Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of stably supporting a unit pulled out from an apparatus body.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body in which an opening is formed, an opening / closing member 20 rotatable between a closed position at which the opening is closed and an open position at which the opening is exposed, and a drawer unit drawable from an inside position at which the drawer unit is accommodated inside the apparatus body to an outside position at which at least a part of the drawer unit is located outside the apparatus body through the opening. And a posture changing member 90L connected to the opening / closing member 20 and the device body, the posture changing member 91L being connected to the support member 90L and moving the support member 90L from the retracted position to the support position with respect to the opening / closing member 20 in conjunction with an operation of moving the opening / closing member 20 from the closed position to the open position, the support member 91L being positioned at the support position so as to support the drawer unit at the outside position from below when the opening / closing member 20 is at the open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses are known that have a configuration in which a unit such as a cartridge can be pulled out from the main body of the apparatus.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a configuration in which a support part that supports a unit on an opening / closing member (front cover) attached to the device body, and a biasing member (spring member) that biases the support part upward to pop it out when the opening / closing member is in the open position, are provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4310706 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-described configuration, the unit pulled out from the device body is supported by the biasing force of the biasing member, so the biasing portion may sink depending on the weight of the unit being pulled out, making it difficult to support the unit stably.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can stably support a unit that is pulled out from the main body of the apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a device body having an opening formed therein; an opening / closing member configured to be rotatable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; a drawer unit configured to be able to be drawn from an inner position accommodated inside the device body through the opening to an outer position at least a portion of which is located outside the device body; a support member that is movable relative to the opening / closing member between a support position and a retracted position retracted from the support position, and that is positioned at the support position so as to support the drawer unit at the outer position from below when the opening / closing member is at the open position; a position-changing member connected to the opening / closing member and the device main body, the position-changing member being connected to the support member and moving the support member from the retracted position to the support position relative to the opening / closing member in conjunction with an operation of the opening / closing member moving from the closed position to the open position; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can stably support a unit that is pulled out from the apparatus main body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation when the door of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is opened and closed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the door support link mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the door support link mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the door support link mechanism when the door is opened and closed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the door support link mechanism when the door is opened and closed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the door support link mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of the operation of the door support link mechanism when the door is opened and closed according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. 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.

[0011] First Embodiment [Overall configuration] The configuration of a printer 1 as an image forming apparatus will be described using Figure 1 and Figures 2(a) to (d). Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. Figures 2(a) to (d) are explanatory views of the operation of drawing out a unit. In the first embodiment, the printer 1 is an electrophotographic color laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S as a recording material.

[0012] In the following description, the depth direction of the printer 1 is referred to as the x direction, the width direction (left-right direction) as the y direction, and the height direction as the z direction. Furthermore, within the depth direction, the front direction is referred to as the +x direction, the back direction as the -x direction, within the width direction, the right direction as viewed from the front is referred to as the +y direction, the left direction as the -y direction, within the height direction, the upward direction is referred to as the +z direction, and the downward direction as the -z direction. The z direction is the direction parallel to the vertical direction when the printer 1 is placed on a horizontal surface. The x direction, y direction, and z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0013] The printer 1 includes a device main body 1A with an opening formed at the end in the +x direction, and a door 20 that can be opened and closed relative to the device main body 1A. The door 20 is an opening / closing member that is supported by the device main body 1A and can rotate between a closed position that blocks the opening and an open position that exposes the opening.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the door 20 rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction (y direction). As shown in FIG. 2(a), the door 20 rotates about a door rotation fulcrum 21 and is configured to open toward the front of the printer 1 (+x direction). The door 20 has an opening / closing surface 20a that forms part of the exterior of the printer 1. The orientation of the door 20 changes so that when the door 20 is in the closed position (position in FIG. 1), the opening / closing surface 20a faces outward from the printer 1 (+x direction), and when the door 20 is in the open position (position in FIG. 2(a)), the opening / closing surface 20a faces downward in the direction of gravity (-z direction).

[0015] The printer 1 includes 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. All of these units are provided inside the device main body 1A.

[0016] The sheet feeding section 30 includes a stacking tray 31 for stacking sheets S as recording materials (recording media) on which images are recorded, and a supply roller 32 for supplying the sheets S from the stacking tray 31. The stacking tray 31 can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A in the front direction (+x direction) to replenish the sheets S.

[0017] The tray unit 50 includes a tray 51 and cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. A tray handle 52 is provided on the front end of the tray 51. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removably attached to the tray 51.

[0018] Each of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be attached to and detached from the tray 51 independently of the others. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are toner cartridges that 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, in the following explanation, the configuration and operation of only one of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK will be explained, and explanations of the others may 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 cartridge P.

[0019] The tray unit 50 has four photosensitive drums (image carriers) 61, four charging rollers 62 (charging members), and four developing rollers (developer carriers) 71. The rotational axes of the photosensitive drums 61, the developing rollers 71, and the charging rollers 62 are all parallel to the width direction (y direction).

[0020] The portion where a black (K) image is formed is called the black station (first station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the first station is called the first photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called the first developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the first charging roller.

[0021] The portion where a cyan (C) image is formed is called a cyan station (second station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the second station is called a second photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called a second developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called a second charging roller.

[0022] The portion where a magenta (M) image is formed is called the magenta station (third station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the third station is called the third photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called the third developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the third charging roller.

[0023] The portion where a yellow (Y) image is formed is called the yellow station (fourth station), the photosensitive drum 61 of the fourth station is called the fourth photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 is called the fourth developing roller, and the charging roller 62 is called the fourth charging roller.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the cartridge P has a photosensitive drum 61, a charging roller 62, and a developing roller 71. That is, the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71 are integrally and removably mounted on the tray 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71 may be provided on either the cartridge P or the tray 51.

[0025] The transfer unit 40 has a belt 41, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaning unit 43, a drive roller 46 that drives the belt 41, and a tension roller (driven roller) 47. The printer 1 in the first embodiment is provided with an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the belt 41. The belt 41 is an intermediate transfer body that transports the transferred toner image and transfers the toner image onto a sheet S. The belt 41 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 61 and can come into contact with the photosensitive drum 61 to form a primary transfer portion. The printer 1 also has a secondary transfer roller 45 that comes into contact with the belt 41 to form a secondary transfer portion.

[0026] 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 the width direction (y direction). In the conveying direction of the sheet S, a registration roller pair 4 is disposed before (upstream of) the secondary transfer unit.

[0027] The fixing device 80 has a fixing section 81 and a discharge / reversal section 5. The fixing device 80 is configured to pressurize and heat the sheet S when it is in the use position. In the first embodiment, the fixing section 81 includes a heating roller 82 including a heater, and a pressure roller 83.

[0028] The printer 1 is placed on a stand 8 via feet 6 and feet 7 provided on the bottom surface of the printer 1. The stand 8 has a horizontal support surface, and the printer 1 is supported by the support surface via the feet 6 and feet 7.

[0029] [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.

[0030] When the image forming operation starts, a charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 62, and the photosensitive drum 61 rotates. Then, a laser corresponding to the 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.

[0031] 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 the first 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.

[0032] In the first embodiment, 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 (not shown) 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The toner images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 61 are transferred onto the belt 41 by the primary transfer roller 42 and are transported toward a secondary transfer portion formed by the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45 .

[0035] On the other hand, 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. In addition, the door 20 is provided with a door 21 for holding the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80. A double-sided conveying path (second route, second conveying path) 20b is formed through which the sheet S passes. The door 20 covers the conveying path 1c when closed. As shown in FIG. 2(a), when the door 20 is opened, the conveying path 1c and the double-sided conveying path 20b are exposed.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In the secondary transfer portion, the toner image is transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S. Note that 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.

[0038] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer unit is transported toward the fixing device 80. In the fixing device 80, the sheet S is heated and pressurized in a fixing unit 81, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed is transported toward the discharge / reversal unit 5.

[0039] The discharge / reversal section 5 is movable between a discharge position where the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 is guided toward the discharge path 1d and a reversal position where the sheet S is guided toward the reversal path 1e.

[0040] 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 discharge path 1d by the discharge / reversal unit 5 and discharged onto a discharge tray 1f formed on the top of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0041] On the other hand, when double-sided printing is performed, in which images are printed on one side and the other side of the sheet S, the sheet S is guided to the reversal path 1e by the discharge / reversal unit 5. When the sheet S is guided to the reversal 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 20b formed in the door 20. After the toner image is transferred to the other side of the sheet S in the secondary transfer unit, the sheet S passes through the fixing device 80, is guided to the discharge path 1d by the discharge / reversal unit 5, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 1f of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0042] Also, a second opening / closing cover 22 that can be opened and closed relative to the door 20 is attached to the door 20. When the second opening / closing cover 22 is opened, one sheet S may be separated and fed from the sheets S stacked on the second opening / closing cover 22 by a second supply roller 33 at a predetermined timing, and may be conveyed through the conveying path 1c toward the secondary transfer unit and fixing device 80. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the second opening / closing cover 22 is not shown in the drawings other than FIG. 1.

[0043] [Tray unit and transfer unit pull-out operation and unit support method] The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK and the transfer unit 40 are consumables, and these units must be replaced by the user or a service technician during the use of the printer 1. To replace these units, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 inside the device main body 1A are configured so that they can be pulled out to a position where they can be replaced, via an opening in the device main body 1A, to the outside of the device main body 1A (hereinafter also referred to as "outside the device"). In the following description, these units that can be pulled out from the device main body 1A may be collectively referred to as "drawer units."

[0044] 1 and 2(a) to 2(d), a method for moving the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 from the inside to the outside of the device main body 1A will be described. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the printer 1 in a state where the door 20 is in the open position and the opening of the device main body 1A is exposed. FIG. 2(a) shows the state where the door 20 is in the open position and the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are entirely in an internal position housed inside the device main body 1A.

[0045] FIG. 2B shows the fixing device 80 retracted upward (in the +z direction) by a predetermined distance from the print position shown in FIG. 1 . The fixing device 80 is configured to be movable from the print position to the retracted position by a fixing device lifting mechanism (not shown). By retracting the fixing device 80 in this manner, an opening is created for pulling the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 from the inside of the printer 1 to the outside. This prevents the fixing device 80 from interfering with or restricting the movement of each unit when pulling out the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50. By configuring the fixing device 80 to be liftable in this manner, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be pulled out without increasing the size of the printer 1. Furthermore, the pull-out direction of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is the same as the pull-out direction of the stacking tray 31, so that the user can operate the printer 1 in a consistent manner.

[0046] 2(c) is a diagram showing the printer 1 in a state where the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are pulled out to the outside of the device main body 1A. In FIG. 2(c), the door 20 is in the open position, and at least a part of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is in the outer position located outside the device main body 1A.

[0047] The transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are connected so that when a user grasps the tray handle 52 and pulls them out in the +x direction, they are pulled out together from inside the device to outside the device. At this time, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 move out of the device while being guided by rails 53.

[0048] The outer position of the tray unit 50 shown in Figure 2(c) is the cartridge replacement position (maximum pull-out position) where the tray unit 50 is pulled out to the maximum. When the tray unit 50 is pulled out to the cartridge replacement position, the -x direction end of the transfer unit 40 is supported by the rail 53. Meanwhile, in this state, the bottom surface of the transfer unit 40 near the +x direction end is supported by a support member 90 connected to the door 20. The configuration and operation of the support member 90 will be described in detail below.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2(c), when the tray unit 50 is in the outer position, it is possible to remove the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the tray 51 and to install the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the tray 51. This allows the used cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK to be replaced with new cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. In the first embodiment, the cartridge P is detachable from the tray 51 in the +z direction. Note that when the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are pulled out to the outer position (maximum pulled-out position) as shown in FIG. 2(c), the center of gravity of the entire printer 1 is located in the -x direction (inward of the device) relative to the feet 6.

[0050] 2(d) is a diagram showing the printer 1 in a state where only the transfer unit 40 is pulled out to the outside of the device main body 1A. FIG. 2(d) shows a state where the door 20 is in the open position, the tray unit 50 is in the inside position, and at least a part of the transfer unit 40 is in the outside position located outside the device main body 1A.

[0051] A handle 48 is integrally provided on the end of the transfer unit 40 on the front side of the device (+x direction). When a user grasps the handle 48 and pulls out the transfer unit 40 in approximately the +x direction from the state shown in Figure 2(b), only the transfer unit 40 is pulled out from inside the device to the outside. At this time, the transfer unit 40 moves out of the device while being guided by rails 53.

[0052] The outer position of the transfer unit 40 shown in Fig. 2(d) is the maximum pulled-out position where the transfer unit 40 is pulled out to the maximum. As shown in Fig. 2(d), when the transfer unit 40 is pulled out to the maximum pulled-out position, the -x-direction end of the transfer unit 40 is supported by rails 53. Meanwhile, in this state, the bottom surface of the +x-direction end of the transfer unit 40 is supported by a support member 90 (unit support member).

[0053] The door 20 is provided with support members 90 at one end and the other end in the width direction to support the unit pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A. A part of the pulled-out transfer unit 40 is sandwiched in the width direction between the pair of support members 90. This configuration restricts the movement of the transfer unit 40 in the width direction (y direction) perpendicular to the pulling direction of the unit, so that the replacement work of the transfer unit 40 and the cartridge P can be performed stably.

[0054] 2(d), the transfer unit 40 is removed from the apparatus main body 1A by moving the transfer unit 40 in approximately the +z direction. Then, the operator can replace the old transfer unit 40 with a new transfer unit 40.

[0055] [Link mechanism] In the first embodiment, a support member 90 that supports a drawer unit at an outer position is movably connected to the door 20 so that its posture relative to the door 20 changes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 20. Below, a link mechanism that links the opening and closing operation of the door 20 with the operation of the support member 90 will be described. In addition, in the following description, of the pair of support members 90, the one connected to the left side of the door 20 will be described as support member 90L, and the one connected to the right side of the door 20 will be described as support member 90R.

[0056] The detailed configuration and operation of the link mechanism will be described using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the door 20 in the open position. For simplification, some components such as the fixing device 80 and the secondary transfer roller 45 are omitted from Figure 3. Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the components of the link mechanism, including the support members 90R and 90L.

[0057] The link mechanism is a mechanism that moves the support member 90 relative to the door 20 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 20. The link mechanism includes support members 90L and 90R, first link members 91L and 91R, and a second link member 104. The support member 90L and the first link member 91L are located at the end of the left side (-y direction side) of the printer 1, and the support member 90R and the first link member 91R are located at the end of the right side (+y direction side) of the printer 1. Furthermore, one second link member 104 is connected to each of the support members 90L and 90R.

[0058] 3 shows the left frame 10L and the right frame 10R of the device main body 1A. A first link member 91L is connected to the left frame 10L, and a first link member 91R is connected to the right frame 10R. The support member 90L is connected to the first link member 91L and the door 20, and the support member 90R is connected to the first link member 91R and the door 20.

[0059] The link mechanism is configured symmetrically with respect to the center line in the width direction. Therefore, the configuration of the left side of the link mechanism will be described in detail below using Figure 4, and the configuration of the right side will not be described. Figure 4 shows the components arranged on the left side of the link mechanism.

[0060] The link mechanism includes a support member 90L, a first link member 91L, and a second link member 104. The support member 90L is connected to a slide rail 96 that is integrally attached to the door 20. The first link member 91L is connected to the slide rail 96 that is provided on the door 20, and is also connected to the left frame 10L of the apparatus main body 1A by a holding member 94. The second link member 104 is a connecting member that is connected to the support member 90L and the first link member 91L. The first link member 91L is a position-changing member that moves the support member 90L relative to the door 20 via the second link member 104 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 20, i.e., changes its position. The support member 90L is configured to move in conjunction with the first link member 91L via the second link member 104.

[0061] A first engagement hole 92 is provided at one longitudinal end of the first link member 91L. The first engagement hole 92 is a through-hole that penetrates in the width direction (y direction). Furthermore, a third engagement hole 106, which is a through-hole that penetrates in the width direction, and a first slide portion (first slide shaft) 98, which is a protrusion that protrudes in the width direction, are provided at the other longitudinal end of the first link member 91L.

[0062] The end of the first link member 91L where the first engagement hole 92 is provided is sandwiched between the left frame 10L and a retaining member 94. The left frame 10L has a first engagement shaft 93 that protrudes in the width direction and is a protrusion that engages with the first engagement hole 92. The retaining member 94 has a retaining hole 95 into which the first engagement shaft 93 is inserted, and a fixing portion 108 that is fixed to the left frame 10L. The fixing portion 108 is, for example, a through-hole that penetrates in the width direction, and may be configured to fix the fixing portion 108 to the left frame 10L of the apparatus main body 1A with a screw.

[0063] The fixing portion 108 is fixed to the left frame 10L with the first engagement shaft 93 of the apparatus main body 1A inserted into the first engagement hole 92 and the first engagement shaft 93 further inserted into the holding hole 95 of the holding member 94. This allows the first link member 91L to be rotatably supported by the first engagement shaft 93 of the apparatus main body 1A, preventing the first link member 91L from coming off the first engagement shaft 93.

[0064] The door 20 has a slide rail 96 in which a first slide groove 97 is formed. The first slide groove 97 opens (penetrates) in the width direction and extends along the opening and closing surface 20a of the door 20. A first slide portion 98 of the first link member 91L protrudes in the width direction and is inserted into and engaged with the first slide groove 97. In other words, the first slide portion 98 is slidable along the first slide groove 97.

[0065] A support surface 102, which is a support portion that abuts against and supports the transfer unit 40 from below, is formed at a first end portion of the support member 90L in the longitudinal direction. A second engagement hole 99 that opens in the width direction is formed at a second end portion of the support member 90L opposite the first end portion in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a second slide groove 100 that extends from the first end portion toward the second end portion and is open (recessed) in the width direction is formed in the support member 90L.

[0066] A second engagement shaft 103 that protrudes in the width direction is provided on the slide rail 96. The second engagement shaft 103 of the slide rail 96 rotatably engages with the second engagement hole 99 of the support member 90L. In other words, the support member 90L is supported rotatably with respect to the door 20.

[0067] The second link member 104 has a third engagement shaft 105 that protrudes in the width direction and a second slide portion 107 that extends linearly in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the third engagement shaft 105, and is a member that connects the first link member 91L and the support member 90L. The third engagement shaft 105 rotatably engages with a third engagement hole 106 provided in the first link member 91L, and the second link member 104 is rotatably supported by the first link member 91L. The second slide portion 107 is inserted into and engages with a second slide groove 100 provided in the support member 90L. The second link member 104 is connected to the support member 90L in a state in which the second slide portion 107 is slidable along the second slide groove 100.

[0068] In the first embodiment, in the width direction, the first link member 91L is located on the left side of the slide rail 96, the support member 90L is located on the right side, and the second link member 104 is located on the right side of the slide rail 96. Each member is disposed so as to be located between the member 91L and the support member 90L.

[0069] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the link mechanism when the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position. Figures 6(a) to 6(d) are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the support member 90L and the second link member 104 when the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position, and the first link member 91L and the slide rail 96 are not shown.

[0070] 5(a) and 6(a) show the state in which the door 20 is in the closed position. When the door 20 is in the closed position, the link mechanism including the support member 90L and the first link member 91L is in a folded state. More specifically, components of the link mechanism such as the support member 90L are accommodated in a retracted position on the side closer to the opening / closing surface 20a with respect to conveyance guides such as the sheet conveyance guide 23 provided on the door 20. The position of the support member 90L with respect to the door 20 at this time is referred to as the retracted position. When the support member 90L is in the retracted position, the second link member 104 engaged with the support member 90L is located at a first end on the side where the support surface 102 of the support member 90L is provided.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6(a), the amount of protrusion of the support member 90L relative to the door 20 when the door 20 is in the closed position and the support member 90L is in the retracted position, i.e., the longest distance from the opening / closing surface 20a of the door 20 to the support surface 102 of the support member 90L, is defined as the first distance L1.

[0072] 5(b) and 6(b) show the door 20 in a position between the closed position and the open position. FIGS. 5(c) and 6(c) show the door 20 moving from the positions shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 6(b) toward the open position. As the door 20 gradually moves from the closed position toward the open position, the first link member 91L rotates about the first engagement shaft 93, and the first slide portion 98 of the first link member 91L slides in the first slide groove 97 of the slide rail 96 toward the rotation axis of the door 20. In conjunction with this movement of the first link member 91L, the second slide portion 107 of the second link member 104 connected to the first link member 91L slides in the second slide groove 100 of the support member 90L. At this time, the sliding direction of the second slide portion 107 is from the first end side (the side where the support surface 102 is formed) of the support member 90L to the second end side (the side where the second engagement hole 99 is formed). Then, the support member 90L rotates around the second engagement hole 99 that is engaged with the second engagement shaft 103 of the slide rail 96 in a direction in which the support surface 102 moves away from the door 20. In this way, in conjunction with the movement of the door 20 from the closed position to the open position, the first link member 91L and the second link member 104 move the support member 90L so as to gradually rise up relative to the door 20. In other words, the opening movement of the door 20 increases the amount of protrusion of the support member 90L relative to the door 20.

[0073] 5(d) and 6(d) show the state in which the door 20 is in the open position. When the door 20 is opened a predetermined amount, the first sliding portion 98 abuts against the end of the first sliding groove 97, and the door 20 cannot open any further. The position where the first sliding portion 98 abuts against the end of the first sliding groove 97 is the open position of the door 20.

[0074] When the door 20 is in the open position, the support surface 102 provided on the support member 90L is configured to be in a position that protrudes upward (in the +z direction) beyond the sheet conveying guide 23. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the door 20 is provided with a conveying guide that forms part of the conveying path 1c, a secondary transfer roller 45, and the like. The support surface 102 provided on the support member 90L is configured to be in a position that protrudes upward (in the +z direction) beyond the conveying guide, the secondary transfer roller 45, and the like. The position of the support member 90L with respect to the door 20 at this time is referred to as the support position.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6(d), when the door 20 is in the open position and the support member 90L is in the support position, the protrusion amount of the support member 90L relative to the door 20, i.e., the protrusion amount from the opening / closing surface 20a of the door 20, is The longest distance from the first link member 91L to the support surface 102 of the support member 90L is defined as a second distance L2. In the first embodiment, the first link member 91L and the second link member 104 move the support member 90L so that the second distance L2 is greater than the first distance L1.

[0076] As described above, in conjunction with the operation of opening the door 20, i.e., the operation of the door 20 moving from the closed position to the open position, the first link member 91L, which is a position-changing member, moves the support member 90L from the retracted position to the support position. When the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position, the door 20 rotates relative to the device main body 1A around the door rotation fulcrum 21, and the first link member 91L rotates relative to the device main body 1A around the first engagement shaft 93. Meanwhile, the support member 90L rotates relative to the door 20 around the second engagement shaft 103. As shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d), when the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position, the rotational direction of the door 20 relative to the device main body 1A and the rotational direction of the first link member 91L relative to the device main body 1A are opposite to the rotational direction of the support member 90L relative to the door 20. Furthermore, in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the door 20, the support member 90L rotates in a direction such that the support surface 102 approaches the rotation center of the door 20. In other words, the distance between the support surface 102 and the rotation axis of the door 20 (door rotation fulcrum 21) is shorter when the door 20 is in the open position than when the door 20 is in the closed position. Then, the orientation of the support member 90L relative to the door 20 changes so that the support surface 102 of the support member 90L faces upward, and when the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50 is pulled out, the support member 90L can support these drawer units.

[0077] When the door 20 receives a force in the direction of further opening the door 20 from the state shown in FIG. 5(d), the door 20 is supported by the first engagement shaft 93 attached to the left frame 10L of the device main body 1A via each link member.

[0078] With this configuration, when the door 20 is opened and the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50 is pulled out, the bottom surfaces of these units can be firmly and stably supported by the support surface 102 of the support member 90. Furthermore, because the support members 90L and 90R restrict the movement of each unit in the width direction, the posture of the units is stabilized, improving the workability of replacing the transfer unit 40 or the cartridge.

[0079] Furthermore, when the support member 90 is in the support position, the support surface 102 protrudes above the conveying members such as the sheet conveying guide 23 provided on the door 20, the secondary transfer roller 45, and the conveying guides that form the conveying path 1c. Therefore, when the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are pulled out or stored, interference between the units and the conveying members is suppressed, and damage to the sheet conveying guide 23 and the like can be prevented.

[0080] Furthermore, when the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 are in their outer positions, the weight of each drawer unit is supported by the frame of the device main body 1A via a link mechanism from the support surface 102 of the support member 90. Furthermore, even when the drawer units are in their outer positions, the center of gravity of the entire printer 1 is configured to be located in the -x direction (toward the interior of the device) relative to the feet 6. Therefore, even if the mounting surface of the stand 8 is not on the front side (+x direction side) of the feet 6, it is possible to replace consumables such as the transfer unit 40 and cartridges without the printer 1 tipping forward. In other words, the configuration of the first embodiment increases the degree of freedom in where the printer 1 is placed.

[0081] Furthermore, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the support member 90 is in the retracted position, and the link mechanism including the first link members 91L, 91R moves so as to be folded relative to the door 20. This configuration reduces the space occupied by the link mechanism inside the device main body 1A, contributing to the miniaturization of the printer 1.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the transfer unit 40, tray unit 50, and stacking tray 31 are all configured to be removable in the +x direction (front direction), but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the stacking tray 31 and cartridges P may be configured to be removable in the -y direction, and only the transfer unit 40 may be configured to be removable in the +x direction. Even in this configuration, the transfer unit 40 can be removed from the apparatus main body 1A and stably supported.

[0083] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the link mechanism. Only the differences between the configuration of the second embodiment and the configuration of the first embodiment will be described below. In the configuration of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The link mechanism according to the second embodiment is configured symmetrically with respect to the center line in the width direction. Therefore, the configuration of the left side of the link mechanism will be described in detail below, and the configuration of the right side will not be described. Figure 7 is an exploded view showing the components of the link mechanism, including the support member 206L according to the second embodiment.

[0085] The link mechanism includes a support member 206L and a link member 202L. The support member 206L is connected to a slide rail 200 that is integrally attached to the door 20. The link member 202L is connected to the slide rail 200 provided on the door 20, and is also connected to the left frame 10L of the apparatus main body 1A by a holding member 94. The link member 202L is a position-changing member that moves the support member 206L relative to the door 20 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 20, i.e., changes its position.

[0086] A first engagement hole 204 is provided at one longitudinal end (the end closer to the apparatus main body 1A) of the link member 202L. The first engagement hole 204 is a through hole that opens in the width direction (y direction). A first slide portion (first slide shaft) 203 that is a protruding portion that protrudes in the width direction is provided at the other longitudinal end of the link member 202L, and a second slide portion (second slide shaft) 205 that is a protruding portion that protrudes in the same direction as the first slide portion 203 is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0087] The first engagement hole 204 engages with the first engagement shaft 93 of the left frame 10L. The link member 202L is rotatably supported by the first engagement shaft 93 of the apparatus main body 1A in a manner that the end portion where the first engagement hole 204 is provided is sandwiched between the left frame 10L and the holding member 94.

[0088] The door 20 has a slide rail 200 in which a first slide groove 201 is formed. The first slide groove 201 opens (penetrates) in the width direction and extends along the opening and closing surface 20a of the door 20. On the other hand, the link member 202L has a first slide portion 203 that engages with the first slide groove 201. The first slide portion 203 is a protruding portion that protrudes in the width direction, and is inserted into the first slide groove 201 to engage with the first slide groove 201. In other words, the first slide portion 203 is slidable along the first slide groove 201.

[0089] A support surface 209, which is a support portion that abuts against and supports the transfer unit 40 from below, is formed at a first end portion of the support member 206L in the longitudinal direction. A second engagement hole 208 that penetrates in the width direction is formed at a second end portion of the support member 206L opposite the first end portion in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a second slide groove 207 that extends from the first end portion toward the second end portion and opens (penetrates) in the width direction is formed in the support member 206L.

[0090] The second slide portion 205 of the link member 202L is inserted into the second slide groove 207. The second slide portion 205 engages with the second slide groove 207. That is, the link member 202L is connected to the support member 206L in a state in which the second slide portion 205 is slidable along the second slide groove 207.

[0091] In the second embodiment, the components are arranged such that the link member 202L is located on the left side of the slide rail 206, and the support member 206L is located on the right side.

[0092] 8(a) to 8(d) are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the link mechanism according to the second embodiment when the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0093] 8(a) shows the state in which the door 20 is in the closed position. When the door 20 is in the closed position, the link mechanism including the support member 206L and the link member 202L is in a folded state. More specifically, the components of the link mechanism such as the support member 206L are accommodated in a position retracted in a direction away from the sheet conveying surface with respect to the sheet conveying guide 23 provided on the door 20. The position of the support member 206L at this time is referred to as the retracted position.

[0094] As shown in Figure 8(a), the amount of protrusion of the support member 206L relative to the door 20 when the door 20 is in the closed position and the support member 206L is in the retracted position, i.e., the longest distance from the opening / closing surface 20a of the door 20 to the support surface 102 of the support member 206L, is defined as the first distance L1.

[0095] FIG. 8(b) shows the door 20 in a position between the closed position and the open position. FIG. 8(c) shows the door 20 moving closer to the open position from the position shown in FIG. 8(b). As the door 20 gradually moves from the closed position to the open position, the link member 202L rotates about the first engagement hole 204, and the first slide portion 203 of the link member 202L slides in the first slide groove 201 of the slide rail 200 so as to approach the rotation axis of the door 20. At this time, the second slide portion 205 of the link member 202L slides in the second slide groove 207 of the support member 206L so as to move from the first end side (the side where the support surface 209 is formed) of the support member 206L toward the second end side (the side where the second engagement hole 208 is formed). Then, the support member 206L rotates around the second engagement hole 208 that engages with the device main body 1A of the slide rail 200 in a direction in which the support surface 209 moves away from the door 20. In this way, in conjunction with the movement of the door 20 from the closed position to the open position, the link member 202L moves the support member 206L so as to gradually rise up relative to the door 20. In other words, the opening movement of the door 20 increases the amount of protrusion of the support member 206L relative to the door 20.

[0096] 8(d) shows the state in which the door 20 is in the open position. When the door 20 is opened a predetermined amount, the first sliding portion 203 abuts against the end of the first sliding groove 201, and the door 20 cannot open any further. The position where the first sliding portion 203 abuts against the end of the first sliding groove 201 is the open position of the door 20.

[0097] When the door 20 is in the open position, the support surface 209 provided on the support member 206L is configured to be in a position that protrudes upward (in the +z direction) beyond the sheet conveying guide 23. Furthermore, the door 20 is equipped with a conveying guide that forms part of the conveying path 1c, a secondary transfer roller 45, and the like. The support surface 209 provided on the support member 206L is configured to be in a position that protrudes upward (in the +z direction) beyond the conveying guide, secondary transfer roller 45, and the like. The position of the support member 206L at this time is referred to as the support position. The support surface 209 is formed at the end of the front side (+x direction side) of the support member 206L in the support position.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 8(d), the protrusion amount of the support member 206L relative to the door 20 when the door 20 is in the open position and the support member 206L is in the support position, i.e., the longest distance from the opening / closing surface 20a of the door 20 to the support surface 102 of the support member 206L, is defined as the second distance L2. In this configuration, the link member 202L and the second link member 104 move the support member 206L such that the second distance L2 is greater than the first distance L1.

[0099] In this way, in conjunction with the operation of opening the door 20, i.e., the operation of the door 20 moving from the closed position to the open position, the link member 202L, which is an attitude-changing member, moves the support member 206L from the retracted position to the support position. Then, the attitude of the support member 206L with respect to the door 20 changes so that the support surface 102 of the support member 206L faces upward, and when the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50 is pulled out, the support member 206L can support these drawer units.

[0100] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the support member 206L is provided on the left side of the printer 1, and a support member similar to the support member 206L is provided on the right side of the printer 1. As in the first embodiment, the second embodiment is configured so that a portion of the transfer unit 40 located at the outer position is sandwiched in the width direction between the two support members. Therefore, the movement of the transfer unit 40 in the width direction is restricted by the support members, so that the replacement work of the transfer unit 40 and the cartridge P can be carried out stably.

[0101] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the link member 202L connected to the apparatus main body 1A and the door 20 is directly connected to the support member 206L. Therefore, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, the number of components can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the first link member 91L is connected to the support member 90L via the second link member 104.

[0102] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) a device body having an opening formed therein; an opening / closing member configured to be rotatable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; a drawer unit configured to be able to be drawn from an inner position accommodated inside the device body through the opening to an outer position at least a portion of which is located outside the device body; a support member that is movable relative to the opening / closing member between a support position and a retracted position retracted from the support position, and that is positioned at the support position so as to support the drawer unit at the outer position from below when the opening / closing member is at the open position; a position-changing member connected to the opening / closing member and the device main body, the position-changing member being connected to the support member and moving the support member from the retracted position to the support position relative to the opening / closing member in conjunction with an operation of the opening / closing member moving from the closed position to the open position; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) the opening / closing member has an opening / closing surface that faces outward from the device body when in the closed position and faces downward in the direction of gravity when in the open position, the support member has a support surface that abuts against and supports the drawer unit, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the distance from the opening / closing surface to the support surface when the support member is in the support position is greater than the distance from the opening / closing surface to the support surface when the support member is in the retracted position. (Configuration 3) The opening / closing member is provided with a transport guide for guiding the transported recording medium, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the support member protrudes above the transport guide when in the support position, and retracts to a side closer to the opening / closing surface than the transport guide when in the retracted position. (Configuration 4) the opening / closing member has a first slide groove extending in a direction along the opening / closing surface, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attitude changing member has a first slide portion that is inserted into the first slide groove and is supported rotatably relative to the apparatus main body. (Configuration 5) the support member has a first end portion on which the support surface is formed, a second end portion opposite the first end portion and rotatably supported by the opening / closing member, and a second slide groove extending from the second end portion toward the first end portion, The image forming apparatus described in configuration 4 further comprises a connecting member connected to the support member and the posture change member, the connecting member rotatably engaging with the posture change member and slidably engaging with the second slide groove of the support member. (Configuration 6) the support member has a first end portion on which the support surface is formed, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion and rotatably supported by the device main body, and a second slide groove extending from the second end portion toward the first end portion, 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the position changing member has a second slide portion that is inserted into the second slide groove. (Configuration 7) 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the drawer unit includes a toner cartridge that stores toner therein, and a tray that supports the toner cartridge. (Configuration 8) 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the drawer unit includes a photosensitive drum and a tray that supports the photosensitive drum. (Configuration 9) 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the drawer unit includes an intermediate transfer body that conveys a toner image to be transferred onto a recording medium. (Configuration 10) 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the openable / closable member is formed with a transport path through which the transported recording medium passes. (Configuration 11) 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the opening / closing member constitutes a part of the exterior of the apparatus main body. (Configuration 12) 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein a transfer roller for transferring a toner image onto a recording medium is attached to the opening / closing member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1... printer (image forming apparatus), 1A... apparatus main body, 20... door (opening / closing member), 40... 40...transfer unit (drawer unit), 50...tray unit (drawer unit), 90L...support member, 91L...first link member (position change member)

Claims

1. a device body having an opening formed therein; an opening / closing member configured to be rotatable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; a drawer unit configured to be able to be drawn from an inner position accommodated inside the device body through the opening to an outer position at least a portion of which is located outside the device body; a support member that is movable relative to the opening / closing member between a support position and a retracted position retracted from the support position, and that is positioned at the support position so as to support the drawer unit at the outer position from below when the opening / closing member is at the open position; a position-changing member connected to the opening / closing member and the device main body, the position-changing member being connected to the support member and moving the support member from the retracted position to the support position relative to the opening / closing member in conjunction with an operation of the opening / closing member moving from the closed position to the open position; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the opening / closing member has an opening / closing surface that faces outward from the device body when in the closed position and faces downward in the direction of gravity when in the open position, the support member has a support surface that abuts against and supports the drawer unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the opening / closing surface to the support surface when the support member is in the support position is greater than the distance from the opening / closing surface to the support surface when the support member is in the retracted position.

3. The opening / closing member is provided with a transport guide for guiding the transported recording medium, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support member protrudes above the transport guide when in the support position, and retracts to a side closer to the opening / closing surface than the transport guide when in the retracted position.

4. the opening / closing member has a first slide groove extending in a direction along the opening / closing surface, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attitude changing member has a first slide portion that is inserted into the first slide groove, and is supported rotatably relative to the apparatus main body.

5. the support member has a first end portion on which the support surface is formed, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion and rotatably supported by the opening / closing member, and a second slide groove extending from the second end portion toward the first end portion, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a connecting member connected to the support member and the posture change member, the connecting member rotatably engaging with the posture change member and slidably engaging with the second slide groove of the support member.

6. the support member has a first end portion on which the support surface is formed, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion and rotatably supported by the device body, and a second slide groove extending from the second end portion toward the first end portion, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the position changing member has a second slide portion that is inserted into the second slide groove.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawer unit includes a toner cartridge that contains toner therein, and a tray that supports the toner cartridge.

8. The drawer unit includes a photosensitive drum and a tray that supports the photosensitive drum.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawer unit includes an intermediate transfer member that conveys a toner image to be transferred onto a recording medium.

10. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member is formed with a transport path through which the transported recording medium passes.

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member constitutes a part of the exterior of the apparatus main body.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a transfer roller for transferring a toner image onto a recording medium is attached to the opening / closing member.

Images