JP2002341721A - Blade member, blade member attaching method, process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the vibration of a blade and to realize a miniaturization of the blade. SOLUTION: An angle formed by a line linking an apex formed by the leading edge surface and the flat surface of an elastic blade and the trailing edge of a supporting member with the flat surface is set between 18 deg. and 22 deg..

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a blade member, a blade member mounting method, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

Here, examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a printer forms a latent image by selectively exposing a photosensitive drum uniformly charged to form a latent image, and visualizes the latent image with toner. Is transferred to a recording medium to perform image recording. In such an apparatus, the toner must be replenished each time the toner runs out. However, this toner replenishment operation is not only troublesome, but also involves contamination. Further, it is necessary to periodically perform maintenance of each member.

Therefore, the photosensitive drum, charging device, developing device, cleaning device, and the like are integrated into a cartridge to form a cartridge. By attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the apparatus main body, the user can supply toner and reach the end of life. A so-called process cartridge system has been put to practical use in which parts such as the photosensitive member can be replaced and maintenance is facilitated.

[0005] As a result, the maintenance can be completed and the toner can be replenished simply by replacing the cartridge, without having to be maintained by a service person at regular intervals, so that a copier, a printer or the like can be used more than ever. It's easier and easier.

Recently, in order to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus, it is desired to reduce the size of a process cartridge and components used therein. Meanwhile,
In order to improve the assembling performance of the process cartridge, it is desired that components used therein can be easily attached and disassembled.

This is because, from the viewpoint of protecting the global environment, the necessity of recycling process cartridges has been increasing in order to use resources effectively. Therefore, development of a more suitable process cartridge for recycling is desired. Here, recycling of process cartridges means collecting used process cartridges from the market, disassembling the collected process cartridges, replacing only necessary parts with new parts, and reusing other parts to reuse process cartridges. It is to be reassembled.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 51-2433 discloses that
The document describes that a unit used for a certain period is collected and reused, but a specific configuration suitable for reuse is not described.

An object of the present invention is to provide a blade member, a blade member mounting method, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus, which are miniaturized and have improved positioning accuracy during mounting.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of permanent deformation, prevent roll-up (reversal), and maintain good performance for a long period of time without generating noise. To provide a blade member, a blade member mounting method, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus that can be used.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a blade member mounting method capable of securing blade mounting accuracy and facilitating mounting, and an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a process cartridge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge suitable for recycling and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be mounted.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge having a remarkably improved assemblability and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge in which the ease of disassembly is significantly improved, and an image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge can be mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge which can efficiently disassemble a used process cartridge collected from the market and is suitable for recycling, and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be mounted. It is.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] Next, a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an image forming apparatus using the process cartridge will be described with reference to the drawings.

{Overall Description of Process Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus Mounted with Process Cartridge} First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus will be outlined. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a cross-sectional configuration of a copier equipped with a process cartridge, which is one mode of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is an external view of the copier with a tray opened, and FIG. 3 is a closed state of the tray. 4, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the cross-sectional configuration of the process cartridge, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the external appearance of the process cartridge, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the external appearance of the process cartridge in an inverted state.

This image forming apparatus A is, as shown in FIG.
The image information of the original 2 is optically read by the original reading means 1, and the recording medium 4 loaded on the feeding tray 3 or manually inserted from the feeding tray 3 is transported by the transporting means 5, and is formed into a cartridge as the process cartridge B. In the formed image forming section, a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) image formed based on the image information is transferred to the recording medium 4 by the transfer means 6, and the recording medium 4 is transported to the fixing means 7 to transfer the toner image. Is fixed and discharged to the discharge tray 8.

The process cartridge B constituting the image forming section rotates the photosensitive drum 9 as an image carrier, uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 by the charging means 10, and reads the surface from the exposure means 11 by the reading means 1. The latent image is exposed to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 9, and a developing unit 12 forms a toner image corresponding to the latent image to make it a visible image. After the transfer unit 6 transfers the toner image to the recording medium 4, the cleaning unit 13 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 9.

The process cartridge B is formed as a cartridge by housing the photosensitive drum 9 and the like in a frame.
The frame is constituted by an upper frame 14 as a first frame and a lower frame 15 as a second frame.

Next, the configuration of each part of the image forming apparatus A and the process cartridge B mounted thereon will be described in detail.

{Image Forming Apparatus} First, the image forming apparatus A
The configuration of each part will be described.

(Original Reading Means) Original reading means 1 includes original 2
As shown in FIG. 1, a document glass 1a for placing a document 2 on an apparatus main body 16, and a sponge 1b1 adhered to an inner top surface, as shown in FIG. A holding plate 1b is mounted on the original glass 1a so as to be openable and closable. The original glass 1a and the original pressing plate 1b are slidably attached to the apparatus main body 16 in the left-right direction in FIG.

On the other hand, a lens unit 1c is provided above the apparatus main body 16 and below the original glass 1a.
A light source 1c1 and a short-focus imaging lens array 1c2 are provided in the unit 1c.

Thus, the original 2 is placed on the original glass 1a with the original writing surface facing down, the light source 1c1 is turned on, and the original glass 1a is slid in the horizontal direction of FIG. Is exposed to the photosensitive drum 9 of the process cartridge B via the lens array 1c2.

(Recording Medium Transporting Unit) The transporting unit 5 transports the recording medium 4 placed on the feed tray 3 to the grinding and fixing unit 7 when the recording medium 4 is transported to the image forming unit. That is, a plurality of recording media 4 are placed on the feeding tray 3 or one recording medium 4 is manually inserted from the feeding tray 3 so that the leading end of the recording medium 4 is in contact with the feeding roller 5a and the friction against the feeding roller 5a. Pad 5
Copy button A3 after setting it to reach the nip of b
When the button is pressed, the feed roller 5a rotates to separate and feed the recording medium 4, and the recording medium 4 is conveyed by the pair of registration rollers 5c1 and 5c2 according to the image forming operation. Then, the recording medium 4 after image formation is conveyed to the fixing unit 7 by the conveying belt 5d and the guide member 5e, and the discharge roller pair 5f1, 5f2
To discharge to the discharge tray 8.

(Transfer Means) The transfer means 6 is for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 in the image forming section to the recording medium 4, and the transfer means 6 of this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. The transfer roller 6 is used. That is, the recording medium 4 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 9 of the mounted process cartridge B by the transfer roller 6, and a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 is applied to the transfer roller 6. Thus, the toner on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to the recording medium 2.

(Fixing Means) The fixing means 7 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 4 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 6, and as shown in FIG. A heat-resistant fixing film 7e is provided on the heating element 7c and the tension plate 7d held by the holder 7b.
Has been passed over. The tension plate 7d is urged by a tension spring 7f to apply tension to the fixing film 7e. A pressure roller 7g is pressed against the fixing film 7e at the heating element 7c, and presses the fixing film 7e against the heating element 7c with a force necessary for fixing.

The heating element 7c has a width of 160 μm and a length of 160 μm (in the direction of the front and back of the paper of FIG. 1) on the lower surface of a heat-resistant and electrically insulating holder 7b such as alumina or a holder 7b made of a composite member including the same. Length) 216 mm, and has a linear or rust-like heat-generating surface made of, for example, Ta ₂ N, and further has a sliding protective layer, for example, Ta ₂ O on the surface.
Is formed. The lower surface of the heating element 7c is smooth, and the front and rear ends are rounded to allow the fixing film 7e to slide. The fixing film 7e is made of polyester as a base material and is formed to a thickness of, for example, about 9 μm, which has been subjected to heat treatment, and is rotated clockwise by the rotation of the driving roller 7a.

When the recording medium 4 onto which the toner image has been transferred passes between the fixing film 7e and the pressure roller 7g,
The toner image is fixed on the recording medium 4 by applying heat and pressure.

Incidentally, a cooling fan 17 is provided in the apparatus main body 16 in order to prevent heat from being trapped in the apparatus main body due to the heating of the fixing means 7 as described above. This fan 1
7 rotates, for example, when a copy button (not shown) is turned on, and generates an airflow flowing into the apparatus from the feed port and flowing out from the discharge port as shown by an arrow a in FIG. The members including the cartridge B in the apparatus are cooled by the air flow, so that heat is not stored in the apparatus.

(Recording medium supply / discharge tray) The supply tray 3 and the discharge tray 8 are rotated by the shafts 3a and 8a on the apparatus main body 16 in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 2 as shown in FIGS. And the shafts 3b, 8a
It is configured to rotate in the direction of arrow c. Locking projections 3c, 8c are provided on both sides of the tip of the rotation of each of the trays 3, 8. These locking projections 3c, 8c
Can be locked in a locking groove 1b2 formed on the upper surface of the document pressing plate 1b.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the respective trays 3 and 8 are bent, and the locking projections 3c and 8c are
b2, the original glass 1a and the original pressing plate 1
b cannot slide. Therefore, the image forming apparatus A can be easily carried by holding the handle 16a.

(Density setting button) The image forming apparatus A is provided with a density setting button. Briefly explaining this, in FIG. 2, A1 is a power switch, and the switch turns on and off the image forming apparatus. A2 is a density adjustment dial, which is used to perform basic density adjustment of the image forming apparatus. Then A
A copy button 3 is pressed to drive the image forming apparatus to start a copy operation. A4 is a copy clear button. Pressing this button interrupts copying,
Various settings such as copy density are released. A5 is a number counter button for setting the number of copies by pressing this button. A6 is an automatic density setting button, and when this button is pressed, the density is automatically set at the time of copying. A7 is a density setting dial for adjusting the density of the copy density by turning the dial as appropriate.

{Process Cartridge} Next, the structure of each part of the process cartridge B mounted on the image forming apparatus A will be described.

The process cartridge B has an image carrier and at least one process means. Here, examples of the processing means include a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, a developing means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a cleaning means for removing toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the process cartridge B of the present embodiment includes a charging unit 10, a developing unit 12 containing toner (developer), and a cleaning unit around an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 9 as an image carrier. 13 are arranged, and these are covered with a housing composed of upper and lower frame bodies 14 and 15 to integrally form a cartridge.
It is configured to be detachable from the device main body 16.

The upper frame 14 is provided with a charging means 10, an exposure means 11, and a toner reservoir of a developing means 12, and the lower frame 15 is provided with a photosensitive drum 9, a developing sleeve of the developing means 12 and a cleaning means 13. It is provided. Next, the configuration of each part of the process cartridge B will be described in detail in the order of the photosensitive drum 9, the charging unit 10, the exposing unit 11, the developing unit 12, and the cleaning unit 13. 7 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the process cartridge in a state where the upper and lower frames are divided, FIG. 8 is an internal perspective explanatory view of the lower frame side, and FIG. 9 is an internal perspective explanatory view of the upper frame side.

(Photosensitive Drum) The photosensitive drum 9 according to this embodiment is formed by applying an organic photosensitive layer 9b to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical drum base 9a having a thickness of about 1 mm and made of aluminum.
It is configured as a 4 mm photosensitive drum 9. By transmitting the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) to a flange gear 9c (see FIG. 8) fixed to one end of the drum 9, the photosensitive drum 9 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. It is composed.

When an image is formed, the charging roller 1 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 9 as the photosensitive drum 9 rotates.
A vibration voltage in which a DC voltage and an AC voltage are superimposed on 0 is applied to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 9. At this time, in order to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum, the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the charging roller 10 must be increased.
If the frequency exceeds about 200 Hz, so-called "charging noise" caused by vibration of the photosensitive drum 9 and the charging roller 10 increases.

That is, when an AC voltage is applied to the charging roller 10, an attractive force acts between the photosensitive drum 9 and the charging roller 10 due to an electrostatic force, so that the mutual attraction between the maximum value and the minimum value of the AC voltage is large. The charging roller 10 is attracted to the photosensitive drum 9 while being elastically deformed. In the central part of the AC voltage, the mutual attraction force decreases, and the charging roller 10 tends to separate from the photosensitive drum 9 by the recovery force of the elastic deformation of the charging roller 10. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 9 and the charging roller 10 generate vibration twice as high as the frequency of the applied AC voltage.
Further, when the charging roller 10 is attracted to the photosensitive drum 9, the mutual rotation is braked, and vibration due to stick-slip also occurs as if a wet glass surface is rubbed with a finger, and these generate a charging noise. appear.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the vibration of the photosensitive drum 9, as shown in the drum sectional view of FIG.
d is provided. The material of the filler 9d may be a metal such as aluminum or brass, a ceramic such as cement or gypsum, or a rubber material such as natural rubber. Any of these may be appropriately selected in consideration of productivity, workability, weight effect, cost, and the like.

The shape of the filler 9 d is a column or a cylinder, for example, about 100 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the photosensitive drum 9.
The filler 9d having an outer diameter smaller by μm is inserted and attached into the hollow drum base 9a. That is, the gap between the drum base 9a and the filling 9d is set to a maximum of 100 μm or less, and an adhesive 9e (for example, cyanoacrylate or epoxy resin) is applied to the outer periphery of the filling or the inner periphery of the drum base 9a. 9d is inserted and mounted in the drum base 9a.

Here, the result of the present inventor changing the position of the filler 9d in the photosensitive drum 9 and examining the relationship between the position of the filler 9d and the sound pressure is shown. In the experiment, as shown in FIG.
The microphone M was placed at a position 30 cm away from the front of the microphone and the sound pressure was measured. As a result, as shown in FIG.
The sound pressure at the center of the photosensitive drum 9 in the rotation axis direction was 54.5 to 54.8 dB, but the filling of 40 gr was shifted toward the gear flange 9c side from the center of the photosensitive drum 9 in the rotation axis direction. The sound pressure became the minimum value at the position shifted to the position of 30 mm. From this result, it can be seen that it is more effective to mount the filler 9d at a position shifted toward the gear flange 9c in the photosensitive drum 9. This is because both ends of the photosensitive drum 9 are supported via a gear flange 9c on one side, and are supported via a bearing member 26 having no flange on the other side. This is because the configuration is asymmetric with respect to the axial center position.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the filler 9d is moved from the flange gear 9c to the drive transmission side to the photosensitive drum 9 with respect to the center c of the photosensitive drum 9 in the rotation axis direction. Attached to the shifted position. still,
In this embodiment, a solid member made of aluminum having a length L ₃ = 40 mm is provided at a position shifted from the center c of the photosensitive drum 9 having an axial length L ₁ = 257 mm and away from the flange gear 9c by L ₂ = 9 mm, and has a weight of about ₃ mm. 20 g to 60 g, preferably 35
g to 45 g, most preferably about 40 g of filling 9d are applied.

As described above, the filling material 9 d is contained in the photosensitive drum 9.
Is provided, the photosensitive drum 9 rotates stably, and the vibration accompanying the rotation of the photosensitive drum 9 during image formation is suppressed. Therefore, even if the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the charging roller 10 is increased, the generation of charging noise can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the ground contact 18a is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9, and the other end is connected to the drum ground contact pin 35a on the apparatus main body side. Although the drum 9 is electrically grounded by the contact, the grounding contact 18a is brought into contact with the inner surface of the end of the photosensitive drum 9 opposite to the side where the flange gear 9c is provided. Provided.

The ground contact 18a is made of stainless steel for spring, phosphor bronze for spring, or the like, and is attached to the bearing member 26. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the base 18a1 is provided with a locking hole 18a2 for press-fitting and locking into a boss provided on the bearing member 26, and the base 18a1 has two holes. Arm portions 18a3 are provided, and the respective arm portions 18a3 are further provided.
At the tip of a3, a hemispherical projection 18a4 protruding to the back side in FIG. 13 is provided.

When the bearing member 26 is attached to the photosensitive drum 9, the projection 18 a 4 comes into pressure contact with the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 by the elastic force of the arm 18 a 3.
At this time, since there are a plurality of places (two places) that come into contact with the photosensitive drum 9, the reliability of the contact is improved, and the hemispherical convex portion 18a4 is formed at the contact part. Contact stabilizes.

As shown in FIG. 14, the length of the arm 18a3 of the ground contact 18a may be made different. In this case, the position where the hemispherical convex portion 18a4 contacts the photosensitive drum 9 is shifted in the circumferential direction. For example, even if the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 has an The portion 18a4 does not run on the flaw at the same time. For this reason, the ground contact becomes more reliable. However, if the length of the arm portion 18a3 is changed, the arm portion 18a when pressed against the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is changed.
Due to the difference in the amount of deformation of a3, a difference may occur in the contact pressure of each arm 18a3, but this can be easily corrected by changing the bending angle of the arm 18a3.

In this embodiment, the grounding contact 18a has two arms 18a3 as described above. However, the number of arms may be three or more. 15 and 16, there is only one arm 18a3 (not divided into two branches), and the hemispherical projection as described above is provided at the tip of the arm 18a3 as shown in FIGS. May not be used.

If the contact pressure of the ground contact 18a against the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is too weak, the hemispherical projection 18
Since a4 cannot follow minute irregularities on the inner surface of the photosensitive drum, a contact failure is likely to occur, and a sound is generated due to the vibration of the arm 18a3. In order to prevent this contact failure and vibration noise, it is necessary to increase the contact pressure. However, if the contact pressure is too high, scratches occur on the inner surface of the drum due to the pressure contact of the hemispherical projections 18a4 when the image forming apparatus is used for a long time. However, vibration is caused by the hemispherical upper convex portion 18a4 rubbing on the scratch, which may cause poor contact or vibration noise.

In consideration of these, the contact pressure of the drum grounding contact 18a against the inner surface of the photosensitive drum is about 10 g to 2 g.
It is preferable to set in the range of 00 g. That is, according to an experiment conducted by the present inventors, the contact pressure was about 10 g.
If it is less than the above, contact failure is likely to occur with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 9, and there is a possibility that radio interference or the like to other electronic devices may occur. If the contact pressure is about 200 g or more, the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is scratched at the sliding portion in contact with the ground contact 18a when used for a long period of time, causing abnormal noise during rotation and poor contact. There was a fear.

Incidentally, there are cases where the generation of the sound or the like cannot be completely removed because of the inner surface condition of the photosensitive drum 9 or the like.
By attaching the filler 9d to the photosensitive drum 9, vibration of the drum 9 can be reduced, or if conductive grease is interposed in a contact sliding portion between the ground contact 18a and the inner surface of the drum, The generation of the scratches and the poor contact can be more reliably prevented.

The ground contact 18a is connected to the bearing member 26 on the side opposite to the filler 9d provided near the flange gear 9c.
In order to attach it, it can be easily attached.

(Charging means) The charging means is the photosensitive drum 9
In this embodiment, a so-called contact charging method as described in JP-A-63-149669 is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the charging roller 10 is rotatably provided on the inner surface of the upper frame 14 via the sliding bearing 10c. This charging roller 10 is provided with an elastic rubber layer such as EPDM or NBR on a metal roller shaft 10b (for example, a conductive core such as iron or SUS), and further provided with a urethane rubber layer in which carbon is dispersed on the peripheral surface. Or a metal roller shaft coated with a urethane foam rubber layer in which carbon is dispersed.

The roller shaft 10 of the charging roller 10
b is mounted so as not to fall off by a bearing slide guide claw 10d of the upper frame body 14 via a slide bearing 10c, and is mounted so as to be slightly slidable toward the photosensitive drum 9, and the roller shaft is mounted by a spring 10a. The charging roller 10 is configured to be urged toward the photosensitive drum 9 so as to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 9. In this charging means, the charging roller 10 is directly incorporated into the upper frame body 14 via a bearing 10c.

In forming an image, the charging roller 10
Is driven by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 9, and at this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is uniformly charged by applying the AC voltage to the charging roller 10 as described above.

The voltage applied to the charging roller 10 will be described in detail. The voltage applied to the charging roller 10 may be only a DC voltage. However, in order to make the charging uniform, the DC voltage and the AC voltage are superimposed as described above. It is preferable to apply the generated oscillation voltage. Preferably, the uniform charging property is improved by applying to the charging roller 10 a vibration voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage and a DC voltage having a peak-to-peak voltage that is twice or more the charging start voltage when only the DC voltage is applied. (JP-A-63-1
No. 49669, etc.). The oscillating voltage here is a voltage whose voltage value changes periodically with time, and is 2 times the charging start voltage of the photosensitive drum surface when only a DC voltage is applied.
It is preferable to have a peak-to-peak voltage that is twice or more, and the waveform is not limited to a sine wave, but may be a rectangular wave, a triangular wave, or a pulse wave. preferable. The AC voltage also includes, for example, a rectangular wave voltage formed by periodically turning on and off a DC power supply.

As shown in FIG. 17, power is supplied to the charging roller 10 at one end 18c1 of the charging bias contact 18c.
Is performed by pressure contact with a charging bias contact pin of the apparatus main body described later, and the other end 18c2 of the charging bias contact 18c presses against the metal roller shaft 10b to apply a voltage to the charging roller 10. Since the charging roller 10 is pressed to the right side in FIG. 17 by the contact 18c having a spring property, the charging roller bearing 10c opposite to the contact 18c is provided with a stopper portion 10c1 bent in a key shape. In order to prevent the charging roller 10 from moving excessively in the axial direction when the process cartridge B is dropped or vibrated, a stopper portion 10e hanging down from the upper frame body 14 is provided on the contact 18c side.

When the charging roller 10 is incorporated into the upper frame 14, first, the bearing 1 is attached to the guide claw 10d of the upper frame 14.
0c, and only the roller shaft 10b of the charging roller 10 is fitted into the bearing 10c. By combining the upper frame 14 with the lower frame 15, as shown in FIG.
The charging roller 10 comes into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 9.

The power supply side bearing 10c of the charging roller 10
Uses a conductive bearing material containing a large amount of carbon filler, and is configured to supply power to the charging roller 10 from the charging bias contact 18c via the metallic spring 10a, so that a stable charging bias is applied. You can do it.

(Exposure Means) The exposure means 11 applies a charge to the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 uniformly charged by the charging roller 10.
The light image from the reading means 1 is exposed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the upper frame 14 has a lens array 1c2.
11a for irradiating the photosensitive drum 9 with light from the
Is provided. When the process cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the photosensitive drum 9 is deteriorated if the photosensitive drum 9 is exposed to outside light through the opening 11a. Therefore, a shutter member 11b is attached to the opening 11a. When the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main assembly A, the shutter member 11b closes the opening 11a,
The opening 11a is opened when mounted on the apparatus main body A.

The shutter member 11b is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the cartridge is configured to be bent in the shape of a “C” in cross section, and the bent portion is turned with respect to the upper frame body 14 by the shaft 11b1 so as to protrude outward from the cartridge. Mounted as possible. A torsion coil spring 11c is attached to the shaft 11b1. When the process cartridge B is detached from the image forming apparatus A, the shutter 11b closes the opening 11a by the bias of the spring 11c. Make up.

FIG. 18 shows the outer surface of the shutter member 11b.
As shown in FIG. 1A, an abutting portion 11b2 is formed, and when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, an upper opening / closing cover 19 is attached to the apparatus main body 16 so as to be openable / closable (see FIG. ) Is closed, the projection 19a provided on the cover 19 abuts against the abutment 11b2, and the shutter member 11b rotates in the direction of arrow e in FIG. 18B to open the opening 11a.

When the shutter member 11b is opened and closed, the shape of the shutter member 11b is bent so as to have a cross-sectional shape of "U".
Since the shutter member 11b is provided outside the outer shape of the process cartridge B and in the vicinity of the rotating shaft 11b1, the shutter member 11b opens and closes the upper portion outside the outer shape of the process cartridge B as shown in FIGS. It hits the projection 19 a of the cover 19. Therefore, even if the opening / closing angle of the shutter member 11b is small, the pivot portion of the shutter member 11b is surely opened, and the light from the lens array 1c2 located above is reliably
When the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main body, the cartridge B is moved to the main body side when the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main body. It is not necessary to retreat from the shutter push-opening projection, and the stroke of the projection can be shortened, and the size of the process cartridge B and the main body A can be reduced.

(Developing Means) Next, the developing means 12 will be described. The developing means 12 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 by the exposure with toner. Although the image forming apparatus A can use either magnetic or non-magnetic toner for development, this embodiment shows an example in which a process cartridge B containing magnetic toner as a one-component magnetic developer is mounted. ing.

The magnetic toner used for the development includes, as a binder resin, a homopolymer of styrene such as polystyrene and polyvinyltoluene and a substituted product thereof, a styrene-propylene copolymer, a styrene-vinyltoluene copolymer, and a styrene. -Styrene-based copolymers such as vinyl naphthalene copolymer, styrene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl butyral , Polyacrylic acid resin, rosin, modified rosin, tempel resin, phenolic resin, aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon resin,
Aromatic petroleum resins, paraffin wax, carnauba wax and the like can be used alone or in combination.

As a coloring material that can be further added to the magnetic toner, conventionally known carbon black, copper phthalocyanine, iron black and the like can be used.

As the magnetic fine particles contained in the magnetic toner, a substance which is magnetized when placed in a magnetic field is used.
Powders of ferromagnetic metals such as iron, cobalt and nickel, or alloys and compounds such as magnetite and ferrite can be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the developing means 12 for forming a toner image with the magnetic toner has a toner reservoir 12a for accommodating toner, and a toner feeding mechanism for feeding toner into the toner reservoir 12a. 12b is provided. Further, the developing toner 12d having the magnet 12c therein is rotated to form a thin toner layer on the surface of the developing sleeve 12d. When a toner layer is formed on the developing sleeve 12d, triboelectric charges capable of developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 9 are obtained by friction between the toner and the developing sleeve 12d. In order to regulate the toner layer thickness, the developing blade 12e is pressed against the surface of the developing sleeve 12d,
Is mounted so as to face from the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 with a gap width of about 100 to 400 μm.

The magnetic toner feeding mechanism 12b is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), a feeding member 12b1 made of a material such as polypropylene (PP), acrylobutadiene styrene (ABS), high impact styrene (HIPS) or the like can be reciprocated in the direction of arrow f along the bottom surface of the toner reservoir 12a. Make up. The feed member 12b1 is formed so that its cross-sectional shape is substantially triangular.
A plurality of rods long in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum (front and back in FIG. 4) are formed so as to scrape the toner on the entire bottom surface of the rod 2a. It is configured as an integral member. Further, the feed member 1
2b1 is composed of three lines, and the reciprocating movement width is set to be equal to or larger than the width of the base of the substantially triangular shape so as to eliminate toner scraping on the bottom surface. Further, a protrusion 12b6 is formed at one end of the arm member to prevent the feed member 12b1 from being lifted or undone when assembled.

The feed member 12b1 has a locking projection 12b4 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the locking projection 12b4 is formed by a long hole 12b5 provided in the arm member 12b2.
The arm member 12b2 is rotatably mounted on the upper frame body 14 about a shaft 12b3, and an arm (not shown) provided outside the toner reservoir 12a. It is linked to Further, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, a drive transmitting means for transmitting a driving force so as to swing the arm member 12b2 at a fixed angle about the shaft 12b3 is connected. ing. Incidentally, as shown in FIG.
The feed member 12b1 and the arm member 12b2 may be integrally formed of a resin such as polypropylene or polyamide, and may be bent at the connecting portion.

Accordingly, when forming the image, the arm member 12b2 is swung at a predetermined angle, and the feed member 12b1
Reciprocates in the direction of arrow f along the bottom surface of the toner reservoir 12a as shown by the solid line state and the broken line state in FIG. As a result, the toner near the bottom of the toner reservoir 12a is sent toward the developing sleeve 12d by the feeding member 12b1. At this time, since the feed member 12b1 has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape, the toner is gently sent as if scraped along the inclined surface of the feed member 12b1.

Therefore, the magnetic toner in the vicinity of the developing sleeve 12d is hardly agitated, and the toner layer formed on the surface of the developing sleeve 12d is hardly deteriorated.

As shown in FIG. 4, a hanging member 12f1 is provided on the inner top surface of the lid member 12f of the toner reservoir 12a. The distance between the lower end of the hanging member 12f1 and the bottom surface of the toner reservoir is set to be slightly wider than the height of the triangular cross section of the toner feeding member 12b1. Therefore, the toner feeding member 12b1
Reciprocates between the bottom of the toner reservoir and the hanging member 12f1,
At this time, even if the feeding member 12b1 tries to rise from the bottom surface of the toner reservoir, the feeding member 12b1 is restricted by the hanging member 12f1,
The lifting of the feed member 12b1 is prevented.

The image forming apparatus A according to the present embodiment can also mount a process cartridge containing non-magnetic toner. In this case, a toner feeding mechanism is provided to agitate the non-magnetic toner near the developing sleeve 12d. It is configured to be driven.

That is, when a non-magnetic toner is used, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, an elastic roller 12g rotating in the same direction as the developing sleeve 12d conveys the non-magnetic toner in the toner reservoir 12a sent by the toner feeding mechanism 12h to the developing sleeve 12d. At this time, at the contact portion where the developing sleeve 12d and the elastic roller 12g are in contact, the toner on the elastic roller 12g rubs against the developing sleeve 12d to be frictionally charged and electrostatically adhere to the developing sleeve 12d. . Thereafter, with the rotation of the developing sleeve 12d, the non-magnetic toner attached on the sleeve 12d enters a contact portion between the developing blade 12e and the developing sleeve 12d for forming a thin layer, and when passing therethrough. Due to the rubbing of the two, a triboelectric charge sufficient for the polarity for developing the electrostatic latent image is received. However, when the toner stays on the developing sleeve 12d, the toner is mixed with the toner newly supplied on the developing sleeve 12d and sent to the abutting portion with the developing blade 12e, where the toner is transferred to the developing sleeve 12d together with the new toner. The new toner is charged and given an appropriate charge, while the remaining toner is charged again from the state where it originally had the appropriate charge. Receiving, it is overcharged.
The excessively charged toner has a stronger adhesive force to the developing sleeve 12d than the toner to which an appropriate charge has been applied, and is hardly used for development.

For this reason, in this embodiment, in the process cartridge containing the non-magnetic toner, as shown in FIG. 19, the non-magnetic toner feeding mechanism 12h is provided with a rotating member 12h1 in the toner reservoir 12a. And a stirring blade 12h2. When the non-magnetic toner cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, a drive transmitting unit that transmits a driving force so that the apparatus main body 16 rotates the rotating member 12h1 during image formation is connected.

Thus, when an image is formed by mounting a cartridge containing non-magnetic toner, the stirring blade 12h2 greatly agitates the toner in the toner reservoir 12a. Therefore, the toner in the vicinity of the developing sleeve 12d is also agitated and mixed with the toner in the toner reservoir 12a, and the charged charge of the toner peeled off from the developing sleeve 12d is dispersed, thereby preventing the deterioration of the toner.

Next, the developing sleeve 12d on which the toner layer is formed and the photosensitive drum 9 are spaced apart from each other by a very small distance (about 300 μm for the process cartridge containing the magnetic toner, and about 200 μm for the process cartridge containing the non-magnetic toner). (Degree). Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing sleeve 12
A contact ring portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the developing sleeve by the distance above the developing sleeve outer diameter is provided near both ends in the axial direction of d and outside the toner layer forming region. So that it abuts.

Here, the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d
Will be described. FIG. 20 shows the photosensitive drum 9
Between the developing sleeve 12d and the developing sleeve 12d.
FIG. 21 (a) is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a pressing method of FIG.
20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the AA section of FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 (b) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the BB section of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 20, the developing sleeve 12d on which the toner layer is formed and the photosensitive drum 9 have a small distance (1
(About 00 μm to 400 μm). At this time, the photosensitive drum 9 has a rotating shaft of a flange gear 9c provided at one end thereof rotatably fixed to the lower frame 15 by a rotating shaft 9f, and the other end is also fitted and fixed to the lower frame 15 similarly. 26 bearings 2
It is rotatably fixed by 6a. The developing sleeve 12d is located near both ends in the axial direction and outside the toner layer forming region, and is fitted with a contact ring portion 12d1 having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the developing sleeve 12d by the distance. Is in contact with the photosensitive drum 9 outside the latent image forming area.

The developing sleeve 12d is located inside the abutment ring portion 12d1 near both ends in the axial direction, and is rotatably supported by a sleeve bearing 12i outside the toner layer forming region of the developing sleeve 12d. Reference numeral 12i is attached to the lower frame 15 so as to be slightly slidable in the direction of arrow g in the figure. The sleeve bearing 12i has a pressing spring 1
2j, which is pushed by the wall of the lower frame 15 to constantly urge the developing sleeve 12c toward the photosensitive drum 9 side. As a result, the contact ring portion 12d1 is
, The distance between the developing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive drum 9 is always guaranteed, and the flange gear 9c of the photosensitive drum 9 is
Further, the driving force can be transmitted to the sleeve gear 12k of the developing sleeve 12d that meshes with the gear 9c.

Here, the slidable direction of the sleeve bearing 12i will be described with reference to FIG. First, from the driving side of the developing sleeve 12d, when a driving force is transmitted from the driving source of the apparatus main body 16 to the flange gear 9c, the sleeve gear 12k is transmitted from the flange gear 9c.
When the driving force is transmitted to the clutch gear, the meshing force is directed in a direction inclined by a pressure angle (20 ° in this embodiment) from a tangential direction of the meshing pitch circle of the flange gear 9c and the meshing pitch circle of the sleeve gear 12k. Therefore, the meshing force is directed in the direction of arrow P (θ ≒ 20 °) shown in FIG.
At this time, the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12
sleeve bearing 1 in a direction parallel to the straight line connecting the rotation centers
When the meshing force P is decomposed into the component force Ps in the sliding direction and the horizontal direction and the component component Ph in the vertical direction and the sliding direction when trying to slide 2i, the component force Ps in the sliding direction and the horizontal direction is shown in FIG. In this way, it faces away from the photosensitive drum 9. Therefore, the developing sleeve 12
On the drive side of d, the distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d tends to change due to the engagement force between the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12k, and the developing sleeve 12d
The upper toner does not move to the photosensitive drum 9 accurately, so that the developing property is easily deteriorated.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the flange gear 9c
In consideration of the transmission of the driving force from the shaft gear to the sleeve gear 12k, as shown in FIG.
The slidable direction of the sleeve bearing 12i (on the side where is attached) is set to the arrow Q direction. That is, the angle の between the engagement force P between the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12k and the slidable direction of the drive-side sleeve bearing 12i is about 90.
° (92 ° in this embodiment).

With this configuration, the component force Ps of the engagement force P in the sliding direction and the horizontal direction is almost eliminated, and in the present embodiment, the component force Ps slightly moves the developing sleeve 12d toward the photosensitive drum 9 side. Acts in the direction in which it is applied.
In such a case, the developing sleeve 12d is pressurized substantially by the spring pressure α of the pressing spring 12j, the distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d is kept constant, and accurate development can be performed.

Next, the sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12i on the non-drive side (the side on which the sleeve gear 12k is not mounted) will be described.

Since the non-drive side does not receive any force unlike the above-described drive side, the sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12i is, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), the center of the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d. To be substantially horizontal with respect to the straight line connecting the centers.

As described above, when the developing sleeve 12d is independently pressed against the photosensitive drum 9, the angle at which the developing sleeve 12d is pressed between the driving side and the non-driving side is changed.
Since the positional relationship between the developing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive drum 9 is always properly maintained, accurate development can be performed.

The slidable direction of the sleeve bearing 12i on the driving side may be set to be substantially parallel to the straight line connecting the center of the photosensitive drum 9 and the center of the developing sleeve 12d as in the non-driving side. That is, as described in the above-described embodiment, on the driving side, the component force P in the sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12i of the engagement force between the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12k is provided.
s exerts a force in a direction in which the developing sleeve 12d moves away from the photosensitive drum 9, and in this embodiment, this component force Ps
The pressing force of the pressing spring 12j on the driving side may be set to be greater than the non-driving side by the component force Ps so that the developing sleeve 12d can be pressed against the developing sleeve 12d. That is,
Developing sleeve 12d of non-drive side pressing spring 12j
When the pressure on the P _1, the driving side pressing spring 1
As pressure P ₂ of 2j, if you set the P 2 _{= P} 1 + _Ps, it is guaranteed a certain distance between the photosensitive drum 9 by the developing sleeve 12d receives always adequate pressure.

(Cleaning Unit) The cleaning unit 13 is for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 9 after the toner image on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to the recording medium 4 by the transfer unit 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning means 13 comes in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 and scrapes off the toner remaining on the drum 9 and the cleaning blade 13a for scooping the scraped toner. Squeeze sheet 1 located below 13a and in contact with the surface of photosensitive drum 9
3b and a waste toner reservoir 13c for storing the scooped waste toner.

Here, the method of attaching the squeeze sheet 13b will be described. The sheet 13b is attached to the attachment surface 13d of the toner reservoir 13c by a double-sided tape. At this time, the waste toner reservoir 13c is made of a resin material, and has some irregularities and small deformation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, a double-sided tape 13e is simply attached to the mounting surface 13d, and the
The swell x may occur at the leading end of the sheet 13b (the contact portion with the photosensitive drum 9) simply by attaching 3b.
When the swell x is at the tip of the squeeze sheet 13b, the sheet 13b does not adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 9,
The toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 13a cannot be reliably scooped.

Therefore, when attaching the squeeze sheet 13b, as shown in FIG. 24 (a), the mounting surface 13d under the toner reservoir is pulled downward by the tension tool 20 to be bent by elastic deformation.
It is conceivable to release the above-mentioned curvature after sticking to apply tension to the end of the squeeze sheet 13b to prevent the undulation.

However, in the process cartridge B, which has been downsized in recent years, the squeeze sheet 1
Since the size of the mounting surface 13d of 3b also becomes smaller, when the squeeze sheet 13b is attached in a state where the mounting surface 13d is curved, as shown in FIG.
The lower end sides 13b1 of b protrude from the mounting surface 13d and project downward. When the squeeze sheet 13b protrudes below the mounting surface 13d, the recording medium 4 may be caught on the protruded squeeze sheet 13b, as is apparent from the cross-sectional view of FIG.

When the squeeze sheet 13b is adhered while the mounting surface 13d is curved, as shown in FIG.
3e protrudes. Therefore, in this state, FIG.
As shown in (b), the squeeze sheet 13 is
24b is pressed against the double-sided tape 13e, the protruding tape 13e is stuck to the sticking tool 21.
As shown in (c), when the attaching tool 21 is removed, the double-sided tape 13e may be peeled off from the mounting surface 13d, and a defective mounting of the squeeze sheet 13b may occur.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower end shape of the squeeze sheet 13b is changed as shown in FIG.
Thereby, the mounting surface 13d is pulled to be substantially the same as the curved shape. That is, the sheet width is formed such that the central portion in the sheet longitudinal direction is wider than both end portions. Thus, when the squeeze sheet 13b is attached, the curved double-sided tape 13e is
It will not protrude. In addition, the tension by the tension tool 20 is released, and as shown in FIG.
When the curvature of 3d is released and tension is applied to the upper end of the squeeze sheet 13b, the lower end of the sheet does not protrude downward from the mounting surface 13d. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the recording medium 4 from being caught by the squeeze sheet 13d and the improper mounting of the squeeze sheet 13d as described above.

In consideration of the simplification of the processing of the squeeze sheet 13d and the life of the processing tool, the lower end of the squeeze sheet 13d is desirably a linear shape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26, the lower end of the seat may be linearly configured so that the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the seat is wider than both end portions in accordance with the amount of curvature of the mounting surface 13d.

In this embodiment, when the squeeze sheet mounting surface 13d is bent, the squeeze sheet mounting surface 13d is pulled by the tension tool 20. However, as shown in FIG. It is obvious that the squeeze sheet mounting surface 13d may be curved by pressing the upper portion with the pressing tool 20a.

Further, in this embodiment, the squeeze sheet mounting surface 13d is formed below the waste toner reservoir 13c. However, the squeeze sheet 13b is attached to a mounting surface such as a sheet metal, which is a member separate from the waste toner reservoir 13c. Waste toner reservoir 13c
A similar effect can be obtained with a configuration that is incorporated in a.

(Upper and Lower Frames) Next, process cartridge B
The upper and lower frames 14 and 15 constituting the housing will be described. In addition to the photosensitive drum 9 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a developing sleeve 12d and a developing blade constituting the developing means 12 are provided on the lower frame 15 side. 12e, and further, a cleaning means 13 is provided. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, a charging roller 10, a toner reservoir 12 a constituting a developing unit 12, and a toner feeding mechanism 12 b are provided on the upper frame body 14 side.

In order to connect the upper and lower frames 14, 15, the upper frame 14 has four pairs of locking claws 14a in the longitudinal direction.
Are formed integrally with the upper frame body 14 at substantially equal intervals, and the lower frame body 15 has a locking opening 1 for locking the locking claw 14a.
5 a and the locking projection 15 b are integrally formed with the lower frame 15. Therefore, when the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 are forcibly fitted to lock the locking claws 14a with the locking openings 15a and the locking projections 15b, the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 are connected. In order to further ensure this connection state, a locking claw 15c and a locking opening 15d are provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lower frame body 15 as shown in FIG. In the vicinity of both ends in the direction, as shown in FIG. 9, a locking opening 14b and a locking claw 14 for locking with the locking claw 15c and the locking opening 15d.
c is provided.

When the members constituting the process cartridge B are divided into the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 as described above, members which need to be positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum 9, for example, the developing sleeve 12d and the developing blade 12e By providing the cleaning blade 13a and the like on the same frame (the lower frame 15 in this embodiment), the positioning of each member can be performed with high accuracy, and the process cartridge B can be easily assembled. .

As shown in FIG. 8, the lower frame 15 of this embodiment has a fitting recess 15n near one end of the frame. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper frame body 14 is fitted near the one end of the frame body at a substantially intermediate position between the locking claws 14a, and is fitted near the locking claw 14a in the fitting recess 15n. A mating projection 14h is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower frame 15 of this embodiment is provided with fitting projections 15e near two corners of the frame and fitting recesses 15f near the other two corners. is there. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper frame 14 is provided with fitting recesses 14d for fitting the fitting projections 15e near substantially two corners of the frame. The fitting recess 15 is located near the corner.
A fitting projection 14e for fitting f is provided.

Therefore, when the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 are joined, the fitting projections 14h,
By fitting 14e, 15e into fitting recesses 15n, 15f, 14d, the connection between both frames 14, 15 becomes strong, and the torsional force is applied to upper and lower frames 14, 15 in the connected state. Also, the coupling state does not shift.

The positions of the fitting projections and the fitting recesses are not limited to those described above, but may be any other positions as long as they do not shift against the torsional force on the coupled upper and lower frames 14, 15. May be provided.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper frame 14 has
A protective cover 22 that is rotatable about a shaft 22a is attached. The protective cover 22 is urged in a direction indicated by an arrow h in FIG. 9 by a torsion coil spring (not shown) attached to the shaft 22a, and when the process cartridge B is removed from the image forming apparatus A, As shown in FIG. 4, the photosensitive drum 9 is configured to be covered.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the photosensitive drum 9 is used to transfer the developing toner to the recording medium 4.
Is formed so as to be exposed from the opening 15g formed in the transfer roller 6 and to face the transfer roller 6. However, when the process cartridge B is detached from the image forming apparatus A, if the photosensitive drum 9 is exposed, the photosensitive drum 9 is exposed to external light and deteriorates. Will adhere. Therefore, when the process cartridge B is removed from the image forming apparatus A, the protective cover 22 closes the opening 15g to protect the photosensitive drum 9 from external light, dust and the like. When the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the protective cover 22 is rotated by a rotating mechanism (not shown) to expose the photosensitive drum 9 from the opening 15g as shown in FIG.

As is clear from FIG. 1, the lower surface of the lower frame 15 also serves as a guide for transporting the recording medium 4, and the lower surface has a central guide portion 15h2 with respect to both side guide portions 15h1. It is formed so as to have a step (FIG. 6). The step of the central guide portion 15h2 is about 10 which is slightly wider than the postcard size width (about 100 mm).
2 mm to 120 mm (about 107 m in this embodiment)
m) and a depth of about 0.8 mm to 2 mm. As a result, the space for transporting the recording medium 4 is widened in the central guide portion 15h2, and when thick and strong postcards, business cards, envelopes, or the like are used as the recording medium 4, these thick recording mediums 4 are used as lower frame members. There is no risk of jamming by hitting the 15 guide surfaces. When thin plain paper or the like having a postcard size width or more is used as the recording medium 4, the recording medium 4 is guided by the guide portions 15h1 on both sides of the lower frame 15, so that the recording medium 4 is conveyed without rising. Become.

Here, the lower surface of the lower frame 15 functioning as a recording medium conveyance guide will be described more specifically. As shown in FIG. 28, both side guide portions 15h1 are in _a state of being bent by a dimension of La = 5 to 7 mm with respect to the tangential direction X at the nip position N between the photosensitive drum 9 and the transfer roller 6. The guide portions 15h1 on both sides are the developing sleeve 1
Since the lower surface of the lower frame 15 is configured to have a space necessary to supply 2d and toner to the sleeve 12d, the position of the developing sleeve 12d determined to obtain appropriate developing conditions depends on the position of the developing sleeve 12d. When this is determined and the nip tangent direction X is approached, the lower frame 15 becomes thinner, and there is a problem in the strength of the process cartridge B.

The lower end 13f of the cleaning means 13
Configured to have a distance L _{b =} about 3~5mm that does not interfere with the cleaning blade 13a and scooping sheet 13b and the like are determined by the required placement for constituting the cleaning means 13, the recording medium 4 to be conveyed to be described later I have.
In this embodiment, the angle β between the perpendicular from the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 9 shown in FIG. 28 and the line connecting the rotation centers of the photosensitive drum 9 and the transfer roller 6 is set to β = 5 to 20 °.

[0112] Therefore the depth L _{c =} 1 to 2 mm approximately stepped provided only in the central guide portion 15 h 2, by approximating the partial nip tangentially X, without impairing the strength of the lower frame 15, postcard The thick and strong recording medium 4 is smoothly conveyed. The thick and stiff recording medium 4 is generally a business card, an envelope, or the like, and is generally narrower than the postcard size even under the general specification conditions of the image forming apparatus. Part 1
If the width of 5h2 is slightly wider than the postcard size, there is no practical problem.

Further, on the outer surface of the lower frame 15, regulating projections 15 i projecting downward are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction and outside the guide area of the recording medium 4. The protrusion 15i has a protrusion amount of about 1 mm with respect to the guide surface of the recording medium 4. Therefore, even if the process cartridge B is slightly lowered for some reason during image formation, the regulating protrusion 15i
Abuts against the lower guide member 23 (see FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 16, and further lowering is restricted. Therefore, the recording medium 4
A space of at least 1 mm is secured between the lower guide member 23 and the outer surface guide portion of the lower frame 15 as a transport path of
The recording medium 4 is conveyed without jam.

Further, on the outer surface of the lower frame 15, a relief recess 15j of the registration roller 5c2 is formed as shown in FIG. Therefore, the process cartridge B is transferred to the image forming apparatus A.
Can be mounted close to the registration roller 5c2, and the overall size of the apparatus can be reduced.

(Assembling Structure of Process Cartridge) Next, assembling of the process cartridge B having the above structure will be described. In FIG. 29, first, a fixed malt plane (trade name) for preventing toner leakage at the end of the developing means 12 and the end of the cleaning means 13 is provided on the lower frame 15.
A toner leakage prevention seal S made of rubber is attached with a double-sided tape. Even if the toner leak prevention seal S is not a fixed type, a recess may be formed in a portion where the seal is to be attached, and a liquid material which is solidified into an elastomer and injected into the recess may be attached to the toner leak prevention seal. You may do it.

The blade support member 12e1 having the developing blade 12e mounted thereon and the blade support member 13a1 having the cleaning blade 13a mounted thereon are mounted on the lower frame 15 with screws 24a and 24b, respectively. At this time, in the present embodiment, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 29, the blade supporting members 12e1 and 13a are arranged so that the screws 24a and 24b can be screwed from the same direction.
One blade mounting surface is configured to be parallel or substantially parallel.
Therefore, when mass-producing the process cartridge B, the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a can be continuously screwed by an automatic machine or the like.
As a result, a space for a screw driver or the like can be secured to improve the assemblability of the blades 12e and 13a, and the die structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced by aligning the die removing directions of the housing.

The developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a may be fixed to the lower frame 15 with an adhesive 24c, as shown in FIG.
It may be attached by 24d.
Also in this case, if the bonding can be performed from the same direction, the developing blade 1 can be formed in the same manner as in the case of screwing.
The mounting of the cleaning blade 2e and the cleaning blade 13a can be performed continuously by an automatic machine or the like.

After attaching the blades 12e and 13a as described above, the developing sleeve 12d is attached to the lower frame 15. Next, the photosensitive drum 9 is attached to the lower frame 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing blade support member 12e
1 and the cleaning blade support member 13a1 on the photosensitive drum facing surface side and outside the longitudinal image forming region (region C in FIG. 32) of the photosensitive drum 9, the guide members 25a, 25
b (in the present embodiment, the guide member 2
5a and 25b are integrally formed with the lower frame 15). The distance L between the guide members 25a and 25b is set to be larger than the outer diameter D of the photosensitive drum 9.

For this reason, after each member such as the blades 12e and 13a to be attached to the lower frame 15 is attached to the photosensitive drum 9, as shown in FIG. 31, guide members 25a and 25b are provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction (image forming area). Can be installed last while guiding outside). That is, the photosensitive drum 9 is attached to the lower frame 15 while slightly bending the blade 13a and slightly releasing and rotating the developing sleeve 12d.

If the photosensitive drum 9 is first attached to the lower frame 15 and then the members such as the blades 12e and 13a are attached, the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 may be damaged when attaching the blades 12e and 13a. May be. In addition, there is a disadvantage that it is not possible to perform an inspection such as measurement of a mounting position of the developing blade 12e or the cleaning blade 13a or a contact pressure on the photosensitive drum 9 during assembly. Further, in the initial state where both the blades 12e and 13a have no toner, a lubricant is applied to prevent an increase in torque due to close contact with the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d and a turning over of the blades. However, at this time, there is a problem that inconvenience such as dropping of the lubricant at the time of assembling easily occurs.
In this regard, the inconvenience can be solved by incorporating the photosensitive drum 9 last as in this embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, inspection such as measurement of the mounting position can be performed with the developing unit 12 and the cleaning unit 13 mounted on the frame. Scratches and dents in the formation region can be prevented. Further, it is possible to apply a lubricant to the developing unit 12 and the cleaning unit 13 in a state where the developing unit 12 and the cleaning unit 13 are attached to the frame body. This has the effect of preventing an increase in torque due to close contact between the photosensitive drum 13a and the photosensitive drum 9 and prevention of blade turning.

In this embodiment, the drum guide members 25a, 25b are formed integrally with the lower frame 15, but as shown in FIG. 33, the photosensitive drums are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the blade supporting members 12e1, 13a1. 9 outside the image forming area,
Protrusions 12e2 and 13a2 integral with the blade support members 12e1 and 13a1 may be provided, or another guide member may be attached to function as a guide member when the photosensitive drum 9 is incorporated.

After the developing sleeve 12d, the developing blade 12e, the cleaning blade 13a, and the photosensitive drum 9 are assembled in the lower frame 15 as described above, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 34 and the sectional view of FIG. 26, the photosensitive drum 9 and one end of the developing sleeve 12d are pivotally supported. The bearing member 26 is made of a sliding-resistant material such as polyacetal, and includes a drum bearing portion 26a that fits into the photosensitive drum 9, a sleeve bearing portion 26b that fits on the outer surface of the developing sleeve 12d, and an end of the D-cut magnet 12c. A D-cut hole portion 26c into which the portion is fitted is integrally formed. Alternatively, the sleeve bearing portion 26b is
It may be configured to fit into the outer surface of the sleeve bearing 12i that slides on the outer surface of d, or to fit into the slide surface 15Q of the lower frame 15 that fits into the outer surface of the sleeve bearing 12i.

Accordingly, the bearing 26a is fitted into the end of the cylindrical photosensitive drum 9, the end of the magnet 12c is fitted into the D-cut hole 26c, and the developing sleeve 12d is fitted into the bearing 26b. The bearing member 26 is fitted on the side surface of the lower frame body 15 and slidably provided in the drum direction as described above, so that the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 1 are provided.
2d is supported. As shown in FIG. 34, a grounding contact 18a is attached to the bearing member 26. When the bearing member 26 is fitted into the photosensitive drum 9, the grounding contact 18a is formed.
Contact the aluminum drum base 9a of the photosensitive drum 9 (see FIG. 10). The bearing member 26
Is provided with a bias contact 18b. When the bearing member 26 is attached to the developing sleeve 12d, the contact 18b is provided.
b is the conductive member 1 in contact with the inner surface of the developing sleeve 12d
8d.

Thus, the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 1
By supporting the 2d and the 2d by a bearing member 26, which is one part, the mounting position accuracy of the two members 9, 12d can be improved, and the number of parts is reduced to facilitate assembly and reduce costs. I can do it.

Further, since the positioning of the photosensitive drum 9 and the positioning of the developing sleeve 12d or the magnet 12c are performed by one member, the positioning of the photosensitive drum 9 and the magnet 12c can be performed with high accuracy. The magnetic force on the surface can be kept constant, and a high-definition image can be obtained.

A drum ground contact 18a for grounding the photosensitive drum 9 to the bearing member 26, the developing sleeve 1
Developing bias contact 1 for applying bias to 2d
By providing 8b, miniaturization of parts is effectively performed,
It is also possible to effectively reduce the size of the process cartridge B.

Further, by providing the bearing member 26 with a supported portion for positioning the process cartridge B in the apparatus main body when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the process cartridge B in the apparatus main body is provided. Positioning can be performed accurately.

5 and 6, the bearing member 26 is formed with a drum shaft portion 26d which is a U-shaped protrusion protruding outward. When the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 16, the process cartridge B is supported by the shaft support member 34 and positions the process cartridge B. Thus, the photosensitive drum 9
The cartridge 26 directly supporting the process cartridge B
In order to perform positioning when attaching to the apparatus body 16,
Positioning can be performed accurately without picking up processing accuracy and assembly errors of other members.

As shown in FIG. 35, the other end of the magnet 12c is received in a recess inside the sleeve gear 12k, and the outer diameter of the magnet 12c is formed slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the recess. Therefore, on the side of the sleeve gear 12k, the magnet 1
2c is held with play, is held below by its own weight of the magnet 12c, or is biased and held toward the blade supporting member 12e1 by the magnetic force of the magnet 12c on the blade supporting member 12e1 made of magnetic sheet metal such as gin coat. .

Thus, the sleeve gear 12k and the magnet 12
By providing play with c, the friction torque between the magnet 12c and the sleeve gear 12k that slides and rotates can be reduced, and the torque of the process cartridge itself can be reduced.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31, the charging roller 10 is rotatably mounted on the upper frame 14, the shutter member 11b and the protective cover 22 are mounted, and the toner feeding mechanism 12b is further mounted. And the toner reservoir 12
A cover film 28 having a tear tape 27 shown in FIG. 36 is attached to the opening 12a1 for sending out the toner from the developing sleeve 12d to the developing sleeve 12d, the opening 12a1 is closed, the lid member 12f is welded, and the toner storage 12a is closed. And the toner reservoir 12a is closed.

As shown in FIG. 36, the tear tape 27 provided on the cover film 28 adhered to the opening 12a1 extends from one end in the longitudinal direction of the opening 12a1 (left end in FIG. 36) to the other end. (Right end in FIG. 36), and folded back at the other end to project outward along a handle 14f formed at a side end of the upper frame 14.

Next, the upper frame body 14 and the lower frame body 15 are mutually locked by the above-mentioned locking claws and locking openings and the like.
15 are assembled to assemble the process cartridge B.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 37, the tear tape 27 is attached to the handle 14f of the upper frame 14 and the handle 1 of the lower frame 15.
It is exposed from between 5k. Therefore, when a new process cartridge B is used, the handles 14f, 15k
Pulling the tear tape 27 exposed from the cover film 28 and peeling the tear tape 27 from the cover film 28 to remove the opening 12a
1, the toner in the toner reservoir 12a is movable in the direction of the developing sleeve 12d, and then is mounted on the image forming apparatus A.

[0135] As described above, the tear tape 27 is
The tape 27 can be easily exposed when assembling the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 by forming the tape 27 so as to be exposed from between the handle portions 14f and 15k. The handle portions 14f and 15k are used for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body. Even when the operator forgets to remove the tear tape 27, the handle portions are used when attaching the cartridge. Makes it easier to notice the presence of the tape 27.
Further, the visibility of the tear tape 27 is improved by making the color of the tear tape 27 more conspicuous than the colors of the frame members 14 and 15, for example, when the frame member is black, the tear tape 27 is white or yellow. It is also possible to reduce forgetting to pull out.

If the handle 14f of the upper frame 14 is provided with, for example, a U-shaped guide rib so that the tear tape 27 can be temporarily fixed, the upper and lower frames 14, 15 can be joined together. The tear tape 27 can be reliably and easily exposed to a predetermined position.

Since the process cartridge B in which the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are combined has the relief recess 15j of the registration roller 5c2 formed on the outer surface of the lower frame 15 as described above, as shown in FIG. Then, the process cartridge B can be easily held by putting a finger on the concave portion 15j. Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A non-slip rib 14i is provided at a portion where a finger is hooked when the process cartridge B is held by hand, so that the process cartridge B can be easily held. Further, since the clearance of the registration roller 5c2 is provided in the lower frame 15 of the process cartridge B, the apparatus body 16 can be made thinner.

As shown in FIG. 6, since the recess 15j is provided along the vicinity of the locking claw 14a and the locking opening 15b, which are the connecting portions of the frames 14, 15, the recess 15j is provided. When the user holds the process cartridge B with his or her finger, the gripping force acts in the locking direction, and the locking claw 14
a and the locking opening 15b is reliably locked.

Here, the assembly and shipping line of the process cartridge B will be described with reference to FIG.
Each part is assembled into the lower frame 15 and the lower frame 15 is assembled.
(For example, the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d). The lower frame 15 and the upper frame 14 incorporating components such as the charging roller 10 are combined to assemble a process cartridge B. After performing a comprehensive inspection of the entire cartridge B, the line is shipped. Become.

(Cartridge Mounting Configuration) Next, a configuration for mounting the process cartridge B in the image forming apparatus A will be described.

As shown in FIG. 40, the upper opening / closing cover 19 of the image forming apparatus A is provided with a loading member 29 having a fitting window 29a conforming to the outer shape of the process cartridge B. 14f and 15k are inserted into the fitting window 29a and mounted. At this time, the guide ridge 31 formed on the process cartridge B is guided by a guide groove (not shown) formed on the opening / closing cover 19, and the lower portion of the cartridge is guided by a guide plate 32 whose tip is bent in a key shape. Inserted.

As shown in FIG. 40, the process cartridge B is provided with a projection 30 for preventing erroneous mounting, and a fitting window 29a is formed in a recess 29 into which the projection 30 can be inserted.
b. Here, the protrusion 30
4 or the position where the protrusion 30 is provided is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 41 and FIG. 41, for example, the process cartridge is different for each of the process cartridges filled with the toner having the development sensitivity suitable for the image forming apparatus A. 3
0 is caught by the fitting window 29a and cannot be mounted. For this reason, erroneous mounting of the process cartridge B is prevented, and unclear image formation by toners having different developing sensitivities is prevented. In addition, without being limited to the development sensitivity, for example, it is also possible to prevent the mounting of a process cartridge using a different type of photosensitive drum.

Further, since the recess 29b and the projection 30 are provided at a position facing the front side when the process cartridge is mounted, the projection 30 is moved to the loading member 29 when the operator attempts to mount the process cartridge by mistake. You can easily see that you are caught in the. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the image forming apparatus A or the process cartridge B is damaged by the operator forcibly pushing the process cartridge B as in the related art.

Next, after the process cartridge B is inserted into the fitting window 29a of the cover 19, the cover 1
When the shutter 9 is closed, the rotating shaft 9f of the photosensitive drum 9 projecting from one side of the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 passes through a bearing 46a, and the rotating shaft 12d2 of the developing sleeve 12d is
b and the bearing 46c (see FIG. 35), respectively.
0 is supported by the shaft support member 33 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the drum shaft portion 2 of the bearing member 26 attached to the other side of the photosensitive drum 9
6d (see FIG. 35) is supported by the shaft support member 34 shown in FIG.

At this time, the protective cover 22 rotates to expose the photosensitive drum 9, and the drum 9 comes into contact with the transfer roller 6 of the image forming apparatus A. The process cartridge B has a drum ground contact 18a in contact with the photosensitive drum 9, and a developing bias contact 18b in contact with the developing sleeve 12d.
Further, the charging bias contact 1 which is in contact with the charging roller 10
8c are provided so as to be exposed from the lower surface of the lower frame 15, and the contacts 18a, 18b and 18c are connected to the drum ground contact pin 35a, the developing bias contact pin 35b, It comes into pressure contact with the charging bias contact pin 35c.

As shown in FIG. 42, the contact pins 35a, 35b and 35c are provided with a drum ground contact pin 35a and a charging bias contact pin 35c on the downstream side of the transfer of the recording medium 4 with the transfer roller 6 interposed therebetween. A developing bias contact pin 35b is disposed upstream of the transfer roller 6 in the transport direction of the recording medium 4. Accordingly, the contacts 18a, 18b, and 18c provided on the process cartridge B are also provided with the drum ground contact 18a and the charging bias contact downstream of the photosensitive drum 9 in the recording medium transport direction, as shown in FIG. 18c, and a developing bias contact 18b is provided upstream of the photosensitive drum 9 in the recording medium transport direction.
Has been arranged.

The arrangement of each electrical contact of the process cartridge B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes the photosensitive drum 9 and the respective electrical contacts 18a, 18b, 18
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement relationship with c.

Now, as shown in FIG.
On the same side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the
The contacts 18a, 18
b, 18c, and the photosensitive drum 9
The developing bias contact 18b is arranged on one side (developing means 12 side), and the drum ground contact 18a and charging bias contact 18c are arranged on the other side (cleaning means 13 side). The drum ground contact 18a and the charging bias contact 18c are arranged substantially on a straight line. The developing bias contact 18b is disposed slightly outside the photosensitive drum 9 in the longitudinal direction from the position where the drum ground contact 18a and the charging bias contact 18c are provided. The contact 18a for the drum ground, the contact 18b for the developing bias, and the contact 18c for the charging bias are arranged in this order away from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9. Further, the area of the developing bias contact 18b is larger than the area of the drum ground contact 18a and the area of the charging bias contact 18c. The photosensitive drum 9
The developing bias contact 18b is located outside the position where the arm 18a3, which is a drum inner surface contact integral with the drum grounding contact 18a, is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9 with respect to the longitudinal direction. , The drum ground contact 1
8a and the charging bias contact 18c.

As described above, the process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus and the electrical contact between the apparatus main body and
By positioning and abutting against the process cartridge body, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy between the device body contact part and the process cartridge contact part, prevent contact failure, and place the contact in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge. By providing it on the non-driving side, the shape of the contact portion on the device main body side can be simplified and downsized.

Further, by providing the contact position of the process cartridge inside the outer shape of the process cartridge, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the contact portion, rust of the contact due to this, and deformation of the contact due to external force.

Of the electrical contacts, a developing bias contact is provided at a position closer to the developing device than the photosensitive member, and a grounding contact and a charging bias contact of the photosensitive member are provided at a position closer to the cleaning means. The shape of the electrodes inside can be simplified, and the size of the process cartridge can be reduced.

Although the sizes of the present embodiment are exemplified, the present invention is not limited to these sizes and can be selected as appropriate. (1) Distance (X1) between photosensitive drum 9 and drum ground contact 18a → about 6.0 mm (2) Distance (X2) between photosensitive drum 9 and charging bias contact 18c → about 18.9 mm (3 ) Distance (X3) between photosensitive drum 9 and contact 18b for developing bias → about 13.5 mm (4) Horizontal length (Y1) of contact 18c for charging bias → about 4.9 mm (5) Contact 18c for charging bias Vertical length (Y2) → approximately 6.5 mm (6) horizontal length (Y3) of drum ground contact 18a → approximately 5.2 mm (7) vertical length (Y4) of drum ground contact 18a → approximately 5. 0mm (8) Horizontal length (Y5) of developing bias contact 18b → about 7.2mm (9) Vertical length (Y6) of developing bias contact 18b → about 8.0mm (10) Diameter of flange gear 9c ( Z1) → about 28.6 mm (11) Diameter of gear 9i (Z2) → about 26.1 mm (12) Width of flange gear 9c (Z3) → about 6.7 mm (13) Width of gear 9i (Z4) → about 4.3 mm (14) Flange gear 9c Number of teeth → 33 teeth (15) Number of gears 9i → 30 teeth Here, the flange gear 9c and the gear 9i will be described. The gears 9c and 9i are helical gears,
When receiving the driving force from the main body, the photosensitive drum 9 attached with play to the lower frame 15 receives a thrust force in the direction of the gear 9c.

The gear 9c is used for a cartridge for a black image using a magnetic toner. When the black image cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the gear 9c
Meshes with a gear on the apparatus main body side to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 9 and
The developing sleeve 12d is rotated by meshing with a gear provided in 2d. The gear 9i meshes with a gear connected to the transfer roller 6 on the main body to rotate the transfer roller. At this time, the rotation load on the transfer roller 6 is not so large.

The gear 9i is used for a color image cartridge using non-magnetic toner. When the color image cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the gear 9c is engaged with the gear on the apparatus main body side to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 9. And gear 9i
Rotates the transfer roller 6 by meshing with a gear connected to the transfer roller 6 on the main body side, and meshes with a gear provided on the developing sleeve 12d for non-magnetic toner to rotate the developing sleeve 12d.

The gear 9c has a larger diameter, a wider width and a larger number of teeth than the gear 9i. Even if the load on the gear 9c is large, the gear 9c receives the driving force to move the photosensitive drum 9 In addition to the rotation, the driving sleeve 12d for magnetic toner can be rotated more reliably by transmitting a large driving force.

As shown in FIG. 43, the contact pins 35a to 35c are configured so that the contact pins 35a to 35c are mounted in the holder cover 36 so as not to fall off and protrude, and the electric board 37 to which the holder cover 36 is mounted. And the contact pins 35a to 35c are electrically connected by a conductive compression spring 38. The contact pin 35
Of the contacts 18a to 18c that are in pressure contact with the contacts a to 35c, the charging bias contact 18c is formed in an arc shape so that the rotation fulcrum 19b side of the upper opening / closing cover 19 has a curvature. This is the opening / closing cover 19 to which the process cartridge B is mounted.
When closing in the direction of arrow R about the pivot 19b, the charging bias contact 18c that is closest to the pivot 19b and has the smallest turning radius associated with the rotation of the open / close cover 19;
Good contact with the contact pin 35c is performed.

(Positioning Configuration) When the process cartridge B is mounted and the cover 19 is closed, the distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and the lens unit 1c and the photosensitive drum 9
The document is positioned so that the distance between the document and the original glass 1a is always constant. Next, the positioning configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, positioning projections 15m are formed in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lower frame 15 to which the photosensitive drum 9 is attached, and the projections 15m are formed as shown in FIG. When the upper frame body 14 is connected, the upper frame body 14 is configured to protrude upward through a through hole 14g formed in the upper frame body 14.

As shown in FIG. 44, the lens unit 1c containing the lens array 1c2 for reading the original 2 can be slightly rotated about the shaft 1c3 on the upper opening / closing cover 19 on which the process cartridge B is mounted. , And is urged downward by a pressing spring 39 in FIG. Therefore, the process cartridge B is mounted on the upper opening / closing cover 19,
When the cover 19 is closed, the lower surface of the lens unit 1c contacts the positioning protrusion 15m of the process cartridge B as shown in FIG. Thus, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the distance between the lens array 1c2 provided on the lens unit 1c and the photosensitive drum 9 provided on the lower frame 15 is positioned with high accuracy.
A light image obtained by optically reading the document 2 is converted into a lens array 1c2.
Irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 accurately.

In the lens unit 1c, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a positioning piece 40 is provided, and the piece 40 is configured to slightly project from the through hole 19c of the upper opening / closing cover 19 to the upper part of the cover. As shown in FIG. 46, the positioning pieces 40 are provided so as to slightly protrude from both sides of the document reading slit. Accordingly, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the opening / closing cover 19 and the cover 19 is closed to form an image, the positioning projection 15m of the lower frame 15 contacts the lower surface of the lens unit 1c as described above, and the original glass 1a When the document moves, the original glass 1a moves so as to ride on the positioning piece 40. Thereby, the original 2 placed on the original glass 1a
In this case, the distance from the photosensitive drum 9 provided on the lower frame 15 is always constant, and the reflected light from the original 2 irradiates the photosensitive drum 9 accurately.

For this reason, the information described on the original 2 is optically read, and the exposure of the photosensitive drum 9 is performed accurately.
This enables high-quality image formation.

(Drive Transmission Structure) Next, the image forming apparatus A
The transmission of the driving force of the process cartridge B mounted on the photosensitive drum 9 will be described.

The process cartridge B is connected to the image forming apparatus A
Is mounted on the main body 1 of the apparatus.
The support by the shaft support member 33 on the sixth side has been described above. As shown in FIG. 47, the shaft support member 33 is formed integrally with a support portion 33a of the drum rotation shaft 9f and an abutment portion 33b of the sleeve rotation shaft 12d2. And wherein (in this example L _{D =} 1.8 mm) overlap portion on the upper portion of the drum supporting portion 33a Yes formed is 33c, configured to prevent the drum rotary shaft 9f mounted floats upward are doing.

The drum rotating shaft 9f is supported by the support 33a.
When the sleeve rotation shaft 12d2 is supported by the sleeve rotation shaft 12d2
Is prevented from falling down. Further, when the upper opening / closing cover 19 is closed, the positioning projection 15p of the lower frame 15 protruding from the upper frame 14 of the process cartridge B comes into contact with the abutting portion 19c provided on the opening / closing cover 19.

Accordingly, when the driving gear 41 on the apparatus main body 16 side is driven to transmit the driving force to the flange gear 9c of the photosensitive drum 9 meshed with the gear 41, the process cartridge B is moved around the drum rotating shaft 9f. A reaction force is generated to rotate in the direction of arrow i of 47. However, the sleeve rotation shaft 12d2 hits the sleeve abutting portion 33b,
In addition, since the positioning protrusion 15p of the lower frame 15 protruding from the upper frame 14 abuts on the abutting portion 19c, the rotation of the process cartridge B is restricted.

The lower surface of the lower frame 15 functions as a guide for the recording medium 4 as described above. However, since the lower frame 15 is positioned by abutting against the apparatus main body as described above, The positional relationship between the transfer roller 6 and the guide portions 15h1 and 15h2 of the recording medium 4 is accurately maintained, and the conveyance of the recording medium 4 and the image transfer are performed with high accuracy.

In transmitting the driving force, the developing sleeve 12d is urged downward not only by the rotational reaction force of the process cartridge B but also by the reaction force when the driving force is transmitted from the flange gear 9c to the sleeve gear 12j. You. At this time, if the sleeve rotating shaft 12d2 does not abut against the abutting portion 33b, the developing sleeve 12d is always urged downward during image formation.
May be shifted downward, and the lower frame 15 to which the developing sleeve 12d is attached may be deformed. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the above-described inconvenience does not occur because the sleeve bearing 12d2 abuts against the abutting portion 33b during image formation.

As shown in FIG. 20, the developing sleeve 12d is urged against the photosensitive drum 9 by a spring 12j via a sleeve bearing 12i. At this time, the sleeve bearing 12i may be configured as shown in FIG. 48 so as to be easily slid. This means that a bearing 12m for receiving the rotating shaft 12d2 is held by a bearing holder 12n, and the bearing holder 12n has a slot 12 in which the bearing 12m can slide.
n1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 49, the bearing holder 12n abuts against and is supported by the sleeve abutting portion 33b of the shaft support member 33. In this state, the bearing 12m can slide in the direction of the arrow within the range of the elongated hole 12n1. Things. In this embodiment, the inclination angle (indicated by θ in FIG. 47) of the abutting portion 33b is set to about 40 °.

Even if the developing sleeve 12d is not supported at the tip of the sleeve shaft, as shown in FIGS. 52 (a) and 52 (b), the lower frame member which contacts the lower end of the sleeve bearing 52 and the lower end of the sleeve bearing 52. The lower part of 15 may be received by the receiving part 53 provided in the apparatus main body.

In this embodiment, the flange gear 9c of the photosensitive drum 9 and the driving gear 41 for transmitting the driving force thereto are provided.
47, the line connecting the center of rotation of the flange gear 9c from the center with respect to the vertical line from the center of rotation of the flange gear 9c is a small angle α (about 1 ° in this embodiment), as shown in FIG. It is configured to shift only in the counterclockwise direction. The driving force transmission direction F from the driving gear 41 to the flange gear 9c is configured to be upward.
Originally, when the angle α is set to 20 ° or more, lifting can be prevented by a downward force, but in this embodiment, it is set to about 1 °.

By setting the angle α to about 1 ° in this manner, when the upper opening / closing cover 19 is rotated and opened in the direction of arrow j to remove the process cartridge B from the image forming apparatus A, the flange gear 9c is driven by the driving gear. The meshing can be smoothly released without being caught on 41.
When the drive transmission direction F is directed upward as described above, the drum rotating shaft 9f is pushed upward and tends to come off the drum support portion 33a. In this embodiment, the overlap portion 33c is formed on the support portion 33a. As a result, the drum rotation shaft 9f does not come off the drum support 33a.

(Recycling Configuration) The process cartridge B having the above configuration is configured to be recyclable. Next, the recycling configuration will be described. Generally, conventional process cartridges are discarded when the toner is used up. However, in order to protect the earth resources and the natural environment, the process cartridge B according to the present embodiment uses the upper and lower frames 14, 15 when the toner in the toner reservoir 12a is completely used.
Is disassembled, and the toner is stored in the toner reservoir 12a again and can be reused.

That is, the locking claw 14a connecting the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 shown in FIGS.
a, by releasing the locking state of the locking claw 14a and the locking projection 15b, the locking claw 14c and the locking opening 15d, and the locking claw 15c and the locking opening 14b,
15 can be disassembled. This unlocking is performed, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is set in the disassembling tool 42, the rod 42a is protruded, and the locking claw 14a is pressed, thereby easily performing the operation. Even without using the disassembly tool 42, the disassembly can be performed by pressing the locking claws 14a, 14c, 15c.

After being disassembled into the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 as described above, cleaning is performed by removing waste toner attached to the inside of the cartridge by blowing air or the like. At this time, since the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, or the cleaning unit 13 is a member that comes into direct contact with the toner, a large amount of waste toner adheres. On the other hand, since the charging roller 10 is a member that does not directly contact the toner, the degree to which the waste toner adheres is small. Accordingly, the cleaning of the charging roller 10 can be easily performed as compared with the cleaning of the photosensitive drum 9 and the cleaning unit 13. However, in the present embodiment, the charging roller 10 includes the photosensitive drum 9 provided on the lower frame 15 and the developing device. Since the upper frame 14 is provided separately from the sleeve 12d and the cleaning means 13, the cleaning of the upper frame 14 separated from the lower frame 15 can be easily performed.

As shown in FIG. 39 (b), this disassembly line divides the upper and lower frames 14, 15 as described above, disassembles and cleans the upper and lower frames 14, 15 and cleans the upper and lower frames 14, 15, respectively.
In the lower frame 15, the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, the developing blade 12e
It is easy to disassemble and clean at the level of each component such as the cleaning blade 13a and the like.

After cleaning the waste toner and the like, as shown in FIG. 9, a cover film 28 is attached to the opening 12a1 to close the opening 12a1, and the toner filling port provided on the side of the toner reservoir 12a. , And the filling port is covered with a cover 12a2. Then, the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 are connected to the above-described locking claw 14a and the locking opening 1.
5a, the locking claws 14a and the locking projections 15b, the locking claws 14c and the locking openings 15d, and the locking claws 15c and the locking openings 14b are locked to connect the two frame bodies 14, 15. Thus, the process cartridge B can be used again.

When the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 are connected again, the locking claw 14a, the locking opening 15a, and the locking claw 14a
When the process cartridge B is reused more frequently, the locking between the locking claw and the locking opening may not be possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, screw grooves are provided near the four corners of the frame. That is, the fitting recess 1 of the upper frame body 14 shown in FIGS.
4d and fitting projections 14e and lower frame body 15 fitted with them
And a thread groove penetrating through the fitting projection 15e and the fitting recess 15f. Thus, even if the locking by the locking claw is no longer possible, the upper and lower frame members 14 and 15 are connected to fit the fitting protrusions and the fitting recesses respectively, and screws are screwed into the screw grooves. Thus, the frame members 14 and 15 can be firmly connected.

{Image Forming Operation} Next, the operation when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A to form an image will be described.

The original 2 is set on the original glass 1 a shown in FIG. 1, and the recording medium 4 is set on the feed tray 3. Next, when a copy button (not shown) is pressed, the light source 1c1 is turned on, and the original glass 1a moves right and left in FIG.

On the other hand, the feed roller 5a and the pair of registration rollers 5c1 and 5c2 rotate in synchronism with the reading to convey the recording medium 4 to the image forming section. The photosensitive drum 9 rotates in the direction of arrow d in FIG. 1 in synchronization with the transfer timing of the pair of registration rollers 5c1, 5c2. The light image read by the means 1 is exposed on the photosensitive drum 9 via the exposure means 11 to form a latent image.

At the same time as the formation of the latent image, the developing means 12 of the process cartridge B is driven, and the toner feeding mechanism 12b is driven to transfer the toner in the toner reservoir 12a to the developing sleeve 1.
The developing sleeve 12 is rotated while being sent out in the 2d direction.
d forms a toner layer. A latent image on the photosensitive drum 9 is developed with toner by applying a voltage having substantially the same potential as the charging polarity of the photosensitive drum 9 to the developing sleeve 12d. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to the recording medium 4 by conveying the recording medium 4 between the photosensitive drum 9 and the transfer roller 6 and applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the transfer roller 6. .

The photosensitive drum 9 on which the toner image has been transferred is rotated in the direction of arrow d to scrape off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum by the cleaning blade 13a and remove the waste toner by the squeeze sheet 13b.
Collect to c.

On the other hand, the recording medium 4 on which the toner image has been formed as described above is conveyed to the fixing means 7 by the conveying belt 5d, and the fixing means 7 applies heat and pressure to fix the toner on the recording medium 4. After the discharge rollers 5f1, 5
The recording medium 4 is discharged to the discharge tray 8 by f2. Thus, the document description information is recorded on the recording medium 4.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described first embodiment, an example was shown in which the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a as parts were screwed with screws 24a and 24b, but as shown in FIG. The fitting protrusions 43a and 43b formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are attached to the main assembly 1 of the apparatus.
6, the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are attached to the lower frame 15 by forcibly fitting them into the fitting portions 44a, 44b.
A screw hole 45 for screwing the blades 12e and 13a is provided near 43b, and a screw hole 45 corresponding to the screw hole is preferably provided on the apparatus body 16 side. (still,
Instead of the fitting protrusions 43a and 43b, a protrusion such as a half punch or a circular boss may be provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the blades 12e and 13a.

Thus, the process cartridge B is recycled and used repeatedly, and the blade 12
When the fitting portions of the e and 13a become loose, the blades 12e and 13a can be firmly fixed by screws.

In the above-described first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, in order to finally incorporate the photosensitive drum 9 in the lower frame 15, the distance L between the drum guide members 25a and 25b is larger than the distance L between the drum guide members 25a and 25b. An example in which the diameter D is reduced has been described. In this configuration, as shown in FIG.
Even when the photosensitive drum 9 is incorporated in the drum guide member 2
If the outer diameter D of the photosensitive drum 9 is made smaller than the interval L between 5a and 25b and the photosensitive drum 9 is incorporated last,
As in the first embodiment, there is no possibility that the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is damaged. In FIG. 54, portions having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 are provided with a locking projection 47a and a locking hole 47.
b and is connected by screws 48.

In the above-described first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35, the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d are supported by the bearing member 26. However, a flange gear 9c is provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 9 in the rotation axis direction. When the transfer roller gear 49 is provided at the other end, a configuration as shown in FIG. 55 may be employed. Note that, in this case, the portions having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 55, the flange gear 9c and the transfer roller gear 49 are fixed to both ends of the photosensitive drum 9 by bonding, caulking or the like, and the drum of the bearing member 26 is positioned by using the projection 49a of the transfer roller gear 49 as a bearing. It is pivotally supported at 26a. In this case, in order to ground the photosensitive drum 9, a drum grounding plate 50 having a contact portion bent in a “C” shape at the center is fixed internally in the photosensitive drum 9.
A drum ground shaft 51 that fits into a hole formed in the center of the transfer roller gear 49 is always in contact with the drum ground plate 50 at its tip. The drum ground shaft 51 is made of a conductive metal such as stainless steel.
9 is also made of a conductive metal such as phosphor bronze or a stainless steel plate. When the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the head portion 51a of the drum ground shaft 51 is supported by the shaft support member 26 of the apparatus main body. At this time, the head portion 51a of the drum ground shaft 51 comes into contact with the drum ground contact pin on the apparatus main body side, and becomes the drum ground. Also in this case, the positional accuracy between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d can be enhanced by the bearing member 26, which is a single component, for both the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d, as in the first embodiment.

Also, the process cartridge B according to the present invention
Is not only for forming a monochrome image as described above,
A plurality of developing means 12 are provided, and the present invention can be suitably applied to a cartridge that forms an image of a plurality of colors (for example, a two-color image, a three-color image, or a full-color image).

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

As for the structure of the charging means, the so-called contact charging method was used in the first embodiment described above. However, as another structure, a metal shield such as aluminum is provided around three sides of a conventionally used tungsten wire. Positive or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage to the tungsten wire are moved to the surface of the photosensitive drum 9, and
It is a matter of course that a configuration for uniformly charging the surface may be used.

The contact charging means may be a blade type (charging blade), a pad type, or the like in addition to the roller type.
It may be of a block type, a rod type, a wire type, or the like.

As a method of cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 9, the cleaning means may be constituted by using a blade, a fur brush, a magnetic brush or the like.

The above-described process cartridge B is provided with, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image carrier and at least one of processing means. Therefore, as a mode of the process cartridge, in addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, the image carrier and the charging unit are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. A cartridge in which the image carrier and the developing means are integrated into a cartridge, and which is detachable from the apparatus main body. A device in which the image carrier and the cleaning means are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Further, there is a type in which an image carrier and two or more of the above-mentioned process means are combined into a cartridge to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

The object to be cleaned includes, for example, a transfer roller or a fixing roller in addition to the photosensitive drum.

In the above-described embodiment, an electrophotographic copying machine has been exemplified as an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, a facsimile apparatus, or a word processor may be used. Of course, it is also possible to use.

Here, the transmission of the driving force to the photosensitive drum 9 will be described more specifically. Transmission of the driving force, as shown in FIG. 56, the drive gear from the drive motor 54 mounted on the apparatus main body 16 through the gear train G ₁ ~G ₅ G ₆
The driving force is transmitted to the flange gear 9c of the driving gear G ₆ and the process cartridge B is rotated force is applied in mesh to the photosensitive drum 9. The driving force of the motor 54 is the driving force from the gear G ₄ to the gear train G ₇ ~G ₁₁ is transmitted, the rotation force to the feeding roller 5a is transmitted. Furthermore gear _{G 12} and _{G 13} driving force from the gear _{G 1} of the motor 54
Is transmitted to the driving roller 7a of the fixing unit 7 through

As shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, a flange gear 9c as a first gear and a gear 9i as a second gear
And a part of both gears 9 c and 9 i is exposed from the opening 15 q of the lower frame 15. When the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, FIG.
Drive gear G ₆ as shown in 9 is gear flange 9c meshes of the photosensitive drum 9, the gear 9c integral with the gear 9i is meshed with the gear 55 of the transfer roller 6. In FIG. 59, the solid line indicates parts on the apparatus main body side, and the two-dot chain line indicates parts on the cartridge side.

The gear 9c and the gear 9i have different numbers of teeth. The gear 9c and the gear 9i have different numbers of teeth, as described above. The rotation speed of the developing sleeve 12d is made different from the case where the cartridge is mounted. That is, when a cartridge for recording a black image using magnetic toner is mounted, the gear 12c of the developing sleeve 12d meshes with the gear 9c as shown in FIG. When a cartridge for recording a color image other than black using a nonmagnetic toner is mounted, as shown in FIG. 60B, the gear 9k of the developing sleeve 12d meshes with the gear 9i, and The torque is transmitted to the sleeve 12d.

As described above, the gear 9c has a larger diameter, a wider width and a larger number of teeth than the gear 9i, and receives the driving force even when the load on the gear 9c is large. The photosensitive drum 9 is rotated more reliably, and a large driving force is transmitted to the developing sleeve 12 for magnetic toner.
d is rotated more reliably.

Next, as shown in FIG. 53, the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are
A preferred example of the blade will be described for the case where the blade is forcibly fitted into the fitting portions 44a and 44b. In the following description, the cleaning blade 13a will be described, but the same applies to the developing blade 12e.

As shown in the perspective view of the cleaning blade 13a and the fitting portion 44b of FIG. 61 and the front view of FIGS. 62 and 63, the lower portions of the fitting projections 43b formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the blade supporting member 13a1. The taper portion 43b1 is formed by notching obliquely, and the device body 16
Part 4 in which the upper part of the fitting part 44b is notched obliquely
4b1. For this reason, when the fitting projection 43b is fitted into the fitting portion 44b, both tapered portions 43b1 and 44b are fitted.
When the members 1 are in meshing contact with each other, they can be sandwiched smoothly.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG.
When 3b is fitted into the fitting portion 44b, the lower end 43b2 of the projection 43b abuts against the lower end 44b2 of the fitting portion 44b,
This defines the amount of penetration of the cleaning blade 13a. For this reason, the tapered portion 4
When providing 3b1, it is preferable to configure so that a substantially horizontal lower end 43b2 serving as the position reference remains.

When the blade support member 13a1 is fitted, the fitting projection 43b is fitted to the fitting portion 44b as described above.
64, when performing automatic assembly, as shown in FIG. 64, the lower frame 15 is pulled in the direction of the arrow by a tool (not shown) and elastically deformed to expand the space between the two fitting portions 44b. Then, as shown in FIG. 65, the blade support member 13a1 is fitted between the two fitting portions 44b. The fitting operation at this time is performed extremely smoothly by the tapered portions 43b1 and 44b1 as described above. Next, when the pulling by the tool is stopped, the deformation of the lower frame 15 is elastically restored as shown in FIG. 66, and the fitting projections 43b are engaged with the fitting portions 44b. Further, both fitting portions 44b are pressed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 66 to ensure the above-mentioned locked state. In this way, it can be easily assembled.

The same effect can be obtained even if the lower part of the fitting projection 43b is formed in a circular arc shape having a curvature as shown in FIG. 67, for example, even if the fitting projection 43b does not have the inclined taper portion 43b1. Can be done.

Further, as shown in FIG. 68, the fitting projection 43b
Even if the lower corner of the tapered portion 43b1 formed is formed to be rounded, the fitting into the fitting portion 43b can be performed smoothly. Further, the tapered portion 43
Even if the lower part of the fitting projection 43b is simply rounded without providing the b1, the fitting property is improved to some extent.

FIG. 69 shows a PTFE tape 13a3 or the like attached to the tapered portion 43b1 of the blade support member 13a1 so that the PTFE tape 13a3 can be smoothly fitted into the fitting portion of the apparatus main body. FIG. 70 shows the tapered portion 13b1
1. Lubricant silicone oil or general grease 1
3a4 or the like is applied to improve the slipperiness of the portion, so that the device can be smoothly fitted into the fitting portion.

When attaching the tape 13a3 or applying oil or the like, it is not always necessary to provide the tapered portion 43b1 on the fitting projection 43b, but the tape is attached to the lower end 43b2 serving as a positioning reference in order to improve the mounting accuracy. To prevent sticking or application of oil or the like.

FIGS. 64, 65 and 71 to 75
The method of attaching the blade will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

When the blade support member 13a1 is fitted, the fitting projection 43b is fitted to the fitting portion 44 as described above.
b may be forcibly fitted into the b.
As shown in FIGS. 71 to 75, automatic assembly may be performed using the tool 56 and the tool 57.

That is, first, as shown in the schematic plan view of FIG. 71A and the schematic front view of FIG.
Is mounted on the cartridge support base 60, and the blade fitting portion 44 which is a frame for supporting the blade support member 13a1.
The hook portion 56a of the tool 56 is locked to b. The hook portion 56a is connected to a cylinder 56b, and a pump 56c is connected to the cylinder.

Therefore, the hook portion 56a is inserted into the fitting portion 44.
b, the pump 56c is actuated to increase the distance between the opposed fitting portions 44b by about 2 kgf to 6 k.
By applying a force of gf, the space between the opposed fitting portions 44b is widened by about 0.5 mm to 2 mm. As a result, the space between the fitting portions 44b expands as shown in FIG. 64. In this state, as shown in FIG.
It can be easily fitted in between. The fitting operation at this time is performed by the tapered portions 43b1 and 44 as described above.
The fitting of the two can be performed very easily by b1.

Now, after the blade 13 has been fitted, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
Apply force to narrow the gap between b. The tool 57 used in this embodiment is a toggle clamp tool, which is a plate member 57a.
A locking hook portion 57a1 is provided at one end of the base member, and a fixed portion 57c is fixed to an upright portion 57b formed at the other end. The fixed portions 57c have fulcrums 57d1 and 57d1, respectively.
The arms 57e, 57d, 57d3, 57d4
The handle 57f and the working arm 57g are pivotally mounted. Therefore, the hook portion 57a is locked outside the one fitting portion 44b, and the locking hole 57a provided at a predetermined position of the plate member 57 is provided.
2 is engaged with the projection 15m of the lower frame 15. When the handle 57f is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 72A in this state, the operation arm 57g is rotated, and as shown in FIG. 72B, the operation portion 57g1 presses the outside of the fitting portion 44b in the direction of the arrow. Then, a force is applied by the locking of the hook portion 57a and the pressing of the action portion 57g1 so as to narrow the space between the opposed fitting portions 44b. In this embodiment, the force is about 1 kg.
f to 4 kgf, the fitting portion 44b
The gap between them is reduced by about 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 73, the contact portion 44b3 of the fitting portion 44b contacts the contact portion 58 of the blade support member 13a1 (see the cleaning blade perspective view in FIG. 74), and the lower frame The positional accuracy of the blade support member 13a1 with respect to 15 is ensured. Also, both fitting portions 44b
The fitting projection 43b is engaged with the fitting. In this state, if the screw 13 is screwed into the screw hole 45 to fix the blade 13a, the mounting position accuracy of the blade 13a is increased.

The lower frame body 15 made of plastic is
The synthetic resin is injected into the mold and molded. After cooling, the mold is separated and taken out. The fitting portion 44b is opened depending on conditions such as the temperature of the mold and the temperature and pressure at which the resin is injected. May be deformed. However, even if such deformation occurs, the deformation is corrected by pressing the contact portion 44b3 of the fitting portion 44b so as to contact the contact portion 58 of the blade 13a as described above, and the component size is reduced. Accuracy can be improved. For this reason, the cleaning blade 13a attached to the lower frame 15 uniformly comes into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 9 similarly attached to the lower frame 15 over the entire length. Similarly, the mounting position of the squeeze sheet 13b and the like to be mounted on the lower frame 15 can be secured accurately.

The lower frame 15 is moved by the tool 57 in FIG.
By receiving a force for narrowing the interval between the fitting portions 44b from the direction of the arrow X in (b), the lower surface of the lower frame body receives a force to bend outwardly of the cartridge indicated by the arrow Y. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 38, when the process cartridge B is held by hand, if the lower frame 15 is thin, the lower surface of the frame is easily bent inwardly of the cartridge. Although there is a possibility that the sleeve 12d may be damaged due to contact with the developing sleeve 12d, the bending of the lower frame 15 is prevented by applying a force so that the lower surface of the frame is bent outward of the cartridge as described above. I can do it. Therefore, the thickness of the lower frame 15 is reduced, and the developing sleeve 12d is
Can be provided close to the inner surface of the process cartridge B, and the process cartridge B can be reduced in size and weight.

Although the above description has shown an example in which the cleaning blade 13a is attached, the developing blade 12e
Can be similarly attached using the tools 56 and 57. In this embodiment, when the developing blade 12e shown in FIG. 75 is attached, the blade fitting portion formed on the lower frame frame is brought into contact with the contact portion 12e3 of the blade support member 12e1. The developing blade support member 12e1 is provided with a regulating plate 12e4 which is bent in a "-" shape. When the regulating plate 12e4 sends the toner in the toner reservoir 12a to the developing sleeve 12d, or when the developing sleeve 12d When the toner layer attached to the toner container rotates with the rotation of the sleeve 12d, the toner layer is prevented from entering a space (see FIG. 4) formed by the container outer wall of the toner reservoir 12a and the developing blade support member.

The cleaning blade 13a is attached to the lower frame 15 as described above.
e. Then, the developing sleeve 12d is attached, and finally, the photosensitive drum 9 is attached and assembled.

As described above, the space between the lower frame body fitting portions opposed by the tool 57 is reduced so that the fitting portions abut on the longitudinal ends of the blade supporting members 13a1 and 12e1 of the cleaning blade 13a and the developing blade 12e. For this purpose, it is preferable that the rigidity of the blade supporting member be greater than the rigidity of the fitting portion. For this purpose, as in the present embodiment, the lower frame 12 is preferably made of plastic, and the blade support members 13a1 and 12e1 are preferably made of metal (for example, iron). In addition, as the material of the lower frame 12, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene ether, or the like can be preferably used.

In this embodiment, the blades 13a, 12e
Although an elastic blade made of urethane rubber was used as the above, when the blades 13a and 12e are made of a material having high rigidity such as metal, the lower frame body fitting portion is not a blade supporting member but a direct blade 13a, 12e. 12e.

In the above-described embodiment, after the blade supporting member is locked to the locking portion, a force is applied in a direction to reduce the space between the opposing frames, so that the frame member receives a force so as to expand outward. For this reason, even if the thickness of the frame is thin, it is difficult to bend when the frame is held by hand, and for example, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the developing sleeve comes into contact with the frame.

Further, when a force is applied in a direction to reduce the interval between the frames, the blade support is brought into contact with both ends in the longitudinal direction of the blade support, so that even if the frame is deformed such as flexure, the blade mounting position is reduced. Can be easily secured.

Further, regarding the mounting structure of the cleaning blade 13a and the developing blade 12e, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In each of the embodiments described below, the mounting configuration of the two blades 13a and 12e is the same. Therefore, the mounting configuration of the developing blade 12e will be described below.

As shown in the figure, convex portions 62n1 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the developing blade 12e.
A tapered portion 62n2, which narrows downward, is formed at the lower portion of 1.

On the other hand, the housing is provided with the blade support 6.
6,67 are provided. The support portions 66 and 67 are made of an elastically deformable material, and are elastically deformable in the direction of arrow B in the drawing. Further, the support portions 66, 67
Is a hollow interior, reference surfaces 66a and 67a are provided at the lower end, and holding portions 66b and 67b are provided at the upper end. The supporting members 66 and 67 are provided at intervals of the length of the blade 12n in the longitudinal direction, and the interval between the reference surfaces 66a and 67a and the pressing portions 66b and 67b is the same as the vertical direction of the convex portion 62n1 of the blade 62n. It is configured to be slightly shorter than the length.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 76 (B), when the blade 62n is press-fitted in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 76, the tapered portion 62n1 hits the pressing portions 66b / 67b, and the blade supporting portions 66/67 are viewed from arrow B. Elastic deformation in the direction.
When the lower end of the projection 62n1 abuts against the reference surfaces 66a, 67a, the blade support portions 66, 67 are moved to the positions shown in FIG.
As shown in (C), when externally pressed in the direction of arrow C,
The upper end of the convex portion 62n1 is press-fitted into the pressing portions 66b and 67b and fixed (the hatched portions in FIGS. 76 (C) and (D) are press-fitted portions D), and the blade 62n is securely attached.

In this manner, the blade supporting portions 66 and 67 can be easily attached simply by elastically deforming them and press-fitting the blade 62n. Further, since it is not necessary to fix the screws, the number of parts can be reduced and cost can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment] Still another embodiment is shown in FIG.
(A) and (B) show. In this embodiment, press-fitting silos 66c and 67c are provided on the inner surfaces of the blade supporting portions 66 and 67 (three places in this embodiment), and when the blade 12e is attached, the blade protrusion 62n1
It is configured to press-fit while shaving c · 67c.
The press-fitting silos 66c and 67c are provided at one or a plurality of positions in accordance with the size of the blade protrusion 62n1.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to reduce the press-fitting force when attaching the blade 12e, improve workability, and improve assemblability.

[Third Embodiment] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which press-fitting shiros are provided in the blade supporting portions 66 and 67 in order to reduce the press-fitting force of the blade 12e. Shown at 78. FIG. 78A is a plan view,
FIG. 78B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line JJ of FIG. 78A.

In this embodiment, the blade supporting portions 66 and 67
Are provided with tapered portions 66d, 67d (67d is not shown). The tapered portions 66d and 67d are formed such that the opening is larger than the width of the blade protrusion 62n1 and becomes smaller than the width of the blade protrusion 62n1 toward the back.

Thus, when the blade 12n is mounted, the blade convex portion 62n1 is connected to the tapered portions 66d, 66d.
7d, and the press-fit can be made smaller than in the first embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 79 shows still another embodiment.
(A) and (B) show. FIG. 79A is an explanatory plan view, FIG. 79B is an explanatory KK diagram of FIG. 79A, and only one blade supporting portion 66 is shown in the drawing.

In this embodiment, a fitting hole 62n3 is provided in the blade convex portion 62n1, and the blade support portions 66, 67 (67
(Not shown) are provided with hinge portions 66e and 67e, and when the blade convex portion 62n1 is press-fitted, the hinge portion 66e is provided.
e and 67e are elastically deformed, and a protrusion 66 formed at the tip thereof is formed.
f · 67f fits into the fitting hole 62n3.

By doing so, the blade 12
It is possible to minimize the press-fitting when press-fitting and fixing e, and confirm the positioning when the blade 12e is press-fitted. Therefore, the assembly workability is further improved. still,
When the blade convex portion 62n1 is press-fitted as in the above-described embodiment, by using a configuration in which the blade support portions 66 and 67 are press-fitted while being shaved, the blade 12e is more securely fixed.

FIGS. 80 and 81 show still another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 80, one of the blade protrusions 62n1 is fitted to and supported by the blade support portion 66, and the other protrusion 6n1 is supported.
By press-fitting the 2n1 into the blade support 67, the support 27 is elastically deformed in the direction of the arrow and attached. By doing so, when the blade convex portion 62n1 is press-fitted, the inner surface of the blade support is shaved only on one side, and the assembling property is improved.

In FIG. 81, one of the blade projections 62n1 is fitted to and supported by the blade support 66. A screw hole 62n4 is formed in the other convex portion 62n1, and a screw hole 67 formed in the screw hole 62n4 and the blade support portion 67 is formed.
G is screwed together to support. By doing so, unlike the conventional case, the screws can be fixed to only one side, the number of parts can be reduced, and the assembling workability can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the blades 12e and 13
Although the example in which the cleaning means or the developing means to which a is attached is formed into a cartridge integrally with the photosensitive drum,
The blade mounting configuration according to each embodiment described above can be similarly applied to an image forming apparatus in which a photosensitive drum and a cleaning unit or a developing unit are mounted on an apparatus main body.

In each of the embodiments described above, an example has been shown in which both the developing blade 2n and the cleaning blade 13a are attached by the same configuration.
Even when only one of them is mounted as in the above-described embodiments, assemblability and the like are improved as compared with the conventional mounting configuration.

Next, the cleaning blade 13 will be described.
a and the blade support member 13a1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 82 is a plan view of the blade support member 13a1 and the cleaning blade 13a which are integrally formed.
FIG. 83 is a side view thereof. As described above, the cleaning blade 13a is made of polyurethane rubber having a rubber hardness of 60 ° to 73 °, more preferably 62 ° to 68 ° (JISA hardness). The blade supporting member 13a1 is made of a cold-rolled steel plate (SECC) having a thickness of 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm, more preferably a thickness of 1.2 mm and a flatness of 0.08 or less in consideration of strength and bending accuracy. The support member 13a1 has a bending angle β of 90 ° ≦ β <165 ° (FIG. 83). The two members 13a and 13a1 are formed by integrally molding a sheet metal and a polyurethane rubber via an adhesive 13a6. At this time, the edge 13a5 of the polyurethane rubber 13a is cut by a cutter (not shown) to obtain a smoothness. Further, as described above, the support member 13a1 of this embodiment has the protrusion 43b as a protrusion protruding in the longitudinal direction from the support portion 13a7 supporting the blade 13a made of polyurethane rubber. Note that this projection 4
The lower end 43b2 of the blade 3b is connected to the edge 13 of the blade 13a.
It is almost parallel to a5. Therefore, when attaching the support member 13a1 to the frame 15a, the lower end 43b2 is attached to the frame 15a.
The edge 13a5 of the blade 13a is accurately positioned by abutting the positioning on the lower end 44b2 on the a side. Therefore, the edge portion 13a5 of the blade 13a
Can uniformly contact the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9. 45 is a screw hole as a mounting hole,
By retaining the screws with the screws 59, the support member 13a
1 is fixed to the frame 15a. In addition to the screw pool,
For example, a dowel (the same material as the frame 15a) may be provided on the side of the frame 15a, and after the hole 45 is fitted into the dowel, heat caulking may be performed.

In this embodiment, a mounting hole 45 is provided in the area of the protruding portion 43b. That is, the center of the hole 45 is arranged at a position away from the side end Q of the support portion 13a7 of the support member 13a1 by a distance P outward in the longitudinal direction, and the radius r of the attachment hole 45 is set smaller than the distance P ( r <P). To give a specific example, the diameter φ of the hole 45 is about 3.2 mm (r = about 1.6 mm) (in this embodiment,
This shows the most preferable size when a screw is reserved with a screw 59 (FIG. 73) having a diameter of 2.6 mm, and the hole diameter may be 2.7 mm to 3.6 mm.
8mm, steel plate thickness about 1.2mm, blade 13a
A polyurethane rubber having a thickness of about 1.7 mm and a JISA hardness of 65 ° ± 3 ° was used. Also, S = 13.0m
m, T = about 9.7 mm, U = about 10.2 mm, R
₁ = about 2.2 mm, _{R 2} = about 4.8 mm, _{R 3} = about 2.0 _mm, and the R 4 = 4.5 mm.

Note that S is the distance from the lower end 43b2 of the blade supporting member 13a1 to the edge 13a5 of the blade 13a, and T is the distance from the lower end 43b2 to the bent portion i.

[0244] By arranging the entire area of the hole 45 in the region of the thus projections 43 b, by providing a particular region R _{1 ·} R 2 · R ₃ around the other words holes 45, the following effects was gotten.

[0245] By providing the region _{R 1,} the hole 45
When a screw is stored or heat caulked, a slight distortion occurs in the steel sheet due to the tightening torque and heat, but the distortion does not affect the blade edge 13a5, and sufficient cleaning performance can be secured.

By providing the regions R ₂ and R ₃ ,
When opening the hole 45, some distortion occurs in the steel plate,
This distortion is used to determine the mounting position.
Since the support member 13a1 can be accurately attached to a predetermined position of the frame pair 15a without affecting the 3b2 and the side end 43b3, sufficient cleaning performance can be ensured.

In the above description, a case where a round hole is used as an attachment hole has been described as an example, but a long hole (see FIGS. 63 to 70 and FIG. 74) may satisfy the same relationship. preferable. Therefore, when a round hole is provided at one end and a long hole is provided at the other end as in the support member shown in this embodiment, only the round hole provided at one end satisfies the above relationship. If it is, a corresponding effect can be obtained. In this example, the major axis of the long pore is about 4.5 mm and the minor axis is about 3.2 m.
m.

Further, in this embodiment, long holes are also arranged so as to satisfy the same relation as the above-mentioned round hole, and the entire region of this long hole is provided in the protruding portion region. Incidentally, the length of the protruding portion on the long pore side is about 9 mm to 10 mm.

Further, in the above-described configuration, a plurality of samples were prepared in which the length U of the protruding portion 32b was changed in the range of 4 mm to 22 mm, and the mounting accuracy of the S portion when mounted on the frame 15a was measured. The result is shown in FIG. The lower region indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 84 is a region where the mounting accuracy can be obtained without causing any practical problem, and the protrusion 43
If the length (U) of b is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm,
It has been found that sufficient mounting accuracy can be obtained.

This is because the length (U) of the protrusion 43b is 5 m.
m, the lower end 43b2 as a positioning reference
Becomes short, and the positioning accuracy with respect to the frame body 15a is not sufficiently obtained when the frame is mounted on the frame body 15a. On the contrary, if U is larger than 20 mm, the length of the lower end 43b2 becomes long. The support member 13a1
It is thought that it is difficult to obtain a sufficient degree of linearity of the lower end 43b2 when manufacturing.

Next, the thickness and angle relationship between the support member 13a1 and the blade 13a will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, referring to FIG. 83, the size of each part of the integrally formed support member 13a1 and blade 13a will be described. FIG. 83 is a schematic side view, and in order to facilitate understanding, support members 13a are
1 and the blade 13a are shown enlarged. (1) Bending angle (β) of support member 13a1 about 115
Degree (2) Length (h1) of vertical portion h of support member 13a1
Approximately 15.5 mm (3) Length (i1) of bent portion i of support member 13a1
Approximately 7.5 mm (4) Thickness (t) of support member 13a1 Approximately 1.2 mm (5) Virtual penetration amount of blade 13a into photosensitive drum 9 (b) Approximately 0.7 to 1.3 mm (6) Blade 13a Width of the tip surface c (blade 13a)
(C1) about 1.7 mm (7) Length of vertical surface d of blade 13a (d1) about 1.5 mm (8) Length of inclined surface k of blade 13a (k1) about 5. 0 mm (9) Length (v1) of flat surface v on the root side of blade 13a
Approximately 2.0 mm (10) Length (m1) of flat surface (contact surface) m of blade 13a Approximately 9.5 mm (11) Support member 13a from tip surface c of blade 13a
Length of the free end j to one tip (j1) about 7.5 mm (12) Thickness at the root of the blade 13a (e) about 2.
6 mm (13) Thickness of one end of the engaging portion of the blade 13a with the support member 13a1 (f) about 0.8 mm (14) Thickness of the other end of the engaging portion of the blade 13a with the support member 13a1 ( g) about 0.8 mm (15) Set contact angle (α) of the blade 13a with the photosensitive drum 9 (the tangent at the point where the photosensitive drum 9 and the tip of the blade 13a intersect, and the flat surface m of the blade 13) (Angle formed) about 23 to 25 degrees (16) The edge 13a5 of the blade 13 contacting the photosensitive drum 9 and the rear end i2 of the bent portion i of the support member 13a1
(Θ) formed by a straight line 11 connecting the flat surface m and the flat surface m (contact surface) about 18 degrees (17) Length of the blade 13a in the longitudinal direction about 240
mm

First, in the above-described embodiment, the vertex (edge portion 1) formed by the tip surface c of the elastic blade 13a and the flat surface m is formed.
3a5) and the rear end i2 of the bent portion i of the support member 13a1
An angle θ formed by a straight line 11 (the dashed line in FIG. 83) connecting the flat surface m and the straight line 11 connecting the two will be described. As described above, in the present embodiment, the angle θ is set to about 18 degrees.

The condition of the angle θ will be described. First, in order to clean the small-diameter toner satisfactorily, it is conceivable to increase the contact pressure of the blade 13a against the photosensitive drum 9. This means that the virtual new amount b of the edge 13a5 of the blade 13a with respect to the photosensitive drum 9 shown in FIG. 83 is increased. When the contact pressure increases, the frictional force F between the surface of the blade 13a and the surface of the drum 9 increases (FIG. 85). Therefore, the blade 13a, which originally cleaned the toner while repeating a small stick-slip with the rotation of the drum 9, further increased the "chatter" at the tip of the blade due to the stick-slip, and the supporting member 13a1 itself was accordingly moved. It starts to vibrate. Therefore, in the conventional example, the "chatter" of the blade tip is caused by such vibration of the support member 13a1.
Was promoted, and a strange sound was generated (for example, a strange sound was generated when θ = 16 degrees or less). In this case, the angle β is generally 90 ° + the set contact angle γ of the blade 13a, and β>
90 °.

In order to solve the above problem, the present applicant has paid attention to the relationship between the contact pressure of the blade 13a and the sheet metal strength. First, the length of the free end j of the blade 13a is
The distance is set to about 6 mm to 9 mm in relation to the contact pressure and the space of the cleaning device. Therefore, the applicant of the present invention focused on the element θ under such a condition and conducted an experiment. If the angle θ was set to 18 ° or more, even if the blade 13a was set to the necessary contact pressure, the support member 13a1 itself was It has been found that the sound can be prevented without vibration. This will be described below.

First, the strength of the support member 13a1 (sheet metal)
Assuming that the length j1 of the free end j of the blade 13a is substantially constant, the length h of the vertical portion h of the support member 13a1
1 and the length i1 of the bent portion i. Therefore, in the present embodiment, this relation is considered in consideration of a slight change in the free end j1, and the blade tip edge 13a5 and the support member 13a
1 was defined by an angle θ formed between a straight line connecting the bent rear end portion i2 and the flat surface m (contact surface) of the blade 13a.

Here, setting θ = 18 ° or more is as follows.
By decreasing the angle β or lengthening the bent part i,
Conversely, it is conceivable to shorten the vertical portion h. In any case, the strength of the support member 13a1 itself can be increased. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the stick pressure at the blade tip is increased by increasing the blade contact pressure, the vibration can be forcibly suppressed by increasing the strength of the support member 13a1. Was. Therefore, the supporting member 13a1 did not generate vibration and no generation of noise. Here, the larger the angle θ is, the better it is not. The larger the angle θ is, for example, the longer the bent portion i is, the larger the size of the cleaning blade becomes. The device itself becomes large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper limit of the angle θ is set to 22 degrees or less, thereby realizing the miniaturization of the cleaning blade alone or the cleaning device.

Further, considering the strength by paying attention to the support member 13a1, it is preferable that the length of the vertical portion h and the bent portion i satisfy the relationship of f> ng (n ≧ 0.38). When this relationship is satisfied,
Even more satisfactory vibration-free strength is obtained. In this case, it is preferable that the relationship of n <1 is satisfied, and the device does not become unnecessarily large as described above. If the relationship of f> ng is satisfied, the length of f can be reduced as the length of g is reduced. Therefore, each length of f and g of the support member 13a1 can be shortened. Therefore, the flatness can be increased. Therefore, not only the blade 13a can be set with high accuracy, but also the size can be further reduced.

More specifically, it is preferable that the vertical portion h of the support member 13a1 and the free end j of the blade 13a satisfy the relationship of 2 ≦ h ≦ 2.2j.

Here, the vertical portion h is defined as 2 or more because
Regardless of the length of the free end j, the bonding width 13a6 between the supporting member 13a1 and the blade 13a needs to be at least 2 mm (in consideration of the peeling strength), and is set to 2.2 j or less. This is because when the size is increased, the flatness is extremely deteriorated.

When the above conditions are satisfied, the cleaning blade 13a and the supporting member 13a, which are small and lightweight, are realized.
1 can be obtained. Further, even when the contact pressure of the blade 13 with respect to the photosensitive drum 9 was increased, even when the toner having a small particle diameter was used without generating noise, good cleaning was achieved.

The experimental results are shown below.

The length j of the free end is set so as to satisfy the above condition.
1 = 7.5 mm, length h 1 of the vertical portion = 15.5 mm, length i 1 of the bent portion = 7.5 mm, bending angle β = 115 °,
When the angle θ is set to 18 °, the cleaning blade in which the blade 13a and the support member 13a1 are integrally formed is set such that the contact pressure against the photosensitive drum 9 is higher than the normal contact pressure, and then the particle diameter is reduced in the normal environment. When an endurance test of 4000 sheets was performed with the above-described apparatus using the toner, no noise was generated even from the initial stage, and the cleaning performance was good.

On the other hand, the length i1 of the bent portion i is set to 5.
If it is set to 5 mm, the angle θ = 15 °. When the same experiment was performed with such a cleaning blade,
The sound generation continued from the initial stage to several hundred sheets.

Normally, carbon fluoride or the like is applied to the tip of the blade as a lubricant. However, when the noise was generated on several hundred sheets, the noise was not generated. It is considered that the lubrication was increased due to the accumulation at the edge portion 13a5.

In order to increase the strength of the support member 13a1, a measure to increase the thickness of the support member 13a1 is considered. However, for example, if the thickness t of the support member is 1.5 m
If it is m, it is inferior in flatness at the time of manufacture.

In the above description, an example has been described in which the frictional force F increases due to an increase in the blade contact pressure in the case of a small particle size toner, and a noise is generated. It is not limited to the case of the diameter toner. For example,
Since the frictional force F is greatly influenced by the matching of the friction coefficient and the resistance between the surface of the image carrier and the blade contact surface,
Normally, there is a possibility that the noise can be sufficiently generated even when the contact pressure is low in the cleaning of the toner having the particle diameter. Therefore, even in this case, the noise can be prevented if at least the condition of the present invention is satisfied.

As described above, the angle θ between the straight line connecting the edge of the blade in contact with the image carrier and the rear end of the bent support member and the contact surface is set to 18 ° or more.
° or less, without enlarging the support member,
The strength of the support member can be increased, and the generation of noise can be prevented.

Next, referring to FIGS. 83 and 85 to 88,
The thickness relationship of the blade 13a will be described.

In this embodiment, the thickness of the blade 13a at each location satisfies the following relationships: c1 <e ≦ 2c, f> g, and c1> d. Here, c1: width c1 of the tip surface c of the blade 13a (blade 1
E: thickness at the root of blade 13a d: length of vertical surface d of blade 13a f: thickness at the flat surface m side of the engagement portion of blade 13a with support member 13a1 g: Thickness of the engaging portion of the blade 13a with the support member 13a1 on the inclined surface k side By the way, the configuration of the blade integrally formed with the conventional support member generally has a relationship of c1 <d, g> f, 2c1 <e. Met.

The conditions of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described step by step. First, by satisfying the condition of c1 <e, stress concentration on a part of the blade 13a is prevented and permanent deformation is suppressed as much as possible. Further, e ≦ 2c1 and f> g
By satisfying the above condition, the curing shrinkage of the rubber is suppressed as much as possible, and the parallelism in the longitudinal direction of the edge portion 13a5 due to the shrinkage is made as accurate as possible. Thereby, the parallelism of the edge portion 13a5 can be improved. further,
Improving only the degree of parallelism is insufficient for cleaning small-sized toner particles, and may not be able to clean toner particles smaller than the average particle size. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as a method for improving the cleaning, the contact pressure of the blade 13a against the photosensitive drum 9 is increased by the above-described configuration. That is, as described above, c1
> D. As a result, the rigidity of the blade 13a was improved, and the occurrence of a so-called curling phenomenon in which the tip of the blade 13a was moved in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 9 could be prevented. This is because the shape of the blade tip is c as described above.
It seems that by setting 1> d, the rigidity of the blade 13a in the longitudinal direction could be improved.

Here, a so-called turn-over phenomenon will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 85, the blade 13a has a normal force N received from the photosensitive drum 9 and a drum 9
A frictional force F between the blade and the blade 13a and a combined drag R of the normal drag N and the frictional force F act. Therefore, when the contact pressure is increased, N increases and F further increases, which may cause a so-called turning (reversal) phenomenon in which the tip of the blade 13a moves in the rotation direction of the drum 9. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the blade 13a
Since the rigidity of the sheet was improved, the occurrence of this turning phenomenon could be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, with the above-described configuration,
The amount of permanent deformation could be reduced. This will be described below.

The table shown in FIG. 86 is a comparison between the conventional blade shape described above and the permanent deformation amount of rubber with respect to the blade penetration amount b of the embodiment of the present invention described above.
That is, the blade 13a is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 9 at the penetration amounts of 0.8 mm and 1.1 mm, and is left under pressure at room temperature of 45 ° C. for 5 days in the promotion mode. This is the result of measuring the amount of deformation. As is clear from this table, the permanent deformation rate is about 10% in the conventional blade shape. However, in the blade shape of the example to which the present invention was applied, the permanent deformation ratio was set to about 5% under the same conditions. According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the distal end portion (due to c> d) and to improve the elastic force of the flat surface (contact surface) that comes into contact with the support member 13a1 (due to f> g). It seems to be because.

Using a small particle size toner in the blade shape of this embodiment, the process cartridge as shown in FIG.
When the durability of 000 sheets was performed in a normal environment, the cleaning properties such as damage to the image carrier 1 were good, and there was no particular problem.

In the present invention, the case of toner having a small particle size has been particularly described. However, the present invention is not limited to the toner having a small particle size, and the blade 5 is hardly turned up and permanent deformation can be suppressed as much as possible. Improving the parallelism of the blade is very effective in cleaning the toner of normal particle size, and not only has improved the performance of the blade alone,
This is effective for the long-term stability of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus itself.

It is to be noted that the length d1 of the d portion in the blade shape needs to be at least 1 mm. The reason is,
This is because the tip of the blade is rubber-molded and then the tip 13c is cut in order to accurately bring out the edge 13a5. That is, at the time of cutting, since the cutter is run in the longitudinal direction from the blade contact surface side while holding this d portion to cut, at least 1 mm is required as the holding portion. If the cut portion cannot be pressed directly, the edge portion 13
a5 may not be cut with high accuracy.

If the amount of permanent deformation is to be further reduced, the overall thickness of the blade shape is designed to be thicker according to the above conditions. If the contact pressure is designed to be high even if the penetration amount b is small, the permanent deformation rate is determined by the blade shape, so that the permanent deformation amount can be further reduced.

Next, the contact angle when this embodiment is used will be described.

As an individual element necessary for maintaining high and stable cleaning performance, there is a contact angle at the tip of the blade in addition to the above-described elements. Here, as shown in FIG. 87, the contact angle is defined as a tangent line at a point (edge portion) 13a5 where the blade tip 13a5 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 are in contact with each other, and 0 along the blade contact surface m from the contact point 13a5. An angle β formed by a line connecting the point x and the point x separated by 0.5 mm. That is, it refers to the contact angle between the blade tip and the photosensitive drum 9. In addition, as a method of obtaining the contact angle, the blade 13a was brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 13a with a certain amount of penetration b, and observed by a microscope from the cross-sectional direction.

FIG. 88 shows the result of comparing the relationship between the contact angle of the blade tip and the blade penetration amount b between the conventional blade shape described above and the blade shape according to the present invention described above. According to the study by the present applicant, the range in which the cleaning performance is stably maintained is 6 ° ≦ β ≦ 16 °, and in consideration of various vibrations and the eccentricity of the photosensitive drum 9, the range is preferably 8 °. ≦ β ≦ 14 ° is good. Based on this, comparing the shape of the conventional blade with the shape of the present embodiment, it can be seen that the allowable contact range determined by the penetration amount b is wider in the present embodiment than in the conventional example. For example, as shown in FIG. 88, the contact angle of the blade tip is β = 6.
In order to hold the blade in the range of ° to 16 °, the blade penetration amount is 0.5 mm to 1.03 mm in the conventional type (0.53 m
m). On the other hand, in this embodiment described above, 0.6 mm to 1.26 mm (0.66
mm). Therefore, the setting range of the intrusion amount b could be expanded. Therefore, when the setting range of the penetration amount b is widened, the assemblability is improved and the total cost can be reduced. Further, when the setting range of the penetration amount b was the same as that of the conventional type, the range of the contact angle of the blade tip could be narrowed, the cleaning performance could be maintained stably for a long time, and the reliability could be increased. .

When the blade member shown in FIGS. 82 and 83 was incorporated in the process cartridge B and a durability test was performed on the image forming apparatus A under a normal environment for about 4,000 sheets, damage to the photosensitive member was found. And good cleaning performance was maintained without inducing.

Also, just in case, in each of the above descriptions,
In the case of the small particle size toner, the friction force is increased by increasing the blade contact pressure. However, the present invention is not limited to the case of the small particle size toner. Regardless, if the conditions of the present invention are satisfied, it is included in the present invention. This is because it is clear that the effects of the present invention as described above can be obtained if the above conditions are satisfied.

As described in detail above, according to the cleaning blade and the support member described in the above embodiment, downsizing can be achieved, positioning accuracy can be improved when mounting to a process cartridge, a cleaning device, or the like. Can provide a blade member that can reduce the amount of permanent deformation, prevent roll-up (reversal), generate no noise, and maintain good performance for a long period of time. .

[0286]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blade member, a blade member mounting method, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus, which can be downsized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall sectional explanatory view of a copying machine in which a process cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the copier with a tray open.

FIG. 3 is an external explanatory view of the copying machine with a tray closed.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory sectional view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a process cartridge.

FIG. 6 is an external view illustrating the process cartridge upside down.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view obtained by dividing the upper and lower frames of the process cartridge.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory internal perspective view of the lower frame side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory internal perspective view of the upper frame side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory sectional view of a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a measurement state of a charging noise.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a measurement result of a charging noise with respect to a position of a filling material.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a drum ground contact.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of a drum ground contact.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory sectional view of an embodiment using a drum ground not divided into two branches.

FIG. 16 is a perspective explanatory view of an embodiment using a drum ground that is not divided into two branches.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a mounting configuration of a charging roller.

18A is an explanatory perspective view of an exposure shutter, and FIG.
FIG.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a non-magnetic toner feeding configuration using stirring blades.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d and a method of pressing the developing sleeve 12d.

21 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a section AA in FIG. 12-1, and FIG. 21 (b) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a section BB in FIG. 12-1.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a pressing force applied to a developing sleeve bearing.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the upper end of the squeeze sheet is undulating.

24A is an explanatory view of a state in which a double-sided tape has protruded from the lower end of a squeeze sheet, and FIGS. 24B and 24C are explanatory views of a state in which a pasting tool has been stuck to the protruded double-sided tape.

FIG. 25 (a) is an explanatory view showing a state where a squeeze sheet having a curved lower end is attached to a curved mounting surface, and FIG. 25 (b) is a state where the curvature of the mounting surface is released and tension is applied to the upper end of the squeeze sheet. FIG.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view in which the central portion of the lower end of the squeeze sheet is formed linearly wide.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view of an embodiment in which a squeeze sheet mounting surface is pressed to bend.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram for guiding a recording medium by the lower surface of the lower frame.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the photosensitive drum is incorporated last.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which a developing blade and a cleaning blade are attached.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory sectional view for assembling a process cartridge.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mounting position of a guide member when a photosensitive drum of a process cartridge is incorporated.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which a drum guide is provided at an end of a blade support member.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of mounting a bearing member of a photosensitive drum and a developing sleeve.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory sectional view showing a state of the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve in a state where the bearing member is attached.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of a cover film and a tear tape.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory view in which the tear tape is exposed from the handle.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the process cartridge is held by hand.

39A is an explanatory diagram of a process cartridge assembling and shipping line, and FIG. 39B is an explanatory diagram of a process cartridge disassembly cleaning line.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which different process cartridges shown in FIG. 24 are mounted.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of three contacts provided on the apparatus main body.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of three contact points.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram of a positioning configuration of a lower frame and a lens unit.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram of a positioning configuration of a lower frame and a document glass.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing a mounting position of a positioning piece.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a drum rotation shaft and a sleeve rotation shaft and their shaft support members, and a driving force transmission direction of a driving gear to a flange gear of a photosensitive drum by a driving gear.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the developing sleeve is easily slid.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the developing sleeve is easily slid.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the connection between the upper frame and the lower frame is released.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram of gears and electric contacts attached to the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment for receiving a developing sleeve.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which a developing blade and a cleaning blade are fitted to an apparatus main body, wherein each blade can be screwed;

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment in which the photosensitive drum is incorporated last.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the bearing member that supports the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve.

FIG. 56 is a configuration explanatory view of driving force transmission from the driving motor of the apparatus main body to each member.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a flange gear attached to the photosensitive drum and an integral gear are exposed from the lower frame.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a flange gear attached to a photosensitive drum and an integral gear are exposed from a lower frame.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram of a gear train showing a drive gear on the apparatus main body side and drive transmission to a photosensitive drum and a transfer roller.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram showing that the drive transmission configuration to the developing sleeve is different depending on the magnetic toner and the non-magnetic toner.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory perspective view of a portion where a cleaning blade is fitted.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory front view of the cleaning blade before it is fitted.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory front view in which a cleaning blade is fitted.

FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram of a fitting assembly process of the cleaning blade.

FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram of a fitting assembly process of the cleaning blade.

FIG. 66 is an explanatory diagram of a fitting assembly process of the cleaning blade.

FIG. 67 is an explanatory view of an embodiment in which the fitting projection of the cleaning blade is formed in an arc shape.

FIG. 68 is an explanatory view of an embodiment in which the lower corner of the tapered portion is rounded.

FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which a tape is attached to a tapered portion.

FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which oil or the like is applied to a tapered portion.

FIGS. 71 (A) and (B) are explanatory views of a state in which a fitting portion of a lower frame body is widened using a tool in order to incorporate a cleaning blade.

72 (A) and (B) are explanatory views of pressing using a tool to narrow the space between the fitting portions of the lower frame.

FIG. 73 is an explanatory view showing a state where the fitting portion of the lower frame abuts on both longitudinal ends of the blade support member of the cleaning blade;

FIG. 74 is an explanatory perspective view of a cleaning blade.

FIG. 75 is an explanatory perspective view of a developing blade.

FIGS. 76 (A) to (D) are explanatory views of a configuration for attaching a developing blade.

FIGS. 77 (A) and (B) are explanatory views of an embodiment in which a press-fit margin is provided in a developing blade support portion.

FIGS. 78 (A) and (B) are explanatory views of an embodiment in which a developing blade supporting portion is tapered.

FIGS. 79 (A) and (B) are explanatory views of a configuration in which the tips of the developing blade protrusions are fitted and supported.

FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which only one end of the developing blade is pressed into the blade supporting portion;

FIG. 81 is an explanatory view of an embodiment in which only one end of the developing blade is screwed.

FIG. 82 is a plan view of a blade support member and a cleaning blade that are integrally formed.

FIG. 83 is a side view of the blade support member and the cleaning blade shown in FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a graph showing the relationship between the length in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion of the support member and the length from the lower end of the protrusion to the tip of the blade.

FIG. 85 is a schematic view showing a force acting on the blade.

FIG. 86 is a table showing the amount of permanent deformation.

FIG. 87 is a schematic view showing a contact angle.

FIG. 88 is a graph showing the relationship between the contact angle and the amount of penetration b.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List A Image forming apparatus B Process cartridge 1 Document reading means 1a Document glass 1b Document pressing plate 1b1 Sponge 1b2 Locking groove 1c Lens unit 1c1 Light source 1c2 Short focus imaging lens array 1c3 Axis 2 Document 3 Feed tray 3a, 3b Axis 3c Stop projection 4 Recording medium 5 Conveying means 5a Feeding roller 5b Friction pad 5c1, 5c2 Registration roller 5d Conveying belt 5e Guide member 5f1, 5f2 Discharge roller 6 Transfer means 7 Fixing means 7a Drive roller 7b Holder 7c Heating element 7d Tension plate 7e Fixing Film 7f Tension spring 7g Pressure roller 8 Discharge tray 8a, 8b Shaft 8c Locking projection 9 Photosensitive drum 9a Drum base 9b Organic photosensitive layer 9c Flange gear 9d Filling material 9e Adhesive 9f Rotating shaft 9i Gear 10 Charging means 10a Split 10b Roller shaft 10c Sliding bearing 10c1 Stopper portion 10d Slide guide claw 10e Stopper portion 11 Exposure means 11a Opening 11b Shutter member 11b1 Shaft 11b2 Abutment 11c Torsion coil spring 12 Developing means 12a Toner reservoir 12a1 Opening 12a12 Filling Toner feed mechanism 12b1 Feed member 12b2 Arm member 12b3 Shaft 12b4 Locking protrusion 12b5 Slot 12c Magnet 12d Developing sleeve 12d1 Ring contact portion 12d2 Rotating shaft 12e Developing blade 12e1 Blade support member 12e2 Projecting portion 12f Lower elastic member 12f1 12h Non-magnetic toner feeding mechanism 12i Sleeve bearing 12j Spring 12k Sleeve gear 12m Bearing 12n Bearing holder 12n1 Long hole 13 Cleani Cleaning means 13a Cleaning blade 13a1 Blade support member 13a2 Projecting part 13a3 Tape 13a4 Oil 13b Squeeze sheet 13c Waste toner reservoir 13c1 Partition plate 13d Mounting surface 13e Double-sided tape 13f Lower end 14 Upper frame 14a Locking claw 14c Locking opening 14c Fitting concave part 14e Fitting convex part 14f Handle part 14g Through hole 14h Fitting convex part 14i Non-slip rib 15 Lower frame 15a Locking opening 15b Locking protrusion 15c Locking claw 15d Locking opening 15e Fitting convexity 15f Fitting recess 15g Opening 15h1 Both-side guide 15h2 Central guide 15i Restriction protrusion 15j Escape recess 15k Handle 15m Positioning protrusion 15n Fitting recess 15p Positioning protrusion 15q Opening 16 Device body 16a Handle 17 Cooling fan 18A do Grounding contact 18a1 Base 18a2 Locking hole 18a3 Arm 18a4 Hemispherical projection 18b Contact for developing bias 18c Contact for charging bias 18c1 One end 18c2 Other end 18d Conductive member 19 Upper opening / closing cover 19a Projection 19b Rotating fulcrum 19c Abutment Part 20 Tension tool 20a Pressing tool 21 Pasting tool 22 Protective cover 22a Shaft 23 Lower guide member 24a, 24b Screw 24c, 24d Adhesive 25a, 25b Drum guide member 26 Bearing member 26a Bearing portion 26b Bearing portion 26c D cut hole 26d Drum Shaft 26a Drum shaft 27 Tear tape 28 Cover film 29 Loading member 29a Fitting window 29b Concave portion 30 Erroneous mounting prevention projection 31 Guide projection 32 Guide plate 33 Shaft support 33a Drum support 33b Sleeve abutment 3 c Overlap portion 34 Shaft support member 35a Drum ground contact pin 35b Developing bias contact pin 35c Charging bias contact pin 36 Holder cover 37 Electrical board 38 Conductive spring 39 Press spring 40 Positioning piece 41 Drive gear 42 Disassembly tool 42a Rod 43a, 43b Fitting projection 43b1 Tapered portion 43b2 Lower end 44a, 44b Blade fitting portion 44b1 Tapered portion 44b2 Lower end 45 Screw hole 46a Bearing 46b Slide bearing 46c Bearing 47a Locking projection 47b Locking hole 48 Screw 49 Transfer roller gear 49a Earth protrusion plate 51 the drum grounding shaft 51a head portion 52 sleeve bearing 53 receiving unit 54 drives the motor 55 transfer roller gear G ₁ ~G ₁₃ gear S toner leak preventing seal M microphone

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 5-31175 (32) Priority date January 28, 1993 (28 January 1993) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (72) Inventor Kazufumi Watanabe 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Etsuichi Sasako 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku Tokyo Inventor Kazunori Kobayashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shinya Shinya 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku Tokyo Metropolis (72) Inventor Sekine Kazumi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Isao Ikemoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takeo Shoko Tokyo Ota-ku Maruko 3-30-2 Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Adachi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 2H134 GA01 GB02 HD01 HD05 HD06 HD19 HD20 JB01 KD08 KE07 KF05 KH03 KH05 KH10 KH15 KH17 2H171 FA03 FA07 FA17 GA03 GA12 GA15 GA19 GA25 JA23 JA27 JA29 JA31 KA10 KA17 PA06 PA14 PA19 PA20 QA02 QA08 QB03 QB32 QC22 QC26 UA12

Claims (15)

[Claims] In the blade member, one end surface in the longitudinal direction in the blade cross section is a flat surface, and the other end surface is a vertical surface substantially perpendicular to the front end surface, and is inclined with respect to the vertical surface. An elastic blade having an inclined surface, and a supporting member that supports the elastic blade at a front end portion and has a rear end portion bent, and a vertex formed by a front end surface and a flat surface of the elastic blade. A blade member, wherein an angle formed by a straight line connecting the rear end of the support member and the flat surface is 18 degrees or more and 22 degrees or less. 2. The blade member according to claim 1, wherein a material of the elastic blade is polyurethane rubber. 3. The blade member according to claim 1, wherein a material of the support member is a cold-rolled steel plate. 4. The blade member according to claim 1, wherein the elastic blade is bonded to the support member with an adhesive. 5. A process cartridge mountable in an image forming apparatus main body, wherein (a) a frame, (b) an image carrier provided on the frame, and (c) one end face in a longitudinal direction in a blade cross section. A flat surface,
The other end surface has an elastic blade having a vertical surface substantially perpendicular to the front end surface and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface. The elastic blade is supported at the front end portion, and the rear end portion is bent. And a straight line connecting a vertex formed by the front end surface and the flat surface of the elastic blade and a rear end of the support member, and an angle formed by the flat surface to be 18 degrees or more and 22 degrees. A blade member described below, wherein the elastic blade is in contact with the image carrier to clean the image carrier. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising a charging roller acting on an electrophotographic photosensitive member as said image carrier. 7. The process cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising developing means for acting on an electrophotographic photosensitive member as said image bearing member. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising storage means for storing toner removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member as said image bearing member. 9. An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (A) a frame; and (b) an image carrier provided on the frame. c) An elastic surface having one end face in the longitudinal direction in the blade cross section that is a flat face, the other end face having a vertical face that is substantially perpendicular to the tip face, and an inclined face that is inclined with respect to the vertical face. A blade, a supporting member that supports the elastic blade at a distal end portion, and a rear end portion is bent, and a vertex formed by a distal end surface and a flat surface of the elastic blade and a rear end of the supporting member; And a blade member that makes an angle between the flat surface and the flat surface 18 degrees or more and 22 degrees or less, wherein the elastic blade is in contact with the image carrier to clean the image carrier. Process cartridge An image forming apparatus, comprising: mounting means capable of mounting a recording medium; and (B) conveying means for conveying the recording medium. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is a facsimile machine. 13. A mounting method of a blade member for mounting a blade member on a frame, wherein in a cross section of the blade, one end surface in a longitudinal direction is a flat surface, and the other end surface is a vertical surface substantially perpendicular to the front end surface; An elastic blade having an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the vertical surface; and a supporting member that supports the elastic blade at a tip end and has a rear end bent. A straight line connecting a vertex formed by a surface and a flat surface and a rear end of the support member, and a blade member having an angle formed by the flat surface of 18 degrees or more and 22 degrees or less are attached to the frame, A method of attaching a blade member, wherein both side ends are locked to the frame. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein both ends of the support member are fixed to the frame by screwing. 15. The frame according to claim 13, wherein both end portions of the support member are locked to the frame by fitting.
The mounting method of the blade member according to the above.