Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a new technique related to bringing a contact on a housing side of an image forming apparatus into contact with a contact on a cartridge side.SOLUTION: A cartridge attachable to and detachable from the housing, a first contact disposed in the housing, and a second contact disposed in the cartridge, the housing including a first side plate and a second side plate, when a direction from the first side plate toward the second side plate is defined as a first direction, the first side plate has a first surface and a first protruding portion protruding downstream in the first direction with respect to the first surface, the cartridge has a second surface and a second protruding portion protruding upstream in the first direction with respect to the second surface, and the first contact is movable between a contact position and a separation position, A separation position of the first contact point is downstream of the first surface and upstream of a maximum protruding position of the first protruding portion with respect to the first surface in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that electrical contacts of the apparatus main body come into contact with and separate from electrical contacts of the cartridge in conjunction with opening and closing of a door to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-106392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a new technique for bringing contacts on the housing side of an image forming apparatus into contact with contacts on the cartridge side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a cartridge that is detachably attached to the housing, a first contact arranged on the housing, and a second contact arranged on the cartridge that comes into contact with the first contact to electrically connect the cartridge to the housing, wherein the housing has a first side plate and a second side plate that forms a space for accommodating the cartridge between the first side plate and the second side plate, and when a direction from the first side plate toward the second side plate is defined as a first direction, the first side plate has a first surface facing downstream in the first direction and a first protrusion that protrudes downstream in the first direction from the first surface, and the cartridge has a second surface facing upstream in the first direction and a first protrusion that protrudes downstream from the second surface. and a second protruding portion protruding upstream in the first direction, wherein when the cartridge is attached to the housing, the first protruding portion faces the second surface and the second protruding portion faces the first surface, the second contact point is positioned inside the outer edge of the second surface when viewed in the first direction and is located downstream of the second surface in the first direction, the first contact point is movable between a contact position where it comes into contact with the second contact point and a separated position where it is separated from the second contact point upstream in the first direction, and the separated position of the first contact point is downstream of the first surface in the first direction and upstream of the maximum protruding position of the first protruding portion relative to the first surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new technique for bringing contacts on the housing side of the image forming apparatus into contact with contacts on the cartridge side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4A to 4F are explanatory views (a to f) of a moving member and a link mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the device main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the device main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 12(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the door of the printer according to the first embodiment is closed, and FIG. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ in FIG. 12(a). [Figure 13] 13(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the door of the printer according to the first embodiment is open, and FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ in FIG. 13(a). [Figure 14] 3A and 3B are an assembly diagram of the left side plate and the holder according to the first embodiment and an enlarged view of a part of the holder. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge. [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a drum unit according to an example of the cartridge. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a developing unit according to an example of a cartridge. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an assembly diagram of an example cartridge. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a cartridge. [Figure 20] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a remaining toner amount detection mechanism according to an example of the cartridge. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the non-drive end of an example cartridge. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the non-drive end of an example cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Example 1 A printer 1 as an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment (Example 1) will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the printer 1 according to this example. The printer 1 is an electrophotographic color laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S as a recording material.

[0010] In the following description and drawings, the up-down direction when the printer 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z-axis direction. The rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61 provided in the printer 1 is referred to as the Y-axis direction. The direction intersecting both the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is referred to as the X-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are preferably perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, one side of the X-axis direction (the side indicated by the X arrow) may be referred to as the +X side or +X direction, and the other side of the X-axis direction may be referred to as the -X side or -X direction. Similarly, one side of the Y-axis direction (the side indicated by the Y arrow) may be referred to as the +Y side or +Y direction, and the other side of the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the -Y side or -Y direction. One side of the Z-axis direction (the side indicated by the Z arrow) may be referred to as the +Z side or +Z direction, and the other side of the Z-axis direction may be referred to as the -Z side or -Z direction.

[0011] The +X direction can be referred to as the front side (front side) of the printer 1. Furthermore, based on the state in which the printer 1 is viewed from the front side, the +Y side can be referred to as the right side and the -Y side can be referred to as the left side.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the printer 1 has a device main body 1A (housing), a scanner 2 as an exposure device, a control unit 3, and a door 20 as an opening / closing member. The printer 1 also has a sheet feeding unit 30, a transfer unit 40, a tray unit (moving unit) 50, and a fixing device 80. The part including the device main body 1A and the door 20 can also be called the main frame 100 of the printer 1. The main frame 100 includes the exterior of the printer 1.

[0013] The apparatus main body 1A accommodates the scanner 2, the control unit 3, the sheet feeding unit 30, the transfer unit 40, the secondary transfer roller 45, the tray unit 50, and the fixing device 80.

[0014] The sheet feeding section 30 has a stacking tray 31 (cassette) on which sheets S as recording materials are stacked, and a feeding roller 32 as a feeding member that feeds the sheets S. The stacking tray 31 can be pulled out toward the door 20 to replenish the sheets S. In this embodiment, the opening direction of the door 20 and the pulling direction of the stacking tray 31 are the same, that is, the +X side.

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

[0016] Each of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK is detachably mounted on the tray 51 independently of the others. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner (developer), respectively. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration except for the toner colors they contain. Therefore, the configuration and operation of only one of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK will be described, and a description of the others will be omitted. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be simply referred to as cartridges P. The tray unit 50 can be said to have multiple cartridges P and a tray 51 to which the multiple cartridges P are detachably mounted.

[0017] In this embodiment, the tray unit 50 has a plurality of photosensitive drums (image carriers) 61, a plurality of charging rollers 62 (charging members), and a plurality of developing rollers (developing members, 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 substantially parallel to each other.

[0018] The portion of the tray unit 50 where a black image is formed is called the black station (first station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the first station can be called the first photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 can be called the first developing roller, and the charging roller 62 can be called the first charging roller. The portion of the tray unit 50 where a cyan image is formed is called the cyan station (second station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the second station can be called the second photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 can be called the second developing roller, and the charging roller 62 can be called the second charging roller. The portion of the tray unit 50 where a magenta image is formed is called the magenta station (third station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the third station can be called the third photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 can be called the third developing roller, and the charging roller 62 can be called the third charging roller. The portion of the tray unit 50 where a yellow image is formed is called the yellow station (fourth station), and the photosensitive drum 61 of the fourth station can be called the fourth photosensitive drum, the developing roller 71 can be called the fourth developing roller, and the charging roller 62 can be called the fourth charging roller.

[0019] The cartridge PK mounted on the tray 51 constitutes at least a part of the black station. The cartridge PC mounted on the tray 51 constitutes at least a part of the cyan station. The cartridge PM mounted on the tray 51 constitutes at least a part of the magenta station. The cartridge PY mounted on the tray 51 constitutes at least a part of the yellow station. The cartridge PK can be called the first cartridge, the cartridge PC the second cartridge, the cartridge PM the third cartridge, and the cartridge PY the fourth cartridge.

[0020] In the above explanation, ordinal numbers such as first, second, third, and fourth are used for convenience of explanation.

[0021] 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. In this embodiment, the cartridge P has the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71.

[0022] The transfer unit 40 includes 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 47. The printer 1 also includes an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred onto the belt 41. In this embodiment, the belt 41 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 61 and can come into contact with the photosensitive drum 61 so that a primary transfer unit is formed between the belt 41 and the photosensitive drum 61.

[0023] The printer 1 also has a secondary transfer roller 45 that contacts the belt 41 to form a secondary transfer portion. The secondary transfer portion is formed between the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45. The rotational axis directions of the primary transfer roller 42, the drive roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the secondary transfer roller 45 are substantially parallel to each other. A registration roller pair 4 is arranged upstream of the secondary transfer portion in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0024] The fixing device 80 has a fixing section 81 and a switching guide 5. The fixing device 80 in this embodiment is movable relative to the apparatus main body 1A between a use position and a retracted position. When an image forming operation is performed, the fixing device 80 is in the use position. The fixing device 80 is housed 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. The fixing section 81 includes a heating section (heating roller) including a heater (heat source), and a pressure section (pressure roller) that forms a fixing nip together with the heating section.

[0025] The movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 will be described using Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the door 20 closed. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the door 20 open. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the fixing device 80 moved to the retracted position. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 pulled out. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 pulled out alone.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are movable from the inside to the outside of the device main body 1A. In the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) when viewing the printer 1 in the Y-axis direction, 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 between a first inner position inside the device main body 1A and a first outer position outside the device main body 1A. The transfer unit 40 is movable through the opening 1A1 between a second inner position inside the device main body 1A and a second outer position outside the device main body 1A. The opening 1A1 may include an opening through which the tray unit 50 passes and an opening through which the transfer unit 40 passes. When the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, at least the belt 41 moves, and at least a part of the belt 41 protrudes from the apparatus main body 1A toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0027] The direction in which the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position is called the tray removal direction Dd1, and the opposite direction to the tray removal direction Dd1 is called the tray attachment direction Da1. The tray removal direction Dd1 can be said to be the direction from the second end 1b2 to the first end 1b1 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The opening 1A1 can be said to be formed in the side portion of the apparatus main body 1A (housing) on ​​the downstream side in the tray removal direction Dd1. The tray removal direction Dd1 and the tray attachment direction Da1 intersect with the installation direction of the cartridge P to the tray 51.

[0028] In this embodiment, the movement direction of the tray unit 50 changes as the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position. The change in the movement direction of the tray unit 50 will be described later. In the following description, the tray removal direction Dd1 refers to the movement direction when the tray unit 50, while attached to the device main body 1A, starts to move toward the outside of the device main body 1A. The tray removal direction Dd1 is the movement direction when the tray 51 is pulled out from the device main body 1A (housing) while inserted. As a modified example, the tray unit 50 may move linearly from the first inner position to the first outer position without changing the movement direction.

[0029] The direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position is called the transfer take-out direction Dd2, and the opposite direction to the transfer take-out direction Dd2 is called the transfer attachment direction Da2. In the transfer take-out direction Dd2, the drive roller 46 is positioned downstream of the tension roller 37. The transfer take-out direction Dd2 can be said to be the direction from the second end 1b2 toward the first end 1b1 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0030] The tray removal direction Dd1 and the tray attachment direction Da1 are directions that intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61. The transfer removal direction Dd2 and the transfer attachment direction Da2 are directions that intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46. The rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46 is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0031] The fixing device 80 described above is disposed at one end side (the side where the first end 1b1 is disposed) of the apparatus main body 1A in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0032] The door 20 is an opening / closing member (cover member, front cover) that is movable relative to the apparatus main body 1A between a closed position and an open position. As shown in Fig. 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position (door 20 closed state), the door 20 covers the opening 1A1. As shown in Fig. 2, when the door 20 is in the open position (door 20 open state), the opening 1A1 is exposed.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 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 part of the exterior. When the door 20 is in the closed position, the printer 1 performs an image forming operation. When the door 20 is in the open position, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be pulled out of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 1A1.

[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] The fixing device 80 is movable (retractable) from the use position shown in FIG. 2 to the retracted position 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 transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 can be moved from the inside to the outside of the device main body 1A through the opening 1A1, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 4 after the movement. That is, in this embodiment, with the door 20 in the open position and the fixing device 80 moved to the retracted position, the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be pulled out of the device main body 1A. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which the fixing device 80 is fixed to the device main body 1A, and the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 can be pulled out of the device main body 1A when the door 20 is opened.

[0036] With the tray unit 50 moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A (FIG. 4), it is possible to remove the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the tray 51 and to attach the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK to the tray 51. Each cartridge PY to PK is removed from the tray 51 in a removal direction D2 that intersects with the tray removal direction Dd1. 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 a direction perpendicular to) the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. Specifically, the cartridge P in this embodiment is removed from the tray 51 in a substantially upward direction (substantially the +Z direction) when it is pulled out of the apparatus main body 1A, and is attached to the tray 51 in a substantially downward direction (substantially the -Z direction).

[0037] The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving in a direction away from the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In other words, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving toward the opposite side of the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 40 is disposed below the tray unit 50. Therefore, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed from the tray 51 by moving upward relative to the tray 51.

[0038] Furthermore, the transfer unit 40 can be removed from the apparatus main body 1A independently of the tray unit 50, and can be replaced with a new transfer unit 40.

[0039] (Image formation operation) 1, an image forming operation, which is a series of operations in which the printer 1 forms an image on the sheet S while transporting the sheet S, will be described. The control unit 3 of the printer 1 starts the image forming operation based on image information received from an external host device 90. The external host device 90 is, for example, a personal computer, an image reader, or a facsimile machine.

[0040] When an image forming operation is performed, the fixing device 80 is located at the use position, the tray unit 50 is located at the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 is located at the second inner position, and the door 20 is located at the closed position. With the transfer unit 40 located at the second inner position, the belt 41 can abut against the photosensitive drum 61. The position of the cartridges PY to PK when the tray unit 50 is located at the first inner position and the door 20 is located at the closed position is defined as the image forming position. When the tray unit 50 is located at the first inner position and the transfer unit 40 is located at the second inner position, the tray unit 50 is located above the transfer unit 40.

[0041] When the image forming operation starts, the photosensitive drum 61 is rotationally driven in each station of the tray unit 50, and the charging roller 21 to which a charging voltage is applied uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. Furthermore, a laser corresponding to the image information is irradiated from the scanner 2 onto each photosensitive drum 61, exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image obtained by separating the original image information into each color component of CMYK is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0042] The developing roller 71 rotates while carrying 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 (contact development method). However, a method in which the developing roller 71 develops the electrostatic latent image while there is a gap between the developing roller 71 and the photosensitive drum 61 may also be used. 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] The printer 1 can perform monochrome printing when the developing roller 71 and photosensitive drum 61 corresponding to the cartridge PK are in contact with each other and the developing rollers 71 and photosensitive drums 61 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, and PC are spaced apart from each other. The printer 1 can also perform full-color printing when the photosensitive drums 61 and belt 41 corresponding to the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are in contact with each other.

[0045] The toner images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 61 are transferred onto the belt 41 by the primary transfer roller 42 at the primary transfer portion. The toner images, while being carried on the belt 41, are transported toward the secondary transfer portion formed by the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45.

[0046] Meanwhile, the apparatus main body 1A is formed with a conveying path 1c (first path, first conveying path) that runs from the feed roller 32 to the fixing device 80 via the secondary transfer unit. The door 20 is also formed with a double-sided conveying path (second path, second conveying path) 20a through which the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 passes. The door 20 covers the conveying path 1c in the closed state. When the door 20 is opened, at least a part of the conveying path 1c and at least a part of the double-sided conveying path 20a are exposed (FIG. 2).

[0047] During the image forming operation, in parallel with the formation of the toner image described above, sheets S are fed one by one from the sheet feeding unit 30 through the conveying path 1c toward the secondary transfer unit. Specifically, the topmost sheet S of the sheets S stacked on the stacking tray 31 is fed out by the feeding roller 32 at a predetermined timing. The fed sheet S is separated by a separating member such as a friction roller, and then subjected to skew correction and timing adjustment by a pair of registration rollers 4 before being sent to the secondary transfer unit. At the secondary transfer unit, a toner image is transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S by applying a voltage to the secondary transfer roller 45. Toner not transferred to the sheet S is removed from the belt 41 by a cleaning blade 43A (cleaning member) provided in the cleaning unit 43.

[0048] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer unit is transported to a 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. After passing through the fixing unit 81, the sheet S reaches a switching guide 5, which serves as a path switching unit.

[0049] The switching guide 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 reverse position where the sheet S is guided toward the reverse path 1e. 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 switching guide 5 and discharged to a discharge tray 1f formed in the upper part of the device main body 1A. 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 reverse path 1e by the switching guide 55. After the sheet S is guided to the reverse 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. Thereafter, a toner image is transferred to the reverse side of the sheet S in the secondary transfer unit, and the sheet S passes through the fixing device 80, is guided to the discharge path 1d by the switching guide 5, and is discharged to the discharge tray 1f of the device main body 1A.

[0050] (Removing the tray unit and transfer unit and placing the fixing unit) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the removal of the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 from the apparatus main body 1A and the arrangement of the fixing device 80 will be described.

[0051] 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 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.

[0052] In other words, in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), fixing device 80 is closer to first end 1b1 than to second end 1b2. That is, in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), the distance between fixing device 80 and first end 1b1 is shorter than the distance between fixing device 80 and second end 1b2. Fixing device 80 is disposed at a position closer to first end 1b1 than to the center of apparatus body 1A in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), and it can be said that the distance between first end 1b1 and fixing device 80 in the horizontal direction is shorter than the distance between first end 1b1 and the center of apparatus body 1A.

[0053] 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.

[0054] As described above, when the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the movement direction of the transfer unit 40 is a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the drive roller 46. At this time, the transfer unit 40 moves away from the second end 1b2.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, the door 20 covers the opening 1A1 in the closed state and also covers at least a portion of the conveying path 1c for the sheet S. The door 20 also has a duplex conveying path 20a. If a jam occurs with the sheet S, the user of the printer 1 can remove the sheet S from one end of the device main body 1A and clear the jam. Specifically, the user can move the door 20 to the open position to access the inside of the device main body 1A and remove the sheet S. Furthermore, if a portion of the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 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.

[0056] Furthermore, the user of the printer 1 can move the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 from one end of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device main body 1A to check the status of the transfer unit 40 and the cartridge P, perform maintenance, replacement, and other tasks.

[0057] That is, in the printer 1, the fixing device 80 is disposed at one end of the device main body 1A, and the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 can be moved in and out of the device main body 1A through that end. As a result, the user can clear jams, access the fixing device 80, and operate the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 from one direction.

[0058] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the door 20 side (+X side) is the front. Therefore, it is sufficient to secure space for performing tasks such as clearing jams and operating the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 from the front of the printer 1. On the other hand, it is possible to omit the space required to perform these tasks from the left, right, back, and top of the printer 1. Therefore, the printer 1 can be installed in a space-saving manner.

[0059] If the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end of the device main body 1A, the user will need to access both ends of the device main body 1A to clear the jam and pull out the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50. Also, if one of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from one end of the device main body 1A and the other of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end, the user will also need to access both ends of the device main body 1A. This requires space to work from not only the front but also the back of the device main body 1A, which increases the area required to install the printer 1.

[0060] 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.

[0061] (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, 6, and 7. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50.

[0062] The tray unit 50 passes through a predetermined space when moving between the first inner position where the image forming operation is performed and the 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.

[0063] The transfer unit 40 passes through a predetermined space when moving between the second inner position where the image formation operation is performed and the second outer position. In this way, the space through which the transfer unit 40 passes when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position is called the second space (movement space of the transfer unit 40). The second space can also be called the path or trajectory (second movement path, second movement trajectory) through which the transfer unit 40 passes when moving from the second inner position to the second outer position.

[0064] The position (use position) of the fixing device 80 when an image forming operation is performed, and the first and second spaces have the following relationship.

[0065] 6 and 7, 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. This allows the device main body 1A to be made smaller than in a configuration in which the fixing device 80 in the use position is located outside the first space.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 6, in this embodiment, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveying path 20a overlaps with the first space. That is, when the door 20 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the double-sided conveying path 20a is inside the first space.

[0068] 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 to a retracted position above the use position. When the fixing device 80 is retracted from the use position, the tray unit 50 is allowed to move from the first inner position to the first outer position. 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.

[0069] The fixing device 80 is located outside the second space in both the use position and the retracted position. Therefore, the transfer unit 40 can move from the second inner position to the second outer position in both the use position and the retracted position. When the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position, the transfer unit 40 passes below the fixing device 80.

[0070] The fixing device 80 has a fixing frame 80a that supports a fixing portion 81. When the fixing device 80 retreats from the use position, the fixing frame 80a displaces relative to the apparatus main body 1A while supporting the fixing portion 81.

[0071] When pulling out the tray unit 50 to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A, the user first moves the door 20 to the open position as shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the door 20 can be moved between the open position and the closed position while the fixing device 80 is positioned in the use position. Then, with the door 20 in the open position, the fixing device 80 is moved from the use position to the retracted position so as to retract outside the first space as shown in Fig. 3.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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. 7 , 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 Z 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.

[0074] Specifically, the printer 1 has a 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.

[0075] 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 apparatus 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 apparatus 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 apparatus 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 apparatus main body 1A and the fixing device 80. In other words, the fixing device 80 is connected to the apparatus main body 1A via the connecting member 85. As a result, the movement amount 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 apparatus main body 1A.

[0076] 7, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the angle between the movement direction of the tray unit 50 and the horizontal direction X is smaller than the angle between the movement direction of the tray unit 50 and the vertical direction Z. 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 Z is larger than the movement amount of the fixing device 80 in the horizontal direction X. 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.

[0077] Furthermore, fixing device 80 may be configured to move between the use position and the retracted position while attached to apparatus main body 1A via a guide fixed to apparatus main body 1A. In this case, the shape of the guide is arbitrary.

[0078] The method for moving the fixing device 80 to the outside of the first space is not limited to the above-described example. 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.

[0079] (moving parts) 8(a) to 8(f), the moving member 300 and the link mechanism 200 that links the moving member 300 to the opening and closing of the door 20 will be described. FIGS. 8(a) and 8(d) are perspective views of the moving member 300 and the link mechanism 200, and enlarged views of a portion thereof. FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view of the moving member 300 and the link mechanism 200 taken along line AA' in FIG. 8(a). FIG. 8(c) is a cross-sectional view of the moving member 300 and the link mechanism 200 taken along line BB' in FIG. 8(a). FIG. 8(e) is a cross-sectional view of the moving member 300 and the link mechanism 200 taken along line CC' in FIG. 8(d). FIG. 8(f) is a cross-sectional view of the moving member 300 and the link mechanism 200 taken along line DD' in FIG. 8(d).

[0080] 8(a), the printer 1 includes a moving member 300 and a link mechanism 200. The moving member 300 and the link mechanism 200 are disposed in the apparatus main body 1A.

[0081] The apparatus main assembly 1A may have a plurality of movable members 300 corresponding to the plurality of cartridges P mounted on the tray 51. The apparatus main assembly 1A of this embodiment has four movable members 300 corresponding to the four cartridges P, respectively. That is, the apparatus main assembly 1A of this embodiment has a first movable member 300 corresponding to the yellow cartridge PY, a second movable member 300 corresponding to the magenta cartridge PM, a third movable member 300 corresponding to the cyan cartridge PC, and a fourth movable member 300 corresponding to the black cartridge PK. Note that the ordinal numbers "first" to "fourth" are used for convenience and do not indicate a specific order. Alternatively, the number of movable members 300 may be less than the number of cartridges P, and movable members 300 may be provided for only some of the cartridges P.

[0082] The four movable members 300 are arranged side by side in the tray removal direction Dd1. That is, in this embodiment, the tray 51 and the cartridges PY to PK are moved from the first inner position (FIG. 3) toward the first outer position (FIG. 4) along the direction in which the movable members 300 are arranged.

[0083] The four movable members 300 have substantially the same configuration except for the fact that they face different cartridges P. Therefore, in the following description, when simply referring to a "movable member 300," this refers to any one of the four movable members 300.

[0084] The movable member 300 is movable relative to the apparatus main body 1A between a first position (protruding position) shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c) and a second position (retracted position) shown in Figures 8(d) to 8(f). The movable member 300 is movable between the first position and the second position in a direction intersecting both the tray removal direction Dd1 and the removal direction D2 of the cartridge P. In this embodiment, the movable member 300 moves in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction perpendicular to both the tray removal direction Dd1 and the removal direction D2.

[0085] The first position is the position of the movable member 300 when the door 20 is in the closed position. The second position is the position of the movable member 300 when the door 20 is in the open position. In this embodiment, the second position is a position moved in the -Y direction from the first position. The second position can be said to be a position retreated from the first position toward the side (-Y side) away from the end face in the Y axis direction of the cartridge P attached to the apparatus main body 1A together with the tray 51.

[0086] The moving member 300 in this embodiment has the role of moving a main body contact 301 provided on the apparatus main body 1A in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 20. The moving member 300 can be called a holder member that supports the main body contact 301 and moves the main body contact 301. The main body contact 301 is a component (first contact, current-carrying part, power supply part) for electrically connecting the electrical circuit of the apparatus main body 1A and the electrical circuit of the cartridge P. In this embodiment, the moving member 300 engages with a plurality of main body contacts 301 and moves the plurality of main body contacts 301 simultaneously.

[0087] Each main body contact 301 is disposed at a position corresponding to a cartridge-side contact 270 (second contact, see FIG. 11) provided on the cartridge P. Examples of cartridges P equipped with cartridge-side contacts 270 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 22. Each main body contact 301 is movable between a contact position where it contacts the cartridge-side contact and a spaced position where it is spaced from the cartridge-side contact. The spaced position can be said to be a position retracted from the contact position toward the side (-Y side) away from the end face in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge P attached to the apparatus main body 1A together with the tray 51. More specifically, when the tray unit 50 is in the first outer position, the cartridge-side contact 270 and the main body contact 301 are spaced apart in the movement direction of the tray unit 50 as viewed in the Y-axis direction, and the cartridge-side contact 270 and the main body contact 301 do not overlap. When the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the cartridge-side contact 270 and the main body contact 301 overlap as viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0088] In this embodiment, each main body contact 301 is provided at the end of a contact spring 301A, which is an elastic member that is elastically deformable (expandable) in the Y-axis direction. The contact spring 301A may be a coil spring that extends in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, each main body contact 301 may be formed integrally with the contact spring 301A by bending the end of the spring wire of the coil spring into a U-shape. The contact spring 301A may supply power to the cartridge P via the main body contact 301, or may constitute part of a conductive path that transmits and receives electrical signals to and from the cartridge P via the main body contact 301.

[0089] Each main body contact 301 is biased in the +Y direction, which is the direction from the separated position toward the contact position, by the restoring force (resilience) of contact spring 301A. The position of main body contact 301 is determined when moving member 300 abuts against the end face of contact spring 301A in the +Y direction. Furthermore, through holes are formed in moving member 300, and each main body contact 301 is exposed (protrudes) in the +Y direction from moving member 300 through the through holes. The through holes are formed in the bottom of contact holder 300a (also see FIG. 14), which is a substantially cylindrical member with a bottom, and holds the end of contact spring 301A on the +Y side.

[0090] The movable member 300 moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 20 via the link mechanism 200 described below, whereby each main body contact 301 moves between a contact position and a separated position. That is, the movable member 300 moves the main body contact 301 (first contact) between a contact position where it contacts the cartridge side contact 270 (second contact) and a separated position where it is separated from the cartridge side contact 270. In this embodiment, one link mechanism 200 moves all four movable members 300. While the tray unit 50 moves between the first inner position and the first outer position, the door 20 is open, and therefore the main body contact 301 is in the separated position.

[0091] 8(a) and 8(d), the link mechanism 200 includes a first link 201, a second link 202, a third link 203, a fourth link 204, a fifth link 205, and a sixth link 206. Each of the links 201 to 206 is movably supported by the apparatus main body 1A.

[0092] The first link 201 is connected to the door 20 and moves as the door 20 opens and closes. The second link 202 is connected to the first link 201 and rotates around a predetermined rotation axis as the first link 201 moves. The third link 203 is connected to the second link 202 and moves along the X-axis direction in conjunction with the rotation of the second link 202. The fourth link 204 is connected to the third link 203 and rotates around a predetermined rotation axis in conjunction with the third link 203. The fifth link 205 is connected to the third link 203 and moves back and forth in the X-axis direction in conjunction with the rotation of the third link 203. The sixth link 206 is connected to the fourth link 204 and moves back and forth in the X-axis direction in conjunction with the rotation of the fourth link 204.

[0093] Although the fifth link 205 and the sixth link 206 both move in the X-axis direction, they move in opposite directions. That is, when the door 20 moves from the closed position to the open position (FIG. 8(a) → FIG. 8(d)), the fifth link 205 moves in the -X direction, and the sixth link 206 moves in the +X direction. When the door 20 moves from the open position to the closed position (FIG. 8(d) → FIG. 8(a)), the fifth link 205 moves in the +X direction, and the sixth link 206 moves in the -X direction.

[0094] The fifth link 205 and the sixth link 206 each have cam surfaces 205a, 206a that come into contact with the moving member 300. The cam surfaces 205a, 206a face the -Y direction and are inclined in the +Y direction toward the movement direction of the fifth link 205 and the sixth link 206 when the door 20 is moved from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the cam surface 205a of the fifth link 205 is inclined in the +Y direction toward the -X direction, which is the movement direction of the fifth link 205 when the door 20 is moved from the closed position to the open position. The cam surface 206a of the sixth link 206 is inclined in the +Y direction toward the +X direction, which is the movement direction of the sixth link 206 when the door 20 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0095] When the door 20 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the fifth link 205 and the sixth link 206 press the moving member 300 in the -Y direction by the cam surfaces 205a and 206a, causing it to move from the first position to the second position (Fig. 8(a) → Fig. 8(d)). As the moving member 300 moves from the first position to the second position, each main body contact 301 moves in the -Y direction against the restoring force of the contact spring 301A (Fig. 8(b)(c) → Fig. 8(e)(f)). As a result, each main body contact 301 moves from the contact position to the separated position.

[0096] In this way, the movable member 300 moves from the first position to the second position in conjunction with the movement of the door 20 from the closed position to the open position, and each main body contact 301 moves from the contact position to the separated position.

[0097] When the door 20 is closed, the movement directions of the above components are reversed. That is, when the door 20 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the fifth link 205 and the sixth link 206 release the pressure on the moving member 300 from the cam surfaces 205a and 206a. As a result, the moving member 300 moves in the +Y direction according to the restoring force of the contact spring 301A, moving from the second position to the first position (FIG. 8(d) → FIG. 8(a)). Furthermore, as the moving member 300 moves from the second position to the first position, the movement of each main body contact 301 in the +Y direction according to the restoring force of the contact spring 301A is permitted (FIG. 8(e)(f) → FIG. 8(b)(c)). As a result, each main body contact 301 moves from the separated position to the contact position. In this embodiment, the main body contact 301 is configured to move linearly (linearly) between the contact position and the separated position.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the moving member 300 moves linearly in the Y-axis direction in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 20. This configuration is suitable for moving multiple main body contacts 301 between contact positions and separated positions using one moving member 300. However, the moving member 300 may also rotate in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 20. For example, in a configuration in which one moving member 300 moves one main body contact 301, the configuration of the link mechanism 200 may be simplified by using a rotating moving member 300.

[0099] (Position of moving parts) Next, the arrangement of the movable member 300 in the apparatus main body 1A and its positional relationship with the cartridge P will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figures 9 and 10 are a perspective view of the apparatus main body 1A without the exterior and an enlarged view of a portion thereof. Figure 9 shows a state in which the movable member 300 is in the second position and the main body contact 301 is in the separated position. Figure 10 shows a state in which the movable member 300 is in the first position and the main body contact 301 is in the contact position.

[0100] 9 and 10, the device main body 1A has a left side plate 120, a right side plate 130, and a main stay 110. The left side plate 120 is an example of a first side plate arranged on one side of the tray 51 in the Y-axis direction (third direction) with respect to a storage space (tray unit installation space) in which the tray unit 50 inserted into the device main body 1A (housing) is accommodated. The right side plate 130 is an example of a second side plate arranged on the other side in the Y-axis direction (third direction) with respect to the storage space.

[0101] The left side plate 120, the right side plate 130, and the main stay 110 are metal (sheet metal) frame members that form the frame of the printer 1. The left side plate 120 and the right side plate 130 are each plate-shaped and extend in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction (preferably, in the XZ direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the Y-axis direction). The main stay 110 extends along the Y-axis direction and is fastened to both the left side plate 120 and the right side plate 130.

[0102] An opening 120c is formed in the left side plate 120. The opening 120c is a through-hole or cutout shape that penetrates the left side plate 120 in the Y-axis direction. When viewed from the storage space side of the tray unit 50 (that is, from the +Y side of the left side plate 120), the main body contact 301 is exposed inside the opening 120c.

[0103] In this embodiment, the apparatus main body 1A has five main body contacts 301 corresponding to one cartridge P. Three openings 120c are formed in the left side plate 120, and each of the five main body contacts 301 is exposed inside one of the three openings 120c. A plurality of openings 120c are formed in the left side plate 120 so that each of the main body contacts 301 corresponding to the four cartridges PY to PK is exposed inside one of the openings 120c. However, the number and arrangement of the main body contacts 301 corresponding to one cartridge P, and the number and arrangement of the main body contacts 301 exposed inside one opening 120c are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0104] When main body contact 301 is in the contact position (FIG. 10), main body contact 301 protrudes through opening 120c relative to left side plate 120 toward the storage space of tray unit 50. In other words, main body contact 301 in the contact position protrudes toward the inside (+Y side) of the storage space relative to left side plate 120, which forms the wall surface on the left side (-Y side) of the storage space of tray unit 50.

[0105] When the main body contact 301 is in the separated position (FIG. 9), the main body contact 301 is retracted toward the -Y side from the contact position so as to be away from the storage space of the tray unit 50. When the main body contact 301 is in the separated position, the main body contact 301 may be retracted further outside (to the -Y side) of the storage space than the left side plate 120.

[0106] The positional relationship between the movable member 300 and the cartridge P during the operation from opening the door 20 to inserting and extracting the tray unit 50 until closing the door 20 will be described.

[0107] Fig. 12(a) is a schematic diagram of the printer 1 with the door 20 in the closed position and the tray unit 50 inserted into the first inner position of the device main body 1A. Fig. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 12(a). Fig. 13(a) is a schematic diagram of the printer 1 with the door 20 in the open position and the tray unit 50 still inserted into the first inner position of the device main body 1A. Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 13(a).

[0108] 12(b) and 13(b) illustrate a magenta cartridge PM as an example of the cartridge P, and a cross section passing through the movable member 300 corresponding to the magenta cartridge PM. However, the configuration of the movable member 300 and the positional relationship between the movable member 300 and the cartridge PM when the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position are the same for the other cartridges PY, PC, and PK.

[0109] When the door 20 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 12(a), the moving member 300 is in the first position as described above.

[0110] 13(a) and 13(b), when the door 20 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the above-mentioned link mechanism 200 moves the moving member 300 from the first position to the second position in conjunction with the movement of the door 20. In addition, as the moving member 300 moves from the first position to the second position, the main body contact 301 moves from the contact position to the separated position.

[0111] After the door 20 is opened, the tray unit 50 is pulled out in the tray removal direction Dd1 from the first inner position toward the first outer position. That is, the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A with the door 20 in the open position and the movable member 300 in the second position. When the movable member 300 is in the second position, the movable member 300 is retracted from the movement trajectory of the cartridge PM when the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A. The movement trajectory of the cartridge PM is a space (movement path) through which the cartridge PM passes when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position.

[0112] Furthermore, each movable member 300 corresponding to the cartridges PY to PK is retracted from any of the movement trajectories of the other cartridges P that pass near the movable member 300 when the tray unit 50 is pulled out. In other words, the second position of the movable member 300 is retracted from all of the movement trajectories of the multiple cartridges PY to PK when the tray 51 is pulled out from the inner position to the outer position. Therefore, the multiple cartridges PY to PK do not interfere with the movable member 300, and the tray unit 50 can be smoothly inserted into and pulled out of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0113] In this embodiment, the configuration has been described in which each moving member 300 is retracted from the first position to the second position by the link mechanism 200 in conjunction with the opening of the door 20, but the direction of movement of the moving members 300 is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which, after the door 20 is opened, a user manually operates the moving members 300 to retract them from the first position to the second position. Also, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a driving source (motor, solenoid, etc.) is provided to move the moving members 300, and the driving source retracts the moving members 300 from the first position to the second position based on a command from the control unit 3.

[0114] (Support and positioning of moving parts) The configuration for supporting and positioning the moving member 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a combination of an assembly diagram of the left side plate 120 and holder 150 and an enlarged view of a portion of the holder 150.

[0115] As shown in Figure 14, a holder 150 is attached to the left side plate 120. The holder 150 is a holding member (supporting member) that holds (supports) the moving member 300. The holder 150 is, for example, screwed to the left side plate 120 at multiple positions, and is positioned and fixed to the left side plate 120. The holder 150, together with the left side plate 120, constitutes part of the device main body 1A. In other words, the main frame 100 of the printer 1 has the holder 150.

[0116] As described above, opening 120c is formed in left side plate 120. The first position of movable member 300 is a position where contact holder 300a, which is a part of movable member 300, protrudes in the +Y direction from the +Y side surface of left side plate 120 through opening 120c. In other words, opening 120c allows a part of movable member 300 to protrude from left side plate 120 toward the installation space of tray unit 50.

[0117] The holder 150 has a boss 150a extending in the Y-axis direction. The moving member 300 has a boss hole 300b that engages with the boss 150a. The boss hole 300b is guided by the boss 150a, thereby restricting the movement direction of the moving member 300 relative to the apparatus main body 1A including the holder 150 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the moving member 300 is supported by the apparatus main body 1A in a state where its movement in the removal direction D2 of the cartridge P is restricted. The boss 150a is preferably formed with a length equal to or greater than the movement distance of the moving member 300 between the contact position and the separation position so that the engagement between the boss 150a and the boss hole 300b is maintained while the moving member 300 moves from the contact position to the separation position.

[0118] The holder 150 also has a boss 150b that is located at a position separated from the boss 150a when viewed in the Y-axis direction. The movable member 300 is engaged with the bosses 150a and 150b, thereby restricting the rotation of the movable member 300, for example, around the boss 150a. When the boss 150a is used as a positioning portion, the boss 150b can be called an engagement portion for preventing rotation.

[0119] The second link 202, the third link 203, the fourth link 204, the fifth link 205, and the sixth link 206 (FIGS. 8(a) to 8(f)) constituting the link mechanism 200 described above are also supported by the holder 150 so as to be able to move in the manners described above. That is, in this embodiment, the moving member 300 and at least a part of the link mechanism 200 that moves the moving member 300 are supported by the common holder 150. This suppresses the influence of component assembly tolerances and the like, and allows the moving member 300 to move accurately between the contact position and the separated position. In particular, it is preferable that the fifth link 205 and / or the sixth link 206, which come into direct contact with the moving member 300 to move the moving member 300, be supported by the holder 150 together with the moving member 300.

[0120] Moreover, the holder 150 can hold the end portion on the −Y side of the contact spring 301A (the end portion opposite to the end portion held by the contact holding portion 300a of the moving member 300).

[0121] (Example of cartridge configuration) An example of the configuration of the cartridge P will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 22. The cartridge P described below is an example of a cartridge P that can be attached to an apparatus main body 1A that has at least one main body contact 301 (first contact), such as the apparatus main body 1A described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. The detailed configuration of the cartridge P can be changed depending on the specific configuration of the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, the configuration of the cartridge P shown in FIGS. 15 to 22 does not necessarily have to strictly match the configuration of the cartridge P shown in FIGS. 1 to 14. For example, the number and arrangement of cartridge-side contacts of the cartridge P described below may be modified to match the number and arrangement of main body contacts 301 (first contacts) provided in the apparatus main body 1A.

[0122] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of cartridge P. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of drum unit 220. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of development unit 250. FIG. 18 is an assembled perspective view of cartridge P. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of cartridge P. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a remaining toner amount detection mechanism in printer 1. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the non-drive side end of cartridge P. FIG. 22 is a side view of cartridge P as viewed from the non-drive side.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 15, the cartridge P is broadly composed of a drum unit 220 and a developing unit 250. The drum unit 220 has a photosensitive drum 61 and a charging roller 62. The developing unit 250 has a developing roller 71. The drum unit 220 may be provided with a cleaning blade as a cleaning means. The drum unit 220 and the developing unit 250 are connected so as to be able to move relative to each other. A space L is formed between the drum unit 220 and the developing unit 250, through which light from the scanner 2 (FIG. 1) passes. The developing unit 250 has a developing frame 250B, which is the frame of the developing unit 250. A storage space for storing toner is formed inside the developing frame 250B.

[0124] The cartridge P, drum unit 220, and developing unit 250 all have an elongated outer shape extending in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the Y-axis direction can be called the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P, drum unit 220, and developing unit 250.

[0125] The cartridge P is configured so that the drive side is input from the apparatus main body 1A to the end on the +Y side. Therefore, the +Y side (right side) may also be called the drive side, and the -Y side (left side) may also be called the non-drive side.

[0126] (drum unit) As shown in Figures 16 and 18, the drum unit 220 has a photosensitive drum 61, a charging roller 62, a drum frame 221, bearings 226a and 227a, pressure springs 226b and 227b, a drive side cover 222, and a non-drive side cover 223.

[0127] The drive-side end of the photosensitive drum 61 is engaged with a drum support hole 222a in the drive-side cover 222, and the non-drive-side end of the photosensitive drum 61 is engaged with a drum support hole 223a in the non-drive-side cover 223 (FIG. 18). The photosensitive drum 61 is supported by the drive-side cover 222 and the non-drive-side cover 223 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis 61a.

[0128] A drum coupling 225 is formed on the drive side end of the photosensitive drum 61 as an input member to which the driving force of a motor arranged in the apparatus main body 1A is input. The apparatus main body 1A is provided with four main body couplings as output members that output the driving force of the motor. The main body couplings are arranged to engage with the drum couplings 225 of each cartridge P when the cartridges PY to PK are positioned at the image forming position. The driving force is transmitted via the main body couplings and the drum couplings 225, so that the photosensitive drum 61 is rotated in a predetermined direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 15).

[0129] The charging roller 62 is rotatably supported by bearings 226a and 227a supported by the drum frame 221. The charging roller 62 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 61 (in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 15 ) by pressure springs 226b and 227b pressing the bearings 226a and 227a. The charging roller 62 rotates (in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 15 ) following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 61. In the Y-axis direction, the driving side end of the drum frame 221 is connected to a driving side cover 222, and the non-driving side end of the drum frame 221 is connected to a non-driving side cover 223.

[0130] (developing unit) As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the developing unit 250 has a developing frame 250B, a developing roller 71, a supply roller 72, a developing blade 256, an agitating member 261, and a drive train (257, 258, 259).

[0131] The developing frame 250B includes a first frame 251, a second frame 252, a drive-side bearing 253, a non-drive-side bearing 254, and a drive-side cover 255. The first frame 251 and the second frame 252 form a toner storage section 262 (FIG. 15) as a storage space for storing toner. The edge of the first frame 251 and the edge of the second frame 252 are joined together using, for example, ultrasonic welding or a hot-melt adhesive.

[0132] The first frame 251 and the second frame 252 are frame members that form a container (developing container) inside which the toner storage section 262 is formed. The drive-side bearing 253 is attached to one end (drive side) of the developing container in the Y-axis direction, and the non-drive-side bearing 254 is attached to the other end (non-drive side) of the developing container in the Y-axis direction. The drive-side bearing 253 and the non-drive-side bearing 254 are fixed to the first frame 251 and the second frame 252 by, for example, screwing.

[0133] The drive-side cover 255 is disposed further outside (further toward the drive side) than the drive-side bearing 253 in the Y-axis direction. The drive-side cover 255 is fixed (fastened together) to the first frame 251 and the second frame 252 together with the drive-side bearing 253 by, for example, screwing. In this embodiment, the first frame 251, the second frame 252, the drive-side bearing 253, the non-drive-side bearing 254, and the drive-side cover 255 are integrated into a structure to form a developing unit frame 250B as a frame of the developing unit 250.

[0134] Both ends of the developing roller 71 in the Y-axis direction are rotatably supported by bearing members, namely, a drive-side bearing 253 and a non-drive-side bearing 254. In addition, the ends of the supply roller 72 in the Y-axis direction are rotatably supported by the drive-side bearing 253 and the non-drive-side bearing 254.

[0135] The developing blade 256 includes an elastic member 256b as a blade main body, and a support member 256a that supports the elastic member 256b. The elastic member 256b is, for example, a sheet metal with a thickness of about 0.1 mm. The support member 256a is, for example, a highly rigid metal member with an L-shaped cross section. The elastic member 256b is fixed to the support member 256a by a method such as welding. Furthermore, both ends of the support member 256a in the Y-axis direction are fixed to the developing frame 250B (first frame 251) using, for example, screws 256c.

[0136] The agitating member 261 has a rotation shaft 261a extending substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 71, and agitating sheets 261b and 261c formed of a flexible sheet material. One end (fixed end) of the agitating sheets 261b and 261c is attached to the rotation shaft 261a, and the other end of the agitating sheets 261b and 261c is a free end. The agitating member 261 is configured so that the agitating sheets 261b and 261c rotate around the rotation shaft 261a as the rotation shaft 261a rotates, thereby agitating the toner in the toner storage section 262. Furthermore, as the rotation shaft 261a rotates, the agitating sheets 261b and 261c, which serve as conveying sections for conveying toner, convey the toner toward the developing roller 71 and the supply roller 72.

[0137] The drive transmission configuration of the developing unit 250 will be described. The drive train described above includes an input gear 259, a developing roller gear 257, a supply roller gear 258, and an agitating gear 260, and is disposed at the drive side end of the developing unit 250 (FIG. 19). At least a portion of this drive train is housed in a space formed between the drive side bearing 253 and the drive side cover 255.

[0138] The developing roller gear 257, the supply roller gear 258, and the agitating gear 260 are directly or indirectly connected to the input gear 259, and are configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the input gear 259. The developing roller gear 257 is provided at the drive side end of the developing roller 71. The supply roller gear 258 is provided at the drive side end of the supply roller 72. The agitating gear 260 is provided at the drive side end of the agitating member 261.

[0139] The input gear 259 has a developing coupling 259a. The input gear 259 functions as an input member to which the driving force of a motor arranged in the apparatus main body 1A is input. The apparatus main body 1A is provided with four developing main body couplings as output members that output the driving force of the motor. The developing main body couplings are arranged so as to engage with the developing couplings 259a of each process cartridge when the cartridges PY to 100K are positioned at the image forming position. By transmitting the driving force via the developing main body couplings and the developing couplings 259a, the developing roller 71, the supply roller 72, and the agitating member 261 are each driven to rotate in a predetermined direction (the directions of arrows C, D, and G in FIG. 15).

[0140] (How to assemble the cartridge) A method of assembling the cartridge P will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. As shown in Figure 19, the drive-side cover 222 and the non-drive-side cover 223 are provided with developing unit support holes 222b, 223b for supporting the developing unit 250 so that it can swing (move). Meanwhile, the drive-side cover 255 of the developing unit 250 is provided with a cylindrical portion 255a that engages with the developing unit support hole 222b. The non-drive-side bearing 254 of the developing unit 250 is also provided with a cylindrical portion 254a that engages with the developing unit support hole 223b. In other words, the developing frame 250B of the developing unit 250 is provided with cylindrical portions 254a, 255a as engaging portions.

[0141] When assembling the cartridge P, the cylindrical portions 254a, 255a of the developing frame 250B are engaged with the developing unit support holes 222b, 223b of the drive-side cover 222 and the non-drive-side cover 223. At the same time, both ends of the photosensitive drum 61 are engaged with the drum support holes 222a, 223a of the drive-side cover 222 and the non-drive-side cover 223. Then, the drive-side cover 222 and the non-drive-side cover 223 are fixed to the drum frame 221 using screws, an adhesive, or the like.

[0142] As a result, the cartridge P is assembled in a state in which the developing unit 250 can swing relative to the drum unit 220 (FIG. 19). The swinging of the developing unit 250 around the axis 250a relative to the drum unit 220 allows the developing roller 71 to move toward and away from the photosensitive drum 61. For example, during image formation, the developing roller 71 is held in a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 61 or in a position facing the photosensitive drum 61 with a predetermined gap therebetween, and during non-image formation (period in which image formation operation is not performed), the developing roller 71 is held in a position spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 61.

[0143] The axis 250a of the developing unit 250 is an imaginary line connecting the center of the developing unit support hole 222b in the drive-side cover 222 and the center of the developing unit support hole 223b in the non-drive-side cover 223. The axis 250a is substantially the same as the rotation axis of the developing coupling 259a of the developing unit 250. In other words, the driving force is transmitted to the developing unit 250 from the apparatus main body 1A via an input member that is arranged coaxially with the axis 250a of the developing unit 250.

[0144] In the above, it has been described that the drum unit 220 having the drive-side cover 222 and the non-drive-side cover 223 is connected to the developing unit 250. On the other hand, it can also be considered that the drum unit including the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the drum frame 221 and the developing unit are connected by the drive-side cover 222 and the non-drive-side cover 223, which serve as cover members for the entire process cartridge.

[0145] (Power supply path for electrical components) Next, the configuration of the power supply paths of the electrical components provided in the cartridge P will be described. Electrical components are components that function by being electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the apparatus main body 1A. The electrical components in this embodiment include the charging roller 62, the developing roller 71, the developing blade 256, and the electrode sheet 275 (FIG. 15). The charging roller 62, the developing roller 71, the developing blade 256, and the electrode sheet 275 are electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the apparatus main body 1A via the main body contact 301 (first contact) and the cartridge side contact 270 (second contact). The cartridge P may be configured without some of these electrical components, or may include other electrical components. The other electrical components may be, for example, a storage medium (memory tag) that stores information about the cartridge P.

[0146] 21 and 22, the cartridge P has at least one cartridge-side contact 270 that is connected to the main body contact 301. Each cartridge-side contact 270 is a member (second contact) that comes into contact with the main body contact 301 (first contact) to electrically connect the cartridge P to the apparatus main body 1A. In this embodiment, the cartridge P has a plurality of cartridge-side contacts 270, including a first contact 270a, a second contact 270b, a third contact 270c, a fourth contact 270d, and a fifth contact 270e.

[0147] The cartridge-side contacts 270 are disposed at the end of the non-drive side of the cartridge P. More specifically, the first contact 270a is disposed on the end face of the non-drive side (-Y side) of the drum frame 221 (FIG. 16). The second contact 270b, the third contact 270c, the fourth contact 270d, and the fifth contact 270e are disposed on the end face of the non-drive side (-Y side) of the non-drive side bearing 254 (FIG. 17) of the developing unit 250.

[0148] The non-drive-side cover 223 of the cartridge P has openings 223c, 223d, and 223e (FIG. 21) that are openings penetrating the non-drive-side cover 223 in the Y-axis direction. When the cartridge P is viewed in the Y-axis direction from the non-drive side, at least a portion of the first contact 270a is exposed through the first opening 223c, and at least a portion of the second contact 270b and at least a portion of the third contact 270c are exposed through the opening 223d (FIG. 22). Furthermore, when the cartridge P is viewed in the Y-axis direction from the non-drive side, at least a portion of the fourth contact 270d and at least a portion of the fifth contact 270e are exposed through the opening 223e.

[0149] Each contact point (270a to 270e) may be made of only a conductive resin that forms part of the drum frame 221 or part of the non-drive side bearing 254, or may be made of a conductive member such as metal fixed to the drum frame 221 or the non-drive side bearing 254.

[0150] The first contact 270a is electrically connected to one of the electrode sheets 275 (FIG. 15) and can come into contact with one of the body contacts 301 (first body contact) when the cartridge P is installed in the apparatus main body 1A. The second contact 270b is electrically connected to another of the electrode sheets 275 and can come into contact with another of the body contacts 301 (second body contact) of the apparatus main body 1A when the cartridge P is installed in the apparatus main body 1A. The third contact 270c is electrically connected to the developing roller 71 and can come into contact with another of the body contacts 301 (third body contact) when the cartridge P is installed in the apparatus main body 1A. The fourth contact 270d is electrically connected to the developing blade 256 and can come into contact with another of the body contacts 301 (fourth body contact) when the cartridge P is installed in the apparatus main body 1A. The fifth contact 270e is electrically connected to the charging roller 62, and can come into contact with another one of the main body contacts 301 (the fifth main body contact) when the cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main body 1A.

[0151] The first contact 270a and the second contact 270b constitute a part of a toner remaining amount detection mechanism, which will be described later. The developing roller 71 is electrically connected to a high-voltage board in the apparatus main body 1A via the third contact 270c and the main body contact 301 (third main body contact), and a developing voltage is applied from the high-voltage board. The developing blade 256 is electrically connected to a high-voltage board in the apparatus main body 1A via the fourth contact 270d and the main body contact 301 (fourth main body contact), and a bias voltage (blade voltage) for increasing the amount of charge on the toner is applied from the high-voltage board. The charging roller 62 is electrically connected to a high-voltage board in the apparatus main body 1A via the fifth contact 270e and the main body contact 301 (fifth main body contact), and a charging voltage is applied from the high-voltage board.

[0152] (Toner remaining amount detection mechanism) The printer 1 is provided with a remaining toner amount detection mechanism for detecting the amount of toner (hereinafter referred to as remaining toner amount) contained in the development unit 250 (inside the cartridge P). Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the remaining toner amount detection mechanism.

[0153] The remaining toner amount detection mechanism includes a CPU 231, a remaining amount detection circuit 232, a voltage application unit 233, and two main body contacts 301, which are arranged in the apparatus main body 1A. The remaining toner amount detection mechanism also includes a first contact 270a, a second contact 270b, and two electrode sheets 275, which are arranged in the cartridge P.

[0154] One electrode sheet 275 is electrically connected to the voltage application unit 233 of the device body 1A via the first contact 270a and the body contact 301 (first body contact). The other electrode sheet 275 is electrically connected to the remaining amount detection circuit 232 of the device body 1A via the second contact 270b and the body contact 301 (second body contact). The CPU 231 is electrically connected to the remaining amount detection circuit 232. The CPU 231 and the remaining amount detection circuit 232 may be part of a control unit (control board) mounted in the device body 1A.

[0155] Each electrode sheet 275 is exposed to the toner storage portion 262 inside the developing frame 250B. Hereinafter, the electrode sheet 275 to which voltage is applied from the voltage application portion 233 will be referred to as the input side electrode sheet 275, and the electrode sheet 275 electrically connected to the remaining amount detection circuit 232 will be referred to as the output side electrode sheet 275.

[0156] The remaining toner amount detection mechanism according to this embodiment is a capacitance-type detection mechanism that detects the remaining toner amount based on the detection result of the capacitance between two electrode sheets 275, which are electrode members. CPU 231 applies an AC voltage to input-side electrode sheet 275 (first electrode) using voltage application unit 233, thereby inducing capacitance between electrode sheets 275. The magnitude of the capacitance between electrode sheets 275 changes depending on the amount of dielectric material present between electrode sheets 275, i.e., the amount of toner.

[0157] Remaining amount detection circuit 232 outputs a detection signal according to the capacitance between electrode sheets 275. As a specific example, remaining amount detection circuit 232 obtains a reference voltage by applying the same AC voltage as that applied to input-side electrode sheet 275 to a reference capacitance element having a known capacitance. Furthermore, remaining amount detection circuit 232 compares the voltage value of output-side electrode sheet 275 (second electrode) with the reference voltage, and outputs a voltage value as a detection signal that is the difference between the two.

[0158] The CPU 231 executes control based on the remaining amount of toner, based on a detection signal from the remaining amount detection circuit 232. For example, when the remaining amount of toner falls below a preset threshold, the CPU 231 notifies the user of information (cartridge replacement information) urging the user to replace the cartridge P. The notification method may be a screen display on an operation panel provided in the printer 1, or a notification may be sent to an external information processing terminal connected to the printer 1 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0159] The toner remaining amount detection mechanism described above is merely an example of a remaining amount detection mechanism that detects the amount of developer contained in the container (toner container 262) inside the cartridge P. The remaining amount detection mechanism is not limited to the capacitance type described in this embodiment, and may be, for example, an optical detection type. In the optical detection type, light emitted from a light-emitting element is incident on a light-receiving element via a spatial light path that passes through the inside of the toner container 262, and the remaining toner amount is detected based on the detection signal of the light-receiving element, utilizing the fact that the length of time the light is blocked changes depending on the amount of toner remaining.

[0160] (Cartridge end shape) The shape of the end portion on the −Y side (non-drive side, left side) of the cartridge P and the position of the cartridge side contact 270 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0161] 21 and 22, at least a portion of the end surface on the -Y side of the cartridge P in this embodiment is formed by the non-drive-side cover 223. The non-drive-side cover 223 has a side surface portion 223s that faces the -Y side, and a rib shape 223r that protrudes toward the -Y side from the side surface portion 223s.

[0162] If the direction from the left side plate 120 toward the right side plate 130 (i.e., the +Y direction) is defined as a first direction, the side surface portion 223s is an example of a second surface facing upstream in the first direction, and the rib shape 223r is an example of a second protrusion protruding upstream in the first direction from the second surface. The -Y side end face (surface forming the ridge line) of the rib shape 223r is a surface that protrudes upstream (to the -Y side) in the first direction from the second surface. Note that the first direction (+Y direction) in this embodiment is substantially parallel to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61 of the cartridge P.

[0163] At least a portion of the side surface portion 223s is a surface that extends in a direction intersecting (preferably substantially perpendicular to) the Y-axis direction. The aforementioned opening windows 223c, 223d, and 223e through which the cartridge-side contacts 270 are exposed are formed mainly on the side surface portion 223s. However, the opening edge on the upper side (+Z side) of the opening window 223d is formed by a rib shape 223r.

[0164] The area of ​​side surface portion 223s when viewed in the Y-axis direction is larger than the area of ​​rib shape 223r. In this embodiment, "side surface portion 223s" refers to the portion of the -Y-side end face of non-drive-side cover 223 excluding rib shape 223r and open windows 223c, 223d, and 223e.

[0165] In this embodiment, the rib shape 223r is formed on the upper part of the side surface portion 223s and extends substantially along the X-axis direction. In other words, the rib shape 223r extends in a direction that follows the movement direction of the tray unit 50. The rib shape 223r may be disposed at the end of the upper side (+Z side) of the non-drive-side cover 223.

[0166] By providing the rib shape 223r, the strength (rigidity) of the non-drive side cover 223 can be increased.

[0167] A storage medium 223m (memory tag) that stores information about the cartridge P can be attached to the end face 223u on the upper side (+Z side) of the non-drive-side cover 223 (FIGS. 21 and 22). The device main body 1A is provided with a tag connector that comes into contact with contacts exposed on the top surface of the storage medium 223m when the tray unit 50 is inserted into the device main body 1A. When the tag connector of the device main body 1A is electrically connected to the contacts of the storage medium 223m, the control unit 3 of the printer 1 can read information from the storage medium 223m. Information stored in the storage medium 223m is, for example, identification information (such as the manufacturing lot) of the cartridge P, the color of the toner, or the amount of toner filled.

[0168] By arranging the storage medium 223m on the non-drive-side cover 223 that forms the end face on the -Y side of the cartridge P, the tag connector of the apparatus main body 1A can be arranged near the left side plate 120. Therefore, the length of the harness connecting the tag connector and the control unit 3 can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the storage medium 223m is arranged on the +Y side (closer to the center of the cartridge P) of the non-drive-side cover 223, for example.

[0169] 12, the position where the main body contact 301 contacts the cartridge-side contact 270 may be on the +Y side (toward the cartridge P) of an end position 223m1 on the -Y side (toward the left side plate 120) of the storage medium 223m. In other words, the position where the main body contact 301 (first contact) and the cartridge-side contact 270 (second contact) contact may be downstream in the +Y direction of an end position 223m1 on the upstream side in the +Y direction (first direction) of the storage medium 223m. The cartridge-side contact 270 has a contact surface that extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the +Y direction, and the main body contact 301 abuts on the contact surface.

[0170] (Positional relationship between the main body contacts and the left side panel) Next, the positional relationship between the contact position and separation position of the main body contact 301 and the shape of the left side plate 120 will be described.

[0171] 9 and 10, the left side plate 120 has a reference surface 120a and a protruding portion 120b that protrudes in the +Y direction relative to the reference surface 120a. When the direction from the left side plate 120 toward the right side plate 130 (i.e., the +Y direction) is defined as a first direction, the reference surface 120a is an example of a first surface that faces downstream in the first direction, and the protruding portion 120b is an example of a first protruding portion that protrudes downstream in the first direction from the first surface.

[0172] The reference surface 120a is the surface of the left side plate 120 facing the +Y direction (the surface facing the storage space of the tray unit 50). The reference surface 120a and the protrusion 120b are integrally formed by bending (drawing) a metal plate.

[0173] The -Y direction end of the main stay 110 described above is connected to a reference surface 120a of the left side plate 120. The +Y direction end of the main stay 110 is connected to a reference surface of the right side plate 130. The distance between the reference surface 120a of the left side plate 120 and the reference surface of the right side plate 130 is determined according to the size required for the accommodation space of the tray unit 50 in the Y axis direction (for example, the length of the cartridge P and the transfer unit 40 in the main scanning direction during image formation).

[0174] When the tray unit 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 1A, the protrusion 120b of the left side plate 120 faces the side surface 223s of the cartridge P, and the rib shape 223r of the cartridge P faces the reference surface 120a of the left side plate 120. That is, when the cartridge is attached to the housing, the first protrusion (protrusion 120b) of the first side plate faces the second surface (side surface 223s) of the cartridge, and the second protrusion (rib shape 223r) of the cartridge faces the first surface (reference surface 120a) of the first side plate.

[0175] In this embodiment, the left side plate 120 has multiple protrusions 120b aligned in the tray removal direction Dd1. The opening 120c of the left side plate 120 described above may be formed between adjacent protrusions 120b. At least one main body contact 301 may be disposed between adjacent protrusions 120b in the tray removal direction Dd1 when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0176] As shown in FIGS. 11, 12(b), and 21, the cartridge-side contacts 270 are disposed inside the outer edge of the side surface portion 223s when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and are disposed more inward (+Y side) than the end face of the cartridge P in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the cartridge-side contacts 270 are disposed at a position retracted in the +Y direction from the side surface portion 223s, which is the end face of the cartridge P in the -Y direction. If the cartridge-side contacts 270 protruded outward from the end face of the cartridge P, the cartridge-side contacts 270 could come into contact with and be scraped off by the apparatus main body 1A when the cartridge P is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 1A, which could result in a poor connection (poor conduction). By disposing the cartridge-side contacts 270 more inward than the end face of the cartridge P, the possibility of a poor connection (poor conduction) occurring for the above-mentioned reason can be reduced.

[0177] On the other hand, the separated position of main body contact 301 is set to a position retracted outward (toward the -Y side) from the +Y end face of left side plate 120. This is because if the separated position of main body contact 301 protrudes in the +Y direction from the +Y end face of left side plate 120, the user may inadvertently touch main body contact 301 in the separated position.

[0178] Here, consider a comparative example in which the left side plate 120 does not have the protrusion 120b, and the end face of the left side plate 120 in the +Y direction is formed only by the reference surface 120a. In this case, the separation position of the main body contact 301 is set to a position retracted outward (toward the -Y side) from the reference surface 120a of the left side plate 120. Meanwhile, the distance by which the rib shape 223r protrudes from the side surface 223s in the Y axis direction is referred to as the rib protrusion distance. In the Y axis direction, the side surface 223s of the cartridge P is separated from the reference surface 120a of the left side plate 120 by a length at least equal to or greater than the rib protrusion distance. Therefore, the movement distance of the main body contact 301 when it moves from the separation position to the contact position is longer than the rib protrusion distance.

[0179] If the movement distance of the main body contact 301 is increased by the rib protrusion distance of the rib shape 223r as in the above comparative example, the printer 1 will become larger in size in order to secure a space that allows the main body contact 301 to move.

[0180] In contrast, in this embodiment, by providing protrusion 120b on left side plate 120, a portion of the end surface of left side plate 120 in the +Y direction is shifted toward the +Y side from reference plane 120a. The separation position of main body contact 301 is set on the +Y side from reference plane 120a and on the -Y side from the maximum protrusion position of protrusion 120b from reference plane 120a. In other words, the separation position of main body contact 301 (first contact) is downstream of the first surface (reference plane 120a) of the first side plate in the +Y direction (first direction) and upstream of the maximum protrusion position of the first protrusion (protrusion 120b) from the first surface.

[0181] 13(b), the position of the reference surface 120a in the Y-axis direction is defined as a first position Y1, the maximum protruding position of the protrusion 120b relative to the reference surface 120a is defined as a second position Y2, and the position of the portion of the main body contact 301 in the separated position that is closest to the cartridge-side contact 270 is defined as position Y3. In this case, position Y3 of the main body contact 301 is set between the first position Y1 and the second position Y2.

[0182] With this configuration, the separation position of the main body contact 301 can be brought closer to the side surface portion 223s of the cartridge P compared to the comparative example described above, and the movement distance from the separation position to the contact position of the main body contact 301 can be shortened. Furthermore, the shortened movement distance of the main body contact allows the printer 1 to be made more compact.

[0183] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to set the position Y3 of the main body contact 301 at a position that is more than the rib protrusion distance away from the side surface 223s of the cartridge P. Therefore, the position Y3 of the main body contact 301 may be downstream in the +Y direction (first direction) of the maximum protrusion position of the rib shape 223r (second protrusion portion) relative to the side surface 223s (second surface) of the cartridge P. This makes it possible to shorten the movement distance of the main body contact 301 from the separated position to the contact position, regardless of the rib protrusion distance of the rib shape 223r.

[0184] Furthermore, in the comparative example described above, the long movement distance of the main body contact 301 increases the operational load when the door 20 is opened. That is, when the door 20 is opened, the moving member 300 moves the main body contact 301 from the contact position to the separated position against the restoring force of the contact spring 301A. Furthermore, since the door 20 is connected to the moving member 300 via the link mechanism 200, the restoring force that the moving member 300 receives from the contact spring 301A acts on the door 20 as a load (resistance force) that resists the opening of the door 20. The longer the movement distance of the main body contact 301, the greater the amount of elastic deformation of the contact spring 301A, and the greater the restoring force generated by the contact spring 301A, resulting in a greater load on the door 20.

[0185] In contrast, in this embodiment, the movement distance of the main body contact 301 from the separated position to the contact position can be shortened, and the restoring force generated by the contact spring 301A can be reduced. As a result, the operational load when opening the door 20 can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 13(b), in a state where the tray unit 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 1A, it is preferable that a gap G1 between a reference surface 120a of the left side plate 120 and a rib shape 223r of the cartridge P is narrower than a gap G2 between a protruding portion 120b of the left side plate 120 and a side surface portion 223s of the cartridge P (G1 < G2). Due to the relationship of G1 < G2, the rib shape 223r extending in a direction along the tray extraction direction Dd1 (second direction) functions as a guide portion that contacts the left side plate 120 when the tray unit 50 is inserted and removed. As a result, it is possible to avoid the protruding portion 120b of the left side plate 120 from contacting the side surface portion 223s of the cartridge P. Thereby, it becomes possible to insert and remove the tray unit 50 more smoothly, and the usability can be further improved.

[0187] (Modification example) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the cartridge P is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A via the tray 51 was illustrated. That is, the cartridge P can be attached to and detached from the tray 51 that is inserted into and pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A, and the configuration in which the cartridge P is accommodated in the apparatus main body 1A while being supported by the tray 51 was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the cartridge P in the above-described embodiment may be fixed to the tray 51, and the cartridge P (process unit) may be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A as a part of the tray 51.

[0188] Further, the printer 1 may not have the tray 51, and the cartridge P may be directly attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A without passing through the tray 51.

[0189] In the above-described embodiment, the printer 1 including four cartridges PY to PK was illustrated, but the printer 1 may include only one cartridge P. That is, the printer 1 may be a monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0190] Summary of the present disclosure The present disclosure includes at least the following content. (Configuration 1) A housing, and a cartridge detachable from the housing; a first contact disposed on the housing; a second contact disposed on the cartridge and contacting the first contact to electrically connect the cartridge and the housing; Equipped with the housing has a first side plate and a second side plate that forms a space for accommodating the cartridge between the first side plate and a second side plate; When the direction from the first side plate toward the second side plate is defined as a first direction, the first side plate has a first surface facing the downstream side in the first direction and a first protruding portion protruding toward the downstream side in the first direction relative to the first surface, the cartridge has a second surface facing the upstream side in the first direction and a second protruding portion protruding toward the upstream side in the first direction relative to the second surface, When the cartridge is attached to the housing, the first protrusion faces the second surface, and the second protrusion faces the first surface; the second contact point is disposed inside an outer edge of the second surface when viewed in the first direction, and is located downstream of the second surface in the first direction; the first contact point is movable between a contact position where the first contact point is in contact with the second contact point and a spaced position where the first contact point is spaced upstream from the second contact point in the first direction; the separated position of the first contact point is downstream of the first surface in the first direction and upstream of a maximum protruding position of the first protrusion portion relative to the first surface; An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) An opening is formed in the housing, an opening / closing member movable with respect to the housing between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; a moving member that moves the first contact from the contact position to the separated position in conjunction with movement of the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, and that moves the first contact from the separated position to the contact position in conjunction with movement of the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position; Further comprising: 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) further comprising an elastic member that is elastically deformable in the first direction, the first contact point is provided at an end of the elastic member in the first direction, When the opening / closing member moves from the closed position to the open position, the moving member moves the first contact from the contact position to the separated position against the restoring force of the elastic member, When the opening / closing member moves from the open position to the closed position, the moving member allows the first contact to move from the separated position to the contact position according to the restoring force of the elastic member. 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) a link mechanism that connects the opening / closing member and the moving member and moves the moving member in conjunction with the movement of the opening / closing member; 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) a tray that supports the cartridge, is movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and is inserted into and extracted from the housing through the opening; the second protrusion has a rib shape extending in a direction along the second direction, When the cartridge is attached to the housing, a gap between the second protrusion and the first surface in the first direction is narrower than a gap between the first protrusion and the second surface in the first direction. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 4. (Configuration 6) a plurality of cartridges including the cartridge, each of which is detachably mounted on the tray; Further provided with the first side plate has a plurality of first protrusions including the first protrusion, the plurality of first protrusions corresponding to the plurality of cartridges, respectively; The plurality of first protrusions are aligned along the second direction. 6. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5. (Configuration 7) the first side plate has openings formed between the first protrusions in the second direction; The first contact is disposed inside the opening when viewed in the first direction. 7. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, (Configuration 8) the cartridge has a storage medium disposed on an end surface of the cartridge in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction; a position where the first contact point and the second contact point are in contact with each other is downstream in the first direction from an upstream end position of the storage medium in the first direction; 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 5 to 7. (Configuration 9) the separation position of the first contact point is downstream in the first direction from the maximum protruding position of the second protruding portion relative to the second surface; 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 10) The second protrusion has a rib shape extending in a direction intersecting the first direction. 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 11) The cartridge has a charging member that charges an image carrier, a voltage is applied to the charging member via the first contact point and the second contact point; 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 12) the cartridge has a developing member that supplies developer to an image carrier; a voltage is applied to the developing member via the first contact point and the second contact point; 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 13) the cartridge has a container for containing a developer and an electrode member disposed in the container; the housing has a detection circuit that detects the amount of the developer contained in the container using the electrode member, The detection circuit and the electrode member are electrically connected via the first contact and the second contact. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 14) the cartridge has a storage medium that stores information about the cartridge; the housing has a control unit that reads the information from the storage medium, the control unit and the storage medium are electrically connected via the first contact and the second contact; 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 15) the first side plate is a metal plate, the first surface and the first protrusion are integrally formed by bending the metal plate. 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. (Configuration 16) the housing includes a stay extending in the first direction and connected to both the first side plate and the second side plate, The first surface of the first side plate is connected to the stay. 16. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15. (Configuration 17) The cartridge has a photosensitive drum, the first direction is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum; 17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] 1A...Housing (device main body) / P, PY, PM, PC, PK...Cartridge / 120...First side plate (left side plate) / 120a...First surface (reference surface) / 120b...First protrusion (protrusion) / 130...Second side plate (right side plate) / 223r...Second protrusion (rib shape) / 223s...Second surface (side surface) / 270...Second contact (cartridge side contact) / 301...First contact (main body contact)

Claims

1. The housing and a cartridge detachable from the housing; a first contact disposed on the housing; a second contact disposed on the cartridge and contacting the first contact to electrically connect the cartridge and the housing; Equipped with the housing has a first side plate and a second side plate that forms a space for accommodating the cartridge between the first side plate and a second side plate; When a direction from the first side plate toward the second side plate is defined as a first direction, the first side plate has a first surface facing a downstream side in the first direction and a first protruding portion protruding toward the downstream side in the first direction relative to the first surface, the cartridge has a second surface facing the upstream side in the first direction and a second protruding portion protruding toward the upstream side in the first direction relative to the second surface, When the cartridge is attached to the housing, the first protrusion faces the second surface, and the second protrusion faces the first surface, the second contact point is disposed inside an outer edge of the second surface when viewed in the first direction, and is located downstream of the second surface in the first direction; the first contact point is movable between a contact position where the first contact point is in contact with the second contact point and a spaced position where the first contact point is spaced upstream from the second contact point in the first direction; the separated position of the first contact point is downstream of the first surface in the first direction and upstream of a maximum protruding position of the first protrusion portion relative to the first surface; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. An opening is formed in the housing, an opening / closing member movable with respect to the housing between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; a moving member that moves the first contact from the contact position to the separated position in conjunction with movement of the opening-closing member from the closed position to the open position, and that moves the first contact from the separated position to the contact position in conjunction with movement of the opening-closing member from the open position to the closed position; Further comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. further comprising an elastic member elastically deformable in the first direction; the first contact point is provided at an end of the elastic member in the first direction, When the opening / closing member moves from the closed position to the open position, the moving member moves the first contact from the contact position to the separated position against the restoring force of the elastic member, When the opening / closing member moves from the open position to the closed position, the moving member allows the first contact to move from the separated position to the contact position in accordance with the restoring force of the elastic member.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. a link mechanism that connects the opening / closing member and the moving member and moves the moving member in conjunction with the movement of the opening / closing member; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. a tray that supports the cartridge, is movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and is inserted into and extracted from the housing through the opening; the second protrusion has a rib shape extending in a direction along the second direction, When the cartridge is attached to the housing, a gap between the second protrusion and the first surface in the first direction is narrower than a gap between the first protrusion and the second surface in the first direction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. a plurality of cartridges including the cartridge, each of which is detachably mounted on the tray; Further provided with the first side plate has a plurality of first protrusions including the first protrusion, the plurality of first protrusions corresponding to the plurality of cartridges, respectively; The plurality of first protrusions are aligned along the second direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The first side plate has openings formed between the first protrusions in the second direction, The first contact is disposed inside the opening when viewed in the first direction.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. the cartridge has a storage medium disposed on an end surface of the cartridge in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction; a position where the first contact point and the second contact point are in contact with each other is downstream in the first direction from an upstream end position of the storage medium in the first direction; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

9. the separated position of the first contact point is downstream in the first direction of a maximum protruding position of the second protrusion portion relative to the second surface; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. The second protrusion has a rib shape extending in a direction intersecting the first direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. The cartridge has a charging member that charges an image carrier, a voltage is applied to the charging member via the first contact point and the second contact point; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. the cartridge has a developing member that supplies developer to an image carrier; a voltage is applied to the developing member via the first contact and the second contact; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. the cartridge has a container for containing a developer and an electrode member disposed in the container; the housing has a detection circuit that detects the amount of the developer contained in the container using the electrode member, The detection circuit and the electrode member are electrically connected via the first contact and the second contact.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

14. the cartridge has a storage medium that stores information about the cartridge; the housing has a control unit that reads the information from the storage medium, the control unit and the storage medium are electrically connected via the first contact and the second contact; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

15. the first side plate is a metal plate, the first surface and the first protrusion are integrally formed by bending the metal plate, 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

16. the housing includes a stay extending in the first direction and connected to both the first side plate and the second side plate, The first surface of the first side plate is connected to the stay.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

17. The cartridge has a photosensitive drum, the first direction is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

Images