Image forming device

Abstract

To easily pull out a cartridge in a first direction. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes a main body housing 2, a drum cartridge 40A, and a developer cartridge 50A. The drum cartridge 40A has a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, and a first handle having a first recess. The developer cartridge 50A has a second handle H2 having a second recess. The drum cartridge 40A and the developer cartridge 50A are attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 2 in the first direction. The first handle is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction and is exposed from the main body housing 2 when the drum cartridge 40A is attached to the main body housing 2. The second handle H2 is located at one end of the developer frame in the first direction and is exposed from the main body housing 2 when the developer cartridge 50A is attached to the main body housing 2.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention provides a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge that are detachably attached to a main body housing. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the main body housing, and the photosensitive drum An image forming apparatus that is detachable in a first direction that is a direction along a rotation axis is known (see Patent Document 1). 1). In this technology, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are independent. The side surface of each cartridge in the first direction is The cartridges each have a protrusion that can be grasped by a user. The user grasps the protrusion with his / her fingers and removes each cartridge. It is possible to pull out the message. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-72677 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology has a problem that the cartridge cannot be easily removed. There is.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus in which a cartridge can be easily pulled out in a first direction. The purpose of this document is to provide a place where [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body housing and a A drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis and a drum frame. a drum cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body in the first direction; A developing roller that can rotate about a second axis that extends in one direction, and a developing frame that can accommodate a developer. a developing cartridge having a developing member and a developing unit that is detachably mounted to the main body housing in the first direction. The image cartridge, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are disposed in the main body housing. When the cartridge is attached to the developing cartridge, and an intermediate transfer belt located above. The drum cartridge is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction. a first handle that is attached to the main body housing when the drum cartridge is attached to the main body housing; a first handle exposed from the main body housing and having a first recess; It has a The developing cartridge is a first cartridge located at one end of the developing frame in the first direction. 2 handle, in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the main body housing, A second handle is exposed from the main body housing and has a second recess. do.

[0007] According to this configuration, the user can insert his / her finger into the first recess or the second recess, The cartridge can be easily pulled out in the first direction.

[0008] The image forming apparatus further includes a paper discharge unit located above the intermediate transfer belt. Good too.

[0009] The first recess is formed so that the user can easily remove the drum cartridge from the main body. In some cases, the user's finger may be allowed to be hooked.

[0010] This allows the user to hook his / her finger into the first recess.

[0011] The second recess is formed so that when a user removes the developing cartridge from the main body housing, In this case, the user's finger may be allowed to be hooked.

[0012] This allows the user to hook his / her finger into the second recess.

[0013] In addition, the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are each independently It may be detachable from the body housing.

[0014] The first handle is configured to be fixed to the main body when the drum cartridge is attached to the main body. and may be located below the photosensitive drum.

[0015] The first recess may be recessed from above toward below.

[0016] The first recess may be recessed from the bottom toward the top.

[0017] Moreover, the first recess may be a through hole penetrating from above to below.

[0018] The drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted in the main body housing. In this state, the first recess is It may be recessed in a second direction.

[0019] The second handle is configured to be fixed to the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is attached to the main body housing. , may be located below the developing roller.

[0020] The second recess may be recessed from above toward below.

[0021] The second recess may be recessed from the bottom toward the top.

[0022] Moreover, the second recess may be a through hole penetrating from above to below.

[0023] The drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted in the main body housing. In this state, the second recess is It may be recessed in a second direction.

[0024] At least a part of the second handle is connected to the drum cartridge and the developing device. When the cartridge is attached to the main body housing, the drive shaft is the first handle overlaps at least a portion of the ram cartridge in the first direction; The drum frame may be located at a position farther from the drum frame than the

[0025] This makes it easier for the user to grasp the second handle, making it easier to replace the developing cartridge, which is replaced frequently. This allows the bridge to be replaced more easily.

[0026] At least a part of the second handle is connected to the drum cartridge and the developing device. When the cartridge is attached to the main body housing, the cartridge is located below the first handle. It may be located.

[0027] This allows the user to easily hook the second handle from below with their fingers, which increases the frequency of replacement. This makes it easier to replace the developing cartridge.

[0028] Further, the drum cartridge is A drum frame is positioned between one end of the drum frame and the other end of the drum frame in the first direction. a drum handle for placing the drum cartridge in a state where the drum cartridge is attached to the main body housing, In this embodiment, the drum handle is located above the first handle, and is The drum may have a concave drum handle.

[0029] According to this, a user hooks a finger on the first handle and moves the drum cartridge in a first direction. Then, grab the drum handle and pull the drum cartridge upwards to easily remove it. It is possible. Effect of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, the cartridge can be easily pulled out in the first direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover of the main body housing is open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the drum cartridge is pulled out from the main body housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the developing cartridge is pulled out from the main body housing. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a drum cartridge. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a developing cartridge. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main body housing. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the relationship between each cartridge and a stopper, etc.; [Figure 9] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the drum cartridge is in contact with a stopper. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the developing cartridge is in contact with a stopper. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing each cartridge according to a first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, first, the overall configuration of a color printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described. Explain.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the color printer 1 includes a main body 2, a paper feed section 3, and an image forming section 4. The image forming unit 4 includes a sheet feed unit 3 and a sheet discharge unit 21. The sheet feed unit 3 supplies the sheet P to the image forming unit 4. A printer 4 forms an image on a sheet P. A paper discharge section 21 discharges the sheet P.

[0034] The paper discharge unit 21 is located at the top of the main body 2. The paper discharge unit 21 is connected to an intermediate transfer belt 22 (to be described later). The paper discharge unit 21 is located above the paper discharge roller 9 and a paper discharge surface. The roller 9 conveys the paper P toward the paper discharge surface.

[0035] The paper feed unit 3 is located at the bottom inside the main body housing 2. The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper feed tray 31 and a paper feeder. The paper feed tray 31 is detachable from the main body 2. The paper feed mechanism 32 is , the paper P is transported from the paper feed tray 31 to the image forming unit 4 .

[0036] The image forming unit 4 includes a first drum cartridge 40A, a second drum cartridge 40B, and a third drum cartridge 40C. The third drum cartridge 40C and the fourth drum cartridge 40D, and the first developing cartridge The first developing cartridge 50A, the second developing cartridge 50B, the third developing cartridge 50C and the fourth developing cartridge The cartridge 50D, the exposure device SU, the transfer unit 60, and the fixing unit 70 are Prepare.

[0037] Each of the drum cartridges 40A to 40D includes a photosensitive drum 41, a drum frame F1, and The photosensitive drum 41 is rotated about a first axis X1 extending in a first direction. Each of the drum cartridges 40A to 40D can be rotated in the first direction and in the vertical direction. Line up in the second intersecting direction.

[0038] The drum cartridges 40A to 40D and the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are disposed in a main body housing. When the drum cartridges 40A to 40D are mounted in the cartridge holder 2, the drum cartridges 40A to 40D are In a second direction perpendicular to the downward direction, the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are aligned.

[0039] The first drum cartridge 40A is aligned with the second drum cartridge 40B in the second direction. The second drum cartridge 40B is closer to a driving roller 61, which will be described later, than the first drum cartridge 40A. The third drum cartridge 40C is closer to the driving roller 61 than the third drum cartridge 40C. The cartridge 40C is located closer to the driving roller 61 than the fourth cartridge 40D in the second direction. Close to.

[0040] Each of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D contains a developer of a different color. Each of the cartridges 50A to 50D includes a developing roller 51 and a developing frame F2. The image frame F2 contains the developer. The developing roller 51 is rotatably supported on a second axis X2 extending in the first direction. The developing cartridges 50A to 50D are aligned in the second direction. The image cartridges 50A to 50D are arranged at the contact position where the developing roller 51 contacts the photosensitive drum 41. 1) and a separation position where the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 41 (position in FIG. 8). Each of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D is movable between the developing cartridge 50A and the developing cartridge 50D. , so that it can move between a contact position and a separated position.

[0041] The first developing cartridge 50A is aligned with the first drum cartridge 40A in the second direction. The second developing cartridge 50B is located between the second drum cartridge 40B. Positioned between the second drum cartridge 40B and the third drum cartridge 40C in the direction The third developing cartridge 50C is located in the second direction from the third drum cartridge 40. The fourth developing cartridge 50D is located between the first developing cartridge 50C and the fourth drum cartridge 40D. In both directions, it is farther from the driving roller 61 than the fourth drum cartridge 40D.

[0042] The exposure unit SU is located below each of the drum cartridges 40A to 40D. radiates a laser beam to each of the photosensitive drums 41.

[0043] The transfer unit 60 is located between the four photosensitive drums 41 and the paper discharge unit 21. The set 60 includes a driving roller 61, a driven roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt 63, and four primary transfer rollers. The transfer roller 64 and the secondary transfer roller 65 are provided.

[0044] The intermediate transfer belt 63 is an endless belt. The cartridges 40A to 40D and the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are mounted in the main body housing 2. In this state, the drum cartridges 40A to 40D and the developing cartridges 50A to 50 The driving roller 61 and the driven roller 62 are located above the intermediate transfer belt 63. The intermediate transfer belt 63 is located inside the driving roller 64 while being tensioned. 61 and a driven roller 62.

[0045] The primary transfer roller 64 is located inside the intermediate transfer belt 63. The photosensitive drums 41 sandwich an intermediate transfer belt 63 therebetween.

[0046] The secondary transfer roller 65 is located outside the intermediate transfer belt 63. The driving roller 61 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 63 .

[0047] The fixing unit 70 is located above the intermediate transfer belt 63. The fixing unit 70 is a heating The pressure roller 72 is pressed against the heating roller 71. will be done.

[0048] First, the charger charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. Then, the exposure device SU The surface of the drum 41 is exposed to light, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 41.

[0049] Next, the developing roller 51 supplies developer to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 41. As a result, a developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 41. is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 63.

[0050] When the paper P passes between the intermediate transfer belt 63 and the secondary transfer roller 65, The developer image on the roller 63 is transferred onto the paper P. The developer image on the paper P is then fixed. The image is fixed in the unit 70. Then, the paper P is discharged to the paper discharge section 21 by the discharge rollers 9. will be done.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body housing 2 has a cover C for opening and closing the opening of the main body housing 2. The opening 22A is for connecting the drum cartridges 40A to 40D and the developing cartridges 50A to 50D. This is the opening for attaching and detaching the 0D.

[0052] The cover C has a first cover C1 and a second cover C2.

[0053] The first cover C1 rotates around the lower end of the first cover C1. The first cover C1 has a guide portion G. The first cover C1 opens and closes at least a portion of the cover 22A.

[0054] The guide portion G has four protrusions G1, G2, G3, and G4 and four second guide surfaces G21, G The protrusions G1 to G4 are formed when the covers C1 and C2 are opened. In this state, they protrude higher than the second guide surfaces G21 to G24.

[0055] The four protrusions G1, G2, G3, and G4 are the first guide surfaces G11, G12, and G13, respectively. , G14. In detail, the first guide surfaces G11 to G14 are the upper surfaces of the protrusions G1 to G4. be.

[0056] The first guide surfaces G11 to G14 guide the drum covers when the covers C1 and C2 are open. The first guide surfaces G11 to G14 guide the cartridges 40A to 40D. When the drum cartridges 40A to 40D are attached to or detached from the main body housing 2, The first guide surface G11 supports a fourth drum outer surface 440 of the first guide surface G12. G14 is located above the second guide surfaces G21 to G24.

[0057] The second guide surfaces G21 to G24 are in a state where the first cover C1 and the second cover C2 are open. Each of the second guide surfaces G2 guides the developing cartridges 50A to 50D. 1 to G24 when the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are attached to or detached from the main body housing 2, It supports a third developing outer surface 540 (to be described later) of each of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D.

[0058] The second cover C2 rotates about the lower end of the second cover C2. 22A and the first cover C1. The second cover C2 is connected to the first cover C1 by rotating the first cover C1. The first cover C1 and the second cover C2 may rotate together. The sensor may be movable.

[0059] The second cover C2 includes a first stopper S1, a second stopper S2, and a third stopper S3. The stoppers S1 to S5 are arranged at the respective driver positions. At least one of the developing cartridges 40A to 40D and the developing cartridges 50A to 50D Movement of the cartridges, specifically, a first direction from inside the main body housing 2 to outside the main body housing 2 It is a member that stops movement along the

[0060] In detail, the first stopper S1 prevents the first drum cartridge 40A from moving outward in the first direction. The second stopper S2 restricts the movement of the first developing cartridge 50A and the second drum cartridge. The cartridge 40B is restricted from moving outward in the first direction.

[0061] The third stopper S3 is provided between the second developing cartridge 50B and the third drum cartridge 40 The fourth stopper S4 restricts the outward movement of the third developing cartridge 50C in the first direction. The fifth stopper 40C and the fourth drum cartridge 40D are prevented from moving outward in the first direction. The shaft S5 restricts the outward movement of the fourth developing cartridge 50D in the first direction.

[0062] When the first cover C1 and the second cover C2 are open, the stoppers S1 to S5 are In the direction of the stopper, the stopper is located at a position farther from the opening 22A than the guide portion G. The structures of S1 to S5 will be described in detail later.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the drum cartridges 40A to 40D and the developing cartridge The edges 50A to 50D are each independently attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 2 in a first direction. Each of the drum cartridges 40A to 40D has the same structure. The cartridges 50A to 50D have the same structure. The structures of the first developing cartridge 40B and the second developing cartridge 50B will be described as representative examples.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the second drum cartridge 40B has a first drum outer surface. surface 410, a first handle H1, a second drum outer surface 420, and a third drum outer surface 430. a drum handle HU1; a fourth drum outer surface 440; a first protrusion P1; and a first guide The first drum outer surface 410 of the second drum cartridge 40B has a groove GG1. The first handle H1 is located on one end in one direction.

[0065] The first handle H1 is located at one end of the drum frame F1 in the first direction. The handle H1 is located on the lower part of the outer surface 410 of the first drum. When the RAM cartridge 40B is attached to the main body housing 2, the portion exposed from the main body housing 2 is The first handle H1 is used to fix the second drum cartridge 40B in the main body housing 2. When attached, it is located below the photosensitive drum 41 (see FIG. 2).

[0066] The first handle H1 has a first portion H11, a second portion H12, and a third portion H13. The first portion H11 is disposed away from the first drum outer surface 410 in the first direction. The second portion H12 connects one end of the first portion H11 in the second direction to the first drum outer surface 410. do.

[0067] The third portion H13 is disposed away from the second portion H12 in the second direction. The third portion H13 connects the other end of the first portion H11 in the second direction to the first drum outer surface 410. and reinforce it.

[0068] The first drum outer surface 410, the second portion H12, the first portion H11, and the third portion H13 are The first handle H1 has a first recess B1. The first recess B1 is a through hole that penetrates from the top to the bottom. When removing the second drum cartridge 40B from the housing 2, the user's finger is hooked. This is permitted.

[0069] The second drum outer surface 420 is located at the upper end of the second drum cartridge 40B.

[0070] The third drum outer surface 430 is located at one end of the second drum cartridge 40B in the second direction. The photosensitive drum 41 is located at the second drum cartridge 40 in the second direction. The third drum outer surface 430 is located at the other end of B. The third drum outer surface 430 has a recess 43 recessed toward the photosensitive drum 41. 1.

[0071] The drum handle HU1 has two recesses 421 and 431. In the first direction, one end of the drum frame F1 in the first direction and The drum handle HU1 is located between the other end of the drum frame F1 that is connected to the second drum. When the cartridge 40B is attached to the main body housing 2, the cartridge 40B is located above the first handle H1. The recess 421 is located on the second drum outer surface 420. The recess 431 is located on the third drum outer surface 430 and is recessed downward from the third drum outer surface 420. The recess 431 is recessed toward the photosensitive drum 41.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the fourth drum outer surface 440 comes into contact with the first guide surface G12. The first protrusion P1 and the first guide groove GG1 are located on the fourth drum outer surface 440.

[0073] The first protrusion P1 protrudes downward from the fourth drum outer surface 440. The first protrusion P1 is located at a position away from the handle H1 in the first direction. , which is located at one end of the fourth drum outer surface 440. In detail, the fourth drum outer surface 440 is The first protrusion P1 has one end connected to the fourth drum outer surface 430. Located at one end of 40.

[0074] The first guide groove GG1 is recessed upward from the fourth drum outer surface 440. The guide groove GG1 is located at the center of the fourth drum outer surface 440 in the second direction. The first guide groove GG1 extends in a first direction. One end of the first guide groove GG1 in the first direction is The first guide groove GG1 is closer to the first handle H1 than the other end of the guide groove GG1 in the first direction. The other end in the first direction is open in the first direction.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the second developing cartridge 50B has a first developing outer surface 5 10, a second handle H2, a second developer outer surface 530, a developer handle HU2, and a third developer The first developing outer surface has a second projection and a second guide groove. The second handle H2 is located at one end of the second developing cartridge 50B in the first direction. is located on the first development outer surface 510.

[0076] The second handle H2 is located at one end of the developing frame F2 in the first direction. When the second developing cartridge 50B is attached to the main body casing 2, the drum H2 The second handle H2 is exposed from the housing 2 (see FIG. 2). When the second handle H2 is attached to the main body casing 2, it is located below the developing roller 51. At least some of the cartridges include the drum cartridges 40A to 40D and the developing cartridge 50A. When the 50D is attached to the main body housing 2, the 50D is located below the first handle H1. (See Figure 2.)

[0077] The second handle H2 is located below the first developing outer surface 510. The second handle H2 is The fourth portion H21, the fifth portion H22, and the sixth portion H23 are included. , is disposed away from the first development outer surface 510 in the first direction. One end of H21 in the second direction and the first development outer surface 510 are connected.

[0078] The sixth portion H23 is disposed away from the fifth portion H22 in the second direction. The sixth portion H23 connects the other end of the fourth portion H21 in the second direction to the first development outer surface 510. and reinforce it.

[0079] The first development outer surface 510, the fifth portion H22, the fourth portion H21, and the sixth portion H23 are In other words, the second handle H2 has a second recess B2. B2 is a through hole that penetrates from the top to the bottom. When removing the second developing cartridge 50B from the body 2, the user's finger is hooked. is permitted.

[0080] The second developer outer surface 530 is located at one end of the second developer cartridge 50B in the second direction. The developer handle HU2 is located at the upper end of the second developer outer surface 530. HU2 protrudes from second outer developer surface 530 in a second direction.

[0081] The second development outer surface 530 is a surface that intersects with the second direction. The second protrusion P2 is located below the surface 530. The second protrusion P2 protrudes from the second outer development surface 530 in the second direction. The second protrusion P2 is located at a position away from the second handle H2 in the first direction.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the third developing outer surface 540 is in contact with the second guide surface G22. The second guide groove GG2 is located on the third outer developing surface 540.

[0083] The second guide groove GG2 is recessed upward from the third developing outer surface 540. The guide groove GG2 is located at the center of the third outer developing surface 540 in the second direction. The groove GG2 extends in the first direction. One end of the second guide groove GG2 in the first direction is The first end of the second guide groove GG2 is closer to the second handle H2 than the other end of the second guide groove GG2 in the first direction. The other end in the direction is open in the first direction.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, a first stopper S1, a second stopper S2, a third stopper S3 and a fourth stopper S4 are provided. The fourth stopper S4 has first guide surfaces G111, G112, G113, and G114, respectively. The first guide surfaces G111 to G114 guide the drum cartridges 40A to 40D toward the main body case. When the drum cartridges 40A to 40D are attached to or detached from the body 2, the fourth drum outer surface 4 The first guide surfaces G111 to G114 are positioned in the vertical direction. , the positions of the first guide surfaces G11 to G14 of the guide portion G are the same.

[0085] Between the stoppers S1 to S5, second guide surfaces G121, G122, and G123 are provided. , G124 are positioned on the second guide surfaces G121 to G124. When the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are attached to or detached from the main body housing 2, the third developing cartridges 50A to 50D are The second guide surfaces G121 to G122 support the image outer surface 540. The position of the stopper S4 is the same as the position of the second guide surfaces G21 to G24 of the guide portion G. 1 to S5 protrude upward from the second guide surfaces G121 to G124.

[0086] The main body housing 2 has first guide surfaces G211, G212, G213, and G214 and second guide Surfaces G221, G222, G223, and G224 and first guide rails R11, R12, and R1 3, R14 and second guide rails R21, R22, R23, R24.

[0087] The first guide surfaces G211 to G214 guide the drum cartridges 40A to 40D to the main body housing 2. When the drum cartridges 40A to 40D are attached to or detached from the fourth drum outer surface 440 In the vertical direction, the positions of the first guide surfaces G211 to G214 are The positions of the first guide surfaces G11 to G14 of the guide portion G are the same as those of the first guide surfaces G11 to G14 of the guide portion G.

[0088] The second guide surfaces G221 to G224 guide the developing cartridges 50A to 50D into the main body housing 2. When the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are attached to or detached from the developing cartridge 50A, the third developing outer surface 540 of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D is supported. In the vertical direction, the positions of the second guide surfaces G221 to G224 are The positions are the same as the second guide surfaces G21 to G24.

[0089] The first guide rails R11 to R14 guide the drum cartridges 40A to 40D in a first direction. The first guide rails R11 to R14 extend in a first direction. The guide rails R11 to R14 are the first guide rails of the drum cartridges 40A to 40D, respectively. The groove GG1 (see Figure 5) is inserted.

[0090] The second guide rails R21 to R24 guide the developing cartridges 50A to 50D in the first direction. The second guide rails R21 to R24 extend in the first direction. The rails R21 to R24 correspond to the second guide grooves of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D, respectively. Enter GG2 (see Figure 6).

[0091] The guide portion G has four recesses CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4. CP4 is recessed downward from each of the first guide surfaces G11 to G14. In a state where the second drum cartridge 40B is placed on the first guide surface G12, The first protrusion P1 of the cartridge 40B fits into the recess CP2. The cartridge 40B can move in the first direction without interfering with the guide portion G in the first direction. It has become a Noh play.

[0092] The recess CP2 overlaps with the second stopper S2 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 1, when the second drum cartridge 40B is pulled out from the main body 2, the first projection 40B is pulled out. After passing through the recess CP2 of the guide portion G, the raised portion P1 comes into contact with the second stopper S2. This stops the movement of the second drum cartridge 40B in the first direction.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7, the other recesses CP1, CP3, and CP4 and the other drum cars The relationship between the cartridges 40A, 40C, and 40D is also similar. , recesses CP21, CP22, CP23, C similar to recesses CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4 The recesses CP21, CP22, CP23, and CP24 of the main body casing 2 and the drum cover The relationship between the cartridges 40A to 40D is as follows: the recesses CP1 to CP4 of the guide portion G and the drum cartridge The relationship between the recesses CP1, CP3, CP4 and CP5 is the same as that between the recesses CP1, CP2, CP3 and CP4. The relationship between the stopper S1, S3, and S4 and the recess CP2 and the second stopper S2 is as described above. It's the same as a relationship.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8, the second developing cartridge 50B has two protrusions G2 and G3 of the guide portion G. 3. The second developing cartridge 50B has a size that allows it to pass through the gap between the first developing cartridge 50B and the second developing cartridge 50B. In detail, the second handle H2 is a handle that can pass between the second stopper S2 and the third stopper S3. The second protrusion P2 of the second developing cartridge 50B is sized in the first direction. 3, it overlaps with the third stopper S3.

[0095] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the second developing cartridge 50B is pulled out from the main body housing 2. When the second developing cartridge 50B is inserted, first, the two protrusions G2 and G3 of the guide portion G are aligned. After that, the second handle H2 of the second developing cartridge 50B passes through the second stopper S After passing between the second protrusion P2 and the third stopper S3, the second protrusion P2 comes into contact with the third stopper S3. This stops the movement of the second developing cartridge 50B.

[0096] In addition, the second protrusions P2 and the stoppers of the other developing cartridges 50A, 50C, and 50D The structure of S3 to S5 is the same as that of the second protrusion P2 and the third stopper P3 of the second developing cartridge 50B described above. The structure is the same as S3.

[0097] Next, the method of attaching and detaching the second drum cartridge 40B and the second developing cartridge 50B will be described. The other cartridge installation and removal methods are similar, so The explanation will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 2, when the first cover C1 and the second cover C2 are opened, the main body housing 2 is opened. The handles H1 and H2 of the cartridges are exposed to the outside through the opening 22A. When removing the cartridge 40B from the main body 2, the user must first insert the second drum cartridge 40B into the main body 2. The user grasps the first handle H1 of the second drum cartridge 40B. Insert your finger into the first recess B1 of B.

[0099] Next, the user pulls the second drum cartridge 40B in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the second drum cartridge 40B has first guide surfaces G212 and G1 2, G112 (see FIG. 7) and moves in the first direction.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the first protrusion P1 of the second drum cartridge 40B is When the second drum cartridge 40B comes into contact with the roller S2, the movement of the second drum cartridge 40B in the first direction stops. Therefore, the second drum cartridge 40B is prevented from falling off the main body housing 2. Then, the user grasps the drum handle HU1. Next, the user inserts the second drum cartridge. 2. The user then lifts up the second drum cartridge 40B. It can be easily removed from the main housing 2.

[0101] Returning to FIG. 2, when removing the second developing cartridge 50B from the main body housing 2, The user grasps the second handle H2 of the second developing cartridge 50B. A finger is inserted into the second recess B2 of the second developing cartridge 50B.

[0102] Next, the user pulls the second developing cartridge 50B in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the second developing cartridge 50B has second guide surfaces G222, G22, Guided by G122 (see Figure 7), it moves in the first direction.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 10, the second protrusion P2 of the second developing cartridge 50B is When the second developing cartridge 50B comes into contact with the roller S3, the second developing cartridge 50B stops moving in the first direction. Therefore, the second developing cartridge 50B is prevented from falling off from the main body housing 2. The user grasps the developing handle HU2. Next, the user removes the second developing cartridge 50B. In this way, the user can remove the second developing cartridge 50B from the main body casing 2. It can be easily removed from the

[0104] The method of mounting each of the cartridges 40B and 50B in the main body housing 2 is the same as that described above. The procedure is then reversed.

[0105] As described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. It is not possible to insert a finger between the first portion H11 of the first handle H1 and the outer surface 410 of the first drum. Therefore, the drum cartridges 40A to 40D can be easily pulled out in the first direction. It is possible to insert a finger between the fourth portion H21 of the second handle H2 and the outer surface 510 of the first developing device. Therefore, the developing cartridges 50A to 50D can be easily pulled out in the first direction. .

[0106] The first portion H11 is connected to the first drum outer surface 410 by the second portion H12 and the third portion H13. When the user hooks his / her finger on the first portion H11, the first portion H11 Since the fourth portion H21 is less likely to bend, deformation of the first portion H11 can be suppressed. The fifth portion H22 and the sixth portion H23 are connected to the first developing outer surface 510. When the user hooks his / her finger on the fourth portion H21, the fourth portion H21 is less likely to bend. 4. Deformation of part H21 can be suppressed.

[0107] Since the first handle H1 is disposed below the first drum outer surface 410, the first handle H 1 and the first drum outer surface 410. Since the second handle H2 is disposed below the first developing outer surface 510, This makes it easier to insert a finger from above into the second recess B2 between H2 and the first developing outer surface 510. Cut.

[0108] Since the first recess H1 and the second recess H2 penetrate each other in the vertical direction, the user's finger is inserted into the first recess H It can be inserted into the first or second recess H2 from above, below, or both.

[0109] Both drum cartridges (e.g. 40A) and developer cartridges (e.g. 50A) However, since it has handles H1 and H2, both the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge can be The first direction can be easily pulled out.

[0110] Since the second cover C2 has stoppers S1 to S5, the cartridge (e.g. Even if the cartridge is pulled out vigorously (for example, 40A), the cartridge may fall out of the main body housing 2. This can be prevented by a stopper (e.g. S1).

[0111] The first guide surface (e.g. G11) is placed above the second guide surface (e.g. G21). When the cartridge is attached or detached, the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 41 are kept apart. This reduces the resistance when attaching and detaching the cartridge.

[0112] When the first cover C1 and the second cover C2 are open, the stoppers S1 to S5 Since the guide portion G is located farther from the opening 22A than the guide portion G, the cartridge can be easily guided from the opening 22A. This allows the cartridge to be pulled out widely, making cartridge replacement easy.

[0113] The second stopper S2 is located between the first developing cartridge 50A and the second drum cartridge 40A. B, for example, the stopper for the first developing cartridge 50A and the second drum The structure can be simplified compared to a structure in which a stopper for the cartridge 40B is provided separately. Similarly, the third stopper S3 and the fourth stopper S4 are also one stopper for two carts. Since it has the function of stopping the movement of the ridge, the structure can be further simplified.

[0114] Each cartridge has a drum handle HU1 and a developer handle HU2. Pull the cartridge out in the first direction using handles H1 and H2, then turn the drum handle HU The cartridge can be removed upward by using the developing handle HU2.

[0115] The drum handle HU1 is formed by a recess 421 recessed from the second drum outer surface 420. Since the drum handle HU1 is provided with the second drum 420, the drum handle HU1 is prevented from protruding from the second drum outer surface 420. It is possible.

[0116] Both the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge (e.g., 40A, 50A) are in the drum. The ram handle HU1 and the developer handle HU2 allow each cartridge to be inserted upward. It can be easily taken out.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be embodied in various forms as exemplified below. In the following description, the same members as those in the above embodiment have the same structure. The description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 11, two cartridges (e.g., 40A, 50A) corresponding to a given color are arranged in a row. In A), at least a part of the second handle H4 is connected to the drum cartridges 40A to 40C. When the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are mounted in the main body 2, In the direction of the drum cartridge 40A, the drum cartridge 40B, the drum cartridge 40C, and the drum cartridge 40D overlap at least partially. At least a part of the second handle H4 is connected to the drum cartridges 40A to 40D and the current When the image cartridges 50A to 50D are mounted in the main body housing 2, in the first direction 13 and is located farther from the drum frame F1 than the first handle H3.

[0119] At least a part of the second handle H2 is connected to the drum cartridges 40A to 40D and In a state in which the developing cartridges 50A to 50D are attached to the main body housing 2, the first hand It is located below H3.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 12, the first handle H3 in this embodiment has a first portion H31 and a second portion H32. The second portion H32 and the third portion H33 are The first portion H31 is connected to the outer surface 410 of the first drum. It is located at one end of the outer surface 410 in the second direction. 1 is located at the other end of the drum outer surface 410 in the second direction.

[0121] The third portion H33 is located at the upper end of the first portion H31. 32. Between the first handle H3 and the first drum outer surface 410, That is, the first handle H3 has the first recess B3. The first recess B3 is recessed from the bottom toward the top and also recessed in the second direction.

[0122] The second handle H4 has a fourth portion H41, a fifth portion H42, and a sixth portion H43. The fifth portion H42 and the sixth portion H43 are located between the fourth portion H41 and the first developing outer surface 510. The fifth portion H42 is located at the upper end of the fourth portion H41.

[0123] The sixth portion H43 is located at one end of the fifth portion H42 in the second direction. The second handle H4 and the first handle H5 extend below the fifth portion H42 and the sixth portion H43. Between the second handle H4 and the outer surface 510 of the image, a third recess B4 is formed. The second recess B4 is recessed in the second direction and extends downward. It penetrates towards the target.

[0124] Drum cartridges (e.g., 40A) and developing cartridges (e.g., 50A) When the camera is attached to the main body housing 2, the first part H31 and the fourth part H41 are in a first direction. In detail, the fourth portion H41 overlaps with the first portion H3 in the first direction. In other words, the fourth portion H41 covers a part of the first portion H1 in the first direction. It is located at a position farther in the first direction from the first drum outer surface 410 than H31. In addition, the fourth portion H41 and the first drum outer surface 410 overlap with each other in the first direction. In other words, the fourth portion H41 overlaps with the first drum outer surface 410 in the first direction. The lower end of the fourth portion H41 is lower than the lower end of the first portion H31. It is located in.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first portion H31 and the fourth portion H41 overlap in the first direction. Therefore, the area of ​​the fourth portion H41 can be increased, and the finger can be placed closer to the fourth portion H41. It can make it easier to hook up.

[0126] The fourth portion H41 is farther away from the first drum outer surface 410 in the first direction than the first portion H31. Since the cartridge is located at the fourth position, the developer cartridge (e.g. 50A) can be easily inserted by hooking a finger on the fourth portion H41. This makes it easier to install and remove the developer cartridge, which needs to be replaced frequently. It is possible.

[0127] Since the fourth portion H41 extends to a position where it overlaps with the first drum outer surface 410, The area of ​​H41 can be made larger.

[0128] Since the lower end of the fourth portion H41 is located lower than the lower end of the first portion H31, When replacing the cartridge (e.g. 50A), the first cartridge (e.g. 40A) is replaced by mistake. It helps prevent your fingers from getting caught in part H31.

[0129] Since the third portion H33 is located at the upper end of the first portion H31, the user can This prevents your finger from accidentally getting into the first recess B3 when you hook your finger from above. .

[0130] In this embodiment, the fourth portion H41 covers a part of the first portion H31. The fourth region may be any region that covers at least a portion of the first region. For example, The fourth section may entirely cover the first section.

[0131] In addition, contrary to the embodiment of FIG. 11, the first portion may cover at least a part of the fourth portion. good.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 13, the second cover C2 has a stopper S6 different from that of the above embodiment. Specifically, the stopper S6 may be disposed in the second cover C2 when the second cover C2 is open. The stopper S6 protrudes upward from the tip of the second cover C2. The stopper S6 extends from one end to the other end. 40B, 50B) in the first direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent all of the cartridges from falling off from the main body housing 2.

[0133] In this structure, the second cover C2 has a second guide portion GS. The GS part has five protruding parts GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4, and GS5 (GS1 and GS2 are not shown in the figure). (omitted) and the four first guide surfaces G111 to G114 (G111, G1 12 is not shown) and four second guide surfaces G121 to G124 (G121 and G122 are not shown in the figure). The five protrusions GS1 to GS5 are the same as the stoppers in the above embodiment. The second guide portion GS has the same shape as the first cover C1 and the second cover C2. When the bar C2 is opened, the bar C2 is positioned between the guide portion G and the stopper S6 in the first direction. do.

[0134] In this structure, each of the drum cartridges 40A to 40D has the first protrusion P1 Further, each of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D has the above-mentioned structure. The second protrusion P2 is removed. The cartridges are designed not to interfere with the GS1 to GS5. The guide surfaces G111 to G114 and the second guide surfaces G121 to G124 are do.

[0135] Furthermore, the main body housing 2 has four first marker portions M11, M12, M13, and M14. The first marker portions M11 to M14 are colored to correspond to the colors of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D. The first marker portions M11 to M14 are provided on the developing cartridges 50A to 50C. It is located at a position corresponding to the position of 0D.

[0136] The stopper S6 has four second marker portions M21, M22, M23, and M24. The marker portions M21 to M24 have colors corresponding to the colors of the developing cartridges 50A to 50D. In addition, the second marker portions M21 to M24 are located on the developing cartridges 50A to 50D. It is located at a position corresponding to the position of .

[0137] By providing the markers in this manner, the developing cartridges 50A to 50D can be positioned appropriately. It can be attached to.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the first recess B1 and the second recess B2 are holes that penetrate in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first recess and the second recess may be The recess may be recessed from above to below. Alternatively, the first recess and the second recess may be recessed from the bottom to the top. At least one of the recesses may be recessed in the second direction.

[0139] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first recess B5 and the second recess B6 are both in the second direction. In this case, two cartridges (e.g., 4 cartridges) corresponding to a given color may be provided. In the developing cartridge (50B, 50B), the first recess B5 is in the second direction. The second recess B6 is open on the opposite side to the drum cartridge (40B) in the second direction. may be open on the opposite side.

[0140] In other words, the first recess B5 is located away from the adjacent drum cartridge 40A in the second direction. The second recess B6 is recessed toward the corresponding developing cartridge 50B. The cartridge 50B is recessed toward the corresponding drum cartridge 40A.

[0141] In other words, the first recess B5 is a recess in the second direction. The other end of the drum cartridge 40B in the second direction from one end of the drum cartridge 40B (photosensitive drum The ram 41 is located at the other end of the drum cartridge 40B in the second direction. The second recess B6 is a recess in the second direction. The recess is recessed from the other end of the drum cartridge 40B toward one end of the drum cartridge 40B in the second direction.

[0142] In detail, in this embodiment, the first handle H5 has a first portion H51 and a second portion H5 The first portion H51 is a first drum. The second portion H52 is disposed away from the outer surface 410 in the first direction. The developing cartridge (50B) side end and the first drum outer surface 410 are connected in two directions. To conclude.

[0143] The third portion H53 connects the upper end of the first portion H51 and the first drum outer surface 410. The seventh portion H54 connects the lower end of the first portion H51 and the first drum outer surface 410.

[0144] The second handle H6 has a fourth portion H61, a fifth portion H62, a sixth portion H63, and an eighth portion H64. The fourth portion H61 is spaced apart from the first outer development surface 510 in the first direction. The fifth portion H62 is disposed at a position corresponding to the drum cartridge in the second direction of the fourth portion H61. One end of the developing roller (40B) and the first developing outer surface 510 are connected to each other.

[0145] The sixth portion H63 connects the upper end of the fourth portion H61 to the first development outer surface 510. The eighth portion H64 connects the lower end of the fourth portion H61 and the first outer development surface 510.

[0146] According to this structure, the first recess B5 and the second recess B6 are open in opposite directions. In other words, the first recess B5 allows the user to easily pull out each cartridge. In the second direction, from one end of the drum cartridge 40B in the second direction Since the drum cartridge 40B is recessed toward the other end thereof, the user can insert his / her finger toward the one end side in the second direction. The second recess B6 can be inserted into the first recess B5 in the second direction. From the other end of the drum cartridge 40B in the second direction to the other end of the drum cartridge 40B in the second direction Since the edge 40B is recessed toward one end thereof, the user's finger is inserted into the second recess B6 from the other end side in the second direction. It can be plugged in.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the drum handle HU1 is formed with two recesses 421 and 431. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the drum handle may be formed with only the recess 421. Alternatively, only the recess 431 may be formed.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a color printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to other image forming apparatuses, such as monochrome printers, copiers, and multifunction machines. May be applied.

[0149] The elements described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples may be combined in any manner. stomach. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1. Color printer 2 Main unit 40A~40D Drum Cartridge 41 Photosensitive drum 50A~50D Developer Cartridge 51 Developing roller 63 Intermediate transfer belt B1 First recess B2 Second recess F1 drum frame F2 Developing Frame H1 First Handle H2 2nd Handle X1 1st axis X2 2nd axis

Claims

1. a main body housing having a cover; a plurality of drum cartridges, each of which has a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction and a drum frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum, the plurality of drum cartridges being detachable from the main body housing in the first direction; a plurality of developing cartridges accommodating different color developers, each of the developing cartridges having a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction and a developing frame capable of accommodating a developer, the plurality of developing cartridges being detachable from the main body housing in the first direction; an intermediate transfer belt located above the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main body housing, Each of the drum cartridges has a first handle located on an outer drum surface of the drum frame in the first direction, the first handle having a first recess recessed from below to above to form a first cavity portion, Each of the developer cartridges has a second handle located on an outer developer surface of the developer frame in the first direction, the second handle having a second recess recessed from below toward above to form a second cavity portion, the main body housing has openings for attaching and detaching the plurality of developing cartridges and the plurality of drum cartridges, The cover opens and closes the opening, The cover is a developer guide surface that guides the developer cartridge when the cover is open; a plurality of marker portions located at positions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of developing cartridges, each of the marker portions having a color corresponding to the color of the corresponding developing cartridge; a lower end of the second handle is located lower than a lower end of the first handle when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main body housing; An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main body housing, the length of the second handle in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the up-down direction is longer than the length of the first handle in the second direction.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a drum guide surface for guiding the drum cartridge.

3. The first handle is a plate-shaped first portion disposed away from the drum outer surface in the first direction and having a surface facing the drum outer surface in the first direction; a second portion extending in the first direction from one end of the first portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the up-down direction toward an outer surface of the drum; a third portion extending in the first direction from an upper end of the first portion toward the outer surface of the drum, 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion cooperate to define the first recess below the third portion.

4. The second handle is a plate-like fourth portion disposed away from the developing outer surface in the first direction and having a surface facing the developing outer surface in the first direction; a fifth portion extending in the first direction from an upper end of the fourth portion toward the developing outer surface; a sixth portion extending in the first direction from one end of the fourth portion in the second direction toward the developing outer surface, 4. The image forming apparatus of claim 3, wherein the fourth portion, the fifth portion, and the sixth portion cooperate to define the second recess below the fifth portion.

5. 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first recess allows a user's finger to be hooked when removing the drum cartridge from the main body housing.

6. 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second recess allows a user's finger to be hooked when removing the developing cartridge from the main body housing.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper discharge unit including a discharge roller for transporting paper and positioned above the intermediate transfer belt.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first handle is located below the photosensitive drum when the drum cartridge is attached to the main body housing.

9. 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second handle is located below the developing roller when the developing cartridge is attached to the main body casing.

10. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body housing has a plurality of main body marker portions located at positions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of developing cartridges, each of the main body marker portions having a color corresponding to the color of the corresponding developing cartridge.

Images