JPH11288206A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To suppress an adverse effect on an image caused by vibrations caused by a photoconductor and an intermediate transfer body. SOLUTION: A photosensitive member 51, which is driven to rotate and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface to form a toner image, and an intermediate transfer member 86 to which the toner image is transferred, are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. A first frame 10 for supporting, and a second frame 20 that is separate from the first frame and supports an exposing unit 60 that exposes a photoconductor to form an electrostatic latent image.
The frame is configured to be horizontally separable from the first frame, and the photoconductor 51 and the intermediate transfer body 86 are configured to be detachable from the first frame 10 from the second frame 20 side. When the two frames are separated from the first frame, the photoconductor and the intermediate transfer member are separated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, etc., for forming an image on a recording material such as paper by using an electrophotographic technique. Especially,
It concerns the frame configuration.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material such as paper by using an electrophotographic technique includes a photosensitive member which is driven to rotate by a driving means, and a photosensitive member which is exposed to the photosensitive member and has a static surface. Exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image, developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording material, and feeding the recording material to the transfer portion Feeding means, fixing means for heating and fixing the toner image on the recording material while passing the recording material onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means, and conveying means for conveying the recording material with the toner image fixed thereon And As a transfer unit, a transfer unit including an intermediate transfer member interposed between a photosensitive member and a recording material is known.

[0003] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus provided with an intermediate transfer member, the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member which are driven to rotate, and the exposure means are supported by the same frame.

[0004]

In a conventional image forming apparatus, a photosensitive member and an intermediate transfer member which are driven to rotate,
Since the exposing unit and the exposing unit are supported by the same frame, the vibration generated by the photoreceptor and the intermediate transfer unit, which are rotating bodies, is transmitted to the exposing unit through the same frame.

[0005] For this reason, the exposure position on the photosensitive member is affected by the vibration, and as a result, the formed image is adversely affected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which solves the above-mentioned problems and suppresses the adverse effect on the image caused by the vibration of the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is driven to rotate, and an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface is developed to form a toner image. A first frame that supports the photoconductor and an intermediate transfer body on which the toner image is transferred in contact with the photoconductor in a vertical direction; and a first frame that is separate from the first frame, A second frame for supporting an exposing means for forming the electrostatic latent image by exposure, wherein the second frame is configured to be horizontally separable from the first frame, and And the intermediate transfer member is configured to be detachable from the first frame from the second frame side, and the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member are separated when the second frame is separated from the first frame. It is characterized by.

[0008] The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect is the first aspect.
In the image forming apparatus described in the above, the second frame includes:
A feeding device for feeding a recording material onto which the toner image on the intermediate transfer body is transferred is incorporated.
It is characterized by being separated from the first frame together with the frame.

[0009]

According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the second frame supporting the exposure means for exposing the rotatably driven photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image is a rotating member. Since the frame is formed as a frame separate from the first frame supporting the intermediate transfer member, the vibration generated by the rotation of the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member is transmitted to the first frame, but the vibration is further transmitted to the exposure unit. Is less likely to be transmitted to the second frame supporting the second frame. Transmission of at least the vibration to the second frame supporting the exposure means is significantly suppressed.

Therefore, it is difficult for the vibration to reach the exposure means, and the exposure position of the exposure means on the photosensitive member is hardly affected by the vibration. As a result, the formed image is adversely affected. It becomes difficult.

That is, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect on the image caused by the vibration of the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member.

Further, the photoreceptor and the intermediate transfer body are vertically arranged and supported by the first frame.
The second frame is configured to be horizontally separable from the first frame, and the photoconductor and the intermediate transfer body are configured to be detachable from the first frame from the second frame side. By separating the second frame from the first frame, the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame.

That is, since the second frame is not pivoted with respect to the first frame but is separated in the horizontal direction, a space can be effectively formed between the first frame and the second frame. By utilizing the space, the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member can be easily attached and detached despite the fact that the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member are arranged vertically with respect to the first frame. Become like

Further, when the second frame is separated from the first frame, the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member are separated from each other. The photoconductor can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame by utilizing the space between the first frame and the second frame. Similarly, the intermediate transfer member can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame without bringing the intermediate transfer member into contact with the photosensitive member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, a recording material on which the toner image on the intermediate transfer body is transferred is fed to the second frame. Since the sheet feeding device is incorporated and is separated from the first frame together with the second frame, the recording material is jammed between the sheet feeding device and the transfer position of the intermediate transfer member. In such a case, the recording material can be easily removed by separating the second frame from the first frame in the horizontal direction.

In addition, as described above, the second frame is not rotated with respect to the first frame but is separated in the horizontal direction, so that a space is effectively formed between the first frame and the second frame. By using this space, the jammed recording material can be easily removed.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a frame configuration thereof.

First, an outline of the image forming apparatus will be described.

This image forming apparatus can form a single-color image and a full-color image using a developing device using four color toners of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). Device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 50 denotes a photoreceptor unit, and the photoreceptor 51 is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG.

The photosensitive member 51 has a thin cylindrical conductive base material and a photosensitive layer formed on the surface thereof.

Around the photoreceptor 51, a charging roller 52 as a charging unit, an exposure unit 60 as an exposure unit, and a developing device 70 as a developing unit are arranged along the rotation direction.
(Y, C, M, K), the intermediate transfer unit 80, and the cleaning unit 53 are arranged. The photoconductor unit 50 incorporates a photoconductor 51, a charging roller 52, and a cleaning unit 53.

The charging roller 52 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 51 to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the uniformly charged photoconductor 51 is selectively exposed L1 according to desired image information by the exposure unit 60, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 51 by the exposure L1. .

This electrostatic latent image is developed by applying toner in a developing unit 70.

As a developing device, a developing device 70 for yellow is used.
Developing device 70C for Y and cyan, developing device 70 for magenta
A developing device 70K for M and black is provided. These developing units 70Y, 70C, 70M, 70K are
Each is configured to be swingable, so that only the developing roller 71 of one developing unit can selectively contact the photoconductor 51. Therefore, these developing devices 70
The toner of any one of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black is applied to the surface of the photoconductor 51 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 51.

The developed toner image is transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 86 which forms an intermediate transfer member of the intermediate transfer unit 80.

After the above-mentioned transfer, the cleaning means 53
The cleaning device includes a cleaner blade for scraping off the toner remaining on and adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 51, and a receiving portion for receiving the toner scraped off by the cleaner blade.

The intermediate transfer unit 80 includes a driving roller 81
And four driven rollers 82, 83, 84, 85, and an endless intermediate transfer belt 86 as an intermediate transfer member stretched around these rollers.

The drive roller 81 is substantially connected to the photoconductor 51 by a gear (not shown) fixed to the end of the drive roller 81 meshing with a drive gear (not shown) provided at the end of the photoconductor 51. The intermediate transfer belt 86 is driven to rotate at the same peripheral speed, so that the intermediate transfer belt 86 is driven to circulate at substantially the same peripheral speed as the photosensitive member 51 in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

The driven roller 85 is disposed at a position where the intermediate transfer belt 86 is pressed against the photosensitive member 51 by its own tension between the driven roller 85 and the driven roller 85. In the primary transfer section T1
Are formed. The driven roller 85 is disposed near the primary transfer portion T1 on the upstream side in the circulation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 86.

The driving roller 81 has an intermediate transfer belt 86
A primary transfer voltage is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 86 via the electrode roller (not shown).

The driven roller 82 is a tension roller, and urges the intermediate transfer belt 86 in the direction of its tension by urging means (not shown).

The driven roller 83 is a backup roller that forms the secondary transfer portion T2. A secondary transfer roller 88 as a secondary transfer unit is opposed to the backup roller 83 via an intermediate transfer belt 86. The secondary transfer roller 88 can be moved toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt 86 by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown). A secondary transfer voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 88.

The driven roller 84 is a backup roller for the belt cleaner 89. Belt cleaner 89
Is a cleaner blade 89 which comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 86 and scrapes off the toner remaining and adhering to the outer peripheral surface thereof.
a, and a receiving portion 89b for receiving the toner scraped off by the cleaner blade 89a. The belt cleaner 89 can be moved toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt 86 by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown).

The intermediate transfer belt 86 is composed of a multi-layer belt having a conductive layer and a resistance layer formed on the conductive layer and pressed against the photosensitive member 51. The conductive layer is formed on an insulating substrate made of a synthetic resin, and a primary transfer voltage is applied to the conductive layer via the above-described electrode roller.

While the intermediate transfer belt 86 is being driven to circulate, the toner image on the photosensitive member 51 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 86 in the primary transfer portion T1, and the intermediate transfer belt 8 is moved.
The toner image transferred onto the sheet 6 is transferred to a sheet (recording material) S such as a sheet supplied between the secondary transfer roller 88 and the secondary transfer section T2.

The intermediate transfer unit 80 incorporates the electrode roller, the urging means for the tension roller 82, the secondary transfer roller 88, and the belt cleaner 89.

The recording material S is supplied to a sheet feeding device 90 serving as a sheet feeding means.
And is supplied to the secondary transfer portion T2 at a predetermined timing by the gate roller pair G. Reference numeral 91 denotes a paper feed cassette for stacking and holding the recording materials S, and reference numeral 92 denotes a pickup roller.

The recording material S to which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer portion T2 passes through a fixing unit 100 serving as a fixing means, and the toner image is fixed.

The fixing unit 100 includes a heating roller 101 having a heat source and a pressing roller 10 pressed against the heating roller 101.
The rollers 101 and 102 heat the passing recording material S while pinching it, thereby fusing and fixing the toner image on the recording material S.

The recording material S that has passed through the fixing unit 100 is
Eventually, the sheet is discharged onto a sheet receiving portion 41 formed on a case 40 of the apparatus main body through a sheet discharging path 110. In this image forming apparatus, the recording material S passing through the fixing unit 100 is A reversing return path 110 'is provided for reversing the front and back and returning the recording material S to the secondary transfer portion T2 again.

The reverse return path 110 ′ is connected to the fixing unit 1.
The switchback path 1 has two independent paper discharge paths 111 and 112 that can carry in the recording material S that has passed through the sheet feeding unit 00 and reversely feed the recording material S once carried in.
13 and a return path 114 for returning the recording material S sent back from the switchback path 113 back to the secondary transfer portion T2. Therefore, the recording material S returned to the secondary transfer portion T2 again by the reverse return path 110 'is turned over and returned to the secondary transfer portion T2.

Such an image forming apparatus can form an image only on the front surface (first surface) of the recording material S, or form an image on both surfaces (first and second surfaces, front and back). You can also.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a control unit, which constitutes control means for controlling the entire apparatus.

The outline of the operation of the entire image forming apparatus as described above is as follows.

(I) When a print command signal (image forming signal) from a host computer or the like (personal computer or the like) not shown is input to the control unit 120 of the image forming apparatus, each roller of the photosensitive member 51 and the developing device 70 71 and the intermediate transfer belt 86 are driven to rotate.

(Ii) The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 51 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 52.

(Iii) The exposure unit 60 selectively exposes the outer peripheral surface of the uniformly charged photoreceptor 51 in accordance with the image information of the first color (for example, yellow). An image is formed.

(Iv) Only the developing roller of the developing device 70Y for the first color (for example, yellow) comes into contact with the photoreceptor 51, whereby the electrostatic latent image is developed, and the first color (for example, yellow) is developed. Is formed on the photoreceptor 51.

(V) A primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 86, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 51 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 86 at the primary transfer portion T1. Is transferred to At this time, the secondary transfer roller 88 and the belt cleaner 89 are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 86.

(Vi) After the toner remaining on the photoconductor 51 is removed by the cleaning unit 53, the photoconductor 51 is discharged by the discharging light L 2 from the discharging unit 61.

(Vii) The above operations (ii) to (vi) are repeated as necessary. That is, the second color, the third color, the fourth color,
Is repeated on the intermediate transfer belt 86 to form a toner image corresponding to the content of the print command signal.

(Viii) The recording material S is supplied from the paper feeding device 90 at a predetermined timing, and immediately before or after the leading end of the recording material S reaches the secondary transfer portion T2 (in short, a desired image on the recording material S) (At the timing when the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 86 is transferred) to the secondary transfer roller 88
Is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 86 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied, so that the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 86 (basically, a full-color image in which four color toner images are superimposed) is formed on the recording material S. Transcribed. Further, the belt cleaner 89 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 86, and the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 86 after the secondary transfer is removed.

(Ix) As the recording material S passes through the fixing unit 100, the toner image is fixed on the recording material S,
Thereafter, the recording material S is conveyed toward a predetermined position (toward the sheet receiving portion 41 in the case of non-double-sided printing, or to the return path 114 via the switchback path 113 in the case of double-sided printing).

That is, when an image is formed only on the front surface (first surface), the recording material S fed from the paper feeding device 90 is used.
The image is transferred to the first surface by the secondary transfer unit T2, is fixed by the fixing unit 100, and is discharged onto the sheet receiving unit 41 via the paper discharge path 111 or 112. A path switching unit (not shown) is provided at the entrance 110A of each of the paper discharge paths 111 and 112, so that the recording material S can be connected to either of the paper discharge paths (111 and 112).
Is determined.

To form an image on both sides (first and second sides), the recording material S fed from the sheet feeding device 90 is used.
After the image is transferred to the first surface by the secondary transfer unit T2 and fixed by the fixing unit 100, the sheet
Or 112 (the switchback path 74), the sheet is fed backward, passes through the return path 73, and is returned to the secondary transfer portion T2 again at a predetermined timing by the gate roller pair G.
The image is also transferred to the surface. After that, the fixing unit 100
The image is fixed also on the second surface, and the paper discharge path 111 or 1
The sheet is discharged onto the sheet receiving section 41 through the sheet 12.

The outline of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment has been described above. Next, the frame configuration will be described.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a first frame;
Is a second frame, and 30 is a third frame. These first, second, and third frames 10, 20, and 30 are each composed of separate frames.

The first frame 10 includes the photosensitive unit 5
0, a developing device 70 (Y, C, M, K), an intermediate transfer unit 80, and driving means (a driving motor, a gear or a gear train, etc.) thereof are supported. The photoconductor unit 50 and the intermediate transfer unit 80 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. As will be described later, the photoconductor unit 50 and the intermediate transfer unit 80 are located on the second frame 20 side with respect to the first frame 10. (The right side in FIG. 2). Each developing device 70 is configured to be detachable from the first frame 10 from the third frame 30 side (the left side in FIG. 2).

The second frame 20 includes the exposure unit 6
0, a sheet feeding device 90, and a gate roller pair G are supported. The second frame 20 has an upper frame 21 and a lower frame 22. The upper frame 21 supports the exposure unit 60, and the lower frame 22 supports the sheet feeding device 90 and the gate roller pair G. .

The third frame 30 includes the fixing unit 10
0, a paper discharge path 110, and a reverse return path 110 'are supported.

The second frame 20, as shown in FIG.
The first frame 10 is configured to be able to be separated in the horizontal direction (the direction of the arrow X1).

As shown in FIG. 4, a hole 21b is provided in the bottom 21a of the upper frame 21 of the second frame 20, and a flange 22d which fits loosely into the hole 21b.
The attached cylindrical member 22b is fixed to the upper plate 22a of the lower frame 22 with screws 22c. The holes 21b, the cylindrical member 22b, and the like are provided at four corners of the upper frame bottom plate 21a and at four corners of the lower frame upper plate 22a.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper frame 21 can be floated with respect to the lower frame 22. Reference numeral 22d denotes a buffer made of an elastic member such as rubber, which serves to reduce an impact when the upper frame 21 is placed on the lower frame 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the first
Positioning pins 12 are provided on the second frame 20 side of the pair of side plates 11 of the frame 10, and a holding mechanism for holding the pins 12, 12 in the upper frame 21 of the second frame 20. 23 are provided.

The holding mechanism 23 includes tapered grooves 24a formed on the side plates 24 of the upper frame 21 for engaging and disengaging the pins 12, 12 and a shaft rotatably mounted on the side plates 24. 25, an operation lever 26 fixed to one end of the shaft 25, gears 27 and 27 inside the side plate 24 and fixed to the shaft 25, and a gear 2
The gear 28 includes a gear 28 rotatably attached to the side plate 24 with a shaft 28a so as to mesh with the gears 7 and 27, and a holding claw 28b that rotates integrally with the gear 28.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the second frame 20 is separated from the first frame 10, the tapered groove 24 a is located slightly below the pins 12 of the first frame 10. 2 frames 20 to 1st frame 1
When sliding toward 0 (in the direction of arrow X2),
It can be engaged with the pin 12 of the first frame 10.

Therefore, when the second frame 20 is moved in the direction of the arrow X2 from the state shown in FIG. 3, the pins 12 enter the tapered grooves 24a, and first, the left side of the upper frame 21 (with respect to the first frame 10). The opposing surface side) is lifted. Next, as shown in FIG.
Is rotated in the direction of the arrow a1, the gear 27 also rotates in the same direction, so that the gear 28 and the holding claw 28b rotate in the direction of the arrow b1, whereby the pin 12 is connected to the terminal end of the tapered groove 24a. It will be completely held by the holding claws 28b.

In this state, the upper frame 21 is about to rotate clockwise (see the direction of the arrow a1) about the pin 12, but the side plate 24 of the upper frame 21 has the first plate as shown in FIG. Bent portion 24 facing frame 10
b, 24b, and four abutment pads 24c, which are made of an elastic material such as rubber, are provided on the bent portions 24b, 24b. The rotation is restricted because it comes into contact with the receiving portions 11a, 11a provided on the side plate 11 of the first frame 10.

As a result, the upper frame 21
As shown in (b), it is in a state of floating from the lower frame 22.

At the same time, the pins 12 of the first frame 10
Is completely held by the end of the tapered groove 24a and the holding claw 28b, and the contact pad 24c is
The second frame 20 is accurately positioned with respect to the first frame 10 by abutting the zero receiving portion 11a.

When the second frame 20 is separated from the first frame 10, when the operation lever 26 is rotated from the position shown in FIG. 6 in the direction of arrow a2, the gear 28 and the holding claw 28b are moved clockwise (arrow b1). (In the direction opposite to the direction), the locked state of the pin 12 by the holding claw 28b and the end of the tapered groove 24a is released. As shown in FIG. 3, the second frame 20 is pulled out in the arrow X1 direction. To separate from the first frame 10. In the process of releasing the lock on the pin 12, first, the right side of the upper frame 21 moves downward, and then, in the process of pulling out the second frame 20, the engagement between the pin 12 and the tapered groove 24a is released. The left side of the upper frame 21 also moves downward. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 3, the upper frame 21 is placed on the lower frame 22 as shown in FIG. 4A.

The operation lever 26 of the holding mechanism 23 may be provided in a pair. In this case, the shaft 25 does not necessarily have to connect the gears 27, 27.

As shown in FIG. 3, an intermediate transfer unit 8 is provided at a portion of the lower frame 22 facing the intermediate transfer unit 80.
The intermediate transfer unit 80, that is, the intermediate transfer belt 86, which is engaged with and disengaged from a pin (or an actuated member formed of a roller or the like, the same applies hereinafter) of a frame (not shown).
There is provided a projection 29 as an operating part that can move the vertical direction.

The protruding portion 29 includes an inclined portion 29a and a horizontal portion 29b.
And When the second frame 20 is mounted on the first frame 10, the protrusion 29 is used for the intermediate transfer unit 8.
When the pin 0 runs up from the inclined portion 29a to the horizontal portion 29b, the intermediate transfer unit 80 is swung in the direction toward the photoreceptor 51 (in the direction of arrow c1) about the axis 80a which is the center of the swing. When the second frame 20 is pulled out from the first frame 10 in the direction of the arrow X1, the intermediate transfer belt 86 is brought into contact with the photosensitive member 51 and the intermediate transfer unit 80 is positioned. The direction in which the pins of the intermediate transfer unit 80 run down the inclined portion 29a from the horizontal portion 29b to separate the intermediate transfer unit 80 from the photoreceptor 51 about the axis 80a that is the center of the swing thereof (the direction of arrow c2). The intermediate transfer belt 86 is separated from the photoconductor 51 by swinging (moving downward) by its own weight.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the second frame 20 is pulled out in the
In a state where the intermediate transfer belt 86 and the photoconductor 51 are not in sliding contact with each other,
Utilizing the space A1 between the second frame 20 and
Pull out the photoconductor unit 50 as shown by an arrow X1,
By lifting as shown by arrow Y1, it can be easily removed from first frame 10, and conversely, arrow Y1
2 and can be easily mounted as shown by arrow X2. Similarly, the intermediate transfer belt 86 and the photoconductor 51 are not brought into sliding contact with each other, and
0 can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame 10. Note that the second frame 20 can be further separated in the X1 direction (that is, to the extent that the intermediate transfer unit 80 can be pulled out of the first frame 10 in the arrow X1 direction) from the position shown in FIG. is there. Further, the shaft 80a serving as the swing center of the intermediate transfer unit 80 described above.
Is configured to be able to be engaged with and disengaged from a receiving portion (not shown) of the shaft 80 a provided at an appropriate position of the first frame 10.

Further, the feeding device 90 is connected to the second frame 20.
When the recording material is clogged between the sheet feeding device 90 and the secondary transfer portion T2, the recording material is easily removed using the space A1. be able to.

As shown in FIG. 7, the third frame 30
The first frame 10 is configured to be separated horizontally (in the direction of the arrow X2). The third frame 30 has a horizontal frame 31 arranged in a substantially horizontal direction and a vertical frame 32 arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and one ends of both frames are connected by a shaft 33. Thus, the vertical frame 32 is configured to be rotatable around the axis 33 with respect to the horizontal frame 31, as shown in FIG.
When the vertical frame 32 rotates as shown in FIG. 8, the vertical frame 32 and the fixing unit 100 are separated.

The horizontal frame 31 has the reverse return path 11
0 'return path 114 and its driving means (transport roller R
The vertical frame 32 is mainly provided with a switchback path 113 (also serving as the paper discharge paths 111 and 112) of the reverse return path 110 ′ and a driving unit (the transport roller R). (A gear train (not shown) for driving the motor).

The fixing unit 100 is attached to the horizontal frame 31. When the vertical frame 32 is rotated as shown in FIG. 8, the fixing unit 100 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal frame 31 (directions indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2). ) Is configured to be detachable.

In the image forming apparatus having the reversing return path 110 ′, the recording material S having a large curl after passing once through the fixing unit 100 is reversibly returned to the secondary transfer unit T 2 (see FIG. 1). Will be done,
The recording material S tends to be easily clogged in the reverse return path 110 '.

On the other hand, according to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the third frame 30 can be separated from the first frame 10 in the horizontal direction (arrow X2 direction). So that the horizontal frame 31 is
The upper portion 114a of the return path 114 is exposed by being pulled out from the lower portion of the frame 10 in the arrow X direction, and a space A2 is formed between the first frame 10 and the vertical frame 32.

Therefore, even if the recording material S is clogged in the return path 114, the recording material can be easily removed using the space A2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, since the vertical frame 32 is configured to be rotatable around the axis 33 with respect to the horizontal frame 31, when the vertical frame 32 is rotated, the space A2 is further expanded. In addition, a space A3 is provided between the vertical frame 32 and the fixing unit 100.
Is formed.

Therefore, the switchback path 113
When the recording material is jammed in the (discharge paths 111, 112), the lower end of the recording material is picked using the space A3,
This can be easily removed as indicated by arrow B.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Since the fixing unit 100 can be detached from the horizontal frame 31 with the rotating member 2 rotated, the space A3 can be widened and the upper portion 114a of the return path 114 can be exposed over a wider range. Can be.

Therefore, the recording material jammed in the switchback path 113 or the return path 114 can be more easily removed.

The secondary transfer section T2 and the fixing unit 10
If the recording material is jammed between 0 and 0, the secondary transfer portion T2
The recording material can be easily removed by utilizing the space A4 generated by the separation between the fixing unit 100 and the fixing unit 100.

As described above, the first frame 10
Since a space A2 is formed between the first frame 10 and the third frame 30, each developing device 70 can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame 10 by utilizing the space A2.
The attaching / detaching direction of each developing unit 70 is a direction substantially toward the center of the photoconductor 51.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing unit 100 is provided with a lid 103 which can be opened and closed.
FIG. 10 shows the fixing unit 10 with the lid 103 closed.
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the fixing unit 100 with the cover 103 opened.

The lid 103 remains closed even when the vertical frame 32 is rotated, as shown in FIG.

Therefore, as shown by the arrow B in FIG.
Switchback path 113 (paper discharge paths 111 and 112)
When the recording material jammed in the paper is removed, it is possible to prevent the operator's hand from touching the high-temperature heating roller 101 or the like and causing a burn. Further, when the recording material is jammed in the fixing unit 100, the recording material can be easily removed by opening the lid 103. In FIG. 10, 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a slit-shaped opening through which the recording material S passes.

According to the above-described image forming apparatus, the following operational effects can be obtained.

(A) The second frame 20 supporting the exposure means 60 for forming an electrostatic latent image by exposing the photoreceptor 51 to be driven to rotate, supports the photoreceptor 51 and the intermediate transfer body 86 which are rotating bodies. Since the first frame 10 is formed as a separate frame from the first frame 10, the photosensitive member 51 and the intermediate transfer member 86
Is directly transmitted to the first frame 10, but the vibration is less likely to be transmitted to the second frame 20 supporting the exposure unit 60. At least the transmission of the vibration to the second frame 20 is significantly suppressed.

Therefore, it is difficult for the vibration to reach the exposure unit 60, and the exposure position of the exposure unit 60 on the photosensitive member 51 is hardly affected by the vibration. Adverse effects are less likely to occur.

That is, according to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect on the image caused by the vibration of the photosensitive member 51 and the intermediate transfer member 86.

(B) Further, the photoreceptor 51, the developing means 70, the intermediate transfer body 86, and their driving means are supported by the first frame 10, and the first frame 1
0, the exposure means 60 is supported by a second frame 20 different from the first and second frames, and the fixing means 100 and the paper discharge path 110 are supported by a third frame 30 different from the first and second frames.
And the reverse return path 110 ′ and these driving means are supported, so that the photosensitive member 51, the developing means 70, the intermediate transfer body 86, which is the vibration source, and the vibration generated from these driving means Although the vibration is directly transmitted to the one frame 10, the vibration is less likely to be transmitted to the second frame 20 supporting the exposure unit 60. At least transmission of the vibration to the second frame 20 is significantly suppressed.

Similarly, the fixing means 1 as a vibration source
00, the conveying means 110 and the like, and the vibrations generated by these driving means are directly transmitted to the third frame 30.
A situation in which the vibration is further transmitted to the second frame 20 supporting the exposure unit 60 is less likely to occur.

Therefore, it is difficult for the vibrations to reach the exposure unit 60, and the exposure position of the exposure unit 60 on the photosensitive member 51 is less likely to be affected by the vibrations. The adverse effect on the image is less likely to occur.

That is, according to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the adverse effects on the image caused by the vibrations of the respective means supported by the first and third frames 10 and 30 can be more reliably suppressed. Can be.

(C) The photoreceptor unit 50 (that is, the photoreceptor 51) and the intermediate transfer unit 80 (that is, the intermediate transfer body 86) are vertically arranged and supported by the first frame 10, and the second frame 20 is configured to be able to be separated from the first frame 10 in the horizontal direction,
Since the photoconductor unit 50 and the intermediate transfer unit 80 are configured to be detachable from the first frame 10 from the second frame 20 side, by separating the second frame 20 from the first frame 10, The unit 50 and the intermediate transfer unit 80 can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame 10.

That is, since the second frame 20 is not rotated with respect to the first frame 10 but is separated in the horizontal direction, a space A1 is effectively formed between the first frame 10 and the second frame 20. By utilizing the space A1, the photoconductor unit 50 and the intermediate transfer unit 80 may be arranged in the up-down direction with respect to the first frame 10 regardless of the arrangement of the photoconductor unit 50. In addition, the intermediate transfer unit 80 can be easily attached and detached.

(D) Further, when the second frame 20 is separated from the first frame 10, the photosensitive member 51 and the intermediate transfer belt 86 are separated from each other. The space A1 between the first frame 20 and the second frame 20 without sliding
The photoconductor unit 50 can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame 10 by utilizing the above. Similarly, the intermediate transfer unit 80 can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame without bringing the intermediate transfer belt 86 and the photoconductor 51 into sliding contact with each other.

(E) The second frame 20 incorporates a feeding device 90 for feeding the recording material S on which the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 86 is transferred.
Since the recording material is separated from the first frame 10 together with the frame 20, if the recording material is jammed between the sheet feeding device 90 and the transfer position (secondary transfer portion T2) by the intermediate transfer body 86, the first By separating the two frames 20 in the horizontal direction with respect to the first frame 10, the recording material can be easily removed.

Moreover, as described above, the second frame 20
Are not horizontally rotated with respect to the first frame 10 but are separated in the horizontal direction, so that the first frame 10 and the second frame 2
0 can effectively form a space A1;
By utilizing the space A1, the jammed recording material can be easily removed.

(F) Photoreceptor unit 50, developing unit 70,
And the intermediate transfer unit 80 is supported by the first frame 10, that is, the same frame.
The relative position accuracy of the developing roller 71 and the intermediate transfer belt 86 is improved, and the developing position and the transfer position are stabilized, so that the image quality is improved.

As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0109]

According to any of the image forming apparatuses according to the first and second aspects, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect on the image caused by the vibration of the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member. In addition, the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member can be easily attached to and detached from the first frame without sliding the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the recording material is jammed between the sheet feeding device and the transfer position of the intermediate transfer member, the second frame is moved relative to the first frame. By separating in the horizontal direction, the recording material can be easily removed.

[0111]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a frame configuration of an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory view.

4A and 4B are explanatory views of the operation, in which FIG. 4A is a partially enlarged sectional view of FIG. 3, and FIG.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 10 shows a fixing unit 1 with a cover 103 closed.
00 is a schematic perspective view.

FIG. 11 shows a fixing unit 1 with a cover 103 opened.
00 is a schematic perspective view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 S Recording Material 10 First Frame 20 Second Frame 30 Third Frame 51 Photoconductor 60 Exposure Unit (Exposure Unit) 70 Developing Unit (Development Unit) 80 Intermediate Transfer Unit 86 Intermediate Transfer Belt (Intermediate Transfer Body) 90 Feeder ( Paper feeding unit) 100 Fixing unit (Fixing unit) 110 Discharge path (Conveying unit) 110 'Reverse return path (Conveying unit)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A photoreceptor which is driven to rotate and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface to form a toner image, and an intermediate transfer member which contacts the photoreceptor and transfers the toner image. And a second frame that is separate from the first frame and that supports an exposure unit that exposes the photoconductor to form the electrostatic latent image. The second frame is configured to be horizontally separated from the first frame, and the photoconductor and the intermediate transfer body are configured to be detachable from the first frame from the second frame side. And an image forming apparatus wherein the photoconductor and the intermediate transfer member are separated when the second frame is separated from the first frame. 2. A feeding device for feeding a recording material onto which a toner image on the intermediate transfer body is transferred is incorporated in the second frame, and the feeding device is provided in the first frame together with the second frame. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is separated from the frame.
The image forming apparatus as described in the above.