JP7639296B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an image forming device equipped with a drawer.

Conventionally, a drawer that detachably supports a cartridge having a developing roller is known. The drawer is supported movably relative to the main body housing of the image forming device. When a user wants to attach or detach a cartridge to or from the main body housing, the user first pulls out the drawer from the main body housing. The user then attaches or detaches the cartridge to or from the drawer. The user attaches the cartridge to the drawer, and then attaches the drawer to the main body housing. When the image forming device is in use, the cartridge is supplied with power from the main body housing. For example, when forming an image, a developing voltage is applied to the developing roller of the cartridge from a main electrode of the main body housing.

In the technology of Patent Document 1, the cartridge has cartridge electrodes that can be electrically connected to the main body electrodes of the main body housing. The cartridge electrodes include a developing electrode that is electrically connected to the developing roller, and a memory electrode that is electrically connected to a memory that stores information about the cartridge. When the drawer is attached to the main body housing with the cartridge attached in the drawer and the cover of the main body housing is closed, the cartridge electrodes come into direct contact with the main body electrodes of the main body housing. As a result, the cartridge electrodes are electrically connected to the main body electrodes. In addition, the drawer has a latch at the end of the cartridge in the axial direction of the developing roller for locking the cartridge to the drawer. The cartridge is locked to the drawer by the latch.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0142348

However, in the conventional disclosures, in order to directly contact the cartridge electrode with the main body electrode, the cartridge electrode had to straddle the latch. In other words, the cartridge electrode had to protrude from the cartridge housing by the thickness of the latch. As a result, when a user handled the cartridge, there was a risk that the protruding cartridge electrode would be touched and damaged.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with a drawer that detachably supports a cartridge and has a latch, in which the cartridge electrode can be electrically connected to the main body electrode without straddling the latch.

To achieve this objective, the present disclosure provides an image forming device that includes a main body housing having a main body electrode, a cartridge having a developing roller, and a drawer that is movable in a first direction between inside and outside the main body housing, the drawer having a latch that can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a lock position that locks the cartridge to the drawer and an unlock position that unlocks the cartridge from the drawer, and a relay electrode.

When the cartridge is attached to the drawer and the latch is in the locked position, the cartridge has a cartridge electrode that can be electrically connected to the main body electrode via the relay electrode, and the relay electrode is disposed on the latch.

With this configuration, the cartridge electrode and the main body electrode of the cartridge can be electrically connected via the relay electrode arranged on the latch, so the cartridge electrode does not need to straddle the latch.

The main body electrode may have a memory main body electrode, the relay electrode may have a memory relay electrode, and the cartridge electrode may have an IC chip that can be electrically connected to the memory main body electrode via the memory relay electrode when the cartridge is attached to the drawer and the latch is in the locked position and the drawer is attached to the main body housing.

With this configuration, the IC chip of the cartridge and the memory main body electrode can be electrically connected via the memory relay electrode arranged on the latch, so the IC chip does not have to straddle the latch.

The drawer may also have a connector that is capable of contacting the memory main body electrode when the latch is in the locked position and the drawer is attached to the main body housing, and is electrically connected to the memory relay electrode, and the connector may be configured to be disposed on the latch.

The connector may also be configured to be disposed at one end of the latch in the first direction.

The drawer may also have a conductor that electrically connects the memory relay electrode and the connector, and the conductor may be configured to be disposed in the latch.

With this configuration, the connector, memory relay electrode, and conductor are all placed on the latch, so they do not interfere with the rotation of the latch.

The IC chip can also have a memory and a memory electrode electrically connected to the memory, with the memory electrode facing downward.

The memory electrode can also be configured to protrude from the end of the cartridge in the second direction in which the rotation axis of the developing roller extends.

This configuration makes it easy to electrically connect the memory electrode to the memory relay electrode.

The main body electrode has a development main body electrode, the relay electrode has a development relay electrode, and the cartridge electrode is a development electrode that is electrically connected to the development roller and can be electrically connected to the development main body electrode via the development relay electrode.

With this configuration, the developer electrode of the cartridge and the developer main body electrode can be electrically connected via the developer relay electrode arranged on the latch, so the developer electrode does not have to straddle the latch.

The main body electrode may have a supply main body electrode, the relay electrode may have a supply relay electrode, and the cartridge electrode may have a supply electrode that is electrically connected to the supply roller and can be electrically connected to the supply main body electrode via the supply relay electrode.

With this configuration, the supply electrode of the cartridge and the supply main body electrode can be electrically connected via the supply relay electrode arranged on the latch, so the supply electrode does not need to straddle the latch.

The main body electrode may have a drum main body electrode, the relay electrode may have a drum relay electrode, and the cartridge electrode may have a drum earth that is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum and can be electrically connected to the drum main body electrode via the drum relay electrode.

With this configuration, the cartridge drum earth and the drum body electrode can be electrically connected via the drum relay electrode located on the latch, so the drum earth does not have to cross the latch.

The main body electrode may have a charged main body electrode, the relay electrode may have a charged relay electrode, and the cartridge electrode may be a charged electrode that is electrically connected to the charging roller and can be electrically connected to the charged main body electrode via the charged relay electrode.

With this configuration, the cartridge's charging electrode and the charging main body electrode can be electrically connected via the charging relay electrode located on the latch, so the charging electrode does not need to straddle the latch.

The main body electrode may have a memory main body electrode, the relay electrode may have a memory relay electrode and a process relay electrode, the cartridge electrode may have a memory electrode electrically connectable to the memory relay electrode and a cartridge process electrode electrically connectable to the process relay electrode, and the drawer may have a connector electrically connectable to the memory main body electrode when the latch is in the locked position and the drawer is attached to the main body housing, the connector may have a conductor electrically connecting the memory relay electrode and the connector, and the conductor may be located between the process relay electrode and the latch and cross the process relay electrode.

The process relay electrode may also have a first contact that contacts the cartridge electrode, a second contact that contacts the main body electrode, and a relay portion that connects the first contact and the second contact, and the conductor may be configured to be located between the latch and the relay portion.

With this configuration, the conductor is less likely to come off the latch due to the process relay electrode.

The drawer may be capable of detachably mounting multiple cartridges, the latch may have multiple memory relay electrodes corresponding to the multiple cartridges, and the conductor may be configured to electrically connect the multiple memory relay electrodes to one connector.

With this configuration, multiple memory electrodes can be connected to a single connector via conductors, allowing the contact points with the main body electrodes to be concentrated in one place.

According to the present disclosure, by electrically connecting the cartridge electrode of the cartridge and the main body electrode of the main body housing via the relay electrode, the cartridge electrode can be electrically connected to the main body electrode without crossing the latch.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views showing the relationship between the drawer, the transfer device, and the main housing as viewed from a second direction, in which (a) the linear cam is located in a first position, and (b) the linear cam is located in a second position. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge as viewed from a second direction. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from one end side in the second direction. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the other end side in the second direction. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drawer with the latch in the unlocked position. 11 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the other end side in the second direction. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from one end side in the second direction. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the cartridge when it is attached to the drawer. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the cartridge when viewed from a second direction, in which FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the contact and separation between the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drum in conjunction with the opening and closing operations of the cover, in which (a) shows the state in which the intermediate transfer belt is located at the separation position, and (b) shows the state in which the intermediate transfer belt is located at the contact position. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to a modified example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, the direction of movement of the drawer 100 between inside the main body housing 10 and outside the main body housing 10 is defined as a first direction. The axial direction of the developing roller 62 is defined as a second direction. The first direction intersects with the second direction. Preferably, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The direction in which the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the drawer 100 is defined as a third direction. The third direction intersects with the second direction and the first direction. Preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to the second direction and the first direction. In addition, the expressions "up" and "down" are also used as appropriate for the third direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the third direction, the exposure unit SU is located on the upper side of the drawer 100, and the intermediate transfer belt 73 is located on the lower side of the drawer 100.

(1) Overview of Image Forming Apparatus 1 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 10, a transfer device 70, and a drawer 100.

The main body housing 10 has a cover 11, an opening 12, a lever 13, and a main body electrode 14.

The cover 11 is located at one end of the main body housing 10 in the first direction. The cover 11 is movable between a closed position in which the opening 12 is closed and an open position in which the opening 12 is open.

The lever 13 is located on the other end side of the main body housing 10 in the first direction. The lever 13 is located below the drawer 100. The lever 13 is rotatable about a lever axis X3 that extends in the second direction.

The main body electrode 14 is electrically connected to the cartridge electrode 33 of the cartridge 20 via the relay electrode 160 of the drawer 100 described below. The main body electrode 14 has a process main body electrode 15 and a memory main body electrode 16.

The process main body electrode 15 is located inside the main body housing 10. The process main body electrode 15 is located at one end of the main body housing 10 in the second direction. In other words, when the drawer 100 is attached, the process main body electrode 15 is located on the same side in the second direction as the end where the relay electrode 160 of the drawer 100 is located.

The memory main body electrode 16 is located inside the main body housing 10. The memory main body electrode 16 is located at one end of the main body housing 10 in the first direction. In other words, when the drawer 100 is installed inside the main body housing 10, the memory main body electrode 16 is located on the same side in the first direction as the end where the connector 141 of the drawer 100 is located.

The transfer device 70 is located below the drawer 100 in the third direction. In other words, the transfer device 70 is located on the opposite side of the drawer 100 from the top surface 18 of the main body housing 10 in the third direction. The transfer device 70 has a drive roller 71, a driven roller 72, an intermediate transfer belt 73, and a plurality of primary transfer rollers 74. The drive roller 71 is located away from the driven roller 72 in the first direction. The intermediate transfer belt 73 is an endless belt. The intermediate transfer belt 73 is stretched between the drive roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The primary transfer roller 74 is located inside the intermediate transfer belt 73. The primary transfer roller 74 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 73 between itself and a photosensitive drum 32 described later. In this embodiment, the number of primary transfer rollers 74 in the transfer device 70 is four. However, as long as the number is the same as the number of photosensitive drums 32 described later, the number may be one to three, or may be five or more.

The drawer 100 is movable in a first direction between inside and outside the main housing 10. In FIG. 1, the drawer 100 is located outside the main housing 10. The cartridges 20 are individually attachable to and detachable from the drawer 100. When the cartridges 20 are attached to the drawer 100, they can be attached to the main housing 10 together with the drawer 100. The cartridge 20 has a cartridge housing 31, a photosensitive drum 32, an IC chip 36, a charging roller 35, a developing housing 41, a developing roller 42, and a supply roller 45. When attached to the drawer 100, the cartridges 20 are positioned side by side at intervals in the first direction.

The cartridges 20 contain developers of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The number of cartridges 20 mounted in the drawer 100 of this embodiment is four. More specifically, the cartridges 20 include a first cartridge 20a, a second cartridge 20b, a third cartridge 20c, and a fourth cartridge 20d. The first cartridge 20a includes a first photosensitive drum 32a and a first developing roller 42a. The second cartridge 20b includes a second photosensitive drum 32b and a second developing roller 42b. The third cartridge 20c includes a third photosensitive drum 32c and a third developing roller 42c. The fourth cartridge 20d includes a fourth photosensitive drum 32d and a fourth developing roller 42d. However, the number of cartridges 20 mounted in the drawer 100 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

The image forming device 1 forms images through the following process.

As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 applies a charging voltage to the charging roller 35 and rotates the charging roller 35 while in contact with the photosensitive drum 32 to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 32. Next, the image forming apparatus 1 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 with the exposure device SU (see FIG. 2) to form an electrostatic latent image. In parallel with these operations, the image forming apparatus 1 applies a supply voltage to the supply roller 45 and supplies the developer in the development housing 41 from the supply roller 45 to the development roller 42. By applying a development voltage to the development roller 42, the developer of the development roller 42 adheres to the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 32, and a developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 32. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transfers the developer image to the intermediate transfer belt 73 by sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 73 between the photosensitive drum 32 having the developer image and the primary transfer roller 74. The developer image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 73 is transported toward the drive roller 71, and the sheet is sandwiched between the drive roller 71 and the secondary transfer roller 19 of the main body housing 10, thereby transferring the developer image to the sheet. The developer image on the sheet is fixed by the fixing device 80 of the main body housing 10, and the sheet is discharged onto the top surface 18 of the main body housing 10.

(2) Details of the Cartridge 20 As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the cartridge 20 has a first unit 30 and a second unit 40.

(2-1) First unit 30
The first unit 30 has a cartridge housing 31 , a photosensitive drum 32 , a drum coupling 32 a , a cartridge electrode 33 , a charging roller 35 , and an IC chip 36 .

The cartridge housing 31 is made of insulating resin. The cartridge housing 31 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 32. The cartridge housing 31 has a first boss 31a that rotatably supports one end of the photosensitive drum 32 in the second direction, a second boss 31b that rotatably supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 32 in the second direction, and a third boss 31c that rotatably supports a development coupling 40a of a second unit 40 described later. The first boss 31a protrudes from one end of the cartridge housing 31 in the second direction. The second boss 31b protrudes from the other end of the cartridge housing 31 in the second direction. The third boss 31c protrudes from the other end of the cartridge housing 31 in the second direction.

The cartridge housing 31 supports the second unit 40 so that it can rotate relative to the first unit 30 about a rotation axis that extends in the second direction.

The photosensitive drum 32 is rotatable about a drum axis X1 extending in the second direction. The photosensitive drum 32 has a metal base tube and a photosensitive layer applied to the surface of the base tube. The base tube is electrically connected to the drum earth 34c, which will be described later. As a result, when the photosensitive layer is charged, a potential difference is created between the surface of the photosensitive layer and the base tube, generating an electric field.

The drum coupling 32a is located at the other end of the photosensitive drum 32 in the second direction. The photosensitive drum 32 receives a rotational force from the main body housing 10 via the drum coupling 32a and rotates.

The cartridge electrode 33 is located at one end of the cartridge housing 31 in the second direction. The cartridge electrode 33 has a process electrode 34 and an IC chip 36. The cartridge electrode 33 is electrically connected to a relay electrode 160 described later, and is electrically connected to the main housing 10 via the relay electrode 160.

The process electrode 34 has a development electrode 34a, a supply electrode 34b, a drum earth 34c, and a charging electrode 34d. The development electrode 34a is electrically connected to the development roller 42. The supply electrode 34b is electrically connected to the supply roller 45. The drum earth 34c is electrically connected to the base tube of the photosensitive drum 32. The charging electrode 34d is electrically connected to the charging roller 35. The process electrode 34 is exposed and can come into contact with a relay electrode 160 described later.

The IC chip 36 has a memory 36a and a memory electrode 36b. The memory 36a can store information about the cartridge 20. Specifically, the memory 36a can store information about whether the cartridge 20 is new or not, information about the amount of developer used, information about the color of the developer contained in the cartridge 20, and the like. The memory electrode 36b is electrically connected to the memory 36a. The memory electrode 36b is exposed and can come into contact with a relay electrode 160, which will be described later.

(2-2) Second unit 40
The second unit 40 has a development coupling 40a, a development housing 41, a development roller 42, a cam receiving groove 43, an agitator 44, a supply roller 45, and a pressure spring 21 as an example of an elastic member.

The developing coupling 40a is located at the other end of the second unit 40 in the second direction. The developing coupling 40a is rotatable about a developing coupling axis X3, which is a rotation axis extending in the second direction. The developing coupling 40a receives a rotational force from the main body housing 10 and rotates. The developing roller 42 receives a rotational force from the developing coupling 40a via a gear (not shown) and rotates. The agitator 44 also receives a rotational force from the developing coupling 40a via a gear (not shown) and rotates. The supply roller 45 also receives a rotational force from the developing coupling 40a via a gear (not shown) and rotates.

The developing housing 41 contains the developer. The developing housing 41 is located between one end of the cartridge housing 31 and the other end of the cartridge housing 31 in the second direction.

The developing roller 42 adheres the developer supplied to the supply roller 45 to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 32. At this time, a developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 42 by the developing electrode 34a.

The cam receiving groove 43 comes into contact with a linear cam 170 of the drawer 100, which will be described later. The cam receiving groove 43 is located on the underside of the second unit 40. In other words, the cam receiving groove 43 is located at the other end of the second unit 40 in the third direction. In other words, the cartridge 20 has the cam receiving groove 43 at the other end in the third direction.

The agitator 44 is located inside the developing housing 41 and rotates about an agitator axis X4 extending in the second direction to agitate the developer contained in the developing housing 41.

The supply roller 45 is located inside the developing housing 41 and supplies developer to the developing roller 42. At this time, a supply voltage is applied to the supply roller 45 by the supply electrode 34b.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second unit 40 can rotate relative to the first unit 30 between a contact position where the developing roller 42 contacts the photosensitive drum 32 and a separation position where the developing roller 42 is separated from the photosensitive drum 32. Since the developing coupling 40a is supported by the third boss 31c, the second unit 40 rotates relative to the first unit 30 about the developing coupling axis X3 (see FIG. 6).

The pressure spring 21 is a member that presses the developing roller 42 toward the photosensitive drum 32. The pressure spring 21 is located on the outer surface of the developing housing 41 and contacts the first unit 30. The pressure spring 21 presses the developing housing 41 so that the developing roller 32 abuts against the photosensitive drum 32. Therefore, when no external force is applied to the cartridge 20 (hereinafter referred to as normal), the developing roller 42 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 32. In other words, under normal circumstances, the second unit 32 is located in the contact position.

Even if the second unit 40 rotates, the electrical connection between the developing electrode 34a and the electrode of the developing roller 42 is maintained. Specifically, the contact area of the developing electrode 34a is larger than the contact area of the electrode of the developing roller 42. Therefore, when the second unit 40 rotates, the electrode of the developing roller 42 moves while rubbing against the developing electrode 34a. As a result, even if the second unit 40 rotates, the electrode of the developing roller 42 maintains an electrical connection with the developing electrode 34a. Also, even if the second unit 40 rotates, the electrical connection between the supply electrode 34b and the electrode of the supply roller 45 is maintained. Specifically, the contact area of the supply electrode 34b is larger than the contact area of the electrode of the supply roller 45. Therefore, when the second unit 40 rotates, the electrode of the supply roller 45 moves while rubbing against the supply electrode 34b. As a result, even if the second unit 40 rotates, the electrode of the supply roller 45 maintains an electrical connection with the supply electrode 34b.

(3) Details of Drawer 100 As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the drawer 100 includes a first side frame 110, a second side frame 120, a latch 130, a relay electrode 160, and a linear cam 170.

(3-1) First side frame 110, second side frame 120
The first side frame 110 is located at one end of the drawer 100 in the second direction. The first side frame 110 has a first guide groove 111. The first guide groove 111 guides one end of the cartridge 20 in the second direction when the cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from the drawer 100. Specifically, the first guide groove 111 guides the first boss 31a.

The second side frame 120 is located at the other end of the cartridge 20 in the second direction. The second side frame 120 has a second guide groove 121 and a third guide groove 122. The second guide groove 121 and the third guide groove guide the other end of the cartridge 20 in the second direction. Specifically, the second guide groove 121 guides the second boss 31b. The third guide groove 122 guides the third boss 31c.

(3-2) Latch 130
The latch 130 has a plurality of holes 131 that allow the end of the cartridge 20 in the second direction to be inserted. More specifically, when the latch 130 is positioned at a lock position described below with the cartridge 20 attached to the drawer, the latch 130 has a plurality of holes 131 that allow the first boss 31a, the second boss 31b, and the third boss 31c of the cartridge 20 to be inserted.

The latch 130 can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a lock position where the cartridge 20 is locked to the drawer 100 and an unlock position where the cartridge 20 is unlocked from the drawer 100. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 is in the unlock position, the cartridge 20 can be attached to and detached from the drawer 100. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 is in the lock position, the cartridge 20 is locked to the drawer 100 and cannot be attached to or detached from the drawer 100. More specifically, when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 is in the lock position, the end of the cartridge 20 in the second direction is inserted into the hole 131. As a result, the latch 130 prevents the cartridge 20 from being removed from the drawer 100.

The latch 130 has a first latch 140 and a second latch 150. The first latch 140 is located at one end of the drawer 100 in the second direction. The first latch 140 is located on the first side frame. The second latch 150 is located at the other end of the drawer 100 in the second direction. The second latch 150 is located on the second side frame.

The first latch 140 has a connector 141 that can be electrically connected to the memory main body electrode 16 of the main body housing 10, a conductor 142 that electrically connects the connector 141 to a memory relay electrode 161 described later, and a groove 143.

The connector 141 is located at one end of the first latch 140 in the first direction. When the drawer 100 is attached to the main body housing 10, the connector 141 is electrically connected to the memory main body electrode 16 of the main body housing 10. In this embodiment, the connector 141 is supported so as to be movable in the third direction relative to the first latch. This allows the connector 141 to absorb positional errors when connecting to the memory main body electrode 16 of the main body housing 10.

The conductor 142 is electrically connected to the memory relay electrode 161. The conductor 142 is located at the end opposite the rotation center of the first latch 140.

The groove 143 is located at the end opposite the center of rotation of the first latch 140. The conductor 142 is located in the groove 143 of the first latch 140. When the conductor 142 is located in the groove 143, the conductor 142 is located between the relay portion 165 of the process relay electrode 162 (described later) and the first latch 140.

In this embodiment, the latch 130 has four memory relay electrodes 161. Therefore, four sets of conductors 142 are provided to correspond to the respective memory relay electrodes 161. The four sets of conductors 142 are connected to one connector 141 without being electrically connected to each other. However, in this embodiment, one set of conductors 142 refers to multiple conductors required to exchange information with one IC chip 36.

(3-3) Relay electrode 160
The relay electrode 160 is located in the first latch 140. In other words, the relay electrode 160 is located in the latch 130.

In this embodiment, since the number of cartridges 20 mounted in the drawer 100 is four, the drawer 100 has four relay electrodes 160. More specifically, the drawer 100 has four each of the memory relay electrodes 161, development relay electrodes 162a, supply relay electrodes 162b, drum relay electrodes 162c, and charging relay electrodes 162d, which will be described later. However, since each relay electrode 160 is configured in the same way in this embodiment, the following description will focus on each relay electrode 160 corresponding to one cartridge 20.

The relay electrode 160 has a memory relay electrode 161 and a process relay electrode 162.

The memory relay electrode 161 contacts the memory electrode 36b when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 is in the lock position. The memory relay electrode 161 is electrically connected to the connector 141 of the first latch 140 via the conductor 142. The connector 141 can be electrically connected to the memory main body electrode 16 of the main body housing 10. When the drawer 100 is attached to the main body housing 10, the memory relay electrode 161 is electrically connected to the main body memory electrode of the main body housing 10 via the connector 141. Therefore, when the drawer 100 is attached to the main body housing 10 with the cartridge 20 attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 in the lock position, the memory electrode 36b is electrically connected to the main body memory electrode of the main body housing 10 via the memory relay electrode 161.

When the first latch 140 is in the locked position, the contact of the memory relay electrode 161 faces upward. In other words, when the first latch 140 is in the locked position, the contact of the memory relay electrode 161 faces in a direction to remove the cartridge 20 from the drawer 100. When the first latch 140 is in the locked position, the contact of the memory relay electrode 161 is located at the end opposite the rotation axis of the first latch 140 in the third direction. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the first latch 140 is in the locked position, the memory electrode 36b comes into contact with the memory relay electrode 161. This allows the memory relay electrode 161 to be electrically connected to the memory electrode 36b.

The process relay electrode 162 sandwiches the first latch 140. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 is in the lock position, the process relay electrode 162 comes into contact with the process electrode 34. This electrically connects the process relay electrode 162 to the process electrode 34. Also, when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 is in the lock position, the process relay electrode 162 comes into contact with the process main body electrode 15. This allows the process relay electrode 162 to be electrically connected to the process main body electrode 15.

The process relay electrode 162 has a development relay electrode 162a, a supply relay electrode 162b, a drum relay electrode 162c, and a charging relay electrode 162d. The process main body electrode 15 has a development main body electrode 15a, a supply main body electrode 15b, a drum main body electrode 15c, and a charging main body electrode 15d. The relay electrode 160 can be electrically connected by contacting the main body electrode 14 when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100 and the latch 130 is in the lock position.

More specifically, the development relay electrode 162a has a first development contact 163a and a second development contact 164a. The supply relay electrode 162b has a first supply contact 163b and a second supply contact 164b. The drum relay electrode 162c has a first drum contact 163c and a second drum contact 164c. The charging relay electrode 162d has a first charging contact 163d and a second drum contact 164d. The first development contact 163a, the first supply contact 163b, the first drum contact 163c, and the charging relay electrode 162d are examples of the first contact 163. The second development contact 164a, the second supply contact 164b, the second drum contact 164c, and the second drum contact 164d are examples of the second contact 164.

The first development contact 163a can be electrically connected to the development electrode 34a by contacting the development electrode 34a. The first supply contact 163b can be electrically connected to the supply electrode 34b by contacting the supply electrode 34b. The first drum contact 163c can be electrically connected to the drum earth 34c by contacting the drum earth 34c. The first charging contact 163d can be electrically connected to the charging electrode 34d by contacting the charging electrode 34d.

The second development contact 164a can be electrically connected to the development main body electrode 15a by contacting the development main body electrode 15a. The second supply contact 164b can be electrically connected to the supply main body electrode 15b by contacting the supply main body electrode 15b. The second drum contact 164c can be electrically connected to the drum main body electrode 15c by contacting the drum main body electrode 15c. The second drum contact 164d can be electrically connected to the charging main body electrode 15d by contacting the charging main body electrode 15d.

As a result, the developing electrode 34a and the developing main body electrode 15a can be electrically connected via the developing relay electrode 162a. The supply electrode 34b and the supply main body electrode 15b can be electrically connected via the supply relay electrode 162b. The drum earth 34c and the drum main body electrode 15c can be electrically connected via the drum relay electrode 162c. The charging electrode 34d and the charging main body electrode 15d can be electrically connected via the charging relay electrode 162d.

(3-4) Linear cam 170
The linear cam 170 is made of POM. The linear cam 170 is located at the lower end of the drawer in the third direction. In other words, when the drawer 100 is attached to the main body housing, the linear cam 170 is located at the end of the drawer 100 that is closer to the intermediate transfer belt 73 in the third direction.

In this embodiment, the drawer 100 has two linear cams 170. The first linear cam 170 is located between the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 32 and the first boss 31a in the second direction. The second linear cam 170 is located between the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 32 and the second boss 31b in the second direction. The linear cam 170 is configured not to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 32, the first boss 31a, or the second boss 31b.

The linear cam 170 is supported so as to be movable relative to the drawer 100. In this embodiment, the linear cam 170 is supported so as not to come off the first side frame 110 by a snap fit (not shown) of the first side frame 110.

As shown in FIG. 3, the linear cam 170 can move linearly in a first direction relative to the drawer 100. The linear cam 170 can move linearly between a first position (see FIG. 3(a)) and a second position (see FIG. 3(b)).

The linear cam 170 comes into contact with the cartridge 20 when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100. More specifically, the linear cam 170 has a protrusion 171. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100, the protrusion 171 fits into the cam receiving groove 43 of the cartridge 20. The protrusion 171 is configured to have a tapered tip. This makes it easier for the protrusion 171 to fit into the cam receiving groove 43. When the linear cam 170 moves linearly in the first direction with the protrusion 171 fitted into the cam receiving groove 43, the cam receiving groove 43 receives a force from the protrusion 171. Since the first unit 30 is fixed to the drawer 100 by the latch 130, the second unit 40 that receives the force rotates relative to the first unit 30. The second unit 40 rotates about the agitator axis X2. When the linear cam 170 is located at the first position, the photosensitive drum 32 comes into contact with the developing roller 42, and when the linear cam 170 is located at the second position, the photosensitive drum 32 is separated from the developing roller 42. Specifically, when the linear cam 170 is located at the first position, the second unit 40 is located at a position where the photosensitive drum 32 and the developing roller 42 come into contact with each other. When the linear cam 170 moves linearly to the second position, the second unit 40 rotates, and the developing roller 42 is separated from the photosensitive drum 32. Therefore, when the linear cam 170 moves linearly from the first position to the second position, the second unit 40 rotates from a contact position where the developing roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 32 come into contact with each other to a separation position where the developing roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 32 are separated from each other. Similarly, when the linear cam 170 moves linearly from the second position to the first position, the second unit 40 rotates from a separation position where the developing roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 32 are separated to a contact position where the developing roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 32 come into contact.

When the drawer 100 is attached to the main housing 10, the linear cam 170 comes into contact with the main housing 10.

The linear cam 170 has a recess 172 at one end in the first direction. The lever 13 of the main body housing 10 fits into the recess 172. The lever 13 is rotatable about a lever axis X3 extending in the second direction. The linear cam 170 moves linearly between the first position and the second position as the lever 13 rotates. More specifically, the lever 13 has a receiving portion 13a that receives a force from the main body housing 10, and a pressing portion 13b that fits into the recess 172 and contacts the linear cam 170. When the receiving portion 13a receives a force F (see FIG. 3) from the main body housing 10, the lever 13 rotates, and the pressing portion 13b presses the linear cam 170 in the first direction via the recess 172. Therefore, the linear cam 170 moves to the second position. In this embodiment, the force F is applied to the lever 13 by a solenoid (not shown) of the main body housing 10. When the receiving portion 13a does not receive the force F from the main body housing 10, the second unit 40 rotates in a direction in which the developing roller 42 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 32 by the pressing member 21 of the cartridge 20. As a result, the linear cam 170 is biased by the second unit 40 and rotates to the first position.
(4) Mounting of the Cartridge 20 and the Drawer 100 in the Main Housing 10 First, the operation of bringing the intermediate transfer belt 73 into contact with and separating the photosensitive drum 32 will be described.

The intermediate transfer belt 73 can move in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover 11. The movement of the intermediate transfer belt 73 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The cover 11 contacts the driven roller shaft 72a of the driven roller 72. The cover 11 has a slope 11a. When the cover 11 rotates with the slope 11a and the driven roller shaft 72a in contact with each other, the driven roller shaft 72a moves in the third direction. This causes the driven roller 72 to move in the third direction. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 73 moves in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover 11. More specifically, with the drive roller 71 fixed to the main body housing 10, the driven roller 72 moves relative to the main body housing 10. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 73 rotates around the drive roller 71 as the center of rotation. As a result, when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100, the intermediate transfer belt 73 can move between a contact position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 32 and a separation position where it is separated from the photosensitive drum 32 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover 11. As a result, when the cover 11 is in the open position, the intermediate transfer belt 73 is located at the contact position, and when the cover 11 is in the closed position, the intermediate transfer belt 73 is located at the separation position. In this case, the primary transfer roller 74 moves while maintaining a state of contact with the intermediate transfer belt 73. When the intermediate transfer belt 73 contacts the photosensitive drum 32, the intermediate transfer belt 73 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 32 and the primary transfer roller 74.

Next, we will explain the sequence of operations that occurs when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100, the drawer 100 is attached to the main body housing 10, and the cover 11 is moved to the closed position.

With the cover 11 in the open position, the user pulls out the drawer 100 from the main body housing 10, places the latch 130 in the release position, and attaches or detaches the cartridge 20. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100, it is guided by the first guide groove 111, the second guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 122 of the drawer 100, and is positioned relative to the drawer 100 in the first direction. Once the attachment of the multiple cartridges 20 is complete, the latch 130 is positioned in the lock position. The multiple cartridges 20 are pressed in the second direction as the process relay electrode 162 comes into contact with the cartridge electrode 33. This positions the cartridge 20 in the second direction relative to the drawer 10. When the drawer 100 is attached to the main body housing 10, the connector 141 is connected to the memory main body electrode 16.

12, when the cover 11 is moved to the closed position, the driven roller 72 is lifted by the cover 11 in the process. As a result, the transfer device 70 is lifted upward relative to the drawer 100. In other words, the transfer device 70 moves toward the drawer 100 in the third direction. More specifically, the driven roller 72 is lifted by the inclined surface 11a of the cover 11, and the intermediate transfer belt 73 moves toward the drawer 100. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 73 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 32. Furthermore, when the driven roller 72 is lifted by the cover 11, the photosensitive drum 32 is pressed by the intermediate transfer belt 73. Therefore, the cartridge 20 is lifted upward relative to the drawer 100. As a result, the first boss 31a comes into contact with the edge 132 of the hole 131 of the latch 130. More specifically, the first boss 31a contacts the wedge-shaped portion 132a of the edge 132 of the hole 131. This positions the cartridge 20 relative to the drawer 100 in the third direction. When the cartridge 20 is further lifted with the first boss 31a in contact with the wedge-shaped portion 132a of the latch 130, the drawer 100 is lifted in the third direction. As a result, the protrusion 101 of the drawer 100 contacts the main housing 10.

(5) Effects (1) According to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the linear cam 170 of the drawer 100 allows the cartridge 20 to bring the photosensitive drum 32 and the developing roller 42 into and out of contact with each other. This allows the linear cam 170 to easily position the first cartridge 20 attached to the drawer 100.

(2) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cartridge 20a and the second cartridge 20b can simultaneously bring the first photosensitive drum 32a and the first developing roller 42a into contact with and separate from each other, and the second photosensitive drum 32b and the second developing roller 42b into contact with and separate from each other, by using the linear cam 170. This allows a simple configuration to bring the multiple photosensitive drums 32 into contact with and separate the multiple developing rollers 42 that correspond to each other.

(3) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the linear cam 170 moves linearly, the second unit 40 having the developing roller 42 rotates, and the developing roller 42 can move between a position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 32 and a position where it is separated from the photosensitive drum 32. This reduces the possibility that the position at which the developer image on the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 73 will change, since the photosensitive drum 32 is not moved.

(4) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the convex portion 170 of the linear cam 170 is configured to fit into the cam receiving groove 43 of the second unit 40, so there is no need to provide a protrusion on the cartridge 20 in order to bring the cartridge 20 and the linear cam 170 into contact with each other.

(5) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cartridge 20 can be locked to the drawer 100 by the latch 130 located at the end of the cartridge 20 in the second direction. This makes it possible to prevent the cartridge 20 from coming off the drawer 100.

(6) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first unit 30 of the cartridge 20 can be locked to the drawer 100 by a latch 130 located at the end of the cartridge 20 in the second direction. This makes it easier to rotate only the second unit 40 while the first unit 30 is locked to the drawer 100, making it easier to bring the photosensitive drum 32 and the developing roller 42 into contact with and separate from each other.

(7) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the linear cam 170 is located at the lower end of the drawer 100 in the third direction, so that when the cartridge 20 is attached to the drawer 100, the cartridge 20 can contact the linear cam 170 at the same time. This makes it easy for the linear cam 170 to position the cartridge 20 attached to the drawer 100.

(8) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when no force is applied to the lever 13 from the housing 10, the pressure spring 21 applies a force in the direction in which the developing roller 42 presses against the photosensitive drum 32. Therefore, the linear cam 170 is pressed to be located at the first position via the cartridge 20. As a result, when there is no need to separate the photosensitive drum 32 and the developing roller 42, the photosensitive drum 32 and the developing roller 42 are always maintained in contact with each other. This allows the linear cam to be moved to the second position only when separating the photosensitive drum 32 and the developing roller 42, resulting in a simple configuration.

(9) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drawer 100 can be attached to the main housing 10 with the lever 13 in the first rotation position away from the recess, so that the drawer 100 and the lever 13 do not interfere with each other. Furthermore, with the drawer 100 attached to the main housing 10, the lever 13 can be rotated to the second rotation position, thereby moving the linear cam 170 linearly from the first position to the second position.

(10) Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the drawer 100 is attached, the linear cam 170 is located in the second position only when force is being applied to the lever 13 from the main housing 10, and when no force is being applied to the lever 13 from the main housing 10, the linear cam 170 is located in the first position. This allows the lever 13 to be operated only when separating the photosensitive drum 32 and the developing roller 42, resulting in a simple configuration.

(6) Modifications One embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be implemented with appropriate modifications.

For example, in one embodiment, the memory electrodes face downward, but as shown in FIG. 13, the memory electrodes may face outward from the cartridge in the second direction. In this case, the memory relay electrodes face inward from the drawer in the second direction. Therefore, the memory relay electrodes can be electrically connected to the memory electrodes.

In addition, in one embodiment, the drawer is configured with two linear cams, but it may have only one.

In addition, in one embodiment, the photosensitive drum is charged by a charging roller, but the photosensitive drum may also be charged by a scorotron charger.

In one embodiment, each cartridge electrode, specifically the memory electrode, development electrode, supply electrode, drum earth, and charging electrode, is electrically connected to the main body electrode via a relay electrode, but it is not necessary to use a relay electrode. For example, only the memory electrode may be in direct contact with the main body electrode and electrically connected.

In one embodiment, the process relay electrode is configured to sandwich the latch, but the latch may have a hole and the process relay electrode may be inserted into the hole of the latch.

In addition, in one embodiment, one latch is configured to lock multiple cartridges together, but one latch may be configured to lock only one cartridge.

In addition, in one embodiment, both ends of the cartridge in the second direction are locked, but it may be configured to lock only one end.

In one embodiment, the cartridge housing has a cartridge electrode, but the cartridge may have a first side cover that supports one end of the first unit in the second direction and one end of the second unit in the second direction, and a second side cover that supports the other end of the first unit in the second direction and the other end of the second unit in the second direction, and the first side cover may have the cartridge electrode. Also, the second side cover may have a second boss and a third boss. In this case, the cartridge can be assembled by attaching one end of the first unit and the second unit in the second direction to the first side cover, and then attaching the second cover to the other end of the first unit and the second unit, making it easy to assemble the cartridge.

In addition, in one embodiment, the cartridge electrodes are configured to be arranged in the same manner for multiple cartridges, but the arrangement may be different for multiple cartridges. In this case, the cartridge electrodes and main body electrodes can be electrically connected by appropriately changing the arrangement and shape of the relay electrodes.

In one embodiment, the second unit is pressed by a pressure spring, but it is not limited to a pressure spring and may be an elastic member such as a tension spring or a leaf spring. The elastic member may also be configured to directly press against the shaft of the developing roller.

Furthermore, the elements described in the above embodiment and variant examples can be implemented in appropriate combinations.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Main body housing 14 Main body electrode 20 Cartridge 30 First unit 32 Photosensitive drum 36 IC chip 40 Second unit 42 Developing roller 70 Transfer device 100 Drawer 130 Latch 160 Relay electrode 170 Linear cam

Claims (14)

a main body housing having a main body electrode;
a cartridge having a developing roller;
a drawer movable relative to the main body housing in a first direction, the drawer having a latch rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a lock position for locking the cartridge to the drawer and an unlock position for unlocking the cartridge to the drawer, and a relay electrode;
the cartridge has cartridge electrodes that are electrically connectable to the main body electrodes via the relay electrodes when the drawer is attached to the main body housing with the cartridge attached to the drawer and the latch in the locked position,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the relay electrode is disposed in the latch. the body electrode comprises a memory body electrode;
the relay electrode includes a memory relay electrode;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge electrode has an IC chip that can be electrically connected to the memory main body electrode via the memory relay electrode when the cartridge is attached to the drawer and the latch is in the locked position and the drawer is attached to the main body housing. the drawer has a connector that is electrically connectable to the memory main body electrode when the latch is in the lock position and the drawer is attached to the main body housing, and that is electrically connected to the memory relay electrode;
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the connector is disposed on the latch. The image forming device according to claim 3, characterized in that the connector is disposed at one end of the latch in the first direction. the drawer has a conductor that electrically connects the memory relay electrode and the connector;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conductive wire is disposed in the latch. the IC chip has a memory and a memory electrode electrically connected to the memory;
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the memory electrode faces downward. The image forming device according to claim 6, characterized in that the memory electrode is located at a position away from the end of the cartridge in the second direction in which the rotation axis of the developing roller extends. The body electrode includes a development body electrode,
The relay electrode includes a development relay electrode,
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge electrode is a developing electrode electrically connected to the developing roller, and the developing electrode is electrically connectable to the developing main body electrode via the developing relay electrode. The cartridge has a supply roller,
The body electrode comprises a supply body electrode;
The relay electrode includes a supply relay electrode,
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge electrode includes a supply electrode electrically connected to the supply roller and electrically connectable to the supply main body electrode via the supply relay electrode. The cartridge has a photosensitive drum,
The body electrode includes a drum body electrode,
The relay electrode includes a drum relay electrode,
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge electrode includes a drum earth that is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum and that can be electrically connected to the drum main body electrode via the drum relay electrode. The cartridge has a charging roller that charges the photosensitive drum,
the body electrode comprises a charged body electrode;
The relay electrode includes a charged relay electrode,
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cartridge electrode is a charging electrode electrically connected to the charging roller, and has a charging electrode electrically connectable to the main charging electrode via the charging relay electrode. the body electrode comprises a memory body electrode;
the relay electrodes include a memory relay electrode and a process relay electrode;
the cartridge electrodes include memory electrodes electrically connectable to the memory relay electrodes and cartridge process electrodes electrically connectable to the process relay electrodes;
The drawer includes:
a connector that is electrically connectable to the memory main body electrodes when the latch is in the lock position and the drawer is attached to the main body housing, the connector being electrically connected to the memory relay electrodes;
a conductive wire electrically connecting the memory relay electrode and the connector;
having
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conductive wire is located between the process relay electrode and the latch and crosses the process relay electrode. the process relay electrode has a first contact that contacts the cartridge electrode, a second contact that contacts the main body electrode, and a relay portion that connects the first contact and the second contact ,
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the conductive wire is located between the latch and the relay portion. the drawer is capable of detachably mounting a plurality of the cartridges;
the latch has a plurality of the memory relay electrodes corresponding to a plurality of the cartridges,
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the conductive wire is capable of electrically connecting a plurality of the memory relay electrodes to one of the connectors.

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