Image forming device

Abstract

To allow removable attachment of removable members with respect to a space extending between two housings, while ensuring the strength of the housings.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (U) comprises: a first housing (2) that has, in its upper part, a first inclined part (49) inclined upward from one side face toward the other side face; a second housing (1) that has, in its lower part, a second inclined part (19) inclined downward from one side face toward the other side face, and is supported above the first housing (2); and removable means (57) that are arranged extending between the first inclined part (49) and the second inclined part (19), are removably attached with respect to attachment means (56), and are removably attached along an attachment / detachment direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In the field of image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, and fax machines, the technology described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-152891 (Patent Document 1) describes a configuration in which a plate-shaped power supply board (110) is attached to the upper surface of a frame (130) that slopes downward toward the interior (rear side) of an image forming apparatus. That is, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the power supply board (110) is attached to a space that is narrow on the front side and wide on the rear side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-152891 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has a technical object to make it possible to attach and detach a detachable member to and from a space spanning two housings while also ensuring the strength of the housings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: a first housing; a second housing supported above the first housing; the first housing and The aforementioned an attachment means provided on at least one side of the second housing; an opening formed on one side surface of the first housing and the second housing and spanning the first housing and the second housing; the first housing; The aforementioned The first housing is disposed across the second housing, and is detachably attached to the attachment means, and is oriented along an attachment / detachment direction connecting one side surface of the first housing and the other side surface of the second housing. Through the opening A detachable attachment means; Equipped with 、 The position of the second housing is fixed relative to the first housing. child It is characterized by the following.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, A plurality of the attachment / detachment means are arranged at intervals along the attachment / detachment direction. The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, The attachment / detachment means is configured by a circuit board having wiring. The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 3, A detachable terminal provided at an end of the wiring is detachable by being inserted into or removed from a fixed terminal provided on at least one of the first housing and the second housing along the detachable direction. It is characterized by:

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a connecting means detachably supported by the attaching / detaching means and detachably supported by the mounting means; The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 5, The number of fastening points between the detachable means and the connecting means is greater than the number of fastening points between the attachment means and the connecting means. It is characterized by:

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 6, When fastening the connecting means to the mounting means at a plurality of fastening points, all fastening operations are performed from the one side surface. It is characterized by:

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, picture A transport path along the other side of the image forming device through which the media is transported. 、 The present invention is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the invention as recited in claim 1, the detachable member can be attached to and detached from the space spanning the two housings while ensuring the strength of the housings. According to the invention as set forth in claim 2, the space between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion can be used more effectively than when there is only one attachment / detachment means. According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, even a circuit board having wiring can be easily attached and detached.

[0015] According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, the workability of the attachment and detachment operation can be improved compared to when the detachable terminal is inserted and removed in a direction different from the attachment and detachment direction relative to the fixed terminal. According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, the attachment position relative to the attachment means can be changed, and the attachment and detachment work of the attachment and detachment means can be made easier than when no connecting member is provided. According to the invention described in claim 6, workability in the space spanning the two housings can be improved compared to when the number of fastening points between the detachment means and the connecting means is fewer than the number of fastening points between the mounting means and the connecting means. According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, workability can be improved compared to when the working direction of the fastening work is different for each fastening point. According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the accuracy of image formation can be improved compared to when the transport path is provided on the opening side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the entire image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a frame portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the airflow in the narrow space portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of wall members of the first embodiment, with FIG. 4A being an explanatory diagram of a first wall member and FIG. 4B being an explanatory diagram of a second wall member. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting frame portion of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. To facilitate understanding of the following explanation, in the drawings, the front-to-back direction is defined as the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction as the Z-axis direction, and the directions or sides indicated by arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are defined as the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, or the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side, respectively. In addition, in the figures, a circle with a "·" inside it means an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page, and a circle with an "x" inside it means an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. In the following description using the drawings, illustrations of components other than those necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding. [Example]

[0018] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the entire image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1, a copier U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a printer unit U1 as an example of an image recording unit. A scanner unit U2 as an example of a reading unit and an example of an image reading device is supported above the printer unit U1. An auto feeder U3 as an example of a document conveying device is supported above the scanner unit U2.

[0019] An original tray TG1, which is an example of a medium storage means, is disposed above the auto feeder U3. The original tray TG1 can store a stack of multiple originals Gi to be copied. Below the original tray TG1, an original discharge tray TG2, which is an example of an original discharge section, is formed. An original transport roller U3b is disposed between the original tray TG1 and the original discharge tray TG2 along the original transport path U3a.

[0020] A platen glass PG, which is an example of a transparent document table, is disposed on the upper surface of the scanner unit U2. In the scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment, a reading unit U2a, which is an example of a reading unit, is disposed below the platen glass PG. The reading unit U2a of the first embodiment is supported along the lower surface of the platen glass PG so as to be movable in the left-right direction, which is an example of a sub-scanning direction. The reading unit U2a is electrically connected to the image processing unit GS.

[0021] The image processing unit GS is electrically connected to a writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1, which is electrically connected to exposure devices LHy, LHm, LHc, and LHk, which are an example of a latent image forming means. The exposure devices LHy to LHk of the first embodiment are configured, for example, by an LED head in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in the main scanning direction. The exposure devices LHy to LHk are configured to be able to output writing light corresponding to each of the colors Y, M, C, and K in response to a signal input from the writing circuit DL. The write circuit DL and the power supply circuit E have their write timing and power supply timing controlled in response to control signals from a control unit C, which is an example of a control means. In Fig. 1, photoconductors PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk, which are an example of image holding means, are arranged above exposure devices LHy to LHk. In Fig. 1, writing areas Q1y, Q1m, Q1c, and Q1k are formed by areas on each of the photoconductors PRy to PRk where writing light is irradiated.

[0022] Charging rollers CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk, which are an example of charging means, are disposed upstream of the writing areas Q1y to Q1k in the rotation direction of the photoconductors PRy to PRk. The charging rollers CRy to CRk in the first embodiment are supported in contact with the photoconductors PRy to PRk so as to be rotatable by the photoconductors PRy to PRk. Developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk, which are an example of developing means, are arranged downstream of the writing areas Q1y to Q1k in the rotation direction of the photoconductors PRy to PRk. The areas where each of the photoconductors PRy to PRk and each of the developing devices Gy to Gk face each other form developing areas Q2y, Q2m, Q2c, and Q2k.

[0023] Primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k, which serve as an example of primary transfer means, are disposed downstream of the developing devices Gy-Gk in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive members PRy-PRk. Primary transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are formed by regions where the photosensitive members PRy-PRk and the primary transfer rollers T1y-T1k face each other. Photoconductor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk, which are an example of cleaning means, are arranged downstream of the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k with respect to the rotation direction of the photoconductors PRy to PRk.

[0024] The Y photoconductor PRy, charging roller CRy, exposure device LHy, developing device Gy, primary transfer roller T1y, and photoconductor cleaner CLy constitute a Y image forming unit Uy that forms a Y toner image and is an example of a Y visible image forming means in Example 1. Similarly, the M, C, and K image forming units Um, Uc, and Uk are constituted by the photoconductors PRm, PRc, and PRk, charging rollers CRm, CRc, and CRk, exposure devices LHm, LHc, and LHk, developing devices Gm, Gc, and Gk, primary transfer rollers T1m, T1c, and T1k, and photoconductor cleaners CLm, CLc, and CLk.

[0025] A belt module BM, which is an example of an intermediate transfer device, is disposed above the photoreceptors PRy to PRk. The belt module BM is an example of an image holding means, and has an intermediate transfer belt B, which is an example of an intermediate transfer means. The intermediate transfer belt B is made of an endless belt-shaped member. The intermediate transfer belt B in the first embodiment is rotatably supported by a tension roller Rt as an example of a tensioning means, a walking roller Rw as an example of a deviation correcting means, an idler roller Rf as an example of a driven means, a backup roller T2a as an example of an opposing means in the secondary transfer region, primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k, and a drive roller Rd as an example of a drive means. In the first embodiment, when drive is transmitted to the drive roller Rd, the intermediate transfer belt B rotates.

[0026] A secondary transfer roller T2b, which is an example of a secondary transfer means, is disposed at a position facing the backup roller T2a across the intermediate transfer belt B. The backup roller T2a and the secondary transfer roller T2b constitute a secondary transfer unit T2 of the first embodiment, which is an example of a transfer device. The area where the secondary transfer roller T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B contact each other constitutes a secondary transfer area Q4. A belt cleaner CLb, which is an example of a cleaning device for the intermediate transfer member, is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer region Q4 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. The primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer unit T2, etc. constitute a transfer device T1+T2+B of the first embodiment as an example of a transfer means. The image forming units Uy to Uk and the transfer device T1+T2+B constitute an image recording unit Uy to Uk+T1+T2+B of the first embodiment.

[0027] In Example 1, the walking roller Rw, which is an example of a second support means, is disposed above the backup roller T2a, which is an example of a first support means, in the direction of gravity. That is, the walking roller Rw, which is disposed immediately downstream of the backup roller T2a, is disposed above the direction of gravity. In Example 1, the drive roller Rd is disposed above the walking roller Rw in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt B in Example 1 is inclined upward toward the downstream side of the secondary transfer area Q4, which is an example of a final transfer area, with respect to the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. In Example 1, the angle θ1 that the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B makes with the horizontal after passing through the secondary transfer area Q4 is set to, for example, 15°.

[0028] The belt cleaner CLb in the first embodiment is disposed opposite the drive roller Rd. In the first embodiment, the walking roller Rw is disposed between the backup roller T2a and the drive roller Rd. However, this is not limiting. It is also possible to dispose the walking roller Rw at the position of the idler roller Rf, or to provide a separate mechanism for correcting misalignment and eliminate the walking roller Rw. In these cases, the drive roller Rd serves as the second support means and also functions as the drive means. Having the drive roller Rd function as both the second support means and the drive means has the advantage of reducing the number of parts. In contrast, by disposing the second support means (walking roller Rw) and the drive means (drive roller Rd) separately, as in the first embodiment, the positions of the second support means and the drive means can be independently moved, improving design flexibility and making it easier to accommodate the posture of the intermediate transfer belt B and the limitations of the internal space of the copier U.

[0029] In Fig. 1, below the imaging units Uy to Uk, sheet feed trays TR1 and TR2 are disposed as an example of a sheet feed unit. The sheet feed trays TR1 and TR2 are supported so as to be removable in the front-rear direction. The sheet feed trays TR1 and TR2 contain recording paper S as an example of a medium. In the first embodiment, the upper first paper feed tray TR1 is disposed so as to tilt upward from the right side, which is the upstream side, to the left side, which is the downstream side, in the conveyance direction of the recording paper S. In the first embodiment, the tilt angle θ2 of the bottom surface of the first paper feed tray TR1 with respect to the horizontal is set to 35°. The second lower paper feed tray TR2 is arranged horizontally along the conveyance direction of the recording paper. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the first upper paper feed tray TR1 can accommodate a larger maximum size of recording paper S than the second upper paper feed tray TR2.

[0030] A pickup roller Rp, which is an example of a take-out device, is disposed above and to the left of the paper feed trays TR1 and TR2. A separation roller Rs, which is an example of a separation device, is disposed downstream of the pickup roller Rp in the transport direction of the recording paper S. A paper feed path SH1, which is an example of a medium transport path, extends upward and is formed downstream of the separation roller Rs in the transport direction of the recording paper S. A plurality of transport rollers Ra, which are an example of a transport device, are disposed on the paper feed path SH1.

[0031] A manual feed tray TR0, an example of a paper feed means, is located in the lower left of the copier U. A pickup roller Rp0 is located in the upper right of the manual feed tray TR0, and a manual feed path SH0 extends from the manual feed tray TR0. The manual feed path SH0 merges with the paper feed path SH1. In the sheet feed path SH1, a registration roller Rr as an example of a conveyance timing adjustment unit is disposed upstream of the secondary transfer area Q4. A conveyance path SH2 extends from the registration roller Rr toward the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0032] A fixing device F, which is an example of a fixing means, is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer area Q4 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper S. The fixing device F has a heating roller Fh, which is an example of a fixing member for heating, and a pressure roller Fp, which is an example of a fixing member for applying pressure. The contact area between the heating roller Fh and the pressure roller Fp forms a fixing area Q5. A lower paper output tray TRh, which is an example of a medium output section, is formed on the top surface of the printer unit U1. A paper output path SH3, which is an example of a transport path, extends toward the lower paper output tray TRh above the fixing device F. A paper output roller Rh, which is an example of a medium transport means, is disposed at the downstream end of the paper output path SH3.

[0033] An upper discharge tray TRh2, which is an example of a medium discharge section, is disposed above the lower discharge tray TRh. An upper conveyance path SH4 is formed above the fixing device F, branching off from the discharge path SH3 and extending toward the upper discharge tray TRh2. A reversible roller Rb, which serves as an example of a medium transport means, is disposed on the upper transport path SH4. A reversing path SH6, which serves as an example of a medium transport path, branches off from the upper transport path SH4 to the lower left above the branch point of the discharge path SH3 and the upper transport path SH4. A gate GT1, which is an example of a switching means, is disposed across the branching portion between the discharge path SH3 and the upper conveying path SH4, and the branching portion between the upper conveying path SH4 and the reverse path SH6. The gate GT1 guides the recording paper S from the fixing device F toward the lower discharge tray TRh, and is supported switchably between a first guide position (second position) where the gate GT1 guides the recording paper S from the fixing device F toward the reverse path SH6 from the upper conveying path SH4, and a second guide position (first position) where the gate GT1 guides the recording paper S from the fixing device F to the upper conveying path SH4. A plurality of conveying rollers Ra, which are an example of a medium conveying means, are arranged on the reverse path SH6. The downstream end of the reverse path SH6 joins with the paper feed path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration rollers Rr.

[0034] (Explanation of image formation operation) In the copier U of the first embodiment having the above configuration, when an operator manually places an original Gi on the platen glass PG to make a copy, the reading unit U2a moves left and right from the initial position, and the original Gi on the platen glass PG is exposed to light and scanned. When the auto feeder U3 is used to automatically transport and copy the original Gi, multiple originals Gi stored in the original tray TG1 are transported sequentially to and pass through the original reading position on the platen glass PG, and then discharged onto the original discharge tray TG2. Each original Gi passing sequentially through the reading position on the platen glass PG is exposed to light and scanned by the reading unit U2a. Reflected light from the original Gi is received by the reading unit U2a. The reading unit U2a converts the received reflected light from the original Gi into an electrical signal. When double-sided reading of the original Gi is performed, the original Gi is also read by a reading sensor.

[0035] The image processing unit GS receives the electrical signals output from the reading unit U2a. The image processing unit GS converts the electrical signals of the R, G, and B color image read by the reading unit U2a into image information of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) for forming a latent image. The image processing unit GS outputs the converted image information to the writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1. Note that if the image is a single-color image, or a so-called monochrome image, the image processing unit GS outputs image information of only black (K) to the writing circuit DL. The writing circuit DL outputs a control signal corresponding to the input image information to the exposure devices LHy to LHk, which then output writing light according to the control signal.

[0036] When image formation begins, each photoconductor PRy-PRk is driven to rotate. A charging voltage is applied to the charging rollers CRy-CRk from a power supply circuit E. Therefore, the surfaces of the photoconductors PRy-PRk are charged by the charging rollers CRy-CRk. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the charged photoconductors PRy-PRk by exposure devices LHy-LHk in writing areas Q1y-Q1k. The electrostatic latent image on the photoconductors PRy-PRk is developed into a toner image, an example of an image, by developing devices Gy-Gk in development areas Q2y-Q2k.

[0037] The developed toner images are transported to primary transfer regions Q3y-Q3k that come into contact with intermediate transfer belt B, which is an example of an intermediate transfer body. In primary transfer regions Q3y-Q3k, a primary transfer voltage of a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner is applied from a power supply circuit E to primary transfer rollers T1y-T1k. Therefore, the toner images on each photoconductor PRy-PRk are transferred to intermediate transfer belt B by primary transfer rollers T1y-T1k. In the case of a multi-color toner image, the toner image transferred downstream is superimposed on the toner image transferred to intermediate transfer belt B in the upstream primary transfer region. After the primary transfer, residues and deposits on the photoconductors PRy to PRk are cleaned by photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk, and the cleaned surfaces of the photoconductors PRy to PRk are recharged by charging rollers CRy to CRk. The single-color or multi-color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k in the primary transfer areas Q3y to Q3k are transported to the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0038] The recording paper S on which an image is recorded is picked up by the pickup roller Rp of the paper feed tray TR1 or TR2 being used. If multiple sheets of recording paper S are picked up by the pickup roller Rp and are stacked, they are separated one by one by the separation roller Rs. The recording paper S separated by the separation roller Rs is transported along paper feed path SH1 by the transport roller Ra. The recording paper S transported along paper feed path SH1 is sent to the registration roller Rr. Recording paper S loaded on the manual feed tray TR0 is also sent to paper feed path SH1 by the pickup roller Rp0 via manual feed path SH0. The registration roller Rr transports the recording paper S to the secondary transfer area Q4 at the same time that the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is transported to the secondary transfer area Q4. A secondary transfer voltage of a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner is applied to the secondary transfer roller T2b by the power supply circuit E. Therefore, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt B to the recording paper S.

[0039] After the secondary transfer, the intermediate transfer belt B is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLb to remove any foreign matter adhering to the surface thereof. The recording paper S onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is heated and fixed when passing through a fixing area Q5. When the recording paper S with the fixed image is discharged to the lower paper discharge tray TRh, the gate GT1 moves to the first guide position. Therefore, the recording paper S sent out from the fixing device F is transported along the paper discharge path SH3. The recording paper S transported along the paper discharge path SH3 is discharged onto the lower paper discharge tray TRh by the paper discharge roller Rh.

[0040] When the recording paper S is discharged onto the upper discharge tray TRh2, the gate GT1 moves to the second guide position, and the recording paper S is discharged onto the upper discharge tray TRh2. When double-sided printing is performed on the recording paper S, the gate GT1 moves to the second guide position. Then, when the trailing edge of the recording paper S passes through the gate GT1, the gate GT1 moves to the first guide position and the reversing roller Rb rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, the recording paper S is guided by the gate GT1 and sent to the reversing path SH6.

[0041] (Frame diagram) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a frame portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the airflow in the narrow space portion of the first embodiment. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of wall members of the first embodiment, with FIG. 4A being an explanatory diagram of a first wall member and FIG. 4B being an explanatory diagram of a second wall member. 2, the copier U of the first embodiment has an upper frame 1 as an example of a second housing, and a lower frame 2 as an example of a first housing. The upper frame 1 houses image recording units Uy to Uk+T1+T2+B, a fixing device F, etc. The lower frame 2 houses paper feed trays TR1, TR2, etc.

[0042] The upper frame 1 has upper vertical frames 11-14, which are an example of vertical frames, arranged corresponding to the four corners of the vehicle, front, rear, left, and right. The upper vertical frames 11-14 extend in the vertical direction. A front horizontal frame 16F, which is an example of a horizontal frame, is supported between the lower part of the left front upper vertical frame 11 and the lower end of the right front upper vertical frame 12. A right horizontal frame 17, which is an example of a horizontal frame, is supported between the right front upper vertical frame 12 and the right rear upper vertical frame 14. A rear horizontal frame 16R is supported between the left rear upper vertical frame 13 and the right rear upper vertical frame 14. Although not shown or described, a horizontal frame is also supported between the left front upper vertical frame 11 and the left rear upper vertical frame 13.

[0043] An upper tie bar 18, which is an example of a first wall member, is supported below the right horizontal frame 17 between the right front upper vertical frame 12 and the right rear upper vertical frame 14. The upper tie bar 18 is made of a plate-shaped metal member, so-called sheet metal. In FIG. 4A, upper punched holes 18a, which are an example of a first ventilation means, are formed in the upper tie bar 18. The upper punched holes 18a are formed in a circular hole shape, and a plurality of them are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. The upper punched holes 18a in Example 1 are formed to have a width greater than the width in the front-rear direction of circuit boards (57a to 57c) described below.

[0044] A plate-shaped bottom plate 19, which serves as an example of a second inclined portion, is disposed below the upper frame 1. The plate-shaped bottom plate 19 is supported between the front and rear horizontal frames 16F, 16R. The bottom plate 19 of the first embodiment is disposed so as to incline upward from the left side (the other side of the main body of the image forming apparatus) to the right side (one side), corresponding to the inclination angle θ1 at which the intermediate transfer belt B and the photosensitive members PRy to PRk are disposed. Furthermore, a high-voltage power supply board 20, which serves as an example of a circuit board, is supported on the upper side of the bottom plate 19.

[0045] The lower frame 2 is provided with lower vertical frames 41-44, which are an example of vertical frames, corresponding to the upper vertical frames 11-14. The lower vertical frames 41-44 extend in the vertical direction. A front lower frame 46, which is an example of a horizontal frame, is supported between the upper end of the left front lower vertical frame 41 and the upper end of the right front lower vertical frame 42. A right lower frame 47, which is an example of a horizontal frame, is supported between the right front lower vertical frame 42 and the right rear lower vertical frame 44. Although detailed description will be omitted, horizontal frames are also supported at the lower ends between the left front lower vertical frame 41 and the left rear lower vertical frame 43, and between the left rear lower vertical frame 43 and the right rear lower vertical frame 44.

[0046] A lower tie bar 48, which serves as an example of a second wall member, is supported above the lower right frame 47 between the right front lower vertical frame 42 and the right rear lower vertical frame 44. The lower tie bar 48 is made of a plate-shaped metal member, or so-called sheet metal. In FIG. 4B, lower punched holes 48a, which serve as an example of a second ventilation means, are formed in the lower tie bar 48. Similar to the upper punched holes 18a, the lower punched holes 48a are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction and have a width greater than the front-rear width of circuit boards (57a-57c), which will be described later.

[0047] A plate-shaped ceiling plate 49 is disposed on the upper portion of the lower frame 2 as an example of a first inclined portion. The ceiling plate 49 is supported by the lower front frame 46, the lower right front vertical frame 42, the lower right rear vertical frame 44, etc. The ceiling plate 49 of the first embodiment is disposed so as to incline upward as it moves leftward, corresponding to the inclination angle θ2 of the first paper feed tray TR1. The left end (inner end) of the ceiling plate 49 extends toward the left end of the bottom plate 19.

[0048] Inside the copier U of Example 1, a space 51 is formed, surrounded by a bottom plate 19 and a ceiling plate 49. The space 51 has a shape in which the gap between the top and bottom becomes narrower as it moves from the right to the left. Therefore, the space 51 has a shape that narrows as it moves from the right to the back (left side). In other words, when viewed from the front, the space 51 is configured as a wedge-shaped space. The space 51 in the first embodiment is configured by connecting a wedge-shaped upper space 51b surrounded by the bottom plate 19 and the lower end of the upper frame 1 and a wedge-shaped lower space 51c surrounded by the ceiling plate 49 and the upper end of the lower frame 2. In other words, the space 51 is disposed across the upper frame 1 and the lower frame 2. The lower front frame 46 is disposed in front of the space 51, restricting access to the space 51 from the front.

[0049] An openable cover 52 that can open and close the interior of the space 51 is disposed at the right end of the space 51. Therefore, the openable cover 52 opens and closes an opening 51a that is surrounded by the tie bars 18, 48, the right front vertical frames 12, 42, and the right rear vertical frames 14, 44. Therefore, the opening 51a is also formed across the upper frame 1 and the lower frame 2. In the first embodiment, the opening / closing cover 52 does not have punch holes 18a and 48a.

[0050] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting frame portion of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, mounting frames 56, which serve as an example of mounting means, are supported on the upper side of the ceiling plate 49. Three sets of mounting frames 56, one for the front and one for the rear (only the front side is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. The right mounting frame 56a corresponds to the right part of the space 51 and is long in the vertical direction, with the vertical lengths gradually decreasing toward the central mounting frame 56b and the left mounting frame 56c.

[0051] A main board 57a, which is an example of a first cooled means and an example of a first detachable means, is detachably attached to the right (frontmost) mounting frame 56a. In FIG. 5, the main board 57a of the first embodiment is attached to the right mounting frame 56a via a connecting plate 58a, which is an example of a connecting means. The connecting plate 58a of the first embodiment is formed in a plate shape. The main board 57a is screwed to the connecting plate 58a at four corners: a front upper end 58a1, a front lower end 58a2, a rear upper end 58a3, and a rear lower end 58a4. The connecting plate 58a is not limited to a plate-shaped member, and can have any shape that allows the main board 57a to be connected, such as a window-frame-shaped member that surrounds the outer periphery of the main board 57a.

[0052] Furthermore, the connecting plate 58a is fastened to the right-side mounting frame 56a at two locations, one before and one after the fastening locations 58a5 and 58a6 in the vertical center, with screws as an example of fastening means. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the number of fastening locations 58a1 to 58a4 between the main board 57a and the connecting plate 58a (four locations) is set to be greater than the number of fastening locations 58a5 and 58a6 between the right-side mounting frame 56a and the connecting plate 58a (two locations). That is, in the first embodiment, the main board 57a is detachably supported on the right-side mounting frame 56a via the connecting plate 58a with two screws. Note that in the first embodiment, fastening operations such as fastening and removing the screws at the two fastening points 58a5 and 58a6 can all be performed from the same direction, that is, the right side, through the opening 51a. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the direction of the fastening operation is the same as the attachment / detachment direction in which the main board 57a is attached and detached integrally with the connecting plate 58a.

[0053] When the main board 57a of the first embodiment is attached to the right-side mounting frame 56a, a plurality of board connectors 59, which are an example of detachable terminals, are arranged on the right surface, i.e., the surface on the opening 51a side. The board connectors 59 are provided to energize elements on the main board 57a and to send and receive control signals. A main body connector 62, which is provided at the end of wiring 61 extending from the printer unit U1, is configured to be detachable by being inserted and removed in the left-right direction (i.e., the direction in which the main board 57a is attached and detached). The wiring 61 is arranged so as to surround the outside of the main board 57a, and the routed wiring 61 is fixed by known fixing means such as a harness guide or clamp (not shown).

[0054] In the first embodiment, the mounting frames 56a to 56c and the connecting plate 58a are made of sheet metal (iron), which is an example of a conductive metal material. Therefore, the boards 57a to 57c are grounded via the connecting plate 58a and the mounting frames 56a to 56c. The shorter the path length of the current, the more effective the current is, so it is preferable to have grounding at multiple locations. When grounding via screws, if the boards 57a to 57c are directly fixed to the mounting frames 56a to 56c, the current-carrying locations become the operation locations (fastening locations 58a1 to 58a4), which increases the number of operation locations and the number of operations. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the boards 57a to 57c are attached to the mounting frames 56a to 56c via the connecting plate 58a, and the screw fastening is performed at two fastening locations 58a5 and 58a6. Therefore, the number of operation points is reduced compared to when the boards 57a-57c are directly fixed to the mounting frames 56a-56c. Therefore, in the first embodiment, (the number of fastening points 58a1-58a4 where the boards 57a-57c and the connecting plate 58a are installed = 4) > (the number of points 58a5, 58a6 where the connecting plate 58a and the mounting frames 56a-56c are fastened = 2), and the number of current-carrying points from the boards 57a-57c is maintained at a large number of four, while the number of operation points is reduced to two.

[0055] A fixing board 57b, which is an example of the second cooled means and an example of the first detachable means, is detachably attached to the central mounting frame 56b. A print server board 57c, which is an example of the third cooled means and an example of the first detachable means, is detachably attached to the left (innermost) mounting frame 56c. The fixing board 57b and the print server board 57c of the first embodiment are attached to the mounting frames 56b and 56c via connecting plates (not shown) similar to the connecting plate 58a, which is an example of a connecting means, similar to the main board 57a, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, similar to the main board 57a, each of the boards 57b and 57c is provided with a board connector (not shown) on the right side surface.

[0056] Each of the substrates 57a to 57c is made of a plate-like substrate and is attached in a state that extends in the vertical direction. The upper and lower ends of each of the substrates 57a to 57c are disposed with a gap between them and the bottom plate 19 and the ceiling plate 49. In the first embodiment, the print server board 57c at the back is configured to have the smallest area, and the main board 57a at the front is configured to have the largest area. In the first embodiment, the main board 57a is configured to be the board that generates the most heat and requires the most cooling, and the print server board 57c is configured to be the board that requires the least cooling. In the first embodiment, on the opposite side of the space 51, that is, on the other side, a medium transport means such as the paper feed path SH1 and the transport path SH2 is arranged.

[0057] (Function of Example 1) In the copier U of Example 1 having the above configuration, the openable cover 52 can be opened to attach and detach the internal circuit boards 57a-57c. The circuit boards 57a-57c can be attached and detached through the opening 51a of the space 51. That is, the space 51 narrows from the right (front side) to the left (rear side), and the space 51 can be accessed from the right side, where the opening area is wider. Here, in Example 1, the lower front frame 46 is disposed in front of the space 51, and the circuit boards 57a-57c cannot be replaced from the front side of the space 51. A configuration without the lower front frame 46 would reduce the strength of the frames 1 and 2, which could lead to problems such as distortion, vibration, and abnormal noise. However, in Example 1, the lower front frame 46 is provided, ensuring the strength of the frames 1 and 2. Therefore, in Example 1, the strength of the frames 1 and 2 can be ensured while easily replacing the circuit boards 57a-57c in the space 51. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a plurality of substrates 57a to 57c are housed in the space 51, and the space 51 is used more effectively than when only one substrate is housed.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the boards 57a to 57c, which are made up of circuit boards connected to the wiring 61, are detachable. That is, the attachment and detachment work of the boards 57a to 57c that need to be connected to the wiring 61 is more complicated and troublesome than that of the boards that do not need to be connected to the wiring 61, and the work becomes more troublesome as the number of boards that need to be connected to the wiring 61 increases. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the work can be completed by sequentially attaching the print server board 57c at the back, the fixing board 57b in the center, and the main board 57a at the front and connecting them to the wiring 61, improving workability. In particular, in Example 1, the board connector 59 that connects to the wiring 61 is located on the right side, i.e., on the side of the opening 51a where the work is performed, making the work easier than if the board connector 59 were located on the left side.

[0059] Furthermore, in Example 1, the boards 57a to 57c are attached to the mounting frames 56a to 56c via a connecting plate 58a. While it is possible to attach the boards 57a to 57c to the mounting frames 56a to 56c at their four corners, attaching the boards 57a to 57c to the mounting frames 56a to 56c requires working at the corners of the opening, which can make the work difficult when handling fastening tools (screwdrivers) and the like. In contrast, in Example 1, in which the connecting plate 58a is used, the fastening positions between the connecting plate 58a and the mounting frames 56a to 56c can be set at positions different from the four corners, improving the workability of the attachment and detachment work.

[0060] In particular, in the first embodiment, the number of fastening points 58a5, 58a6 (two) between the mounting frames 56a-56c and the connecting plate 58a is fewer than the number of fastening points 58a1-58a4 (four) between the main board 57a and the connecting plate 58a. Fastening of the main board 57a to the connecting plate 58a does not need to be performed inside the narrow space 51, and can be performed in the spacious space outside the copier U. Therefore, even if there are many fastening points between the main board 57a and the connecting plate 58a, workability is not likely to deteriorate. Furthermore, although the fastening of the connecting plate 58a to the mounting frames 56a-56c is performed inside the narrow space 51, there are few fastening points. Therefore, in the first embodiment, workability is improved compared to a case where the main board is directly fastened to the mounting frame at four points without using the connecting plate 58a, which has many fastening points.

[0061] Furthermore, in Example 1, the direction of the fastening operation between the connecting plate 58a and the mounting frames 56a-56c is all set to the same direction (from the right side). Therefore, workability is improved compared to when the work direction is different at each of the fastening points 58a5, 58a6. In particular, in Example 1, the direction of the fastening operation is the same as the attachment / detachment direction of the boards 57a-57c, and the fastening operation can be performed through the wide opening 51a through which the boards 57a-57c are attached and detached. Therefore, workability is improved compared to when the direction of the fastening operation and the direction of the attachment / detachment of the boards 57a-57c are different.

[0062] Furthermore, in Example 1, the opening 51a of the space 51 is formed across the space between the upper frame 1 and the lower frame 2. That is, the right side of the copier U does not have a frame connecting the upper frame 1 in the front-to-rear direction at the bottom end, or a frame connecting the lower frame 2 at the top end. Therefore, the strength is lower than when a frame connecting the front and rear is provided. That is, in the copier U, the right side where the opening 51a is formed is more susceptible to distortion and deformation than the left side where the opening 51a is not formed. Deformation, etc., can cause fluctuations in the positions and spacing between the various components, and can reduce the accuracy of image formation. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the paper feed path SH1, the transport path SH2, and the like are arranged on the left side of the copier U, opposite the opening 51a on the right side. Therefore, the transport of the recording paper S and the secondary transfer area Q4, which require high accuracy in image formation, are arranged on the left side, which is relatively strong. That is, in the first embodiment, the transport paths SH1 and SH2, which require high accuracy, are arranged on the left side, which is strong, and the boards 57a to 57c are attached and detached from the right side through the opening 51a. In particular, the opening 51a spans the two frames 1 and 2, and no frame is provided midway through the opening 51a. This ensures a wider opening 51a than would be the case if a frame were provided midway. Therefore, the attachment and detachment operations are easier than if the opening 51a were narrow. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the accuracy of the transport and transfer of the recording paper S is ensured, and the ease of the attachment and detachment operations of the boards 57a to 57c is also ensured.

[0063] In the copier U of the first embodiment, when the boards 57a-57c are installed and the cover 52 is closed, the boards 57a-57c generate heat as they are energized. When the air in the space 51 is heated and rises, it is guided upward and to the right along the bottom surface of the bottom plate 19 and is exhausted through the upper punch hole 18a. As the gas is exhausted through the upper punch hole 18a, outside air flows into the space 51 from the outside through the lower punch hole 48a. The outside air that flows into the space 51 is guided leftward along the ceiling plate 49 and flows between the boards 57a-57c, cooling the boards 57a-57c. Therefore, the outside air that flows into the space 51 can cool the entire narrow space 51, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 3 .

[0064] In particular, in the first embodiment, the boards 57a to 57c are arranged in the vertical direction, the space 51 is divided by the boards 57a to 57c, and the air is easily guided along the boards 57a to 57c. Therefore, compared to when the boards 57a to 57c are arranged in the horizontal direction, the air flows more smoothly and the cooling efficiency is improved. Furthermore, in Example 1, the main board 57a, which is most in need of cooling among the multiple boards 57a to 57c, is arranged on the outside (the opening 51a side), that is, in a position close to the lower punch hole 48a. After cold outside air flows into the space 51, the air heats up on its way to the back of the space 51, and the closer to the outside, the lower the air temperature and the higher the cooling efficiency. Therefore, in Example 1, the cooling efficiency is higher than when components most in need of cooling are arranged on the back side of the narrow space 51.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the punch holes 18a, 48a are formed to a width greater than the width of the substrates 57a-57c in the front-to-rear direction, that is, to the outside. Therefore, the gas flowing in through the punch holes 18a, 48a can cool the entire width of the substrates 57a-57c. Therefore, the cooling efficiency is higher than when the punch holes 18a, 48a are formed only to the inside of the substrates 57a-57c. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, punch holes 18a, 48a are formed not in opening / closing cover 52 but in strong tie bars 18, 48, which are members that provide strength to copier U. Therefore, it is possible to improve the overall strength and rigidity of copier U compared to when punch holes 18a, 48a are formed in opening / closing cover 52 without providing tie bars 18, 48.

[0066] Furthermore, in Example 1, round punched holes 18a, 48a are formed as an example of ventilation means. The ventilation means can also be slit-shaped or square-shaped. However, compared to forming slits or square holes, round holes are more likely to prevent a decrease in the strength of the tie bars 18, 48. Therefore, in Example 1, it is easier to ensure the strength of the tie bars 18, 48 than when forming slits or square holes.

[0067] In the first embodiment, no transfer means, such as a fan or blower, for transferring gas from the space 51 is provided. Therefore, compared to using a fan or the like, manufacturing costs and power consumption can be reduced. It is also possible to provide a transfer means, such as a fan or blower, for exhausting heated gas from the space 51 or introducing outside air into the space 51. If a fan or blower is provided, the cooling performance can be stabilized by adjusting the amount of gas transferred by the fan or the like. Furthermore, fans or the like can be provided for both the upper punch hole 18a and the lower punch hole 48a, or for only one of them. If a fan or the like is provided for only one of them, it is more efficient to install it corresponding to the upper punch hole 18a, as this makes it easier to exhaust heated gas inside.

[0068] (Example of change) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below. (H01) In the above embodiment, a copier U is shown as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a fax machine or a multifunction machine having multiple functions such as a fax machine, printer, and copier. Also, the present invention is not limited to a multicolor image forming apparatus, but can be configured as a single-color, so-called monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0069] (H02) In the above-described embodiment, the specific numerical values ​​exemplified can be changed as appropriate in response to changes in design and specifications. Therefore, if the ease with which paper dust adheres to the intermediate transfer belt B changes depending on the surface material of the intermediate transfer belt, the inclination angle θ1 of the intermediate transfer belt B can also be changed accordingly. In addition, the inclination angle θ2 of the first paper feed tray TR1 can also be changed as appropriate in response to the maximum size of usable recording paper S and the width of the copier U. (H03) In the above embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt B is used as the image carrier, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also applicable to cases where an image carrier such as a photosensitive belt is used. (H04) In the above embodiment, the mounting frame 56 is fixed to the ceiling plate 49 fixed to the lower frame 2, but this is not limiting. It is also possible to fix it to the upper frame 1 or to the bottom plate 19.

[0070] (H05) In the above embodiment, the wiring 61 is connected to each of the boards 57a to 57c, but this is not limiting. It is also possible to use boards that are not connected to the wiring 61, i.e., boards that do not have board connectors 59. It is also possible that one or two of the three boards are connected to wiring, and the remaining boards are not connected to wiring. It is also possible to use removable means other than circuit boards, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk. (H06) In the above embodiment, it is desirable that the board connector 59 is provided on the surface of the boards 57a to 57c facing the opening 51a and configured to be insertable and removable along the direction in which the boards 57a to 57c are attached and detached, but this is not limitative. The board connector 59 may also be provided on the surface of the boards 57a to 57c opposite the opening 51a, or may be configured to be insertable and removable along a direction different from the direction in which the boards 57a to 57c are attached and detached.

[0071] (H07) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide a connecting plate 58a, but this is not limiting. For example, it is also possible to directly attach the circuit boards 57a-57c to the mounting frames 56a-56c. Also, it is desirable to have fewer fastening points between the mounting frames 56a-56c and the connecting plate 58a than between the main circuit board 57a and the connecting plate 58a, but this is not limiting. It is also possible to have the same number of fastening points, or to have more fastening points between the mounting frames 56a-56c and the connecting plate 58a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...second housing, 2...first housing, 19...second inclined portion, 49...first inclined portion, 56...mounting means, 57...attachment and detachment means, 58...Connection means, 59...detachable terminal, 61...wiring, 62...Fixed terminal, U...Image forming device.

Claims

1. a first housing; a second housing supported above the first housing; an attachment means provided on at least one of the first housing and the second housing; an opening formed on one side surface of the first housing and the second housing and spanning the first housing and the second housing; an attachment / detachment means disposed between the first housing and the second housing, detachably attached to the attachment means, and detachable through the opening along an attachment / detachment direction connecting one side surface and the other side surface of the first housing; Equipped with The position of the second housing is fixed relative to the first housing. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. A plurality of the attachment / detachment means are arranged at intervals along the attachment / detachment direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The attachment / detachment means is configured by a circuit board having wiring.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. A detachable terminal provided at an end of the wiring is detachable by being inserted into or removed from a fixed terminal provided on at least one of the first housing and the second housing along the attachment / detachment direction.

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

5. a connecting means detachably supported by the attaching / detaching means and detachably supported by the mounting means; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The number of fastening points between the detachable means and the connecting means is greater than the number of fastening points between the attachment means and the connecting means.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. When fastening the connecting means to the mounting means at a plurality of fastening points, all fastening operations are performed from the one side surface.

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

8. A conveying path along the other side of the image forming device, through which the medium is conveyed; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images