Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To further develop a conventional technique.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material has: (i) an apparatus body that has a first end provided with an opening and a second end opposite to the first end with respect to a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and that has a first side wall arranged at one end in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction; (ii) a drawer unit that has rotating bodies, and is movable to an inside position and an outside position through the opening; (iii) a driving unit that includes a driving source and a driving train transmitting a driving force of the driving source to the rotating bodies; and (iv) a power supply unit that is provided on the first side wall, and includes a power supply substrate and a casing accommodating the power supply substrate. The drawer unit is inclined. The power supply unit is located above the driving unit with respect to the vertical direction. When seen in the vertical direction, the power supply unit and the driving unit at least partially overlap each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some image forming apparatuses, such as printers, copiers, and multifunction peripherals, have cartridges removably mounted on a tray that moves between the inside and outside of the apparatus body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including a tray to which cartridges are removably attached and a fixing device. The tray is movable to the outside of the main body of the image forming apparatus through a plurality of openings.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus including a tray to which a cartridge is removably attached, a transfer unit, and a fixing device. In Patent Document 2, the tray and transfer unit are movable from the inside to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the fixing device is disposed at one end of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and when the transfer unit moves to the outside of the main body, the transfer unit moves in a direction from the other end of the main body to the one end. On the other hand, when the tray moves to the outside of the main body, the tray moves in a direction from one end of the main body to the other end.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a tray to which cartridges are removably attached and a power supply unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-244018 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-206897 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-20932 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention is a further development of conventional technology. More specifically, one of the objects of the present invention is to arrange electrical components in a space-saving manner in an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention of the present application is as follows:

[0009] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a device body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, the device body having a first side wall disposed at one end in the second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction; an image forming unit that transfers an image onto a recording material at a transfer portion, the image forming unit including a drawer unit that is movable between an inner position inside the device main body and an outer position outside the device main body, the drawer unit having a plurality of rotating bodies including a first rotating body and a second rotating body, the image forming unit being disposed so that the transfer portion is closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a drive unit provided on the first side wall, the drive unit including a drive source and a drive train that transmits the drive force of the drive source to each of the first rotating body and the second rotating body; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and disposed closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply unit provided on the first side wall and including a power supply board and a casing that houses the power supply board; and When the drawer unit is in the inner position, the first rotating body is closer to the first end than the second rotating body in the first direction, and at least a portion of the first rotating body is located at a higher position than the second rotating body in the vertical direction, an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction, and the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap when viewed in the vertical direction;

[0010] The invention of the present application is as follows:

[0011] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a device body having a first end portion provided with an opening and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, the device body having a first side wall disposed at one end in the second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction; a drawer unit movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the drawer unit having a rotating body and movable through the opening between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body; a drive unit provided on the first side wall, the drive unit including a drive source and a drive train that transmits the drive force of the drive source to the rotating body; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and disposed closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply unit provided on the first side wall and including a power supply board and a casing that houses the power supply board; and When a moving direction of the drawer unit when it moves from the inner position to the outer position is defined as a drawing direction, the drawer unit is inclined such that a downstream side of the drawer unit in the drawing direction is higher than an upstream side thereof when the drawer unit is in the inner position, an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction, and the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap when viewed in the vertical direction; [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention allows further development of conventional techniques. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printer according to a first embodiment with a door open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the printer in a state where the fixing device of the first embodiment has been moved. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the printer of the first embodiment when a transfer unit and a tray unit are pulled out. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the printer according to the first embodiment in a state where the transfer unit is pulled out alone. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the movement of a transfer unit and a tray unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the movement of a transfer unit and a tray unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a connecting member that connects the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a connecting member that connects the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a connecting member that connects the tray of the tray unit and the transfer unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of electrical components of the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of electrical components of the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a door and an inlet in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of power supply units according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of power supply units according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. [Example]

[0015] [Overall configuration] A printer 1 as an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printer 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the printer 1 is an electrophotographic color laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S as a recording material.

[0016] The printer 1 has a device main body (housing) 1A, a scanner (exposure device) 6, and a door (opening / closing member) 20 that can be opened and closed relative to the device main body 1A. The printer 1 also has a sheet feeding section 30, a transfer unit (transfer device) 40, a tray unit (moving unit, support unit, drawer unit) 50, and a fixing device 70. The part including the device main body 1A and the door 20 can also be called a main frame 100. The main frame 100 includes the exterior of the printer 1.

[0017] The apparatus main body 1A accommodates a scanner 6, a sheet feeding section 30, a transfer unit 40, a tray unit 50, and a fixing device .

[0018] The sheet feeding section 30 has a stacking tray (stacking cassette, stacking section) 31 for stacking sheets S as recording materials, and a supply roller (feed roller) 32 for transporting the sheets S from the stacking tray 31. The stacking tray 31 can be pulled out toward the door 20 to replenish the sheets S. The stacking tray 31 has an intermediate plate 33 configured to lift the sheets S so that the sheets S come into contact with the supply roller 32.

[0019] The tray unit 50 has a tray (support member, drawer, pullout) 51 and cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The tray 51 has a tray handle 52. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removably attached to the tray 51.

[0020] Each of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK is detachably mounted on the tray 51 independently of the others. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner (developer), respectively. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration except for the toner colors they contain. Therefore, the configuration and operation of only one of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK will be described, and a description of the others will be omitted. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be simply referred to as cartridges P. The tray unit 50 can be said to have multiple cartridges P and a tray 51 to which the multiple cartridges P are detachably mounted.

[0021] In this embodiment, the tray unit 50 has a plurality of photosensitive drums (image carriers) 61, a plurality of charging rollers 62 (charging members), and a plurality of developing rollers (developer carriers) 63. Specifically, the tray unit 50 has four photosensitive drums 61, four charging rollers 62, and four developing rollers 63. The rotational axis directions of the photosensitive drums 61, the developing rollers 63, and the charging rollers 62 are parallel to each other.

[0022] The portion where a black (K) image is formed is called the black station (first station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the first station is called the first photosensitive drum, the developing roller 63 is called the first developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the first charging roller.

[0023] The portion where a cyan (C) image is formed is called a cyan station (second station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the second station is called a second photosensitive drum, the developing roller 63 is called a second developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called a second charging roller.

[0024] The portion where a magenta (M) image is formed is called the magenta station (third station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the third station is called the third photosensitive drum, the developing roller 63 is called the third developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the third charging roller.

[0025] The portion where a yellow (Y) image is formed is called the yellow station (fourth station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the fourth station is called the fourth photosensitive drum, the developing roller 63 is called the fourth developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the fourth charging roller.

[0026] The cartridge PK is mounted in the black station, the cartridge PC in the cyan station, the cartridge PM in the magenta station, and the cartridge PY in the yellow station. In this embodiment, the cartridge PK is referred to as the first cartridge, the cartridge PC as the second cartridge, the cartridge PM as the third cartridge, and the cartridge PY as the fourth cartridge.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth photosensitive drums are examples of the first, second, third, and fourth rotating bodies. The first, second, third, and fourth developing rollers are also examples of the first, second, third, and fourth rotating bodies. The tray unit 50 includes multiple rotating bodies, and the multiple rotating bodies can be said to include these first to fourth rotating bodies.

[0028] It should be noted that the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are merely used for convenience in the description to distinguish between them, and these numbers can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0029] The photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 63 may be provided in either the cartridge P or the tray 51. In this embodiment, the cartridge P has the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 63.

[0030] The transfer unit 40 includes a belt (intermediate transfer belt) 41, a drive roller 46 that drives the belt 41, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaning unit 43, and a tension roller (driven roller) 47. The printer 1 in this embodiment is provided with an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the belt 41. In this embodiment, the belt 41 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 61 and can contact the photosensitive drum 61 so as to form a primary transfer portion between the belt 41 and the photosensitive drum 61. The printer 1 also includes a secondary transfer roller 45 that contacts the belt 41 so as to form a secondary transfer portion. The secondary transfer portion is formed between the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45. The rotational axes of the primary transfer roller 42, the drive roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the secondary transfer roller 45 are all parallel to each other. A pair of registration rollers 4 is disposed in front of the secondary transfer portion.

[0031] The fixing device 70 has a fixing section 70b and a flapper 5. When an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the fixing device 70 is in the use position. The fixing device 70 is stored inside the apparatus main body 1A when in the use position. The fixing device 70 is also configured to heat the sheet S when in the use position. In this embodiment, the fixing section 70b includes a heating section (heating roller) 71 including a heater, and a pressure section (pressure roller) 77.

[0032] The movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 will be described using Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the door 20 open. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the fixing device 70 moved. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 pulled out. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 pulled out by itself.

[0033] The transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are movable from the inside to the outside of the device main body 1A. In the horizontal direction H, the device main body 1A has a first end 1b1 provided with an opening 1A1 and a second end 1b2 opposite the first end 1b1. The tray unit 50 is movable through the opening 1A1 to a first inner position inside the device main body 1A and a first outer position outside the device main body 1A. The transfer unit 40 is movable through the opening 1A1 to a second inner position inside the device main body 1A and a second outer position outside the device main body 1A. The opening 1A1 may include an opening through which the tray unit 50 passes and an opening through which the transfer unit 40 passes. When the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, at least the belt 41 is moved, and at least a portion of the belt 41 protrudes from the device main body 1A toward the outside of the device main body 1A.

[0034] The direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is called the tray removal direction Dd1, and the direction opposite to the tray removal direction Dd1 is called the tray attachment direction Da1. The tray removal direction Dd1 can be said to be the direction from the second end 1b2 toward the first end 1b1.

[0035] The direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position is called the transfer take-out direction Dd2, and the opposite direction to the transfer take-out direction Dd2 is called the transfer attachment direction Da2. In the transfer take-out direction Dd2, the drive roller 46 is positioned downstream of the tension roller 47. The transfer take-out direction Dd2 can be said to be the direction from the second end 1b2 toward the first end 1b1.

[0036] The tray removal direction Dd1 and the tray attachment direction Da1 are directions that intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61. The transfer removal direction Dd2 and the transfer attachment direction Da2 are directions that intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46. The rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46 is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0037] In the horizontal direction H, a fixing device 70 is disposed on one end side of the apparatus main body 1A (the side where the first end 1b1 is disposed).

[0038] Door 20 attached to apparatus main body 1A is movable between a closed position and an open position. As shown in Fig. 1, when door 20 is in the closed position (door 20 closed state), door 20 covers opening 1A1. As shown in Fig. 2, when door 20 is in the open position (door 20 open state), opening 1A1 is exposed.

[0039] 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the door 20 covers the fixing device 70 attached to the apparatus main body 1A. More specifically, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the upper cover portion 20b of the door 20 is located above the fixing device 70. The upper cover portion 20b of the door 20 functions as a part of the exterior.

[0040] The door 20 can move between an open position and a closed position while the fixing device 70 is supported by the apparatus main body 1A. In other words, the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position so as to move away from the fixing device 70 supported by the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the door 20 is in the open position, the door 20 is away from the fixing device 70 supported by the apparatus main body 1A.

[0041] As will be described later, the fixing device 70 can be moved from the state shown in Fig. 2 to the state shown in Fig. 3 so that the opening 1A1 is widely exposed. With the door 20 and the fixing device 70 moved (Fig. 3), the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be moved from the inside to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 1A1, and after the movement, they will be in the state shown in Fig. 4.

[0042] With the tray unit 50 moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A (FIG. 4), it is possible to remove the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the tray 51 and to attach the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK to the tray 51. This allows the user to replace the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK with new cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. In this embodiment, the cartridge P is detachable from the tray 51 in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0043] The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving in a direction away from the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In other words, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving toward the opposite side of the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 40 is disposed below the tray unit 50. Therefore, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving upward relative to the tray 51.

[0044] Furthermore, the transfer unit 40 can be removed from the apparatus main body 1A independently of the tray unit 50, and can be replaced with a new transfer unit 40.

[0045] [Image formation operation] 1, the image forming operation of the printer 1 will be described. The printer 1 is connected to an external host device (external equipment) 400, and starts an image forming operation on a sheet S based on an image signal received from the external host device 400. The external host device 400 is, for example, a personal computer, an image reader, or a facsimile machine.

[0046] When an image is formed on the sheet S, the fixing device 70 is located at the use position, the tray unit 50 is located at the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 is located at the second inner position, and the door 20 is located at the closed position. With the transfer unit 40 located at the second inner position, the belt 41 can contact the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the tray unit 50 is located above the transfer unit 40.

[0047] A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 62, and the photosensitive drum 61 rotates. A laser corresponding to image information is irradiated from the scanner 6 onto the photosensitive drum 61, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 charged by the charging roller 62 is exposed to the laser. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0048] The developing roller 63 carries toner. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 63, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is developed with toner supplied from the developing roller 63, forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. In this embodiment, the developing roller 63 develops the electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 61, but the developing roller 63 may also develop the electrostatic latent image while there is a gap between the developing roller 63 and the photosensitive drum 61.

[0049] When a full-color image is formed, a toner image of each color is formed on each photosensitive drum 61 .

[0050] In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the developing roller 63 is movable between a contact position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 61 and a spaced position where it is spaced from the photosensitive drum 61. Specifically, a switching device provided in the apparatus main body 1A switches between a state where the developing roller 63 is in the contact position and a state where the developing roller 63 is in the spaced position. This allows the developing roller 63 to be spaced from the photosensitive drum 61 when no image forming operation is being performed.

[0051] The printer 1 can perform monochrome printing when the developing roller 63 and photosensitive drum 61 corresponding to the cartridge PK are in contact with each other and the developing rollers 63 and photosensitive drums 61 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, and PC are spaced apart from each other. The printer 1 can also perform full-color printing when the photosensitive drums 61 and belt 41 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are in contact with each other.

[0052] The toner images formed on each photosensitive drum 61 are transferred onto the belt 41 by the primary transfer roller 42 at the primary transfer section, and then transported toward the secondary transfer section formed by the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45.

[0053] Meanwhile, the apparatus main body 1A is formed with a conveying path (first path, first conveying path) 1c through which the sheet S passes toward the fixing device 70. The door 20 is also formed with a double-sided conveying path (second path, second conveying path) 20a through which the sheet S passes after passing through the fixing device 70. The door 20 covers the conveying path 1c when closed. When the door 20 is opened, the conveying path 1c and the double-sided conveying path 20a are exposed (FIG. 2).

[0054] In the sheet feeding unit 30, one sheet S is separated and fed from the sheets S stacked on the stacking tray 31 by a supply roller 32 at a predetermined timing, and skew of the sheet S is corrected by a pair of registration rollers 4. Then, the sheet S is conveyed through a conveying path 1c toward the secondary transfer unit and the fixing device 70.

[0055] In the secondary transfer portion, the toner image is transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S. The toner that has not been transferred to the sheet S is removed from the belt 41 by a cleaning blade (cleaning member) 43A provided in the cleaning portion 43.

[0056] The printer 1 can be said to have an image forming unit (image forming section) that forms an image on the sheet S in a transfer section (secondary transfer section). In this embodiment, the image forming unit includes a tray unit 50 and a transfer unit 40. In the horizontal direction H, the secondary transfer section is closer to the first end 1b1 than to the second end 1b2.

[0057] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer unit is transported toward the fixing device 70. In the fixing device 70, the sheet S is heated and pressurized in a fixing unit 70b, and the toner image is fixed onto the sheet S. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed is transported toward a flapper 5 serving as a path switching unit.

[0058] The flapper 5 is movable between a paper discharge position where the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 70 is guided toward a paper discharge path 1d and a reversing position where the sheet S is guided toward a reversing path 1e.

[0059] When single-sided printing is performed, in which an image is formed on one side of the sheet S, the sheet S is guided to the paper discharge path 1d by the flapper 5 and discharged onto a discharge tray 1f formed on the top of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0060] On the other hand, when double-sided printing is performed, in which images are printed on both sides of the sheet S, the sheet S is guided to the reversing path 1e by the flapper 5. After the sheet S is guided to the reversing path 1e, the conveying direction of the sheet S is reversed, and the sheet S is conveyed toward the secondary transfer unit through the double-sided conveying path 20a formed in the door 20. After the toner image is transferred to the back side of the sheet S in the secondary transfer unit, the sheet S passes through the fixing device 70, is guided by the flapper 5 to the paper discharge path 1d, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 1f of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0061] [Removing the tray unit and transfer unit and locating the fixing unit] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the removal of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 from the apparatus main body 1A and the arrangement of the fixing device 70 will be described.

[0062] As described above, the fixing device 70 of the printer 1 is disposed at one end of the device main body 1A in the horizontal direction. The transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 move from one end of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device main body 1A through the opening 1A1.

[0063] In other words, in the horizontal direction H, the fixing device 70 is closer to the first end 1b1 than to the second end 1b2. That is, in the horizontal direction H, the distance between the fixing device 70 and the first end 1b1 is shorter than the distance between the fixing device 70 and the second end 1b2. The fixing device 70 is disposed at a position closer to the first end 1b1 than to the center of the device body 1A in the horizontal direction H, and it can be said that the distance between the first end 1b1 and the fixing device 70 in the horizontal direction H is shorter than the distance between the first end 1b1 and the center of the device body 1A.

[0064] Furthermore, as described above, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the movement direction of the tray unit 50 is a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the tray unit 50 moves away from the second end 1b2.

[0065] As described above, when the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the movement direction of the transfer unit 40 is a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the drive roller 46. At this time, the transfer unit 40 moves away from the second end 1b2.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the door 20 covers the opening 1A1 in the closed state and also covers at least a portion of the conveying path 1c for the sheet S. The door 20 also has a duplex conveying path 20a. If a jam occurs with the sheet S, the user of the printer 1 can remove the sheet S from one end of the device main body 1A and clear the jam. Specifically, the user can move the door 20 to the open position to access the inside of the device main body 1A and remove the sheet S. Furthermore, if a portion of the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 70 is exposed outside the device main body 1A, the user can remove the sheet S by pulling it from outside the device main body 1A without opening the door 20.

[0067] Furthermore, the user of the printer 1 can move the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 from one end of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device main body 1A to check the status of the transfer unit 40 and the cartridge P, perform maintenance, replacement, and other tasks.

[0068] That is, in the printer 1, the fixing device 70 is disposed at one end of the device main body 1A, and the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 can be moved in and out of the device main body 1A through that end. As a result, the user can clear jams, access the fixing device 70, and operate the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 from one direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, the printer 1 has the door 20 facing the front. Therefore, it is sufficient to secure space for clearing jams and operating the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 from the front of the printer 1. On the other hand, there is no need to secure space for performing these operations from the left, right, back, or top of the printer 1. Therefore, the printer 1 can be installed in a small space.

[0070] If the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end of the device main body 1A, the user will need to access both ends of the device main body 1A to clear the jam and pull out the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50. Also, if one of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from one end of the device main body 1A and the other of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end, the user will also need to access both ends of the device main body 1A. This requires space to work from both the front and the back of the device main body 1A, which increases the area required to install the printer 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sheets S can be replenished from one end of the device main body 1A. Therefore, it is only necessary to secure space for replenishing the sheets S from the front of the printer 1, and the printer 1 can be installed in a space-saving manner.

[0072] [Relationship between the tray unit and the fixing unit] The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the fixing device 70 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50.

[0073] The tray unit 50 passes through a predetermined space when moving between a first inner position where an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S and a first outer position where replacement of the cartridge P is permitted. In this way, the space through which the tray unit 50 passes when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position is called the first space (movement space of the tray unit 50). The first space can also be called the path or trajectory (first movement path, first movement trajectory) through which the tray unit 50 passes when moving from the first inner position to the first outer position.

[0074] The transfer unit 40 passes through a predetermined space when moving between the second inner position where an image formation operation is performed on the sheet S and the second outer position. In this way, the space through which the transfer unit 40 passes when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position is called the second space (movement space of the transfer unit 40). The second space can also be called the path or trajectory (second movement path, second movement trajectory) through which the transfer unit 40 passes when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

[0075] The position (use position) of the fixing device 70 when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, and the first and second spaces have the following relationship.

[0076] 6 and 7, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 in the use position overlaps with the first space. In other words, when the fixing device 70 is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 is inside the first space.

[0077] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 overlaps with the space through which the cartridge P passes when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, but it may also be arranged so as to overlap with the space through which the tray 51 passes.

[0078] This allows the apparatus main body 1A to be made smaller in size than in a configuration in which the fixing device 70 in the use position is located outside the first space.

[0079] 6, in this embodiment, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveying path 20a overlaps with the first space. That is, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveying path 20a is inside the first space.

[0080] As described above, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 in the use position is located inside the first space. Therefore, when the fixing device 70 is in the use position, movement of the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position is restricted. On the other hand, the fixing device 70 is configured to be retractable from the use position. When the fixing device 70 is retracted from the use position, movement of the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position is permitted. When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 passes below the fixing device 70. Note that the fixing device 70 is located outside the second space in both the use position and the retracted position. Therefore, when the fixing device 70 is in the use position and when the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, the transfer unit 40 can move from the second inner position to the second outer position. When the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the transfer unit 40 passes below the fixing device 70.

[0081] The fixing device 70 has a fixing frame 70a that supports a fixing portion 70b. When the fixing device 70 retreats from the use position, the fixing frame 70a displaces relative to the apparatus main body 1A while supporting the fixing portion 70b.

[0082] When the tray unit 50 is pulled out to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A, the door 20 is first moved to the open position as shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the door 20 can be moved to the open position and the closed position while the fixing device 70 is positioned at the use position. Then, with the door 20 in the open position, the fixing device 70 is moved from the use position to the retracted position so as to move outside the first space as shown in Fig. 3.

[0083] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the fixing device 70 is movable between a use position and a retracted position when attached to the device main body 1A. In this embodiment, when the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, the entire fixing device 70 is located outside the first space.

[0084] The fixing device 70 is lifted from the use position and positioned at a retracted position above the use position. In other words, the retracted position is higher than the use position. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the fixing device 70 protrudes from the device main body 1A toward the outside of the device main body 1A. Furthermore, when the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, the position of at least a portion of the fixing device 70 is higher than the position of the upper cover portion 20b of the cover 20 in the closed position. This allows the size of the printer 1 to be kept small in the vertical direction V when the fixing device 70 is in the use position, while ensuring space for the tray unit 50 to move by moving the fixing device 70 to the retracted position. Note that when the fixing device 70 is in the retracted position, the door 20 is restricted from taking the closed position.

[0085] Specifically, the printer 1 has a connecting member (fixing connecting member, fixing link, arm) 75 movably connected to the device main body 1A. The fixing device 70 is connected to the device main body 1A via the connecting member 75.

[0086] The connecting member 75 is rotatable around a rotation center 75A, and when the tray unit 50 is pulled out to the outside of the device main body 1A, the connecting member 75 is moved out of the first space. The fixing device 70 is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting member 75, and the other end of the connecting member 75 is connected to the device main body 1A so as to be rotatable around the rotation center 75A. The fixing device 70, while supported by the connecting member 75 (connected to the device main body 1A via the connecting member 75), is movable from the use position to the retracted position and vice versa. The connecting member 75 is configured to be movable (swingable) relative to the device main body 1A and the fixing device 70. That is, the fixing device 70 is connected to the device main body 1A via the connecting member 75. As a result, the movement distance of the fixing device 70 when moving between the retracted position and the use position can be increased compared to a configuration in which the fixing device 70 is directly connected to the device main body 1A.

[0087] 7, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the angle between the movement direction of the tray unit 50 and the horizontal direction H is smaller than the angle between the movement direction of the tray unit 50 and the vertical direction V. Furthermore, when the fixing device 70 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the movement amount of the fixing device 70 in the vertical direction V is larger than the movement amount of the fixing device 70 in the horizontal direction H. In other words, when the fixing device 70 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the movement amount of the fixing device 70 in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the tray unit 50 is larger than the movement amount of the fixing device 70 in the direction parallel to the movement direction of the tray unit 50.

[0088] Furthermore, fixing device 70 may be configured to move between the use position and the retracted position while attached to apparatus main body 1A via a guide fixed to apparatus main body 1A. In this case, the shape of the guide is arbitrary.

[0089] However, the method for moving the fixing device 70 to the outside of the first space is not limited to this. For example, the fixing device 70 may be detachable from the apparatus main body 1A so as to retreat from the use position, and moved to the outside of the first space. That is, the fixing device 70 may be positioned outside the first space by separating it from the apparatus main body 1A and the door 20 (separating it from the main frame 100). Alternatively, the fixing device 70 may be connected to the door 20, and the fixing device 70 may be moved to the outside of the first space by opening the door 20.

[0090] [Relationship between the tray unit and the transfer unit] The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. FIG.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, with the fixing device 70 positioned outside the first space, the user grasps the tray handle 52 and moves the tray unit 50 toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the position of the transfer unit 40 when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S and the first space have the following relationship.

[0093] That is, when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position overlaps with the first space. In other words, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 is inside the first space.

[0094] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 overlaps with the space through which the tray 51 passes when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, but it may also be positioned so as to overlap with the space through which the cartridge P passes.

[0095] This allows the apparatus main body 1A to be made smaller in size than in a configuration in which the transfer unit 40 at the second inner position is positioned outside the first space.

[0096] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the part of the transfer unit 40 that overlaps with the first space is the cleaning section 43 that houses the cleaning member 43A. However, other parts of the transfer unit 40 may overlap with the first space. In this embodiment, the cleaning member 43A of the transfer unit 40 that is in the second inner position overlaps with the first space.

[0097] It can be said that the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 satisfy the following relationship: With the tray unit 50 in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position, in the movement direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, a part of the transfer unit 40 (cleaning unit 43) is downstream of the tray unit 50. In addition, in the vertical direction V, the area (range) in which the part of the transfer unit 40 (cleaning unit 43) downstream of the tray unit 50 is located at least partially overlaps with the area (range) in which the tray unit 50 is located.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a part of the duplex conveying path 20a overlaps with the second space through which the transfer unit 40 passes when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position. In other words, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a part of the duplex conveying path 20a is inside the second space.

[0099] As described above, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, at least a portion of the transfer unit 40 is located inside the first space. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the user moves the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position relative to the device main body 1A, the transfer unit 40 also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position relative to the device main body 1A. In other words, when the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are integrated, the tray unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, and the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position.

[0100] By moving the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 together, the photosensitive drum 61 is prevented from being exposed when the tray unit 50 moves to the first outer position, and scratches and dirt on the photosensitive drum 61 can be prevented.

[0101] 7, when the door 20 is open, the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, and the transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, the transfer unit 40 supports the tray unit 50 from below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door 20 supports the transfer unit 40. In other words, the transfer unit 40 supported by the door 20 supports the tray unit 50. In this state, it can also be said that the door 20 supports the tray unit 50 via the transfer unit 40.

[0102] The configuration for integrally moving the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figures 8, 9, and 10 are diagrams illustrating a connecting member (lever, stopper, locking member) 53 that connects the tray 51 of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40.

[0103] The printer 1 according to this embodiment has a locking member 53. In this embodiment, the locking member 53 is provided on the tray 51 of the tray unit 50. The locking member 53 has a transfer locking portion 53A and is rotatable around a rotation center 53B.

[0104] The tray 51 has a transfer connection portion 51A. The transfer unit 40 has a transfer frame 48 that supports a drive roller 46, a tension roller 47, and a primary transfer roller 42. The transfer frame 48 has a tray connection groove 48A and a lock connection portion 48B.

[0105] The locking member 53 rotates around the rotation center 53B, whereby the transfer locking portion 53A engages with the lock connecting portion 48B, and the locking member 53 can move to a connecting position where the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are connected, and to a release position where the transfer unit 40 is retracted from the connecting position.

[0106] By engaging the transfer connecting portion 51A with the tray connecting groove 48A, the tray unit 50 is restricted from moving in the first removal direction Dd1 and in a direction perpendicular to the first removal direction Dd1 relative to the transfer unit 40. On the other hand, the transfer unit 40 is restricted from moving in the second attachment direction Da2 and in a direction perpendicular to the second attachment direction Da2 relative to the tray unit 50.

[0107] Similar structures are provided at four locations in total: near both ends of the tension roller 47 in the direction of its rotation axis, and near both ends of the drive roller 46 in the direction of its rotation axis.

[0108] When the transfer lock portion 53A of the lock member 53 in the coupled position engages with the lock coupling portion 48B, the tray unit 50 is restricted from moving in the first attachment direction Da1 relative to the transfer unit 40. On the other hand, the transfer unit 40 is restricted from moving in the second removal direction Dd2 relative to the tray unit 50.

[0109] The locking member 53 and the locking connecting portion 48B may also be provided at both ends of the transfer unit 40 in the direction of the rotation axis of the tension roller 47.

[0110] In other words, when the transfer connecting portion 51A engages with the tray connecting groove 48A and the locking member 53 in the connecting position engages with the lock connecting portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are restricted from moving relative to each other. Note that in this state, there may be play between the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50.

[0111] In other words, the transfer connecting portion 51A and the locking member 53 function as a tray-side connecting device, and the tray connecting groove 48A and the lock connecting portion 48B function as a transfer-side connecting device. By connecting the tray-side connecting device and the transfer-side connecting device, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are connected, and the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 move integrally.

[0112] 10, the apparatus main body 1A has an unlocking portion 1B. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the locking member 53 is in contact with the unlocking portion 1B and is in the unlocked position. In this state, the transfer locking portion 53A is separated from the lock connecting portion 48B.

[0113] When the tray unit 50 is moved in the first removal direction Dd1 with the locking member 53 in the released position, the transfer unit 40 is pushed in the second removal direction Dd2 by the transfer connecting portion 51A. As a result, the transfer unit 40 is also moved integrally with the tray unit 50 in the second removal direction Dd2. When the tray unit 50 moves a predetermined distance in the first removal direction Dd1, the locking member 53 separates from the lock releasing portion 1B, moves to the connected position, and engages with the lock connecting portion 48B. With the locking member 53 in the connected position and engaged with the lock connecting portion 48B, the tray unit 50 is moved to the first outer position, and the transfer unit 40 is moved to the second outer position.

[0114] When the tray unit 50 is moved in the first attachment direction Da1 with the locking member 53 engaged with the lock connecting portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 is pushed in the second attachment direction Da2 by the locking member 53. As a result, the transfer unit 40 is also moved integrally with the tray unit 50 in the second attachment direction Da2.

[0115] When the transfer unit 40 is moved in the second attachment direction Da2 with the lock member 53 engaged with the lock connecting portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 pushes the transfer connecting portion 51A, and the tray unit 50 is pushed in the first attachment direction Da1. As a result, the tray unit 50 is also moved integrally with the transfer unit 40 in the first attachment direction Da1.

[0116] When the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are moved integrally toward the inside of the apparatus main body 1A, the lock member 53 is moved to the unlocked position by the lock release section 1B. In this state, even if the tray unit 50 is moved in the first attachment direction Da1, the transfer unit 40 does not move. Therefore, during the process of closing the door 20, the force of the secondary transfer roller 45 contacting the transfer unit 40 pushes the transfer unit 40 in the second attachment direction Da2 and pushes it to the back of the apparatus main body 1A (to the second inner position). In other words, the door 20 can push the transfer unit 40 so that the transfer unit 40 is located at the second inner position. Alternatively, the door 20 may push the tray unit 50 so that the tray unit 50 is located at the first inner position.

[0117] On the other hand, when the transfer unit 40 is moved in the second removal direction Dd2 with the locking member 53 in the release position and the tray unit 50 in the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 can be moved from the second inner position to the second outer position independently of the tray unit 50. In the printer 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, with the tray unit 50 positioned inside the device main body 1A (first inner position), the transfer unit 40 can be moved outside the device main body 1A (second outer position). The transfer unit 40 is removable from the device main body 1A and can be replaced with a new transfer unit 40.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray unit 50 is positioned relative to the device main body 1A independently of the transfer unit 40. Furthermore, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the transfer unit 40 is positioned relative to the device main body 1A independently of the tray unit 50. This is because priority is given to accurately positioning each of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 relative to the device main body 1A. Therefore, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, a slight clearance is provided between the tray connecting groove 48A and the transfer connecting portion 51A.

[0119] The clearance between the tray connecting groove 48A and the transfer connecting portion 51A may be eliminated so that the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be positioned relative to each other when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. In this case, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be positioned relative to each other with high precision.

[0120] [Moving the tray unit and transfer unit] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H when they are attached to the apparatus main body 1A.

[0121] More specifically, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61 closer to the first end 1b1 is positioned higher in the vertical direction V than the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61 farther from the first end 1b1.

[0122] That is, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the second photosensitive drum is closer to the first end 1b1 than the first photosensitive drum, and the rotation axis of the second photosensitive drum is located higher in the vertical direction V than the rotation axis of the first photosensitive drum. Similarly, the third photosensitive drum is closer to the first end 1b1 than the second photosensitive drum, and the rotation axis of the third photosensitive drum is located higher in the vertical direction V than the rotation axis of the second photosensitive drum. The fourth photosensitive drum is closer to the first end 1b1 than the third photosensitive drum, and the rotation axis of the fourth photosensitive drum is located higher in the vertical direction V than the rotation axis of the third photosensitive drum.

[0123] Furthermore, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, at least a portion of the cartridge P closer to the first end 1b1 is located higher in the vertical direction V than the cartridge P farther from the first end 1b1.

[0124] That is, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the cartridge PC is closer to the first end 1b1 than the cartridge PK, and at least a portion of the cartridge PC is located higher than the cartridge PK in the vertical direction V. Similarly, the cartridge PM is closer to the first end 1b1 than the cartridge PC, and at least a portion of the cartridge PM is located higher than the cartridge PC in the vertical direction V. The cartridge PY is closer to the first end 1b1 than the cartridge PM, and at least a portion of the cartridge PY is located higher than the cartridge PM in the vertical direction V.

[0125] 1, a line LD is a line connecting the centers of the photosensitive drums 61. In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the line LD is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction H from the side farther from the first end 1b1 to the side closer to the first end 1b1.

[0126] Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the belt 41 that contact the first, second, third, and fourth photosensitive drums are inclined upward from the side farther from the first end 1b1 to the side closer to the first end 1b1.

[0127] The movement direction of the tray unit 50 when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is called the pull-out direction of the tray unit 50. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray unit 50 is inclined so that the downstream side of the tray unit 50 in the pull-out direction of the tray unit 50 is higher in the vertical direction V than the upstream side. In other words, the tray unit 50 is inclined diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal direction H toward the downstream side in the pull-out direction.

[0128] Similarly, the movement direction of the tray 51 when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is referred to as the pull-out direction of the tray 51. When the tray 51 is in the first inner position, the tray 51 is inclined so that the downstream side of the tray 51 in the pull-out direction of the tray 51 is higher in the vertical direction V than the upstream side. In other words, the tray 51 is inclined diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal direction H toward the downstream side in the pull-out direction.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 1 , the tray 51 has a tray underside 51c. The tray underside 51c faces downward when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position. More specifically, the tray underside 51c is the surface with the largest area among the surfaces of the tray 51 that face downward when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position. The tray underside 51c has a downstream end 51c1 and an upstream end 51c2 in the pull-out direction of the tray unit 50. When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the downstream end 51c1 is located downstream of the upstream end 51c2. In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray underside 51c is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction H from the side farther from the first end 1b1 to the side closer to the first end 1b1. Furthermore, with respect to the vertical direction V, the downstream end 51c1 is located above the upstream end 51c2.

[0130] When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 moves in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H (in this embodiment, a direction inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction H). In other words, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tray unit 50 moves diagonally upward.

[0131] When the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the movement direction of the tray unit 50 changes from diagonally upward to downward. The movement direction of the tray unit 50 may include a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H or a diagonally downward direction relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0132] The angle between the straight line LD and the horizontal direction H is smaller when the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position than when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position. In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, the straight line LD and the horizontal direction H are parallel, but the straight line LD may be inclined downward or upward with respect to the horizontal direction H.

[0133] Similarly, when the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the movement direction of the transfer unit 40 changes from diagonally upward to diagonally downward. The movement direction of the transfer unit 40 may include a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H or a diagonally downward direction relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0134] The angle between the contact surface of the belt 41 and the horizontal direction H is smaller when the transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position than when the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. In this embodiment, when the transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, the contact surface of the belt 41 is parallel to the horizontal direction H, but the contact surface of the belt 41 may be inclined downward or upward with respect to the horizontal direction H.

[0135] When the tray unit 50 is moved from the first outer position to the first inner position, the tray unit 50 moves in the horizontal direction H, and then moves diagonally downward from the middle. When the transfer unit 40 is moved from the second outer position to the second inner position, the transfer unit 40 moves in the horizontal direction H, and then moves diagonally downward from the middle. With this configuration, the weights of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be used when inserting the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 into the apparatus main body 1A.

[0136] The above-mentioned horizontal direction H can be called the first direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. The first direction is a direction that intersects (preferably perpendicular to) the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61 and a direction that intersects (preferably perpendicular to) the rotational axis direction of the drive roller 46. The direction that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction H and the vertical direction V can be called the second direction. The second direction is parallel to the rotational axis direction of the drive roller 46 and the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61. Figures 1 to 7 can be called views of the printer 1 viewed in the second direction. The second direction can be called the width direction of the sheet S.

[0137] In the following description, in the vertical direction V, the upper side of the printer 1 will be referred to as the top side, and the lower side will be referred to as the bottom side. In the horizontal direction H, one side of the printer 1 will be referred to as the front side, and the other side will be referred to as the rear side. The first end 1b1 is located on the front side, and the second end 1b2 is located on the rear side. When viewing the printer 1 from the front side, in the second direction, the right side of the printer 1 will be referred to as the right side, and the left side will be referred to as the left side.

[0138] (Electrical component support) 11, 12, and 13, the layout of the electrical components of the printer 1 will be described. The electrical components include a power supply board that receives AC voltage from a commercial power source, electrical boards such as a control board that controls the operation of each component of the printer 1, and a drive source.

[0139] 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of electrical components of the printer 1 of Example 1. In Fig. 12, exterior components such as the door 20 of the device main body 1A of the printer 1 are omitted. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the door 20 of Example 1 and an inlet 82a, which will be described later.

[0140] 12, the apparatus main body 1A has a right side plate (first side wall) 90 disposed at one end in the second direction, and a left side plate (second side wall) 91 disposed at the other end in the second direction. The right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 are configured to support the tray unit 50 when it is in the first inner position. The right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 are also configured to support the transfer unit 40 when it is in the second inner position. The right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 are formed of sheet metal.

[0141] The tray unit 50 is movable between a first inner position and a first outer position by moving in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the second direction relative to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. The transfer unit 40 is movable between a second inner position and a second outer position by moving in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the second direction relative to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. The right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 have guide portions that guide the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 when they move.

[0142] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the apparatus main body 1A has a first rear stay 92 and a second rear stay 94. The first rear stay 92 and the second rear stay 94 are examples of rear walls. In the first direction, the first rear stay 92 and the second rear stay 94 are closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. More specifically, the first rear stay 92 is disposed at the second end 1b2, with at least a portion thereof positioned between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The second rear stay 94 is disposed at the second end 1b2, with at least a portion thereof positioned between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The first rear stay 92 and the second rear stay 94 are formed of sheet metal.

[0143] The first rear stay 92 is fixed to at least one of the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91, and the second rear stay 94 is fixed to at least one of the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. In this embodiment, the first rear stay 92 is fixed to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91, and the second rear stay 94 is fixed to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. In this embodiment, the first rear stay 92 is fixed to the second rear stay 94.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 11 , the device main body 1A has an upper stay 93. The upper stay 93 is an example of an upper wall. In the first direction, the upper stay 93 is closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. At least a portion of the upper stay 93 is located between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The upper stay 93 is fixed to at least one of the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. In this embodiment, the upper stay 93 is fixed to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. The upper stay 93 is formed from sheet metal.

[0145] When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, at least a portion of the tray unit 50 is located below the upper stay 93. In this embodiment, the entire tray unit 50 is located below the upper stay 93. In addition, at least a portion of the scanner 6 is located below the upper stay 93.

[0146] In the first direction, the position of the upper stay 93 and the position of the tray unit 50 at the first inner position at least partially overlap each other. In other words, at least a part of the tray unit 50 at the first inner position is located directly below the upper stay 93.

[0147] In the first direction, the position of the upper stay 93 at least partially overlaps the position of the scanner 6. That is, at least a part of the scanner 6 is located directly below the upper stay 93.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 11 , the device main body 1A has a bottom plate 95. The bottom plate 95 is an example of a bottom wall. At least a portion of the bottom plate 95 is located between the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91 in the second direction. The bottom plate 95 is fixed to at least one of the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 95 is fixed to the right side plate 90 and the left side plate 91.

[0149] The right side plate 90, left side plate 91, first rear stay 92, second rear stay 94, upper stay 93, and bottom plate 95 can be fixed to their counterparts by joining with screws, welding, or the like.

[0150] The printer 1 has an image forming motor M1, a paper feed motor M2, and a fixing motor M3. Each of the image forming motor M1, the paper feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3 is an example of a drive source.

[0151] The paper feed motor M2 drives the middle plate 33 so as to lift up the recording material S in the paper feed cassette 31 up to the paper feed roller 32. The paper feed motor M2 also drives the paper feed roller 32. The paper feed motor M2 is provided on the right side plate 90.

[0152] The printer 1 has a fuser drive unit D2 that includes a fuser motor M3. The fuser drive unit D2 is provided on the right side plate 90. The fuser motor M3 drives a pressure roller (fuser roller) 77 provided in the fuser device 70. The fuser drive unit D2 may include a fuser drive train (fuser gear train) that transmits the driving force of the fuser motor M3 to the pressure roller 77.

[0153] The printer 1 has an imaging drive unit D1 including an imaging motor M1 and an imaging drive gear train (drive train) 74 that transmits the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to the tray unit 50. The imaging drive unit D1 is provided on the right side panel 90. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging motor M1 drives the drive roller 46 of the transfer unit 40, etc.

[0154] In this embodiment, the imaging drive gear train 74 transmits the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to each of the photosensitive drums 61 of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black stations. The imaging drive gear train 74 may transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to each of the developing rollers 63 of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black stations. The imaging drive gear train 74 may transmit the driving force of the imaging motor M1 to each of the developing rollers 63 of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black stations and to each of the photosensitive drums 61.

[0155] The imaging drive gear train 74 has a drive output portion 74a. When the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, the drive output portion 74a is disconnected from the tray unit 50. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the drive output portion 74a is connected to the tray unit 50, and the driving force of the imaging motor M1 is transmitted to the tray unit 50.

[0156] The drive output portion 74a may be, for example, a gear or a coupling. The image formation drive gear train 74 includes drive output portions 74aY, 74aM, 74aC, and 74aK.

[0157] The drive output unit 74aY transmits the drive force of the imaging motor M1 to the yellow station to drive at least one of the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 63 of the yellow station. When the drive output unit 74aY drives the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 63, the drive output unit 74aY may include a member that drives the photosensitive drum 61 and a member that drives the developing roller 63.

[0158] The drive output sections 74aM, 74aC, and 74aK transmit the drive force of the image forming motor M1 to the magenta station, cyan station, and black station, respectively. The drive output sections 74aM, 74aC, and 74aK have the same configuration as the drive output section 74aY.

[0159] 11, the transfer unit 40 is tilted downward in the first direction as it moves away from the secondary transfer unit. By tilting the transfer unit 40 downward, a portion of the transfer unit 40 can be accommodated in the space between the secondary transfer unit and the stacking tray 31 in the vertical direction V. As a result, the size of the printer 1 in the vertical direction V can be reduced.

[0160] As the transfer unit 40 tilts downward, the tray unit 50 tilts downward as it moves away from the secondary transfer unit in the first direction. As the tray unit 50 tilts downward, the direction in which the photosensitive drums 61 are arranged also tilts downward as it moves away from the secondary transfer unit in the first direction. Accordingly, the scanner 6 tilts downward as it moves away from the secondary transfer unit in the first direction.

[0161] In this embodiment, when the tray unit is in the first inner position, the photosensitive drum 61 of the cyan station is closer to the first end 1b1 in the first direction than the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station. When the tray unit is in the first inner position, at least a portion of the photosensitive drum 61 of the cyan station is located at a higher position in the vertical direction V than the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station. The photosensitive drum 61 of the cyan station is an example of a first rotating body, and the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station is an example of a second rotating body. Furthermore, when the tray unit is in the first inner position, at least a portion of the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station is located below the secondary transfer roller 45 in the vertical direction V. Furthermore, the contact position where the photosensitive drum 61 of the black station and the belt 41 contact each other is also located below the secondary transfer roller 45 in the vertical direction V.

[0162] The scanner 6 is tilted, and the upper stay 93 and the electric board provided on the upper stay 93 are accommodated in the space created above the scanner 6. In this embodiment, the upper stay 93 is provided with a control board 81, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the control board 81 is an example of the upper board provided on the upper stay 93.

[0163] In the first direction, the position of the electric board provided on the upper stay 93 and the position of the tray unit 50 at the first inner position at least partially overlap. In other words, at least a part of the tray unit 50 at the first inner position is located directly below the electric board provided on the upper stay 93.

[0164] In the first direction, the position of the electric board provided on the upper stay 93 at least partially overlaps the position of the scanner 6. In other words, at least a part of the scanner 6 is located directly below the electric board provided on the upper stay 93.

[0165] The first rear stay 92 is provided with a connecting board 83. In this embodiment, the first rear stay 92 is bent so that a recess is formed, and the connecting board 83 is housed in the recess of the first rear stay 92. In this embodiment, the connecting board 83 is an example of a rear board provided on the first rear stay 92.

[0166] The connection board 83 is equipped with a connector (connection connector, external connection connector) 83a that can be connected to an external device (external apparatus) 400. The connector 83a includes a LAN connector, a USB connector, etc. The external device 400 is a device that can output print instructions to the printer 1, and is, for example, a personal computer. The connection board 83 can generate an image signal based on the print instructions (image information) sent from the external device 400 connected to the connector 83a via a cable or the like.

[0167] The connection board 83 has a mounting surface on which the connector 83a is mounted, and the mounting surface of the connection board 83 extends along the vertical direction V. The angle (narrow angle) formed between the mounting surface of the connection board 83 and the vertical direction V can be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the connection board 83 and the vertical direction V may be parallel to each other.

[0168] The mounting surface of connection board 83 extends along the second direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the mounting surface of connection board 83 and the second direction can be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of connection board 83 and the second direction can be parallel.

[0169] The connection board 83 is connected to the control board 81 via a cable FFC1. The cable FFC1 is a flexible flat cable, and the image signal generated by the connection board 83 is sent to the control board 81 through this cable FFC1.

[0170] The control board 81 includes an electric element 81a. The control board 81 may have a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM) as the electric element 81a. The control board 81 is configured to receive signals such as image signals output from the connection board 83. The control board 81 of this embodiment is configured to control the image forming motor M1, the paper feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3. The control board 81 has a CPU and drive circuits that control the drive of the image forming motor M1, the paper feed motor M2, and the fixing motor M3.

[0171] It should be noted that the motor M1, the paper feed motor M2, the fixing motor M3, the fixing device 70, and the scanner 6 may be controlled by the controller 10.

[0172] Furthermore, the control board 81 of this embodiment has the function of generating a high voltage to be supplied to the cartridge P and the transfer unit 40 .

[0173] Control board 81 has a mounting surface on which electrical elements are mounted, and the mounting surface of control board 81 extends along a first direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the mounting surface of control board 81 and the first direction may be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of control board 81 and the first direction may be parallel.

[0174] The mounting surface of the control board 81 extends along the second direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the mounting surface of the control board 81 and the second direction can be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the control board 81 and the second direction can be parallel.

[0175] The printer 1 has an inlet 82a. In the first direction, the inlet 82a is disposed closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1. A plug or the like for connecting the printer 1 to a commercial power source is inserted into the inlet 82a. In other words, the inlet 82a is configured to receive AC voltage supplied from the commercial power source.

[0176] 13 is a view of the printer 1 viewed in the first direction, more specifically, a view of the printer 1 viewed from the front side. In FIG. 13, the door 20 is positioned in the closed position. The inlet 82a overlaps with the door 20 in the closed position when viewed in the first direction. In addition, in the vertical direction V, the inlet 82a is positioned above the rotation axis 20c of the door 20.

[0177] In this embodiment, the inlet 82a opens in the first direction from the first end 1b1 to the second end 1b2. The inlet 82a is closer to the upper part of the device body 1A than to the lower part. That is, the device body 1A has an upper end and a lower end in the vertical direction V, and the inlet 82a is closer to the upper end than to the lower end in the vertical direction V.

[0178] A power supply unit EU is provided on the right side plate 90. The power supply unit EU includes a power supply board 88 and a power supply board stay 99 serving as a casing that houses the power supply board 88. The power supply board 88 is supported by the power supply board stay 99 and is fixed to the right side plate 90 via the power supply board stay 99. In this embodiment, the inlet 82a is supported by the power supply board stay 99.

[0179] In the first direction, at least a portion of the power supply board 88 is closer to the second end 1b2 than the fixing device 70 and closer to the first end 1b1 than the inlet 82a.

[0180] An AC voltage is supplied from a commercial power source via the inlet 82a to the power supply board 88. In other words, the power supply board 88 is configured to receive an AC voltage supplied from the commercial power source via the inlet 82a.

[0181] The power supply substrate 88 has a wiring board 88a and at least one electric element 88b mounted on the mounting surface of the wiring board 88a. The at least one electric element 88b includes a plurality of electric elements. Examples of the plurality of electric elements include a capacitor and a transformer.

[0182] The mounting surface of wiring board 88a (the mounting surface of electric substrate 88) extends along the first direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the mounting surface of electric substrate 88 and the first direction may be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of electric substrate 88 may be parallel to the first direction.

[0183] The mounting surface of the electric board 88 extends along the vertical direction V. The angle (narrow angle) between the mounting surface of the electric board 88 and the vertical direction V may be less than 30 degrees. The mounting surface of the electric board 88 and the vertical direction V may be parallel to each other.

[0184] In this embodiment, the mounting surface of the wiring board 88a is arranged facing the right side plate 90 in the second direction, and the electrical element 88b is therefore located between the right side plate 90 and the wiring board 88a in the second direction.

[0185] 11, the electric board 88 overlaps with the discharge tray (paper discharge tray) 1f and the scanner 6 when viewed in the second direction.

[0186] The power supply substrate 88 is closer to the second end 1b2 than to the first end 1b1 in the first direction. The power supply substrate 88 also has a first substrate end 88a1 and a second substrate end 88a2 in the first direction. The first substrate end 88a1 is closer to the first end 1b1 than the second substrate end 88a2 in the first direction.

[0187] 12, in the second direction, the position of the power supply unit EU (the area where the power supply unit EU is arranged) and the position of the imaging drive unit D1 (the area where the imaging drive unit D1 is arranged) overlap. The power supply unit EU is located above the imaging drive unit D1 in the vertical direction V. Furthermore, the power supply unit EU is located above the imaging drive gear train 74 in the vertical direction V. In this embodiment, the power supply unit EU is located directly above the imaging drive unit D1, and further, the power supply unit EU is located directly above the imaging drive gear train 74.

[0188] The tray unit 50 tilts downward as it moves away from the first end 1b1 in the first direction. As the tray unit 50 tilts downward, the direction in which the photosensitive drums 61 are lined up also tilts downward as it moves away from the first end 1b1 in the first direction. As a result, the image formation drive gear train 74 also tilts downward as it moves away from the first end 1b1 in the first direction. Therefore, the space above the image formation drive unit D1 becomes wider near the second end 1b2.

[0189] In this embodiment, the power supply unit EU is disposed above the image forming drive unit D1, so that the space above the image forming drive unit D1 can be effectively utilized to dispose the power supply unit EU.

[0190] Furthermore, the length of the first board end 88a1 is shorter than the length of the second board end 88a2 in the vertical direction V. Therefore, the length of the power supply board stay 99 closer to the first end 1b1 in the first direction can also be made shorter than the length of the end closer to the second end 1b2. As a result, the space created by the tilt of the image formation drive gear train 74 can be more effectively utilized to arrange the power supply unit EU.

[0191] Furthermore, since there is a large space above the image forming drive unit D1, the inlet 82a can be disposed above the image forming drive unit D1, thereby improving the degree of freedom in arranging the inlet 82a.

[0192] The power supply board 88 has a connector 82b, and the connector 82b and the inlet 82a are connected by a cable C3. The AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply is supplied to the power supply board 88 from the inlet 82a via the cable C3 and the connector 82b.

[0193] The power supply board 88 has the function of a so-called AC-DC converter, which converts AC voltage into DC voltage. Therefore, the power supply board 88 has a rectifier element, a smoothing capacitor, a transformer, a switching element, and a control IC. The rectifier element, smoothing capacitor, transformer, switching element, and control IC are examples of a plurality of electric components 88b.

[0194] Power supply board 88 supplies power to connection board 83, control board 81, image creation motor M1, paper feed motor M2, and fixing motor M3. More specifically, power supply board 88 converts commercial power supply voltage into a DC voltage such as 24 V or 3.3 V, and supplies the DC voltage to connection board 83, control board 81, image creation motor M1, paper feed motor M2, and fixing motor M3. The image creation motor M1, paper feed motor M2, and fixing motor M3 are examples of drive sources that are driven by power supplied from power supply board 88.

[0195] In this embodiment, the power supply board 88 and the control board 81 are connected by a cable C8. DC voltages of 24V and 3.3V are supplied to the control board 81 via the cable C8.

[0196] In this embodiment, the power supply board 88 and the control board 81 are connected by a cable FFC3. The cable FFC3 is a flexible flat cable. Signals that control the operation of the power supply board 88 are transmitted from the control board 81 via this cable FFC3. These signals include a signal that changes the operating mode of the AC-DC converter of the power supply board 88 when the printer 1 is in the power saving mode.

[0197] In this embodiment, the control board 81 and the connection board 83 are connected by a cable C1. A DC voltage of 3.3 V is supplied from the control board 81 to the connection board 83 via this cable C1, and control elements (e.g., a central processing unit) in the connection board 83 operate.

[0198] In this embodiment, the power supply board 88 is configured to supply power to the fixing device 70. More specifically, the heating roller 71 of the fixing device 70 has a heater 87, and power is supplied to the heater 87 from the power supply board 88.

[0199] The power supply board 88 has a function of controlling the on / off of the triac, converting the commercial power supply voltage into a desired fixing power supply voltage, and supplying it to the heater 87. The commercial power supply voltage converted here may be the AC voltage received from the commercial power supply as is, or may be a voltage that has passed through a current fuse or a noise filter (not shown).

[0200] In order to supply the desired power to the fixing device 70, the power supply board 88 is mounted with a switching element such as a triac, a circuit for driving the triac, a circuit for detecting the cycle and phase of the commercial power supply voltage, etc. By controlling the on / off of the triac, the commercial power supply voltage (AC voltage) is converted into the desired fixing power supply voltage and supplied to the heater 87.

[0201] The fixing device 70 is provided with a receiving connector (fixing connector) 72 that receives power from a power supply board 88. The receiving connector 72 is connected to the heater 87 by a cable C7. Meanwhile, the apparatus main body 1A is provided with a supply connector 73 and a cable C5. The cable C5 is connected to a connector 82c provided on the power supply board 88. In the first direction, the connector 82c is closer to the fixing device 70 than the inlet 82a.

[0202] The supply connector 73 is electrically connected to the power supply board 88 via a cable C5 and a connector 82c. The receiving connector 72 is detachably connected to the supply connector 73.

[0203] In addition, in the second direction, the receiving connector 72 and the supply connector 73 are located closer to the right side wall 90 than to the left side wall 91. In the first direction, the receiving connector 72 and the supply connector 73 are located closer to the first end 1b1 than to the second end 1b2.

[0204] Electric power is supplied to the heater 87 from the power supply board 88 via the connector 82c, the cable C5, the supply connector 73, the receiving connector 73, and the cable C7.

[0205] A signal detecting the phase of the commercial power supply voltage is transmitted to the control board 81 via a cable FFC3 connecting the power supply board 88 and the control board 81, and a heater control signal generated by the control board 81 from the phase of the commercial power supply voltage is transmitted to the power supply board 88. The on / off of the triac is controlled based on the heater control signal, and power is supplied to the heater 87 so that the heater 87 reaches a desired temperature according to the characteristics of the recording material S and the printing speed.

[0206] In this embodiment, the power supply board 88, inlet 82a, supply connector 73, and receiving connector 72 are provided on the right side plate 90, but they may also be provided on the left side plate 91.

[0207] (Power supply unit placement) The arrangement of the power supply units EU will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figures 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the power supply units in this embodiment.

[0208] The printer 1 includes an image forming drive unit D1, a fixing drive unit D2, and a paper feed drive unit D3. The paper feed drive unit D3 is provided on the right side panel 90.

[0209] The paper feed drive unit D3 includes a paper feed motor M2. The paper feed drive unit D3 may include a gear (not shown) that drives the intermediate plate 33 and a paper feed drive train (paper feed gear train) that transmits the driving force of the paper feed motor M2 to the paper feed roller 32.

[0210] 15 is a view of the printer 1 as seen in the vertical direction V, more specifically as seen from the top side of the printer 1. In FIG. 15, the hatched area indicates the paper feed drive unit D3, and the dotted area indicates the image formation drive unit D1.

[0211] As described above, the power supply unit EU is disposed above the imaging drive unit D1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the power supply unit EU and the imaging drive unit D1 at least partially overlap when viewed in the vertical direction V. As described above, in this embodiment, the electrical element 88b mounted on the wiring board 88a of the power supply board 88 is disposed between the wiring board 88a and the right side plate 90 in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the wiring board 88a, the electrical element 88b, and the power supply board stay 99 overlap the imaging drive unit D1 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0212] 14, the position of the power supply unit EU (the area where the power supply unit EU is arranged) and the position of the imaging drive unit D1 (the area where the imaging drive unit D1 is arranged) at least partially overlap in the first direction. In other words, at least a part of the power supply unit EU is located directly above the imaging drive unit D1.

[0213] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the position of the paper feed drive unit D3 and the position of the image formation drive unit D1 at least partially overlap in the second direction.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 14, the position of the paper feed drive unit D3 and the position of the image formation drive unit D1 at least partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0215] The fixing drive unit D2 and the power supply board stay 99 are arranged so as not to overlap with the discharge tray 1f when viewed from the top side. This allows the electric board 88 to be arranged so as to overlap with the discharge tray (paper output tray) 1f when viewed in the second direction, thereby reducing the height of the printer 1 in the vertical direction V.

[0216] 14, at least a portion of the fixing drive unit D2 is located above the image forming drive unit D1 in the vertical direction V. Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing drive unit D2 is located directly above the image forming drive unit D1. In other words, as viewed in the vertical direction V, the fixing drive unit D2 at least partially overlaps with the image forming drive unit D1.

[0217] In the second direction, the position of the image forming drive unit D1 (the area where the image forming drive unit D1 is disposed) at least partially overlaps with the position of the fixing drive unit D2 (the area where the fixing drive unit D2 is disposed), thereby reducing the size of the printer 1 in the second direction.

[0218] In addition, in the first direction, the position of the image forming drive unit D1 (the area where the image forming drive unit D1 is arranged) at least partially overlaps with the position of the fixing drive unit D2 (the area where the fixing drive unit D2 is arranged). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 15, the image forming drive unit D1 and the fixing drive unit D2 overlap in the range E1 in the first direction.

[0219] By extending the fixing drive unit D2 toward the rear side, space for arranging the internal components of the fixing unit D2 can be secured. On the other hand, extending the fixing drive unit D2 toward the rear side reduces the space required for arranging the power supply unit EU. However, as described above, by arranging the power supply unit EU above the imaging drive unit D1, the space above the imaging drive unit D1 can be effectively utilized to arrange the power supply unit EU. Furthermore, the length of the first board end 88a1 in the vertical direction V is shorter than the length of the second board end 88a2. Therefore, the length of the end of the power supply board stay 99 closer to the first end 1b1 in the first direction can also be shorter than the length of the end closer to the second end 1b2. As a result, the space created by the tilt of the imaging drive gear train 74 can be more effectively utilized to arrange the power supply unit EU.

[0220] In this embodiment, the image forming drive unit D1 and the paper feed drive unit D3 are separate units. However, the image forming drive unit D1 and the paper feed drive unit D3 may be combined into one unit and disposed on the bottom side in the vertical direction V with respect to the fixing drive unit D2 and the power supply board stay 99.

[0221] As described above, according to this embodiment, the power supply unit EU can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0222] (summary) The present application discloses at least the following:

[0223] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a device body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, the device body having a first side wall disposed at one end in the second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction; an image forming unit that transfers an image onto a recording material at a transfer portion, the image forming unit including a drawer unit that is movable between an inner position inside the device main body and an outer position outside the device main body, the drawer unit having a plurality of rotating bodies including a first rotating body and a second rotating body, the image forming unit being disposed so that the transfer portion is closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a drive unit provided on the first side wall, the drive unit including a drive source and a drive train that transmits the drive force of the drive source to each of the first rotating body and the second rotating body; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and disposed closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply unit provided on the first side wall and including a power supply board and a casing that houses the power supply board; and When the drawer unit is in the inner position, the first rotating body is closer to the first end than the second rotating body in the first direction, and at least a portion of the first rotating body is located at a higher position than the second rotating body in the vertical direction, an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction, and the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap when viewed in the vertical direction;

[0224] (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the pull-out unit is movable in a direction intersecting the second direction.

[0225] (Configuration 3) 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the drawer unit is movable between the inner position and the outer position through an opening provided in the first end portion.

[0226] (Configuration 4) the image forming unit includes an intermediate transfer belt; The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the first rotating body is a first photosensitive drum that can come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and the second rotating body is a second photosensitive drum that can come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt.

[0227] (Configuration 5) a transfer roller that forms the transfer portion between itself and the intermediate transfer belt, 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein when the drawer unit is in the inner position, at least a portion of the second photosensitive drum is located below the transfer roller in the vertical direction.

[0228] (Configuration 6) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a device body having a first end portion provided with an opening and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, the device body having a first side wall disposed at one end in the second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction; a drawer unit movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the drawer unit having a rotating body and movable through the opening between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body; a drive unit provided on the first side wall, the drive unit including a drive source and a drive train that transmits the drive force of the drive source to the rotating body; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and disposed closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply unit provided on the first side wall and including a power supply board and a casing that houses the power supply board; and When a moving direction of the drawer unit when it moves from the inner position to the outer position is defined as a drawing direction, the drawer unit is inclined such that a downstream side of the drawer unit in the drawing direction is higher than an upstream side thereof when the drawer unit is in the inner position, an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction, and the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap when viewed in the vertical direction;

[0229] (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a paper output tray capable of loading the recording material on which an image has been formed, and wherein the paper output tray and the power supply board overlap when viewed in the second direction.

[0230] (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a fixing roller provided in the fixing device and a fixing drive unit that drives the fixing roller, wherein at least a portion of the fixing drive unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction.

[0231] (Configuration 9) a loading section capable of loading the recording material; a paper feed roller that conveys the recording material from the stacking section; The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising a paper feed drive unit that drives the paper feed roller, wherein the position of the paper feed drive unit and the position of the drive unit at least partially overlap in the second direction.

[0232] (Configuration 10) 10. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, wherein the position of the paper feed drive unit and the position of the drive unit at least partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0233] (Configuration 11) the power supply substrate has a first substrate end and a second substrate end in the first direction; The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the first substrate end is closer to the first end than the second substrate end in the first direction, and the length of the first substrate end in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the second substrate end.

[0234] (Configuration 12) 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the power supply board is configured to receive AC voltage supplied through an inlet.

[0235] (Configuration 13) 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the power supply board has a function of converting the AC voltage into a DC voltage.

[0236] (Configuration 14) 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the drawer unit includes a tray and a cartridge removably mounted on the tray. [Explanation of symbols]

[0237] 1. Printer 1A1 aperture 20 doors 40 Transcription Unit 50 tray units 70 Fixing device

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a device body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, the device body having a first side wall disposed at one end in the second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction; an image forming unit that transfers an image onto a recording material at a transfer portion, the image forming unit including a drawer unit that is movable between an inner position inside the device main body and an outer position outside the device main body, the drawer unit having a plurality of rotating bodies including a first rotating body and a second rotating body, the image forming unit being disposed so that the transfer portion is closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a drive unit provided on the first side wall, the drive unit including a drive source and a drive train that transmits a drive force of the drive source to each of the first rotating body and the second rotating body; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and disposed closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply unit provided on the first side wall, the power supply unit including a power supply board and a casing that houses the power supply board; and When the drawer unit is in the inner position, the first rotating body is closer to the first end than the second rotating body in the first direction, and at least a portion of the first rotating body is located at a higher position than the second rotating body in the vertical direction, an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction, and the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap when viewed in the vertical direction;

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pull-out unit is movable in a direction intersecting the second direction.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the drawer unit is movable between the inner position and the outer position through an opening provided at the first end.

4. the image forming unit includes an intermediate transfer belt; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating body is a first photosensitive drum capable of contacting the intermediate transfer belt, and the second rotating body is a second photosensitive drum capable of contacting the intermediate transfer belt.

5. a transfer roller that forms the transfer portion between itself and the intermediate transfer belt, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the drawer unit is in the inner position, at least a portion of the second photosensitive drum is positioned below the transfer roller in the vertical direction.

6. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a device body having a first end portion provided with an opening and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, the device body having a first side wall disposed at one end in the second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction; a drawer unit movable relative to the first side wall in a direction intersecting the second direction, the drawer unit having a rotating body and movable through the opening between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body; a drive unit provided on the first side wall, the drive unit including a drive source and a drive train that transmits the drive force of the drive source to the rotating body; a fixing device configured to heat the recording material and disposed closer to the first end than to the second end in the first direction; a power supply unit provided on the first side wall, the power supply unit including a power supply board and a casing that houses the power supply board; and When a moving direction of the drawer unit when it moves from the inner position to the outer position is defined as a drawing direction, the drawer unit is inclined such that a downstream side of the drawer unit in the drawing direction is higher than an upstream side thereof when the drawer unit is in the inner position, an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the power supply unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction, and the power supply unit and the drive unit at least partially overlap when viewed in the vertical direction;

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper output tray capable of loading the recording material on which an image has been formed, and wherein the paper output tray and the power supply board overlap when viewed in the second direction.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing roller provided in the fixing device and a fixing drive unit that drives the fixing roller, wherein at least a portion of the fixing drive unit is located above the drive unit in the vertical direction.

9. a loading section capable of loading the recording material; a paper feed roller that conveys the recording material from the stacking section; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper feed drive unit that drives the paper feed roller, and wherein the position of the paper feed drive unit and the position of the drive unit at least partially overlap in the second direction.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the position of the paper feed drive unit and the position of the drive unit at least partially overlap in the vertical direction.

11. the power supply substrate has a first substrate end and a second substrate end in the first direction; 11. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first substrate end is closer to the first end than the second substrate end in the first direction, and the length of the first substrate end in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the second substrate end.

12. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply board is configured to receive an AC voltage supplied through an inlet.

13. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the power supply board has a function of converting the AC voltage into a DC voltage.

14. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawer unit includes a tray and a cartridge that is detachably mounted on the tray.

Images