Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To achieve an image formation device that is small in operation power when operating an operation unit in comparison with a configuration of moving a detachable body from a first position to a second position, while being in contact with the detachable body in a plane at a right angle with a pressing plane of a positioning part when operating the operation unit to position the detachable body.SOLUTION: An image formation device 10 has: an image holding body unit 102 that is made detachable in a depth direction with respect to a device main body 10A; a lever 104 that is operated in a direction approaching the device main body 10A when positioning the image holding body unit 102 from a first position P1 to a second position P2; and a pressing member 120 that presses the image holding body unit 102 toward the second position P2 while being in contact with the image holding body unit 102 by the pressing plane 120A in an operation completion state of the lever 104. The pressing member 120 moves the image holding body unit 102 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 while being in contact with the image holding body unit 102 by an inclination plane 120B forming an obtuse angle with respect to the pressing plane 120A, following the operation of the lever 104.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1 below, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable, there is provided an operating means that can be shifted between a first position where the process cartridge is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and a second position where the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body and positioned. When the operating means is not in the first position or the second position, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is disclosed that is configured to bias the operating means toward the space between the first position and the second position.

[0003] In Patent Document 2 below, in an image forming apparatus including a rotary developing device in which a developing device main body is rotatably arranged and a plurality of developing units and a developer cartridge for supplying developer to the developing units are arranged along the rotation direction of the developing device main body, and an exchange cover for making the developer cartridge of the rotary developing device detachable, there is provided a lever member that rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the exchange cover and whose rotation operation is restricted by interfering with a part of the developer cartridge not mounted at an appropriate mounting position of the developing device main body, and a contact member provided on the exchange cover that contacts the lever member whose rotation operation is restricted when the developer cartridge is not mounted at an appropriate mounting position of the developing device main body and makes the exchange cover unable to be closed. An image forming apparatus is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that requires less operating force when operating the operating unit compared to a configuration in which the detachable body is moved from a first position to a second position while in contact with the detachable body at a right angle to the pressing surface of the positioning unit when the operating unit is operated to position the detachable body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment includes: a detachable body that is detachable in the depth direction from the main body of the image forming apparatus and is movable from a first position to a second position; an operating unit that is operated in a direction approaching the main body of the image forming apparatus when positioning the detachable body from the first position to the second position; and a pressing member that, when the operation of the operating unit is completed, presses the detachable body toward the second position while contacting it with a pressing surface, and moves the detachable body from the first position to the second position while contacting it with an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the pressing surface in conjunction with the operation of the operating unit.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the operating part comprises an operating part and a support part provided on the base side of the operating part and supporting the pressing member so as to be able to press it in the direction of the second position, the support part is provided with a projection that contacts the detachable body on the side further from the operating part than the inclined surface, and the projection is higher on the side of the operating part than on the side of the detachable body in the depth direction.

[0008] The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, wherein the operating unit is configured to rotate on the upper side in the vertical direction by a rotation axis located on the lower side in the vertical direction, and when the operating unit is rotated toward the main body of the image forming apparatus, the projection is located on the upper side of the support unit, and the pressing member presses the detachable body upward in the vertical direction to move it to the second position.

[0009] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, wherein the maximum height of the movement trajectory of the projection when the operating part is rotated is lower than the lower surface of the detachable body located at the second position.

[0010] The image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, further comprising a covering member that is movable between a closed position covering the inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus and an open position exposing the inside, and which contacts the operating part before operation when moved in the direction of the closed position, wherein the portion of the covering member that contacts the operating part over the entire operating range of the operating part is flat.

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is configured such that, in the image forming apparatus described in the fifth embodiment, the covering member is moved between the open position and the closed position by rotating the upper side in the vertical direction with a shaft portion located on the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0012] The image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the covering member is a collection box for collecting waste toner.

[0013] The image forming apparatus according to the eighth embodiment is the image forming apparatus according to the second or third embodiment, wherein the operating unit is provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0014] The image forming apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is configured such that, in the image forming apparatus described in the fifth embodiment, the tip of the operating part before operation is in surface contact with the covering member.

[0015] The image forming apparatus according to the tenth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first or fifth embodiment, further comprising a biasing member that biases the pressing member in the direction of the second position, wherein the center position of the biasing member in the biasing direction is positioned such that a moment acts on the rotation axis of the operating part toward the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0016] The image forming apparatus according to the 11th embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the gripping portion of the operating portion is shaped to cover the handle of the detachable body when the operating portion is moved to the side of the image forming apparatus body.

[0017] The image forming apparatus according to the 12th embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the operating unit is shaped such that by moving the operating unit toward the main body of the image forming apparatus, the detachable body is pushed from the first position to the rear of the main body of the image forming apparatus in the depth direction, and the detachable body is moved from the rear to the second position.

[0018] The image forming apparatus according to the 13th embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first or 12th embodiment, wherein the main body of the image forming apparatus is provided with a restricting part that restricts the movement of the detachable body in the direction of the second position before it is pushed into the back in the depth direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, when positioning the detachable body by operating the operating unit, the operating force required to operate the operating unit is smaller compared to a configuration in which the detachable body is moved from a first position to a second position while contacting the detachable body with a surface perpendicular to the pressing surface of the positioning unit.

[0020] According to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, compared to the case where the side of the support portion furthest from the operated portion is a flat surface, the detachable body can be moved in the depth direction of the image forming apparatus body by operating the operating portion.

[0021] According to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, compared to the case where the operating unit is arranged in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the detachable body can be pushed in the depth direction and lifted upward in the vertical direction by rotating the operating unit, thereby moving it to the second position.

[0022] According to the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the maximum height of the movement locus of the protrusion during the rotation of the operation unit is the same as the lower surface of the detachable body disposed at the second position, the detachable body can be pushed into the depth direction by the rotation operation of the operation unit, and then the detachable body can be lifted upward in the vertical direction and moved to the second position.

[0023] According to the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, when the covering member moves to the closed position, the operation unit is moved to the side of the image forming apparatus main body, and the detachable body can be positioned at the second position, as compared with the configuration in which the operation unit is caught by the convex portion of the covering member.

[0024] According to the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, when the covering member moves to the closed position, the operation unit can be smoothly moved to the side of the image forming apparatus main body and the detachable body can be positioned, as compared with the case where the other end side in the width direction of the covering member is rotated by the shaft portion provided at one end in the width direction of the covering member.

[0025] According to the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the covering member is less likely to deform when the operation unit is pushed in, as compared with the flat plate-shaped covering member.

[0026] According to the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the cost can be reduced, as compared with the case where the operation unit is provided on the detachable body.

[0027] According to the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, when the covering member moves to the closed position, the operation unit can be smoothly moved to the side of the image forming apparatus main body and the detachable body can be positioned, as compared with the case where the portion other than the tip of the operation unit before the operation is in surface contact with the covering member.

[0028] According to the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the operation unit can be suppressed from unintentionally moving to the side opposite to the image forming apparatus main body, as compared with the case where the rotation axis of the operation unit is disposed on the extension line of the center position in the biasing direction of the biasing member.

[0029] According to the image forming apparatus of the 11th embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the gripping portion of the operating unit does not cover the handle of the detachable body, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation in which the detachable body is pulled out before operating the operating unit.

[0030] In the image forming apparatus according to the 12th embodiment, compared to the case in which the detachable body is moved from a first position to a second position in a direction intersecting the depth direction by moving the operating unit toward the main body of the image forming apparatus, interference between the components of the detachable body and the main body of the image forming apparatus is suppressed.

[0031] According to the 13th embodiment of the image forming apparatus, compared to a case where a part of the detachable body does not come into contact with the image forming apparatus body before the detachable body is pushed to the back in the depth direction, interference between the parts of the detachable body and the image forming apparatus body is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a configuration diagram showing the image forming section of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus cover according to the first embodiment rotated to an open position where the interior is exposed. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is being rotated in the direction of the closed position where the inside is covered. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is in contact with the lever while being rotated in the direction of the closed position. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the pressing member at the base of the lever moves the image holding unit while the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is being rotated in the direction of the closed position. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the area near the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, showing the cover rotated to the closed position. [Figure 8]This is a cross-sectional view near the lever showing the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment rotated to the closed position. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view near the pressing member showing the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment rotated to the closed position. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the lever handle covers the handle of the image holding unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the image holding unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment inserted into the front side of the rear part in the depth direction of the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the area near the rear of the image holding unit when the image holding unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is inserted into the front side of the rear of the main body of the image forming apparatus in the depth direction. [Figure 13] (A) to (G) are enlarged diagrams showing, in order, the process of moving the image holder unit by the lever when the lever is rotated toward the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the image holder unit is set to the second position on the main body of the image forming apparatus by moving the lever. [Figure 15] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the area near the pressing member when the image holder unit is set to the second position on the main body of the image forming apparatus by moving the lever. [Figure 16] Figures (A) to (E) are enlarged diagrams showing a part of the process in Figure 13, illustrating the force acting on the image holder unit from the projection of the lever support and the state in which the image holder unit moves. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of the restricting section when the image holding unit is positioned on the front side of the rear end in the insertion direction of the image forming apparatus body. [Figure 18] This is a schematic perspective view showing the area around the image holder when the image holder unit is positioned on the front side of the innermost part in the insertion direction of the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 19]This is a cross-sectional view showing the lever caught on the cover when the cover of the image forming apparatus in the first comparative example is rotated in the closed position. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing the lever for fixing the image holder unit of the image forming apparatus in the first comparative example. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram showing the area near the base of the lever of the image forming apparatus in the first comparative example. [Figure 22] This is an enlarged configuration diagram showing a part of the image holder unit when the image holder unit of the first comparative example is positioned on the front side of the rear end in the insertion direction of the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, arrow H is in the vertical direction and indicates the up-down direction of the device, arrow W is in the horizontal direction and indicates the width direction of the device, and arrow D is in the horizontal direction and indicates the depth direction of the device.

[0034] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0035] (Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus) As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 70 that reads an image formed on a document G, an image forming unit 12 that forms a toner image using an electrophotographic method, and a transport unit 14 that transports a recording medium P along a transport path 16. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a storage member 18 that houses the recording medium P and a control unit 28 that controls the entire apparatus.

[0036] In the image forming apparatus 10 with the above configuration, the image reading device 70 reads the image formed on the original document G. The transport unit 14 transports the recording medium P housed in the storage member 18 along the transport path 16. Furthermore, the toner image formed by the image forming unit 12 is formed on the transported recording medium P, and the recording medium P on which the toner image has been formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus body 10A, which is an example of the image forming apparatus body.

[0037] [Image forming unit 12] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30, each forming a toner image of a different color, and a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed by the toner image forming units 30 to the recording medium P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred to the recording medium P by the transfer unit 32 to the recording medium P.

[0038] -Toner image forming unit 30- Multiple toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, a total of four toner image forming units 30 are provided for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the designations Y, M, C, and K will be omitted from the reference numerals.

[0039] Each toner image forming unit 30 is basically configured similarly, except for the toner used, and as shown in Figure 2, it includes a rotating cylindrical image holder 40 and a charger 42 for charging the image holder 40. Furthermore, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image holder 40 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image with a developer Z containing toner. Thus, each toner image forming unit 30 forms an image of each color using the corresponding color toner.

[0040] Furthermore, each colored image holder 40 is in contact with a circulating transfer belt 50 (details will be described later), as shown in Figure 1. In the circulating direction of the transfer belt 50 (see arrows in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0041] -Transfer section 32- As shown in Figure 1, the transfer unit 32 includes a transfer belt 50 and primary transfer rolls 52, each positioned on the opposite side of the image holders 40 of each color from the transfer belt 50, which transfer the toner images formed on the image holders 40 of each color to the transfer belt 50.

[0042] Furthermore, the transfer section 32 includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a drive roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits rotational force to the transfer belt 50. As a result, the transfer belt 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0043] Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 is positioned on the opposite side of the winding roll 56, with the transfer belt 50 in between, and includes a secondary transfer roll 54 that transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the recording medium P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50, which transfers the toner image to the recording medium P.

[0044] In this configuration, the toner image is first transferred to the transfer belt 50 by the primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Furthermore, the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 50 to the recording medium P, which is transported sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54, by the secondary transfer roll 54. In addition, The recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported toward the fuser unit 34.

[0045] - Fixing device 34 - As shown in Figure 1, the fixing device 34 is positioned downstream of the transfer nip NT in the transport direction of the recording medium P. The fixing device 34 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P to fix it to the recording medium P.

[0046] [Conveying section 14] As shown in Figure 1, the transport unit 14 includes a transport roll 20 that sends the recording medium P housed in the storage member 18 to the transport path 16, and a prevention roll 22 that prevents double feeding of the recording medium P sent out by the transport roll 20. Furthermore, the transport unit 14 includes an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing of the recording medium P sent to the transfer nip NT, and an discharge roll 26 that discharges the recording medium P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34 to the outside of the device body 10A.

[0047] Specifically, the discharge roll 26 transports the recording medium P from one side (left in the diagram) to the other side (right in the diagram) in the width direction of the device, and discharges it into the discharge section 36 formed in the main body 10A of the device. In other words, the discharge direction of the recording medium P on which the image has been formed is the other direction in the width direction of the device. The discharge section 36 is an example of a first discharge section.

[0048] [Image reading device 70] As shown in Figure 1, the image reading device 70 is located in the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10. The image reading device 70 includes a loading section 72 on which the original document G is placed, and a transport section 74 located on one side (left side in the figure) in the width direction of the apparatus relative to the loading section 72 and transporting the original document G. The transport section 74 transports the original document G using a plurality of transport rolls 76. Furthermore, the image reading device 70 includes a reading section 78 that reads the image of the original document G transported by the transport section 74, and an discharge section 80 from which the original document G, whose image has been read by the reading section 78, is discharged. The image reading device 70 is configured to read the image written on the original document G. In the image forming apparatus 10, an image is formed on the recording medium P in the image forming section 12 according to the image read by the image reading device 70.

[0049] (Main part configuration) Next, we will describe the configuration in which the image holding unit 102 (see Figure 3, etc.), which is a key component of the image forming apparatus 10, is attached to the main body 10A of the apparatus.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with a cover 100 that is movable between a closed position P3 (see Figure 7) that covers the inside of the apparatus body 10A and an open position P4 (see Figure 3) that exposes the inside of the apparatus body 10A. The image forming apparatus 10 is also equipped with an image holding unit 102 that is detachable from the apparatus body 10A, located inside the cover 100 within the apparatus body 10A. The image forming apparatus 10 is also equipped with a lever 104 for positioning the image holding unit 102 to a second position P2 on the apparatus body 10A. The cover 100 is an example of a covering member, and the image holding unit 102 is an example of a detachable part. The lever 104 is an example of an operating part.

[0051] [Image holder unit 102] The image holding unit 102 includes a housing 102A. For example, the housing 102A contains an image holder 40, a charger 42, and a developing device 46 (see Figure 2). The internal components of the housing 102A are changeable. Inside the cover 100 of the main body 10A, there is a space for mounting the image holding unit 102. The image holding unit 102 is replaceable by being attached to and detached from the main body 10A. In the image forming apparatus 10, for example, there are a total of four image holding units 102 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and each of the four image holding units 102 is detachably mounted on the main body 10A (see Figure 3).

[0052] The image holder unit 102 is detachable from the device body 10A in the depth direction (direction D). For example, the depth direction (direction D) of the device body 10A is the direction along the axial direction of the image holder 40 (see Figure 2) of the image holder unit 102. The image holder unit 102 is movable from a first position P1 (see Figure 6), which is a position other than the position where it is positioned on the device body 10A, to a second position P2 (see Figure 8), which is the position where it is mounted and positioned on the device body 10A. That is, the second position P2 is the mounting position where the image holder unit 102 is positioned on the device body 10A.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10, the cover 100 side of the housing 102A of the image holder unit 102 is provided with a handle 133 for the operator to grasp when attaching or detaching the image holder unit 102. The handle 133 extends from the front of the housing 102A towards the front in the depth direction (D direction). At least the upper part of the handle 133 is provided with a plurality of protrusions spaced apart along the depth direction (D direction) to facilitate the operator's grip. This allows the operator to grasp the handle 133 and attach or detach the image holder unit 102 to the device body 10A in the depth direction (D direction).

[0054] [Cover 100] As shown in Figure 3, the cover 100 is rotated upward and downward by a shaft located on the lower side in the vertical direction, moving between an open position P4 (see Figure 3) and a closed position P3 (see Figure 7). The device body 10A is provided with an opening 11, and the cover 100 is configured to close the opening 11 when rotated to the closed position P3 (see Figure 7). The open position P4 is when the cover 100 is rotated outward relative to the device body 10A. When the cover 100 is rotated to the open position P4, one end of the image holding unit 102 inside the device body 10A in the depth direction (direction D) (i.e., the front side in the depth direction) is exposed.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cover 100 comes into contact with the lever 104 before operation as it moves from the open position P4 to the closed position P3 (direction of arrow A). As the cover 100 rotates in direction A, the lever 104 slides upward (direction of arrow B) while contacting the bottom surface 112B of the cover 100, making it possible to move the lever 104 toward the device body 10A (direction of arrow C) (see Figure 5).

[0056] The inside of the cover 100 is provided with a planar inner surface 110A that runs in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the cover 100. Furthermore, the inner surface 110A is provided with a recess 112A that is indented in the thickness direction of the cover 100, and a planar inner surface 112B is formed inside the recess 112A. In the first embodiment, the inner surface 110A and inner surface 112B that contact the lever 104 are planar throughout the entire operating range of the lever 104 on the cover 100. The inner surface 110A and inner surface 112B are examples of the parts that contact the lever 104.

[0057] As an example, the recesses 112A and inner surface 112B of the cover 100 are provided at positions corresponding to the four levers 104 that move the four image holding units 102 to the second position P2.

[0058] For example, cover 100 is a collection box for collecting waste toner. Although not shown in the illustration, the inside of cover 100 is provided with a storage compartment for storing waste toner from the image forming unit 12.

[0059] [Lever 104] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the lever 104 is an elongated member, positioned such that its longitudinal direction aligns with the vertical direction of the device body 10A when moved toward the device body 10A. The lever 104 has a pivot shaft 114 at its lower base portion 104A in the vertical direction, and its tip portion 104B rotates vertically (see Figure 6). The lever 104 is operated in the direction toward the device body 10A (direction of arrow C in Figure 5) when positioning the image holding unit 102 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. As an example, the lever 104 is rotatably mounted on the device body 10A.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, the base portion 104A of the lever 104 is provided with a pressing member 120 that, when the operation of the lever 104 is completed, contacts the image holding unit 102 with a pressing surface 120A and presses the image holding unit 102 toward the second position P2. Furthermore, a coil spring 118 is provided as an example of a biasing member that biases the pressing member 120 toward the second position P2. The lever 104 includes a support portion 115 that supports the coil spring 118. The support portion 115 is integrally formed with the base portion 154A. In the first embodiment, one end of the coil spring 118 is in contact with the support portion 115, and the other end of the coil spring 118 is in contact with the pressing member 120. The lever 104 also includes a guide portion 116 that is arranged along the expansion and contraction direction of the coil spring 118 and guides the pressing member 120.

[0061] The pressing surface 120A of the pressing member 120 is positioned in a direction that intersects (for example, perpendicular to) the biasing direction of the coil spring 118. This allows the pressing member 120 to press the image holder unit 102 toward the second position P2, which is the biasing direction of the coil spring 118.

[0062] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the pressing member 120 is provided with an inclined surface 120B that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the pressing surface 120A. The inclined surface 120B is provided on the side opposite to the cover 100 with respect to the pressing surface 120A. The pressing member 120 is configured to move the image holding unit 102 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 while contacting the image holding unit 102 with the inclined surface 120B as the lever 104 is rotated in the direction toward the device body 10A (arrow C direction).

[0063] The angle between the pressing surface 120A and the inclined surface 120B of the pressing member 120 is preferably 120° or more and 165° or less, more preferably 130° or more and 155° or less, and even more preferably 135° or more and 150° or less.

[0064] The support portion 115 has a plate-like portion, and one end of the coil spring 118 is in contact with the plate-like surface. In the first embodiment, the upper side of the support portion 115 is provided with a wall surface that extends along the expansion and contraction direction of the coil spring 118 on the side opposite to the cover 100 relative to the coil spring 118 (see Figures 6 and 8), but the support portion 115 may also be configured without a wall surface.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the center position of the coil spring 118 in the biasing direction (the position indicated by arrow E) is positioned such that a moment acts on the lever 104 relative to its rotation axis 114, causing the lever 104 to move toward the device body 10A. In other words, the center position of the coil spring 118 in the biasing direction (the position indicated by arrow E) is offset relative to the center 114C of the rotation axis 114 in the direction that the cover 100 closes.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, etc., the tip portion 104B of the lever 104 is provided with a gripping portion 124 that is bent away from the device body 10A relative to the middle portion of the lever 104. The gripping portion 124 is formed in an L-shape relative to the middle portion of the lever 104 when viewed from a direction along the device width direction (W direction). When the operator grips the gripping portion 124 of the lever 104 to position the image holder unit 102 at the second position P2 of the device body 10A, it becomes easier to operate the lever 104 in the direction toward the device body 10A (direction of arrow C in Figure 5).

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, before operation, the lever 104 is rotated outward (downward in the vertical direction in this example) relative to the device body 10A, with the tip 104B of the lever 104 facing outward. In the image forming apparatus 10, when the cover 100 is rotated toward the closed position P3, the tip 104B of the lever 104 before operation makes surface contact with the cover 100 (see Figures 4 and 5). More specifically, the tip 104B of the lever 104 before operation makes contact with the planar inner surface 110A and the planar inner surface 112B of the cover 100. As a result, the cover 100 pushes the lever 104, making it possible to move the lever 104 toward the device body 10A (i.e., in the operating direction of the lever 104).

[0068] As shown in Figure 10, the gripping portion 124 of the lever 104 is formed in an L-shape as described above. The gripping portion 124 of the lever 104 is shaped to cover the handle 133 of the image holding unit 102 when the lever 104 is moved toward the device body 10A.

[0069] (Image forming apparatus of the first comparative example) Here, we will describe the configuration and problems of the image forming apparatus in the first comparative example.

[0070] Figure 19 is an enlarged configuration view showing the area around the cover 502 and lever 504 of the image forming apparatus 500 of the first comparative example. As shown in Figure 19, in the image forming apparatus 500, the image holder unit 506 is detachable in the depth direction (direction D) of the apparatus body 500A. As shown in Figure 20, in the image forming apparatus 500, after the image holder unit 506 is inserted to the innermost part in the depth direction of the apparatus body 500A, the lever 504 is rotated toward the apparatus body 500A. This fixes the image holder unit 506 in the mounting position on the apparatus body 500A. The cover 502 is, for example, a collection box for collecting waste toner.

[0071] As shown in Figure 21, a spring 512 is provided at the base 504A of the lever 504, with one end in contact with the plunger 510. The other end of the spring 512 is in contact with the base 504A of the lever 504.

[0072] In the image forming apparatus 500, the image holding unit 506 is provided with a lever 504, a plunger 510, and a spring 512. By rotating the lever 504 toward the apparatus body 500A, the spring 512 pushes the guide (mounting surface) side of the apparatus body 500A, lifting the image holding unit 506 upwards and positioning the image holding unit 506 toward the apparatus body 500A (see Figure 21).

[0073] In the image forming apparatus 500, if the lever 504 is rotated toward the apparatus body 500A side and the cover 502 is rotated toward the closed position, the cover 502 will interfere with the lever 504 (see Figure 19), which may make the operator realize that they have forgotten to operate the lever 504. If the operator rotates the cover 502 toward the closed position without realizing that they have forgotten to operate the lever 504, the following problems will occur.

[0074] As shown in Figure 19, a spring 512 is positioned between the base 504A of the lever 504 and the plunger 510. In cross-sectional view, the base 504A of the lever 504 is rectangular in shape with the upper corner in the depth direction (D) cut out. The base 504A of the lever 504 is provided with a pressing surface 505A that presses the image holder unit 506 into the mounting position. In addition, the base 504A of the lever 504 has a side surface 505B formed in a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface 505A, and the side surface 505B contacts the image holder unit 506 when the lever 504 rotates. In other words, the base 504A of the lever 504 is not provided with a guide shape that moves the image holder unit 506 to the mounting position on the device body 500A when the lever 504 rotates. Therefore, the operating force required for lever 504 may be high, and lever 504 may not lift smoothly (it may not rotate towards the device body 500A).

[0075] Furthermore, the inner surface 502A of the cover 502 is provided with a curved convex portion 502B to avoid internal components of the cover 502 (not shown). As a result, the tip of the lever 504 may catch on the convex portion 502B, preventing the lever 504 from lifting (i.e., from rotating towards the device body 500A).

[0076] (Operation and effects of the first embodiment) Next, the operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0077] The image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment is provided with an image holding unit 102 that is detachable from the apparatus body 10A in the depth direction (D direction) and movable from a first position P1 to a second position P2. The image forming apparatus 10 is also provided with a lever 104 that is operated in a direction toward the apparatus body 10A when positioning the image holding unit 102 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a pressing member 120 that, when the operation of the lever 104 is completed, contacts the image holding unit 102 with a pressing surface 120A and presses the image holding unit 102 toward the second position P1 (see Figure 8).

[0078] In the first embodiment, a coil spring 118 is placed between the pressing member 120 and the support portion 115, and the coil spring 118 causes the pressing surface 120A of the pressing member 120 to press the image holding unit 102 toward the second position P1 (see Figure 8).

[0079] Furthermore, the pressing member 120 is provided with an inclined surface 120B that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the pressing surface 120A. As a result, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, the pressing member 120 moves the image holder unit 102 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 while contacting the image holder unit 102 with the inclined surface 120B in response to the operation of the lever 104.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the inclined surface 120B and the pressing surface 120A of the pressing member 120 contact the lower surface 103 of the image holding unit 102, and by pressing the image holding unit 102 upward, the image holding unit 102 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (Figures 6 and 8). reference).

[0081] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the operating force required to operate the lever 104 is smaller compared to a configuration in which the detachable body is moved from a first position to a second position while contacting the detachable body with a surface perpendicular to the pressing surface of the positioning unit when operating the operating unit to position the detachable body. For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, the operating force required to operate the lever 104 is smaller compared to a configuration in the image forming apparatus 500 of the first comparative example in which the base portion 504A of the lever 504 has a side surface 505B perpendicular to the pressing surface 505A that contacts the image holding unit 506 while moving the image holding unit 506 to the mounting position.

[0082] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a cover 100 that is movable between a closed position P3 that covers the inside of the apparatus body 10A and an open position P4 that exposes the inside. When the cover 100 moves toward the closed position P3, it contacts the lever 104 before operation. In addition, the inner surface 110A and inner surface 112B of the cover 100 that contact the lever 104 throughout the lever 104's entire operating range are flat.

[0083] As a result, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the cover 100 moves toward the closed position P3, the inner surface 110A and inner surface 112B of the cover 100 come into contact with the tip 104B of the lever 104, making it possible to push the lever 104 toward the device body 10A.

[0084] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared to the configuration in the first comparative example where the lever 504 catches on the convex portion 502B of the cover 502 when the cover 502 moves to the closed position, the lever 104 is moved towards the apparatus body 10A when the cover 100 moves to the closed position P3, thereby positioning the image holding unit 102 to the second position P2.

[0085] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the cover 100 is configured to move between an open position P4 and a closed position P3 by rotating its upper side in the vertical direction using a shaft located on the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0086] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared to the case where the other end of the cover in the width direction is rotated by a shaft provided at one end of the cover in the width direction, the lever 104 can be moved smoothly towards the apparatus body 10A when moving the cover 100 to the closed position P3, thereby positioning the image holding unit 102.

[0087] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, the cover 100 is a collection box for collecting waste toner.

[0088] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the cover 100 is less likely to deform when the lever 104 is pressed, compared to a flat plate-shaped cover.

[0089] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, the lever 104 is provided on the apparatus body 10A.

[0090] Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can reduce costs compared to the case where the lever is provided on the image holding unit.

[0091] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the tip portion 104B of the lever 104 before operation is in surface contact with the cover 100.

[0092] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared to the case where a part of the lever other than the tip before operation is in surface contact with the cover, the lever 104 can be moved smoothly toward the apparatus body 10A when the cover 100 moves to the closed position P3, thereby positioning the image holding unit 102.

[0093] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with a coil spring 118 that biases the pressing member 120 toward the second position P2. The center position of the coil spring 118 in the biasing direction (see arrow E) is positioned such that a moment acts on the rotation axis 114 of the lever 104 toward the apparatus body 10A (see Figure 9).

[0094] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared to the case where the rotation axis of the lever is located on the extension of the center position in the biasing direction of the coil spring, it is possible to suppress the lever 104 from unintentionally moving to the opposite side of the apparatus body 10A.

[0095] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the gripping portion 124 of the lever 104 is shaped to cover the handle 133 of the image holding unit 102 when the lever 104 is moved towards the apparatus body 10A.

[0096] Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the gripping portion of the lever does not cover the handle of the image holding unit, the image forming apparatus 10 can suppress the erroneous operation of pulling out the image holding unit 102 before operating the lever 104.

[0097] <Second Embodiment> Next, the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. Note that components identical to those of the first embodiment described above will be given the same numbers and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in Figure 11, the image forming apparatus 150 of the second embodiment is equipped with a lever 154 as an example of an operating part, in place of the lever 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. The lever 154 is rotatably supported on the apparatus body 150A, which is an example of the image forming apparatus body.

[0099] (Configuration of lever 154) The lever 154 comprises a tip portion 154B and a base portion 154A opposite to the tip portion 154B. The tip portion 154B is an example of the operated portion, and the base portion 154A is an example of the base side. Similar to the lever 104 of the first embodiment, the lever 154 is configured so that its upper side rotates in the vertical direction by a rotation axis 114 located on the lower side in the vertical direction. A coil spring 118 and a support portion 156 that supports the coil spring 118 are provided on the base portion 154A side of the lever 154. More specifically, one end of the coil spring 118 is in contact with the support portion 156 which is integrally formed with the base portion 154A, and the other end of the coil spring 118 is in contact with the pressing member 120. As a result, the pressing member 120 is supported so that it can be pressed in the direction of the second position P2 by the coil spring 118 supported by the support portion 156 (see Figure 15). The coil spring 118 and the support portion 156 are examples of support portions that support the pressing member 120 so that it can be pressed in the direction of the second position P2.

[0100] As shown in Figure 11, the support portion 156 is provided with a projection 158 that contacts the image holding unit 102 on the side of the pressing member 120 that is further from the tip portion 154B than the inclined surface 120B. The projection 158 protrudes such that the side of the tip portion 154B of the lever 154 is higher than the side of the image holding unit 102 in the depth direction (direction D). More specifically, in the state of the lever 154 before operation as shown in Figure 11 (i.e., when the lever 154 is rotated to the opposite side from the device body 150A), the protrusion height of the projection 158 is higher on the side of the tip portion 154B of the lever 154 than the side of the image holding unit 102 in the depth direction (direction D).

[0101] As shown in Figure 15, with the lever 154 rotated toward the device body 150A, the projection 158 is positioned above the support portion 156. For example, the projection 158 has a triangular shape that protrudes toward the rear in the depth direction (direction D) of the device body 150A from a position lower than the pressing surface 120A of the pressing member 120 (see Figure 15).

[0102] As shown in Figure 15, the pressing member 120 presses the image holder unit 102 upward in the vertical direction with its pressing surface 120A, moving it to the second position P2.

[0103] Figures 13(A) to 13(G) show the process by which the projection 158 and the pressing member 120 move the image holder unit 102 when the lever 154 rotates toward the device body 150A (direction of arrow C). Figures 14 and 15 show the state in which the image holder unit 102 is positioned at the second position P2 of the device body 150A by the pressing member 120 when the rotation of the lever 154 toward the device body 150A is complete. Figures 16(A) to 16(E) schematically show the movement trajectory of the projection 158 and the state of the force acting from the projection 158 on the image holder unit 102 when the lever 154 rotates toward the device body 150A (direction of arrow C), corresponding to the states in Figures 13(A) to 13(E).

[0104] As shown in Figures 13(A) to 13(G), 14 and 15, the lever 154 is shaped such that, by rotating the lever 154 toward the main body 150A, the image holder unit 102 is pushed from the first position P1 to the back of the main body 150A in the depth direction (direction D), and the image holder unit 102 is moved from the back to the second position P1. More specifically, as shown in Figures 13(A) to 13(D), a projection 158 is provided on the support part 156 on the base part 154A side of the lever 154, so that the projection 158 contacts the image holder unit 102, and the projection 158 pushes the image holder unit 102 from the first position P1 to the back of the main body 150A in the depth direction (direction D). For example, the projection 158 contacts the front corner of the lower surface 103 of the image holding unit 102, and the projection 158 pushes the image holding unit 102 from the first position P1 to the back of the device body 150A in the depth direction (direction D).

[0105] Then, as shown in Figure 13(E), by further rotating the lever 154 toward the main body 150A, the projection 158 slides under the lower surface 103 of the image holder unit 102, and the projection 158 slides along the lower surface 103 of the image holder unit 102. Then, as shown in Figure 13(F), the area near the inclined surface 120B of the pressing member 120 comes into contact with the lower surface 103 of the image holder unit 102. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13(G) and 15, by further rotating the lever 154 toward the main body 150A, the pressing surface 120A of the pressing member 120 comes into contact with the lower surface 103 of the image holder unit 102, pressing the lower surface 103 of the image holder unit 102 upward in the vertical direction and moving it to the second position P2.

[0106] As shown in Figure 16(D), the maximum height of the movement trajectory of the projection 158 when the lever 154 is rotated is lower than the installation position T3 of the lower surface 103 of the image holding unit 102 located at the second position P2.

[0107] (Configuration other than lever 154) As shown in Figure 17, the main body of the device 150A is provided with a restricting portion 170 that restricts the movement of the image holding unit 102 in the direction of the second position P2 before it is pushed to the rear in the depth direction (direction D). In the second embodiment, a rib 182 is provided at the bottom of the image holding unit 102 that protrudes laterally toward the main body of the device 150A along the depth direction (direction D). The restricting portion 170 is provided on the upper and lower side of the main body of the device 150A relative to the rib 182, in a position that overlaps with a part of the rib 182. As a result, before the image holding unit 102 is pushed to the rear in the depth direction (direction D), the rib 182 interferes with the restricting portion 170, preventing the image holding unit 102 from moving toward the upper second position P2 (see Figure 17).

[0108] Although not shown in the diagram, when the image holding unit 102 is pushed to the back in the depth direction (direction D), the rib 182 moves away from the position where it overlaps the restricting portion 170 in the vertical direction, so that the rib 182 does not interfere with the restricting portion 170. As a result, the image holding unit 102 can move in the direction of the second position P2, which is above in the vertical direction.

[0109] In the image forming apparatus 150, if the operator forgets to rotate the lever 154 toward the apparatus body 150A, the operator can rotate the lever 154 toward the apparatus body 150A by moving the cover 100 (Figure 11) to the closed position P3, similar to the first embodiment. The operation of moving the image holding unit 102 when the lever 154 rotates toward the apparatus body 150A is the same whether the lever 154 is operated manually or rotated by moving the cover 100 (Figure 11) to the closed position P3.

[0110] (Image forming apparatus of the first comparative example) Here, we will explain the configuration and problems of the first comparative example, the image forming apparatus 500.

[0111] As shown in Figure 20, in the first comparative example image forming apparatus 500, the image holding unit 506 is inserted into the apparatus body 500A to the innermost part in the depth direction (direction D). Then, by rotating the lever 504 toward the apparatus body 500A, the image holding unit 506 is positioned in the mounting position on the apparatus body 500A. As shown in Figure 21, a spring 512 is provided on the base portion 504A of the lever 504, with one end in contact with the plunger 510, and the other end of the spring 512 is in contact with the base portion 504A of the lever 504.

[0112] In the image forming apparatus 500, the lever 504 is rotated toward the apparatus body 500A, and the spring 512 pushes the guide (mounting surface) side of the apparatus body 500A while lifting the image holding unit 506 upward, thereby positioning the image holding unit 506 toward the apparatus body 500A.

[0113] In the image forming apparatus 500, the insertion direction of the image holder unit 506 and the pressing direction when positioning the image holder unit 506 are different. As shown in Figure 22, the image holder unit 506 is provided with a rail portion 520 along the depth direction (direction D). The apparatus body 500A is provided with a protrusion 530 that interferes with the rail portion 520 of the image holder unit 506 when the image holder unit 506 is not inserted to its innermost part in the depth direction (direction D). As a result, the rail portion 520 of the image holder unit 506 comes into contact with the protrusion 530 of the apparatus body 500A, restricting the upward movement of the image holder unit 506.

[0114] Therefore, unless the image holder unit 506 is inserted to the innermost part in the depth direction (D direction) of the device body 500A, the rail portion 520 of the image holder unit 506 will hit the protruding portion 530 of the device body 500A, and the lever 504 will not be able to be lifted.

[0115] In the image forming apparatus 500 described above, if the image holding unit 506 is not inserted all the way to the deepest part of the apparatus body 500A in the depth direction (D direction), and an attempt is made to position the image holding unit 506 on the apparatus body 500A, the lever 504 will not move toward the apparatus body 500A, which may be mistaken for a malfunction or failure. If the lever 504 is forced toward the apparatus body 500A, there is a possibility that the lever 504 will be damaged.

[0116] (Operation and effects of the second embodiment) Next, the operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. In addition to the operation and effects of the image forming apparatus 150 of the second embodiment, which has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the following operation and effects can be obtained.

[0117] In the image forming apparatus 150, the lever 154 is equipped with a coil spring 118 and a support portion 156 on the base portion 154A side, which support the pressing member 120 so that it can be pressed in the direction of the second position P2. The support portion 156 is provided with a projection 158 that contacts the image holding unit 102 on the side of the lever 154 that is further from the tip portion 154B of the lever 154 than the inclined surface 120B of the pressing member 120. The projection 158 is higher on the side of the tip portion 154B of the lever 154 than on the side of the image holding unit 102 in the depth direction (direction D) (see Figure 11).

[0118] As shown in Figures 13(A) to 13(D), when the lever 154 is rotated toward the main body 150A (i.e., in the direction of arrow C), the projection 158 comes into contact with the image holding unit 102, and the projection 158 pushes the image holding unit 102 from the first position P1 toward the back of the main body 150A in the depth direction (direction D). For example, the projection 158 comes into contact with the front corner of the lower surface 103 of the image holding unit 102, and the projection 158 pushes the image holding unit 102 from the first position P1 toward the back of the main body 150A in the depth direction (direction D).

[0119] As shown in Figure 12, for example, as a first position P1 other than the position where it is positioned on the main body 150A, the shaft portion 180 of the image holder 40 in the image holder unit 102 may be at a position T2 in front of the set position T1 in the depth direction (direction D). In this state, as shown in Figures 13(A) to 13(D), when the lever 154 is rotated in the direction of the main body 150A (direction of arrow C), the projection 158 pushes the image holder unit 102 from the first position P1 to the back of the main body 150A in the depth direction (direction D).

[0120] At this time, as shown in Figure 16(A), the projection 158 of the lever 154 pushes the lower surface 103 of the image holder unit 102 diagonally upward, as indicated by the force F. Forces are applied to the lower surface 103 of the image holder unit 102 from the projection 158 in the upward direction (see F1) and the insertion direction (see F2). The upward force F1 moves along the slope of the projection 158, which balances the gravity of the image holder unit 102. For example, when the projection 158 contacts the corner of the lower surface 103 on the front side in the insertion direction (direction D) of the image holder unit 102, a force F2 in the insertion direction is applied from the projection 158, and the image holder unit 102 is pushed into the back of the device body 150A in the depth direction (direction D).

[0121] As shown in Figures 16(B) and 16(C), as the lever 154 is rotated toward the main body 150A and the slope of the projection 158 becomes steeper, the force F2 in the insertion direction gradually increases, and the position where the image holding unit 102 balances gravity moves further in the insertion direction (direction D). As a result, the image holding unit 102 is pushed further into the depth direction (direction D) of the main body 150A.

[0122] As shown in Figure 16(D), when the image holder unit 102 hits the back of the device body 150A in the depth direction (direction D), the projection 158 slips under the lower surface 130 of the image holder unit 102 and slides along the lower surface 130 of the image holder unit 102 (see Figure 16(F)). The maximum height of the movement trajectory of the projection 158 when the lever 154 is rotated is lower than the installation position T3 of the lower surface 130 of the image holder unit 102, which is positioned at the second position P2. For this reason, the projection 158 slips under the lower surface 130 of the image holder unit 102.

[0123] As shown in Figures 13(F) and 13(G), when the projection 158 passes over the lower surface 130 of the image holder unit 102, the pressing member 120 pushes up the lower surface 130 of the image holder unit 102, pressing and fixing the image holder unit 102 to the second position P2. As an example, in the image forming apparatus 150, as shown in Figure 18, a positioning part 172 is provided on the front side of the apparatus body 150A in the depth direction (D direction), extending downward from the top of the apparatus body 150A. Although not shown, the upper part of the housing 102A on the front side of the image holder unit 102 in the depth direction (D direction) abuts against the positioning part 172 of the apparatus body 150A, pressing and fixing the image holder unit 102 to the second position P2.

[0124] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 150, the support portion 156 of the lever 154 is provided with a projection 158 that contacts the image holding unit 102 on the side further from the tip portion 154B than the inclined surface 120B of the pressing member 120.

[0125] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 150, compared to the case where the side of the support part furthest from the tip of the lever is flat, the image holding unit 102 can be moved in the depth direction of the apparatus body 150A by operating the lever 154.

[0126] Furthermore, the lever 154 is configured to rotate on its upper side in the vertical direction by a rotation axis 114 located on its lower side in the vertical direction. When the lever 154 is rotated toward the device body 150A, the projection 158 is located above the support portion 156 (see Figures 14 and 15). The pressing member 120 presses the image holding unit 102 upward in the vertical direction, moving it to the second position P2.

[0127] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 150, compared to the case where the levers are arranged in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the rotational operation of the lever 154 allows the image holding unit 102 to be pushed in the depth direction and simultaneously lifted upward in the vertical direction, moving it to the second position P2.

[0128] Furthermore, the maximum height of the movement trajectory of the projection 158 when the lever 154 is rotated is lower than the lower surface 103 of the image holding unit 102 located at the second position P2 (see the installation position T3 of the lower surface 103) (see Figure 16(D)).

[0129] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 150, compared to the case where the maximum height of the movement trajectory of the projection when the lever is rotated is the same as the lower surface of the image holding unit positioned at the second position, the rotation operation of the lever 154 allows the image holding unit 102 to be pushed in the depth direction (direction D), and then lifted upward in the vertical direction to move the image holding unit 102 to the second position P2.

[0130] Furthermore, the lever 154 is shaped such that, by moving the lever 154 towards the main body 150A, the image holding unit 102 is pushed from the first position P1 to the back of the main body 150A in the depth direction (direction D), and the image holding unit 102 is moved from the back to the second position P2. In the second embodiment, the projection 158 of the lever 154 pushes the image holding unit 102 from the first position P1 to the back of the main body 150A in the depth direction (direction D).

[0131] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 150, compared to the case where the image holding unit is moved from the first position to the second position in a direction intersecting the depth direction by moving the lever toward the apparatus body, interference between the components of the image holding unit 102 and the apparatus body 150A is suppressed.

[0132] Furthermore, the main body 150A of the device is provided with a restricting portion 170 that restricts the image holding unit 102 from moving in the direction of the second position P2 before it is pushed to the back in the depth direction (D direction). In the second embodiment, the rib 182 of the image holding unit 102 interferes with the restricting portion 170 of the main body 150A, preventing the image holding unit 102 from moving to the second position P2 on the upper side in the vertical direction.

[0133] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 150, interference between the parts of the image holding unit 102 and the apparatus body 150A is suppressed compared to a case where a part of the image holding unit 102 does not come into contact with the apparatus body before the image holding unit 102 is pushed to the back in the depth direction. For example, contact between the image holder 40 of the image holding unit 102 and the apparatus body 150A is suppressed.

[0134] <Other> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the design can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0135] In the first embodiment, the lever 104 is provided on the main body 10A of the device, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the lever 104 may be provided on the image holding unit 102.

[0136] In the second embodiment, a projection 158 is provided on the support portion 156 of the lever 154, but the shape of the projection 158 can be changed. Also, the position in which the projection 158 contacts the image holding unit 102 when the lever 154 is rotated toward the device body 150A, and the shape of the image holding unit 102 can be changed as appropriate, as long as the projection 158 can push the image holding unit 102 in the depth direction (direction D).

[0137] <Note> (((1))) An image forming apparatus comprising: a detachable body that is detachable in the depth direction from the main body of the image forming apparatus and is movable from a first position to a second position; an operating unit that is operated in a direction approaching the main body of the image forming apparatus when positioning the detachable body from the first position to the second position; and a pressing member that, when the operation of the operating unit is completed, presses the detachable body toward the second position while contacting it with a pressing surface, and moves the detachable body from the first position to the second position while contacting it with an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the pressing surface in conjunction with the operation of the operating unit. (((2))) The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein the operating part comprises an operating part and a support part provided on the base side of the operating part and supporting the pressing member so as to be able to press it in the direction of the second position, the support part is provided with a projection that contacts the detachable body on the side further from the operating part than the inclined surface, and the projection is higher on the side of the operating part than on the side of the detachable body in the depth direction. (((3))) The operating unit is configured such that its upper side rotates in the vertical direction by a rotation axis located on the lower side in the vertical direction, and when the operating unit is rotated toward the main body of the image forming apparatus, the projection is located on the upper side of the support unit, and the pressing member presses the detachable body upward in the vertical direction to move it to the second position (((2))) the image forming apparatus as described in (((2))). (((4))) The image forming apparatus according to (((3))), wherein the maximum height of the movement trajectory of the projection when the operating part is rotated is lower than the lower surface of the detachable body positioned at the second position. (((5))) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), comprising a covering member that is movable between a closed position covering the inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus and an open position exposing the inside, and which contacts the operating part before operation when moved in the direction of the closed position, wherein the portion of the covering member that contacts the operating part over the entire operating range of the operating part is flat. (((6))) The covering member is configured to move between the open position and the closed position by rotating the upper part in the vertical direction with a shaft portion located on the lower part in the vertical direction. ((5))) (((7))) The covering member is a collection box for collecting waste toner, as described in (((5))) or (((6))) an image forming apparatus. (((8))) The operating unit is provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus as described in (((2))) or (((3))). (((9))) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (((5))) to (((8))), wherein the tip of the operating part before operation is in surface contact with the covering member. (((10))) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))), comprising a biasing member that biases the pressing member in the direction of the second position, wherein the center position of the biasing member in the biasing direction is positioned such that a moment acts on the rotation axis of the operating part toward the direction of the main body of the image forming apparatus. (((11))) The gripping portion of the operating portion is shaped to cover the handle of the detachable body when the operating portion is moved to the side of the image forming apparatus body, as described in any one of (((1))) to (((10))). (((12))) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((11))), wherein the operating unit is shaped to push the detachable body from the first position to the back of the image forming apparatus body in the depth direction by moving the operating unit toward the main body of the image forming apparatus, and move the detachable body from the back to the second position. (((13))) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((12))) is provided with a restricting part that restricts the detachable body from moving in the direction of the second position before it is pushed into the back part in the depth direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10 Image forming apparatus 10A Main unit of the device (an example of an image forming apparatus main unit) 100 Cover (an example of a covering material) 102 Image holding unit (an example of a detachable unit) 102A enclosure 103 Bottom surface 104 Lever (Example of an operating part) 104A Base 104B Tip section (an example of a tip) 110A Inner surface (an example of the part that comes into contact with the operating section) 112B Inner surface (an example of a part that comes into contact with the operating section) 114 Rotation axis 115 Support part 118 Coil spring (Example of biasing member, example of support part) 120 Pressing member 120A Pressing surface 120B Slope 124 Gripping part 130 Bottom surface 133 Handle 150 Image forming apparatus 150A Main unit (an example of an image forming apparatus main unit) 154 Lever (Example of an operating part) 154A Root section (an example of the root side) 154B Tip (example of operated part) 156 Support part 158 Protrusion 170 Regulatory Department P1 1st position P2 2nd position P3 closed position P4 open position

Claims

1. A detachable body that is detachable in the depth direction from the main body of the image forming apparatus and can move from a first position to a second position, An operating unit that is operated in a direction approaching the main body of the image forming apparatus when positioning the detachable body from the first position to the second position, A pressing member that, when the operation of the operating unit is completed, presses the detachable body toward the second position while contacting it with a pressing surface, the pressing member moves the detachable body from the first position to the second position while contacting it with an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the pressing surface as the operating unit is operated, An image forming apparatus having

2. The operating unit comprises an operated portion and a support portion provided on the base side of the operated portion and supporting the pressing member so as to be able to press it in the direction of the second position. The support portion is provided with a projection that contacts the detachable body on the side further away from the operated portion than the inclined surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the state prior to the operation, the projection is higher on the side of the operated portion than on the side of the detachable body in the depth direction.

3. The aforementioned operating unit is configured such that its upper side rotates in the vertical direction due to a rotating shaft located on the lower side in the vertical direction. With the operating section rotated toward the main body of the image forming apparatus, the projection is positioned above the support section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressing member presses the detachable body upward in the vertical direction to move it to the second position.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the maximum height of the movement trajectory of the projection when the operating part is rotated is lower than the lower surface of the detachable body positioned at the second position.

5. The image forming apparatus body is provided with a covering member that is movable between a closed position that covers the inside and an open position that exposes the inside, and which contacts the operating part before operation when moving in the direction of the closed position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the covering member that contacts the operating part over the entire operating range of the operating part is flat.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the covering member is configured to move between the open position and the closed position by rotating the upper part in the vertical direction with a shaft portion located on the lower side in the vertical direction.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the covering member is a collection box for collecting waste toner.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the operating unit is provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tip of the operating part before operation is in surface contact with the covering member.

10. The pressing member is provided with a biasing member that biases the pressing member in the direction of the second position, The center position of the biasing member in the biasing direction is such that the operating part is relative to the rotation axis of the operating part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 5, which is positioned such that a moment acts on the side that moves in the direction of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the gripping portion of the operating portion is shaped to cover the handle of the detachable body when the operating portion is moved to the side of the image forming apparatus body.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is shaped to push the detachable body from a first position to the rear of the image forming apparatus body in the depth direction by an operation to move the operating unit toward the main body of the image forming apparatus, and move the detachable body from the rear to a second position.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 12, wherein the main body of the image forming apparatus is provided with a restricting part that restricts the movement of the detachable body in the direction of the second position before it is pushed into the innermost part in the depth direction.

Images