JP2000132067A - Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming device and rear part container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide light transmission windows for detecting full-up and a process cartridge operating handle member, without making the structure of a cleaning vessel complicated or the vessel rigidity lowered, and to prevent the erroneous detection from occurring in detecting the full-up. SOLUTION: A cap member 12 is provided at rearside in the case of viewing if from a photoreceptor 1 side of the cleaning vessel 11, and light transmission windows for detecting full-up 34a and 34b on the cap member 12, and the process cartridge operating handle member 16, and moreover a projecting part 12b that can not be errected while placing the cap member side down, are arranged. In such a manner, the cleaning vessel is increased in the rigidity with a simple structure, operability at the attaching/detaching time of the processing cartridge by the handle is improved, the waste toner is prevented from being conducted to the rear part of the vessel by errecting it while the rear side is placed down by error.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be attached and detached. Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, and the like), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

A process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging unit, a cleaning unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge, and this cartridge is made detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. In addition, the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body. Since the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user himself, maintenance of the apparatus main body can be easily performed.

[0003]

The present invention is a further development of the prior art described below.

The present invention provides a process for providing a transmitted light window for detecting that toner has been filled and an operating handle for attaching and detaching the cleaning container without complicating the structure of the cleaning container or reducing the rigidity of the container. It is intended to provide a cartridge. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge in which the detection means for detecting that the toner is full does not cause erroneous detection when the rear end of the process cartridge is set down. It is another object of the present invention to provide a rear container with improved assemblability of the process cartridge.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for attaching and detaching a movable body which can be taken in and out of a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a substantially horizontal direction. In the cartridge, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning member for removing toner from the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a toner conveying member for conveying the toner removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member by a toner conveying member And a cartridge frame that supports the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the cleaning member, the toner conveying member, and forms a toner conveying unit and a toner container that stores the toner conveyed by the toner conveying member. The cartridge frame was provided on the cartridge frame on a side opposite to a portion supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive member. It has a rear container to close the mouth, a process cartridge and having integrally transmitted light detection window member of a light transmission type waste toner amount detection to the rear container.

A second invention according to the present application is the process cartridge according to the first invention, wherein the rear container has a handle member for operating the process cartridge.

[0007] A third invention according to the present application is directed to a rear surface of the rear container opposite to an opening facing the cartridge frame when viewed from a direction perpendicular to an axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The process cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a protrusion is provided on a rear portion which is an outer surface of the process cartridge, so that it is impossible to place the process cartridge with the rear portion of the process cartridge facing down.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the transmitted light detecting window member is provided at a position corresponding to one axial end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the transmitted light detecting window member is two members provided in a straight optical path of the light for detecting the presence / absence of waste toner. The other one of the entrances is an exit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the transmitted light detecting window member projects into the rear container, and the optical path passes through the tip end surface of the projected portion, and the recessed portion is provided to the outside. It has become.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the rear container has a rotating member having a leveling blade in parallel with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the leveling blade is a transmitted light detecting window member. Rub the tip of.

An eighth invention according to the present application is the invention according to the second invention, wherein the handle member is gripped in parallel with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and is disposed at a vertex of a triangle when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A cross member parallel to the grip and arranged at each of the other vertices of the triangle, and a connecting portion that connects both ends of the grip and both ends of each cross member, respectively.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the rear portion of the rear container substantially forms a flat surface, the upper surface of the cartridge frame substantially forms a flat surface, and the grip is formed by extending an extension of each of the flat surfaces. It is provided at the corner on the side of the intersecting rear container.

A tenth invention according to the present application is the ninth invention, wherein one of the transverse members is disposed along the one-plane rear container side passing through the rear part of the rear container, and The other one is arranged along the rear container side, which is approximately one plane through the upper surface of the cartridge frame.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, when the grip is gripped with a right hand or a left hand from above, the thumb abuts on the rear portion of the rear container or the horizontal member following the rear portion. Thereby, the posture of the process cartridge can be adjusted very easily, and the operation is facilitated.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photoreceptor, a cleaning member for removing toner from the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a toner conveying unit for conveying the toner removed from the electrophotographic photoreceptor by the cleaning member by a toner conveying member, and A cartridge frame that supports an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning member, and a toner conveying member, and that includes a toner conveying unit and a toner storage unit that stores the toner conveyed by the toner conveying unit; A rear container for closing an opening provided in the cartridge frame on a side opposite to a portion supporting the electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the rear container has a light transmission window member for detecting a light transmission type waste toner amount; Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge integrally having a process cartridge; b. A lamp that projects light toward the window member; c. A light receiving element for receiving the light of the lamp transmitted through the window member; d. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying a pre-recording medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rear container constituting a rear portion of a cartridge frame of a process cartridge, wherein the welding is performed in contact with an edge of the front portion of the cartridge frame surrounding the opening of the cleaning container. Part, a rear container body that forms a space rearward from the opening,
A light transmitting window member for detecting the amount of waste toner and a transmission light detecting window member provided in the rear container main body.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the transmitted light detecting window member is provided at one end in the left-right direction when viewed from behind the rear container.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, based on the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, a rotary member having smoothing blades for rubbing and cleaning the transmitted light detecting window member is rotatably supported.

A sixteenth invention according to the present application is the invention according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth inventions, wherein the rear container is opened forward, and the longitudinal section in the front-rear direction is substantially triangular. A substantially vertical vertical rear wall, an upper wall which curves from the upper rear wall and then descends obliquely forward toward the welded portion, and a substantially triangular side wall; And a welded portion surrounding the opening through the front end of the side wall and the vicinity of the lower end of the rear wall.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixteenth aspect, a recess is provided at a portion where the rear wall and the upper wall intersect at a central portion in the left-right direction when viewed from the rear, and the handle member is housed in the recess. And fixed.

An eighteenth invention according to the present application is the invention according to the seventeenth invention, wherein the handle member is provided with three rod-shaped members at the vertices of a triangle, and extends in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the triangle to form a rod-shaped member. A state in which the upper end of three rod-shaped members is gripped, and the other two are horizontal members, the horizontal members being along the edges of the recesses. In the recess.

A nineteenth invention according to the present application is the invention according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth inventions, wherein the rear wall has a projection outward.

[0024]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and this cartridge is used as a main body of the image forming apparatus. A process cartridge system which can be detached from the printer is adopted. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

When the life of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is prolonged and the number of printable sheets increases, the developing means which limits the supply capacity is made an independent unit, and the developing unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the image forming process, charging means and cleaning means are used. Process cartridges are integrated into one unit, which facilitates attachment / detachment to / maintenance of the apparatus and maintenance, and furthermore, each of them is used in accordance with the life of the main components.
The waste developer (toner) generated by cleaning in the process cartridge is stored in a cleaning container having a sufficient capacity for the life of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and is removed when the process cartridge is replaced.

A detecting means for detecting that the cleaning container is filled with the waste toner is provided.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, the short direction of the process cartridge B is the direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus A, and coincides with the transport direction of the recording medium. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B is a direction that intersects (substantially orthogonal) the direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus A, is parallel to the surface of the recording medium, and transports the recording medium. This is a direction that intersects (substantially orthogonal) with the direction. Further, the left and right of the process cartridge are right or left when the recording medium is viewed from above according to the transport direction of the recording medium, and the front and rear are front and rear ends in a direction before the process cartridge is mounted on the movable body. The end side is later. The apparatus main body refers to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

(Embodiment 1) Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

{Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus} FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an entire electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as an image forming apparatus) according to the present invention.

First, an outline of the entire image forming apparatus A will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. 1 is a four-color full-color laser beam printer.

The image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. 1 includes a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as "photosensitive drum") 1 as a first image carrier. Photoconductor drum 1
Is rotated counterclockwise in the figure by a driving means (not shown). A charging device 2 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 in order according to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1 irradiates a laser beam based on image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 around the photosensitive drum 1. Exposure means 3 for forming, a developing device 4 for attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image and developing it as a toner image, and a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1
A transfer unit 5 as a second image carrier to be transferred next,
A cleaning device 6 and the like for removing the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer are provided.

Here, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging device 2, and the cleaning device 6 for removing toner are integrally formed as a cartridge to form a process cartridge B, which can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 20.

In addition, a recording medium (third image carrier) S
And a fixing unit 8 for fixing the toner image to the recording medium S after the secondary transfer, while feeding the recording medium S toward the transfer unit 5.

Hereinafter, the photosensitive drum 1 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 16, the photoreceptor drum 1 is formed by applying an organic photoconductor layer (OPC photoreceptor) to the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylinder 1c having a diameter of about 47 mm. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported at both ends by a support member. When a driving force from a driving motor (not shown) is transmitted to one end, a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. Is driven to rotate.

The charging device 2 is described in, for example,
A so-called contact charging type as shown in JP-A-149669 can be used. The charging member is a conductive roller formed in the shape of a roller. The roller is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and a charging bias voltage is applied to the roller by a power supply (not shown). This is for uniformly charging the surface of the drum 1.

The exposure means 3 has a polygon mirror 3a, and the polygon mirror 3a is irradiated with image light corresponding to an image signal by a laser diode (not shown). The polygon mirror 3a is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor (not shown), and selectively exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 1 to the reflected image light via the imaging lens 3b, the reflection mirror 3c, and the like. It is configured to form an electrostatic latent image.

The developing device 4 contains a rotating member 4A rotatable around an axis 4d and four developing devices mounted thereon, that is, toners of yellow, magenta, cyan and black, respectively. Developing units 4Y, 4M, 4C,
4Bk. When the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed, a predetermined developing device of a color to be attached to the electrostatic latent image is arranged at a developing position. That is, the predetermined developing device is stopped at the developing position facing the photosensitive drum 1 by the index rotation of the rotating body 4A, and the developing sleeve 4 of the developing device is further stopped.
After b is positioned so as to face the photosensitive drum 1 with a small gap (about 300 μm), the electrostatic latent image is developed on the photosensitive drum 1. This development is performed as follows. The toner in the container of the developing device corresponding to the color to be developed is sent to the application roller 4a by the feeding mechanism,
Rotating coating roller 4a and toner regulating blade 4c
Thus, a thin layer of toner is applied to the outer periphery of the rotating developing sleeve 4b, and a charge is applied to the toner (frictional charging). By applying a developing bias between the developing sleeve 4b and the photosensitive drum 1 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, a toner image is attached to the electrostatic latent image and developed as a toner image. Each of the developing units 4Y, 4M, 4C,
The 4Bk developing sleeve 4b is connected to a high-voltage power source for each color provided in the image forming apparatus A when each developing device is arranged at the developing position. Voltage is applied. Each developing unit 4
Y, 4M, 4C, and 4Bk are configured to be detachable from the rotator 4A, and the rotator 4A is detachable from the apparatus main body 20.

Transfer unit 5 as second image carrier
Is to collectively transfer a plurality of toner images sequentially primary-transferred and superposed from the photosensitive drum 1 to the recording medium S in a batch. The transfer unit 5 includes an intermediate transfer belt 5a that runs in the direction of arrow R5. The intermediate transfer belt 5a of the present embodiment is a belt having a circumference of about 440 mm, and is stretched around three rollers: a driving roller 5b, a secondary transfer facing roller 5c, and a driven roller 5d. A pressing roller 5 that retreats so as to take a position where the intermediate transfer belt 5a is pressed against the photosensitive drum 1 close to the driven roller 5d and a position where the intermediate transfer belt 5a is separated from the photosensitive drum 1.
j. The intermediate transfer belt 5a is
The vehicle travels in the direction of arrow R5 by the rotation of b. further,
At a predetermined position outside the intermediate transfer belt 5a, a cleaning unit 5e capable of coming in contact with and separating from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 5a is provided.
Is provided, and the transfer residual toner remaining after the secondary transfer is collectively removed on a recording medium S described later. The cleaning unit 5e brings the charging roller 5f into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 5a to give the toner a charge opposite to that at the time of transfer. The toner to which the opposite charge has been applied is electrostatically attached to the photosensitive drum 1 and then collected by a cleaning device 6 for the photosensitive drum 1 described later. The method of cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 5a is not limited to the electrostatic cleaning described above, but may be a mechanical method such as a blade or a fur brush, or a method using both of them.

After the toner developed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the developing device 4 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 5a, the cleaning device 6 is a so-called transfer that is not primary-transferred and remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. This is to remove the residual toner. In the cleaning device 6 shown in FIG. 3, the transfer residual toner is accumulated in the cleaning container 11. In FIG. 1, the inside of the cleaning container 11 is not shown, and will be described later in detail.

The feeding / conveying means 7 sends the recording medium S to the image forming section.
The sheet cassette 7 in which a plurality of recording media S are stored and which is loaded below the image forming apparatus A
a. Pickup member 7 during image formation
e, the conveying roller 7b is driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation, separates and feeds the recording medium S in the sheet feeding cassette 7a one by one, is guided by the guide plate 7c, passes through the registration roller 7d, and passes through the intermediate transfer belt. 5a.

The fixing device 8 fixes a plurality of toner images secondary-transferred onto the recording medium S. As shown in FIG. 1, the driving roller 8a is driven to rotate, and the recording medium is brought into pressure contact with the driving roller 8a. Fixing roller 8b for applying heat and pressure to S
Consists of That is, the recording medium S that has passed through the secondary transfer roller 5n that collectively transfers the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 5a is conveyed by the driving roller 8a when passing through the fixing device 8, and the heat and pressure are reduced by the fixing roller 8b. Applied. As a result, toner images of a plurality of colors are formed on the recording medium S.
Settled on the surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 20, a movable body 50 for guiding the process cartridge B into the image forming apparatus A is moved from the image forming apparatus A in a substantially horizontal direction. It has a configuration that can be pulled out and inserted. And the movable body 50 pulled out
On the other hand, the process cartridge B has a guide surface 51 of the guide members 51 and 52 of the movable body 50 shown in FIGS.
The shaft coupling member 23 of the process cartridge B and the cylindrical guide portion 14b (see FIG. 6) are guided along the b and 52b, and the shaft concentric with the center of the photosensitive drum 1 of the process cartridge B as shown in FIG. Cylindrical positioning bosses 13a, 14a, which are arranged in parallel in the axial direction with the joint member 23 (the opposing portion is a cylindrical guide portion 14b), have a receiving portion 51 at the tip of the guide portion.
h, 52h. Shaft coupling member 23 and guide portion 14b
Are inserted into the guide surfaces 51b, 52b of the guide members 51, 52, and then the rotation determining dowels 11a, 11b provided on the process cartridge B at the rear in the mounting direction of the process cartridge B to the movable body 50 are respectively moved. 50 are inserted into the guide surfaces 51c and 52c. And
The rotation determining dowels 11a and 11b are made of an elastic member such as CRG.
Pressing springs 53 and 54 are pushed away to guide surfaces 51c and 52.
It comes into contact with the rotation positioning surfaces 51g and 52g at the end of c.
When the CRG pressure springs 53 and 54 are pushed away, the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a fitted to the receiving portions 51h and 52h,
The process cartridge B swings clockwise around the center 14a, and is mounted on the movable body 50 as a cartridge guide as shown in FIG.

Further, when the movable body 50 is housed in the image forming apparatus A, an image can be formed as shown in FIG.

{Image Forming Operation} Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described.

The photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1 (counterclockwise) in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 5a, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging device 2 and exposed. The yellow image is irradiated by the means 3 to form a yellow electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1. Simultaneously with the formation of the electrostatic latent image, the developing device 4 is driven to dispose the yellow developing unit 4Y at the developing position, and the photosensitive drum 1 is moved so that the yellow toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1. A voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity and substantially the same potential is applied to cause the yellow toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image for development. Due to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1, the yellow developed image comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 5a, and a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to a primary transfer roller (driven roller) 5d to form a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 1. The primary transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt 5a.

When the primary transfer of the yellow toner image is completed as described above, the next developing unit is rotated and positioned at the developing position opposite to the photosensitive drum 1, and the magenta and yellow toner images are moved in the same manner as in the case of yellow. The formation, development, and primary transfer of the electrostatic latent image are sequentially performed for each of the cyan and black colors, and four color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5a. These toner images are collectively and secondarily transferred onto the recording medium S supplied from the feeding / conveying means 7.

Then, the recording medium S after the secondary transfer is fixed to the fixing device 8.
Here, after fixing the toner image, a belt 9a that moves in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure is wound around the belt 9a, and a discharge tray outside the image forming apparatus A is driven by a discharge roller 9b driven by the belt 9a. 9 to terminate the image formation.

{Structure of Process Cartridge} As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge B is provided with a charging device 2 and a cleaning device 6 around the photosensitive drum 1, and these are integrated by a cartridge frame 10 and integrated by a cartridge guide. It is configured to be removable from a certain movable body 50. Cartridge frame 1 of process cartridge B
Reference numeral 0 denotes a drum support portion 11d (see FIG. 10) extending forward toward both ends in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging device 2, a cleaning member mounting portion 11m, and a charging device support portion 11e. A cleaning container 11 having a container portion at the rear end thereof, and a rear container 12 joined to the rear end of the cleaning container 11 by ultrasonic waves. As shown in FIG. 6, a gear cover (one side cover) 13 is fixed on the driving side in the longitudinal direction across the cleaning container 11 and the rear container 12, and an end cover 14 is provided on the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction. Fixed. A charging device cover 15 that covers the upper side of the charging device 2 along the longitudinal direction is attached.
The charging device cover 15 is a protection member for the charging device 2.

Here, the materials of the cartridge frame 10 (the cleaning container 11 and the rear container 12) and the end covers 13 and 14 are plastic and the like. The plastic is polystyrene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polypropylene.

Further, when the photosensitive drum 1 is taken out of the image forming apparatus A, the cleaning frame 1 is provided to protect the photosensitive drum 1 from being touched by external light and a person.
A drum opening 11 for exposing the photosensitive drum 1 to perform exposure, development, and transfer operations on the photosensitive drum 1 at the front end of the drum 1
The cleaning container 11 is provided with a drum shutter 18 as an opening / closing member that opens and closes h from outside the photosensitive drum 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge frame 1
The gear cover 13 and the end cover 14, which form part of the reference numeral 0, have guide portions for guiding the process cartridge B to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 20 via the movable body 50 and for positioning.

That is, the cylindrical positioning boss 13 which is the first projection for positioning the process cartridge B
a, a cylindrical positioning boss 14a as a second projection and the positioning bosses 13a, 13 of the process cartridge B
It has a rotation determining dowel 11a as a third projection and a rotation determining dowel 11b as a fourth projection for determining a rotational position about b. In the above, the first and third projections are disposed on the driving side (the side where the shaft coupling member 23 is located),
The fourth projection is provided on the non-drive side (the side without the shaft coupling member 23). The first and second protrusions are provided on the shaft coupling member 2.
3. The center line of the photosensitive drum 1 is on the same center line, and the second and third projections are on a straight line substantially parallel to the center line of the photosensitive drum 1.

The cylindrical positioning bosses 13a and 14a as the first and second projections are located immediately inside the rotation determining dowels 11a and 11b as the third and fourth projections, respectively, in the longitudinal direction.

The movable member 5 of the process cartridge B
As a guide part for guiding the attachment / detachment to / from the
The shaft coupling member 23 and the cylindrical guide portion 1 are provided just outside the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a and 14a as the second protrusions in the longitudinal direction.
4b. The shaft coupling member 23 and the cylindrical guide portion 1
The position of 4b in the longitudinal direction is located at a position substantially equal to the rotation determining bosses 11a and 11b as the third and fourth protrusions. The shaft coupling member 23 and the cylindrical guide portion 14b are guided by guide surfaces 51b and 52b of the movable body 50, and the rotation determining bosses 11a and 11b are guided by the guide surfaces 51c and 52c of the movable body 50.
And the posture when the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the movable body 50 is defined.

Accordingly, the rotation determining bosses 11a and 11b, which are the third and fourth projections, are guide portions for guiding the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge B to and from the movable body 50 and determine the rotational position of the process cartridge B. Is a rotation positioning section. The cylindrical positioning boss 13a on the driving side extends the cylindrical positioning boss 13a in the axial direction in the same manner as the positioning boss 14a on the non-driving side having the cylindrical guide portion 14b concentrically, thereby forming a hollow cylindrical boss. It is also possible to provide the shaft coupling member 23 in this boss.

{Movable Body (Drawer) for Attaching / Detaching Process Cartridge} Here, the movable body 50 (drawer) having a drawer mechanism used for attaching / detaching the process cartridge will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

The guide members 51 of the movable body 50 (52 on the non-drive side) have guide surfaces 51b, 51 formed in a groove shape for inserting the process cartridge B into the movable body 50.
c are provided symmetrically (52b, 5
2c). A part of the guide surface 51b on the drive side is a removed toner drive input unit 49 of the process cartridge B (see FIG. 4).
There is a cutout 51e that matches a through hole 51d provided in the guide member 51 for driving input from the image forming apparatus A to the guide member 51. The cylindrical positioning boss 13a of the process cartridge B (14a on the non-driving side) is located on the downstream side in the insertion direction of the shaft coupling member 23 and the guide part 14b and just inside the longitudinal direction of the guide surfaces 51b and 52b (FIG. 6, FIG. 12) is provided, and a receiving portion 51h (52h on the non-driving side) is provided to temporarily limit the position thereof and support them. This receiving part 51h
Is approximately 1 / min from the bottom around the cylindrical positioning boss 13a.
4 and mainly serves to prevent the boss 13a from falling down from the receiving portion 51h. Further, an abutting portion 51f (52f on the non-driving side) is formed in a substantially vertical direction inside the receiving portion 51h in the longitudinal direction, and when the movable body 50 is accommodated in the image forming apparatus A,
The abutting portion 51f is positioned on the cylindrical positioning boss 13a, and the position of the movable body 50 with respect to the photosensitive drum 1 is determined.

The most downstream rotation positioning surface 51g (52g on the non-drive side) of the other guide surface 51c is formed as a substantially horizontal surface, and rotates about the cylindrical positioning boss 13a (14a) of the process cartridge B. In order to determine the attitude, the rotation determining dowels 11a provided on both sides of the process cartridge B shown in FIG. Further, a CRG pressure spring 53 is provided upstream of the rotation positioning surface 51g along the guide surface 51c.
Are protruded in a U-shape toward the guide surface 51c. The pressure spring 53 is substantially a torsion spring having a wire diameter of about 1.0 mm centered on a fulcrum 53b provided inside the drive-side guide member 51, and is substantially provided on the rotation determining dowel 11a (11b on the non-drive side) seated on the rotation positioning surface 51g. It is arranged so that a pressing force is applied downward and backward. That is, the rotation determining dowel 11a of the process cartridge B
When (11b) comes to a predetermined position, a pressing force is applied to the dowel 11a.

At the most upstream side in the direction of insertion of the movable body 50 into the apparatus main body 20, a pressing unit 56 is disposed substantially in parallel with the rear side plate 55 via a movable body pressing spring 57 with the rear side plate 55. When the movable body 50 is inserted into the image forming apparatus A,
The cylindrical positioning boss 13 of the process cartridge B
a, 14a hit the semicircular-moon-shaped main body engaging member 61 which is open facing the insertion direction of the movable body 50, and the abutting portions 51f, 52f near the front end of the movable body 50 have cylindrical positioning bosses 13a. , 13b, when the pressing unit 56 is pushed in, the movable body pressurizing spring 57, which is an elastic member, is compressed, and the abutting portions 51f, 52f of the movable body 50 move the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a, 14a into the main body. Engaging member 61
Press Since the main body engaging member 61 is fixed to the apparatus main body 20, hook portions (not shown) at both ends of the pressing unit 56 are hooked on the image forming apparatus A, and the entire movable body 50 is moved based on the image forming apparatus A. Press in the insertion direction,
The position of the movable body 50 with respect to the process cartridge B is determined.

In the vicinity of the center of the rear side plate 55, 5 mm ×
A hole 55a of about 15 mm is provided. This is a relief hole for a protruding portion 12b provided on the rearmost wall surface 12h of the rear container 12 described later in the process cartridge insertion direction (see FIG. 5).

Further, the non-drive side guide member 52 is provided with an urging spring 58 which applies a pressing force in the longitudinally inward direction, and a pressing spring 59 having the same shape applies a pressing force in the longitudinally outward direction. It is so arranged. This biasing spring 5
8 is a side portion of the process cartridge B (the end cover 1).
4) so that the process cartridge B can be urged in the longitudinal direction by abutting on (4). The drive-side guide member 51 is provided with an abutting rib 51j that is a spring force receiving portion that receives the process cartridge B by the urging force at a portion facing the urging spring 58. Thus, the position of the process cartridge B in the longitudinal direction with respect to the movable body 50 is determined. The urging spring member 59 is urged against the frame of the apparatus main body 20 in a state where the movable body 50 enters the image forming apparatus A, and the position of the movable body 50 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the apparatus main body 20 is determined.

As will be described later in detail, a pattern reading device 93 (see FIG. 37) for reading the density on the photosensitive drum 1 and adjusting the image density is mounted on the movable body 5.
0 is provided on the bottom plate portion 50a. The sensor light emitted from the pattern reading device 93 is applied to the photosensitive drum 1, but in order to adjust the focal length of the sensor light,
The horizontal distance between the photosensitive drum 1 and the pattern reading device 93 must be exactly adjusted.

{Positioning of Process Cartridge} In order to mount the process cartridge B on the image forming apparatus A, a cylindrical frame is integrally formed with a side cover (gear cover) 13 and an end cover 14 on a cartridge frame (cartridge frame) 10. Positioning boss 13a (1 on the non-drive side)
4a) (FIGS. 4 to 13 (excluding FIG. 9)).
reference). Further, on both sides of the upper surface portion 11i of the cleaning container 11, the side cover 13 and the end cover 14 are integrally provided with an erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 11j (FIGS. 3 to 3).
6, 9 to 11, and 13). The protrusion 11j
Are also provided integrally with the frame 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, the positioning boss 13a is provided axially close to the shaft coupling member 23 attached to the drum support shaft 1d (see FIG. 16). The diameter of the positioning boss 13a is slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft coupling member 23. The position of the outer end face in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical positioning boss 13a is the same as the longitudinal position of the outer plate portion of the gear cover 13 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the longitudinal position of the shaft coupling member 23 is outside the outer plate portion. The relationship between the outer diameter D1 of the cylindrical positioning boss 13a and the outer diameter D2 of the shaft coupling member 23 is a relationship of D1> D2.
2 = approximately 27.6 mm.

As shown in FIG. 7, a guide portion 14b which is concentric with the positioning boss 14a and has a slightly smaller outer diameter is formed outside the positioning boss 14a on the non-drive side. The position of the outer end face in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical positioning boss 14a is
It is the same as the position in the longitudinal direction of the outer plate portion of the end cover 14, or the inside thereof. Guide part 14
The position in the longitudinal direction of b is entirely or almost entirely outside the outer plate portion. Outer diameter D3 of cylindrical positioning boss 14a
And the outer diameter D4 of the guide portion 14b is D1 = D3, D2 = D4
There is a relationship.

At the upstream side of the shaft coupling member 23 in the insertion direction of the process cartridge B, there is a removed toner drive input section 49 as shown in FIGS. The removed toner drive input section 49 is protected by a second cylindrical boss 13b integral with the gear cover 13 fixed to the cleaning container 11. The position of the second cylindrical boss 13b in the longitudinal direction is outside the outer plate portion of the gear cover 13 and inside or at the same position as the outermost portion in the longitudinal direction of the shaft coupling member 23 as shown in FIG. . Also, the second cylindrical boss 1
3b and the outer diameter D2 of the shaft coupling member 23 are D
5 <D2.

A rotation determining dowel 11a (a non-drive side is located on the side of the cleaning container 11 upstream of the shaft coupling member 23 in the direction of inserting the process cartridge B into the movable body 50 and upstream of the second cylindrical boss 13a. 11b) is standing. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 11, and 12,
Dowel 1 for determining rotation of side cover 13 and end cover 14
Openings 13c and 14c are open at corresponding portions of 1a and 11b. The dowels 11a and 11b have openings 13c,
14c and the side cover 13 and the end cover 14
It protrudes outside. The rotation determining dowels 11 a and 11 b are located at a position 80 mm to 90 mm from the center of the photosensitive drum 1. This distance is the maximum distance that can be arranged on the side surface of the process cartridge B. In other words, by taking this distance as long as possible, the positioning accuracy of the process cartridge B about the photosensitive drum 1 in the rotational direction is improved. The longitudinal position of the rotation determining dowel 11a is substantially the same as the longitudinally outermost position of the shaft coupling member 23, and the longitudinal position of the rotation determining dowel 11b is substantially the same as the outermost position of the guide portion 14b. In position.

{Mounting / Removing Operation of Process Cartridge on Movable Body (Drawer)} Here, the attaching / detaching operation of the process cartridge B on the movable body 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 44 to 48 are side views of the guide member 52 on the non-drive side seen through from the outside. In this chapter, a description will be given mainly of the non-drive side, but the drive side is almost the same except that the portion corresponding to the guide portion 14b of the side cover is the shaft coupling member 23. However, portions different in shape and operation from the drive side will be described each time.

As shown in FIG. 44, when the user inserts his / her finger into the opening 16e of the handle 16 fixed upstream in the insertion direction of the process cartridge B, the center of gravity of the process cartridge B is located in the middle in the front-rear direction far from the handle 16. The position of the end cover 14 on the axis of the photosensitive drum 1 is changed to the guide member of the movable body 50 by utilizing this posture. 52 is placed on the upper end of the guide surface 52b (the state of FIG. 44). Next, in this natural posture, when the guide portion 14b is guided in the insertion direction while being placed on the guide surface 52b, the rotation determining dowel 11b on the side surface of the process cartridge B is placed on the upper end portion of the guide surface 52c ( FIG.
State). In this state, since the two points on the side are guided, the attitude of the process cartridge B is determined to some extent.
However, the widths F1 and F2 of the respective grooves forming the guide surfaces 52b and 52c are slightly larger than the outer diameter D4 of the corresponding guide portion 14b and the outer diameter D6 of the rotation determining dowel 11b. For example, if D4 = 27.6 mm,
Assuming that F1 = about 30 mm and D6 = 8 mm, F2 = 1
It is about 1 mm. That is, the user does not need to support the process cartridge B with extra force.
Although his posture is stable, he has given some freedom to his posture to eliminate the cramped feeling of wearing. From this state, after the state shown in FIG. 46 in which the rotating dowel 11b has passed the bent portion 52c1 of the guide surface 52c and entered the steep portion having the angle H above the guide surface 52c substantially parallel to the guide surface 52b, the user is prompted. When a light force is applied to the process cartridge B downward, the process cartridge B is guided into the movable body 50 while gradually lowering its posture. This is shown in FIG.
The angle H of the guide surface 52c from the horizontal is H with respect to the angle G of the guide surface 52b from the horizontal shown in FIG.
> G, the speed at which the rotation determining dowel 11b falls downward from the guide portion 14b is fast, so that the process cartridge B falls downward overall while the photosensitive drum 1
This is to rotate clockwise around.

When the process cartridge B is inserted to the position shown in FIG. 47 through the position shown in FIG.
1b stops at the upper portion of the straight portion 54a of the non-drive side CRG pressure spring 54 as an elastic member. This is CRG pressure spring 5
This is because the pressing force acts on the fulcrum portion 54b in the direction of the arrow R with respect to the fulcrum portion 4b, so that the process cartridge B stays in a natural state without falling further downward.

Here, the user operates the process cartridge B.
When a slight force is applied downward, the CRG pressure spring 54 bends about the fulcrum 54b in the direction opposite to the arrow R,
The rotation determining dowel 11b of the process cartridge B slips downward along the straight portion 54a, and the guide surface 52
FIG. 4C shows the rotation positioning surface 52g, which is the most downstream surface of FIG.
8 will be obtained. The operation of the rotation determining dowel 11b slipping through the CRG pressure spring 54 gives the user a feeling of clicking (a feeling of non-wearing). In the state shown in FIG. 48, the dowel 11b for determining the rotation of the process cartridge B comes into contact with the contact part 54c which is bent by about 45 ° from the straight part 54a of the CRG pressure spring 54. For this reason, the component force of the pressing force generated by the bending of the CRG pressure spring 54 acts on the rotation determining dowel 11b of the process cartridge B, and the process cartridge B generated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 lifts up. It can suppress the power to try. As a result, the position of the process cartridge B in the rotation direction inside the movable body 50 or inside the image forming apparatus A is determined.

At the same time as the above operation is performed, the guide portion 14b passes through the guide surface 52b, and the cylindrical positioning boss 14a adjacent to the guide portion 14b in the axial direction is engaged with the receiving portion 52h. I do. Thus, the downward movement of the center of the photosensitive drum 1 of the process cartridge B is restricted within a certain range. Further, since the rotation determining dowel 11b is restricted on the rotation positioning surface 52g by about 1 mm to 2 mm in the horizontal direction, the horizontal movement of the entire process cartridge B is also restricted to some extent. At this time, since the outer diameter of the cylindrical positioning boss 14a is larger than the outer diameter of the guide portion 14b, the receiving portion 52h is thickened in terms of strength, and the receiving portion 52h is moved beyond the cylindrical positioning boss 14a to the guide portion 14b. Even with such a width, the receiving portion 52h and the guide portion 14b do not interfere with each other in the longitudinal direction and affect positioning. Further, the side of the receiving portion 52h that contacts the cylindrical positioning boss 14a can be formed into a single curved surface, and the mold shape of the movable body 50 is simplified.

Further, the urging member 58 provided on the guide member 52 urges the opposite end cover 14 fixed to the cleaning container 11 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum. As a result, the process cartridge B is urged toward the drive side, and the gear cover 13 on the drive side abuts against three abutment ribs 51j having a width of about 2 mm provided inside the guide member 51 (see FIG. 14). As a result, the position of the process cartridge B in the longitudinal direction with respect to the movable body 50 is determined.

In these cases, the rotation determining dowel 11a disposed on the driving side is also guided by the guide surface 51c when the movable body 50 is inserted, so that the attitude of the process cartridge B at two points, the guide portion 14b and the rotation determining dowel 11b. It is stable and eliminates the need for forming an extra insertion guide, simplifies the shape, and reduces the mold processing cost. Further, the rotation determining dowel 11a is provided with a mounting guide portion to the movable body 50 and the process cartridge B.
Since the same part determines the rotation direction of the process cartridge B, the last operation of inserting the process cartridge B
It is not necessary to perform the operation of determining the posture in the rotation direction, which leads to improvement in operability. In addition, since the CRG pressure springs 53 and 54 as the elastic members fulfill the function of obtaining the feeling of mounting the process cartridge B and the function of suppressing the movement in the rotation direction, the cost is reduced due to the multifunctionality of a single part. I have. The movable member 5 of the process cartridge B
The zero receiving portion 52h is arranged so as to engage with the cylindrical positioning boss 14a located inside the guide portion 14b in the longitudinal direction, so that space saving in the longitudinal direction of the movable body 50 can be achieved.

Although the above description has been made mainly on the non-driving side, the same operation is performed on the driving side. That is, except that the notch 51e is present on the guide surface 51b with which the shaft coupling member 23 fixed to the photosensitive drum 1 via the support shaft 1d at the front end of the gear cover 13 on the drive side engages. The guide surface 51b has a symmetrical shape with respect to the drive side, and the shaft coupling member 23 and the guide portion 14b on the non-drive side have the same diameter, and are located on the axis of the photosensitive drum 1. At this time,
The width F3 of the notch 51e is equal to the outer diameter D2 of the shaft coupling member 23.
Since it is smaller, the shaft coupling member 23 does not fall into the notch 51e during insertion. The outer diameter D5 of the second cylindrical boss 13b of the removed toner drive input unit 49 is smaller than the width F3 of the notch 51e.

Therefore, even if the drive side shaft coupling member 23 has the notch 51e, the shaft coupling member 23 moves on the guide surface 51b without dropping there, and
The cylindrical positioning boss 13a adjacent to the inner side in the axial direction of No. 3 is fitted simultaneously with the guide portion 14b on the opposite side to the receiving portion 51h having a quadrangular receiving surface for fixing the position. At this time, the second cylindrical boss 1 shown in FIG.
3b also has a cutout 5 in the middle of the drive-side guide surface 51b.
1e, the drive connection of the removal toner conveyance system is also performed. The guide surface 51c on the drive side and the CRG pressure spring 53 as an elastic member are connected to the guide surface 52 on the non-drive side.
c, The CRG pressure spring 54 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the left and right, and the rotational positioning dowel 11a on the driving side on the same axis as the rotational positioning dowel 11b on the opposite side moves on the guide surface 51c,
The CRG pressure spring 53 is bent to reach the positioning surface 51g.

At this time, since the shaft coupling member 23 is located at the outermost side in the longitudinal direction, the stroke of the drive input supported inside the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus A may be short.

As described above, the CGR pressure springs 53, 54
By providing at least one of the above, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the movable body 50, the user can obtain a feeling of mounting, so that the user can easily perform the attaching / detaching operation by feeling.

The arrangement of the dowels 11b (11a) and the positioning bosses 14a (13a) is as follows. As shown in FIG. 5, the vertical interval between the horizontal line 1 (ell) 1 passing through the center of the boss 14a and the horizontal line 1 (ell) 2 passing through the center of the dowel 11b is about 1.35 mm. Also, a perpendicular l (el) 3 passing through the center of the boss 14a and a perpendicular l passing through the center of the dowel 11b
The interval between (L) 4 is about 86.78 mm. FIG.
Indicates the state of the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, the above-described device is the case of the present embodiment, and may be appropriately selected.

{Parts Concerning Detachment and Removal of Process Cartridge of Image Forming Apparatus Main Body} Next, parts relating to the attachment and detachment of process cartridges of the image forming apparatus main body will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

On the side of the image forming apparatus main body 20, the photosensitive drum 1 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1.
An opening 60 for inserting the movable body 50 on which the process cartridge B is mounted is provided on the rear side surface of the apparatus main body opposite to the developing device 4 when viewed from above. On both sides in the longitudinal direction of the opening 60, there are substantially horizontal rail members (not shown) toward the insertion direction of the movable body 50, and guide the guide members (not shown) on both side faces of the movable body 50. When the movable body 50 on which the process cartridge B is mounted is inserted into a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus main body 20, the cylindrical positioning boss 13a, 1 provided on the process cartridge B is provided.
A half-pipe-shaped arc-shaped main body engaging member 61 in the opening direction facing the insertion direction of the movable body 50 is provided at a position where the main body engaging member 4a is engaged.

<< Mounting and Demounting of the Movable Body and Process Cartridge from the Image Forming Apparatus Main Body >> The attaching and detaching of the movable body and the process cartridge to and from the image forming apparatus body will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the movable body and the process cartridge are attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the movable body 50 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus A to a position outside the predetermined apparatus main body along the aforementioned rail member (not shown). As described above, FIG.
48, the movable body 50 with the process cartridge B mounted thereon is pushed into the image forming apparatus A by pushing the back surface 56a of the pressing unit 56 on the upstream side in the insertion direction of the movable body 50. When the movable body 50 reaches a certain position, the insertion resistance of the movable body pressurizing spring 57 (see FIG. 15) causes the insertion speed of the pressing unit 56 to be faster than the insertion speed of the movable body main body. Then, the hook portions 56b at both ends of the pressing unit 56 are hooked on the image forming apparatus A, and the entire movable body 50 is pressed in the movable body insertion direction based on the image forming apparatus A, and the movable body main body is settled in a predetermined position. . Further, when the pressing unit 56 is pressed in, the back surface 56a of the pressing unit 56 is
5 (see FIG. 1).
1).

At this time, the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a and 14a of the process cartridge B engage with the half-pipe-shaped main body engaging member 61 which is open in the insertion direction. Further, the abutting portions 51f, 52f formed on the vertical surface of the movable body 50 abut against the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a, 14a of the process cartridge B. At this time, due to the spring force of the pressing unit 56 having the above-described pressure spring 57, the entire movable body 50 is moved to the cylindrical positioning boss 13a, 1.
4a is pressed in the downstream direction of the movable body insertion. At this time, the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a and 14a are slightly upwardly separated from the receiving portions 51h and 52h.

In this state, the abutting portion 51 of the movable body 50
f, 52f and the main body engaging member 61 are adjacent at positions on both sides in the longitudinal direction, and both of the positioning bosses 13a, 14a
Is in contact with the outer periphery of At this time, the main body engaging member 61 of the image forming apparatus A and the receiving portions 51h and 52h of the movable body 50 are in the same row in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1. As a result, the position of the process cartridge B with respect to the image forming apparatus A is determined by only one point, and the horizontal direction of the movable body 50 with respect to the process cartridge B is reliably determined. At this time, the receiving portions 51h and 52h of the movable body 50 have a gap of about 1 mm to 2 mm with the positioning bosses 13a and 14a. Further, at this time, since the position of the movable body 50 is determined inside the image forming apparatus A, the process cartridge B is positioned in the rotation direction with the center of the photosensitive drum 1 as a fulcrum, and the rotation position of the process cartridge B is It is determined by the vertical position of the movable body 50 positioned with respect to the forming apparatus A. This corresponds to the photosensitive drum 1 of the pattern reading device 93 located on the movable body 50.
This is because such a configuration is adopted because the position in the horizontal direction with respect to the vertical direction must be determined more strictly than the position in the vertical direction.

When the movable body 50 reaches a predetermined position, the urging spring member 59 in the longitudinal direction abuts on the non-drive side inner wall portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus A, and the movable body 50 is driven in the image forming apparatus A. Has been energized. As a result, the movable body 50 is urged toward the drive side and abuts against the drive-side inner wall of the image forming apparatus A, and the position of the movable body 50 in the longitudinal direction is determined. At this time, since the longitudinal position of the process cartridge B with respect to the movable body 50 is also determined, the longitudinal position of the process cartridge B with respect to the image forming apparatus A is also determined by abutting on the drive side.

In these cases, the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a and 14a of the process cartridge B are brought into contact with the main body engaging member 61 for positioning the main body and the butting portions 51f and 52 of the movable body 50.
f in the pressurized state, the device body 2
0, the process cartridge B, and the movable body 50 in the horizontal direction can perform one-point positioning, and the same one point as the center of the photosensitive drum 1 between the image forming apparatus A and the movable body 50 is newly added. It is not necessary to provide a positioning member for determining the distance, and space can be saved. Further, since the main body engaging member 61 of the image forming apparatus A and the receiving portions 51h and 52h of the movable body 50 are arranged in the same row in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum, space can be saved. Further, when the process cartridge B is inserted into the movable body 50, the process cartridge B is brought into contact with the drive side of the movable body 50 and positioned by one biasing spring member 59 provided on the movable body 50, and the apparatus of the movable body 50 is mounted. When the movable body 50 is inserted into the main body 20, the movable body 50 is positioned against the main body driving side to urge the drive input means of the photosensitive drum 1 toward the driving side.
The drive input can be reliably performed, and the drive input stroke can be minimized to simplify the drive input configuration.

{Prevention of Misinsertion of Process Cartridge} Prevention of incorrect insertion of a process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 47, 51 and 52.

On the upper surface of the process cartridge B, an erroneous insertion preventing projection 11j having a height of about 5 mm is provided on the downstream side in the insertion direction of the movable body 50. When the process cartridge B is supported at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus A as shown in FIG. 51, the distance between the top of the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 11j and the scanner lower cover 64 of the apparatus main body 20 is 1 m.
It will have a distance of about m. Erroneous insertion prevention projection 11j
Are formed on the drive-side side cover 13, the cleaning container 11, and the end cover 14 on the opposite side to the drive side so as to protrude upward.

When the process cartridge B is in the state shown in FIG. 47 in the movable body 50, that is, when the rotation determining dowel 11b of the process cartridge B stops near the upper part of the CRG pressure spring 54 in the movable body 50, Normally, if the user slightly applies a downward load, the rotation determining dowel 11b of the process cartridge B passes through the CRG pressure spring 54, and finally, the process cartridge B is settled in a predetermined position inside the movable body 50. . However, if the user does not perform this operation, the movable body 50 is moved in the state of FIG.
Are inserted into the image forming apparatus A. At this time, the erroneous insertion prevention projection 11j of the process cartridge B first strikes the lower surface 64a of the scanner lower cover 64 inside the image forming apparatus A (the state of FIG. 52). The lower surface 64a of the scanner lower cover 64 is formed with a surface whose inclination gradually decreases from upstream to downstream in the movable body insertion direction so as to go downward. Therefore, the movable body 5
The force T2 generated by the insertion of 0 is
A force T3 is applied to the process cartridge B downward. Due to this force T3, the rotation determining dowel 11b (the driving side 11a) of the process cartridge B is
Slip through the RG pressure spring 54 (53 on the drive side)
As shown in FIG. 51, the process cartridge B is
It fits in a predetermined position inside 0.

In these cases, the process cartridge B can be housed in a predetermined position even if the user tries to insert the movable body in a wrong state with a simple configuration in which a projection is provided on the upper surface of the process cartridge B.

Although the above description has been made on the non-drive side,
The same operation is performed on the driving side.

Incidentally, the erroneous insertion prevention projection 11j may be integrally formed only with the cleaning container 11, or may be integrally formed only with the side cover 13 and the end cover 14, respectively, and the number is not limited. Therefore, when it is provided in the cleaning container 11, it may be provided at one location in the longitudinal direction.

The following is a summary of the above configuration.

In the process cartridge B detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the main body includes a detachable position that is movable with respect to the main body and protrudes outward from the main body. A drawer (movable body 5) capable of holding an image forming position located in the apparatus main body.
0), a cartridge frame 10 provided with
An electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum 1), process means (for example, charging device 2, cleaning device 6) acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the process cartridge B are mounted on the drawer (movable member 50). In the step of moving the drawer to the image forming position in the state in which the drawer is in the
a) a cartridge abutting portion (protrusion 11) provided so as to be able to abut with the cartridge abutting portion, wherein the cartridge abutting portion is provided on the cartridge frame portion serving as an upper surface when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. Provided,
Further, the cartridge contact portion is provided at one end and the other end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Further, the cartridge contact portion is disposed upstream of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the mounting direction of the process cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body.

A first projection (positioning boss 13a) protruding outward on the same axis as the drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member is provided on one end surface of the cartridge frame, and a mounting direction of the process cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body. , A second protrusion (a dowel 11a) disposed upstream of the first protrusion is disposed. A third protrusion (positioning boss 1) protruding outward on the same axis as the first protrusion is provided on the other end surface of the cartridge frame.
4a) and a fourth protrusion (dove 11b) protruding outward on the same axis as the second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion and the third protrusion are the device main body or The second projection and the fourth projection are positioned with respect to the drawer, and the second projection and the fourth projection are positioned with respect to the drawer.

The cartridge contact portion is arranged so as to be located above the second projection and the fourth projection when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body.

The main body contact portion is a part of a scanner lower cover provided on the main body of the apparatus.

{Structure of Drum Shutter} Structure of Drum Shutter FIGS. 4 to 8, 11, 12, and 4
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

A drum shutter 18, which is an opening / closing member for opening and closing the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 1, is used when the process cartridge B is detached from the apparatus main body 20 of the image forming apparatus A and handled outside the image forming apparatus A. 1 and covers the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 so as to prevent the photosensitive layer from being deteriorated by damaging the photosensitive layer or exposing the photosensitive layer to external light, and mounting the process cartridge B to the main body 20 of the image forming apparatus A. When the photosensitive drum 1 is mounted, the image forming portion for exposing the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to be provided opposite to the developing device 4 and the transfer unit 5 is opened.

The gear cover 1 as shown in FIGS.
3. The fixing holes 13f and 14f are formed in the end cover 14, respectively.
A root shaft 45a integral with 5 is pivotally mounted. The distal end of the arm 45 is a shaft 45b that is connected to the shaft 45b in the longitudinal direction. A longitudinal direction of the outer edge of one side of the first shutter cover 42 that is the first shutter member is rotatably connected to the shaft 45b. Are rotatably fitted. At one end in the longitudinal direction, one side of a second shutter cover 43 as a second shutter member is pivotally connected to the other side of the first shutter cover 42 at one end in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 53, a spring member such as a torsion coil spring 46 is mounted on the pin shaft 42a as an urging member.
At the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first shutter cover 42, a shaft portion 44a on the same center line as the pin shaft 42a integrally formed with the operation arm 44 which is an arm member as a shutter support member is connected to the first shutter cover. 42, a rotation hole 42b of the second shutter cover 43,
The first shutter cover 42 and the second shutter cover 43 are connected to each other so as to pass through 3a.

First and second shutter covers 42 and 43
Represents the photosensitive drum 1 with the drum shutter 18 closed.
When viewed from the side, it has an arc shape larger than the radius of the photosensitive drum 1, and also covers the outside of the drum supporting portions 11d (see FIG. 10) on both sides. The lower edge 11d1 of the drum supporting portion 11d has an arc shape centered on the center of the photosensitive drum 1, and the front edge 11d2 of the drum supporting portion 11d cuts this arc, and is slightly vertical and substantially forwardly shaped like a mountain. It is convex. An arc-shaped shoe 43c is integrally formed at the tip of the second shutter cover 43 so as to be in contact with the lower edge 11d1 and the front edge 11d2. As shown in FIG. 53, the shoes 43c are located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second shutter cover 43. And the leading edge 11d on the driving side
The shoe 43c in contact with 2 protrudes more in the circumferential direction than the shoe 43c on the opposite side. The front edge 11d2 of the lower edge 11d1 serves as a guide that defines the locus of movement of the second shutter cover 43. A front edge 11d2, a lower edge 11d1, and a side cover 1 of the driving-side drum support 11d.
The front edges of 3 are coincident. The front portion of the drum supporting portion 11d on the non-driving side has an arc shape and has a second shutter cover 4d.
3 is an arc-shaped edge 14h to which the front shoe 43c slides and is guided. Thus, even when the process cartridge B is placed on a flat surface, the inner peripheral surface of the second shutter cover 43 does not contact the photosensitive drum 1 except at the end of the photosensitive drum 1. The operation arm 44 is a first engagement portion necessary for opening and closing the drum shutter.
The cam portion 44b and a second cam portion 44c as a second engagement portion are integrally formed, and the root of the operation arm 44 is pivotally mounted on a fixed shaft 14d integrally formed on the non-drive end cover 14.

As shown in FIG. 11, the torsion coil spring 4
The first and second shutter covers 42 and 4 have both ends of the key shape of No. 6 respectively.
The first and second shutter covers 42, 43 are inserted into the pin shaft 42a so as to fit into the key-shaped spring receiving grooves 42g, 43g having the same shape as the key provided on the outer surface of the third shutter cover 3.
Are biased so that their inner sides approach. Thus, the end of the torsion coil spring 46 is
g, 43 g, the end of the spring 46 does not catch on the other end during handling.

The root of the operating arm 44 is fitted into the boss fixing shaft 14d as shown in FIG. This boss fixing shaft 14d
The torsion coil spring 47 fitted in the end cover 1
4, one end is prevented from rotating, and the other end is prevented from rotating outside the operating arm 44. In FIG. 5, the operating arm 44 is rotated counterclockwise around the fixed shaft 14d. Being energized.

When the drum shutter 18 is retracted (fully opened) in the second shutter cover 43, a mechanism (not shown) for supplying a high-voltage current to a charging device described later, and light is emitted from the scanner device. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 53, recesses 43d and 43e are formed to escape the laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z for blocking the laser. The arc-shaped edge portion 14h is integrally formed with the end cover 14, and is an arc having the same diameter overlapping the arc portion of the drum support portion 11d. Has a radius slightly larger than the radius of

As described above, since the shaft portion, which is a part of the operation arm, connects the first and second shutter covers, three parts can be connected at one time, which leads to an improvement in assemblability. . Although the connecting portion between the operation arm and the shutter cover is the same as the connecting portion between the first and second shutter covers in the above description, the first shutter is located at a position different from the position where the first and second shutter covers are connected. It may be connected to the cover.

{Drum Shutter Opening / Closing Mechanism} The drum shutter opening / closing mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 to 54.

The drum shutter opening / closing mechanism disclosed in the present embodiment is a so-called four-bar link mechanism, and performs the opening / closing operation of the drum shutter. Further, the second shutter cover 43 attached to the four-bar linkage is provided with a torsion coil spring 4.
6 always opens and closes along the cartridge frame 10. The positions of the fixed shaft 14d and the root shaft 45a, which are fulcrums of the four-bar linkage, are determined by the first and second shutter covers 42 and 43.
And a pin shaft 42a (shaft portion 44a) connecting the fixed shaft 14d supporting the operating arm 44 and the first and second shutter covers 42 and 43, which are the first pivot points, at a position where the opening and closing radius of the shutter shaft is as small as possible. ) Is the axis 45a of the tip of the arm 45 which is the second pivot point with the root axis 45a of the arm 45.
It is installed at a position that does not intersect the line connecting the centers of d.

The process cartridge B advances into the movable body 50, and the cylindrical guide portion 14b on the front side surface of the process cartridge B and the rotation determining dowel 11b are
2b and 52c, the operation arm 44
The first cam portion 44b is provided with a guide member 52 inside the movable body 50.
The advance is stopped by the cam receiving surface 52d that is formed integrally with the movable body 50 and protrudes toward the inside of the movable body 50 (the state of FIG. 45).
When the process cartridge B is advanced, the first cam portion 4
4b moves along the surface of the cam receiving surface 52d inside the movable body. At this time, the operation arm 44 rotates upward around the fixed shaft 14d against the spring force of the torsion coil spring 47, and the pin shaft 42a at the first rotation point and the shaft 45 at the second rotation point 45
b is lifted upward. As a result, the first and second shutter covers 42 and 43 are urged upward, and the shoe 43c serving as a guide portion at both ends of the second shutter cover 43 includes the lower edge 11d1, the front edge 11d2, and the end cover 14 of the drum holding portion 11d. Drum holding part 11d
The first shutter cover 42 and the second shutter cover 43 are brought into contact with each other and rise by the spring force of the torsion coil spring 46 that attempts to fold the first shutter cover 42 and the second shutter cover 43 inward. FIG. 45 → FIG. 46).

On the driving side, the front edge 11d2 of the shoe 43c is substantially perpendicular to the drum holding portion 11d and the edge 13h of the side cover 13 which overlaps therewith so as to coincide with the drum holding portion 11d. The edge 11d2 comes inside the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 1. The shoe 43c is connected to the edge of the drum holding portion 11d and the end cover 1 on the non-drive side.
4 slides along the arc-shaped edge 14h, and the shoe 43 on the drive side.
c protrudes further outward in the circumferential direction than the shoe 43c on the non-drive side, so that the shoe 43c on the drive side extends outside the photosensitive drum 1 in the longitudinal direction and inside the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 1 at the front edge 11c.
Although the contact is made d2, on the driving side, one side of the free end of the second shutter cover 43 of the shoe 43c does not contact the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, the shoe 43c on the non-drive side rises by sliding along the edge of the drum holding portion 11d outside the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 1 and the arc-shaped edge 14h of the end cover 14, and then the charging device cover 15 The trapezoidal end plates 13i, 14i covering both ends (FIGS. 6, 10)
The first and second shutter members 42 and 43 are raised by moving the sliding surfaces to the front edges 13j and 14j (see FIG. 47) (see FIG. 47). Subsequently, the process cartridge B has a receiving surface 51h,
The rotation determining dowels 11a and 11b come down with the rear portions lowered with the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a and 14a engaged with 52h engaged with the rotation positioning surface 52g, and the cam receiving surface 52d on the right in FIG. Since the first cam portion 44b that has wrapped downward moves down, the first and second shutter members 42 and 43 return slightly to the closing direction, and the shoe 43c is a trapezoidal end plate portion 13i that covers both ends of the charging device cover 15. The leading edges 13j and 14j of 14i go down to the lower end (see FIGS. 47 and 48). Therefore, when the process cartridge B is settled at a predetermined position inside the movable body 50, the first and second shutter covers 42 and 43 are closed slightly, and the photosensitive drum 1 is fully opened (the state of FIG. 48).

Next, when the movable member 50 is to be inserted into the image forming apparatus A, the second cam portion 44c is provided with a cam receiving rib 64b formed on the lower surface of the lower scanner lower cover 64.
(The state shown in FIG. 49). Further, as the movable body 50 is inserted, the second cam portion 44c moves along the cam receiving rib 64b and, as described above, moves upward about the fixed shaft 14d against the spring force of the torsion coil spring 47. To the first pivot point shaft portion 44a (the driving side is 42) that rotatably couples the first and second shutter covers 42 and 43.
a), the shaft 45b of the second pivot point rotatably fitted to the end of the first shutter cover 42 is lifted upward. As a result, the first and second shutter covers 42 and 43 are urged upward. Finally, the drum shutter 18 opens the photosensitive drum 1 as shown in FIGS. Cover 1
5 is stored below the scanner lower cover 64.

In the above, during a series of opening and closing operations of the drum shutter, the shoe 43c serving as the guide portion of the second shutter cover 43 is actuated by the torsion coil spring 46 so that the drum supporting portions on both sides of the front end of the frame of the process cartridge B in the insertion direction. The lower edge 11d1 and the front edge 11d2 slide on the arc-shaped edge 14h on the side opposite to the driving side. Therefore, the shutter cover itself does not damage the photosensitive drum 1 when the drum shutter is opened and closed.

Further, the arm 45, the operating arm 44, the first
The cleaning container 11 to which the shutter cover 42, the side cover 13 and the end cover 14 are attached forms a four-bar linkage, and the first pivot point of the four-bar linkage is the pin shaft 42a and the shaft 44a. Second
The torsion coil spring 46 is moved so that the inside of the shutter cover 43 approaches the first shutter cover 42.
The first and second shutter covers 42 and 43 move almost near the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 despite the fact that the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed and opened greatly by a central angle of 180 degrees or more. It is possible to draw a locus that does not affect the arrangement of the developing device 4, the transfer unit 5, and the like on the image forming apparatus A side, and it can be stored low on the upper surface 11 i of the cleaning container 11 even in the stored state.

Further, the opening / closing operation of the drum shutter 18 is performed twice by providing the first cam portion 44b and the second cam portion 44c acting on the inside of the movable body 50 and the inside of the image forming apparatus, so that a short stroke can be achieved. However, there is no need to provide an opening / closing mechanism for increasing the rotational speed of the shutter by using a gear or the like.

When the process cartridge B is inserted into the movable body 50, the drum shutter 18 is opened by the insertion operation, so that an extra operation for opening the drum shutter 18 does not have to be performed.

Further, the shoe 43c as a guide integrally formed at the end of the second shutter cover 43 moves along the support of the photosensitive drum 1 of the cartridge frame 10 to open and close the drum shutter. When
There is no danger of damaging the photosensitive drum by the drum shutter itself. In this case, a guide is formed on the cartridge frame so as to extend outside the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and a shoe 43 as a guide portion is provided on the second shutter cover 43.
Even when c is not provided, the same effect can be obtained. Further, guide portions may be formed on both the second shutter cover and the cartridge frame.

{Laser Shutter Opening / Closing Mechanism} A laser shutter opening / closing mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the configuration of the laser shutter will be described.

The laser light C emitted from the exposure means 3 as a laser light emitting means is used for forming the image on the photosensitive drum 1 during image formation.
The exposure is performed to form a latent image, but when the image is not formed, the optical path is closed by a laser shutter 65 so that the laser light C does not leak out of the apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 54, the laser shutter 65 is supported by a case 3e that accommodates the exposure unit 3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation fulcrum 65a. The laser shutter 65 extends in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 to block the laser light C,
The shielding wall 65b is provided so as to cover the entire optical path, and when the laser shutter 65 is opened, the laser light C
The opening 65c through which the hole passes is formed. The laser shutter 65 is provided with an opening / closing cam portion 65d required for the laser shutter opening / closing operation, extending from the shielding wall 65b at the end of the photosensitive drum 1 opposite to the drive direction in the longitudinal direction. The torsion coil spring (not shown) is provided with a laser shutter 6.
5 is mounted on the pivot fulcrum 65a in a direction in which it is biased counterclockwise.

The lower portion of the exposure means 3 and the laser shutter 65 is covered with a scanner lower cover 64, and the opening and closing cam portion 65d of the laser shutter 65 has a width of about 5 mm with respect to the movable body insertion direction. Is formed. Therefore, the user cannot take out the process cartridge B and intentionally open the laser shutter 65.

At a position corresponding to the slit opening 64c of the scanner lower cover 64 on the upper surface of the process cartridge B, a laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z having a width of about 3 mm in the insertion direction of the movable body is provided with the cleaning container 1.
1 and are formed integrally. An opening 15f is formed in the charging device cover 15, and the laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z is inserted through the opening 15f.

Next, the laser shutter opening / closing operation will be described. Movable body 5 with process cartridge B mounted
0 (not shown in FIG. 54) is not inserted into the opening 60 of the apparatus main body 20 (the laser shutter 65 is closed in the exposure means 3; in this state, the image forming apparatus A is turned on. However, the laser light C emitted from the exposure means is blocked by the shielding wall 65b of the laser shutter 65, and the laser light does not leak outside (FIG. 5).
4 (b) state). Next, when the movable body 50 (not shown) with the process cartridge B mounted thereon is inserted into the apparatus main body 20, the laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z of the process cartridge B passes through the slit opening 64c of the scanner lower cover 64. Abuts on the opening / closing cam portion 65d of the laser shutter. When the movable body 50 is further inserted,
The laser shutter 65 rotates clockwise around a rotation fulcrum 65a against a torsion coil spring (not shown). When the movable body 50 is mounted at a predetermined position (FIG. 54)
(State (a)), the laser shutter 65 is completely opened. When the power of the image forming apparatus A is turned on in this state, the laser beam C emitted from the exposure unit 3 can pass through the opening 65c of the laser shutter 65 and reach the photosensitive drum 1 (not shown in FIG. 54).

As described above, by integrating the laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z with the cleaning container, the opening / closing cam 65d of the laser shutter 65 of the image forming apparatus A can be formed.
The accumulation of the tolerance between the surface portion and the laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z can be reduced, and the laser shutter opening / closing rib does not swing when the movable body is inserted, so that the laser shutter does not open.

Now, the above configuration is summarized as follows.

In the process cartridge B detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the apparatus main body includes a laser light emitting means (exposure means) for emitting laser light, and a laser light emitting means. Laser shutter 65 for blocking emitted laser light C
And wherein the shutter is supported so as to be able to take an action position for blocking the laser light, and a retreat position for retreating from the action position to allow passage of the laser light. A cartridge frame 10, an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum 1), a charging unit (charging device 2) for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body. A charging bias contact 48 for receiving a charging bias applied from the apparatus main body to the charging means.
Here, the charging bias contact is provided on the cartridge frame portion, which is an upper surface when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame portion. An abutting portion (rib 11 </ b> Z) provided in the apparatus main body for abutting the laser shutter to move the laser shutter located at the operation position to the retracted position in the mounting process; The contact portion (rib 11 </ b> Z) is provided so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame 10.

The charging bias contact point and the contact portion are provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 2C as the charging means. The charging roller is detachable from the main body in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the charging roller.

Further, the cartridge frame portion includes:
A cover portion (charging device cover 15) provided to cover the charging roller 2C along the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 2C.

The contact portion (rib 11Z) is provided so as to protrude outward from the upper surface of the cover portion (cover 15).

The charging bias contact 48 is provided on the same plane as the upper surface of the cover (cover 15).

The charging bias contact 48 and the contact portion (rib 11Z) are arranged on a line parallel to the generatrix of the charging roller 2C as the charging means.

The contact portion (rib 11Z) is 5 mm to 10 mm from the upper surface of the cover portion (cover 15).
It is protruding.

The charging roller 2C is supported by the cartridge frame 10 via a shaft, and the charging bias contact 48 is connected to the charging roller 2C.
Is located within a region of 5 mm to 14 mm outward from one end in the longitudinal direction.

The charging roller 2C is supported by the cartridge frame 10 via a shaft, and the contact portion (rib 11Z) is connected to the charging roller 2C.
0.5 mm to 3.5 mm outward from the other end in the longitudinal direction
Is located within the area.

In the longitudinal direction of the charging roller, the charging bias contact 48 and the contact portion (rib 11Z)
Are arranged at intervals of 263.5 mm to 275.5 mm.

According to the above numerical ranges, when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the electrical connection for receiving the charging bias from the apparatus main body can be reliably performed. Further, when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the laser shutter can be reliably opened.

Further, the electrophotographic photosensitive member has a drum shutter 18 for covering a portion exposed from the cartridge frame 10, and the drum shutter 18 is at a retracted position from a protection position for covering the electrophotographic photosensitive member. When retreating, the charging bias contact 48 passes above the contact portion (rib 11Z).

Next, the description of the structure of the process cartridge will be supplemented.

{Structure of Photosensitive Drum} The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported by a cleaning container 11 of a cleaning device as shown in FIG. The photoreceptor drum 1 has drum flanges 1a and 1b fitted to both ends of an aluminum cylinder 1c, and is fixed by a bonding method such as bonding or caulking. At the center of the drum flange 1a, the largest diameter portion of the drum support shaft 1d is press-fitted and fixed or insert-molded. The drum support shaft 1 is fitted to the drum support portion 11d of the cleaning container 11, and is fitted and fixedly supported by the gear cover 13 so as not to come off in the axial direction.
d is fitted and rotatably supported. A bearing fitting hole 13 is formed in the outer ring of the ball bearing 21 in which the drum support shaft 1d is fitted.
g is fitted, the bearing fitting hole 13g and the cylindrical positioning boss 1
3a is located at the same center, so that the cylindrical positioning boss 13
“a” is the same center as the center of the photosensitive drum 1.

On the other hand, a hole 1ba is provided at the center of the drum flange 1b. The hole 1ba is rotatably fitted to a drum support shaft 14g coaxial with the cylindrical positioning boss 14a inserted when the end cover 14 is formed. ing.

A shaft coupling member 2 is provided at the shaft end of the drum support shaft 1d.
3 is fitted and fixed. The shaft coupling member 23 is a force receiving member that receives a rotational force from the apparatus main body 20 side. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7B, the fitting section of the drum main shaft 1d and the shaft coupling member 23 are both D-cut, and are inserted into the circumferential groove 1d1 of the circular arc portion provided on the drum support shaft 1d. A projection 23 a into which a part of the D-cut hole 23 is inserted is provided integrally with the shaft coupling member 23. This protrusion 2
3a is provided on a protruding piece 23c of an axial cantilever formed by providing a groove 23b in the axial direction.

{Structure of Charging Roller} As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the charging device 2 employs a contact charging method, and a conductive roller is provided on the outer periphery of a metal shaft 2a supported at both ends and parallel to the photosensitive drum 1. A charging roller 2c provided with rubber 2b is used. Both ends of the metal shaft 2a are rotatably fitted to a charging roller bearing 25 which is movably fitted to a bearing guide 11l (ell) facing the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The charging roller 2c is pressed against the generatrix of the photosensitive drum 1 by the composite spring 26 contracted between the charging roller bearing 25 and the end of the bearing guide 11l, and is driven to rotate by the photosensitive drum 1. ing.

{Structure of Cleaning Blade} This will be described with reference to FIGS. The cleaning blade 28
After the toner visualized on the photosensitive drum 1 by the developing device 4 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 5a, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is cleaned.
The removed removed toner is supplied to the cleaning container 11.
Is stored in

As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning blade 28 is parallel to the photosensitive drum 1 and has a plate-like shape as a whole. A rubber blade 28a to be pressed onto the body drum 1 and a supporting metal plate 28b to which the rubber blade 28a is fixed by bonding, welding or the like. The length of the cleaning blade 28 in the longitudinal direction is slightly longer than the conductive rubber 2b of the charging roller 2c, and the supporting metal plate 28b is fixed to the cleaning member mounting portion 11m of the cleaning container 11 with a small screw (not shown) having an L-shaped cross section. I have. Further, in mounting the cleaning blade 28 on the cleaning container 11, the position of the cleaning blade 28 is determined by automatic adjustment assembly. The cleaning blade 28 adjusts the position in the x direction by applying pressure to the notches 28c provided at the L-shaped bending roots at both ends of the support plate 28b while being pressed in the y direction in FIG. When the tip of the rubber blade 28a reaches a predetermined position, it is screwed with a small screw (not shown). At this time, the cleaning container 11
The back side surface 11m1 of the cleaning member mounting portion 11m is urged by a receiving member 11m2 which is a jig. Then, y
The pressurization in the direction is released, the tip position of the rubber blade 28a of the cleaning blade 28 is measured again, and the difference between the tip positions depending on the presence or absence of pressurization in the y direction is obtained. Here, after the screwing is loosened to correct the difference in the tip position, the screwing is performed again, and the mounting of the cleaning blade 28 to the cleaning container 11 is completed.

{Structure of Squeeze Sheet} This will be described with reference to FIG. The squeeze sheet 29 is an elastic sheet,
Cleaning container 1 with respect to the rotation direction of photoconductor drum 1
It is arranged upstream of the cleaning blade 28 with respect to the moving direction of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 indicated by the arrow in the drawing with the one photosensitive drum side opening 11n therebetween. Then, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer is passed through.
Lightly pressed against the photosensitive drum 1. Squishy sheet 29
Of the cleaning container 11 is formed of a thin metal plate 200 attached to the lower side of the photosensitive drum side opening 11n with a double-sided tape (not shown).

Here, the above configuration is summarized as follows.

In the cleaning device 6 for removing the developer adhering to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, a cleaning frame (cleaning container 11) and a cleaning member (for example, a cleaning member for removing the developer adhering to the electrophotographic photosensitive member) are used. , A cleaning blade 28) and a flexible sheet (for example, a squeeze sheet 29) for guiding the developer removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member to a developer receiving portion. A flexible sheet (for example, a squeeze sheet 29) attached to the cleaning frame via a sheet metal on the upstream side with respect to the cleaning member in the rotation direction.
And

The sheet metal (for example, sheet metal 200)
Is attached to the cleaning frame by a double-sided tape (not shown).

The flexible sheet (eg, squeeze sheet 29) is attached to the sheet metal (sheet metal 200) with a double-sided tape (not shown).

Further, the sheet metal (for example, the sheet metal 200)
Is stainless steel.

The flexible sheet (for example, the squeeze sheet 29) is made of polyethylene terephthalate.

{Structure of Protective Sheet for Pattern Reading Apparatus} As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, a lower jaw 11E is provided below the opening 11n on the photosensitive drum side of the cleaning container 11. Near the longitudinal center of the lower jaw 11E, there is no lower jaw 11E, and from the bottom 11G of the cleaning container connected to the squeeze sheet 29 attaching surface 11F,
A sheet member 201 protruding toward the photosensitive drum 1 in parallel with the bottom 11G of the cleaning container is provided.
The longitudinal width of the sheet member 201 is wider than the width of a reading device 93 (see FIG. 37) for adjusting image density, which will be described later. This sheet member 201 has a thickness of about 0.1 m.
The surface is matted in order to suppress the reflectance of the surface to about 10% or less at m.

{Construction of Toner Conveyance and Toner Storage} FIGS. 3 and 4 are the same as FIG. 3 except that the feed blade 202 is used, but in FIG. 4, the cleaning roller 27 is used instead of the feed blade 202. It is.

This will be described with reference to FIGS. The cleaning container 11 is a closed container having the rear container 12 at the rear in the insertion direction into the apparatus main body 20 and having the opening 11n facing the photosensitive drum 1 as described above. This inside is partitioned by a partitioning member 41 inside the cleaning container, and when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 20, the inside of the toner transporting unit 11A and the toner storing unit 11B located thereunder are partitioned by the toner transporting unit. Member 41
a. In a state where the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 20, the partitioning member 41a of the toner conveying section is disposed so as to rise as the distance from the photosensitive drum 1 increases (FIGS. 3 and 4).
1).

The toner transport section 11A is divided into a first toner transport section 11A1, a second toner transport section 11A2, and a third toner transport section 11A3 by a toner transport section partition member 41b.
The space between the rear container 12 and the third container 11B
Part 3

The toner storage section 11B is partitioned by a partition member 41d in the toner storage section. The rear plate 41c of the partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container is substantially a partitioning member in the toner container. The toner storage portion 11B is divided into the first, second, and third toner storage portions 11B1, 11B2 by the partition member 41d in the toner storage portion and the rear plate 41c.
11B3.

Each toner transport section 11A1, 11A2, 11
A3 is provided with a rotary plate 19 as a feeding member for sending toner.
a, 19b and 19c are provided, each of which rotates counterclockwise about the axis C. The rotating plate 19d in the rear container 12 rotates clockwise.

The rotating plate 19 (19a, 19b, 19)
c, 19d) are from the partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container to the partitioning member 41b in the toner conveying section 11A (FIGS. 3 and 4).
As shown in FIG. 28 in which the partition member 4 in FIG.
Both ends are rotatably loosely fitted into round holes 41n formed in both side plates 41m on both sides (note that the rotating plate 19d is not shown in FIG. 28). The both end portions of the rotating plate 19 are extended portions 19e which are narrower than the width of the portion between the side plates 41m on both sides.
The drive gear 31 (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d (not shown)) and the journal 32 (32a, 32b, 32
c, 32d (not shown)).
When each is fitted, a centering protruding piece 19f is provided which fits closely into the hole 30 provided on the back side of the slits 31s and 32s. The bearing holes 22 (22a, 22a) are formed in the side plates 41k on both sides of the cleaning container 11 at the position where the three sets of holes 41n on the front side of the holes 41n provided on the side plates 41m on both sides of the cleaning container inside partition member 41 coincide with each other.
2b, 22c) are provided. The center line passing through the left and right bearing holes 22 is parallel to the center line of the photosensitive drum 1. In the assembled state, the rearmost hole 41n of the side plate 41m has a bearing hole 22d (FIGS. 24 and 39) of the rear container 11b.
See).

Accordingly, the drive gear 31 is connected to the bearing holes 22 (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) of the cleaning container, respectively.
When the slits 31 s and 32 s are fitted and pushed into the extension 19 e of the rotating plate 19, the centering projection 19
When f fits into the respective holes 30 of the drive gear 31 and the journal 32, the side plate 4 of the partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container.
The edge of the round hole 41n provided in 1m and the extension 1 of the rotating plate 19
9e does not touch.

Each of the rotating plates 19a, 19b, and 19c has a feed blade 17 made of a flexible sheet having a thickness of about 50 μm at each edge. The feed blade 17 is connected to a rotating plate 19
When (19a, 19b, 19c) rotates, the respective feed blades 17 are deflected to separate the toner conveying unit partitioning members 41a.
, The first toner transport section 11A1 is within the lower right quadrant, and the second and third toner transport sections 11A2, 11A3
Are arc-shaped portions 41a1 and 41a of approximately quadrants near the rear portion immediately below.
2, 41a3 are provided.

The center of a member for transporting the removed toner, such as the rotating plates 19a, 19b, and 19c, is also arranged at a position higher in order as the distance from the photosensitive drum 1 increases.

A transport opening 41e is provided between the toner transport sections 11A below the toner transport section inner partitioning member 41b, and the toner transport sections 11A communicate with each other.

The partitioning member 41a of the toner conveying section has storage openings 41f1, 41f2, 41f3, 41f4, 41f.
5 are provided, and the toner conveying section 11A and the toner storing section 11 are provided.
B (see FIGS. 3, 41 and 42).

When the rotary plate 19a rotates counterclockwise, the storage opening 41f1 is used to move the first and second toner conveying portions 11A1 and 11A1.
Each toner transporting section 11A between the transport openings 41e between 11A2
1, 11A2 toner transporting section partitioning member 41a
The first toner conveying section 11 is provided on the right side (as viewed from the toner conveying direction) of the raised ridge line 41g1 (substantially immediately below the conveying opening 41e and the end of the circular arc section 41a1).
The removed toner discharged to A1 is first transferred to the toner transport unit 1.
1A1 from the storage opening 41f1 to the first toner storage 11
It is sent to B1.

The second and third toner conveying sections 11A2 and 11A
The storage openings 41f2 and 41f4 in A3 are provided at the lowest portions of the arc portions 41a2 and 41a3, respectively, and communicate with the first and second toner storage chambers 11B1 and 11B2, respectively. Storage opening 41 provided in second toner transport section 11A3
f3 is open on the front side of the toner storage section 11B2,
The openings are provided for the second and third toner conveying units 11A2 and 11A.
It is provided on the right side (as viewed from the toner transport direction) of the raised ridge line 41g2 of the toner transport section partition member 41a between A3.

Storage opening 4 of third toner conveying section 11A3
Reference numeral 1f5 denotes a position at which the removed toner is sent to the third toner accommodating portion 11B3 when the rotating plate 19c rotates counterclockwise and the feed blade 17 lifts the removed toner to the ridgeline 41g3 along the arc portion 41a3. The toner conveying unit partitioning member 41a, the toner conveying unit inner partitioning member 41b, the rear plate 41c, the toner storing unit inner partitioning member 41d, and the below-described upper surface 41r described with reference to FIGS. The partition member 41b is integrally connected by a side plate 41m as shown in the drawing) to form a partition member 41 in the cleaning container.

As shown in FIG. 28 in an exploded perspective view, a large opening 11h is formed between the cleaning container 11 and the rear container 12.
The cleaning container partition member 41 is inserted into the cleaning container 11 and assembled.

The side plates 11k on both sides of the cleaning container 11
The inside guide 11o (O) is provided in parallel inside. During the insertion of the cleaning container partitioning member 41 into the cleaning container 11, the guide grooves 41s provided on the lower edges of both sides in the longitudinal direction of the toner storing portion partitioning member 41d engage with the container guide 11o (O).
The bottom of the guide groove 41s is the guide 11o (O) in the container.
You will be guided along the upper edge.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 41, a mounting plate 41i is provided on the front part in parallel with the partitioning member 41d in the toner storage portion, and is provided on the mounting plate 41i on a positioning projection 11p formed integrally with the cleaning container 11. Positioning hole 41j
Are fitted, and the leading end is inserted up to the root of the tapered positioning projection 11p. The positioning protrusion 11p is formed integrally with the cleaning container 11. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 41, the upper end surface 41v of the rearmost toner transporting inner partition member 41b contacts the inner wall of the upper surface of the cleaning container 11.

[0172] As shown in FIG.
The bearings 22a, 22b, 22c and 27e are formed in the side plates 11k on both sides of the above on substantially one plane. A bearing hole 22d (see FIG. 39) is also formed in the side plate of the rear container 12. The bearing holes 22a, 22b, 2
2c, 22d, and 27e respectively include a rotation angle axis driving gear 27c, driving gears 31a, 31b,
Journal portions 31j of 31c and 31d (31d is not shown) are rotatably fitted, and the gear portion is out of the cleaning container 11. Journals 27d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d (32d is not shown) are rotatably fitted to the non-drive side. As described above, the drive gears 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and the journals 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are provided with slits 31s, 32s in the axial direction, respectively. Further, square holes 27c1 and 27d1 are provided in the axial direction at the tips of the rotation angle axis driving gear 27c and the journal 27d.

The side plates 41m on both sides of the partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container are aligned with the bearing holes 22a, 22b, 22c provided in the side plate 11k of the cleaning container 11 and the bearing holes 22d provided in the side plate of the rear container 11b in an assembled state. Are provided with rotating plate support holes 41n, respectively.
Rotating plates 19a, 19 protruding out of side plate 41m from 1n
b, 19c and 19d have drive gears 31a, 31b and 3
1c, 31d, journals 32a, 32b, 32c, 3
It is rotatably supported by fitting to 2d. A slit 41p slightly larger than the thickness of the rotary plate 19 is provided upward from the rotary plate support hole 41n, and the rotary plate support hole 41n is an open figure for assembling the rotary plate 19.

A rotation angle shaft 202 (see FIG. 3) having rotation plates 19a, 19b, and 19c and carrying blades 202d.
The partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container, to which any of the cleaning rollers 27 (see FIG. 41) is attached, is inserted into the cleaning container 11 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In the case where the cleaning roller 27 is assembled, the above-described rotation angle shaft driving gear 27c is used for driving the cleaning roller 27.
Is used.

{Structure of Rotation Angle Axis} This will be described with reference to FIGS. Further, the first toner transport section 11A1 is provided with a rotation angle shaft 202 as a feed member for transporting the removed toner stored by the cleaning blade 28 to the vicinity of the rotary plate 19a. The rotation angle axis 202 also rotates counterclockwise about the axis C.

At both ends of the rotation angle axis 202, the rotation angle axis 20
A resin shaft member 20 integrally having a round shaft portion 202a on the second side and a square shaft portion 202b outside the round shaft portion 202a in the longitudinal direction.
2c is fixed by a method such as press fitting. As shown in FIG. 28, there is a positioning guide 41q for the rotation angle shaft 202 provided on the side plate 41m of the partition member 41 in the cleaning container,
It fits loosely with the round shaft portion 202a of the resin shaft member 202c at both ends of the rotation angle shaft 202. Further, the opening of the positioning guide 41q is narrower than the diameter of the round shaft portion 202a, and the depth thereof is
The size of “a” is such that it can be loosely fitted, and the rotation angle shaft 202 and the square shaft portion 202b of the resin shaft member 202c cannot be loosely fitted.

The angular shaft portion 202b is fitted in the angular drive shaft 27c and the square holes 27c1 and 27d1 provided at the tip of the journal 27d, and the angular shaft portion 202 is rotatably supported.

On any one surface of the rotation angle shaft 202, there are provided feed blades 202d made of a flexible sheet having a thickness of about 50 μm and a length almost equal to the entire length of the rotation angle shaft 202.

Here, the square axis 202 is summarized as follows.

In the cleaning device 6 for removing the developer adhered to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, a cleaning member (for example, a cleaning blade 28) for removing the developer adhered to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1; A rotating shaft (for example, a square shaft 20) for transporting the developer removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member
2) a flexible member (for example, the feed blade 202)
d) a flexible developer conveying member.

Here, in the method for transporting the flexible developer, the flexible developer is disposed on the downstream side.

The rotating shaft is made of metal (eg, aluminum, iron, brass, etc.), and polyethylene terephthalate as a flexible member is attached to the metal rotating shaft.

As described above, the rotation axis is a square axis.

Note that the rotation axis is not a square axis but may be, for example, a two-chamfer.

{Arrangement of Rear Container} Description will be made with reference to FIGS. 3, 39 and 58. A rotating plate 19d is housed in the rear container 12, and the rotating plate 19d is rotatably supported as described above, and is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. The rotating blades 19d of the flexible plate 19d are provided with the light transmitting ports 33a and 33d.
b, the inner surfaces of the light transmitting ports 33a and 33b are rubbed while bending, so that an optical path L for detecting the fullness of the removed toner through the light transmitting ports 33a and 33b is secured. The leveling blade 17 d and the feed blade 17 are provided on the side plates 41 on both longitudinal sides of the partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container.
m.

The apparatus main body 20 includes a lamp 34a and a lamp 3
A light detecting element 34b for receiving the light emitted from the light transmitting port 4a is fixedly provided on the optical path L through which the light passes.
a and 33b are provided integrally with the rear container 12.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 58, the light transmitting ports 33a and 33b are provided with two concave portions 12q and
2r, one wall surface 1 of the concave portion 12q having a smaller width.
An angled protruding wall surface is formed between 2i and a wall surface 12h behind the rear container 12, and a transparent member made of synthetic resin is fixed to each of the wall surfaces 12h and 12i by ultrasonic bonding or the like. The light transmission ports 33a and 33b protrude into the rear container 12, and the light path L passes through the front end surface of the protruding portion, and is a concave portion when viewed from the outside of the rear container 12.

Further, of the two concave portions 12q and 12r having different widths provided at the longitudinal end and the central portion of the rear container 12b, the longer concave portion 12r is provided substantially at the central portion in the longitudinal direction. A handle 16 used for attaching and detaching the cartridge is fitted and attached.

A wall 12h behind the rear container 12 is provided with a protruding portion 12b having a height of about 8 mm and a width of 5 mm so that the process cartridge B cannot be set up with the rear container 12 side down. ing. That is, among the surfaces forming the rear container 12, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 1, the rear wall surface 12 h of the cleaning container 11, which is the surface farthest from the photosensitive drum 1, protrudes (projection). 12b.

As shown in FIG. 39, the rear container 12 is arranged in a square shape as a welding portion to be welded in contact with a flange 11h1 (see FIG. 28) provided on an edge surrounding the opening 11h at the rear of the cleaning container 11. It has a flange 12c and opens forward. A space is formed rearward from the flange 12c. This space becomes the third toner storage section 11B3. A rib 11b3 is integrally arranged below the third toner storage portion 11B3. The handle 16 is attached to the integrally formed rear container body configured as described above, and the light transmission ports 33a and 33b are welded as a transmission light detection window member for toner amount detection so as to be integrated, thereby forming the rear container 12. I have.

The body of the rear container 12 has a substantially triangular cross section in the front-rear direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the photosensitive drum 1. Therefore, the front wall 12d of the upper wall 12d and the rear wall 12
The flange 12c passes through the lower end of h and surrounds the opening to form a welded portion.

{Handle of Process Cartridge} As shown in FIGS. 3, 9, 11, and 39, a handle 16 is attached to the rear container 12 as a separate member. The handle 16 includes a grip 16a parallel to the photosensitive drum 1 and the handle 16 arranged at the vertex of a triangle when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the photosensitive drum 1.
And a grip 16a and a connecting portion 16b for connecting both ends of the horizontal member 16c to each other at the other apexes of the triangle. The handle 16 is made of a synthetic resin. The grip 16a and the horizontal member 16c are provided with an opening 16e.
It has become.

The rear wall surface 12h of the rear container 12 is substantially a plane substantially parallel to and substantially perpendicular to the photosensitive drum 1, and the upper surface of the cartridge frame 10 in a state where the cleaning container 11 and the rear container 12 and the like are combined is roughly. One plane,
The handle 16 holds the rear container 1 where the extension of each of the planes intersects.
It is fixed by fitting it into the concave portion 12r provided at the corner on the two sides, inserting the connecting portion 16b and screwing the small screw 16d into the rear container 12 as shown in FIG. Although not shown, there is a fitting portion between the rear portion 12 and the rear portion of the connecting portion 16b as seen in FIG. 9 to prevent the handle 16 from moving upward on the root side.

One of the horizontal members 16c is a vertical one-plane rear container 12 passing through a rear wall surface 12h of the rear container 12.
The other one of the horizontal members 16 c is provided on the side of the rear container 12, which is a substantially flat surface passing through the upper surface of the cartridge frame 10.
It is arranged on the side. Since the horizontal member 16c is disposed in this manner, when the grip 16a is gripped by the right hand or the left hand from above, the thumb is moved to the wall surface 12h on the back of the rear container 12 or the wall surface 12h.
The position of the process cartridge B can be adjusted very easily by smoothly entering the position h and abutting on the horizontal member 16c, thereby facilitating the operation.

Since the handle 16 is provided at the upper corner at the rear of the process cartridge B as described above, when the grip 16a is gripped by hand as described above, the process cartridge B is lowered forward, and the front guide surface 51b of the movable body 50 on the front side is moved. , 52b can be easily inserted into the process cartridge B without the portions other than the shaft coupling member 23 and the guide portion 14b of the process cartridge B contacting the movable body 50. In addition, the shaft coupling member 23 and the guide portion 14b are
The movable body 50 is tilted so that the rotation determining dowels 11a and 11b of the process cartridge B are inserted into the rear guide surfaces 51c and 52c of the movable body 50 after being inserted into the front guide surfaces 51b and 52b. The operability when mounting the process cartridge B to the movable body 50 is easy. Further, as shown in FIG. 47, the rotation positioning dowels 11a and 11b
After the descent is once stopped by the RG pressure springs 53 and 54,
The rotation determining dowels 11a, 11 are opposed to the springs 53, 54.
b can be easily pushed into the rotation positioning surfaces 51g and 52g in a natural manner.

Furthermore, the provision of the handle 16 at the above position means that when the process cartridge B is detached from the movable body 50, if the handle 16 is simply grasped and lifted, the process cartridge B is moved by the cylindrical positioning bosses 13a and 14b. The rear portion rises and tilts while being supported by the receiving portions 51h and 52h of the movable body 50, and can be pulled up diagonally rearward as it is, thereby improving the operability of removing the process cartridge B from the movable body 50.

{Structure of Toner Full Detecting Unit} From the above-described structure, the light transmitting ports 33a and 33b are clearly located downstream in the direction in which the cleaning container 11 carries the removed toner.

When the removed toner stored in the toner storage section 11B3 becomes full, even if the rotating plate 19d is rotated, the light transmission ports 33a and 33b are eventually covered with the removed toner and the optical path L is blocked. The light detection element 34b has received light from the lamp 34a so far, and the photoelectrically converted H active signal is interrupted to receive light. (See FIG. 36 to be described later) informs that the toner container 11B of the cleaning container 11 of the process cartridge B is filled with the removed toner. 3 and 28
As shown in FIG. 5, a rear side plate 41c of the cleaning container 11 is provided with a rib 41u erected rearward,
As shown in FIG. 39, the rear container 12 is provided with a rib 11b3 on the inner side below the back wall surface 12h. These ribs 41u and 11b3 are arranged in a staggered position in the longitudinal direction and cooperate to prevent the longitudinal movement of the removed toner. As a result, when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body 20, the removed toner is shifted toward the light transmission ports 33a and 33b due to handling, and when the process cartridge B is mounted again, the removed toner becomes the third toner in the cleaning container 11. This prevents an erroneous operation of outputting a signal in which the storage toner is full even though the storage part 11B3 is not full.

A method of notifying that the cleaning container 11 has been filled with the removed toner will be described. As described above, when the toner container 11B of the cleaning container 11 is filled with the removed toner, the engine controller 131 (to be described later) of the apparatus main body 20 determines that the cleaning container 11 is almost full of the removed toner. Notify (removal toner full notice). At this time, the toner transport unit 11
A has almost no removed toner. For this reason, even if a predetermined number of prints are performed after the notice of the removed toner full notice is given, the removed toner remains on the inner side (11A
It is accommodated sequentially from 3). Eventually, the inside of the toner conveying section 11A is filled with the removed toner. Before the inside of the toner conveying section 11A is filled with the removed toner, the engine controller 131 of the apparatus main body 20 notifies that the cleaning container 11 is filled with the removed toner (a notification of the removed toner full). The above-described notification is performed by lighting a lamp on the printer main body or displaying the fact on a display.

[0200] Instead of notification of "removal toner full notice", notification of "cartridge replacement" may be performed.

Further, a notification of "removal toner full notice"("replacement of cartridge") may be given, and after a predetermined amount of image has been formed, the image forming operation of the apparatus body may be prohibited.

Here, a method of detecting the fullness of the removed toner in the case of forming a full-color image and the formation of a mono-color image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 61 is a flowchart of the method for detecting the fullness of the removed toner.

First, the engine controller (MPV) of the printer main body detects that the light detecting element 34b has stopped receiving light from the lamp 34a (step 1). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus is set in an image forming standby state in which the image forming operation by the printer is possible (step 2). Then, at the time of image formation, [count / image] is added to the counter value of the number of formed images for full color, and [count / image] for monocolor, (step 3). Then, the counter value and the counter threshold value (1008 sheets) are sequentially compared (step 4). When the counter value of the number of image formed sheets coincides with the counter threshold value, the image forming operation is prohibited and a "cleaner full" notification is issued (step 5). In step 5, the image forming operation may not be prohibited but may be performed only by the notification of "full cleaner".

{Structure of Charging Device Cover} The charging device cover 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 10, 11, and 60. The charging device cover 15 is a protection member for the charging device 2. As described above, the charging device cover 15 covers the charging device 2 in the longitudinal direction and both ends, and at the same time, suppresses and fixes an upper portion of a charging high voltage contact plate 48 described later. The charging device cover 15 has a hook at the tip of a snap fit claw portion 15c provided in the vicinity of the center in the front-rear direction, and is engaged with the edge of the hole 11q of the cleaning container 11, and the upper surface 15e of the charging device cover 15 is positioned. After the holes 15g are provisionally positioned with respect to the cleaning container 11 by fitting into the positioning dowels 11v2 on the upper surface of the charging bias contact holding portion 11v, holes provided on both end plates 15b (the opposite side is not shown). 15d is fixed to be parallel to the photosensitive drum 1 by fitting with two bosses 13z (see FIG. 60) provided on the side cover 13 and the end cover 14 (not shown).

A rectangular opening 15a is provided on the upper surface 15e of the charging device cover 15 so that the external contact 48a of the charging high voltage contact plate 48 is just fitted and exposed. The charging device cover 15 has a trapezoidal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the external contact 48a is substantially flush with the upper surface 15e that forms the plane of the charging device cover 15.

Further, an opening 15 for exposing a laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z provided integrally with the cleaning container 11 is provided on the upper surface 15e of the charging device cover 15.
There is f.

{Operation of Cleaning Device} The photosensitive drum 1, the rotating angle shaft 202, and the rotating plate 19 rotate at the same time by receiving the driving force. The configuration of this driving device will be described later, but the operation of the cleaning device 6 will be described here. The toner remaining after the transfer on the photosensitive drum 1 is stored in the cleaning container 11 as the removed toner by the cleaning device 6 and the cleaning blade 28.

The toner accumulated near the opening 11n does not leak out of the cleaning container 11 from the gap between the squeeze sheet 29 and the photosensitive drum 1 by the action of the squeeze sheet 29. The removed toner deposited on the toner conveying unit partitioning member 41a of the first toner conveying unit 11A1 is
02, and the feed blade 17 of the first rotary plate 19a, the user tries to move toward the second transport unit 11A2, but lifts the circular arc portion 41a1 toward the ridge line 41g1 and stores it over the ridge line 41g1. When the toner reaches the opening 41f1, the first toner storage 11B1
The toner drops toward the front side in the toner transport direction and accumulates. Due to the rotating momentum of the rotating plate 19a and the repulsion of the feed blades 17 that have passed the ridgeline 41g1 released, a small amount of the removed toner is sent to the second toner conveying unit 11A2. The toner conveying unit partitioning member 41a in the second toner conveying unit 11A2 extends from the ridge 41g1 to the storage opening 4a.
1f2, the removed toner is directed to the storage opening 41f2, and when the toner is to be deposited on the way, the feed blade 17 of the second rotary plate 19b is rotated to send the removed toner to the storage opening 41f2, and the storage opening 41f2. From the first toner container 11B1.

Thus, the removed toner is deposited on the first toner storage portion 11B1 through the storage opening 41f1, which is predominantly supplied, almost immediately below the storage opening 41f1 as a peak, and this peak reaches the storage opening 41f1 and is stored. 41
After f1 is filled with the removed toner, the removed toner that has been cleaned and discharged to the first toner transport unit 11A1 is entirely transported through the transport opening 41e by the feed blade 17 of the first rotary plate 19a. The first toner storage unit 11 is fed to the first toner storage unit 11 through the storage opening 41f2.
The removed toner is sent into the space where B1 is open. When the first toner storage unit 11B1 is filled with the removed toner, the storage opening 41f2 is closed, and the cleaned removed toner is sent to the second toner transport unit 11A2 through the first toner transport unit 11A1. Here, the transport opening 41 between the second and third toner transport units 11A2 and 11A3.
(e) The feed blade 17 of the rotary plate 19b lifts the removed toner along the circular arc portion 41a2 toward the ridgeline 41g2 in front of the second toner storage portion 11B2 from the storage opening 41f3.
To the side close to the photosensitive drum 1. Due to the rotation of the feed blade 17 of the rotating plate 19b and the repulsion due to the release of the elasticity due to the passage of the ridge line 41g2, a small amount of the removed toner is sent to the third toner conveying unit 11A3.

Thus, the removed toner that has fallen into the second toner storage section 11B2 cannot be deposited in a mountain shape immediately below the storage opening 41f3. In other words, the storage opening 41f3 is near the partitioning member 41d in the toner storage portion which is inclined so that the lower side partitioning the first and second toner storage portions 11B1 and 11B2 is located rearward from the upper portion when viewed from the photosensitive drum 1. Because it is in. Therefore, the surface of the removed toner is formed in the second toner storage portion 11B2 so that the portion immediately below the storage opening 41f3 is the highest point and the side farther from the photosensitive drum 1 is lowered, and the surface gradually rises. When it reaches 41f3, the storage opening 41f3 is closed with the removed toner. Thereafter, the first and second toner conveying units 11A
All of the removed toner conveyed through 1, 11A2 is the second toner.
Of the third toner transport unit 11A3 and the third toner transport unit 11A3
The toner is fed from the transport opening 41e to the third toner transport portion 11A3 across the ridgeline 41g2 between the ridgeline 41g2 and the downward slope from the ridgeline 41g2 to the storage opening 41f4, and the third rotary plate 19c.
The removal toner is moved by the movement of the feed blade 17 in the ridge line 41g.
3 to the storage opening 41f4 from the third toner conveying portion 11A3.
Moves on the toner conveying unit partition member 41a at
The removed toner is dropped into the second toner storage portion 11B2 from the lowermost storage opening 41f4 of the partition member 41a. Thus, when the second toner storage portion 11B2 is filled with the removed toner and the storage opening 41f4 is closed with the removed toner, the removed toner sent to the third toner transport portion 11A3 is removed by the feed blade 17 of the rotary plate 19c. No. 3 toner transport unit partition member 41 in the toner transport unit 11A3
The removed toner moving from the edge 41g2 on the side closer to the photosensitive drum 1 toward the storage opening 41f4 is moved on the arc portion 41a3 and lifted to the edge 41g3. The ridge line 41g3 forms the lower edge of the storage opening 41f5, and the removed toner lifted up to the ridge line 41g3 is used for the third toner storage unit 11.
Fall to B3. The storage opening 41f5 also serves as the conveyance opening 41e, and the removed toner is stored in the toner storage 11
Send to B3 and drop.

The removed toner that has dropped into the third toner storage portion 11B3 is lower at the rear side with the rear plate 41c side parallel to the toner storage portion inner partition member 41d and inclined so that the lower side is farther away from the photosensitive drum 1 and the lower side. Deposits are made with the surface condition changed. The surface of the accumulated removed toner is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane at an angle of repose, and is flat. When the surface of the removed toner gradually rises and is pulled by the leveling blade 17d of the rotating plate 19d, the leveling blade 17d
The removed toner is spattered by the rotational force and the removed toner is sent to the rear plate 41c. Also, this leveling blade 17d
Has a large width in the radial direction, and the leading ends of the light transmitting ports 33a and 33b at positions where the light path L crosses are rubbed and rubbed by the leveling blades 17d so as to be constantly cleaned. When the removed toner scattered to the rear side plate 41c of the third toner storage unit 11B3 and the third toner storage unit 11B3 is almost full, the light is no longer always emitted by the leveling blades 17d of the rotating plate 19d. The light-transmitting ports 33a and 33b are blocked by the removed toner because the transmission port 33a cannot be cleaned, the light path L is blocked, and the fullness of the removed toner in the third toner storage portion 11B3 of the process cartridge B is displayed on the apparatus main body 20. The indication of the removed toner fullness is displayed in the toner storage section 11B.
Means the inside of the toner transport unit 11A
At the same time indicates that the removed toner is not full, and the cleaning container 11 can still contain the removed toner in the toner conveying section 11A, so that the notice of the fullness of the removed toner is given. Here, the number of image formations until the toner transporting unit 11A is filled with the removed toner can be predicted. Therefore, when the predicted number of image formations is reached, the cleaning container 11 is displayed with the removed toner fullness.

{Driving Device for Removing Toner Conveying Member in Process Cartridge} FIG. 24 is a side view of the process cartridge B with the gear cover (drive side cover) 13 removed. FIG. 20 shows the photosensitive drum 1 and the first
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a driving side of the cleaning container 11 of the rotating plate 19a.

The drum support shaft 1d of the photoreceptor drum 1 is provided with a shaft coupling member 23 having holes 23b into which the projections 35a can be fitted in the drum support shaft 1d in six circumferential directions, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a drive-side shaft coupling member provided with a projection 35a on the apparatus main body 20 side so as to take a position where the projection 35a advances and retreats in the axial direction and enters the hole 23b and a position where the projection 35a is released. 35 are provided. The shaft coupling member 35 is fixed to a drive shaft 36, and the drive shaft 36 advances and retreats in the axial direction concentrically with the drum support shaft 1d. The drive shaft 36 is supported by the frame 20d of the apparatus main body 20 so as to be rotatable and movable in the axial direction. The hole 23b has a shape in which the protrusion 35a is movable in the axial direction, for example, a hole having a uniform width in the radial direction.

FIG. 22 is a view in which the shaft coupling members 23 and 35 are formed by cutting the holes 23b and the projections 35a by using a cylindrical surface centered on the rotation axis. As shown in FIG. 22, when the shaft coupling member 35 on the apparatus main body 20 side is rotated so as to move in the direction shown by arrow B, the shaft coupling member 35
The clutch surfaces 23b1 and 35a1 which are inclined in the direction of pulling in 3 and are in contact with each other are respectively formed in the holes 23b and 23b.
It is provided on the projection 35a. The hole 23b and the projection 35a are respectively formed on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical or conical surface centered on the rotation center of the shaft coupling members 23 and 35, and the clutch surface 23.
b1 and 35a1 and surfaces 23b2 and 35a2 on the opposite side. The clutch surfaces 23b1 and 35a1 and the opposite surfaces 23b2 and 35a2 are
From the center of rotation. The tip of the shaft coupling member 23 is a plane perpendicular to the axis. The tip of the projection 35a of the shaft coupling member 35 and the valley bottom between the projections are on a plane perpendicular to the axis. The clutch surface 23 of the hole 23b of the shaft coupling member 23
b1 is inclined with respect to the axis, and its opposing surface 23b2
Has an axis. Clutch surface 3 of shaft coupling member 35
5a1 is inclined with respect to the axis, and its opposite surface 35a
2 is inclined so that the projection 35a is tapered following the clutch surface 35a1.

When the process cartridge B constructed as described above is mounted on the apparatus main body 20, the shaft coupling member 2
3, 35 are separated in the axial direction, and the axis centers coincide.
The shaft coupling member 35 advances in the direction of arrow A in the drawing, and the protrusion 35a
Enters the hole 23b. The axial position of the shaft coupling member 35 is determined by a stopper (not shown) on the apparatus main body 20 side. When the shaft coupling member 35 rotates, the protrusion 35a moves in the direction of arrow B in the drawing, and the clutch surface 35a1 contacts the clutch surface 23b1 to rotate the shaft coupling member 23. Since the clutch surfaces 23b1 and 35a1 are inclined in a direction in which the clutch surfaces 23b1 and 35a1 are pulled into each other, circumferential force due to rotational resistance causes the clutch surface 23b1
When acting on 1, 35a1, the shaft coupling member 23 is pulled in the axial direction toward the shaft coupling member 35.

As described above, the first rotating plate 19a has an end fitted into the slit 31s of the drive gear 31a,
The journal 31j of the drive gear 31a is rotatably fitted in the bearing hole 22a of the side plate 11k on the drive side of the cleaning container 11. As shown in FIGS. 4, 10, 11, and 20, plate-shaped ribs are provided on the end face of the drive gear 31a in a radial direction in a cross-shaped manner.
1a1, and as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23,
A drive shaft 37a having a concave clutch 37 having a cross-shaped groove fitted into the rib of the convex clutch 31a1 is supported by a frame 20d of the apparatus main body 20 so as to be movable in the axial direction and rotatable. This concave clutch 37 has a notch 51 provided on a guide surface 51c of a movable body 50 shown in FIG.
e through the through-hole 51d leading to the convex clutch 31a.
It is disengaged with 1. The drive shafts 36 and 37a on the apparatus main body 20 side with respect to the drive section of the photosensitive drum 1 and the removed toner drive input section 49 are driven by the apparatus main body 20 in the directions shown by arrows A and the directions opposite thereto, respectively, to advance and retreat. And
When the shaft coupling member 35 and the concave clutch 37 on the apparatus main body 20 do not mesh with the shaft coupling member 23 and the concave clutch 31a1 on the process cartridge B side when the forward movement in the direction of arrow A, the shaft coupling member 35 and the concave clutch When the drive shafts 36 and 37a move forward with the clutch 37 stopped, a spring (not shown) for increasing the spring force to press the shaft coupling member 35 and the concave clutch 37 is provided. Therefore, when the shaft coupling member 35 and the concave clutch 37 rotate, the shaft coupling member 23 and the concave clutch 31a1 immediately mesh with the spring force of the spring. In the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow A, it is retracted by releasing means whose description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 24, the convex clutch 31a
The drive gear 31a provided with 1 meshes with the rotation shaft drive gear 27c via an idler gear 38a and meshes with the drive gear 31b via an idler gear 38b. The driving gear 31b is connected to the driving gear 31c via an idler gear 38c.
Is engaged with. The drive gear 31c meshes with the drive gear 31d via two idler gears 38d and 38e that mesh with each other.

As shown in FIG. 40, the dowels 13d1 to 13d3 projecting from the back surface of the side cover 13 are fitted into the respective center holes of the rotation angle shaft driving gear 27c and the driving gears 31b, 31c. , Drive gears 31b, 31
c is rotatably supported. Dowels 13d1, 13d
2, 13d3 are stepped, and the drive gears 31b, 3
1c is restrained from moving outward in the axial direction. Each of the idler gears 38a to 38e is rotatably supported by a dowel 11k1 projecting from a side plate 11k of the cleaning container 11 (see FIG. 4). This dowel 11k1 is side cover 1
3 are fitted in the holes 13d4 provided in the holes 3, respectively. Drive gear 31d for connecting a rotating plate 19d having a smoothing blade 17d
Is a hollow cylindrical hole 13 provided on the back of the side cover 13
It is rotatably fitted in the inner periphery of d7.

As shown in FIG. 20, the photosensitive drum 1 and the drive gear 31a of the process cartridge B mounted on the apparatus main body 20 via the movable body 50 are provided at the ends of the drive shafts 36 and 37a from the apparatus main body 20 side. Drive side shaft coupling member 35,
The concave clutch 37 includes the shaft coupling member 23 and the convex clutch 3.
By engaging with 1a1, each receives a driving force separately.

In the cleaning device 6 described above, the residual toner after transfer removed from the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 28 is conveyed into the cleaning container 11 as removed toner, and the first to third toner storage units 11B1 are successively provided. 11B3, the rotational force is transmitted from a drive source (not shown) on the apparatus main body 20 side to the concave clutch 37, and the concave clutch 37 drives the drive gear 31a.

As a result, the driving gear 31 shown in FIG.
a through the idler gear 38a from the rotary shaft drive gear 2
7c, the feed blade 202d rotates in the same direction as the photosensitive drum 1 while the photosensitive drum 1 is rotating as described above. On the other hand, the drive gear 31a, the idler gear 38b, the drive gear 31b, the idler gear 38c, the drive gear 31c, the idler gears 38d, 38e, and the drive gear 31d that mesh with each other rotate simultaneously, and the rotation angle axis drive gear 27c and the drive gears 31a to 31c are rotated. The gear 27 rotates in the same direction.
The drive gear 31d rotates in the opposite direction with respect to c, 31a to 31c.

{Method of Assembling Cleaning Device} Assembling of the cleaning device 6 having the above configuration will be described.

At the time of assembling, as shown in FIG. 28, first, the opening for the rotation angle shaft 202 of the notch provided on the side plate 41m of the partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container and opening forward is provided with the rotation angle shaft shown in FIG. A positioning guide 41q having a size smaller than the diameter of the round shaft portion 202a and having a size such that the round shaft portion 202a fits loosely into the round shaft portion 202a.
Insert a.

Next, the rotating plates 19a, 19b, 19c, 1
9d is inserted into the hole 41n through the slit 41p, and the cleaning container 11
Assemble. At this time, the guide groove 41s of the partitioning member 41 in the cleaning container fits into the guide 11o (O) of the cleaning container 11 so that the position of the partitioning member 41 in the longitudinal direction is regulated.

Next, a journal 27d for supporting one end of the rotation angle shaft 202 and a rotation angle shaft driving gear 27c for supporting and driving the other end of the rotation angle shaft 202 are inserted from both sides of the cleaning container 11. I do.

At this time, the rotation angle axis 202 is temporarily positioned in the cleaning container partitioning member 41 and inserted into the cleaning container 11, and is substantially coaxial with the journal 27d to be attached and the gear 27c. The gear 27c can be easily engaged with the angular shaft portion 202b of the rotation angle shaft 202. by this,
The rotation angle axis 202 is positioned at a regular position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28, a round dowel 11a1 and a square dowel 11a2 provided on both longitudinal ends of a flange 11h1 on the back of the cleaning container 11 are shown in FIG.
The positioning holes 11b1 and 11b2 of the same shape shown in FIG. 9 are aligned, and the rear container 12 having these positioning holes and the flanges around the respective openings of the cleaning container 11 are joined and ultrasonically welded.

Before assembling the rear container 12 by welding and fixing the side cover 13 and the end cover 14 by completely covering both side surfaces of the integrated cleaning container 11 by welding, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging device 2, The cleaning blade 28 is attached to the cleaning container 11 and the charging device cover 15 is attached.

Further, another embodiment 2 of the cleaning device 6 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The cleaning device 6 stores the toner remaining after the transfer on the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 28 in the cleaning container 11 as the removed toner. First, the removed toner removed from the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the first toner conveying unit 11A.
No. 1 falls near the opening 11n on the photosensitive drum 1 side and accumulates. Below the opening 11n, a squeeze sheet 29 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 at a certain angle and pressure. The toner remaining after the transfer on the photosensitive drum 1 slips through the abutting squeeze sheet 29, and the first toner conveying unit 11A
Comes inside one. However, the removed toner scraped off and deposited by the cleaning blade 28 passes through the gap between the squeeze sheet 29 and the photosensitive drum 1 and is deposited without falling. In the first toner transport section 11A1, the toner feed blade 17 rotates together with the rotary plate 19 in a counterclockwise rotation direction in the figure. The driving force of the toner feeding blade 17 is directly received from a driving shaft of the apparatus main body 20 (not shown) at the rear of the figure, and is rotated.
The removed toner accumulated in 1 is sent to the rear of the container and is lifted up the container. In the central part of the container, a toner conveying part partitioning member 41 for dividing the cleaning container 11 into two parts, the toner conveying parts 11A1 and 11A2 and the toner storing part 11B.
The partitioning member 41a has a storage opening 41f at an end on the container rear side for sending the removed toner carried by the feed blade 17 to the toner storage portion 11B. Further, the partition member 41a also serves as the bottom of the toner conveying sections 11A1 and 11A2, and has a configuration in which the bottom becomes relatively higher as it goes toward the rear of the container as compared with the photosensitive drum 1 side. Thereby, the storage opening 41f is moved to the toner storage section 11B.
The storage opening 41
A configuration can be adopted in which the removed toner sent from f is uniformly deposited and a dead space hardly occurs. Further, since the storage opening 41f is located at the upper part of the container, the user attaches and detaches the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body 14,
For example, even if the photosensitive drum 1 side is held downward,
The removed toner is stored in the toner container 1 in the cleaning container 11.
Without entering the toner conveying section 11A2 from 1B, the vicinity of the opening 11n on the photosensitive drum 1 side of the toner conveying section 11A1 can always be maintained in a state where there is no powder pressure with no removed toner. Thereby, appropriate cleaning performance can be guaranteed during the life of the photosensitive drum 1.

Next, another embodiment 3 of the cleaning device 6 will be described. Only different points from the second embodiment will be described.

[0231] As shown in FIG.
A plurality of storage openings 41f1, 41f2, 41f3 are provided in one toner transport section partition member 41a. The longitudinal dimension of these openings is substantially the same as the length of the feed blade 17, and the removed toner carried by the feed blade 17 first falls from the first storage opening 41f1 to the toner storage portion 11B,
accumulate. Then, when the toner is accumulated to reach the removed toner storage opening 41f1, the removed toner to be transported thereafter is further transported to the rear of the container through the first storage opening 41f1. Then, when the sheet is transported to the second storage opening 41f2, it is dropped to the toner storage section 11B to be deposited. As in the case of the first storage opening 41f1, when the dropped and accumulated removed toner reaches the second storage opening 41f2, the removed toner that is subsequently transported is further transported to the rear of the container and sent to the third storage opening 41f3. And falls into the toner storage section 11B. As a result, the removed toner is stored in the toner storage 11
B can be sequentially sent to the photosensitive drum 1 side, the central portion, and the rear side of the container to be uniformly deposited, and a dead space hardly occurs. From this, the first toner transport unit 11A1
The amount of removed toner in the inside can always be kept small. In addition, stable cleaning performance can be maintained even during the lifetime of the photosensitive drum 1 having a longer life, and easy maintenance can be supplied to the user.

Further, another embodiment 4 of the cleaning device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. Only different points from the third embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 27, the toner conveying section 11A
1, 11A2 are provided with feed blades 17 as toner conveying means.
There are attached rotating plates 19a and 19b. The driving force of the rotating plate 19a is directly received from a driving shaft of an apparatus main body 20 (not shown) at the rear of the drawing, and the driving of the rotating plate 19b is transmitted by the gear connection with the rotating plate 19a, and both are rotated counterclockwise. Rotate in the direction of rotation. The rotation center of the second rotation plate 19b behind the container is relatively high with respect to the rotation plate 19a on the photosensitive drum 1 side, and the toner removed by the first rotation plate 19a is removed by the second rotation plate 19a. Sent to section 19b,
In the process of being further transported to the rear of the container, the toner storage portion 11B
2 It is configured to be lifted up. As a result, the ability to transport the removed toner to the rear of the container in the toner transport units 11A1 and 11A2 is improved, the removed toner is less likely to accumulate behind the photosensitive drum 1, and stable cleaning is performed during the life of the photosensitive drum 1. Performance can be maintained. The toner storage unit 11B is divided into the first and second toner storage units 11B by the toner storage unit inner partition member 41d.
The operation of the point divided into 1 and 11B2 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the cleaning device, and exhibits the same operation. As a modification of FIG. 27, as shown in FIG. 43, the toner storage section 11B is
May not be partitioned.

As described above, unlike the conventional cleaning container capable of maintaining the cleaning performance up to a certain number of prints, the cleaning cartridge is a process cartridge having a cleaning unit having a photosensitive drum having an extremely large number of printable sheets. Providing a toner storage section partition member that divides the inside of the container into a toner transport section for upper removed toner and a toner storage section for lower removed toner, and further,
A toner storage section partition member for dividing the storage section of the removed toner into two or more according to the toner transport direction, a toner transport section partition member for dividing the toner transport section into two or more toner transport directions, and a toner transport means as a rotary plate. By arranging, even when the process cartridge is attached and detached and moved during maintenance during use, the removed toner does not bias toward the opening with respect to the photosensitive drum 1, and the opening can always maintain appropriate cleaning performance. In addition, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking from the opening during handling, and to continue comfortable use.

Further, a plurality of storage openings having a longitudinal length substantially equal to the longitudinal width of the inside of the container are provided in the toner conveying section partitioning member for vertically dividing the cleaning container into two, so that the toner conveying section can be separated from the toner storing section. There are a plurality of locations where the removed toner is sent, and the unevenness in the accumulation of the removed toner can be reduced by dropping the removed toner from one location. As a result, a dead space hardly occurs in the removed toner storage unit, and the removed toner can be efficiently stored in a limited space.

Also, a light transmission type full (removal toner is filled in the toner storage section) detection mechanism is provided at the rear end of the toner storage section in the cleaning container which is divided into upper and lower parts by the toner transfer section partition member. Has a light transmission port,
In the toner storage section, the rotating blades are used as a means for smoothing the accumulated removed toner, so that the removed toner accumulates only in the light transmission port portion, and the toner is fully filled even though there is space. There is no possibility that the detection malfunctions, and the detection accuracy of the full tank detection can be improved.

Since the rotation direction of the spiral blade rotates in a direction to move the removed toner away from the light transmitting port for detecting a full tank, the removed toner does not accumulate near the light transmitting port for detecting a full tank unless the full tank is filled. With this configuration, the removed toner is deposited only on the detection window portion, and there is no possibility that the full tank detection will malfunction even though there is room in the space, and the detection accuracy of the full tank detection can be improved.

The partitioning member in the cleaning container for forming the toner conveying portion and the toner storage portion by vertically dividing the inside of the cleaning container into two parts is formed separately from the cleaning container, and the partitioning member is inserted into the cleaning container. It is also characterized in that an insertion guide, which is a hole provided to fit into the positioning projection 11p, is provided on the mounting plate 41i for the mounting. As a result, the shape of the cleaning container is not complicated, and the degree of design freedom is increased. In addition, the insertion guide provided on the partition member in the toner container makes it easy to determine the assembly at a predetermined position in the cleaning container and improves the assemblability, so that assembly errors can be reduced.

By providing a temporary positioning mechanism for the rotary shaft of the rotary plate for transporting the toner with the slit 41p and the rotary plate support hole 41n, the partitioning member inside the cleaning container is provided as a separate member. When assembling the cleaning container, the rotary plate temporarily positioned on the partition member in the cleaning container in advance is inserted at the same time, and when the partition member in the cleaning container is at a predetermined position in the cleaning container, the rotary plate is also moved to a predetermined position. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which positioning is temporarily performed near the position. This facilitates the assembly of the rotating plate to the cleaning container body, and improves workability.

Further, the partitioning member in the cleaning container provided as a separate member is provided with a temporary positioning mechanism for the rotating shaft of the first removed toner feed member for cleaning after removal from the photosensitive drum. When assembling the inner partition member to the cleaning container, the first removal toner feed member temporarily positioned in advance by the cleaning container partition member is inserted at the same time, and the first removal is performed when the cleaning container partition member reaches the predetermined position. A configuration in which the toner feeding member is also temporarily positioned near a predetermined position can be employed. As a result, it is easy to assemble the first removed toner feeding member to the cleaning container main body, and workability is improved.

Further, by providing a positioning guide for rotating the first removed toner feeding member to the partitioning member in the cleaning container provided by the separate member, the relative position of the first removed toner feeding member with respect to the photosensitive drum. Can be kept constant. In addition, since it is not necessary to newly provide another component, the number of components can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified.

{Structure of Electrical Contact} Next, the connection and arrangement of the contact for electrically connecting the process cartridge B to the image forming apparatus A when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A will be described. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the process cartridge B is provided with a plurality of electrical contacts. (1) In order to ground the photosensitive drum 1 to the image forming apparatus A, a conductive ground contact electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 1 is used as an anti-drive drum support shaft 14g or a drive side drum support. Axis 1d (2) Charging high voltage contact plate 48 electrically connected to metal shaft 2a of charging roller 2c to apply charging bias from image forming apparatus A to charging roller 2c (3) Store information on process cartridge B For this purpose, a process cartridge B-side connector 71 for transmitting information from the apparatus A to a storage member provided in the process cartridge is provided.

{Structure of Drum Ground Contact} The drum support shaft 14g integrally insert-molded on the end cover 14 described above has a main body ground contact 66 on the image forming apparatus A side and a photosensitive drum as shown in FIG. They are in contact on one axis.

The main body grounding contact 66 is a hollow metallic shaft member having a diameter of about 5 mm as shown in FIG. 55, and has a hemispherical tip and is coaxial with the non-drive side main body engaging member 61 inside the apparatus main body 20. Is supported slidably in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum in a hole 68a of the main body side plate 68. The main body engaging members 61 on both sides have respective centers on a straight line in the longitudinal direction, and have a half-pipe shape opened when viewed from the right side in FIG. Further, a compression coil spring 69 for urging the photosensitive drum inward in the longitudinal direction is contracted inside the main body ground contact 66, and the compression coil spring 69 is fixed to the fixed spring seat 6.
8b.

An electrical contact portion 14g1 of the drum support shaft 14g with the apparatus main body 20 is connected to a cylindrical positioning boss 14a having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the main body engaging member 61, and a guide portion reduced in diameter from the boss 14a. Outer end face 14b of 14b
It is arranged recessed from 1. The material of the guide portion 14b is plastic, so that the drum support shaft 14g is not damaged by the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge B to / from the movable body 50 and the handling after the removal from the movable body 50.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view including the axis of the photosensitive drum 1.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the aluminum cylinder 1c, a ground plate 1f is resiliently fitted to the drum support shaft 14g and the aluminum cylinder 1c.

As shown in FIG. 17, the ground plate 1f is provided with a projection 1h with a groove 1g on the side fitted into the aluminum cylinder 1c.
When outside, the distance between the tips of the projections 1h on both sides across the diameter of the aluminum cylinder 1c is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the aluminum cylinder 1c. The ground plate 1f is provided with a hole 1j through which the drum support shaft 14g passes. A groove 1i is cut from the hole 1j, and a cantilevered plate spring portion 1k is provided toward the center of the photosensitive drum. The distal end of the leaf spring 1k is bent near the center of the drum support shaft 14g so as to be in pressure contact with the end surface of the drum support shaft 14g to form a triangular shape, forming a contact portion 1o. The leaf spring portion 1k is perpendicular to the diameter connecting the protrusions 1h on both sides in contact with the aluminum cylinder 1c.

The non-drive-side drum flange 1b in which the ground plate 1f is fixed to the rib 1n of the non-drive-side drum flange 1b by heat welding or the like is caulked to the end of the aluminum cylinder 1c and fixed by a fixing method such as bonding. When the anti-drive side drum flange 1b to which the ground plate 1f is fixed is fitted into the aluminum cylinder 1c in the axial direction, the protrusion 1h
Is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis with respect to the aluminum cylinder 1c.
c is fixed. Further, the driving-side drum flange 1a is fixed to the other end of the aluminum cylinder 1c.

Further, as described above, the photosensitive drum 1
Support shaft 14g fixed to end cover 14 to rotatably support
Is fitted into the hole 1ba of the drum flange 1b, the leaf spring 1k of the ground plate 1f is deformed by about 3 to 5 mm. At this time, 5 degrees with respect to the axial direction of the drum support shaft 14g.
A contact pressure of about 0 to 100 g is generated to stabilize electrical contact. When the leaf spring portion 1k is bent, the contact portion 1o (O) comes into contact with the center of the drum supporting shaft 14g, so that even when the photosensitive drum 1 is rotating, the frictional force due to sliding does not act on the contact portion 1o. To ensure stable contact.

The ground plate 1f is made of a conductive spring material such as a stainless plate, a phosphor bronze plate, a beryllium bronze plate, etc., and has an aluminum cylinder 1c and a drum support shaft 14g.
Are electrically conductive with the ground plate 1f.

Next, access of the ground contact when the movable body is inserted will be described with reference to FIG.

Drum support shaft 1 of process cartridge B
In a state where 4g has not reached the main body ground contact 66, the main body ground contact 66 is connected to the spring 69 as shown in FIG.
Of the main body side plate 68 at the edge of the hole 68a.
c is in contact with the end 6 of the main body ground contact 66.
6b protrudes from the side plate 68 of the apparatus main body 20 by about 3 to 5 mm. When the movable body 50 is further inserted, the C surface portion 14b1 of the guide portion 14b of the non-drive end cover 14 comes into contact with the distal end portion 66b of the main body ground contact 66 (the state of FIG. 55 (a)). Further, as the insertion proceeds, the main body ground contact 66 is pushed by the C surface 14b1 of the guide portion, and the compression coil spring 69a contracts. Here, the impact force due to the insertion of the movable body 50 is applied to the C surface 14b1 of the end cover 14, but the guide portion 14b is made of plastic, so that metal powder due to the impact does not come out. Finally, the cylindrical positioning boss 14a of the end cover 14 is
0, the shaft center of the drum support shaft 14g of the end cover 14 and the shaft center of the main body ground contact 66 coincide. At this time, since the biasing spring 66a is bent,
A contact pressure of about 200 g acts in the axial direction of the drum support shaft 14 g, and electrical contact is stabilized.

As described above, by covering the periphery of the metal drum support shaft 14g with plastic, a metal-to-metal impact can be avoided, and a stable ground contact without metal powder can be accessed.

{Structure of Charged High Voltage Contact} Charged High Voltage Contact Plate 4
In 8, the external contact 48 a is exposed on the upper surface 15 e of the charging device cover 15 described above. This charging device cover 15
Has a trapezoidal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the external contact 48a is provided on the upper surface 15e which forms a plane of the charging device cover 15.
Exists on almost the same plane as. The charging high-voltage contact plate 48 is shown in detail in FIGS. 18, 19, and 60 showing a bearing portion for supporting the charging roller 2c.

In the cleaning container 11, a bearing guide 11l is provided on the charging device supporting portions 11e at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the upright wall 11s (see FIG. 3) above the photosensitive drum 1.
The bearing guide 11l (ell) is connected to the drum support 11d by integral molding.
The photosensitive drum 1 is located above the bearing guide 11l (ell).
And the trapezoidal shape when viewed from the axial direction, and exactly matches the charging device cover 15. The cross section perpendicular to the trapezoidal shape is a square and serves as a charging bias contact holding portion 11v. However, the upper part of the bearing guide 11l (ell) on the non-drive side is receded from the trapezoidal shape (not shown). Therefore, the lower edge of the charging device cover 15 in the longitudinal direction is the cleaning container 1.
It comes into contact with 1. The charging high-voltage contact plate 48
Is provided at one end of the cleaning container 11 in the longitudinal direction.

The charging high-voltage contact plate 48 is a stainless steel plate,
It is made of a metal strip such as a phosphor bronze plate or a beryllium bronze plate, and a plurality of strip-shaped materials are bent at substantially right angles in the longitudinal direction. The external contacts 4 of the charging high-voltage contact plate 48 of the charging device cover 15 are provided above the charging bias contact holding portion 11v.
Dowels 11v for fitting the positioning holes 48e of one end receiving surface 48g of the paragraphed receiving surfaces 48g on both sides of 8a.
2 are provided. The dowel 11v2 protrudes upward at a height that fits into a positioning hole 15g provided in the upper surface 15e of the charging device cover 15. That is,
The dowel 11v2 includes the charging high voltage contact plate 48 and the charging device cover 1
5 is performed.

The dowel 11v2 is provided with a concave seating surface 11v4 which is slightly deeper than the plate thickness of the receiving surface 48g into which the positioning hole 48e is fitted and into which the receiving surface 48g is fitted.
The upper protrusion 11v1 protrudes upward such that the receiving surface 48g contacts the rear surface of the external contact 48a in a state in contact with the concave seat surface 11v4. The upper protrusion 11v1 is a short ridge and is separated from the paragraph of the external contact 48a in the longitudinal direction. A dowel 11v3 is provided in an upper spring seat of the charging roller urging spring 26.

The charging high-voltage contact plate 48 has a receiving surface 48 on the opposite side to the end contacting the upper surface of the charging bias contact holding portion 11v.
g, the concave seat surface 11v on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 11v.
4 is bent to the outer side surface in the longitudinal direction lower than 4 to form a receiving surface 48f along the upper and lower edges of the outer side surface, and further bent from the outer side surface to the lower surface of the charging bias contact holding portion 11v.
It has a bifurcated portion 48d fitted to v3.

The charging roller biasing spring 26 is a compression coil spring, one end of which is in contact with the forked portion 48d, and the other end of which is fitted in a charging roller bearing 25 made of a conductive material.

Since the charging high-voltage contact plate 48 is configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 18, the charging high-voltage contact plate 48 is extended in both directions from the outside in the longitudinal direction against the elasticity so as to be charged. When the external contact 48a is pushed into the bias contact holding portion 11v, the receiving surface 48g of the external contact 48a contacts the concave seating surface 11v4, the positioning hole 48e fits into the positioning dowel 11v2, and the external contact 48a contacts the upper protrusion 11v1. ,
The forked part 48d fits into the dowel 11v3, and the attachment of the charging high-voltage contact plate 48 to the cleaning container 11 is extremely simple. Further, in order to prevent the charged high-voltage contact plate 48 from falling out of the cleaning container 11, the end plate 15b at the longitudinal end of the charging device cover 15 is placed on the side cover 13 as shown in FIG. One end 13z1 of the boss 13z penetrating the hole 15d is brought close to the receiving surface 48f of the charging high-voltage contact plate 48.

As described above, the charging high-voltage contact plate 48 can be obtained by simply bending a band-shaped metal material into a U-shape, expanding its open side and pushing it toward the charging bias contact holding portion 11v. 11v2, and the forked part 48d fits into the dowel 11v3, so that assembly can be easily performed without using any tools. Then, in the assembled state, the position of the charging high-voltage contact plate 48 with respect to the cleaning container 11 is determined.

The access of the charged high-voltage contact when the movable body 50 is inserted will be described with reference to FIG.

The main body charging high voltage contact 67 is provided in the hole 6 of the charging contact support block 67a supported by the scanner lower cover 64.
7a1 is fitted and supported so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction.
An urging spring 67b, one end of which is seated on a spring seat (not shown) of the apparatus main body 20, is contracted inside the main body charging high voltage contact 67, and the urging force acts downward. Before the movable body 50 is mounted (the state shown in FIG. 56A), the urging spring 67b is in a free state, and the collar 67c of the main body high-voltage contact that is urged by the spring force of the urging spring 67 is positioned at the edge of the hole 67a1. The tip 67c of the main body charging high voltage contact 67 protrudes from the charging contact support block 67a by about 3 to 5 mm.

The external contact 48a is connected to the main body 2 of the movable body 50.
When the movable body 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 20 (the state shown in FIG. 56B), the external contact 48a is a plunger with a spring. The main body charging high voltage contact 67 is pushed into contact with the spring force of the spring 67b. At this time, the main body charging high voltage contact 67
Generates a contact pressure of about 200 to 300 g with respect to the external contact 48a, thereby stabilizing electrical contact. Alternating voltage and DC voltage are applied from a power supply controlled by a control device of the apparatus main body 20 to the main body charging high voltage contact 67, and the charging high voltage contact plate 48, the charging roller biasing spring 2
6, the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 can be uniformly charged through the charging roller bearing 25 and the charging roller 2c.

Further, the external contact 48a is connected to the charging device cover 1
5, a laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z integrally formed with the cleaning container 11 is provided on the upper surface 15e of the charging device cover 15 on the opposite side as shown in FIG. It is arranged to protrude from the opening 15f. The position of the external contact portion 48a and the laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z are arranged on a straight line parallel to the photosensitive drum 1. Therefore, when the movable body is inserted, the access to the external contact portion 48a and the laser shutter opening / closing rib 11z are performed.
Are performed almost simultaneously, so that the insertion resistance is evenly applied to the left and right sides, so that the resistance is increased only on one side at the time of insertion and it is not difficult to insert.

{Electronic Memory such as Storage Means of Process Cartridge} In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, for example, when the functions of the components incorporated in the process cartridge are deteriorated due to long-term use, the entire process cartridge is replaced. This replacement operation is a very simple operation such as opening the image forming apparatus main body with one touch, taking out an old process cartridge from the inside of the apparatus main body, and mounting a new process cartridge in the apparatus main body, and is easily performed by the operator himself. This realizes a maintenance-free image forming apparatus.

Further, in the present invention, the following functions can be added in order to further develop the above-described conventional technology and improve the usability of using the image forming apparatus. (1) By mounting an electronic device such as a memory on a process cartridge, data such as manufacturing conditions is written at the time of manufacture and shipment. When the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the image forming apparatus refers to this data, The image forming operation is performed under the optimum conditions of the process cartridge. (2) By recording the number of times of image formation or time for one process cartridge in a memory, the total use time of the process cartridge is known. (3) An accident of the image forming apparatus that stores the diagnostic data of the image forming apparatus main body in the memory of the process cartridge and enables the service provider to promptly respond to the service by referring to the contents when an abnormality occurs or during maintenance. Diagnostic function.

When the above functions are added to the image forming apparatus, an electronic bias such as an EEPROM is mounted on a detachable unit such as a process cartridge.

FIG. 36 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows only the control system excluding the power supply system and the like. First, basic control of the image forming apparatus will be described.

In FIG. 36, the mounting portion of the electronic device on the image forming apparatus A is surrounded by a two-dot chain line.
The engine controller (MPU) 131 has an operation, a memory, an internal block, and an input / output function.
The device is provided in the form of SiC or the like. For the engine controller 131, a main motor control block 132, a primary charging voltage / current control block 133
a, a developing bias voltage control block 133b, a primary and secondary transfer voltage control block 133c, and a scanner unit control block 133d are connected, and each unit is controlled by a program in the engine controller 131.

Various sensor switch groups 137 are installed at various parts in the image forming apparatus A.
By connecting the output of 37 to the engine controller 131, the operation state of each unit during the printing operation sequence is monitored by the engine controller 131. Further, a formatter 134 is connected to the engine controller 131. The formatter 134 is a device that performs input / output with an external device I / O port, incorporates a print format, and develops image data, and has a function of a preceding process of the engine controller 131.

In FIG. 36, a portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line denoted by reference numeral B 'is a portion mounted on the process cartridge B. The I / O connector portion is simultaneously mounted on the image forming apparatus A of the process cartridge B. 149 (connector 7
1 and 72 (see FIGS. 29 to 35), the engine controller 131 of the image forming apparatus A and the circuit of the mounting portion B 'for the process cartridge B are connected. The input / output device (I / O port) 148 and the input / output device (I / O port) 144 on the process cartridge B side are connected via the O connector section 149, and the processing cartridge side arithmetic unit (CPU) is connected. 141, data from the process cartridge side sensor group 143 can be referred to.

The function of the device in the process cartridge side mounting portion B 'will be described below. First, the process cartridge side sensor group 143 detects a cartridge presence / absence sensor 143a using a limit switch or the like, and, when capacitance is used instead of light amount detection, detects a removed toner amount detection sensor 143b and an electric resistance of the charging roller 2c. Charger resistance sensor 14 to check for condensation, short circuit
3c, a temperature sensor 143d for detecting an increase in the temperature of the process cartridge B, and the like are connected to the input / output device 144 of the process cartridge B.

Further, a memory device 142 is mounted on the process cartridge B. In this embodiment,
EP-R rewritable as memory device 142
OM was used. Further, in the present embodiment, the input / output device 144 for performing input / output between the engine controller 131 of the image forming apparatus A and the arithmetic unit 141 of the process cartridge B is provided in order to avoid poor contact of the number of contacts. The number of contacts was reduced by using a serial port.

The process cartridge mounting portion B 'of the control circuit is built in the process cartridge connector 71 as an IC.

As described above, in the present invention, the process cartridge B is provided with an electronic device such as a memory IC and
Information is sent to and stored from the detection data main body 20 of the process cartridge B in C, so that the state of the process cartridge B can be recognized when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 20. Here, connectors 71 and 72 are provided between the process cartridge B and the apparatus main body 20 to send and retrieve information to and from the memory IC.

A first object of the embodiment of the present invention is to swing the process cartridge around the photosensitive drum and to install the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body. The purpose is to make a stable electrical connection with the connector.

The second object is to provide a process cartridge side connector on the cleaning container side plate so as not to affect the removed toner capacity.

The third object is to provide a ground connection terminal on the swing center side, so that the connector is connected from the ground connection terminal, so that the memory IC can be reliably protected.

The fourth object is to cover the connector with the memory IC attached to the cleaning container side plate with the side cover, thereby preventing the user from easily touching the memory IC during assembly or the user, thereby protecting the memory IC. .

The fifth object is to prevent erroneous assembly of the connector with the memory IC attached to the cleaning container side plate.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view in which the process cartridge B is turned upside down and the anti-driving side is viewed obliquely from the rear. The process cartridge side connector 71 has an electronic device such as an IC memory and the like. The process cartridge side connector 71 and the apparatus body side connector shown in FIGS. 72 is connected to the movable body 50 by attaching it to the movable body 50 before the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main body 20.

A connector 71 is mounted on the side of the process cartridge B opposite to the drive side so that the connection terminal 73 is exposed downward. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 30, the mounting seat 1 protruding outwardly from the side plate 11k of the cleaning container 11.
1w is provided.

Next, connector 7 of process cartridge B
1 will be described.

The connector 71 is specifically, for example, a RAM
A connector equipped with an electronic device B 'such as a memory chip such as a ROM or a non-volatile memory, for inputting necessary information in advance, and exchanging information with the device main body 20 when the device is mounted on the device main body 20. Is used for the purpose of judging the use status of the process cartridge B.

As shown in FIG. 30, the process cartridge B is supported by a receiving portion 52h (51h on the driving side) around the photosensitive drum 1 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 31, the electric connection with the apparatus main body side connector 72 is stably performed by the operating force at the time of swinging about 2h (51h) and the moment of its own weight of the process cartridge B.

Next, the position where the connector 71 is attached will be described.

As shown in FIG. 32, the connector 71 is attached to an attachment seat 11w integral with the side plate 11k of the cleaning container 11. Then, the connection terminal 73 is attached with the connection terminal 73 facing downward so as to be connected to the apparatus body side connector 72.
By being attached to the outer side of the side plate 11k, which is substantially flush with the drum supporting portion 11d of the cleaning container 11, it is possible to install the cleaning container 11 without reducing the storage capacity of the removed toner inside the cleaning container 11. The connectors 71 and 72 can be connected by the mounting operation of the process cartridge B to the movable body 50.

By attaching the connector 71 to the side plate 11k of the cleaning container 11 and then covering the connector 71 with the end cover 14, it is difficult for the user to touch the connector 71, and the electronic device B 'such as an IC memory can be protected from static electricity and the like. become able to.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 31, the device main body side connector 72 enters the end cover 14 and is connected.

Next, the connector 71 and the device-side connector 7
The connection 2 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 30, among the connection terminals 73 inside the connector 71, the ground connection terminal 73a is set at a position closest to the center of the photosensitive drum 1.

This is because, when the photosensitive drum 1 is mounted by swinging about the center thereof, the photosensitive drum 1 can always be connected from the ground connection terminal.

As a result, the memory can be reliably protected, and the destruction of the memory can be prevented. Further, if the ground connection terminal 73a protrudes from the other connection terminal 73 by several millimeters L1, it is safer.

Next, the cleaning container 11 of the connector 71
How to attach to the device will be described in detail. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the mounting portion of
Shown in In addition, FIGS. 33 and 34 show a vertical cross section of the connector section in FIG. On a plane including two tapping holes 71c except for the rib 71e, the connector insertion hole 7
1b, the tapping hole 71c, the connector main body 71a, and the small screw hole 71d corresponding to the tapping hole 71c are respectively formed symmetrically in the drawing. Connector insertion hole 71b
The inside is provided with a rib 71e. The rib 71e is on a plane PL including two tapping holes 71c. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 34, the connector 71 is provided with a projection 71f. As shown in FIG. 33, the ribs 71e and the projections 71f are on the right and left sides opposite to each other in a normal state. However, as shown in FIG.
When mounting on the same side as e, the projection 71f and the rib 7
1e interferes and cannot be mounted. Thereby, the reverse attachment of the connector 71 is prevented.

As described above, a stable electrical connection of the connector can be achieved by swinging the process cartridge B around the photosensitive drum and attaching it to the image forming apparatus A. By providing the process cartridge side connector 71 on the side plate 11k of the cleaning container 11, the configuration can be made without reducing the capacity of the removed toner.

By providing the ground connection terminal 73a at a position closest to the swing center side, the connector 71 is connected from the ground connection terminal 73a, so that the memory IC and the like can be reliably protected.

By covering the connector 71 attached to the side plate 11k of the cleaning container 11 with the end cover 14, the user can be prevented from easily touching the memory IC.
Etc. can be protected.

By assembling the connector insertion hole 71b of the connector mounting seat 11w so as not to interfere with the projection 71f provided on the connector 71, the connector 71 can be assembled in the correct direction, and erroneous assembly of the connector 71 is prevented. be able to.

{Image Density Adjustment Apparatus} In the present invention, in order to adjust the density and color tone of an image formed on a recording medium,
Each color test pattern based on the developed image is created on the photosensitive drum 1 in advance, the density of the test pattern is detected, and the image density of each color is adjusted by the engine controller 131.

As shown in FIG. 37, a surface potential detector 91 for detecting the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 1 after primary charging is connected to an engine controller 131 via a surface voltmeter 94. Developing units 4Y, 4M. Any one of 4C and 4Bk
A pattern reading device 9 for reading a test pattern 92 based on a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1
3 are provided. The reading device 93 includes a reading sensor 93a, for example, a light receiving member such as a CCD, and a lamp 93b for reflecting the test pattern 92 to send image light of the test pattern 92 to a light receiving member such as a CCD. The test pattern 92 read by the reading sensor 93a is converted into a density signal via a density conversion circuit 95 and input to the engine controller 131.

The detected toner density is subjected to arithmetic processing by the engine controller 131 to control image forming means, for example, charging potential, LUT toner density, transfer current and the like.

[0303] As shown in FIG.
A concave portion 11c is provided in a portion adjacent to the lower photosensitive drum 1 over the entire length in the longitudinal direction, and the pattern reading device 93 can be inserted into the concave portion 11c.

As shown in FIG. 12 which is a perspective view in which the process cartridge is viewed upside down, the reading devices 93 are rectangular openings of the same size arranged substantially over the entire area of the photosensitive drum 1 in the longitudinal direction. 11x or down wall 1
It is provided opposite to the position of the notch 11x1 in which the middle of 1y is cut. This opening 11x or notch 11x
Reference numeral 1 denotes a lower jaw 11 </ b> E serving as a downward wall that obliquely hangs down from the portion of the cleaning container 11 to which the squeeze sheet 29 is attached toward the photosensitive drum 1. The lower jaw 11E is a part of the wall surface of the recess 11c.

A part of the image forming apparatus A is shown in FIG. 38 in a vertical sectional view including the pattern reading device 93.

The pattern reading device 93 is provided with a movable member 50 which can be moved in and out in the direction of the arrow on both sides of the frame of the image forming apparatus A.
On the bottom plate portion 50a (see FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 37, the irradiation direction of the lamp 93b of the pattern reading device 93 is directed to the photosensitive drum 1, and the reading sensor 93a is located at a position where the reflected light of the lamp 93b irradiated on the photosensitive drum 1 is received. Is located. The light emitted from the lamp 93b and the reflected light from the photosensitive drum 1 pass through the same one opening 11x or notch 11x1 shown in FIG. The opening 11x is located immediately upstream of the squeeze sheet 29 when viewed in the direction of movement of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

The test pattern 92 is exposed to light of each color by the exposure means 3 on the photosensitive drum 1 uniformly charged by the charging device 2 in the same manner as the formation of the target image, and the developing devices 4Y, 4
M. 4C and 4Bk, when the developed image moves in a portion facing the transfer unit 5, the pressing roller 5j retreats in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 1,
The intermediate transfer belt 5a includes a driving roller 5b and a driven roller 5d.
The transfer belt 5 is stretched so as to be one plane between the transfer belts 5.
A gap is provided between the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drum 1, and the test pattern 92 passes through the gap and is read by the pattern reading device 93. 28 removes the photosensitive drum 1 from above. Alternatively, a voltage having the same polarity as the toner of the test pattern 92 is applied to the driven roller 5d so that the test pattern 92 passes through the transfer portion.

As described above, since the opening for detecting the image density is provided immediately above the squeeze sheet with respect to the moving direction of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, the test pattern reading device provided on the image forming apparatus A side is provided. This does not affect the arrangement of the charging device 2, the developing device 4, the transfer unit 5 and the exposure position between the charging roller and the transfer unit 5 with respect to the moving direction of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

Further, since the opening for detecting the toner image density is provided along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum in a range substantially equal to the length of the photosensitive drum, the image in the range corresponding to the recording medium having the maximum width is provided. The density can be adjusted.

The test pattern reading device 93 provided for reading the test pattern described above is
Are provided at a plurality of locations (four locations) over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 according to another embodiment. Approximately satisfactory density detection is possible even if the density of the test pattern is detected. For this reason,
Notch 11x1 at one location in the longitudinal direction of photoconductor drum 1
(See FIGS. 7 and 12), and a sheet member 201 which is a second flexible sheet is provided in the cleaning container 11 along the notch 11x1 when the squeeze sheet is a first flexible sheet. . The sheet member 201 is made of plastic, and the front side seen in FIGS. 7 and 12 is, for example, roughened so that the light from the lamp 93b does not transmit, but does not reflect when struck. The sheet member 201 receives the toner that is leaking from the notch 11x1 and prevents the toner from leaking out of the process cartridge B.

As shown in FIG. 7, the center 1 (el) 2 of the notch 11x1 in the longitudinal direction is larger than the center 1 (el) 1 of the photosensitive drum 1 in the longitudinal direction.
3 is biased to the side where it is provided. The lamp 93b
From the center of the photosensitive drum 1 in the longitudinal direction.
(L) The position of 1 is irradiated. Here the notch 11x1
The reason why the center 1 (ell) 2 is deviated is that the detection members 93a and 93b provided in the apparatus main body 20 are notched 11x1.
This is because it is favorably opposed to

[0312]

[Embodiments] These are described together with the embodiments.

[0313]

As described above, the rear container provided on the opposite side of the cartridge frame from the side of the electrophotographic photosensitive member integrally has the transmitted light detecting window member for detecting the development of the amount of removed toner in the light transmitting type. Accordingly, there is no need to provide a transmission light detection window member attaching portion or the like in the cleaning container, and the configuration of the cleaning container itself can be simplified and the rigidity can be maintained. Also, by providing the handle member for the process cartridge operation in the rear container, the handle portion is located rearward when viewed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member side of the process cartridge, and the transmitted light detection member side provided at the rear of the container when the process cartridge is operated. The removed toner is unlikely to be located on the lower side, and the removed toner is less likely to move to the rear container side due to handling, thereby causing erroneous detection of the removed toner. Furthermore, by providing a projection on the surface opposite to the electrophotographic photosensitive member when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, the rearmost portion of the process cartridge, among the respective surfaces forming the rear container, The transmitted light detection window member provided at the rear end of the process cartridge is difficult to stand with the side facing down, and false detection of the detection of the removal toner fullness due to the removal toner being forcibly sent to the detection unit that detects the fullness of the removal toner is detected. It is unlikely to occur.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing attachment and detachment of a process cartridge of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3;

10 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

11 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view for explaining a mounting guide portion of the process cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a movable body.

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing mounting of a process cartridge on a movable body.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 17A is a view as viewed in the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 16; FIG. 17B is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a charging roller and a photosensitive drum.

19 is a side view of FIG. 18 showing a support device of the charging roller unit in a partial cross section.

FIG. 20 is a schematic development sectional view showing a drive system from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to the process cartridge.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a shaft coupling member provided in the apparatus main body.

FIG. 22 is a development view of the pin part of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a clutch provided in the apparatus main body.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a drive transmission device in the process cartridge.

FIG. 25 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the cleaning device.

FIG. 26 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing still another embodiment of the cleaning device.

FIG. 27 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing another embodiment of the cleaning device.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a frame of the cleaning container.

FIG. 29 is a side view showing an operation of connecting the connector of the process cartridge and the connector of the apparatus main body.

FIG. 30 is a side view showing an operation of connecting the connector of the process cartridge and the connector on the apparatus main body side.

FIG. 31 is a side view showing a state where the connector of the process cartridge and the connector on the apparatus main body side are connected.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a connector mounting portion of the process cartridge.

FIG. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector section of FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector section of FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view showing a connector position of a process cartridge.

FIG. 36 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a test pattern reading device.

FIG. 38 is a side view showing a test pattern reading device.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a rear container.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the gear cover as viewed from the inside.

FIG. 41 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cleaning container part in which a part of the cleaning member in FIG. 3 is deformed.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a partition member in the cleaning container.

FIG. 43 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 27;

FIG. 44 is a schematic side view illustrating attachment / detachment of a process cartridge to / from a movable body and opening / closing of a drum shutter.

FIG. 45 is a schematic side view showing attachment / detachment of a process cartridge to / from a movable body and opening / closing of a drum shutter.

FIG. 46 is a schematic side view showing attachment / detachment of a process cartridge to / from a movable body and opening / closing of a drum shutter.

FIG. 47 is a schematic side view showing attachment / detachment of a process cartridge to / from a movable body and opening / closing of a drum shutter.

FIG. 48 is a schematic side view showing the relationship between the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge to / from the movable body and the drum shutter.

FIG. 49 is a schematic side view showing attachment and detachment of a process cartridge and a movable body to and from an image forming apparatus, and opening and closing of a drum shutter.

FIG. 50 is a schematic side view illustrating attachment and detachment of a process cartridge and a movable body to and from an image forming apparatus, and opening and closing of a drum shutter.

FIG. 51 is a schematic side view showing attachment and detachment of a process cartridge and a movable body to and from an image forming apparatus, and opening and closing of a drum shutter.

FIG. 52 is a schematic side view illustrating an erroneous insertion state of the process cartridge into the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 53 is a plan view illustrating a form of a drum shutter.

FIGS. 54A and 54B are schematic longitudinal sectional views showing opening and closing of a laser shutter.

FIGS. 55 (a) and (b) are schematic horizontal sectional views showing access of a drum ground contact.

FIGS. 56 (a) and (b) are schematic longitudinal sectional views showing access of a charged high voltage contact.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating how to attach a cleaning blade to a cleaning container.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the rear end container as viewed from a handle member.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view showing a rotation angle axis.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing a state where a charging high-voltage contact, a charging device cover, and a gear cover are incorporated in a cleaning container.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart of a method for detecting a full amount of removed toner.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Image forming apparatus B: Process cartridge C: Laser beam PL: Flat surface S: Recording medium 1: Photoconductor drum 1a, 1b: Drum flange 1b
a: Hole 1c: Aluminum cylinder 1d: Drum support shaft 1d1: Groove 1f: Ground plate 1g: Groove 1
h: Projection 1i: Groove 1j: Hole 1k: Leaf spring 1o
(E) Contact point 1n Rib 2 Charging device 2a Metal shaft (of charging roller) 2b
Conductive rubber 2c Charging roller 3 Exposure means 3a Polygon mirror 3b Image forming lens 3c Reflecting mirror 4 Developing device 4A Rotating body 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4B
K: developing unit 4a: coating roller 4b: developing sleeve
4c: toner regulating blade 4d: shaft 5: transfer unit 5a: intermediate transfer belt 5b: drive roller 5c: secondary transfer opposing roller 5d: driven roller (primary transfer roller) 5e: cleaning unit 5
f ... Charging roller 5j ... Pressing roller 5n ... Secondary transfer roller 6 ... Cleaning device 7 ... Supplying / conveying means 7a ... Paper feeding cassette 7b ... Conveying roller 7c ... Guide plate 7d ... Registration roller 7e ... Pickup member 8 ... Fixing device 8a ... Driving roller 8b Fixing roller 9 Paper discharge tray 9a Belt 9b Discharge roller 10 Cartridge frame (cartridge frame) 11 Cleaning container 11a, 11b Rotation dowel 11a1 Round dowel 11a2 Square dowel 11b
1, 11b2: Positioning hole (of rear container 12) 11b3: Rib 11c: Recess (concentration check) 11d: Drum support 11d1: Lower edge 11d2: Front edge 11e
... Charging device support 11h Opening 11h1 Flange 11i Top surface 11j Mis-insertion prevention protrusion 11k
... Side plate 11k1. Dowel 11l (L)... Bearing guide 11m... Cleaning member mounting portion 11m1... Backside surface 11m2... Receiving member 11n... Photoconductor drum side opening 11o.
q: hole 11s: standing wall 11t: space 11u: cover fixing hole 11v: charging bias contact holding portion 11v1 ...
Upper projections 11v2, 11v3 ... dowels 11v4 ... concave seating surfaces 11w ... mounting seats 11x ... openings 11x1 ... cutouts 11z ... laser shutter opening and closing ribs 11A ... toner conveying unit 11A1 ... first toner conveying unit
11A2: second toner transport section 11A3: third toner transport section 11B: toner storage section 11B1: first toner storage section
11B2: Second toner storage unit 11B3: Third toner storage unit 11E: Lower jaw 11F: Squeeze sheet attachment surface
11G ... Bottom 12 ... Rear container 12b ... Stretch 12c ... Flange 12h ... Back wall 12i ... Wall 12q, 12r ... Recess 13 ... Side cover (gear cover) 13a ... Cylindrical positioning boss 13b ... Second cylindrical boss 13d1-1
3d3: Dowels 13d4, 13d7: Hole 13e: Front edge 13f: Fixing hole 13g: Bearing fitting hole 13h: Edge 13i: Trapezoidal end plate 13j: Front edge 13z: Boss 13z1 ... Tip 14: End cover 14a: Cylindrical Shape positioning boss 1
4b Guide part 14b1 Outer end face 14c Opening part 14d Fixed shaft 14e Spring receiving part 14f Fixing hole 14g Drum support shaft 14g1 Electric contact part
14h: arc-shaped edge portion 14i: trapezoidal end plate portion 14j ... front edge 14z ... boss portion 15 ... charging device cover 15a ... opening portion 15b ... end plate 15c ... snap fit claw portion 15d ... hole 15e
... Top surface 15f ... Opening 15g ... Positioning hole 16 ... Handle 16a ... Grip 16b ... Coupling part 16c ...
Horizontal member 16d Small screw 16e Opening 17 Feed blade 17d Normalizing blade 18 Drum shutter 19 Rotating plate 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d Rotating plate 19e Extension portion 19f Centering protruding piece 20 ... Device body 20d ... Frame 21 ... Ball bearing 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d ... Bearing hole 23 ... Shaft coupling member 23a ... Protrusion 23b ... Hole 23b
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Clutch surface 23b2 ... Surface 23c ... Protrusion piece 25 ... Charging roller bearing 26 ... Charging roller biasing spring 27 ... Cleaning roller 27c ... Rotating angular shaft drive gear 27c1 ... Square hole 27d ... Journal 27d1 ... Square hole 27e ... Bearing hole 28 ... Cleaning blade 28a ... Rubber blade
28b: support sheet metal 28c: notch 29: squeeze sheet 30: hole 31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d: drive gear 3
1a1 convex clutch 31j journal part 31s slit 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d journal
32s Slit 33a Light transmitting port 33b Light transmitting port 34a Lamp 34b Light detecting element 35 Drive side shaft coupling member 35a Projection 35a1 Clutch surface 35a2 Surface 36 Drive shaft 37 concave clutch 37a Drive Shafts 38a to 38e ... Idler gear 41 ... Partitioning member in cleaning container 41a ... Partitioning member between toner transport sections 41a1, 41a2, 41a3 ... Arc section 41b ... Partitioning member for toner transporting section 41c6 ... Rear plate 41d ... Partitioning member inside toner storage section 41e ... Transport opening 41f to f5: storage openings 41g1, 41g2, 41g
3 ridgeline 41i mounting plate 41j positioning hole 41
m: Side plate 41n: Rotating plate support hole 41p: Slit
41q Positioning guide 41r Upper surface 41s Guide groove 41u Rear plate rib 41v Upper end surface 42 First shutter cover 42a Pin shaft 42b
... Rotating hole 42g ... Spring receiving groove 43 ... Second shutter cover 43a, 43b ... Rotating hole 43c ... Shoe 43d, 43e ... Recess 43g ... Spring receiving groove 44 ... Working arm 44a ... Shaft portion 44b ... First cam portion 44c ... Second cam portion 45 ... Arm 45a ... Root shaft 45b ... Shaft 46 ... Torsion coil spring 47 ... Torsion coil spring 48 ... Charging high-voltage contact plate 48a ... External contact 48d ... Forked portion 48e ... Positioning hole portion 48f ... Receiving surface 48g
... Receiving surface 49 ... Removed toner drive input unit 50 ... Movable body 50a ... Bottom plate 51
51d: through-hole 51e: cutout portion 51f: abutting portion 51g: rotation positioning surface 51h: receiving portion 51
i ... Notch 51j ... Butt rib 52 ... Non-drive side guide member 52b, 52c ... Guide surface 52c1 ... Bend portion 52d ... Cam receiving surface 52f ... Butt portion 52g ... Rotational positioning surface 52h ... Receiving portion 53 ... CRG addition Compression spring (drive side) 53a @ straight extension 5
3b: fulcrum 54: CRG pressure spring (opposite drive side) 54a: straight extension
54b ... fulcrum part 54c ... abutting part 55 ... rear side plate 55a ... hole 56 ... pressing unit 56a ... back part 56b ... hook part 57 ... movable body pressurizing spring 58 ... urging spring member 59 ... urging spring member 60 ... opening Part 61: Main body engaging member 62: Rear side surface part 63: Pattern reading device 63d: Bifurcation part 64: Scanner lower cover 64a: Lower surface 64b: Cam receiving rib 64c: Slit opening 65: Laser shutter 65a: Rotating fulcrum 65b ... Shielding wall 65c ... Opening 65d ... Opening / closing cam part 66 ... Main body ground contact 66b ... Front end 66c ... Collar 67 ... Main body charging high voltage contact 67a ... Charging contact support block 67a1 ... Hole 67b ... Biasing spring 67c ... Collum
67d ... tip part 68 ... body side plate 68a ... hole 68b ... spring seat 69 ... compression coil spring 71 ... process cartridge side connector 71a ... connector body 71b ... connector insertion hole 71c ... tapping hole 71d ... small screw hole 71e ... rib 71f ... projection 72: Device body side connector 73: Connection terminal 73a: Ground connection terminal 91: Surface potential detector 92: Test pattern 93: Pattern reading device 93a: Reading sensor 93b: Lamp 94: Surface potential meter 95: Density conversion circuit 130: Electronics Device mounting portion 131 Engine controller 132 Main motor control block 133a Primary charging voltage / current control block 133b
Developing bias voltage control block 133c Transfer voltage control block 133d Scanner voltage control block 134 Formatter 137 Sensor switch group 141 Process cartridge side computing device (CPU) 142 Memory device 143 Process cartridge side sensor group 143a
… Cartridge presence / absence sensor 143b… Removed toner amount detection sensor 143c… Charger resistance detection sensor 1
43d: temperature sensor 144: input / output device 149: I / O connector section 200: sheet metal 201: sheet member 202: rotating shaft 202a: round shaft 202b: square shaft 202c: resin shaft member 202d: rotating shaft Piggyback feather

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shigeo Miyabe 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (Reference) 2H003 BB11 CC05 2H034 AA06 BF01 CA02 CA04 CA06 2H071 BA04 BA13 BA22 BA24 DA08 DA13 DA15 DA32 2H077 AD35 BA08 BA09 BA10 CA19 DA24 DA42 DA45 DA62 DA64 DA93 DB25

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A process cartridge detachably mounted on a movable body that can be inserted into and removed from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a substantially horizontal direction, and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. A cleaning member for removing toner from the toner, a toner conveying member for conveying the toner removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member by a toner conveying member, the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning member, and a toner conveying member. A cartridge frame that supports a member and forms a toner conveying unit and a toner container that stores the toner conveyed by the toner conveying unit; and the cartridge frame supports the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A rear container closing an opening provided in the cartridge frame on the side opposite to the portion, Process cartridge and having integrally transmitted light detection window member of a light transmission type waste toner amount detection to the vessel. 2. The process device according to claim 1, wherein the rear container has a handle member for operating the process cartridge.
The process cartridge according to 1. 3. A projection on a rear portion, which is an outer surface opposite to an opening facing the cartridge frame when viewed from a direction perpendicular to an axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, among surfaces forming the rear container. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge has a portion, and it is not possible to place the process cartridge with the rear portion of the process cartridge facing down. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted light detection window member is provided at a position corresponding to one axial end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 5. The transmitted light detection window member is two members provided on a straight optical path of the detection light of waste toner presence / absence, one of which is an entrance of the light, and the other is an exit of the light. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The transmission light detecting window member according to claim 5, wherein each of the transmission light detection window members protrudes into the rear container, and the optical path passes through a front end surface of the protruding portion, and is concave to the outside. The process cartridge as described. 7. The rear container has a rotating member having a leveling blade in parallel with the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and the leveling blade rubs the front end portion of the transmitted light detecting window member. Item 7. A process cartridge according to item 6. 8. A grip member parallel to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a grip parallel to the triangular vertex when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and at another vertex of the triangle. 3. The process cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising a horizontal member arranged on each side, and connecting portions for connecting both ends of the grip and both ends of each horizontal member. 9. The rear part of the rear container is substantially in one plane, the upper surface of the cartridge frame is substantially one plane, and the grip is provided at a corner on the rear container side where an extension of each of the planes intersects. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: 10. One of the transverse members is disposed along the one-plane rear container side passing through the rear part of the rear container, and the other one of the transverse members passes through the upper surface of the cartridge frame. The process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the process cartridge is arranged along a side of the rear container substantially in one plane. 11. When the grip is gripped by a right hand or a left hand from above, the thumb abuts on the rear portion of the rear container or on a lateral member following the rear portion, so that the posture of the process cartridge can be adjusted very easily. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the process is facilitated. 12. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning member for removing toner from the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a toner transporting unit for transporting the toner removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member by a toner transporting member, A cartridge frame that supports a photographic photosensitive member, a cleaning member, and a toner conveying member, and includes a toner conveying unit and a toner container that stores the toner conveyed by the toner conveying unit; Has a rear container closing the opening provided in the cartridge frame on the side opposite to the portion supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the rear container has a transmitted light detection window member for light transmission type waste toner amount detection. Mounting means for removably mounting an integrally provided process cartridge; b. A lamp that projects light toward the window member; c. A light receiving element for receiving the light of the lamp transmitted through the window member; d. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium. 13. A rear container constituting a rear portion of a cartridge frame of a process cartridge, wherein: a welding portion welded in contact with an edge surrounding an opening of a cleaning container at a front portion of the cartridge frame; A rear container comprising: a rear container main body that forms a space to the rear; and a light-transmitting waste toner amount detecting transmitted light detection window member provided in the rear container main body. 14. The rear container according to claim 13, wherein the transmitted light detection window member is provided at one end in the left-right direction when viewed from the rear of the rear container. 15. The rear container according to claim 13, wherein a rotatable member having a leveling blade for rotatably supporting the window member for detecting transmitted light is slidably supported. 16. The rear container is open frontward and has a substantially triangular longitudinal section in the front-rear direction, a substantially vertical rear wall, and a welded portion curved from an upper portion of the rear wall. Having a welded portion surrounding the opening, passing through the upper wall front end, the side wall front end, and the vicinity of the lower end of the rear wall, having an upper wall diagonally forward toward the front and a substantially triangular side wall. The rear container according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein a concave portion is provided at a portion where the rear wall and the upper wall intersect at a central portion in the left-right direction when viewed from the rear, and a handle member is accommodated and fixed in the concave portion. Rear container as described. 18. The handle member is an integrally formed product in which three rod-shaped members are arranged at the vertices of a triangle, extend in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the triangle, and ends of the rod-shaped members are joined at a joint. The uppermost one of the three rod-shaped members is gripped, and the other two are horizontal members, which are accommodated in the concave portions along the edges of the concave portions. Item 18. The rear container according to Item 17. 19. The rear container according to claim 16, wherein the rear wall has an outwardly projecting portion.