JP3166411U - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can be installed even in a place where there is not enough space above and can be made into a multifunction device by providing an image reading device above the apparatus main body. SOLUTION: A color compound machine 1 arranges and supports a plurality of photosensitive drums 41 and a process cartridge 40 having a plurality of photosensitive drums 41, and supports a support frame 10 which can be pulled out from a main body case 2. A plurality of LED heads 31 provided on the support frame 10 and arranged facing each photosensitive drum 41 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 41 are arranged facing below the support frame 10. In addition, a control board 7 for controlling each LED head 31 and a cable 8 for electrically connecting each LED head 31 and the control board 7 are provided. The cable 8 has a folded-back portion 8A on the back side of the support frame 10. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an exposure member disposed to face a photoreceptor.

In general, an image forming apparatus using an LED or the like as a light source for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum and having an exposure member (such as an LED head) disposed facing the vicinity of the photosensitive drum is known. For example, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, an LED head (printing head) is provided on a paper discharge tray that rotates upward of the main body of the apparatus, and is disposed above the photosensitive drum.
JP-A-9-160333 (FIGS. 1 and 3)

  By the way, when the process cartridge having the photosensitive drum is replaced, the image forming apparatus as described above rotates the paper discharge tray to which the LED head is attached so that the LED head faces the photosensitive drum. It was necessary to evacuate from the position. Therefore, it is difficult to install in a place where there is not enough space above, and there is a concern that the installation location may be restricted. Furthermore, it is difficult to provide an image reading device above the apparatus main body to form a multifunction machine.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can be installed even when there is not enough space above, and can be combined with an image reading device provided above the apparatus body. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of photoconductors, a support member configured to support the plurality of photoconductors in an array, and capable of being pulled out from the apparatus main body, and the support A plurality of exposure members which are provided on a member and are arranged to face each of the photoconductors and form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor, and are arranged to face the support member; A control board for controlling the exposure member, and an electric wire for electrically connecting the exposure member and the control board, and the electric wire has a folded portion on the opposite side to the front side in the pulling direction of the support member. Features.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the exposure member is provided on the support member, and the electric wire connecting the exposure member and the control board has the folded portion on the side opposite to the front side in the drawing direction of the support member. Therefore, when the support member is pulled out, the position of the folded portion moves, so that the support member can be pulled out together with the exposure member. This eliminates the need to retract the exposure member upward from the position facing the photoconductor.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is not necessary to retract the exposure member upward from the position facing the photoconductor, so that the exposure member can be installed even when there is not enough space above, and the image is formed above the apparatus main body. A reading device can be provided to make a multifunction device.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a color multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the color compound machine of the state which pulled out the support frame. It is an enlarged view of the LED unit and process cartridge of FIG. It is a figure which shows the LED unit of the state which removed the process cartridge from the support frame. It is a front view of a support frame, a paper feed roller, a control board, and a cable. It is a perspective view of a support frame and a process cartridge. (A) And (b) is a figure explaining the function of a guide groove and operation | movement of a support frame. (A) And (b) is a figure explaining the function of a guide groove and operation | movement of a support frame. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the color compound machine which concerns on other embodiment.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the drawings to be referred to, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a color multi-function peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the color multi-function peripheral with a support frame pulled out. 3 is an enlarged view of the LED unit and the process cartridge shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a view showing the LED unit with the process cartridge removed from the support frame, and FIG. 5 shows a support frame, a paper feed roller, It is a front view of a control board and a cable.

  Here, in the following description, the direction will be described with reference to the user when using the color multifunction peripheral. That is, in FIG. 1, the left side toward the paper surface is the “front side”, the right side toward the paper surface is the “back side”, the back side toward the paper surface is the “left side”, and the front side toward the paper surface is the “right side”. And In addition, the vertical direction toward the page is defined as the “vertical direction”.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the color multifunction peripheral 1 mainly includes a main body case 2 constituting a housing of the apparatus main body and a flat bed scanner 3 provided above the main body case 2. Further, the color multifunction peripheral 1 includes a paper feed unit 4 that supplies a sheet P as an example of a recording sheet, an image forming unit 5 that forms an image on the fed paper P, and an image A paper discharge roller 6 that discharges the formed paper P, a control board 7 that controls each LED head 31 (exposure member), and a cable 8 (electric wire) that electrically connects each LED head 31 and the control board 7. And mainly.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a front cover 2 </ b> A as an example of a cover that can be opened and closed is provided on the front side of the main body case 2 so as to be able to rotate back and forth with a lower portion as a fulcrum. In addition, a paper discharge tray 2 </ b> B in which the paper P discharged from the main body case 2 is accumulated is provided on the upper portion of the main body case 2. Further, in the main body case 2, a support frame 10 as an example of a support member that detachably supports each process cartridge 40, and the support frame 10 are supported so that they can be pulled out from the front side of the main body case 2. 2 and a side frame 20 constituting a part of the apparatus main body. Detailed configurations of the support frame 10 and the side frame 20 will be described later.

  The flatbed scanner 3 is an image reading device having a known configuration, and at the time of copying, generates image data by irradiating a document having an image with light and reading the image.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed unit 4 is provided at a lower portion in the main body case 2, and is detachably attached to the main body case 2, and a main body case on the front side of the paper feed cassette 71. 2, a separation roller 72 and paper feed rollers 73 to 75 provided in the interior 2, a first conveyance roller 76 provided on the front side of the support frame 10, and the first conveyance roller 76, and provided on the front cover 2 </ b> A. The second conveyance roller 77 is mainly provided. The paper P in the paper feed cassette 71 is separated one by one by the separation roller 72, sent upward by the paper feed rollers 73 to 75, and passes between the first transport roller 76 and the second transport roller 77 to form an image. Supplied to the section 5 (between the intermediate transfer belt 51 and the secondary transfer roller 53).

  The image forming unit 5 mainly includes four LED units 30, four process cartridges 40, a transfer unit 50, and a fixing unit 60.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the LED unit 30 includes an LED head 31 as an example of an exposure member, a frame portion 32, an arm portion 33, a torque spring 34 as an example of a first biasing member, and a second biasing force. A coil spring 35 as an example of a member is mainly provided, and the LED head 31 is disposed facing the lower side of the photosensitive drum 41.

  The LED head 31 has a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) (not shown) arranged in the left-right direction on the surface facing the photosensitive drum 41 (photosensitive member). Each LED emits light upon receiving a signal from the control board 7 based on image data to be formed, and exposes the photosensitive drum 41.

  The frame portion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the LED head 31 is fixed to the upper end.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the arm portion 33 is attached to the upper end portion of the support arm 11 provided on the support frame 10 so as to be able to turn (swing) in the front-rear direction via a turning shaft 11A. A coil portion 34A of a spirally wound torque spring 34 is wound around the rotating shaft 11A, and two extending end portions 34B and 34C extending from the coil portion 34A are respectively connected to the arm portion 33 or The engaging portions 33B and 11B provided on the support arm 11 are engaged. As a result, in the mounted state of the process cartridge 40 (see FIG. 3), a force is applied to the extended end portions 34B and 34C from the locking portions 33B and 11B, so that a biasing force is applied to the LED unit 30 in the direction of arrow Y. When the process cartridge 40 is removed (see FIG. 4), the LED head 31 returns to the state of facing upward.

  The upper end of the arm portion 33 is inserted into the frame portion 32, and the frame portion 32 can slide in the vertical direction of FIG. 4 with respect to the arm portion 33. A coil spring 35 is provided between the arm portion 33 and the LED head 31 fixed to the frame portion 32.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge 40 is disposed between the paper feed unit 4 and the paper discharge tray 2B, and is detachably supported on the support frame 10 in the front-rear direction (front and back directions). ing. As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge 40 includes a photosensitive drum 41, a scorotron charger 42, a developing roller 43, a first supply roller 44, an example of a photosensitive member, in a cartridge frame 40A constituting an outer frame. A second supply roller 45, a layer thickness regulating blade 46, a toner containing portion 47, and the like are mainly provided. Note that the rotating shaft 41A of the photosensitive drum 41 and the rotating shaft 45A of the second supply roller 45 protrude outward from the left and right side surfaces of the cartridge frame 40A (see FIG. 6).

  Each process cartridge 40 has the same configuration except for the color of the toner stored in the toner storage unit 47.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer unit 50 is provided between each process cartridge 40 and the paper discharge tray 2B, and includes an intermediate transfer belt 51, four primary transfer rollers 52, a secondary transfer roller 53, and a drive roller 54. The driven roller 55 and the cleaning unit 56 are mainly provided.

  The driving roller 54 and the driven roller 55 are spaced apart in parallel in the front-rear direction, and an intermediate transfer belt 51 composed of an endless belt is stretched therebetween. The photosensitive drums 41 are opposed to and in contact with the lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 51, and the secondary transfer roller 53 is opposed to and in contact with the front side.

  Each primary transfer roller 52 is in contact with the lower part of the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 51, and is disposed to face each photosensitive drum 41 so as to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 51 between each photosensitive drum 41. . The secondary transfer roller 53 is disposed to face the drive roller 54 so as to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 51. The secondary transfer roller 53 is provided on the front cover 2A. A transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 52 and the secondary transfer roller 53 by constant current control during transfer.

  The cleaning unit 56 is disposed on the upper side of the intermediate transfer belt 51, removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 51 with the cleaning roller 57, and enters a toner storage unit 58 disposed on the front side of the cleaning roller 57. The removed toner is stored.

  The fixing unit 60 is provided on the upper front side of the intermediate transfer belt 51 and mainly includes a heating roller 61 and a pressure roller 62 that is disposed to face the heating roller 61 and presses the heating roller 61.

  In the image forming unit 5 configured as described above, first, after the surface of each photosensitive drum 41 is uniformly charged by each scorotron charger 42, the LED irradiated from the LED head 31 of each LED unit 30. Exposed by light. As a result, the potential of the exposed portion is lowered, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on each photosensitive drum 41. Further, the toner in the toner container 47 is supplied to the developing roller 43 by the rotation of the second supply roller 45 and the first supply roller 44, and between the developing roller 43 and the layer thickness regulating blade 46 by the rotation of the developing roller 43. And is carried on the developing roller 43 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

  The toner carried on the developing roller 43 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 41 when the developing roller 43 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 41. As a result, the toner is selectively carried on the photosensitive drum 41, the electrostatic latent image is visualized, and a toner image is formed. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums 41 are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 51 by the action of the respective primary transfer rollers 52 to which a transfer bias is applied.

  The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 51 is subjected to secondary transfer to which a transfer bias is applied when the paper P supplied to the image forming unit 5 passes between the intermediate transfer belt 51 and the secondary transfer roller 53. The image is transferred onto the paper P by the action of the roller 53. The sheet P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 60 and passes between the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 so that the toner image is thermally fixed. The paper P on which the toner image has been thermally fixed is discharged out of the main body case 2 by the paper discharge roller 6 and accumulated in the paper discharge tray 2B.

  The control board 7 outputs a signal to each LED of each LED head 31 based on image data to be formed by a known method, and controls the light emission. As shown in FIG. 1, the control board 7 is disposed above the paper feeding cassette 71 and below the support frame 10. In addition, on the upper surface on the front side of the control board 7, four connectors 7 </ b> A as an example of connection portions to which the cables 8 are connected are provided side by side in the arrangement direction (front-rear direction) of the photosensitive drums 41.

  The cable 8 electrically connects each LED head 31 and the control board 7. One end of this cable 8 is connected to each LED head 31 (not shown), pulled out from the bottom panel 10E (see FIG. 3) of the support frame 10, and the other end is connected to each connector 7A of the control board 7. ing. The cable 8 drawn out from the bottom panel 10E extends in the back side direction along the lower surface of the support frame 10, and changes the direction from the back side to the near side at the folded-back portion 8A on the back side of the main body case 2 to control the control board 7 It extends in the near side direction along the upper surface of the connector and is connected to the connector 7A.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cable 8, the control board 7, and the paper feed roller 73 are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the axial direction of the paper feed roller 73 when viewed from the front side. More specifically, the drive shaft 73A of the paper feed roller 73 extends leftward from the paper feed roller 73 disposed near the center of the lower front side of the main body case 2, and the end is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown). ing. On the other hand, the cable 8 and the control board 7 are arranged on the right side of the paper feed roller 73 (drive shaft 73A). That is, the cable 8 and the control board 7 and the drive shaft 73A are arranged separately on both sides (left and right) with the paper feed roller 73 interposed therebetween.

  Next, detailed configurations of the support frame 10 and the side frame 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support frame and the process cartridge, and FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 8A and 8B are views for explaining the function of the guide groove and the operation of the support frame.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the support frame 10 is a box-shaped member having an upper opening, and includes a front panel 10A, a rear panel 10B, a right panel 10C, a left panel 10D, and a bottom panel 10E (see FIG. 3). ing.

  The front panel 10A is provided with a first conveying roller 76 for conveying the paper P, and a plurality of ribs 12 are provided on the outer surface along the vertical direction. The plurality of ribs 12 reduce the contact area between the front panel 10A and the paper P, thereby suppressing the transported paper P from sticking to the front panel 10A.

  At the upper end of the right panel 10C, there are provided four receiving grooves 13 that detachably receive the rotating shaft 41A of the photosensitive drum 41, and five flanges 14 bent substantially at right angles toward the outside (right side). Further, a protrusion 15 extending toward the outside (right side) is provided on the front side of the outer surface of the right panel 10C, and a roller mounting portion 16 extending from the vicinity of the center toward the back side is provided at the back end. The roller mounting portion 16 is provided with a long cylindrical guide 17 projecting outward (right side) and a rotatable guide roller 18 in this order from the front side.

  Further, on the inner surface of the right panel 10C, there are provided four cartridge guide grooves 19 into which the rotation shaft 45A of the second supply roller 45 (see FIG. 3) is inserted to guide the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge 40. The process cartridge 40 mounted on the support frame 10 is removed obliquely upward (upward in FIG. 4) on the front side by bringing the rotation shaft 45A along the cartridge guide groove 19.

  Also on the left panel 10D, the receiving groove 13, flange 14, protrusion 15, roller mounting portion 16, guide 17, guide roller 18, and cartridge guide groove 19 are provided so as to be symmetrical with the right panel 10C. ing.

  As described above, the bottom panel 10E is provided with the four support arms 11 to which the LED unit 30 is rotatably attached. The left and right ends of the support arm 11 are fixed to the right panel 10C and the left panel 10D. As a result, the support arm 11 serves as a reinforcing member to improve the strength of the support frame 10.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the side frames 20 are provided on the left and right sides (the right side is not shown) of the support frame 10 in the main body case 2. The side frame 20 includes a guide groove 21 that guides the rotation shaft 41A of the photosensitive drum 41 supported by the receiving groove 13 of the support frame 10, and a guide groove 22 that guides the guide 17 and the guide roller 18 of the support frame 10. A guide groove 23 for guiding the protrusion 15 of the support frame 10 is formed.

  The guide groove 21 is obliquely upward from the first guide portion 21A extending substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction, the back end portion of the first guide portion 21A, and the appropriate three positions of the first guide portion 21A to the back side. The four second guide portions 21B that extend and the third guide portion 21C that extends substantially horizontally from the back end of each second guide portion 21B to the back side are configured.

  Similar to the guide groove 21, the guide groove 22 includes a first guide part 22A extending substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction, and a second guide part extending obliquely upward from the back end of the first guide part 22A to the back side. 22B and the 3rd guide part 22C extended from the back side edge part of the 2nd guide part 22B to the back side substantially horizontally. In addition, as shown in FIG.7 (b), the near side edge part (left side edge part of FIG. 7) of the guide groove 22 (1st guide part 22A) is closed. According to this, since the movement of the guide 17 toward the front side can be restricted, it is possible to prevent the support frame 10 from falling off the side frame 20 (main body case 2).

  The guide groove 23 includes a guide portion 23A extending obliquely upward from the front end of the side frame 20 to the back side, and a fixing portion 23B extending substantially horizontally from the back end portion of the guide portion 23A to the back side. .

  The operation (operation) of the color multifunction peripheral 1 configured as described above will be described.

  First, an operation when the process cartridge 40 is mounted on the support frame 10 will be described. When the rotating shaft 45A of the second supply roller 45 of the process cartridge 40 is inserted into the cartridge guide groove 19 of the support frame 10 in the downward direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4, the upper end of the LED unit 30 is provided on the cartridge frame 40A. The LED unit 30 is turned to the back side by being inserted into the exposed exposure hole 40B. After the upper end of the frame portion 32 comes into contact with the positioning portion 40C provided on the cartridge frame 40A, the arm portion 33 is inserted into the frame portion 32, so that the coil spring 35 is compressed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the rotating shaft 45A is completely inserted into the cartridge guide groove 19, the rotating shaft 41A is received by the receiving groove 13 and engages with a retaining member 13A made of a leaf spring (see FIG. 4). (See dashed line). At this time, the arm portion 33 is almost completely inserted into the frame portion 32, and the coil spring 35 is completely compressed. As a result, an urging force is applied to the LED head 31 in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 41 (in the direction of the arrow X), and the frame portion 32 and the positioning portion 40C are surely brought into contact with each other. Can be positioned.

  Next, an operation when the support frame 10 is mounted on the side frame 20 (main body case 2) will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the support frame 10 is pushed inward, the guide 17 and the guide roller 18 guide from the near side to the far side along the first guide portion 22A of the guide groove 22. Is done. At this time, the rotation shaft 41A of each photosensitive drum 41 is inserted into the guide groove 21 sequentially from the one located on the back side, and is guided from the near side to the back side along the first guide portion 21A.

  The rotating shaft 41A of the innermost photosensitive drum 41 shown in FIG. 7B is in contact with the inner end of the first guide portion 21A, and the guide roller 18 contacts the inner end of the first guide portion 22A. When the support frame 10 is further pushed into the back side in the contacted state, the guide roller 18 and the respective rotation shafts 41A are obliquely upward on the back side along the second guide portions 21B and 22B as shown in FIG. Guided by At this time, the protrusion 15 inserted into the guide groove 23 is guided obliquely upward on the back side along the guide portion 23A.

  Then, by further pushing the support frame 10 into the back side, as shown in FIG. 8B, each rotating shaft 41A reaches the back side end of the third guide portion 21C, and a positioning member 21D made of a leaf spring. And is positioned with respect to the side frame 20. At this time, the upper part of each photosensitive drum 41 and the lower part of each primary transfer roller 52 are in a state of facing each other with the intermediate transfer belt 51 interposed therebetween. Further, the guide roller 18 and the protrusion 15 reach the back end of the third guide portion 22C or the fixing portion 23B, respectively, and engage with the retaining member 22D or 23D made of a leaf spring to the side frame 20. Positioned.

  In this way, each photosensitive drum 41 is directed to the main body case 2, each photosensitive drum 41 is directed to each primary transfer roller 52, and the support frame 10 is directed to the side frame 20 (main body case 2). Each can be positioned. In addition, most of the photosensitive drums 41 and the intermediate transfer belt 51 are separated from each other during most of the movement of the photosensitive drums 41 in the front-rear direction. It is possible to suppress damage to the surface of the surface.

  Next, the operation of the cable 8 when the support frame 10 is attached / detached will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the support frame 10 is completely attached to the main body case 2, the folded portion 8 </ b> A of the cable 8 is located at the back side of the main body case 2, the rear panel 10 </ b> B of the support frame 10 (see FIG. 6). It is located on the far side. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the front cover 2A is opened and the support frame 10 is pulled out to the front side, the portion of the cable 8 drawn from the support frame 10 (bottom panel 10E) moves to the front side. The cable above the folded portion 8A also moves to the near side so as to be pulled by this. As a result, the bent portion of the cable 8 changes from the back side to the near side, and the position of the folded portion 8A relatively moves from the back side to the near side, so that the support frame 10 can be pulled out smoothly without the cable 8 being entangled. be able to.

  Further, when the support frame 10 is pushed into the back side, the portion of the cable 8 pulled out from the support frame 10 moves to the back side, so that the cable above the turn-up portion 8A also goes to the back side so as to be pushed by this. Move. As a result, the bent portion of the cable 8 changes from the near side to the far side, and the position of the folded portion 8A moves relatively from the near side to the far side, so that the support frame 10 can be smoothly mounted without the cable 8 getting tangled. can do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cable 8 and the paper feed roller 73 are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the direction in which the drive shaft 73A extends (left-right direction) when viewed from the front side. It is possible to move in the front-rear direction without being interfered by 73.

  According to the above, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment.

  Since the LED head 31 is provided on the support frame 10 and the LED head 31 and the control board 7 are connected by the cable 8 having the folded portion 8A, the support frame 10 can be pulled out together with the LED head 31. This eliminates the need to retract the LED head 31 (LED unit 30) upward from the position facing the photosensitive drum 41 when the support frame 10 is pulled out, so that the color multifunction device 1 does not have sufficient space above. By the way, it can be installed. Furthermore, the flatbed scanner 3 can be provided above the main body case 2, and the space above the main body case 2 can be used effectively.

  Since the folded portion 8A of the cable 8 is located on the back side of the main body case 2, the position of the folded portion 8A relatively moves toward the front as the support frame 10 is pulled out. Can be pulled out of the main body case 2 smoothly. Further, since the position of the folded portion 8A relatively moves back as the support frame 10 is pushed in, the support frame 10 can be smoothly attached to the main body case 2 without the cable 8 being entangled.

  Since the support frame 10 can be pulled out to the front side (the arrangement direction of the photosensitive drums 41), the support frame 10 can be easily moved and the process cartridge 40 can be easily replaced. Further, it is possible to accurately position each photosensitive drum 41 with respect to the main body case 2 (side frame 20) by projecting the rotation shaft 41A of the photosensitive drum 41 from the left and right panels of the support frame 10. Thereby, the balance of contact between each photosensitive drum 41 and the intermediate transfer belt 51 can be kept substantially constant, and as a result, the image quality can be kept good.

  Since the control board 7 is provided below the support frame 10, the space between the paper feed cassette 71 and the support frame 10 (the space in the main body case 2) can be used effectively. Further, it is possible to prevent interference between the drive mechanism (not shown) of the process cartridge 40 provided on the left and right (at least one) of the support frame 10 and the control board 7. Further, since the rotating shaft 41A of the photosensitive drum 41 protrudes from the left and right panels of the support frame 10 and the photosensitive drum 41 can be positioned with respect to the main body case 2, the photosensitive drum 41, the intermediate transfer belt 51, and the like. The abutment balance can be kept substantially constant, and the image quality can be kept good.

  Since the connector 7A is provided on the front side of the control board 7, the length of the cable 8 having the folded portion 8A on the back side of the main body case 2 can be sufficiently secured. Thereby, since the pull-out distance of the support frame 10 can be increased, the process cartridge 40 arranged at the innermost side can be easily replaced.

  Since the control board 7 and the cable 8 and the paper feed roller 73 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, compared with the case where the control board and the electric wire are arranged above and below the paper feed roller, The vertical dimension can be reduced. As a result, the color MFP 1 can be thinned in the vertical direction, so that it can be installed where there is not enough space above.

  Since the LED head 31 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 41 and the process cartridge 40 is configured to be detachable upward, the process cartridge 40 can be easily replaced without retracting the LED head 31.

  Since the LED unit 30 can be rotated (swinged) with respect to the support frame 10, the interval between the process cartridges 40 is made narrower than when each exposure member is fixed obliquely upward on the back side. Therefore, the support frame 10 can be reduced in size, and as a result, the color multifunction device 1 can be reduced in size.

  Further, since the LED unit 30 rotates (swings), the process cartridge 40 can be attached / detached obliquely upward on the front side of the support frame 10, and the process cartridge 40 is attached / detached to / from the support frame 10. It has become easier. Furthermore, when the process cartridge 40 is removed by the action of the torque spring 34, the LED head 31 faces upward, so that the alignment of the LED unit 30 and the exposure hole 40B is facilitated, and the process cartridge 40 can be easily mounted. .

  Since the intermediate transfer belt 51 is provided above each photosensitive drum 41, the path of the paper P can be simplified, and the main body case 2 is moved in the vertical direction as compared with the case where the photosensitive members are arranged in the vertical direction. As a result, the color multifunction device 1 can be reduced in size. Further, since the secondary transfer roller 53 is provided on the front side of the intermediate transfer belt 51, the processing when the paper P is jammed at the transfer position can be performed from the front side. In particular, since the secondary transfer roller 53 is provided on the front cover 2A, the jammed paper P can be easily processed by opening the front cover 2A.

  Since the first conveyance roller 76 is directly provided on the support frame 10 (front panel 10A), the main body case 2 can be reduced in size in the front-rear direction, and as a result, the color multifunction peripheral 1 can be reduced in size. Further, since the second transport roller 77 facing the first transport roller 76 is provided on the front cover 2A, the jammed paper P can be easily processed by opening the front cover 2A.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to above-described embodiment. About a concrete structure, it can change suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the color multifunction peripheral 1 is illustrated as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a color copying machine or a color LED printer that does not include an image reading device (flatbed scanner).

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the four LED heads 31 and the control board 7 are electrically connected to each other by the cable 8 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a support frame side substrate 70 is provided at the lower back side of the support frame 10 (bottom panel 10E), and the support frame side substrate 70 and the control substrate 7 are electrically connected by a set of cables 8. The support frame side cable 80 connected to the support frame side substrate 70 may be connected to each LED head 31. Note that the control board of the present invention does not have to execute all the control of the exposure member, and a part of the control is executed by another board (for example, the support frame side board 70) as described above. You may do it.

  Although the cable 8 shown in FIG. 1 and the support frame side cable 80 shown in FIG. 9 enter the support frame 10 from the bottom panel 10E, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to enter the support frame 10 from the lower part of the rear panel 10B and connect to each LED head 31 through the upper surface of the bottom panel 10E and the inner surfaces of the left and right panels.

  In the above-described embodiment, the process cartridge 40 is configured as one cartridge having the photosensitive drum 41, the developing roller 43, and the toner storage unit 47. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cartridge having a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) and a cartridge having a developing roller and a toner storage unit may be separable. Further, a cartridge having a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member), a cartridge having a developing roller, and a cartridge (toner cartridge) having a toner storage portion may be separable.

  In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the exposure member, the LED head 31 using an LED as a light emitting element is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as long as a large number of light emitting elements are arranged and can selectively emit light based on image data, the light emitting elements are not limited to LEDs, and may be, for example, EL (electroluminescence) elements or phosphors. Also, a large number of optical shutters (for example, liquid crystal elements, PLZT elements, etc.) that control light from one or a plurality of light emitting elements (light sources) are arranged, and the opening / closing time of the optical shutters is selectively controlled based on image data. An exposure member can also be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the control board 7 is disposed facing the lower side of the support frame 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may arrange | position a control board facing the side or upper direction of a supporting member. At this time, the control board may be disposed only on one side of the support member, or may be disposed separately on both sides of the support member.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the support frame 10 is pulled out in the front-rear direction (the arrangement direction of the photosensitive drums 41) from the front side of the main body case 2 is shown, but is not limited thereto, and the support frame (support member) is the main body. What is necessary is just the structure pulled out from the side surface of a case (apparatus main body). For example, the support member may be pulled out from the right side or left side of the apparatus main body in the left-right direction (a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the photoconductors).

  In the above-described embodiment, the photosensitive drum 41 is used as an example of the photosensitive member, the torque spring 34 is used as an example of the first urging member, and the coil spring 35 is used as an example of the second urging member. It is not something. That is, the material and structure can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color compound machine 2 Main body case 2A Front cover 7 Control board 7A Connector 8 Cable 8A Folding part 10 Support frame 20 Side frame 21 Guide groove 21A 1st guide part 21B 2nd guide part 21C 3rd guide part 22 Guide groove 22A 1st Guide unit 22B Second guide unit 22C Third guide unit 31 LED head 34 Torque spring 35 Coil spring 41 Photosensitive drum 51 Intermediate transfer belt 53 Secondary transfer roller 73 Paper feed roller 73A Drive shaft 76 First transport roller 77 Second transport roller P Paper

Claims (15)

A plurality of photoreceptors;
A plurality of the photoconductors arranged and supported, and a support member configured to be drawable from the apparatus main body,
A plurality of exposure members provided on the support member and arranged to face each of the photoconductors to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor;
A control board disposed opposite to the support member and controlling each of the exposure members;
An electric wire for electrically connecting each exposure member and the control board;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electric wire has a folded portion on a side opposite to the front side in the pulling direction of the support member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is configured to be drawable from the apparatus main body in an arrangement direction of the plurality of photoconductors.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control substrate is disposed to face a lower side of the support member.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control board has a connection portion with the electric wire on a front side in the pulling direction of the support member. 5. A paper feed roller provided below the front side of the support member in the pulling direction;
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding roller and the electric wire are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the axial direction of the sheet feeding roller as viewed from the front side in the pulling direction of the support member. . The exposure member is disposed facing the lower side of the photoconductor,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photoconductor is configured to be detachable upward from the support member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the exposure member is provided to be swingable with respect to the support member. A first biasing member biasing the exposure member to face upward;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the photosensitive member is configured to be detachable toward a diagonally upper side on the front side in the pull-out direction of the support member. The apparatus main body has a guide groove that guides the support member so that the support member can be pulled out.
The guide groove includes a first guide portion extending in a horizontal direction, a second guide portion extending obliquely upward from the end of the first guide portion on the back side in the pulling direction of the support member, and on the back side in the pulling direction. 9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a third guide portion that extends horizontally from an end portion of the second guide portion on the back side in the pull-out direction to the back side in the pull-out direction. Image forming apparatus.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an intermediate transfer belt facing each of the photoconductors is provided above the plurality of photoconductors. 10.   11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a secondary transfer roller facing the intermediate transfer belt is provided on the near side in the pulling direction of the support member with respect to the intermediate transfer belt. On the front side of the support member in the apparatus main body in the pulling direction, a cover that can be opened and closed is provided,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the secondary transfer roller is provided on the cover.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is provided with at least one first conveyance roller that conveys a recording sheet. On the front side of the support member in the apparatus main body in the pulling direction, a cover that can be opened and closed is provided,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the opening / closing cover is provided with a second conveyance roller facing the first conveyance roller.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second urging member that urges the exposure member toward the photosensitive member.

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