Assembly method of image forming device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming device having a temporary holding mechanism when assembling components.SOLUTION: A method for assembling an image forming device comprising a first component having a first engaging part and a second engaging part, a second component having a first engaged part and a second engaged part, and a third component, comprises: a first step of engaging the first engaging part of the first component with the first engaged part of the second component by moving the first component in a first direction with respect to the second component assembled to a device body; a second step of assembling the third component to the device body by moving the third component in a second direction; and a third step of disengaging the first engaging part from the first engaged part and engaging the second engaging part with the second engaged part by moving the first component in a third direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, when assembling parts into an image forming apparatus, positioning and locking parts have been provided on the parts to prevent misalignment of the parts during assembly, allowing the assembly worker to remove their hands from the parts and perform other tasks, such as fastening them with screws. For example, because the center of gravity of the part being assembled is not on the mounting surface, if the assembly worker removes their hands from the part, the part being assembled may separate from the mounting surface and fall. Patent Document 1 therefore discloses a configuration in which the part is provided with a positionable locking part to hold the part on the mounting surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-063092 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, once a part being assembled has been placed on the image forming apparatus, it cannot be moved. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 could not be used in cases where a previously assembled part is temporarily held in a position other than the assembly position, and then moved and positioned after the assembly of the later assembled part is completed. However, as image forming devices become more compact, it becomes difficult to secure assembly space, and a method of changing the assembly order of parts may be required. Therefore, it may be necessary to temporarily hold a previously assembled part, and then complete the assembly of the temporarily held part after assembling other peripheral parts.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with a temporary holding mechanism for use during assembly of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration: A method for assembling an image forming apparatus including: a first component having a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion; a second component having a first engaged portion engageable with the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion engageable with the second engaging portion, the second component being assembled to the first component; and a third component, a first step of moving the first component in a first direction relative to the second component assembled to the main body of the image forming apparatus to engage the first engaging portion of the first component with the first engaged portion of the second component; a second step of assembling the third part to the main body by moving the third part in a second direction; a third step of moving the first component in a third direction relative to the second component to release the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, and engaging the second engaging portion of the first component with the second engaged portion of the second component; The method for assembling an image forming apparatus is characterized by comprising the steps of:

[0007] The present invention also employs the following configuration: a first component having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion; a first engaged portion that is engageable with the first engaging portion but is not engaged with the first engaging portion; a second engaged portion engaged with the second engaging portion; The image forming apparatus is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with a temporary holding mechanism for use during component assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of paper feed units as viewed from the bottom side of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a paper feed unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the configuration of the paper feed unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are external views of a first paper feed shaft support member according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an external view of a paper feed stay according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of assembling the paper feed unit of the first embodiment into the image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] Continuing from the description of the process of assembling the paper feed unit of the first embodiment into the image forming apparatus, FIG. [Figure 9] Continuing from the description of the process of assembling the paper feed unit of the first embodiment into the image forming apparatus, FIG. [Figure 10] Continuing from the description of the process of assembling the paper feed unit of the first embodiment into the image forming apparatus, FIG. [Figure 11] (a)-(c) are diagrams showing the process of assembling the paper feed shaft support member to the paper feed stay. [Figure 12] Flowchart explaining the process of embodiment 1 [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of assembling a paper feed unit of a comparative example into an image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] Continuing from the diagram illustrating the process of assembling the paper feed unit of the comparative example into the image forming apparatus; [Figure 15] Continuing from the diagram illustrating the process of assembling the paper feed unit of the comparative example into the image forming apparatus; [Figure 16] Continuing from the diagram illustrating the process of assembling the paper feed unit of the comparative example into the image forming apparatus; [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process of assembling the substrate holder of the second embodiment into an image forming apparatus. [Figure 18] (a) and (b) are continuation diagrams of the process of assembling the substrate holder into the image forming device. [Figure 19] (a)-(c) are diagrams showing the process of assembling the substrate holder to the main frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, etc. of components described once in the following description will remain the same in subsequent descriptions unless otherwise specified. Well-known or publicly known technologies in the relevant technical field can be applied to configurations and processes not specifically illustrated or described. Furthermore, duplicated descriptions may be omitted.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> An image forming apparatus according to embodiment 1 and an assembly method thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. In this description, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described first, followed by a description of the temporary holding configuration of components.

[0012] The present invention is applicable to any configuration in which a first component having multiple engaging portions is assembled to another component. The object to which the first component is assembled may be a single component (second component). In that case, the second component has multiple engaged portions corresponding to the multiple engaging portions. Also, the configuration may be such that each of the multiple engaging portions (for example, first engaging portion and second engaging portion) of the first component is assembled to a separate component. In that case, the second component may have a first engaged portion corresponding to the first engaging portion, and the third component may have a second engaged portion corresponding to the second engaging portion. The present invention is also applicable to a method of assembling an image forming device having such a configuration. That is, the method includes a temporary holding step of temporarily holding the first component, and a step of holding the first component. This is a method for assembling an image forming apparatus that includes a final assembly step.

[0013] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> The overall configuration and image forming process will be described with reference to Figure 1. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to laser beam printers, but may also be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and facsimiles.

[0014] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus main body A (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, image forming apparatus main body) and a cartridge B (process cartridge) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. Here, the apparatus main body A refers to the main body portion of the image forming apparatus 100 excluding the cartridge B.

[0015] The electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a laser beam printer that uses electrophotographic technology and has a cartridge B that is detachably mountable in an apparatus main body A. The apparatus main body A is provided with an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) for forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter simply referred to as photosensitive drum 62) provided in the cartridge B when the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main body A. Also, a sheet tray 4 that stores a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as sheet material PA) on which an image is to be formed is provided below the cartridge B. The photosensitive drum 62 is an image carrier, and is a photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) used for electrophotographic image formation.

[0016] Furthermore, in the device main body A, a pickup roller 5a, an opposing feed roller 5b, a feed roller 105b, a pair of conveying rollers 5c, a transfer roller 7, a fixing device 9, a pair of discharge rollers 10, a discharge tray 11, etc. are arranged in sequence along the conveying direction D of the sheet material PA.

[0017] <Image formation process section> Next, an overview of the image formation process will be described. Various operations during the process are performed by the control unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 100, which controls each component in accordance with a program or user instructions. The control unit 150 is an information processing device or processing circuit equipped with computing resources such as a processor and memory.

[0018] First, based on a print start signal from the control unit 150, the photosensitive drum 62 is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the direction of arrow R. A charging roller 66 (charging member) to which a bias voltage is applied comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 and uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62.

[0019] The exposure device 3 outputs laser light L corresponding to the image information. The laser light L passes through a laser opening in the cartridge B and scans and exposes the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 62. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 62.

[0020] On the other hand, the toner in the cartridge B is carried by the developing roller 32 and supplied to the photosensitive drum 62, where it develops the latent image, thereby making the latent image visible as a toner image.

[0021] Furthermore, in synchronization with the output timing of the laser light L, the sheet material PA stored in the lower part of the apparatus main body A is sent out from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the opposing feed roller 5b, the feed roller 105b, and the conveying roller pair 5c attached to the paper feed unit 101. Then, the sheet material PA is conveyed to a transfer position between the photosensitive drum 62 and the transfer roller 7. At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the photosensitive drum 62 to the sheet material PA.

[0022] The sheet material PA onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 62 and transported to the fixing device 9. The sheet material PA is then subjected to a pressure and heat fixing process in a nip portion that constitutes the fixing device 9. This causes the toner image to be fixed onto the sheet material PA. The sheet material PA that has undergone the toner image fixing process is discharged onto a discharge tray 11 by a pair of discharge rollers 10.

[0023] <Configuration of the paper feed unit and paper feed stay> Next, the configuration of the paper feed unit and paper feed stay of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the paper feed unit as seen from the bottom side in the first embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of the paper feed unit in the first embodiment. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are external views of the first paper feed shaft support member in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external view of the paper feed stay in the first embodiment.

[0024] 2 is a view of the image forming apparatus seen from the bottom side, with the paper feed unit 101 and paper feed stay 108 attached to the pre-assembled apparatus main body C. The paper feed stay 108 is a metal plate on which the paper feed unit 101 is attached, and the paper feed unit 101 includes a pickup roller 5a and a feed roller 105b that transport the sheet material PA to the transport roller pair 5c. Here, the pre-assembled apparatus main body C is the state before and after the cartridge B is removed from the image forming apparatus and the paper feed unit 101 is assembled into the image forming apparatus, and is in a state in which fewer parts are assembled than the apparatus main body A.

[0025] Here, a configuration will be described in which the sheet feeding unit 101 as the first component is assembled to the pre-assembled apparatus main body C as the second component. However, the second component does not have to be a single component, and for example, the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion may be provided on separate components.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows an external perspective view of the paper feed unit 101. Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the paper feed unit 101. As shown in Fig. 3, the paper feed unit 101 has a paper feed arm 102, a paper feed shaft 103, paper feed gears 104a and 104b, a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller 105b, a first paper feed shaft support member 106, and a second paper feed shaft support member 107.

[0027] The paper feed shaft 103 is a shaft that transmits rotational drive to the feed roller 105b, the paper feed gear 104b is a gear that transmits the rotational drive of the paper feed shaft 103 to the paper feed gear 104a, and the pickup roller 5a is a roller that feeds the sheet material PA. The feed roller 105b is a roller that transports the sheet material PA transported by the pickup roller 5a to a transport roller pair 5c inside the apparatus main body A. The first paper feed shaft support member 106 and the second paper feed shaft support member 107 are components attached to the paper feed shaft 103 and positioned on a paper feed stay 108 inside the apparatus main body C before assembly. The paper feed arm 102 is a component that includes the paper feed gear 104a and the pickup roller 5a and is attached to the first paper feed shaft support member 106.

[0028] 4, a paper feed gear 104b, a feed roller 105b, a first paper feed shaft support member 106, and a second paper feed shaft support member 107 are attached to the paper feed arm 102. The paper feed arm 102 is attached to the first paper feed shaft support member 106, and a paper feed gear 104a and a pickup roller 5a are attached to the paper feed arm 102, and the paper feed gear 104a is connected to the paper feed gear 104b by a gear drive train. Therefore, when the paper feed shaft 103 rotates, the feed roller 105b and the paper feed gear 104b rotate, and the paper feed gear 104a, which is connected to the paper feed gear 104b by the gear drive train, and the pickup roller 5a, which is coaxial with the paper feed gear 104a, rotate.

[0029] Fig. 5(a) shows a perspective view of the appearance of the first paper feed shaft support member 106. Fig. 5(b) shows a front view of the first paper feed shaft support member 106.

[0030] The first paper feed shaft support member 106 shown in FIG. 5(a) has a first engagement portion that is L-shaped in side view. 106a, which is shaped to temporarily hold the first paper feed shaft support member 106 on the paper feed stay 108. The first paper feed shaft support member 106 is also provided with second engagement portions 106b and 106c that are L-shaped in side view and a positioning boss 106d, which is shaped to position the first paper feed shaft support member 106 on the paper feed stay 108.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the width of the shape that engages with the paper feed stay 108 of the first engaging portion 106a is indicated by L1, and the width of the shape that engages with the paper feed stay 108 of the second engaging portions 106b and 106c is indicated by L2.

[0032] For the paper feed stay 108 shown in FIG. 6, the width of the first engaged portion 108a that engages with the first engaging portion 106a of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 is indicated by L3. The first engaged portion 108a is provided at one end of a hole 108e having a shape with a long side and a short side. Also, the widths of the second engaged portions 108b and 108c that engage with the second engaging portions 106b and 106c of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 are indicated by L4. The second engaged portion 108b is provided at the other end of the hole 108e. The second engaged portion 108c is provided at one end of a hole 108f having a shape with a long side and a short side. The holes 108e and 108f are arranged on the paper feed stay 108 such that the long side direction and the short side direction are aligned and one is located on the extension of one long side. The second engaged portions 108b and 108c are provided on the same side (left side in the figure) in the long side direction in the holes 108e and 108f, respectively. The paper feed stay 108 also has a positioning hole 108d that engages with the positioning boss 106d.

[0033] In this embodiment, the width L1 of the first engaging portion 106a of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 is set to be larger than the width L3 of the first engaged portion 108a of the paper feed stay 108 (L1 > L3). Therefore, the first engaging portion 106a is lightly press-fitted into the first engaged portion 108a and temporarily held. Note that the widths of L1 and L3 are preferably such that the first engaging portion 106a is lightly press-fitted into the first engaged portion 108a, and the width is appropriately set according to the material of each member and the like.

[0034] Also, since the widths L2 of the second engaging portions 106b and 106c of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 are set to be smaller than the widths L4 of the second engaged portions 108b and 108c of the paper feed stay 108 (L2 < L4), the second engaging portions 106b and 106c are positioned by fitting into the second engaged portions 108b and 108c.

[0035] It is also possible to configure the first engaging portion 106a to engage with both the first engaged portion 108a and the second engaged portion 108b. However, after the light press-fit between the first engaging portion 106a and the first engaged portion 108a is released, the first engaging portion 106a is worn down to a width smaller than L1. Therefore, if the first engaging portion 106a is positioned by fitting it into the second engaged portion 108b when the width L1 of the first engaging portion 106a has been worn down, the mounting position of the component may shift, resulting in problems such as a deterioration in printing accuracy. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid engaging the first engaging portion 106a with the second engaged portion 108b.

[0036] <Paper feed unit assembly instructions> Next, the assembly operation of the paper feed unit according to this embodiment, and the temporary holding and assembly completion operations will be described. Figures 7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating the process of assembling the paper feed unit into the image forming apparatus. Figures 11(a) to 11(c) are diagrams illustrating the process of assembling the first paper feed shaft support member into the paper feed stay. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the process of assembling the first paper feed shaft support member into the paper feed stay.

[0037] 13 to 16 are diagrams for explaining the process of assembling the paper feed unit into the image forming apparatus when the configuration of this embodiment is not used.

[0038] In this embodiment, first, as shown in Fig. 7, the paper feed unit 101 is placed in the pre-assembly apparatus main body C in the direction of arrow E. At this time, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the protruding portions of the first engagement portion 106a and the second engagement portions 106b and 106c of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 are stationary and inserted into the holes 108e and 108f of the paper feed stay 108 (Fig. 12 - START → Step S1).

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the paper feed unit 101 is placed on the paper feed stay 108, and then moved in the direction of arrow F, whereby the paper feed shaft support R106 is temporarily held by the paper feed stay 108. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the first engaging portion 106a of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 moves in the direction of arrow F and is lightly press-fitted into and engaged with the first engaged portion 108a of the paper feed stay 108. Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second paper feed shaft support member 107 can be removed from the paper feed shaft 103 in the direction of arrow F. However, because the first paper feed shaft support member 106 is lightly press-fitted into the paper feed stay 108 and temporarily held therein, the movement amount of the second paper feed shaft support member 107 is restricted, which also has the effect of preventing the second paper feed shaft support member 107 from coming off (FIG. 12: Step S1 → Step S2). S2 corresponds to the first step.

[0040] In this state, the first engaging portion 106a and the first engaged portion 108a are lightly press-fitted, so the first paper feed shaft supporting member 106 is held by the paper feed stay 108 and will not come off unless a certain amount of pressure (in the direction opposite to the arrow F) is applied to the first paper feed shaft supporting member 106. This prevents the first paper feed shaft supporting member 106 from coming off the paper feed stay 108 even if a certain amount of external force is applied to the pre-assembly apparatus main body C during the subsequent assembly work, and therefore prevents the first paper feed shaft supporting member 106 from coming off during the assembly work and interfering with the assembly work of other parts.

[0041] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the other parts of the image forming apparatus are assembled with the paper feed unit 101 temporarily held in the pre-assembly apparatus main body C. At this time, the first paper feed shaft support member 106 maintains the state shown in FIG. 11(b) (FIG. 12, step S2 → step S3). The other parts include, for example, a conveyance guide 118. As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance guide 118 is a part that guides conveyance between the opposing feed roller 5b and the conveyance roller pair 5c when the sheet material PA loaded on the sheet tray 4 is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair 5c by the pickup roller 5a and the opposing feed roller 5b. S3 corresponds to the second step.

[0042] Here, in the posture during assembly of the parts, the conveying guide 118 has an overlapping portion that overlaps with the paper feed unit 101 in the direction of gravity. This overlapping portion corresponds to a third part. Note that the conveying guide 118 itself, including the overlapping portion, may also be considered as the third part. Therefore, if there were no temporary holding mechanism for the paper feed unit 101, after assembling the conveying guide 118, the worker would need to move the paper feed unit 101 in a direction different from the direction of gravity so that it fits into the gap between the conveying guide 118 and the pre-assembly apparatus main body C.

[0043] On the other hand, if the temporary holding mechanism is provided, the worker can naturally move the paper feed unit 101 in the direction of gravity before assembling the conveyance guide 118. Then, the paper feed unit 101 is moved horizontally (in a first direction indicated by an arrow F) and temporarily held, and then various components such as the conveyance guide 118 are assembled. When assembling the conveyance guide 118 to the main body, a second direction, which is the direction of movement of the conveyance guide 118, is different from the first direction and a third direction (described later). The second direction may be the direction of gravity. In this case, the conveyance guide 118 is assembled to the main body so that at least a portion of the conveyance guide 118 overlaps with the paper feed unit 101 when viewed in the second direction. After assembly, the third component is located downstream of the first component and faces the first component in the direction of gravity.

[0044] 10, the paper feed unit 101 is moved in a direction different from the direction of the arrow F (first direction). 11C, the second engaging portions 106b and 106c of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 move in the direction of arrow G (a third direction opposite to the first direction), completing the assembly of the paper feed shaft support R106 to the paper feed stay 108. The first and third directions may be horizontal. In that case, the first and third directions may be opposite directions. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11C, the second engaging portions 106b and 106c of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 move in the direction of arrow G and engage with the second engaged portions 108b and 108c of the paper feed stay 108. Furthermore, the positioning boss 106d of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 engages with the positioning hole 108d of the paper feed stay 108, thereby positioning the first paper feed shaft support member 106. Furthermore, when the paper feed unit 101 is moved in the direction of arrow G, the paper feed shaft 103 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 engages with the gear coupling mechanism 109 shown in FIG. 9, enabling drive transmission, completing the assembly of the paper feed shaft 103.

[0045] The gear coupling mechanism 109 includes a hole through which one end of the paper feed shaft 103 passes and a coupling portion at the end of the hole. If the paper feed shaft 103 is the third engaging portion of the paper feed unit 101, the coupling mechanism 109 corresponds to the third engaged portion that engages with the paper feed shaft 103 on the device body side. In the axial direction of the paper feed shaft, the first engaging portion is located between the second engaging portion and the third engaging portion. The paper feed shaft 103 is a shaft that receives drive from the drive unit, and the first direction is the axial direction. In this case, assembly of the paper feed shaft 103 cannot be completed without movement in the direction of arrow G shown in Figure 10. Therefore, after the assembly of the parts that transmit drive to the paper feed shaft 103 in Figure 9 is completed, the paper feed unit 101 must be moved in the direction of arrow G in Figure 10 (Figure 12, step S3 → step S4). S4 corresponds to the third step.

[0046] In this embodiment, the movement direction for temporary holding (arrow F direction) and the movement direction for completing assembly (arrow G direction) are opposite to each other, but depending on the shape of the paper feed stay 108, it is possible to make them the same direction or perpendicular to the arrow G direction.

[0047] <Comparative Example> 13 to 16 are explanatory views showing how the paper feed unit is assembled into the pre-assembled apparatus main body C when this embodiment is not used.

[0048] When this embodiment is not used, the paper feed unit 111, which is the paper feed unit 101 minus the second paper feed shaft support member 107, is placed on the pre-assembly apparatus main body C along a trajectory in the direction of arrow K as shown in Figure 13. The reason it cannot be placed straight as in the direction of arrow E in Figure 7 is that a complex trajectory is required to avoid hitting the parts assembled in the pre-assembly apparatus main body C in Figure 9. If the trajectory is in the direction of arrow K, the paper feed unit 111 cannot be assembled quickly and easily, and the assembly speed will be reduced.

[0049] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the paper feed unit 111 is moved in the direction of arrow G, and the first paper feed shaft support member 106 is completely assembled to the paper feed stay 108.

[0050] Next, as shown in Fig. 15, the second paper feed shaft support member 107 is placed on the pre-assembly apparatus main body C along the trajectory shown by the arrow M. Here too, as with the paper feed unit 111 in Fig. 13, it cannot be placed straight because a complex trajectory is required to avoid hitting the parts assembled in Fig. 9 on the pre-assembly apparatus main body C, which slows down the assembly speed.

[0051] Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the paper feed unit 111 is moved in the direction of arrow G, and the second paper feed shaft support member 107 is completely assembled to the paper feed stay 108.

[0052] 13 to 16, in the comparative example, an assembly path must be taken to avoid hitting already assembled parts, which means that the assembly speed drops. Conversely, by using the configuration of this embodiment, the order in which parts are assembled can be changed, which can further increase the assembly speed.

[0053] <Effects of this embodiment> With the above configuration, when assembling the paper feed unit 101 into the pre-assembled apparatus main body C, the first engaging portion 106a of the first paper feed shaft support member 106 is lightly press-fitted into and engaged with the first engaged portion 108a of the paper feed stay 108, thereby making it possible to temporarily hold the paper feed unit 101 in the pre-assembled apparatus main body C. This makes it possible to assemble other surrounding parts of the image forming apparatus while the paper feed unit 101 is temporarily held, as shown in FIG. 9, and once this is complete, to complete the assembly of the paper feed unit 101.

[0054] If other components of the image forming apparatus are assembled before assembling the paper feed unit 101, the assembly path of the paper feed unit 101 will interfere with the other components. As a result, it may be impossible to place the paper feed unit 101 in the pre-assembled apparatus main body C, or the assembly path may have to be aimed at a limited gap, slowing down the assembly speed. On the other hand, if the paper feed unit 101 is assembled first, there is a concern that the paper feed unit 101 may come off the pre-assembled apparatus main body C while assembling the other components. Therefore, a function to temporarily hold the paper feed unit 101 in the pre-assembled apparatus main body C is required. While assembling the paper feed unit 101 is possible if space is secured around the paper feed unit 101 to ensure assembly space, this would increase the size of the image forming apparatus and increase costs. Furthermore, temporary holding of the paper feed unit 101 is possible if an assembly jig or separate part is used to temporarily hold the paper feed unit 101 during assembly, but this would increase the number of assembly steps and increase assembly costs.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, when assembling parts into an image forming apparatus, a configuration is adopted in which parts are provided with an engagement portion for temporary holding and an engagement portion for completing assembly. The engagement portion for completing assembly is not used when the engagement portion for temporary holding is in use, and the engagement portion for completing assembly is not used when the engagement portion for completing assembly is in use. This configuration makes it possible to temporarily hold and assemble the paper feed unit even when the parts are arranged in a narrow space. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus from becoming larger due to the need for assembly space and the cost increase due to the use of additional parts for the assembly work.

[0056] <Embodiment 2> In the first embodiment, a case where a paper feed unit is assembled into an image forming apparatus is described. However, the assembled unit or part is not limited to a paper feed unit, and may be any part that is detachable from the image forming apparatus. For example, the present invention can be applied when assembling a board holder of a main unit into a main body frame.

[0057] Next, we will explain the assembly operation of the board holder and main body frame, as well as the temporary holding and assembly completion operations according to embodiment 2. The assembly operation consists of the following steps: (1) assembling the board holder, (2) moving the board holder to the temporary holding position, (3) assembling the cable bundle to the electric board on the board holder, and (4) moving the board holder to the assembly completion position.

[0058] 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating the process of assembling the substrate holder into the image forming apparatus. Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating the process of assembling the substrate holder into the main body frame formed by assembling the first main body frame 202 and the second main body frame 203 to the third main body frame 204.

[0059] (1) First, as shown in Fig. 17(a), the substrate holder 201 is placed on the first main body frame 202 and the second main body frame 203 in the direction of arrow H. At this time, as shown in Fig. 19(a), the substrate holder 201 is stationary with the protruding portions of the first engagement portion 201a and the second engagement portions 201b and 201c of the substrate holder 201 inserted into the holes 203e and 203f of the second main body frame 203.

[0060] Next, as shown in Fig. 17(b), the substrate holder 201 is moved in the direction of the arrow J, whereby the substrate holder 201 is temporarily held by the second main body frame 203. At this time, as shown in Fig. 19(b), As shown, the first engaging portion 201a of the substrate holder 201 moves in the direction of the arrow J and is lightly press-fitted into the first engaged portion 203a of the second main body frame 203 to be engaged therewith.

[0061] In this state, the first engaging portion 201a and the first engaged portion 203a are lightly press-fitted, so that the substrate holder 201 is held by the second main body frame 203. At this time, the substrate holder 201 will not come off the second main body frame 203 unless a pressing force of a certain level or more (in the direction opposite to the arrow J) is applied.

[0062] Next, as shown in Fig. 18(a), with the board holder 201 temporarily held by the second main body frame 203, the cable 205 is passed through the hole 204a of the third main body frame 204. Then, the cable 205 is connected to a cable connector of an electric board (not shown) attached to the board holder 201. At this time, the board holder 201 maintains the state shown in Fig. 19(b). Therefore, the gap L5 between the board holder 201 and the third main body frame 204 is wider than in Fig. 17(a), and it is possible to secure a working space for passing the cable 205 through the gap L5 and connecting it to a cable connector of an electric board (not shown).

[0063] 18(b), by moving the substrate holder 201 in the direction of arrow K, the assembly of the substrate holder 201 to the second main body frame 203 is completed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the second engaging portions 201b and 201c of the substrate holder 201 move in the direction of arrow K and engage with the second engaged portions 203b and 203c of the second main body frame 203. In addition, the positioning boss 201d of the substrate holder 201 engages with the positioning hole 203d of the second main body frame 203, thereby positioning the substrate holder 201.

[0064] <Effects of this embodiment> With the above configuration, when the substrate holder 201 is assembled to the main body frame, the first engaging portion 201a of the substrate holder 201 is lightly pressed into and engaged with the first engaged portion 203a of the second main body frame 203, thereby enabling the substrate holder 201 to be temporarily held in place on the second main body frame 203.

[0065] 18(a), the gap L5 between the board holder 201 and the third main body frame 204 is wider than that in FIG. 17(a). This makes it possible to secure a working space for passing the cable 205 through the gap L5 and connecting it to a cable connector of an electric board (not shown). By securing the working space, it becomes possible to insert a finger into the gap L5 and pass the cable 205 through the gap L5 to connect it to a cable connector of an electric board (not shown).

[0066] Here, if the cable length of the cable 205 is designed to be the minimum necessary to reduce costs, there is a possibility that the cable length will be insufficient before the substrate holder 201 is assembled to the second main body frame 203, making it impossible to assemble the cable 205. Alternatively, even if the substrate holder 201 can be assembled to the second main body frame 203, there is a possibility that the cable 205 will become detached while the substrate holder 201 is being assembled to the second main body frame 203.

[0067] By adopting the configuration of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the main body from becoming large due to the need to secure assembly space, while reducing the cost of bundling wires and improving assembly stability.

[0068] [Method 1] A method for assembling an image forming apparatus including: a first component having a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion; a second component having a first engaged portion engageable with the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion engageable with the second engaging portion, the second component being assembled to the first component; and a third component, The first component is moved in a first direction relative to the second component attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the first engaging portion of the first component and the first receiving portion of the second component are engaged with each other. a first step of engaging the engaging portions; a second step of assembling the third part to the main body by moving the third part in a second direction; a third step of moving the first component in a third direction relative to the second component to release the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, and engaging the second engaging portion of the first component with the second engaged portion of the second component; 1. A method for assembling an image forming apparatus, comprising: [Method 2] the second direction is the direction of gravity, In the second step, the third part is assembled to the main body so as to overlap the first part when viewed in the second direction. 2. The method for assembling the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. [Method 3] the first direction and the third direction are horizontal directions, The first direction is opposite to the third direction. 3. The method for assembling the image forming apparatus according to method 2. [Method 4] the main body has a third engaged portion, the first component has a third engaging portion that engages with the third engaged portion, In the first direction, the second engagement portion is located between the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion, In the third step, the first component is moved in a third direction relative to the second component so as to release the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, thereby causing the third engaging portion to engage with the third engaged portion. 4. The method for assembling the image forming apparatus according to Method 3. [Method 5] the first component is a paper feed unit that feeds recording materials, The paper feed unit has a shaft to receive the drive; The first direction is the direction of the axis. 5. The method for assembling an image forming apparatus according to claim 4. [Method 6] The first component is a substrate holder, which is attached to a main body frame of the image forming apparatus. 5. The method for assembling an image forming apparatus according to claim 4. [Method 7] one of the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion has a hole shape, and the other has a protruding portion adapted to be inserted into the hole; When the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion are engaged with each other, they are in a lightly press-fit state. 7. A method for assembling the image forming apparatus according to any one of Methods 1 to 6. [Configuration 1] a first component having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion; a first engaged portion that is engageable with the first engaging portion but is not engaged with the first engaging portion; a second engaged portion engaged with the second engaging portion; An image forming apparatus comprising: [Configuration 2] a third part located downstream of the first part in the direction of gravity and facing the first part in the direction of gravity; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, [Configuration 3] a third engaged portion; the first component has a third engaging portion that engages with the third engaged portion, In a first direction which is a horizontal direction, the second engagement portion is located between the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: [Configuration 4] the first component is a paper feed unit that feeds recording materials, The paper feed unit has a shaft to receive the drive; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first direction is the direction of the axis. [Configuration 5] 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the first component is a substrate holder, and is attached to a main body frame of the image forming apparatus. [Configuration 6] one of the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion has a hole shape, and the other has a protruding portion adapted to be inserted into the hole; When the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion are engaged with each other, they are in a lightly press-fit state. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100: Image forming device, 101: Paper feeding unit, 106a: First fastening portion, 106b, 106c: Second fastening portion, 108a: First fastened portion, 106b, 106c: Second fastened portion, A: Device body

Claims

1. A method for assembling an image forming apparatus including: a first component having a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion; a second component having a first engaged portion engageable with the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion engageable with the second engaging portion, the second component being assembled to the first component; and a third component, a first step of moving the first component in a first direction relative to the second component assembled to the main body of the image forming apparatus to engage the first engaging portion of the first component with the first engaged portion of the second component; a second step of assembling the third part to the main body by moving the third part in a second direction; a third step of moving the first component in a third direction relative to the second component to release the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, and engaging the second engaging portion of the first component with the second engaged portion of the second component; 1. A method for assembling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

2. the second direction is the direction of gravity, In the second step, the third part is assembled to the main body so as to overlap the first part when viewed in the second direction.

2. The method for assembling an image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the first direction and the third direction are horizontal directions, The first direction is opposite to the third direction.

3. The method for assembling an image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. the main body has a third engaged portion, the first component has a third engaging portion that engages with the third engaged portion, In the first direction, the second engagement portion is located between the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion, In the third step, the first component is moved in a third direction relative to the second component so as to release the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, thereby causing the third engaging portion to engage with the third engaged portion.

4. The method for assembling an image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. the first component is a paper feed unit that feeds recording materials, The paper feed unit has a shaft to receive the drive; The first direction is the direction of the axis.

5. The method for assembling an image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first component is a substrate holder, which is attached to a main body frame of the image forming apparatus.

5. The method for assembling an image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

7. one of the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion has a hole shape, and the other has a protruding portion adapted to be inserted into the hole; When the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion are engaged with each other, they are in a lightly press-fit state.

7. A method for assembling the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

8. a first component having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion; a first engaged portion that is engageable with the first engaging portion but is not engaged with the first engaging portion; a second engaged portion engaged with the second engaging portion; An image forming apparatus comprising:

9. a third part located downstream of the first part in the direction of gravity and facing the first part in the direction of gravity; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. a third engaged portion; the first component has a third engaging portion that engages with the third engaged portion, In a first direction which is a horizontal direction, the second engagement portion is located between the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9,

11. the first component is a paper feed unit that feeds recording materials, The paper feed unit has a shaft to receive the drive; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first direction is the direction of the axis.

12. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first component is a substrate holder, and is attached to a main body frame of the image forming apparatus.

13. one of the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion has a hole shape, and the other has a protruding portion adapted to be inserted into the hole; When the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion are engaged with each other, they are in a lightly press-fit state.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

Images