Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent a deterioration in operability of an operation to close an opening and closing member despite its simple configuration even if a pressing force of pressing parts against parts to be pressed increases.SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus 100, when an opening and closing member 200 is closed to an image forming apparatus body 110, pressing parts (11, 220) press parts to be pressed (61, 320) in a predetermined pressing direction. Regulation parts (310, 210) are configured to gradually increase the degree of regulation of the reaction force on the opening and closing member 200 against a pressing force as the opening and closing member 200 approaches the image forming apparatus body 110. When the opening and closing member 200 is closed to the image forming apparatus body 110, the image forming apparatus starts an operation of the regulation parts (310, 210) to regulate the reaction force on the opening and closing member 200 against the pressing force before the pressing parts (11, 220) press the parts to be pressed (61, 320).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In an image forming device that has an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to the image forming device main body, a pressing portion is provided on the opening / closing member, and a pressed portion is provided on the image forming device main body, when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming device main body, the pressing portion provided on the opening / closing member presses the pressed portion provided on the image forming device main body in a predetermined pressing direction.

[0003] In such an image forming apparatus, as the pressing force of the pressing portion against the pressed portion increases, the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force when the opening / closing member is closed also increases accordingly.

[0004] For example, in an image forming apparatus in which an opening / closing cover member (opening / closing member) is openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus main body, a primary transfer device (intermediate transfer unit) having an intermediate transfer belt (pressed portion) is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and a secondary transfer device (secondary transfer unit) having a secondary transfer roller (pressing portion) is provided in the opening / closing cover member, the following inconveniences arise.

[0005] That is, the greater the pressing force of the secondary transfer roller in the secondary transfer device against the intermediate transfer belt (the portion of the intermediate transfer belt corresponding to the drive roller) in the primary transfer device, the more image quality can be improved. On the other hand, when the open-close cover member (open-close member) is closed, the reaction force on the open-close cover member against the pressing force of the secondary transfer roller (pressing portion) against the intermediate transfer belt (pressed portion) also increases accordingly, which makes it difficult to close the open-close cover member.

[0006] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a moving drive unit is controlled to position the transfer member (pressing unit) at a contact position where the transfer member (pressing unit) contacts the image carrier (pressed unit) and at a position where the transfer member (pressing unit) is separated from the image carrier (pressed unit).

[0007] Patent document 2 also describes a configuration in which, when the opening / closing member is in the closed position and the rotating shaft of the second roller (pressing part) that is urged toward the first roller (pressed part) is in a constrained state, a release member that is moved by the driving force of the drive source engages with the constraining member and moves the constraining member, thereby switching the rotating shaft to a released state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-231807 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-225106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a movement drive unit or a drive source is used to release the pressure of the presser on the pressed unit, which makes the configuration complicated.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an image forming device that has a simple configuration and can suppress deterioration in the operability of closing the opening / closing member even if the pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, The present invention provides the following first and second image forming apparatuses. (1) Image forming apparatus of the first aspect The present invention The first aspectThe image forming apparatus includes an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to an image forming apparatus main body, a pressing portion provided on the opening / closing member, a pressed portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body, and when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the pressing portion provided on the opening / closing member presses the pressed portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body in a predetermined pressing direction, and a regulating portion that regulates a reaction force on the opening / closing member in response to a pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body. and , a first device having the pressed portion; a second device having the pressing portion; a first positioning portion and a first positioned portion that position the second device with respect to the image forming apparatus main body when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body; and a first biasing member that biases the second device in a direction in which a load is applied in a direction intersecting the pressing direction, The regulating portion is configured to gradually increase the degree of regulation of the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force as the opening / closing member approaches the image forming apparatus main body, and when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the regulating portion starts regulating the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force before the pressing portion presses the pressed portion. the first device is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, the second device is provided in the opening / closing member, the first positioning portion is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, the first positioned portion is provided in the second device, the first positioning portion and the first positioned portion constitute the regulating portion, and after a regulating operation of a reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force starts, the second device is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, and the first positioning portion and the first positioned portion position the second device with respect to the image forming apparatus main body by the first biasing member applying a load to the first positioned portion of the second device in the intersecting direction. It is characterized by: (2) Image forming apparatus according to the second aspect An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to an image forming apparatus main body, the opening / closing member being provided with a pressing portion, the image forming apparatus main body being provided with a pressed portion, and when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the pressing portion provided on the opening / closing member presses the pressed portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body in a predetermined pressing direction, the image forming apparatus including: a regulating portion that regulates a reaction force on the opening / closing member in response to a pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body; a first device having the pressed portion; a second device having the pressing portion; and a first positioning portion and a first positioned portion that position the second device with respect to the image forming apparatus main body in a state in which the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the regulating portion gradually increasing or decreasing the degree of regulation of the reaction force on the opening / closing member in response to the pressing force as the opening / closing member approaches the image forming apparatus main body. the first positioning portion is provided on the image forming apparatus main body, and the first positioned portion is provided on the second apparatus, and the first positioning portion and the first positioned portion constitute the regulating portion, and after the regulating portion starts to regulate the reaction force of the opening / closing member against the pressing force, the second apparatus is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, and the second apparatus has a holding portion provided on the second apparatus main body and holding the pressing portion so that it can move in a movement direction along the pressing direction, and a space of a predetermined size is provided between the holding portion and the pressing portion in a cross direction intersecting the pressing direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that has a simple configuration and can suppress deterioration in the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member even if the pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion increases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus, showing an open state of an opening / closing member relative to an image forming apparatus main body, viewed obliquely from above on the front side. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the opening / closing member as viewed obliquely from above on the front side. [Figure 5A]2 is a perspective view of the secondary transfer roller side of the secondary transfer device in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as viewed from the front side. FIG. [Figure 5B] 2 is a perspective view of the secondary transfer roller side of the secondary transfer device in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, viewed from the rear side. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a side view of the secondary transfer device positioned on the front side relative to the image forming apparatus main body, viewed from the opposite side to the secondary transfer roller. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a side view of the secondary transfer device positioned on the rear side relative to the image forming apparatus main body, as viewed from the opposite side to the secondary transfer roller. [Figure 6C] 3 is a perspective view of a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion in the image forming apparatus main body, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. [Figure 6D] 3 is a perspective view of a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion in the image forming apparatus main body, as viewed from the front side. FIG. [Figure 7A] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the regulating portion starts regulating the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. [Figure 7B] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state at the start of a regulating operation by a regulating portion against a reaction force to the opening / closing member in response to a pressing force of a pressing portion on a pressed portion when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. [Figure 7C] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which, when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the pressing portion presses the pressed portion after the regulating portion starts regulating the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0015] (Image forming device) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the symbol X indicates the left-right direction, with one side X1 and the other side X2 in the left-right direction X being the left side and the right side, respectively. The symbol Y indicates the depth direction (width direction) perpendicular to the left-right direction X, with one side Y1 and the other side Y2 in the depth direction Y being the front side and the back side, respectively. The symbol Z indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is a color image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 forms multicolor and monochrome images on a sheet P such as recording paper in accordance with image data read by a document reading device 108 or image data transmitted from an external device. The image forming apparatus 100 may be a monochrome image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may be another type of color image forming apparatus.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an original reading device 108 and an image forming apparatus main body 110, and the image forming apparatus main body 110 includes an image forming section 102 and a sheet conveying section 103.

[0018] Image forming unit 102 includes optical scanning device 1, multiple developing devices 2, multiple photosensitive drums 3 acting as image carriers, multiple cleaning devices 4, multiple charging devices 5, primary transfer device 6 (primary transfer belt device, intermediate transfer belt device), secondary transfer device 10, multiple toner storage devices 21, and fixing device 7. Sheet conveying unit 103 includes sheet storage devices 120 (paper feed devices) having sheet storage tray 81, opening / closing member 200 (opening / closing cover member), and discharge tray 15. Opening / closing member 200 is provided with sheet manual feed device 130 (manual feed device) having sheet manual feed tray 82.

[0019] An original document table 92 made of transparent glass on which an original document (not shown) is placed is provided at the top of the image forming apparatus main body 110. An image reading device 90 for reading an image of the original document is provided below the original document table 92. An original document reading device 108 is also provided above the original document table 92. The image of the original document read by the original document reading device 108 is sent to the image forming apparatus main body 110 as image data, and an image formed based on the image data in the image forming apparatus main body 110 is recorded on a sheet P.

[0020] Image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a color image using multiple colors (in this example, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)). Therefore, the developing devices 2-2, photosensitive drums 3-3, cleaning devices 4-4, charging devices 5-5, and toner storage devices 21-21 are each set to multiple units (four units each in this example, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) so as to form multiple types of images (four types in this example) corresponding to each color.

[0021] The charging devices 5-5 uniformly charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3-3 to a predetermined potential. The optical scanning device 1 exposes the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3-3 that have been uniformly charged by the charging devices 5-5 to light, thereby forming electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3-3. The developing devices 2-2 develop the electrostatic latent images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3-3 by the optical scanning device 1, thereby forming toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3-3. In this way, toner images of each color are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3-3.

[0022] The primary transfer device 6 includes primary transfer rollers 6a (an example of a primary transfer member), an intermediate transfer belt 61 (an example of an intermediate transfer body), a drive roller 62, and a driven roller 63. The primary transfer rollers 6a are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 61 so as to form four types of toner images corresponding to respective colors. The primary transfer rollers 6a transfer the toner images of respective colors formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61. The drive roller 62 and the driven roller 63 are provided at both ends of the image forming unit 102 in the left-right direction X. The intermediate transfer belt 61 is wound around the drive roller 62 and the driven roller 63. The drive roller 62 moves the intermediate transfer belt 61 in a rotation direction V. The secondary transfer device 10 includes a secondary transfer roller 11 (an example of a secondary transfer member). The secondary transfer roller 11 presses the intermediate transfer belt 61 at a portion corresponding to the drive roller 62. The secondary transfer roller 11 is provided so as to form a secondary transfer nip area between itself and the intermediate transfer belt 61. The secondary transfer roller 11 sandwiches the sheet P conveyed through the sheet conveying path S1 in the secondary transfer nip area and conveys it, and transfers a toner image (for example, a color toner image) formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 61 onto the sheet P as it passes through the secondary transfer nip area.

[0023] The fixing device 7 includes a fixing roller 71 and a pressure roller 72, and fixes the toner image to the sheet P by sandwiching the sheet P, onto which the toner image has been transferred, between the fixing roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 and applying heat and pressure thereto.

[0024] In the image forming apparatus 100, when an image is formed, a sheet P is supplied from a sheet storage tray 81 of the sheet storage device 120, 120, and is transported to the registration rollers 13 by transport rollers 12a provided along the sheet transport path S1. In addition, a sheet P is supplied from a sheet manual feed tray 82 of the sheet manual feed device 130, and is transported to the registration rollers 13 by transport rollers 12a provided along the sheet transport path S1.

[0025] The sheet P is conveyed by the registration rollers 13 in a timing that aligns it with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61, which is rotated in the rotation direction V in the primary transfer device 6, and the toner image is transferred onto the sheet P by the secondary transfer rollers 11 in the secondary transfer device 10. The sheet P then passes through the fixing roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the fixing device 7. At this time, the unfixed toner on the sheet P is melted and fixed by heat. The sheet P on which the toner image has been formed is then conveyed by the conveyance rollers 12b and the discharge rollers 31 and discharged onto the discharge tray 15. If an image is to be formed on the back side of the sheet P in addition to the front side, the sheet P is conveyed in the opposite direction from the discharge rollers 31 to the sheet reversing conveyance path S2. The sheet P passes through the reversing conveyance rollers 12c and 12c, and is then reversed and guided again to the registration rollers 13. A toner image is then formed and fixed on the back side of the sheet P in the same manner as on the front side, and the sheet P is then discharged to the discharge tray 15.

[0026] (About this embodiment) Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100, seen obliquely from above on the front side (Y1), showing the open state of the opening / closing member 200 relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the opening / closing member 200, seen obliquely from above on the front side (Y1).

[0027] The opening / closing member 200 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110. In this example, the opening / closing member 200 is a slide opening / closing member (specifically, a side door member, in this example, a right door member).

[0028] The opening / closing member 200 is configured to be reciprocally movable relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110 in a closing direction W1 and an opening direction W2 in a predetermined linear direction W (left-right direction X in this example).

[0029] More specifically, the opening / closing member 200 is supported by the image forming apparatus main body 110 via a pair of slide members 140, 140.

[0030] Specifically, the opening / closing member 200 is provided on the right side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 110 when viewed from the front. The pair of slide members 140, 140 are provided on the lower sides of the front side (Y1) and rear side (Y2) in the depth direction Y of the image forming apparatus main body 110, respectively, and slidably support the front side (Y1) and rear side (Y2) in the depth direction Y of the opening / closing member 200.

[0031] Next, an example of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A to 7C.

[0032] 5A and 5B are perspective views of the secondary transfer roller 11 side of the secondary transfer device 10 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, viewed from the front side (Y1) and the back side (Y2), respectively.

[0033] 6A and 6B are side views, respectively, of the positioning state of the secondary transfer device 10 on the front side (Y1) and rear side (Y2) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110, viewed from the opposite side to the secondary transfer roller 11. Figures 6C and 6D are perspective views, respectively, of the first positioning section 310 and the second positioning section 320 in the image forming apparatus main body 110, viewed from the rear side (Y2) and front side (Y1).

[0034] 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views respectively showing the states before and at the start of the regulating operation by the regulating portion (310, 210) of the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320) when the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110. Fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110, after the regulating portion (310, 210) starts the regulating operation of the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force.

[0035] [First embodiment] The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an opening / closing member 200 (opening / closing cover member). The opening / closing member 200 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110. The image forming apparatus main body 110 (main body frame) is provided with pressed portions (in this example, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the second positioning portion 320). The opening / closing member 200 is provided with pressing portions (in this example, the secondary transfer roller 11 and the second positioning portion 220).

[0036] In this example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first device (in this example, a primary transfer device 6) and a second device (in this example, a secondary transfer device 10). The first device (6) is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 110 (main body frame) (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and has a pressed portion (61, 320) (see FIGS. 2, 6C to 7C). The second device (10) is provided in the opening / closing member 200, and has a pressing portion (11, 220).

[0037] In this example, the pressed portion includes the second positioning portion 320 (see FIGS. 3, 7A to 7C) in the first device (6) as well as the portion corresponding to the drive roller 62 of the intermediate transfer belt 61. The pressing portion also includes the second positioned portion 220 (see FIGS. 5A, 5B, 7A to 7C) in the second device (10) as well as the secondary transfer roller 11.

[0038] Specifically, a primary transfer device main body 65 (main body frame) (see FIGS. 6C and 6D) of the primary transfer device 6 supports a drive roller 62 and a driven roller 63 so that they can rotate freely around their rotation axes. An intermediate transfer belt 61 is wound around the drive roller 62 and the driven roller 63. A second positioning portion 320 (pressed portion) is provided below the portion of the primary transfer device main body 65 that supports the drive roller 62. In addition, a portion (pressed portion) that is pressed by the secondary transfer roller 11 is provided in an area of ​​the intermediate transfer belt 61 corresponding to the drive roller 62. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, second positioned portions 220 (pressing portions) are provided at both ends of the second device main body 12 in the longitudinal direction N of the secondary transfer device 10. A secondary transfer roller 11 (pressing portion) is provided inside the second positioned portion 220 in the longitudinal direction N.

[0039] When the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110, the pressing portion (11, 220) presses the pressed portion (61, 320) in a predetermined pressing direction M1 (see FIGS. 7A to 7C).

[0040] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a regulating portion (310, 210) that regulates a reaction force on the open / close member 200 in response to the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320) when the open / close member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110. The regulating portion (310, 210) is configured to gradually increase the degree of regulation of the reaction force on the open / close member 200 in response to the pressing force as the open / close member 200 approaches the image forming apparatus main body 110. When the open / close member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110, the regulating portion (310, 210) starts regulating the reaction force on the open / close member 200 in response to the pressing force before the pressing portion (11, 220) presses the pressed portion (61, 320). Furthermore, the regulating portion (310, 210) ends the regulating operation before, simultaneously with, or after the pressing operation of the pressing portion (11, 220) against the pressed portion (61, 320) is completed. At this time, the second positioning portion 320 and the second positioned portion 220 position the secondary transfer roller 11 so that the pressing force of the secondary transfer roller 11 against the intermediate transfer belt 61 becomes the reference pressing force when the open / close member 200 is closed in the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0041] Here, the second positioned portion 220 may contact the second positioning portion 320 after, before, or simultaneously with the secondary transfer roller 11 contacting the intermediate transfer belt 61. Therefore, "before the pressing portion presses the pressed portion" refers to the time before the secondary transfer roller 11 and / or the second positioned portion 220 acting as the pressing portion come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61 and / or the second positioning portion 320 acting as the pressed portion, and also includes the time when the secondary transfer roller 11 and / or the second positioned portion 220 come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61 and / or the second positioning portion 320. In this example, the second positioned portion 220 comes into contact with the second positioning portion 320 before the secondary transfer roller 11 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61. Therefore, in this example, "before the pressing portion presses the pressed portion" refers to the time before the second positioned portion 220 comes into contact with the second positioning portion 320.

[0042] In this way, when the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110, the regulating portion (310, 210) starts regulating the reaction force of the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force before the pressing portion (11, 220) presses the pressed portion (61, 320). This allows the pressing portion (11, 220) to press the pressed portion (61, 320) in a state where the reaction force against the opening / closing member 200 is regulated by the regulating portion (310, 210). As a result, even with a simple configuration using the regulating portion (310, 210), the force required to close the opening / closing member 200 can be reduced even if the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) against the pressed portion (61, 320) increases, and deterioration in the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200 can be suppressed.

[0043] Furthermore, even in the case where the first device (6) having the pressed portion (61, 320) is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the second device (10) having the pressing portion (11, 220) is provided in the opening / closing member 200, even with the simple configuration in which the regulating portion (310, 210) is used when the opening / closing member 200 is closed to the image forming apparatus main body 110, even if the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) of the second device (10) against the pressed portion (61, 320) of the first device (6) becomes large, the force for closing the opening / closing member 200 can be reduced, and deterioration in the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200 can be suppressed.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment further includes a first positioning portion 310 and a first positioned portion 210 that position the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110 when the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110. The first positioning portion 310 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body 110, and the first positioned portion 210 is provided on the second device (10).

[0045] Incidentally, when the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110, the first positioning portion 310 and the first positioned portion 210 position the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110. At this time, the second positioned portion 220 (pressing portion) presses the second positioning portion 320 (pressed portion), and further the secondary transfer roller 11 (pressing portion) presses the intermediate transfer belt 61 (pressed portion).

[0046] For this reason, the first positioning portion 310 and the first positioned portion 210 constitute a regulating portion, and before the pressing portion (in this example, the second positioned portion 220) presses the pressed portion (in this example, the second positioning portion 320), a regulating operation of the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force, i.e., a positioning operation of the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110, is started.

[0047] In this way, the first positioning portion 310 and the first positioned portion 210, which position the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110, can be configured as regulating portions. As a result, after starting the positioning operation of the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110, it is possible to regulate the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320). Therefore, without providing a separate regulating portion, the regulating operation by the regulating portion (310, 210) of the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force can be started before the pressing portion (11, 220, 220 in this example) presses the pressed portion (61, 320, 320 in this example). As a result, even if the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320) increases, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200 with a simple configuration.

[0048] 7A to 7C, the first positioning portion 310 is made up of a pair of first positioning portions 311, 312, which are provided on the front side (Y1) (see FIG. 6C) and the rear side (Y2) (see FIG. 6D) of the image forming apparatus main body 110. The first positioned portion 210 is made up of a pair of first positioned portions 211, 212, which are provided on the front side (Y1) (see FIG. 5A) and the rear side (Y2) (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the second device (10).

[0049] One (in this example, the upper) first positioning portion 311 of the pair of first positioning portions 311, 312 can restrict movement of one (in this example, the upper) first positioned portion 211 of the pair of first positioned portions 211, 212 in both the pressing direction M1 and the direction M2 opposite to the pressing direction M1. The other (in this example, the lower) first positioning portion 312 can restrict movement of the other (in this example, the lower) first positioned portion 211 to one side G1 (in this example, the lower side) in the orthogonal direction G. Here, the orthogonal direction G is a direction that is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to both the pressing direction M1 and the longitudinal direction N of the second device (10).

[0050] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the pair of first positioned portions 211, 212 have cylindrical protrusions (211a, 211a), (212a, 212a) protruding outward from both side surfaces 10a, 10b in the longitudinal direction N of the second device (10).

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6C to 7A, the pair of first positioning portions 311 and 312 have recesses 311a and 312a and inclined portions 311b and 312b.

[0052] The recesses 311a, 312a are formed in a U-shape (in this example, U-shaped) with the other side G2 (upper side in this example) in the orthogonal direction G opened on the side plates 111, 112 at both ends in the longitudinal direction N of the image forming apparatus main body 110. The recesses 311a, 312a are composed of bottom surfaces 311a1, 312a1 and both side surfaces (311a2, 311a3), (312a2, 312a3). The bottom surfaces 311a1, 312a1 are formed along the pressing direction M1. The side surfaces (311a2, 311a3), (312a2, 312a3) are erected from both ends of the bottom surfaces 311a1, 312a1 in the pressing direction M1 on the opposite side (the other side G2 in this example) from the pressing portions (11, 220) in the intersecting direction (the perpendicular direction G in this example). This allows the recesses 311a, 312a to lock the protrusions 211a, 212a.

[0053] The inclined portions 311b and 312b are connected to the upstream ends of the recesses 311a and 312a in the closing direction W1. The inclined portions 311b and 312b have inclined surfaces 311b1 and 312b1 that are inclined so that the downstream side in the closing direction W1 is lower than the upstream side. This allows the inclined portions 311b and 312b to guide the protrusions 211a and 212a toward the recesses 311a and 312a.

[0054] At least one of the upper first positioning portion 311 and the lower first positioning portion 312 can function as a restricting portion.

[0055] The image forming apparatus main body 110 also has guide portions 110a, 110a connected to the upstream ends of the inclined portions 311b, 312b in the closing direction W1.

[0056] The guide portions 110a, 110a have inclined surfaces 110a1, 110a1 that are inclined so that the downstream side in the closing direction W1 is higher than the upstream side. The inclined surfaces 110a1, 110a1 of the guide portions 110a, 110a are connected to inclined surfaces 311b1, 312b1 of the inclined portions 311b, 312b. This allows the guide portions 110a, 110a to guide the protrusions 211a, 212a toward the inclined portions 311b, 312b.

[0057] Here, the time when the regulating operation of the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320) starts is the time when the center α (see Figures 7A to 7C) of the protrusions 211a, 212a is positioned at the vertex Q (see Figures 6C to 7C) of the inclined portions 311b, 312b (see Figure 7B).

[0058] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a first biasing member 330 (a coil spring in this example) (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) that biases the second device (10) in a direction (G1) in which a load is applied in the transverse direction (the perpendicular direction G in this example). One end 331 of the first biasing member 330 is connected to the second device main body 12 (main body frame) and the other end 332 is connected to the opening / closing member 200 so that a load is applied to the second device (10) in the transverse direction (G).

[0059] The second device (10) is provided on the opening / closing member 200 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the longitudinal direction N and movable in a direction intersecting the pressing direction M1 (in this example, the vertical direction Z).

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the second device (10) includes a holding portion 121 and a second biasing member 222. The holding portion 121 is provided on the second device main body 12 (main body frame) and holds the second positioned portion 220 movably in a movement direction M along a pressing direction M1. The holding portion 121 is a pair of holding portions 121, 121 provided at both ends of the second device (10) in the longitudinal direction N (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The holding portion 121 includes a holding case 121a and accommodates the second positioned portion 220 in the holding case 121a movably in the movement direction M. The second positioned portion 220 rotatably supports the rotation shaft 11a of the secondary transfer roller 11. The end (tip) of the secondary transfer roller 11 on the second positioning portion 320 side is located downstream in the pressing direction M1 from the end (tip) of the second positioned portion 220 on the second positioning portion 320 side. The second urging members 222 are a pair of second urging members 222, 222 provided on the pair of holding portions 121, 121, respectively. The second urging members 222 urge the second positioned portion 220 in the pressing direction M1. The second urging members 222 (in this example, a coil spring) are provided between the second positioned portion 220 and the bottom plate 121a1 of the holding case 121a. The portion 221 of the second positioned portion 220 facing the second positioning portion 320 is formed in an arc shape. The portion 321 of the second positioning portion 320 facing the second positioned portion 220 is formed in an arc shape, a polygonal shape, or a substantially polygonal shape (a substantially triangular shape in this example). This allows the pressing portion (11) to be positioned relative to the first device (6) while maintaining the pressing force of the secondary transfer roller 11 on the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 61 corresponding to the drive roller 62 at the reference pressing force.

[0061] 7B , let L1 be the vertical line passing through the contact portion T1 of the second positioning portion 320 with the second positioned portion 220, L2 be the vertical line passing through the contact portion T2 of the lower first positioning portion 312 with the lower first positioned portion 212, L3 be the vertical line passing through the contact portion T3 of the second positioned portion 220 with the second positioning portion 320, L4 be the vertical line passing through the contact portion T4 of the lower first positioned portion 212 with the lower first positioning portion 312, L5 be the vertical line passing through the contact portion T5 of the upper first positioning portion 311 with the upper first positioned portion 211, and L6 be the vertical line passing through the contact portion T6 of the upper first positioned portion 211 with the upper first positioning portion 311. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B , the distance A1 between L1 and L2, the distance A2 between L3 and L4, the distance B1 between L2 and L5, A distance B2 between L4 and L6, a distance C1 between L1 and L5, a distance C2 between L3 and L6, a distance D between L2 and L4, and a distance E between L1 and L3 satisfy the following relationship:

[0062] B1=B2 A2>A1, C2>C1 D>E A2-A1=C2-C1=DE A1: Distance between the second positioning portion 320 and the lower first positioning portion 312 A2: Distance between the second positioned portion 220 and the lower first positioned portion 212 B1: Distance between the lower first positioning portion 312 and the upper first positioning portion 311 B2: Distance between the lower first positioned portion 212 and the upper first positioned portion 211 C1: Distance between the second positioning portion 320 and the upper first positioning portion 311 C2: Distance between the second positioned portion 220 and the upper first positioned portion 211 D: Distance between the lower first positioning portion 312 and the lower first positioned portion 212 E: Distance between the second positioning portion 320 and the second positioned portion 220 The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment starts to regulate the reaction force to the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force at the upstream end (vertex Q) of the first positioning portion 310 in the closing direction (X1) for closing the opening / closing member 200.

[0063] In this way, by starting the operation of regulating the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force at the upstream end (vertex Q) of the first positioning portion 310, it is possible to reliably start the operation of regulating the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force by the regulating portion (310, 210) before positioning the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0064] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a second positioning portion 320 and a second positioned portion 220 that position the pressing portion (11) relative to the first device (6) when the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110. The second positioning portion 320 is provided on the first device (6), and the second positioned portion 220 is provided on the second device (10).

[0065] This makes it possible to reliably maintain the pressing force of the pressing portion (11) of the second device (10) against the pressed portion (61) at the specified reference pressing force.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first device is a primary transfer device 6 equipped with an intermediate transfer body (in this example, an intermediate transfer belt 61), and the second device is a secondary transfer device 10 equipped with a secondary transfer member (secondary transfer roller 11). The pressed portion is the intermediate transfer body (61) in the primary transfer device 6, and the pressing portion is the secondary transfer member (11) in the secondary transfer device 10. The second positioning portion 320 and the second positioned portion 220 position the secondary transfer member (11) relative to the intermediate transfer body (61).

[0067] In this way, the second positioning portion 320 and the second positioned portion 220 can reliably position the secondary transfer member (11) relative to the intermediate transfer body (61).

[0068] In this embodiment, the second positioning portion 320 and the second positioned portion 220 position the pressing portion (in this example, the secondary transfer roller 11) relative to the first device (6) by applying a load in the pressing direction M1 to the second positioned portion 220 in the first device (6).

[0069] This allows the pressing portion (11) to be reliably held and positioned on the first device (6) in the pressing direction M1.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first positioning portion 310 has a positioning surface (in this example, the other side surface (311a3, 312a3)) (see FIG. 7A) for positioning the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110. The positioning surfaces (311a3, 312a3) are formed along an orthogonal direction G that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the pressing direction M1.

[0071] In this way, the positioning surfaces (311a3, 312a3) are formed along the orthogonal direction G, which makes it possible to prevent the first positioned portion 210 from shifting from the positioning position of the first positioning portion 310. This makes it possible to stably position the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0072] As the opening / closing member 200 approaches the image forming apparatus main body 110, the reaction force acting on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force increases.

[0073] In this regard, in this embodiment, the first positioning portion 310 has inclined surfaces 311b1 and 312b1 that are inclined with respect to the pressing direction M1 so that the degree of restriction of the reaction force on the open / close member 200 against the pressing force gradually increases.

[0074] This makes it possible to gradually increase the degree of restriction on the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force as the opening / closing member 200 approaches the image forming apparatus main body 110. This makes it possible to suppress the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force as the opening / closing member 200 approaches the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0075] In this embodiment, by using the first biasing member 330 that biases the second device (10) in the direction (G1) in which a load is applied in the transverse direction (in this example, the orthogonal direction G), it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which a load is applied to the second device (10) in the transverse direction (G1) when the first positioning portion 310 and the first positioned portion 210 position the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110. Furthermore, when the operation of restricting (positioning) the reaction force on the open / close member 200 against the pressing force starts, specifically when the first positioned portion 210 passes the upstream end (vertex Q) of the first positioning portion 310, it is possible to easily move the first positioned portion 210 toward the positioning position of the first positioning portion 310 by the biasing force of the first biasing member 330.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first positioning portion 310 and the first positioned portion 210 position the second device (10) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110 by their own weight and / or by applying a load to the first positioned portion 210 of the second device (10) in an intersecting direction (in this example, the orthogonal direction G) that intersects with the pressing direction M1 by the first biasing member 330 toward one side G1 in the orthogonal direction G. In this example, the first positioning portion 310 has a bottom surface 312a1 of a lower recess 312a that positions the lower protruding portion 212a by applying a load to the lower protruding portion 212a toward one side G1 in the intersecting direction (G).

[0077] This allows the second device (10) to be positioned while being securely held by the image forming apparatus main body 110 in the cross direction (G).

[0078] In this embodiment, the second device (10) includes a second biasing member 222 that biases the pressing portion (11) in a pressing direction M1. The pressing portion (secondary transfer roller 11 in this example) is provided in the second device body 12 (holding portion 121 in this example) so as to be movable in a movement direction M along the pressing direction M1. The second biasing member 222 is provided in the second device body 12 (holding portion 121 in this example).

[0079] In this way, by providing the pressing portion (11) on the second device body 12 so that it can move freely in the movement direction M and using the second biasing member 222 that biases the pressing portion (11) in the pressing direction M1, a configuration can be easily realized in which the pressing portion (11) is biased in the pressing direction M1.

[0080] More specifically, as described above, the second device (secondary transfer device 10) attached to the opening / closing member 200 is movable in the vertical direction Z relative to the opening / closing member 200, and can perform the following operations.

[0081] 7A, as the opening / closing member 200 moves in the closing direction W1 due to the closing operation by the operator, the first positioned portion 210 is lifted upward along the inclined surface 110a1 (guide portion 110a), thereby lifting the second device (10) upward, and the opening / closing member 200 is further closed, and the pressing portion (11) begins to press the pressed portion (61). At this time, the first positioned portion 210 exceeds the apex Q and further exceeds the inclined surface 311b1, and the second device (10) is biased by its own weight and / or the first biasing member 330 (both its own weight and the first biasing member 330 in this example) toward one side G1 in the orthogonal direction G, and slides down to the bottom surface 311a1 in a diagonal downward direction (toward one side G1 in the orthogonal direction G), thereby moving the second device (10) in the pressing direction M1 as well. This allows the movement of the opening / closing member 200 to be assisted by the weight of the second device (10) and / or the biasing force of the first biasing member 330, making it easier for the operator to close the opening / closing member 200 with less force.

[0082] Second Embodiment However, if the timing at which the degree of restriction by the restriction section (310, 210) is increased is delayed from the timing at which the reaction force of the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force increases, the timing at which the degree of restriction becomes maximum will be delayed relative to the timing at which the reaction force becomes maximum, which is likely to deteriorate the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200.

[0083] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the second device (10) includes a holding unit 121. The holding unit 121 is provided in the second device body 12, and holds the pressing unit (in this example, the secondary transfer roller 11) so as to be movable in a movement direction M along the pressing direction M1. A space SP (see FIG. 7A) of a predetermined size is provided between the holding unit 121 and the pressing unit (11) in an intersecting direction (in this example, the orthogonal direction G) intersecting the pressing direction M1.

[0084] In this way, by providing the space SP between the holding portion 121 and the pressing portion (11) in the transverse direction (G), the pressing portion (11) can be moved into the space SP along the transverse direction (G), thereby buying time to delay the timing when the reaction force becomes maximum. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the timing when the restriction degree becomes maximum from being delayed relative to the timing when the reaction force becomes maximum, and to suppress deterioration in the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200.

[0085] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 200 opens and closes slidably in a predetermined linear direction W relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0086] Incidentally, in the case of a sliding configuration in which the opening / closing member 200 is slidably opened and closed in the linear direction W relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110, the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 in response to the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320) when the opening / closing member 200 is closed tends to be large, which requires more force to close the opening / closing member 200, and this tends to deteriorate the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200.

[0087] In this regard, as in the present embodiment, when the opening / closing member 200 is closed on the image forming apparatus main body 110, the regulating section (310, 210) starts regulating the reaction force on the opening / closing member 200 against the pressing force before the pressing section (11, 220) presses the pressed section (61, 320). This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200 in a slide configuration in which the operability of the closing operation of the opening / closing member 200 is likely to deteriorate even if the pressing force of the pressing section (11, 220) on the pressed section (61, 320) becomes large.

[0088] [Fourth embodiment] 3 and 4, the opening / closing member 200 has a locking portion 230 that prevents the opening / closing member 200 from opening relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110 while the opening / closing member 200 is closed relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110. When the opening / closing member 200 is closed relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110, the reaction force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320) (see FIG. 7C) to the locking portion 230 is not applied or is smaller than the reaction force of the pressing force applied to the opening / closing member 200.

[0089] This eliminates the need to use high-strength or high-cost components that can prevent deformation of locking section 230 due to a long-term reaction force on locking section 230 when opening / closing member 200 is closed, and further enables realization of an image forming apparatus 100 in which it is not necessary to ensure the strength of the mounting section for attaching locking section 230 or the opening / closing member 200 side.

[0090] Specifically, the locking portion 230 includes an engaging portion 232 provided on the opening / closing member main body 201 to be rotatable about a rotation axis β (rotation axis 231 (see FIG. 3)) along the depth direction Y, and a lever member 233 (see FIG. 3) connected to the engaging portion 232 via the rotation axis 231. The engaging portion 232 is configured to be locked with a locking portion (not shown) provided on the image forming apparatus main body 110 when the opening / closing member 200 moves in the closing direction W1 due to a closing operation by an operator. Specifically, the engaging portion 232 is urged in the first rotation direction R1 about the rotation axis β by a urging member (specifically, a kick spring) not shown in the drawings in a state in which rotation of the engaging portion 232 in the first rotation direction R1 from an engagement position where it engages with the locking portion on the image forming apparatus main body 110 is restricted by a restricting portion (stopper) not shown. When gripped by an operator, lever member 233 rotates engaging portion 232 in second rotation direction R2 against the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby releasing the engagement of engaging portion 232 with the locking portion in image forming apparatus main body 110. Note that locking portion 230 has the same configuration as a conventionally known one, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0091] In the image forming apparatus 100 equipped with the opening / closing member 200 having such a locking portion 230, when the opening / closing member 200 moves in the closing direction W1 due to a closing operation by an operator, the engaging portion 232 engages with a locking portion in the image forming apparatus body 110, and the opening / closing member 200 is locked to the image forming apparatus body 110. On the other hand, when the operator grips the lever member 233, the engagement of the engaging portion 232 with the locking portion in the image forming apparatus body 110 is released, and the opening / closing member 200 is unlocked from the image forming apparatus body 110.

[0092] In the image forming apparatus 100 including the opening / closing member 200 having the locking portion 230 described above, when the opening / closing member 200 is in a closed state, the reaction force to the opening / closing member 200 in response to the pressing force of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320) is not or almost not applied to the locking portion 230, and all or most of the reaction force can be applied to the restricting portion (310, 210). Even if the opening / closing member 200 receives a reaction force to the pressing force when it is in a closed state relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110, as shown in FIG. 7A , the first positioned portions 211, 212 are positioned by the first positioning portions 311, 312 [specifically, walls (311a3, 312a3) perpendicular to the direction (M2) of the reaction force to the pressing of the pressing portion (11, 220) on the pressed portion (61, 320)], thereby restricting the opening / closing member 200 from opening.

[0093] Other Embodiments In the image forming apparatus 100 described above, the opening / closing member 200 is configured to be slidable in a predetermined linear direction W relative to the image forming apparatus main body 110 and to be opened and closed, but may be configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be embodied in various other forms. Therefore, the embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited in any way by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Secondary transfer device (an example of a second device) 10a Side 10b side 11 Secondary transfer roller (secondary transfer member, an example of a pressing unit) 100 Image forming device 110 Image forming device main body 110a Information Department 110a1 Slope 111 Side panel 112 Side panel 11a Rotation axis 12 Second device body 121 Holding part 121a Retaining Case 121a1 bottom plate 140 Slide member 200 Opening and closing member 210 First positioned portion (an example of a restricting portion) 211 one first positioned portion 211a Protrusion 212 the other first positioned portion 212a Protrusion 220 Second positioned portion (another example of pressing portion) 221 Opposite part 222 second biasing member 310 First positioning portion (an example of a restricting portion) 311 One of the first positioning parts 311a Recess 311a2 side 311a3 side 311a1 Bottom 311b Slope 311b1 Slope 312 the other first positioning portion 312a Recess 312a1 bottom 312a2 side 312a3 side 312b Slope 312b1 Slope 320 Second positioning part (another example of a pressed part) 321 Opposite part 330 First biasing member 331 One end 332 Other end 6 Primary transfer device (example of first device) 6a Primary transfer roller 61 Intermediate transfer belt (an example of an intermediate transfer body or a pressed part) 62 Drive roller 63 Driven roller 65 Primary transfer device body G Orthogonal direction G1 One side M Movement direction M1 Pressing direction M2 opposite direction N Longitudinal direction Q Vertex SP space T1 contact part T2 contact part T3 contact part T4 contact part T5 contact part T6 contact part W Linear direction W1 Closing direction W2 Opening direction X Left / right direction X1 One side X2 other side Y depth direction Y1 one side Y2 other side Z vertical direction α center

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to an image forming apparatus main body, wherein a pressing portion is provided on the opening / closing member and a pressed portion is provided on the image forming apparatus main body, and when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the pressing portion provided on the opening / closing member presses the pressed portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body in a predetermined pressing direction, a regulating portion that regulates a reaction force on the opening / closing member in response to a pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body; a first device having the pressed portion; a second device having the pressing portion; a first positioning portion and a first positioned portion for positioning the second device with respect to the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body; a first biasing member that biases the second device in a direction in which a load is applied in a direction intersecting the pressing direction; Equipped with the restricting portion is configured to gradually increase a degree of restricting a reaction force to the opening / closing member against the pressing force as the opening / closing member approaches the image forming apparatus main body, when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the regulating portion starts a regulating operation of the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force before the pressing portion presses the pressed portion; the first device is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and the second device is provided in the opening / closing member; the first positioning portion is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, the first positioned portion is provided on the second device, the first positioning portion and the first positioned portion constitute the regulating portion, and after a regulating operation of a reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force starts, the second device is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body; An image forming apparatus characterized in that the first positioning portion and the first positioned portion position the second device relative to the image forming device main body by the first biasing member applying a load in the intersecting direction to the first positioned portion in the second device.

2. An image forming apparatus comprising an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed relative to an image forming apparatus main body, a pressing portion provided on the opening / closing member, a pressed portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body, and when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the pressing portion provided on the opening / closing member presses the pressed portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body in a predetermined pressing direction, a regulating portion that regulates a reaction force on the opening / closing member in response to a pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body; a first device having the pressed portion; a second device having the pressing portion; a first positioning portion and a first positioned portion for positioning the second device with respect to the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body; Equipped with the restricting portion is configured to gradually increase a degree of restricting a reaction force to the opening / closing member against the pressing force as the opening / closing member approaches the image forming apparatus main body, when the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body, the regulating portion starts a regulating operation of the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force before the pressing portion presses the pressed portion; the first device is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and the second device is provided in the opening / closing member; the first positioning portion is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, the first positioned portion is provided on the second device, the first positioning portion and the first positioned portion constitute the regulating portion, and after a regulating operation of a reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force starts, the second device is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body; the second device includes a holding portion provided on a second device body and configured to hold the pressing portion movably in a movement direction along the pressing direction, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that a space of a predetermined size is provided between the holding portion and the pressing portion in a direction intersecting the pressing direction.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, a first biasing member that biases the second device in a direction in which a load is applied in a direction intersecting the pressing direction; An image forming apparatus characterized in that the first positioning portion and the first positioned portion position the second device relative to the image forming device main body by the first biasing member applying a load in the intersecting direction to the first positioned portion in the second device.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, an image forming apparatus, characterized in that an operation of restricting a reaction force acting on the opening / closing member against the pressing force is started at an upstream end of the first positioning portion in a closing direction in which the opening / closing member is closed;

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, a second positioning portion and a second positioned portion for positioning the pressing portion with respect to the first device in a state in which the opening / closing member is closed on the image forming apparatus main body; the second positioning portion is provided on the first device, the second positioned portion is provided on the second device, the first device is a primary transfer device having an intermediate transfer body, the second device is a secondary transfer device having a secondary transfer member, the pressed portion is the intermediate transfer body in the primary transfer device, the pressing portion is the secondary transfer member in the secondary transfer device, the second positioning portion and the second positioned portion position the secondary transfer member with respect to the intermediate transfer body, An image forming apparatus characterized in that the second positioning portion and the second positioned portion position the pressing portion relative to the first device by applying a load in the pressing direction to the second positioned portion in the first device.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the first positioning portion has a positioning surface for positioning the second device relative to the image forming apparatus main body, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the positioning surface is formed along a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the pressing direction.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning portion has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the pressing direction so that a degree of regulation of a reaction force on the opening / closing member relative to the pressing force gradually increases.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member is slidable in a predetermined linear direction relative to the image forming apparatus main body.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The opening / closing member has a locking portion that prevents the opening / closing member from opening relative to the image forming device main body when it is closed relative to the image forming device main body, and when the opening / closing member is closed, the reaction force on the locking portion against the pressing force of the pressing portion on the pressed portion is not applied or is smaller than the reaction force on the opening / closing member against the pressing force.

Images