retraction member in the standby position.

[0140] (Configuration 9) When the engaged member and the retracting member are engaged with each other, The engagement between the engaged member and the retracting member is released by moving the unit in the first direction, Further, in the image forming apparatus according to configuration 7, by moving the unit in the first direction, the movable member comes into contact with the retraction member, thereby moving the retraction member to the standby position.

[0141] (Configuration 10) A damper member is provided. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein, during the process in which the pulling member pulls in the engaged member, the damper member reduces the moving speed of the unit in the first direction.

[0142] (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the pushing member is an elastic body.

[0143] (Configuration 12) 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the unit is a storage section capable of storing a recording material.

[0144] (Configuration 13) 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the unit is a fixing unit that fixes a toner image formed on a recording material or a toner storage section that stores toner.

[0145] (Configuration 14) An elastic member is provided. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the elastic member biases the pulling member in a direction in which the engaged member is pulled in.

[0146] (Configuration 15) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 9 and configurations 11 to 14, characterized in that when the retraction member is in the release position and engaged with the engaged member, the retraction member moves to the standby position when the unit is moved in the second direction, and the retraction member and the engaged member are released from engagement when the unit is further moved in the second direction.

[0147] (Configuration 16) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the engaged member is provided on the unit, and the pulling member is provided on the main body.

[0148] (Configuration 17) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the engaged member is provided on the main body, and the pulling member is provided on the unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. Image forming device 2 Paper feed cassette (sheet storage means) 2A front plate 2B Gripping part 3. Storage section 4 Unit movement device 5 Locking pin (locked part) 6 Locking pin retaining arm 7 Pivot Axis 8-pin retaining arm 9 Pivot Axis 10 Toggle Arm 10a Engagement member 11 Toggle arm axis 12 Toggle spring (biasing means) 13 Connecting shaft 14 Toggle spring shaft 15 First groove shape 16 Second groove shape 17 Guide member 18 Damper 19 Extrusions

Claims

1. The main body, a unit capable of being inserted into the body in a first direction and being withdrawn from the body in a second direction opposite to the first direction; An engaged member; a retracting member that is engaged with the engaged member and is capable of retracting the engaged member; a push-out member that pushes out the unit in the second direction; having one of the engaged member and the retracting member is provided on the main body, and the other of the engaged member and the retracting member is provided on the unit; When the unit is inserted into the main body in the first direction, the retracting member engages with the engaged member and retracts the engaged member so as to displace the unit in the first direction; An image forming apparatus characterized in that when the unit receives an external force in the first direction while the retraction member is engaged with the engaged member, the other of the engaged member and the retraction member is displaced in the first direction relative to the main body by the external force so that the engagement between the retraction member and the engaged member is released, and the unit is pushed in the second direction by the push-out member.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retracting member is movable between a standby position where the retracting member can engage with the engaged member and a release position where the retracting member can be released from engagement with the engaged member.

3. A guide member for guiding the movement of the engaged member is provided, the guide member forms a first path, a second path, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path, which are movement paths of the engaged member; the first path includes a movement path of the engaged member from the standby position to the release position of the retracting member engaged with the engaged member, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second path includes a path along which the engaged member moves as the unit is pushed in the second direction by the pushing member.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third path is located between the first path and the second path in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction.

5. the guide member forms a fourth path connecting the first path and the second path, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fourth path is located upstream of the third path in a direction in which the retracting member retracts the unit.

6. A limiting member is provided.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the retraction member reaches the release position, the limiting member abuts against the retraction member, thereby limiting the movement of the retraction member in the retracting direction.

7. A movable member is provided.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, by moving the unit in the first direction, the moving member comes into contact with the retracting member, thereby moving the retracting member from the release position to the standby position.

8. When the retraction member is in the release position, The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, by inserting the unit in the first direction, the movable member abuts against the retraction member, moving the retraction means to the standby position, and, by further inserting the unit in the first direction, the engaged member engages with the retraction member in the standby position.

9. When the engaged member and the retracting member are engaged with each other, The engagement between the engaged member and the retracting member is released by moving the unit in the first direction, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a moving member that moves the unit in the first direction, the moving member contacting the retracting member, and moving the retracting member to the standby position.

10. A damper member is provided.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the damper member reduces a moving speed of the unit in the first direction while the pull-in member is pulling in the engaged member.

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pushing member is an elastic member.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unit is a storage section capable of storing a recording material.

13. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unit is a fixing unit that fixes a toner image formed on a recording material or a toner container that contains toner.

14. An elastic member is provided.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member biases the pulling member in a direction in which the engaged member is pulled in.

15. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that when the retraction member is in the release position and engaged with the engaged member, moving the unit in the second direction causes the retraction member to move to the standby position, and further moving the unit in the second direction releases the engagement between the retraction member and the engaged member.

16. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engaged member is provided on the unit, and the pulling member is provided on the main body.

17. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engaged member is provided on the main body, and the pulling member is provided on the unit.

Images