JP2001215819A - Image forming device and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that prevents the surfaces of a transfer roller and a photoreceptor from being scratched at replacing of the transfer roller. SOLUTION: As for the image forming device, the device is provided with the transfer roller 9, and the transfer roller 9 is attached/detached to/from the device body together with a holder for holding the roller as a transfer roller holder 54 in a transfer roller axial direction, and a process cartridge 1 for holding the photoreceptor drum 3 is also attached/detached to/from the device body, abutting parts 57 and 58 are respectively arranged in the transfer roller holder 54 and the process cartridge 1, and by bringing the abutting parts 57 and 58 into contact with each other in the case of moving the transfer roller holder 54 in the detaching direction, an operation of attaching/detaching the transfer roller holder 54 is controlled by the process cartridge 1. In this case, it is possible to attach/detach the transfer roller 9 and the ambient components together with the transfer roller holder 54, then the surfaces of the transfer roller 9 and the photoreceptor drum 3 are prevented from being scratched.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer, a facsimile, etc., utilizing an electrophotographic system and a process cartridge detachably mountable thereto.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, a developing device for developing a latent image formed on a photosensitive drum by a laser beam or the like as a toner image, and transferring the developed toner image to a sheet material. The mainstream is provided with a transfer unit that performs the transfer and a fixing device that fixes the transferred toner image onto the sheet material.

In a fixing device for fixing a transferred toner image on a sheet material, a fixing roller that rotates while being maintained at a predetermined temperature by a heater and a temperature sensor contacts a fixing roller with a predetermined pressure. A method is mainly used in which a toner, which is a developer, is melted by heat and pressure by a pressure roller that is driven and rotated, and a toner image is fixed on a sheet material.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a conventional laser beam printer. Hereinafter, the overall configuration and functions of the laser beam printer will be described.

[0005] A laser scanner 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a primary charger 1 are provided in a printer main body (image forming apparatus main body).
A process cartridge 1 as a printing process unit including a developing unit 6 and a developing unit 17, a transfer roller 9, a fixing unit 4, a pair of conveying rollers 8, a sheet feeding cassette 6 and a sheet feeding roller (pickup roller) 7 are installed.

A sheet-like recording material (hereinafter, simply referred to as a sheet material) S loaded and stored in the paper feed cassette 6 is referred to as S.
Is fed by a sheet feed roller 7 rotating in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
To the nip. Then, the sheet material S is sent between the photosensitive drum 3 and the transfer roller 9 by the conveying roller pair 8.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 3 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, is uniformly charged by the primary charger 16, and an electrostatic latent image is sequentially formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof by the laser beam from the laser scanner 2. Is done. Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is developed by the developing device 17 and visualized as a toner image.

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 is sequentially transferred to the sheet material S sent between the photosensitive drum 3 and the transfer roller 9 by the transfer roller 9. The sheet material S on which the toner image has been transferred in this manner is sent to the fixing device 4, and
Here, the toner image is fixed to the sheet material S by being heated and pressed.

Thereafter, the sheet material S is transported by the conveying roller pair 10
The sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge tray 19 on the upper surface of the printer main body by the discharge roller 5. Alternatively, the sheet material S is discharged to the side of the printer main body via another discharge roller 14 by the action of the transport switching guide 11.

In this conventional laser beam printer, the units such as the process cartridge 1 and the fixing device 4 and the rollers such as the paper feed roller 7 and the transfer roller 9 are consumable parts, and are frequently used during the life of the product. Need to be replaced.

In this conventional laser beam printer, the fixing device 4 is configured such that the paper discharge cover 12 is rotated in the direction of arrow A and can be inserted and removed with the cover opened.
The fixing device 4 is positioned by the positioning protrusions 13 of the main stay 20 in a state of being mounted on the main body, and is fixed to the apparatus main body by a fixing lever 21.

The process cartridge 1 is also configured to be able to be inserted and removed in the front direction in FIG. 8 with a cover (not shown) on the front surface of the main body opened.
It is configured so that the replacement operation can be performed from the front of the main body with the device removed. Further, the transfer roller 9 can be replaced with the main body front cover (not shown) opened and the process cartridge 1 removed.

Next, the configuration of components around the transfer roller 9 and a method of replacing the transfer roller 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

The transfer roller 9 is supported at both ends by a transfer roller bearing 27, and is pressed in the direction of the photosensitive drum 3 by a transfer roller pressing spring 28. Then, the sheet material S sent by the registration roller 8 is guided by the pre-transfer guide 26, and the transfer roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 3 are transferred.
To the nip.

The sheet material S on which the toner image has been transferred
Is positively charged by the transfer roller 9, and to remove the sheet material S from the photosensitive drum 3, the back surface of the sheet material S is discharged by the discharging needle 25 to which a negative potential is applied. Thereafter, the sheet material S is guided to the fixing device 4 along the transport rib 24.

The pre-transfer guide 26 is rotatably provided about the axis of the registration roller 8 as a fulcrum.
Can be opened in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 9B, and the transfer roller 9 can be removed in the direction of arrow C.

[0017]

As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus, the transfer roller can be replaced. However, in the conventional configuration, the transfer roller is mounted from the front side of the apparatus main body. Since the position of the bearings is difficult to understand, it is difficult to mount the transfer roller, and since the transfer roller is replaced by itself, there is a possibility that the surface of the transfer roller may be damaged during mounting. For this reason, it is conceivable to pull out the holder holding the transfer roller and replace it with you.However, if the holder is attached or detached in the front direction, the holder may damage the photosensitive drum or the cartridge frame may damage the transfer roller. There is. Therefore, a means for regulating the positional relationship with the cartridge when the transfer roller holder is attached or detached is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge which can prevent the transfer roller and the surface of the photosensitive member from being damaged when the transfer roller is replaced. Is to provide.

[0019]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer roller for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material. The roller can be detachably mounted in the transfer roller axial direction from the apparatus main body as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the roller, and the process cartridge holding the photoconductor can also be mounted and demounted from the apparatus main body. In the above, the transfer roller holder and the process cartridge are provided with abutting portions, respectively, and when the transfer roller holder is moved in the removing direction, the abutting portions come into contact with each other, so that the transfer roller is moved by the process cartridge. It is characterized in that the attachment and detachment of the holder is regulated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer roller as means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is used as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller. The transfer roller holder can be attached to and detached from the main body in the axial direction of the transfer roller. The transfer roller holder is provided with a movable handle. By moving the handle, the lock of the transfer roller holder is released, and the transfer roller holder is mounted. In the image forming apparatus, which can be detached from the main body and the process cartridge holding the photosensitive member can also be detached from the apparatus main body, the transfer roller holder and the process cartridge are provided with abutting portions, respectively. When the process cartridge is mounted, the handle is By come against portions to restrict the movement of the handle in contact, characterized by being configured so that it can not unlock the transfer roller holder.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer roller as means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is used as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller. In an image forming apparatus that can be attached to and detached from the main body in the axial direction of the transfer roller, and the process cartridge holding the photosensitive member can also be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, the image forming apparatus moves in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the transfer roller holder. A control block is provided in the apparatus main body, and an abutting portion is provided for each of the control block and the process cartridge, and an attempt is made to mount the process cartridge at a position where the control block moves in a direction in which the transfer roller holder is removed. When the abutting portions contact each other, the process cartridge Characterized by being configured to regulate the movement of di.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the transfer roller holder is mounted in a state where the abutting portion of the process cartridge is in contact with the abutting portion of the regulating block. It is possible that, when the transfer roller holder is mounted, the control block moves together and retreats, so that the abutting portions do not come into contact with each other, so that the process cartridge is set in a predetermined position. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer roller as means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is used as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller. A process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus that is detachable from a main body in an axial direction of a transfer roller, the process cartridge including at least the photosensitive member, and at least one process unit acting on the photosensitive member. When the roller holder is to be moved in the removing direction, the abutting portion is provided for abutting against the abutting portion of the transfer roller holder so as to regulate the attachment / detachment of the transfer roller holder.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer roller as means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is used as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller. A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body in the axial direction of the transfer roller, and is detachable from an image forming apparatus provided with a regulation block that moves in conjunction with attachment and detachment of the transfer roller holder. Having at least one process means acting on the photoreceptor, the process cartridge being attached and detached by abutting against the abutting portion of the regulating block at a position where the regulating block has moved the transfer roller holder in a removing direction. Characterized in that a butting portion for restricting the pressure is provided.

Therefore, according to the present invention, since the transfer roller and the peripheral components can be attached and detached together with the transfer roller holder, it is possible to prevent the transfer roller and the surface of the photosensitive member from being damaged.

Further, by employing a configuration in which only the transfer roller holder can be replaced without attaching and detaching the process cartridge, the workability of replacing and cleaning the transfer roller holder can be improved.

[0027]

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

In the embodiment described below, the present invention is embodied in the image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) shown in FIG. Therefore, a detailed description of the overall configuration and functions of the image forming apparatus will be omitted, and only the features of the present invention will be described. Members having the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

<Embodiment 1> The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a transfer roller as a means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material. Along with the holder to be held, it can be detached from the apparatus body as a unit (transfer roller holder) in the axial direction of the transfer roller. The unit (process cartridge) for holding the photoreceptor can also be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, and the transfer roller holder and the process cartridge are provided with abutting portions, respectively. The contact when the holder is moved in the removal direction restricts the attachment / detachment of the transfer roller holder.

A member (regulation block) which moves in conjunction with the transfer roller holder attachment / detachment is provided in the apparatus main body, and the regulation block and the process cartridge are provided with abutting portions, respectively. When an attempt is made to mount the process cartridge at a position where the process cartridge moves when the holder is removed, the movement of the process cartridge is regulated by the contact between the abutting portions. Then, the transfer roller holder can be mounted in a state where these abutting portions are in contact with each other, and when the transfer roller holder is mounted, the restricting block moves in conjunction with each other, so that the abutting portions do not contact with each other. The process cartridge also fits in place.

First, an overall configuration and functions of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. .

In the printer main body (image forming apparatus main body), a process cartridge 1 as a printing process unit including a laser scanner 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a primary charger 16 and a developing device 17 is provided similarly to a conventional image forming apparatus. , A transfer roller 9, a fixing device 4, and the like.

The photosensitive drum 3 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 and is uniformly charged by the primary charger 16, and an electrostatic latent image is sequentially formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof by laser light from the laser scanner 2. You. Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is developed by the developing device 17 to be visualized as a toner image, and the sheet material S sent between the photosensitive drum 3 and the transfer roller 9 is exposed to light. The toner images on the drum 3 are sequentially transferred by the transfer roller 9.

The sheet material S onto which the toner image has been transferred as described above is sent to the fixing device 4, where it is heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the sheet material S.

As shown in FIG. 5, the process cartridge 1 is configured so that it can be inserted and removed from the opening 48 in the front direction in FIG. 1 with the cover 45 on the front surface of the main body opened.

A transfer roller holder 54 holding the transfer roller 9 is configured as a detachable unit in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The transfer roller holder 54 is positioned as shown in FIG. A groove 31 is formed. When the transfer roller holder 54 is mounted, the positioning groove 31 is set to the positioning rib 32 on the main body side.
(See FIG. 1) to determine the position.

Next, details of the transfer roller holder 54 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transfer roller holder 54.

The transfer roller holder 54 is provided with a transfer roller 9, a static elimination needle 25, and a pre-transfer guide 29. The transfer roller 9 is rotatably supported at both ends by a pair of transfer roller bearings 27. A transfer roller gear 35 is provided at an end of the transfer roller 9, and a rotational driving force is transmitted from the photosensitive drum 3 to the transfer roller 9 via the transfer roller gear 35.

A handle 56 is provided in front of the transfer roller holder 54. The handle 56 is provided with a claw 61 for fixing the transfer roller holder 54 itself to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Next, the operation of replacing the transfer roller holder 54 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, FIG.
It is D sectional drawing.

FIG. 3A shows a state in which the process cartridge 1 is mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus. In the process cartridge 1, the photosensitive drum 3 is rotatably provided. A transfer roller driving gear 34 and a drum coupling 37 are provided in the section. As shown, when the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the drum coupling 37 is connected to the drum driving gear 36 on the image forming apparatus main body side, and the photosensitive drum 3 applies the driving force from the main body side. It is driven to rotate.

A front cover 45 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body so as to be rotatable about a fulcrum 46. The front cover 45 is provided with a block 55,
5 prevents the transfer roller holder 54 from malfunctioning due to incomplete mounting.

The transfer roller holder 54 is provided with an abutting portion 57, and the process cartridge 1 is provided with an abutting portion 58.

In the state shown in FIG. 3A in which the process cartridge 1 is mounted, when the transfer roller holder 54 is to be taken out, the abutting portion 57 and the abutting portion 58 come into contact with each other and the transfer roller The holder 54 cannot be removed. A regulating block 62 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side. The regulating block 62 is urged by a spring 59 to press the transfer roller holder 54, and the transfer roller holder 54 is moved to the position shown in FIG. The force is applied to push back to the right.

FIG. 3B is a view for explaining the operation when the transfer roller holder 54 is removed from the main body.

When the transfer roller holder 54 is to be removed, the front cover 45 is rotated about the fulcrum 46 in the direction of arrow F and is opened.

By the way, the process cartridge 1 is provided with a pin 64, and the pin 64 moves along a rail 65 provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus, whereby the process cartridge 1 is attached and detached. FIG. 3 (b)
Indicates a state in which the process cartridge 1 is slightly pulled out in the direction of arrow G. In this state, the process cartridge 1 is stopped at a position raised above a position at the time of normal mounting. At this time, the abutting portion 58 provided on the process cartridge 1 also retreats upward, so that the abutting portion 58 and the abutting portion 57 on the transfer holder 54 side are released, and the transfer roller holder 54 is removed. Becomes possible. Then, the claw 61 of the transfer roller holder 54
Is removed, the entire transfer roller holder 54 moves in the direction of arrow H due to the pressing force of the spring 59, whereby the transfer roller holder 54 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body.

Thereafter, the regulating block 62 moves rightward in FIG. 3B. The regulating block 62 is provided with an abutting portion 60, and the process cartridge 1 is provided with an abutting portion 63. When the process cartridge 1 is to be returned in the direction opposite to the arrow G in the state shown in FIG. 3B, the abutting portion 60 and the abutting portion 63 come into contact, and the process cartridge 1 does not return to the mounting position. At this time, the transfer roller holder 54 can be taken in and out at the position of the process cartridge 1.
When the button 4 is pushed in the direction opposite to the arrow H, the regulating block 62 is also pushed, and the butting portion 60 does not come into contact with the butting portion 63, and the process cartridge 1 is set at a predetermined position.

Next, the operation of removing the transfer roller 9 from the transfer roller holder 54 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the transfer roller holder 54 alone, and the pre-transfer guide 29 is rotatably provided on the transfer roller holder 54.

To remove the transfer roller 9, as shown in FIG. 4B, the pre-transfer guide 29 is rotated in the direction of arrow B to open it, and then the transfer roller 9 is moved in the direction of arrow C. Just lift it up. Then, the transfer roller holder 5
In a state in which 4 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body, the static elimination needle 25 and the pre-transfer guide 29 can be easily cleaned.

FIG. 5 is an external view of the image forming apparatus with the front cover 45 opened in the direction of arrow F. The front plate 50 has an opening 48 for taking out the process cartridge 1.
Is provided.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
Transfer roller 9 and its surrounding components are transferred to transfer roller holder 5.
Since the entire unit 4 can be detached, it is possible to prevent the transfer roller 9 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 from being damaged.

Further, since only the transfer roller holder 54 can be replaced without attaching and detaching the process cartridge 1, the workability of replacement and cleaning of the transfer roller holder 54 is enhanced.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a transfer roller as a means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is a unit (transfer) together with a holder for holding the transfer roller. The unit (process cartridge) for holding the photosensitive member can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. The transfer roller holder is provided with a movable handle. By moving the handle, the lock of the transfer roller holder is released, and the transfer roller holder can be removed from the apparatus main body.

The handle and the process cartridge are provided with an abutting portion, respectively. When the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body, the abutting portions come into contact with each other when trying to move the handle, and the handle is moved. Is regulated so as not to unlock the transfer roller holder.

Since the whole image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment and the functions thereof are the same as those of the image forming apparatus according to the above embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Also in the present embodiment, the transfer roller holder 54 holding the transfer roller 9 is configured as a unit that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, and details of the configuration are shown in FIG. Have been.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transfer roller holder 54. The transfer roller holder 54 is provided with a transfer roller 9, a static elimination needle 25, and a pre-transfer guide 29. Both ends are rotatably supported by the transfer roller bearing 27. A transfer roller gear 35 is provided at an end of the transfer roller 9.
A rotational driving force is transmitted from the photosensitive drum 3 to the transfer roller 9 via the transfer roller gear 35.

A handle 68 is provided in front of the transfer roller holder 54, and a lever 67 is swingably provided. The lever 67 is provided with a claw 70 (see FIG. 7) for fixing the transfer roller holder 54 itself to the main body of the image forming apparatus.
Is provided.

The transfer roller holder 54 is provided with a pre-transfer guide 29 so as to be rotatable.
In order to remove the transfer roller 9, the pre-transfer guide 29 may be opened and the transfer roller 9 may be lifted as in the first embodiment.

When the transfer roller holder 54 is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the static elimination needle 25 and the pre-transfer guide 29 can be easily cleaned.

Next, the replacement operation of the transfer roller holder 54 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view similar to FIG.

FIG. 7A shows a state where the process cartridge 1 is mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus.
Here, the photosensitive drum 3 is rotatably provided in the process cartridge 1, and a transfer roller driving gear 34 and a drum coupling 37 are provided at an end of the photosensitive drum 3, respectively. When the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly, the drum coupling 37 is connected to the drum driving gear 36 on the image forming apparatus main assembly side.
The photosensitive drum 3 is rotationally driven by receiving a rotational driving force from the main body side.

A front cover 45 is provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus so as to be rotatable about a fulcrum 46. A block 55 is provided on the front cover 45, and the block 55 Malfunction due to incomplete mounting is prevented. The process cartridge 1 is provided with an abutting portion 58.

In the state shown in FIG. 7A in which the process cartridge 1 is mounted, when the lever 67 is pushed in to take out the transfer roller holder 54, the butting portion 66 and the butting portion 58 come into contact. Therefore, it is impossible to remove the transfer roller holder 54 with the process cartridge 1 mounted.

FIG. 7B is a view for explaining the operation when the transfer roller holder 54 is detached from the main body.

When the transfer roller holder 54 is to be removed, the front cover 45 is rotated about the fulcrum 46 in the direction of arrow F and is opened.

A pin 64 is provided on the process cartridge 1, and the pin 64 is moved along a rail 65 provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus, whereby the process cartridge 1 is attached and detached.
FIG. 7B shows a state in which the process cartridge 1 is slightly pulled out in the direction of arrow G. In this state, the process cartridge 1 is stopped at a position raised above a position at the time of normal mounting. At this time, the butting portion 58 provided on the process cartridge 1 also retreats upward,
By pushing the lever 67, the claw 70 comes off, and the transfer roller holder 54 can be pulled out in the direction of arrow H.

In this embodiment, the transfer roller 9 and its peripheral parts can be attached and detached together with the transfer roller holder 54, so that the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0072]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the transfer roller and its peripheral parts can be attached and detached together with the transfer roller holder, so that the transfer roller and the surface of the photosensitive member are not damaged. Is obtained.

Further, by adopting a configuration in which only the transfer roller holder can be replaced without attaching / detaching the process cartridge, there is an effect that the workability of replacement and cleaning of the transfer roller holder can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transfer roller holder of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a transfer roller holder of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with a front cover opened.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a transfer roller holder of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of replacing a transfer roller in a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 process cartridge 3 photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 9 transfer roller 54 transfer roller holder 56 handle 57, 58 abutment section 60 abutment section 62, 66 abutment section 68 handle S sheet material

Claims (6)

[Claims] A transfer roller configured to transfer a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, the transfer roller serving as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller; In the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge holding the photosensitive member can also be detachable from the apparatus main body, wherein a transfer unit is provided for each of the transfer roller holder and the process cartridge. An image forming apparatus, wherein the abutting portions come into contact with each other when the transfer roller holder is to be moved in the removal direction, so that attachment and detachment of the transfer roller holder are regulated by the process cartridge. 2. A transfer roller as means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is used as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller. The transfer roller holder is provided with a movable handle, and by moving the handle, the transfer roller holder is unlocked and the transfer roller holder can be removed from the apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge holding the photosensitive member can also be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. The transfer roller holder and the process cartridge are provided with abutting portions, and the process cartridge is mounted. When the handle is trying to move, By being configured so that it can not unlock the transfer roller holder by regulating the movement of the handle Te image forming apparatus according to claim. 3. A transfer roller as a means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller serves as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller from the apparatus body to the transfer roller axial direction. An image forming apparatus that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge holding the photosensitive member can also be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body; The regulating block and the process cartridge are provided with abutting portions, respectively. When the process block is to be mounted at a position where the regulating block moves in a direction in which the transfer roller holder is removed, the abutting portion is provided. The movement of the process cartridge is regulated by contact with each other. An image forming apparatus characterized in that cormorants configuration. 4. The transfer roller holder can be mounted in a state where the abutting portion of the process cartridge is in contact with the abutting portion of the regulating block.
4. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein, when the transfer roller holder is mounted, the regulating block retreats in conjunction with the abutting portions so that the abutting portions do not come into contact with each other, so that the process cartridge fits in a predetermined position. Image forming apparatus. 5. A transfer roller as means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is used as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller in a direction from the apparatus main body to the transfer roller axial direction. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, comprising: at least the photosensitive member; and at least one process means acting on the photosensitive member, wherein the transfer roller holder is removed in a removing direction. A process cartridge provided with an abutting portion for restricting attachment and detachment of the transfer roller holder by abutting the abutting portion of the transfer roller holder when the transfer roller is to be moved. 6. A transfer roller as means for transferring a toner image developed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet material, and the transfer roller is used as a transfer roller holder together with a holder for holding the transfer roller from the apparatus body to the transfer roller axial direction. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus provided with a regulating block that moves in conjunction with the transfer roller holder mounting and demounting, wherein at least the photosensitive member and the photosensitive member; A stopper for restricting the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge by abutting against the abutting portion of the regulating block at a position where the regulating block has moved the transfer roller holder in the removing direction. A process cartridge having a contact portion.