JP6205258B2 - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  According to the present invention, an attachment / detachment member having an intake port connected to an exhaust port of an intake duct provided in an instrument body is attached to and detached from the instrument body by a locking mechanism portion having a connection port connecting the exhaust port and the intake port. The present invention relates to a freely provided electronic device.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus as an example of an electronic apparatus in which a detachable member having an intake port connected to an exhaust port of an intake duct provided in the apparatus body is detachably provided on the apparatus body by a locking mechanism There is.

  This electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a laser scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as LSU), a charger, a developing device, and the like. Among these, for example, the photosensitive drum and the charger are mounted as an integrated process unit.

  Here, the process unit is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus for replacement or the like, and the image forming apparatus has a positioning mechanism portion that positions in the front-rear direction of the apparatus main body when the process unit is mounted. The process unit is provided with a locking mechanism for locking and fixing to the apparatus main body (specifically, on the LSU).

  In addition, when the charger included in the process unit uses corona discharge, ozone is generated by the discharge. For this reason, it is necessary to take in the air for exhausting the generated ozone into the charger. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a duct for sending air to a charger is provided.

JP 2006-17976 A

  However, with the recent progress of downsizing of image forming apparatuses, various members provided in the image forming apparatus are required to be downsized and space-saving. Of course, the process unit is also required to be small and space-saving.

  In response to such a requirement, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is simply provided with a duct, and is not devised for miniaturization and space saving.

  For example, by providing a passage port serving as an intake port for sending air to the charger in the locking mechanism portion of the process unit, the space and size of the process unit can be reduced. In this case, it is necessary to devise a means for ensuring the airtightness of this portion by providing a passage opening in the locking mechanism portion.

  The present invention has been devised to solve such problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a structure in which a detachable member is detachably provided on the instrument main body by the latching mechanism part, from the instrument main body via the locking mechanism part. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that secures the airtightness of the air passage leading to the detachable member, and that saves space and reduces the size of the electronic device on which the detachable member is mounted.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic device according to the present invention includes a device main body, a detachable member having an intake port connected to an exhaust port of an intake duct provided in the device main body, and the detachable member as a device body side member. A locking mechanism that is detachable with respect to the electronic device, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking body having a passage opening that connects the exhaust port and the intake port, and A locking portion for locking to a receiving portion provided on the device body side member; and the intake port interposed between the intake port and the passage port in a state where the locking portion is locked to the receiving portion. And a sealing member that seals the periphery of the passage opening, wherein the sealing member also serves as a part of the locking function of the locking mechanism portion.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the locking function is a prevention function for preventing the locking portion from being detached from the receiving portion.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the sealing member is compressed and deformed by a swinging operation of the locking body in the process of locking the locking portion to the receiving portion, and is in an original shape in the locked state. It is set as the structure which returns and hold | maintains the said latching state.

  According to this configuration, the sealing member returns to the original shape in the locked state. That is, it is in a state where a load due to locking is not applied.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the sealing member may be formed of a sheet member having a connection port connected to the intake port and the passage port at a central portion thereof.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the sealing member may have an independent cell structure. By adopting the independent cell structure, airtightness is improved and durability against load is also improved.

  In the electronic apparatus of the present invention, a microcell polymer sheet can be used as the sealing member.

  In the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus main body is applied to an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and the detachable member includes a plurality of components constituting the image forming unit. The present invention can be applied to an integrated process unit by combining members. Further, the process unit may include at least a charger. The instrument main body side member may be a laser scanning unit.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, since the sealing member also serves as a part of the locking function of the locking mechanism, the detachable member and the instrument body can be reduced in size and space can be saved, and the airtight function can be reduced. Both functions can be provided. Moreover, since the sealing member returns to its original shape in the locked state and is in a state not subjected to a load, durability is improved.

1 is a front view showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the process unit contained in the 1st-4th image forming part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the process unit shown in FIG. 2 and the structure of its peripheral portion as viewed from the upper obliquely rear side of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the structure shown in FIG. 3 is viewed from a diagonally upper side of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the structure shown in FIG. 3 is viewed from an obliquely upper front side of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the structure shown in FIG. 3 is viewed from an obliquely lower side of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a guide rail formed on the upper surface of the LSU shown in FIG. 3 and a process unit mounted on the LSU. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the upper surface of LSU of the state which removed the process unit. It is a perspective view at the time of seeing a process unit from the lower surface side. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the lock lever of the process unit shown in FIG. 9, and its peripheral part. It is a perspective view which shows a lock lever. It is a perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the lock lever and its peripheral part in the state which mounted | wore the process unit on LSU. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the lock lever and its peripheral part in the state which mounted | wore the process unit on LSU. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the operation state of a lock lever when a process unit is mounted on LSU. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the operation state of a lock lever when a process unit is mounted on LSU. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the operation state of a lock lever when a process unit is mounted on LSU. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which mounted | wore the process unit which concerns on Embodiment 2 on LSU.

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

<Embodiment 1>
In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described as an example of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention.

(Description of overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a full color printer. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 1 prints a color image on a sheet (sheet-like recording medium) according to image data transmitted from the outside. Here, the image forming apparatus 1 is exemplified as a printer, but may be a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine having these functions. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 prints a multi-color or single-color image on a sheet according to image data transmitted from the outside or image data read from a document by a scanner.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 11 at a position closer to the lower part. A laser scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as “LSU”) 12 and a paper feed cassette 13 are provided below the image forming unit 11 in order from the top. A transfer unit 14 is provided on the right side of the image forming unit 11, and a fixing unit 15 is provided above the transfer unit 14.

  A paper transport path 17 is formed in the path from the paper feed cassette 13 to the paper discharge tray 16, and the paper transport path 17 has a paper feed roller 18, A timing roller 19, the transfer unit 14, the fixing unit 15, and a paper discharge roller 20 are provided.

  The image forming unit 11 includes first to fourth image forming units 31 to 34, an intermediate transfer belt unit 35, and a transfer belt cleaning device 36. The first to fourth image forming units 31 to 34 are for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively.

  The first image forming unit 31 includes a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 41a, a charger 42a, a developing device 43a, an intermediate transfer roller 44a, a photosensitive member cleaner unit 45a, and a charge eliminating unit 46a.

  The charger 42a is of a scorotron type that charges the surface of each photosensitive drum 41a to a predetermined potential by corona discharge. The developing device 43a develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41a with toner by exposing the photosensitive drum 41a with laser light from an LSU (laser irradiation device) 12. The intermediate transfer roller 44 a is disposed on the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 51, and transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 a by development to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 51 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 35. The photoreceptor cleaner unit 45a removes and collects residual toner and paper dust on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 41a after development and image transfer. The neutralization unit 46a removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41a.

  Similarly, the second image forming unit 32 includes a photoconductive drum 41b, a charger 42b, a developing device 43b, an intermediate transfer roller 44b, a photoconductive cleaner unit 45b, and a charge eliminating unit 46b. The third image forming unit 33 includes a photoconductive drum 41c, a charger 42c, a developing device 43c, an intermediate transfer roller 44c, a photoconductive cleaner unit 45c, and a charge eliminating unit 46c. The fourth image forming unit 34 includes a photoreceptor drum 41d, a charger 42d, a developing device 43d, an intermediate transfer roller 44d, a photoreceptor cleaner unit 45d, and a charge eliminating unit 46d.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 35 includes an intermediate transfer belt 51, a driving roller 52 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 51, a driven roller 53, and tension rollers 54 and 55. The transfer belt cleaning device 36 removes residual toner and paper dust from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 51.

  The LSU 12 includes laser light sources 12a to 12d corresponding to the respective photoconductive drums 41a to 41d, and irradiates the photoconductive drums 41a to 41d with laser light from the laser light sources 12a to 12d so that images to be printed on the image forming apparatus 1 are printed. Responsive electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 41a to 41d.

  The transfer unit 14 includes a transfer roller 14 a that is pressed against the drive roller 52 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 35 via the intermediate transfer belt 51, and a sheet on which the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 51 is supplied from the paper feed cassette 13. Transcript to. The fixing unit 15 includes a fixing roller 15a and a pressure roller 15b, and melts and fixes the toner image on the paper to the paper.

(Description of image forming operation)
In the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above, when printing a color image, the LSU 12 irradiates the photosensitive drums 41a to 41d with laser light according to the input image data, and the photosensitive drums 41a to 41d are irradiated. An electrostatic latent image is formed. These electrostatic latent images are developed with toner supplied from developing devices 43a to 43d, and yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 41a to 41d, respectively.

  These toner images are transferred to the same position on the intermediate transfer belt 51 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 35 so as to overlap each other, and further transferred onto the paper in the transfer unit 14. The sheet is fed from the sheet feeding cassette 13 to the sheet conveying path 17 by the sheet feeding roller 18, and is supplied to the transfer unit 14 by the timing roller 19 at a timing coincident with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 51.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer unit 14 is conveyed to the fixing unit 15, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet in the fixing unit 15. Thereafter, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 16 by the paper discharge roller 20.

(Description of process unit)
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the process unit 91 included in the first to fourth image forming units 31 to 34. In FIG. 2, as an example, the process unit 91 included in the first image forming unit 31 is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the process unit 91, the photosensitive drum 41 a, the charger 42 a, the photosensitive cleaner unit 45 a, and the charge removal unit 46 a are integrated and detachable from the image forming apparatus 1.

  The photoreceptor cleaner unit 45a includes a cleaning blade 45a1 and a waste toner screw 45a2. The cleaning blade 45a1 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 41a, and removes foreign matters such as residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41a. The waste toner screw 45a2 feeds foreign matter such as residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 41a by the cleaning blade 45a1 into a waste toner box (not shown). The waste toner box is disposed at the front side position of the image forming apparatus 1 with respect to the process unit 91.

  The neutralization unit 46a includes a neutralization lens 46a1. The neutralizing lens 46a1 uniformly irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 41a with light from an LED lamp (not shown) arranged at the rear position of the image forming apparatus 1 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 41a. Thereby, residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41a are removed.

  The charger 42a includes a shield case 42a1, a discharge electrode 42a2, and a grid electrode 42a3. The discharge electrode 42a2 is, for example, a saw blade-shaped electrode.

(Description of the structure around the process unit)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the structure of the process unit 91 and its peripheral part as viewed from the upper rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 3 when viewed obliquely from the side of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view when the structure shown in FIG. 3 is viewed from an obliquely upper front side of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view when the structure shown in FIG. 3 is viewed from an obliquely lower side of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the photosensitive drums 41 a to 41 d are arranged so as to be parallel to each other and in the horizontal direction with the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1 as the axial direction. An intake duct 71 extending in the direction in which the photosensitive drums 41a to 41d extend is provided at the lower position of the front portion of the process unit 91, and similarly, at the lower position of the rear portion of the process unit 91, the photosensitive drums 41a to 41d. An exhaust duct (exhaust passage) 72 extending in the direction in which the lines 41d are arranged is provided. The intake duct 71 is formed by sticking, for example, a sheet material made of PET.

  Air (outside air) is taken into the intake duct 71 from the intake port 71a (see FIG. 6). For this reason, the intake port 71 a is located inside the louver formed in the housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The air taken into the intake duct 71 passes through the space inside the charger 42a, reaches the exhaust duct 72, and is discharged from the exhaust port 72a of the exhaust duct 72 to the outside of the machine. For this reason, the exhaust port 72a is located inside the louver formed in the housing of the image forming apparatus 1, similarly to the intake port 71a.

(Description of process unit mounting structure and locking mechanism)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the guide rail 75 formed on the upper surface of the LSU 12 and the process unit 91 mounted on the LSU 12. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of the upper surface of the LSU 12 with the process unit 91 removed.

  The process unit 91 is mounted on the LSU 12. A rail 91a (see FIG. 2) is provided on the lower surface of the process unit 91. Correspondingly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a groove-shaped guide rail 75 is provided on the upper surface of the LSU 12. Yes. An LSU lens (covering member) 76 is provided at the bottom of the groove-shaped portion on the side of the guide rail 75. The laser light emitted from the LSU 12 is irradiated to the photosensitive drum 41a through the LSU lens 76.

  On the lower surface of the process unit 91, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a lock lever 81 for positioning and fixing the process unit 91 mounted on the LSU 12 at a predetermined position in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided. Is provided.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view when the process unit 91 is viewed from the lower surface side. FIG. 10 is a perspective vertical sectional view showing the structure of the lock lever 81 and its peripheral part of the process unit 91 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the lock lever 81. FIG. 12 is a perspective longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the lock lever 81 and its peripheral part in a state where the process unit 91 is mounted on the LSU 12. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of the lock lever 81 and its peripheral part in a state where the process unit 91 is mounted on the LSU 12. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13, the process unit 91 is provided with an air passage 95 for guiding the air taken into the intake duct 71 into the charger 42a. The air passage 95 has an air passage inlet 95a at the lower end and an air passage outlet 95b at the upper surface following the charger 42a. When the process unit 91 is mounted, the through-hole 77b (see also FIG. 8) of the rail-shaped groove 77 of the LSU 12 is positioned corresponding to the air passage inlet 95a of the air passage 95. Further, an exhaust port 71b of the intake duct 71 is located below the through-hole 77b.

  On the other hand, the air passage outlet 95b side of the air passage 95 is connected to the casing of the charger 42a. Note that the casing of the charger 42a is constituted by, for example, a shield case 42a1 (see FIG. 2) of the charger 42a. Therefore, the air passage 95, the charger 42a, and the exhaust duct 72 constitute an exhaust passage.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the lock lever 81 includes a plate-like locking body 81a, and one end of the locking body 81a serves as an operation part 81b for user operation. The other end of the locking body 81a is provided with a locking portion (locking claw) 81c protruding downward from the lower surface. In addition, a shaft support portion 81d that protrudes upward from the upper surface is provided at the central portion of the locking body 81a. A shaft hole 81d1 is formed in the shaft support portion 81d along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the locking body 81a. A structure in which the lock lever 81 is supported to be rotatable up and down (up and down swingable) with the support shaft 82 as a rotation center by fixing the shaft hole 81d1 to the frame (not shown) of the process unit through the support shaft 82. Has been.

  In such a configuration, in the present embodiment, the air taken in from the intake port 71a of the intake duct 71 is transferred to the locking body 81a between the locking claw 81c and the shaft support portion 81d. A passage port 81e for passing through 42a is provided. In this example, the passage opening 81e has a quadrangular shape.

  Further, a sheet-like sealing member 83 is disposed on the upper surface of the locking main body 81a so as to cover the passage opening 81e. The sealing member 83 is formed in a square shape in plan view, and a connection port 83a that is an opening having the same shape as the passage port 81e is formed in the center thereof.

  The sealing member 83 is composed of an elastic member having cushioning properties. Specifically, for example, a microcell polymer sheet having an independent cell structure is suitably used as a material for forming the sealing member 83. In addition, although not an independent cell structure, foaming urethane, rubber, silicon, etc. It can be used suitably.

  The sealing member 83 connects between the air passage inlet 95a of the air passage 95 formed on the lower surface of the process unit 91 and the passage opening 81e of the lock lever 81 in a state where the process unit 91 is mounted on the LSU 12. It is set as the structure connected by the opening | mouth 83a. As a result, the space between the air passage inlet 95a and the passage opening 81e of the lock lever 81 is sealed to prevent air leakage at this portion. Therefore, the thickness of the sealing member 83 is slightly larger than the gap width between the air passage inlet 95a of the air passage 95 and the passage opening 81e of the lock lever 81 after the process unit 91 is mounted, or a thickness corresponding to the gap width. It is said that. However, in the following description, the thickness of the sealing member 83 is described as a thickness corresponding to the gap width.

  The sealing member 83 is fixed to the lower surface of the process unit 91 or the upper surface of the locking body 81a of the lock lever 81 by adhesion or the like. However, if the sealing member 83 is fitted on the upper surface of the locking body 81a of the lock lever 81, it is not always necessary to fix the adhesive.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, a locking hole 77 a into which a locking claw 81 c of the lock lever 81 is inserted and locked is formed in the front end portion of the rail-shaped groove 77 formed along the side of the guide rail 75 of the LSU 12. Is formed. Further, a through-hole 77 b is formed at a position on the outer side of the image forming apparatus with respect to the locking hole 77 a of the rail-shaped groove 77.

(Description of the operating state of the lock lever 81)
Next, the operation state of the lock lever 81 when the process unit 91 is mounted on the LSU 12 in the above configuration will be described.

  14 to 16 are longitudinal sectional views showing an operation state of the lock lever 81 when the process unit 91 is mounted on the LSU 12. However, only the rail-shaped groove 77 is illustrated on the LSU 12 side, and the illustration of the intake duct 71 and the like is omitted.

  When mounting the process unit 91, the user places the rail 91 a of the process unit 91 on the guide rail 75 and slides the process unit 91 from the front side to the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 to a position near a predetermined position. Near the predetermined position is a position immediately before the locking claw 81c of the lock lever 81 contacts the front end of the rail-shaped groove 77 of the LSU 12. The state of the lock lever 81 at this time is the state shown in FIG. 14, and the sealing member 83 is not compressed and maintains its original shape (normal shape).

  When the position is close to a predetermined position, the operation portion 81b of the lock lever 81 is pushed downward. That is, the locking claw 81c is lifted upward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, since the locking body 81a on the locking claw 81c side is rotated (swings) upward, the sealing member 83 is connected to the lower surface 91b of the process unit 91 and the locking body. The upper surface of 81a is compressed and deformed.

  Next, in this state, the process unit 91 is slid to a predetermined position (the position shown in FIG. 15), and the operation unit 81b is returned upward (or when the operation unit 81b is released) in this position. As shown, the locking claw 81 c is inserted and locked into the locking hole 77 a of the rail-shaped groove 77 as the sealing member 83 is elastically restored.

  Accordingly, the process unit 91 is positioned and fixed (that is, mounted) at a predetermined position on the LSU 12 in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, the through-hole 77b of the rail-shaped groove 77 of the LSU 12 and the passage opening 81e of the lock lever 81 face each other, and the passage opening 81e of the lock lever 81 and the air passage inlet 95a of the air passage 95 of the process unit 91 However, they face (communicate) with each other through the connection port 83 a of the sealing member 83. Further, at this time, the sealing member 83 is elastically restored to its original shape and comes into contact with the lower surface 91b of the process unit 91 and the upper surface of the support body 81a of the lock lever 81, but in a no-load state where no load is received from each surface. The air passage inlet 95a and the passage opening 81e are closely connected.

  By the way, in order to efficiently exhaust the ozone generated in the charger 42a to the outside, the passage from the intake duct 71 to the exhaust duct 72 needs to be sealed. However, when the passage opening 81e is formed in the lock lever 81 as in the present embodiment, the lock lever 81 needs to be pivoted up and down (swinging motion) around the support shaft 82. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a gap above the lock lever 81 (ie, between the upper surface of the support body 81a and the lower surface of the process unit 91). This gap is a gap through which air leaks from the viewpoint of a duct, and thus a device for filling the gap is required. Further, in the lock lever 81 of the present embodiment, it is necessary to maintain a state in which the locking claw 81 c is inserted and locked into the locking hole 77 a of the rail-shaped groove 77. Usually, an elastic member such as a spring is used as a means for maintaining the locked state. However, when the spring is disposed in the gap, air leakage from this portion cannot be prevented. Therefore, in this embodiment, by using the sealing member 83 instead of the spring (that is, by using the sealing member 83 as a spring), an air passage for sending air to the charger 42a is sealed in the sealing member 83. And a function of locking and holding the mounted lock lever 81 in the locking hole 77a.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the process unit 91 according to the second embodiment is mounted on the LSU 12.

  In the second embodiment, another close contact member 85 is disposed on the upper surface of the front end of the rail-shaped groove 77 of the LSU 12 so as to cover the through-hole 77b that is an air passage. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The contact member 85 is also formed in a quadrangular shape in plan view, and a connection port 85a that is an opening having the same shape as the through-hole 77b is formed at the center thereof. Thus, by disposing another contact member 85 also on the upper surface of the front end portion of the rail-shaped groove 77, the passage opening 81e of the lock lever 81 and the rail are held in a state where the lock lever 81 is locked and held in the locking hole 77a. The through-hole 77 b of the groove portion 77 can be closely connected by the connection port 85 a of the contact member 85. However, if the lower surface of the lock lever 81 and the upper surface of the rail-shaped groove 77 are in close contact with each other, the contact member 85 is not necessarily required.

<Embodiment 3>
In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 1 is a full-color printer is described. However, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a monochrome printer. In this case, the process unit only needs to have one for monochrome.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the electronic apparatus of the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus is described, but the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus. For example, the instrument body has an air passage extending from the intake duct to the exhaust duct, and an attachment / detachment member is detachably provided in the instrument body by the attachment / detachment mechanism portion, and the air passage passes through the attachment / detachment mechanism portion. The present invention can be applied to any electronic device configured to communicate with the inside of the detachable member.

<Summary>
The electronic apparatus (image forming apparatus 1) according to the present invention includes an apparatus main body (apparatus main body) and an intake port (air) connected to an exhaust port (71b) of an intake duct (71) provided in the apparatus main body (apparatus main body). A detachable member (process unit 91) having a passage entrance 95a), and a locking mechanism (lock lever 81 or the like) that allows the detachable member (process unit 91) to be detachable from the instrument main body side member (LSU12). In the electronic apparatus (image forming apparatus 1) provided, the locking mechanism (lock lever 81 or the like) has a passage port 81e that connects the exhaust port (71b) and the intake port (air passage inlet 95a). A locking body 81a having a hook, a locking part (locking claw) 81c locked to a receiving part (locking hole 77a) provided on the device body side member (LSU12), and the locking part (locking) The claw) 81c A seal that is interposed between the intake port (air passage inlet 95a) and the passage port 81e while being locked in the hole 77a) and seals the periphery of the intake port (air passage inlet 95a) and the passage port 81e. The sealing member 83 also serves as a part of the locking function of the locking mechanism (lock lever 81, etc.).

  According to this configuration, since the sealing member also serves as a part of the locking function of the locking mechanism portion, the number of parts of the locking mechanism portion can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this invention, the said latching function is a prevention function which prevents that the said latching | locking part remove | deviates from the said receiving part.

  In the present invention, the sealing member 83 is compressed and deformed by the swinging motion of the locking body 81a in the process of locking the locking portion 81c to the receiving portion (locking hole 77a), and the locking member In the state, it is configured to return to the original shape and hold the locked state.

  According to this configuration, the sealing member 83 is restored to its original shape in the locked state. That is, it is in a state where a load due to locking is not applied. Thereby, since the sealing member 83 does not receive the secular change by load, durability improves.

  Further, in the present invention, the sealing member 83 is constituted by a sheet member having a connection port 83a connected to the intake port (air passage inlet 95a) and the passage port 81e at the center thereof.

  In the present invention, the sealing member 83 can have an independent cell structure. According to this configuration, airtightness is improved and durability against a load is improved by adopting the independent cell structure.

  In the present invention, the sealing member 83 may be a microcell polymer sheet.

  In the present invention, the device main body is applied to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 1 including the image forming unit 11 that forms an image on a sheet, and the detachable member is a plurality of members constituting the image forming unit. Can be applied to the integrated process unit 91. Further, the process unit 91 may include at least the charger 42a. The instrument main body side member may be a laser scanning unit 12.

  According to this configuration, while reducing the size and space of the process unit 91, it is possible to prevent air leakage and reliably exhaust the ozone generated by the charger.

  The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, an air passage extending from an intake duct to an exhaust duct is provided in an instrument body in which an attachment / detachment member is detachably provided by an attachment / detachment mechanism portion, and the air passage passes through the attachment / detachment mechanism portion to the inside of the attachment / detachment member. It greatly contributes to all electronic devices configured to communicate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 11 Image forming part 12 Laser scanning unit (equipment main body side member)
31 1st image forming part 32 2nd image forming part 33 3rd image forming part 34 4th image forming part 41a-41d Photoconductor drum 42a-42d Charger 45a-45d Photoreceptor cleaner unit 46a-46d Static elimination part 71 Intake duct 71a Intake port 71b Exhaust port 72 Exhaust duct 72a Exhaust port 74 Exhaust fan 75 Guide rail 76 LSU lens 77 Rail-shaped groove 77a Locking hole (receiving part)
77b Through-hole 81 Lock lever (locking member)
81a Locking body 81b Operation part 81c Locking part (locking claw)
81d Shaft support portion 81d1 Shaft hole 81e Passage port 82 Support shaft 83 Sealing member 83a Connection port 91 Process unit 91a Rail 91b Lower surface 95 Air passage 95a Air passage inlet 95b Air passage outlet

Claims (9)

A device main body, a detachable member having an air inlet connected to an exhaust port of an air intake duct provided in the device main body, and a locking mechanism portion that makes the detachable member detachable from the device main body side member. An electronic device with
The locking mechanism portion includes a locking main body having a passage port connecting the exhaust port and the intake port, and a locking portion locking to a receiving portion provided on the device main body side member. A member, and a sealing member interposed between the intake port and the passage port in a state where the engagement portion is locked to the receiving portion, and sealing the periphery of the intake port and the passage port,
The locking member is swingable between a first position that holds a locking state in which the locking portion is locked to the receiving portion and a second position that releases the locking state. ,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member holds the locking member in the first position in the locked state. The electronic device according to claim 1,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the locking function is a prevention function for preventing the locking portion from being detached from the receiving portion. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The locking portion of the locking member is movable between the first position and the second position by a swinging operation of the locking member with a support shaft as a rotation center,
The sealing member is made of an elastic material, and in the process of locking the locking portion to the receiving portion, the locking member is compressed and deformed by an operation of swinging to the second position. The electronic device is characterized by holding the locking state by returning to its original shape and holding the locking member in the first position. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is a sheet-like member having a connection port connected to the intake port and the passage port at a central portion thereof. The electronic device according to claim 4,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member has an independent cell structure. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is a microcell polymer sheet. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
The apparatus main body is an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, and the detachable member is a process unit integrated by combining a plurality of members constituting the image forming unit. An electronic device characterized by being. The electronic device according to claim 7,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process unit includes at least a charger. An electronic device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein
The device main body side member is a laser scanning unit.

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