Monochrome printer and image forming apparatus

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus having a tray that moves inside and outside the main body of the apparatus, and on which cartridges are attached and detached, the usability of cartridge attachment is improved. [Solution] An image forming apparatus is used in which a cartridge is removablely mounted, comprising an apparatus body, a tray including a frame having an opening and being movable between a housing position inside the apparatus and an extraction position pulled out from the apparatus, and a cover fixed to the frame, wherein the cover covers the opening such that a part of the opening forms a mounting portion in which a cartridge is removablely mounted, and when the area of ​​the opening covered by the cover is called the covered area, the covered area is larger than the mounting portion when viewed in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monochrome printer and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction peripherals have a tray that moves between the inside and outside of the apparatus main body, and a cartridge is removably attached to the tray. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-244018 proposes an image forming apparatus having a tray that can move outside the image forming apparatus main body through an opening, and the cartridge can be removed and replaced when the tray is pulled out of the apparatus. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-232130 proposes a configuration in which full-color image formation is performed using a plurality of image forming units, and monochrome image formation is performed by removing image forming units other than black from the plurality of image forming units.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image forming apparatus having a tray that moves between the inside and outside of the apparatus main body and a cartridge is attached to and detached from the tray, if it is difficult for the user to recognize the correct cartridge attachment portion, the usability of the user will decrease.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to improve the usability of a cartridge attachment in an image forming apparatus having a tray that moves between the inside and outside of the apparatus main body and a cartridge is attached to and detached from the tray.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure adopts the following structure: A monochrome printer in which the cartridge is removable, The main body of the device, A tray that is movable between a storage position housed in the internal space of the device body and a pulled-out position extended from the device body, the tray including a frame with an opening formed therein and a cover fixed to the frame, It has, The cover covers a portion of the opening, and the portion of the opening not covered by the cover forms a mounting portion in which the cartridge is housed. When the area of ​​the opening covered by the cover is defined as the covered area, the covered area is larger than the mounting portion when viewed in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion. A monochrome printer characterized by the following features.

[0007] This disclosure also adopts the following structure: An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge is removablely mounted, The main body of the device, A tray that is movable between a storage position housed in the internal space of the device body and a pulled-out position extended from the device body, comprising a frame with an opening formed therein, and the frame A tray including a cover that is screwed to the frame, It has, The cover covers a portion of the opening, and the portion of the opening not covered by the cover forms a mounting portion in which the cartridge is housed. When the area of ​​the opening covered by the cover is defined as the covered area, the covered area is larger than the mounting portion when viewed in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

[0008] This disclosure also adopts the following structure: A monochrome printer in which the cartridge is removable, The main body of the device, A tray that is movable between a storage position housed in the internal space of the device body and a pulled-out position extended from the device body, the tray including a frame with an opening formed therein and a cover fixed to the frame, It has, The cover covers a portion of the opening, and a portion of the opening not covered by the cover forms a mounting portion in which the cartridge is housed. When viewed in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, the area of ​​the opening covered by the cover is defined as the covered area, and the area remaining after removing the covered area and the mounting portion from the opening is defined as the remaining area. A virtual area having the same shape as the mounting portion is superimposed on the remaining area, and when the size of the superimposed area where the virtual area and the remaining area overlap is maximized, a part of the virtual area is located outside the remaining area. A monochrome printer characterized by the following features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printer in Example 1. [Figure 2] Diagram showing the printer in the open position of the door in Example 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the printer in the state where the fuser unit of Example 1 has been moved. [Figure 4] Diagram showing the transfer unit and tray unit of Example 1 extended. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the transfer unit of Example 1 being pulled out individually. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a color printer. [Figure 7] Diagram showing the color printer's transfer unit and tray unit extended. [Figure 8A] Perspective view of the monochrome transfer unit, tray unit, and cartridge. [Figure 8B]Perspective view of the transfer unit for color, tray unit, and cartridge [Figure 9A] Perspective view of the transfer unit and tray unit of a monochrome printer [Figure 9B] Perspective view of the transfer unit and tray unit of a color printer [Figure 10A] Perspective view of the tray unit of a monochrome printer [Figure 10B] Perspective view of the tray unit of a color printer [Figure 11A] Top view of the transfer unit and tray unit of a monochrome printer [Figure 11B] Top view of the transfer unit and tray unit of a color printer [Figure 12A] Top view of the tray unit of a monochrome printer [Figure 12B] Top view of the tray unit of a color printer [Figure 13A] Perspective view showing the airflow near the tray unit of a color printer [Figure 13B] Perspective view showing the airflow near the tray unit of a monochrome printer [Figure 14A] Cross-sectional view of the tray unit of Example 1 [Figure 14B] Cross-sectional view of the tray unit of Example 1 [Figure 15] Diagram of the pressing shape of the tray cover and cartridge of Example 1 [Figure 16] Perspective view of the wind flow near the tray unit of Example 2 [Figure 17] Perspective view of the wind flow near the tray unit of Example 3 [Figure 18] Diagram showing the tray cover of Example 4 [Figure 19] Perspective view of the cartridge attached to the tray unit of Example 4 [Figure 20] Diagram of the tray unit of Example 4 moved to the pulled-out position [Figure 21A] Top view of the tray of a modified monochrome printer [Figure 21B] Top view of the tray of a modified monochrome printer [Figure 21C] Top view of the tray of a modified monochrome printer. [Figure 21D] Top view of the tray of a modified monochrome printer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, based on examples. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] The following description discloses image forming apparatuses such as photocopiers, printers, facsimile machines, and multifunction devices having multiple functions thereof. In the embodiments, a printer is given as an example of an image forming apparatus. The following description discloses a group of image forming apparatuses including a monochrome printer that forms monochrome images and a color printer that forms color images. The monochrome printer and the color printer may have common components (parts and materials) for purposes such as cost reduction. Note that the monochrome printer and the color printer do not necessarily need to be used in the same place or at the same time. In each of the following embodiments, a novel configuration of the tray and cartridge of the monochrome printer will be described with reference to the configuration of the tray and cartridge of the color printer.

[0012] [Example 1] [Overall structure] The printer 1 as an image forming apparatus will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printer 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the printer 1 is an electrophotographic monochrome laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S as a recording material.

[0013] The printer 1 comprises a main unit 1A (housing), a scanner 2 (exposure device), a control unit 3, and a door 20 (opening / closing member) that can be opened and closed relative to the main unit 1A. Furthermore, the printer 1 includes a sheet feeding unit 30, a transfer unit 40 (transfer device), a tray unit 50 (moving unit, support unit), and a fixing device 80. The part including the main unit 1A and the door 20 can also be called the main frame 100. The main frame 100 includes the exterior of the printer 1.

[0014] The main unit 1A houses the scanner 2, control unit 3, sheet feeding unit 30, transfer unit 40, tray unit 50, and fixing device 80.

[0015] The sheet feeding unit 30 has a loading tray 31 for loading sheets S and a supply roller 32. The loading tray 31 can be pulled out in the direction of the door 20 to replenish the sheets S.

[0016] The tray unit 50 has a tray 51 (support member, drawer) including a tray cover 53. The cartridge PK is removablely mounted on the tray 51 and contains black (K) toner (developer).

[0017] In this embodiment, the cartridge PK comprises a photosensitive drum 61 (image carrier), a charging roller 62 (charging member), and a developing roller 71 (developer carrier). The rotational axis directions of the photosensitive drum 61, the developing roller 71, and the charging roller 62 are parallel. The photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71 may be provided on the tray 51 of the tray unit 50, or they may be provided on the cartridge PK. In this embodiment, the cartridge PK comprises the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71.

[0018] The transfer unit 40 includes a belt 41, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaning unit 43, a drive roller 46 for driving the belt 41, and a tension roller 47 (driven roller). In this embodiment, the printer 1 is equipped with an optical sensor 44 for detecting the toner image transferred to the belt 41. In this embodiment, the belt 41 is positioned below the photosensitive drum 61 in the direction of gravity V and is able to contact the photosensitive drum 61 such that a primary transfer section is formed between the belt 41 and the photosensitive drum 61.

[0019] Furthermore, the printer 1 has a secondary transfer roller 45 that contacts the belt 41 so that a secondary transfer section is formed. The secondary transfer section 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 parallel. In the conveying path of the sheet S, a pair of registration rollers 4 is positioned before the secondary transfer section.

[0020] The fixing device 80 includes a fixing unit 81 and a flapper 5. When an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S, the fixing device 80 is in the use position. The fixing device 80 is housed inside the main body 1A when in the use position. The fixing device 80 is also configured to heat the sheet S when in the use position. In this embodiment, the fixing unit 81 includes a heating unit (heating roller) including a heater and a pressurizing unit (pressurizing roller).

[0021] The movement of the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 will be explained using Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Figure 2 shows the printer 1 with the door 20 open. Figure 3 shows the printer 1 with the fuser unit 80 moved. Figure 4 shows the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 extended. Figure 5 shows the printer 1 with the transfer unit 40 extended independently.

[0022] The transfer unit 40 and the tray unit 50 are movable from the inside to the outside of the device body 1A. In the horizontal direction H, the device body 1A has a first end 1b1 with an opening 1A1 and a second end 1b2 opposite to the first end 1b1. The tray unit 50 is movable through the opening 1A1 to a first inner position inside the device body 1A and to a first outer position outside the device body 1A. The transfer unit 40 is movable through the opening 1A1 to a second inner position inside the device body 1A and to a second outer position outside the device 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 portion of the belt 41 protrudes from the device body 1A toward the outside of the device body 1A.

[0023] 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 direction opposite to the tray removal direction Dd1 is called the tray mounting direction Da1. The tray removal direction Dd1 can be described as the direction from the second end 1b2 to the first end 1b1.

[0024] The direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the second inner position to the second outer position is the transfer removal method. The direction Dd2 is called the transfer removal direction, and the opposite direction to the transfer removal direction Dd2 is called the transfer mounting direction Da2. In the transfer removal direction Dd2, the drive roller 46 is located downstream of the tension roller 47. The transfer removal direction Dd2 can be described as the direction from the second end 1b2 to the first end 1b1.

[0025] The tray removal direction Dd1 and the tray mounting direction Da1 are directions that intersect (preferably orthogonal to) the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61. The transfer removal direction Dd2 and the transfer mounting direction Da2 are directions that intersect (preferably orthogonal 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.

[0026] In the horizontal direction H, a fixing device 80 is positioned on one end of the device body 1A (the side on which the first end portion 1b1 is located).

[0027] The door 20 attached to the device body 1A is movable between a closed position and an open position. As shown in Figure 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position (closed state), the door 20 covers the opening 1A1. As shown in Figure 2, when the door 20 is in the open position (open state), the opening 1A1 is exposed.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, when the door 20 is in the closed position, the door 20 covers the fixing device 80 attached to the main body 1A of the device. 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.

[0029] The door 20 can move between an open position and a closed position while the fixing device 80 is supported by the device 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 80 supported by the device body 1A. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, when the door 20 is in the open position, the door 20 is away from the fixing device 80 supported by the device body 1A.

[0030] As will be described later, the fixing device 80 can be moved from the state in Figure 2 to the state in Figure 3 so that the opening 1A1 is widely exposed. With the door 20 and fixing device 80 moved (Figure 3), the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 can be moved from the inside to the outside of the device body 1A through the opening 1A1. After the transfer unit 40 and tray unit 50 have been moved, the state is as shown in Figure 4.

[0031] With the tray unit 50 moved to the outside of the device body 1A (Figure 4), it is permissible to remove the cartridge PK from the tray 51 and to attach the cartridge PK to the tray 51. This allows the cartridge PK to be replaced with a new cartridge PK. In this embodiment, the cartridge PK is detachable from the tray 51 in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. The tray unit 50 is movable between a storage position TPS housed in the internal space of the device body 1A as shown in Figure 3 and an extraction position TPP pulled out from the device body 1A as shown in Figure 4.

[0032] The cartridge PK is removed from the tray 51 by moving it away from the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In other words, the cartridge PK is removed from the tray 51 by moving it away from the transfer unit 40 relative to the tray 51. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 40 is located below the tray unit 50. Therefore, the cartridge PK is removed from the tray 51 by moving it upward relative to the tray 51. By moving the tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 together, the tray When the I-unit 50 moves to the first outer position, exposure of the photosensitive drum 61 is suppressed, thereby preventing scratches and dirt from getting on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0033] Furthermore, the transfer unit 40 can be removed from the main body 1A of the device independently of the tray unit 50, and can be replaced with a new transfer unit 40.

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

[0035] When an image is formed on the sheet S, the fixing device 80 is in the use position, the tray unit 50 is in the first inner position, the transfer unit 40 is in the second inner position, and the door 20 is in the closed position. With the transfer unit 40 in the second inner position, the belt 41 can contact the photosensitive drum 61. At this time, the tray unit 50 is positioned above the transfer unit 40.

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

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

[0038] In this embodiment, with the tray unit 50 in the first inner position, the developing roller 71 is movable between a contact position in contact with the photosensitive drum 61 and a separated position away from the photosensitive drum 61. Specifically, a switching device provided in the main body 1A switches between the developing roller 71 being in the contact position and the developing roller 71 being in the separated position. This allows the developing roller 71 to be kept away from the photosensitive drum 61 when no image forming operation is being performed.

[0039] The toner images formed on each photosensitive drum 61 are transferred onto the belt 41 by the primary transfer roller 42 in the primary transfer section and transported toward the secondary transfer section formed by the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45.

[0040] Meanwhile, the main body 1A of the device has a transport path 1c (first path, first transport path) through which the sheet S heading toward the fixing device 80 passes. The door 20 also has a double-sided transport path 20a (second path, second transport path) through which the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 80 passes. When the door 20 is closed, it covers the transport path 1c. When the door 20 is opened, the transport path 1c and the double-sided transport path 20a are exposed (Figure 2).

[0041] In the sheet feeding unit 30, one sheet S is separated and fed from the sheets S loaded on the loading tray 31 by the supply roller 32 at a predetermined timing, and is transported through the transport path 1c toward the secondary transfer unit and the fixing device 80.

[0042] In the secondary transfer section, the toner image is transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S. Toner that is not transferred to the sheet S is removed from the belt 41 by a cleaning blade 43A (cleaning member) provided in the cleaning section 43.

[0043] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer section is transported toward the fuser unit 80. In the fuser unit 80, the sheet S is heated and pressurized in the fuser section 81, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. The sheet S with the fixed toner image is transported toward the flapper 5, which acts as a path switching section.

[0044] The flapper 5 is movable between a paper output position that guides the sheet S, which has passed through the fuser 80, toward the paper output path 1d, and a reversal position that guides it toward the reversal 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 by the flapper 5 toward the paper output path 1d and discharged into the output tray 1f formed on the upper part of the main body 1A of the device.

[0045] On the other hand, when double-sided printing is performed in which an image is printed on one side and the other side of the sheet S, the sheet S is guided to the reversal path 1e by the flapper 5. After the sheet S is guided to the reversal path 1e, the transport direction of the sheet S is reversed, and the sheet S is transported through the double-sided transport path 20a formed in the door 20 toward the secondary transfer section. In the secondary transfer section, after the toner image is transferred to the back side of the sheet S, the sheet S passes through the fuser 80, is guided to the paper discharge path 1d by the flapper 5, and is discharged into the discharge tray 1f of the main body 1A.

[0046] [Full-color and monochrome tray units are standardized] Printer 1 is a monochrome printer that can accommodate one cartridge P at a time. The configuration of the tray 51 of the tray unit 50 of printer 1, which is a monochrome printer, is partially the same as the configuration of the tray 51c of the tray unit 50c of color printer 101. As shown in Figure 6, the tray unit 50c of color printer 101 can accommodate four cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the tray 51c.

[0047] Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are each independently and removably mounted in tray 51c. Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner (developer), respectively. Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have similar configurations except for the color of the toner they contain. Therefore, the configuration and operation of one of cartridges PY, PM, PC, or PK may be described, and the descriptions of the others may be omitted. Also, when there is no need to distinguish between cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, they may simply be referred to as cartridge P. The tray unit 50c can be said to have multiple cartridges P and a tray 51c in which multiple cartridges P are removably mounted. When a full-color image is formed, toner images of each color are formed on each photosensitive drum 61.

[0048] The part that forms the black (K) image is called the black station, the part that forms the cyan (C) image is called the cyan station, the part that forms the magenta (M) image is called the magenta station, and the part that forms the yellow (Y) image is called the yellow station. Cartridge PK is installed in the black station, cartridge PC in the cyan station, cartridge PM in the magenta station, and cartridge PY in the yellow station.

[0049] Similar to the monochrome printer printer 1, with the tray unit 50c of the color printer 101 moved outside the main unit 1A (Figure 7), remove cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from tray 51c, and place cartridges PY and P It is permissible to install M, PC, and PK.

[0050] Furthermore, the monochrome printer 1 and the color printer 101 have different configurations for the scanner 2c, transfer unit 40c, and control unit 3c.

[0051] [Tray Cover] Figures 8A to 10B show perspective views of the tray unit. Figures 8A and 8B are perspective views of the tray unit 50 and transfer units (40, 40c) pulled out together for cartridge P replacement. Figures 9A and 9B show the tray unit with cartridge P removed. Figures 10A and 10B show the tray 51 alone. Figures 8A, 9A, and 10A are diagrams of printer 1, which is a monochrome printer. Figures 8B, 9B, and 10B show diagrams of color printer 101. Figures 11A and 11B are top views of Figures 9A and 9B, respectively, with transfer units 40 and 40c exposed. Figures 12A and 12B are top views of Figures 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0052] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the monochrome printer 1 is equipped with cartridge PK, while the color printer 101 is equipped with cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10B, the tray 51c of the color printer 101 has a tray frame 55c. The tray frame 55c has tray side plates 54c (54ca, 54cb) and a front frame 52 and a rear frame 58 connected to the tray side plates 54ca and 54cb. The front frame 52 may function as a gripping part that can be held by the user. The tray side plates 54ca and 54cb are located at one end and the other end of the tray frame 55c in a first direction. The front frame 52 and the rear frame 58 are located at one end and the other end of the tray frame 55c in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Here, the first direction and the second direction are directions that intersect the mounting direction of cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK to the tray 51c. In this embodiment, the first direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61, and the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 71. The second direction is parallel to the direction of movement of the tray 51c relative to the device body 1A when the tray 51c moves between the storage position TPS and the withdrawal position TPP.

[0054] In this embodiment, the tray frame 55c has an opening 56. The opening 56 can be described as a space partitioned by the tray side plate 54ca, the tray side plate 54cb, the front frame 52, and the rear frame 58. In other words, the opening 56 is surrounded by the tray side plate 54ca, the tray side plate 54cb, the front frame 52, and the rear frame 58. More specifically, it is located between the tray side plate 54ca and the tray side plate 54cb in the first direction, and between the front frame 52 and the rear frame 58 in the second direction. The opening 56 opens upstream with respect to the direction in which the cartridge P is mounted on the tray 51c. In this embodiment, the cartridge P is mounted on the tray 51c from above the tray 51c. The opening 56 opens upward. The opening 56 is also a through hole formed in the tray frame 55c. More specifically, the opening 56 penetrates the tray frame 55c vertically.

[0055] As shown in Figures 10B and 12B, the tray 51c of the color printer 101 includes tray rails 57 for the yellow, cyan, and magenta stations. The opening 56 is divided into multiple openings 56c by the tray rails 57 (partition members). In this embodiment, the opening 56 is divided into four openings 56c by three tray rails 57. Cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are installed in each of the openings 56c. As shown in Figures 9B and 11B, when the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are removed, the transfer unit 40c is exposed through the opening 56c of the color printer 101.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10A, the tray 51 of the printer 1 has a tray frame 55. The tray frame 55 has tray side plates 54 (54a, 54b) and a front frame 52 and a rear frame 58 connected to the tray side plates 54a and 54b. The front frame 52 may also function as a gripping part that can be held by the user. The tray side plates 54a and 54b are located at one end and the other end of the tray frame 55 in a first direction. The front frame 52 and the rear frame 58 are located at one end and the other end of the tray frame 55 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Here, the first direction and the second direction are the same as the first and second directions for the tray 51c of the color printer 101.

[0057] In this embodiment, the tray frame 55 has an opening 56. The opening 56 can be described as a space partitioned by the tray side plate 54a, the tray side plate 54b, the front frame 52, and the rear frame 58. In other words, the opening 56 is surrounded by the tray side plate 54a, the tray side plate 54b, the front frame 52, and the rear frame 58. More specifically, it is located between the tray side plate 54a and the tray side plate 54b in the first direction, and between the front frame 52 and the rear frame 58 in the second direction. The opening 56 opens towards the upstream side with respect to the direction in which the cartridge P is mounted on the tray 51. In this embodiment, the cartridge PK is mounted on the tray 51 from above the tray 51. The opening 56 opens upward. The opening 56 is also a through hole formed in the tray frame 55. More specifically, the opening 56 penetrates the tray frame 55 in the vertical direction.

[0058] As shown in Figures 10A and 12A, the tray 51 of the monochrome printer 1 does not have the tray rail 57 that was provided on the tray 51c of the color printer 101. On the other hand, the tray 51 has a tray cover 53 that covers a part of the opening 56. That is, the opening 56 is partially covered by the tray cover 53. The tray cover 53 is fixed to the tray frame 55. That is, the movement of the tray cover 53 relative to the tray frame 55 is restricted. In the opening 56, the part not covered by the tray cover 53 is fitted with a cartridge PK. As shown in Figures 9A and 11A, when the cartridge PK is removed from the printer 1, the transfer unit 40 is exposed from the opening 56. The tray cover 53 is fixed to the tray frame 55 by fastening members 76 (see Figure 14A). In this embodiment, the fastening members 76 are screws, but they may be rivets. The tray cover 53 cannot be separated from the tray frame 55 unless the fastening members 76 are removed. The tray cover 53 is attached to the tray frame 55 in a way that prevents it from being separated or moved.

[0059] The tray cover 53 may be positioned at the upper end of the tray frame 55. Of the opening 56 of the tray 51 of the printer 1, the area covered by the tray cover 53 corresponds to the yellow, cyan, and magenta openings 56c of the tray 51c of the color printer 101.

[0060] In Figure 12A, the area corresponding to the opening 56 of the tray frame 55 when viewed in the direction in which the cartridge PK is mounted on the tray 51 is shown as area 55f with a dashed line. The direction in which the cartridge PK is mounted on the tray 51 is the same as the direction in which the cartridge P is mounted on the mounting part 55g2, which will be described later. The tray side plates 54a and 54b are the first and second side walls of the frame, the rear frame 58, which is on the far side from the user's perspective, is the first connecting part of the frame, and the front frame 52, which the user grasps, is the second connecting part of the frame. The first side wall and the second side wall face each other in opposing directions, and the region 55f (opening 56) is located between the first side wall and the second side wall, and between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The opposing direction is the same as the first direction.

[0061] Furthermore, within region 55f, the area covered by the tray cover 53 is the covered area 55g1, indicated by a dashed line. On the other hand, within region 55f, the area not covered by the tray cover 53 is the mounting area 55g2, indicated by a double dashed line. The cartridge P is removably mounted in the mounting area 55g2. In other words, the cartridge P is housed in the mounting area 55g2. When viewed in the direction of mounting the cartridge P to the mounting area 55g2, the mounting area 55g2 is located between the tray cover 53 and the rear frame 58. Also, in the tray removal direction Dd1, the tray cover 53 is located downstream of the mounting area 55g2.

[0062] When viewed in the direction in which cartridge P is mounted onto mounting portion 55g2, the covered area 55g1 is larger than the mounting portion 55g2. More preferably, when viewed in the direction in which cartridge P is mounted onto mounting portion 55g2, the size of the covered area 55g1 is at least twice the size of the mounting portion 55g2. With this configuration, the area of ​​the covered area 55g1 in the monochrome printer 1 can be at least a part of the area of ​​the color mounting portion where the color cartridges PC, PM, and PY are mounted in the color printer 101. For example, if the size of the covered area 55g1 is twice the size of the mounting portion 55g2, it can cover the area of ​​two color cartridges. Furthermore, if the size of the covered area 55g1 is three times the size of the mounting portion 55g2, it can cover an area equivalent to the entire color mounting portion. The tray cover 53 narrows the area in which the opening 56 is exposed. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to identify the mounting portion of cartridge PK.

[0063] In the monochrome printer 1, when replacing the cartridge PK, after opening the door 20, the tray unit 50 is pulled out all the way forward, and the cartridge PK is inserted into the slot furthest back (the upstream slot in the tray removal direction Dd1). In this embodiment, the presence of the tray cover 53 means that there is only one opening 56 into which the cartridge PK can be inserted, thus preventing the cartridge PK from being accidentally inserted into any other slot. It also prevents objects from being accidentally dropped onto the belt 41 of the transfer unit 40 when replacing the cartridge PK.

[0064] It is also preferable to provide a display unit 79 on the upper surface of the tray cover 53 that displays information related to the installation of the cartridge PK. This makes it possible to clearly indicate the installation position of the cartridge PK to the user without having to look at the operation panel or instruction manual. The tray cover 53 may also function as a guide member that guides the installation of the cartridge PK into the mounting section 55g2. The tray cover 53 may also function as a positioning unit that restricts the movement of the cartridge PK installed in the mounting section 55g2.

[0065] [air current] Figures 13A and 13B show the airflow near the tray unit, indicated by dashed arrows. Figure 13A shows the airflow in the tray unit 50c of the color printer 101, and Figure 13B shows the airflow in the tray unit 50 of the monochrome printer 1.

[0066] In the color printer 101, a fan 95 generates airflow. The air generated by the fan 95 passes through the main duct 96 and is blown onto cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from four main duct exhaust ports 97. The air then flows from one end (the far side in Figure 13A) to the other end (the near side in Figure 13A) of cartridge PY, PM, PC, and PK in the direction of the roller rotation axis, as shown by the dashed arrows, and is exhausted outside the main unit from the other end. This airflow cools the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0067] On the other hand, the monochrome printer 1 does not have cartridges PY, PM, or PC. Therefore, if the tray cover 53 were not present, the air that was cooling the cartridges PY, PM, and PC would be blown onto the transfer unit 40. Since the belt 41 of the transfer unit 40 expands and contracts with temperature, there is a concern that image quality will deteriorate if there is a large temperature difference in the direction of the roller rotation axis. Therefore, by arranging the tray cover 53 as in this embodiment to cover the opening of the rear frame 58, it is possible to prevent cooling air from being blown onto the belt 41.

[0068] Here, the cartridge P has a photosensitive drum 61, and when the cartridge is installed, the photosensitive drum 61 faces the primary transfer roller 42 located within the belt 41 of the transfer unit 40. In this configuration, when the tray unit 50 is in the storage position TPS, the tray cover 53 overlaps with the belt 41 when viewed in the direction of installing the cartridge P into the mounting section 55g2, and the mounting section 55g2 also overlaps with the belt 41. This configuration provides the effect of preventing cooling air from blowing onto the belt 41 as described above.

[0069] [Pressing and positioning configuration] Using Figures 10A, 10B, 14A, 14B, 15(a), and 15(b), the configurations related to the pressing of cartridge P and tray cover 53 (pressure configuration on the main unit side and pressure-receiving configuration on the tray side) and the configuration related to cartridge positioning in monochrome printer 1 and color printer 101 will be explained.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10A, the tray 51 of the printer 1 has tray side plates 54 (54a, 54b), a front frame 52 fixed between the tray side plates 54a and 54b, a tray cover 53, and a rear frame 58. The tray side plate 54b is provided with a cartridge P positioning shape 90 that is concave upward in the direction of gravity V. The positioning shape 90 provided on the tray side plate 54a and the positioning shape 90 provided on the tray side plate 54b are the first support part and the second support part that support the cartridge P, respectively. The tray cover 53 also has tray pressing shapes 93 (93a, 93b) arranged on the left and right sides.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10B, the tray 51c of the color printer 101 has tray side plates 54c (54ca, 54cb) and a front frame 52 and a rear frame 58 that are sandwiched and fixed between the tray side plates 54ca and 54cb. The tray side plate 54cb is provided with a positioning shape 90 corresponding to cartridges PK to PY, which is concave upward in the direction of gravity V.

[0072] Figure 14A is a side view of the area around the tray 51 of the printer 1's main body 1A, showing the tray 51 and a pressing member 92 (92a) provided on the main body side. Figure 14B shows a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 14A. The pressing member 92 has a pressing means such as a spring, and can press the part to be pressed downwards. The direction of pressing by the pressing member 92 is a direction that intersects the direction of movement of the tray 51, for example, a direction perpendicular to it.

[0073] Figure 15(a) is a perspective view of the pressing member 92 (92b) of the main body 1A of the monochrome printer 1 and the tray pressed shape 93 (93b) of the tray cover 53. Figure 15(b) is a perspective view of the pressing member 92cb of the main body 1A of the color printer 101 and the cartridge pressed shape 91 (91b) of the cartridge P.

[0074] Here, the cartridge P to be installed in the color printer 101 has a cartridge press shape 91 (91a, 91b) that is pressed by the pressing member 92c (92ca, 92cb) of the device body 1A. The press shape 91 is in the direction of the roller rotation axis (the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P) It is provided at both ends of the direction. The pressing member 92c is positioned to press the cartridge P in the direction of the positioning shape 90. By pressing the cartridge P toward the positioning shape 90 with the pressing member 92c, the cartridge P is positioned toward the tray 51c.

[0075] Furthermore, the tray cover 53 of the monochrome printer 1 is provided with a tray pressing shape 93 at a position corresponding to the position where the cartridge pressing shape 91c takes when the cartridge P is installed in the color printer 101. As shown in Figure 14A, the tray cover 53 is provided with a tray cover positioning section 94 and is positioned with respect to the tray side plate 54. In this embodiment, the tray cover 53 is positioned with respect to the tray side plate 54 by the tray cover positioning section 94. In this embodiment, there are two tray cover positioning sections 94 each on the tray side plates 54a and 54b.

[0076] In the configuration described above, the four cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the color printer 101 are subjected to pressing force in the direction toward tray 51c. Therefore, the color tray unit 50c is subjected to even pressing force in the tray removal direction Dd1.

[0077] On the other hand, in the tray unit 50 of the monochrome printer 1, a pressing force is applied from the pressing member 92 to the black cartridge PK and the tray pressing shape 93 of the tray cover 53. By having the tray cover 53 have the same shape as the pressing shape 91 of the cartridge P, it is possible to configure the system so that the pressing force is applied without bias in the tray removal direction Dd1. Furthermore, the cartridge PK that is installed in the black station of the monochrome printer 1 is pressed in the direction toward the positioning shape 90, similar to the cartridges of the color printer 101. Specifically, the black pressing member 98 (98a) is positioned above the planned installation position (PK) of the cartridge PK and presses the installed cartridge PK in the installation direction. The black pressing member 98 is also provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge PK, similar to the case of the color printer 101.

[0078] In Example 1, the tray pressing shape 93 is formed only at the location corresponding to the yellow station, but similar tray pressing shapes 93 may also be formed at the location corresponding to the cyan station or the magenta station. Furthermore, the tray pressing shape 93 may be formed at multiple stations. From the viewpoint of reducing the bias in the horizontal direction H of the pressing force applied to the tray unit 50, it is preferable to distribute the area where the black station is provided and the area where the tray pressing shape 93 is provided in the tray removal direction Dd1.

[0079] Furthermore, the tray pressing shape 93 may be a different shape from the pressing shape 91 of the cartridge P. For example, in the monochrome printer 1 of this embodiment, the pressing force applied to the tray 51 from the tray pressing shape 93 of the tray cover 53 is smaller than the pressing force applied to the tray 51c of the color printer 101 because the weight of the cartridge P is not applied. Therefore, in order to increase the pressing force applied to the tray 51 of the printer 1, the amount of protrusion of the tray pressing shape 93 in the direction of gravity V may be made larger than the amount of protrusion of the pressing shape 91 of the cartridge P. With such a configuration, it is possible to apply a pressing force to the monochrome tray 51 that takes into account the weight of the cartridge P, and to optimize the pressing force applied to the tray unit 50.

[0080] [Example 2] Next, we will describe Example 2. The same configuration as in Example 1 will be omitted from the explanation. This example shows an example of a configuration for guiding the airflow.

[0081] Figure 16 shows the configuration of the tray cover 53 in printer 1 of Embodiment 2. The tray cover 53 is provided with tray cover guides 150 in the areas corresponding to the housings of the yellow cartridge PY, magenta cartridge PM, and cyan cartridge PC in the color printer 101. The tray cover guides 150 may be integrated with the tray cover 53 or they may be attached separately.

[0082] In this embodiment, the tray cover 53 covers the belt 41, thereby preventing air from blowing onto the belt surface, and thus the effects of Embodiment 1 can be enjoyed. In addition, the tray cover guide 150 functions as a restricting shape that regulates airflow, making it possible to form an exhaust air passage similar to that of the color printer 101, thereby preventing a decrease in exhaust efficiency.

[0083] [Example 3] Next, we will describe Example 3. The same configuration as in Examples 1 and 2 will be omitted from the explanation. This example shows another example of a duct shape for guiding airflow.

[0084] Figure 17 shows the configuration of the tray cover 53 in the monochrome printer 1 of Embodiment 3. A tray duct 151 is formed on the upper surface of the tray cover 53. The tray duct 151 guides the cooling airflow that blows onto the yellow station, magenta station, and cyan station in the color printer 101 to the fuser unit 80 and the paper output path 1d. This prevents air from being blown onto the belt surface and allows for more effective cooling of the main unit 1A.

[0085] In Example 3, the exhaust port of the tray duct 151 is guided to the fuser 80 and the paper output path 1d, but it may also be guided in the direction of the black cartridge PK, for example. Alternatively, the tray duct 151 may be shaped to cool other units.

[0086] [Example 4] Next, we will describe Example 4. The same configuration as in Examples 1-3 will be omitted from the explanation. Example 4 shows another example of the mounting portion 55g3 provided on the tray cover 53.

[0087] Figure 18 shows the configuration of the tray cover 53 of Example 4. Figure 19 shows the state in which the black cartridge PK is attached to the tray 51 of the tray unit 50 of Example 4. Figure 20 shows the state in which the tray unit 50 of Example 4 is moved to the pull-out position TPP2.

[0088] To remove the black cartridge PK from the mounting section 55g3, it is desirable to pull out the tray unit 50 to a position where there are no components constituting the printer 1 above the mounting section 55g3 in the direction of gravity. That is, in order to allow the black cartridge PK to be removed from the tray unit 50, it is desirable that the mounting section 55g3 protrudes outward from the outer shape of the device body 1A (the outer surface of the device body 1A when the door 20 is closed). On the other hand, when the tray unit 50 moves from the storage position TPS to the removal position TPP2 (see Figure 20), it is desirable to minimize the amount of movement of the tray unit 50. When the amount of movement of the tray unit 50 is small, the time it takes for the tray unit 50 to move from the storage position TPS to the removal position TPP2 can be shortened compared to when the amount of movement is large. That is, the usability when replacing the black cartridge PK can be improved.

[0089] Therefore, in Example 4, the mounting portion 55g3 is provided on the downstream side in the tray removal direction Dd1. More specifically, the tray 51 is located upstream of the tray removal direction Dd1, with respect to the upstream end 51E 1. It has a downstream end 51E3 and a central part 51E2 between the upstream end 51E1 and the downstream end 51E3. The central part 51E2 is the part that is equidistant from the upstream end 51E1 and the downstream end 51E3. In the tray removal direction Dd1, the mounting part 55g3 is closer to the downstream end 51E3 than to the upstream end 51E1. Since the black cartridge PK is attached to the mounting part 55g3, the black cartridge PK is also located on the downstream side of the tray removal direction Dd1. By providing the mounting part 55g3 on the downstream side of the tray removal direction Dd1 in this way, the amount of movement of the tray unit 50 from the storage position TPS to the pull-out position TPP2 when attaching or detaching the black cartridge PK can be reduced compared to when it is provided on the upstream side. In this embodiment, when the tray unit 50 (tray 51) is in the pull-out position TPP2, a part of the tray 51 protrudes outside the main body 1A of the device. Also, at least the middle part of the tray 51 is housed inside the main body 1A of the device. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the tray 51 from the main body 1A of the device can be reduced. Therefore, the workspace required when replacing the black cartridge PK can be reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, when the tray 51 moves to the pull-out position TPP2, the restricting portion 59 provided on the device body 1A and the restricted portion 60 provided on the tray 51 come into contact, thereby restricting the movement of the tray 51 in the tray removal direction Dd1. In this restricted state, the restricting portion 59 and the restricted portion 60 are provided such that the mounting portion 55g3 protrudes outward from the device body 1A. More specifically, in the restricted state, a part of the tray 51 protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the device body 1A, and another part of the tray 51 is located inward from the outer circumferential surface of the device body 1A. By restricting the movement of the tray unit 50 in this way, the user can recognize that the black cartridge PK has been pulled out to a position where it can be removed, thereby improving usability.

[0091] Furthermore, in order to enhance the effect of reducing the amount of tray movement, it is desirable to position the mounting portion 55g3 at the downstream end of the tray removal direction Dd1, as shown in Example 4. However, the position of the mounting portion 55g3 is not limited to the downstream end. For example, in the color printer 101 as shown in Figure 6, the mounting portion 55g3 for the black cartridge PK may be placed at the position corresponding to the magenta cartridge PM or the cyan cartridge PC. Even with such a configuration, the effect of reducing the amount of movement of the tray unit 50 can be obtained compared to the case where the mounting portion 55g3 for the black cartridge PK is placed at the upstream end of the tray removal direction Dd1. That is, it is preferable to provide the mounting portion 55g3 at a position other than the upstream end of the tray 51 in the tray removal direction Dd1. More preferably, in the tray removal direction Dd1, the mounting portion 55g3 should be provided downstream of the center 51E2 of the tray 51.

[0092] [Differentiation] Modified examples of the tray cover 53 will be explained using Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D. Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are top views of the tray 151 of the modified printer 1. Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D can be seen as views of the tray 151 in the direction in which the cartridge P is mounted when it is mounted on the tray 151. Components that are the same as those described in each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0093] The tray 151 of the modified printer (monochrome printer) 1 includes a tray cover 153. The shape of the tray cover 153 differs between Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, but the function of the tray cover 153 is common. The tray 151 may have a tray pressure-sensitive shape 93.

[0094] In the modified example, the tray cover 153 covers a portion of area 55f (opening 56). As a result, A covered area 55g1 is formed in region 55f, which is the area covered by the tray cover 153. The area of ​​region 55f that is not covered by the tray cover 153 is the mounting area 55g2. Furthermore, the area of ​​region 55f that is not covered by the tray cover 153 includes the remaining area 55gR. The remaining area 55gR can be defined as the area of ​​region 55f excluding the covered area 55g1 and the mounting area 55g2.

[0095] More specifically, the modified tray cover 153 includes at least one exposed opening 153a. A portion of area 55f (opening 56) is exposed through the exposed opening 153a.

[0096] The restriction on inserting cartridge P into the remaining area 55gR makes it easier for the user to identify the insertion area 55g2. In other words, each shape of the remaining area 55gR should be such that it restricts the insertion of cartridge P. To put it another way, when viewed in the direction of inserting cartridge P into the insertion area 55g2, it is restricted from securing a space within the remaining area 55gR that has the same shape as the insertion area 55g2.

[0097] When viewed in the direction in which the cartridge P is mounted onto the mounting portion 55g2, the virtual region with the same shape as the mounting portion 55g2 is called the virtual region 55g2i. The virtual region 55g2i is the area indicated by hatching in Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D.

[0098] The tray cover 153 shown in Figure 21A has a portion that extends from the front frame 52 toward the rear frame 58. The tray cover 153 shown in Figure 21A also includes a plurality of exposed openings 153a. With the tray cover 153 fixed to the tray frame 55, the portion of region 55f not covered by the tray cover 153 includes the remaining region 55gR. In Figure 21A, the remaining region 55gR includes a plurality of regions that are separated from each other.

[0099] In Figure 21A, when viewed in the direction of mounting cartridge P to mounting section 55g2, the virtual region 55g2i is superimposed on the remaining region 55gR, and the size of the superimposed region where the virtual region 55g2i and the remaining region 55gR overlap is maximized. In Figure 21A, a portion of the virtual region 55g2i is outside the remaining region 55gR. In other words, even if one attempts to insert cartridge P into the remaining region 55gR, the insertion of cartridge P is restricted.

[0100] The tray cover 153 shown in Figure 21B has multiple portions extending from one tray side plate 54 to the other tray side plate 54. The tray cover 153 shown in Figure 21B includes multiple exposed openings 153a. With the tray cover 153 fixed to the tray frame 55, the portion of region 55f not covered by the tray cover 153 includes the remaining region 55gR. In Figure 21B, the remaining region 55gR includes multiple regions that are separated from each other.

[0101] In Figure 21B, when viewed in the direction of mounting cartridge P to mounting section 55g2, the virtual region 55g2i is superimposed on the remaining region 55gR, and the size of the superimposed region where the virtual region 55g2i and the remaining region 55gR overlap is maximized. In Figure 21B, a portion of the virtual region 55g2i is outside the remaining region 55gR. In other words, even if one attempts to insert cartridge P into the remaining region 55gR, the insertion of cartridge P is restricted.

[0102] The tray cover 153 shown in Figure 21C has a portion extending from one tray side plate 54 to the other tray side plate 54, and a portion extending from the front frame 52 to the rear frame 58. The tray cover 153 shown in Figure 21C includes a plurality of exposed openings 153a. With the tray cover 153 fixed to the tray frame 55, the portion of region 55f not covered by the tray cover 153 includes the remaining region 55gR. Figure 21C In this case, the remaining region 55gR includes multiple regions that are separated from each other.

[0103] In Figure 21C, when viewed in the direction of mounting cartridge P to mounting section 55g2, the virtual region 55g2i is superimposed on the remaining region 55gR, and the size of the superimposed region where the virtual region 55g2i and the remaining region 55gR overlap is maximized. In Figure 21C, a portion of the virtual region 55g2i is outside the remaining region 55gR. In other words, even if one attempts to insert cartridge P into the remaining region 55gR, the insertion of cartridge P is restricted.

[0104] The tray cover 153 shown in Figure 21D includes one opening 153a. With the tray cover 153 fixed to the tray frame 55, the area of ​​region 55f that is not covered by the tray cover 153 includes the remaining region 55gR.

[0105] In Figure 21D, when viewed in the direction of mounting cartridge P to mounting section 55g2, the virtual region 55g2i is superimposed on the remaining region 55gR, and the size of the superimposed region where the virtual region 55g2i and the remaining region 55gR overlap is maximized. In Figure 21D, a portion of the virtual region 55g2i is outside the remaining region 55gR. In other words, even if one attempts to insert cartridge P into the remaining region 55gR, the insertion of cartridge P is restricted.

[0106] Here, as shown in Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, when the size of the superimposed upper-level unit is at its maximum, a portion of the virtual area 55g2i can be said to overlap with at least one of the tray cover 153 and the tray frame 55.

[0107] Note that the shapes of the tray cover 153 shown in Figures 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are merely examples of modified tray covers 153. In other words, if it is not possible to secure a space with the same shape as the mounting portion 55g2 within the remaining area 55gR, the shape of the tray cover 153 can be changed as appropriate.

[0108] As shown above, the modified configuration makes it easier for the user to recognize the correct cartridge mounting area.

[0109] According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a tray that moves inside and outside the main body of the apparatus, and on which a cartridge is attached to and detached from the tray, the usability of attaching the cartridge can be improved.

[0110] 1: Printer, 1A: Main unit, 1A1: Opening, 50: Tray unit, 51: Tray, 53: Tray cover, P: Cartridge

Claims

1. A monochrome printer in which the cartridge is removable, The main body of the device, A tray that is movable between a storage position housed in the internal space of the device body and a pulled-out position extended from the device body, the tray including a frame with an opening formed therein and a cover fixed to the frame, It has, The cover covers a portion of the opening, and the portion of the opening not covered by the cover forms a mounting portion in which the cartridge is housed. When the area of ​​the opening covered by the cover is defined as the covered area, the covered area is larger than the mounting portion when viewed in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion. A monochrome printer characterized by the following features.

2. Viewed in the aforementioned mounting direction, the size of the covered area is at least twice the size of the mounting portion. The monochrome printer according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned frame is A first side wall having a first support portion that supports the cartridge, A second side wall having a second support portion that supports the cartridge and is opposite to the first side wall in the opposing direction, The first connecting portion connected to the first side wall and the second side wall, The first side wall and the second side wall are connected to a second connecting portion, It has, The opening is located between the first side wall and the second side wall, and between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. A monochrome printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Viewed in the aforementioned mounting direction, the mounting portion is located between the first connecting portion and the cover. The monochrome printer according to claim 3.

5. The cover is fixed to the first side wall and the second side wall. The monochrome printer according to claim 3.

6. The cover is fixed to the first side wall by a fastening member. The monochrome printer according to feature 4.

7. With respect to the drawer direction in which the tray moves from the storage position to the drawer position, the cover is located downstream of the mounting portion. A monochrome printer according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The aforementioned cartridge has a photosensitive drum, The monochrome printer further includes a transfer device which includes a belt that contacts the photosensitive drum. When the tray is in the storage position, when viewed in the mounting direction, the cover overlaps the belt and the mounting portion overlaps the belt. A monochrome printer according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The device body has a pressing member that, when the tray is in the storage position, presses a pressed portion provided on the cover in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the tray. A monochrome printer according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The cover has a display unit that displays information regarding the installation of the cartridge into the tray. A monochrome printer according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The device further includes a blowing member that supplies air inside the main body of the device, The cover is provided with a restricting shape that restricts the airflow. A monochrome printer according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The tray has a downstream end and an upstream end in the pulling direction from the storage position to the pulling position. In the aforementioned pulling direction, the mounting portion is closer to the downstream end than to the upstream end. A monochrome printer according to claim 1 or 2.

13. When the mounting portion moves to a position where the cartridge can be removed from the mounting portion, the movement of the tray is restricted by contact between a restricting portion provided on the main body of the device and a restricted portion provided on the tray. The monochrome printer according to feature 12.

14. An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge is removablely mounted, The main body of the device, A tray that is movable between a storage position where it is housed in the internal space of the device body and a pulled-out position where it is pulled out from the device body, the tray including a frame with an opening formed therein and a cover fixed to the frame with screws, It has, The cover covers a portion of the opening, and the portion of the opening not covered by the cover forms a mounting portion in which the cartridge is housed. When the area of ​​the opening covered by the cover is defined as the covered area, the covered area is larger than the mounting portion when viewed in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

15. A monochrome printer in which the cartridge is removable, The main body of the device, A tray that is movable between a storage position housed in the internal space of the device body and a pulled-out position extended from the device body, the tray including a frame with an opening formed therein and a cover fixed to the frame, It has, The cover covers a portion of the opening, and a portion of the opening not covered by the cover forms a mounting portion in which the cartridge is housed. When viewed in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, the area of ​​the opening covered by the cover is defined as the covered area, and the area remaining after removing the covered area and the mounting portion from the opening is defined as the remaining area. A virtual area having the same shape as the mounting portion is superimposed on the remaining area, and when the size of the superimposed area where the virtual area and the remaining area overlap is maximized, a part of the virtual area is located outside the remaining area. A monochrome printer characterized by the following features.

Images