Drum unit

Abstract

To provide a drum unit capable of suppressing a decrease in printing quality when movement of a wire cleaner is forgotten.SOLUTION: A drum unit 50 has: photosensitive drums 51K, 51C; a first electrifying wire 53K for electrifying the first photosensitive drum 51K; a drum frame 100 which a first cartridge for supplying toner to the first photosensitive drum 51K can be attached to and detached from; and a first wire cleaner 200K for cleaning the first electrifying wire 53K. The first wire cleaner 200K can be moved in a first direction from a first position positioned in one end in the first direction of the first electrifying wire 53K to a second position in the other side in the first direction relative to the first position. The first wire cleaner 200K allows a first cartridge to be fitted to a drum frame 100 when being positioned in the first position and prevents the first cartridge from being fitted to the drum frame 100 by abutting on the first cartridge when being positioned in the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drum unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of sets of a photosensitive drum and a developing unit are arranged along the sheet conveyance direction (Patent Document 1). In this technology, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sets of a charging wire for charging the photosensitive drum and a wire cleaner for cleaning the charging wire by moving along the charging wire. When the wire cleaner is in the home position, it is located in a region outside the image forming region in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0003] After the wire cleaner is returned to the home position, the developing unit on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the wire cleaner can be attached to the image forming apparatus. When the developing unit on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the wire cleaner is attached without the wire cleaner being returned to the home position, the operation portion of the wire cleaner hits the housing of the developing unit, and the developing unit on the downstream side in the conveyance direction cannot be attached.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the prior art, there is a problem that the developing unit on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction can be attached even if the wire cleaner on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction is not returned to the home position. When image formation is performed in this state, the charging of the photosensitive drum becomes defective, an image with a strip-shaped streak is formed at a position corresponding to the wire cleaner, and the print quality deteriorates.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to be able to suppress a decrease in print quality due to forgetting to move the wire cleaner.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In the first disclosure of the present application, the drum unit includes a first photosensitive drum, a second photosensitive drum, a drum frame, a first charging wire, and a first wire cleaner. The first photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in the axial direction. The second photosensitive drum is rotatable about a second axis extending in the axial direction. The second photosensitive drum is aligned with the first photosensitive drum. The drum frame rotatably supports the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum. A first cartridge for supplying toner to the first photosensitive drum is detachable from the drum frame. The first charging wire charges the first photosensitive drum. The first charging wire extends in the axial direction. The first wire cleaner is a member for cleaning the first charging wire. The first wire cleaner is axially movable relative to the drum frame from a first position located at one axial end of the first charging wire to a second position on the other axial side of the first position. When the first wire cleaner is located at the first position, it allows the first cartridge to be mounted on the drum frame. When the first wire cleaner is located at the second position, it abuts against the first cartridge to prevent the first cartridge from being mounted on the drum frame.

[0008] According to the first disclosure, when the first wire cleaner is located at the second position, it abuts against the first cartridge to prevent the first cartridge from being mounted on the drum frame, thereby suppressing a decrease in print quality due to forgetting to move the first wire cleaner.

[0009] In the second disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, when the first wire cleaner is in the first position, a part of the first wire cleaner can enter a recess provided in the drum frame or the first cartridge.

[0010] According to the second disclosure, when the first wire cleaner is in the first position, since a part of the first wire cleaner can enter a recess provided in the drum frame or the first cartridge, it is possible to prevent the first wire cleaner in the first position from interfering with the drum frame or the first cartridge when the first cartridge is mounted.

[0011] In the third disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the second disclosure, the drum frame includes a first side frame, a second side frame, and a connecting frame. The first side frame is located on one axial side of the first photosensitive drum. The second side frame is located on the other axial side of the first photosensitive drum. The connecting frame extends in the axial direction and connects the first side frame and the second side frame. The connecting frame has a recess into which a part of the first wire cleaner can enter when the first wire cleaner is in the first position.

[0012] According to the third disclosure, since the connecting frame has a recess into which a part of the first wire cleaner can enter when the first wire cleaner is in the first position, it is possible to prevent the first wire cleaner in the first position from interfering with the drum frame when the first cartridge is mounted.

[0013] In the fourth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the third disclosure, a part of the first wire cleaner can enter the recess by bending when the first wire cleaner is in the first position and the first cartridge is in contact.

[0014] According to the fourth disclosure, since a part of the first wire cleaner can enter the recess by bending, even if a part of the first wire cleaner abuts against the first cartridge, the first cartridge can be attached to the drum frame.

[0015] In the fifth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the drum frame includes a first side frame, a second side frame, and a connecting frame. The first side frame is located on one side in the axial direction of the first photosensitive drum. The second side frame is located on the other side in the axial direction of the first photosensitive drum. The connecting frame extends in the axial direction and connects the first side frame and the second side frame. The connecting frame has a contact surface with which the first wire cleaner comes into contact when the first cartridge abuts against the first wire cleaner located at the second position.

[0016] According to the fifth disclosure, since the connecting frame has a contact surface with which the first wire cleaner comes into contact when the first cartridge abuts against the first wire cleaner located at the second position, it is possible to suppress the first wire cleaner from being deformed more than necessary.

[0017] In the sixth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the drum unit is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. The first photosensitive drum is a photosensitive drum that is located most downstream in the mounting direction orthogonal to the axial direction with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum unit.

[0018] In the seventh disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the drum unit is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. The first wire cleaner has a first operation portion that is operated by a user. The first operation portion faces the upstream side in the mounting direction orthogonal to the axial direction with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum unit.

[0019] According to the seventh disclosure, since the first operation unit faces the upstream side in the mounting direction of the drum unit, it is easy to operate the first wire cleaner from the upstream side in the mounting direction of the drum unit.

[0020] In the eighth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the first wire cleaner has a convex portion protruding from one end in the axial direction.

[0021] In the ninth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the eighth disclosure, when the first wire cleaner is in the second position, the convex portion abuts against the first cartridge, so that the first cartridge is not mounted on the drum frame.

[0022] In the tenth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, a second charging wire and a second wire cleaner are provided. The second charging wire charges the second photosensitive drum. The second charging wire extends in the axial direction. The second wire cleaner is a member for cleaning the second charging wire. The second wire cleaner is axially movable with respect to the drum frame from a third position located at one end in the axial direction of the second charging wire to a fourth position on the other side in the axial direction than the third position. When the first wire cleaner is in the first position and the second wire cleaner is in the third position, the mounting of the first cartridge on the drum frame is allowed. When the first wire cleaner is in the first position and the second wire cleaner is in the fourth position, the first cartridge abuts against the first cartridge, so that the first cartridge is not mounted on the drum frame.

[0023] According to the tenth disclosure, even when the first wire cleaner is in the first position, when the second wire cleaner is in the fourth position, the second wire cleaner abuts against the first cartridge so that the first cartridge is not mounted on the drum frame, thereby suppressing a decrease in print quality due to forgetting to move the second wire cleaner.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] It is possible to suppress a reduction in print quality due to forgetting to move the wire cleaner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Next, embodiments will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color printer capable of forming a color image on a sheet S such as paper. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 10, a main body cover 11, a sheet supply unit 20, and an image forming unit 30.

[0027] In the drawings to be referred to, in each of the first direction (see FIG. 2), the second direction, and the third direction, one side is indicated by the presence of an arrow, and the other side is indicated by the absence of an arrow. In the present embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the "axial direction".

[0028] The second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction. In the present embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The third direction is a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. In the present embodiment, the third direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0029] The apparatus main body 10 has an opening 10A. The main body cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A. The main body cover 11 is movable relative to the apparatus main body 10 between a closed position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a virtual line. Specifically, the main body cover 11 is rotatable relative to the apparatus main body 10 between the closed position and the open position. The closed position is a position where the opening 10A is closed. The open position is a position where the opening 10A is open.

[0030] The sheet supply unit 20 includes a sheet tray 21 and a sheet supply mechanism 22. The sheet tray 21 accommodates the sheet S. The sheet feeding mechanism 22 includes a pickup roller 23, a separation roller 24, a separation pad 25, a conveyance roller 26, and a registration roller 27.

[0031] The pickup roller 23 feeds out the sheet S from the sheet tray 21. The separation roller 24 and the separation pad 25 separate the sheet S fed out by the pickup roller 23 into individual sheets. The conveyance roller 26 and the registration roller 27 convey the sheet S to the image forming unit 30.

[0032] The image forming unit 30 includes an exposure unit 40, a drum unit 50, four developing cartridges 60, a transfer unit 70, and a fixing unit 80. The exposure unit 40 includes a light source, a deflector, a lens, a mirror, etc. The exposure unit 40 emits a light beam as indicated by the dashed line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0033] The drum unit 50 includes four photosensitive drums 51 and four chargers 52. A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The photosensitive drum 51 includes a first photosensitive drum 51K, a second photosensitive drum 51C, a third photosensitive drum 51M, and a fourth photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0034] The first photosensitive drum 51K is rotatable about a first axis X1 extending in the first direction. The second photosensitive drum 51C is rotatable about a second axis X2 extending in the first direction. The third photosensitive drum 51M is rotatable about a third axis X3 extending in the first direction. The fourth photosensitive drum 51Y is rotatable about a fourth axis X4 extending in the first direction.

[0035] The second photosensitive drum 51C is aligned with the first photosensitive drum 51K in the second direction. The four photosensitive drums 51 are arranged in the order of the fourth photosensitive drum 51Y, the third photosensitive drum 51M, the second photosensitive drum 51C, and the first photosensitive drum 51K from one side to the other side in the second direction. In other words, the four photosensitive drums 51 are arranged in the order of the fourth photosensitive drum 51Y, the third photosensitive drum 51M, the second photosensitive drum 51C, and the first photosensitive drum 51K from the upstream to the downstream in the conveyance direction of the sheet S.

[0036] The charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The charger 52 includes a first charger 52K, a second charger 52C, a third charger 52M, and a fourth charger 52Y. The first charger 52K includes a first charging wire 53K that charges the first photosensitive drum 51K.

[0037] The second charger 52C includes a second charging wire 53C that charges the second photosensitive drum 51C. The third charger 52M includes a third charging wire 53M that charges the third photosensitive drum 51M. The fourth charger 52Y includes a fourth charging wire 53Y that charges the fourth photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0038] The first charging wire 53K, the second charging wire 53C, the third charging wire 53M, and the fourth charging wire 53Y each extend in the first direction.

[0039] The drum unit 50 is detachable from the apparatus main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. The drum unit 50 is detachable through the opening 10A with respect to the apparatus main body 10 in a state where the main body cover 11 is located at the open position indicated by the virtual line. The drum unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10 from one side to the other side in the second direction. The drum unit 50 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 10 from the other side to one side in the second direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the direction from one side to the other side in the second direction corresponds to the "mounting direction of the drum unit with respect to the apparatus main body". One side of the second direction corresponds to the "upstream side of the mounting direction". The first photosensitive drum 51K is the photosensitive drum located at the most downstream in the mounting direction.

[0041] The developing cartridge 60 stores toner. The developing cartridge 60 has a developing roller 61. The developing roller 61 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing cartridge 60 includes a first developing cartridge 60K as the first cartridge, a second developing cartridge 60C, a third developing cartridge 60M, and a fourth developing cartridge 60Y.

[0042] The first developing cartridge 60K stores black toner. The first developing cartridge 60K has a first developing roller 61K. The first developing roller 61K supplies black toner to the first photosensitive drum 51K. The second developing cartridge 60C stores cyan toner. The second developing cartridge 60C has a second developing roller 61C. The second developing roller 61C supplies cyan toner to the second photosensitive drum 51C.

[0043] The third developing cartridge 60M stores magenta toner. The third developing cartridge 60M has a third developing roller 61M. The third developing roller 61M supplies magenta toner to the third photosensitive drum 51M. The fourth developing cartridge 60Y stores yellow toner. The fourth developing cartridge 60Y has a fourth developing roller 61Y. The fourth developing roller 61Y supplies yellow toner to the fourth photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0044] The transfer unit 70 includes a driving roller 71, a driven roller 72, an endless transfer belt 73, and four transfer rollers 74. The transfer belt 73 is bridged between the driving roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The outer surface of the transfer belt 73 contacts the photosensitive drum 51. The transfer roller 74 is disposed inside the transfer belt 73. The transfer roller 74 sandwiches the transfer belt 73 between itself and the photosensitive drum 51.

[0045] The fixing unit 80 includes a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82. The heating roller 81 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 82 sandwiches the sheet S between itself and the heating roller 81.

[0046] The charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The exposure unit 40 emits a light beam onto the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 51. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 61 supplies toner to the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 51. Thereby, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51.

[0047] The photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 74 convey the sheet S supplied from the registration roller 27. Thereby, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the sheet S. The heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 convey the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred. Thereby, the toner image transferred to the sheet S is fixed to the sheet S. The intermediate discharge roller 15 and the discharge roller 16 discharge the sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed to the discharge tray 13.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the drum unit 50 further includes a drum frame 100 and a first wire cleaner 200K.

[0049] The drum frame 100 rotatably supports a first photosensitive drum 51K, a second photosensitive drum 51C, a third photosensitive drum 51M, and a fourth photosensitive drum 51Y (see FIG. 1). The first developing cartridge 60K, the second developing cartridge 60C, the third developing cartridge 60M, and the fourth developing cartridge 60Y are individually detachable from the drum frame 100.

[0050] The drum frame 100 has a first side frame 110, a second side frame 120, a first connection frame 130 as a connection frame, and a second connection frame 140.

[0051] The first side frame 110 is located on one side in the first direction of the first photosensitive drum 51K. The first side frame 110 extends in the second direction. The second side frame 120 is located on the other side in the first direction of the first photosensitive drum 51K. The second side frame 120 extends in the second direction. The first side frame 110 and the second side frame 120 face each other in the first direction.

[0052] The first connection frame 130 is located at the other end in the second direction of the drum frame 100. The first connection frame 130 extends in the first direction. The first connection frame 130 connects the first side frame 110 and the second side frame 120. Specifically, the first connection frame 130 connects the other end in the second direction of the first side frame 110 and the other end in the second direction of the second side frame 120.

[0053] The second connection frame 140 is located at one end in the second direction of the drum frame 100. The second connection frame 140 extends in the first direction. The second connection frame 140 connects one end in the second direction of the first side frame 110 and one end in the second direction of the second side frame 120. The first connection frame 130 and the second connection frame 140 face each other in the second direction.

[0054] The first wire cleaner 200K is a member for cleaning the first charging wire 53K. The first wire cleaner 200K is movable in the first direction relative to the drum frame 100 from the first position shown in FIG. 2 to the second position as shown in FIG. 3.

[0055] When the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position, it is located at one end of the first charged wire 53K in the first direction. The first position is a position on one side in the first direction from the region where the toner image on the first photosensitive drum 51K is formed. The first position is a position overlapping with one end of the first charged wire 53K in the first direction in the first direction.

[0056] The second position is a position on the other side in the first direction from the first position. The second position is a position overlapping with the region where the toner image on the first photosensitive drum 51K is formed in the first direction. The position of the first wire cleaner 200K shown in FIG. 3 is an example of the second position.

[0057] When cleaning the first charged wire 53K, the first wire cleaner 200K is reciprocally moved in the first direction between the first position and the position closest to the other end of the first charged wire 53K in the first direction among the second positions.

[0058] When the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position shown in FIG. 2, it allows the first developing cartridge 60K to be mounted on the drum frame 100. When the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the second position as shown in FIG. 3, by contacting the first developing cartridge 60K, it prevents the first developing cartridge 60K from being mounted on the drum frame 100.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the first wire cleaner 200K includes a sponge 210 and a first frame 220 that holds the sponge 210.

[0060] The sponge 210 is a member for cleaning the first charged wire 53K. The sponge 210 is held by the first frame 220 in a state bent in a U shape when viewed from the first direction. The sponge 210 sandwiches the first charged wire 53K.

[0061] The first frame 220 has a base portion 221, a sponge holding portion 222, a first operation portion 223, and a first convex portion 224 as a convex portion. The sponge holding part 222 is a part that holds the sponge 210. The sponge holding part 222 is located on the other side of the base part 221 in the third direction.

[0062] The first operation part 223 is a part that is operated by the user. The first operation part 223 extends from one end of the base part 221 in the second direction toward one side in the third direction. The first operation part 223 has a plurality of ribs 223A arranged in the first direction. The ribs 223A extend in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0063] By having such ribs 223A, when the first wire cleaner 200K is moved in the first direction, it is possible to prevent the user's finger from slipping off the first operation part 223. That is, the ribs 223A can function as a slip stopper.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first operation part 223 faces one side in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the first operation part 223 faces one side in the second direction and one side in the third direction. The first operation part 223 is exposed outside the drum frame 100 so as to be operable in a state where the first developing cartridge 60K is not mounted on the drum frame 100.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the first convex part 224 protrudes from one end of the first wire cleaner 200K in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the first convex part 224 extends long from one end of the base part 221 in the first direction toward one side in the third direction. When the first wire cleaner 200K is in the second position, the first convex part 224 abuts against the first developing cartridge 60K, so that the first developing cartridge 60K is not mounted on the drum frame 100.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the first connection frame 130 of the drum frame 100 has a recess 131 and a contact surface 132.

[0067] The recess 131 is located at one end of the first connection frame 130 in the first direction. The recess 131 has a shape that is recessed from one side to the other in the second direction. The recess 131 is located on the other side in the second direction of the first convex portion 224 in a state where the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0068] When the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position, a part of the first wire cleaner 200K can enter the recess 131. Specifically, a part of the first wire cleaner 200K is the first convex portion 224. The first convex portion 224 can enter the recess 131 by bending to the other side in the second direction when the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position and the first developing cartridge 60K abuts.

[0069] The contact surface 132 is a surface facing one side in the second direction. The contact surface 132 is located on the other side in the first direction than the recess 131. The contact surface 132 is located on the other side in the second direction of the first convex portion 224 in a state where the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the second position as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0070] When the first developing cartridge 60K abuts against the first wire cleaner 200K located at the second position, the first wire cleaner 200K contacts the contact surface 132. Specifically, when the first developing cartridge 60K abuts against the first convex portion 224 of the first wire cleaner 200K located at the second position, the first convex portion 224 contacts the contact surface 132.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the drum unit 50 further includes a second wire cleaner 200C, a third wire cleaner 200M, and a fourth wire cleaner 200Y. The second wire cleaner 200C is a member for cleaning the second charging wire 53C.

[0072] The third wire cleaner 200M is a member for cleaning the third charging wire 53M. The fourth wire cleaner 200Y is a member for cleaning the fourth charged wire 53Y.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the second wire cleaner 200C, the third wire cleaner 200M, and the fourth wire cleaner 200Y have the same structure. Hereinafter, the structure of the second wire cleaner 200C will be described as a representative. Regarding the same points as the first wire cleaner 200K, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and the illustration and description are appropriately omitted.

[0074] The second wire cleaner 200C is movable in the first direction from the third position (refer to the positions of the wire cleaners 200M and 200Y) to the fourth position with respect to the drum frame 100.

[0075] When the second wire cleaner 200C is located at the third position, it is located at one end of the second charged wire 53C in the first direction. The third position is a position on one side in the first direction from the region where the toner image of the second photosensitive drum 51C is formed. The third position is a position that overlaps with one end of the second charged wire 53C in the first direction.

[0076] The fourth position is a position on the other side in the first direction from the third position. The fourth position is a position that overlaps with the region where the toner image of the second photosensitive drum 51C is formed in the first direction. The position of the second wire cleaner 200C shown in FIG. 6(a) is an example of the fourth position.

[0077] When cleaning the charged wires 53C, 53M, and 53Y, the corresponding wire cleaners 200C, 200M, and 200Y are reciprocated in the first direction between the third position and the position closest to the other end of the charged wires 53C, 53M, and 53Y in the first direction among the third position and the fourth position.

[0078] When the first wire cleaner 200K is in the first position, if the second wire cleaner 200C is in the third position, it allows the first developing cartridge 60K to be mounted on the drum frame 100. When the first wire cleaner 200K is in the first position, if the second wire cleaner 200C is in the fourth position, by abutting against the first developing cartridge 60K, it prevents the first developing cartridge 60K from being mounted on the drum frame 100.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 6(b), the second wire cleaner 200C includes a sponge 210 (see FIG. 4) and a second frame 230 that holds the sponge 210.

[0080] The second frame 230 has a second operation part 231, a sponge holding part 222 (see FIG. 4), and a second convex part 232. A sponge holding part 222 (not shown) of the second wire cleaner 200C is located on the other side in the third direction of the second operation part 231.

[0081] The second operation part 231 is a part operated by the user. The second operation part 231 has a plurality of ribs 231A arranged in the first direction. The ribs 231A extend in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0082] By having such ribs 231A, when moving the second wire cleaner 200C in the first direction, it can prevent the user's finger from slipping off the second operation part 231. That is, the ribs 231A can function as a non-slip part.

[0083] The second operation part 231 faces one side in the third direction. In this embodiment, the second operation part 231 faces one side in the third direction and the other side in the second direction. The second operation part 231 is exposed outside the drum frame 100 in an operable state when the first developing cartridge 60K is not mounted on the drum frame 100.

[0084] The second convex portion 232 (see also FIG. 8) protrudes from the other end of the second wire cleaner 200C in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the second convex portion 232 protrudes from the other end of the second operation portion 231 in the first direction toward one side in the third direction. When the second wire cleaner 200C is in the fourth position, the first developing cartridge 60K is prevented from being mounted on the drum frame 100 by the second convex portion 232 coming into contact with the first developing cartridge 60K.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the first developing cartridge 60K (developing cartridge 60) includes a housing 62 and a gear cover 63. The housing 62 houses toner. The housing 62 rotatably supports the first developing roller 61K (developing roller 61). The gear cover 63 covers gears for transmitting a driving force to the developing roller 61 and the like. The gear cover 63 is attached to one end of the housing 62 in the first direction.

[0086] The first developing cartridge 60K further includes a first contact portion 63A, a second contact portion 62A, a cartridge recess 62B, and a third contact portion 62C.

[0087] The first contact portion 63A is capable of being contacted by the first convex portion 224 of the first wire cleaner 200K. Specifically, the first contact portion 63A is contacted by the first convex portion 224 when the first developing cartridge 60K is mounted on the drum frame 100 with the first wire cleaner 200K in the first position.

[0088] The first contact portion 63A is located at one end of the first developing cartridge 60K in the first direction. Specifically, the first contact portion 63A is located on the gear cover 63. The first contact portion 63A is located at the other end of the gear cover 63 in the second direction.

[0089] The second contact portion 62A is capable of being contacted by the first convex portion 224 of the first wire cleaner 200K. Specifically, the second contact portion 62A is contacted by the first convex portion 224 when the first developing cartridge 60K is to be mounted on the drum frame 100 with the first wire cleaner 200K positioned at the second position.

[0090] The second contact portion 62A is located on the other side in the first direction than the first contact portion 63A. Specifically, the second contact portion 62A is located in the housing 62. The second contact portion 62A is located at the other end of the housing 62 in the second direction. The second contact portion 62A extends in the first direction.

[0091] The cartridge recess 62B is capable of receiving the second convex portion 232 of the second wire cleaner 200C. Specifically, the cartridge recess 62B is capable of receiving the second convex portion 232 when the first developing cartridge 60K is mounted on the drum frame 100 with the second wire cleaner 200C positioned at the third position.

[0092] The cartridge recess 62B is located at one end of the first developing cartridge 60K (developing cartridge 60) in the first direction. Specifically, the first contact portion 63A is located at one end of the housing 62 in the first direction. The cartridge recess 62B has a shape that is recessed toward the other side in the second direction and one side in the third direction.

[0093] The third contact portion 62C is capable of being contacted by the second convex portion 232 of the second wire cleaner 200C. Specifically, the third contact portion 62C is contacted by the second convex portion 232 when the first developing cartridge 60K is to be mounted on the drum frame 100 with the second wire cleaner 200C positioned at the fourth position.

[0094] The third contact portion 62C is located on the other side in the first direction than the cartridge recess 62B. The third contact portion 62C is located at one end of the housing 62 in the second direction. The third contact portion 62C extends in the first direction.

[0095] Next, the operation when the first developing cartridge 60K is attached to the drum unit 50 will be described.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 8, with the first wire cleaner 200K positioned at the first position and the second wire cleaner 200C positioned at the third position, when the first developing cartridge 60K is attached to the drum frame 100 of the drum unit 50, the first convex portion 224 of the first wire cleaner 200K contacts the first contact portion 63A of the first developing cartridge 60K.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 9, when the first developing cartridge 60K is further attached to the drum frame 100, the first convex portion 224 is pushed by the first contact portion 63A and bends toward the other side in the second direction. At this time, a part of the first convex portion 224 enters the concave portion 131 of the drum frame 100.

[0098] After that, as shown in FIG. 10, when the first convex portion 224 no longer contacts the first contact portion 63A as the first developing cartridge 60K is attached to the drum frame 100, the first convex portion 224 recovers its bending and exits the concave portion 131. Then, the first developing cartridge 60K is attached to the drum frame 100.

[0099] In a state where the first developing cartridge 60K is attached to the drum frame 100, the second convex portion 232 of the second wire cleaner 200C enters the cartridge concave portion 62B (see FIG. 7(b)) of the first developing cartridge 60K.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 11, when attempting to attach the first developing cartridge 60K to the drum frame 100 with the first wire cleaner 200K positioned at the second position and the second wire cleaner 200C positioned at the third position, the first convex portion 224 of the first wire cleaner 200K abuts against the second contact portion 62A of the first developing cartridge 60K.

[0101] The first convex portion 224 is pushed by the second contact portion 62A and attempts to bend toward the other side in the second direction, but contacts the contact surface 132 of the drum frame 100. As a result, the first developing cartridge 60K is in a form where the second contact portion 62A is caught by the first convex portion 224 and is not attached to the drum frame 100.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 12, when attempting to attach the first developing cartridge 60K to the drum frame 100 with the first wire cleaner 200K positioned at the first position and the second wire cleaner 200C positioned at the fourth position, the second convex portion 232 of the second wire cleaner 200C abuts against the third contact portion 62C of the first developing cartridge 60K. As a result, the first developing cartridge 60K is not attached to the drum frame 100.

[0103] Although not shown, when the third wire cleaner 200M is positioned at the third position, the second convex portion 232 enters the cartridge recess 62B of the second developing cartridge 60C, allowing the second developing cartridge 60C to be attached to the drum frame 100. When the third wire cleaner 200M is positioned at the fourth position, the second convex portion 232 abuts against the third contact portion 62C of the second developing cartridge 60C, preventing the second developing cartridge 60C from being attached to the drum frame 100.

[0104] Also, when the fourth wire cleaner 200Y is positioned at the third position, the second convex portion 232 enters the cartridge recess 62B of the third developing cartridge 60M, allowing the third developing cartridge 60M to be attached to the drum frame 100. When the fourth wire cleaner 200Y is positioned at the fourth position, the second convex portion 232 abuts against the third contact portion 62C of the third developing cartridge 60M, preventing the third developing cartridge 60M from being attached to the drum frame 100.

[0105] Next, the effects of the embodiment will be described. When the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the second position, the first convex portion 224 abuts against the first developing cartridge 60K, and the first developing cartridge 60K is not mounted on the drum frame 100, thereby suppressing a decrease in print quality due to forgetting to move the first wire cleaner 200K from the second position.

[0106] Also, when cleaning the first charging wire 53K, the first charging wire 53K can be cleaned by removing the first developing cartridge 60K of the same color corresponding to the first charging wire 53K. Thereby, for example, when cleaning the first charging wire 53K, compared with the case of removing a developing cartridge of another color that does not correspond to the first charging wire 53K, the cartridge to be removed is easy to understand, so the usability can be improved.

[0107] When the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position, the first convex portion 224 can enter the concave portion 131 of the drum frame 100, so that when the first developing cartridge 60K is mounted, the first wire cleaner 200K located at the first position can be prevented from interfering with the drum frame 100.

[0108] Furthermore, when the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position, the first connection frame 130 has a concave portion 131 into which the first convex portion 224 can enter, so that when the first developing cartridge 60K is mounted, the first wire cleaner 200K located at the first position can be prevented from interfering with the drum frame 100.

[0109] Since the first convex portion 224 of the first wire cleaner 200K can enter the concave portion 131 by bending, even if the first convex portion 224 abuts against the first developing cartridge 60K, the first developing cartridge 60K can be mounted on the drum frame 100. In other words, when the first developing cartridge 60K is mounted, even if the first convex portion 224 of the first wire cleaner 200K located at the first position abuts against the first developing cartridge 60K, the first convex portion 224 bends and escapes into the concave portion 131, so that the first developing cartridge 60K can be mounted on the drum frame 100.

[0110] The first connection frame 130 has a contact surface 132 that the first wire cleaner 200K contacts when the first developing cartridge 60K abuts against the first wire cleaner 200K located at the second position. Since the contact surface 132 supports the first wire cleaner 200K, it is possible to suppress the first wire cleaner 200K from deforming more than necessary. Thereby, when the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the second position, it is possible to suppress the first developing cartridge 60K from being forcibly mounted on the drum frame 100.

[0111] Since the first operation portion 223 of the first wire cleaner 200K faces one side in the second direction, in other words, the upstream side in the mounting direction of the drum unit 50, it is easy to operate the first wire cleaner 200K from the upstream side in the mounting direction of the drum unit 50.

[0112] Even when the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position, when the second wire cleaner 200C is located at the fourth position and abuts against the first developing cartridge 60K so that the first developing cartridge 60K is not mounted on the drum frame 100, it is possible to suppress a decrease in print quality due to forgetting to move the second wire cleaner 200C from the fourth position.

[0113] The first operation unit 223 of the first wire cleaner 200K and the second operation unit 231 of the second wire cleaner 200C are exposed outside the drum frame 100 in an operable state when the first developing cartridge 60K is not attached to the drum frame 100. Thus, by removing the first developing cartridge 60K from the drum frame 100, both the first wire cleaner 200K and the second wire cleaner 200C can be operated. That is, by removing the first developing cartridge 60K, the first wire cleaner 200K can be operated to clean the first charging wire 53K, and the second wire cleaner 200C can be operated to clean the second charging wire 53C.

[0114] As described above, the embodiments have been explained, but the drum unit can be appropriately modified and implemented as exemplified below.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the first connection frame 130 of the drum frame 100 has the recess 131. However, for example, the first developing cartridge (first cartridge) may have a recess into which a part of the first wire cleaner can enter when the first wire cleaner is located at the first position. According to this, when the first cartridge is attached, it is possible to suppress the first wire cleaner located at the first position from interfering with the first cartridge.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the first wire cleaner 200K is configured to enter the recess 131 of the drum frame 100 by the first convex portion 224 being bent when the first wire cleaner 200K is located at the first position and the first developing cartridge 60K abuts. However, for example, the first wire cleaner may be configured to enter the recess without being deformed.

[0117] The drum frame and the first cartridge may be configured not to have a recess into which a part of the first wire cleaner enters. The connection frame of the drum frame may be configured not to have a contact surface.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the first photosensitive drum 51K was the photosensitive drum located most downstream in the mounting direction of the drum unit 50, but it may be a photosensitive drum located at other positions. In other words, the structure of the first wire cleaner 200K in the above-described embodiment may be applied to other wire cleaners such as the second wire cleaner.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the first operation unit 223 of the first wire cleaner 200K faced the upstream side in the mounting direction of the drum unit 50. However, for example, the first operation unit may face the downstream side in the mounting direction of the drum unit.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, as the first cartridge, the developing cartridge 60 that houses toner and has the developing roller 61 was exemplified. However, for example, the first cartridge may be a cartridge that does not have a developing roller and is a toner cartridge that houses toner. Also, for example, the first cartridge may be a cartridge that has a developing roller and is a cartridge to which a toner cartridge that houses toner can be attached and detached.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 was a printer. However, for example, the image forming apparatus may be a copier or a multifunction peripheral.

[0122] Each element described in the above-described embodiment and modification examples may be implemented in any combination.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0123] 50 Drum unit 51K First photosensitive drum 51C Second photosensitive drum 53K First charging wire 60K First developing cartridge 100 Drum frame 200K First wire cleaner X1 First axis X2 Second axis

Claims

1. A first photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in the axial direction, A second photosensitive drum rotatable about a second axis extending in the axial direction, the second photosensitive drum being aligned with the first photosensitive drum, A drum frame for rotatably supporting the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum, the drum frame being detachable from a first cartridge for supplying toner to the first photosensitive drum, A first charging wire for charging the first photosensitive drum, the first charging wire extending in the axial direction, A first wire cleaner for cleaning the first charging wire, the first wire cleaner being movable in the axial direction from a first position located at one end of the first charging wire in the axial direction to a second position on the other side of the first position in the axial direction with respect to the drum frame, The first wire cleaner, When located at the first position, allows the first cartridge to be mounted on the drum frame, When located at the second position, abuts against the first cartridge to prevent the first cartridge from being mounted on the drum frame. A drum unit characterized by this.

2. The drum unit according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first wire cleaner is located at the first position, a part of the first wire cleaner can enter a recess provided in the drum frame or the first cartridge.

3. The drum frame, A first side frame located on one side of the first photosensitive drum in the axial direction, A second side frame located on the other side of the first photosensitive drum in the axial direction, A connecting frame extending in the axial direction and connecting the first side frame and the second side frame, The drum unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting frame has the recess.

4. The drum unit according to claim 3, characterized in that a part of the first wire cleaner can enter the recess by bending when the first wire cleaner is located at the first position and the first cartridge abuts.

5. The drum frame, A first side frame located on one side of the first photosensitive drum in the axial direction, A second side frame located on the other side of the first photosensitive drum in the axial direction, a connecting frame that extends in the axial direction and connects the first side frame and the second side frame; The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the connecting frame has a contact surface that contacts the first wire cleaner when the first cartridge abuts against the first wire cleaner located at the second position.

6. The drum unit is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the first photosensitive drum is a photosensitive drum that is located most downstream in the mounting direction perpendicular to the axial direction with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum unit.

7. The drum unit is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, The first wire cleaner has a first operation unit operated by a user, The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the first operation unit faces the upstream side in the mounting direction perpendicular to the axial direction with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum unit.

8. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the first wire cleaner has a convex portion protruding from one end in the axial direction.

9. The drum unit according to claim 8, wherein when the first wire cleaner is located at the second position, the convex portion abuts against the first cartridge so that the first cartridge is not mounted on the drum frame.

10. a second charging wire for charging the second photosensitive drum, the second charging wire extending in the axial direction; a second wire cleaner for cleaning the second charging wire, the second wire cleaner being movable in the axial direction from a third position located at one end in the axial direction of the second charging wire to a fourth position on the other side in the axial direction than the third position with respect to the drum frame; When the first wire cleaner is located at the first position, the second wire cleaner, When located at the third position, allows the first cartridge to be mounted on the drum frame, The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein when located at the fourth position, it abuts against the first cartridge so that the first cartridge is not mounted on the drum frame.

Images