CN101470396A - Image forming apparatus with a toner supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a main body; process cartridges each including a photosensitive drum and a developing roller; a body frame including an abutting portion and a protruding portion; a fixing member configured to rotate to a locked state in which the fixing member abuts the process cartridge with the abutment portion and an unlocked state in which the fixing member is spaced apart from the process cartridge by a certain interval; a spacing member moved to a spacing position where the developing roller is spaced apart from the photosensitive roller by a certain interval and a permission position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive roller; and a translation member that reciprocates in a straight line to shift the fixing member between the locked state and the unlocked state and to move the spacing member between the spacing position and the permitting position.

Description

image forming device

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-340751 filed on December 28, 2007 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-340761 filed on December 28, 2007, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference fully incorporated herein.

technical field

Apparatus and apparatus consistent with the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotographic color printer.

Background technique

Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2007-101636 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) describes a first related type of image forming apparatus. A first related type of image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic color printer such as a so-called tandem image forming apparatus in which photosensitive drums respectively corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are arranged in parallel.

In such a tandem image forming apparatus, a developing roller is provided in association with each photosensitive drum. In a state where the developing roller is kept in contact with the corresponding photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are driven to rotate. In this way, toner is supplied from the developing roller to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the electrostatic charge applied thereto, so that the toner image is carried on the photosensitive drum. In this way, color toner images corresponding to the respective colors of the photosensitive drum are formed on the photosensitive drum, and the toner images of the respective colors are sequentially transferred to the paper passing through the photosensitive drum in an overlapping manner, thereby forming color image. Alternatively, a black toner image is formed only on a black photosensitive drum, and this black toner image is transferred to paper, thereby forming a monochrome image on paper.

When forming a monochrome image, no toner image is formed on the drum other than the black drum, that is, no toner image is formed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan drums. As such, it would be advantageous if the corresponding developer rollers were spaced from the yellow, magenta and cyan photosensitive drums to prevent wear of these developer rollers.

Therefore, there has been proposed a tandem image forming apparatus in which a connecting-separating member movable linearly in the direction in which the photosensitive drums are arranged is provided, and the photosensitive drums are switched by the connecting-separating member to All color drums that are placed in the separated state with developer rollers spaced apart from their mating drums, the black drum's developer roller touching its mating roller and the yellow, magenta, and cyan drum's developer rollers away from their mating drums. The contact state of the black photosensitive drums with a certain interval of photosensitive rollers, and the connection status of all the color photosensitive drums where the developing rollers of all photosensitive drums contact their matching photosensitive rollers.

A photosensitive drum becomes deteriorated while being used, and it is no problem to replace the deteriorated photosensitive drum with a new one. When the photosensitive drum is detachably attached in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to easily replace the deteriorated photosensitive drum with a new one.

When the photosensitive drum is detachably installed in the main body of the device, in the case where the photosensitive drum is installed in a position deviated from the normal position or the photosensitive drum is shifted from the normal position, an error may be caused in forming an image at the proper position of the paper . That is, according to the related type of device described in Patent Document 1, a mechanism for fixing the photosensitive drum in place is required, which leads to a disadvantage that the structure of the image forming device becomes complicated.

Furthermore, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2000-250310 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) describes a second related type of image forming apparatus. This second related type of image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic printer such as an apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachably mounted in an apparatus main body.

In such a related image forming apparatus, for example, a pair of left and right guide units are provided inside a body casing. The photosensitive drums are respectively provided in the process cartridges. Each photosensitive drum is held within its respective process cartridge with both end portions of the shaft of the photosensitive drum protruding laterally outward from both side walls of the casing. When installing the process cartridge in the body casing, the process cartridge is inserted into the body casing, and both ends of the shaft (drum shaft) of the photosensitive drum are guided by the guide unit. Then, when the end portion of the drum shaft abuts against a predetermined portion of the guide unit, the movement of the process cartridge is restricted so that the process cartridge is installed in the body casing.

However, according to the related type of apparatus described in Patent Document 2, when the process cartridges are installed into the body casing of the printer, in some cases, some of the process cartridges are forcibly inserted into the body casing. When this happens, both ends of the drum shaft are forcibly abutted against predetermined portions of the guide unit, so that both ends of the drum shaft and predetermined portions of the guide unit have an impact action. If this impact repeatedly acts on the end of the drum shaft and a predetermined portion of the guide unit while the process cartridge is repeatedly installed in and removed from the body case, it will cause deformation of the predetermined portion of the guide unit or the shell of the process cartridge. Risk of loss of the part of the housing where the drum shaft is inserted into the body, thus allowing small errors in the correct positioning of the photosensitive drum.

Contents of the invention

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention address the above disadvantages and others not mentioned. However, the present invention is not intended to overcome the disadvantages described above, and thus an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may not overcome any of the problems described above.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of not only attaching and separating a developing roller to and from a mating photosensitive drum, but also fixing and releasing the developing roller with a simple structure. photosensitive drum.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a shock from acting on an abutment portion with which a process cartridge abuts when the process cartridge is mounted in its apparatus main body.

According to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an apparatus main body; a plurality of process cartridges detachably installed in the apparatus main body in a manner of being arranged in parallel in the apparatus main body, and each process cartridge There is a photosensitive drum and a developing roller arranged in a manner facing the photosensitive drum; a body frame which is provided in the apparatus main body and has a plurality of abutting portions adapted to abut with the process cartridges respectively, and is provided to be in contact with the respective process cartridges. A plurality of protrusions associated with the cartridge and protruding in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum; a plurality of fixing members supported on the protrusions, which are rotatable around the protrusions to be transferred to the fixing member pressed against the process cartridge to make the process A locked state in which the cartridge is abutted against the abutment portion and transferred to an unlocked state in which the fixing member is spaced apart from the process cartridge; a plurality of spacer members associated with each process cartridge in the device main body can be moved to the spacer a member causing the developing roller to be separated from the photosensitive roller by a certain interval at a spaced position and a spaced member allowing the developing roller to contact the photosensitive roller at an allowable position; and a translating member arranged in a straight line in the direction along which the process cartridges are arranged in the apparatus main body The movement shifts the fixing member to a locked state and an unlocked state, and moves the spacer member to a spaced position and a permissive position by reciprocating linear motion.

Furthermore, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an apparatus main body; a process cartridge detachably installed in the apparatus main body; The body frame of the abutting part, and the preventing member, which is provided on the installation/detachment path of the process cartridge in which the preventing member is arranged in the apparatus main body to prevent the process cartridge from abutting against the abutting part, and the preventing member from being installed. The /removal path is retracted to allow movement between permitted positions where the process cartridge abuts against the abutment portion.

Description of drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which:

1 is a side sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 viewed from the right front of the process cartridge;

Figure 3 is a left side view of the process cartridge of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a top view of the process cartridge of Figure 2;

5 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 2 viewed from the right front of the drum cartridge;

6 is a perspective view of the inside of the body casing of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 viewed from the right front of the body casing;

Fig. 7 is a left side view of the left body frame of the body shell of Fig. 6;

8 is a perspective view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover interlocking mechanism of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 viewed from the front left of the driving force transmitting mechanism and the first cover interlocking mechanism;

9 is a left side view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism of FIG. 8 showing the top cover closed state;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism of FIG. 8 viewed from the right front of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism, showing the state that the top cover is closed;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the driving force transmission mechanism of FIG. 8 showing a closed state of the top cover;

Fig. 12 is a left side view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism of Fig. 8 showing the top cover open state;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism of FIG. 8 viewed from the right front of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism, showing a state where the top cover is opened;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the driving force transmission mechanism of Fig. 13 showing the state where the top cover is opened;

15A is a cross-sectional view of the drum drive transmission member of the driving force transmission mechanism of FIG. 8 showing the drum drive transmission member in an advanced position, and FIG. 15B is a sectional view of the driving force transmission mechanism of FIG. 8 showing the drum drive transmission member in a retracted position. A cross-sectional view of a drum drive transmission member;

16 is a perspective view of a drum main body, a flange member, a connecting member, and a drum drive transmission member of the driving force transmission mechanism of FIG. 10;

17A is a right side view of the drum drive transmission member of FIG. 16, FIG. 17B is a left side view of the connecting member of FIG. 16, and FIG. 17C is a left side view of the flange member of FIG. 16;

18A is a cross-sectional view of the development drive transmission member of the driving force transmission mechanism of FIG. 8 when the development drive transmission member is in an advanced position, and FIG. 18B is a development drive transmission of the driving force transmission mechanism of FIG. 8 when the development drive transmission member is in a retracted position sectional views of components;

19A is a right side view of a reciprocating member of the developing drive transmission member of FIG. 18A, and FIG. 19B is a left side view of a developing roller driven gear of the development drive transmission member of FIG. 18A;

Fig. 20 is a left side view of the locking mechanism of the first cover linkage mechanism of Fig. 8 showing the closed state of the top cover;

Fig. 21 is a left side view of the locking mechanism of the first cover linkage mechanism of Fig. 8 showing the open state of the top cover;

Fig. 22 is a right side view of a part of the right side body frame of the body case of Fig. 6 showing a closed state of the top cover;

Fig. 23 is a right side view of a part of the right side body frame of the body case of Fig. 6 showing the top cover open state;

FIG. 24 is a left side view of the connection and disconnection of the body housing of FIG. 6;

Fig. 25 is a right side view of a portion of the left body frame of the body case of Fig. 6 showing a closed state of the top cover;

Fig. 26 is a right side view of a part of the left body frame of the body case of Fig. 6 showing the top cover open state;

Fig. 27 is a left side view of the process cartridge, locking mechanism, and connecting and separating mechanism of the image forming apparatus of Fig. 1, showing a state where all developing rollers are in contact with the photosensitive drum;

Fig. 28 is a left side view of the process cartridge, locking mechanism and coupling and detaching mechanism of the image forming apparatus of Fig. 1, showing a state where yellow, magenta and cyan developing rollers are spaced apart from the photosensitive drum; and

Fig. 29 is a left side view of the process cartridge, locking mechanism and connecting and separating mechanism of the image forming apparatus of Fig. 1, showing a state where all developing rollers are spaced apart from the photosensitive drum;

Detailed ways

1. The overall structure of the printer

1 is a side sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; the image forming apparatus represents a type of printer.

Printer 1 is a tandem color printer. Four process cartridges 3 are arranged in parallel in association with respective colors of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan within a body casing 2 as an example of a main body of the apparatus. Each process cartridge 3 can be installed in or removed from the body case 2 in a state where a top cover 4 as an example of a cover on the upper side of the body case 2 is opened.

Each process cartridge 3 includes a drum cartridge 7 in which a photosensitive drum 5 and a scorotron charger 6 are held, and a developing cartridge 9 in which a developing roller 8 is held and detachably fitted to the drum cartridge 7 . The surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 6 and then selectively exposed by LEDs provided in the LED unit 10 . Therefore, a latent image according to the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 by electrostatic charge applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 . The respective electrostatic latent images thus formed are then visualized by the toner carried on the developing roller 8 , thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 .

Paper P is accommodated in a paper feed cassette 11 arranged at the bottom of the body casing 2 . Sheets P accommodated in the sheet feeding cassette 11 are conveyed one by one onto the conveyor belt 12 by various types of rollers. The conveyor belt 12 is arranged to face the four photosensitive drums 5 from below the photosensitive drums 5 . When the conveyor belt 12 runs, the paper P conveyed onto the conveyor belt 12 is conveyed to pass under the respective photosensitive drums 5 sequentially. Then, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred onto the paper P by the action of the transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 13 . The transfer rollers 13 are arranged to correspond to the respective photosensitive drums 5 on the other side of the conveyor belt 12 .

The paper P on which the toner image has been transferred is then conveyed to the fixing unit 14 . The toner image transferred onto the paper P is heat-fixed in the fixing unit 14 . Thereafter, the paper P is discharged into the paper discharge tray 15 by various types of rollers.

Note that when distinguishing a process cartridge 3 of a specific color from process cartridges 3 of other colors, a reference symbol is used after the reference number 3 to indicate a process cartridge of a certain color, such as K for black, Y for yellow, M for Magenta and C represent cyan. For example, a process cartridge 3K indicates a process cartridge loaded with black toner.

In addition, the upstream side of the conveyance direction in which the conveyor belt 12 conveys the paper P is considered to be the front side of the printer 1, and when the printer is described with respect to the horizontal or left-right positions of the printer, these positions are usually viewed from the front side of the printer 1. 1 basis. With regard to the process cartridge 3, in a state where the process cartridge 3 is horizontally arranged, the side where the developing cartridge 9 is arranged to face the photosensitive drum 5 is called the front side, and is sometimes referred to in vertical or up-and-down positions and left-right positions with respect to the process cartridge 3. In describing the process cartridge 3, these positions are based on the process cartridge 3 viewed from the front side of the process cartridge 3. FIG. Arrows indicate front-rear, up-down and left-right directions in the various drawings.

2. Process box

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 3 of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 viewed from the upper right thereof. Fig. 3 is a left side view of the process cartridge. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the process cartridge. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 7 of the process cartridge 3 of Figure 2 viewed from its upper right;

(1) drum box

As shown in FIG. 5 , the drum cartridge 7 includes a drum frame 21 . The drum frame 21 integrally has a pair of drum side walls 22 , 23 , a drum rear wall 24 , a drum upper wall 25 and a drum front wall 26 .

A pair of drum side walls 22, 23 are arranged to face each other with a space therebetween in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the drum side wall 22 on the left side includes a left side wall rear portion 27 , a left side wall middle portion 28 and a left side wall front portion 29 .

Viewed sideways, the left side wall rear portion 27 has a substantially triangular shape. A substantially cylindrical protecting portion 30 is formed to protrude laterally outward (leftward) at the left side wall rear portion 27 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the protection portion 30 protrudes so that the protrusion amount of the rear side portion 31 becomes smaller than the protrusion amount of the front side portion 32 . In addition, the end surface of the front side portion 32 and the end surface of the rear side portion 31 are connected to each other by an inclined surface that inclines closer to the left side wall rear portion 27 as it extends rearward. In addition, a through hole is formed at a portion surrounded by the protective portion 30 in the left side wall rear portion 27, and the left drum support member 33 is fitted into the thus formed through hole.

When viewed from the side lower than the left side wall rear portion 27 in height, the left side wall middle portion 28 has a substantially rectangular shape, and as shown in FIG. The lower portion of the front end of portion 27 extends forward, bends laterally outward along its length in the front-to-rear direction at the middle portion, and bends to the front again to extend further forward. In addition, at the bent portion 34 located in the middle along the length of the left side wall middle portion 28 and bent outward, by cutting out the left side wall middle portion 28 extending from the opening to a more rearward (reward) than the bent portion 34 An opening is formed in the left side wall intermediate portion 28 in such a manner that the resulting outer shape is substantially U-shaped, forming a fitting guide groove 35 . As shown in FIG. 3, in a state where the developing cartridge 9 is fitted to the drum cartridge 27, the plane including the upper surface of the fitting guide groove 35 passes through the center of rotation of the developing roller driven gear 61 to be described below. In addition, a long hole 36 having a smaller diameter in the front-rear direction than in the up-down direction is formed at a portion further forward than the bent portion in the left side wall intermediate portion 28 .

The left side wall front portion 29 is formed to extend obliquely upward from the front end edge of the left side wall middle portion 28 as the left side wall front portion 29 extends forward.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the drum side wall 23 includes a right side wall rear portion 37 , a right side wall middle portion 38 and a right side wall front portion 39 on the right side.

The right side wall rear portion 37 has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the side, and faces the left side wall rear portion 27 in the left-right direction. The right side drum support member 40 is fitted on the right side wall rear portion 37 .

When viewed from the side lower than the right side wall rear portion 37 in height, the right side wall middle portion 38 has a substantially rectangular shape, and as shown in FIG. The lower portion of the front end of the portion 37 extends forward, bends laterally outward at an intermediate portion along its length in the front-rear direction, and bends again to the front to extend further forward. In addition, at the bent portion 41 located in the middle along the length of the right side wall middle portion 38 and bent outward, by cutting off the portion of the right side wall middle portion 38 extending from the opening to a position further rearward than the bent portion 41 And an opening is formed in the right side wall intermediate portion 38 in such a manner that the resulting outer shape is substantially U-shaped, forming a fitting guide groove 42 . The assembly guide groove 42 faces the assembly guide groove 35 in the middle part 28 of the left side wall in the left-right direction, and the upper surface of the assembly guide groove 42 and the upper surface of the assembly guide groove 35 are positioned on the same plane.

The right side wall front portion 39 is formed to extend obliquely upward from the front end edge of the right side wall middle portion 38 as the right side wall front portion 39 extends forward.

The photosensitive drum 5 is held by the left side wall rear portion 27 of the drum side wall 22 and the right side wall rear portion 37 of the drum side wall 23 . The photosensitive drum 5 includes a drum main body 44 and a drum shaft 45 extending along the central axis of the drum main body 44 . Flange members 46 (the flange member 46 on the right side is not shown) are fixed to both end portions of the drum main body 44, and a drum shaft 45 is inserted into the center of each flange member 46 in a relatively rotatable manner. The right end portion of the drum shaft 45 is inserted into the right drum support member 40 in such a manner that its rotation relative to the drum support member 40 is inhibited. The right end protrudes rightward from the right drum support member 40 . On the other hand, the flange member 46 fixed to the left end portion of the drum main body 44 is held by the left drum support member 33 in a rotatable manner relative to the drum support member 33 . As such, the drum main body 44 of the photosensitive drum 5 is disposed rotatably about the drum shaft 45 between the left side wall rear portion 27 and the right side wall rear portion 37 .

In addition, the end surface of the left flange member 46 is exposed in a portion surrounded by the protective portion 30 . Then, the connection member 47 is fitted to the exposed end surface of the flange member 46 (refer to FIG. 3 ).

The drum rear wall 24 is provided to extend between the rear end portion of the drum side wall 22 and the rear end portion of the drum side wall 23 .

The drum upper wall 25 is provided to extend between the upper end portion of the left side wall rear portion 27 of the drum side wall 22 and the upper end portion of the right side wall rear portion 37 of the drum side wall 23 .

The drum front wall 26 is arranged to extend between the lower end portion of the left side wall front portion 29 of the drum side wall 22 and the lower end portion of the right side wall front portion 39 of the drum side wall 23, and is formed to follow the direction of the drum front wall 26. The front extends and slopes upwards. Pressing levers 48 for pressing the developing cartridge 9 toward the photosensitive drum 5 are provided at two positions on the drum front wall 26 , which are opposite to each other in the left-to-right direction of the drum front wall 26 across the central portion thereof.

(2) Developing cartridge

2 to 4, in the state where the developing cartridge 9 is assembled to the drum cartridge 7, the developing cartridge 9 is arranged between the left side wall middle part 28 and the left side wall front part 29 of the drum side wall 22 and the drum side wall 23. Between the middle part 38 of the right side wall and the front part 39 of the right side wall.

The developing cartridge 9 includes a casing 51 . The housing 51 has a box shape opened on its rear side. As shown in FIG. 1 , a developing roller 8 , a supply roller 52 , a layer thickness adjustment control blade 53 and an agitator 54 are included in a casing 51 . In addition, toner is accommodated inside the case 51 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the developing roller 8 is arranged to be exposed rearward from the housing 51 and is rotatably supported on both side walls 55 , 56 of the housing 51 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , substantially cylindrical developing roller shaft support members 57 , 58 are provided at rear end portions of both side walls 55 , 56 in such a manner as to protrude laterally outward. The developing roller shaft supporting members 57, 58 are arranged at positions facing each other in the left-to-right direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the developing roller 8 has a structure in which a metallic developing roller shaft 59 is covered with a rubber roller 60 made of conductive rubber. The developing roller 8 is rotatably supported on both side walls 55, 56 by rotatably inserting both end portions of the developing roller shaft 59 into the developing roller shaft supporting members 57, 58, respectively.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3 , a developing roller driven gear 61 into which a driving force for driving the developing roller 8 etc. is input is provided behind the developing roller shaft supporting member 57 on the left side wall 55 of the casing 51 (Note: FIG. should be seen from the front). In a state where the developing cartridge 9 is assembled to the drum cartridge 7 , the developing roller driven gear 61 faces the elongated hole 36 formed in the drum side wall 22 of the drum cartridge 7 . A rotational force acting in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3 is input to the developing roller driven gear 61 .

(3) Assembly of developing cartridge on drum cartridge

The developing cartridge 9 is assembled to the drum cartridge 7 from the front of the photosensitive drum 5 . The developing roller shaft supporting members 57, 58 respectively protruding leftward and rightward from the casing 51 of the developing cartridge 9 are fitted into the fitting guide grooves 35, 42, respectively. Then, by causing the developing cartridge 9 to be pressed to the rear, the developing cartridge 9 moves to the rear while the developing roller shaft supporting members 57, 58 are guided by the fitting guide grooves 35, 42, respectively. During such backward movement, the casing 51 of the developing cartridge 9 abuts against the pressing lever 48, and the casing 51 is pressed downward against the pressing force applied by the pressing lever 48, thereby completing the assembly of the developing cartridge 9 to the drum cartridge 7. . In this state, in the developing cartridge 9 , the developing roller 8 is pressed into contact with the photosensitive drum 5 by the pressing force of the pressing lever 48 . It is to be noted that gaps are respectively formed between the developing roller shaft supporting members 57 , 58 and the rear end portions of the guide grooves 35 , 42 in the assembled state.

3. Ontology framework

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the inside of the body case viewed from the right front of the body case.

The two body frames 62 , 63 are arranged spaced apart from each other within the body casing 2 . Viewed from the side, each body frame 62, 63 has a substantially rectangular shape. Viewed from the front side between the body frames 62, 63, the black process cartridge 3K, the yellow process cartridge 3Y, the magenta process cartridge 3M and the cyan process cartridge 3C are mounted in this order.

The body frames 62 , 63 are connected together by four round rod-shaped connecting members 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 . A connecting member 64 is provided in front of the black process cartridge 3K in such a manner as to extend between respective upper end portions of the body frames 62 , 63 . The connection member 65 is provided below the black process cartridge 3K in such a manner as to extend between respective lower end portions of the body frames 62 , 63 . A connecting member 66 is provided at the front of the cyan process cartridge 3C so as to extend between respective upper end portions of the body frames 62 , 63 . A connecting member 67 is provided at the front of the cyan process cartridge 3C so as to extend between respective lower end portions of the body frames 62 , 63 . Thus, the body frames 62, 63 and the four connecting members 64 to 67 provide a solid and strong structure that reduces twisting and deformation when the process cartridge 3 is mounted or detached.

(1) Left body frame

Fig. 7 is a left side view of the left body frame.

Four process cartridge guide grooves 71 are formed on the left side body frame 62 . The cartridge guide groove 71 is formed by cutting the body frame 62 from the upper edge of the body frame 62 . Each cartridge guide groove 71 has a width corresponding to the outer diameter of the protective portion 30 formed on the drum frame 21, and extends obliquely downward and rearward from the upper edge of the body frame 62 to the vertical central portion of the body frame 62. . A first abutting portion 72 and a second abutting portion 73 are formed at the lower end portion of the process cartridge guide groove 71. Viewed from the side protruding upward in the process cartridge guide groove 71, the first abutting portion 72 has a substantially rectangular shape, The second abutting portion 73 has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the side protruding forward in the cartridge guide groove 71 . Four cartridge guide grooves 71 are formed at equal intervals in the front-rear direction.

In addition, leftwardly protruding cylindrical protrusions 74 are provided at positions inclined downward and forward on the body frame 62 at intervals from the lower end portions of the respective cartridge guide grooves 71, respectively.

In addition, guide holes 75 penetrating the body frame 62 are respectively formed at positions on the body frame 62 at positions spaced forward and slightly obliquely downward from the respective protrusions 74 . The guide hole 75 has a straight hole portion 76 extending in the front-rear direction and a cross hole portion 77 extending obliquely downward and rearward from the rear end of the straight hole portion 76 . In the leading guide hole 75 among the four guide holes 75 , the linear hole portion 76 is formed longer than the linear hole portions 76 of the other guide holes 75 .

In addition, arc-shaped holes 187 respectively centered on the protrusions 74 are formed on the body frame 62 at positions in front of the respective cartridge guide grooves 71 and spaced apart from the respective protrusions 74 obliquely upward and forward.

(2) Right body frame

As shown in FIG. 6, four cartridge guide grooves 78 are formed on the right side body frame 63 at positions respectively facing the four cartridge guide grooves 71 formed on the left side body frame 62 in the left-right direction. The guide groove 78 is formed by cutting the body frame 63 from the upper edge thereof, and extends obliquely downward and rearward from the upper edge to the vertical center portion of the body frame 63 while narrowing as they extend downward.

Further, rightwardly protruding cylindrical protrusions 79 are provided at positions inclined downward and forward on the body frame 63 at intervals from the lower end portions of the respective cartridge guide grooves 78, respectively.

Guide holes 80 penetrating through the body frame 63 are respectively formed at positions on the body frame 63 that are spaced apart from each protruding portion 79 forwardly and slightly obliquely downward. The guide hole 80 has a straight hole portion 81 extending in the front-rear direction and a cross hole portion 82 extending obliquely downward and rearward from the rear end of the straight hole portion 80 . In the leading guide hole 80 among the four guide holes 80 , the straight hole portion 81 is formed longer than those of the other guide holes 80 .

4. Structure for transmitting driving force to the process cartridge

8 is a perspective view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage viewed from the left front of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage. 9 is a left side view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism showing the top cover closed state; FIG. 10 is the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism viewed from the right front of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism; A perspective view of the lid linkage, showing the top lid closed. Fig. 11 is a top view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism showing the top cover closed state; Fig. 12 is a left side view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover linkage mechanism showing the top cover open state; Fig. 13 is A perspective view of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover interlocking mechanism viewed from the right front of the driving force transmission mechanism and the first cover interlocking mechanism, showing a state in which the top cover is opened. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the driving force transmission mechanism showing the state where the top cover is opened;

Note that the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 and the connection and separation drive mechanism 211 which will be described below as examples of translation members are shown in the respective drawings from FIG. 8 to FIG. 14 . Also, FIG. 8 shows the process cartridge 3 and the top cover 4. As shown in FIG.

(1) Driving force transmission member

A driving force transmission mechanism 91 is provided outside the left body frame 62 (see FIG. 10 ) for transmitting the driving force to the process cartridge 3 . Note that in FIG. 8, although the body frame 62 is arranged between the four process cartridges 3 and the driving force transmission mechanism 91, the description of the body frame 62 is omitted to simplify the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the driving force transmission mechanism 91 includes four drum drive transmission members 92 , four development drive transmission members 93 and a drive linear motion cam 94 .

(1-1) Drum drive transmission member

Four drum drive transmission members 92 are provided in association with four process cartridges 3 . When the process cartridge 3 abuts against the preventing member 191, the drum drive transmission member 92 is arranged at a position corresponding to each connecting member 47 (see FIG. 3 ) provided on the photosensitive drum of its associated process cartridge 3 5 on. The blocking member 191 will be described later.

15A and 15B are sectional views of the drum drive transmission member 92 .

The drum drive transmission member 92 integrally includes a gear portion 95 and a convex portion 96 protruding rightward from a central portion of the gear portion 95 .

The gear portion 95 has a substantially annular plate shape. A plurality of gear teeth into which driving force is input from the drum motor are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gear portion 95 .

The convex portion 96 has a cylindrical proximal-side outer circumferential surface 97 having a common central axis with the gear portion 95 . In addition, the convex portion 96 has a cylindrical distal-side outer peripheral surface 98 having a common central axis with the gear portion 95 on the right side of the proximal-side outer peripheral surface 97 . The distal-side outer circumferential surface 98 is formed to have a smaller diameter than that of the proximal-side outer circumferential surface 97 . In addition, the protrusion 96 has an annular raised surface 99 and an annular distal surface 100, the raised surface 99 is connected to the distal edge of the proximal side outer peripheral surface 97 and the proximal edge of the distal side peripheral surface 98, the distal surface 100 is connected to the distal edge of the distal outer peripheral surface 98 . A linear engagement groove 101 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed on the distal end surface 100 to engage with the connection member 47 attached to the end surface of the flange member 46 (see FIG. 16 ). In addition, the convex portion 96 integrally includes a cylindrical portion 102 extending leftward from the peripheral edge portion of the opening in the distal end surface 100 .

In addition, a holder 103 is fitted on the outer surface of the body frame 62 in such a manner as to cover the driving force transmission mechanism 91 . Support shafts 104 are provided on the holder 103 in such a manner as to protrude from the holder 103 to extend rightward in association with the respective drum drive transmission members 92 . The support shaft 104 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 102 rotatably and slidably in the left-right direction. Thus, the drum drive transmission member 92 is rotatably supported about the support shaft 104, and is provided to move back and forth in the left-right direction between the advanced position shown in FIG. 15A and the retracted position shown in FIG. 15B. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8 , one end of a coil spring 105 disposed around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 102 is fixed to the drum drive transmission member 92 . The other end of the coil spring 105 is fixed to the holder 103 (see FIG. 15A ). The drum drive transmission member 92 is pressed rightward by the pressing force (elastic force) of the coil spring 105 .

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the drum main body, flange member, connecting member, and drum drive transmission member; FIG. 17A is a right side view of the drum drive transmission member 92 . Fig. 17B is a left side view of the connection member. Fig. 17C is a left side view of the flange member.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17A , the engagement groove 101 is formed on a straight line passing through the center of the distal end surface 100 of the drum drive transmission member 92 .

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17B , the connection member 47 integrally includes a flat cylindrical main body portion 106 , two first lateral protrusions 107 and two second lateral protrusions 108 , and the first lateral protrusions 107 are formed on the main body portion 106 . One end surface of the main body portion 106 is provided to protrude from the end surface, and the second lateral protrusion 108 is provided on the other end surface of the main body portion 106 . The first lateral protrusions 107 are arranged at two positions that are point-symmetrical to each other (180-degree rotational symmetry) with respect to the center of the main body portion 106 . The second lateral protrusions 108 are point-symmetrical to each other about the center of the main body portion 106 (180-degree rotational symmetry), and are arranged at two positions shifted by 90 degrees about the center of the main body portion 106 with respect to the first lateral protrusion 107 .

As shown in FIG. 17C , a substantially cylindrical drum-side engaging portion 109 is formed on the end surface of the flange member 46 so as to protrude leftward. The recesses 110 are formed at two positions that are point-symmetrical (180-degree rotational symmetry) to each other with respect to the center of the drum-side engaging portion 109 (flange member 46 ). In addition, the connecting member is connected with the drum side engaging portion 109 (the end surface of the flange member 46 ) so that the positions are fitted in the concave portion 110 by the second side of the connecting member 47 respectively in the direction in which the second lateral protrusions 108 are opposed to each other. Shift toward protrusion 108 .

In the state where the drum drive transmission member 92 advances to the advanced position shown in FIG. 15A, the first lateral projection 107 of the connecting member 47 fits into the engagement groove 101 of the drum drive transmission member 92, so that 47. The drum drive transmission member 92 and the drum side joint 109 form a so-called Oldham coupling. Thus, even in the case where a slight displacement in position occurs between the rotation center of the drum driving force transmission member and the rotation center of the flange member 46 (photosensitive drum 5), such displacement is allowed, and the drum driving transmission Rotation of member 92 is transmitted to flange member 46 .

(1-2) Development drive transmission member

As shown in FIG. 8 , four developing drive transmission members 93 are provided in association with each process cartridge 3 . When the process cartridge 3 is in a state of abutting against the preventing member 191, the developing drive transmission member 93 is arranged at a position where the developing drive transmission member 93 faces the developing roller driven gear 61 provided in its associated process Box 3 on.

18A and 18B are sectional views of the development drive transmission member 93 .

As shown in FIGS. 10 , 18A and 18B , the development drive transmission member 93 includes a development drive gear 111 , a reciprocating member 12 and a coil spring 113 .

The developing drive gear 111 integrally has a substantially disk-shaped gear body 114 and a substantially cylindrical guide core 115 protruding rightward from the gear body 114 .

A plurality of gear teeth into which a driving force is input from a developing motor (not shown) are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the gear main body 114 .

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B , the guide core 115 is formed such that its central axis coincides with that of the gear main body 114 . The guide core 115 has a distal core 116 having a relatively small first outer diameter at its distal end and a proximal core 117 having a relatively large second outer diameter at its proximal end. Two outer diameters. The outer circumferential surface of the distal core 116 and the outer circumferential surface of the proximal core 117 are continuous without difference in height by the inclined surface.

The reciprocating member 112 integrally includes a cylindrical distal cylindrical portion 118 with a relatively small first inner diameter, a cylindrical proximal cylindrical portion 119, an engaging portion 120 and a collar portion (collar portion) 121, the proximal cylindrical portion 119 Disposed near the left side of the distal cylindrical portion 118 and having a relatively large second inner diameter, the engagement portion 120 is disposed near the right side of the distal cylindrical portion 118 , and the ring portion 121 circumferentially protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the distal cylindrical portion 118 . The first inner diameter is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the first outer diameter of the distal core 116 . The second inner diameter is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the second outer diameter of the proximal core 117 . The guide core 115 is inserted into the reciprocating member 112 from the left. The reciprocating member 112 can reciprocate in the left-right direction relative to the guide core 115 , or move back and forth between an advanced position shown in FIG. 18A and a retracted position shown in FIG. 18B .

The coil spring 113 is provided around the circumference of the guide core 115 and arranged between the reciprocating member 112 and the gear main body 114 . The reciprocating member 112 is pressed rightward by the pressing force (elastic force) of the coil spring 113 .

In addition, in association with each developing drive transmission member 93 , a support shaft 128 is provided on the holder 113 in such a manner as to protrude from the holder 113 and extend rightward. By inserting the support shaft 128 into the guide core 115 in such a manner as to rotate without sliding, the developing drive gear 111 is supported so as to rotate about the support shaft 128 without sliding.

Fig. 19A is a right side view of the reciprocating member.

The engaging portion 120 of the reciprocating member 112 integrally includes a substantially cylindrical central portion 122 extending in the left-right direction and two abutment protrusions 123 connected to the peripheral surface of the central portion 122 . The two abutment protrusions 123 are arranged on a straight line passing through the center of the center portion 122 and formed in a shape having 180-degree rotational symmetry.

FIG. 19B is a left side view of the developing roller driven gear 61 .

A circular concave portion 124 is formed on the outer end surface of the developing roller driven gear 61 , and the circular concave portion 124 has substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the central portion 122 of the engagement portion 120 . In addition, two abutting portions 125 are provided on the outer end surface of the developing roller driven gear 61 along the circumference of the recessed portion 124 . Viewed from the side, each abutting portion 125 has a substantially L shape having a short side portion 126 and a long side portion 127 intersecting the short side portion 126 at right angles. The short side portion 126 of each contact portion 125 extends on a straight line passing through the center of the concave portion 124 . The long side portion 127 of each abutment portion 125 extends along a straight line passing through the center of the concave portion 124 and intersects the straight line passing through the two short side portions 126 at right angles with a certain interval therefrom. In addition, the two abutting portions 125 are rotationally symmetrical to each other by 180 degrees with respect to the center of the concave portion 124 .

In the state where the reciprocating member 112 advances to the advanced position shown in FIG. 18A , the central portion 122 of the engaging portion 120 fits in the recessed portion 124 of the developing roller driven gear 61 , and the abutting protrusion 123 of the engaging portion 120 The long side portion 127 of each abutting portion 125 abuts in the circumferential direction of the developing roller driven gear 61 . Therefore, in this state, when a rotational force is input into the development drive gear 111 and causes the reciprocating member 112 to rotate together with the development drive gear 111, the rotational force is transmitted from the respective abutment protrusions 123 to the respective abutment portions. 125, whereby the developing roller driven gear 61 rotates in the same direction as the reciprocating member 112.

Then, the distal core portion 116 and the proximal core portion 117 of the guide core portion 115, and the distal cylindrical portion 118 and the proximal cylindrical portion 119 have dimensions satisfying the following two conditions (1) and (2) in the left-right direction .

Condition (1): When the reciprocating member 112 is positioned at the retracted position shown in FIG. 18B and a part of each abutting protrusion 123 of the reciprocating member 112 abuts each abutting portion 125 of the developing roller driven gear 61 In the state between the positions, the distal core 116 of the guide core 115 is arranged in the distal cylindrical portion 118 of the reciprocating member 112, and the proximal core 117 of the guide core 115 is arranged at the proximal end of the reciprocating member 112 Inside the cylindrical part 119.

Condition (2): In the state where the reciprocating member 112 advances to the advanced position shown in FIG. 18A , the proximal core portion 117 of the guide core 115 moves away from the inside of the proximal cylindrical portion of the reciprocating member 112, and the guide core 115 The distal core portion 116 is arranged inside the proximal cylindrical portion 119 of the reciprocating member 112 .

In a state where the reciprocating member is advanced to the advanced position, the radial clearance of the reciprocating member relative to the guide core 115 is increased by the above operation. Thus, even in a state where a positional shift occurs between the rotation center of the developing roller driven gear 61 and the rotation center of the development drive transmission member 93 (development drive gear 111), if the shift value between the rotation centers falls within the reciprocating Within the radial gap range of the moving member 112 relative to the guide core 115 , the displacement is allowed, and the rotational force is preferably transmitted from the developing drive transmission member 93 to the developing roller driven gear 61 .

(1-3) Drive linear cam

As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 13 and 14, the driving linear motion cam 94 is a part that is elongated in the front-rear direction and is assembled to the body frame 62 (see FIG. 6 ) in a manner to reciprocate along a straight line in the front-rear direction. . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 , the driving linear motion cam 94 includes a rectangular plate-shaped body portion 131 elongated in the front-rear direction, four first cam portions 132 integrally formed on the body portion 131 , and four first cam portions 132 integrally formed on the body portion. Four second cam parts 133 on 131.

The main body part 131 is disposed parallel to the body frame 62 . Four holes 134 are formed on the main body portion 131 . The holes 134 are respectively formed at positions where the holes 134 face the four developing drive transmission members 93 in the left-to-right direction. Each hole 134 has a long hole shape that extends in the front-rear direction and has a size that allows the reciprocating member 112 of the developing drive transmission member 93 to be inserted and withdrawn vertically. As shown in FIG. 10 , the development drive transmission members 93 respectively face rear end portions of the holes 134 in a state where the drive linear motion cams 94 are arranged at relatively forward positions. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13 , the development drive transmission members 93 respectively face front end portions of the holes 134 in a state where the drive linear motion cams 94 are arranged at relatively rearward positions.

The first cam portion 132 is provided on the left side surface (ie, the surface opposite to the surface facing the body frame 62 ) of the main body portion 131 in association with the respective holes 134 . Viewed from the side, the first cam portion 132 has a substantially U-shape extending substantially along the front half of the circumferential edge of the hole 134 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 14 , the first cam portion 132 has an inclined portion 135 inclined so as to be spaced apart from the main body portion 131 as the inclined portion 135 extends forward, and a flat portion 136 from the inclined portion 136. The front end of the portion 135 extends parallel to the main body portion 131 and thus is formed to have a substantially trapezoidal shape viewed from above.

The second cam portion 133 is provided at the lower end portion of the left side surface of the main body portion 131 in association with the respective drum drive transmission members 92 . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 , each second cam portion 133 is formed behind each first cam portion 132 in such a manner that it does not overlap the first cam portion 132 when viewed from above. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14 , the second cam portion 133 has an inclined portion 137 inclined to be separated from the main body portion 131 by a certain distance as the inclined portion 137 extends forward, and a flat portion 138 from the inclined portion 138. The front end of the portion 137 extends parallel to the main body portion 131 and thus is formed to have a substantially trapezoidal shape viewed from above.

In the state shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the reciprocating member 112 of each developing drive transmission member 93 is inserted into the rear end portion of the hole 134 , and the ring portion 121 abuts against the left side surface of the main body portion 131 of the driving linear motion cam 94 , portions of the distal cylindrical portion 118 and the engagement portion 120 protrude rightward with respect to the main body portion 131 . The respective first cam portions 132 are arranged in front of the main body portion 131 . In addition, the drum drive transmission member 92 abuts the left side surface of the main body portion 131 at its raised surface 99 . A distal end portion of the convex portion 96 (ie, a portion where the distal-side outer circumferential surface 98 is formed) protrudes rightward with respect to the main body portion 131 below the main body portion 131 . Each second cam portion 133 is arranged in front of each drum drive transmission member 92 . That is, the reciprocating members of each of the drum drive transmission member 92 and the development drive transmission member 93 are advanced to the advanced position.

When the driving linear cam 94 is moved backward, each inclined portion 135 of the first cam portion 132 abuts against each ring portion 121 of the reciprocating member, and the inclined portion 137 of the second cam portion 133 abuts against the drum drive transmission member 92 Each lifting surface 99 of. When the linear motion cam 94 is driven to move further backward, the reciprocating member 112 and the first cam portion 132 relatively move in such a manner that the ring portion 121 of the reciprocating member 112 respectively rides on the inclined portion 135 of the first cam portion 132 . Accordingly, the reciprocating member 112 receives a force in the leftward direction from the first cam portion 132 and is then moved leftward against the pressing force of the coil spring 113 . In addition, the drum drive transmission member 92 and the second cam portion 133 relatively move in such a manner that the raised surface 99 of the drum drive transmission member 92 rides on the inclined portion 137 of the second cam portion 133 . In cooperation therewith, the drum drive transmission member 92 receives a force in the leftward direction from the second cam portion 133 and then moves it leftward against the pressing force of the coil spring 105 .

In addition, in the state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the reciprocating member 112 abuts the flat portion 136 of the first cam portion 132 at its ring portion 121 , and only the engagement portion 120 is inserted into the front end portion of the hole 134 . In addition, the drum drive transmission member 92 abuts the flat portion 138 of the second cam portion 133 at its raised surface 99 , and the distal end portion of the convex portion 96 protrudes slightly to the right with respect to the main body portion 131 . That is, the reciprocating members 112 of the drum drive transmission member 92 and the development drive transmission member 93 have retreated to the retracted positions.

(2) First cover linkage mechanism

In addition, in the printer 1 , the drive linear motion cam 94 is designed to be movable in association with the opening or closing of the top cover 4 . That is, the printer 1 includes a first cover interlocking mechanism 140 for moving the drive linear motion cam 94 in a manner interlocked with the opening or closing of the top cover 4 (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ).

As shown in Figure 8, the top cover 4 is arranged to lift from the body shell 2 at the front end of the top cover 4 (see Figure 1) to open the state of the upper surface of the body shell 2 and the top cover 4 along the body shell 2 The state where the upper surface extends to close the upper surface of the body case is opened and closed by an unillustrated shaft that is rotatably inserted into a substantially C-shaped rotation support provided at the rear end portion of the top cover 4 141 inside.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the first cover link mechanism 140 includes a first cover link member 142 and a second cover link member 143 . The first cover linking member 142 and the second cover linking member 143 are provided in relation to the left and right side body frames 62, 63 (see FIG. 6). Since the first cover linking member 142 and the second cover linking member 143 provided in relation to the left body frame 62 and the first cover linking member 142 and the second cover linking member 143 provided in relation to the right body frame 63 are configured laterally symmetrically , hereinafter, only the first cover linking member 142 and the second cover linking member 143 provided in relation to the left body frame 62 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the first cover linking member 142 is formed in a long linear shape. One end portion of the first cover linking member 142 is connected to a middle portion along the length of the left end portion of the inner surface of the top cover 4 in such a manner as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. In a state where the top cover 4 is closed, the first cover linking member 142 extends along the inner surface of the top cover 4 in the front-rear direction. The other end portion 144 of the first cover linking member 142 is connected to the rear end portion of the body frame 62 in a manner to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. In addition, a connection shaft 145 is formed at the rearmost end of the first cover linking member 142 in such a manner as to protrude rightward.

Viewed from a side, the second cover linking member 143 is formed to have a V shape that opens at a relatively large angle (for example, an angle of about 135 degrees). A support shaft 146 is formed on a bent portion of the second cover linking member 143 in such a manner as to protrude rightward. The second cover linking member 143 is provided to rotate about the support shaft 146 by the support shaft 146 rotatably supported on the rear end portion of the body frame 62 . The connection shaft 145 of the first cover linking member 142 is rotatably inserted into one end of the second cover linking member 143 . A connecting shaft 147 is formed on the other end portion of the second cover linking member 143 in such a manner as to protrude rightward. A long hole 148 long in the vertical or up-down direction is formed on the rear end portion of the main body portion 131 of the drive linear motion cam 94, and the connecting shaft 147 is loosely fitted therein so as to not only rotate but also move in the up-down direction. Insert it into the long hole 148.

When the top cover 4 is opened from a state in which the top cover 4 is closed (FIG. 10 shows the closed state), the first cover linking member 142 is rotated around the other end portion 144 to be erected. In coordination with the rotation of the first cover linking part 142, one end of the second cover linking member 143 is pushed forward and the second cover linking member 143 rotates around the support shaft 146, whereby the other end of the second cover linking member 143 backward movement. In addition, by the rearward movement of the other end portion of the second cover linking member 143, the driving linear motion cam 94 is pushed rearward by the connection shaft 147, thereby moving the driving linear motion cam 94 backward. Then, when the state in which the top cover 4 is fully opened is brought about, the driving linear motion cam 94 is arranged at the rearmost position as shown in FIG. 13 .

When the top cover 4 is closed, the first cover linking member 142 is rotated about the other end portion of the first cover linking member 142 in a manner of falling obliquely. In coordination with the rotation of the first cover linking part 142, one end of the second cover linking member 143 is pushed backward, and the second cover linking member 143 rotates around the support shaft 146, thereby causing the other end of the second cover linking member 143 to One end moves forward. In addition, the driving linear motion cam 94 is pushed forward by the connection shaft 147, and the other end portion of the second cover link member 143 is moved forward, thereby moving the driving linear motion cam 94 forward. Then, when the state where the top cover 4 is completely closed is brought about, the driving linear motion cam 94 is arranged in a relatively forward position as shown in FIG. 10 .

5. Locking mechanism

Figure 20 is a left side view of the locking mechanism, showing the top cover closed. Fig. 21 is a left side view of the locking mechanism showing the state where the top cover is opened.

Please note that FIGS. 20 and 21 show the drive linear cam 94 , the first cover link mechanism 140 and the blocking member 191 to be described later, and the connection and disengagement drive mechanism 211 and the second cover link mechanism 231 .

A locking mechanism 151 (see FIG. 6 ) for locking the respective process cartridges 3 to the body frames 62 , 63 is provided in the printer 1 .

The locking mechanism 151 includes four left-side fixing members 152 , four right-side fixing members 172 (see FIG. 22 ), and a left connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 and a right connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 .

(1) Left fixed member

Four left fixing members 152 are arranged on the left side of the left body frame 62 . In addition, four left fixing members 152 are provided in association with the respective process cartridges 3 . In a state where four process cartridges 3 are installed in the body casing 2, the left fixing member 152 is arranged in front of the protection portion 30 of each process cartridge 3 (drum cartridge 7) (see FIG. 3). The left fixing members 152 each include a lock lever 154 , a pressing lever 155 and a coil spring 156 .

The lock lever 154 is rotatably supported on a protrusion 74 (see FIG. 7 ) formed on the left side body frame 62 at one end thereof (ie, a proximal end portion). A substantially rectangular hole 157 is formed in a central portion of the lock lever 154 therethrough. The front edge of the other end portion (ie, the distal end portion) of the lock lever 154 is formed to have a curved shape corresponding to the outer shape of the protective portion 30 of the process cartridge 3 . The operation portion 171 is formed on the right side surface of the lock lever 154 at a position closer to the distal end portion than the hole 157 in such a manner as to protrude rightward.

The pressing lever 155 is arranged on the front right side of the locking lever 154, and is rotatably supported on the protrusion 74 at one end portion (proximal portion) thereof (see FIG. 7 ). A hook portion 158 is formed on a central portion of the pressing lever 155 to protrude forward and bend leftward at a distal end portion thereof. The distal end portion of the hook portion 158 is inserted into the hole 157 of the locking lever 154 from the right side. In addition, a connecting shaft 159 is formed at the central portion of the pressing lever 155 in such a manner as to protrude leftward from the left side surface thereof. In addition, a support portion 160 (see FIG. 25 ) is formed on the central portion of the pressing rod 155 for supporting a spacer member 201 to be described later. The supporting part 160 protrudes rightward from the right side surface of the pressing rod 155 and is inserted into the hole 187 (see FIG. 7 ), and its distal end reaches the right position of the body frame 62 .

The coil spring 156 is interposed between the distal end portion of the locking lever 154 and the distal end portion of the pressing lever 155 .

(2) Right fixing member

Fig. 22 is a right side view of a part of the right side body frame showing a closed state of the top cover. Fig. 23 is a right side view of a part of the right side body frame showing a state where the top cover is opened.

Four right fixing members 172 are provided in association with the respective process cartridges 3 and arranged on the right side of the right body frame 63 . Each right side fixing member 172 includes a lock lever 174 , a pressing lever 175 and a coil spring 176 .

The lock lever 174 is formed to have a substantially C-shape viewed from the side. One end (proximal end portion) of the lock lever 174 is rotatably supported on a protrusion 79 formed on the right side body frame 63 . A substantially rectangular hole 177 is formed at the other end (distal end) of the lock lever 174 therethrough. In addition, a cutout portion 178 is formed on the lock lever 174 between its proximal end portion and its distal end portion in such a manner as to be cut away into a downwardly recessed recess.

The pressing lever 175 is arranged on the front left side of the locking lever 174, and is rotatably supported on the protrusion 79 at one end portion (proximal end portion) thereof. A locking portion 180 is formed at a distal end portion of the pressing lever 175 in such a manner as to protrude rightward. The distal end portion of the locking portion 180 is inserted into the hole 177 of the locking lever 174 from the left side. In addition, a connection shaft 179 is formed at the central portion of the pressing lever 175 in such a manner as to protrude rightward from the right side surface thereof. In addition, although not shown, a support portion is formed at the central portion of the pressing lever 175 in such a manner as to protrude rightward from the right side surface of the pressing lever 175, and a spacer member 201 to be described later is rotatably supported by the supporting portion.

The coil spring 176 is interposed between the distal end portion of the locking lever 174 and the distal end portion of the pressing lever 175 .

(3) Connecting and separating the direct acting cam

Fig. 24 is a left side view of connecting and separating the linear motion cam.

Since the left and right connecting-disconnecting linear motion cams 153 have mutually laterally symmetrical structures, only the left connecting-disconnecting linear motion cam 153 will be described hereinafter.

The connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 is a member extending in the front-rear direction, and is fitted on the inner surface of the body frame 62 in a manner to reciprocate linearly in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 6 ).

Four guide grooves 161 are formed on the left side surface of the connecting and separating linear moving cam 153 in a manner associated with each connecting and separating linear moving cam 153 . The guide groove 161 has a linear groove portion 162 extending in the front-rear direction and a cross groove portion 163 extending obliquely upward and rearward from the rear end of the linear groove portion 162 .

Four third cam portions 164 are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the connection-separation linear motion cam 153 . Viewed from the side, each of the four third cam portions 164 is formed to have a substantially trapezoidal shape protruding upward from the upper surface 350 (ie, the allowable surface) of the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 and each having a shape in the front-rear direction. The extended horizontal surface 165 (ie, the spacer surface) and the inclined surface 166 (ie, the permission surface) extending to the rear end of the horizontal surface 165 and the upper surface connecting the separation linear motion cam 153 . The interval between the most forward third cam portion 164 and the third cam portion 164 adjacent thereto is longer than the intervals between other adjacent third cam portions 164 .

A rack gear 167 is formed on the lower surface of the front end portion of the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the pinion gear 168 meshes with the rack 167 on the left side of the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the pinion gear 169 meshes with the rack 167 on the right side of the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 . Pinion gears 168 , 169 are fitted to left and right end portions of the connection shaft 170 in a non-rotatable manner, respectively. When the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 on the left side moved in the front-rear direction, the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 on the right side moved synchronously to the left with the movement of the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 on the left side in the same direction, and The left connecting and disconnecting linear cam 153 is shifted by the same amount.

(4) Connecting components

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , each of the left fixing member 152 and the left connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 is connected to each other by a connecting member 181 .

The connection shaft 159 of the left fixing member 152 is inserted into one end of the connection member 181 in such a manner as to rotate within a predetermined angle range. Specifically, a substantially fan-shaped hole 182 is formed on one end of the connection member 181 . Viewed from the side, the connection shaft 159 has a keyhole shape with protrusions on its peripheral surface. In addition, when the connection shaft 159 is inserted into the hole 182, the connection member 181 is rotated about the connection shaft 159 within the angular range. On the other hand, a connection shaft 183 is formed at the other end portion of the connection member 181 in such a manner as to protrude rightward. The connecting shaft 183 is inserted into the guide hole 75 of the body frame 62 with its distal end fitted in the guide groove 161 .

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 , each of the right-side fixing member 172 and the right-side connection-detachment linear motion cam 153 is connected to each other by a connection member 184 .

The connecting shaft 179 of the right fixing member 172 is inserted into one end portion of the connecting member 184 in such a manner as to rotate within an angular range. The angular range can be predetermined. Specifically, a substantially fan-shaped hole 185 is formed at one end of the connection member 184 . Viewed from the side, the connecting shaft 179 has a keyhole shape with protrusions on its peripheral surface. In addition, when the connection shaft 179 is inserted into the hole 185 , the connection member 184 is rotated about the connection shaft 179 within the angular range. On the other hand, a connection shaft 186 is formed at the other end portion of the connection member 184 in such a manner as to protrude leftward. The connecting shaft 183 is inserted into the guide hole 80 of the body frame 63 , and its distal end portion is fitted in the guide groove 161 .

6. Block widgets

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , four blocking members 191 are provided inside the printer 1 . Four blocking members 191 are arranged on the left side of the left fixing member 152, respectively.

The blocking member 191 has an arm shape. An insertion hole 192 is formed on one end (ie, a proximal end portion) of the blocking member 191 . Clamp shafts 351 (see FIG. 7 ) provided on the body frame 62 at positions in front of the lower ends of the cartridge guide grooves 71 with a slight interval therebetween are inserted into the insertion holes 192 . Thus, each blocking member 191 is rotatably supported by the body frame 62 about the insertion hole 192 (clamp shaft 351 ). The distal end portion of the prevention member abuts against the operation portion 171 of the left side fixing member 152 (lock lever 154 ) from above the operation portion 171 and extends in the front-rear direction. A distal end portion of the blocking member 191 is extended upward and then folded back to have a hook shape. Note that the right fixing member 172, the locking lever 174 correspond to the blocking member 191 (see FIG. 23).

7. Spacer member

Fig. 25 is a right side view of a part of the left side body frame showing a closed state of the top cover. Fig. 26 is a right side view of a part of the left body frame showing a top cover opened state.

A plurality of spacer members 201 (for example, eight spacer members 201 in the present exemplary embodiment) are provided in the printer 1 in association with four left side fixing members 152 and four right side fixing members 172 (see FIG. 22 ). Since the spacing member 201 provided in association with the left fixing member 152 and the spacing member 201 provided in association with the right fixing member 172 are configured to be laterally symmetrical to each other, only the left side spacing will be described hereinafter. Component 201.

Four spacer members 201 are arranged inside (for example, on the right side) of the left body frame 62 in such a manner as to respectively face their associated left fixing members 152 in the left-right direction.

The spacer member 201 has a substantially triangular plate shape. The supporting portion 160 provided on the pressing lever 155 of the left fixing member 152 is relatively rotatably inserted into one corner portion 202 of the spacer member 201 . Accordingly, the spacer member 201 is rotatably supported on the support portion 60 .

The spacer member 201 is provided to extend rearward from the support portion and abut on the upper surface of the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 . A lower protrusion 203 is formed at a rear end portion of the spacer member 201 in such a manner as to protrude downward. The lower protruding portion 203 abuts and connects with the upper surface of the linear motion cam 153 . In addition, an upper protrusion 204 is formed at a rear end portion of the spacer member 201 in such a manner as to protrude upward. The front surface of the upper protrusion 204 functions as a pressing surface 205 .

8. Connect and separate the drive mechanism

As shown in FIGS. 9 , 10 , 12 and 13 , a connection and separation drive mechanism 211 for reciprocating the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 in the front-rear direction is provided in the printer 1 .

The connection-separation drive mechanism 211 includes a motor gear 212 (see FIG. 27 ) that is rotated by the driving force of a connection-separation motor 229 as an example of a motor, and a middle gear 212 that is provided integrally with the pinion 168 and adapted to rotate together with the pinion 168. Gear 213, planetary differential clutch 214 for engaging and disengaging transmission of rotational force of motor gear 212 to intermediate gear 213, and clutch engagement for switching engagement and disengagement of rotational force transmission by planetary differential clutch 214 Rod 215.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13 , the planetary differential clutch 214 includes a shaft 216 held on the cage 103 (see FIG. 15A ). The input gear 217 , the engaging gear 218 and the output gear 219 are rotatably supported on the shaft 216 . The motor gear 212 meshes with an input gear 217 . The engagement gear 218 is arranged on the right side of the input gear 217 and has a plurality of teeth on its outer peripheral surface, with which the clutch engagement lever 215 is engaged. The output gear 219 is arranged on the right side of the engaging gear 218 . The output gear 219 has a smaller diameter than the input gear 217 and meshes with the intermediate gear 213 .

The clutch engagement lever 215 is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction over the engagement gear 218 . As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 , the clutch engagement lever 215 is supported on a support member 220 fitted to the holder 103 at its rear end and provided to be swingable around the support member 220 . As shown in FIG. 12 , a pawl 221 is formed on the lower surface of the distal end portion of the clutch engaging lever 215 .

The coil spring 222 whose one end is locked to the retainer 103 has the other end locked to the middle portion of the clutch engaging lever 215 . The clutch engaging lever 215 is pressed so that its distal end is lifted upward by the coil spring 222 . In addition, in the state where the driving linear motion cam 94 is arranged at the position shown in FIGS. The front end is provided with a certain interval in front of it. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the driving straight-acting cam 94 is moved from the above-mentioned state to the frontmost position, the driving straight-acting cam 94 begins to abut the clutch engagement lever 215 during the movement, whereby the clutch engagement lever The distal end portion of 215 is pressed down against the pressing force of coil spring 222 by driving linear cam 94 . As a result, the pawl 221 of the clutch engaging lever 215 enters between the teeth of the engaging gear 218 , thereby engaging the clutch engaging lever 215 with the engaging gear 218 .

In a state where the clutch engagement lever 215 is engaged with the engagement gear 218 , the engagement gear 218 is not allowed to rotate, and the rotational force input from the motor gear 212 to the input gear 217 is transmitted to the output gear 219 . That is, the planetary differential clutch 214 engages the transmission of the rotational force of the motor gear 212 to the intermediate gear 213 . Therefore, by reciprocating rotation of the motor gear 212 , the pinion gear 168 can be caused to reciprocate together with the intermediate gear 213 , thereby causing the reciprocating movement of the connecting and disengaging linear motion cam 153 in the front-rear direction.

On the other hand, in a state where the clutch engagement lever 215 is not engaged with the engagement gear 218 , the rotational force input from the motor gear 212 to the input gear 217 is transmitted to the engagement gear 218 instead of the output gear 219 . That is, the planetary differential clutch 214 separates the transmission of the rotational force of the motor gear 212 from the intermediate gear 213 . When this transmission occurs, the output gear 219 is in a state where the output gear 219 is free to rotate, whereby the connect-disconnect motor 229 (see FIG. 27 ) does not form a load on the movement of the connect-disconnect linear cam 153 .

8. Second cover linkage mechanism

In the printer 1 , the drive linear cam 94 is moved in conjunction with the opening or closing of the top cover 4 , and the connection and disconnection linear cam 153 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the drive linear cam 94 . That is, the printer 1 includes the second cover linkage mechanism 231 for connecting and disconnecting the linear motion cam 153 with the drive direct motion cam 153 with the opening or closing of the top cover caused by the first cover linkage mechanism 140 . The connecting movement of the movable cam 94 moves in parallel.

The second cover linkage mechanism 231 includes a third cover connection member 232 and a fourth cover connection member 233 .

The third cover connecting member 232 is a member extending in a straight line, and a shaft 234 is formed on a middle portion thereof in such a manner as to protrude leftward. The shaft 234 is rotatably supported on the holder 103 (see FIG. 15A ). The other end of the third cover connecting member 232 (that is, the end opposite to the end connected to the driving linear motion cam 94) is rotatably connected to the rear end of the fourth cover connecting member 233 in a manner about an axis extending in the left-right direction. connected together.

The fourth cover connecting member 233 is a member extending linearly and is fixed to the left side surface of the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 in a posture extending substantially in the front-rear direction. The other end of the third cover connecting member 232 (that is, the end opposite to the end connected to the driving linear motion cam 94) is rotatably connected to the rear of the fourth cover connecting member 233 in a manner about an axis extending in the left-right direction. ends are connected to each other.

In the state where the top cover 4 is closed, as shown in FIG. 20 , the driving linear motion cam 94 is arranged at a relatively forward position, and the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 is arranged at a rearmost position. Therefore, one end portion of the third cover connection member 232 is positioned more forward than the rear end portion of the fourth cover connection member 233 , and an acute angle is formed between the third cover connection member 232 and the fourth cover connection member 233 . When the top cover 4 is opened and the driving linear motion cam 94 is moved backward, one end of the third cover connecting member 232 moves backward, and the third cover connecting member 232 rotates around the shaft 234 . In coordination with the rotation of the third cover connection member 232 , the fourth cover connection member 233 is pushed forward by the other end portion of the third cover connection member 232 , thereby moving the connection-disengagement linear motion cam 153 forward. In addition, when the state in which the top cover 4 is completely opened is produced, as shown in FIG. 21, the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 is arranged at the foremost position.

During the opening process of the top cover 4 , the driven linear cam 94 is disengaged from the clutch engagement lever 215 by the backward movement of the driven linear cam 94 . Then, the distal end portion of the clutch engaging lever 215 is lifted upward, thereby disengaging the clutch engaging lever 215 from the engaging gear 218 . Therefore, the connection-disconnection motor 229 (see FIG. 27 ) does not constitute a load to the movement of the connection-disconnection linear motion cam 153 , thereby obtaining smooth motion of the connection-disconnection linear motion cam 153 .

In the state where the top cover 4 is fully opened, as shown in FIG. 21 , one end of the third cover connecting member 232 is positioned at a rear position than the rear end of the fourth cover connecting member 233, and the third cover is connected An obtuse angle is formed between the member 232 and the fourth cover connection member 233 . When the top cover 4 is closed and the linear motion cam 94 is driven to move forward, one end of the third cover connecting member 232 moves forward, and the third cover connecting member 232 rotates around the shaft 234 . In coordination with the rotation of the third cover connection member 232 , the fourth cover connection member 233 is pulled rearward by the other end portion of the third cover connection member 232 , thereby moving the connection-detachment linear motion cam 153 rearward. In addition, when the state where the top cover 4 is fully closed is brought about, as shown in FIG. 20 , the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 is arranged at a relatively rear position.

9. Operation of locking mechanism (left fixing member and right fixing member) and preventing member coordinated with opening or closing of top cover

In the state where the top cover 4 is opened, as shown in FIG. 21 , each connecting shaft 183 of the left connecting member 181 is inserted into the linear hole portion 76 of the guide hole 75 of the body frame 62 (see FIG. 7 ), and the far end of the connecting shaft 183 The ends fit within the intersecting groove portion 163 of the guide groove 161 (see FIG. 24 ). In addition, as shown in FIG. 23 , the connection shaft 183 of each right side connection member 184 is inserted into the linear hole portion 81 of the guide hole 80 of the body frame 63 (see FIG. 22 ), and the distal end portion of the connection shaft 183 is fitted in the inside the intersecting groove portion 163 of the guide groove 161 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, the left side fixing member 152 falls in an oblique manner and withdraws from the installation/removal path of the process cartridge 3 so as to be positioned at a position where the left side fixing member 152 does not face the process cartridge guide groove 71 in the left-right direction. on (see Figure 7). In addition, each blocking member 191 abuts against the operation portion 171 at the most distal end portion of the blocking member 191, and each blocking member 191 is positioned at a position where the blocking member 191 faces the lower end portion of the cartridge guide groove 71 in the left-right direction (ie, blocking location). As shown in FIG. 23, each right side fixing member 172 is located at a position where a cutout portion 178 of the lock lever 174 faces the lower end portion of the process cartridge guide groove 78 in the left-right direction, and the bottom surface of the cutout portion 178 is aligned with the process cartridge guide groove 78 along the process cartridge guide. The directions in which the slots 78 extend generally intersect at right angles (ie, the blocking position).

Thus, the process cartridge 3 can be installed into or detached from the inside of the body casing 2 . When the process cartridge 3 is installed, the protective part 30 (see FIG. 3 ) of the process cartridge 3 (i.e. the drum cartridge 7) fits in the process cartridge guide groove 71, and the right end of the drum shaft 45 fits in the process cartridge guide groove 78. Inside, the process cartridge 3 is caused to move obliquely downward and backward, whereby the process cartridge 3 is gradually installed inside the body casing 2 while the protective portion 30 and the drum shaft 45 are guided by the process cartridge guide grooves 71, 78, respectively. In addition, when the process cartridge 3 is detached from the body casing 2, the process cartridge 3 is gradually pulled obliquely upward and forward while the protecting portion 30 and the drum shaft 45 are guided by the process cartridge guide grooves 71, 78, respectively.

In the state where the top cover 4 is opened, since the preventing member 191 faces the lower end portion of the process cartridge guide groove 71 in the left-right direction, the cutout portion 178 of the lock lever 174 faces the lower end portion of the process cartridge guide groove 78 in the left-right direction, When the process cartridge 3 is mounted inside the body casing 2, the protection portion 30 is brought into abutment with the blocking member 191 or the drum shaft 45 is brought into abutment with the lock lever 174, thus preventing the process cartridge 3 from moving. That is, the installation of the process cartridge 3 into the body casing 2 is prevented at the moment when the protection portion 30 abuts against the preventing member 191 or the drum shaft 45 abuts against the lock lever 174 .

Then, when the top cover 4 is closed, the linear motion cam 94 is driven to move forward, while the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 moves backward. As shown in FIG. 21 , the distal end portions of the respective connecting shafts 183 of the left connecting member 181 are fitted in the intersecting groove portions 163 of the guide grooves 161 (see FIG. 24 ). Therefore, when the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 moves backward, the distal end portion of the connecting shaft 183 moves to the rear along the linear hole portion 76 (see FIG. 7 ) on the body frame 62 while remaining fitted in the intersecting groove portion 163 Inside. Thus, each connecting member 181 is rotated so that one end thereof is lifted, and each left fixing member 152 is rotated in cooperation with the rotation of the connecting member 181 toward the protrusion 74 (see FIG. 7 ) formed on the body frame 62. back spin. As a result, each left side fixing member 152 is placed in a locked state and arranged on the mounting/detaching path of the process cartridge, and the distal end portion of the locking lever 154 abuts against the protecting portion 30 of the process cartridge 3, whereby the protecting portion 30 is inclined Press down and back firmly.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20 , the operation portion 171 moves backward in cooperation with the rotation of each left fixing member 152 relative to each blocking member 191 , and each blocking member 191 rotates in such a manner that its distal end portion descends to move to The operation portion 171 is at a position where the distal end abuts against the bent portion. As a result, the process cartridge 3 is moved downward and as indicated by broken lines in FIG. 7, the protective portion 30 abuts against the abutment portions 72, 73, thereby fixing the process cartridge 3 in place at this position.

On the other hand, the distal end portions of the respective connection shafts 186 of the right side connection member 184 are fitted in the intersecting groove portion 163 . Therefore, when the connection and separation straight-moving cam 153 moves backward, the distal end portion of the connection shaft 186 moves to the rear along the linear hole portion 81 (see FIG. 22 ) of the guide hole 80 on the body frame 63 while remaining fitted in the Inside the cross hole 163. Thus, each connecting member 184 is rotated so that one end thereof is lifted upward, and each right fixing member 172 is rotated about the upward protrusion 79 (see FIG. 23 ) formed on the body frame 63 in cooperation with the rotation of the connecting member 184 to the back. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22, each of the right side fixing members 172 is placed in a locked state, whereby the front ends of the cutout portions 178 of the locking levers 174 are respectively abutted against the drum shaft 45, and the drum shaft 145 is obliquely downward and Press back. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 5 is fixed in place on its left and right sides.

In addition, in the process of closing the top cover 4, the driving linear cam 94 contacts the clutch engaging lever 215, and the distal end portion of the clutch engaging lever 215 is pushed down by the driving linear cam 94, thereby causing the clutch engaging lever 215 to contact the engaging gear. 218 engagement. Therefore, after the top cover 4 has been closed, the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 can be moved due to the driving force of the connection and separation motor 229 (see FIG. 27 ).

In addition, in the process of closing the top cover 4, when the drive linear motion cam 94 moves forward, the reciprocating member 112 of each drum drive transmission member 92 and each development drive transmission member 93 advances to the advanced position. Drum drive transmission members 92 are respectively connected to coupling members 47 , and reciprocating members 112 are respectively connected to developing roller driven gears 61 . As a result, the photosensitive drum 5 and the developing roller 8 are allowed to be driven to rotate.

When the top cover is opened from the closed state, the respective components and parts of the printer 1 perform operations opposite to those performed when the top cover is closed. In addition, the left fixing member 152 and the right fixing member 172 are placed in an unlocked state in which the process cartridge 3 is not fixed.

10. The operation of attaching the developing roller to the photosensitive drum and the operation of separating it from the photosensitive drum

Figures 27 to 29 are left side views of the process cartridge, lock mechanism and attaching/disengaging drive mechanism. 27 shows the state where all the developing rollers contact the photosensitive drum, FIG. 28 shows the state where the yellow, magenta and cyan developing rollers are separated from the photosensitive drum by a certain distance, and FIG. 29 shows the state where all the developing rollers are separated from the photosensitive roller by a certain distance.

In the state where the top cover 4 is closed, the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 can be moved due to the driving force of the connection and separation motor 229 (see FIG. 27 ). By closing the top cover 4, the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 moves, and after the connecting shaft 183 of the left connecting member 181 has reached the intersection hole 77 (see FIG. 7 ) of the guide hole 75 of the body frame 62, even if the connecting and separating linear motion The cam 153 moves further backward, the distal end portion of the connecting shaft 183 moves in the linear groove portion 162 of the guide groove 161 (see FIG. 24 ), and the posture of the connecting member 181 remains unchanged. In addition, after the connecting shaft 186 of the right connecting member 184 has reached the intersecting hole portion 82 (see FIG. 23 ) of the guide hole 80 on the body frame 63, even if the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 moves further backward, the The distal end portion still moves within the linear groove portion 162 of the guide groove 161, and the posture of the connecting member 184 does not change. Therefore, in the state where the top cover is closed, the fixed state of the process cartridge 3 can be maintained.

In the state after the top cover 4 has been closed, as shown in FIG. 25 , the spacer member 201 is in a position where the lower protrusion 203 abuts against the upper surface 350 of the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 (but does not abut against the third cam portion 164 ). (See FIG. 24 ), the upper protrusion 204 descends relatively downward (allowing position). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, each upper protrusion 204 of the spacer member 201 is spaced apart from the developing roller shaft support members 57, 58 protruding leftward and rightward from the developing cartridge 9, thereby causing the developing roller 8 (see FIG. 1 ) is in contact with the photosensitive drum 5 (see FIG. 1).

When the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 is moved backward from this state, the lower protrusions 203 of the spacer members 201 corresponding to the yellow process cartridge 3Y, the magenta process cartridge 3M, and the cyan process cartridge 3C are inclined at the inclination of the third cam portion 164. The surface 166 moves from the horizontal plane 165 to the inclined plane 166 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26 , while the upper protrusion 204 is lifted relatively upward, the spacer member 201 is placed at a position where the lower protrusion 203 abuts against the horizontal surface 165 (space position). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, the pressing surface 205 of the upper protrusion 204 is pressed from below the developing roller shaft supporting members 57, 58 of the yellow, magenta, and cyan developing cartridge 9 in a state where the pressing surface extends from the rear in the up-down direction. On the developing roller shaft support members 57, 58 of the yellow, magenta and cyan developing cartridges 9, whereby the yellow, magenta and cyan developing cartridges 9 are lifted up, the developing roller 8 provided on the developing cartridge 9 is separated from the photosensitive roller 5 by a certain amount. interval. When this happens, the developing roller 8 equipped with the black developing cartridge 9 is kept in contact with the mating photosensitive drum 5 .

When the connecting and separating linear motion cam 153 is caused to move further backward from this state, the lower protrusion 203 of the spacer member 201 corresponding to the black process cartridge 3K moves from the horizontal plane 165 to the horizontal plane 166 on the inclined plane 166 of the third cam portion 164 On the inclined surface 166 , the spacer member 201 is thus placed at a position where the lower protrusion 203 abuts against the horizontal plane 165 (space position), and the upper protrusion 204 is lifted relatively upward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 29, the pressing surface 205 of the upper protrusion 204 is pressed against the black developing cartridge from below the developing roller shaft supporting members 57, 58 of the black developing cartridge 9 in a state where the pressing surface extends from the rear in the up-down direction. 9 on the supporting members 57, 58 of the developing roller shaft, thereby lifting the black developing cartridge 9 upwards, and the developing roller 8 is finally separated from the photosensitive roller 5 by a certain distance.

Although the developing cartridge 9 is vertically moved in a state where the reciprocating members 112 are respectively connected to the developing roller driven gear 61, since the diameter of the elongated hole 36 into which the reciprocating member 112 is inserted is formed long in the front-rear direction, it does not There may be cases where the connection of the reciprocating member 112 to the developing roller driven gear 61 interferes with the vertical movement of the developing cartridge 9 .

11. Advantages

As described above, the four process cartridges 3 are detachably installed in the body casing 2 in such a manner that they are arranged in parallel with each other in the body casing 2 . The body frame 62 provided in the body case 2 has a plurality of abutment portions 72 , 73 and a plurality of protrusions 74 protruding in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 5 (in the left-right direction). The protrusions 74 are provided in association with the respective process cartridges 3 . The left fixing members 152 (ie, the locking lever 154 and the pressing lever 155 ) are rotatably provided on the protrusions 74 , respectively. When in the locked state, the fixing member 152 presses the process cartridge 3 to abut the process cartridge 3 against the abutment portions 72 , 73 . When the process cartridge 3 is pressed against the abutting portions 72 , 73 , the process cartridge 3 is fixed at the position where the process cartridge 3 abuts against the abutting portions 72 , 73 . When the process cartridge 3 is fixed, the fixing of the photosensitive drum 5 provided on the process cartridge 3 is achieved. Release of the process cartridge 3 is effected by the left fixing member 152 when the left fixing member 152 shifts from the locked state to the unlocked state. That is, the fixing of the process cartridge 3 by the left fixing member 152 is released by the rotation of the left fixing member 152 around the protrusion 74 at a certain distance from the process cartridge 3 .

In addition, spacer members 201 are provided in association with the respective process cartridges 3 inside the body casing 2 . The spacing member 201 is movable to a spacing position and a permitting position. When the spacer member 201 is moved to the spaced position, the developing roller 8 is spaced away from the photosensitive drum 5 , and when the spaced member 201 is moved to the permissive position, the developing roller 8 is allowed to contact the photosensitive drum 5 .

In addition, the rotation of each left fixing member 152 and the movement of each spacer member 201 are obtained by connecting the reciprocating linear motion of the split linear motion cam 152 . Therefore, the respective developing rollers 8 are attached to and separated from their respective mating photosensitive drums 5, and the fixing and releasing of the respective photosensitive drums 5 can be used in common by providing the attaching/detaching linear motion cam 153. obtained by the simple structure of these movements.

In addition, the spacer member 201 can be moved between the spaced position and the permitted position by a simple structure in which four third cam portions 164 are provided on the connection-separation linear motion cam 153 (ie, on the upper surface). Four horizontal planes 165 different from the upper surface are provided on the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 , whereby the connection and separation of the developing roller 8 to and from the photosensitive drum 5 can be achieved.

The left fixing member 152 includes a locking lever 154 and a pressing lever 155 rotatably supported on the protrusion 74 . The lock lever 154 is provided to rotate about the protrusion 74 to be attached to and detached from the process cartridge 3, and is pressed by the pressing lever 155 (coil spring 156). Therefore, by pressing the pressing lever 155 against the locking lever 154 in a state where the locking lever 154 contacts the process cartridge 3 , the locking lever 154 can be pressed against the process cartridge 3 . As a result, strong and rigid fixation of the process cartridge 3 can be obtained by the pressing action applied from the pressing lever 155 to the lock lever 154 .

In addition, the spacer member 201 is rotatably supported on the support portion 160 provided on the pressing lever 155 . Therefore, the movement of the spacer member 201 can be obtained by the movement of the pressing lever 155 .

When the top cover 4 that is arranged on the body shell 2 in an openable manner is opened, the first cover linkage mechanism 140 and the second cover linkage mechanism 231 make the connection and separation of the linear motion cam 153 in a manner linked with the opening of the top cover 4 movement, thereby shifting the left securing member 152 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Thus, when the process cartridge 3 is installed in or disassembled from the body casing 2, the top cover can be opened without causing the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 to move for releasing the locked state. As a result, the time and effort (eg, hours of work) that would otherwise be spent on installing or dismounting the process cartridge 3 into or from the body casing 2 can be reduced.

In addition, in the locked state, since the left fixing member 152 is arranged on the mounting/detaching path of the process cartridge 3, the process cartridge 3 is fixed by the left fixing member 152, thereby making it possible to prevent misalignment of the process cartridge 3. On the other hand, since the left side fixing member 152 is allowed to withdraw from the installation/detachment path of the process cartridge 3 in the unlocked state, the installation of the process cartridge 3 in the body casing 2 or the removal from the body casing 2 can be obtained, without being interfered by the left fixing member 152 .

Furthermore, in the unlocked state, not only the left fixing member 152 but also the spacer member 201 is allowed to withdraw from the mounting/detaching path of the process cartridge 3 . Therefore, mounting or detachment of the process cartridge 3 in or from the body casing 2 can be achieved without being interfered by the left fixing member 152 and the spacer member 201 .

In addition, the rotational force generated by the connection and separation motor 299 can reciprocate the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 in a straight line. Therefore, no human power is required to linearly reciprocate the connection-disconnection linear motion cam 153 .

In addition, the transmission of the rotational force generated by the above-mentioned connection and separation motor 229 to the pinion gear 168 (intermediate gear 213 ) can be engaged or disengaged by the planetary differential clutch 214 . Through the transmission of the rotational force engaged to the pinion gear 168 , the connecting and disengaging linear motion cam 153 can linearly reciprocate by means of the rack gear 167 . In addition, when the transmission of the rotational force to the pinion gear 168 is disengaged, it is possible to prevent the connection and separation motor 229 from applying the movement of the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 when the connection and separation linear motion cam 153 moves in association with the opening of the top cover 4 . load.

The blocking member 191 is provided to move between a blocking position where the blocking member 191 is arranged on the mounting/removing path of the process cartridge 3 inside the body casing 2, and a permitting position where the blocking member 191 is withdrawn from the mounting/removing path. When the process cartridge 3 is mounted into the body casing 2, if the blocking member 191 is in the blocking position, the blocking member 191 blocks movement of the process cartridge 3 in the mounting direction while the process cartridge 3 is thus mounted. The blocking state is released by the blocking member 191 being caused to move from the blocking position to the permitting position. When the process cartridge 3 is moved further in the mounting direction after the mounting preventing state has been thus released, the process cartridge 3 abuts against abutment portions 72 , 73 provided on the body frame 62 .

Therefore, even if the process cartridge 3 is forcibly inserted into the main body casing 2, since the process cartridge 3 is prevented from forcibly abutting against the abutting portions 72, 73, it is possible to prevent impact from acting on the abutting portions.

In addition, the left fixing member 152 presses the process cartridge 3 so that the process cartridge 3 abuts against the abutting portions 72, 73 in the locked state. When the process cartridge 3 is pressed while abutting against the abutting portions 72, 73, the process cartridge 3 is fixed to a position where the process cartridge 3 abuts against the abutting portions 72, 73, thereby realizing that the process cartridge 3 is in contact with the abutting portions 72, 73. Positioning in the body shell 2.

The fixing of the process cartridge 3 is released by shifting the left fixing member 152 and the right fixing member 172 from the locked state to the unlocked state. That is, the fixing of the process cartridge 3 is released by moving the left fixing member 152 and the right fixing member 172 away from the process cartridge 3 . When the fixation of the process cartridge 3 is released in this way, the process cartridge 3 can be detached from the main body casing 2 .

In addition, when the left fixing member 152 is shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state, the preventing member 191 is caused to move from the preventing position to the permitting position in coordination with the displacement of the left fixing member 152 . In addition, when the left fixing member 152 is shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state, the blocking member 191 is caused to move from the permitting position to the blocking position in coordination with the displacement of the left fixing member 152 .

When the process cartridge 3 is detached from the body casing 2, the left fixing member 152 shifts from the locked state to the unlocked state. Therefore, in a state where the process cartridge 3 is not installed in the body casing 2, the left fixing member 152 is in an unlocked state, and the preventing member 191 is arranged in the preventing position. Thus, when the process cartridge 3 is installed in the body casing 2, because the preventing member 191 is arranged at the preventing position, in the process of installing the process cartridge 3 in this way, the process cartridge 3 can be prevented from moving in the installation direction by the preventing member 191 in a certain manner. on the movement. Therefore, shocks can be prevented from acting on the abutment portions 72, 73 in a certain manner when the process cartridge 3 is installed.

The body frame has a swing shaft 351 and a protrusion 74 . The preventing member 191 is supported on the swing shaft 192 in a swinging manner. The left fixing member 152 is rotatably supported on the protrusion 74 and is displaced between a locked state and an unlocked state by being rotated about the protrusion 74 . During the transition of the left fixing member 152 from the locked state to the unlocked state, the left fixing member 152 causes the preventing member 191 to move from the permitting position to the preventing position. Thus, no decoupling mechanism is used to move the blocking member 191 . A simplified structure can thus be realized.

In addition, the right side fixing member 172 functions as the blocking member 191 and doubles as the blocking member 191 . Simplification of the structure can thus be achieved.

12. Other exemplary embodiments

Since in the above exemplary embodiments, the image forming apparatus has been described in connection with the tandem color printer 1, the present invention can also be applied to a multi-path intermediate belt transfer color printer in which each color The toner images of each color are transferred from the respective image carriers to the intermediate transfer belt, and then the toner images of the respective colors are transferred onto the paper together.

In addition, the present invention can also be used in monochrome printers.

According to a first exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an apparatus main body; a plurality of process cartridges detachably installed in the apparatus main body in a manner of being arranged parallel to each other in the apparatus main body , and each of the process cartridges has a photosensitive drum and a developing roller arranged in a manner facing the photosensitive drum; a body frame provided in the apparatus main body, the body frame having a plurality of abutment portions adapted to abut against the process cartridges, respectively and a plurality of protrusions provided to be associated with the respective process cartridges and protruding in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum; a plurality of fixing members supported on the protrusions adapted to rotate around the protrusions so as to be transferred to the fixing members Pressed on the process cartridge so that the process cartridge abuts against the abutment portion, and shifts to the unlocked state in which the fixing member is spaced apart from the process cartridge; a plurality of spacer members, the plurality of spacer members are arranged to be in contact with the inside of the device main body Associated with each of the process cartridges, movable to a spaced position where the spacer member causes the developing roller to be separated from the photosensitive roller by a certain distance and a permissible position where the spacer member allows the developing roller to contact the photosensitive roller; and a translational member, which is provided in the apparatus main body linear movement in a direction along which the process cartridges are arranged to displace the fixing member to a locked state and an unlocked state, and a reciprocating linear movement to move the spacer member to a spaced position and a permitting position.

According to a second exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein guide portions are formed on the body frame in association with the respective fixing members, each guide portion being There are linear hole portions extending in the process cartridge alignment direction and intersecting hole portions extending from one end of the linear hole portions in a direction intersecting the process cartridge alignment direction, wherein guide grooves are formed in association with the respective fixing members On the translation member, each of the guide grooves has a linear groove portion extending along the direction in which the process cartridges are arranged and a cross groove extending from one end of the linear groove portion in a direction intersecting the direction in which the process cartridges are arranged. part, wherein a plurality of connection members are provided in association with the fixed member, the plurality of connection members are provided in association with the fixed member and are rotatable at one end about respective shafts extending in the direction of the rotation axis Coupled with the fixing member, and fit into the guide hole and the guide groove at the other end thereof, wherein the other end of the connecting member is arranged between the intersection hole and the guide groove In the state in the linear groove portion, the fixing member is placed in the locked state, and in the state in which the other end portion of the connecting member is arranged in the linear hole portion and the intersecting groove portion, the The fixing member is placed in an unlocked state.

According to a third exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the second aspect of the present invention, wherein all the spacer members are arranged at permitted positions and the other ends of the connecting members are arranged at the straight line hole portion and the intersecting groove portion, wherein when the translation member moves linearly in one direction from a state where the other end portion of the connection member is arranged in the straight hole portion and the intersecting groove portion, The other end portion of the connection member is arranged in the intersection hole portion and the linear groove portion, wherein the translation member is arranged in the intersection hole portion and the straight line groove portion from the other end portion of the connection member. At least one of the spacer members is moved to the spaced position when the state in the groove portion starts to move linearly in the one direction, wherein after the linear movement member has moved from the at least one spaced member to the spaced position When the state moves linearly in said one aspect, all of the spacer members are moved to the spaced position.

According to a fourth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the translational member has a function of contacting the a plurality of spacer surfaces of the spacer member, and a plurality of allowable surfaces contacting the spacer member when in the permitted position.

According to a fifth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein each of the fixing members includes a locking lever and a pressing lever, the A locking lever is supported on the protruding portion in a manner to be rotatable around the protruding portion so as to be engaged with or disengaged from the process cartridge, and the pressing lever is rotatable in a manner to press the locking lever. supported on the protrusion.

According to a sixth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein each of the pressing levers has a support portion protruding in the rotation axis direction, wherein The spacer member is rotatably supported on the support member.

According to a seventh exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, including a cover provided on the apparatus main body in an openable manner. and is adapted to be opened to install or detach the process cartridge; and a cover linkage mechanism connected to the cover so as to linearly move the translation member when the cover is opened so that the fixed A member transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state.

According to an eighth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, wherein the fixing members are arranged to be respectively arranged in the locked state. The installation and removal path of the process cartridge in the device main body, and withdrawn from the installation and removal path in the unlocked state.

According to a ninth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the spacer member is provided so as to be removed from the attaching and detaching path in the unlocked state. quit.

According to a tenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, comprising means for generating a rotation that causes the linear movement member to reciprocate linearly. power motor.

According to an eleventh exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the tenth aspect of the present invention, comprising a rack formed on the translation member, a A pinion and a clutch for engaging or disengaging transmission of rotational force from the electric motor to the pinion.

According to a twelfth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including: an apparatus main body, a process cartridge detachably mounted in the apparatus main body, provided in the apparatus main body and having a a body frame of an abutting portion against which the process cartridge abuts, and a preventing member provided on a mounting/demounting path of the process cartridge in which the preventing member is arranged in the apparatus main body to prevent the process cartridge from A blocking position in which the abutting portion abuts, and a permitted position in which the blocking member is withdrawn from the attaching/detaching path so as to allow the process cartridge to abut against the abutting portion.

According to a thirteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the first aspect of the present invention, including a fixing member adapted to The cartridge moves between a locked state in which the process cartridge abuts against the abutment portion and an unlocked state in which the fixing member is separated from the process cartridge by a certain distance.

According to a fourteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the preventing member is provided to cooperate with the transfer of the fixing member to the locked state to the permissive position, and to the blocking position in coordination with the transfer of the securing member to the unlocked state.

According to a fifteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the preventing member is provided to swing around a swing shaft supported on the body frame , wherein the fixing member is supported on the protrusion occupied by the body frame in a manner to rotate about the protrusion so as to be displaced between the locked state and the unlocked state and cause the The blocking member moves from the permitting position to the blocking position during displacement from the locked state to the unlocked state.

According to a sixteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus as described in the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the preventing member is integrally formed with the fixing member.

According to a seventeenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum having a drum shaft, the preventing member includes a fixing surface and a preventing surface, the fixing surface is pressed against the drum shaft, so that said drum shaft abuts said abutment, and in said unlocked state, the blocking surface is arranged on said mounting and dismounting path to prevent said drum shaft from abutting said butt joint.

According to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, a plurality of process cartridges are detachably mounted in the apparatus main body in such a manner as to be arranged parallel to each other in the apparatus main body. The body frame provided in the apparatus main body has a plurality of abutment portions and a plurality of protrusions protruding in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum (hereinafter simply referred to as “rotation axis direction”). A protrusion is provided in association with each process cartridge. The fixing members are rotatably provided on the protrusions, respectively. In the locked state, the fixing member presses the process cartridge to abut the process cartridge against the abutment portion. When the process cartridge is pressed while abutting against the abutting portion, the process cartridge is fixed at a position where the process cartridge abuts against the abutting portion. Thus, the photosensitive drum provided on the process cartridge is also fixed. The process cartridge is released by shifting the fixing member from the locked state to the unlocked state. That is, the fixing of the process cartridge is released by the fixing member rotating around the protrusion in such a manner that the fixing member is spaced apart from the process cartridge.

In addition, a plurality of spacer members are provided in association with the respective process cartridges in the apparatus main body. The spacing member is movable to a spacing position and a clearance position. When the spacer member is moved to the spaced position, the developing roller is spaced away from the photosensitive drum, and when the spaced member is moved to the permissive position, the developing roller is allowed to contact the photosensitive drum.

In addition, the rotation of each fixed member and the movement of each spacer member are obtained by the reciprocating linear motion of the translational member. Thus, the connection and separation of each developing roller with its respective mating photosensitive drum and the fixing and releasing of each photosensitive drum can be obtained by providing a simple structure for translating members to share these actions.

According to a second exemplary aspect of the present invention, a plurality of connection members are provided in association with the fixing member. The connection member is rotatably coupled with the fixing member at one end about respective shafts extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. The connection member is inserted into a guide hole formed in the body frame so as to be fitted at the other end thereof in a guide groove formed in the translation member.

The guide hole has a straight hole portion extending in the direction in which the process cartridges are arranged, that is, the moving direction of the translation member (hereinafter simply referred to as “moving direction” in this section), and a cross hole portion extending from the straight hole portion. One end of the cylinder begins to extend in a direction intersecting the direction of motion. The guide groove has a straight groove portion extending in the moving direction and an intersecting groove portion extending from one end of the straight groove portion in a direction crossing the moving direction.

In the state where the other end portion of the connecting member is fitted in the intersecting hole portion, since the position of the other end portion of the connecting member relative to the body frame does not change even when the translation member reciprocates in a straight line, the connecting member and The posture of the fixed member also does not change. When this happens, the fixing member is in a locked state, thereby fixing the process cartridge (photosensitive drum). When the translation member is moved in a direction in which the other end of the connection member is relatively close to the intersecting groove portion, and further moved in this direction after the other end portion of the connection member is fitted into the intersecting groove portion, the other end portion of the connection member Displaced from the intersecting hole while remaining fitted in the intersecting hole. Next, the other end portion of the connecting member moves inside the linear hole portion. As a result of movement of the other end of the connecting member, the posture of the connecting member changes, and in association therewith, as a result of the fixing member being spaced apart from the process cartridge, the fixing member rotates around the protrusion and produces an unlocked state.

In this way, definite switching of the fixing member between the locked state and the unlocked state can be realized through the straight-moving member and the connecting member.

According to the third exemplary aspect of the present invention, when the other end portion of the connecting member is disposed in the linear hole portion and the intersecting groove portion, that is, when the fixing member is in an unlocked state, all the spacer members are disposed at the allowable position. When the translation member is moved in one direction from this state, the other end portion of the connection member moves within the linear hole portion while remaining fitted in the cross hole portion. The fixing member is transferred from the unlocked state to the locked state by movement of the other end of the connecting member. Then, when the translating member is moved further in that one direction, at least one spacer member is moved to a spaced position, thereby spacing the developer roller associated with the spacer member so moved from the associated photosensitive drum. Then, after this state, all the spacer members are moved to the spaced position, thereby resulting in a state where all the developing rollers are spaced apart from their respective associated photosensitive drums.

Therefore, it can be realized by the translating member, the spacer member and the connecting member that the process cartridge is fixed to allow the developing roller to contact all the photosensitive drums in a state where the fixing of the process cartridge (photosensitive drum) is released to allow the developing roller to contact all the photosensitive drums. The state of the drum, determined between the state in which the process cartridge is secured so that at least one developer roller is spaced from its mating photosensitive drum, and the state in which the process cartridge is secured so that all of the developer rollers are spaced from their mating photosensitive drum switch.

According to a fourth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the translating member has a plurality of spacing surfaces and a plurality of permitting surfaces. The spacing member can be caused to move from the permitting position to the spacing position by moving the translating member from a state where the spacing surface is in contact with the spacing member so as to bring the permitting surface into contact with the spacing member. On the other hand, the spacer member can be caused to move from the permission position to the spacer position by moving the translation member from the state where the permitting surface contacts the spacer member so that the spacer surface contacts the spacer member.

Like this, can cause each spacing member to start to move from spacing position and permission position by means of the simple structure that a plurality of spacing surfaces and permission surfaces are arranged on the straight-moving member, thereby can realize that developing roller is connected to the photosensitive drum that matches with it and Separation from its matching photosensitive drum.

According to a fifth exemplary aspect of the present invention, each fixing member includes a locking lever rotatably supported on the protrusion and a pressing lever rotatably supported on the protrusion. The locking lever is provided in a manner to be rotated around the protrusion so as to be attached to and detached from the process cartridge and pressed by the pressing lever. Thus, when the pressing lever is pressed against the lock lever in a state where the lock lever contacts the process cartridge, the lock lever can be pressed against the process cartridge. As a result, rigid fixing of the process cartridge can be achieved.

According to a sixth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the spacer member is rotatably supported on the support member provided on the pressing lever. Thus, movement of the spacer member is achieved by movement of the pressing rod.

According to the seventh exemplary aspect of the present invention, when the cover provided on the device main body in an openable manner is opened, the cover interlocking member moves the translation member in a manner interlocked with the opening of the cover, whereby the translation member moves from the locking The state transitions to the unlocked state. Therefore, the translating member does not need to move when installing or removing the process cartridge. Conversely, only the cover member is opened to release the process cartridge from the locked state. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and effort spent in installing or dismounting the process cartridge into or from the apparatus main body.

According to the eighth exemplary aspect of the present invention, since the fixing member is arranged on the mounting/detaching path of the process cartridge in the apparatus main body in the locked state, the process cartridge is fixed by the fixing member, thereby making it possible to prevent dislocation of the process cartridge. On the other hand, since the fixing member is withdrawn from the attaching/detaching path in the unlocked state, the process cartridge can be installed and removed from the apparatus main body without being interfered by the fixing member.

According to the ninth exemplary aspect of the present invention, in the unlocked state, not only the fixing member but also the spacer member are provided to retreat from the attaching/detaching path. Thus, installation and detachment of the process cartridge into and from the apparatus main body can be achieved without being interfered by the fixing member and the spacer member.

According to the tenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the translational movement member can be reciprocated along the line by the rotational force generated by the motor. Therefore, the linear reciprocation of the translational member is not performed manually.

According to the eleventh exemplary aspect of the present invention, the transmission of the rotational force generated by the electric motor can be engaged and disengaged by the clutch. When engaged to the transmission of the rotational force of the pinion, it is possible to reciprocate the translation member in a straight line by means of the rack. In addition, when the transmission of the rotational force to the pinion is disengaged, for example, when the translation member is moved in conjunction with the opening of the cover provided on the device main body in an openable manner, it is possible to prevent the motor from constituting an adverse effect on the translation member. Movement load.

According to a twelfth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the preventing member is provided to move between a preventing position and a permitting position, in which the preventing member is arranged on the mounting-demounting path of the process cartridge in the apparatus main body, and in the permitting position Prevents components from exiting the mount-tear path. When the process cartridge is installed into the apparatus main body, with the preventing member at the preventing position, movement of the process cartridge in the mounting direction is prevented by the preventing member during the process cartridge is thus mounted. The mounting blocking state is released by moving the blocking member from the blocking position to the permitting position. When the process cartridge is further moved in the mounting direction after the state preventing the mounting has been released, the process cartridge abuts against an abutment portion provided on the body frame.

Therefore, even if the process cartridge is forcibly inserted into the apparatus main body, since the process cartridge can be prevented from being forcibly abutted against the abutment portion, it is possible to prevent impact from being applied to the abutment portion.

According to the thirteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the fixing member presses the process cartridge so that the process cartridge abuts against the abutment portion in the locked state. When the process cartridge is pressed while abutting against the abutting portion, the process cartridge is fixed in place at the position where it abuts against the abutting portion, thereby enabling positioning of the process cartridge within the apparatus main body.

The fixing of the process cartridge is released by shifting the fixing member from the locked state to the unlocked state. That is, the fixing of the process cartridge is released by the fixing member moving away from the process cartridge. When the fixation of the process cartridge is thus released, the process cartridge is enabled to be detached from the apparatus main body.

According to the fourteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, when the fixing member is shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state, the preventing member is caused to move from the preventing position to the permitting position in coordination with the displacement of the fixing member. In addition, when the fixing member is shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state, the preventing member is caused to move from the permitting position to the preventing position in coordination with the displacement of the fixing member.

When the process cartridge is detached from the device main body, the fixing member is shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state. Therefore, in a state where the process cartridge is not mounted in the apparatus main body, the fixing member is in an unlocked state, and the preventing member is arranged in the preventing position. Thus, when the process cartridge is installed into the apparatus main body, since the preventing member is disposed at the preventing position, the preventing member prevents movement of the process cartridge in the mounting direction in a certain manner during the process cartridge is thus mounted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a shock from acting on the abutment portion when the process cartridge is installed in a certain manner.

According to a fifteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the body frame has a swing shaft and a protrusion. The blocking member is swingably supported on the swing shaft. The fixing member is rotatably supported on the protrusion and transitions between a locked state and an unlocked state. During the transition of the securing member from the locked state to the unlocked state, the securing member causes the blocking member to move from the permissive position to the blocking position. Thus, no decoupling mechanism is used to move the blocking member. Therefore, simplification of the structure can be achieved.

According to a sixteenth exemplary aspect of the present invention, the preventing member is integrally formed with the fixing member. Therefore, simplification of the structure can be achieved.

The present invention has been shown and described in conjunction with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (17)

1. An image forming device, characterized in that the image forming device comprises: device body; a plurality of process cartridges detachably mounted in the apparatus main body in a parallel manner, each of the process cartridges including a photosensitive drum and a developing roller disposed to face the photosensitive drum; a body frame including a plurality of abutment portions arranged to abut against the process cartridges, respectively, and a plurality of protrusions, each of the protrusions being associated with each of the process cartridges and extending along the protruding in the direction of the axis of rotation; a plurality of fixing members, each protrusion supporting each of the fixing members, each fixing member being associated with each of the process cartridges and configured to rotate between a locked state and an unlocked state in which , the fixing member presses the respective process cartridges so as to abut against the abutting portion, and in the unlocked state, the fixing member is separated from the respective process cartridges; a plurality of spacer members, each spacer member being associated with a respective process cartridge and movable between a spaced position at which the spacer member keeps the developing roller away from the respective process cartridge and a permissive position the photosensitive drum, at the permission position, the spacer member allows the developing roller to contact the photosensitive drum; and A translational member linearly reciprocating to rotate the fixing member between the locked state and the unlocked state, and to move the spacer member between the spaced position and the permitting position. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Wherein the body frame further includes a plurality of guide portions formed in the body frame, each of the guide portions is associated with a respective fixing member, and each of the guide portions includes a linear hole portion and a linear hole connected to the linear hole. The cross hole part where one end of the part intersects, The translating member includes a plurality of guide grooves, each of which is associated with a respective fixing member, and each of the guide grooves includes a linear groove portion and an intersecting groove portion intersecting one end of the linear groove portion , The image forming apparatus further includes a plurality of connecting members, each of which is associated with a respective fixing member, one end portion of each of the connecting members is rotatably coupled to each of the fixing members, and each the other end of the connecting member fits within each of the guide holes and each of the guide slots, and in, By positioning the other end portion of the connection member in the cross hole portion and the linear groove portion, the fixing member is placed in the locked state, and by positioning the other end portion of the connection member A portion is positioned in the linear hole portion and the intersecting groove portion, and the fixing member is placed in the unlocked state. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: wherein all of the spacer members are arranged at the permissible position when the other end portion of the connecting member is arranged in the linear hole portion and the intersecting groove portion, When the translation member moves linearly in one direction from the state where the other end of the connection member is arranged in the linear hole portion and the intersecting groove portion, the other end of the connection member being arranged in the intersecting hole portion and the linear groove portion, When the translation member further moves along the straight line in the one direction from the state where the other end portion of the connecting member is arranged in the intersecting hole portion and the straight line groove portion, at least one instead of all of said spacing members are moved to said spacing position, and When the translational member moves further along the straight line in the one direction from a state in which at least one of the spacing members has moved to the spacing position, all of the spacing members move to the spacing position. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: in, The translating member further includes a plurality of spacing surfaces and a plurality of clearance surfaces, each spacing surface associated with each of the spacing members, each clearance surface associated with each of the spacing members, such that when the spacing members are in the In the spaced position, the spacer member contacts the spacer surface of the translation member associated with the spacer member, and when the spacer member is in the permissive position, the spacer member contacts the spacer surface of the spacer member associated with the spacer member. The permitting surface of the associated translating member. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: in, Each of the fixing members includes a lock lever rotatable around the respective protrusions to engage with and disengage from the process cartridge, and a pressing lever rotatable around the respective projections. The protrusion rotates to depress the locking lever. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: in, each of the pressing levers includes a support portion protruding in the direction of the rotation axis, and The spacer members are respectively rotatably supported on the support parts. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover provided on the apparatus main body and adapted to be opened for mounting or detaching the process cartridge; and a cover linkage mechanism fitted on the cover and the translation member to move the translation member along the straight line when the cover is opened to move the fixed member from the locking state transitions to the unlocked state. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: in, The fixing members are respectively disposed on a mounting and demounting path of the process cartridge in the apparatus main body in the locked state and withdrawn from the mounting and detaching path in the unlocked state. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: Wherein the spacer member associated with each fixation member is withdrawn from the attachment and detachment path when the fixation member is in the unlocked state. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an electric motor that generates a rotational force that causes the translating member to reciprocate along the straight line. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a rack formed on the translating member; a pinion meshing with said rack; and A clutch that controls transmission of rotational force from the electric motor to the pinion. 12. An image forming device, characterized in that the image forming device comprises: device body; a process cartridge detachably mounted in the apparatus main body; a body frame provided in the apparatus main body and including an abutment portion that abuts the process cartridge if the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body; and a blocking member that moves between a blocking position and a permitting position, at which blocking position, the blocking member is arranged on a mounting and detaching path of the process cartridge in the apparatus main body to prevent the The process cartridge abuts against the abutting portion, and at the permitting position, the preventing member is withdrawn from the attaching and detaching path to allow the process cartridge to abut against the abutting portion. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: a fixing member adapted to move between a locked state and an unlocked state in which the fixing member is pressed against the process cartridge to abut the process cartridge against the abutment portion, In the unlocked state, the fixing member is away from the process cartridge. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: in, The blocking member moves to the permission position in cooperation with the fixing member moving to the locked state, and the blocking member moves to the blocking position in cooperation with the fixing member moving to the unlocked state. Location. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: wherein the body frame includes a swing shaft and a protrusion, and the preventing member is arranged to swing about the swing axis, and The fixing member is rotatably supported on the protrusion to shift between the locked state and the unlocked state, and in shifting from the locked state to the unlocked state, causes The blocking member moves from the permitting position to the blocking position. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: in, The preventing member is integrally formed with the fixing member. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: wherein the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum having a drum shaft, and The blocking member includes a fixed surface that presses against the drum shaft when in the locked state, and a blocking surface so that the drum shaft abuts against the abutment, and a blocking surface that when in the unlocked state. In the state, the blocking surface is arranged on the installation and removal path to prevent the drum shaft from abutting against the abutment portion.

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