JP2006162944A - Coupling device, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, method for separating the coupling device, and residue removing tool - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coupling device capable of easily, surely and freely rotationally movably coupling a first member and a second member, a process cartridge equipped with the coupling device, a method for separating the coupling device, and a residue removing tool. <P>SOLUTION: The coupling device 60 for freely rotationally movably coupling a first casing 54 supporting at least an image carrier 26 and a second casing 56 supporting at least a developing device 32 has a section 76 to be coupled which is provided integrally with the second casing 56 and a coupling bracket 78 positioned and fixed to the first casing 54. The section 76 to be coupled and the coupling bracket 78 have linking sections freely rotationally movably connected to each other, and a dropout prevention mechanism 80 for preventing the dropout of the coupling bracket 78. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a coupling device used in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a facsimile, a process cartridge including the coupling device, a separation method of the image forming apparatus and the coupling device, and a residual removal tool.

In an image forming apparatus using electrophotographic technology, an electrophotographic photosensitive member (image carrier) and a process means that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. A cartridge system is adopted.
In such a process cartridge, for example, at least a first housing that supports an image carrier and at least a second housing that supports a developing device are rotatably coupled by a coupling pin. (See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-15354

  However, when the process cartridge is assembled by coupling the first housing and the second housing using the coupling pins, the coupling pins are press-fitted into the first housing and the second housing, or are screw-shaped. Therefore, there is a problem in that the connecting pin, the first housing and the second housing are damaged, and it takes time to assemble the process cartridge. In addition, it is necessary to insert two or more coupling pins at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, and the number of parts required for assembling the process cartridge has increased.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a feature of the present invention is a coupling device that rotatably couples a first member and a second member, the first member or the second member. And a coupling bracket fixed to the first member or the second member, and the coupled part and the coupling bracket are rotatably connected to each other. There is provided a coupling device comprising a connected portion and a drop-off preventing mechanism for preventing the coupling bracket from falling off. As a result, the first member and the second member can be easily and reliably coupled to each other by simply attaching the coupling bracket to the coupled portion.

  Preferably, the drop-off prevention mechanism is a coupling device in which an opening is provided in the coupling bracket, and an engagement claw that engages with the opening is provided in the coupled portion. Thus, by forming the engaging claw and the opening as the drop-off prevention mechanism, the coupling bracket can be easily attached to the coupled portion, and a complicated drop-off prevention mechanism becomes unnecessary.

  Preferably, the drop-off prevention mechanism is a coupling device in which an opening is provided in the coupled portion, and an engagement claw that engages with the opening is provided in the coupling bracket. Thus, by forming the engaging claw and the opening as the drop-off prevention mechanism, the coupling bracket can be easily attached to the coupled portion, and a complicated drop-off prevention mechanism becomes unnecessary.

  Preferably, the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with the engagement claw is disposed inside the coupling bracket or the coupled portion provided with the opening, and the engagement claw is provided. A coupling device in which an unlocking prevention member is inserted inside the coupled portion or the coupling bracket to prevent the inner end of the engagement claw from coming into contact and the engagement state of the engagement claw being released; To do. Thus, for example, by attaching the above coupling device to the process cartridge, the inner end of the engaging claw abuts against the unlocking prevention member even if there is a vibration or a drop impact due to transportation, and the engaging claw is engaged. It is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being disassembled without being released. Further, the lock release preventing member is inserted into the coupled portion provided with the engaging claw or the inside of the coupling bracket, so that the coupled portion provided with the engaging claw and the opening and the coupling are provided. The bracket can be reinforced.

  Preferably, the lock release prevention member includes a front fitting portion that is inserted forward of the drop-off prevention mechanism in an insertion direction, a rear fitting portion that contacts an inner end portion of the engagement claw, and the front fitting. The front fitting part and the rear fitting part are thinner than the front fitting part and the rear fitting part, and the front fitting part has a rotation that prevents rotation of the front fitting part. A stop portion is formed, and the rear fitting portion is a coupling device in which a tool insertion groove is formed at the rear end portion in the insertion direction. Thereby, the coupling bracket can be detached from the coupled portion by taking out the threaded rear fitting portion at the connection portion of the unlocking prevention member and releasing the engagement state of the engagement claw, and the first member and The second member can be easily separated.

  The second feature of the present invention is that an image carrier, a developing device, a first housing that supports at least the image carrier, and a second housing that supports at least the developing device. The first housing and the second housing are rotatably coupled by a coupling device, and the coupling device is provided integrally with the first housing or the second housing. And the coupling bracket fixed to the first casing or the second casing, and the coupled section and the coupling bracket are rotatably connected to each other. A process cartridge having a connecting portion and a drop-off preventing mechanism for preventing the coupling bracket from falling off. As a result, the first housing and the second housing can be rotatably coupled simply and securely by simply attaching the coupling bracket to the coupled portion, and the process cartridge can be assembled easily and reliably. This can be done and the efficiency of recycling can be increased.

  Preferably, the drop-off prevention mechanism of the coupling device is a process cartridge in which an opening is provided in the coupling bracket and an engagement claw that engages with the opening is provided in the coupled portion. Preferably, the drop-off prevention mechanism of the coupling device is a process cartridge in which an opening is provided in the coupled portion, and an engagement claw that engages the opening is provided in the coupling bracket. Thus, by forming the engaging claw and the opening as the drop-off prevention mechanism, the coupling bracket can be easily attached to the coupled portion, and a complicated drop-off prevention mechanism becomes unnecessary.

  Preferably, in the coupling device, the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with the engagement claw is disposed inside the coupling bracket or the coupled portion provided with the opening, and the engagement claw An unlocking prevention member that prevents the engagement state of the engagement claw from being released by the inner end of the engagement claw coming into contact with the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with Assume that the process cartridge is inserted. As a result, even if there is vibration or a drop impact when the process cartridge is transported, the inner end of the engaging claw does not come into contact with the lock release preventing member and the engaging state of the engaging claw is not released. The cartridge can be prevented from being disassembled. Further, the lock release preventing member is inserted into the coupled portion provided with the engaging claw or the inside of the coupling bracket, so that the coupled portion provided with the engaging claw and the opening and the coupling are provided. The bracket can be reinforced.

  Preferably, the coupling device includes a front fitting portion in which the lock release prevention member is inserted in front of the drop-off prevention mechanism in an insertion direction, and a rear fitting portion with which an inner end portion of the engagement claw contacts. The front fitting part and the rear fitting part are connected to each other, and the front fitting part and the rear fitting part are thinner than the front fitting part. A process cartridge in which a rotation stopper for preventing rotation is formed and a tool insertion groove is formed in the rear fitting portion at the rear end in the insertion direction is provided. As a result, the coupling bracket can be detached from the coupled portion by taking out the threaded rear fitting portion at the connection portion of the unlocking prevention member and releasing the engagement state of the engagement claw. The case and the second case can be easily separated.

  The present invention includes an image forming apparatus having the process cartridge.

  In addition, the third feature of the present invention is that the position is fixed to the coupled portion provided integrally with the first member or the second member, and the first member or the second member. A coupling bracket, wherein the coupled portion and the coupling bracket are rotatably coupled, and an opening or an engaging claw is provided in the coupling bracket, and the coupling portion includes the opening. A drop prevention mechanism provided with an engaging claw that engages with the engaging claw or an opening with which the engaging claw engages, and the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with the engaging claw has the opening The inner end of the engaging claw is in contact with the inside of the coupled part or the coupling bracket provided with the engaging claw, which is disposed inside the coupling bracket or the coupled part provided. The engagement state of the engagement claw is prevented from being released, and the front A front fitting part that is inserted in front of the drop-off prevention mechanism in the insertion direction, a rear fitting part that contacts an inner end of the engaging claw, and the front fitting part and the rear fitting part connected to each other; A front fitting portion and a connection portion that is thinner than the rear fitting portion, and the front fitting portion is formed with a rotation stopping portion that prevents rotation of the front fitting portion, and the rear fitting portion Is a method of separating a coupling device in which a lock release preventing member having a tool insertion groove formed at a rear end portion in the insertion direction is inserted, and a tool is inserted into the tool insertion groove to apply rotational torque. The lock release preventing member is threaded at the connecting portion, and at least the rear fitting portion is taken out, and then the engaging claw is released from the engaged state, and the coupling bracket is detached from the coupled portion. This is a method for separating a coupling device. Thus, for example, when disassembling, for example, when recycling the process cartridge using the coupling device of the present invention, the first casing as the first member and the second casing as the second member are easily separated. In addition, it is only necessary to replace the lock release prevention member, which is a small component at a low cost, with a new one, and it is not necessary to replace other components, so that the cost of recycling can be kept low.

  In addition, the fourth feature of the present invention is that the position is fixed to the coupled portion provided integrally with the first member or the second member and the first member or the second member. A coupling bracket, wherein the coupled portion and the coupling bracket are rotatably coupled, and an opening or an engaging claw is provided in the coupling bracket, and the coupling portion includes the opening. A drop prevention mechanism provided with an engaging claw that engages with the engaging claw or an opening with which the engaging claw engages, and the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with the engaging claw has the opening The inner end of the engaging claw is in contact with the inside of the coupled part or the coupling bracket provided with the engaging claw, which is disposed inside the coupling bracket or the coupled part provided. The engagement state of the engagement claw is prevented from being released, and the front A front fitting part that is inserted in front of the drop-off prevention mechanism in the insertion direction, a rear fitting part that contacts an inner end of the engaging claw, and the front fitting part and the rear fitting part connected to each other; A front fitting portion and a connection portion that is thinner than the rear fitting portion, and the front fitting portion is formed with a rotation stopping portion that prevents rotation of the front fitting portion, and the rear fitting portion In order to separate the coupling device in which the lock release preventing member in which the tool insertion groove is formed at the rear end portion in the insertion direction is separated, a tool is inserted into the tool insertion groove and rotational torque is applied thereto. By threading the unlocking prevention member at the connecting portion, taking out at least the rear fitting portion to the outside, releasing the engaging claw from the engaged state, and detaching the coupling bracket from the coupled portion. Residual material removal work for removing the remaining front fitting part A hollow residue removing tool body having an engaging claw push-up portion that pushes up the engaging claw of the drop-off prevention mechanism and a holding portion that holds and pulls out at least a part of the front fitting portion, and A residual removal tool comprising: an insertion member that is inserted into a hollow portion of the residual removal tool body and pushes up the engaging claw push-up portion. As a result, when the process cartridge is recycled, the front fitting portion can be easily removed after the unlocking prevention member is threaded, and can be easily replaced with a new unlocking prevention member.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an outline of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 12, an image forming unit 14 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 12, a discharge unit 16 is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 12, and A paper feeding device 18 is provided below the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  The discharge unit 16 includes an inclined portion 22 that is rotatable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12. The inclined portion 22 has a low discharge port portion, and is inclined so as to gradually increase toward the front surface direction (the right direction in FIG. 1). The discharge port portion is a lower end, and the higher tip is an upper end. The inclined portion 22 is supported by the image forming apparatus main body 12 so as to be rotatable about the lower end. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, when the inclined portion 22 is rotated upward and opened, an open portion 24 is formed, and a process cartridge 40 described later can be attached and detached through the open portion 24. .

  The image forming means 14 is of, for example, an electrophotographic system, and includes an image carrier 26 made of a photosensitive member, a charging device 28 made of, for example, a charging roll that uniformly charges the image carrier 26, and a charging device 28. An optical writing device 30 for writing a latent image on the charged image carrier 26 with light, and a developing device 32 for visualizing the latent image of the image carrier 26 formed by the optical writing device 30 with a developer; The developing device 32 transfers a developer image to a sheet, for example, a transfer device 34 including a transfer roll, a cleaning device 36 including a blade for cleaning the developer remaining on the image carrier 26, and the transfer device 34 For example, a fixing device 38 including a pressure roll and a heating roll is used to fix the developer image on the paper to the paper. The optical writing device 30 is composed of, for example, a scanning type laser exposure device, and is arranged in the vicinity of the front surface (right side surface in FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus main body 12 in parallel with the paper feeding cassette 20 of the paper feeding device 18. The image carrier 26 is exposed across. Further, the developing device 32 includes a developing roll 42 that faces the image carrier 26.

  The process cartridge 40 is obtained by integrating the image carrier 26, the charging device 28, the developing device 32, and the cleaning device 36. The process cartridge 40 is disposed immediately below the inclined portion 22 of the discharge portion 16 and is attached / detached via the opening portion 24 formed when the inclined portion 22 is opened as described above.

  In the image forming apparatus main body 12, for example, a resist roll 44 is disposed on the upstream side of the transfer device 34. The paper picked up by the pick-up roll 47 from the paper feed cassette 20 of the paper feeding device 18 and transported to the transport path 45 via the feed roll 49 and the retard roll 51 is temporarily stopped by the resist roll 44 and image formation is performed at a predetermined timing. An image is formed by being sent to the means 14 and is discharged to the discharge portion 16 by the discharge roll 46.

  However, in the case of duplex printing, it is returned to the reverse path. That is, the front of the discharge roll 46 is divided into two forks, and a switching claw 48 is provided at the divided portion, and an inversion path 50 is formed to return from the divided portion to the registration roll 44. The reversing path 50 is provided with transport rolls 52a to 52c. In the case of double-sided printing, the switching claw 48 is switched to the side that opens the reversing path 50, and the discharge roll 46 starts from the front end of the sheet. Thus, the discharge roll 46 is reversed, the paper is guided to the reverse path 50, and is discharged to the discharge portion 16 through the registration roll 44, the transfer device 34 and the image carrier 26 and the fixing device 38. .

Next, the process cartridge 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As described above, the process cartridge 40 is obtained by integrating the image carrier 26, the charging device 28, the developing device 32, and the cleaning device 36. For example, the process cartridge 40 is shown in the side views of FIGS. As described above, the developing device 32 including the first casing (first member) 54 that supports the image carrier 26 and the charging device 28 and the cleaning device 36 that are not shown in FIG. And a second housing 56 (second member) for supporting the above. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 2 (c), the first casing 54 and the second casing 56 are composed of the first coupling portion 58 and the coupling device 60 (the first coupling device 60 according to the first embodiment of the present invention). 2 joints) and are rotatably connected. The first coupling portion 58 is integrated with the bearing portion 64 provided integrally with the first side surface 62 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 54 and the first side surface 66 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 56. And a shaft portion 68 provided on the head. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the bearing portion 64 is formed as a long hole in the oblique direction, and the shaft portion 68 is given a slight degree of freedom in the oblique direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, the coupling device 60 includes a coupled portion 76 provided integrally with the second side surface 74 at the other longitudinal end of the second housing 56, and the first housing. 54, and a coupling bracket 78 that is fitted to the fitting portion 72 provided at two places on the second side surface 70 at the other end in the longitudinal direction and is fixed to the fitting portion 76 and fixed in position. . The coupling bracket 78 is formed with a first through hole 83 for fitting into the fitted portion 72 and a second through hole 85 for fitting into the joined portion 76.

  As shown in the side view of FIG. 3A and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B, the coupled portion 76 and the coupling bracket 78 are pivotally coupled to the coupling portion 79, that is, the through hole 85 of the coupling bracket 78. The coupling portion 79 is a portion into which the coupled portion 76 is inserted, and a drop prevention mechanism 80 that prevents the coupling bracket 78 from falling off the coupled portion 76. Specifically, for example, the drop prevention mechanism 80 is provided with an engaging claw 84 in the coupled portion 76 and an opening 82 in the coupling bracket 78. In addition, an insertion hole 87 into which a lock release preventing member 86 described later can be inserted is formed inside the coupled portion 76.

  In this embodiment, the coupling bracket 78 is merely fitted to the fitted portion 72 of the first housing 54, and no drop-off prevention mechanism is provided. However, since the coupling bracket 78 is attached to the first casing 54 and the second casing 56 in a coupled state as shown in FIG. 2B, the coupling bracket 78 is connected to the coupled portion 76 of the coupling bracket 78. Due to the drop-off prevention mechanism 80 that prevents the drop-off, the coupling bracket 78 does not drop out of the fitted portion 72 as well. Further, in this embodiment, the drop-off prevention mechanism 80 is provided in the coupled portion 76 and the coupling bracket 78 of the second housing 56, but the fitted portion 72 and the coupling bracket 78 of the first housing 54 are provided in the second housing 56. Of course, it is possible to provide the drop-off prevention mechanism 80.

  By doing in this way, the 1st housing | casing 54 and the 2nd housing | casing 56 can be freely rotatably couple | bonded easily and reliably only by mounting | wearing the coupling | bonding bracket 78 with the to-be-joined part 76. FIG. In this embodiment, the first coupling portion 58 includes a shaft portion 68 and a bearing portion 64 that are integrally formed with the first housing 54 and the second housing 56, and the process cartridge 40. The number of parts required for assembly is small. Further, by forming the engaging claw 84 and the opening 82 as the drop-off preventing mechanism 80, the coupling bracket 78 can be easily attached to the coupled portion 76, and a complicated drop-off preventing mechanism becomes unnecessary.

Next, an example of a procedure for engaging the engagement claw 84 with the opening 82 in the drop-off prevention mechanism 80 will be described below. First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the coupling bracket 78 is fitted into the coupled portion 76, and the coupled portion 76 is inserted into the second through hole 85 of the coupling bracket 78. Although the fitted portion 72 is not shown in FIG. 4, the coupling bracket 78 is also fitted to the fitted portion 72 provided in the first housing 54 at the same time. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the engaging claw 84 provided in the coupled portion 76 is elastically deformed inwardly of the coupled portion 76 to pass through the second through hole 85 of the coupling bracket 78. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the engaging claw 84 reaches the opening 82 provided in the coupling bracket 78, it returns to its original shape and engages with the opening 82 by a snap fit. In a state where the engaging claw 84 is engaged with the opening 82, the engaging claw 84 can be released from the outside by opening the engaging claw 84 with a screwdriver or the like. As shown in FIG. 3A, the opening 82 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the direction of rotation of the second housing 56, and the engaging claw 84 is rotatable in the opening 82. Yes.
By doing so, the coupling bracket 78 can be easily attached to the coupled portion 76. Further, since the drop prevention mechanism 80 is provided, it is possible to prevent the coupling bracket 78 from dropping from the coupled portion 76.

Next, a process cartridge 40 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the process cartridge 40 of the first embodiment, the engagement claw 84 of the coupled portion 76 remains engaged with the opening 82 of the coupling bracket 78, and the engagement state of the engagement claw 84 is simple. Therefore, for example, the engagement state is released due to vibration or drop impact caused by transportation of the process cartridge 40, and the coupling bracket 78 is detached from the coupled portion 76, and the first casing 54 and the second casing are thus separated. The body 56 may be separated. Moreover, since the to-be-joined part 76 is hollow, there exists a possibility of damaging.

  Therefore, in the process cartridge 40 of the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the insertion hole 87 provided on the inner side of the coupled portion 76 of the second housing 56 is inserted into the insertion hole 87. A lock release preventing member 86 for preventing the engagement claw 84 from being released from the engaged state when the inner end portion 88 of the engagement claw 84 comes into contact is inserted.

  The lock release prevention member 86 is inserted in front of the drop-off prevention mechanism 80 in the insertion direction, and is inserted in the rear of the front fitting portion 90. The inner end 88 of the engaging claw 84 is The rear fitting part 92 which contact | abuts, and the front fitting part 90 and the back fitting part 92 are connected, and it has the connection part 94 thinner than the front fitting part 90 and the rear fitting part 92. The front fitting portion 90 has a convex engaging portion 98 that contacts the front end portion 96 of the engaging claw 84 to prevent the lock release preventing member 86 from being removed, and the front fitting portion 90 has a front fitting portion at the front end portion in the insertion direction. An anti-rotation portion 100 that prevents the rotation of 90 is formed, and a tool insertion groove 102 is formed at the rear end of the rear fitting portion 92 in the insertion direction. Further, the lower end portion of the front fitting portion 90 is provided with a clamping portion 122 that is clamped by a residual material removal tool 110 described later. The second housing 56 has a recess 104 into which the anti-rotation portion 100 is fitted, and the anti-rotation of the front fitting portion 90 is prevented by fitting the anti-rotation portion 100 into the recess 104. Done.

  Therefore, by inserting a tool such as a flat-blade screwdriver into the tool insertion groove 102 and applying rotational torque, the front fitting portion 90 is prevented from rotating, so the lock release prevention member 86 is threaded at the connection portion 94 to prevent unlocking. The rear fitting portion 92 inserted behind the connecting portion 94 of the member 86 can be taken out of the insertion hole 87. By doing so, the engaging claw 84 can enter the inside of the coupled portion 76, and the engaging claw 84 can be released from the engaged state.

  An example of a procedure for inserting the unlocking prevention member 86 into the insertion hole 87 of the coupled portion 76 is shown below. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lock release prevention member 86 is passed through the insertion hole 87 while the engagement claw 84 is elastically deformed outward by the engagement portion 98 of the lock release prevention member 86. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the engaging portion 98 is made to reach a position ahead of the engaging claw 84 in the insertion direction. At this point, that is, when the insertion of the unlocking prevention member 86 is completed, the engaging claw 84 returns to its original shape, the engaging portion 98 comes into contact with the front end portion 96 of the engaging claw 84, and the unlocking prevention member 86 is removed. Stop is done.

  By doing so, since the lock release preventing member 86 is inserted into the insertion hole 87 of the coupled portion 76 in the assembled state of the process cartridge 40, the engagement claw 84 is caused by vibration or drop impact due to transportation. It is possible to prevent the engagement state from being released. Further, since the lock release preventing member 86 is inserted into the insertion hole 87, the coupled portion 76 and the coupling bracket 78 can be reinforced, and the breakage thereof can be prevented.

  On the other hand, in order to release the engagement state of the engagement claw 84, it is necessary to take out the lock release prevention member 86 from the insertion hole 87 of the coupled portion 76. At this time, the rear fitting portion 92 inserted to the insertion rear side of the connection portion 94 of the lock release preventing member 86 is easily taken out by inserting a tool into the tool insertion groove 94 and applying rotational torque as described above. When the rear fitting portion 92 is taken out, the engaging claw 84 can enter the inside of the coupled portion 76, and the engaging claw 84 can be released from the engaged state.

  However, when the connection portion 94 is threaded as described above, the front fitting portion 90 inserted in front of the connection portion 94 in the insertion direction remains in the coupled portion 76. Therefore, for example, a residual removal tool 110 having a residual removal tool body 106 and an insertion member 108 as shown in a front view of FIG. 7A, a side view of FIG. 7B, and a front perspective view of FIG. The front fitting part 90 which is a residue is removed. The residue removing tool main body 106 has a substantially cylindrical shape which is hollow as a whole, and has a hook-shaped elastically deforming holding portion 112 capable of holding an object at the lower end portion of the front end. Further, an engaging claw push-up portion 114 bent in a U-shape is provided at the upper end portion to push up the engaging claw 84. The insertion member 108 is provided with a substantially cylindrical insertion portion 116 that is inserted into the hollow portion of the residual body removing tool main body 106. The residual body removing tool body 106 and the insertion member 108 are provided with a first handle portion 118 and a second handle portion 120, respectively, so that these operations can be easily performed.

  On the other hand, a substantially T-shaped sandwiched portion 122 is provided at the lower end portion of the front fitting portion 90 of the lock release preventing member 86, as shown in FIG. In addition, FIG.8 (c) is the principal part enlarged view which looked at the front fitting part 90 from the lower side of FIG.8 (b). The sandwiched portion 122 is sandwiched by the sandwiching portion 112 of the residual material removal tool 110, and the front fitting portion 90 is pulled out of the coupled portion 76.

Next, an example of a procedure for removing the front fitting portion 90 of the lock release preventing member 86 by the residual material removal tool 110 will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the T-shaped sandwiched portion provided in the front fitting portion 90 by the sandwiching portion 112 by inserting the residual body removing tool body 106 into the insertion hole 87 of the joined portion 76. 122 is inserted (see FIG. 8C). At that time, the sandwiching portion 112 abuts on the sandwiched portion 122 and then elastically deforms and expands, and then returns to its original shape so that the sandwiched portion 122 is sandwiched. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), by inserting the insertion portion 116 of the insertion member 108 into the hollow portion of the residual material removal tool body 106, the engaging claw push-up portion 114 of the residual material removal tool body 106. Is pushed up, and accordingly, the engaging claw 84 provided in the coupled portion 76 is pushed up. By doing so, the locking of the engaging portion 98 by the engaging claw 84 is released, and the engaging portion 98 can pass through the insertion hole 87 and the front fitting portion 90 can be pulled out.

Thereafter, by pulling out the residual member removing tool main body 106 together with the insertion member 94, the sandwiched portion 122 of the front fitting portion 90 is sandwiched by the sandwiching portion 112, so the front fitting portion 90 is also pulled out together. By doing in this way, the front fitting part 90 which is a residue can be removed from the inside of the joined part 76.
The front fitting portion 90 is removed when the process cartridge 40 is disassembled during recycling or the like. However, even if the front fitting portion 90 remains, the engagement claw 84 is engaged with the opening 82 and the engagement state is maintained. Since the function of the drop-off prevention mechanism 80 is not lost, the process cartridge 40 can be recycled with the front fitting portion 90 remaining. However, in that case, the new unlocking prevention member 86 cannot be inserted again, and there is a possibility that the engaged state may be released due to vibration or drop impact due to transportation. There is no reinforcement. Therefore, it is preferable to remove the front fitting portion 90 when the process cartridge 40 is disassembled and insert a new unlocking prevention member 86 into the hollow portion of the coupled portion 76 when the process cartridge 40 is assembled again.

Next, a process cartridge 40 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the first and second embodiments, the engaging claw 84 is provided in the coupled portion 76 of the second housing 56 and the opening 82 is provided in the coupling bracket 78. However, the process cartridge of the third embodiment is provided. In FIG. 40, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, an engagement claw 84 is provided in the coupling bracket 78 as the drop-off prevention mechanism 80, and an opening 82 is provided in the coupled portion 76 of the second housing 56. The coupling bracket 78 is provided with an engagement hole 124 for inserting the lock release preventing member 86 and engaging the engagement portion 98.

  By doing in this way, similarly to the process cartridge 40 of the first and second embodiments, the first casing 54 and the second housing 54 can be easily and surely attached only by attaching the coupling bracket 78 to the coupled portion 76. The housing 56 can be rotatably coupled. Further, by forming the engaging claw 84 and the opening 82 as the drop-off preventing mechanism 80, the coupling bracket 78 can be easily attached to the coupled portion 76, and a complicated drop-off preventing mechanism becomes unnecessary.

  Further, the insertion of the lock release preventing member 86 into the coupling bracket 78 in this embodiment is realized by elastically deforming the engaging claw 84 outward as in the case of FIG. Alternatively, the engaging portion 98 of the lock release preventing member may be inserted by being elastically deformed in the inner direction. Further, when removing the coupling bracket 78 from the coupled portion 76, the rear fitting portion 92 is taken out by threading at the connection portion 94 of the lock release preventing member 86, and the engagement state of the engagement claw 84 of the coupling bracket 78 is changed. It can be released. Thereafter, the engagement state of the engagement claw 84 is released, and the coupling bracket 78 is taken out. At this time, the remaining front fitting portion 90 is also taken out together with the coupling bracket 78, and then the front fitting portion 90 is taken out from the coupling bracket 78 using the above-described residual material removing tool 110. The front fitting portion 90 may be removed from the coupled portion 76 after the front fitting portion 90 is taken out from the coupling bracket 78 using the residual material removal tool 110, but the front fitting portion 90 is also included with the coupling bracket 78. After that, it is easier to take out the front fitting portion 90 from the coupling bracket 78 by using the above-mentioned residual removal tool 110, and it is more preferable because there is no possibility of damaging the coupled portion 76. Alternatively, since the coupling bracket 78 is a small component and the component cost is low, the coupling bracket 78 in which the front fitting portion 90 is inserted may be replaced with a new one.

  The second casing 56 is a large important part. When the engaging claw 84 is formed in the coupled portion 76 of the second casing 56, the engaging claw 84 or the coupled portion 76 is damaged due to an operation error or the like. However, as in the process cartridge 40 of this embodiment, an opening 82 is formed in the coupled portion 76 of the second casing 56 and an opening 82 is provided in the coupling bracket 78, thereby coupling the coupled portion. There is less risk of 76 being damaged. Further, since the coupling bracket 78 is a small part, it can be easily replaced even when it is damaged.

  As described above, the present invention can be used for a process cartridge, a process cartridge disassembling method, and a residue removing tool that can reduce the cost of parts and can be easily assembled.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the side view and sectional view which show the outline | summary of the process cartridge which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view and sectional drawing which show the dropping prevention mechanism of the process cartridge which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the attachment procedure of the coupling bracket to the 2nd housing | casing of the process cartridge which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the conceptual diagram and perspective view which show the mode of the lock release prevention member inserted in the dropping prevention mechanism of the process cartridge which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is process drawing which shows the attachment procedure of the lock release prevention member of the process cartridge which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the (a) front view, (b) side view, and (c) front perspective view which show the residue removal tool for taking out the residue of the lock release prevention member which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) It is process drawing which shows the removal procedure of the residue of the unlocking member which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (c) The principal part enlarged view. It is the side view and sectional drawing which show the dropping prevention mechanism of the process cartridge which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 18 Paper supply apparatus 54 1st housing | casing 56 2nd housing | casing 58 1st coupling | bond part 60 1st side surface 64 (of 1st housing | casing) 64 Bearing part 66 (2nd First side surface 68 of shaft (70) Second side surface 72 of shaft portion 70 (first housing) Second side surface 76 of mating portion 74 (second housing) To-be-joined portion 78 Joining bracket 79 Connecting portion 80 Drop prevention mechanism 82 Opening 83 First through hole 84 Engaging claw 85 Second through hole 86 Unlocking prevention member 87 Insertion hole 88 Inner end 90 Front fitting part 92 Rear fitting part 94 Connection part 96 Front end portion 98 Engagement portion 100 Anti-rotation portion 102 Tool insertion groove 104 Recess 106 Residual material removal tool body 108 Insert member 110 Residual material removal tool 112 Clamping portion 114 Engagement claw push-up portion 116 Insertion portion 118 Part 120 second handle part 122 Clamping portion 124 engaging holes

Claims (13)

  A coupling device that pivotably couples a first member and a second member, wherein the first member or a coupled portion integrally provided on the second member, and the first member Or a coupling bracket fixed in position to the second member, wherein the coupled portion and the coupling bracket are pivotably coupled to each other, and the coupling bracket is prevented from falling off. And a coupling device.   The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the drop-off prevention mechanism is provided with an opening in the coupling bracket, and an engagement claw that engages with the opening is provided in the coupled portion.   The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the drop-off prevention mechanism is provided with an opening in the coupled portion, and an engagement claw that engages with the opening is provided in the coupling bracket.   The coupled part or the coupling bracket provided with the engaging claw is disposed inside the coupling bracket or the coupled part provided with the opening, and the coupled part provided with the engaging claw Alternatively, a lock release preventing member that prevents the engagement state of the engagement claw from being released when the inner end of the engagement claw comes into contact with the inside of the coupling bracket is inserted. The coupling device according to claim 2 or 3.   The unlocking prevention member includes a front fitting portion that is inserted forward of the drop-off prevention mechanism in an insertion direction, a rear fitting portion that contacts an inner end portion of the engaging claw, the front fitting portion, and the A back fitting portion is connected to the front fitting portion and a connecting portion that is thinner than the rear fitting portion, and the front fitting portion has a rotation stop portion that prevents rotation of the front fitting portion. The coupling device according to claim 4, wherein a tool insertion groove is formed at a rear end portion in the insertion direction in the rear fitting portion.   An image carrier, a developing device, a first housing that supports at least the image carrier, and a second housing that supports at least the developing device; and the first housing; The second casing is rotatably coupled by a coupling device, and the coupling device includes the first casing or a coupled portion provided integrally with the second casing, and the first casing. A coupling bracket fixed in position to the body or the second casing, and the coupled portion and the coupling bracket are pivotally coupled to each other, and the coupling bracket is prevented from falling off. A process cartridge comprising a drop-off prevention mechanism.   The process according to claim 6, wherein the drop-off prevention mechanism of the coupling device is provided with an opening in the coupling bracket, and an engagement claw that engages with the opening is provided in the coupled portion. cartridge.   The process according to claim 6, wherein the drop-off prevention mechanism of the coupling device is provided with an opening in the coupled portion, and an engagement claw that engages with the opening is provided in the coupling bracket. cartridge.   In the coupling device, the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with the engagement claw is disposed inside the coupling bracket or the coupled portion provided with the opening, and the engagement claw is provided. Further, an unlocking prevention member for preventing the engagement state of the engagement claw from being released when the inner end portion of the engagement claw comes into contact with the inside of the coupled portion or the coupling bracket is inserted. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the process cartridge is characterized in that:   The coupling device includes: a front fitting portion in which the lock release preventing member is inserted in front of the drop-off prevention mechanism in an insertion direction; a rear fitting portion with which an inner end portion of the engagement claw contacts; and the front The fitting portion and the rear fitting portion are connected and the front fitting portion and a connecting portion thinner than the rear fitting portion are provided, and the front fitting portion prevents rotation of the front fitting portion. The process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein a rotation stopper portion is formed, and a tool insertion groove is formed in the rear fitting portion at a rear end portion in the insertion direction.   An image forming apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to claim 6.   A coupled portion provided integrally with the first member or the second member; and a coupling bracket fixed to the first member or the second member; and the coupled portion and the coupling The bracket includes a connecting portion that is rotatably connected, an opening or an engaging claw provided in the coupling bracket, and an engaging claw or the engaging claw that engages the opening is engaged with the coupled portion. A drop prevention mechanism provided with a mating opening, and the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with the engaging claw is located inside the coupling bracket or the coupled portion provided with the opening. The engagement state of the engagement claw is released when the inner end of the engagement claw abuts on the inside of the coupled part or the coupling bracket provided with the engagement claw. Prevent the drop-off prevention mechanism from being inserted forward of the insertion direction. The front fitting part, the rear fitting part with which the inner end of the engaging claw abuts, the front fitting part and the rear fitting part connected to each other from the front fitting part and the rear fitting part. The front fitting portion is formed with a rotation stopper for preventing rotation of the front fitting portion, and the rear fitting portion is inserted with a tool at the rear end portion in the insertion direction. A method for separating a coupling device in which a lock prevention member having a groove is inserted, wherein a tool is inserted into the tool insertion groove and rotational torque is applied to thread the lock release prevention member at the connection portion. A method for separating a coupling device, wherein after at least the rear fitting portion is taken out, the engagement claw is released from the engagement state, and the coupling bracket is detached from the coupled portion.   A coupled portion provided integrally with the first member or the second member; and a coupling bracket fixed to the first member or the second member; and the coupled portion and the coupling The bracket includes a connecting portion that is rotatably connected, an opening or an engaging claw provided in the coupling bracket, and an engaging claw or the engaging claw that engages the opening is engaged with the coupled portion. A drop prevention mechanism provided with a mating opening, and the coupled portion or the coupling bracket provided with the engaging claw is located inside the coupling bracket or the coupled portion provided with the opening. The engagement state of the engagement claw is released when the inner end of the engagement claw abuts on the inside of the coupled part or the coupling bracket provided with the engagement claw. Prevent the drop-off prevention mechanism from being inserted forward of the insertion direction. The front fitting part, the rear fitting part with which the inner end of the engaging claw abuts, the front fitting part and the rear fitting part connected to each other from the front fitting part and the rear fitting part. The front fitting portion is formed with a rotation stopper for preventing rotation of the front fitting portion, and the rear fitting portion is inserted with a tool at the rear end portion in the insertion direction. When separating the coupling device in which the unlocking prevention member in which the groove is formed is inserted, a tool is inserted into the tool insertion groove to apply rotational torque, and the unlocking prevention member is threaded at the connection portion, At least after removing the rear fitting portion to the outside, the engagement claw is released from the engaged state, and the coupling bracket is detached from the coupled portion to remove the remaining front fitting portion. This is a residual removal tool that pushes the engaging claw of the drop-off prevention mechanism. A hollow residue removing tool main body having an engaging claw push-up portion to be raised and a clamping portion that holds and pulls out at least a part of the front fitting portion, and is inserted into a hollow portion of the residue removing tool main body. And an insertion member for pushing up the engaging claw push-up portion.

Images