Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of supporting a tray with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus forming an image on a recording material has: an apparatus body; a unit that is movable, relative to the apparatus body, to an inside position that is on the inside of the apparatus body and an outside position that is on the outside of the apparatus body; an opening / closing member that is movable, relative to the apparatus body, to a closed position and an open position retreated from the closed position, and that, when at the closed position, blocks a moving path through which the unit moves from the inside position to the outside position; and a transfer unit that has a transfer roller. The unit at the outside position is supported by the transfer unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

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 cartridges removably mounted on a tray that can be moved between the inside and outside of the device body. Some of these image forming devices have an openable door that covers an opening for pulling out the tray from the device body (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the example shown in Patent Document 1, when the tray is pulled out to the outside of the device body, the weight of the tray or cartridge itself causes the front side of the tray to bend downward, which would damage the surface of the drum. To prevent this, the tray is supported by a connecting arm that connects the door to the internal parts of the device body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-128506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the tray and connecting arm must be highly rigid in order to support the weight of the tray and cartridge when they are pulled out of the device body. Increasing the size of the components to increase the rigidity of the tray and connecting arm raises concerns that this will lead to an increase in the size of the product. Furthermore, when using a cartridge that contains a large amount of toner in order to reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement by users, the rigidity of the tray and connecting arm must be further increased.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that is capable of supporting a tray with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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 unit movable relative to the device body between an inner position inside the device body and an outer position outside the device body; an opening / closing member that is movable with respect to the device body between a closed position and an open position retracted from the closed position, the opening / closing member blocking a movement path of the unit from the inner position to the outer position when in the closed position; a transfer unit having a transfer roller; and The unit at the outer position is characterized in that it is supported by the transfer unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the tray can be supported with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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 is a diagram showing a printer according to a first embodiment with a door and a secondary transfer unit open; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printer in a state where a fixing device according to a first embodiment has been moved. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the primary transfer unit and the tray unit are pulled out in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the primary transfer unit and the tray unit are pulled out in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the primary transfer unit and the tray unit are pulled out in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the primary transfer unit and the tray unit are pulled out in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the primary transfer unit and the tray unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the primary transfer unit and the tray unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting member that connects the tray and the primary transfer unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting member that connects the tray and the primary transfer unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting member that connects the tray and the primary transfer unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a modified tray unit [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the door, the fixing device, and the primary transfer unit when they are moved in the second embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a secondary transfer unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a supporting and regulating configuration by a secondary transfer unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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 primary transfer unit (primary transfer device) 40, a tray unit (moving unit, support unit) 50, and a fixing device 80. The part that includes 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.

[0013] The apparatus main body 1A accommodates a scanner 2, a control unit 3, a sheet feeding unit 30, a primary transfer unit 40, a tray unit 50, and a fixing device 80.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The tray unit 50 includes a tray (support member, drawer) 51 and cartridges PY and PM. The tray 51 having the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK has a tray handle 52. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removably attached to the tray 51.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The primary transfer unit 40 includes a belt 41, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaning unit 43, and the belt 41. The printer 1 in this embodiment includes an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the belt 41. In this embodiment, the belt 41 has a continuous annular shape and is stretched by a plurality of rollers, namely, a drive roller 46 and a tension roller 47, arranged inside the annular belt 41. The belt 41 is arranged below the photosensitive drum 61 and can abut against 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 unit 90 including a secondary transfer roller 45 that abuts against the belt 41 so as to form a secondary transfer portion. The secondary transfer unit 90 is arranged so as to be openable and closable relative to the device main body 1A. 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 parallel to one another. A pair of registration rollers 4 is disposed in front of the secondary transfer portion.

[0022] The fixing device 80 has a fixing section 81 and a flapper 5. When an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the fixing device 80 is in the use position. The fixing device 80 is stored inside (inside) the apparatus main body 1A when in the use position. The fixing device 80 is also configured to heat the sheet S when in the use position. In this embodiment, the fixing section 81 includes a heating section (heating roller) including a heater, and a pressure section (pressure roller).

[0023] The movement of the primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 will be described using Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the door 20 and the secondary transfer unit 90 open. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the fixing device 80 moved. Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 are diagrams showing the transition of the primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 as they are gradually pulled out from inside the device main body 1A.

[0024] The primary 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 primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 passes. Note that when the primary 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The direction in which the primary transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position is called the second take-out direction Dd2, and the opposite direction to the second take-out direction Dd2 is called the second attachment direction Da2. In the second take-out direction Dd2, the drive roller 46 is positioned downstream of the tension roller 47. The second take-out direction Dd2 can be said to be the direction from the second end 1b2 toward the first end 1b1.

[0027] The first removal direction Dd1 and the first attachment direction Da1 are directions intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61. The direction Da2 is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] Door 20 attached to apparatus main body 1A is an opening / closing member that can move between a closed position (first closed position) that closes the inside of apparatus main body 1A from the outside, and an open position (first open position) that opens the inside of apparatus main body 1A 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.

[0030] When the door 20 is in the open position (open state of the door 20), the secondary transfer unit 90 is disposed so as to be able to open and close relative to the device main body 1A, and when the secondary transfer unit 90 is in the open state, the opening 1A1 is exposed as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the secondary transfer unit 90 is also movable relative to the device main body 1A between a closed position (second closed position) in which the opening 1A1 is closed to the outside of the device main body 1A, and an open position (second open position) in which the opening 1A1 is exposed to the outside of the device main body 1A. The secondary transfer unit 90 is configured to close the opening 1A1 on the inside of the door 20. The secondary transfer unit 90 is configured to be movable relative to the device main body 1A independently of the door 20, that is, it is movable not only relative to the device main body 1A but also relative to the door 20 (its relative position can be changed).

[0031] The tray unit 50 as a first unit is drawn out to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 1A1, following a first movement path from a first inner position to a first outer position. The primary transfer unit 40 as a second unit is also drawn out to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 1A1, following a second movement path from a second inner position to a second outer position. When the door 20 and the secondary transfer unit 90 are in their closed positions, they block the movement paths of the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40, respectively, and when they are retracted to their open positions, they open the movement paths.

[0032] The secondary transfer unit 90 in this embodiment is disposed so as to be openable and closable relative to the apparatus main body 1A in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 20. That is, the secondary transfer unit 90 moves to an open state in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 20, and moves to a closed state in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 20.

[0033] 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the door 20 covers the fixing device 80 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 80. The upper cover portion 20b of the door 20 functions as a part of the exterior.

[0034] 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.

[0035] As will be described later, the fixing device 80 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 80 moved (Fig. 3), the primary 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. 7.

[0036] With the tray unit 50 moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A (FIG. 7), 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.

[0037] The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving in a direction away from the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In this embodiment, the primary 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.

[0038] Furthermore, the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40.

[0039] [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.

[0040] When an image is formed on the sheet S, the fixing device 80 is located at the use position, the tray unit 50 is located at the first inner position, the primary transfer unit 40 is located at the second inner position, and the door 20 is located at the closed position. With the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40.

[0041] 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 2 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.

[0042] 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 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, but the developing roller 71 may also develop the electrostatic latent image while there is a gap between the developing roller 71 and the photosensitive drum 61. When a full-color image is formed, a toner image of each color is formed on each photosensitive drum 61.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In addition, in the printer 1, the developing roller 71 and the photosensitive drum 61 corresponding to the cartridge PK are in contact with each other, and the developing rollers 71 and the photosensitive drums corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, and PC are also in contact with each other. Monochrome printing can be performed with the photosensitive drums 61 separated from the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. In addition, the printer 1 can perform full-color printing with the photosensitive drums 61 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in contact with the belt 41.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 in the closed state. When the door 20 is opened, the conveying path 1c and the double-sided conveying path 20a are exposed (FIG. 2).

[0047] In the sheet feeding section 30, one sheet S is separated and fed from the sheets S stacked on the stacking tray 31 by the supply roller 32 at a predetermined timing, and is transported through the transport path 1c toward the secondary transfer section and the fixing device 80.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer section is transported towards the fixing device 80. In the fixing device 80, the sheet S is heated and pressurized in a fixing section 81, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed is transported towards a flapper 5, which serves as a path switching section. The flapper 5 is movable between a paper discharge position where the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 is guided towards a paper discharge path 1d, and a reversing position where the sheet S is guided towards a reversing path 1e.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] [Removing the tray unit and primary transfer unit and locating the fixing unit] 1, 2, 3 and 4, the removal of the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 from the apparatus main body 1A and the arrangement of the fixing device 80 will be described.

[0053] As described above, the fixing device 80 of the printer 1 is disposed at one end of the device main body 1A in the horizontal direction. The primary 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. In other words, the fixing device 80 is closer to the first end 1b1 than to the second end 1b2 in the horizontal direction H. That is, the distance between the fixing device 80 and the first end 1b1 is shorter than the distance between the fixing device 80 and the second end 1b2 in the horizontal direction H. The fixing device 80 is disposed at a position closer to the first end 1b1 than to the center of the device main body 1A in the horizontal direction H, and the first end 1b It can be said that the distance between the first end 1b1 and the fixing device 80 is shorter than the distance between the first end 1b1 and the center of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0054] 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.

[0055] As described above, when the primary transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the movement direction of the primary transfer unit 40 is a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the drive roller 46. At this time, the primary transfer unit 40 moves away from the second end 1b2.

[0056] 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 includes 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 80 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.

[0057] Furthermore, the user of the printer 1 can move the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 and the cartridge P, perform maintenance, replacement, and other tasks.

[0058] That is, in the printer 1, the fixing device 80 is disposed at one end of the device main body 1A, and the primary transfer unit 40 and the 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 80, and operate the primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 from one direction.

[0059] 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 primary transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 from the front of the printer 1. On the other hand, it is not necessary 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.

[0060] If the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50. Also, if one of the primary 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 primary 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 not only the front but also the back of the device main body 1A, which increases the area required to install the printer 1.

[0061] 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.

[0062] [Relationship between the tray unit and the fixing unit] The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the fixing device 80 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the movement of the primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The primary transfer unit 40 passes through a predetermined space when moving between a second inner position where an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S and a second outer position. In this way, the space through which the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40). The second space can also be called the path or locus (second movement path, second movement locus) through which the primary transfer unit 40 passes when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

[0065] The position (use position) of the fixing device 80 when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, and the first and second spaces have the following relationship.

[0066] 8 and 9, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 in the use position overlaps with the first space. In other words, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 is inside the first space.

[0067] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 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.

[0068] This allows the apparatus main body 1A to be made smaller in size than in a configuration in which the fixing device 80 in the use position is located outside the first space.

[0069] 8, 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.

[0070] As described above, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 in the use position is located inside the first space. Therefore, when the fixing device 80 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 80 is configured to be retractable from the use position. When the fixing device 80 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 80. Note that the fixing device 80 is located outside the second space in both the use position and the retracted position. Therefore, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position and when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the primary transfer unit 40 can move from the second inner position to the second outer position. When the primary transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the primary transfer unit 40 passes below the fixing device 80.

[0071] The fixing device 80 has a fixing frame 80a that supports a fixing section 81. When the fixing device 80 is retracted from the use position, the fixing frame 80a is inserted into the apparatus main body 1A while supporting the fixing section 81. It is displaced relative to the

[0072] [Moving the tray unit] 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 80 is positioned in the use position. Then, while the door 20 is in the open position, the secondary transfer unit 90 is moved to the open state as shown in Fig. 2, and the fixing device 80 is moved from the use position to the retracted position so as to move outside the first space as shown in Fig. 3.

[0073] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the fixing device 80 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 80 is in the retracted position, the entire fixing device 80 is located outside the first space.

[0074] The fixing device 80 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. 9 , when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 protrudes from the device main body 1A toward the outside of the device main body 1A. Furthermore, when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the position of at least a portion of the fixing device 80 is higher than the position of the upper cover portion 20b of the door 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 80 is in the use position, while ensuring space for movement of the tray unit 50 by moving the fixing device 80 to the retracted position. Note that when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the door 20 is restricted from taking the closed position.

[0075] Specifically, the printer 1 has a connecting member (fixing connecting member, fixing link, arm) 85 movably connected to the apparatus main body 1A. The fixing device 80 is connected to the apparatus main body 1A via the connecting member 85.

[0076] The connecting member 85 is rotatable around a rotation center 85A, and when the tray unit 50 is pulled out to the outside of the device main body 1A, the connecting member 85 is moved to the outside of the first space. The fixing device 80 is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting member 85, and the other end of the connecting member 85 is connected to the device main body 1A so as to be rotatable around the rotation center 85A. The fixing device 80, while supported by the connecting member 85 (connected to the device main body 1A via the connecting member 85), is movable from the use position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the use position. The connecting member 85 is configured to be movable (swingable) relative to the device main body 1A and the fixing device 80. In other words, the fixing device 80 is connected to the device main body 1A via the connecting member 85. As a result, the movement distance of the fixing device 80 when moving between the retracted position and the use position can be increased compared to a configuration in which the fixing device 80 is directly connected to the device main body 1A.

[0077] 9, 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 80 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the movement amount of the fixing device 80 in the vertical direction V is larger than the movement amount of the fixing device 80 in the horizontal direction H. In other words, when the fixing device 80 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the movement amount of the fixing device 80 in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the tray unit 50 is larger than the movement amount of the fixing device 80 in the direction parallel to the movement direction of the tray unit 50.

[0078] Furthermore, the fixing device 80 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A via a guide fixed to the apparatus main body 1A. The guide may be configured to move between the use position and the retracted position while attached to the guide. In this case, the shape of the guide is optional.

[0079] However, the method for moving the fixing device 80 to the outside of the first space is not limited to this. For example, the fixing device 80 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 80 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 80 may be connected to the door 20, and the fixing device 80 may be moved to the outside of the first space by opening the door 20.

[0080] [Relationship between the tray unit, primary transfer unit, and secondary transfer unit] The relationship between the tray unit 50, the primary transfer unit 40, and the secondary transfer unit 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9. FIG.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, with the fixing device 80 positioned outside the first space and the secondary transfer unit 90 open, the user grasps the tray handle 52 and moves the tray unit 50 toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the position of the primary transfer unit 40 and the first space when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S have the following relationship.

[0083] That is, when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. Furthermore, at least a portion of the primary transfer unit 40 in the second inner position overlaps with the first space. In other words, when the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, at least a portion of the primary transfer unit 40 is inside the first space. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the primary 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 disposed so as to overlap with the space through which the cartridge P passes. This allows the apparatus main body 1A to be made smaller in size than a configuration in which the primary transfer unit 40 in the second inner position is located outside the space through which the tray 51 passes.

[0084] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the part of the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 may overlap with the first space. In this embodiment, the cleaning member 43A of the primary transfer unit 40 that is in the second inner position overlaps with the first space.

[0085] It can be said that the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 satisfy the following relationship: With the tray unit 50 in the first inner position and the primary 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 portion of the primary 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 portion of the primary 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. In other words, when viewed in the horizontal direction H, the area in which the portion of the primary transfer unit 40 is located and the area in which the tray unit 50 is located have overlapping portions.

[0086] 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 primary 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.

[0087] As described above, when the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, at least a portion of the primary 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 apparatus main body 1A, the primary 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, when the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position.

[0088] By moving the tray unit 50 and the primary 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.

[0089] 9, when the door 20 is open, the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, and the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, the primary transfer unit 40 supports the tray unit 50 from below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door 20 supports the secondary transfer unit 90, and the secondary transfer unit 90 supports the primary transfer unit 40. In other words, the secondary transfer unit 90 supported by the door 20 supports the tray unit 50 via the primary transfer unit 40. At this time, the secondary transfer unit 90 is positioned below the primary transfer unit 40, and the door 20 is positioned below the secondary transfer unit 90.

[0090] In this embodiment, the primary transfer unit 40 has a transfer frame 48 that forms a frame, and the secondary transfer unit 90 has an abutment portion 91 that serves as a first support portion that supports the transfer frame 48 when the primary transfer unit 40 moves. The abutment portion 91 is a bearing that rotatably supports the secondary transfer roller 45, and has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the secondary transfer roller 45. In other words, the abutment portion 91 abuts against the primary transfer unit 40 at a position higher than the secondary transfer roller 45. This makes it possible to prevent scratches and dirt from adhering to the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45 due to contact between the primary transfer unit 40 and the secondary transfer roller 45 when the primary transfer unit 40 moves.

[0091] The door 20 also has an abutment portion 21 as a second support portion that supports the transfer frame 48 of the primary transfer unit 40 in the second outer position. That is, the primary transfer unit 40 in the second outer position is supported not only by the secondary transfer unit 90 in the second open position, but also by the door 20 in the first open position. The primary transfer unit 40 in the second outer position is also supported by the apparatus main body 1A.

[0092] When the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the drive roller 46, which serves as the first roller supporting the belt 41 on the downstream side of the second movement path, is positioned higher than the tension roller 47, which supports the belt 41 on the upstream side of the second movement path. That is, when the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, it assumes an inclined posture. When the primary transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the drive roller 46 and the tension roller 47 become approximately the same height, and the difference in height between them becomes small. That is, when the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, it assumes a posture extending in a substantially horizontal direction. When the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position, the downstream end (leading end portion) of the transfer frame 48 on the second movement path is supported by the abutment portion 21 of the door 20, and the upstream end (rear end portion) of the second movement path is supported by the abutment portion 91 of the secondary transfer unit 90. At this time, the primary transfer unit 40 is in a position extending in a substantially horizontal direction, so that the support by the contact portions 21 and 91 is stable.

[0093] The transfer frames 48 are disposed on both sides of the belt 41 in the direction of the rotation axis of the drive roller 46 etc. (width direction of the belt 41). A pair of abutment portions 21 and abutment portions 91 are provided corresponding to the pair of transfer frames 48. That is, the primary transfer unit 40 is supported by the secondary transfer unit 90 and the door 20 with both sides of the leading end supported by the pair of abutment portions 91 and both sides of the trailing end supported by the pair of abutment portions 21.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 2, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the transfer frame 48 and the abutment portion 91 are not in contact. In other words, before the primary transfer unit 40 moves, the primary transfer unit 40 is not supported by the secondary transfer unit 90. As shown in FIG. 4, as the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 move from the inside to the outside of the device main body 1A, the transfer frame 48 comes into contact with the abutment portion 91, and the primary transfer unit 40 is supported by the secondary transfer unit 90. This makes it possible to support the weight of the tray and cartridge without adding any new support members or support shapes to the opening / closing member, thereby suppressing increases in size and cost of the device main body.

[0095] The configuration for integrally moving the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 will be described with reference to Figures 10, 11, and 12. Figures 10, 11, and 12 are diagrams illustrating a connecting member (lever, stopper, locking member) 53 that connects the tray 51 of the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40.

[0096] 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. The tray 51 has a transfer connecting portion 51A. The primary 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.

[0097] The locking member 53 rotates around a rotation center 53B, causing the transfer locking portion 53A to engage with the lock connecting portion 48B, enabling the locking member 53 to move between a connected position where the primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are connected, and a released position where the locking member 53 is retracted from the connected position. The transfer connecting portion 51A engages with the tray connecting groove 48A, restricting the tray unit 50 from moving relative to the primary transfer unit 40 in the first removal direction Dd1 and in a direction perpendicular to the first removal direction Dd1. Meanwhile, the primary transfer unit 40 is restricted from moving relative to the tray unit 50 in the second attachment direction Da2 and in a direction perpendicular to the second attachment direction Da2. Similar structures are provided at a total of four locations: 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.

[0098] 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 primary transfer unit 40. On the other hand, the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 in the direction of the rotation axis of the tension roller 47.

[0099] In this way, when the transfer coupling portion 51A is engaged with the tray coupling groove 48A and the lock member 53 at the coupling position is engaged with the lock coupling portion 48B, the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50. In other words, the transfer coupling portion 51A and the lock member 53 are restricted from moving relative to each other. It can be said that the lock member 53 functions 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 primary transfer unit 40 are connected, and the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 move integrally.

[0100] 12, the apparatus main body 1A has an unlocking portion 1B. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the primary 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.

[0101] When the tray unit 50 is moved in the first removal direction Dd1 with the locking member 53 in the released position, the primary transfer unit 40 is pushed in the second removal direction Dd2 by the transfer connecting portion 51A. As a result, the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 is moved to the second outer position.

[0102] 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 primary transfer unit 40 is pushed in the second attachment direction Da2 by the locking member 53. As a result, the primary transfer unit 40 is also moved integrally with the tray unit 50 in the second attachment direction Da2.

[0103] When the primary transfer unit 40 is moved in the second attachment direction Da2 with the lock member 53 engaged with the lock connecting portion 48B, the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 in the first attachment direction Da1.

[0104] When the tray unit 50 and the primary 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 mounting direction Da1, the primary transfer unit 40 does not move. Therefore, when the door 20 is closed, the secondary transfer unit 90 is closed, and the force of the secondary transfer roller 45 contacting the primary transfer unit 40 pushes the primary transfer unit 40 in the second mounting direction Da2 and to the back of the apparatus main body 1A (to the second inner position). In other words, the secondary transfer unit 90 can push the primary transfer unit 40 so that the primary transfer unit 40 is positioned at the second inner position. The door 20 may also push the tray unit 50 so that the tray unit 50 is positioned at the first inner position.

[0105] On the other hand, when the primary 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 primary 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. 8, the primary transfer unit 40 can be moved to the outside of the device main body 1A (the second outer position) while the tray unit 50 remains positioned inside the device main body 1A (the first inner position). The primary transfer unit 40 can be removed from the device main body 1A and replaced with a new primary transfer unit 40.

[0106] In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the tray unit 50 is positioned relative to the apparatus main body 1A independently of the primary transfer unit 40. When the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, the primary transfer unit 40 is positioned relative to the apparatus main body 1A independently of the tray unit 50. This is because priority is given to accurately positioning each of the primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 relative to the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the primary 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.

[0107] 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 primary transfer unit 40 can be positioned relative to each other when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position and the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. In this case, the primary transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be positioned relative to each other with high precision.

[0108] [Moving the tray unit and primary transfer unit] 1, 8, and 9, when the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 are attached to the apparatus main body 1A, they are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H. More specifically, when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61 close 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Here, a straight line connecting the centers of the photosensitive drums 61 is referred to as a line LD. 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 toward the side closer to the first end 1b1. 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 toward the side closer to the first end 1b1.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Similarly, when the primary transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the movement direction of the primary transfer unit 40 changes from obliquely upward to downward. The movement direction of the primary transfer unit 40 may include a direction parallel to the horizontal direction H or a direction obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal direction H.

[0115] The angle between the contact surface of the belt 41 and the horizontal direction H is smaller when the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second outer position than when the primary transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position. In this embodiment, when the primary 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.

[0116] 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 primary transfer unit 40 is moved from the second outer position to the second inner position, the primary 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 primary transfer unit 40 can be used when inserting the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 into the apparatus main body 1A.

[0117] In this embodiment, two units, the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40, are exemplified as the configuration of the supported units supported by the secondary transfer unit 90. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the secondary transfer unit 90 may support a single unit that can be positioned inside and outside the apparatus main body 1A. Alternatively, three or more units may be configured to be independently or partially linked to be positioned inside and outside the apparatus main body 1A, and the secondary transfer unit 90 may directly or indirectly support such multiple units. In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 is housed in the apparatus main body 1A and the primary transfer unit 40 is positioned in the second outside position independent of the tray unit 50, the tray unit 50 can be supported by the secondary transfer unit 90.

[0118] (Variation) As described above, the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71 may be provided in either the cartridge P or the tray 51. This will be explained with reference to Figure 13. Figures 13(a) to 13(d) are diagrams showing a tray unit 50 according to a modified example.

[0119] For example, as shown in FIG. 13(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.

[0120] 13(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 detachable from the tray 51 independently of each other.

[0121] 13(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.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 13(d), the cartridge P is connected to the drum cartridge P1. The drum cartridge P1 may include a photosensitive drum 61 and a charging roller 62, the developer cartridge P2 has a developing 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.

[0123] <Example 2> A description will be given of Example 2. In Example 2, the same components as those described in Example 1 will be indicated by the same reference numerals as those used in Example 1. Also, in Example 2, the description of the same components as those in Example 1 may be omitted.

[0124] [Relationship between the tray unit, primary transfer unit, and secondary transfer unit] A printer 101 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has a device body 101A with an opening 101A1. The printer 101, device body 101A, and opening 101A1 correspond to the printer 1, device body 1A, and opening 1A1 of the first embodiment.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 move, they are supported by a secondary transfer frame 192 included in the secondary transfer unit 190, and movement in the width direction is restricted.

[0126] The relationship between the tray unit 50, the primary transfer unit 40, and the secondary transfer unit 190 will be described using Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the secondary transfer unit 190 is disposed so as to be openable and closable relative to the apparatus main body 101A. The secondary transfer unit 190 is configured to open and close in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 20, similar to the secondary transfer unit 90 in the first embodiment.

[0127] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the secondary transfer unit 190 in an open state. As shown in FIG. 16, the secondary transfer unit 190 in this embodiment has a convex shape that is convex upward in the vertical direction V from the secondary transfer frame 192. The convex shape includes a support surface 190a, a regulating surface 190b, and a marker portion 192c. The support surface 190a supports the bottom surface of the transfer frame 48 when the primary transfer unit 40 moves. The regulating surface 190b serves as a regulating portion to regulate the movement of the side surface of the transfer frame 48 when the primary transfer unit 40 moves. The marker portion 192c is a marker for when the primary transfer unit 40 is attached to the apparatus main body 101A.

[0128] FIG. 17 shows how the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 are supported relative to the secondary transfer unit 190 in the state shown in FIG. 16 . As described above, the bottom surface of the transfer frame 48 is supported by the support surface 192a, and the movement of the side surface of the transfer frame 48 is restricted by the restriction surface 192b. That is, when the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 are pulled out to the outside of the device main body 101A, the tray unit 50 and the primary transfer unit 40 are restricted from moving in the width direction of the device main body 101A. This prevents the transfer frame 48 from falling off the secondary transfer frame 192 as it moves, which can cause scratches and dirt to adhere to the belt. Furthermore, the position of the support surface 192a in the vertical direction V is positioned above the secondary transfer roller 145. This prevents scratches and dirt from adhering to the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 145 as the primary transfer unit 40 moves.

[0129] The above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0130] 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 supported unit that is movable relative to the device body between an inner position that is inside the device body and an outer position that is outside the device body, the supported unit including a primary transfer roller and an intermediate transfer belt; an opening / closing member that is movable with respect to the device body between a closed position and an open position retracted from the closed position, and that, when in the closed position, blocks a movement path of the supported unit from the inner position to the outer position; a transfer unit having a secondary transfer roller that contacts the intermediate transfer belt; and The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the supported unit in the outer position is supported by the transfer unit. (Configuration 2) 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit is movable relative to both the apparatus main body and the opening / closing member. (Configuration 3) the closed position is a first closed position, and the open position is a first open position; The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the transfer unit is movable relative to the apparatus main body between a second closed position and a second open position retracted from the second closed position, and when in the second closed position, blocks the movement path inside the opening / closing member. (Configuration 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the transfer unit in the second open position is supported by the opening / closing member in the first open position. (Configuration 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the supported unit in the outer position is also supported by the opening / closing member in the first open position. (Configuration 6) the transfer unit has a support portion that supports the supported unit in the outer position when the transfer unit is in the second open position, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the support portion abuts against the supported unit at a position higher than the secondary transfer roller when the transfer unit is in the second open position. (Configuration 7) the transfer unit has a bearing that rotatably supports the secondary transfer roller, 7. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein the support portion is provided on the bearing. (Configuration 8) the opening / closing member is a member that constitutes a part of the exterior of the device body, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 7, wherein when the opening / closing member moves between the first closed position and the first open position, the transfer unit also moves between the second closed position and the second open position. (Configuration 9) The supported unit is a first unit movable relative to the device body between a first inner position that is inside the device body and a first outer position that is outside the device body; a second unit 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; Including, the first unit in the first outer position is supported by the second unit in the second outer position; 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 8, wherein the second unit in the second outer position is supported by the transfer unit. (Configuration 10) 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 toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on the photosensitive member; a cartridge including at least the toner image forming unit and detachable from the tray; and 10. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, wherein the second unit includes the intermediate transfer belt, and a toner image is transferred from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer belt. (Configuration 11) the intermediate transfer belt has a continuous circular shape, The second unit is a plurality of rollers disposed inside the annular intermediate transfer belt and tensioning the intermediate transfer belt; a frame that rotatably supports the plurality of rollers; and The transfer unit comprises: a support portion that supports the frame when the frame is in the second open position; a restricting portion that restricts movement of the frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the roller when the frame is in the second open position; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: (Configuration 12) The plurality of rollers include: a first roller that supports the intermediate transfer belt downstream in the movement path; a second roller that supports the intermediate transfer belt on the upstream side of the movement path; Including, When the second unit is in the second inner position, the first roller is at a higher position than the second roller, 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the second unit moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the difference in height between the first roller and the second roller becomes smaller. (Configuration 13) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 9 to 12, wherein when the first unit moves between the first inner position and the first outer position, the second unit also moves between the second inner position and the second outer position. (Configuration 14) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 9 to 13, wherein the second unit is configured to be movable between the second inner position and the second outer position while the first unit remains in the first inner position. (Configuration 15) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A device body, a supported unit that is movable relative to the device body between an inner position that is inside the device body and an outer position that is outside the device body; an opening / closing member that is movable with respect to the device body between a closed position and an open position retracted from the closed position, and when in the closed position, the supported unit moves from the inner position to the outer position; an opening / closing member that blocks the path of movement toward the position; a transfer unit having a transfer roller; and the supported unit at the outer position is supported by the transfer unit, The supported unit is a first unit movable relative to the device body between a first inner position that is inside the device body and a first outer position that is outside the device body; a second unit 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; Including, the first unit in the first outer position is supported by the second unit in the second outer position; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the second unit in the second outer position is supported by the transfer unit. (Configuration 16) 16. The image forming apparatus of claim 15, wherein when the first unit moves between the first inner position and the first outer position, the second unit also moves between the second inner position and the second outer position. (Configuration 17) The image forming apparatus of configuration 15 or 16, wherein the second unit is configured to be movable between the second inner position and the second outer position while the first unit remains in the first inner position. (Configuration 18) An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 15 to 17, characterized in that the supported unit includes an intermediate transfer belt and a primary transfer roller, and the transfer roller is a secondary transfer roller that contacts the intermediate transfer belt. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1... printer, 40... transfer unit, 43... cleaning member, 50... tray unit, 80... fixing device, 90... toner recovery unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A device body, a supported unit that is movable relative to the device body between an inner position that is inside the device body and an outer position that is outside the device body, the supported unit including a primary transfer roller and an intermediate transfer belt; an opening / closing member that is movable with respect to the device body between a closed position and an open position retracted from the closed position, and that, when in the closed position, blocks a movement path of the supported unit from the inner position to the outer position; a transfer unit having a secondary transfer roller that contacts the intermediate transfer belt; and The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the supported unit in the outer position is supported by the transfer unit.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit is movable relative to both the apparatus main body and the opening / closing member.

3. the closed position is a first closed position, and the open position is a first open position; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transfer unit is movable relative to the device body between a second closed position and a second open position retracted from the second closed position, and when in the second closed position, blocks the movement path inside the opening / closing member.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transfer unit in the second open position is supported by the opening / closing member in the first open position.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the supported unit in the outer position is also supported by the opening / closing member in the first open position.

6. the transfer unit has a support portion that supports the supported unit in the outer position when the transfer unit is in the second open position, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the support portion abuts against the supported unit at a position higher than the secondary transfer roller when the transfer unit is in the second open position.

7. the transfer unit has a bearing that rotatably supports the secondary transfer roller, 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the support portion is provided on the bearing.

8. the opening / closing member is a member that constitutes a part of the exterior of the device body, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the opening / closing member moves between the first closed position and the first open position, the transfer unit also moves between the second closed position and the second open position.

9. The supported unit is a first unit movable relative to the device body between a first inner position that is inside the device body and a first outer position that is outside the device body; a second unit movable relative to the device body between a second inner position inside the device body and a second outer position outside the device body; Including, the first unit in the first outer position is supported by the second unit in the second outer position; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second unit in the second outer position is supported by the transfer unit.

10. 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 toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on the photosensitive member; a cartridge including at least the toner image forming unit and detachable from the tray; and 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second unit includes the intermediate transfer belt, and a toner image is transferred from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer belt.

11. the intermediate transfer belt has a continuous circular shape, The second unit is a plurality of rollers disposed inside the annular intermediate transfer belt and tensioning the intermediate transfer belt; a frame that rotatably supports the plurality of rollers; and The transfer unit comprises: a support portion that supports the frame when the frame is in the second open position; a restricting portion that restricts movement of the frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the roller when the frame is in the second open position; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. The plurality of rollers include: a first roller that supports the intermediate transfer belt downstream in the movement path; a second roller that supports the intermediate transfer belt on the upstream side of the movement path; Including, When the second unit is in the second inner position, the first roller is located at a higher position than the second roller, 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the second unit moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the difference in height between the first roller and the second roller becomes smaller.

13. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the first unit moves between the first inner position and the first outer position, the second unit also moves between the second inner position and the second outer position.

14. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second unit is configured to be movable between the second inner position and the second outer position while the first unit remains in the first inner position.

15. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, A device body, a supported unit that is movable relative to the device body between an inner position that is inside the device body and an outer position that is outside the device body; an opening / closing member that is movable with respect to the device body between a closed position and an open position retracted from the closed position, and that, when in the closed position, blocks a movement path of the supported unit from the inner position to the outer position; a transfer unit having a transfer roller; and the supported unit at the outer position is supported by the transfer unit, The supported unit is a first unit movable relative to the device body between a first inner position that is inside the device body and a first outer position that is outside the device body; a second unit movable relative to the device body between a second inner position inside the device body and a second outer position outside the device body; Including, the first unit in the first outer position is supported by the second unit in the second outer position; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the second unit in the second outer position is supported by the transfer unit.

16. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when the first unit moves between the first inner position and the first outer position, the second unit also moves between the second inner position and the second outer position.

17. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second unit is configured to be movable between the second inner position and the second outer position while the first unit remains in the first inner position.

18. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the supported unit includes an intermediate transfer belt and a primary transfer roller, and the transfer roller is a secondary transfer roller that abuts against the intermediate transfer belt.

Images