JP2000181328A - Locking member, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detachable locking member for preventing a cover member from being off the frame body of a process cartridge and also separating the circumferential surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor from an electrifying means, a process cartridge equipped with the locking member, and an electrophotographic image forming device for preventing the forgetting of removing the cover member from the frame body of the process cartridge. SOLUTION: The locking members 81 and 82 are provided with locking arms 81e and 82e for locking the cover member 80 on the frame body of the process cartridge 13 and which are inserted between the photoreceptor 15 and the electrifying means 17 so as to separate the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor from the electrifying means. The process cartridge 13 is provided with the detachable locking members 81 and 82. The electrophotographic image forming device is provided with an opening part 180 which is formed so that the process cartridge 13 can not be loaded while the cover member 80 of the process cartridge 13 is loaded on the frame body.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a locking member, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

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 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 developing unit or a cleaning unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is made detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. . In addition, the charging means, at least one of the developing means and the cleaning means, and the electrophotographic photoreceptor are integrally formed as a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, at least the charging means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, a cartridge is integrally formed with an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the cartridge is used for image forming. A process cartridge system that can be attached to and detached from the forming apparatus main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a serviceman, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

[0005] In recent years, independent developing units for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black have been selectively disposed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member to perform a developing operation, or have been fixed to an electrophotographic photosensitive member. By arranging and selectively driving each developing unit, a process cartridge applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming a multicolor image has been put to practical use.

[0006]

In such a process cartridge, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging means (charging roller) for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member are supported by a cartridge housing (frame). . In this process cartridge, the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member needs to be exposed in a wide range in order to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Therefore, in order to protect the electrophotographic photosensitive member in an unused state, particularly during distribution, a detachable cover member is generally attached to the cartridge housing.

The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned prior art. The main object of the present invention is to prevent the cover member from coming off from the frame when the process cartridge is not in use, and to provide a further improvement in the electrophotographic photosensitive member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a detachable locking member capable of holding a peripheral surface and a charging unit separated from each other.

Another main object is to provide a process cartridge capable of preventing the cover member from coming off from the frame in an unused state, and further allowing the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to be separated from the charging means. To provide.

Another main object is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of preventing a cover member from being left behind from a frame of a process cartridge.

[0010]

A typical configuration for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows.

(1) At least an electrophotographic photosensitive member, charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a frame for supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means, and a frame exposed from the frame A detachable locking member used in a process cartridge having a cover member detachably mounted on the frame to cover an exposed portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the frame and the cover member are provided. And the cover member is locked to the frame body, and inserted between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging unit to separate the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the charging unit. A locking member having a locking arm for causing the locking member.

(2) In a process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, at least an electrophotographic photosensitive member, charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means And a cover member detachably attached to the frame body to cover an exposed portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member exposed from the frame body, and the frame body and the cover member. A cover member that penetrates the frame member and locks the cover member, and is inserted between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging unit to separate the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the charging unit. And a detachable locking member having a stop arm.

(3) In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for detachably mounting a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, mounting means for removably mounting the process cartridge, and And a transport unit for transporting, wherein the process cartridge supports at least an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging unit. A frame member, a cover member detachably attached to the frame member to cover an exposed portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member exposed from the frame member, and a cover member penetrating through the frame member and the cover member. The cover member is locked to the frame, and inserted between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging unit to separate the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the charging unit. A detachable locking member having a locking arm for mounting the process cartridge, wherein the mounting means has an opening having a shape in which the process cartridge cannot be mounted while the cover member is mounted on the frame. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:

(Operation) In the above-mentioned locking member, a locking arm penetrates each of the frame member and the cover member of the process cartridge and locks the cover member to the frame member. Further, a locking arm is inserted between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means to separate the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the charging means.

Thus, when the process cartridge is not in use, the cover member can be prevented from coming off from the frame, and the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means can be kept separated.

In the above process cartridge, the locking arm of the locking member penetrates each of the frame and the cover member to lock the cover member to the frame. Further, a locking arm of a locking member is inserted between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means to separate the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the charging means.

Thus, when the process cartridge is not in use, the cover member can be prevented from coming off from the frame, and the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be separated from the charging means.

In the above electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the opening of the mounting means prevents the mounting of the process cartridge on the mounting means while the cover member of the process cartridge is mounted on the frame. Therefore, in order to mount the process cartridge on the mounting means, it is necessary to remove the locking member from the process cartridge and remove the cover member from the frame.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to remove the cover member from the frame of the process cartridge.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a locking member, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is the direction in which the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, is parallel to the surface of the recording medium, and intersects with the transport direction of the recording medium. (Substantially orthogonal). The short direction of the process cartridge is a direction (direction substantially orthogonal) that intersects with the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and coincides with the transport direction of the recording medium.

(Overall Description of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus) First, the overall configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be schematically described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the overall configuration of a color laser printer which is an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus (color laser printer) A according to this embodiment includes a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a "photosensitive drum") 15 rotating at a constant speed, and a fixed black developing device. And developing means 21 and 20 comprising a rotatable color developing device 20Y, 20M and 20C. Further, the developing means 21,
An intermediate transfer body 9 is provided for holding the color image developed and multiplex-transferred at 20 and further transferring the image to a transfer material 2 as a recording medium such as a recording paper or an OHP sheet fed from a feeding unit 40. Then, the transfer material 2 on which the color image has been transferred by the intermediate transfer body 9 is then conveyed to a fixing unit 25 to fix the color image on the transfer material 2, and discharged by discharge rollers 34, 35, and 36 to a discharge unit on the upper surface of the apparatus. 37.

The rotatable color developing device 20Y,
20M, 20C and the fixed black developing device 21B are configured to be individually detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (printer main body) A1. The feeding unit 40 and the discharge rollers 34, 35, 36 constitute a transport unit 41.

Next, the configuration of each section of the image forming apparatus A will be described in detail sequentially.

(Image Carrier Unit) An image carrier unit (hereinafter referred to as “drum cartridge”) 13 as a process cartridge includes a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 15 and this photosensitive member. It is integrally formed with a cleaner container 14 as a frame (cartridge housing) of a cleaning device also serving as a holder for the drum 15. The drum cartridge 13 is removably supported by a guide rail 181 which forms a part of the mounting means 182 of the apparatus main assembly A1, and the unit can be easily replaced according to the life of the photosensitive drum 15. It is configured as follows.

The photosensitive drum 15 according to the present embodiment is constructed by applying a photosensitive layer to the outside of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 62 mm, and is rotatably mounted on the cleaner container 14 which also serves as a holder for the photosensitive drum 15. Supported.
A cleaner blade 16 and a primary charging unit 17 constituting a cleaning unit are arranged on the periphery of the photoconductor drum 15, and the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) is transmitted to one end on the rear side of the photoconductor drum. 15 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure according to the image forming operation.

(Charging Means) The charging means 17 employs a contact charging method, in which a conductive charging roller 17 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 15, and a voltage is applied to the charging roller 17. This is to uniformly charge the surface of the drum 15.

(Exposure Means) Exposure to the photosensitive drum 15 is performed from a scanner unit 30. That is, when an image signal is given to a laser diode (not shown), the laser diode irradiates the polygon mirror 31 with image light corresponding to the image signal.

The polygon mirror 31 is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor (not shown), and the image light reflected by the polygon mirror 31 is rotated at a constant speed via the imaging lens 32 and the reflection mirror 33. The surface is selectively exposed, and as a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 15.

(Developing Means) The developing means 20 and 21 are provided for yellow, magenta,
It is composed of three rotary developing devices 20Y, 20M, 20C capable of developing each color of cyan and black, and one black developing device 21B.

The black developing device 21B is a fixed developing device. The black developing unit 21B has a toner corresponding to 12000 pages (A4, 5% printing) built in a toner container (toner storage unit), and a developing sleeve (hereinafter referred to as a “developing roller”) at a position facing the photosensitive drum 15. 21BS is arranged at a minute interval (about 300 μm) with respect to the photosensitive drum 15, and forms a visible image on the photosensitive drum 15 using black toner.

Three rotary developing devices 20Y, 20M, 20C
Are built in toner containers (toner storage sections) each corresponding to 6000 pages (A4, 5% printing), and are detachably held by a developing rotary 23 that rotates about a shaft 22.

At the time of image formation, each of the developing units 20Y and 20Y
M and 20C are rotated around the shaft 22 while being held by the developing rotary 23, and are fixed to predetermined developing units 20Y and 20C.
M, 20C stop at a position facing the photoconductor drum 15, and further a developing sleeve (hereinafter referred to as "developing roller") 2
After 0YS (20MS, 20CS) is positioned so as to face the photoconductor drum 15 at a small interval (about 300 μm), a visible image is formed corresponding to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 15. At the time of forming a color image, the developing rotary 23 rotates every rotation of the intermediate transfer body 9, and the developing process is performed in the order of a yellow developing device 20Y, a magenta developing device 20M, a cyan developing device 20C, and then a black developing device 20B.

FIG. 1 shows a state where the yellow rotary developing device 20Y is positioned at a position facing the drum cartridge 13 and is stationary. The rotary developing device 20Y sends the toner in the toner container to the application roller 20YR by a feeding mechanism (not shown), and is illustrated by the application roller 20YR rotating clockwise and the developing blade 20YB pressed against the outer periphery of the developing roller 20YS. A thin layer of toner is applied to the outer periphery of the developing roller 20YS rotating clockwise,
In addition, charge is applied to the toner (frictional charging). Then, by applying a developing bias to the developing roller 20YS facing the photosensitive drum 15 on which the latent image is formed, toner development is performed on the photosensitive drum 15 in accordance with the latent image. In the magenta developing device 20M and the cyan developing device 20C, toner development is performed by the same mechanism as described above.

Each of the rotary developing devices 20Y, 20M, 20C
Each of the developing rollers 20YS (20MS, 20CS) is provided with a high-voltage power supply for each color developing device and a driving means (neither shown) provided in the apparatus main body A1 when each of the developing devices 20Y, 20M, 20C is rotated to the developing position. , And a voltage is sequentially and selectively applied for each color development, and the driving is connected.

(Intermediate Transfer Body) The intermediate transfer body 9 is provided with each of the developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C, 21 during the color image forming operation.
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 15 visualized by B is subjected to multiple transfer four times (each image of four colors of Y, M, C, and B), so that the toner image is synchronized with the outer peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 15. To rotate clockwise. Further, the intermediate transfer body 9 that has received the multiple transfer transfers the toner images of the respective colors on the intermediate transfer body 9 to the transfer material 2 by simultaneous multiple transfer by sandwiching and transferring the transfer material 2 with the transfer roller 10 to which a voltage is applied.

The intermediate transfer member 9 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which an outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder 12 having a diameter of about 186 mm is covered with an elastic layer 11 such as a medium resistance sponge or medium resistance rubber. The intermediate transfer body 9 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body A1, and is rotated by receiving a drive from the apparatus main body A1 by a gear (not shown) integrally fixed to the intermediate transfer body 9.

(Cleaning means) Cleaning means 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a unit for cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 15 after the toner visualized on the photosensitive drum 15 by the developing units 20 and 21 is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 9. The removed toner is stored in the cleaner container 14. The amount of the removed toner stored in the cleaner container 14 does not fill the cleaner container 14 earlier than the life of the photosensitive drum 15. Therefore, the cleaner container 14 is simultaneously replaced when the life of the photosensitive drum 15 is replaced.

(Sheet Feeding Unit) The sheet feeding unit transports the transfer material 2 to the image forming unit between the intermediate transfer member 9 and the transfer roller 10, and includes a cassette 1 containing a plurality of transfer materials 2. , A feed roller 3, a feed roller 4, a retard roller 5 for preventing double feed, a feed guide 6, a transport roller 7, and a registration roller 8.

At the time of image formation, the paper feed roller 3 is driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation, and separates and feeds the transfer material 2 in the cassette 1 one by one. Then, it reaches the registration roller 8.
During the image forming operation, the registration roller 8 performs, in a predetermined sequence, a non-rotating operation of stopping the transfer material 2 in a standby state and a rotating operation of transporting the transfer material 2 toward the intermediate transfer body 9.
The image and the transfer material 2 at the time of the transfer process, which is the next process, are aligned.

(Transfer Section) The transfer section comprises a transfer roller 10 which can swing. The transfer roller 10 is formed by winding a metal shaft (not shown) with a medium-resistance foamed elastic material, and is movable up and down in the figure and has driving.

While the four-color toner image is being formed on the intermediate transfer member 9, that is, while the intermediate transfer member 9 is rotating a plurality of times, the transfer roller 10 is not disturbed as shown by the solid line in FIG. It is located below and separated from the intermediate transfer member 9.

After the formation of the four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer member 9, the transfer roller 10 is moved by a cam member (not shown) by a cam member (not shown) at the upper part shown by a thin line in accordance with the timing of transferring the color image onto the transfer material 2. It is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 9 at a predetermined pressure via the transfer material 2, that is, at the position. At this time, a bias is applied to the transfer roller 10 at the same time, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 9 is transferred to the transfer material 2.

Here, since the intermediate transfer body 9 and the transfer roller 10 are driven respectively, the transfer material 2 sandwiched between the two is conveyed at a predetermined speed in the left direction in the figure at the same time as the transfer process is performed. Then, it is sent to the fixing device 25 which is the next step.

(Fixing Unit) The fixing unit 25 is provided with the developing unit 2
The toner image formed on the transfer material 2 via the intermediate transfer member 9 is fixed to the toner image formed by 0, 21. The fixing device 25 includes a fixing roller 26 for applying heat to the transfer material 2 and a pressure roller 27 for pressing the transfer material 2 against the fixing roller 26. Each roller 26, 27
Is a hollow roller, which is provided with heaters 28 and 29 inside, and is driven to rotate and simultaneously transfer the transfer material 2.

That is, the transfer material 2 holding the toner image is conveyed by the fixing roller 26 and the pressure roller 27, and the toner is fixed to the transfer material 2 by applying heat and pressure.

(Structure of Cover Member) Here, the drum cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

The drum cartridge 13 contains the cleaner container 1
4, a photosensitive drum 15 and a charging roller 17 are rotatably disposed, and a cleaning blade 16 as cleaning means is fixedly and integrally disposed.

The drum cartridge 13 is provided with a cover member 80 which can be attached to and detached from the cleaner container 14 in order to prevent the surface of the photosensitive drum 15 from being damaged particularly during distribution. The cover member 80 is formed in a shape to cover an exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 15 exposed from the cleaner container 14. The cover member 80 can be attached to and detached from the cleaner container 14 by sliding in the longitudinal direction Q of the drum cartridge 13 (axial direction of the photosensitive drum 15) (see FIG. 3).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover member 80 has ridges 80a and 80b extending in the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge 13 at the edge portion on the cleaner container 14 side. On the other hand, the cleaner container 14 has a locking groove 14 for locking the ridges 80a and 80b at a front portion on the cover member 80 side.
c and 14d are formed in the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge 13. Then, in the longitudinal direction Q of the drum cartridge 13, the protrusions 80 a and 80 b of the cover member 80 are locked in the locking grooves 14 c and 14 d of the cleaner container 14,
The cover member 80 is attached to the cleaner container 14 by sliding the cover member 80 with respect to the cleaner container 14. The cover member 80 is configured to cover an exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 15 exposed from the cleaner container 14 by being attached to the cleaner container 14. To remove the cover member 80 from the cleaner container 14, the cover member 80 is slid with respect to the cleaner container 14 in the longitudinal direction Q of the drum cartridge 13 in a direction opposite to the mounting direction, so that the cover member 80 is removed. Can be removed from.

(Structure of Spacer Member (Locking Member)) Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drum cartridge 13 has shaft portions 17 a and 17 b at both ends of the charging roller 17 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 15. Between them, spacer members 81 and 82 as a locking member are arranged. Spacer member 8
The position at which the first and second drums 82 are disposed on the drum cartridge 13 may be arranged outside the contact position of other process means that contacts the photosensitive drum 15 in the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge 13. It is desirable from the viewpoint of preventing scratches.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the charging roller 17 has shaft portions 17a at both ends thereof.
17b, spacer members 81, 82 are arranged at positions outside the ends 16a, 16b of the cleaning blade 16, which is another process means. The spacer members 81 and 82 are connected to the cover member 80.
Can be detached in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction Q (radial direction of the photosensitive drum 15).

When the drum cartridge 13 is not in use, the spacer members 81 and 82 hold the cleaner container 1.
Locking arms 81e and 82e are provided to prevent the cover member 80 from coming off the cover 4 and to separate the charging roller 17 from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15. That is, the locking arms 81e, 8
2 e is a holding portion 81 held between the shaft portions 17 a and 17 b at both ends of the charging roller 17 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 15.
a, 82a and extending portions 81b, 82b extending from the holding portions 81a, 82a to the outside of the cleaner container 14 to lock the cover member 80 to the cleaner container 14.

The holding portions 81 a and 82 a are held between the shaft portions 17 a and 17 b at both ends of the charging roller 17 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 15, and hold the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15 and the charging roller 17. Separated. This holding portion 81a,
Reference numeral 82a denotes fitting recesses 81a1 and 82a1 for partially fitting the shaft portions 17a and 17b of the charging roller 17, and a curved surface 81a2 for partially fitting the surface of the photoconductor drum 15.
82a2. More specifically, the charging roller 17 has fitting recesses 81a1 and 82a1 on the surfaces of the shaft portions 17a and 17b on the side of the shaft portions 17a and 17b. The photosensitive drum 15 has arcuate curved surfaces 81a2 and 82a2 to which a part of the surface is fitted (see FIG. 7). And the said holding parts 81a and 82a are
The shaft portion 1 of the charging roller 17 is inserted into the fitting concave portions 81a1 and 82a1.
The peripheral surfaces of 7a and 17b are partially fitted, and the holding portions 81a and 8
The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 15 are partially fitted to the curved surfaces 81a2 and 82a2 of the charging roller 2a.
7a and 17b and the surface of the photosensitive drum 15. Thus, the shaft portions 17a, 1
When the spacer members 81 and 82 are mounted on the drum cartridge 13, the shaft portions 17 a and 17 b of the charging roller 17 and the photosensitive drum 17 are fitted to the holding portions 81 a and 82 a. 15, the holding portions 81a and 82a are not easily shifted.

The extending portions 81b and 82b are
a, 82a extend to the outside of the cleaner container 14. The extending portions 81b and 82b pass through the engaging grooves 14a formed in the cleaner container 14 and the engaging holes 80a formed in the cover member 80, and lock the cover member 80 to the cleaner container 14. It has become.

At the outermost portion of the extending portions 81b and 82b located outside the cleaner container 14, grip portions 81c and 82c for a user to pull out (pull out) the spacer members 81 and 82 from the drum cartridge 13 are provided. It is formed. The shape of the grip portions 81c and 82c may be any shape such as a plate shape or a ring shape as long as the shape is easy for the user to grip.

The spacer members 81 and 82 according to the present embodiment
In the distribution, the extending portions 81b and 82b are engaged with both the cleaner container 14 and the cover member 80 during distribution. For this reason, even in the event that the user holds the cover member 80 with the detaching direction of the cover member 80 facing downward, the cover member 80 can be prevented from coming off the toner container 14.

The holding portions 81a and 82a are
7 is sandwiched between the shaft portions 17a and 17b at both ends of the photoconductor 7 and the surface of the photoconductor drum 15, so that the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 15 and the charging roller 17 can be kept separated.

When the cover member 80 is removed from the drum cartridge 13, the spacer members 81 and 82 must be removed. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 13 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A1, the spacer members 81 and 82 are required. Don't worry about forgetting to take it.

In the drum cartridge 13 according to the present embodiment, the spacer member 8
The extension portions 81 b and 82 b of the first and second engagement portions are engaged with both the cleaner container 14 and the cover member 80. For this reason, even if the user grips the cover member 80 with the detaching direction of the cover member 80 facing downward, the cover member 80
Does not come off the toner container 14.

The holding portion 81 of the spacer members 81, 82
a, 82a are shaft portions 17a, 17 at both ends of the charging roller 17;
Since it is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 15 and the surface of the photoconductive drum 15, the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 15 and the charging roller 17 can be kept separated.

Thus, when the charging roller 17 is left in contact with the photosensitive drum 15 for a long time, the portion at the contact position of the charging roller 17 is permanently deformed, and the charging ability is changed. It is possible to avoid image defects such as uneven density. Also on the surface of the photoconductor drum 15, the charging roller 17 and the photoconductor drum 15 rub against each other due to the vibration in the physical distribution, so that the history as a charging memory remains and image defects such as density unevenness can be avoided. .

When removing the cover member 80 from the drum cartridge 13, the spacer members 81 and 82 must be removed. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 13 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A 1, the spacer members 81 and 82 are removed. Don't worry about forgetting to take it.

(Other Configuration Examples of Drum Cartridge) In this embodiment, as described above, the cover member 80 is slid with respect to the cleaner container 14 in the longitudinal direction Q of the drum cartridge 13 (axial direction of the photosensitive drum 15). The drum cartridge of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as the drum cartridge 131 of another embodiment according to the present invention, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
In contrast, the drum cartridge 131 is configured to be slidable in the short direction (radial direction of the photosensitive drum 15) D to be detachable. Then, both side portions 801 a and 801 b of the cover member 801 and both side portions 141 a and 14
1b to engage with each of the spacer members 811,
The same effect can be obtained by disposing 821.

Specifically, the drum cartridge 13
The spacer members 811 and 821 are provided on both sides 801a and 801b of the cover member 801 and on both sides 141a and 141b of the toner container 141 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction D of the cover member 80 (axial direction of the photosensitive drum 15). The penetrating engaging holes (or engaging grooves) 801c and 141c are formed. Then, the engagement hole 801c of the cover member 801 is formed.
And the engaging arms 811e and 821e of the spacer members 811 and 821 pass through the engaging hole 141c of the toner container 141 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction D of the cover member 801.
Extension portions 811b, 821 of the locking arms 811e, 821e
The cover member 801 is locked to the toner container 141 by b. And the holding portion 81 of the locking arms 811e and 821e
1a and 821a are connected to shaft portions 17a at both ends of the charging roller 17;
17b and the surface of the photosensitive drum 15
The holding surfaces 811a and 821a keep the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15 and the charging roller 17 separated.
The spacer members 811 and 821 are detachable from the drum cartridge 131 in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction D of the cover member 801.

(Other Configuration Example 1 of Spacer Member) In this embodiment, as described above, the spacer member 81,
The grip portions 81c, 82 are directly attached to the extending portions 81b, 82b of the
Although c is formed, the spacer members 81 and 82 may be configured as follows in order to improve the space efficiency of the packing box for packing the drum cartridge 13 and the transport box for storing the packing box. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, flanges 81d and 82d are provided at portions of the extension portions 81b and 82b of the spacer members 81 and 82 that protrude from the cover member 80.
To form A gripping sheet 83 as a gripping member formed of, for example, paper, a flexible resin sheet, or the like is sandwiched between the flanges 81d and 82d and the cover member 80. Then, together with the sandwiching sheet 83, the spacer member 8
The spacer members 81 and 82 are withdrawn from the drum cartridge 13 when the user pulls out the spacer members 1 and 82. Note that the holding sheet 83 is a spacer member 8
It may be formed integrally with the flanges 81d, 82d.

The spacer members 81 and 82 having such a configuration are described.
Does not hinder the space efficiency of the packing box by the holding portions 81c and 82c. Therefore, for example, in the case where the space efficiency of the packing box is hindered by the gripping portions 81c, 82c of the spacer members 81, 82, the packing members are formed by using the spacer members 81, 82 for the drum cartridges 13, 131. In addition, the size of the transport box for storing the packing box can be reduced.

(Another Configuration Example 2 of Spacer Member) FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of other spacer members 81 and 82. The spacer members 81 and 82 shown in FIG. 7 are provided with a flange 81d (82d) at a portion of the extension 81b (82b) of the locking arm 81d (82d) protruding from the cover member 80, and the flange 81d (82d) is provided on the flange 81d (82d). A handle 81c (82c) is provided. When the spacer member 81 (82) is mounted on the drum cartridge 13, the flange 81d (82d) is brought into contact with the cover member 80 to restrict the amount of the spacer member 81 (82) pushed into the drum cartridge 13. It is configured so that Thereby, the fitting concave portion 81a1 (82a1) of the holding portion 81a (82a).
The fitting of the charging roller shaft portion 17a (17b) to the charging roller shaft portion 17a and the fitting of the surface of the photosensitive drum 15 to the curved surface 81a2 (82a2) of the holding portion 81a (82a) can be performed more reliably.

[Second Embodiment] Next, the relationship between a drum cartridge and cartridge mounting means for removably mounting the drum cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

In the description, those having the same functions and effects as those of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The drum cartridge 13 is detachably attached to the apparatus main body A1 in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 15), and is inserted into a guide rail from an insertion opening 180 formed in the apparatus main body A1 as an opening. 181 is inserted into a predetermined position. After the insertion operation of the drum cartridge 13, the lever 182 rotatably provided on the apparatus main body A1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, whereby the apparatus main body A1 is rotated.
The positioning of the drum cartridge 13 with respect to 1 is performed.

Here, the insertion port 180 and the guide rail 181 constitute a cartridge mounting means 182. The insertion port 180 is inserted into the drum cartridge 13
When the cover member 80 is attached to the drum cartridge 13, the drum cartridge 13 has a size or shape that makes it impossible to insert the drum cartridge 13. Specifically, the drum cartridge 1
When the cover member 80 is attached to the cover 3, the cover member 80 is formed in a size or a shape such that the cover member 80 comes into contact with the apparatus main body A <b> 1 to prevent the drum cartridge 13 from being inserted. In other words, the insertion port 180 is formed in a size or shape that allows the cleaner container 14 of the drum cartridge 13 and the photosensitive drum 15 to be inserted.

Thus, when the user inserts the drum cartridge 13 into the insertion slot 180 of the apparatus main assembly A1, the spacer members 81 and 82 must be removed from the drum cartridge 13 and then the cover member 80 must be removed from the cleaner container 14. You need to remove it. Therefore, there is no need to worry about forgetting to remove the spacer members 81 and 82.

[Other Embodiments] The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the drum cartridge (process cartridge) shown in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the photosensitive drum, and includes, for example, the following. It is. First, a photoconductor is used as a photoconductor, and examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and an organic photoconductor (OPC). Also, as a shape for mounting the photoconductor, for example, a drum-shaped or belt-shaped one is used. For example, in the case of a drum-type photoconductor, a photoconductor is deposited or coated on a cylinder made of an aluminum alloy or the like. And so on.

As the developing method, it is possible to use various developing methods such as a known two-component magnetic brush developing method, a cascade developing method, a touch-down developing method, and a cloud developing method.

Further, a magnetic brush or the like may be used instead of the cleaning blade constituting the cleaning means for cleaning the toner remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

The above-described drum cartridge (process cartridge) includes, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of processing means. Therefore, as an aspect of the process cartridge, in addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging unit are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. In some cases, the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the charging means, and the developing means are integrally formed into a cartridge, which is detachable from the apparatus main body.

That is, the above-mentioned process cartridge is one in which a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body. It is. In addition, the charging unit, at least one of the developing unit and the cleaning unit, and the electrophotographic photoreceptor are integrally formed as a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, at least the charging means and the electrophotographic photoreceptor are formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user himself. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus main body can be performed by the user himself.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a color laser printer is exemplified as the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, a facsimile machine, a word processor, etc. Of course, it is also possible to use it for the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0082]

As described above, according to the locking member of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cover member from coming off from the frame when the process cartridge is not in use, and further to prevent the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor from coming off. It is possible to keep the charging means separated from the charging means.

Further, according to the process cartridge of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cover member from coming off from the frame in the unused state, and further to keep the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means apart. it can.

According to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cover member from being removed from the frame of the process cartridge.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum cartridge on which a spacer member is mounted.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a drum cartridge on which a spacer member is mounted.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the drum cartridge showing a state where a spacer member is removed and a cover member is removed from a cleaner container.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an arrangement position of a spacer member on a drum cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum cartridge according to another embodiment equipped with a spacer member.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum cartridge on which a spacer member according to another embodiment is mounted.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a spacer member according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a drum cartridge and cartridge mounting means.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a color laser printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 13 drum cartridge (process cartridge) 14 cleaner container (frame) 14a engagement groove 15 electrophotographic photosensitive member 16 cleaning blade (cleaning means) 17 charging roller (charging means) 80 cover member 80a engagement holes 81, 82 spacer member ( Locking member) 81d, 82d Flange 81e, 82e Locking arm 83 Holding sheet (holding member) 180 Insertion opening (opening) 182 Mounting means A Electrophotographic image forming apparatus A1 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Arimitsu 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 AS02 BB10 BB15 CD28 2H071 BA04 BA13 BA14 BA15 BA19 BA23 BA36 DA06 DA13 DA15

Claims (13)

[Claims] At least an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a frame for supporting the electrophotographic photoreceptor and the charging unit, and exposed from the frame A detachable locking member used in a process cartridge having a cover member detachably mounted on the frame to cover an exposed portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the frame and the cover member , The cover member is locked to the frame, and inserted between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means to separate the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the charging means. A locking member having a locking arm. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the locking arm penetrates a hole or a groove formed in the frame and the cover member to lock the cover member to the frame. The locking member according to claim 1. 3. In a part opposite to the locking arm,
The locking member according to claim 1, further comprising a grip portion gripped when the locking member is removed. 4. A locking member which is sandwiched between the flange and the cover member at a portion protruding outward from the cover member on a side opposite to the locking arm and protruding from the cover member. The locking member according to claim 1, further comprising a gripping member gripped when the member is removed. 5. A process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, comprising: at least an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging unit. A frame for supporting, a cover member detachably attached to the frame to cover an exposed portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member exposed from the frame, and a cover penetrating through the frame and the cover member. And locking the cover member to the frame, and inserting between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means to separate the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the charging means. A removable locking member having an arm. 6. The locking arm of the locking member penetrates a hole or a groove formed in the frame body and the cover member,
The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the cover member is locked to the frame. 7. The process cartridge further includes a process unit that contacts and acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the locking member is provided outside the process unit in a longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the process cartridge is disposed. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein said process means is a cleaning means for removing a developer remaining on said electrophotographic photosensitive member. 9. The frame according to claim 5, wherein the locking member is detachably mounted on the frame and the cover member in a direction orthogonal to a mounting direction of the cover member with respect to the frame. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The locking member according to claim 5, further comprising, at a portion opposite to the locking arm, a grip portion gripped when the locking member is removed.
The process cartridge according to any one of the above. 11. The locking member further includes a portion protruding outside the cover member on a side opposite to the locking arm,
The process cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 9, further comprising a flange facing the cover member, and a gripping member gripped when the locking member is removed. 12. The process cartridge according to claim 11, wherein said gripping member is sandwiched between said flange and said cover member. 13. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for detachably attaching a process cartridge and for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: mounting means for detachably mounting the process cartridge; and transporting the recording medium. Transport means for performing, the process cartridge, at least, an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a charging means for charging the electrophotographic photoreceptor,
A frame member for supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging unit, and a cover member detachably attached to the frame member to cover an exposed portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member exposed from the frame member; A peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member which is inserted between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging means to penetrate through the frame and the cover member to lock the cover member with respect to the frame member; And a detachable locking member having a locking arm for separating the charging unit from the charging unit. The mounting unit cannot mount the process cartridge while the cover member is mounted on the frame. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an opening having the following shape.