JP6421602B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus that includes a process cartridge that is detachably accommodated in an apparatus main body and includes a photoconductor, and an exposure unit configured to expose the photoconductor.

  As such an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus including an LED array as an exposure unit is known. Since the LED array needs to be arranged close to the photosensitive member, the LED array and the process cartridge may interfere when the process cartridge is attached or detached. Therefore, an image forming apparatus including an LED array head and an exterior cover that supports the LED array head and is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In this image forming apparatus, when the process cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body, the operator first rotates the exterior cover so as to separate from the apparatus main body. Then, the LED array head moves away from the photosensitive member together with the exterior cover. Then, the operator removes the process cartridge from the apparatus main body in a state where the LED array head is separated from the apparatus main body. Further, after the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, when the exterior cover is rotated toward the apparatus main body, the LED array head and the photosensitive member are arranged close to each other.

JP-A-5-249767

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the LED array head is supported on the upper side of the exterior cover, and the passage opening of the process cartridge in the apparatus body is opened and closed by the lower side of the exterior cover. Therefore, the exterior cover is configured to be large. As a result, when the exterior cover is opened, there is a problem that the visibility of the process cartridge is lowered by the exterior cover.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to form an image that can suppress the exposure member from interfering with the cartridge attaching / detaching operation, and can improve the visibility of the cartridge in the attaching / detaching operation while the exposure member can reliably expose the photosensitive drum. To provide an apparatus.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing having a first opening and a second opening formed on one side surface, a photosensitive drum disposed in the housing, and a housing. An exposure member that is disposed and exposes the photosensitive drum, rotates about the first axis, and moves between a first position that closes the first opening and a second position that opens the first opening. A cover, a second cover that pivots about the second axis, moves between a third position that closes the second opening, and a fourth position that opens the second opening, and contains developer therein And a cartridge removable from the housing through the second opening. As the first cover moves, the exposure member is movable between an irradiation position that is a position for exposing the photosensitive drum and a retracted position that is farther from the photosensitive drum than the irradiation position through the first opening. And when a 1st cover is arrange | positioned in a 1st position, it arrange | positions in an irradiation position, and when a 1st cover is arrange | positioned in a 2nd position, it arrange | positions in a retracted position. In the image forming apparatus, when the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is disposed at the third position, the first cover moves from the third position to the fourth position of the second cover. The 1st control part which controls a movement is provided.

  According to such a configuration, the exposure member can be moved from the irradiation position to the retracted position by moving the first cover from the first position to the second position. Then, after the exposure member is placed in the retracted position, the second cover is moved from the third position to the fourth position, and the cartridge is attached to and detached from the housing. This can be suppressed.

  If the first cover is disposed at the first position in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the housing, the exposure member can be disposed at the irradiation position while the cartridge is disposed within the housing.

  Therefore, the exposure member can reliably expose the photosensitive drum of the cartridge.

  The image forming apparatus also includes two covers, a first cover and a second cover.

  Therefore, each of the first cover and the second cover can be made smaller than when the image forming apparatus includes only one cover.

  As a result, it is possible to improve the visibility of the cartridge when the first cover and the second cover are opened, that is, in the attaching / detaching operation.

  The first restricting portion restricts the second cover from moving from the third position toward the fourth position in a state where the first cover is disposed at the first position. That is, the second cover cannot move from the third position toward the fourth position unless the first cover has moved from the first position toward the second position.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the cartridge from being attached and detached in a state where the exposure member is disposed at the irradiation position.
(2) Moreover, the 1st opening and the 2nd opening may be arrange | positioned along with the up-down direction in one side surface of a housing | casing. The first cover and the second cover may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction on one side surface of the housing.

According to such a configuration, the opening / closing operation of the first cover and the second cover can be easily performed.
(3) The housing may include a paper discharge unit for discharging the recording medium on which the image is formed. The paper discharge unit may discharge the recording medium toward one side of the housing.

  In the image forming apparatus, when the paper discharge unit is configured to discharge the recording medium in a direction other than one side of the housing, the work on the first cover and the second cover is performed on the housing. On the other hand, the recording medium ejected by the paper ejection unit needs to be opposed to one side of the housing while facing the one side. Therefore, there is a problem that the operability in the image forming apparatus is lowered.

  On the other hand, according to the configuration described above, in addition to the operations for the first cover and the second cover, the operation for taking out the discharged recording medium can be performed facing one side of the housing.

Therefore, the operability in the image forming apparatus can be improved.
(4) Further, the first cover may be disposed above the second cover. The paper discharge unit may be disposed on the upper side of the housing.

  According to such a configuration, work on the paper discharge unit and the first cover can be performed from above.

Therefore, the operability in the image forming apparatus can be further improved.
(5) Moreover, the magnitude | size in the up-down direction of a 1st cover may be smaller than the magnitude | size in the up-down direction of a 2nd cover.

According to such a configuration, the visibility of the cartridge when the first cover is opened can be improved.
(6) Further, the first shaft may be provided at the upper end of the first cover in a state where the first cover is disposed at the first position. The second shaft may be provided at the lower end of the second cover in a state where the second cover is disposed at the third position.

  According to such a configuration, when opening the first opening and the second opening, the first cover and the second cover are moved away from each other, and when the first opening and the second opening are closed, the first opening and the second opening are closed. The 1 cover and the 2nd cover can be moved so that it may approach.

  Therefore, in a state where the first cover is opened, the first cover covers the upper part of the exposure member.

  As a result, the first cover can be a blindfold for the exposure member or can play a role of dust protection.

Further, when the second cover is opened, the second cover can serve as a guide for the cartridge.
(7) Moreover, the 1st opening and the 2nd opening may be connected.

  According to such a configuration, by opening the first cover and the second cover, one large opening in which the first opening and the second opening communicate with each other can be formed.

As a result, the cartridge can be easily attached to and detached from the housing.
(8) The first restricting portion is a free end portion on the second opening side in a state in which the first cover is disposed at the first position, the first cover is disposed at the first position, and the second In a state where the cover is disposed at the third position, the cover may overlap the second cover in the attaching / detaching direction via the second opening of the cartridge.

According to such a configuration, the movement of the second cover from the third position to the fourth position can be restricted with a simple configuration.
(9) The housing may further include a guide portion that guides attachment / detachment of the cartridge. The guide part may extend toward the first opening.

According to such a configuration, the cartridge can be easily attached to and detached from the housing along the guide portion.
(10) The image forming apparatus releases the restriction position and the restriction position for restricting the movement of the second cover from the third position to the fourth position in a state where the second cover is disposed at the third position. You may further provide the 2nd control part which can move between cancellation | release positions. The second restriction portion may move from the restriction position to the release position when the first cover is disposed at the second position.

  According to such a configuration, the second cover is moved from the first position to the second position, that is, until the exposure member is disposed from the irradiation position to the retracted position. Movement from the third position toward the fourth position can be restricted by the second restricting portion.

  For this reason, it is possible to prevent the cartridge and the exposure member from interfering during the cartridge attaching / detaching operation.

As a result, it is possible to further suppress the exposure member from interfering with the cartridge attaching / detaching operation.
(11) Further, the image forming apparatus includes an interlocking unit that interlocks the movement between the first position and the second position in the first cover and the movement between the third position and the fourth position in the second cover. May be further provided.

According to such a configuration, when the second cover moves from the third position to the fourth position, the first cover can be reliably moved from the first position to the second position by the interlocking unit.
(12) The image forming apparatus may further include a control board that controls the exposure member. The control board may be supported by the first cover.

  According to such a configuration, the electrical connection distance between the exposure member and the control board can be shortened.

Therefore, the generation of noise can be reduced in the control of the exposure member by the control board.
(13) Further, at least a part of the exposure member may be disposed in the housing in a state where the exposure member is disposed at the retracted position.

According to such a structure, it can suppress that an exposure member touches an operator.
(14) The photosensitive drum may be provided in the cartridge, and may be attached to and detached from the housing integrally with the cartridge.

  According to such a configuration, the photosensitive drum can be attached to and detached from the casing by attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the casing.

  Therefore, the photosensitive drum can be easily replaced by replacing the photosensitive drum in a state where the cartridge is detached from the housing.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the exposure member from interfering with the cartridge attaching / detaching operation, and it is possible to improve the visibility while reliably exposing the photosensitive drum by the exposure member.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a first cover is disposed at a first position and a second cover is disposed at a third position. 2A is a central cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first cover is disposed at the second position and the second cover is disposed at the third position in the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. 2B is a central cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first cover is disposed at the second position and the second cover is disposed at the fourth position in the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A shows a state in which the first cover is disposed at the second position and the second cover is disposed at the fourth position in the printer shown in FIG. 1 immediately after the process cartridge detachment operation is started. FIG. FIG. 3B is a central view showing a state where the first cover is arranged at the second position and the second cover is arranged at the fourth position in the printer shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing. FIG. 4A is a side cross-sectional view showing a first cover, a second cover, and a regulating member of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is the third. The state which is arrange | positioned in a position and a control board is arrange | positioned in a control position is shown. FIG. 4B is a side sectional view showing the first cover, the second cover, and the restricting member of the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and a state immediately after the first cover engaging portion and the restricting plate are engaged. Indicates. FIG. 4C is a side sectional view showing the first cover, the second cover, and the regulating member of the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the first cover is disposed at the second position, and the second cover is the fourth. The state which is arrange | positioned in a position and a control board is arrange | positioned in a cancellation | release position is shown. FIG. 5A is a side sectional view showing a first cover, a second cover, and an interlocking unit of a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the first cover is arranged at the first position, and the second cover is the third. The state arrange | positioned at a position is shown. FIG. 5B is a side sectional view showing the first cover, the second cover, and the interlocking unit of the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where the first cover is arranged at the third position, and the second cover is the fourth. The state arrange | positioned at a position is shown. FIG. 6A is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a first modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is disposed at the third position. FIG. 6B is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a first modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is arranged at the second position and the second cover is arranged at the fourth position. FIG. 6C is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a second modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is disposed at the third position. FIG. 6D is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a second modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is disposed at the second position and the second cover is disposed at the fourth position. FIG. 7A is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a third modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is disposed at the third position. FIG. 7B is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a third modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is disposed at the second position and the second cover is disposed at the fourth position. FIG. 7C is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a fourth modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is disposed at the third position. FIG. 7D is a central sectional view showing a printer according to a fourth modification of the present invention, and shows a state in which the first cover is arranged at the second position and the second cover is arranged at the fourth position.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic monochrome printer. The printer 1 includes a main body casing 2 as an example of a housing, a paper feed unit 3, an image forming unit 4, and a paper discharge unit 5.

  In the following description, when referring to the direction, the state in which the printer 1 is placed horizontally is used as the upper and lower reference. Specifically, the direction arrow in FIG. 1 is used as a reference. That is, the upper side in FIG. 1 is the upper side, and the lower side in the paper is the lower side. Further, the right side in FIG. 1 is the front, and the left side in FIG. 1 is the rear. In addition, when the printer 1 is viewed from the front, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side of the page of FIG. 1 is the left side, and the back side of the page is the right side. The front-rear direction is an example of the attaching / detaching direction.

  The main casing 2 has a substantially box shape. The main casing 2 has a first opening 6, a second opening 7, a first cover 8, and a second cover 9.

  The first opening 6 is disposed in the upper part of the main casing 2. The first opening 6 penetrates the front wall of the main casing 2 in the front-rear direction. In addition, the front surface of the main body casing 2 is an example of one side surface.

  The second opening 7 is disposed in the lower part of the main casing 2 and is disposed below the first opening 6. That is, the second opening 7 is aligned with the first opening 6 in the vertical direction. The second opening 7 penetrates the front wall of the main casing 2 in the front-rear direction, communicates with the first opening 6 and forms one large opening in the up-down direction.

  The first cover 8 is swingably supported on the front wall of the main casing 2 with the upper end portion as a fulcrum. The first cover 8 opens or closes the first opening 6.

  The second cover 9 is disposed below the first cover 8. That is, the second cover 9 is aligned with the first cover 8 in the vertical direction. The second cover 9 is swingably supported on the front wall of the main casing 2 with the lower end portion as a fulcrum. The second cover 9 opens or closes the second opening 7.

  The paper feed unit 3 is disposed at the bottom of the main body casing 2.

  The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper feed tray 11. The sheet feeding tray 11 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in plan view, and a plurality of sheets of paper P are placed thereon.

  The image forming unit 4 is disposed above the sheet feeding unit 3 in the main body casing 2. The image forming unit 4 includes a process cartridge 12 as an example of a cartridge, a transfer roller 13, an LED unit 14 as an example of an exposure member, and a fixing unit 15.

  The process cartridge 12 is configured to be attached to or detached from the main casing 2 through the second opening 7. The process cartridge 12 is disposed substantially at the center in the vertical direction of the main casing 2 in a state where it is mounted on the main casing 2.

  The process cartridge 12 includes a drum cartridge 16 and a developing cartridge 17.

  The drum cartridge 16 includes a drum frame 20, a photosensitive drum 21, and a scorotron charger 22.

  The drum frame 20 has a bottomed frame shape that supports the photosensitive drum 21 and the scorotron charger 22 at the rear end portion thereof and accommodates the developing cartridge 17 at the front end portion thereof.

  The photosensitive drum 21 is disposed at the rear end of the drum frame 20. The photosensitive drum 21 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the drum frame 20.

  The scorotron charger 22 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 21 in the drum frame 20 and is spaced from the photosensitive drum 21.

  The developing cartridge 17 is detachably attached to the drum frame 20. The developing cartridge 17 includes a developing frame 25, a developing roller 26, a supply roller 27, and a layer thickness regulating blade 29.

  The developing frame 25 has a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction, and its rear end is open in the front-rear direction. Further, the developing frame 25 contains toner as an example of a developer.

  The developing roller 26 is disposed at the rear end of the developing frame 25. The developing roller 26 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the developing frame 25. The upper and rear portions of the developing roller 26 are exposed from the developing frame 25, and the rear upper end portion of the developing roller 26 is in contact with the front lower end portion of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The supply roller 27 is disposed in front of and below the developing roller 26 in the developing frame 25. The supply roller 27 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the developing frame 25. The rear upper end portion of the supply roller 27 is in contact with the front lower end portion of the developing roller 26.

  The layer thickness regulating blade 29 is disposed on the front upper side of the developing roller 26 and is fixed to the developing frame 25. The lower end portion of the layer thickness regulating blade 29 is in contact with the front end portion of the developing roller 26.

  The transfer roller 13 is disposed behind the process cartridge 12 in the main body casing 2. The transfer roller 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the main body casing 2. The front upper end of the transfer roller 13 is in contact with the rear lower end of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The LED unit 14 is disposed above the process cartridge 12 in the main body casing 2.

  The fixing unit 15 is disposed in the main body casing 2 with a space behind the process cartridge 12. The fixing unit 15 includes a heating roller 30 and a pressure roller 31 that contacts the heating roller 30 from behind.

  The paper discharge unit 5 is disposed on the upper front side of the fixing unit 15 and is disposed on the upper side in the main body casing 2. The paper discharge unit 5 includes a pair of paper discharge rollers 32 and a paper discharge tray 33.

  Each of the pair of paper discharge rollers 32 is positioned in front of the fixing unit 15 with a gap in the main body casing 2. Each of the pair of paper discharge rollers 32 is in contact with each other.

  The paper discharge tray 33 is disposed in front of the pair of paper discharge rollers 32. The paper discharge tray 33 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a plan view, and extends along a direction connecting the rear lower part and the front upper part.

  When the image forming operation is started in the printer 1, the scorotron charger 22 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Thereafter, the LED unit 14 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 based on the image data. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The supply roller 27 supplies toner to the developing roller 26. At this time, the toner is triboelectrically charged positively between the developing roller 26 and the supply roller 27 and is carried on the developing roller 26. The layer thickness regulating blade 29 regulates the toner carried on the developing roller 26 to a certain thickness. The developing roller 26 supplies toner carried with a constant thickness to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. As a result, a toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The paper P is fed from the paper feed tray 11 between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 13 one by one at a predetermined timing by the rotation of various rollers. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the paper P when passing between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 13.

  Thereafter, the paper P is conveyed to the pair of paper discharge rollers 32 through the fixing unit 15. At this time, the paper P is heated and pressurized when passing between the heating roller 30 and the pressure roller 31. As a result, the toner image on the paper P is thermally fixed to the paper P. Thereafter, the paper P is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 33 from the rear to the front by a pair of paper discharge rollers 32.

In this way, the paper P is transported from the paper feed tray 11 to the paper discharge tray 33 along a substantially C-shaped transport path in a side view in the image forming operation of the printer 1.
2. Details of Main Body Casing The main body casing 2 includes a pair of LED guides 40, a pair of cartridge guides 41 as an example of a guide portion, the first cover 8 described above, and the second cover 9 described above. .
(1) LED Guide Each of the pair of LED guides 40 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction on the inner surface in the horizontal direction of each side wall of the main body casing 2. Each of the pair of LED guides 40 includes an upper LED guide 42 and a lower LED guide 43.

  The upper LED guide 42 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction on the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the side wall of the main body casing 2. The upper LED guide 42 protrudes from the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the side wall of the main casing 2 toward the inner side in the left-right direction, and extends upward from the rear side to the front side.

The lower LED guide 43 is disposed below the upper LED guide 42 with a space therebetween. The lower LED guide 43 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the lateral inner surface of the side wall of the main body casing 2, extends upward from the rear side to the front side, and extends in parallel with the upper LED guide 42. ing.
(2) Cartridge guides Each of the pair of cartridge guides 41 is disposed at the substantially central portion in the vertical direction on the inner side surface of each side wall of the main body casing 2 and below each of the pair of LED guides 40. Is arranged. Each of the pair of cartridge guides 41 has a substantially U shape in a side view with the front opened. Each of the pair of cartridge guides 41 includes a locking portion 45, an upper cartridge guide 46, and a lower cartridge guide 47.

  The locking portion 45 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction on the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the side wall of the main body casing 2, and is disposed below the LED guide 40 with a space therebetween. The locking portion 45 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the side wall of the main body casing 2 and extends in the up-down direction.

  The upper cartridge guide 46 is disposed in front of the locking portion 45. The upper cartridge guide 46 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the side wall of the main body casing 2, and extends substantially forward from the upper end of the locking portion 45. Specifically, the upper cartridge guide 46 extends forward from the upper end of the locking portion 45 and then extends downward in the front direction. The front end of the upper cartridge guide 46 extends from the substantially central portion of the main casing 2 toward the second opening 7. More specifically, when the second cover 9 is closed, the front end portion of the upper cartridge guide 46 is disposed below the upper end portion of the second cover 9 in the vertical direction.

The lower cartridge guide 47 is disposed in front of the locking portion 45. The lower cartridge guide 47 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the side wall of the main body casing 2, extends substantially forward from the lower end of the locking portion 45, and is parallel to the upper cartridge guide 46. It extends to. Specifically, the lower cartridge guide 47 extends forward from the lower end of the locking portion 45 and then extends downward in the front direction. The front end of the lower cartridge guide 47 extends from the substantially central portion of the main casing 2 toward the second opening 7. More specifically, when the second cover 9 is closed, the front end portion of the lower cartridge guide 47 is disposed below the upper end portion of the second cover 9 in the vertical direction. It is arrange | positioned below the front-end part.
(3) 1st cover The 1st cover 8 is the front-end part of the main body casing 2, Comprising: It arrange | positions above the up-down direction center part. The first cover 8 has a substantially L shape in side view, and includes a first cover portion 51, a first shaft portion 52 as an example of a first shaft, and a pair of first cover engaging portions 53. It has. In the following description of the first cover 8, the state where the first cover 8 closes the first opening 6 is used as a reference.

  The first cover portion 51 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and extends along the vertical direction. Specifically, the first cover portion 51 has a substantially L shape in a side view when its upper end portion extends in the front-rear direction and extends downward from the front end portion of the upper end portion. Further, the lower end 51A of the first cover portion 51 has a first recess 54 as an example of a first restricting portion. Note that the lower end portion 51 </ b> A of the first cover portion 51 is a free end portion on the second opening 7 side in the first cover portion 51.

  The first concave portion 54 is recessed forward from the rear end surface of the lower end portion 51 </ b> A of the first cover portion 51.

  The first cover portion 51 supports the control board 58.

  The control board 58 is a board for controlling the LED 77 described later, and is supported on the rear surface of the first cover portion 51.

  The first shaft portion 52 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from both left and right end portions of the upper end portion of the first cover portion 51. The first shaft portion 52 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. Both left and right end portions of the first shaft portion 52 are rotatably supported on both side walls of the main casing 2.

  Each of the pair of first cover engaging portions 53 is disposed on the rear surface of each of both end portions in the left-right direction at the central portion in the vertical direction of the first cover portion 51. Each of the pair of first cover engaging portions 53 includes a protruding portion 55 and a cover side shaft portion 56.

  Each of the pair of projecting portions 55 projects rearward from the rear surface of each of the left and right end portions in the central portion of the first cover portion 51 in the vertical direction.

Each of the pair of cover-side shaft portions 56 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the rear end portion of each of the pair of protruding portions 55. The cover side shaft portion 56 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.
(4) Second Cover The second cover 9 is a front end portion of the main casing 2 and is disposed below the central portion in the vertical direction and is disposed below the first cover 8. The second cover 9 has a substantially I shape when viewed from the side, and includes a second cover portion 61 and a second shaft portion 62 as an example of a second shaft. In the following description of the second cover 9, the state in which the second cover 9 closes the second opening 7 is used as a reference.

  The second cover portion 61 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and extends along the vertical direction. The vertical size of the second cover portion 61 is larger than the vertical size of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8. The upper end portion 61 </ b> A of the second cover portion 61 has a second recess 63.

  The second recess 63 is recessed rearward from the front end surface of the upper end portion 61 </ b> A of the second cover portion 61. The second recess 63 overlaps the first recess 54 of the first cover portion 51. Specifically, the second recess 63 overlaps with the first recess 54 when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is disposed behind the first recess 54.

The second shaft portion 62 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from both left and right end portions of the lower end portion of the second cover portion 61. The second shaft portion 62 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. Both left and right end portions of the second shaft portion 62 are rotatably supported on both side walls of the main casing 2.
3. Details of LED Unit The above-described LED unit 14 is disposed behind the first cover 8 and includes a pair of connection portions 71 and a head portion 72.

  The pair of connection portions 71 are disposed behind the first cover 8. Each of the pair of connection portions 71 has a substantially bar shape extending along a direction connecting the rear lower portion and the front upper portion. Each of the pair of connection portions 71 has a first hole 73 and a second hole 74.

  Each of the pair of first holes 73 is disposed at the front upper end of each of the pair of connection portions 71. Each of the pair of first holes 73 has a substantially circular shape in a side view, and penetrates each of the pair of connection portions 71 in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of first holes 73 is fitted to each of the pair of cover side shaft portions 56 in the first cover 8 so as to be relatively rotatable.

  Each of the pair of second holes 74 is disposed at the rear lower end of each of the pair of connection portions 71. Each of the pair of second holes 74 has a substantially circular shape in a side view, and penetrates each of the pair of connection portions 71 in the left-right direction.

  The head portion 72 extends from the rear lower end portion of the pair of connection portions 71 toward the rear lower side. The head portion 72 includes a head support portion 75, a pair of LED side shaft portions 76, and an LED 77.

The head support portion 75 is disposed below the pair of connection portions 71. The head support portion 75 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape extending in a direction connecting the rear lower portion and the front upper portion. Each of the pair of LED side shaft portions 76 is provided on the left and right sides of the front upper end portion of the head support portion 75. It protrudes outward in the left-right direction from both ends in the direction. Each of the pair of LED side shaft portions 76 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of LED side shaft portions 76 is inserted into the respective second holes 74 of the pair of connection portions 71 so as to be relatively rotatable.

The LED 77 is attached to the rear lower end portion of the head support portion 75. The LED 77 has an array shape in which a plurality of rows arranged in the horizontal direction are arranged in the vertical direction.
4). Operation of the first cover, the second cover, and the LED unit When the process cartridge 12 is mounted on the main body casing 2, both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 are respectively connected to the rear ends of the pair of cartridge guides 41. Has been placed. Specifically, each of both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 is disposed between the upper cartridge guide 46 in each of the pair of cartridge guides 41 and the lower cartridge guide 47 in each of the pair of cartridge guides 41. Each of the pair of cartridge guides 41 is disposed in front of the locking portion 45.

  In addition, in a state where the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are closed by the first cover 8 and the second cover 9, each of both ends of the LED side shaft portion 76 of the LED unit 14 is a pair. It arrange | positions at each rear-end part of LED guide 40. FIG. Specifically, each of both end portions of the LED side shaft portion 76 includes a rear end portion of the upper LED guide 42 in each of the pair of LED guides 40 and a rear end portion of the upper LED guide 42 in each of the pair of LED guides 40. It is arranged between the parts.

  Further, as described above, the first concave portion 54 of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8 overlaps the second concave portion 63 of the second cover portion 61 of the second cover 9. The lower end portion 51 </ b> A of the first cover portion 51 is disposed in front of the upper end portion 61 </ b> A of the second cover portion 61 of the second cover 9.

  Accordingly, even if only the second cover 9 is rotated forward from the state in which the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are closed by the first cover 8 and the second cover 9, the second cover 9 The upper end portion 61A of the second cover portion 61 is engaged with the lower end portion 51A of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8, and the rotation of the second cover 9 is restricted.

  The position of the first cover 8 in the state where the first cover 8 closes the first opening 6 is the first position. Further, the position of the second cover 9 in the state where the second cover 9 closes the second opening 7 is the third position. Further, the position of the LED unit 14 in a state where the first cover 8 closes the first opening 6 is the irradiation position. In a state where the LED unit 14 is disposed at the irradiation position, the LED 77 of the LED unit 14 is disposed in front of and above the photosensitive drum 21 and is close to the photosensitive drum 21.

  When the process cartridge 12 is detached from the main casing 2, first, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first cover 8 is first rotated forward by the operator, and the first opening 6 is completely opened. Is done. Specifically, the first cover portion 51 is rotated forward about the first shaft portion 52.

  Then, the connection part 71 of the LED unit 14 is pulled upward and upward by the cover side shaft part 56. Thereby, the LED unit 14 is moved toward the front upper side while being guided by the LED guide 40. Specifically, the LED unit 14 faces the front upper side so that both the left and right end portions of the LED side shaft portion 76 are along the upper LED guide 42 and the lower LED guide 43 of the pair of LED guides 40, respectively. Moved. That is, the LED unit 14 is moved forward and upward with the opening operation of the first cover 8.

  In a state where the first cover 8 completely opens the first opening 6, the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8 is along the direction connecting the rear upper side and the front lower side. Further, both end portions of the LED side shaft portion 76 of the LED unit 14 are arranged at the front end portions of the pair of LED guides 40, respectively. Specifically, each of both end portions of the LED side shaft portion 76 includes a front end portion of the upper LED guide 42 in each of the pair of LED guides 40 and a front end portion of the upper LED guide 42 in each of the pair of LED guides 40. It is arranged between. The LEDs 77 of the LED unit 14 are arranged at an interval in the front upper direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The position of the first cover 8 in the state where the first cover 8 completely opens the first opening 6 is the second position. Further, the position of the LED unit 14 in a state where the first cover 8 completely opens the first opening 6 is the retracted position. In the state where the LED unit 14 is disposed at the retracted position, the rear half portion is disposed inside the main casing 2. More specifically, the LED 77 is disposed inside the main casing 2 in a state where the LED unit 14 is disposed at the retracted position.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second cover 9 is rotated forward, and the second opening 7 is completely opened. Specifically, the second cover portion 61 is rotated forward about the second shaft portion 62.

  In a state where the second cover 9 completely opens the second opening 7, the second cover portion 61 of the second cover 9 is along the front-rear direction. Note that the position of the second cover 9 in the state where the second cover 9 completely opens the second opening 7 is the fourth position.

  Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the process cartridge 12 is moved forward while the photosensitive drum 21 is guided by the cartridge guide 41. Specifically, the process cartridge 12 slightly moves forward so that both ends in the left-right direction of the photosensitive drum 21 are along the upper cartridge guide 46 and the lower cartridge guide 47 of the pair of cartridge guides 41, respectively. Is done.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the process cartridge 12 is moved forward so that the left and right ends of the photosensitive drum 21 are along the upper cartridge guide 46 and the lower cartridge guide 47 of the pair of cartridge guides 41, respectively. The process cartridge 12 is completely removed from the main casing 2 by moving downward.

  At this time, as described above, the LED unit 14 is disposed at the retracted position, and the LED 77 is disposed at a distance from the front upper side of the photosensitive drum 21, so that the process cartridge 12 and the LED unit 14 are separated from each other. The process cartridge 12 is detached from the main casing 2 without interference.

  When the process cartridge 12 is attached to the main casing 2, the process cartridge 12 is guided from the front of the main casing 2 to the rear while being guided by the cartridge guide 41 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Moved.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, the second cover 9 is rotated rearward, and the second opening 7 is closed.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1, the first cover 8 is rotated rearward, and the first opening 6 is closed.
5. Effect (1) According to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 1, when the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position, the first opening 6 is closed and disposed at the second position. Sometimes, the first opening 6 is opened. The second cover 9 closes the second opening 7 when disposed at the third position, and opens the second opening 7 when disposed at the fourth position. Further, the LED unit 14 is disposed at the irradiation position when the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position, and is disposed at the retreat position when the first cover 8 is disposed at the second position. .

  Therefore, the LED unit 14 can be moved from the irradiation position to the retracted position by moving the first cover 8 from the first position to the second position. Then, after the LED unit 14 is disposed at the retracted position, the second cover 9 is moved from the third position to the fourth position, and the process cartridge 12 is attached to and detached from the main body casing 2. 12 can be prevented from being obstructed.

  If the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position in the state where the process cartridge 12 is mounted on the main casing 2, the LED unit 14 can be disposed at the irradiation position while the process cartridge 12 is disposed within the main casing 2. The LED 77 can be brought close to the photosensitive drum 21.

  Therefore, the photosensitive drum 21 can be reliably exposed by the LED unit 14.

  The printer 1 also includes two covers, a first cover 8 and a second cover 9.

  Therefore, each of the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 can be made smaller than when the printer 1 includes only one cover.

  As a result, it is possible to improve the visibility of the process cartridge 12 when the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 are opened, that is, in the attaching / detaching operation.

  Further, the lower end portion 51A of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8 moves the second cover 9 from the third position toward the fourth position in a state where the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position. To regulate that. That is, the second cover 9 cannot move from the third position toward the fourth position unless the first cover 8 has moved from the first position toward the second position.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the process cartridge 12 from being attached and detached in a state where the LED unit 14 is disposed at the irradiation position.
(2) Moreover, according to this printer 1, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are arranged in the vertical direction on the front surface of the main body casing 2. The first cover 8 opens and closes the first opening 6, and the second cover 9 opens and closes the second opening 7.

Therefore, the opening / closing operation of the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 can be easily performed.
(3) Also, according to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper P is discharged forward in the paper discharge unit 5.

  In the printer 1, when the paper discharge unit 5 is configured to discharge the paper P in a direction other than the front, the work on the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 is performed from the front of the main body casing 2. On the other hand, it is necessary to take out the discharged paper P while facing the front of the main casing 2. Therefore, there is a problem that the operability in the printer 1 is lowered.

  On the other hand, according to the printer 1, in addition to the operations for the first cover 8 and the second cover 9, the discharged paper P can be taken out from the front of the main casing 2.

Therefore, the operability in the printer 1 can be improved.
(4) According to the printer 1, the first cover 8 is disposed above the second cover 9 as shown in FIG. 1. The paper discharge unit 5 is disposed on the upper side of the main casing 2.

  Therefore, the work on the paper discharge unit 5 and the first cover 8 can be performed from above.

Therefore, the operability in the printer 1 can be further improved.
(5) Further, according to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the size of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8 in the vertical direction is the vertical direction of the second cover portion 61 of the second cover 9. Is smaller than the size of

Therefore, the visibility of the process cartridge 12 when the first cover 8 is opened can be improved.
(6) According to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the first shaft portion 52 is placed on the upper end portion of the first cover portion 51 when the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position. Has been placed. Further, in a state where the second cover 9 is disposed at the third position, the second shaft portion 62 is disposed at the lower end portion of the second cover portion 61.

  Therefore, in a state where the first cover 8 is disposed at the second position, the first cover 8 covers the upper portion of the LED unit 14.

  As a result, the first cover 8 can be a blindfold of the LED unit 14 or can play a role of dust prevention.

In the state where the second cover 9 is disposed at the fourth position, the second cover 9 can serve as a guide for the process cartridge 12.
(7) According to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are in communication.

  Therefore, by opening the first cover 8 and the second cover 9, one large opening in which the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 communicate with each other can be formed.

As a result, the process cartridge 12 can be easily attached to and detached from the main body casing 2.
(8) According to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the first concave portion 54 of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8 is the second concave portion of the second cover portion 61 of the second cover 9. 63, the lower end portion 51 </ b> A of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8 is disposed in front of the upper end portion 61 </ b> A of the second cover portion 61 of the second cover 9.

  Then, when only the second cover 9 is rotated forward from the state in which the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are closed by the first cover 8 and the second cover 9, The upper end portion 61 </ b> A of the two cover portion 61 is engaged with the lower end portion 51 </ b> A of the first cover portion 51 of the first cover 8, and the rotation of the second cover 9 is restricted.

Therefore, the movement of the second cover 9 from the third position to the fourth position can be restricted with a simple configuration.
(9) Further, according to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper cartridge guide 47 of each of the pair of cartridge guides 41 and the lower cartridge guide 47 of each of the pair of cartridge guides 41 are It extends from the substantially central part of the casing 2 toward the second opening 7.

Therefore, the process cartridge 12 can be easily attached to and detached from the main body casing 2 along the pair of cartridge guides 41.
(10) According to the printer 1, the control board 58 is supported by the first cover 8 as shown in FIG. 1.

  Therefore, the electrical connection distance between the LED 77 and the control board 58 can be shortened.

As a result, noise generation can be reduced in the control of the LED 77 by the control board 58.
(11) Further, according to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 2A, the LED unit 14 is disposed at the rear half portion inside the main casing 2 in a state where the LED unit 14 is disposed at the retracted position. More specifically, the LED 77 is disposed inside the main casing 2 in a state where the LED unit 14 is disposed at the retracted position.

Therefore, it can suppress that the LED unit 14, more specifically, LED77 is touched by the operator.
(12) Also, according to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 3B, the photosensitive drum 21 is provided in the process cartridge 12, and is detached from the main casing 2 integrally with the process cartridge 12.

Therefore, the photosensitive drum 21 can be easily replaced by replacing the photosensitive drum 21 with the process cartridge 12 detached from the main body casing 2.
6). Second and Third Embodiments A second embodiment and a third embodiment of a printer will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 5B. In the following, members similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
(1) Second Embodiment (1-1) Details of Configuration in Main Body Casing of Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position, and the second cover 9 is the first. When the second cover 9 tries to move from the third position to the fourth position in the state where the third cover is disposed at the third position, the upper end portion 61A of the second cover portion 61 of the second cover 9 Engage with the lower end portion 51 </ b> A of the first cover portion 51, and the rotation of the second cover 9 is restricted.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the printer 1 includes a pair of regulating members 100, and the movement of the second cover 9 from the third position to the fourth position is one pair. It is regulated by the regulating member 100.

  Specifically, in the second embodiment, a pair of regulating members 100 are provided in the main body casing 2. Each of the pair of regulating members 100 is disposed behind each of the left and right end portions of the first cover 8.

  Each of the pair of regulating members 100 includes a regulating plate 101 as an example of a second regulating unit and a spring 102.

  The restriction plate 101 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and is inclined so that its upper end portion is directed backward as it extends upward. The restriction plate 101 is supported by a guide (not shown) so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the main body casing 2. The restriction plate 101 has an insertion hole 103.

  The insertion hole 103 is disposed at the lower end portion of the restriction plate 101. The insertion hole 103 penetrates the regulation plate 101 in the front-rear direction. An engaging protrusion 104 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end edge of the insertion hole 103 in the restriction plate 101.

  The engagement protrusion 104 protrudes upward from the inner peripheral surface of the lower end edge of the insertion hole 103 in the restriction plate 101.

  The spring 102 is disposed below the restriction plate 101. The spring 102 is a compression coil spring. The spring 102 has an upper end engaged with the lower end surface of the restriction plate 101 and a lower end engaged with the main casing 2, and is interposed between the restriction plate 101 and the main casing 2 in a compressed state. Has been.

  Thereby, in each of the pair of regulating members 100, the regulating plate 101 is always urged upward.

  In the second embodiment, the first cover 8 includes a pair of cover engaging portions 110, and the second cover 9 includes a pair of second cover engaging portions 120. In the following description of the configuration of the pair of cover engaging portions 110 and the pair of second cover engaging portions 120, the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position, and the second cover 9 is the first cover. A description will be given based on the state of being arranged at three positions.

  Each of the pair of cover engaging portions 110 extends rearward from the upper end portions of the left and right end portions of the first cover portion 51. Specifically, each of the pair of cover engaging portions 110 has a substantially bar shape extending in the front-rear direction, and has a substantially trapezoidal shape in side view that expands in the up-down direction toward the rear. Each of the pair of cover engaging portions 110 is disposed above each of the pair of regulating members 100. Each lower surface of the pair of cover engaging portions 110 is a first engaging surface 110A, and each rear surface of the pair of cover engaging portions 110 is a second engaging surface 110B.

  Each of the pair of second cover engaging portions 120 is disposed at an upper end portion of each end portion in the left-right direction of the second cover portion 61. Each of the pair of second cover engaging portions 120 includes a protruding portion 121 and a contact portion 122.

  Each of the pair of protruding portions 121 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the upper end portion of each end portion in the left-right direction of the second cover portion 61. Each of the pair of projecting portions 121 has a substantially bar shape extending in the front-rear direction.

Each of the pair of contact portions 122 has a substantially bowl shape that protrudes rearward from the rear end portion of each of the pair of projecting portions 121. Specifically, each of the pair of contact portions 122 has a substantially triangular shape in a side view, and the lower end portions thereof are disposed below the respective lower end portions of the pair of projecting portions 121. .
(1-2) Operation of the first cover and the second cover in the second embodiment When the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position and the second cover 9 is disposed at the second position, a pair of Each of the second cover engaging portions 120 is inserted through the insertion holes 103 of the pair of restriction plates 101. In addition, each contact portion 122 of the pair of second cover engagement portions 120 is disposed behind each of the engagement protrusions 104 of the pair of restriction plates 101. Note that the position of the pair of restriction plates 101 in a state where the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position is the restriction position.

  Thereby, when it is going to rotate the 2nd cover part 61 toward the front centering on the 2nd axial part 62, each contact part 122 of a pair of 2nd cover engaging part 120 becomes a pair of regulation. Engage with the respective engaging protrusions 104 of the plate 101. Therefore, the rotation of the second cover portion 61 toward the front, that is, the movement of the second cover 9 from the third position to the fourth position is restricted.

  Then, when the first cover portion 51 is rotated forward about the first shaft portion 52, as shown in FIG. 4B, each first engagement surface 110A of the pair of cover engagement portions 110 is formed. The upper ends of the pair of regulating plates 101 are brought into contact with each other, and each of the pair of regulating plates 101 is pressed downward.

  Then, each of the pair of restricting plates 101 moves downward against each urging force of the pair of springs 102.

  Further, when the first cover portion 51 is rotated forward about the first shaft portion 52 and the first cover 8 is disposed at the second position as shown in FIG. Each of the first engaging surfaces 110A of the joint portion 110 presses each of the pair of restriction plates 101 downward, so that each of the pair of restriction plates 101 further moves downward.

  In a state where the first cover 8 is disposed at the second position, the respective engagement protrusions 104 of the pair of restriction plates 101 are below the respective contact portions 122 of the pair of second cover engagement portions 120. Be placed.

Accordingly, when the second cover 9 is moved from the third position toward the fourth position from the state in which the first cover 8 is disposed at the second position, each of the pair of second cover engagement portions 120 is moved. The second cover 9 moves to the fourth position indicated by the phantom line without the contact portion 122 interfering with each of the pair of regulation plates 101. Note that the position of the pair of regulating plates 101 in the state where the first cover 8 is disposed at the second position is the release position.
(1-3) Effects of Second Embodiment According to the printer 1 of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, according to the printer 1 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the pair of restriction plates 101 moves from the restriction position to the release position when the first cover 8 is disposed at the second position. To do.

  Therefore, the second cover 9 is in the third position until the first cover 8 is disposed from the first position to the second position, that is, until the LED unit 14 is disposed from the irradiation position to the retracted position. The movement toward the fourth position can be restricted by the pair of restriction plates 101.

  As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the process cartridge 12 and the LED unit 14 from interfering during the process of attaching and detaching the process cartridge 12.

Therefore, it can be further suppressed that the LED unit 14 hinders the process cartridge 12 from being attached or detached.
(2) Third Embodiment (2-1) Details of Configuration in Main Body Casing of Third Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, each of the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 moves independently. To do.

  On the other hand, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the printer 1 includes an interlocking unit 150, and the movement of the first cover 8 and the movement of the second cover 9 are interlocked.

  Specifically, in the third embodiment, an interlocking unit 150 as an example of an interlocking unit is provided in the main body casing 2.

  The interlocking unit 150 is arranged on either the left or right side in the main body casing 2. The interlocking unit 150 includes a first gear 151, a second gear 152, an upper and lower gear 153, a first arc gear 154, and a second arc gear 155.

  The first gear 151 is disposed behind the first cover 8. The first gear 151 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The first gear 151 is supported in the main body casing 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The first gear 151 includes a first large diameter gear portion 156 and a first small diameter gear portion 157.

  The first large-diameter gear portion 156 is a left half portion of the first gear 151 and has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The first large-diameter gear portion 156 has gear teeth over its peripheral surface.

  The first small diameter gear portion 157 is a right half portion of the first gear 151 and protrudes rightward from the right surface of the first large diameter gear portion 156. The first small diameter gear portion 157 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The outer diameter of the first small diameter gear portion 157 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first large diameter gear portion 156. The 1st small diameter gear part 157 has a gear tooth over the surrounding surface.

  The second gear 152 is disposed behind the second cover 9. The second gear 152 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The second gear 152 is supported in the main body casing 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The second gear 152 includes a second large diameter gear portion 158 and a second small diameter gear portion 159.

  The second large-diameter gear portion 158 is a left half portion of the second gear 152 and has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The second large diameter gear portion 158 has gear teeth over its peripheral surface.

  The second small diameter gear portion 159 is the right half portion of the second gear 152 and protrudes rightward from the right surface of the second large diameter gear portion 158. The second small diameter gear portion 159 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The outer diameter of the second small diameter gear portion 159 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second large diameter gear portion 158. The 2nd small diameter gear part 159 has a gear tooth over the surrounding surface.

  The upper and lower gears 153 are disposed behind the first gear 151 and the second gear 152. The vertical gear 153 has a substantially bar shape extending in the vertical direction. The upper and lower gears 153 are supported in the main body casing 2 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The upper and lower gears 153 have gear teeth over the front surface. The gear teeth of the upper and lower gears 153 mesh with the gear teeth of the first small diameter gear portion 157 of the first gear 151 and the gear teeth of the second small diameter gear portion 159.

  The first arc gear 154 is disposed behind the first cover 8 and to the left of the upper and lower gears 153. The first arc gear 154 has an approximately quarter ring shape in a side view and is curved downward. A front end portion of the first arcuate gear 154 is attached to a central portion in the vertical direction on the rear surface of the first cover 8. The first arc gear 154 has gear teeth over its upper surface. The gear teeth of the first arc gear 154 mesh with the gear teeth of the first large diameter gear portion 156.

The second arc gear 155 is arranged behind the second cover 9 and to the left of the upper and lower gears 153. The second arc gear 155 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side, and is curved upward. The front end portion of the second arc gear 155 is attached to the central portion in the vertical direction of the rear surface of the second cover 9. The second arc gear 155 has gear teeth over its upper surface. The gear teeth of the second arc gear 155 mesh with the gear teeth of the second large diameter gear portion 158.
(2-2) Operation of the first cover and the second cover in the third embodiment From the state where the first cover 8 is disposed at the first position and the second cover 9 is disposed at the second position, it is shown in FIG. 5B. As described above, when the first cover 8 is moved from the first position toward the second position, that is, when the first cover portion 51 is rotated forward about the first shaft portion 52, the first circular arc is obtained. The gear 154 rotates together with the first cover portion 51 toward the front around the first shaft portion 52.

  Then, the first gear 151 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side, and the upper and lower gears 153 move downward. Further, the second gear 152 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side, and the second arc gear 155 rotates forward about the second shaft portion 62. And the 2nd cover part 61 rotates ahead centering | focusing on the 2nd axial part 62, and the 2nd cover 9 is arrange | positioned in a 4th position.

  Further, when the first cover 8 is moved from the second position toward the first position, that is, when the first cover portion 51 is rotated backward about the first shaft portion 52, the first arc gear 154 rotates together with the first cover portion 51 toward the rear about the first shaft portion 52.

  Then, the first gear 151 rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side, and the upper and lower gears 153 move upward. Further, the second gear 152 rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side, and the second arc gear 155 rotates rearward around the second shaft portion 62. And the 2nd cover part 61 rotates back centering on the 2nd axial part 62, and as shown to FIG. 5A, the 2nd cover 9 is arrange | positioned in a 3rd position.

As described above, the movement of the first cover 8 and the movement of the second cover 9 are interlocked by the interlocking unit 150. Then, when the first cover 8 is moved from the first position toward the second position, the second cover 9 moves from the third position toward the fourth position. Similarly, when the second cover 9 is moved from the third position toward the fourth position, the first cover 8 moves from the first position toward the second position.
(2-3) Effects of Third Embodiment According to the printer 1 of the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, according to the printer 1 of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the interlocking unit 150 causes the first cover 8 to move between the first position and the second position, and the second cover 9 can move to the second position. The movement between the third position and the fourth position is linked.

Therefore, when the second cover 9 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the interlocking unit 150 can reliably move the first cover 8 from the first position to the second position.
7). Other Modifications In the above embodiment, in the second cover 9, the second shaft portion 62 is disposed at the lower end portion of the second cover portion 61, but as shown in FIG. 6A, the second shaft portion 62 is You may arrange | position at the upper end part of the 2nd cover part 61. FIG.

  And as shown to FIG. 6B, when opening the 2nd opening 7, you may rotate the 2nd cover 9 so that the front-end | tip of the 2nd cover 9 may go to upper direction from the downward direction.

  6C, the first shaft portion 52 may be disposed at the lower end portion of the first cover portion 51, and the second shaft portion 62 may be disposed at the upper end portion of the second cover portion 61.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6D, when opening the first opening 6, the first cover 8 is rotated so that the tip of the first cover 8 is directed downward from above, and when the second opening 7 is opened, You may rotate the 2nd cover 9 as the front-end | tip of the 2nd cover 9 goes upwards from the downward direction.

  Moreover, as shown to FIG. 7A, the 1st opening 6 and the 2nd opening 7 may be arrange | positioned at intervals in the up-down direction on both sides of the partition wall 170. As shown in FIG.

  And you may open two openings, the 1st opening 6 and the 2nd opening 7, in the main body casing 2 by rotating the 1st cover 8 and the 2nd cover 9 toward the front.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the first opening 6 may be disposed on the lower side on the front surface of the main body casing 2, and the second opening 7 may be disposed on the upper side on the front surface of the main body casing 2.

  7D, the first opening 8 is opened by rotating the first cover 8 forward, and the second opening 7 is opened by rotating the second cover 9 forward. May be.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the drum cartridge 16 and the developing cartridge 17 are integrally attached to and detached from the main body casing 2, but the drum cartridge 16 and the developing cartridge 17 may be attached to and detached from the main body casing 2 separately from each other. Further, only the developing cartridge 17 may be attached to and detached from the main casing 2.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Main body casing 5 Paper discharge part 6 1st opening 7 2nd opening 8 1st cover 9 2nd cover 12 Process cartridge 14 LED unit 21 Photosensitive drum 51A Lower end part 52 1st axis part 58 Control board 62 2nd axis part 101 Regulating plate 150 Interlocking unit

Claims (13)

A housing having a first opening and a second opening formed on one side surface;
A single photosensitive drum disposed in the housing;
A single exposure member disposed in the housing and exposing the photosensitive drum;
A first cover that pivots about a first axis and moves between a first position that closes the first opening and a second position that opens the first opening;
A second cover that rotates about a second axis and moves between a third position that closes the second opening and a fourth position that opens the second opening;
A cartridge containing developer inside and removable from the housing through the second opening;
The exposure member is
Along with the movement of the first cover, it is possible to move between an irradiation position, which is a position for exposing the photosensitive drum, and a retreat position, which is farther from the photosensitive drum than the irradiation position, through the first opening. And when the first cover is disposed at the first position, disposed at the irradiation position, and when the first cover is disposed at the second position, disposed at the retracted position,
The first cover is configured to move from the third position of the second cover to the fourth position when the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is disposed at the third position. A first restricting portion for restricting movement to a position ;
The first opening and the second opening are arranged in a vertical direction on one side surface of the housing, and the first cover and the second cover are arranged in a vertical direction on one side surface of the housing. Placed in
The first cover is disposed above the second cover,
The first shaft is provided at an upper end portion of the first cover in a state where the first cover is disposed at the first position, and the second shaft is disposed at the third position. In a state that is provided, provided at the lower end of the second cover,
The housing includes an exposure member guide for guiding the exposure member, and a cartridge guide for guiding the cartridge,
The exposure member guide extends upward toward the one side surface, the cartridge guide extends downward toward the one side surface,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure member is in a state of being disposed in the exposure member guide when the first cover is disposed in the second position . The housing includes a paper discharge unit for discharging a recording medium on which an image is formed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the discharge unit discharges a recording medium toward one side of the housing. Before Sharing, ABS sheet portion, characterized in that it is arranged on the upper side of the housing, an image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The paper discharge portion is extended to the outside of one side surface of the housing,
  The first cover is disposed below the paper discharge unit,
  The free end portion of the first cover opposite to the first shaft is moved in a direction approaching the paper discharge portion when disposed at the second position. Image forming apparatus. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein a size of the first cover in a vertical direction is smaller than a size of the second cover in a vertical direction. Wherein the first opening and the second opening, characterized in that it communicates, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The first restricting portion is
The free end on the second opening side in a state where the first cover is disposed at the first position;
When the first cover is disposed at the first position and the second cover is disposed at the third position, the first cover overlaps with the second cover in the attaching / detaching direction via the second opening of the cartridge. wherein the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Before Symbol cartridge guide is characterized by extending toward said second opening, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. In a state where the second cover is disposed at the third position, between a restriction position for restricting the movement of the second cover from the third position to the fourth position and a release position for releasing the restriction. A second restricting part that is movable,
The said 2nd control part moves to the said release position from the said control position, when the said 1st cover is arrange | positioned in the said 2nd position, The Claim 1 thru | or 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. The image forming apparatus described. And an interlocking unit that interlocks the movement of the first cover between the first position and the second position and the movement of the second cover between the third position and the fourth position. wherein the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A control board for controlling the exposure member;
The control board, characterized in that it is supported on the first cover, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The exposure member, in a state disposed in the retracted position, at least a part thereof being arranged in the housing, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The photosensitive drum is
Provided in the cartridge,
Said cartridge and being removably integrally with said housing and said image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images