Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To regulate positional deviation of a cartridge while avoiding influence on operability of a tray.SOLUTION: A housing, a tray inserted into the housing and configured to be pulled out in a first direction from a state of being inserted into the housing, a cartridge configured to be detached from the tray in a second direction, and a moving member including a restricting portion and configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in a state where the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the first position, the restricting portion overlaps with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, and the restricting portion restricts movement of the cartridge in the second direction with respect to the tray, in a state where the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the second position, the restricting portion does not overlap with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, and when the moving member is at the second position, the restricting portion is retracted from a movement path of the tray and the cartridge when the tray is pulled out from the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

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 an image forming apparatus in which a cartridge can be attached to and detached from a tray that is inserted into and pulled out from the main body of the 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] In a configuration in which a cartridge is attached to a tray that is inserted into and pulled out of the device body, it is preferable to prevent the cartridge from shifting out of position from the tray due to a drop impact, etc. On the other hand, it is preferable to avoid any impact on the operability of the tray, such as preventing the tray from moving due to the configuration for regulating the cartridge's shifting position.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can regulate the displacement of cartridges while avoiding any adverse effect on the operability of the tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a device for providing a cartridge that includes a housing, a tray that is inserted into the housing and is pulled out in a first direction from a state where it is inserted into the housing, a cartridge that is attached to the tray and configured to be detached from the tray in a second direction that intersects with the first direction when the tray is pulled out from the housing, and a movable member that is supported by the housing and has a restricting portion, the movable member being restricted from moving in the second direction and being movable between a first position and a second position in a third direction that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction, This image forming apparatus is characterized in that when the member is in the first position, the regulating portion overlaps with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, and the regulating portion regulates movement of the cartridge in the second direction relative to the tray, and when the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is in the second position, the regulating portion does not overlap with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, and when the moving member is in the second position, the regulating portion is retracted from the movement trajectory of the tray and the cartridge when the tray is pulled out from the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can regulate the positional deviation of the cartridge while avoiding any influence on the operability of the tray. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [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] 11(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the door of the printer according to the first embodiment is closed, and FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ in FIG. 11(a). [Figure 12] 12(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the door of the printer according to the first embodiment is open, 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 a tray unit is being drawn out from the apparatus main body according to the first embodiment, 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] 15(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the door of the printer according to the second embodiment is closed, and FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ in FIG. 15(a). [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are an assembly diagram of a left side plate and a holder according to a second embodiment, and an enlarged view of a part of the left side plate. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a drum unit according to an example of the cartridge. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a developing unit according to an example of a cartridge. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an assembly diagram of an example cartridge. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a cartridge. [Figure 22] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a remaining toner amount detection mechanism according to an example of the cartridge. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the non-drive end of an example cartridge. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the non-drive end of an example cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 (removably) attached to the tray 51.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In this embodiment, the tray unit 50 has a plurality of photosensitive drums (image carriers) 61, a plurality of charging rollers 62 (charging members), and a plurality of developing rollers (developer carriers) 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] In the above explanation, ordinal numbers such as first, second, third, and fourth are used for convenience of explanation.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 a side portion of the apparatus main body 1A (housing) on ​​the downstream side in the tray removal direction Dd1 (first direction).

[0029] 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 (first direction) when the tray 51 is pulled out from the device main body 1A (housing) after being inserted therein. As a modified example, the tray unit 50 may be configured to move linearly from the first inner position to the first outer position without changing its movement direction.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] (Removing the tray unit and transfer unit and arranging 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Furthermore, as described above, when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the movement direction of the tray unit 50 is a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the tray unit 50 moves away from the second end 1b2.

[0055] As described above, when the 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.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, the door 20 covers the opening 1A1 in the closed state and also covers at least a portion of the conveying path 1c for the sheet S. The door 20 also 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] If the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end of the device main body 1A, the user will need to access both ends of the device main body 1A to clear the jam and pull out the transfer unit 40 or the tray unit 50. Also, if one of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from one end of the device main body 1A and the other of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the other end, the user will also need to access both ends of the device main body 1A. This requires space to work from both the front and the back of the device main body 1A, which increases the area required to install the printer 1.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sheets S can be replenished from one end of the device main body 1A. Therefore, it is only necessary to secure space for replenishing the sheets S from the front of the printer 1, and the printer 1 can be installed in a space-saving manner.

[0062] (Relationship between the tray unit and the fixing unit) The relationship between the tray unit 50 and the fixing device 80 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 overlaps with the space through which the cartridge P passes when the tray unit 50 moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, but it may also be arranged so as to overlap with the space through which the tray 51 passes.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the fixing device 80 is movable between a use position and a retracted position when attached to the device main body 1A. In this embodiment, when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the entire fixing device 80 is located outside the first space.

[0074] The fixing device 80 is lifted from the use position and positioned at a retracted position above the use position. In other words, the retracted position is higher than the use position. As shown in FIG. 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.

[0075] 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.

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

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] (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).

[0081] 8(a), the printer 1 includes a movable member 300 and a link mechanism 200. The movable member 300 and the link mechanism 200 are disposed in the apparatus main body 1A. As will be described later, the movable member 300 is a restricting member that can restrict movement of the cartridge P in a direction in which the cartridge P is removed from the tray 51 (removal direction D2).

[0082] 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.

[0083] The four movable members 300 are arranged side by side in the tray removal direction Dd1 (first direction). That is, in this embodiment, the tray 51 and the cartridges PY to PK are moved from the first inner position (FIG. 3) to the first outer position (FIG. 4) along the direction in which the multiple movable members 300 are arranged.

[0084] The four movable members 300 have substantially the same configuration except that the movement of each of the four movable members 300 is restricted for different cartridges P. Therefore, in the following description, when simply referring to a "movable member 300," it refers to any one of the four movable members 300.

[0085] The movable member 300 is movable relative to the apparatus main body 1A between a first position (protruding position, restricted position) shown in Figures 8(a) to (c) and a second position (retracted position, unrestricted position) shown in Figures 8(d) to (f). The movable member 300 is movable between the first position and the second position in a direction (third direction) intersecting both the tray removal direction Dd1 (first direction) and the cartridge P removal direction D2 (second direction). The movable member 300 in this embodiment moves in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction perpendicular to both the tray removal direction Dd1 and the removal direction D2.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Each main body contact 301 is disposed at a position corresponding to one of the cartridge-side contacts (second contacts) provided on the cartridge P. Examples of cartridges P equipped with cartridge-side contacts (second contacts) will be described later with reference to Figures 17 to 24. Each main body contact 301 is movable between a position in contact with the cartridge-side contact (contact position) and a position separated from the cartridge-side contact (separated position). The separated 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The moving 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. In other words, the moving member 300 moves the main body contact 301 (first contact) between a contact position where it contacts the cartridge side contact (second contact) and a separated position where it is separated from the cartridge side contact (second contact). In this embodiment, one link mechanism 200 moves all four moving members 300.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the moving member 300 moves linearly in the Y-axis direction without rotating in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 20. This configuration is suitable for moving multiple main body contacts 301 between the contact position and the separated position 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.

[0100] (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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] An opening 120a is formed in the left side plate 120. The opening 120a 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 contacts 301 are exposed inside the opening 120a.

[0104] In this embodiment, the apparatus main body 1A has five main body contacts 301 corresponding to one cartridge P. Three openings 120a 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 120a. A plurality of openings 120a 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 120a. 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 120a are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0105] When main body contact 301 is in the contact position (FIG. 10), main body contact 301 protrudes through opening 120a from 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 from left side plate 120, which forms the wall surface on the left side (-Y side) of the storage space of tray unit 50.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] FIG. 11(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. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 11(a). FIG. 12(a) is a schematic diagram of the printer 1 with the door 20 in the open position and the tray unit 50 remaining 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 pulled out from the device main body 1A to the first outer position. FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 13(a).

[0109] 11(b), 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.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the movable member 300 has a restricting portion 302. The restricting portion 302 is a protrusion that protrudes in the +Y direction (i.e., toward the storage space of the tray unit 50). The restricting portion 302 moves in the Y-axis direction together with other portions of the movable member 300. In other words, the position of the restricting portion 302 when the movable member 300 is in the first position (protruding position, restricting position) is located in the +Y direction relative to the position of the restricting portion 302 when the movable member 300 is in the second position (retracted position, restricting release position). Note that FIGS. 8(b) and 8(e) schematically show the restricting portion 302.

[0111] When the movable member 300 is in the first position, the restricting portion 302 protrudes through the opening 120a provided in the left side plate 120 toward the +Y side beyond the +Y side surface of the left side plate 120 (i.e., toward the storage space of the tray unit 50) (FIG. 10). When the movable member 300 is in the second position, the restricting portion 302 retracts toward the -Y side relative to the +Y side surface of the left side plate 120 (FIG. 9). One or more main body contacts 301 may be arranged in the opening 120a of the left side plate 120 where the restricting portion 302 is arranged (FIGS. 9 and 10). In other words, both the restricting portion 302 and the main body contacts 301 may be arranged in one opening 120a.

[0112] When the door 20 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 11(a), the moving member 300 is in the first position as described above.

[0113] 11(b), when the tray unit 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 1A and the movable member 300 is in the first position, the regulating portion 302 overlaps with the cartridge PM when viewed in the removal direction D2 of the cartridge PM. The regulating portion 302 is located downstream of the regulated surface PMa of the cartridge PM in the removal direction D2. The removal direction D2 is a direction intersecting a tray removal direction Dd1 (first direction, see FIG. 3) in which the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the state inserted into the apparatus main body 1A, and is a second direction (see also FIG. 4) in which the cartridge PM is removed from the tray 51.

[0114] Here, when the tray unit 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 1A, for example, if the printer 1 is subjected to a drop impact, the cartridge PM may attempt to move in the removal direction D2 from the tray 51. Even in this case, the restriction portions 302 are positioned so as to overlap with the cartridge PM when viewed in the removal direction D2, and therefore the movement of the cartridge PM is restricted by the restriction portions 302. In other words, each restriction portion 302 can restrict the movement (misalignment) of the corresponding cartridge P in the removal direction D2 (second direction).

[0115] The regulated surface PMa is the end surface of the cartridge P in the removal direction D2 (end surface in the second direction, abutment surface). In a state where the tray unit 50 is inserted into the first inner position and the door 20 is in the closed position (FIG. 11(b)), the regulating portion 302 faces the regulated surface PMa of the cartridge PM, and a gap exists between the regulating portion 302 and the regulated surface PMa. The state in FIG. 11(b) is a state where the cartridge PM is in the image formation position, which is the position during image formation. Therefore, by providing a gap between the regulating portion 302 and the regulated surface PMa, it is possible to prevent the regulating portion 302 from coming into contact with the cartridge PM and affecting the position or posture of the cartridge PM during image formation.

[0116] In this embodiment, the regulating portion 302 regulates the non-drive-side cover 223 (FIGS. 23 and 24) provided at the end on the -Y side (left side) of the cartridge PM. The regulated surface PMa described above is a part of the end surface 223u on the +Z side (upper side) of the non-drive-side cover 223. The regulated surface PMa may also be provided on the end surface on the +Z side (upper side) of a rib shape 223r (FIGS. 23 and 24) of the non-drive-side cover 223. The non-drive-side cover 223 and the rib shape 223r will be described later.

[0117] 12(a) and 12(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.

[0118] 12(b), when the tray unit 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 1A and the movable member 300 is in the second position, the regulating portion 302 does not overlap with the cartridge PM when viewed in the removal direction D2 (second direction). The regulating portion 302 is retracted in the -Y direction from the regulated surface PMa of the cartridge PM. In other words, when the movable member 300 is in the second position, the regulating portion 302 does not interfere with the cartridge PM.

[0119] 13(a) and 13(b), 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.

[0120] When the movable member 300 is in the second position, the restricting portion 302 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.

[0121] Therefore, the cartridge PM does not interfere with the regulating portion 302, and the tray unit 50 can be smoothly inserted into and pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A.

[0122] That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can regulate the positional deviation of the cartridge while avoiding any influence on the operability of the tray.

[0123] 13(b), the regulating portion 302 of the movable member 300 corresponding to the magenta cartridge PM is retracted from the movement trajectories of all of the other cartridges PC, PK that pass near this regulating portion 302 when the tray unit 50 is pulled out. In other words, when the movable member 300 is in the second position, the position of the regulating portion 302 is retracted from the movement trajectories of all of the multiple cartridges PY to PK when the tray 51 is pulled out from the inner position to the outer position.

[0124] Therefore, the plurality of cartridges PY to PK do not interfere with the regulating portion 302, and the tray unit 50 can be smoothly inserted into and pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A.

[0125] In this embodiment, the movement trajectory of the tray unit 50 when it is inserted or removed between the first inner position and the first outer position includes a change in the movement direction of the tray unit 50. In other words, the movement trajectory of the tray unit 50 is different from a simple trajectory in which the tray unit 50 moves linearly in a fixed direction.

[0126] Specifically, the tray unit 50 of this embodiment moves in the tray removal direction Dd1 (first direction) in the section from the first inner position to a predetermined position between the first inner position and the first outer position shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the tray unit 50 of this embodiment moves in a second tray removal direction Dd1' (fourth direction) that has a different inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction from the tray removal direction Dd1 in the section from the predetermined position to the first outer position. In this embodiment, the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction of the tray removal direction Dd1 is greater than the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction of the second tray removal direction Dd1'.

[0127] Note that allowing the direction of movement of the tray unit 50 to change while it moves from the first inner position to the first outer position improves the design flexibility of the printer 1. As a result, for example, by tilting the orientation of the tray unit 50 at the first inner position relative to the horizontal, it is possible to reduce dead space within the device main body 1A and make the printer 1 more compact. Also, by setting the tray removal direction Dd1 to a direction that follows the tilted orientation of the tray unit 50, it is possible to keep the movement trajectory (first space) of the tray unit 50 as small as possible. Furthermore, by setting the orientation of the tray unit 50 at the first outer position to be horizontal or at an angle close to horizontal, it is possible to improve the operability when a user installs or removes a cartridge P from above the tray 51.

[0128] More specifically, the predetermined position is a position of the tray unit 50 where the black cartridge PK is located between the movable member 300 corresponding to the black cartridge PK and the movable member 300 corresponding to the yellow cartridge PY. In other words, the cartridge PK that is furthest upstream in the tray removal direction Dd1 (first direction) among the multiple cartridges is referred to as the first cartridge, and the cartridge PK that is furthest downstream in the tray removal direction Dd1 among the multiple cartridges is referred to as the second cartridge. Also, the movable member among the multiple movable members 300 that corresponds to the first cartridge is referred to as the first movable member, and the movable member among the multiple movable members that corresponds to the second cartridge is referred to as the second movable member. In this case, when the tray is located at the predetermined position, the first cartridge (PK) is located downstream of the first movable member and upstream of the second movable member in the tray removal direction Dd1 (first direction).

[0129] In this configuration in which the movement direction of the tray unit 50 changes as it moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the passing positions of the cartridges PY to PK in the removal direction D2 (second direction) intersecting with the tray removal direction Dd1 are different. For example, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the passing position when the black cartridge PK passes near the regulating portion 302 corresponding to the magenta cartridge PM is downstream (upper side, +Z side) in the removal direction D2 from the position of the magenta cartridge PM before the tray unit 50 was pulled out (FIG. 11(b)). In other words, when the moving member 300 is in the first position, the position of the regulating portion 302 enters the movement trajectory of one of the multiple cartridges P (here, the black cartridge PK) when the tray unit 50 is pulled out from the first inner position to the first outer position.

[0130] Therefore, if the regulating portion 302 were a member fixed to the apparatus main body 1A, there is a possibility that one of the plurality of cartridges PY to PK would interfere with the regulating portion 302 when inserting or removing the tray unit 50. In the example of FIG. 13(b), there is a possibility that the black cartridge PK would interfere with the regulating portion 302 corresponding to the magenta cartridge PM.

[0131] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the tray unit 50 is inserted or removed with the movable member 300 including the regulating portions 302 retracted to the second position, so that the tray unit 50 can be inserted or removed smoothly without the cartridges P interfering with the regulating portions 302. In other words, even if the moving direction of the tray unit 50 changes in the process of the tray unit 50 being pulled out of the apparatus main body 1A, the tray unit 50 can be inserted or removed smoothly without the cartridges P interfering with the regulating portions 302.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the posture of the tray unit 50 at the first inner position is different from the posture of the tray unit 50 at the first outer position. Specifically, when viewed in the Y-axis direction (third direction), the tilt angle of the tray unit 50 with respect to the horizontal at the first inner position is greater than the tilt angle of the tray unit 50 with respect to the horizontal at the first outer position. In this case, in the process of the tray unit 50 being pulled out from the first inner position to the first outer position, the tilt angle (posture) of the tray unit 50 changes when viewed in the Y-axis direction (third direction), and accordingly the position of each cartridge P in the removal direction D2 changes.

[0133] However, in this embodiment, the tray unit 50 is inserted or removed with the movable member 300 retracted to the second position, so even if the posture of the tray unit 50 changes during insertion or removal, it is possible to prevent the cartridges P from interfering with the regulating portions 302. In other words, according to this embodiment, the tray unit 50 can be inserted or removed smoothly even though the posture of the tray unit 50 changes during insertion or removal.

[0134] 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.

[0135] (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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] As described above, opening 120a is formed in left side plate 120. The contact position of movable member 300 is a position where restricting portion 302 and contact holder 300a, which are parts of movable member 300, protrude in the +Y direction from the +Y side surface of left side plate 120 through opening 120a. In other words, opening 120a allows a part of movable member 300 to protrude from left side plate 120 toward the installation space of tray unit 50.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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).

[0142] (Example of cartridge configuration) An example of the configuration of the cartridge P will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 24. 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 16. 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. 17 to 24 does not necessarily have to strictly match the configuration of the cartridge P shown in FIGS. 1 to 16. 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.

[0143] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of cartridge P. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of drum unit 220. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of development unit 250. FIG. 20 is an assembled perspective view of cartridge P. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of cartridge P. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a remaining toner amount detection mechanism in printer 1. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the non-drive side end of cartridge P. FIG. 24 is a side view of cartridge P as viewed from the non-drive side.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 17, 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] (drum unit) As shown in Figures 18 and 20, 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.

[0148] 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. 20). 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.

[0149] 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. 17).

[0150] 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. 17) 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. 17) 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.

[0151] (developing unit) As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, 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).

[0152] 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. 17) 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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. 17).

[0161] (How to assemble the cartridge) A method of assembling the cartridge P will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 21. As shown in Figure 21, 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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. 21). 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 the image formation operation is not performed), the developing roller 71 is held in a position spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 61.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] (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. The electrical components are components that function by being electrically connected to the electrical circuits of the apparatus main body 1A. The electrical components in this embodiment include the developing roller 71, the developing blade 256, and the electrode sheet 275 (FIG. 17). The cartridge P may be configured without some of these electrical components, or may include additional electrical components.

[0167] 23 and 24, 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.

[0168] 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. 18). 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. 19) of the developing unit 250.

[0169] The non-drive-side cover 223 of the cartridge P has openings 223c, 223d, and 223e (FIG. 23) 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. 24). 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] The first contact 270a is electrically connected to one of the electrode sheets 275 (FIG. 17) 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.

[0172] The first contact 270a and the second contact 270b constitute a part of a remaining toner amount detection mechanism, which will be described later. The developing roller 71 is electrically connected to the high-voltage board of 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 the high-voltage board of 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 the high-voltage board of 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.

[0173] (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 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the remaining toner amount detection mechanism.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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. 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] (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.

[0182] 23 and 24, at least a portion of the -Y side end surface of cartridge P in this embodiment is formed by non-drive-side cover 223. Non-drive-side cover 223 has side surface portion 223s, which is a surface facing the -Y side, and rib shapes 223r that protrude toward the -Y side from side surface portion 223s. When side surface portion 223s is defined as a first surface, the -Y side end surface of rib shape 223r (the surface forming the ridge line) can be called a second surface that protrudes toward the -Y side from the first surface.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] By providing the rib shape 223r, the strength (rigidity) of the non-drive side cover 223 can be increased.

[0187] 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. 23 and 24). 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 11, the contact position where the main body contact 301 comes into contact with the cartridge side contact 270 may be on the +Y side (cartridge P side) of the end position 223m1 on the -Y side (left side plate 120 side) of the storage medium 223m.

[0190] Example 2 An image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the left side plate 120 has a support portion 120b that supports the moving member 300. Hereinafter, elements that are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have basically the same configurations and functions as those described in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified, and the following description will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment.

[0191] Fig. 15(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. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 15(a). Fig. 16 is a combination of a perspective view of the left side plate 120 and holder 150 and an enlarged view of a portion of the left side plate 120.

[0192] 15(b) and 16, the left side plate 120 according to this embodiment has a support portion 120b. The support portion 120b is arranged on the edge portion in the removal direction D2 of the opening 120a in which the restricting portion 302 of the movable member 300 is arranged. The support portion 120b has a bent shape in which a portion of the sheet metal of the left side plate 120, which is a sheet metal member, is bent upward toward the +Y side. In other words, the support portion 120b according to this embodiment is formed integrally with the other portions of the left side plate 120.

[0193] 15(a) and 15(b), when the door 20 is in the closed position and the tray unit 50 is inserted into the first inner position of the apparatus main body 1A, the movable member 300 is in the first position as in Example 1. Therefore, the movable member 300 regulates the regulated surface PMa of the cartridge P with the regulating portion 302, and can regulate the cartridge P from moving in the removal direction D2 from the tray 51 due to a drop impact or the like.

[0194] Here, when the movable member 300 is in the first position, the support portion 120b of the left side plate 120 faces the restricting portion 302 in the removal direction D2. The support portion 120b abuts against the restricting portion 302, and thereby functions as a receiving portion that receives the pressing force in the removal direction D2 that the restricting portion 302 receives when the restricting portion 302 is pressed by the cartridge P. The restricting portion 302 is supported (backed up) by the support portion 120b from the downstream side in the removal direction D2, thereby making it possible to restrict positional deviation or deformation of the movable member 300 that would cause the restricting portion 302 to be displaced in the removal direction.

[0195] In this embodiment, the moving member 300 is made of synthetic resin, while the support portion 120b is part of the left side plate 120 made of sheet metal and is stronger than the moving member 300. That is, in this embodiment, the force that moves the cartridge P in the removal direction D2 due to a drop impact or the like can be received by the high-strength support portion 120b instead of by the resin regulating portion 302. This makes it possible to more reliably regulate the movement (misalignment) of the cartridge P in the removal direction D2 (second direction).

[0196] Furthermore, because support portion 120b, which is a bent metal plate, extends along the movement direction of movable member 300, support portion 120b can guide the movement of restriction portion 302. In other words, when movable member 300 moves in the Y-axis direction (third direction) between the first position and the second position, burrs on restriction portion 302 do not get caught on the periphery of opening 120a, allowing for smoother operation.

[0197] Summary of the Disclosure The present disclosure includes at least the following: (Configuration 1) The housing and a tray that is inserted into the housing and that is pulled out in a first direction from the inserted state; a cartridge that is attached to the tray and configured to be detached from the tray in a second direction intersecting the first direction when the tray is pulled out from the housing; a movable member supported by the housing and having a restricting portion, the movable member being restricted in movement in the second direction and configured to be movable between a first position and a second position in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction; Equipped with when the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the first position, the regulating portion overlaps with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, and the regulating portion regulates movement of the cartridge in the second direction relative to the tray; When the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the second position, the regulating portion does not overlap with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, When the movable member is at the second position, the regulating portion is retracted from a movement trajectory of the tray and the cartridge when the tray is pulled out from the housing. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) an opening that allows the tray to be inserted and removed is formed in the housing; an opening / closing member movable relative to the housing between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; The moving member is configured to move from the first position to the second position in conjunction with movement of the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, and to move from the second position to the first position in conjunction with movement of the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The opening is formed in a downstream side surface of the housing in the first direction. 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) Further comprising a first contact disposed on the housing; the cartridge has a second contact that contacts the first contact to electrically connect the cartridge and the housing; The moving member moves the first contact point 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 from the second contact point. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) an elastic member disposed on the housing and elastically deformable in the third direction; the first contact is provided at an end of the elastic member; When the moving member moves from the first position to the second 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 moving member moves from the second position to the first 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. 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4. (Configuration 6) When the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the first position, the regulating portion faces an end surface of the cartridge in the second direction, and a gap exists between the regulating portion and the end surface. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) a plurality of cartridges including the cartridge, each of which is detachably attached to the tray; the tray is movable between an inner position where an image forming operation is performed using the plurality of cartridges and an outer position where the tray is pulled out from the housing to allow the plurality of cartridges to be removed from the tray; 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) a plurality of moving members including the moving member, the moving members being arranged corresponding to the plurality of cartridges, respectively, and restricting movement of the corresponding cartridges among the plurality of cartridges in the second direction; The plurality of moving members are arranged side by side in the first direction. 8. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) a position of the regulating portion when the movable member is at the second position is retracted from all of the movement loci of the plurality of cartridges when the tray is pulled out from the inner position to the outer position; 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7 or 8. (Configuration 10) a position of the regulating portion when the movable member is at the first position is positioned within a movement locus of any of the plurality of cartridges when the tray is pulled out from the inner position to the outer position; 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 7 to 9. (Configuration 11) When viewed in the third direction, the tray is moved in the first direction from the inner position to a predetermined position between the inner position and the outer position, and is moved from the predetermined position to the outer position in a fourth direction having an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction different from that of the first direction. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 7 to 10. (Configuration 12) a cartridge that is furthest upstream in the first direction among the plurality of cartridges is defined as a first cartridge, and a cartridge that is furthest downstream in the first direction among the plurality of cartridges is defined as a second cartridge; When a moving member corresponding to the first cartridge among the plurality of moving members is a first moving member, and a moving member corresponding to the second cartridge among the plurality of moving members is a second moving member, When the tray is located at the predetermined position, the first cartridge is located downstream of the first moving member and upstream of the second moving member in the first direction. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, (Configuration 13) When viewed in the third direction, an inclination angle of the tray with respect to the horizontal direction when the tray is in the inner position is different from an inclination angle of the tray with respect to the horizontal direction when the tray is in the outer position. 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 7 to 12. (Configuration 14) the housing has a first side plate disposed on one side in the third direction with respect to a storage space in which the tray inserted into the housing is stored, and a second side plate disposed on the other side in the third direction with respect to the storage space, the regulating portion regulates movement of the cartridge in the second direction by coming into contact with the one end of the cartridge in the third direction. 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. (Configuration 15) An opening is formed in the first side plate, When the movable member is in the first position, the restricting portion protrudes from the first side plate through the opening toward the accommodation space. 15. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 14. (Configuration 16) the first side plate is made of metal; the moving member is made of resin, the first side plate has a receiving portion that faces an end face of the movable member in the second direction when the movable member is at the first position, and that restricts the movable member from moving in the second direction when the cartridge presses the restricting portion in the second direction. 16. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 14 or 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1A... Housing (device main body) / 1A1... Opening / 51... Tray / 300... Moving member / 302... Regulating portion / P, PY, PM, PC, PK... Cartridge

Claims

1. The housing and a tray that is inserted into the housing and that is pulled out in a first direction from the inserted state; a cartridge that is attached to the tray and configured to be detached from the tray in a second direction intersecting the first direction when the tray is pulled out from the housing; a movable member supported by the housing and having a restricting portion, the movable member being restricted in movement in the second direction and configured to be movable between a first position and a second position in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction; Equipped with when the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the first position, the regulating portion overlaps with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, and the regulating portion regulates movement of the cartridge in the second direction relative to the tray; When the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the second position, the regulating portion does not overlap with the cartridge when viewed in the second direction, When the movable member is at the second position, the regulating portion is retracted from a movement locus of the tray and the cartridge when the tray is pulled out from the housing. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. an opening that allows the tray to be inserted and removed is formed in the housing; an opening / closing member movable relative to the housing between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; the moving member is configured to move from the first position to the second position in conjunction with movement of the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position, and to move from the second position to the first position in conjunction with movement of the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position.

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

3. The opening is formed in a downstream side surface of the housing in the first direction.

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

4. Further comprising a first contact disposed on the housing; the cartridge has a second contact that contacts the first contact to electrically connect the cartridge to the housing; The moving member moves the first contact point 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 from the second contact point.

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

5. an elastic member disposed on the housing and elastically deformable in the third direction; The first contact is provided at an end of the elastic member, When the moving member moves from the first position to the second 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 moving member moves from the second position to the first 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.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. When the tray is inserted into the housing and the moving member is at the first position, the regulating portion faces an end surface of the cartridge in the second direction, and a gap exists between the regulating portion and the end surface.

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

7. a plurality of cartridges including the cartridge, each of which is detachably attached to the tray; the tray is movable between an inner position where an image forming operation is performed using the plurality of cartridges and an outer position where the tray is pulled out from the housing to allow the plurality of cartridges to be removed from the tray; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. a plurality of moving members including the moving member, the moving members being arranged corresponding to the plurality of cartridges, respectively, and restricting movement of the corresponding cartridges among the plurality of cartridges in the second direction; The plurality of moving members are arranged side by side in the first direction.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. a position of the regulating portion when the movable member is at the second position is retracted from all of the movement loci of the plurality of cartridges when the tray is drawn out from the inner position to the outer position; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

10. a position of the regulating portion when the movable member is at the first position is positioned within a movement locus of any of the plurality of cartridges when the tray is pulled out from the inner position to the outer position; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

11. When viewed in the third direction, the tray is moved in the first direction from the inner position to a predetermined position between the inner position and the outer position, and is moved from the predetermined position to the outer position in a fourth direction having an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction different from that of the first direction.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

12. a cartridge that is furthest upstream in the first direction among the plurality of cartridges is defined as a first cartridge, and a cartridge that is furthest downstream in the first direction among the plurality of cartridges is defined as a second cartridge; When a moving member corresponding to the first cartridge among the plurality of moving members is a first moving member, and a moving member corresponding to the second cartridge among the plurality of moving members is a second moving member, When the tray is located at the predetermined position, the first cartridge is located downstream of the first moving member and upstream of the second moving member in the first direction.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. When viewed in the third direction, an inclination angle of the tray with respect to the horizontal direction when the tray is in the inner position is different from an inclination angle of the tray with respect to the horizontal direction when the tray is in the outer position.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

14. the housing has a first side plate disposed on one side in the third direction with respect to a storage space in which the tray inserted into the housing is stored, and a second side plate disposed on the other side in the third direction with respect to the storage space, the regulating portion regulates movement of the cartridge in the second direction by coming into contact with the one end of the cartridge in the third direction; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

15. An opening is formed in the first side plate, When the movable member is in the first position, the restricting portion protrudes from the first side plate through the opening toward the accommodation space.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

16. the first side plate is made of metal, the moving member is made of resin, the first side plate has a receiving portion that faces an end face of the movable member in the second direction when the movable member is at the first position, and that restricts the movable member from moving in the second direction when the cartridge presses the restricting portion in the second direction; 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

Images