JP2003316233A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number
JP2003316233A
JP2003316233A JP2002371550A JP2002371550A JP2003316233A JP 2003316233 A JP2003316233 A JP 2003316233A JP 2002371550 A JP2002371550 A JP 2002371550A JP 2002371550 A JP2002371550 A JP 2002371550A JP 2003316233 A JP2003316233 A JP 2003316233A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
holding member
image
image forming
image carrier
forming unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP2002371550A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP3890294B2 (en
Inventor
Takeshi Saito
健 斉藤
Tetsuo Miura
哲郎 三浦
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ricoh Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ricoh Co Ltd filed Critical Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority to JP2002371550A priority Critical patent/JP3890294B2/en
Priority to EP03001359A priority patent/EP1331525A3/en
Priority to CN031105467A priority patent/CN100407059C/en
Priority to US10/351,410 priority patent/US6978103B2/en
Publication of JP2003316233A publication Critical patent/JP2003316233A/en
Priority to US11/073,869 priority patent/US7203446B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3890294B2 publication Critical patent/JP3890294B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Landscapes

  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
  • Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)
  • Color Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate survival or the like of a contact trace and improve workability of maintenance and exchange only by providing simple and inexpensive contact and separation mechanism concerning a plurality of carriers. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of image carriers, a plurality of image making units and second image carriers are held on an image carrier holding member 41, an image making unit holding member 43 and a second image carrier holding member 41 together. These image carrier holding member 41, image making unit holding member 43 and image carrier holding member 41 can be separated by the contact and separation mechanism in each apparatus body, and only the contact and separation mechanism can be used among these holding members 41, 43 and 44 without providing the contact and separation mechanism or the like on individual image carrier and image making units, image carrier and second carrier. In addition, bad influence of the survival or the like of the contact trace can be simply avoided by always contacting between the image carrier and the image making units, and between the image carrier and the second image carrier. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、電子写真方式の画
像形成装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】一般に、電子写真方式を利用した複写
機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ装置等の画像形成装置にお
いては、感光体等の像担持体の周囲に電子写真プロセス
に従い帯電装置、現像装置等の作像プロセス部材が配設
されている。ここに、帯電装置は帯電ローラとされ、現
像装置中の現像ローラと同様に像担持体に接触する構成
を採る傾向にある。2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine using an electrophotographic system, a charging device, a developing device, etc. are formed around an image carrier such as a photoconductor in accordance with an electrophotographic process. An image processing member is provided. Here, the charging device is a charging roller and tends to come into contact with the image carrier like the developing roller in the developing device.

【０００３】また、カラー画像形成装置の場合であれ
ば、各種方式があるが、例えばタンデム方式では、ＹＭ
ＣＢｋ（イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラック）の各
色毎に感光体（像担持体）とその周囲の作像プロセス部
材とを設ける構成とされ、各色毎の感光体上に形成され
た各色トナー像を、例えば各感光体に共通に設けられた
ベルト状の転写部材（第２像担持体）上に一旦重ね合わ
せ転写させ、この転写部材上の重ね合わせられたトナー
像を転写紙等の記録材上に転写させるようにしている。Further, in the case of a color image forming apparatus, there are various systems. For example, in the tandem system, YM
A photoconductor (image carrier) and an image forming process member around the photoconductor (image carrier) are provided for each color of CBk (yellow, magenta, cyan, black), and toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor for each color are formed. , For example, it is temporarily superposed and transferred onto a belt-shaped transfer member (second image carrier) provided in common to each photoconductor, and the superposed toner images on the transfer member are transferred onto a recording material such as transfer paper. I am trying to transfer it to.

【０００４】[0004]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】この種の画像形成装置
において、例えば感光体が転写ベルト（転写部材）、現
像ローラ或いは帯電ローラ等の部材にメンテナンス時等
以外の時も常に当接したままで維持されると、当接跡が
履歴で残ってしまい画像品質を損ねる等の不具合が発生
することがある。また、大量枚数の連続印字では作像部
周辺は温度上昇するが、その温度上昇が顕著であれば、
部材熱膨張が画像の変化（画像伸び、位置ずれ等）とな
って現れてしまうこともある。特に、寒冷地では夜間の
冷え込みが極端で、翌朝の雰囲気温度上昇に部材温度の
上昇が追従し難く結露なども発生しやすく、画質に悪影
響を及ぼす。この点、例えば個々の感光体を転写ベルト
に対して接離自在として適宜離間させる構造とすればよ
いが、感光体毎に接離機構を要する等、構成が複雑化
し、コスト高となってしてしまう。同時に、メンテナン
ス・交換作業等を行うユーザやサービスマンにとってそ
の作業性が悪くなってしまう不具合もある。In this type of image forming apparatus, for example, the photosensitive member is always kept in contact with a member such as a transfer belt (transfer member), a developing roller or a charging roller at times other than maintenance. If it is maintained, contact marks may remain in the history and the image quality may be impaired. Also, when a large number of sheets are continuously printed, the temperature around the image forming part rises, but if the temperature rise is remarkable,
The member thermal expansion may appear as a change in the image (image expansion, positional deviation, etc.). Particularly in cold regions, the nighttime temperature is extremely low, the rise in the ambient temperature in the next morning is difficult to follow, and dew condensation easily occurs, which adversely affects the image quality. In this respect, for example, a structure may be adopted in which individual photoconductors are freely separated from each other so that they can be brought into contact with and separated from the transfer belt. Will end up. At the same time, there is a problem that the workability is deteriorated for users and service persons who perform maintenance and replacement work.

【０００５】また、ユーザによるメンテナンス・交換作
業を可能とする画像形成装置として、従来から、感光体
や現像装置を一体に構成し、装置本体から着脱自在とし
たプロセスカートリッジ（或いは、プロセスユニット）
形態が知られている。プロセスカートリッジは感光体や
現像装置等の作像手段が一体であるために、カートリッ
ジの寿命が来た場合にユーザによる交換作業が簡易であ
るというメリットを有するが、その反面、複数の作像手
段が一体に構成されているためにプロセスカートリッジ
中の一部の作像手段の寿命が尽きた場合にもカートリッ
ジ全体を交換する必要があり、コスト高であるとともに
環境への負荷も大きいというデメリットを有する。Further, as an image forming apparatus capable of maintenance / replacement work by a user, conventionally, a process cartridge (or a process unit) in which a photoconductor and a developing device are integrally configured and which is detachable from the main body of the apparatus.
The morphology is known. The process cartridge has an advantage that the replacement work by the user is easy when the life of the cartridge is reached because the image forming means such as the photoconductor and the developing device are integrated, but on the other hand, there is a plurality of image forming means. Since it is configured as a single unit, it is necessary to replace the entire cartridge even when the life of part of the image forming means in the process cartridge has expired, which is a costly and environmentally heavy demerit. Have.

【０００６】このようなことから、感光体や、現像ユニ
ットなどの感光体に隣接する作像ユニットなどは、各寿
命に応じて各構成要素単位で交換する、いわゆる一体型
使い捨てから長寿命分解型への移行が時代の流れとなり
つつある。For this reason, the photosensitive member, the image forming unit adjacent to the photosensitive member such as the developing unit, or the like is replaced by each component unit according to the life of the so-called integral disposable to long-life disassembly type. The transition to is becoming the trend of the times.

【０００７】しかしながら、このような長寿命分解型の
構成を考えた場合、特にタンデム型のフルカラー画像形
成装置では、その対象部材が多く、ユーザレベルでのメ
ンテナンス・交換作業等に際してその作業が極めて面倒
かつ難しいものとなってしまう。However, when considering such a long-life disassembly type structure, particularly in a tandem type full-color image forming apparatus, there are many target members, and the work is extremely troublesome at the time of maintenance and replacement work at the user level. And it becomes difficult.

【０００８】本発明は、タンデム方式のカラー画像形成
装置のように複数の像担持体を備える画像形成装置に関
して、簡易・安価な接離機構を備えるだけで当接跡の残
存等をなくすことができるとともにメンテナンス・交換
の作業性の向上も確保できるようにすることを目的とす
る。According to the present invention, with respect to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of image carriers such as a tandem type color image forming apparatus, it is possible to eliminate a contact mark or the like only by providing a simple and inexpensive contact / separation mechanism. The objective is to ensure that the workability of maintenance and replacement can be improved as well as possible.

【０００９】[0009]

【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１記載の発明は、
複数の像担持体と、これらの複数の像担持体をまとめて
保持する像担持体保持部材と、前記像担持体の各々に対
して少なくとも現像処理を含む作像処理を施す複数の作
像ユニットと、これらの複数の作像ユニットをまとめて
保持する作像ユニット保持部材と、装置本体内において
前記作像ユニット保持部材と前記像担持体保持部材とを
離間させる接離機構と、を備える。The invention according to claim 1 is
A plurality of image carriers, an image carrier holding member that collectively holds the plurality of image carriers, and a plurality of image forming units that perform an image forming process including at least a developing process on each of the image carriers. And an image forming unit holding member that collectively holds the plurality of image forming units, and a contact / separation mechanism that separates the image forming unit holding member and the image carrier holding member in the apparatus main body.

【００１０】従って、複数の像担持体と複数の作像ユニ
ットとを各々像担持体保持部材、作像ユニット保持部材
にまとめて保持させ、これらの像担持体保持部材と作像
ユニット保持部材とを装置本体内において接離機構によ
り離間可能とすることで、個々の像担持体・作像ユニッ
トに対して接離機構等を設けることなく保持部材間につ
いての一つの接離機構で済ませることが可能となり、接
離機構を大幅に簡略化することができ、簡易・安価な構
成にて、像担持体・作像ユニット間が常に接触している
ことによる当接跡の残存等の悪影響を簡単に回避するこ
とができる。Therefore, the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of image forming units are collectively held by the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member, respectively, and the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member are held. By making the contacting / separating mechanism separable in the main body of the apparatus, it is possible to use only one contacting / separating mechanism for holding members without providing a contacting / separating mechanism for each image carrier / image forming unit. This makes it possible to greatly simplify the contacting / separating mechanism, and with a simple and inexpensive configuration, it is easy to avoid adverse effects such as contact marks remaining due to the constant contact between the image carrier and the image forming unit. Can be avoided.

【００１１】請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の画
像形成装置において、前記各像担持体は、前記像担持体
保持部材に対して並列に配置されて着脱自在に保持され
ている。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the image carriers are arranged in parallel with the image carrier holding member and are detachably held.

【００１２】従って、いわゆるタンデム方式の画像形成
装置の場合に好適に適用できる。また、同じ機能を有し
て寿命がほぼ同一であると見倣せる像担持体が像担持体
保持部材に着脱自在に保持されているので、長寿命分解
型の構成を採りつつ、そのメンテナンス・交換作業等を
像担持体保持部材単位で一つにまとめて行うことが可能
となり、メンテナンス・交換作業等の作業性を大幅に向
上させることもできる。Therefore, it can be suitably applied to a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus. In addition, since the image carrier that has the same function and can be regarded as having almost the same life is detachably held by the image carrier holding member, it is possible to maintain the structure while maintaining the long life decomposition type. It becomes possible to collectively perform the replacement work etc. for each image carrier holding member unit, and it is possible to greatly improve the workability of the maintenance / replacement work etc.

【００１３】請求項３記載の発明は、請求項１又は２記
載の画像形成装置において、前記像担持体保持部材と前
記作像ユニット保持部材との少なくとも一方が前記装置
本体に対して単独で引出し自在である。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, at least one of the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member is independently pulled out from the apparatus main body. You are free.

【００１４】従って、像担持体同士、作像ユニット同士
の如く、同じ機能を有して寿命がほぼ同一であると見倣
せる像担持体がまとめて像担持体保持部材に保持され、
作像ユニットがまとめて作像ユニット保持部材に保持さ
れて、各々保持部材単位で装置本体に対して単独で引出
し自在であるので、そのメンテナンス・交換作業等を像
担持体保持部材単位或いは作像ユニット保持部材単位で
各々一つにまとめて行うことが可能となり、メンテナン
ス・交換作業等の作業性を大幅に向上させることもでき
る。Therefore, like the image carriers, the image forming units, the image carriers having the same function and having the same life can be held together by the image carrier holding member.
The image forming units are collectively held by the image forming unit holding member, and each holding member unit can be independently pulled out from the apparatus main body, so that maintenance and replacement work can be performed for each image carrier holding member unit or image forming unit. It becomes possible to collectively carry out one unit holding member each, and it is possible to greatly improve workability such as maintenance and replacement work.

【００１５】請求項４記載の発明は、請求項１，２又は
３記載の画像形成装置において、前記像担持体保持部材
及び前記作像ユニット保持部材は各々位置決め部を有
し、前記像担持体保持部材の前記位置決め部に対して前
記作像ユニット保持部材の前記位置決め部を係合させる
ことにより相互の位置決めを行わせるようにした。According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second or third aspect, the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member each have a positioning portion, and the image carrier The positioning portions of the image forming unit holding member are engaged with the positioning portions of the holding member to perform mutual positioning.

【００１６】従って、位置決めに関しても像担持体保持
部材及び作像ユニット保持部材単位で各々位置決め部を
備え、相互の係合により位置決めさせるので、個々の像
担持体、作像ユニットに関しては各々の対応する保持部
材に対する位置決めを行えばよく、個々に複雑な位置決
め機構を不要にすることができる。Therefore, regarding positioning, each of the image bearing member holding member and the image forming unit holding member is provided with a positioning portion, and positioning is carried out by mutual engagement, so that the individual image bearing members and the image forming units correspond to each other. It is only necessary to perform the positioning with respect to the holding member, and it is possible to eliminate the need for a complicated positioning mechanism individually.

【００１７】請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１ないし４
の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記接離機構
は、前記像担持体保持部材に対して前記作像ニット保持
部材を変位させることにより離間させる。The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In the image forming apparatus described in any one of the above, the contacting / separating mechanism displaces the image forming unit holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member so as to separate the image forming unit holding member.

【００１８】従って、像担持体保持部材と作像ユニット
保持部材とを離間させるには両者を変位させてもよい
が、作像処理の中心となる像担持体を保持した像担持体
保持部材側は位置固定的とし作像ユニット保持部材側を
変位させることで、像担持体側を基準とした位置関係の
維持等が容易となる。Therefore, in order to separate the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member from each other, they may be displaced, but the image carrier holding member holding the image carrier, which is the center of the image forming process. Since the position is fixed and the image forming unit holding member side is displaced, it becomes easy to maintain the positional relationship with respect to the image carrier side.

【００１９】請求項６記載の発明は、請求項５記載の画
像形成装置において、前記作像ユニット保持部材が離間
する変位方向は前記像担持体保持部材に対して上下方向
である。According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member is separated is the vertical direction with respect to the image carrier holding member.

【００２０】従って、作像ユニット保持部材が離間する
変位方向を像担持体保持部材に対して上下方向とするこ
とにより、像担持体側を基準とした位置関係の維持等が
より一層容易となる。Therefore, by setting the displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member is separated from the image carrying member holding member in the vertical direction, it becomes easier to maintain the positional relationship with the image carrying member side as a reference.

【００２１】請求項７記載の発明は、請求項１又は２記
載の画像形成装置において、前記各像担持体に対して共
通な第２像担持体と、この第２像担持体を保持する第２
像担持体保持部材と、前記装置本体内において前記第２
像担持体保持部材と前記像担持体保持部材とを離間させ
る接離機構と、を備える。According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a second image carrier common to the respective image carriers and a second image carrier that holds the second image carrier. Two
The image carrier holding member and the second member in the apparatus body.
An image holding member holding member and a contacting / separating mechanism that separates the image holding member holding member from each other.

【００２２】従って、複数の像担持体と複数の作像ユニ
ットと第２像担持体とを各々像担持体保持部材、作像ユ
ニット保持部材、第２像担持体保持部材に保持させ、こ
れらの像担持体保持部材と作像ユニット保持部材、像担
持体保持部材と第２像担持体保持部材とを各々装置本体
内において接離機構により離間可能としたので、個々の
像担持体・作像ユニット、像担持体・第２像担持体に対
して接離機構等を設けることなくこれらの保持部材間に
ついての接離機構だけで済ませることが可能となり、接
離機構を大幅に簡略化することができ、簡易・安価な構
成にて、像担持体・作像ユニット間、像担持体・第２像
担持体間が常に接触していることによる当接跡の残存等
の悪影響を簡単に回避することができる。Therefore, the plurality of image bearing members, the plurality of image forming units, and the second image bearing member are held by the image bearing member holding member, the image forming unit holding member, and the second image bearing member holding member, respectively. The image bearing member holding member and the image forming unit holding member, and the image bearing member holding member and the second image bearing member holding member can be separated from each other by the contacting / separating mechanism in the main body of the apparatus. The unit, the image bearing member, and the second image bearing member need not be provided with a contacting / separating mechanism or the like, but only the contacting / separating mechanism between these holding members can be used, and the contacting / separating mechanism can be greatly simplified. With a simple and inexpensive structure, it is possible to easily avoid adverse effects such as the contact mark remaining due to the constant contact between the image carrier and the image forming unit and between the image carrier and the second image carrier. can do.

【００２３】請求項８記載の発明は、請求項７記載の画
像形成装置において、前記像担持体保持部材に対する前
記作像ユニット保持部材の離間動作と、前記像担持体保
持部材に対する前記第２像担持体保持部材の離間動作と
を同時に行わせる連動機構を備える。According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the separating operation of the image forming unit holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member and the second image with respect to the image carrier holding member. An interlocking mechanism for simultaneously performing the separating operation of the carrier holding member is provided.

【００２４】従って、像担持体保持部材に対する作像ユ
ニット保持部材の離間動作と、像担持体保持部材に対す
る第２像担持体保持部材の離間動作とを連動機構により
同時に行わせることにより、その駆動源等を共通化させ
得る等、接離機構をより簡略化させることができ、か
つ、その制御系も別個に設ける必要がなく、簡略化させ
ることができる。Therefore, the separation operation of the image forming unit holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member and the separation operation of the second image carrier holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member are simultaneously performed by the interlocking mechanism to drive them. The contacting / separating mechanism can be further simplified, for example, the source can be made common, and the control system for the contacting / separating mechanism need not be separately provided.

【００２５】請求項９記載の発明は、請求項７又は８記
載の画像形成装置において、前記像担持体保持部材と前
記作像ユニット保持部材と前記第２像担持体保持部材と
のうちの少なくとも一つが前記装置本体に対して単独で
引出し自在である。According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, at least the image carrier holding member, the image forming unit holding member, and the second image carrier holding member. One can be independently pulled out from the apparatus body.

【００２６】従って、像担持体同士、作像ユニット同
士、第２像担持体の如く、同じ機能を有して寿命がほぼ
同一であると見倣せる像担持体がまとめて像担持体保持
部材に保持され、作像ユニットがまとめて作像ユニット
保持部材に保持され、第２像担持体が第２像担持体保持
部材に保持されて、各々保持部材単位で装置本体に対し
て単独で引出し自在であるので、そのメンテナンス・交
換作業等を像担持体保持部材単位或いは作像ユニット保
持部材単位或いは第２像担持体保持部材単位で各々一つ
にまとめて行うことが可能となり、メンテナンス・交換
作業等の作業性を大幅に向上させることもできる。Therefore, like the image bearing members, the image forming units, and the second image bearing member, the image bearing members having the same function and having the same life can be regarded as a group. The image forming units are collectively held by the image forming unit holding member, the second image carrier is held by the second image carrier holding member, and each of the holding members individually pulls out to the apparatus main body. Since it is flexible, it is possible to perform maintenance / replacement work etc. for each image carrier holding member unit, image forming unit holding member unit or second image carrier holding member unit collectively for maintenance and replacement. Workability such as work can be significantly improved.

【００２７】請求項１０記載の発明は、請求項７，８又
は９記載の画像形成装置において、前記像担持体保持部
材、前記作像ユニット保持部材及び前記第２像担持体保
持部材は各々位置決め部を有し、前記像担持体保持部材
の前記位置決め部に対して前記作像ユニット保持部材及
び前記第２像担持体保持部材の各々の前記位置決め部を
係合させることにより相互の位置決めを行わせるように
した。According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh, eighth or ninth aspect, the image carrier holding member, the image forming unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member are respectively positioned. And positioning each other by engaging the positioning portions of the image forming unit holding member and the second image bearing member holding member with the positioning portion of the image bearing member holding member. I made it possible.

【００２８】従って、位置決めに関しても像担持体保持
部材、作像ユニット保持部材及び第２像担持体保持部材
単位で各々位置決め部を備え、相互の係合により位置決
めさせるので、個々の像担持体、作像ユニット、第２像
担持体に関しては各々の対応する保持部材に対する位置
決めを行えばよく、個々に複雑な位置決め機構を不要に
することができる。Therefore, regarding positioning, each of the image bearing member holding member, the image forming unit holding member and the second image bearing member holding member is provided with a positioning portion, and positioning is performed by mutual engagement. With respect to the image forming unit and the second image carrier, it suffices to perform positioning with respect to each corresponding holding member, and it is possible to eliminate a complicated positioning mechanism individually.

【００２９】請求項１１記載の発明は、請求項７ないし
１０の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記接離
機構は、前記像担持体保持部材に対して前記作像ニット
保持部材及び前記第２像担持体保持部材を変位させるこ
とにより離間させる。According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the contacting / separating mechanism is provided with the image forming unit holding member and the image forming unit holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member. The second image carrier holding member is displaced to be separated.

【００３０】従って、像担持体保持部材と作像ユニット
保持部材と第２像担持体保持部材とを離間させるにはこ
れら全てを変位させてもよいが、作像処理の中心となる
像担持体を保持した像担持体保持部材側は位置固定的と
し作像ユニット保持部材及び第２像担持体保持部材側を
変位させることで、像担持体側を基準とした位置関係の
維持等が容易となる。Therefore, in order to separate the image bearing member holding member, the image forming unit holding member, and the second image bearing member holding member, all of them may be displaced, but the image bearing member which is the center of the image forming process. The side of the image holding member holding the image holding member is fixed in position, and by displacing the image forming unit holding member and the second image holding member holding member, it becomes easy to maintain the positional relationship with respect to the image holding member side. .

【００３１】請求項１２記載の発明は、請求項１１記載
の画像形成装置において、前記作像ユニット保持部材及
び前記第２像担持体保持部材が離間する変位方向は前記
像担持体保持部材に対して上下方向である。According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member are separated from each other is relative to the image carrier holding member. Up and down.

【００３２】従って、作像ユニット保持部材及び第２像
担持体保持部材が離間する変位方向を像担持体保持部材
に対して上下方向とすることにより、像担持体側を基準
とした位置関係の維持等がより一層容易となる。Therefore, by setting the displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member are separated from each other in the vertical direction with respect to the image carrier holding member, the positional relationship with respect to the image carrier side is maintained. Etc. becomes much easier.

【００３３】請求項１３記載の発明は、請求項７ないし
１２の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記第２
像担持体上の像が転写される第３像担持体と、この第３
像担持体を保持する第３像担持体保持部材と、を備え、
前記第２像担持体保持部材及び前記第３像担持体保持部
材は各々位置決め部を有し、前記第２像担持体保持部材
の前記位置決め部に対して前記第３像担持体保持部材の
前記位置決め部を係合させることにより相互の位置決め
を行わせるようにした。According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects,
A third image carrier on which an image on the image carrier is transferred, and a third image carrier
A third image carrier holding member for holding the image carrier,
The second image carrier holding member and the third image carrier holding member each have a positioning portion, and the third image carrier holding member is positioned relative to the positioning portion of the second image carrier holding member. The positioning portions are engaged with each other to perform mutual positioning.

【００３４】従って、例えば１回の通紙で両面カラー印
刷を可能にするために第３像担持体を備えるような構成
の場合においても、第２像担持体保持部材及び第３像担
持体保持部材単位で各々位置決め部を備え、相互の係合
により位置決めさせることにより、個々の像担持体、作
像ユニット、第２像担持体に関しては各々の対応する保
持部材に対する位置決めを行えばよく、個々に複雑な位
置決め機構を不要にすることができる。Therefore, for example, even in the case where the third image carrier is provided to enable double-sided color printing by one sheet passing, the second image carrier holding member and the third image carrier holding member are held. Each member is provided with a positioning portion, and by positioning the members by mutual engagement, the respective image holding members, the image forming units, and the second image holding members may be positioned with respect to their corresponding holding members. Moreover, a complicated positioning mechanism can be eliminated.

【００３５】請求項１４記載の発明は、請求項１ないし
１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記保持
部材の離間動作は、非画像形成時において画像形成動作
終了後直ちに行わせる態様を含む。According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the holding member separating operation is performed immediately after the image forming operation is completed during non-image formation. Including.

【００３６】従って、保持部材間の離間動作として、非
画像形成時において例えば画像形成動作終了後直ちに自
動的に行わせる態様を含ませることにより、極力離間さ
せておくことができ、像担持体・作像ユニット間、或い
は、像担持体・第２像担持体間が常に接触していること
による当接跡の残存等の悪影響の回避を最大限発揮させ
ることができる。Therefore, the separation operation between the holding members can be performed as far as possible by including a mode in which the separation operation between the holding members is automatically performed immediately after the image forming operation is completed during non-image formation. It is possible to maximize the avoidance of adverse effects such as remaining contact marks due to the constant contact between the image forming units or between the image carrier and the second image carrier.

【００３７】請求項１５記載の発明は、請求項１ないし
１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記保持
部材の離間動作は、非画像形成時において画像形成動作
終了後、一定時間経過したタイミングで行わせる態様を
含む。According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the separating operation of the holding member is performed for a certain period of time after the image forming operation is completed during non-image formation. Including a mode of performing at timing.

【００３８】従って、保持部材間の離間動作として、非
画像形成時において例えば画像形成動作終了後、一定時
間経過したタイミングで自動的に行わせる態様を含ませ
ることにより、非画像形成時において支障ない範囲で極
力離間させておくことができ、像担持体・作像ユニット
間、或いは、像担持体・第２像担持体間が常に接触して
いることによる当接跡の残存等の悪影響の回避を極力発
揮させることができる。Therefore, the separation operation between the holding members includes a mode in which the holding members are automatically performed at the timing when a predetermined time elapses after the image forming operation is completed at the time of non-image formation. Can be separated as much as possible within the range, avoiding adverse effects such as residual contact marks due to constant contact between the image bearing member and the image forming unit or between the image bearing member and the second image bearing member Can be exerted as much as possible.

【００３９】請求項１６記載の発明は、請求項１５記載
の画像形成装置において、一定時間経過したタイミング
が、省エネモード突入時点である。According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the timing when a certain period of time has elapsed is the time point when the energy saving mode is entered.

【００４０】従って、画像形成動作終了後、一定時間経
過したタイミングとして、画像形成動作の連続性が途切
れるのが明らかな省エネモード突入時点と設定すること
により、保持部材間の離間動作により連続的な画像形成
動作を損なうことがない。Therefore, by setting the time when a certain period of time has elapsed after the end of the image forming operation as the time when the energy saving mode is apparently interrupted, the continuity of the holding members is set. The image forming operation is not impaired.

【００４１】請求項１７記載の発明は、請求項１ないし
１６の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記保持
部材の離間動作は、前記装置本体の外装カバーの開放に
連動して行わせる態様を含む。According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the separation operation of the holding member is performed in conjunction with the opening of the outer cover of the apparatus body. including.

【００４２】従って、保持部材間の離間動作としては、
非画像形成時において例えば省エネモード突入時等のタ
イミングで自動的に行わせる態様を含ませることができ
るが、この他、メンテナンスや像担持体等の部品交換等
のために外装カバーを開放させた場合には、少なくとも
保持部材間の離間動作を行わせることにより、そのまま
保持部材の引出し操作等に移行することができ、別途離
間動作を行わせるための操作等を要せず、ユーザ等にと
って取り扱いやすく操作性のよい画像形成装置を提供す
ることができる。Therefore, as the separating operation between the holding members,
It is possible to include a mode in which it is automatically performed at the time of non-image formation, for example, when the energy saving mode is entered, but in addition to this, the exterior cover is opened for maintenance and replacement of parts such as the image carrier. In this case, at least the separation operation between the holding members can be performed to directly move to the holding member withdrawal operation, etc., and the operation for separately performing the separation operation is not required, and the user can handle it. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy and has good operability.

【００４３】請求項１８記載の発明は、請求項１ないし
１７の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記保持
部材の離間動作は、電源スイッチをオフさせたタイミン
グで行わせる態様を含む。An eighteenth aspect of the present invention includes the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, in which the holding member separating operation is performed at the timing when the power switch is turned off.

【００４４】従って、保持部材間の離間動作のタイミン
グとして、画像形成動作を行わないのが明らかな電源ス
イッチをオフさせたタイミングの態様を含ませることに
より、像担持体・作像ユニット間、或いは、像担持体・
第２像担持体間が常に接触していることによる当接跡の
残存等の悪影響の回避を効果的に行わせることができ
る。Therefore, the timing of the separation operation between the holding members includes the timing of turning off the power switch which is apparently not performing the image forming operation, so that the timing between the image carrier and the image forming unit or Image carrier
It is possible to effectively avoid an adverse effect such as a contact mark remaining due to the constant contact between the second image carriers.

【００４５】請求項１９記載の発明は、請求項１ないし
１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、前記保持
部材の離間動作は、前記装置本体からの引出し操作に連
動して行わせる。According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the separating operation of the holding member is performed in conjunction with the pulling operation from the apparatus main body.

【００４６】従って、保持部材間の離間動作を装置本体
からの引出し操作に連動して行わせることにより、像担
持体・作像ユニット間、或いは、像担持体・第２像担持
体間が常に接触していることによる当接跡の残存等の悪
影響の回避を必要最低限確保できるとともに、引出し操
作時の操作性を向上させることができる。Therefore, the separation operation between the holding members is performed in conjunction with the drawing operation from the apparatus main body, so that the image carrier / image forming unit or the image carrier / second image carrier is always operated. It is possible to ensure the necessary minimum avoidance of adverse effects such as remaining contact marks due to contact, and improve the operability during the withdrawal operation.

【００４７】[0047]

【発明の実施の形態】本発明の第一の実施の形態を図１
ないし図２１に基づいて説明する。本実施の形態の画像
形成装置は、いわゆるタンデム方式で両面にほぼ同時に
印刷可能なフルカラープリンタへの適用例を示す。図１
はこのフルカラープリンタ１の概略を示す外観斜視図、
図２はその内部の概略構造を示す正面図である。もっと
も、プリンタに限らず、複写機、ファクシミリ装置等に
ももちろん適用可能である。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
21 to 21. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment shows an example of application to a full-color printer capable of printing on both sides almost simultaneously by a so-called tandem system. Figure 1
Is an external perspective view showing the outline of the full-color printer 1.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic structure of the inside. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied not only to printers, but also to copying machines, facsimile machines, and the like.

【００４８】まず、このフルカラープリンタ１の内部構
成について図２等を参照して説明する。このフルカラー
プリンタ１の装置本体２内の略中央部には像担持体であ
る４つのドラム状の感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋが
水平状態で図中左右方向に等間隔で離間させて並列に配
設されている。なお、添え字Ｙ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｂｋは各々イ
エロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラックを示している。イ
エロー画像用の感光体３Ｙに着目すると、この感光体３
Ｙは例えば直径３０〜１００ｍｍ程度のアルミニウム円
筒表面に光導電性物質である有機半導体層を設けた構造
よりなり、時計方向に回転駆動されるもので、その周囲
には静電写真プロセスに従い帯電ローラ４Ｙ、現像ロー
ラ５Ｙを有する現像装置６Ｙ、クリーニング部材７Ｙ等
の作像部材が順に配設されている。マゼンタ、シアン、
ブラック用の感光体３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ側についても同
様である。即ち、用いるトナーの色が異なるだけであ
る。なお、感光体（像担持体）としてはドラム状のもの
に限らずベルト状のものを用いることも可能である。First, the internal structure of the full-color printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Four drum-shaped photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk, which are image bearing members, are arranged in a horizontal state at a substantially central portion in the main body 2 of the full-color printer 1 and are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction in the figure at equal intervals. It is installed in. The subscripts Y, M, C, and Bk indicate yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Focusing on the photoconductor 3Y for yellow image, the photoconductor 3Y
Y has a structure in which an organic semiconductor layer, which is a photoconductive substance, is provided on the surface of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of, for example, 30 to 100 mm, and it is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction. 4Y, a developing device 6Y having a developing roller 5Y, and an image forming member such as a cleaning member 7Y are sequentially arranged. Magenta, cyan,
The same applies to the black photoconductors 3M, 3C, 3Bk side. That is, the colors of the toners used are different. The photosensitive member (image bearing member) is not limited to the drum-shaped member, and a belt-shaped member may be used.

【００４９】これらの感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ
の下方には各色毎の画像データ対応のレーザ光を一様帯
電済みの感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋに対してスキ
ャニング照射し静電潜像を形成するための露光装置８が
設けられており、各帯電ローラ４と各現像ローラ５との
間にはこの露光装置８により照射するレーザ光が感光体
３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋに向けて入り込むように細長
いスペース（スリット）が確保されている。図示例は、
レーザ光源、ポリゴンミラー等を用いたレーザスキャン
方式として示したが、ＬＥＤアレイと結像手段とを組合
せた露光装置であってもよい。These photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk
An exposure device 8 for forming a latent electrostatic image by irradiating the uniformly charged photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk with a laser beam corresponding to image data of each color by scanning is provided below. An elongated space (slit) is provided between each charging roller 4 and each developing roller 5 so that the laser beam emitted by the exposure device 8 enters toward the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk. There is. The example shown is
Although the laser scanning method using a laser light source, a polygon mirror, etc. is shown, an exposure apparatus combining an LED array and an image forming means may be used.

【００５０】また、これらの感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，
３Ｂｋの上部には、複数のローラ９，１０，１１により
支持されて反時計方向に回転駆動される第２像担持体と
しての中間転写ベルト１２が設けられている。この中間
転写ベルト１２は各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋに
対して共通なものであり、各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，
３Ｂｋの現像工程後の一部が接触するようにほぼ水平状
態で扁平に配置されており、ベルト内周部には各感光体
３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋに対向させて転写ローラ１３
Ｙ，１３Ｍ，１３Ｃ，１３Ｂｋが設けられている。中間
転写ベルト１２の外周部に対しては、例えば、ローラ１
１に対向する位置にクリーニング装置１４が設けられて
いる。このクリーニング装置１４はベルト表面に残留す
る不要なトナーを拭い去る。なお、この中間転写ベルト
１２としては、例えば、基体の厚さが５０〜６００μｍ
の樹脂フィルム或いはゴムを基体とするベルトであっ
て、感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋからのトナー像を
転写可能とする抵抗値を有する。Further, these photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C,
An intermediate transfer belt 12 as a second image carrier, which is supported by a plurality of rollers 9, 10, 11 and is rotationally driven counterclockwise, is provided on the upper portion of 3Bk. The intermediate transfer belt 12 is common to each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk, and each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C,
After the development process of 3Bk, they are flatly arranged in a substantially horizontal state so that a part thereof comes into contact with each other.
Y, 13M, 13C and 13Bk are provided. For the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer belt 12, for example, the roller 1
A cleaning device 14 is provided at a position facing 1. The cleaning device 14 wipes off unnecessary toner remaining on the belt surface. The intermediate transfer belt 12 has, for example, a substrate with a thickness of 50 to 600 μm.
The resin-based or rubber-based belt has a resistance value capable of transferring the toner images from the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk.

【００５１】一方、中間転写ベルト１２の右側には、複
数のローラ１５，１６により支持されて時計方向に回転
駆動される第３像担持体としての転写ベルト１７が設け
られている。この転写ベルト１７はローラ９部分で中間
転写ベルト１２に予め定められた転写ニップを形成する
ように接するもので、ほぼ垂直状態で扁平に配置されて
いる。この転写ベルト１７も中間転写ベルト１２と同様
に、例えば、基体の厚さが５０〜６００μｍの樹脂フィ
ルム或いはゴムを基体とするベルトであって、中間転写
ベルト１２からのトナー像を転写可能とする抵抗値を有
する。このため、この転写ベルト１７は少なくとも最大
紙サイズ分のトナー像を担持し得る周長を有するように
構成されている。On the other hand, on the right side of the intermediate transfer belt 12, there is provided a transfer belt 17 as a third image carrier which is supported by a plurality of rollers 15 and 16 and is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction. The transfer belt 17 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12 at the roller 9 so as to form a predetermined transfer nip, and is arranged flat in a substantially vertical state. Similar to the intermediate transfer belt 12, the transfer belt 17 is also a belt whose base is, for example, a resin film or rubber having a thickness of 50 to 600 μm, and which can transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 12. Has a resistance value. For this reason, the transfer belt 17 is configured to have a peripheral length capable of carrying a toner image of at least the maximum paper size.

【００５２】この転写ベルト１７に対して、そのベルト
内周部には、ローラ９に対向させて中間転写ベルト１２
上のトナー像を転写させるための転写ローラ１８やガイ
ドローラ１９が配設され、ベルト外周部には、転写ベル
ト１７上のトナー像を転写紙Ｓに転写させるための転写
チャージャ２０やベルト表面に残留する不要なトナーを
拭い去るクリーニング装置２１が配設されている。２２
は転写ローラ１８を介して転写ベルト１７を中間転写ベ
ルト１２に押し付けるばねである。With respect to the transfer belt 17, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the transfer belt 17 so as to face the roller 9.
A transfer roller 18 and a guide roller 19 for transferring the upper toner image are provided, and a transfer charger 20 for transferring the toner image on the transfer belt 17 to the transfer sheet S and a belt surface are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the belt. A cleaning device 21 is provided to wipe off unnecessary toner that remains. 22
Is a spring that presses the transfer belt 17 against the intermediate transfer belt 12 via the transfer roller 18.

【００５３】一方、装置本体２内において露光装置８の
下方には複数段、例えば２段の給紙カセット２３，２４
が引出し自在に配設されている。これらの給紙カセット
２３，２４内に収納された転写紙Ｓは対応する給紙ロー
ラ２５，２６により選択的に給紙されるもので、中間転
写ベルト１２と転写ベルト１７とによる転写位置に向け
て給紙搬送経路２７がほぼ垂直に形成されている。この
給紙搬送経路２７において転写位置直前には転写位置へ
の給紙タイミングをとる一対のレジストローラ２８が設
けられている。さらに、転写位置上方には給紙搬送経路
２７に連続し、転写ベルト１７・転写チャージャ２０間
を通って装置本体２の上部の排紙スタック部２９につな
がる搬送排紙経路３０が形成されている。この搬送排紙
経路３０中には一対の定着ローラを有する定着装置３１
や、一対の排紙ローラ３２等が配設されている。On the other hand, in the apparatus main body 2, below the exposure device 8, a plurality of stages, for example, two stages of paper feed cassettes 23, 24.
Is arranged so that it can be pulled out freely. The transfer paper S stored in these paper feed cassettes 23 and 24 is selectively fed by the corresponding paper feed rollers 25 and 26, and is directed toward the transfer position by the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the transfer belt 17. The paper feed / transport path 27 is formed substantially vertically. Immediately before the transfer position, a pair of registration rollers 28 are provided immediately before the transfer position in the paper feed transport path 27. Further, above the transfer position, there is formed a conveyance / discharge path 30 which is continuous with the paper feed / conveyance path 27 and which extends between the transfer belt 17 and the transfer charger 20 and is connected to the discharge stack section 29 in the upper part of the apparatus main body 2. . A fixing device 31 having a pair of fixing rollers is provided in the conveyance / discharge path 30.
Alternatively, a pair of paper discharge rollers 32 and the like are provided.

【００５４】なお、装置本体２内において排紙スタック
部２９下部の空間は各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ
で用いる各色のトナーを収納し、対応する現像装置にポ
ンプ等により搬送供給可能なトナー容器収納部３３が設
けられている。In the main body 2 of the apparatus, the space below the discharge stack portion 29 is provided in each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk.
A toner container storage portion 33 that stores the toner of each color used in (3) and can be conveyed and supplied to the corresponding developing device by a pump or the like is provided.

【００５５】このような構成において、転写紙Ｓの両面
に画像を形成する両面印刷時の動作について説明する。
まず、露光装置８の作動により半導体レーザから出射さ
れたイエロー用の画像データ対応のレーザ光が帯電ロー
ラ４Ｙにより一様帯電済みの感光体３Ｙの表面に照射さ
れることにより静電潜像が形成される。この静電潜像は
現像ローラ５Ｙによる現像処理を受けてイエロートナー
で現像され、可視像となり、感光体３Ｙと同期して移動
する中間転写ベルト１２上に転写ローラ１３Ｙによる転
写作用を受けて転写される。このような潜像形成、現
像、転写動作は感光体３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ側でもタイミ
ングをとって順次同様に行われる。この結果、中間転写
ベルト１２上には、イエローＹ、マゼンタＭ、シアンＣ
及びブラックＢｋの各色トナー画像が順次重なり合った
フルカラートナー画像として維持・搬送される。The operation during double-sided printing in which an image is formed on both sides of the transfer paper S in such a configuration will be described.
First, by operating the exposure device 8, a laser beam corresponding to the image data for yellow emitted from the semiconductor laser is applied to the surface of the uniformly charged photoconductor 3Y by the charging roller 4Y to form an electrostatic latent image. To be done. This electrostatic latent image is subjected to a development process by the developing roller 5Y and developed with yellow toner to become a visible image, and is subjected to a transfer action by the transfer roller 13Y on the intermediate transfer belt 12 that moves in synchronization with the photoconductor 3Y. Transcribed. Such latent image formation, development, and transfer operations are sequentially performed in the same manner on the photoconductors 3M, 3C, 3Bk side with timing. As a result, on the intermediate transfer belt 12, yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C
The toner images of black and Bk are maintained and conveyed as full-color toner images that are sequentially overlapped.

【００５６】中間転写ベルト１２上のこのフルカラート
ナー画像は、中間転写ベルト１２と同期して移動する転
写ベルト１７上に転写ローラ１８による転写作用を受け
て転写される。この結果、転写ベルト１７上には転写紙
Ｓに対する一面用のフルカラートナー画像として維持・
搬送される。そして、中間転写ベルト１２側ではその表
面がクリーニング装置１４によりクリーニングされ、次
の作像・転写に備える。The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred onto the transfer belt 17 that moves in synchronization with the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the transfer action of the transfer roller 18. As a result, a full-color toner image for one surface of the transfer paper S is maintained on the transfer belt 17.
Be transported. The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is cleaned by the cleaning device 14 to prepare for the next image formation / transfer.

【００５７】その後、中間転写ベルト１２が所定のとこ
ろまで移動すると、転写紙Ｓに対する他面用の作像工程
を開始する。この場合の作像工程は前述の一面用のフル
カラートナー画像形成時と同様であり、このフルカラー
トナー画像を中間転写ベルト１２上に維持させる。After that, when the intermediate transfer belt 12 moves to a predetermined position, the image forming process for the other surface of the transfer paper S is started. The image forming process in this case is the same as that in forming the full-color toner image for one surface described above, and this full-color toner image is maintained on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

【００５８】この作像工程終了後、レジストローラ２８
によりタイミングをとって転写紙Ｓを転写ローラ１８に
よる転写位置に向けて搬送させることにより、中間転写
ベルト１２上のフルカラートナー画像が順次転写紙Ｓの
他面側に転写され、引き続き、転写チャージャ２０によ
り転写ベルト１７上のフルカラートナー画像が順次転写
紙Ｓの一面側に転写される。つまり、１枚の転写紙Ｓに
これらの転写位置でほぼ同時に両面印刷されることにな
る。After completion of this image forming process, the registration roller 28
By transferring the transfer paper S toward the transfer position by the transfer roller 18 at a timing, the full-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are sequentially transferred to the other surface side of the transfer paper S, and then the transfer charger 20 continues. As a result, the full-color toner images on the transfer belt 17 are sequentially transferred to the one surface side of the transfer paper S. That is, double-sided printing is performed on one sheet of transfer paper S at these transfer positions almost at the same time.

【００５９】ちなみに、本実施の形態においては、感光
体３上のトナー像の極性はマイナスであり、転写ローラ
１３にプラスの電荷を与えることで感光体３上のトナー
像は中間転写ベルト１２上に転写される。また、転写ロ
ーラ１８にプラスの電荷を与えることで中間転写ベルト
１２上のトナー像は転写ベルト１７上（一面用時）や転
写紙Ｓの他面上（他面用時）に転写される。さらに、転
写チャージャ２０によりプラス極性の電荷を与えること
により転写ベルト１７上のマイナス極性のトナー像は吸
引されて転写紙Ｓの一面側に転写される。Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the polarity of the toner image on the photoconductor 3 is negative, and by applying a positive charge to the transfer roller 13, the toner image on the photoconductor 3 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12. Is transcribed to. Further, by applying a positive charge to the transfer roller 18, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred onto the transfer belt 17 (for one surface) or the other surface of the transfer sheet S (for the other surface). Further, by applying a positive polarity charge by the transfer charger 20, the negative polarity toner image on the transfer belt 17 is attracted and transferred to the one surface side of the transfer sheet S.

【００６０】このようにして両面にフルカラートナー像
がほぼ同時に転写された転写紙Ｓは定着装置３１による
定着処理を経て排紙ローラ３２により排紙スタック部２
９上に排紙される。In this way, the transfer paper S, on which the full-color toner images have been transferred to both surfaces almost at the same time, undergoes the fixing process by the fixing device 31 and is then discharged by the discharge roller 32 to the discharge stack unit 2.
9 is ejected onto the sheet.

【００６１】なお、図２に示すような構成の場合、両面
画像のうち、後から転写紙Ｓに転写される面（頁）、即
ち、中間転写ベルト１２上から直接転写される面側が下
向きとなって排紙スタック部２９に排紙されるので、頁
揃えを考慮した場合には、２頁目の画像を先に作成して
転写ベルト１７上に維持させておき、１頁目の画像を中
間転写ベルト１２上から転写紙Ｓに直接転写させるよう
にすればよい。また、中間転写ベルト１２から転写紙Ｓ
に転写される画像は感光体３上で正像とし、転写ベルト
１７から転写紙Ｓに転写される画像は感光体３上で鏡像
となるように露光させる。このような頁揃えのための作
像順制御は画像データをメモリに保存しておく公知技
術、正像・鏡像（逆像）の切換え露光制御も公知の画像
処理技術により容易に実現できる。In the case of the structure shown in FIG. 2, the side (page) of the double-sided image that is transferred to the transfer sheet S later, that is, the side that is directly transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 12 is downward. When the page alignment is taken into consideration, the second page image is first created and maintained on the transfer belt 17, and the first page image is printed. The transfer may be directly performed on the transfer sheet S from the intermediate transfer belt 12. In addition, the transfer paper S from the intermediate transfer belt 12
The image transferred onto the photoconductor 3 is a normal image, and the image transferred from the transfer belt 17 to the transfer sheet S is exposed on the photoconductor 3 so as to be a mirror image. The image forming sequence control for page alignment can be easily realized by a known technique of storing image data in a memory and the exposure control of switching between a normal image and a mirror image (reverse image) by a known image processing technique.

【００６２】また、転写紙Ｓの片面のみに画像を形成す
る場合の動作について説明する。この場合、中間転写ベ
ルト１２からトナー像を転写紙Ｓに転写させる方式と、
転写ベルト１７も利用しこの転写ベルト１７からトナー
像を転写紙Ｓに転写させる方式とがあるが、ここでは、
転写ベルト１７に転写する工程を省ける前者の方式で説
明する。The operation for forming an image on only one side of the transfer sheet S will be described. In this case, a method of transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 12 onto the transfer paper S,
There is a system in which the transfer belt 17 is also used to transfer a toner image from the transfer belt 17 onto the transfer paper S.
The former method, in which the step of transferring to the transfer belt 17 can be omitted, will be described.

【００６３】まず、露光装置８の作動により半導体レー
ザから出射されたイエロー用の画像データ対応のレーザ
光が帯電ローラ４Ｙにより一様帯電済みの感光体３Ｙの
表面に照射されることにより静電潜像が形成される。こ
の静電潜像は現像ローラ５Ｙによる現像処理を受けてイ
エロートナーで現像され、可視像となり、感光体３Ｙと
同期して移動する中間転写ベルト１２上に転写ローラ１
３Ｙによる転写作用を受けて転写される。このような潜
像形成、現像、転写動作は感光体３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ側
でもタイミングをとって順次同様に行われる。この結
果、中間転写ベルト１２上には、イエローＹ、マゼンタ
Ｍ、シアンＣ及びブラックＢｋの各色トナー画像が順次
重なり合ったフルカラートナー画像として維持・搬送さ
れる。First, when the exposure device 8 is actuated, the laser light corresponding to the image data for yellow emitted from the semiconductor laser is applied to the surface of the uniformly charged photoconductor 3Y by the charging roller 4Y to electrostatic latent image. An image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 5Y and developed with yellow toner to become a visible image, and the transfer roller 1 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12 that moves in synchronization with the photoconductor 3Y.
It is transcribed by receiving the transcription action of 3Y. Such latent image formation, development, and transfer operations are sequentially performed in the same manner on the photoconductors 3M, 3C, 3Bk side with timing. As a result, the yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black Bk toner images are sequentially maintained and conveyed on the intermediate transfer belt 12 as full-color toner images that are sequentially overlapped.

【００６４】中間転写ベルト１２上のこのフルカラート
ナー画像は、中間転写ベルト１２と同期して搬送される
転写紙Ｓ上に転写ローラ１８による転写作用を受けて転
写される。そして、中間転写ベルト１２側ではその表面
がクリーニング装置１４によりクリーニングされ、次の
作像・転写に備える。転写済みの転写紙Ｓは搬送排紙経
路３０中の定着装置３１による定着作用を受け排紙ロー
ラ３２により排紙スタック部２９に画像面下向きに排紙
される。この過程において、転写チャージャ２０は作動
しない。The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred onto the transfer paper S conveyed in synchronization with the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the transfer action of the transfer roller 18. The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is cleaned by the cleaning device 14 to prepare for the next image formation / transfer. The transferred transfer sheet S is subjected to a fixing action by the fixing device 31 in the transport sheet discharge path 30, and is discharged by the discharge roller 32 to the discharge stack section 29 in the downward direction of the image surface. During this process, the transfer charger 20 does not operate.

【００６５】なお、これらの両面印刷、片面印刷動作に
関して、フルカラー印刷時で説明したが、特定色或いは
ブラックによるモノクロ印刷時であっても、使用されな
い感光体が存在するだけで、動作的には同様である。The double-sided printing operation and the single-sided printing operation have been described in the full-color printing. However, even in the monochrome printing with a specific color or black, there is only a photoconductor that is not used, and the operation is not performed. It is the same.

【００６６】また、１回の通紙での両面ほぼ同時印刷が
必要とされない場合には、転写ベルト１７及び転写チャ
ージャ２０に代えて、図３に示すように単なる搬送ベル
ト３５を設け、かつ、搬送排紙経路３０側に片面印刷済
みの転写紙Ｓを再び転写ローラ１８による転写位置まで
反転させて再給紙させる反転経路３６付きの両面用搬送
経路３７を設ける構成としてもよい。３８，３９は転写
紙Ｓの経路を切換える切換爪である。Further, when it is not necessary to print on both sides substantially at the same time with one sheet of paper passing, instead of the transfer belt 17 and the transfer charger 20, a simple conveying belt 35 is provided as shown in FIG. A double-sided conveyance path 37 with a reversal path 36 for reversing the single-side printed transfer sheet S to the transfer position by the transfer roller 18 and re-feeding may be provided on the side of the conveying and discharging path 30. 38 and 39 are switching claws for switching the path of the transfer sheet S.

【００６７】このような構成の下、本実施の形態の特徴
的部分について順次説明する。Under such a structure, the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be sequentially described.

【００６８】まず、本実施の形態では、感光体３Ｙ，３
Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋを着脱自在に保持する像担持体保持部
材４１が設けられている。また、本実施の形態では、帯
電ローラ４と現像ローラ５を含む現像装置６とクリーニ
ング部材７とを作像ユニット４２とするもので、各作像
ユニット４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｂｋを着脱自在
に保持する作像ユニット保持部材４３も設けられてい
る。さらに、中間転写ベルト１２を着脱自在に保持する
転写部材保持部材４４も第２像担持体保持部材として設
けられている。First, in the present embodiment, the photoconductors 3Y, 3
An image carrier holding member 41 that detachably holds M, 3C, and 3Bk is provided. Further, in the present embodiment, the developing device 6 including the charging roller 4 and the developing roller 5 and the cleaning member 7 are used as the image forming unit 42, and the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C and 42Bk are detachable. An image forming unit holding member 43 for holding is also provided. Further, a transfer member holding member 44 that holds the intermediate transfer belt 12 detachably is also provided as a second image carrier holding member.

【００６９】このような保持部材４１，４３，４４を用
いた構成において、本実施の形態では、少なくとも画像
形成時には図４（ａ）に略図的に示すように像担持体保
持部材４１を基準に保持部材４３，４４を近接又は押圧
状態として画像形成動作が可能な状態とするが、非画像
形成時には図４（ｂ）に略図的に示すように像担持体保
持部材４１に対して保持部材４３，４４を接離機構によ
り離反可能とした点を基本とする。In the structure using such holding members 41, 43, 44, in the present embodiment, at least at the time of image formation, as shown schematically in FIG. The holding members 43 and 44 are brought into a state of being close to each other or pressed so that an image forming operation can be performed. However, at the time of non-image formation, the holding member 43 is held against the image carrier holding member 41 as schematically shown in FIG. ., 44 can be separated by a contacting / separating mechanism.

【００７０】非画像形成時において、像担持体保持部材
４１に対して保持部材４３，４４を離反動作させるタイ
ミングとしては、画像形成動作終了後直ちに離反させる
タイミングや、画像形成動作が終了して一定時間経過し
たタイミングなどを採り得る。例えば、画像形成動作終
了後直ちに離反させるタイミングとすれば、像担持体保
持部材４１に対して保持部材４３，４４を極力離反させ
ておくことができ、当接跡の残存等の悪影響の回避を最
大限発揮させることができ、また、画像形成動作終了
後、一定時間経過したタイミングで自動的に行わせるも
のとすれば、非画像形成時において支障ない範囲で像担
持体保持部材４１に対して保持部材４３，４４を極力離
間させておくことができ、当接跡の残存等の悪影響の回
避を極力発揮させることができる。ここに、本実施の形
態では、画像形成動作が終了し一定時間経過することで
省エネモードに突入した時点で自動的に離間動作が行わ
れる態様に設定されているものとする。併せて、ユーザ
又はサービスマンがメンテナンス・交換等のために外装
カバー４５（より実際的には、図５及び図６に示すよう
な内部カバー４６）を開放させた場合、及び、電源スイ
ッチをオフさせた場合にも、この開放操作や電源スイッ
チオフ操作に連動して像担持体保持部材４１に対して保
持部材４３，４４を自動的に離間動作させる態様も含ま
れている。即ち、省エネモード突入と外装カバー４５の
開放と電源スイッチのオフとの論理和（ＯＲ）をとる形
で離間動作が実行されるように設定されており、例え
ば、画像形成動作終了直後で省エネモードに突入してい
ない状態であっても、外装カバー４５を開放させた場合
には像担持体保持部材４１に対して保持部材４３，４４
の離間動作が実行されることとなる。もっとも、外装カ
バー４５を有しないタイプの機種の場合には、操作パネ
ル等に設けられた離間スイッチ等の操作に基づき離間動
作が行われる態様を含ませるようにしてもよい。In the non-image formation, the holding members 43 and 44 are separated from the image carrier holding member 41 at a timing to be separated immediately after the image forming operation is completed or at a fixed time after the image forming operation is completed. The timing when the time has passed can be taken. For example, if the timing is such that the holding members 43 and 44 are separated from each other immediately after the end of the image forming operation, the holding members 43 and 44 can be separated from the image carrier holding member 41 as much as possible, and an adverse effect such as a contact mark remaining can be avoided. If it can be maximized, and if it is automatically performed at a timing when a certain time has elapsed after the image forming operation is completed, the image carrier holding member 41 can be used within a range that does not interfere with non-image forming. The holding members 43 and 44 can be separated as much as possible, and the avoidance of adverse effects such as remaining contact marks can be maximized. Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the separation operation is automatically performed at the time of entering the energy saving mode after the image forming operation is completed and a certain time has elapsed. At the same time, when the user or service person opens the outer cover 45 (more practically, the inner cover 46 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) for maintenance / replacement, etc., and turns off the power switch. Also in the case of performing the operation, the mode in which the holding members 43 and 44 are automatically separated from the image carrier holding member 41 in conjunction with the opening operation and the power switch-off operation is also included. That is, the separation operation is set to be performed in the form of a logical sum (OR) of entering the energy saving mode, opening the exterior cover 45, and turning off the power switch. For example, the energy saving mode is set immediately after the image forming operation is completed. Even if the outer cover 45 is opened, the holding members 43 and 44 are not attached to the image carrier holding member 41
Will be executed. However, in the case of the type of model that does not have the exterior cover 45, a mode in which the separation operation is performed based on the operation of the separation switch or the like provided on the operation panel or the like may be included.

【００７１】何れにしても、像担持体保持部材４１に対
して保持部材４３，４４が離間することにより、各感光
体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋに対して接していた各作像
ユニット４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｂｋ中の各部材
及び中間転写ベルト１２も離間する。In any case, since the holding members 43 and 44 are separated from the image carrier holding member 41, the respective image forming units 42Y, which are in contact with the respective photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk. The members in 42M, 42C, 42Bk and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are also separated from each other.

【００７２】ここに、像担持体保持部材４１は概略的に
は図７及び図８に示すように平面的に見て矩形枠状に形
成され、各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋを個別に並
列状態で上方から単に載せるように着脱自在に保持する
ものである。なお、本実施の形態では、感光体３Ｙ，３
Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋのうち、カラー用の感光体３Ｙ，３
Ｍ，３Ｃとブラック用の感光体３Ｂｋとではその使用頻
度が異なる点（モノクロ印刷等を考えると、一般に、ブ
ラック用の感光体３Ｂｋの使用頻度が高い）を考慮し、
カラー用の感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃは感光体ユニット４
７として一体化されており、この感光体ユニット４７の
単位で像担持体保持部材４１に対して着脱自在に保持さ
れている。このような像担持体保持部材４１は左右両側
に設けられたレール機構４８により装置本体２に対して
前後方向に引出し自在とされている。４９は像担持体保
持部材４１側のレール機構４８の構成部材であるアキュ
ライドである。Here, the image carrier holding member 41 is generally formed in a rectangular frame shape in plan view as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk is individually formed. It is detachably held so as to be simply placed from above in a parallel state. In this embodiment, the photoconductors 3Y, 3
Of M, 3C, 3Bk, color photoconductors 3Y, 3B
Considering that the M, 3C and the black photoconductor 3Bk are different in frequency of use (generally, the black photoconductor 3Bk is frequently used when monochrome printing is considered),
The color photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C are the photoconductor units 4
7 is integrated and is detachably held by the unit of the photoconductor unit 47 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41. Such an image carrier holding member 41 can be pulled out in the front-rear direction with respect to the apparatus main body 2 by rail mechanisms 48 provided on the left and right sides. Reference numeral 49 is an acryl which is a constituent member of the rail mechanism 48 on the image carrier holding member 41 side.

【００７３】また、作像ユニット保持部材４３は概略的
には図９及び図１０に示すように平面的に見て矩形トレ
イ状に形成され、各作像ユニット４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２
Ｃ，４２Ｂｋを並列状態で上方から単に載せるように着
脱自在に保持するものである。なお、本実施の形態で
は、感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ側に対応させて、
作像ユニット４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃはブラック用の単
独の作像ユニット４２Ｂｋとは別にカラー用作像ユニッ
ト５１として一体化されており、このカラー用作像ユニ
ット５１の単位で作像ユニット保持部材４３に対して着
脱自在に保持されている。このような作像ユニット保持
部材４３は左右両側に設けられたレール機構５２により
装置本体２に対して前後方向に引出し自在とされてい
る。５３は作像ユニット保持部材４３側のレール機構５
２の構成部材であるアキュライドである。また、特に図
示しないが、作像ユニット保持部材４３や各作像ユニッ
ト４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｂｋには露光用の光が
透過するスリット状の開口（又は、透明な透光部）が形
成されている。Further, the image forming unit holding member 43 is formed in a rectangular tray shape in plan view as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and each of the image forming units 42Y, 42M and 42 is formed.
C and 42Bk are detachably held in a parallel state so that they are simply placed from above. In the present embodiment, the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk are made to correspond to
The image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C are integrated as a color image forming unit 51 separately from the single image forming unit 42Bk for black. The image forming unit holding member 43 is a unit of the color image forming unit 51. It is held detachably with respect to. Such an image forming unit holding member 43 can be drawn out in the front-rear direction with respect to the apparatus main body 2 by rail mechanisms 52 provided on both left and right sides. Reference numeral 53 denotes the rail mechanism 5 on the side of the image forming unit holding member 43.
It is the acrylide which is the second component. Further, although not shown in particular, the image forming unit holding member 43 and the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42Bk are provided with slit-shaped openings (or transparent light transmitting portions) through which light for exposure is transmitted. ing.

【００７４】さらに、転写部材保持部材４４は概略的に
は図１１及び図１２に示すように平面的に見て矩形枠状
に形成され、中間転写ベルト１２を、この中間転写ベル
ト１２を覆いローラ９〜１１等を保持した保護カバー５
６とともに上方から単に載せるように着脱自在に保持す
るものである。保護カバー５６の左右両側には把手５７
が設けられている。このような転写部材保持部材４４は
左右両側に設けられたレール機構５８により装置本体２
に対して前後方向に引出し自在とされている。５９は転
写部材保持部材４４側のレール機構５８の構成部材であ
るアキュライドである。Further, the transfer member holding member 44 is generally formed in a rectangular frame shape in plan view as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and covers the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the roller which covers the intermediate transfer belt 12. Protective cover 5 holding 9-11 etc.
6, together with 6, is detachably held so as to be simply placed from above. Handles 57 are provided on the left and right sides of the protective cover 56.
Is provided. Such a transfer member holding member 44 is mounted on the apparatus main body 2 by rail mechanisms 58 provided on both left and right sides.
In contrast, it can be pulled out in the front-back direction. Reference numeral 59 is an acryl which is a constituent member of the rail mechanism 58 on the transfer member holding member 44 side.

【００７５】なお、図２の構成を採る本実施の形態で
は、転写ベルト１７も第３像担持体保持部材としてのベ
ルト保持部材６１により着脱自在に保持されている。こ
のベルト保持部材６１は装置本体２に対して支点６２を
中心に回動開閉自在に設けられた側板カバーを兼用する
もので、転写ベルト１７を、この転写ベルト１７を覆い
ローラ１５，１６等を保持した保護カバー６３とともに
単に載せるように着脱自在に保持するものである。In the present embodiment having the structure of FIG. 2, the transfer belt 17 is also detachably held by the belt holding member 61 as the third image carrier holding member. The belt holding member 61 also serves as a side plate cover that is provided so as to be rotatable and openable and closable around the fulcrum 62 with respect to the apparatus main body 2. The protective cover 63 is held in a detachable manner so that it can be simply placed together with the held protective cover 63.

【００７６】ここで、保持部材４１，４３，４４の接離
動作を行わせるための接離機構７０の原理構成の一例を
図１５及び図１６を参照して説明する。まず、装置本体
２内には前述したような各保持部材４１，４３，４４の
左右両側のアキュライド４９，５３，５９と各々対をな
しレール機構４８，５２，５８を構成するアキュライド
７１，７２，７３が装置本体２に固定して設けられた左
右２枚の本体ステー７４により支持されている。この
際、像担持体保持部材４１を基準として保持部材４３，
４４を上下方向に離間動作させるため、像担持体保持部
材４１用のアキュライド７１は本体ステー７４に位置固
定的に設けられているが、保持部材４３，４４用のアキ
ュライド７２，７３は上下方向の長穴７４ａ，７４ｂに
嵌合させたピン７２ａ，７３ａにより上下方向にガイド
されて変位可能に保持されている。また、これらの保持
部材４３，４４の離間動作を同時に行わせるための連動
機構７５も付加されている。この連動機構７５は例えば
本体ステー７４のほぼ中央に立設したピン７６により回
動可能な２枚の移動ステー７７，７８を中央でＸ字状リ
ンクを構成するように組合せ、これらの移動ステー７
７，７８の両端の長孔７７ａ，７７ｂ，７８ａ，７８ｂ
を各々アキュライド７２，７３の手前側と奥側とにおい
て左右両側に立設させたピン７２ａ，７２ｂ，７３ａ，
７３ｂに嵌合させることにより構成されている。さら
に、下側に位置する作像ユニット保持部材４３の下面に
その４隅付近で当接する位置には４つの偏心カム７９が
支持片８０により回転自在に支持された回転軸８１に固
定的に設けられている。これらの偏心カム７９は、作像
ユニット保持部材４３を像担持体保持部材４１に近接又
は押圧する状態に押し上げる突出位置と、作像ユニット
保持部材４３をその自重等により像担持体保持部材４１
から離間する状態に下降させる後退位置とを有する偏心
形状とされており、装置本体２に設けられたモータ８
２、モータギヤ８３、回転軸８１上に固定されてこのモ
ータギヤ８３に噛み合う伝達ギヤ８４、前後２本の回転
軸８１のプーリ８５間に架け渡したベルト８６等の伝達
駆動機構を介して所定のカム位置を取るように駆動制御
される。Here, an example of the principle structure of the contact / separation mechanism 70 for performing the contact / separation operation of the holding members 41, 43, 44 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in the main body 2 of the apparatus, the acculides 71, 72, 72 forming the rail mechanisms 48, 52, 58 are respectively paired with the acculides 49, 53, 59 on the left and right sides of the holding members 41, 43, 44 as described above. 73 is supported by two left and right body stays 74 fixed to the apparatus body 2. At this time, with respect to the image carrier holding member 41, the holding members 43,
In order to separate 44 in the vertical direction, the accurlide 71 for the image carrier holding member 41 is fixedly provided on the main body stay 74, but the accurlides 72, 73 for the holding members 43, 44 are arranged in the vertical direction. Pins 72a and 73a fitted in the long holes 74a and 74b are vertically guided and held so as to be displaceable. Further, an interlocking mechanism 75 for simultaneously performing the separating operation of the holding members 43 and 44 is added. The interlocking mechanism 75 is, for example, a combination of two movable stays 77, 78 rotatable by a pin 76 standing upright in the center of the main body stay 74 so as to form an X-shaped link in the center.
Long holes 77a, 77b, 78a, 78b at both ends of 7,78
Pins 72a, 72b, 73a, which are erected on the left and right sides on the front side and the back side of the accurride 72, 73, respectively.
It is configured by fitting to 73b. Further, four eccentric cams 79 are fixedly provided on a rotary shaft 81 rotatably supported by a support piece 80 at positions contacting the lower surface of the image forming unit holding member 43 located on the lower side in the vicinity of its four corners. Has been. These eccentric cams 79 project the image forming unit holding member 43 toward the image carrier holding member 41 so as to push the image forming unit holding member 43 to the image carrier holding member 41, or the image forming unit holding member 43 by its own weight.
The motor 8 provided in the apparatus main body 2 has an eccentric shape with a retracted position in which the motor 8 is lowered to a position away from
2, a motor gear 83, a transmission gear 84 fixed on the rotary shaft 81 and meshing with the motor gear 83, and a predetermined cam via a transmission drive mechanism such as a belt 86 spanning between two front and rear pulleys 85 of the rotary shaft 81. It is driven and controlled to take a position.

【００７７】即ち、図１５（ａ）及び図１６（ａ）に示
すように、偏心カム７９の突出位置が上向きとなる状態
にすると、作像ユニット保持部材４３が像担持体保持部
材４１に近接又は押圧する状態まで押し上げられる。こ
の時、作像ユニット保持部材４３の上昇動作に伴い、移
動ステー７７，７８がピン７２ａ，７２ｂによりその交
叉角が狭くなるように回動変位する。これにより、移動
ステー７７，７８の長孔７７ｂ，７８ｂに嵌合している
ピン７３ａ，７３ｂを介してアキュライド７３を下降さ
せ、転写部材保持部材４４を像担持体保持部材４１に近
接又は押圧する状態まで下降させる。That is, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 16A, when the protruding position of the eccentric cam 79 is in the upward direction, the image forming unit holding member 43 approaches the image carrier holding member 41. Or, it is pushed up to the pressed state. At this time, as the image forming unit holding member 43 moves up, the movable stays 77 and 78 are rotationally displaced by the pins 72a and 72b so that the crossing angle becomes narrow. As a result, the acrylide 73 is lowered through the pins 73a and 73b fitted in the long holes 77b and 78b of the movable stays 77 and 78, and the transfer member holding member 44 is brought close to or pressed against the image carrier holding member 41. Down to the state.

【００７８】作像ユニット保持部材４３が像担持体保持
部材４１に近接又は押圧する状態になると、作像ユニッ
ト保持部材４３に保持されている各作像ユニット４２の
各部材も対応する感光体３に対して接触して作像処理動
作が可能な状態となる。同様に、転写部材保持部材４４
が像担持体保持部材４１に近接又は押圧する状態になる
と、転写部材保持部材４４に保持されている中間転写ベ
ルト１２も各感光体３に対して接触して動作可能な状態
となる。When the image forming unit holding member 43 approaches or presses the image carrier holding member 41, each member of each image forming unit 42 held by the image forming unit holding member 43 also corresponds to the photoreceptor 3. The image forming processing operation becomes possible by touching the. Similarly, the transfer member holding member 44
When the image holding member 41 approaches or presses the image carrier holding member 41, the intermediate transfer belt 12 held by the transfer member holding member 44 also comes into contact with the photoconductors 3 and becomes operable.

【００７９】一方、図１５（ｂ）及び図１６（ｂ）に示
すように、偏心カム７９の後退位置が上向きとなる状態
にすると、作像ユニット保持部材４３がその自重等によ
り像担持体保持部材４１から離間する状態に下降する。
この時、作像ユニット保持部材４３の下降動作に伴い、
移動ステー７７，７８がピン７２ａ，７２ｂによりその
交叉角が広くなるように回動変位する。これにより、移
動ステー７７，７８の長孔７７ｂ，７８ｂに嵌合してい
るピン７３ａ，７３ｂを介してアキュライド７３を上昇
させ、転写部材保持部材４４を像担持体保持部材４１か
ら離間する状態まで上昇させる。On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B, when the retracted position of the eccentric cam 79 is in the upward direction, the image forming unit holding member 43 holds the image carrier by its own weight or the like. It descends so as to be separated from the member 41.
At this time, as the image forming unit holding member 43 descends,
The movable stays 77 and 78 are rotationally displaced by the pins 72a and 72b so that the crossing angle is widened. As a result, the accurride 73 is raised through the pins 73a and 73b fitted in the long holes 77b and 78b of the movable stays 77 and 78, and the transfer member holding member 44 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41. To raise.

【００８０】作像ユニット保持部材４３が像担持体保持
部材４１から離間した状態になると、作像ユニット保持
部材４３に保持されている各作像ユニット４２の各部材
も対応する感光体３から離間し、作像ユニット保持部材
４３は引出し可能な状態となる。同様に、転写部材保持
部材４４が像担持体保持部材４１から離間した状態にな
ると、転写部材保持部材４４に保持されている中間転写
ベルト１２も各感光体３から離間し、転写部材保持部材
４４は引出し可能な状態となる。When the image forming unit holding member 43 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41, each member of each image forming unit 42 held by the image forming unit holding member 43 is also separated from the corresponding photoconductor 3. Then, the image forming unit holding member 43 is ready to be pulled out. Similarly, when the transfer member holding member 44 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41, the intermediate transfer belt 12 held by the transfer member holding member 44 is also separated from each photoconductor 3, and the transfer member holding member 44 is also formed. Is ready for withdrawal.

【００８１】このようにして、作像ユニット保持部材４
３と転写部材保持部材４４とは像担持体保持部材４１に
対して連動して離間動作及び接近動作を行う。In this way, the image forming unit holding member 4
3 and the transfer member holding member 44 cooperate with the image carrier holding member 41 to perform a separating operation and an approaching operation.

【００８２】このような構成において、画像形成動作が
終了して一定時間経過することにより省エネモードに突
入し、或いは、電源スイッチがオフされると、上述の接
離機構７０により作像ユニット保持部材４３と転写部材
保持部材４４とが像担持体保持部材４１に対して連動し
て離間動作を行い、作像ユニット保持部材４３と転写部
材保持部材４４とが像担持体保持部材４１に対して離間
することにより、各感光体３に対して各作像ユニット４
２の各部材や中間転写ベルト１２も離間した状態に維持
される。このように、複数の感光体３と複数の作像ユニ
ット５と中間転写ベルト１２とを各々像担持体保持部材
４１、作像ユニット保持部材４３、転写部材保持部材４
４に保持させ、これらの像担持体保持部材４１と作像ユ
ニット保持部材４３、像担持体保持部材４１と転写部材
保持部材４４とを装置本体２内において離間可能とした
ので、個々の感光体３・作像ユニット４２や個々の感光
体３・中間転写ベルト１２に対して接離機構等を設ける
ことなく保持部材４１，４３，４４間についての一つの
接離機構７０で済ませることが可能となり、接離機構を
大幅に簡略化することができる。よって、簡易・安価な
構成にて、感光体３に対して作像ユニット４２の各部材
や中間転写ベルト１２が常に接触していることによる当
接跡の残存等の悪影響を簡単に回避することができる。
特に、像担持体保持部材４１に対する作像ユニット保持
部材４３の離間動作と、像担持体保持部材４１に対する
転写部材保持部材４４の離間動作とを連動機構７５によ
り同時に行わせるようにしているので、その駆動源８２
等を共通化させ得る等、接離機構７０をより簡略化させ
ることができ、かつ、その制御系も別個に設ける必要が
なく、簡略化させることができる。In such a structure, when the image forming operation is completed and a predetermined time elapses, the energy saving mode is entered or the power switch is turned off. 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 interlock with the image carrier holding member 41 to perform a separating operation, and the image forming unit holding member 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 separate from the image carrier holding member 41. As a result, each image forming unit 4
The respective members 2 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are also maintained in a separated state. As described above, the plurality of photoconductors 3, the plurality of image forming units 5, and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are respectively connected to the image carrier holding member 41, the image forming unit holding member 43, and the transfer member holding member 4.
4, the image carrier holding member 41 and the image forming unit holding member 43, and the image carrier holding member 41 and the transfer member holding member 44 can be separated from each other in the apparatus main body 2. 3. The single contact / separation mechanism 70 between the holding members 41, 43, and 44 can be used without providing the contact / separation mechanism or the like for the image forming unit 42, the individual photoconductor 3, and the intermediate transfer belt 12. The contact / separation mechanism can be greatly simplified. Therefore, with a simple and inexpensive structure, it is possible to easily avoid the adverse effects such as remaining contact marks due to the constant contact of each member of the image forming unit 42 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 with the photoconductor 3. You can
In particular, since the separating operation of the image forming unit holding member 43 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41 and the separating operation of the transfer member holding member 44 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41 are simultaneously performed by the interlocking mechanism 75, The drive source 82
It is possible to simplify the contacting / separating mechanism 70, for example, by sharing the above, and it is possible to simplify the control system for the contacting / separating mechanism 70 without separately providing it.

【００８３】一方、ユーザ又はサービスマンにおいて、
メンテナンスや部品交換等の必要性が生じた場合には、
図５に示すように正面手前の外装カバー４５を開放し、
さらに、図６に示すように内部カバー４６を開放する
と、上述の省エネモードに突入していない場合であって
も、このようなカバー開放操作に連動して、上述の接離
機構７０により作像ユニット保持部材４３と転写部材保
持部材４４とが像担持体保持部材４１に対して連動して
離間動作を行う。これにより、作像ユニット保持部材４
３と転写部材保持部材４４とが像担持体保持部材４１に
対して離間することにより、各感光体３に対して各作像
ユニット４２の各部材や中間転写ベルト１２も離間した
状態に維持される。よって、各々の保持部材４１，４
３，４４は各々単独で引出し可能となる。On the other hand, in the user or service person,
In the event of need for maintenance or parts replacement,
As shown in FIG. 5, open the exterior cover 45 on the front side,
Further, when the inner cover 46 is opened as shown in FIG. 6, even if the above-mentioned energy saving mode is not entered, the image is formed by the contacting / separating mechanism 70 in conjunction with such cover opening operation. The unit holding member 43 and the transfer member holding member 44 interlock with the image carrier holding member 41 to perform a separating operation. As a result, the image forming unit holding member 4
3 and the transfer member holding member 44 are separated from the image carrier holding member 41, the members of the image forming units 42 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are also kept separated from the photoconductors 3. It Therefore, each holding member 41, 4
3, 44 can be individually withdrawn.

【００８４】そこで、例えば感光体３に関してメンテナ
ンスや交換等を要する場合であれば、図７に示すように
像担持体保持部材４１を手前側に引出すことにより、図
８に示すように感光体３（感光体ユニット４７や感光体
３Ｂｋ）を像担持体保持部材４１から取り外して交換し
たりすることが可能となる。この際、これらの感光体ユ
ニット４７や感光体３Ｂｋは像担持体保持部材４１上に
単に載せられて保持されているだけであるので、長寿命
分解型の構成を採りつつ、簡単に交換できる。また、カ
ラー用の感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃは同じ機能を有して寿
命がほぼ同一と見倣せるが、これらの感光体３Ｙ，３
Ｍ，３Ｃが感光体ユニット４７として一つのユニットに
まとめられて着脱自在とされているので、交換作業等の
作業性が一層向上する。逆にいえば、ブラック用の感光
体３Ｂｋはカラー用よりも使用頻度が高く寿命に達する
のが早いと考えられるが、このようなブラック用の感光
体３Ｂｋは単体とされているので、ブラック用の感光体
３Ｂｋの交換タイミングでカラー用の感光体３Ｙ，３
Ｍ，３Ｃを交換してしまうことを避けることもできる。Therefore, for example, if maintenance or replacement of the photoconductor 3 is required, the image carrier holding member 41 is pulled out to the front side as shown in FIG. 7, and as shown in FIG. The (photoconductor unit 47 and the photoconductor 3Bk) can be removed from the image carrier holding member 41 and replaced. At this time, since the photoconductor unit 47 and the photoconductor 3Bk are simply placed and held on the image carrier holding member 41, the photoconductor unit 47 and the photoconductor 3Bk can be easily replaced while adopting the long-life disassembly type configuration. Further, the color photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C have the same function and can be regarded as having substantially the same life, but these photoconductors 3Y, 3M
Since M and 3C are assembled as one unit as the photoconductor unit 47 and are detachable, workability such as replacement work is further improved. Conversely, it is considered that the black photoconductor 3Bk is used more frequently than the color photoconductor 3Bk and reaches the end of its life sooner. However, since the black photoconductor 3Bk is a single body, The color photoconductors 3Y, 3 at the replacement timing of the photoconductor 3Bk
It is possible to avoid exchanging M and 3C.

【００８５】また、作像ユニット４２に関してメンテナ
ンスや交換等を要する場合であれば、図９に示すように
作像ユニット保持部材４３を手前側に引出すことによ
り、図１０に示すように作像ユニット４２（カラー用作
像ユニット５１や作像ユニット４２Ｂｋ）を作像ユニッ
ト保持部材４３から取り外して交換したりすることが可
能となる。この際、これらのカラー用作像ユニット５１
や作像ユニット４２Ｂｋは作像ユニット保持部材４３上
に単に載せられて保持されているだけであるので、簡単
に交換できる。また、カラー用の作像ユニット４２Ｙ，
４２Ｍ，４２Ｃは同じ機能を有して寿命がほぼ同一と見
倣せるが、これらの作像ユニット４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２
Ｃがカラー用作像ユニット５１として一つのユニットに
まとめられて着脱自在とされているので、交換作業等の
作業性が一層向上する。逆にいえば、ブラック用の作像
ユニット４２Ｂｋはカラー用よりも使用頻度が高く寿命
に達するのが早いと考えられるが、このようなブラック
用の作像ユニット４２Ｂｋは単体とされているので、ブ
ラック用の作像ユニット４２Ｂｋの交換タイミングでカ
ラー用の作像ユニット４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃを交換し
てしまうことを避けることもできる。If maintenance or replacement of the image forming unit 42 is required, by pulling out the image forming unit holding member 43 as shown in FIG. 9, the image forming unit 42 as shown in FIG. 42 (color image forming unit 51 and image forming unit 42Bk) can be removed from the image forming unit holding member 43 and replaced. At this time, these color image forming units 51
The image forming unit 42Bk is simply placed and held on the image forming unit holding member 43, so that it can be easily replaced. In addition, the image forming unit 42Y for color,
42M and 42C have the same function and can be regarded as having substantially the same life, but these image forming units 42Y, 42M and 42C
Since C is integrated into one unit as the color image forming unit 51 and is detachable, workability such as replacement work is further improved. Conversely, it is considered that the black image forming unit 42Bk is used more frequently than the color image forming unit 42Bk and reaches the end of its life sooner. However, since the black image forming unit 42Bk is a single unit, It is also possible to avoid exchanging the color image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C at the replacement timing of the black image forming unit 42Bk.

【００８６】さらに、中間転写ベルト１２に関してメン
テナンスや交換等を要する場合であれば、図１１に示す
ように転写部材保持部材４４を手前側に引出すことによ
り、図１２に示すように中間転写ベルト１２を転写部材
保持部材４４から取り外して交換したりすることが可能
となる。この際、中間転写ベルト１２は転写部材保持部
材４４上に単に載せられて保持されているだけであるの
で、簡単に交換できる。Further, when the intermediate transfer belt 12 requires maintenance or replacement, by pulling out the transfer member holding member 44 as shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate transfer belt 12 as shown in FIG. Can be removed from the transfer member holding member 44 and replaced. At this time, since the intermediate transfer belt 12 is simply placed and held on the transfer member holding member 44, it can be easily replaced.

【００８７】また、図８、図１０及び図１２からも分か
るように、感光体３や作像ユニット４２や中間転写ベル
ト１２の保持部材４１，４３，４４に対する着脱方向が
何れも上向き方向に統一されているので、極めて作業性
のよいものとなる。また、メンテナンスや部品交換等の
ために外装カバー４５を開放させた場合には、少なくと
も保持部材４１，４３間、４１，４４間の離間動作を行
わせることにより、そのまま保持部材４１，４３，４４
の引出し操作等に移行することができ、別途離間動作を
行わせるための操作等を要せず、ユーザやサービスマン
等にとって取り扱いやすく操作性のよいものとなる。Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 8, 10 and 12, the attachment / detachment directions of the photoconductor 3, the image forming unit 42 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 to the holding members 41, 43 and 44 are all in the upward direction. Therefore, the workability is extremely good. Further, when the exterior cover 45 is opened for maintenance or component replacement, at least the holding members 41, 43 and 41, 44 are separated from each other, so that the holding members 41, 43, 44 are kept as they are.
It is possible to shift to a pull-out operation or the like, which does not require a separate operation or the like for performing a separate operation, and is easy to handle and good in operability for users and service persons.

【００８８】なお、接離機構７０の変形例である接離機
構９０を図１７に示す。この接離機構９０では、各保持
部材４１，４３，４４対応のアキュライド７１，７２，
７３を支持する左右２枚ずつの本体ステー９１，９２が
装置本体２に固定されている。この際、像担持体保持部
材４１を基準として保持部材４３，４４を上下方向に離
間動作させるため、像担持体保持部材４１用のアキュラ
イド７１は本体ステー９１，９２に位置固定的に設けら
れているが、保持部材４３，４４用のアキュライド７
２，７３は上下方向の長穴９１ａ，９２ａ（アキュライ
ド７２側のみ図示する）に嵌合させたピン７２ａ，７３
ａにより上下方向に変位可能に保持されている。また、
これらの保持部材４３，４４の離間動作を同時に行わせ
るための連動機構９３も付加されている。この連動機構
９３は、例えば、作像ユニット保持部材４３用のアキュ
ライド７２にピン９４により連結されて上下動する主動
ステー９５と、前述の本体ステー９１，９２に対してピ
ン９６ａ，９６ｂにより回動自在に支持され、かつ、一
端側が主動ステー９５に対してピン９７により連結され
他端側が転写部材保持部材４４用のアキュライド７３の
ピン７３ａに連結された前後２枚の従動ステー９８ａ，
９８ｂを備えることにより構成されている。なお、像担
持体保持部材４１用のアキュライド７１にはピン９９が
設けられ、このピン９９に嵌合する長穴９５ａにより主
動ステー９５の上下方向の動きがガイドされる。また、
偏心カム７９、モータ８２等の構成は図１５及び図１６
の場合と同様である。A contact / separation mechanism 90 which is a modification of the contact / separation mechanism 70 is shown in FIG. In the contact / separation mechanism 90, the accuride 71, 72, 72 corresponding to the holding members 41, 43, 44,
Two left and right body stays 91 and 92 that support 73 are fixed to the apparatus body 2. At this time, since the holding members 43 and 44 are vertically separated from each other with the image carrier holding member 41 as a reference, the accrelide 71 for the image carrier holding member 41 is fixedly provided on the main body stays 91 and 92. Accurate 7 for holding members 43 and 44
Reference numerals 2 and 73 are pins 72a and 73 fitted in the vertical slots 91a and 92a (only the acrylide 72 side is shown).
It is held so as to be vertically displaceable by a. Also,
An interlocking mechanism 93 for simultaneously performing the separating operation of the holding members 43 and 44 is also added. The interlocking mechanism 93 is, for example, a main drive stay 95 that is connected to the accuride 72 for the image forming unit holding member 43 by a pin 94 and moves up and down, and a pivotal position with respect to the main body stays 91 and 92 by the pins 96a and 96b. Two front and rear driven stays 98a, which are freely supported, one end side of which is connected to the main drive stay 95 by a pin 97 and the other end side of which is connected to a pin 73a of the accurlide 73 for the transfer member holding member 44.
It is configured by including 98b. A pin 99 is provided on the accurride 71 for the image carrier holding member 41, and the vertical movement of the driving stay 95 is guided by the elongated hole 95a fitted into the pin 99. Also,
The configurations of the eccentric cam 79, the motor 82, etc. are shown in FIGS.
It is similar to the case of.

【００８９】これにより、図１７（ａ）に示すように、
偏心カム７９の突出位置が上向きとなる状態にすると、
作像ユニット保持部材４３が像担持体保持部材４１に近
接又は押圧する状態まで押し上げられる。この時、作像
ユニット保持部材４３の上昇動作に伴い、主動ステー９
５も上方に変位する。これにより、主動ステー９５に対
してピン９７により連結されている従動ステー９８ａ，
９８ｂがピン９６ａ，９６ｂを中心に回動変位し、他端
に嵌合しているピン７２ａ，７３ａを介してアキュライ
ド７３を下降させ、転写部材保持部材４４を像担持体保
持部材４１に近接又は押圧する状態まで下降させる。As a result, as shown in FIG.
When the protruding position of the eccentric cam 79 is in the upward direction,
The image forming unit holding member 43 is pushed up to a state of approaching or pressing the image carrier holding member 41. At this time, as the image forming unit holding member 43 moves up, the driving stay 9
5 is also displaced upward. As a result, the driven stay 98a, which is connected to the driving stay 95 by the pin 97,
98b pivotally displaces around the pins 96a and 96b, lowers the accurlide 73 through the pins 72a and 73a fitted to the other end, and moves the transfer member holding member 44 close to the image carrier holding member 41 or Lower until pressed.

【００９０】一方、図１７（ｂ）に示すように、偏心カ
ム７９の後退位置が上向きとなる状態にすると、作像ユ
ニット保持部材４３がその自重等により像担持体保持部
材４１から離間する状態に下降する。この時、作像ユニ
ット保持部材４３の下降動作に伴い、主動ステー９５も
下方に変位する。これにより、主動ステー９５に対して
ピン９７により連結されている従動ステー９８ａ，９８
ｂがピン９６ａ，９６ｂを中心に回動変位し、他端に嵌
合しているピン７２ａ，７３ａを介してアキュライド７
３を上昇させ、転写部材保持部材４４を像担持体保持部
材４１から離間する状態まで上昇させる。On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the retracted position of the eccentric cam 79 is in the upward direction, the image forming unit holding member 43 is separated from the image carrier holding member 41 by its own weight or the like. Descend to. At this time, the driving stay 95 is also displaced downward as the image forming unit holding member 43 descends. As a result, the driven stays 98a, 98 connected to the driving stay 95 by the pin 97 are connected.
b is pivotally displaced about the pins 96a and 96b, and the accurlide 7 is inserted through the pins 72a and 73a fitted to the other end.
3 is raised to raise the transfer member holding member 44 to a state of being separated from the image carrier holding member 41.

【００９１】このようにして、作像ユニット保持部材４
３と転写部材保持部材４４とは像担持体保持部材４１に
対して連動して離間動作及び接近動作を行う。In this way, the image forming unit holding member 4
3 and the transfer member holding member 44 cooperate with the image carrier holding member 41 to perform a separating operation and an approaching operation.

【００９２】なお、転写ベルト１７に関してメンテナン
スや交換等を要する場合であれば、図１３に示すように
支点６２を中心にベルト保持部材６１を回動開放させる
ことにより、図１４に示すように転写ベルト１７をベル
ト保持部材６１から取り外して交換したりすることが可
能となる。この際、転写ベルト１７はベルト保持部材６
１上に単に載せられて保持されているだけであるので、
簡単に交換できる。If maintenance or replacement of the transfer belt 17 is required, the belt holding member 61 is rotated and released around the fulcrum 62 as shown in FIG. 13 to transfer as shown in FIG. The belt 17 can be removed from the belt holding member 61 and replaced. At this time, the transfer belt 17 is not supported by the belt holding member 6
1 is simply placed and retained on top of
Can be easily replaced.

【００９３】次に、各保持部材４１，４３，４４間の位
置決めについて説明する。本実施の形態では、上下方向
の位置が固定的な像担持体保持部材４１を基準として位
置決めさせるものであり、この像担持体保持部材４１の
上面には複数、例えば、３個の位置決めピン１０１が位
置決め部として予め設定された所定位置に離間させて設
けられている。特に図示しないが、像担持体保持部材４
１の下面にも複数、例えば、３個の位置決めピンが位置
決め部として予め設定された所定位置に離間させて設け
られている。作像ユニット保持部材４３の上面にはこの
ような位置決めピンが入り込む位置決め穴１００が位置
決め部として位置決めピンに対応する位置に形成されて
いる（図９等参照）。同様に、転写部材保持部材４４の
下面には位置決めピン１０１が入り込む位置決め穴（図
示せず）が位置決め部として位置決めピン１０１に対応
する位置に形成されている。従って、前述したように保
持部材４１，４３，４４同士を図４（ａ）や図１５
（ａ）の如く、近接又は押圧状態とさせる際に、これら
の位置決めピン・位置決め穴同士を各々係合させること
により、保持部材４１，４３，４４同士の相互の位置決
めがなされる。Next, the positioning between the holding members 41, 43 and 44 will be described. In the present embodiment, the image carrier holding member 41 whose vertical position is fixed is used as a reference for positioning, and a plurality of, for example, three positioning pins 101 are provided on the upper surface of the image carrier holding member 41. Is provided as a positioning portion so as to be separated from a predetermined position set in advance. Although not particularly shown, the image carrier holding member 4
A plurality of positioning pins, for example, three positioning pins are also provided on the lower surface of 1 as spaced apart at predetermined positions set in advance as positioning portions. On the upper surface of the image forming unit holding member 43, a positioning hole 100 into which such a positioning pin is inserted is formed as a positioning portion at a position corresponding to the positioning pin (see FIG. 9 and the like). Similarly, on the lower surface of the transfer member holding member 44, a positioning hole (not shown) into which the positioning pin 101 is inserted is formed at a position corresponding to the positioning pin 101 as a positioning portion. Therefore, as described above, the holding members 41, 43, and 44 are connected to each other as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the holding members 41, 43, 44 are positioned relative to each other by engaging the positioning pins and the positioning holes with each other when they are brought into the proximity or the pressed state.

【００９４】従って、位置決めに関しても各保持部材４
１，４３，４４単位で各々位置決め部を備え、相互の係
合により位置決めさせるので、個々の感光体３、作像ユ
ニット５、中間転写ベルト１２に関しては各々の対応す
る保持部材４１，４３，４４に対する位置決めを行えば
よく、個々に複雑な位置決め機構を不要にすることがで
きる。Therefore, each holding member 4 is also used for positioning.
Positioning portions are provided in units of 1, 43, and 44 and are positioned by mutual engagement. Therefore, with respect to the individual photoconductor 3, image forming unit 5, and intermediate transfer belt 12, respective corresponding holding members 41, 43, 44 are provided. It suffices to perform positioning with respect to, and it is possible to eliminate the need for a complicated positioning mechanism individually.

【００９５】ところで、像担持体保持部材４１自身の装
置本体２に対する位置決めは、この像担持体保持部材４
１がレール機構４８により基本的な位置が決められた状
態で、図１８に示すように、この像担持体保持部材４１
の手前辺にねじ１０１ａにより固定された金属板１０２
の左右両端の基準穴１０２ａ、穴１０２ｂを、装置本体
２の前側板１０３の所定位置に設けられた位置決めピン
１０４に係合させることによりなされる。つまり、金属
板１０２の基準穴１０２ａ、穴１０２ｂと前側板１０３
の位置決めピン１０４とが像担持体保持部材規制部材と
して作用する。By the way, the positioning of the image carrier holding member 41 itself with respect to the apparatus main body 2 is carried out by the image carrier holding member 4
1, the basic position of the image carrier 1 is determined by the rail mechanism 48, as shown in FIG.
Metal plate 102 fixed to the front side of the plate by screws 101a
This is done by engaging the reference holes 102a and the holes 102b at the left and right ends of the device with the positioning pins 104 provided at predetermined positions on the front side plate 103 of the apparatus body 2. That is, the reference holes 102a and 102b of the metal plate 102 and the front side plate 103.
And the positioning pin 104 of the above function as an image carrier holding member regulating member.

【００９６】また、このような像担持体保持部材４１上
に単に載せられている感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ
の位置決めは、装置本体２内の奥部側で位置決めされて
各々モータ等の駆動伝達機構に連結されつつ回転自在に
片持ち保持された各々の感光体用軸（図示せず）を、像
担持体保持部材４１の内部への押込み操作に伴い、像担
持体保持部材４１の奥側辺の各貫通穴、各感光体３Ｙ，
３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ内、像担持体保持部材４１の手前辺
の各貫通穴１０５を通して、金属板１０２の所定位置に
形成されている軸受穴１０６により支持させることによ
りなされる。つまり、位置決めされて片持ち保持された
各々の感光体用軸と金属板１０２の軸受穴１０６とが像
担持***置決め機構として作用する。逆にいえば、像担
持体保持部材４１を装置本体２から引出すことにより、
各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋから感光体用軸が抜
け（装置本体２内に残り）、遊びを持った単なる載置状
態となり、各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋをそのま
ま上方へ取り外せることとなる。Further, the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk simply placed on the image carrier holding member 41.
Is positioned on the inner side of the main body 2 of the apparatus, and each photoconductor shaft (not shown) rotatably and cantilevered while being connected to a drive transmission mechanism such as a motor is image-carried. With the pushing operation into the body holding member 41, the through holes on the back side of the image carrier holding member 41, the photoconductors 3Y,
Through the through holes 105 on the front side of the image carrier holding member 41 in 3M, 3C and 3Bk, the metal plate 102 is supported by bearing holes 106 formed at predetermined positions. That is, each of the photoconductor shafts that are positioned and cantilevered and the bearing hole 106 of the metal plate 102 act as an image carrier positioning mechanism. Conversely speaking, by pulling out the image carrier holding member 41 from the apparatus main body 2,
The photoconductor shaft comes off from each photoconductor 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk (remains in the apparatus main body 2), and a simple mounting state with play is provided, and each photoconductor 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk is directly moved upward. It will be removable.

【００９７】次に、このように装置本体２内に像担持体
保持部材４１が装着された状態で位置決めされた各感光
体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋに対する作像ユニット４２
や中間転写ベルト１２の位置決めの一例について図１９
を参照して説明する。例えば、本実施の形態の作像ユニ
ット４２では、図１９に示すように、画像形成に関与す
る領域外に位置させて感光体３と同径で同軸上に設けた
ホイール１１１に接離自在かつ回転自在に当接する複
数、例えば２個の位置決め用コロ１１２，１１３が所定
位置に設けられている。前述したように、像担持体保持
部材４１に対して作像ユニット保持部材４３は接離自在
であり、離間した状態も取り得るが、画像形成動作等に
伴い像担持体保持部材４１に対して作像ユニット保持部
材４３が接近又は押圧状態に押し上げられると、既に位
置決めされている感光体３に対して現像ローラ５や帯電
ローラ４等も接近するが、位置決め用コロ１１２，１１
３がホイール１１１に当接してこれ以上変位できない状
態になる。このような当接位置で現像ローラ５や帯電ロ
ーラ４は感光体３に対して正規の動作位置となり、作像
ユニット４２が感光体３に対して位置決めされたことに
なる。つまり、ホイール１１１と位置決め用コロ１１
２，１１３とが作像ユニット位置決め機構として作用す
る。感光体３に対する中間転写ベルト１２側の位置決め
も第２像担持***置決め機構（図示せず）により同様に
行われる。Next, the image forming unit 42 for each photoconductor 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk positioned with the image carrier holding member 41 mounted in the apparatus main body 2 as described above.
FIG. 19 shows an example of positioning of the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the intermediate transfer belt 12.
Will be described with reference to. For example, in the image forming unit 42 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the wheel 111, which is located outside the region related to image formation and has the same diameter as the photoconductor 3 and is coaxially provided, can be separated. A plurality of, for example, two positioning rollers 112 and 113 that rotatably contact each other are provided at predetermined positions. As described above, the image forming unit holding member 43 can freely come into contact with and separate from the image carrier holding member 41, and can be in a separated state. When the image forming unit holding member 43 is approached or pushed up to a pressed state, the developing roller 5, the charging roller 4 and the like also approach the photoconductor 3 which is already positioned, but the positioning rollers 112, 11
3 comes into contact with the wheel 111 and is in a state in which it can no longer be displaced. At such a contact position, the developing roller 5 and the charging roller 4 are in the proper operating positions with respect to the photoconductor 3, and the image forming unit 42 is positioned with respect to the photoconductor 3. That is, the wheel 111 and the positioning roller 11
2, 113 function as an image forming unit positioning mechanism. Positioning of the intermediate transfer belt 12 side with respect to the photoconductor 3 is similarly performed by a second image carrier positioning mechanism (not shown).

【００９８】このように、本実施の形態によれば、像担
持体保持部材４１や作像ユニット保持部材４３に対して
感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋや作像ユニット４２
Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｂｋが遊びを持って着脱自在
であり、各々の保持部材４１，４３が装置本体２内に装
着された状態で各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋが位
置決めされ、このように位置決めされた各感光体３Ｙ，
３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋに対して各作像ユニット４２Ｙ，４
２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｂｋの各部材が位置決めされるの
で、各々の保持部材４１，４３に対する取付け精度が要
求されないこととなり、ユーザレベルの作業でも、着脱
操作に際してその取付け位置等に気を使う必要もなく極
めて容易となる。この点は、中間転写ベルト１２側につ
いても同様である。As described above, according to the present embodiment, the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk and the image forming unit 42 are different from the image carrier holding member 41 and the image forming unit holding member 43.
The Ys, 42Ms, 42Cs, and 42Bk are detachable with play, and the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3Bk are positioned with the holding members 41 and 43 mounted in the apparatus main body 2. The respective photoconductors 3Y, which are positioned as
Image forming units 42Y, 4 for 3M, 3C, 3Bk
Since each member of 2M, 42C, 42Bk is positioned, it is not necessary to have the mounting accuracy with respect to each holding member 41, 43, and it is not necessary to pay attention to the mounting position or the like at the time of attachment / detachment even in user level work. It will be extremely easy. This also applies to the intermediate transfer belt 12 side.

【００９９】また、転写部材保持部材４４側に対するベ
ルト保持部材６１側の位置決めについて図２０を参照し
て説明する。本実施の形態では、転写部材保持部材４４
側において中間転写ベルト１２を支持するローラ９の軸
上の両端部には位置決め部としての位置決めプーリ１２
１が設けられ、ベルト保持部材６１側においてはこれら
の位置決めプーリ１２１に対応する位置に位置決めプー
リ１２１に係脱自在で位置決め部としての位置決め凹部
１２２が形成されている。Positioning of the belt holding member 61 side with respect to the transfer member holding member 44 side will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the transfer member holding member 44
On both sides of the roller 9 supporting the intermediate transfer belt 12 on both sides on the shaft, a positioning pulley 12 as a positioning portion is provided.
1 is provided, and on the belt holding member 61 side, a positioning concave portion 122 as a positioning portion is formed at a position corresponding to these positioning pulleys 121 so as to be engageable with and disengageable from the positioning pulley 121.

【０１００】これにより、ベルト保持部材６１を装置本
体２に対して閉じた状態では、図２０（ａ）に示すよう
に位置決め凹部１２２が位置決めプーリ１２１に係合
し、中間転写ベルト１２に対して転写ベルト１７が接触
状態となるように、ベルト保持部材６１が転写部材保持
部材４４に対して位置決めされる。一方、ベルト保持部
材６１の開放操作に伴い、位置決め凹部１２２は位置決
めプーリ１２１から外れ、図２０（ｂ）に示すように転
写ベルト１７側は自由状態となる。As a result, in the state where the belt holding member 61 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 2, the positioning recess 122 engages with the positioning pulley 121 as shown in FIG. The belt holding member 61 is positioned with respect to the transfer member holding member 44 so that the transfer belt 17 is brought into contact. On the other hand, with the opening operation of the belt holding member 61, the positioning recess 122 is disengaged from the positioning pulley 121, and the transfer belt 17 side becomes free as shown in FIG.

【０１０１】ところで、本実施の形態では、像担持体保
持部材４１と作像ユニット保持部材４３との間、像担持
体保持部材４１と転写部材保持部材４４との間を各々シ
ールする弾性部材１３１，１３２が設けられている。本
実施の形態の場合、これらの弾性部材１３１，１３２は
例えば略図的に示す図４のように像担持体保持部材４１
側に設けられているが、その態様としては、図７，図８
等に示す如く像担持体保持部材４１の周辺部分に取り付
けられている。特に、転写部材保持部材４４側に対して
は中間転写ベルト１２との接触を避けるため右辺側部分
を有しない略コ字状に配設されている。これらの弾性部
材１３１，１３２は像担持体保持部材４１に対して保持
部材４３，４４を近接又は押圧状態とした時、押圧され
て変形し、これらの保持部材４１，４３，４４により感
光体３周りに略密閉空間を形成する作像モジュール１３
３を構成するものである。By the way, in the present embodiment, the elastic member 131 which seals between the image carrier holding member 41 and the image forming unit holding member 43 and between the image carrier holding member 41 and the transfer member holding member 44, respectively. , 132 are provided. In the case of the present embodiment, these elastic members 131 and 132 are, for example, as shown in FIG.
7 and 8 are provided on the side
As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, it is attached to the peripheral portion of the image carrier holding member 41. Particularly, in order to avoid contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12 on the transfer member holding member 44 side, the transfer member holding member 44 is arranged in a substantially U-shape without a right side portion. These elastic members 131, 132 are pressed and deformed when the holding members 43, 44 are brought close to or pressed against the image carrier holding member 41, and these holding members 41, 43, 44 cause the photoconductor 3 to move. Image forming module 13 that forms a substantially closed space around
3 is included.

【０１０２】このような作像モジュール１３３により形
成される感光体３周りの略密閉空間は完全な密閉空間で
はなく外気に連通するが、本実施の形態では、図２１に
略図的に示すように、例えば装置本体２内で露光装置８
よりも奥部に配設された空調手段１３４が分岐された排
気管１３５を通じて各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ
単位で連結されている。１３６は空調手段１３４におけ
る外気取り込み用の吸気管である。これにより、空調手
段１３４は例えば温度３０℃、湿度９０％の大気を吸気
管１３６より取り込み、温度３０℃、湿度５０％の除湿
された空気として排気管１３５を通じて略密閉空間内の
各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ周りに向けて排出す
る。なお、空調手段１３４は必要に応じて冷却用の熱交
換器であるペルチェ素子等を内蔵したものであってもよ
い。The substantially closed space around the photoconductor 3 formed by the image forming module 133 is not a completely closed space but communicates with the outside air. However, in this embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. , For example, the exposure device 8 in the device body 2
Air-conditioning means 134 disposed deeper than the inner side of each photoconductor 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk through a branched exhaust pipe 135.
It is connected in units. Reference numeral 136 is an intake pipe for taking in outside air in the air conditioning means 134. As a result, the air-conditioning unit 134 takes in, for example, the atmosphere having a temperature of 30 ° C. and a humidity of 90% from the intake pipe 136, and dehumidifies the air having a temperature of 30 ° C. and a humidity of 50% through the exhaust pipe 135 to each photoconductor 3Y in the substantially closed space. , 3M, 3C, 3Bk are discharged toward the periphery. The air-conditioning unit 134 may have a built-in Peltier element or the like, which is a heat exchanger for cooling, if necessary.

【０１０３】この種の電子写真方式の画像形成装置で
は、トナー、キャリアなどの帯電微粒子及び帯電してい
る感光体を用いて作像するので、装置内部の空気の組
成、特に湿度、アンモニアガスなどのイオン性物質の影
響によって帯電状態の変化による画像品質が不安定とな
ってしまう。In this type of electrophotographic image forming apparatus, since image formation is performed using charged fine particles such as toner and carrier and a charged photoconductor, the composition of air inside the apparatus, particularly humidity, ammonia gas, etc. Due to the influence of the ionic substance, the image quality becomes unstable due to the change of the charging state.

【０１０４】より詳細に説明すると、例えば、湿度の高
い気候の地域では装置内部が高湿となり、画像品質が不
安定になったり、感光体の異常磨耗が発生し作像部の耐
久性が著しく低下したり、「画像流れ」と呼ばれるぼや
けた異常画像が発生したりすることが知られている。こ
れらの原因については様々な研究が行われ、おおよそ次
のようなメカニズムで問題が発生することが分かってい
る。電子写真装置に使用するトナー及びキャリアなどの
帯電微粒子は高分子樹脂に帯電制御剤を添加することで
静電的な帯電状態を安定化するように設計されている。
しかし、高分子樹脂の電気的な特性は疎水化処理などを
尽くしても気中の水分を取り込み電気抵抗、粉体同士の
摩擦係数或いは流動性変化などを引き起こし、現像工程
におけるトナー帯電量を低下させてしまい濃度上昇など
の画質変動を招いてしまう場合がある。また、放電現象
を利用している帯電手段では、放電に伴って硝酸化合物
が生成され、これが気中の水分と結合することにより硝
酸及び硝酸塩などのイオン化物質が感光体表面に付着
し、感光体表面の劣化が加速され感光体の異常磨耗を招
いたり、イオン化物質によって表面が導電化することに
よる静電潜像のぼやけ、いわゆる画像流れが発生してし
まう。何れも高絶対湿度環境で大きな問題となり、除湿
する装置を備えることで改善が可能な課題である。更に
イオン性物質の付着はトナー、キャリア、感光体の劣化
を招き寿命を縮めてしまうという問題がある。More specifically, for example, in an area with a high humidity climate, the humidity inside the apparatus becomes high, the image quality becomes unstable, and abnormal wear of the photoconductor occurs, resulting in remarkable durability of the image forming section. It is known that the image quality deteriorates or a blurry abnormal image called "image deletion" occurs. Various studies have been conducted on these causes, and it has been known that the following mechanisms cause problems. Charged fine particles such as toner and carrier used in an electrophotographic apparatus are designed to stabilize an electrostatic charge state by adding a charge control agent to a polymer resin.
However, the electrical characteristics of polymer resins reduce the toner charge amount in the development process by taking in water in the air and causing electrical resistance, friction coefficient between powders or change in fluidity even if the hydrophobic treatment is exhausted. This may cause a change in image quality such as an increase in density. Further, in the charging means utilizing the discharge phenomenon, a nitric acid compound is generated along with the discharge, and the nitric acid compound is combined with the moisture in the air to attach ionized substances such as nitric acid and nitrates to the surface of the photoconductor, Deterioration of the surface is accelerated and abnormal wear of the photoconductor is caused, or electrostatic latent image is blurred due to the surface being electrically conductive by an ionized substance, so-called image deletion occurs. Both of them are serious problems in a high absolute humidity environment, and can be improved by providing a dehumidifying device. Further, the adhesion of the ionic substance causes the deterioration of the toner, the carrier, and the photosensitive member, which shortens the life.

【０１０５】このような問題を考慮した場合、基本的に
は空調手段を設ければよいが、装置全体を空調しようと
すると制御対象となる容量が大きくなり、制御能力に見
合ったコスト、大きさ、騒音、電力消費増大を招いてし
まう。In consideration of such a problem, it is basically necessary to provide an air-conditioning means, but when attempting to air-condition the entire apparatus, the capacity to be controlled becomes large, and the cost and size commensurate with the control capacity are increased. , Noise, and increase in power consumption.

【０１０６】特に、本実施の形態のような電子写真方式
のフルカラープリンタでは、単色では問題にならない湿
度などの影響による画像濃度の変化が色味の変化として
現れてしまうので、極めて高い水準の画像安定性を求め
られ、装置全体を空調設備のある安定環境で使用した
り、装置内部に装置全体を空調する空調手段を設けるな
どの対応が取られることとなるが、タンデム方式のフル
カラープリンタでは４色分の作像部を備えているので装
置全体を空調しようとすると制御対象となる容量が単色
に比べ極めて大きくなり、制御能力に見合った大幅なコ
スト、大きさ、騒音、電力消費増大を招いてしまう。In particular, in the electrophotographic full-color printer as in the present embodiment, a change in image density due to the influence of humidity or the like, which is not a problem for a single color, appears as a change in tint, so an image of an extremely high level is obtained. Stability is required, and measures such as using the entire device in a stable environment with air conditioning equipment and providing air conditioning means to air-condition the entire device inside the device will be taken. However, in the tandem full color printer, 4 Since it has an image forming part for each color, the capacity to be controlled becomes extremely large when trying to air-condition the entire device compared to a single color, resulting in a significant cost, size, noise, and power consumption increase commensurate with the control capability. I will leave.

【０１０７】この点、本実施の形態によれば、上述のよ
うに、感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋを保持した像担
持体保持部材４１に対して保持部材４３，４４を弾性部
材１３１，１３２によりシールさせて略密閉空間を形成
する作像モジュール１３３を構成し、この作像モジュー
ル１３３に対して空調手段１３４を連結し感光体３Ｙ，
３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ周りに除湿された空気を排出させて
いるので、空調領域の容量が必要最小限に減少し空調手
段１３４による制御能力を低く抑え、或いは、その能力
を無駄なく最大限有効に活用することができる。In this respect, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the holding members 43 and 44 are connected to the elastic members 131 and 44 with respect to the image carrier holding member 41 holding the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3Bk. An image forming module 133 that is sealed by 132 to form a substantially closed space is configured, and an air conditioning unit 134 is connected to the image forming module 133 to connect the photoconductors 3Y,
Since the dehumidified air is discharged around 3M, 3C and 3Bk, the capacity of the air conditioning area is reduced to the necessary minimum and the control ability by the air conditioning means 134 is kept low, or the ability is maximized without waste. Can be utilized.

【０１０８】また、本実施の形態のようないわゆるタン
デム型のフルカラープリンタにおいて、感光体周りの構
成に関して上述したように感光体３と作像ユニット４２
とを分解・交換可能な構造とした場合、駆動時の振動が
各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋへ伝播し、いわゆる
バンディングなどの画像を起こしてしまう懸念がある
が、画像形成時には少なくとも弾性部材１３１，１３２
を利用して作像モジュール１３３を構成しているので、
この弾性部材１３１，１３２による振動伝播防止効果に
よりバンディングの少ない高画質の画像を形成すること
が可能となる。Further, in the so-called tandem type full color printer as in the present embodiment, the photoconductor 3 and the image forming unit 42 are arranged as described above regarding the structure around the photoconductor.
If the and are constructed so that they can be disassembled and exchanged, vibrations during driving may propagate to the respective photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk and cause images such as so-called banding. Members 131, 132
Since the image forming module 133 is configured using
Due to the vibration propagation preventing effect of the elastic members 131 and 132, it is possible to form a high-quality image with little banding.

【０１０９】なお、本実施の形態では、保持部材４１，
４４間も弾性部材１３２によりシールして作像モジュー
ル１３３を構成するようにしたが、転写部材保持部材４
４に保持されている中間転写ベルト１２が全面ベルトで
あり、かつ、保護カバー５６により覆われており、感光
体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋ周り（上部）に略密閉空間
を形成するのに役立つので、弾性部材１３２を省略し、
保持部材４１，４３及び弾性部材１３１を主体に略密閉
空間を形成する作像モジュールとして構成してもよい。In this embodiment, the holding members 41,
The image forming module 133 is configured by sealing the gap between the portions 44 with the elastic member 132.
The intermediate transfer belt 12 held by 4 is a full-face belt and is covered with a protective cover 56, which helps to form a substantially closed space around the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk (upper part). Therefore, the elastic member 132 is omitted,
The holding members 41 and 43 and the elastic member 131 may be configured as an image forming module that forms a substantially closed space.

【０１１０】本発明の第二の実施の形態を図２２ないし
図３３に基づいて説明する。第一の実施の形態で示した
部分と同一又は相当する部分は同一符号を用いて示し、
説明も省略する。A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 33. Parts that are the same as or correspond to the parts shown in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description is also omitted.

【０１１１】本実施の形態は、図１５ないし図１６等に
示した接離機構７０に代えて接離機構２００を用いた適
用例に関する。特に、収納位置から引出し位置に移動す
る過程において、感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３Ｃ，３Ｂｋをま
とめて保持した像担持体保持部材４１なるユニットが移
動する方向を基準として、中間転写ベルト１２を保持し
た転写部材保持部材４４なるユニット及び作像ユニット
４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｂｋをまとめて保持した
作像ユニット保持部材４３なるユニットが上下方向に離
間するように構成されている（各感光体３Ｙ，３Ｍ，３
Ｃ自体は、個別でも感光体ユニット４７とされていても
よい。作像ユニット４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ側も同様
に、個別でもカラー用作像ユニット５１とされていても
よい。）。This embodiment relates to an application example in which the contacting / separating mechanism 200 is used instead of the contacting / separating mechanism 70 shown in FIGS. In particular, in the process of moving from the storage position to the pull-out position, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is held with reference to the moving direction of the unit that is the image carrier holding member 41 that holds the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk together. The unit which is the transfer member holding member 44 and the unit which is the image forming unit holding member 43 which holds the image forming units 42Y, 42M, 42C and 42Bk together are configured to be vertically separated (each photoconductor 3Y, 3M). , 3
C itself may be the individual or the photoconductor unit 47. Similarly, the image forming units 42Y, 42M, and 42C may be formed individually or as the color image forming unit 51. ).

【０１１２】以下、この接離機構２００の構成について
説明する。The structure of the contact / separation mechanism 200 will be described below.

【０１１３】図２２は、ユニット化された各保持部材４
１，４３，４４の支持装置の要部を示す斜視図であり、
同図において、支持装置は、各保持部材４１，４３，４
４の側面に取り付けられる支持部材であるスライドレー
ル２０１，２０２，２０３とスライドレール２０１，２
０２，２０３を各保持部材４１，４３，４４の収納位置
と引出し位置とに移動させる摺動部材２０４とこの摺動
部材２０４を摺動可能に支持するために不動状態で設置
されている支持基台２０５と摺動部材２０４を上述した
方向に駆動するための摺動駆動部材２１０とを備えてい
る。FIG. 22 shows the holding members 4 which are unitized.
It is a perspective view showing the important section of the support device of 1,43,44,
In the figure, the supporting device is shown as the holding members 41, 43, 4
Slide rails 201, 202, 203 and slide rails 201, 201, which are support members attached to the side surfaces of
A sliding member 204 for moving the holding members 41, 43, and 44 to the storage position and the pulling position of the holding members 41, 43, and 44, and a supporting base installed immovably for slidably supporting the sliding member 204. The table 205 and the sliding driving member 210 for driving the sliding member 204 in the above-described directions are provided.

【０１１４】スライドレール２０１，２０２，２０３は
垂直方向に並べられ、その方向で中央に位置するものが
像担持体保持部材４１の側面に取り付けられるレール２
０２である。各スライドレール２０１，２０２，２０３
及び摺動部材２０４、支持基台２０５は各保持部材４
１，４３，４４の両側面に対峙するように一対で設けら
れている（図２２では、片側のみ図示する）。The slide rails 201, 202, 203 are arranged in the vertical direction, and the one located at the center in that direction is attached to the side surface of the image carrier holding member 41.
02. Each slide rail 201, 202, 203
The sliding member 204 and the support base 205 are the holding members 4
A pair is provided so as to face both side surfaces of 1, 43, 44 (in FIG. 22, only one side is shown).

【０１１５】スライドレール２０１，２０２，２０３
は、何れも同じ構成を備えており、図２３に示すよう
に、アウタレール２０１Ａ，２０２Ａ，２０３Ａ及びア
ウタレール２０１Ａ，２０２Ａ，２０３Ａ内に挿嵌さ
れ、内部に配置されている球体などの転動体により摺動
可能なインナーレール２０１Ｂ，２０２Ｂ，２０３Ｂと
を備えている。Slide rails 201, 202, 203
23 have the same configuration, and as shown in FIG. 23, the outer rails 201A, 202A, 203A and the outer rails 201A, 202A, 203A are inserted into the outer rails 201A, 202A, 203A and slid by rolling elements such as spheres arranged inside. It is provided with movable inner rails 201B, 202B, 203B.

【０１１６】アウタレール２０１Ａ，２０２Ａ，２０３
Ａには、図２３に示すように、その長手方向、つまり、
各保持部材４１，４３，４４を収納位置と引出し位置と
に移動させる方向の前後に摺動部材２０４に連動させる
ための連動部材としての連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，
２０３Ｃが固定されている。Outer rails 201A, 202A, 203
In A, as shown in FIG. 23, its longitudinal direction, that is,
Connection pins 201C, 202C as interlocking members for interlocking with the sliding member 204 before and after the direction in which the holding members 41, 43, 44 are moved to the storage position and the withdrawal position, respectively.
203C is fixed.

【０１１７】連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃ
は、図２４に示すように、摺動部材２０４に形成されて
いる挿通孔２０４Ａ，２０４Ｂ，２０４Ｃを貫通して、
図２３及び図２４に示すように、支持基台２０５に長孔
として形成された案内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｂ，２０５Ｃ
に挿通されている。Connecting pins 201C, 202C, 203C
24, as shown in FIG. 24, penetrates through the insertion holes 204A, 204B, 204C formed in the sliding member 204,
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, guide portions 205A, 205B, 205C formed as long holes in the support base 205.
Has been inserted into.

【０１１８】図２３において、摺動部材２０４において
連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃが貫通する挿通
孔２０４Ａ，２０４Ｂ，２０４Ｃは、像担持体保持部材
４１のスライドレール２０２に設けられている連結ピン
２０２Ｃを対象とする挿通孔２０４Ｂが丸穴で構成さ
れ、これ以外の挿通孔２０４Ａ，２０４Ｃは、上下方向
に長手方向を設定された長孔で構成されている。In FIG. 23, the insertion holes 204A, 204B and 204C through which the connecting pins 201C, 202C and 203C of the sliding member 204 penetrate are the connecting pins 202C provided on the slide rail 202 of the image carrier holding member 41. The target insertion hole 204B is a round hole, and the other insertion holes 204A and 204C are long holes whose longitudinal direction is set in the vertical direction.

【０１１９】各保持部材４１，４３，４４に設けられて
いる連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃが貫通する
摺動部材２０４側の挿通孔２０４Ａ，２０４Ｂ，２０４
Ｃは、像担持体保持部材４１のスライドレール２０２に
設けられている連結ピン２０２Ｃが貫通している挿通孔
２０４Ｂの中心を基点として互いに離れる方向に長手方
向の長さが設定されている。また、挿通孔２０４Ａ，２
０４Ｂ，２０４Ｃは、移動方向と直交する方向での孔幅
方向の中心位置が水平方向で一致させてあり、これによ
り収納位置と引出し位置とに各保持部材４１，４３，４
４が移動する際には、各保持部材４１，４３，４４同士
の移動方向での相対位置が変化しないようにされてい
る。Insertion holes 204A, 204B, 204 on the sliding member 204 side through which the connecting pins 201C, 202C, 203C provided on the holding members 41, 43, 44 penetrate.
The lengths of Cs are set in the longitudinal direction in directions away from each other with the center of the insertion hole 204B through which the connecting pin 202C provided in the slide rail 202 of the image carrier holding member 41 penetrates as a base point. Also, the insertion holes 204A, 2
In 04B and 204C, the center positions in the hole width direction in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction are made to coincide in the horizontal direction, so that the holding members 41, 43, and 4 are placed at the storage position and the withdrawal position.
When 4 moves, the relative positions of the holding members 41, 43, 44 in the moving direction do not change.

【０１２０】図２３に示すように、連結ピン２０１Ｃ，
２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃが挿通される支持基台２０５側の案
内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｂ，２０５Ｃは、像担持体保持部
材４１を対象とする案内部２０２Ｂが像担持体保持部材
４１の収納位置と引出し位置とに移動する方向としての
水平方向に形成された長孔であり、転写部材保持部材４
４及び作像ユニット保持部材４３を対象とする案内部２
０５Ａ，２０５Ｃは、収納位置から引出し位置に向けて
転写部材保持部材４４及び作像ユニット保持部材４３が
収納位置から引出し位置に向けて移動するに従い互いに
離間することができる方向を有した長孔で構成されてい
る。As shown in FIG. 23, the connecting pins 201C,
In the guide portions 205A, 205B, 205C on the side of the support base 205 through which the 202C, 203C are inserted, the guide portions 202B for the image carrier holding member 41 are located at the storage position and the pull-out position of the image carrier holding member 41. The transfer member holding member 4 is an elongated hole formed in a horizontal direction as a moving direction.
4 and the guide unit 2 for the image forming unit holding member 43
Reference numerals 05A and 205C are long holes having a direction in which the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 can be separated from each other as the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 move from the stored position toward the drawn position. It is configured.

【０１２１】案内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｃは、転写部材保
持部材４４及び作像ユニット保持部材４３が収納位置か
ら引出し位置に向けて移動する際に、転写部材保持部材
４４及び作像ユニット保持部材４３を一旦所定距離（図
２３中、符号Ｓで示す距離）だけ水平方向に移動させ、
次いで互いに離間する方向に移動させて引出し位置に到
達することができる形状、図では傾斜部を備えた形状と
されている。The guide portions 205A and 205C temporarily move the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 when the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 move from the storage position toward the pull-out position. A predetermined distance (distance indicated by symbol S in FIG. 23) is moved in the horizontal direction,
Next, the shape is such that they can be moved in the direction in which they are separated from each other to reach the drawn-out position, and in the figure, the shape is provided with an inclined portion.

【０１２２】案内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｃにおいて、一
旦、水平方向に移動させる所定距離（図２３中、符号Ｓ
で示す距離）は、収納位置にある保持部材４１，４３，
４４に装備されている駆動部材に対してプリンタ本体内
に設けられている駆動部材の駆動経路を断つために設定
されており、保持部材４１，４３，４４が収納位置から
引出し位置に向け移動し始めた時点から駆動部材同士の
係合が解除できる距離とされている。In the guide portions 205A and 205C, a predetermined distance (indicated by symbol S in FIG. 23) to be temporarily moved in the horizontal direction.
Is the holding member 41, 43,
It is set to cut off the drive path of the drive member provided in the printer main body with respect to the drive member provided in the 44, and the holding members 41, 43, and 44 move from the storage position toward the withdrawal position. The distance is set such that the engagement between the drive members can be released from the time when the drive members are started.

【０１２３】さらに、案内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｂ，２０
５Ｃにおける各保持部材４１，４３，４４の収納位置か
ら引出し位置までの移動ストローク、換言すれば、長孔
の長手方向の長さは各保持部材４１，４３，４４同士で
同じとされ、移動方向に沿った各保持部材４１，４３，
４４の相対位置関係を変化させないようにしてある。Further, the guide portions 205A, 205B, 20
In 5C, the movement stroke of each holding member 41, 43, 44 from the stored position to the drawn-out position, in other words, the length of the long hole in the longitudinal direction is the same for each holding member 41, 43, 44, and the moving direction. Holding members 41, 43, along
The relative positional relationship of 44 is not changed.

【０１２４】図２４において摺動部材２０４に形成され
ている挿通孔２０４Ａ，２０４Ｂ，２０４Ｃを貫通する
連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃにはブラケット
２０６が取り付けられており、ブラケット２０６には、
摺動部材２０４に形成された孔２０７の一部を切り起こ
した係止片２０７Ａとの間にバネ２０８が掛け止められ
ている。バネ２０８は、ブラケット２０６を牽引するこ
とにより常時、連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃ
が支持基台２０５側の案内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｂ，２０
５Ｃにおける各保持部材４１，４３，４４の移動開始位
置に向け戻るように付勢している。In FIG. 24, brackets 206 are attached to the connecting pins 201C, 202C and 203C penetrating the insertion holes 204A, 204B and 204C formed in the sliding member 204, and the bracket 206 includes
A spring 208 is hooked between a locking piece 207A formed by cutting and raising a part of a hole 207 formed in the sliding member 204. The spring 208 pulls the bracket 206 to constantly connect the connecting pins 201C, 202C, 203C.
Is a guide portion 205A, 205B, 20 on the side of the support base 205.
5C, the holding members 41, 43, and 44 are urged so as to return toward the movement start position.

【０１２５】一方、摺動部材２０４における移動方向一
端、つまり、引出し位置に向けた各保持部材４１，４
３，４４の移動方向下流側に相当する端部には摺動駆動
部材２１０が設けられている。図２５は摺動駆動部材２
１０と摺動部材２０４との連結構造を示す図であり、同
図において、摺動部材２０４における上述した移動方向
一端には連結部材２１１が各保持部材４１，４３，４４
の移動方向に平行して摺動できるように設けられてい
る。On the other hand, one end of the sliding member 204 in the moving direction, that is, the holding members 41, 4 directed to the pulling-out position.
A sliding drive member 210 is provided at an end portion corresponding to the downstream side of the moving direction of 3, 44. FIG. 25 shows the sliding drive member 2
10 is a view showing a connection structure between the sliding member 204 and the sliding member 204, in which the holding member 41, 43, 44 is provided with a connecting member 211 at one end of the sliding member 204 in the moving direction described above.
It is provided so that it can slide in parallel with the moving direction of.

【０１２６】連結部材２１１には、摺動部材２０４側に
固定されている連結ピン２０４Ｄが挿通される長孔２１
１Ａ及び下面にカム部２１１Ｂが各々設けられている。
長孔２１１Ａは各保持部材４１，４３，４４の移動方向
と平行する長手方向を有し、連結ピン２０４Ｄをガイド
ピンとして各保持部材４１，４３，４４の移動方向に平
行して連結部材２１１を摺動させるようになっている。The connecting member 211 has a long hole 21 into which the connecting pin 204D fixed to the sliding member 204 is inserted.
A cam portion 211B is provided on each of 1A and the lower surface.
The long hole 211A has a longitudinal direction parallel to the moving direction of each holding member 41, 43, 44, and the connecting member 211 is parallel to the moving direction of each holding member 41, 43, 44 using the connecting pin 204D as a guide pin. It is designed to slide.

【０１２７】カム部２１１Ｂは連結部材２１１の下面に
形成された凸面を有しており、当該フルカラープリンタ
１の筐体内の不動部において揺動可能に設けられている
摺動係止部材２１２が当接している。The cam portion 211B has a convex surface formed on the lower surface of the connecting member 211, and the sliding engagement member 212 provided swingably at the immovable portion in the housing of the full-color printer 1 is in contact with it. Touching.

【０１２８】カム部２１１Ｂにおける凸面は、摺動係止
部材２１２による摺動部材２０４の係止状態を解除でき
る高さを有しており、長孔２１１Ａは摺動係止部材２１
２に対するカム部２１１Ｂの対向面の切換（凸面及び凹
面）が行える長さを有している。つまり、図２５に示す
状態は各保持部材４１，４３，４４が収納位置にある状
態を示しており、この時には長孔２１１Ａ内に挿通され
ている連結ピン２０４Ｄが引出し方向（図示矢印方向）
の下流側に相当する長手方向端部の内縁に当接し、摺動
係止部材２１２がカム部２１１Ｂの凹面に当接してい
る。The convex surface of the cam portion 211B has such a height that the sliding member 204 can release the locked state of the sliding member 204, and the long hole 211A has the sliding locking member 21.
The length is such that the facing surface of the cam portion 211B with respect to 2 can be switched (convex surface and concave surface). That is, the state shown in FIG. 25 shows the state in which the holding members 41, 43, 44 are in the storage position, and at this time, the connecting pin 204D inserted into the long hole 211A is in the pull-out direction (the arrow direction in the drawing).
The sliding engagement member 212 abuts on the concave surface of the cam portion 211B.

【０１２９】この状態から連結部材２１１が引出し方向
（図示矢印方向）に動かされると長孔２１１Ａ内の連結
ピン２０４Ｄは長孔２１１Ａにおける今までとは反対側
の内縁に向けて移動し、これに連動してカム部２１１Ｂ
が摺動係止部材２１２を凸面に乗り上げさせる状態とな
る。When the connecting member 211 is moved in this state in the pull-out direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure), the connecting pin 204D in the long hole 211A moves toward the inner edge of the long hole 211A on the opposite side to the previous one, and Interlocking cam part 211B
Is in a state in which the sliding engagement member 212 rides on the convex surface.

【０１３０】連結部材２１１の移動はこの連結部材２１
１に固定されている駆動ピン２１１Ｃが挿通されている
摺動駆動部材２１０側の揺動ブラケット２１３を介して
行われる。摺動駆動部材２１０は、当該フルカラープリ
ンタ１の筐体における不動部に支持されている支軸２１
４によって揺動可能な揺動ブラケット２１３及び同軸上
に支持されている操作ブラケット２１５とを備え、操作
ブラケット２１５には操作ハンドル２１６が取り付けら
れている。The movement of the connecting member 211 depends on the movement of the connecting member 21.
The driving pin 211C fixed to No. 1 is inserted through the swing bracket 213 on the sliding drive member 210 side. The sliding drive member 210 is a support shaft 21 supported by an immovable portion of the casing of the full-color printer 1.
4 includes a swinging bracket 213 that can swing by 4 and an operation bracket 215 supported coaxially, and an operation handle 216 is attached to the operation bracket 215.

【０１３１】図２５において揺動ブラケット２１３は、
支軸２１４を基準として連結部材２１１を覆うことがで
きる揺動半径を有した部材であり、揺動端側には連結部
材２１１側に設けられている駆動ピン２１１Ｃが挿通さ
れる連結駆動孔２１３Ａが形成されている。連結駆動孔
２１３Ａは、支軸２１４を中心とする揺動軌跡ではなく
その揺動半径にほぼ沿った長手方向を有する長孔であ
り、揺動ブラケット２１３の揺動に応じて駆動ピン２１
１Ｃを介して連結部材２１１を各保持部材４１，４３，
４４の移動方向に摺動させるようになっている。In FIG. 25, the swing bracket 213 is
It is a member having a swing radius capable of covering the connecting member 211 with the support shaft 214 as a reference, and a connecting drive hole 213A through which a drive pin 211C provided on the connecting member 211 side is inserted at the swing end side. Are formed. The coupling drive hole 213A is a long hole having a longitudinal direction substantially along the swing radius of the swing pin 213 instead of the swing locus about the support shaft 214, and the drive pin 21 is moved in accordance with the swing of the swing bracket 213.
1C to connect the connecting member 211 to each holding member 41, 43,
It is adapted to slide in the moving direction of 44.

【０１３２】揺動ブラケット２１３には、連結駆動孔２
１３Ａとは別に支軸２１４を中心とした揺動軌跡を有す
る長孔で構成されている操作駆動孔２１３Ｂが設けられ
ている。操作駆動孔２１３Ｂには操作ブラケット２１５
に固定されている操作ピン２１７が挿通されると共に、
操作ピン２１７を操作駆動孔２１３Ｂ内で揺動軌跡半周
末端部に各々位置決めするクリック部材２１８が支持さ
れている。The swinging bracket 213 has a connecting drive hole 2
Separately from 13A, an operation drive hole 213B formed of an elongated hole having a swing locus around the support shaft 214 is provided. The operation bracket 215 is provided in the operation drive hole 213B.
The operation pin 217 fixed to the
A click member 218 for positioning the operation pin 217 in the operation drive hole 213B at the half end of the swing locus is supported.

【０１３３】クリック部材２１８は、揺動ブラケット２
１３に揺動支軸２１８Ａを有し、揺動端側が操作駆動孔
２１３Ｂ内に対して進退する方向に揺動できるようにな
っている。操作駆動孔２１３Ｂ内に進入するための駆動
力は、揺動ブラケット２１３とクリック部材２１８の揺
動端との間に掛け止められたバネ２１９によって付与さ
れている。The click member 218 is the swing bracket 2
A swing support shaft 218A is provided at 13 so that the swing end side can swing in the direction in which it moves forward and backward with respect to the inside of the operation drive hole 213B. The driving force for entering the operation drive hole 213B is applied by the spring 219 that is hooked between the swing bracket 213 and the swing end of the click member 218.

【０１３４】クリック部材２１８における操作駆動孔２
１３Ｂ側の面には凸面からなる係止面２１８Ｂが形成さ
れており、係止面２１８Ｂを境にした凹面の何れかに操
作ピン２１７を位置決めして操作ピン２１７を操作駆動
孔２１３Ｂの揺動軌跡半周末端部の何れかの位置で係止
できるようになっている。Operation drive hole 2 in click member 218
A locking surface 218B formed of a convex surface is formed on the surface on the 13B side, and the operation pin 217 is positioned on any of the concave surfaces with the locking surface 218B as a boundary to swing the operation pin 217 into the operation drive hole 213B. It can be locked at any position on the trailing edge of the semicircle.

【０１３５】クリック部材２１８に掛け止められている
バネ２１９は、クリック部材２１８の凸面により操作ブ
ラケット２１５側に位置する操作ハンドル２１６が不用
意に倒れるのを阻止できる弾性力が設定されており、操
作ハンドル２１６を起立位置から倒伏させる場合に限っ
て作用する倒伏力によって操作ブラケット２１５側の操
作ピン２１７が凸面を乗り越えられるようになってい
る。The spring 219 hooked on the click member 218 is set with an elastic force capable of preventing the operation handle 216 located on the operation bracket 215 side from accidentally falling due to the convex surface of the click member 218. The operation pin 217 on the operation bracket 215 side can ride over the convex surface by the falling force that acts only when the handle 216 is tilted from the upright position.

【０１３６】連結部材２１１のカム部２１１Ｂに対向し
ている摺動係止部材２１２は、その構成が図２６に示さ
れている。FIG. 26 shows the structure of the slide locking member 212 facing the cam portion 211B of the connecting member 211. As shown in FIG.

【０１３７】図２６において、フルカラープリンタ１の
筐体における不動部には摺動係止部材２１２を支持する
ための支持ブラケット２２０が設けられており、支持ブ
ラケット２２０には摺動係止部材２１２が揺動可能に支
持されている。In FIG. 26, a support bracket 220 for supporting the slide locking member 212 is provided on the stationary portion of the housing of the full-color printer 1, and the support bracket 220 has the slide locking member 212. It is swingably supported.

【０１３８】摺動係止部材２１２は、支持ブラケット２
２０に設けられている支軸２１２Ａを支点としてシーソ
ー運動可能な揺動部材であり、揺動端の一方には、支持
ブラケット２２０との間でバネ２２１が掛け渡されてい
る。The sliding locking member 212 is the support bracket 2
It is a swinging member capable of seesaw movement about a support shaft 212A provided on 20 as a fulcrum, and a spring 221 is stretched between one of the swing ends and a support bracket 220.

【０１３９】摺動係止部材２１２の揺動端の他方はバネ
２２１の付勢により連結部材２１１のカム部２１１Ｂに
対向するようになっており、その端部には、軸方向で径
が異なる係止ローラ２２２とガイドローラ２２３とが同
軸上に並置されている。The other of the swinging ends of the sliding engagement member 212 is adapted to face the cam portion 211B of the connecting member 211 by the bias of the spring 221, and the end portion has a different diameter in the axial direction. The locking roller 222 and the guide roller 223 are coaxially arranged side by side.

【０１４０】係止ローラ２２２は、摺動部材２０４の下
面に形成されている係止用スリット（図２５において符
号２０４Ｆ，２０４Ｆ’で示す）に係脱可能なローラで
あり、ガイドローラ２２３は、連結部材２１１のカム部
２１１Ｂに当接しながら転動可能なローラである。The engaging roller 222 is a roller which can be engaged with and disengaged from the engaging slits (shown by reference numerals 204F and 204F 'in FIG. 25) formed on the lower surface of the sliding member 204, and the guide roller 223 is It is a roller that can roll while contacting the cam portion 211B of the connecting member 211.

【０１４１】摺動係止部材２１２は、ガイドローラ２２
３が連結部材２１１のカム部２１１Ｂと向している状態
に応じて揺動することができ、カム部２１１Ｂにおける
凸面に対向した場合には係止ローラ２２２を摺動部材２
０４の係止用スリットから離脱させる方向に揺動する。The sliding engagement member 212 is the guide roller 22.
3 can be swung in accordance with the state of facing the cam portion 211B of the connecting member 211, and when the convex portion 3 of the cam portion 211B faces the locking roller 222, the locking roller 222 is moved.
It is rocked in the direction to separate from the locking slit 04.

【０１４２】係止用スリット２０４Ｆ，２０４Ｆ’は、
各保持部材４１，４３，４４を収納位置及び引出し位置
に保持するために摺動部材２０４の移動を阻止する部分
であり、符号２０４Ｆで示す係止用スリットが収納位置
保持用であり、符号２０４Ｆ’で示す係止用スリットが
引出し位置保持用とされている。The locking slits 204F and 204F 'are
The holding member 41, 43, 44 is a portion that blocks the movement of the sliding member 204 in order to hold the holding member 41, 43, 44 at the storage position and the withdrawal position. The locking slit indicated by 'is for holding the drawn position.

【０１４３】一方、上記各保持部材４１，４３，４４に
おいて像担持体保持部材４１の上下に位置する転写部材
保持部材４４及び作像ユニット保持部材４３は像担持体
保持部材４１の移動方向を基準として上下に離間するこ
とができ、いわゆる、昇降可能に支持されている。今、
各各保持部材４１，４３，４４の並置方向である上下方
向の最下位に位置する作像ユニット保持部材４３を対象
として、その昇降支持構造について図２７及び図２８に
おいて説明すると次の通りである。On the other hand, in each of the holding members 41, 43 and 44, the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 located above and below the image bearing member holding member 41 are based on the moving direction of the image bearing member holding member 41. Can be vertically separated from each other, and is so-called vertically supported. now,
With respect to the image forming unit holding member 43 located at the lowermost position in the vertical direction, which is the juxtaposing direction of the respective holding members 41, 43, 44, the elevating and supporting structure thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. .

【０１４４】図２７は、作像ユニット保持部材４３の底
部を下方から見た斜視図であり、同図において作像ユニ
ット保持部材４３の底板ＤＳは、底板受け部材２３０に
載置固定され、底板受け部材２３０は、スライドレール
２０３のインナーレール２０３Ｂに対して図示しないネ
ジ等を用いて取り付けられている。FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the bottom of the image forming unit holding member 43 as seen from below. In FIG. 27, the bottom plate DS of the image forming unit holding member 43 is placed and fixed on the bottom plate receiving member 230, and the bottom plate is fixed. The receiving member 230 is attached to the inner rail 203B of the slide rail 203 by using a screw or the like (not shown).

【０１４５】底板受け部材２３０には、垂下片で構成さ
れた摺動部２３０Ａが設けられており、摺動部２３０Ａ
には、作像ユニット保持部材４３の移動方向に平行する
長手方向を有した摺動ガイド孔２３０Ｂが形成されてい
る。The bottom plate receiving member 230 is provided with a sliding portion 230A composed of a hanging piece.
A sliding guide hole 230B having a longitudinal direction that is parallel to the moving direction of the image forming unit holding member 43 is formed therein.

【０１４６】摺動ガイド孔２３０Ｂの近傍には、摺動ガ
イド孔２３０Ｂに挿通される摺動ピン２３１Ａを有した
昇降部材２３１と減衰部材２３２とで構成された減衰装
置２３３が配置されている。In the vicinity of the sliding guide hole 230B, a damping device 233 composed of an elevating member 231 having a sliding pin 231A inserted into the sliding guide hole 230B and a damping member 232 is arranged.

【０１４７】減衰装置２３３は、作像ユニット保持部材
４３の昇降時での速度を変化させるための装置であり、
特に、下降時での速度を減衰するための装置である。The attenuator 233 is a device for changing the speed of the image forming unit holding member 43 when it is moved up and down.
In particular, it is a device for attenuating the velocity when descending.

【０１４８】減衰装置２３３に備えられている昇降部材
２３１は、上述した摺動ピン２３１Ａを昇降方向一端に
有して昇降方向を長手方向とする支持部材２３１Ｂと支
持部材２３１Ｂに設けられている係合部材としてのラッ
ク２３１Ｃを備えている。The elevating member 231 provided in the damping device 233 is provided on the supporting member 231B and the supporting member 231B having the sliding pin 231A at one end in the elevating direction and having the elevating direction as the longitudinal direction. The rack 231C as a joining member is provided.

【０１４９】減衰部材２３２は、ラック２３１Ｃに噛み
合うピニオンを備え、作像ユニット保持部材４３の下降
時のみ、換言すれば、一方向で速度の減衰を行える構成
を備えており、ピニオンの回転が伝達される本体内部に
は、オイルやエアなどの流体を用いた場合の粘弾性を変
化させて速度を減衰させるようになっている。The damping member 232 is provided with a pinion that meshes with the rack 231C, and has a structure capable of damping the speed only in the downward direction of the image forming unit holding member 43. In other words, the rotation of the pinion is transmitted. Inside the main body, the velocity is attenuated by changing the viscoelasticity when a fluid such as oil or air is used.

【０１５０】流体を用いた場合における減衰特性は、減
衰部材２３２内に設けられている固定オリフィス或いは
開口面積を変えられる可変オリフィスを通過しようとす
る流量により生起される反力（弾力）変化により設定す
ることができる。つまり、移動速度が高い場合にはオリ
フィス内を通過しようとする流量が多くなることで反力
が大きくなり、移動速度が低い場合には流量が少なくな
ることで反力が小さくなるのを利用する。従って、減衰
部材２３２では、作像ユニット保持部材４３の移動速度
に応じて減衰力を変化させることができる。作像ユニッ
ト保持部材４３の移動速度が高い場合は、位置エネルギ
ーの関係から作像ユニット保持部材４３が下降を開始す
る位置にあるときであり、下降が継続されるに連れて移
動速度が小さくなり、ここに、減衰部材２３２は、下降
開始時よりの下降終了時の方が速度の減衰、つまり移動
速度が小さくなる特性を有していることになる。The damping characteristic when a fluid is used is set by the change in the reaction force (elasticity) caused by the flow rate of passing through the fixed orifice provided in the damping member 232 or the variable orifice whose opening area can be changed. can do. That is, when the moving speed is high, the reaction force becomes large by increasing the flow rate that tries to pass through the orifice, and when the moving speed is low, the reaction force becomes small by decreasing the flow rate. . Therefore, the damping member 232 can change the damping force according to the moving speed of the image forming unit holding member 43. When the moving speed of the image forming unit holding member 43 is high, it means that the image forming unit holding member 43 is in the position where the lowering of the image forming unit holding member 43 starts to descend due to the potential energy, and the moving speed decreases as the lowering continues. Here, the damping member 232 has a characteristic that the speed is attenuated, that is, the moving speed is smaller at the end of the descent than at the start of the descent.

【０１５１】減衰装置２３３では、昇降方向の長手方向
を有する昇降部材２３１と減衰部材２３２との組み合わ
せでユニットの移動速度を減衰するので、ユニットの下
降時には、いわゆる直線運動だけですみ、モーメントな
どを発生させることがないので、減衰部材２３２の減衰
出力を大きなものとしないで済むことになり、小型なも
のを準備することができる。なお、図２７において符号
２３４は減衰装置２３３の支持台を示している。In the damping device 233, the moving speed of the unit is attenuated by the combination of the elevating member 231 having the longitudinal direction of the ascending / descending direction and the attenuating member 232. Therefore, when the unit descends, only so-called linear movement is required, and moments, etc. Since it is not generated, the damping output of the damping member 232 does not need to be large, and a small size can be prepared. In addition, in FIG. 27, reference numeral 234 indicates a support base of the damping device 233.

【０１５２】減衰装置の変形例としては、粘弾性に代え
て、摩擦係数の変化を利用することもできる。図２８
は、この場合を示す模式図であり、同図において、作像
ユニット保持部材４３が下降する方向に沿って作像ユニ
ット保持部材４３の幅方向寸法が狭くなる摩擦部材２３
５を設け、作像ユニット保持部材４３の下降時に摩擦部
材２３５の表面を滑落する際の摩擦抵抗の変化（増加傾
向とする）により下降終了時での速度を下降開始時より
も小さくするようにしても良い。As a modification of the damping device, instead of viscoelasticity, a change in friction coefficient can be used. FIG. 28
Is a schematic diagram showing this case, in which the friction member 23 in which the widthwise dimension of the image forming unit holding member 43 becomes narrower along the direction in which the image forming unit holding member 43 descends.
5 is provided so that the speed at the end of the descent is made smaller than that at the start of the descent due to the change (which tends to increase) in the frictional resistance when the surface of the friction member 235 slides down when the image forming unit holding member 43 descends. May be.

【０１５３】本実施の形態によれば、各保持部材４１，
４３，４４は摺動駆動部材２１０に装備されている操作
ハンドル２１６を起立状態から倒伏状態に揺動させるこ
とで収納位置から引出し位置に向け移動させることがで
き、引出し位置に到達した時点では像担持体保持部材４
１を基準として転写部材保持部材４４及び作像ユニット
保持部材４３を、図４（ｂ）に示したように、互いに上
下方向で離間させた状態とすることができる。以下その
作用について説明する。According to this embodiment, each holding member 41,
43 and 44 can be moved from the storage position toward the pull-out position by swinging the operation handle 216 mounted on the sliding drive member 210 from the upright state to the fallen state. Carrier holding member 4
As shown in FIG. 4B, the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 can be vertically separated from each other with reference to 1. The operation will be described below.

【０１５４】図２３は、各保持部材４１，４３，４４が
フルカラープリンタ１の筐体内で収納位置にある時を示
しており、この状態では、摺動駆動部材２１０に装備さ
れている操作ハンドル２１６が起立状態とされている。
操作ハンドル２１６の起立状態は、図２４に示した操作
ブラケット２１５側の操作ピン２１７がクリック部材２
１８の係止面２１８Ｂにより係止されることにより維持
される。FIG. 23 shows the holding members 41, 43, 44 in the storage position in the housing of the full-color printer 1, and in this state, the operation handle 216 mounted on the sliding drive member 210. Is standing up.
In the upright state of the operation handle 216, the operation pin 217 on the operation bracket 215 side shown in FIG.
It is maintained by being locked by the locking surface 218B of 18.

【０１５５】筐体の側面カバー（図示せず）が開放され
て操作ハンドル２１６を操作することにより、操作ハン
ドル２１６を起立状態から倒伏状態に移行し始めると、
各保持部材４１，４３，４４の支持装置では、図２９に
示すように、操作ハンドル２１６においてクリック部材
２１８側のバネ２１９の弾性力以上の作用力が付与され
ると、操作ブラケット２１５側の操作ピン２１７がクリ
ック部材２１８の係止面２１８Ｂを乗り越える。When the side cover (not shown) of the housing is opened and the operation handle 216 is operated, the operation handle 216 starts to shift from the upright state to the collapsed state.
In the support device of the holding members 41, 43, and 44, as shown in FIG. 29, when an operating force greater than the elastic force of the spring 219 on the click member 218 side is applied to the operation handle 216, the operation on the operation bracket 215 side is performed. The pin 217 rides over the locking surface 218B of the click member 218.

【０１５６】操作ピン２１７がクリック部材２１８の係
止面２１８Ｂを乗り越えて操作駆動孔２１３Ｂの長手方
向における引出し方向下流側の内縁に当接すると、図３
０に示すように、この状態で操作ハンドル２１６がさら
に倒伏位置に向けて揺動されることにより連結部材２１
１側の駆動ピン２１１Ｃが揺動ブラケット２１３の揺動
に連動して長孔２１１Ａの長手方向の長さに相当する量
だけ摺動する。When the operation pin 217 goes over the locking surface 218B of the click member 218 and comes into contact with the inner edge of the operation drive hole 213B on the downstream side in the drawing direction in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, the operating handle 216 is further swung toward the lying position in this state, so that the connecting member 21
The drive pin 211C on the first side slides by an amount corresponding to the length of the long hole 211A in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the swing of the swing bracket 213.

【０１５７】図３０に示されているように、連結部材２
１１側の長孔２１１Ａにおける各保持部材４１，４３，
４４の引出し方向下流側の内縁に連結ピン２０４Ｄが当
接した状態ではカム部２１１Ｂの凸面が摺動係止部材２
１２におけるガイドローラ２２３と対向することにより
摺動係止部材２１２が係止ローラ２２２を摺動部材２０
４の係止用スリット２０４Ｆから離脱させる方向に揺動
し、ここに摺動部材２０４が収納位置で拘束されている
状態を解除されて引出し位置に向け摺動させることが可
能となる。As shown in FIG. 30, the connecting member 2
Each of the holding members 41, 43 in the elongated hole 211A on the 11 side,
When the connecting pin 204D is in contact with the inner edge on the downstream side of the pulling-out direction of 44, the convex surface of the cam portion 211B is slidable locking member 2
12, the sliding locking member 212 causes the locking roller 222 to slide on the sliding member 20 by facing the guide roller 223.
4, the sliding member 204 swings in a direction to be released from the locking slit 204F, the state in which the sliding member 204 is restrained at the storage position is released, and the sliding member 204 can be slid toward the pull-out position.

【０１５８】図３１は、図３０に示した状態から操作ハ
ンドル２１６をさらに倒伏位置に向けて揺動させた状態
を示しており、この状態では、操作ハンドル２１６の揺
動に連動して揺動ブラケット２１３が揺動することによ
り連結駆動孔２１３Ａの内縁に駆動ピン２１１Ｃが突き
当たると共に長孔２１１Ａの引出し方向下流側内縁に連
結ピン２０４Ｄが突き当たっている。これにより、揺動
ブラケット２１３の揺動に連動して摺動部材２０４が引
出し方向に向け移動を開始する。FIG. 31 shows a state in which the operating handle 216 is further swung toward the lying position from the state shown in FIG. 30, and in this state, the operating handle 216 is swung in conjunction with the swing of the operating handle 216. As the bracket 213 swings, the drive pin 211C abuts on the inner edge of the connecting drive hole 213A and the connecting pin 204D abuts on the inner edge of the elongated hole 211A on the downstream side in the drawing direction. As a result, the sliding member 204 starts moving in the pull-out direction in conjunction with the swing of the swing bracket 213.

【０１５９】摺動部材２０４が引出し方向に向けて移動
を開始すると、摺動部材２０４を貫通している連結ピン
２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃが連動して支持基台２０
５の案内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｂ，２０５Ｃに沿って摺動
するが、摺動部材２０４の移動開始直後で所定距離移動
する間で水平方向への移動が行われることで各保持部材
４１，４３，４４に装備されている駆動部材と筐体側の
駆動部材との駆動経路が断たれる。このときの移動方向
が水平方向であるので、例えば、駆動部材同士が水平方
向で嵌合する構造であれば移動時にその方向以外の外力
を受けることなく簡単に駆動経路を断つことができ、し
かも嵌合方向に移動することで余計な負荷を作用させる
ことがない。When the sliding member 204 starts to move in the pulling-out direction, the connecting pins 201C, 202C, 203C penetrating the sliding member 204 are interlocked with each other to support the base 20.
5 slides along the guide portions 205A, 205B, 205C, but the holding members 41, 43, 44 are moved in the horizontal direction while the sliding member 204 is moving a predetermined distance immediately after the start of movement. The drive path between the drive member mounted on the housing and the drive member on the housing side is cut off. Since the moving direction at this time is the horizontal direction, for example, if the driving members are structured to be fitted in the horizontal direction, the driving path can be easily cut off without receiving an external force other than that direction when moving, and No extra load is applied by moving in the fitting direction.

【０１６０】図３１において、支持基台２０５に有する
案内部２０５Ａ，２０５Ｂ，２０５Ｃの各々の形状設定
により連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃは、像担
持体保持部材４１側のスライドレール２０２に設けられ
ている連結ピン２０２Ｃの移動方向を基準として転写部
材保持部材４４側及び作像ユニット保持部材４３側のス
ライドレール２０１，２０３に設けられている連結ピン
２０１Ｃ，２０３Ｃが上下方向で互いに離間する方向に
移動する。転写部材保持部材４４側及び作像ユニット保
持部材４３側の上下方向での離間は、摺動部材２０４に
設けられている挿通孔２０４Ａ，２０４Ｂの形成位置及
び長手方向の向きにより保持部材４１，４３，４４同士
の移動方向に沿った相対位置関係を変化させない状態で
像担持体保持部材４１を挟んで転写部材保持部材４４と
作像ユニット保持部材４３とが互いに上下方向に離間す
る。In FIG. 31, the connecting pins 201C, 202C and 203C are provided on the slide rail 202 on the side of the image carrier holding member 41 by setting the shape of each of the guide portions 205A, 205B and 205C of the support base 205. Based on the moving direction of the connecting pin 202C, the connecting pins 201C and 203C provided on the slide rails 201 and 203 on the transfer member holding member 44 side and the image forming unit holding member 43 side move in the vertical direction so as to be separated from each other. To do. The separation between the transfer member holding member 44 side and the image forming unit holding member 43 side in the up-down direction depends on the formation positions of the insertion holes 204A and 204B provided in the sliding member 204 and the longitudinal direction. , 44, the transfer member holding member 44 and the image forming unit holding member 43 are vertically separated from each other with the image carrier holding member 41 interposed therebetween without changing the relative positional relationship along the moving direction.

【０１６１】一方、摺動部材２０４の移動に連動して連
結部材２１１も引出し位置に向けて移動することにな
り、このとき、カム部２１１Ｂの凹面が摺動係止部材２
１２のガイドローラ２２３に対面する。これにより、摺
動係止部材２１２は、係止ローラ２２２が摺動部材２０
４に有する係止用スリットの他方２０４Ｆ’に係合する
向きに揺動する。この結果、摺動部材２０４は保持部材
４１，４３，４４の引出し位置に保持される。On the other hand, the connecting member 211 also moves toward the pulled-out position in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204, and at this time, the concave surface of the cam portion 211B causes the sliding locking member 2 to move.
Face the 12 guide rollers 223. As a result, in the sliding locking member 212, the locking roller 222 causes the sliding member 20 to move.
It swings in a direction in which it engages with the other 204F ′ of the locking slits provided in FIG. As a result, the sliding member 204 is held at the pulled-out position of the holding members 41, 43, 44.

【０１６２】図３１に示す状態では、摺動部材２０４の
移動に連動して連結ピン２０１Ｃ，２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃ
が各々摺動部材２０４の移動ストロークに対応する量だ
け移動することになり、これにより連結ピン２０１Ｃ，
２０２Ｃ，２０３Ｃが固定されているスライドレール２
０１，２０２，２０３のアウタレール２０１Ａ，２０２
Ａ，２０３Ａが収納位置から引出し位置に向けて移動す
ることとなる。この結果、通常はアウタレールを固定し
てインナーレールのみを移動させる場合と比べてスライ
ドレール全体での移動ストロークを大きくすることがで
きる。この状態は、図３１において符号Ｌで示す量だけ
支持基台２０５の端縁からアウタレール２０１Ａ，２０
２Ａ，２０３Ａがはみ出している状態に相当している。In the state shown in FIG. 31, the connecting pins 201C, 202C, 203C are interlocked with the movement of the sliding member 204.
Respectively move by an amount corresponding to the moving stroke of the sliding member 204, whereby the connecting pin 201C,
Slide rail 2 to which 202C and 203C are fixed
Outer rails 201A, 202 of 01, 202, 203
A and 203A will move from the storage position toward the withdrawal position. As a result, the movement stroke of the entire slide rail can be increased as compared with the case where the outer rail is normally fixed and only the inner rail is moved. In this state, the outer rails 201A, 20A are moved from the edge of the support base 205 by the amount indicated by the symbol L in FIG.
2A and 203A correspond to the protruding state.

【０１６３】図３２及び図３３は、図２７に示した作像
ユニット保持部材４３が摺動部材２０４の移動に連動し
て水平方向に移動する状態と像担持体保持部材４１の移
動方向を基準として下降する状態とを各々示す図であ
る。32 and 33, the state in which the image forming unit holding member 43 shown in FIG. 27 moves in the horizontal direction in association with the movement of the sliding member 204 and the moving direction of the image carrier holding member 41 are used as references. It is a figure which respectively shows the state which descends as.

【０１６４】図３２において、摺動部材２０４の移動に
連動して作像ユニット保持部材４３が水平方向に移動す
る場合には、底板受け部材ＤＳも同じ方向（図中、矢印
Ｆで示す方向）に移動し、これに伴い減衰装置２３３側
では昇降部材２３１の摺動ピン２３１Ａが摺動ガイド孔
２１０Ｂ内を摺動する。In FIG. 32, when the image forming unit holding member 43 moves in the horizontal direction in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204, the bottom plate receiving member DS also moves in the same direction (the direction indicated by arrow F in the drawing). The slide pin 231A of the elevating member 231 slides in the slide guide hole 210B on the damping device 233 side.

【０１６５】図３３において、摺動部材２０４の移動に
連動して作像ユニット保持部材４３が下降すると、底板
受け部材ＤＳが下降するのに連動して摺動部２１０Ａも
下降するので（図中、矢印Ｄで示す方向）、摺動ガイド
孔２１０Ｂに摺動ピン２３１Ａを挿通させている昇降部
材２３１が下降する（図中、矢印Ｄ’で示す方向）。こ
のとき、昇降部材２３１に有するラック２３１Ｃの移動
速度が減衰装置２３３の減衰部材２３２によって減衰さ
れることになる。In FIG. 33, when the image forming unit holding member 43 descends in conjunction with the movement of the sliding member 204, the sliding portion 210A also descends in conjunction with the bottom plate receiving member DS descending (in the figure). , The direction indicated by arrow D), the elevating member 231 in which the slide pin 231A is inserted into the slide guide hole 210B is lowered (the direction indicated by arrow D ′ in the figure). At this time, the moving speed of the rack 231C included in the elevating member 231 is damped by the damping member 232 of the damping device 233.

【０１６６】本実施の形態では、作像ユニット保持部材
４３が下降速度が減衰されて下降終了位置にスライドレ
ール２０３を介して達し、作像ユニット保持部材４３が
引出し位置に引き出されると、スライドレール２０１〜
２０３に収容されている各保持部材４１，４３，４４の
うちで交換或いは保守点検の対象となる保持部材がスラ
イドレール２０１〜２０３のインナーレールがアウタレ
ールから引き出されることにより機器を取り出せる位置
に持ち来される。In the present embodiment, the descending speed of the image forming unit holding member 43 is attenuated to reach the lower end position through the slide rail 203, and when the image forming unit holding member 43 is pulled out to the pull-out position, the slide rail is moved. 201-
Of the holding members 41, 43, 44 housed in 203, the holding member to be replaced or to be inspected is brought to a position where the device can be taken out by pulling out the inner rails of the slide rails 201 to 203 from the outer rail. To be done.

【０１６７】各保持部材４１，４３，４４を引出し位置
から収納位置に向けて移動させる場合には上述した場合
と逆の手順により各保持部材４１，４３，４４を収納位
置に位置決めして保持することができる。When the holding members 41, 43, 44 are moved from the pulled-out position toward the storage position, the holding members 41, 43, 44 are positioned and held at the storage position by the procedure reverse to the above. be able to.

【０１６８】[0168]

【発明の効果】請求項１記載の発明によれば、複数の像
担持体と複数の作像ユニットとを各々像担持体保持部
材、作像ユニット保持部材にまとめて保持させ、これら
の像担持体保持部材と作像ユニット保持部材とを装置本
体内において接離機構により離間可能とすることで、個
々の像担持体・作像ユニットに対して接離機構等を設け
ることなく保持部材間についての一つの接離機構で済ま
せることが可能となり、接離機構を大幅に簡略化するこ
とができ、簡易・安価な構成にて、像担持体・作像ユニ
ット間が常に接触していることによる当接跡の残存等の
悪影響を簡単に回避することができる。According to the first aspect of the invention, a plurality of image carriers and a plurality of image forming units are collectively held by the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member, respectively, and these image carriers are held. By allowing the body holding member and the image forming unit holding member to be separated from each other in the apparatus main body by the contacting / separating mechanism, the holding members can be separated from each other without providing a contacting / separating mechanism for each image carrier / image forming unit. It is possible to do with only one contacting / separating mechanism, and the contacting / separating mechanism can be greatly simplified. Due to the simple and inexpensive structure, the image carrier and the image forming unit are always in contact with each other. It is possible to easily avoid an adverse effect such as a contact mark remaining.

【０１６９】請求項２記載の発明によれば、請求項１記
載の画像形成装置において、いわゆるタンデム方式の画
像形成装置の場合に好適に適用でき、また、同じ機能を
有して寿命がほぼ同一であると見倣せる像担持体が像担
持体保持部材に着脱自在に保持されているので、長寿命
分解型の構成を採りつつ、そのメンテナンス・交換作業
等を像担持体保持部材単位で一つにまとめて行うことが
可能となり、メンテナンス・交換作業等の作業性を大幅
に向上させることもできる。According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect can be suitably applied to the case of a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus, and it has the same function and has substantially the same life. Since the image bearing member that can be regarded as the image holding member is detachably held by the image bearing member holding member, the maintenance / replacement work and the like can be performed for each image bearing member holding member while adopting the long-life disassembly type configuration. It is possible to carry out the operations collectively, and it is possible to greatly improve the workability such as maintenance and replacement work.

【０１７０】請求項３記載の発明によれば、請求項１又
は２記載の画像形成装置において、像担持体同士、作像
ユニット同士の如く、同じ機能を有して寿命がほぼ同一
であると見倣せる像担持体がまとめて像担持体保持部材
に保持され、作像ユニットがまとめて作像ユニット保持
部材に保持されて、各々保持部材単位で装置本体に対し
て単独で引出し自在であるので、そのメンテナンス・交
換作業等を像担持体保持部材単位或いは作像ユニット保
持部材単位で各々一つにまとめて行うことが可能とな
り、メンテナンス・交換作業等の作業性を大幅に向上さ
せることもできる。According to the third aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the image carriers have the same function and have substantially the same life as the image carriers. The image carriers that can be imitated are collectively held by the image carrier holding member, the image forming units are collectively held by the image forming unit holding member, and each holding member unit can be independently pulled out from the apparatus main body. Therefore, the maintenance / replacement work and the like can be collectively performed for each of the image carrier holding member unit or the image forming unit holding member unit, and the workability of the maintenance / replacement work can be significantly improved. it can.

【０１７１】請求項４記載の発明によれば、請求項１，
２又は３記載の画像形成装置において、位置決めに関し
ても像担持体保持部材及び作像ユニット保持部材単位で
各々位置決め部を備え、相互の係合により位置決めさせ
るので、個々の像担持体、作像ユニットに関しては各々
の対応する保持部材に対する位置決めを行えばよく、個
々に複雑な位置決め機構を不要にすることができる。According to the invention of claim 4, claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in 2 or 3, also regarding positioning, each of the image bearing member holding member and the image forming unit holding member is provided with a positioning portion, and positioning is performed by mutual engagement, so that the individual image bearing member and the image forming unit are positioned. With respect to the above, it is sufficient to perform positioning with respect to each corresponding holding member, and it is possible to eliminate the need for a complicated positioning mechanism individually.

【０１７２】請求項５記載の発明によれば、請求項１な
いし４の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、像担持
体保持部材と作像ユニット保持部材とを離間させるには
両者を変位させてもよいが、作像処理の中心となる像担
持体を保持した像担持体保持部材側は位置固定的とし作
像ユニット保持部材側を変位させることで、像担持体側
を基準とした位置関係の維持等を容易にすることができ
る。According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in order to separate the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member, both are displaced. However, the position of the image carrier holding member that holds the image carrier, which is the center of the image forming process, is fixed, and the image forming unit holding member side is displaced so that the positional relationship with the image carrier side as a reference. Can be easily maintained.

【０１７３】請求項６記載の発明によれば、請求項５記
載の画像形成装置において、作像ユニット保持部材が離
間する変位方向を像担持体保持部材に対して上下方向と
することにより、像担持体側を基準とした位置関係の維
持等をより一層容易にすることができる。According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member is separated is the vertical direction with respect to the image carrier holding member. It is possible to more easily maintain the positional relationship with the side of the carrier as a reference.

【０１７４】請求項７記載の発明によれば、請求項１又
は２記載の画像形成装置において、複数の像担持体と複
数の作像ユニットと第２像担持体とを各々像担持体保持
部材、作像ユニット保持部材、第２像担持体保持部材に
保持させ、これらの像担持体保持部材と作像ユニット保
持部材、像担持体保持部材と第２像担持体保持部材とを
各々装置本体内において接離機構により離間可能とした
ので、個々の像担持体・作像ユニット、像担持体・第２
像担持体に対して接離機構等を設けることなくこれらの
保持部材間についての接離機構だけで済ませることが可
能となり、接離機構を大幅に簡略化することができ、簡
易・安価な構成にて、像担持体・作像ユニット間、像担
持体・第２像担持体間が常に接触していることによる当
接跡の残存等の悪影響を簡単に回避することができる。According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the plurality of image carriers, the plurality of image forming units, and the second image carrier are respectively provided as image carrier holding members. An image forming unit holding member and a second image bearing member holding member, and these image bearing member holding member and the image forming unit holding member, and the image bearing member holding member and the second image bearing member holding member, respectively. Since it can be separated by the contacting / separating mechanism inside, the individual image carrier / image forming unit, the image carrier / second
A contact / separation mechanism between the holding members can be used without providing a contact / separation mechanism or the like on the image carrier, and the contact / separation mechanism can be greatly simplified, and a simple and inexpensive structure Thus, it is possible to easily avoid the adverse effects such as remaining contact marks due to the constant contact between the image carrier and the image forming unit and between the image carrier and the second image carrier.

【０１７５】請求項８記載の発明によれば、請求項７記
載の画像形成装置において、像担持体保持部材に対する
作像ユニット保持部材の離間動作と、像担持体保持部材
に対する第２像担持体保持部材の離間動作とを連動機構
により同時に行わせることにより、その駆動源等を共通
化させ得る等、接離機構をより簡略化させることがで
き、かつ、その制御系も別個に設ける必要がなく、簡略
化させることができる。According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the separation operation of the image forming unit holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member and the second image carrier with respect to the image carrier holding member. By performing the separation operation of the holding member at the same time by the interlocking mechanism, the drive source and the like can be made common, and the contact / separation mechanism can be further simplified, and it is necessary to separately provide its control system. No, it can be simplified.

【０１７６】請求項９記載の発明によれば、請求項７又
は８記載の画像形成装置において、像担持体同士、作像
ユニット同士、第２像担持体の如く、同じ機能を有して
寿命がほぼ同一であると見倣せる像担持体がまとめて像
担持体保持部材に保持され、作像ユニットがまとめて作
像ユニット保持部材に保持され、第２像担持体が第２像
担持体保持部材に保持されて、各々保持部材単位で装置
本体に対して単独で引出し自在であるので、そのメンテ
ナンス・交換作業等を像担持体保持部材単位或いは作像
ユニット保持部材単位或いは第２像担持体保持部材単位
で各々一つにまとめて行うことが可能となり、メンテナ
ンス・交換作業等の作業性を大幅に向上させることもで
きる。According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the image bearing members have the same function as the image bearing members, the image forming units, and the second image bearing member, and have the same life. The image carriers that can be regarded as substantially the same are collectively held by the image carrier holding member, the image forming units are collectively held by the image forming unit holding member, and the second image carrier is the second image carrier. It is held by a holding member and can be independently pulled out from the apparatus main body in units of holding members, so that maintenance and replacement work can be performed in units of image carrier holding members, image forming unit holding members, or second image carriers. It becomes possible to collectively carry out one body holding member each, and it is possible to greatly improve workability such as maintenance and replacement work.

【０１７７】請求項１０記載の発明によれば、請求項
７，８又は９記載の画像形成装置において、位置決めに
関しても像担持体保持部材、作像ユニット保持部材及び
第２像担持体保持部材単位で各々位置決め部を備え、相
互の係合により位置決めさせるので、個々の像担持体、
作像ユニット、第２像担持体に関しては各々の対応する
保持部材に対する位置決めを行えばよく、個々に複雑な
位置決め機構を不要にすることができる。According to the tenth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh, eighth or ninth aspect, the image carrier holding member, the image forming unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member unit are also used for positioning. Since each of the image bearing members has a positioning portion and is positioned by mutual engagement,
With respect to the image forming unit and the second image carrier, it suffices to perform positioning with respect to each corresponding holding member, and it is possible to eliminate a complicated positioning mechanism individually.

【０１７８】請求項１１記載の発明によれば、請求項７
ないし１０の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、像
担持体保持部材と作像ユニット保持部材と第２像担持体
保持部材とを離間させるにはこれら全てを変位させても
よいが、作像処理の中心となる像担持体を保持した像担
持体保持部材側は位置固定的とし作像ユニット保持部材
及び第２像担持体保持部材側を変位させることで、像担
持体側を基準とした位置関係の維持等を容易にすること
ができる。According to the invention of claim 11, claim 7 is provided.
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10, all of the image carrier holding member, the image forming unit holding member, and the second image carrier holding member may be displaced in order to separate them from each other. The image carrier holding member side that holds the image carrier, which is the center of the process, is positionally fixed, and the image forming unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member side are displaced to position the image carrier side as a reference. It is easy to maintain relationships.

【０１７９】請求項１２記載の発明によれば、請求項１
１記載の画像形成装置において、作像ユニット保持部材
及び第２像担持体保持部材が離間する変位方向を像担持
体保持部材に対して上下方向とすることにより、像担持
体側を基準とした位置関係の維持等をより一層容易にす
ることができる。According to the invention of claim 12, claim 1
In the image forming apparatus described in item 1, the displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member and the second image bearing member holding member are separated from each other is the vertical direction with respect to the image bearing member holding member, so that the position with respect to the image bearing member side is used as a reference. It is possible to maintain relationships even more easily.

【０１８０】請求項１３記載の発明によれば、請求項７
ないし１２の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、例
えば１回の通紙で両面カラー印刷を可能にするために第
３像担持体を備えるような構成の場合においても、第２
像担持体保持部材及び第３像担持体保持部材単位で各々
位置決め部を備え、相互の係合により位置決めさせるこ
とにより、個々の像担持体、作像ユニット、第２像担持
体に関しては各々の対応する保持部材に対する位置決め
を行えばよく、個々に複雑な位置決め機構を不要にする
ことができる。According to the invention of claim 13, claim 7
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 12, even when the third image carrier is provided to enable double-sided color printing with one sheet of paper, the second
The image bearing member holding member and the third image bearing member holding member are provided with positioning portions respectively, and by positioning them by mutual engagement, the individual image bearing members, the image forming units, and the second image bearing members are respectively positioned. It suffices to perform positioning with respect to the corresponding holding member, and it is possible to eliminate the need for a complicated positioning mechanism individually.

【０１８１】請求項１４記載の発明によれば、請求項１
ないし１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、保
持部材間の離間動作として、非画像形成時において例え
ば画像形成動作終了後直ちに自動的に行わせる態様を含
ませるようにしたので、極力離間させておくことがで
き、像担持体・作像ユニット間、或いは、像担持体・第
２像担持体間が常に接触していることによる当接跡の残
存等の悪影響の回避を最大限発揮させることができる。According to the invention of claim 14, claim 1
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 13, since the separation operation between the holding members includes a mode in which the separation operation is automatically performed immediately after the image forming operation is completed during non-image formation, the separation operation is performed as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to maximize the avoidance of adverse effects such as a contact mark remaining due to the constant contact between the image carrier and the image forming unit or between the image carrier and the second image carrier. be able to.

【０１８２】請求項１５記載の発明によれば、請求項１
ないし１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、保
持部材間の離間動作として、非画像形成時において例え
ば画像形成動作終了後、一定時間経過したタイミングで
自動的に行わせる態様を含ませるようにしたので、非画
像形成時において支障ない範囲で極力離間させておくこ
とができ、像担持体・作像ユニット間、或いは、像担持
体・第２像担持体間が常に接触していることによる当接
跡の残存等の悪影響の回避を極力発揮させることができ
る。According to the invention of claim 15, claim 1
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 13, the separation operation between the holding members may include a mode in which when the image formation operation is not performed, for example, the separation operation is automatically performed at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed after the image formation operation is completed. Therefore, it is possible to keep them as far as possible from each other within a range where there is no hindrance during non-image formation, and the image carrier and the image forming unit or the image carrier and the second image carrier are always in contact with each other. It is possible to maximize the avoidance of adverse effects such as remaining contact marks.

【０１８３】請求項１６記載の発明によれば、請求項１
５記載の画像形成装置において、画像形成動作終了後、
一定時間経過したタイミングとして、画像形成動作の連
続性が途切れるのが明らかな省エネモード突入時点と設
定するようにしたので、保持部材間の離間動作により連
続的な画像形成動作を損なうことがない。According to the invention of claim 16, claim 1
In the image forming apparatus according to 5, after the image forming operation is completed,
Since the timing at which a certain time has elapsed is set to the time when the energy saving mode is clearly entered, where continuity of the image forming operation is clearly interrupted, the continuous image forming operation is not impaired by the separating operation between the holding members.

【０１８４】請求項１７記載の発明によれば、請求項１
ないし１６の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、保
持部材間の離間動作としては、非画像形成時において例
えば省エネモード突入時等のタイミングで自動的に行わ
せる態様を含ませることができるが、この他、メンテナ
ンスや像担持体等の部品交換等のために外装カバーを開
放させた場合には、少なくとも保持部材間の離間動作を
行わせることにより、そのまま保持部材の引出し操作等
に移行することができ、別途離間動作を行わせるための
操作等を要せず、ユーザ等にとって取り扱いやすく操作
性のよい画像形成装置を提供することができる。According to the invention of claim 17, claim 1
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 16, the separation operation between the holding members may include a mode in which the separation operation is automatically performed at the time of non-image formation, for example, when entering the energy saving mode. In addition, when the outer cover is opened for maintenance or replacement of parts such as the image bearing member, at least the holding members are separated so that the holding members can be withdrawn. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to handle and has good operability for a user or the like without requiring a separate operation or the like for performing a separate operation.

【０１８５】請求項１８記載の発明によれば、請求項１
ないし１７の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、保
持部材間の離間動作のタイミングとして、画像形成動作
を行わないのが明らかな電源スイッチをオフさせたタイ
ミングの態様を含ませるようにしたので、像担持体・作
像ユニット間、或いは、像担持体・第２像担持体間が常
に接触していることによる当接跡の残存等の悪影響の回
避を効果的に行わせることができる。According to the invention of claim 18, claim 1
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 17, since the timing of the separating operation between the holding members includes the mode of the timing of turning off the power switch, which is clearly not performing the image forming operation. It is possible to effectively avoid an adverse effect such as a contact mark remaining due to the constant contact between the image carrier and the image forming unit or between the image carrier and the second image carrier.

【０１８６】請求項１９記載の発明によれば、請求項１
ないし１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装置において、保
持部材間の離間動作を装置本体からの引出し操作に連動
して行わせるようにしたので、像担持体・作像ユニット
間、或いは、像担持体・第２像担持体間が常に接触して
いることによる当接跡の残存等の悪影響の回避を必要最
低限確保できるとともに、引出し操作時の操作性を向上
させることができる。According to the invention of claim 19, claim 1
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 13, since the separation operation between the holding members is performed in association with the pulling operation from the apparatus main body, the image forming apparatus and the image forming unit or the image carrying unit. It is possible to ensure the necessary minimum avoidance of adverse effects such as remaining contact marks due to the constant contact between the body and the second image carrier, and improve the operability during the drawing operation.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明の一実施の形態を示すフルカラープリン
タの外観斜視図である。FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a full-color printer showing an embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】その内部構成を示す概略正面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the internal configuration.

【図３】変形例の内部構成を示す概略正面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing an internal configuration of a modified example.

【図４】特徴部分を略図的に示すブロック構成図であ
る。FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic part.

【図５】外装カバー開放状態を示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an opened state of the exterior cover.

【図６】内部カバー開放状態を示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an open state of the inner cover.

【図７】像担持体保持部材の引出し状態を示す概略斜視
図である。FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a drawn-out state of an image carrier holding member.

【図８】感光体取り外し状態を示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the photoconductor is removed.

【図９】作像ユニット保持部材の引出し状態を示す概略
斜視図である。FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a drawn-out state of an image forming unit holding member.

【図１０】作像ユニット取り外し状態を示す概略斜視図
である。FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a detached state of the image forming unit.

【図１１】転写部材保持部材の引出し状態を示す概略斜
視図である。FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a drawn-out state of a transfer member holding member.

【図１２】中間転写ベルト取り外し状態を示す概略斜視
図である。FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the intermediate transfer belt is removed.

【図１３】ベルト保持部材開放状態を示す概略斜視図で
ある。FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an opened state of a belt holding member.

【図１４】転写ベルト取り外し状態を示す概略斜視図で
ある。FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a transfer belt detached state.

【図１５】接離機構の一例を示す縦断正面図である。FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional front view showing an example of a contacting / separating mechanism.

【図１６】その側面図である。FIG. 16 is a side view thereof.

【図１７】接離機構の変形例を示す側面図である。FIG. 17 is a side view showing a modified example of the contact / separation mechanism.

【図１８】像担持体保持部材の位置決め構造を示す分解
斜視図である。FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a positioning structure of an image carrier holding member.

【図１９】作像ユニットの位置決め構造の一例を示し、
（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は側面図である。FIG. 19 shows an example of a positioning structure of the image forming unit,
(A) is a front view and (b) is a side view.

【図２０】ベルト保持部材の位置決め構造を示す概略正
面図である。FIG. 20 is a schematic front view showing the positioning structure of the belt holding member.

【図２１】空調手段との連結関係を示す背面から見た分
解斜視図である。FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection relationship with an air conditioning unit as seen from the back side.

【図２２】本発明の第二の実施の形態の接離機構を示す
概略斜視図である。FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing a contacting / separating mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

【図２３】その一部を拡大して示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the device in an enlarged manner.

【図２４】その摺動部材と摺動駆動部材とを示す概略斜
視図である。FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view showing the sliding member and the sliding driving member.

【図２５】摺動部材と摺動駆動部材との連結構造を示す
部分的な側面図である。FIG. 25 is a partial side view showing a connecting structure of a sliding member and a sliding driving member.

【図２６】図２５の一部を斜め上方から見た構成の一部
を示す部分的な斜視図である。FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view showing a part of the configuration of FIG. 25 seen obliquely from above.

【図２７】減衰装置の構成例を示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a damping device.

【図２８】減衰装置の変形例を示す模式図である。FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the damping device.

【図２９】引出し操作の初期段階を示す部分的な側面図
である。FIG. 29 is a partial side view showing the initial stage of the drawing operation.

【図３０】操作ハンドルをさらに倒した引出し操作の中
期段階を示す部分的な側面図である。FIG. 30 is a partial side view showing the middle stage of the pull-out operation in which the operation handle is further tilted.

【図３１】操作ハンドルをさらに大きく倒した引出し操
作の終期段階を示す部分的な側面図である。FIG. 31 is a partial side view showing the final stage of the pull-out operation in which the operation handle is further tilted.

【図３２】減衰装置の初期段階を示す概略斜視図であ
る。FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view showing an initial stage of the damping device.

【図３３】減衰装置の終期段階を示す概略斜視図であ
る。FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view showing the final stage of the damping device.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

２ 装置本体 ３ 像担持体 １２ 第２像担持体 １７ 第３像担持体 ４１ 像担持体保持部材 ４２ 作像ユニット ４３ 作像ユニット保持部材 ４４ 第２像担持体保持部材 ４５ 外装カバー ７０ 接離機構 ７５ 連動機構 ９０ 接離機構 １０１ 位置決め部 １０２ 位置決め部 ２００ 接離機構 2 device body 3 Image carrier 12 Second image carrier 17 Third image carrier 41 Image carrier holding member 42 Imaging unit 43 Image forming unit holding member 44 Second image carrier holding member 45 Exterior cover 70 Contact / separation mechanism 75 interlocking mechanism 90 Contact / separation mechanism 101 Positioning unit 102 Positioning unit 200 Contact / separation mechanism

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (51)Int.Cl.7 識別記号 ＦＩ テーマコート゛(参考） Ｇ０３Ｇ 15/08 ５０３ Ｇ０３Ｇ 15/08 ５０６Ａ ５０６ 15/16 15/16 15/00 ５５４ Ｆターム(参考） 2H077 AD06 AD13 AD17 BA08 BA09 DB12 DB14 DB15 GA12 2H171 FA02 FA10 FA13 FA15 GA01 GA11 GA12 JA02 JA03 JA06 JA14 JA39 JA48 JA59 KA05 KA06 KA12 KA18 KA22 KA25 LA04 LA05 LA08 LA13 LA18 QA04 QA08 QA18 QA24 QA25 QA29 QB32 QB38 QC05 QC09 QC14 TB02 TB12 UA03 WA02 WA03 WA07 WA08 WA15 WA21 2H200 FA12 FA13 FA17 GA12 GA16 GA23 GA33 GA34 GA44 GA47 GB12 GB22 GB23 HA03 HA12 HA28 HB03 HB12 HB22 JA02 JB06 JB37 JB39 JB42 JB45 JB46 JB48 JC03 JC12 JC15 JC16 JC18 JC19 MA03 MA04 MB06 NA02 PA10 PA12 PA19 PA26 2H300 EA05 EA06 EA07 EA08 EA10 EA19 EB04 EB07 EB12 EB18 EB27 EC05 EC09 EC12 EC13 EC16 EF03 EF06 EF09 EF10 EF17 EG02 EG05 EH16 EH17 EJ09 EJ25 EK03 EL01 EL04 EL05 EL08 FF02 FF05 GG01 GG02 GG03 GG08 GG11 GG33 GG35 HH03 HH12 HH13 HH14 HH16 HH24 HH28 HH30 HH32 HH34 HH35 HH39 KK03 MM25 PP02 QQ10 QQ13 QQ25 QQ32─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. 7 Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 15/08 503 G03G 15/08 506A 506 15/16 15/16 15/00 554 F term (reference) 2H077 AD06 AD13 AD17 BA08 BA09 DB12 DB14 DB15 GA12 2H171 FA02 FA10 FA13 FA15 GA01 GA11 GA12 JA02 JA03 JA06 JA14 JA39 JA48 JA59 KA05 KA06 KA12 KA18 KA22 KA25 LA04 LA05 LA08 LA13 LA18 QA04 QA08 QA18 QA24 QA25 QA02 QB29 QA29 QA29 QB29 QA29 QA29 QA29 QB29 QA29 QA29 QB29 WA03 WA07 WA08 WA15 WA21 2H200 FA12 FA13 FA17 GA12 GA16 GA23 GA33 GA34 GA44 GA47 GB12 GB22 GB23 HA03 HA12 HA28 HB03 HB12 HB22 JA02 JB06 JB37 JB39 JB42 JB45 JB46 JB48 JC03 J02 EA07 EA08 EA10 EA19 EB04 EB07 EB12 EB18 EB27 EC05 EC09 EC12 EC13 EC16 EF03 EF06 EF09 EF10 EF17 EG02 EG05 EH16 EH1 7 EJ09 EJ25 EK03 EL01 EL04 EL05 EL08 FF02 FF05 GG01 GG02 GG03 GG08 GG11 GG33 GG35 HH03 HH12 HH13 HH14 HH16 HH24 HH28 HH30 HH32 HH34 HH35 HH39 KK03 MM25 PP02 Q25QQ13Q

Claims (19)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 複数の像担持体と、 これらの複数の像担持体をまとめて保持する像担持体保
持部材と、 前記像担持体の各々に対して少なくとも現像処理を含む
作像処理を施す複数の作像ユニットと、 これらの複数の作像ユニットをまとめて保持する作像ユ
ニット保持部材と、 装置本体内において前記作像ユニット保持部材と前記像
担持体保持部材とを離間させる接離機構と、を備える画
像形成装置。1. An image carrier, a plurality of image carriers, an image carrier holding member for collectively holding the plurality of image carriers, and an image forming process including at least a developing process for each of the image carriers. A plurality of image forming units, an image forming unit holding member that collectively holds the plurality of image forming units, and a contact / separation mechanism that separates the image forming unit holding member and the image carrier holding member in the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising: 【請求項２】 前記各像担持体は、前記像担持体保持部
材に対して並列に配置されて着脱自在に保持されている
請求項１記載の画像形成装置。2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the image carriers is arranged in parallel with the image carrier holding member and is detachably held. 【請求項３】 前記像担持体保持部材と前記作像ユニッ
ト保持部材との少なくとも一方が前記装置本体に対して
単独で引出し自在である請求項１又は２記載の画像形成
装置。3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member can be pulled out independently of the apparatus main body. 【請求項４】 前記像担持体保持部材及び前記作像ユニ
ット保持部材は各々位置決め部を有し、前記像担持体保
持部材の前記位置決め部に対して前記作像ユニット保持
部材の前記位置決め部を係合させることにより相互の位
置決めを行わせるようにした請求項１，２又は３記載の
画像形成装置。4. The image carrier holding member and the image forming unit holding member each have a positioning portion, and the positioning portion of the image forming unit holding member is positioned relative to the positioning portion of the image carrier holding member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mutual positioning is performed by engaging with each other. 【請求項５】 前記接離機構は、前記像担持体保持部材
に対して前記作像ニット保持部材を変位させることによ
り離間させる請求項１ないし４の何れか一記載の画像形
成装置。5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contacting / separating mechanism separates the image forming unit by displacing the image forming unit. 【請求項６】 前記作像ユニット保持部材が離間する変
位方向は前記像担持体保持部材に対して上下方向である
請求項５記載の画像形成装置。6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member is separated is a vertical direction with respect to the image carrier holding member. 【請求項７】 前記各像担持体に対して共通に設けられ
て前記各像担持体に担持された像が転写される第２像担
持体と、 この第２像担持体を保持する第２像担持体保持部材と、 前記装置本体内において前記第２像担持体保持部材と前
記像担持体保持部材とを離間させる接離機構と、を備え
る請求項１又は２記載の画像形成装置。7. A second image carrier, which is provided in common to each of the image carriers and onto which an image carried by each of the image carriers is transferred, and a second image carrier which holds the second image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image carrier holding member; and a contacting / separating mechanism that separates the second image carrier holding member and the image carrier holding member in the apparatus main body. 【請求項８】 前記像担持体保持部材に対する前記作像
ユニット保持部材の離間動作と、前記像担持体保持部材
に対する前記第２像担持体保持部材の離間動作とを同時
に行わせる連動機構を備える請求項７記載の画像形成装
置。8. An interlocking mechanism for simultaneously performing a separating operation of the image forming unit holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member and a separating operation of the second image carrier holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. 【請求項９】 前記像担持体保持部材と前記作像ユニッ
ト保持部材と前記第２像担持体保持部材とのうちの少な
くとも一つが前記装置本体に対して単独で引出し自在で
ある請求項７又は８記載の画像形成装置。9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the image bearing member holding member, the image forming unit holding member, and the second image bearing member holding member can be independently pulled out from the apparatus main body. 8. The image forming apparatus according to item 8. 【請求項１０】 前記像担持体保持部材、前記作像ユニ
ット保持部材及び前記第２像担持体保持部材は各々位置
決め部を有し、前記像担持体保持部材の前記位置決め部
に対して前記作像ユニット保持部材及び前記第２像担持
体保持部材の各々の前記位置決め部を係合させることに
より相互の位置決めを行わせるようにした請求項７，８
又は９記載の画像形成装置。10. The image bearing member holding member, the image forming unit holding member, and the second image bearing member holding member each have a positioning portion, and the image bearing member holding member is formed with respect to the positioning portion of the image bearing member holding member. The mutual positioning is performed by engaging the positioning portions of the image unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member with each other.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus according to item 9. 【請求項１１】 前記接離機構は、前記像担持体保持部
材に対して前記作像ニット保持部材及び前記第２像担持
体保持部材を変位させることにより離間させる請求項７
ないし１０の何れか一記載の画像形成装置。11. The contacting / separating mechanism displaces the image forming unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member with respect to the image carrier holding member so as to separate them.
11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10. 【請求項１２】 前記作像ユニット保持部材及び前記第
２像担持体保持部材が離間する変位方向は前記像担持体
保持部材に対して上下方向である請求項１１記載の画像
形成装置。12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a displacement direction in which the image forming unit holding member and the second image carrier holding member are separated is a vertical direction with respect to the image carrier holding member. 【請求項１３】 前記第２像担持体に担持された像が転
写される第３像担持体と、 この第３像担持体を保持する第３像担持体保持部材と、
を備え、 前記第２像担持体保持部材及び前記第３像担持体保持部
材は各々位置決め部を有し、前記第２像担持体保持部材
の前記位置決め部に対して前記第３像担持体保持部材の
前記位置決め部を係合させることにより相互の位置決め
を行わせるようにした請求項７ないし１２の何れか一記
載の画像形成装置。13. A third image carrier, to which the image carried by the second image carrier is transferred, and a third image carrier holding member which holds the third image carrier,
The second image carrier holding member and the third image carrier holding member each have a positioning portion, and the third image carrier holding member holds the positioning portion of the second image carrier holding member. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein mutual positioning is performed by engaging the positioning portions of the members. 【請求項１４】 前記保持部材の離間動作は、非画像形
成時において画像形成動作終了後直ちに行わせる態様を
含む請求項１ないし１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装
置。14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding member separating operation includes a mode in which the holding member separating operation is performed immediately after the image forming operation is completed during non-image formation. 【請求項１５】 前記保持部材の離間動作は、非画像形
成時において画像形成動作終了後、一定時間経過したタ
イミングで行わせる態様を含む請求項１ないし１３の何
れか一記載の画像形成装置。15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode in which the holding member separating operation is performed at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed after the image forming operation is completed during non-image formation. 【請求項１６】 一定時間経過したタイミングが、省エ
ネモード突入時点である請求項１５記載の画像形成装
置。16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the timing when a certain period of time has passed is the time when the energy saving mode is entered. 【請求項１７】 前記保持部材の離間動作は、前記装置
本体の外装カバーの開放に連動して行わせる態様を含む
請求項１ないし１６の何れか一記載の画像形成装置。17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation operation of the holding member includes a mode in which the separation operation of the holding member is performed in conjunction with the opening of the exterior cover of the apparatus main body. 【請求項１８】 前記保持部材の離間動作は、電源スイ
ッチをオフさせたタイミングで行わせる態様を含む請求
項１ないし１７の何れか一記載の画像形成装置。18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation operation of the holding member includes a mode in which the separation operation is performed at a timing when a power switch is turned off. 【請求項１９】 前記保持部材の離間動作は、前記装置
本体からの引出し操作に連動して行わせる請求項１ない
し１３の何れか一記載の画像形成装置。19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separating operation of the holding member is performed in conjunction with a drawing operation from the apparatus main body.
JP2002371550A 2002-01-25 2002-12-24 Image forming apparatus Expired - Fee Related JP3890294B2 (en)

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JP2002371550A JP3890294B2 (en) 2002-02-19 2002-12-24 Image forming apparatus
EP03001359A EP1331525A3 (en) 2002-01-25 2003-01-24 Image forming apparatus with improved image quality and maintenance workability
CN031105467A CN100407059C (en) 2002-01-25 2003-01-25 Imge formation equipment having improved image quality and maintenance operationability
US10/351,410 US6978103B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2003-01-27 Image forming apparatus with improved image quality and maintenance workability
US11/073,869 US7203446B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2005-03-08 Image forming apparatus with improved image quality and maintenance workability

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JP2002041595 2002-02-19
JP2002-41595 2002-02-19
JP2002371550A JP3890294B2 (en) 2002-02-19 2002-12-24 Image forming apparatus

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