JP2002207408A - Electrophotographic image forming device and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an opening and closing cover and each constituting member of a process cartridge from abutting to each other when the process cartridge is pulled out by opening the opening and closing cover. SOLUTION: In the device, the opening and closing cover 20 is made to move to and from a cartridge attaching part S by a slide rail 22. A finger that is put on a handle 132 is made to abut to a pull out restriction part 26 of the opening and closing cover 20 when the process cartridge C is pulled out from the cartridge attaching part S and in this state the cover is kept apart from a transfer roll 10, a carrying guide 21, a photosensitive drum 101 on the process cartridge side and other process means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for recording image information using an electrophotographic process in a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile or the like. Further, the present invention relates to a process cartridge which is detachable from a main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Here, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. And, as an example of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
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 are included.

A process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body. In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, it refers to a device in which at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0004]

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 formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is used as an image forming apparatus. A process cartridge system detachable from the 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.

A conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a laser beam printer in which a process cartridge for forming an image is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus A as an image forming apparatus of a conventional example. In the figure, a sheet P as a recording medium stacked in a sheet cassette 201 is fed by a feeding unit 20.
After the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 207 is transferred onto the sheet P by the transfer roller 206 as a transfer unit in the image forming unit 203, the image is formed by the fixing unit 204. The sheet is fixed on a sheet, and is discharged outside the apparatus by discharge means 205.

A photosensitive drum 207 which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member,
A charging unit 208 for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 207; a cleaning unit 209 for cleaning residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 207 after transfer; a developing unit 210 for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 207 with toner; The toner storage container 211 for storing the toner is integrated as a process cartridge C, and is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus A. A sheet guide 216 provided on the process cartridge side guides the sheet P.

Reference numeral 213 denotes a laser scanner for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 207 uniformly charged by the charging means 208.

Reference numeral 214 denotes an opening / closing cover which is opened when the process cartridge C is attached to / detached from the image forming apparatus A. On the opening / closing cover, a transfer roller 206 and a sheet conveyance guide 215 for guiding the sheet P during image formation are provided. It is.

In this apparatus, the process cartridge C can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus A by opening the opening / closing cover 214 and pulling out the handle 212 of the process cartridge C.

[0011]

However, in the above configuration, if the process cartridge C is carelessly pulled out from the image forming apparatus A, as shown in FIG. May collide. When the process cartridge C collides with the transfer roller 206 and damages the surface of the transfer roller 206, or when the photosensitive drum 207 collides with the sheet conveyance guide 215 and damages the surface of the photosensitive drum 207, an image may be disturbed at the damaged portion. .

A gear for driving the photosensitive drum fixed to the photosensitive drum 207, a developing roller,
When the gear for driving the transfer roller hits the opening / closing cover and damages the gear, or when the gear hits the gear fixed to the transfer roller for driving the transfer roller 206 and damages the gear, the gear may be damaged. The rotation of the photosensitive drum 207, the developing roller, and the transfer roller 206 may be disturbed, and the image may be disturbed.

Further, the process cartridge C hits the sheet conveying guide 215 on the opening / closing cover side and damages the surface of the sheet conveying guide 215, or the sheet guide 216 on the process cartridge C side hits the opening / closing cover and the surface of the sheet guide 216 faces. When the sheet P is damaged, the leading edge of the conveyed sheet P is caught in the scratch and damages the sheet P, the conveyed sheet P becomes oblique,
The toner image before fixing may be disturbed or jammed.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a sheet conveyance guide when a process cartridge is attached or detached. It is an object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which prevent damage to the image forming apparatus.

[0015]

According to a first 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. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a handle having a finger-holding surface on which a finger for pulling out of the image forming apparatus main body is placed.
A mounting unit for removably mounting a process cartridge having a b. A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to a recording medium is provided. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a drawer restricting portion that prevents the finger from moving by contacting the finger at a separated position; and an opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. Device.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out by holding the handle with the finger of the hand, the finger holding the handle hits the pull-out restricting portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the transfer means is separated from the process cartridge.

Therefore, the process cartridge does not hit the transfer means, and the transfer roller is not damaged.

According to a second 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 photosensitive drum, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a handle having a finger-holding surface on which a finger for pulling out of the image forming apparatus main body is placed.
A mounting unit for removably mounting a process cartridge having a b. A transport guide for transporting the recording medium, and when the process cartridge is pulled out with a finger placed on the finger-holding surface of the handle, the finger abuts at a position where the process cartridge is separated from the transport guide and the finger moves. And an opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting section in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge.

At this time, the transport guide is separated from the process cartridge.

Therefore, the process cartridge does not hit the transport guide, and the transport guide is not damaged.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the opening and closing member moves forward and backward with respect to the opening of the mounting portion. is there.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the opening and closing member is pivotally attached to an edge of an opening of the mounting portion. is there.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and drawn out of the image forming apparatus main body. A handle having a finger-holding surface on which a finger is to be put for removing the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus main body. When the handle is pulled out, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the process cartridge mounting portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body are removed. A process cartridge comprising: a handle provided at a position where a finger hung on the finger-holding surface hits a pull-out restricting portion provided on the opening / closing member and cannot be pulled out in a state where constituent members of the opening / closing member that opens and closes are separated. It is.

At this time, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is not damaged.

A sixth invention according to the present application is directed to a process cartridge, wherein the process cartridge has a gear fixed to an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and wherein a finger on a finger rest surface hits the opening / closing member. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the gear is separated from a constituent member of the opening / closing member.

At this time, the gear fixed to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the gear does not hit each member provided to the opening / closing member, and the gear is not damaged.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, wherein an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are formed using toner. A developing roller for developing;
A developing roller and a process cartridge provided on the image forming apparatus main body when the handle is pulled out to remove the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus main body, the handle having a finger-holding surface on which a finger to be pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body is hung. And a handle provided at a position where a finger hung on the finger-holding surface hits a pull-out restricting portion provided on the opening / closing member and cannot be further pulled out in a state where constituent members of the opening / closing member for opening / closing the part are separated. Is a process cartridge.

In the above arrangement, when the process cartridge is pulled out by holding the handle with the finger of the hand, the finger holding the handle hits the pull-out restricting portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the developing roller is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the developing roller does not hit each member provided for opening and closing, and the developing roller is not damaged.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the process cartridge, the process cartridge has a gear at one end of the developing roller, and when the finger-holding surface is pulled out to the same position as the pull-out restricting portion, the gear operates as an opening / closing member. A process cartridge according to a seventh aspect, wherein the process cartridge is separated from a constituent member.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out by holding the handle with the finger, the finger holding the handle hits the pull-out restricting portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the gear for driving the developing roller is separated from the members provided for opening and closing.

Therefore, the gear does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the gear is not damaged.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge, the process cartridge has an abutting portion for keeping a constant distance between the developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and
The process cartridge according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the abutting portion is separated from a constituent member of the opening / closing member in a state where the abutting portion is pulled out to the same position as the drawer restricting portion.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out by holding the handle with the finger of the hand, the finger holding the handle hits the pull-out restricting portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the butting portion is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the butting portion does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the butting portion is not damaged.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge, the process cartridge has a conveyance guide for guiding a recording medium to be conveyed. The process cartridge according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the transport guide is separated from a constituent member of the opening / closing member. In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out by holding the handle with the finger, the finger holding the handle corresponds to the pull-out restricting portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the transport guide on the process cartridge side is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the transport guide does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the transport guide is not damaged.

According to an eleventh 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. A mounting section for removably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum onto a recording medium; and a contact portion of the process cartridge at a position where the process cartridge is separated from the transfer unit when the process cartridge is taken out. And an opening / closing member for opening and closing the mounting portion in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. Device.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the abutment portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the transfer means is separated from the process cartridge.

Therefore, the transfer means does not hit the process cartridge, and the transfer means is not damaged.

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. A mounting section for removably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. When the process cartridge is provided with a conveyance guide for conveying the recording medium and the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide, the abutted portion of the process cartridge abuts at a position where the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide, and the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide. With an abutment to keep
An opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting section in accordance with the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the abutment portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being further pulled out.

At this time, the transport guide on the opening / closing member side is separated from the process cartridge. Therefore, the transport guide does not hit the process cartridge, and the transport guide is not damaged.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; When the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the component of the opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus main body when the cartridge is pulled out to be removed, the abutting portion contacts the abutting portion of the opening / closing member. And a process cartridge.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the contacted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the contact portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member. Therefore, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is not damaged.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge, the process cartridge has a gear fixed to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and when the contact portion and the contacted portion are in contact with each other, The process cartridge according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the gear is separated from a constituent member of the opening / closing member.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the abutment portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the gear fixed to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the gear does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the gear is not damaged.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, wherein an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are formed using toner. When the developing roller to be developed and the opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus body when the developing roller is pulled out to remove the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus body, the opening / closing member And a contacted part that comes into contact with the contact part.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the abutment portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the developing roller is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the developing roller does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the developing roller is not damaged.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge has a gear at one end of the developing roller, and when the abutting portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other, the gear is an opening / closing member. A process cartridge according to a fifteenth aspect, wherein the process cartridge is separated from a constituent member.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the contacted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the contact portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the gear for driving the developing roller is separated from the members provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the gear does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the gear is not damaged.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge, the process cartridge has an abutting portion for keeping a constant distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the developing roller, and the abutting portion and the abutted portion are provided. In the process cartridge according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the abutting portion is separated from a constituent member of the opening / closing member in a state where the abutment portion is in contact.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the contacted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the contact portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the butting portion is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

For this reason, the abutting portion does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the abutting portion is not damaged.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge has a conveyance guide for guiding a recording medium to be conveyed, and when the abutting portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other, the transporting is performed. Any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, wherein the guide is separated from a constituent member of the opening / closing member.
A process cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the abutment portion of the opening / closing member, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being pulled out further.

At this time, the transport guide on the process cartridge side is separated from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the transport guide does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the transport guide is not damaged.

According to a nineteenth 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. A mounting section for removably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to a recording medium, wherein the process cartridge is separated from the transfer unit when the process cartridge is detached when the process cartridge is detached; And an opening / closing member for opening and closing the mounting portion in the mounting / detaching direction of the process cartridge. It is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided while keeping a state separated from the transfer means.

Therefore, the transfer means does not hit the process cartridge, and the transfer means is not damaged.

According to a twentieth 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. A mounting section for removably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. When the process cartridge has a conveyance guide for conveying the recording medium and the process cartridge is removed, the process cartridge is conveyed by moving the process cartridge while guiding the abutted portion of the process cartridge in a state where the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a guide portion for maintaining a state separated from a guide; and an opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion in a mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided while being kept away from the transport guide of the opening and closing member.

Therefore, the transport guide does not hit the process cartridge, and the transport guide is not damaged.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, when the process cartridge is further pulled out from the state where the guide portion and the contacted portion are in contact with each other, the guide portion opens and closes with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth or twentieth aspect of the invention, wherein the guide is performed while maintaining a state where the constituent members are separated from each other.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum kept separated from the members provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is not damaged.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge, a gear is provided at an end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and the process cartridge is further moved from a state where the guide portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, wherein when pulled out, the guide part guides the gear while keeping a state in which the gear and a constituent member of the opening / closing member are separated. .

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided while the gear fixed to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is kept apart from the members provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the gear does not hit the opening / closing member, and the gear is not damaged.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge, the process cartridge has a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with toner, and When the process cartridge is further pulled out from the state where the contact portion abuts, the guide portion guides the developing roller while keeping a state in which the developing roller and the constituent member of the opening / closing member are separated.
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the ninth to twenty-second aspects.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided with the developing roller kept separated from the members provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the developing roller does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the developing roller is not damaged.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge has a gear at an end of a developing roller, and the process cartridge is further pulled out from a state in which the guide portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other. In addition, the guide portion is
The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, wherein the guide is performed while maintaining the state in which the gear and the constituent members of the opening / closing member are separated.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided with the gear of the developing roller kept separated from the members provided on the opening / closing member.

Thus, the gear does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the gear is not damaged.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge has an abutting member at the end of the developing roller for abutting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and the guide portion and the abutted portion abut. The twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, when the process cartridge is further pulled out of the state, the guide portion guides while keeping the abutting member and the constituent members of the opening and closing member separated. Is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided with the abutting portion kept separated from the members provided on the opening / closing member.

Therefore, the abutting portion does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the abutting portion is not damaged.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present application, the process cartridge has a conveyance guide for a recording medium, and when the process cartridge is further pulled out from a state in which the contact portion and the contacted portion are in contact with each other. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the nineteenth to twenty-fifth aspects, wherein the guide unit guides the transport guide while keeping a state in which the constituent members of the opening / closing member are separated from each other. is there.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is pulled out, the abutted portion of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide portion of the opening / closing member. Thereafter, when the process cartridge is further pulled out, the process cartridge is pulled out while being guided by the guide portion.

At this time, the process cartridge is guided with the transport guide on the process cartridge side kept apart from each member provided on the opening / closing member.

Thus, the transport guide does not hit each member provided on the opening / closing member, and the transport guide is not damaged.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; When pulling out to remove the cartridge, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the process means and the opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus body are kept separated from each other. And a contacted part to be guided.

In the above configuration, when the process cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus main body, each member provided on the opening / closing member of the image forming apparatus main body is damaged, or the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the process means on the process cartridge side are damaged. There is no danger.

[0109]

(Embodiment 1) An example applied to a laser beam printer as Embodiment 1 according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Here, the description will be made in the following order. Overall Configuration of Laser Beam Printer as Image Forming Apparatus Configuration of Process Cartridge Parts Used in Image Forming Apparatus Configuration of Opening / Closing Cover Parts of Image Forming Apparatus Explanation of Process Cartridge Attachment / Removal Operation Explanation of Dimensional Relationship of Opening / Closing Cover Parts and Handle .

{Overall Configuration of Laser Beam Printer}
FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view of a laser beam printer (hereinafter, image forming apparatus) having an image forming apparatus equipped with a process cartridge according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view thereof.

This image forming apparatus A is, as shown in FIG.
The optical unit 1 irradiates a light image based on image information to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 101 as an image carrier. The sheet P as a recording medium is separated and conveyed one by one by a separation unit 2 and a conveyance unit 3 in synchronization with the formation of the toner image.
Transfer roller 1 serving as transfer means
0, the sheet P is transferred to the sheet P, the sheet P is conveyed to the fixing unit 5, the transferred toner image is fixed, and the sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray 7 by the sheet discharging unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge C constituting the image forming section rotates the photosensitive drum 101 and uniformly charges the surface thereof by the charging means 105. Is exposed to the photosensitive drum 101 via the exposure unit 109 to form an electrostatic latent image, and the developing unit 110 forms a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image to visualize the image. After the transfer roller 10 transfers the toner image to the sheet P, the cleaning unit 1
20 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 101. Each component such as the photosensitive drum 101 is housed in a resin housing 130 to form a cartridge.
It is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus A. 1
A sheet guide 37 guides the sheet P conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 101.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an opening / closing cover which is opened when the process cartridge C is attached / detached. A transfer guide 21 that forms one of the transfer roller 10 and the transfer path 9 for the sheet P is provided inside the opening / closing cover 20. As shown in FIG.
By opening the opening / closing cover 20, the process cartridge C can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus A.

In the image forming process, the sheet P is transported along the transport path 9 formed by the transport guide members including the transport guide 21 and the sheet guide 137.

When the cover 20 is opened, the transfer roller 10 is separated from the photosensitive drum 101, the conveying path 9 for the sheet P is opened, and the jammed paper can be easily taken out.

As shown in FIG. 2, an operation panel 8 is provided above the image forming apparatus A. Buttons 8a for operating the image forming apparatus A and buttons for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus A are provided. Display means 8b and the like are arranged.

{Process Cartridge} Next, the structure of each part of the process cartridge C mounted on the image forming apparatus A will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the process cartridge C, FIG. 4 is an external side view of the process cartridge C, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the photosensitive drum, the developing unit, and the transfer unit on the image forming apparatus main body side. is there.

The process cartridge C has the photosensitive drum 101 and at least one process means. Here, as the process means, for example, an image carrier for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface, a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, a developing means for forming a toner image on the image carrier,
There is a cleaning unit for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier.

Process cartridge C of the present embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a charging unit 105, an exposure unit 109, a developing unit 110, and a cleaning unit 120 are arranged around an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 101 as an image carrier, and these are covered with a housing 130. The image forming apparatus A is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus A. Reference numeral 132 denotes a handle for holding the process cartridge C at the time of handling such as attachment and detachment of the process cartridge C.

Next, the structure of each part of the process cartridge C will be described in the order of photosensitive drum, charging means, exposure unit, developing means, cleaning means, and housing.

(Photosensitive Drum) The photosensitive drum 101 according to the present embodiment is constituted by coating an organic photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical drum base made of aluminum. As shown in FIG. 5, a drum gear 102 is fixedly provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 101, and a sleeve drive for transmitting a driving force to a sleeve gear 117 described later is provided at the other end of the photosensitive drum 101. A transfer roller driving gear 104 for transmitting a driving force to the gear 103 and the transfer roller gear 12 is fixed (see FIG. 5). The photosensitive drum 101 is rotatably mounted on the cleaning frame 131, and the driving force of a drive motor provided on the image forming apparatus A side is transmitted to the drum gear 102, so that the photosensitive drum 101 is driven in accordance with the image forming operation. In the direction of arrow F. here,
The transfer roller gear 12 is fixed concentrically to the transfer roller 10.

(Charging means) The charging means is the photosensitive drum 1
In this embodiment, the charging roller 10 is attached to the cleaning frame 131 in this embodiment.
A so-called contact charging method, in which 5 is rotatably mounted, is used.

The charging roller 105 is connected to the photosensitive drum 101
During image formation, the charging roller 105 rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101. At this time, a DC voltage and an AC voltage are applied to the charging roller 105 in a superimposed manner, whereby the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is applied. Charge uniformly.

(Exposure Unit) The exposure unit 109 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 uniformly charged by the charging roller 105 to a light image irradiated from the optical unit 1 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. To form,
By arranging the cleaning frame 131 and the developing frame 133 at a predetermined interval, an exposure section 109 for guiding the light image is formed.

(Developing Unit) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the developing unit 110 stores toner in a toner storage chamber 111 provided in a developing frame 133, and a stirring member 112 for stirring the toner. Is provided rotatably. A non-rotating magnet 113 is provided inside the opening of the developing frame 133.
And a developing roller 114 that forms a thin toner layer on the surface by rotating. Developing roller 11
At both ends of the developing roller 11, abutting rollers 115 are
4 is provided coaxially. A sleeve gear 117 is fixed to the developing roller 114 on one outer side of the abutting roller 115, and receives the driving force from the sleeve driving gear 103 to rotate the developing roller 114.

The outer diameter of the abutting roller 115 is
The developing roller 114 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 101, and the developing roller 114 is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 101 at a small interval by the contact of the abutting roller 115 with the photosensitive drum 101.

When a toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 114, a frictional charge between the toner and the developing roller 114 to obtain a triboelectric charge sufficient to develop an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101 is obtained. A developing blade 116 is provided to regulate the layer thickness of the toner.

By the rotation of the stirring member 112, blocking of toner in the toner storage chamber is prevented, and
The toner is sent to the developing sleeve 114 side.

(Cleaning means) Cleaning means 1
3, the cleaning blade 121 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 and scrapes off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 101, and the photosensitive drum 20 scrapes the scraped toner. It comprises a squeeze sheet 122 that is in weak contact with the surface of 101 and a removed toner chamber 123 for storing the scooped removed toner.

(Construction of Housing) The housing 130 comprises a cleaning frame 131 and a developing frame 133. The cleaning frame 131 holds the photosensitive drum 101, the charging means 105, and the cleaning means 120. The photosensitive drum 101 includes a cleaning frame 131 and a developing frame 1.
33, and is provided adjacent to the opening 134 for transfer formed by the above. A portion of the photosensitive drum 101, the drum gear 102, the sleeve driving gear 103, and the transfer roller driving gear 104 is exposed from the opening 134, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is opened at the opening 134.
The image is transferred to the sheet P. On the other hand, the developing means 110 is held by the developing frame 133. Cleaning frame 13
1 and the developing frame 133 are rotatably connected by a shaft 135, urged in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 3 by a pressing spring 136, and the photosensitive drum 101 and the abutting roller 115 are pressed against each other.

The handles 132 are provided integrally with the cleaning frame 131 at both ends of the opening 134, and are used when the process cartridge C is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus A.
The user holds the handle 132 and holds the process cartridge C
The attachment / detachment is performed.

The sheet guide 137 is connected to the developing frame 133.
Are integrally provided at a portion adjacent to the opening 134.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 138 denotes a positioning shaft for positioning the process cartridge C with respect to the image forming apparatus A, and is provided coaxially with the photosensitive drum 101 and protrudes from the side surface of the process cartridge C. 13
Reference numeral 9 denotes an attachment / detachment guide for guiding the process cartridge C when the process cartridge C is attached to / detached from the image forming apparatus A, and is provided so as to protrude from the side surface of the process cartridge C along the attachment / detachment direction of the process cartridge C. is there.

{Structure of Opening / Closing Cover} The structure of the opening / closing cover 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the opening / closing cover 20 and the process cartridge C as viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a state when the process cartridge C is attached and detached.

A linear guide (not shown) is provided at both ends of the main body of the image forming apparatus in the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the photosensitive drum 101), and a slide rail 22 is movably fitted to the linear guide. . The moving direction of the slide rail 22 is the direction of the arrow J shown in FIG. Also, slide rail 2
An opening / closing cover 20 is fixed to 2.

The open / close cover 20 provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus A is configured to be slidable in the direction of arrow J in FIG. By pulling out the opening / closing cover 20, which is an opening / closing member, in the direction of arrow J, a mounting portion (cartridge mounting portion) of the process cartridge C is provided.
S is released, and the process cartridge C can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus A. Opening / closing cover 2
By opening 0, the conveyance path 9 of the sheet P is opened, and the jammed paper can be easily taken out. The manual paper feed guide 28 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 29 in conjunction with the opening / closing cover 20, and is supported at the position shown in FIG.

As described above, the transfer roller 10 is provided inside the cover 20. The transfer roller 10 is rotatably supported by a support member 23 provided with the shaft portion 11 on the opening / closing cover 20. A transfer roller driving gear 104 fixed to the photosensitive drum 101 is provided at an end of the shaft 11.
And a transfer roller gear 12 for receiving the drive from the controller and driving the transfer roller 10. The support member 23 is movably fitted to a guide member 24 fixed to the opening / closing cover 20. Then, the support member 23 is urged rightward in FIG. 7 by a compression coil spring 27 contracted between the base of the support member 23 and the guide member 24.

On the upstream side and the downstream side of the transfer roller 10 in the conveying direction of the sheet P, when the opening / closing cover 20 is closed, the conveying roller 10 faces the process cartridge C and forms one of the conveying paths 9 of the sheet P. A guide 21 is provided.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a recess into which the handle 132 of the process cartridge C enters when the cover 20 is closed, and is provided at a position corresponding to the handle 132 (see FIG. 1).

As described above, the opening / closing member is a transfer unit including the opening / closing cover 20 and the transfer roller 10 as its constituent members.
It has a transport guide 21.

{Mounting and Demounting Operation of Process Cartridge} In the image forming apparatus A, mounting means for mounting the process cartridge C is provided. The attachment / detachment of the process cartridge C to / from the image forming apparatus A is performed by opening the open / close cover 20. When the cover 20 is opened, the transfer roller 10 that has been pressed against the photosensitive drum 101 by the spring force of the compression coil spring 27 is separated from the photosensitive drum 101. When the cover 20 is opened, the image forming apparatus A
The mounting guide 30 and the positioning guide groove 31 provided on the left and right inner wall surfaces appear (see FIG. 7).

The process cartridge C is connected to the image forming apparatus A
When the cartridge 1 is mounted on the process cartridge C, the opening / closing cover 20 is opened, and the detachable guide 1
The process cartridge C is inserted along with the mounting guide 30. The mounting of the process cartridge C on the inner side surface 28a of the manual paper feed guide 28 facilitates the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge C to and from the image forming apparatus A. In the insertion process, the positioning shaft 13
8 is guided by the positioning guide groove 31, and the process cartridge C is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus A at the end 32 of the positioning guide groove 31 (see FIG. 8). Thereafter, the mounting is completed by closing the opening / closing cover 20. When the cover 20 is closed, the transfer roller 10 provided inside the cover 20 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 101, and the transfer roller gear 12 and the transfer roller drive gear 104 mesh with each other. In addition, the conveyance path 21 for the sheet P is formed with the conveyance guide 21 facing the process cartridge C. Also, the handle 132 fits into the concave portion 25 of the opening / closing cover 20 (see FIG. 1).

The process cartridge C is connected to the image forming apparatus A
When taking it out of the device, the mounting operation is performed in a reverse procedure.
That is, the process cartridge C can be taken out of the image forming apparatus A by opening the opening / closing cover 20, grasping the handle 132 of the process cartridge C with fingers, and pulling out the process cartridge C along the mounting guide 30.

The handle 132 of the process cartridge C is
As described above, it is provided so as to extend from both ends of the opening 134 of the process cartridge C substantially in parallel to the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge C. Tip 132a of handle 132
In order to facilitate the process cartridge C to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus A, a tip end portion is bent downward, and a finger hooking surface 132b for receiving a force in the pulling-out direction by a finger is provided. Further, the upper surface of the tip of the handle 132 has a convex portion 132c which is raised upward so that the process cartridge C can be easily supported in the state shown in FIG.

The process cartridge C is connected to the image forming apparatus A
When attaching or detaching the finger, the index finger or the middle finger is hooked on the finger-holding surface 132b to support the finger from below, and the projection 132
c from above, the process cartridge C
Can be stably supported (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

{Explanation of the dimensional relationship between each part of the open / close cover and each part of the process cartridge} The operation of taking out the process cartridge C from the image forming apparatus A is performed as shown in FIG.
This is performed by hooking a finger on the finger hooking surface 132b of the handle 132 and pulling the finger in the arrow K direction. At this time, handle 1
The movement route of 32 is in the range of M in FIG. On the opening / closing cover 20 on the extension of the movement path M of the handle 132, there is provided a concave portion 25 in which the handle 132 fits when the opening / closing cover 20 is closed.

In the operation of pulling out the process cartridge C, when the user places his / her finger on the handle 132, it is natural that the user puts his / her finger on the finger holding surface 132b from outside the handle 132. When the process cartridge C is pulled out along the mounting guide 30 in this state, when the user's finger comes into contact with the periphery of the concave portion 25 of the opening / closing cover 20, the operation of further pulling out the process cartridge C ends. At this time, the user's finger should be at least
5, the portion 26 adjacent to the outside of the concave portion 25, that is, a part of the opening / closing cover 20 located outside the handle 132 in the lateral direction, allows the process cartridge C to be pulled out. Is restricted.

Thereafter, the user lifts the process cartridge C upward, thereby causing the process cartridge C to rise.
Extraction is completed.

[0149] It is assumed that the user holds the finger-holding surface 1 of the handle 132.
Perform the above removal operation with only one finger on 32b,
Even when the process cartridge C is pulled out to the maximum, when the finger hooked on the finger hooking surface 132b comes into contact with the pull-out restricting portion 26, that is, the finger hooking surface 132b and the pull-out restricting portion 26 are in the same position (FIG. 9)
However, the process cartridge C falls within the range of the normal operation method.
Can be said to have been drawn to the maximum.

In a state where the process cartridge C is pulled out to the maximum as shown in FIG. 9, the transfer roller 10, the transport guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12 are separated from the components of the process cartridge C. Therefore, in the normal operation method, the process cartridge C
Are transfer roller 10, transport guide 21, transfer roller gear 1
The transfer roller 10, the transfer guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12 are not damaged when the process cartridge C is attached or detached.

As a result, the disturbance of the image due to the scratch on the transfer roller 10 is prevented. Further, the sheet P is prevented from being damaged, conveyed diagonally, or being jammed by the sheet being caught by the scratch of the transport guide 21, and the sheet P is repelled by the scratch and transferred onto the sheet P. Disturbance of the unfixed toner image is prevented. Further, the image is prevented from being disturbed by uneven rotation or vibration caused by the transfer roller gear 12 being damaged.

When the process cartridge C shown in FIG.
01, drum gear 102, sleeve drive gear 103, transfer roller drive gear 104, and sheet guide 137
Are separated from the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20, respectively. For this reason, in the normal operation method, the photosensitive drum 1
01, the drum gear 102, the sleeve driving gear 103, the transfer roller driving gear 104, and the sheet guide 137 do not collide with the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20.
01, the drum gear 102, the sleeve driving gear 103, the transfer roller driving gear 104, and the sheet guide 137 are not damaged.

As a result, the image is prevented from being disturbed due to the scratches on the photosensitive drum 101. Further, the photosensitive drum 101, the developing roller 114, and the photosensitive drum 101, which are generated when the drum gear 102, the sleeve driving gear 103, and the transfer roller driving gear 104 are damaged.
An image is prevented from being disturbed by uneven rotation and vibration of the transfer roller 10. Further, the sheet P is prevented from being damaged, conveyed diagonally, or jammed by the sheet being hooked on the wound of the sheet guide 137.

(Embodiment 2) A process cartridge according to Embodiment 2 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller,
Although the cleaning means and the developing means are integrally formed, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus may be configured such that a drum cartridge D having at least a photosensitive drum and a developing cartridge E having at least a developing roller can be separately attached and detached. Here, the drum cartridge D has no developing means and is a type of process cartridge.

Hereinafter, as Embodiment 2, an image forming apparatus in which the drum cartridge D and the developing cartridge E can be separately attached and detached will be described with reference to FIGS.

The process cartridge according to the second embodiment is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus A separately as a drum cartridge D and a developing cartridge E.

The drum cartridge D is constructed integrally with a cleaning frame 140 provided with a photosensitive drum 101, a charging means 105, and a cleaning means 120.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the photosensitive drum 101 is rotatably provided on the cleaning frame 140, and the drum gear 102 is provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 101 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. At the other end, a sleeve driving gear 103 for transmitting a driving force to a sleeve gear 117 described later and a transfer roller driving gear 104 for transmitting a driving force to the transfer roller gear 12 are fixed. Around the photosensitive drum 101, as in the first embodiment,
A charging unit 105 and a cleaning unit 120 are provided.

Reference numeral 141 denotes a handle provided integrally with the cleaning frame 140, and reference numeral 141b denotes a finger-holding surface. When attaching and detaching the drum cartridge D, the user holds the handle 141 with his / her finger. Reference numeral 142 denotes a positioning shaft for positioning the drum cartridge D with respect to the image forming apparatus A, and is provided coaxially with the photosensitive drum 101 and protrudes from the side surface of the drum cartridge D. Reference numeral 143 denotes an attachment / detachment guide for guiding the drum cartridge D when attaching / detaching the drum cartridge D to / from the image forming apparatus A, and is provided so as to protrude from the side surface of the cleaning frame 140 along the attachment / detachment direction of the drum cartridge D. It is. Reference numeral 144 denotes a positioning groove for rotatably positioning a developing cartridge E described later.

The developing cartridge E is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Similarly, the developing roller 114, the developing blade 116, the toner storage chamber 111,
A stirring member 112 is provided to be integrally formed.

That is, as shown in FIG.
The toner is stored in a toner storage chamber 111 provided in 50, and a stirring member 112 is rotatably provided. The opening 151 of the developing frame 150 has a non-rotating magnet 113 therein, and a developing roller 114 that forms a thin toner layer on the surface by rotating. At both ends of the developing roller 114, abutting rollers 115 are provided coaxially with the developing roller 114. A sleeve gear 117 (see FIG. 5) is provided on one outside of the abutting roller 115, and receives a driving force from the sleeve driving gear 103 to rotate the developing roller 114.

Through the opening 151, the developing roller 11
4. When the abutment roller 115 and a part of the sleeve gear 117 are exposed, and the drum cartridge D and the developing cartridge E are mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the developing roller 114
1 and the sleeve gear 117 is the sleeve drive gear 1
The developing roller 114 is driven to rotate together with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101.

The outer diameter of the abutting roller 115 is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developing roller 114.
When the drum cartridge D and the developing cartridge E are mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the abutment roller 115 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 101, so that the developing sleeve 11
Reference numeral 4 is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 101 at a small interval. At this time, the abutting roller 115 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 101 by pressing means (not shown).

A toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 114, and a developing blade 116 is provided so as to be in pressure contact with the developing roller 114 in order to regulate the thickness of the toner layer.

Reference numeral 152 denotes a sheet guide for guiding the sheet P conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 101, and is provided adjacent to the opening 151 of the developing frame 150. 153
Is a handle provided integrally with the developing frame 150, and is carried out by holding the handle 153 with fingers when the developing cartridge D is attached or detached.
Reference numeral 154 denotes a developing cartridge E and a drum cartridge D.
This is a positioning shaft for positioning with respect to the positioning groove 144, and is provided to protrude from the side surface of the developing cartridge E. Reference numeral 155 denotes an attaching / detaching guide for guiding the developing cartridge E when attaching / detaching the developing cartridge E to / from the image forming apparatus A. The attaching / detaching guide 155 protrudes from the side surface of the developing frame 150 along the attaching / detaching direction of the developing cartridge E. It is. The attachment / detachment guide 155 is attached / detached to / from an attachment guide 30a provided in parallel with the attachment guide 30 for attaching the drum cartridge D of the cartridge attachment section S.

When removing the drum cartridge D and the developing cartridge E from the image forming apparatus A, as in the first embodiment, the user pulls out the drum cartridge D by holding the handle 141 with his / her finger and then removes the handle 153. The developer cartridge E is pulled out with the fingers. Note that the handles 141 and 153 are provided at ends in the longitudinal direction opposite to each other.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a state in which the drum cartridge D is pulled out to the maximum. The dimensional relationship between each part of the opening / closing cover 20 and each part of the drum cartridge D is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. In a state where the drum cartridge D is pulled out to the maximum, as shown in FIG. 11, the constituent members of the drum cartridge D and the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20 are separated as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a state where the developing cartridge E is pulled out to the maximum.

The dimensional relationship between each part of the opening / closing cover 20 and each part of the developing cartridge E is as follows.
That is, when the finger hooked on the finger-holding surface 153b of the handle 153 of the developing cartridge E contacts the pull-out restricting portion 26, that is, in a state where the finger-holding surface 153b and the pull-out restricting portion 26 are in the same position (FIG. 12). ,
Transfer roller 10, conveyance guide 21, transfer roller gear 12
Are separated from the components of the developing cartridge E. Therefore, in the normal operation method, the developing cartridge E does not hit the transfer roller 10, the transport guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12, and the developing cartridge E
Transfer roller 10, transport guide 2
1. The transfer roller gear 12 is not damaged.

The finger-holding surface 153b shown in FIG.
In a state where the drawer restricting portion 26 and the drawer restricting portion 26 are at the same position, the developing roller 114, the sleeve gear 117, the abutting roller 115, and the sheet guide 152 are separated from the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20, respectively. Therefore, in the normal operation method, the developing roller 114, the sleeve gear 117, the abutting roller 115, and the sheet guide 152 do not hit the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20.
The sleeve gear 117, butting roller 115, and sheet guide 152 are not damaged.

The other structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The second embodiment is configured as described above, and similarly to the first embodiment, image disturbance due to scratches on the transfer roller 10, the transfer roller gear 12, and the conveyance guide 21 is prevented, and the sheet P Is prevented from being damaged, conveyed diagonally, or jammed.

In addition, the disturbance of the image due to the damage of the developing roller 114 is prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent an image from being disturbed by uneven rotation or vibration of the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 114 caused by the damage of the sleeve gear 117. Further, when the abutting roller 115 is damaged, an image is disturbed due to a partial change in a minute distance between the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 114, and an image is generated due to uneven rotation or vibration of the abutting roller 115 due to the flaw. The contact portion of the abutting roller 115 of the photosensitive drum 101 is prevented from being damaged by the disturbance or the scratch. Further, the sheet P is prevented from being damaged, conveyed diagonally, or jammed by the sheet being caught by the wound of the sheet guide 152.

(Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge capable of more reliably obtaining the same effects as those of Embodiment 1 described above.

Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the third embodiment, the open / close cover 20
Is opened and closed by a slide rail 42 in the direction of arrow N in FIG. The sliding direction N of the opening / closing cover 20 is configured to have a predetermined angle θ with respect to the attaching / detaching direction K of the process cartridge C. Reference numeral 25 denotes a recess for accommodating the handle 132 of the process cartridge C when the cover 20 is closed.

The angle θ is set such that at least a part of the movement path M of the handle 132 is located outside the recess 25 when the cover 20 is opened.

In the third embodiment, the operation of removing the process cartridge C from the image forming apparatus A is performed by opening the open / close cover 20 and putting a finger on the handle 132 of the process cartridge C in the same manner as in the first embodiment. This is performed by pulling out the process cartridge C along the mounting guide 30.

Insert the process cartridge C into the mounting guide 30
When pulled out along the handle 13 as shown in FIG.
2 comes into contact with the upper surface 46 of the concave portion 25, and the process cartridge C is not pulled out any more. At this time, the dimensional relationship of each part is configured such that the transfer roller 10, the transport guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12 are separated from the constituent members of the process cartridge C, respectively.

At this point, the photosensitive drum 10
1, the drum gear 102, the sleeve drive gear 103, the transfer roller drive gear 104, and the sheet guide 137
The dimensional relationship of each part is configured such that each part is separated from the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20.

The other structure of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The third embodiment is configured as described above, and in the operation of taking out the process cartridge C,
The process cartridge C does not hit the transfer roller 10, the conveyance guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12.
0, the transport guide 21 and the transfer roller gear 12 are not damaged. Further, the photosensitive drum 101 and the drum gear 10
2, sleeve drive gear 103, transfer roller drive gear 10
4 and the sheet guide 137 do not hit the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20, and are misunderstood when the process cartridge C is attached or detached.
2, sleeve drive gear 103, transfer roller drive gear 10
4. The sheet guide 137 is not damaged.

As a result, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained more reliably.

(Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 3, the opening / closing cover 20 of the image forming apparatus is
2, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, even in the image forming apparatus in which the opening / closing cover 20 rotates and opens around the hinge portion 57, when the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20 are present in the path through which the process cartridge C can be pulled out, the present embodiment is implemented. Similarly to Embodiment 3, the photosensitive drum 101, the drum gear 102, the sleeve drive gear 103, the transfer roller drive gear 104, the sheet guide 137, and the transfer roller 1
0, it is possible to prevent the transfer roller gear 12 and the transport guide 21 from being damaged.

In the following, a fourth embodiment will be described.
An image forming apparatus in which 0 rotates and opens will be described with reference to FIGS.

The opening / closing cover 20 of the image forming apparatus A according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that the opening / closing cover 20 rotates and opens around the hinge 57 provided at the lower portion of the opening / closing cover 20 as described above. ing. The transfer roller 10, the conveyance guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12 are provided inside the opening / closing cover 20, as in the first embodiment. Reference numeral 25 denotes a process cartridge C when the open / close cover 20 is closed.
Is a recess into which the handle 132 is inserted.
Similarly to the above, it is provided at a position corresponding to the handle 132.

Reference numeral 58 denotes a protrusion provided on the opening / closing cover 20 side.
14, the protrusion 58 is provided to protrude into the movement path M of the handle 132 when the cover 20 is opened, as shown in FIG.

When the cover 20 is closed,
As shown in FIG. 15, since the protrusion 58 is located above the handle 132, there is no problem in opening and closing the opening and closing cover 20.

The process cartridge C is connected to the image forming apparatus A
The operation of taking out the process cartridge C is performed by opening the opening / closing cover 20 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
This is performed by putting a finger on 2 and pulling out the process cartridge C along the mounting guide 30.

The process cartridge C is inserted into the mounting guide 30.
When pulled out along the handle 13 as shown in FIG.
2 comes into contact with the convex portion 58 provided on the opening / closing cover 20, and the process cartridge C is not pulled out any further. At this time, the dimensional relationship of each part is configured such that the transfer roller 10, the transport guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12 are separated from the constituent members of the process cartridge C, respectively.

At this point, the photosensitive drum 10
1, the drum gear 102, the sleeve drive gear 103, the transfer roller drive gear 104, and the sheet guide 137
The dimensional relationship of each part is configured such that each part is separated from the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20.

The other structure of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The fourth embodiment is configured as described above, and in the operation of taking out the process cartridge C,
The process cartridge C does not hit the transfer roller 10, the conveyance guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12.
0, the transport guide 21 and the transfer roller gear 12 are not damaged. Further, the photosensitive drum 101 and the drum gear 10
2, sleeve drive gear 103, transfer roller drive gear 10
4 and the sheet guide 137 do not hit the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20, and are misunderstood when the process cartridge C is attached or detached.
2, sleeve drive gear 103, transfer roller drive gear 10
4. The sheet guide 137 is not damaged.

As a result, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained in an image forming apparatus in which the opening / closing cover 20 is rotated and opened.

(Embodiment 5) Embodiment 5 relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge capable of obtaining the same effects as those of Embodiment 3 above without causing a user to feel uncomfortable.

Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 62 denotes a cartridge guide member, and the transfer roller 1 inside the opening / closing cover 20 is provided.
0 and the right and left outer positions of the transport guide 21 and at positions corresponding to the detachable guides 139 provided to protrude outward from the side surfaces of the process cartridge C. When the process cartridge C is attached or detached, the cartridge guide member 62 serves as the detachable guide 13 for the process cartridge C.
9 to guide the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge C.

When removing the process cartridge C from the image forming apparatus A, the open / close cover 20 is opened and the handle 132 of the process cartridge C is opened, as in the first embodiment.
The process cartridge C is pulled out along the mounting guide 30 with fingers.

The process cartridge C is inserted into the mounting guide 30.
16, the detachable guide 139 comes into contact with the cartridge guide member 62 as shown in FIG. 16, and when the process cartridge C is further pulled out, the detachable guide 139 is moved by the cartridge guide member 62 as shown in FIG. 17. It is pulled out while being guided upward in FIG.

When the process cartridge C is mounted, the process is performed in the reverse order of the pull-out operation. That is, the process cartridge C is inserted while the detachable guide 139 of the process cartridge C is guided by the cartridge guide member 62, and the detachable guide 139 is further inserted. Mounting guide 3
Push it to a predetermined position while guiding it to zero.

The distance between the cartridge guide member 62 and each of the transfer roller 10, the transport guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12 is different from the distance between the detachable guide 139 and the component members of the process cartridge C. When the guide 139 is in contact with the transfer roller 10, the transfer guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12, the components of the process cartridge C are separated from each other.

Also, with respect to the distance between the cartridge guide member 62 and the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20, the attachment / detachment guide 139 and the photosensitive drum 101, the drum gear 102, the sleeve drive gear 103, the transfer roller drive gear 104, and the sheet guide 137 When the cartridge guide member 62 and the attachment / detachment guide 139 are in contact with each other, the distance between each of the photosensitive drum 101, the drum gear 102, the sleeve drive gear 103, the transfer roller drive gear 104, and the sheet guide 137 is The opening / closing cover 20 is configured such that its constituent members are separated from each other.

The other structure of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment.

The fifth embodiment is configured as described above. When the process cartridge C is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus A, the transfer roller 10, the transport guide 21, and the transfer roller gear 12 are respectively attached to the process cartridge C. Are guided in a separated state.

Also, the photosensitive drum 101 and the drum gear 10
2, sleeve drive gear 103, transfer roller drive gear 10
4. With respect to each of the sheet guides 137, the constituent members of the opening / closing cover 20 are guided in a separated state.

For this reason, in the process of attaching and detaching the process cartridge C, the process cartridge C is attached and detached while being guided by the cartridge guide member 62, so that the transfer roller 10, the transport guide 21 and the transfer roller gear 12 are attached to the process cartridge C. Of the photosensitive drum 101, the drum gear 102, the sleeve driving gear 103, the transfer roller driving gear 104, and the sheet guide 137.

As a result, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the third embodiment, and to obtain a detachable operability without a sense of discomfort.

Although the process cartridges in Embodiments 3 to 5 have been described with reference to an example in which the photosensitive drum, charging means, cleaning means, and developing means are integrally provided, the present invention is not limited to this. As in Embodiment 2, the configuration may be such that the drum cartridge having at least the photosensitive drum and the developing cartridge having at least the developing roller are separately attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.

In addition, the first to fifth embodiments described above.
In the above, the image forming apparatus has been described by taking a printer as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a copying machine, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine thereof.

[0210]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Image forming unit When the process cartridge is pulled out from the image forming apparatus, a transfer unit, a guide member for guiding the conveyance of the sheet, a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, an abutting member for keeping a minute gap between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, a transfer unit or a photosensitive member Each gear constituting the gear train for transmitting the drive to the drum or the developing roller is not damaged.

As a result, the image is prevented from being disturbed due to the scratch, and the sheet is prevented from being scratched, skewed, and jammed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a process cartridge.

FIG. 4 is an external side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a photosensitive drum, a developing unit, and a transfer unit.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a main part when the opening / closing cover and the process cartridge are viewed from above.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state when a process cartridge is attached and detached.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state when a process cartridge is attached and detached.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge is pulled out to the maximum.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view showing the configuration of a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state in which the drum cartridge is pulled out to the maximum.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge is drawn out to the maximum.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge according to the third embodiment is drawn out to the maximum.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment is pulled out to the maximum.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state where an opening / closing cover according to Embodiment 4 is closed.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state when the process cartridge according to the fifth embodiment is attached and detached.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state when the process cartridge according to the fifth embodiment is attached and detached.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state when a process cartridge is attached to and detached from a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Image forming apparatus C: Process cartridge D: Drum cartridge E: Developing cartridge M: Moving path of handle P: Sheet S: Cartridge mounting part θ: Angle between sliding direction N of opening / closing cover and mounting / detaching direction K of process cartridge F ... Rotating direction of the photosensitive drum Arrow G ... Burning direction of the developing means Arrow J ... Sliding direction of the open / close cover Arrow K ... Drawing direction of the process cartridge Arrow N ... Sliding direction of the open / close cover, 1 ... Optical means 2 ... Separating means 3 ... Conveying means 5 ... Fixing means 6 ... Discharge means 7 ... Discharge tray 8 ... Operation panel 8a ... Button 8b ... Display means 9 ... Convey path 10 ... Transfer roller 11 ... Transfer roller shaft 12 ... Transfer roller gear 20 ... Open / close cover 21 ... Transport guide 22 ... Slide rail 23 ... Support member 24 ... Guide member 25 ... Recess 26 ... Pull Feeding-out restricting portion 27: Compression coil spring 28: Manual feed guide 29: Shaft 30, 30a: Mounting guide 31: Positioning guide groove 32: End of positioning guide groove 42: Slide rail 46: Surface above concave portion 57: Hinge Section 58 Projecting section 62 Cartridge guide member 101 Photosensitive drum 102 Drum gear 103 Sleeve driving gear 104 Transfer roller driving gear 105 Charging means (charging roller) 109 Exposure section 110 Developing means 111 Toner storage chamber 112 ... Agitating member 113 ... Magnet 114 ... Developing roller 115 ... Abutment member 116 ... Developing blade 117 ... Sleeve gear 120 ... Cleaning means 121 ... Cleaning blade 122 ... Squeeze sheet 123 ... Waste toner chamber 130 ... Housing 131 ... Cleaning frame 132 ... Handle 32a: tip of the handle 132b: finger surface 132c: convex portion 133: developing frame 134: opening 135: shaft 136: pressure spring 137: sheet guide 138: positioning shaft 139: detachable guide 140: cleaning frame 141 ... Handle 141b Finger-holding surface 142 Positioning shaft 143 Detachment guide 144 Positioning groove 150 Developing frame 151 Opening section 152 Sheet guide 153 Handle 153b Finger-holding surface 154 Positioning shaft 155 Detachable guide 201 Feeding cassette 202 feeding unit 203 image forming unit 204 fixing unit 205 discharging unit 206 transfer roller 207 photosensitive drum 208 charging unit 209 cleaning unit 210 developing unit 211 toner storage container 212 handle 213 laser scanner 214 ... opening and closing hippopotamus 215 ... sheet conveying guide 216 ... sheet guide

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A process cartridge having: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a handle having a finger-holding surface on which a finger for pulling the hand from the image forming apparatus main body is detachably mounted. A mounting portion; b. A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to a recording medium is provided. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a drawer restricting portion that contacts the finger at a separated position to prevent the finger from moving, and an opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. apparatus. 2. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a handle having a finger-holding surface on which a finger for catching a hand to be pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body is detachably mounted. A mounting part; b. A transport guide for transporting the recording medium, and when the process cartridge is pulled out by placing a finger on the finger-holding surface of the handle, the finger abuts at a position where the process cartridge is separated from the transport guide and the finger moves. An opening / closing member that includes a drawer restricting unit that prevents the mounting unit from opening and closing according to a mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. 3. The opening and closing member moves forward and backward by a linear motion with respect to an opening of the mounting portion.
2. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to 1. 4. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member is pivotally attached to an edge of an opening of the mounting portion. 5. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, wherein an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a hand for pulling out from the image forming apparatus main body are hung. A handle having a finger-holding surface, and a component of an opening / closing member that opens and closes a mounting portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process cartridge provided in the image forming apparatus main body when the handle is pulled out to remove the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus main body. And a handle provided at a position where the finger hung on the finger-holding surface hits a pull-out restricting portion provided on the opening / closing member and cannot be pulled out in a state in which the fingers are separated from each other. 6. The process cartridge has a gear fixed to an electrophotographic photoreceptor drum, and in a state where a finger hung on the finger-holding surface hits the opening / closing member, the gear is a member of the opening / closing member. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the process cartridge is separated from a constituent member. 7. A process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using toner; A handle having a finger-holding surface on which a finger to be pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body is attached, and a developing roller and a process cartridge mounting portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body when pulling the handle to remove the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus main body And a handle provided at a position where a finger hung on the finger-holding surface hits a pull-out restricting portion provided on the opening-and-closing member and cannot be further pulled out in a state where the constituent members of the opening / closing member that opens and closes are separated. Process cartridge. 8. The process cartridge has a gear at one end of a developing roller, and the gear is separated from a constituent member of an opening / closing member when the finger-holding surface is pulled out to the same position as the pull-out restricting portion. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The process cartridge has a contact portion that keeps a constant distance between the developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and in a state where the finger hooking surface is pulled out to the same position as the pull-out restricting portion, The said abutment part is separated from the component member of the said opening / closing member, The Claim 7 characterized by the above-mentioned.
Or the process cartridge according to 8. 10. The process cartridge has a conveyance guide for guiding a recording medium to be conveyed, and in a state in which the finger-holding surface is pulled out to the same position as the pull-out restricting portion, the conveyance guide is provided for the opening / closing member. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the component is separated from the component.
10. The process cartridge according to any one of items 1 to 9. 11. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A mounting unit for detachably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum onto a recording medium; and a contact portion of the process cartridge at a position where the process cartridge is separated from the transfer unit when the process cartridge is taken out. And an opening / closing member for opening / closing the mounting portion in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. apparatus. 12. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A mounting unit for detachably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. When the process cartridge is provided with a conveyance guide for conveying the recording medium and the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide, the abutted portion of the process cartridge abuts at a position where the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide, and the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide. With an abutment to keep
An opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion in accordance with a mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. 13. A process cartridge detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; processing means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a process cartridge for removing the process cartridge from the main body of the image forming apparatus. An abutting portion that abuts on an abutting portion of the opening / closing member when the constituent members of the opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus main body are separated from each other. Characteristic process cartridge. 14. The process cartridge has a gear fixed to an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and when the contact portion and the contacted portion are in contact with each other, the gear is a constituent member of an opening / closing member. The process cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the process cartridge is separated from the process cartridge. 15. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using toner; When the developing roller is pulled out to remove the process cartridge from the forming apparatus main body, the developing roller and the opening / closing member that opens and closes the mounting portion of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus body are in contact with the abutting portion of the opening / closing member in a separated state. A process cartridge comprising: a contacted portion; 16. The process cartridge has a gear at one end of a developing roller, and when the contact portion and the contacted portion are in contact with each other, the gear is separated from a constituent member of an opening / closing member. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein: 17. The process cartridge has an abutting portion for keeping a constant distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the developing roller, and when the abutting portion abuts on the abutted portion. 17. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the butting portion is separated from a constituent member of the opening / closing member. 18. The process cartridge has a conveyance guide for guiding a recording medium to be conveyed, and when the contact portion and the contacted portion are in contact with each other, the conveyance guide is a constituent member of an opening / closing member. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the process cartridge is separated from the process cartridge. 19. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A mounting unit for detachably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to a recording medium, wherein the process cartridge is separated from the transfer unit when the process cartridge is detached when the process cartridge is detached; An opening / closing member for providing a guide portion for guiding the process cartridge to keep the process cartridge separated from the transfer means by moving the process cartridge, and for opening and closing the mounting portion in the mounting / detaching direction of the process cartridge. Electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 20. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A mounting unit for detachably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; b. When the process cartridge has a conveyance guide for conveying the recording medium and the process cartridge is removed, the process cartridge is conveyed by moving the process cartridge while guiding the abutted portion of the process cartridge in a state where the process cartridge is separated from the conveyance guide. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a guide portion for keeping a state separated from the guide; and an opening / closing member for opening and closing the mounting portion in a mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. 21. When the process cartridge is further pulled out from a state in which the guide portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other, the guide portion separates the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a constituent member of an opening / closing member from each other. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the guide is performed while maintaining the state. 22. The process cartridge has a gear at an end of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and when the process cartridge is further pulled out from a state where the guide portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other, the guide is provided. 21. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the unit guides the gear while keeping the gear and a constituent member of the opening / closing member separated. 23. The process cartridge has a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using toner, and the guide portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other. 23. The guide according to claim 19, wherein when the process cartridge is further pulled out from the state, the guide portion guides the developing roller while keeping a state in which the developing roller and a constituent member of the opening / closing member are separated.
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 24. The process cartridge has a gear at an end of a developing roller, and when the process cartridge is further pulled out from a state in which the guide portion is in contact with the abutted portion, the guide portion is 24. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the guide is performed while maintaining a state in which the gear and a constituent member of the opening and closing member are separated. 25. The process cartridge has an abutting member at the end of the developing roller which abuts on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and further moves the process cartridge from the state where the guide portion and the abutted portion abut. 25. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the guide portion guides the guide member when the guide member is pulled out while keeping the abutting member and the constituent members of the opening / closing member separated. 26. The process cartridge has a conveyance guide for a recording medium. When the process cartridge is further pulled out from a state in which the abutting portion and the abutted portion are in contact with each other, the guide portion includes the guide portion. 2. The guide according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance guide and the constituent members of the opening / closing member are guided while being kept apart.
26. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of 9 to 25. 27. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a process cartridge for removing the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the process cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. The abutted portion guided by the guide portion of the opening / closing member while keeping the components of the opening / closing member for opening / closing the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the process unit and the mounting portion of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus body separated. And a process cartridge comprising: