Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique that can prevent an increase in the load on a driving unit of a conveying member or the like.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus forming an image on a recording material has: an apparatus body; cartridges; a first unit that is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the cartridges, and is movable, relative to the apparatus body, to a first inside position that is on the inside of the apparatus body and a first outside position that is on the outside of the apparatus body; and a second unit that has a toner conveyance path and a conveying member rotating to convey toner in the conveyance path, and is movable, relative to the apparatus body, to a second inside position that is on the inside of the apparatus body and a second outside position that is on the outside of the apparatus body. The life of the second unit is longer than the lives of the cartridges. The image forming apparatus is configured such that, when the first unit moves from the first inside position to the first outside position, the second unit also moves from the second inside position to the second outside position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some image forming devices, such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices, have removably mounted cartridges on trays that move between the inside and outside of the device body (Patent Document 1). Some devices also have transfer units that are movable between the inside and outside of the device body in addition to the cartridges (Patent Document 2). The cartridges and transfer units are each replaced when they reach the end of their service life, which is determined based on the degree of wear of the components, estimated from, for example, the number of pages printed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-244018 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-206897 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A transfer unit may be provided with a recovery mechanism for recovering residual toner, etc., that remains on a transfer member (e.g., an intermediate transfer belt) without being transferred to the recording material during the transfer of a toner image onto the recording material. From the viewpoint of maintainability, the recovery mechanism is required to maintain its recovery performance throughout the life of the transfer unit. The recovery performance of the recovery mechanism varies depending on the environment and conditions in which the device is used. In particular, clogging or adhesion of toner in the transport path for toner removed from the transfer member can increase the load on the drive units of the transport members, etc.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing an increase in the load on a driving section such as a conveying member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A device body, A cartridge and a first unit configured to detachably mount the cartridge and movable relative to the main body of the apparatus between a first inner position inside the main body of the apparatus and a first outer position outside the main body of the apparatus; a second unit having a toner transport path and a transport member that transports the toner in the transport path by rotation, the second unit being movable relative to the device body between a second inner position that is inside the device body and a second outer position that is outside the device body; In an image forming apparatus having The life of the second unit is longer than the life of the cartridge; The device is characterized in that when the first unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the second unit also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in the load on the drive unit such as the conveying member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows a printer in a state where the door is open according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the transfer unit and tray unit of the first embodiment when they are pulled out. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the transfer unit of the first embodiment is pulled out alone; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting member that connects the tray and the transfer unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting member that connects the tray and the transfer unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting member that connects the tray and the transfer unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Illustrative diagram of torque change [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a transfer unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a transfer unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] Illustrative diagram of the toner state in Example 2 [Figure 12] Illustrative diagram of torque change in the second embodiment [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a printer in a state where the door is open according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a transfer unit and a tray unit of the third embodiment when they are pulled out. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating insertion and removal of a transfer unit 40 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a modified tray unit [Figure 17] Schematic diagram of a comparative example DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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 and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0010] Example 1 [Overall configuration] A printer 1 as an image forming apparatus will be described using Figure 1. Figure 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. In each figure including Figure 1, arrow V indicates the vertical direction (the direction of gravity) and arrow H indicates the horizontal direction, and shows a state in which the printer 1 is placed on a horizontal installation surface, which is a normally assumed installation state of the printer 1.

[0011] The printer 1 has a device main body (housing) 1A, a scanner (exposure device) 2, a control unit 3, 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 unit 30, a transfer unit (transfer device) 40, a tray unit (moving unit, support unit) 50, and a fixing device 80.

[0012] The apparatus main body 1A accommodates a scanner 2, a control unit 3, a sheet feeding unit 30, a transfer unit 40, a tray unit 50, and a fixing device 80.

[0013] The sheet feeding section 30 has a stacking tray 31 for stacking sheets S, and a supply roller 32. The stacking tray 31 can be pulled out toward the door 20 to replenish the sheets S.

[0014] The tray unit 50 has a tray (support member) 51 and cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The tray 51 has a tray handle 52. The PC and PK are removably mounted on the tray 51 .

[0015] The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are detachably mounted on the tray 51 independently of one another. 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.

[0016] In this embodiment, the tray unit 50 has a plurality of photosensitive drums (photoconductors, image carriers) 61, a plurality of charging rollers 62 (charging members), and a plurality of developing rollers (developer carriers) 71. Specifically, the tray unit 50 has four photosensitive drums 61, four charging rollers 62, and four developing rollers 71. The rotational axis directions of the photosensitive drums 61, the developing rollers 71, and the charging rollers 62 are parallel to one another.

[0017] The part where a black (K) image is formed is called the black station (first station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the first station is called the first photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called the first developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the first charging roller. The part where a cyan (C) image is formed is called the cyan station (second station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the second station is called the second photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called the second developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the second charging roller. The part where a magenta (M) image is formed is called the magenta station (third station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the third station is called the third photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called the third developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the third charging roller. The part where a yellow (Y) image is formed is called the yellow station (fourth station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the fourth station is called the fourth photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called the fourth developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the fourth charging roller.

[0018] Cartridge PK is installed in the black station, cartridge PC in the cyan station, cartridge PM in the magenta station, and cartridge PY in the yellow station. In this embodiment, cartridge PK is referred to as the first cartridge, cartridge PC as the second cartridge, cartridge PM as the third cartridge, and cartridge PY as the fourth cartridge. Note that the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are used for convenience of explanation.

[0019] The photosensitive drum 61, charging roller 62, and developing roller 71 may be provided in either the cartridge P or the tray 51. In this embodiment, the cartridge P has the photosensitive drum 61, charging roller 62, and developing roller 71. That is, the photosensitive drum 61 for carrying a toner image, and the charging roller 62 and developing roller 71 for forming the toner image on the photosensitive drum 61 are configured as a cartridge P that is detachable from the tray 51. However, the configuration of the cartridge P is not limited to this. For example, the photosensitive drum 61 may be provided in the tray 51, and the charging roller 62, developing roller 71, etc. that constitute a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 61 may be configured as a cartridge P that is detachable from the tray 51.

[0020] The transfer unit 40 includes a belt 41, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaning unit 43, a drive roller 46 for driving the belt 41, and a tension roller (driven roller) 47. The printer 1 includes 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 come into contact with 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 comes into contact with 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 axis directions of the primary transfer roller 42, the drive roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the secondary transfer roller 45 are all parallel to one another. A pair of registration rollers 4 is disposed in front of the secondary transfer portion.

[0021] The fixing device 80 includes a fixing section 81 and a flapper 5. In this embodiment, the fixing section 81 includes a heating section (heating roller) including a heater, and a pressure section (pressure roller).

[0022] The movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 will be described using Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. 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 transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 pulled out. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 pulled out by itself.

[0023] 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, as a first unit, is movable through the opening 1A1 between 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, as a second unit, is movable through the opening 1A1 between a second inner position inside the device main body 1A and a second outer position outside the device main body 1A.

[0024] The direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is referred to as the first removal direction Dd1, and the direction opposite to the first removal direction Dd1 is referred to as the first attachment direction Da1. The first removal direction Dd1 can be said to be the direction from the second end 1b2 toward the first end 1b1.

[0025] The direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position is referred to as the second removal direction Dd2, and the opposite direction to the second removal direction Dd2 is referred to as the second attachment direction Da2. The second removal direction Dd2 can be said to be the direction from the second end 1b2 to the first end 1b1.

[0026] The first removal direction Dd1 and the first attachment direction Da1 are directions that intersect with the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61. The second removal direction Dd2 and the second attachment direction Da2 are directions that intersect with the rotational axis direction of the drive roller 46. The rotational axis direction of the drive roller 46 is parallel to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0027] In the horizontal direction H, the fixing device 80 is disposed on one end side of the apparatus main body 1A (the side where the first end 1b1 is disposed).

[0028] Door 20 attached to apparatus main body 1A is an opening / closing member that can move between a closed position where the inside of apparatus main body 1A is closed from the outside, and an open position where the inside of apparatus main body 1A is open from the outside. 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.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the door 20 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A. The door 20 covers the fixing device 80 attached thereto. 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 80. The upper cover portion 20b of the door 20 functions as a part of the exterior.

[0030] The door 20 can move between an open position and a closed position while the fixing device 80 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 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 80 supported by the apparatus main body 1A.

[0031] With the tray unit 50 moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A (FIG. 3), 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 cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK to be replaced 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 4, 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. The transfer unit 40 is configured so that after moving from the second outer position to just before the second inner position, by closing the door 20, the belt 41 is positioned at the second inner position where it comes into contact with each photosensitive drum 61 to form a primary transfer portion.

[0034] [Image formation operation] 1, the image forming operation of the printer 1 will be described. The control unit 3 of the printer 1 starts the image forming operation on the sheet S based on an image signal received from an external host device 400. The external host device 400 is, for example, a personal computer, an image reader, or a facsimile machine.

[0035] When an image is formed on the sheet S, 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.

[0036] A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 62, causing the photosensitive drum 61 to rotate. A laser corresponding to image information is irradiated from the scanner 2 onto the photosensitive drum 61, exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 charged by the charging roller 62. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0037] The developing roller 71 carries toner. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 71, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is developed with the toner supplied from the developing roller 71, forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. In this embodiment, the developing roller 71 develops the electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 61. The developing roller 71 may develop the electrostatic latent image with a gap between the developing rollers 71 and 71. When a full-color image is formed, a toner image of each color is formed on each photosensitive drum 61.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the developing roller 71 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 71 is in the contact position and a state where the developing roller 71 is in the spaced position. This allows the developing roller 71 to be spaced from the photosensitive drum 61 when no image forming operation is being performed.

[0039] The printer 1 can perform monochrome printing when the developing roller 71 corresponding to the cartridge PK is in contact with the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing rollers 71 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, and PC are spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 61. The printer 1 can also perform full-color printing when the photosensitive drums 61 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are in contact with the belt 41.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Meanwhile, the apparatus main body 1A is formed with a conveying path (first route, first conveying path) 1c through which the sheet S passes toward the fixing device 80. The door 20 is also formed with a double-sided conveying path (second route, second conveying path) 20a through which the sheet S passes after passing through the fixing device 80. 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).

[0042] In the sheet feeding section 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 is conveyed toward the secondary transfer section and the fixing device 80.

[0043] 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 43A provided in the cleaning portion 43 as a cleaning member.

[0044] The toner removed from the belt 41 by the cleaning blade 43A is sent to the toner receiver 43D by the rotation of the toner agitator 43C provided within the cleaning unit 43. A Mylar sheet is disposed within the toner agitator 43C, which rotates to send the toner to the toner receiver 43D. The toner sent to the toner receiver 43D passes through the toner transport path of the cleaning unit 43 and is transported to an opening (not shown) at the end of the cleaning unit 43 by the rotation of a screw 43B, which serves as a toner transport member and is disposed in a recess in the toner receiver 43D. Specifically, the toner agitator 43C and the screw 43B are driven to rotate by a drive roller 46, which opposes the cleaning blade 43A, via a gear train (not shown), and the toner moves through the transport path in a direction parallel to the rotation axis toward the opening. The opening is connected to a waste toner container located within the main body, and the toner is collected in the waste toner container. The opening has an opening / closing mechanism that opens when the transfer unit is attached to the device and closes otherwise, preventing toner leakage from the transfer unit. The waste toner container is disposed separately from the transfer unit so as to be replaceable.

[0045] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer section is conveyed towards the fixing device 80. In the fixing device 80, the sheet S is heated and pressed in a fixing section 81, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. The toner image is fixed on the sheet S. The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is transported toward a flapper 5, which serves as a path switching unit. The flapper 5 is movable between a paper discharge position where the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 is guided toward a paper discharge path 1d, and a reversing position where the sheet S is guided toward a reversing path 1e.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 80, 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.

[0048] [Cartridge and transfer unit lifespan] Generally, the cartridge and transfer unit each have a preset lifespan of printable pages, and when the specified number of pages is reached, the end of the lifespan is detected and the unit is replaced. Factors that determine the printable page count for a cartridge include, for example, the toner capacity, the lifespan of the developing roller, contamination of the charging roller, and wear on the drum surface. As a guideline, the cartridge lifespan is set to the length that allows a specified number of pages to be printed when printing under specified conditions and at a specified print rate.

[0049] The life of the developing roller may be set based on, for example, the number of rotations of the developing roller. The degree of surface wear of the photosensitive drum may be estimated based on, for example, the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, and the number of rotations at which the degree of wear reaches its limit may be set as the life of the photosensitive drum.

[0050] Similarly, the lifespan of the transfer unit is set within a range where wear and resistance increases of the constituent components are tolerable (for example, within a range where image defects such as transfer failures do not occur). Here, the lifespan is defined in terms of the number of printable pages, but it may also be defined, for example, in terms of the total rotation time or total rotation distance of the transfer roller or belt. Furthermore, for example, the lifespan may be defined by detecting increases in the resistance of components such as the transfer roller or belt and ensuring that the detection results fall within a range where image defects such as transfer failures do not occur. The control unit 3 can store information about the usage status and lifespan of each cartridge P. The information about the usage status of the cartridge P includes information about the usage history of the cartridge P. In this case, at least a portion of the information about the usage status and lifespan of each cartridge P may be stored in a memory mounted on the cartridge P. In other words, a portion of the control unit 3 (more specifically, a portion of the storage device of the control unit 3) may be provided in the cartridge P.

[0051] The lifespan of the transfer unit is sometimes set to be longer than the lifespan of the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge lifespan is set to 30,000 sheets or the rotation time equivalent to 30,000 sheets, and the transfer unit lifespan is set to 150,000 sheets or the rotation time equivalent to 150,000 sheets. Therefore, although the actual timing of when the lifespan ends will vary depending on the printing conditions, each cartridge will generally be replaced approximately four to five times before the transfer unit reaches the end of its lifespan.

[0052] The printer 1 includes at least one processor (for example, a central processing unit (CPU)) as the control unit 3. The printer 1 also includes at least one storage device as the control unit 3. The storage device may be a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The printer 1 includes a read-only memory (ROM). The control unit 3 can detect whether the cartridge P or the transfer unit 40 has reached the end of its life based on the usage status of the cartridge P or the transfer unit 40 described above. The apparatus main body 1A is provided with a display unit (not shown) for displaying various information to the user. When the control unit 3 detects that the cartridge P or the transfer unit 40 has reached the end of its life, the display unit displays a message that the cartridge P or the transfer unit 40 has reached the end of its life, and also displays a message urging the user to replace the cartridge P or the transfer unit 40. These displays may be displayed on the external host device 400 as a display unit. In this case, the external host device 400 can be called a part of the printer 1, or the printer 1 and the external host device 400 can be said to form a printer system (image forming system).

[0053] [Replacing the cartridge and transfer unit] Here, we will explain an image forming apparatus according to a comparative example, which is configured so that the cartridge and transfer unit are replaced when necessary. In the configuration of the comparative example, when a cartridge reaches the end of its life, the tray is pulled out and the cartridge is replaced. If the transfer unit has not yet reached the end of its life at that time, the transfer unit does not need to be replaced and remains inserted in the apparatus.

[0054] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation when replacing a cartridge and a transfer unit in a comparative example configuration. The areas indicated by dotted lines 55 and 56 in the figure indicate the installation positions of the tray and transfer unit when they are inside the device. With this configuration, when replacing cartridges, door F is opened, the tray is pulled out in the direction of arrow CT, and each cartridge that needs to be replaced is replaced. At that time, the transfer unit remains in the installation position. On the other hand, when replacing the transfer unit, door 20 is opened, and the tray is pulled out in the direction of arrow I for replacement. Also, in this case, the movement direction of the tray and the movement direction of the transfer unit are different. This is because if the tray were to move in the same direction as the movement direction of the transfer unit, part of the transfer unit (in this case, the cleaner unit) would overlap the trajectory of the tray insertion / removal, making it impossible to pull out the tray alone.

[0055] In contrast to the comparative example described above, this embodiment is configured such that when the cartridge is replaced, the transfer unit also moves along with the movement of the tray even if the transfer unit has not yet reached the end of its life. That is, when the tray unit 50 moves between the first inner position and the first outer position, the transfer unit 40 also moves between the second inner position and the second outer position in conjunction with this.

[0056] [Removing the tray unit and transfer unit] The movement of the transfer unit during cartridge replacement in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the user moves the tray unit 50 from the first inner position to the first outer position relative to the apparatus main body 1A, the transfer unit 40 also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position relative to the apparatus main body 1A. In other words, with the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 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.

[0057] When 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.

[0058] The configuration for integrally moving the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figures 5, 6, and 7 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.

[0059] 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 axis 53B. The tray 51 has a transfer connecting portion 51A. The transfer unit 40 has a transfer frame 48 that supports the drive roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the primary transfer roller 42, and the transfer frame 48 has a tray connecting groove 48A and a lock connecting portion 48B.

[0060] Locking member 53 rotates around rotation shaft 53B, causing transfer lock portion 53A to engage with lock connecting portion 48B, and is movable between a connected position where transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 are connected, and a released position where it is retracted from the connected position. Similar structures are provided in a total of four locations: near both ends of tension roller 47 in the direction of the rotation axis of tension roller 47, and near both ends of drive roller 46 in the direction of the rotation axis of drive roller 46.

[0061] 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. The lock member 53 and the lock coupling 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.

[0062] In this manner, when the transfer coupling portion 51A is engaged with the tray coupling groove 48A and the locking member 53 in the coupled position is engaged with the lock coupling portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are restricted from moving relative to each other. In other words, it can be said that the transfer coupling portion 51A and the locking member 53 function as a tray-side coupling device, and the tray coupling groove 48A and the lock coupling portion 48B function as a transfer-side coupling device. By coupling the tray-side coupling device and the transfer-side coupling device, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are coupled, and the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 move together.

[0063] 7, 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.

[0064] 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 provided on the tray 51. 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] When the transfer unit 40 is moved in the second attachment direction Da2 with the lock member 53 engaged with the lock connection portion 48B, the transfer unit 40 pushes the transfer connection portion 51A, and the tray unit As a result, the tray unit 50 is also moved integrally with the transfer unit 40 in the first attachment direction Da1.

[0067] 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. Also, 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.

[0068] When the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are moved together toward the inside of the apparatus main body 1A, the lock member 53 is moved to the release 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. In other words, when the tray unit 50 is pushed into the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 has not yet reached the predetermined second inner position.

[0069] Therefore, in the process of closing the door 20, which is an opening / closing member, the force of the secondary transfer roller 45 coming into contact with the transfer unit 40 pushes the transfer unit 40 in the second mounting direction Da2, and the transfer unit 40 is pushed and positioned deep inside the apparatus main body 1A (the second inner position). In other words, the transfer unit 40, which is stationary just before the second inner position, is pushed to a predetermined position by the action of closing the door 20, and in the process, acceleration is applied to the transfer unit 40, causing it to vibrate. Also, in this example, the secondary transfer roller 45 pushes the transfer unit 40 in the process of closing the door 20, but the door 20 may be provided with a member that pushes, for example, the transfer frame 48 of the transfer unit 40, to push the transfer unit 40.

[0070] On the other hand, when the transfer unit 40 is moved in the second removal direction Dd2 with the locking member 53 in the released 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. 4, 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.

[0071] In this embodiment, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are configured to be positioned independently of each other, but this is not limited to such a configuration. The clearance between the tray connection groove 48A and the transfer connection 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.

[0072] [Waste toner transport performance] For example, when the printer 1 is used continuously, a large amount of waste toner and paper dust is collected in the cleaning unit 43. When a high print rate image continues, a large amount of waste toner is fed, and when a low print rate image continues, a large amount of paper dust is fed relative to the toner. In particular, when this condition continues for a long period of time or when the printer is used in a high humidity environment, the load on the screw 43B in the cleaning unit 43 increases, gradually deteriorating the toner transport performance, and problems such as the toner and paper dust sticking inside the cleaning unit 43 may occur.

[0073] Specifically, screw 43B rotates to transport toner sent to toner receiving portion 43D. To prevent interference, wear, and friction noise during rotation, a slight clearance is provided between toner receiving portion 43D and screw 43B. Therefore, for example, if the transfer unit 40 is used continuously in a high-humidity environment, the fluidity of toner and paper dust decreases due to moisture absorption, and toner tends to accumulate near screw 43B, for example, between screw 43B and the wall member of cleaning portion 43. If this condition continues for a long period of time, the sliding torque may gradually increase. In this case, since the torque of screw 43B gradually increases with durability (long-term use), various measures may be required to prevent tooth skipping or damage to the drive gear that drives screw 43B at the end of the transfer unit 40's life.

[0074] Therefore, the printer 1 of this embodiment is configured to apply vibration to the toner as a means for preventing the toner and paper dust accumulated in the cleaning unit 43 from adhering and for preventing an increase in the torque of the screw 43B. Specifically, when the tray unit 50 is inserted or removed during cartridge replacement, the transfer unit 40 is also inserted or removed at the same time, thereby applying vibration to the toner in the cleaning unit 43. In this way, when the transfer unit 40 is inserted or removed or when the door 20 is closed, acceleration that occurs during the transition from a stationary state to a moving state periodically applies vibration to the unit and the toner inside. This gradually loosens and circulates the toner before it can adhere, preventing the toner from adhering, stabilizing toner transport, and suppressing an increase in torque.

[0075] 8 is a graph comparing the load torque of the screw 43B in this embodiment with that of a comparative example. In this graph, the solid line shows the load torque of the screw 43B in the comparative example in which the transfer unit 40 is not inserted or removed until the end of its life. The dotted line shows the load torque of the screw 43B in the case where the transfer unit 40 is inserted or removed simultaneously with the insertion or removal of the tray unit 50, which is performed every time a cartridge is replaced.

[0076] Torque was measured by detecting the drive current of the motor. Specifically, the total torque was calculated by first detecting the current of the drive motor of the drive roller 46. Then, at that timing, the drive gear train of the screw 43B was disengaged and the current of the drive motor was detected again, and the load torque of the screw 43B was calculated by taking the difference.

[0077] Here, T0 represents the initial torque, T1 represents the maximum torque achieved in the comparative example, and T2 represents the maximum torque achieved in the present example. As can be seen from this graph, in the comparative example, the load torque gradually increases with durability (long-term use). Therefore, it was necessary to design the drive and motor ratings so that tooth skipping and toner transport problems would not occur even at the maximum torque achieved, T1. On the other hand, in the present configuration, in which periodic insertion and removal operations are performed, it was confirmed that the torque temporarily drops with each insertion and removal operation. As such, it can be seen that the torque temporarily drops with each insertion and removal operation, and the final torque achieved is also lower than in the comparative example. Furthermore, although the example described here is one in which five insertion and removal operations are performed, in reality, each cartridge is replaced when it reaches the end of its life, so the number of insertions and removals will be five or more, which will further suppress the increase in torque due to insertion and removal.

[0078] By adopting the configuration of this embodiment, the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 are inserted and removed in an integrated state, so the transfer unit is also inserted and removed at each cartridge replacement timing. Therefore, it is possible to apply vibrations accompanying the movement of insertion and removal multiple times within the life of the transfer unit. This makes it possible to prevent toner and paper dust from remaining near the screw or between the screw and the wall member for a long period of time compared to the conventional example, and prevents an increase in torque caused by accumulation. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a durability (long-term durability) that is better than the conventional example. This allows the drive torque to be reduced through the use of a motor, making it possible to maintain stable toner transport, which in turn simplifies the drive design and enables miniaturization by reducing the motor rating.

[0079] <Example 2> An image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figures 9 and 10. Here, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail. In the second embodiment, a toner recovery unit is integrated into the transfer unit 40. Figure 9 is a view of the transfer unit 40 as seen in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61, etc. Figure 10 is a view of the transfer unit 40 as seen from above in the vertical direction V. In Figures 9 and 10, members arranged in the transfer unit 40 and necessary for the description are indicated by dotted lines.

[0080] A toner recovery section 90 is disposed inside the transfer unit 40. In the transfer unit 40, the belt 41 has a continuous annular shape and is stretched by a drive roller 46 and a tension roller 47, which are multiple rollers disposed inside the annular belt 41. A waste toner container 91, which serves as a toner storage section, is disposed inside the annular belt 41 in the transfer unit 40, between the drive roller 46 and the tension roller 47. The toner recovery section 90 includes the waste toner container 91 for storing waste toner and a conveying screw 92, which serves as a second conveying member that conveys the toner collected inside the waste toner container 91. The conveying screw 92 conveys the toner conveyed by the screw 43B, which serves as a first conveying member, to the inner depth of the waste toner container 91.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 9, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61, the movement direction β of the toner transported by the transport screw 92 and the second mounting direction Da2 of the transfer unit 40 are substantially parallel.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, toner collected by cleaning blade 43A in cleaning unit 43 is transported sequentially in the direction of the arrow α by the rotation of screw 43B and sent to opening 93 provided at the end of cleaning unit 43. Screw 43B is rotated by the rotational drive of drive roller 46 via a gear. Drive roller 46 is rotated by gear 46A provided at the end being connected to the drive train of the main body. The toner that reaches opening 93 is sent through opening 93 to the area of ​​conveying screw 92 in waste toner container 91, and is sequentially sent in the direction of the arrow β by the rotation of conveying screw 92. Conveying screw 92 is also rotated by the rotational drive of drive roller 46 via a gear.

[0083] The control unit 3 can store information about the usage status and lifespan of each transfer unit 40. The information about the usage status of the transfer unit 40 includes information about the usage history of the transfer unit 40. In this case, at least a portion of the information about the usage status and lifespan of each transfer unit 40 may be stored in a memory mounted in the transfer unit 40. That is, a portion of the control unit 3 (more specifically, a portion of the storage device of the control unit 3) may be provided in the transfer unit 40. In this embodiment, the volume of the waste toner container 91 is sufficient to cover the lifespan of the transfer unit 40, i.e., it has a capacity that prevents the transfer unit 40 from becoming full of toner before the end of its lifespan. Therefore, the lifespan of the transfer unit 40 is determined by the lifespan of the components that make up the transfer unit 40. In this embodiment, the number of printable sheets of the transfer unit 40 is preset. The control unit 3 determines that the transfer unit 40 has reached the end of its lifespan when the number of printable sheets since use of the transfer unit 40 began reaches the end of its lifespan and notifies the user of the end of its lifespan.

[0084] When printing in a mode that consumes a lot of toner, such as a solid black image, the toner in the cartridge will run out before the waste toner container 91 becomes full. If the cartridge is full, replacement of the cartridge becomes necessary. Furthermore, when printing low-print-rate images or so-called solid white images (where only toner is ejected), the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum or the developing roller reaches its life rotation speed before the toner in the cartridge runs out or before the waste toner container 91 becomes full. Therefore, replacement of the tray unit 50 or the cartridge becomes necessary. In other words, in either case, as long as the printer 1 is used under normally expected conditions, it can be said that the life of the transfer unit 40 will be longer than the life of the cartridge.

[0085] The relationship between the lifespan of the transfer unit 40 and the lifespan of the cartridges will be explained in more detail. The lifespan of the cartridge P can be expressed as the number of sheets S printed from the start of use of a new cartridge P until the end of its life is detected or displayed by the control unit 3. The lifespan of the transfer unit 40 can be expressed as the number of sheets S printed from the start of use of a new transfer unit 40 until the end of its life is detected or displayed by the control unit 3. In this embodiment, the lifespan of the transfer unit 40 is longer than the lifespan of the cartridges. Therefore, when a new cartridge P and a new transfer unit 40 are started to be used at the same time, the number of sheets S printed before the end of the life of the new transfer unit 40 will be greater than the number of sheets S printed before the end of the life of the new cartridge P.

[0086] Here, the mode in which the amount of toner consumed by the cartridge P per sheet S is the maximum is called the maximum consumption mode, and the mode in which the amount of toner consumed by the cartridge P per sheet S is the minimum is called the minimum consumption mode. In this embodiment, the lifespan of the transfer unit 40 is longer than the lifespan of the cartridges when printing in both the maximum consumption mode and the minimum consumption mode. As described above, the volume of the waste toner container 91 is set to a volume sufficient to fulfill the lifespan of the transfer unit 40, that is, a capacity that will not become full of toner before the transfer unit 40 reaches the end of its lifespan. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lifespan of the transfer unit 40 is the same in the maximum consumption mode and the minimum consumption mode.

[0087] As described above, the control unit 3 can store information about the usage status and lifespan of each cartridge P. The control unit 3 can store information about the usage status and lifespan of each transfer unit 40. Furthermore, these functions of the control unit 3 may be provided in the cartridge P or the transfer unit 40.

[0088] [Toner transport status] The toner sent to waste toner container 91 is gradually transported toward the rear right (in the direction of arrow β) by transport screw 92. As new toner is sequentially delivered from opening 93, the toner remaining near transport screw 92 is pushed by the new toner, and is gradually transported in the directions of arrows A and B, until the entire waste toner container 91 is filled with toner. In other words, the toner sequentially supplied from opening 93 pushes the toner that has already been delivered, spreading the toner throughout the entire waste toner container 91.

[0089] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the toner accumulation state when viewed from the direction of the drive roller rotation axis Ax, when the cross section is cut along the line H1-H2 in FIG. 10. The solid line in the figure shows the toner accumulation state near the conveying screw 92 when waste toner is continuously fed under predetermined conditions. The dotted line shows the toner accumulation state when the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are inserted or removed from that state, specifically, when the state in FIG. 2 passes through the state in FIG. 3 and then returns to the state in FIG. 2 again.

[0090] It was confirmed that the toner remaining near the conveying screw 92 spread from the state indicated by the solid line to the state indicated by the dotted line by the above operation, and the toner near the conveying screw 92 decreased.

[0091] When the transfer unit 40 and the waste toner container 91 are integrally configured (in this embodiment, the waste toner container 91 is contained within the transfer unit 40), it is necessary to ensure in advance that the waste toner container 91 has a capacity sufficient to last the life of the transfer unit 40.

[0092] As described above, the toner sequentially supplied from the opening 93 pushes the toner that has already been delivered, spreading the toner throughout the entire waste toner container 91. As a result, when the toner approaches full capacity and accumulates near the conveying screw 92, and it becomes impossible to push it in any further, the torque of the conveying screw 92 begins to increase. Therefore, a configuration is also adopted in which an upper limit torque value is set for the torque of the conveying screw 92 to detect when the waste toner container is full.

[0093] As described above, as the amount of toner in waste toner container 91 increases, the toner transport torque gradually increases, and when the container is nearly full, it becomes difficult to push the toner in. Then, the toner begins to accumulate on transport screw 92, and the toner transport resistance further increases, causing the drive torque of transport screw 92 to increase rapidly.

[0094] Figure 12 shows the relationship between the amount of toner sent to the waste toner container 91 and the driving torque of the conveying screw 92, with the solid line showing the torque transition in the comparative example (no insertion / removal until the end of its life) and the dotted line showing the torque transition in the configuration of this embodiment (multiple insertion / removal operations performed before the end of its life).

[0095] Compared to the comparative example, in which the transfer unit 40 is not inserted or removed until the waste toner is full, this embodiment applies vibration due to insertion or removal each time a cartridge is replaced, suppressing torque increases and increasing the total amount of toner collected. In particular, it can be seen that the torque, which had increased once, decreases with each insertion or removal operation, suppressing increases in load torque. This is because, as explained in FIG. 11 , the toner can be spread over a wider area each time vibration is applied during insertion or removal, making it possible to deliver toner to the entire waste toner container 91. This improves the toner filling rate, ultimately increasing the amount of toner that can be stored. As a result, the timing at which the upper limit torque is reached can be delayed.

[0096] In this way, by adopting the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to periodically vibrate the transfer unit 40, thereby increasing the amount of collected waste toner, mitigating the increase in the waste toner transport torque, and delaying the timing when the upper limit torque is reached. This allows for a reduction in the size of the waste toner container by improving the waste toner filling rate, and further allows for a reduction in the size of the transfer unit and device.

[0097] Example 3 A printer 301 as an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Here, differences between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printer 301 according to the third embodiment, showing the printer 301 with the door 20 open. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the printer 301 with the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 pulled out.

[0098] In the first and second embodiments, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are horizontally arranged when attached to the apparatus main body 1A. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 are horizontally arranged when attached to the apparatus main body 1A. The angle is inclined relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0099] 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 located higher in the vertical direction V than the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61 farther from the first end 1b1. 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.

[0100] Here, a straight line LD is defined as 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 straight 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.

[0101] 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. That is, the drive roller 46 serving as a first roller that supports the belt 41 on the side closer to the first end 1b1 (first side) is positioned higher than the tension roller 47 serving as a second roller that supports the belt 41 on the side closer to the second end 1b2 (second side). In the direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the drive roller 46 is positioned downstream of the tension roller 47, and the second outer position is higher than the second inner position.

[0102] 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. Similarly, when the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the transfer unit 40 moves diagonally upward.

[0103] When the tray unit 50 is moved from the first outer position to the first inner position, it moves diagonally downward. When the transfer unit 40 is moved from the second outer position to the second inner position, it moves diagonally downward. With this configuration, the weight of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be used when inserting them into the device main body 1A. Therefore, acceleration is more easily applied when installing than in the case of horizontal placement, and it is possible to apply more vibration to the transfer unit 40 when inserting it.

[0104] Furthermore, when the second embodiment is combined with the third embodiment, the toner sent by the conveying screw 92 in the waste toner container 91 disposed in the transfer unit 40 is also sent diagonally downward in a direction parallel to the straight line LD from the first end 1b1 toward the second end 1b2. By arranging the transfer unit 40 so that the insertion direction and the toner conveying direction are substantially parallel and diagonally downward, the effect of acceleration in the direction of gravity can be obtained in addition to the toner diffusion effect caused by the vibration applied when the transfer unit 40 is inserted, as described in the second embodiment. Therefore, the toner in the waste toner container 91 can be diffused further toward the back and efficiently filled throughout the entire area.

[0105] Example 4 A printer as an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Here, differences between the fourth embodiment and the first, second, and third embodiments will be mainly described. 15 is a perspective view illustrating insertion and removal of a transfer unit 40 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0106] A guide rail member G is arranged in the device main body 1A as an insertion / removal guide member for guiding the insertion and removal of the transfer unit 40, and the transfer unit 40 is inserted and removed along this guide rail member G. The transfer unit 40 is provided with a guide pin 95 as an insertion / removal auxiliary member (guided portion) for insertion, and is inserted and removed in the direction of the arrow with this guide pin 95 received in the guide rail member G.

[0107] In the fourth embodiment, a protrusion G1 is formed on the guide rail member G as a vibration applying portion, and when the transfer unit 40 is inserted or removed, the guide pin 95 rides over the protrusion G1, thereby applying vibration to the transfer unit 40. When the transfer unit 40 moves so that the guide pin 95 rides over the protrusion G1, the movement direction of the transfer unit 40 temporarily changes midway between the second inner position and the second outer position. In this example, the shape of the protrusion G1 is formed into a trapezoidal convex shape to make it easier for the guide pin 95 to ride over it.

[0108] In this way, by configuring the transfer unit 40 to ride over the protrusion G1 of the guide rail member G when inserting or removing it, vibration is applied in the V direction (vertical direction) in addition to vibration in the H direction (insertion / removal direction). This makes it easier to apply vibration when inserting or removing it, which further has the effect of loosening the toner.

[0109] Here, a configuration in which one trapezoidal protrusion G1 is disposed on the guide rail member G has been described, but the shape and number are not limited to this. The protrusion G1 may be formed in any shape, and may also be formed in a concave shape. Furthermore, multiple protrusions G1 may be installed.

[0110] Further, although an example in which a protrusion G1 is formed on the guide rail member G of the transfer unit 40 has been described here, a similar protrusion may also be provided on the insertion / removal guide member (guide rail member) used when inserting and removing the tray unit 50.

[0111] <Modification> The photosensitive drum 61, charging roller 62, and developing roller 71 may be provided in either the cartridge P or the tray 51. This will be explained with reference to Figures 16(a) to 16(d). Figures 16(a) to 16(d) are views showing a tray unit 50 according to a modified example.

[0112] For example, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the tray 51 may have the photosensitive drum 61 and the charging roller 62, and the cartridge P may have the developing roller 71.

[0113] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16(b), the cartridge P may include a drum cartridge P1 having a photosensitive drum 61 and a charging roller 62, and a developer cartridge P2 having a developing roller 71. In other words, the cartridge P may be separable into the drum cartridge P1 and the developer cartridge P2. In this case, it is preferable that the drum cartridge P1 and the developer cartridge P2 be attachable to and detachable from the tray 51 independently of each other.

[0114] 16(c), the cartridge P may include a cartridge PR having a photosensitive drum 61, a charging roller 62, and a developing roller 71, and a cartridge PT having toner for replenishing the cartridge PR. In other words, the cartridge P may be separable into the cartridge PR and the cartridge PT.

[0115] 16(d), the cartridge P may include a drum cartridge P1, a developer cartridge P2, and a toner cartridge PT. The drum cartridge P1 has a photosensitive drum 61 and a charging roller 62, the developer cartridge P2 has a developer roller 71, and the toner cartridge PT has toner for replenishing the developer cartridge P2. In other words, the cartridge P may be separable into the drum cartridge P1, the developer cartridge P2, and the cartridge PT.

[0116] The above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0117] The disclosure of the embodiments of the present invention includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A device body, A cartridge and a first unit configured to detachably mount the cartridge and movable relative to the main body of the apparatus between a first inner position inside the main body of the apparatus and a first outer position outside the main body of the apparatus; a second unit having a toner transport path and a transport member that transports the toner in the transport path by rotation, the second unit being movable relative to the device body between a second inner position that is inside the device body and a second outer position that is outside the device body; In an image forming apparatus having The life of the second unit is longer than the life of the cartridge; an image forming apparatus configured such that, when the first unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the second unit also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position. (Configuration 2) 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the second unit moves between the second inner position and the second outer position is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. (Configuration 3) 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second outer position is higher than the second inner position. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second unit temporarily changes its direction of movement while moving between the second inner position and the second outer position. (Configuration 5) the device body has a guide rail that guides movement of the second unit between the second inner position and the second outer position, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the guide rail has a vibration imparting section that imparts a temporary change in the direction of movement of the second unit between the second inner position and the second outer position. (Configuration 6) the device body has an opening / closing member that is movable between a closed position that closes the inside of the device body from the outside and an open position that opens the inside of the device body from the outside, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second unit, which has moved from the second outer position and reached just before the second inner position, is configured to be positioned at the second inner position by the movement of the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position. (Configuration 7) The first unit is a tray that is movable between the first inner position and the first outer position relative to the device body; a photoreceptor for carrying a toner image; a developer carrier that carries toner to be supplied to the photoreceptor; a charging member for charging the photoreceptor; and The second unit is a belt onto which a toner image carried by the photoreceptor is transferred; a cleaning member for removing toner from the belt; a conveying path for conveying the toner removed from the belt by the cleaning member; the conveying member; have At least one of the photosensitive member, the developer carrier, and the charging member is detachably mounted on the tray as the cartridge; 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus main body has a transfer section that transfers a toner image from the belt to a recording material. (Configuration 8) The belt has a circularly continuous shape, The second unit is a plurality of rollers disposed inside the annular belt and tensioning the belt; a toner storage section that stores the toner transported by the transport member; and 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the toner storage unit is disposed inside the annular belt. (Configuration 9) 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the toner storage capacity of the toner storage unit is such that the toner storage unit will not become full before the second unit reaches the end of its life. (Configuration 10) the conveying member is a first conveying member, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the second unit is disposed inside the toner storage section and has a second conveying member that conveys the toner conveyed from the first conveying member to the inner side of the interior. (Configuration 11) The plurality of rollers include: a first roller supporting the belt on a first side in the horizontal direction; a second roller supporting the belt on a second side opposite the first side in the horizontal direction; Including, the cleaning member and the transport path are disposed on the first side in a horizontal direction; the toner storage unit is disposed between the first roller and the second roller on the inner side of the belt, The first roller is The roller is disposed at a higher position than the second roller, 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the second unit is located downstream of the second roller in a direction in which the second unit moves from the second inner position to the second outer position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1...printer, 1A...device main body, 40...transfer unit, 41...belt, 43...cleaning unit, 50...tray unit, PY, PM, PC, PK...cartridge

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A device body, A cartridge and a first unit configured to detachably mount the cartridge and movable relative to the main body of the apparatus between a first inner position located inside the main body of the apparatus and a first outer position located outside the main body of the apparatus; a second unit having a toner transport path and a transport member that transports the toner in the transport path by rotation, the second unit being movable relative to the device body between a second inner position that is inside the device body and a second outer position that is outside the device body; In an image forming apparatus having The life of the second unit is longer than the life of the cartridge, an image forming apparatus configured such that, when the first unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the second unit also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position;

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the second unit moves between the second inner position and the second outer position is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second outer position is higher than the second inner position.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second unit temporarily changes a direction of movement during movement between the second inner position and the second outer position.

5. the device body has a guide rail that guides movement of the second unit between the second inner position and the second outer position, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide rail has a vibration applying portion that applies a temporary change to the direction of movement of the second unit between the second inner position and the second outer position.

6. the device body has an opening / closing member that is movable between a closed position that closes the inside of the device body from the outside and an open position that opens the inside of the device body from the outside, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second unit, which has moved from the second outer position and reached just before the second inner position, is positioned at the second inner position by the movement of the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position.

7. The first unit is a tray that is movable between the first inner position and the first outer position relative to the device body; a photoreceptor for carrying a toner image; a developer carrier that carries toner to be supplied to the photoreceptor; a charging member for charging the photoreceptor; and The second unit is a belt onto which a toner image carried by the photoreceptor is transferred; a cleaning member for removing toner from the belt; a conveying path for conveying the toner removed from the belt by the cleaning member; the conveying member; have At least one of the photosensitive member, the developer carrier, and the charging member is detachably mounted on the tray as the cartridge; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus main body has a transfer section that transfers a toner image from the belt to a recording material.

8. The belt has a circularly continuous shape, The second unit is a plurality of rollers disposed inside the annular belt and tensioning the belt; a toner storage section that stores the toner transported by the transport member; and 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the toner storage section is disposed inside the annular belt.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the toner storage capacity of the toner storage unit is such that the toner storage unit does not become full before the second unit reaches the end of its life.

10. the conveying member is a first conveying member, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second unit is disposed inside the toner storage section and has a second transport member that transports the toner transported from the first transport member to the inner side of the toner storage section.

11. The plurality of rollers include: a first roller supporting the belt on a first side in a horizontal direction; a second roller supporting the belt on a second side opposite the first side in the horizontal direction; Including, the cleaning member and the transport path are disposed on the first side in a horizontal direction; the toner storage unit is disposed between the first roller and the second roller on the inner side of the belt, The first roller is The roller is disposed at a higher position than the second roller, 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second unit is located downstream of the second roller in a direction in which the second unit moves from the second inner position to the second outer position.

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