JP2003107838A - Color image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve maintainability and to reduce running costs by integrating a plurality of image carriers and recording medium holding belts into a cartridge, and by enabling the attachment and detachment of a developing means. SOLUTION: The color image forming apparatus of a tandem system is provided with at least two or more image forming stations in which electrifying means 42 (K, C, M, Y), the developing means and the transfer means 45 (K, C, M, Y) are arranged at the circumference of an image carrier, and a color image is formed when a recording medium P adsorbed by a recording medium holding belt 30' passes through each station. A plurality of image carriers 41 (K, C, M, Y) and the recording medium holding belt 30' are mutually positioned to be attached to an image carrier cartridge 40 attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body. Developing means 44 (K, C, M, Y) are attachable to and detachable from each image carrier 41 (K, C, M, Y) attached to the image carrier cartridge 40.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a color image forming apparatus in a tandem type color image forming apparatus in which a plurality of photoconductors are made into a cartridge and can be attached / detached and replaced to improve maintainability. It relates to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an electrophotographic toner image forming means includes a photosensitive member as an image carrier having a photosensitive layer on its outer peripheral surface, a charging means for uniformly charging the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member, and An exposing unit that selectively exposes the outer peripheral surface uniformly charged by the charging unit to form an electrostatic latent image, and a toner that is a developer is applied to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposing unit. And a developing unit for forming a visible image (toner image).

Further, as a tandem type image forming apparatus for forming a color image, the toner image forming means as described above is used for an intermediate transfer belt (an example of a transfer belt).
A plurality (for example, four) are arranged, and the toner images on the photoconductor by these monochromatic toner image forming means are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt, and a plurality of colors (for example, yellow, cyan, magenta, black ( (Black)) an intermediate transfer belt type in which a toner image of (1) is superimposed to obtain a color image on the intermediate transfer belt, and a recording medium (for example, a paper) is held and conveyed by a recording medium holding belt (an example of the transfer belt),
Known as a conveyor belt type in which toner images formed by a plurality of single-color toner image forming means are sequentially transferred to a recording medium, and toner images of a plurality of colors are superposed on the recording medium to obtain a color image on the recording medium. There is.

As a conventional example of such a tandem type image forming apparatus, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 62-141574, an image carrier and process means such as charging and developing disposed around the image carrier are unitized to form each unit. An image forming apparatus has been proposed in which the connected units can be connected to and detached from the main body.By making each unit individually attachable and detachable, only an unusable cartridge can be replaced. It is economical.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-238467, there is proposed an image forming apparatus in which each process unit having a developing means and an image bearing member is supported by one supporting plate and can be attached and detached. Since the unit can be taken out all at once, maintainability is improved.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-160471, the process units except for black are integrated so that they can be replaced, and the replacement frequency of the process section is reduced to facilitate the management of consumables. is there.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-304994, a plurality of image bearing members are integrally supported, and in this embodiment, the image bearing members are integrated together with the developing means. The position accuracy of the body is improved, color misregistration is eliminated, maintainability is improved, and there is no risk of erroneous insertion.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-174772, a support member for positioning both ends of each image forming member at a predetermined position is provided to minimize misalignment of each image forming member. It is a thing.

[0009]

Generally, in an image forming apparatus that visualizes an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing member by applying toner from the developing unit, the lifespan of the image bearing member and the developing unit are greatly different. . Particularly, in the case of an image forming apparatus using a one-component developer, it is necessary to press the regulating blade against the developing roller with a high load in order to regulate the thin layer of the developer on the developing roller. Then, the developing roller and the regulating blade are worn by friction between them, and the life of the developing roller and the regulating blade is inevitably shortened as compared with the image carrier. Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional method in which the image bearing member and the developing unit are replaced at the same time, the life is dominated by the developing unit, and the image bearing member is replaced even though it is still usable, which increases the running cost. There is a problem. In particular, in recent years, the image bearing member has been made cleaner-less, and in this method, since there is no member that wears the image bearing member, the image bearing member has a long life, and the life difference between the image bearing member and the developing unit is In particular, there is an increasing demand to replace only the developing means.

Further, in the case of the tandem system, since a plurality of image carriers are provided, the accuracy of color matching of each color largely depends on the position and shape of the image carrier. When the image bearing member is replaced, it is difficult to completely match the position and shape of the image bearing member before and after the replacement, and therefore a work for color matching is required after the replacement. In the above-mentioned conventional example, since the image carrier is exchanged together with the developing means, there is a problem that the color matching work is frequently required and the work efficiency is lowered.

Further, in the tandem type image forming apparatus, the accuracy of color matching largely depends on the accuracy of the transfer position on the image carrier. In the method of the above-mentioned conventional example, the transfer means is attached to the main body, and when the image carrier is replaced,
Since the transfer position where the toner image is transferred from the image carrier to the transfer member (intermediate transfer belt or recording medium) is displaced, color misregistration occurs and image quality deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to integrate a plurality of image carriers and a recording medium holding belt of a tandem color image forming apparatus into an integrated cartridge, The developing means for each image carrier can be attached to and detached from the cartridge,
This is to improve the maintainability, reduce the running cost, improve the transfer position accuracy, and reduce the color misregistration.

[0013]

A color image forming apparatus of the present invention which achieves the above object, is provided with at least two or more image forming stations having a charging means, a developing means and a transfer means arranged around an image carrier. In a tandem-type color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by passing a transfer medium through each station, a plurality of image bearing members are positioned relative to each other with respect to an image bearing member cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body. The recording medium holding belt is attached in contact with the plurality of image carriers, and the developing means is configured to be attachable to and detachable from each image carrier attached to the image carrier cartridge. It is characterized by that.

The color image forming apparatus of the present invention is suitable when the developer of the developing means is a one-component developer.

Further, a plurality of image carriers are positioned relative to each other and integrally attached to the image carrier cartridge, and the image carrier cartridge constitutes a developing means for each of the plurality of image carriers. Even if a plurality of developing cartridges are individually removably arranged, or if a developing cartridge in which all the developing means for each of the plurality of image carriers are integrated is removably arranged, The developing means for a specific one image carrier among the plurality of image carriers is configured as one developing cartridge, and the developing means for each of the remaining image bearing bodies are integrally configured as another developing cartridge, The two developing cartridges may be individually detachably arranged.

Further, at a single location from the main body of the apparatus, a plurality of image carriers are received in the image carrier cartridge by receiving the driving force of the developing means and the recording medium holding belt for each of the plurality of image carriers. It is desirable that the driving force for the carrier be branched and transmitted to the developing means.

In that case, it is desirable that the mutual transmission of the driving force among the plurality of image bearing members be performed via a gear train, a belt or a chain.

Further, the driving force of the plurality of image carriers and the recording medium holding belt is received from one driving source of the apparatus main body, and the driving force of the developing unit for each of the plurality of image bearing members is received from another driving source of the apparatus main body. It may be configured to receive.

Further, it is desirable that there be a speed difference between the peripheral speeds of the plurality of image carriers and the conveying speed of the recording medium holding belt.

In this case, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for adjusting the color shift by adjusting the transfer position where the recording medium holding belt is brought into contact with the plurality of image carriers.

Further, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for adjusting the position of at least one image carrier attached to the image carrier cartridge with respect to the other image carrier to adjust the color shift.

Further, the writing means may be attached to each of the positions corresponding to each of the plurality of image carriers of the image carrier cartridge.

In this case, it is desirable that a mechanism for adjusting the color shift by adjusting the position of at least one writing means attached to the image carrier cartridge be provided.

Further, it is desirable that the writing means is constructed as a line head for performing linear writing on each image carrier.

The cleaning means for independently collecting the residual developer may not be arranged around the image carrier of the image carrier cartridge.

In the present invention, as described above, a plurality of image carriers are attached to the image carrier cartridge which is attachable to and detachable from the main body of the apparatus, and the recording medium holding belt is provided. It is attached in contact with a plurality of image carriers, and since the developing means is configured to be attachable to and detachable from each image carrier attached to the image carrier cartridge, the relative positional accuracy between the image carriers can be improved. Further, the transfer position accuracy is improved, and it is possible to prevent the position shift and parallelism shift of the image carrier and the color shift caused by the transfer position shift.

Further, since a plurality of image carriers can be replaced at the same time, the maintainability is improved. Further, the developing means and the image carrier cartridge can be independently replaced, and even when the developing means reaches the end of its life, there is no need to replace the image carrier, and the running cost can be reduced. Further, even if the developing means reaches the end of its life and is replaced, only the developing means is replaced, so there is no need for color matching work depending on the position and shape of the image carrier, and a color image forming apparatus with good work efficiency is provided. Become. Further, when the developing means is replaced, the image carrier cartridge may be taken out of the apparatus main body and then attached / detached to / from the image carrier cartridge, which facilitates the replacement work of the developing means and improves the maintainability.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The color image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below based on embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overall schematic structure of an example of a color image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 3, this image forming apparatus is a recording medium holding belt which is tensioned by a driving roller 10, a driven roller 20, and a tension roller 21 and is circulated and driven in a direction indicated by an arrow (counterclockwise direction). Photoconductors (photosensitive drums) 41K, 41C, 41M, 41Y having a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface as four image carriers, which are provided with 30 'and are arranged at a predetermined interval with respect to the recording medium holding belt 30'. Will be placed. K, C, M, and Y added after the symbols mean black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, and indicate that they are photoconductors for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. The same applies to other members. Photoconductor 41
K, 41C, 41M and 41Y are recording medium holding belts 3
It is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in the figure in synchronization with the driving of 0 '. However, the photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y) are respectively surrounded by the photoconductors 41 (K, C, M). , Y) to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the corona charger 42 (K, C, M, Y) as a charging means, and the corona charger 42 (K, C, M, Y). An exposure position 43 for selectively exposing the charged outer peripheral surface for each color with the exposure light from the exposure unit 43 to form an electrostatic latent image.
(K, C, M, Y) and this exposure position 43 (K, C,
The developing device 44 (K, which applies toner as a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed by M, Y) to form a visible image (toner image).
C, M, Y) and the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y)
The transfer roller 45 (K, C, M, Y) as a transfer unit that sequentially transfers the toner image developed in step S1 onto the recording medium P conveyed by the recording medium holding belt 30 ', and the photosensitive member 41 after the transfer. It has a cleaning device 46 (K, C, M, Y) as a cleaning means for removing the toner remaining on the surface of (K, C, M, Y).

The developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) uses, for example, a non-magnetic one-component toner as a developer and is constructed as a developing cartridge 47 (K, C, M, Y) (FIG. 4). ), Such one-component developer stored therein is conveyed to the developing roller 49 (K, C, M, Y) by the supply roller 48 (K, C, M, Y), and the developing roller 49
The film thickness of the developer attached to the (K, C, M, Y) surface is regulated by the regulation blade 50 (K, C, M, Y), and the developing roller 49 (K, C, M, Y) is exposed. Body 41 (K, C,
M or Y) so that the photoconductor 41 (K,
The toner is developed as a toner image by adhering a developer according to the potential level of (C, M, Y).

The black, cyan, magenta, and yellow toner images formed by the four-color monochromatic toner image forming station are transferred to the transfer rollers 45 (K, C, M, Y).
By the transfer bias applied to the recording medium holding belt 3
The recording medium P, which is sequentially transferred onto the recording medium P conveyed by 0'and has the toner images which are sequentially superposed and become a full color, is peeled from the recording medium holding belt 30 'by the peeling roller 107 and fixed. The full-color toner image is fixed on the recording medium P by passing through the fixing roller pair 61 which is a part of the sheet, and the discharge roller pair 62.
The sheet is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 68 formed on the upper part of the apparatus.

In FIG. 1, 63 is a large number of recording media P.
Are stacked and held, 64 is a pickup roller that feeds the recording media P one by one from the paper feed cassette 63, and 65 is recording on the transfer portion of the transfer roller 45 (K, C, M, Y). A pair of gate rollers that regulate the supply timing of the medium P, and 104 are paper suction rollers that attract the recording medium P fed by the pickup roller 64 onto the recording medium holding belt 30 ′.

Here, since a one-component developer such as a non-magnetic one-component toner is used as the developer, it is not necessary to use a carrier such as a two-component developer, so that each developing device 44 (K,
The volume of C, M, Y) becomes small, and a small color image forming apparatus can be constructed.

In the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus as described above, as shown in FIGS.
Four photoconductors 41K, 41C, 41M, 41Y and corona chargers 42 (K, C, M, Y) arranged around them
A cleaning device 46 (K, C, M, Y), a recording medium holding belt 30 ′, a drive roller 10 that stretches the recording medium holding belt 30 ′, a driven roller 20, and a tension roller 21. , The transfer roller 45 (K, C, M, Y) in which the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ is in contact with each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y), and the recording medium P is the recording medium holding belt 30 ′. Paper suction roller 104 to be sucked on
And a peeling roller 107 for peeling the recording medium P carrying the toner image from the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ as an integrated photoconductor cartridge 40, which is pulled out from the apparatus main body and removed, and is also mounted and attached to the apparatus main body. to enable. In this case, the photoconductors 41K, 41C, 41M, 4
Developing devices 44K, 44C, 44M, 44 attached to 1Y
Y is attachable to and detachable from the photoconductor cartridge 40.

That is, referring to FIG. 2, the four photoconductors 41 are provided in the frame 70 of the photoconductor cartridge 40.
K, 41C, 41M and 41Y, corona charger 42 (K, C, M and Y) attached to them, and cleaning device 46 (K, C, M and Y) are relatively positioned and attached. In addition, the driving roller 10, the driven roller 20, and the tension roller 21 are stretched, and the peeling roller 1
The recording medium holding belt 30 ′ from which the recording medium P bearing the toner image is separated from the transfer roller 45 at 07.
(K, C, M, Y) for each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M,
It is attached to the frame 70 of the photoconductor cartridge 40 together with these means so as to come into contact with Y), and can be pulled out from the apparatus main body by sliding as shown by the double arrow in the figure. Therefore, for example, the side plate 69 of the main body of the apparatus is opened to the outside, and an opening is formed so that the photoconductor cartridge 40 can be pulled out of the apparatus. In this way, the photoconductor cartridge 4
When 0 is pulled out from the apparatus main body, the photoconductor cartridge 40 can be removed from the apparatus and can be replaced with a new photoconductor cartridge 40. The frame 70 of the photoconductor cartridge 40 has a paper inlet 108 for feeding the recording medium P fed by the pickup roller 64 onto the recording medium holding belt 30 ′, and a peeling roller 107 for peeling the recording medium P from the recording medium holding belt 30 ′. Paper outlet 1 for discharging the recording medium P carrying the formed toner image
09 are provided on the side plates facing each other.

FIG. 3 shows developing devices 44K, 44C and 44.
Photoconductor cartridge 4 with M and 44Y removed
0 is a perspective view of a single unit, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the developing devices 44K, 44C, and 44M are attached to the photoconductor cartridge 40, and the developing device removes or attaches 44Y, and the frame 70 has a rectangular shape. It has a side plate shape, and four photoconductors 41 are provided between both side plates of the rectangular frame 70.
K, 41C, 41M, and 41Y are rotatably attached to each other in parallel at a predetermined interval by shafts 71K, 71C, 71M, and 71Y. Each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M,
Gears 72K, 72C, 72M, and 72Y are attached to one ends of shafts 71 (K, C, M, and Y) of Y), and the photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, and Y) through gear trains described later. )
Are configured to be rotatable in the arrow direction (clockwise direction) in FIG. 1 synchronously at the same speed.

Further, between the same both side plates of the frame 70, the corona charger 4 belonging to each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y).
2 (K, C, M, Y) and cleaning device 46 (K,
C, M, Y) (photoreceptor 41 (K, C, M, Y) in FIG. 3)
And it is hidden in the frame 70 and cannot be seen. ) Is attached at a predetermined position, and each corona charger 42 (K, C, M,
The electrode 75 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a high voltage to the discharge wire of the scorotron in (Y) and the electrode 76 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a high voltage to the grit of the scorotron are included in the frame 70. Is provided on one side surface of the side plate of each of the developing devices 44 (K, C, M,
Y) is mounted, each developing device 44 (K, C,
An electrode 77 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a developing bias voltage to the developing roller 49 (K, C, M, Y) of (M, Y);
An electrode 78 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a developing supply bias voltage to the supply roller 48 (K, C, M, Y) is also provided on one side surface of the side plate of the frame 70.

Further, between the same both side plates of the frame 70,
Driving roller 1 around which a recording medium holding belt 30 'is stretched
0, the driven roller 20, and the tension roller 21 are rotatably attached to each other in parallel at a predetermined interval by shafts 22, 23, 23, respectively, and each photoconductor 41 (K,
C, M, Y) transfer rollers 45 (K, C, M,
Y) is attached at a predetermined position (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), and each transfer roller 45 (K, C, M,
Electrode 80 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a transfer voltage to Y)
Are provided on the same side surface of the side plate of the frame 70.

Further, on the same side plate, an IC 110 as a storage means for storing manufacturing information, usage state information, color misregistration information, etc. of the photoconductor cartridge 40 is also mounted, and the photoconductor cartridge 40 is installed in the device. When mounted on the body, these electrodes 75 (K, C, M, Y), electrodes 76 (K, C, M, Y), electrodes 77 (K, C, M,
Y), electrode 78 (K, C, M, Y), electrode 80 (K,
C, M, Y) and the IC 110 are automatically connected to the power supply circuit and control circuit of the apparatus body.
Further, the shaft 71 (K, C of each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y))
Since C, M, and Y) are also grounded, they are automatically connected to the ground in that state.

Further, the developing devices 44 (K, C, M, Y) are received at fixed positions corresponding to the respective photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y) on the inner upper portions of the both side plates of the frame 70. Guide grooves 73 (K, C, M, Y) for arranging the developing devices 44 (K, C, M, Y) received along the guide grooves 73 (K, C, M, Y). Y) fixed lever 74 pivotally mounted for fixing
(K, C, M, Y) are provided. Further, the developing cartridge 47 of each developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y)
Each guide groove 73 is provided on both sides of (K, C, M, Y).
From the upper open end of (K, C, M, Y) to the guide groove 73
(K, C, M, Y) guide projection 79 (K,
C, M, Y) are attached (only the guide protrusion 79Y on one side of the developing cartridge 47Y is visible in FIG. 4), and each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) is supported. To attach the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y), insert the guide protrusion 79 (K, C, M, Y) into the corresponding guide groove 73 (K, C, M, Y) from above, After that, the fixing lever 74 (K, C, M, Y) may be rotated and fixed. Each developing cartridge 47 (K, C, M,
To remove (Y) for replacement or the like, the fixed lever 74 (K, C, M, Y) at the position to be removed is pivoted in the opposite direction to remove it, and the developing cartridge 47 (K, C, M, Y) is guided. It may be extracted upward along the groove 73 (K, C, M, Y).

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each photosensitive member 4
1 (K, C, M, Y) individual developing device 44
(K, C, M, Y) developing cartridge 47
Since (K, C, M, Y) can be separately attached and detached, only the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) that has reached the end of its life can be replaced, and the remaining developing devices 44 (K, C, M, Y) is not exchanged unnecessarily, and therefore the running cost can be reduced.

In FIG. 5, four developing devices 44 (K, C, M, and Y) for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are configured as an integral developing cartridge 47 with respect to the photosensitive cartridge 40 as described above. It is a perspective view for explaining an attachment / detachment mechanism in the case. In this case, the photoconductor cartridge 4
The upper part of both side plates of the frame 70 of No. 0 is provided with only a pair of guide grooves 73 between the both side plates, and is also provided with a pair of rotatable fixed levers 74 corresponding thereto. On the other hand, four developing devices 44 (K, C, M,
Y) is integrated into one developing cartridge 47, and guide protrusions 79 that are inserted into the guide groove 73 from the upper open end of the guide groove 73 are attached to both side surfaces of the developing cartridge 47. (In FIG. 5, only the guide protrusion 79 on one side is visible.) To attach the developing cartridge 47 to the photoconductor cartridge 40, the guide protrusion 79 is inserted into the guide groove 73 from above, and then the fixing lever 74 is attached. It can be rotated and fixed. To remove the developing cartridge 47 for replacement or the like, the fixed lever 74 may be pivoted in the opposite direction to be removed, and the developing cartridge 47 may be extracted upward along the guide groove 73.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, K, C,
To improve the maintainability and avoid the risk of erroneous mounting by reducing the number of consumables by using the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) of four colors M and Y as an integral developing cartridge 47. There is an advantage.

FIG. 6 shows a black developing device 44K as one developing cartridge 47K for the above-described photoconductor cartridge 40, and for the black photoconductor 41K as in the case of FIG. 3 and FIG. 3 developing devices 44 (C, M, Y) for cyan, magenta, and yellow.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining an attaching / detaching mechanism when the developing cartridge is configured as an integrated developing cartridge 47YMC and is configured to be detachable / exchangeable. In this case, a guide groove 73K for receiving the developing cartridge 47K between the both side plates is provided at the upper inside of both side plates of the frame 70 of the photoconductor cartridge 40.
And a guide groove 73YMC for receiving the developing cartridge 47YMC, and corresponding fixed rotatable levers 74K and 74YMC. On the other hand, the guide protrusions 79K are attached to both side surfaces of the black photoconductor cartridge 40, and the guide protrusions 79YMC are attached to both side surfaces of the developing cartridge 47YMC integrated with three colors (in FIG. 6, the guide protrusions on one side of the developing cartridge 47YMC are attached. Only 79YMC can be seen.), This developing cartridge 47K or 47YMC
To attach to 0, guide protrusion 79K or 79YMC
May be inserted into the guide groove 73K or 73YMC from above, and then the fixing lever 74K or 74YMC may be pivoted and fixed. To remove the developing cartridge 47K or 47YMC for replacement, etc., the fixing lever 74K or 7
Turn the 4YMC in the opposite direction to remove it, and
K or 47YMC may be extracted upward along the guide groove 73K or 73YMC.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, C, M, Y
By using the three-color developing device 44 (C, M, Y) as an integrated developing cartridge 47YMC to reduce the number of consumables, the maintainability can be improved and the risk of incorrect installation can be avoided. is there. In addition, since the black developing device 44K, which is generally frequently used, can be replaced as an independent developing cartridge 47K, C,
There is an advantage that the developing devices 44 (C, M, Y) for three colors of M and Y are not wasted.

Next, the photoconductor 4 in the photoconductor cartridge 40 when the photoconductor cartridge 40 is mounted in the main body of the apparatus.
A mechanism for synchronously rotating and conveying the 1K, 41C, 41M, 41Y and the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ so as not to cause color misregistration will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one configuration for that purpose. As described above, each photoconductor 41
Gears 72K, 72 molded by the same molding mold are respectively attached to one ends of shafts (K, C, M, Y) of (K, C, M, Y).
C, 72M, 72Y are attached, gear 72
Three idle gears 81, 82, 83 for transmitting rotational force are interposed between K, 72C, 72M, 72Y to form a gear train. Further, the shaft 22 is provided at one end of the drive roller 10.
A gear 97 that rotates around is attached to the photoconductor 41Y via two gears 98 and 99.
It is connected to the gear 72Y for rotation, and gears 72K, 8K
1, 72C, 82, 72M, 83, 72Y, 99, 9
Reference numerals 8 and 97 constitute a series of gear trains. Then, a drive gear 91 that meshes with one gear of this gear train, in the example shown in the figure, is arranged in the apparatus main body side drive source 90,
When the photoconductor cartridge 40 is mounted at a predetermined position of the apparatus body, the drive gear 91 meshes with the gear 97.

On the other hand, each developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y)
Developing roller 49 (K, C, M, Y) has a developing roller gear 84 (K, C, M, Y) at one end of its axis, and supply roller 48 (K, C, M, Y) has Supply roller gears 85 (K, C, M, Y) are fixed to one end of the shaft, and developing roller gears 84 (K, C, M, Y) and supply roller gears 85 (K, C, M, Y). Idle gear 86 between
(K, C, M, Y) are interposed, and the developing roller gears 84 (K, C, M, Y) of the developing roller gears 84 (K, C, M, Y) are provided.
(M, Y) gear 72 (K, C, M, Y) meshes with each other, so that in synchronization with the rotation of each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y), the developing device 44 (K, C) belonging to it. , M, Y) developing roller 49 (K, C, M, Y) and supply roller 48.
(K, C, M, Y) is also rotationally driven.

With such a configuration, by rotating the drive gear 91 of the drive source 90 at one location on the apparatus main body side, the recording medium holding belt 30 'and the four photoconductors 41 are formed.
(K, C, M, Y) and the developing devices 44 belonging to them
(K, C, M, Y) developing roller 49 (K, C, M,
Y) and the supply roller 48 (K, C, M, Y) can all be rotationally driven in synchronization.

Here, the conveying speed of the recording medium holding belt 30 'by the driving roller 10 and the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M,
To give a speed difference of 1 to 5% with the peripheral speed of Y),
It is desirable to set the diameter of the drive roller 10. Thus, if there is a speed difference between the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) and the recording medium holding belt 30 ', the toner is mechanically moved during the transfer of the toner image, so that the transfer efficiency is improved. It becomes possible.

When only the image bearing member (photoreceptor) is exchanged as in the conventional example, the peripheral speed of the image bearing member fluctuates due to the shape error of the image bearing member, and the speed difference from the recording medium holding belt 30 '. Will also change. The fluctuation of the speed difference causes a problem that the transfer efficiency is lowered when the speed difference is too small, and the image quality is deteriorated when the speed difference is too large. Therefore, as in the present invention, the photoreceptor 41 (K,
(C, M, Y) and the recording medium holding belt 30 'are integrated, the shape of the driving roller 10 is selected according to the shape of the photosensitive body 41 (K, C, M, Y).
(K, C, M, Y) and the variation of the speed difference between the recording medium holding belt 30 'can be reduced, the transfer efficiency is good, and the image forming apparatus without the image quality deterioration can be provided.

Further, in the case of the construction as shown in FIG. 7, since the gear mesh point to which the driving force is transmitted at the time of attachment / detachment of the photoconductor cartridge 40 is only one point, the work efficiency at the time of attachment / detachment of the photoconductor cartridge 40 is improved. . Further, by using the driving force transmission gear 91 as the positioning reference of the photoconductor cartridge 40, it is possible to improve the meshing accuracy, and color misregistration or banding (unevenness such as density perpendicular to the feeding direction).
It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with high image quality.

The photosensitive members 41K, 41C, 41M, 4
It is needless to say that the synchronized rotational force transmission mechanism between 1Y is not limited to the gear train shown in the figure, and a belt or a chain may be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the modification of FIG. 7. In this case, the drive gear 91 of the apparatus main body side drive source 90 (FIG. 7) is the gear 72K, 81, 72C, 82 of FIG. 7
The recording medium holding belt 30 ′ meshes with the gear 72K of the gear train composed of 2M, 83, 72Y, 99, 98 and 97.
And four photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y) and the developing roller 49 of the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) belonging to them.
(K, C, M, Y) and supply roller 48 (K, C, M,
Y) are all rotatably driven in synchronism with each other, and other configurations are the same as in the case of FIG.

9 and 10 show the photoconductor cartridge 40.
When the cartridge is attached to the main body of the apparatus, the photoconductor cartridge 40
For describing an embodiment in which the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) and the recording medium holding belt 30 'and the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) are driven by different driving sources. Is a figure,
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7. In this embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 9, each developing device 44 (K, C, M,
The developing roller gear 84 (K, C, M, Y) of Y) is the gear 72 (K, C, M, Y) of each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y).
Y) It does not mesh with but separates. This is a major difference in the gear train of the photoconductor cartridge 40. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, by rotating the drive gear 91 of the drive source 90 on the apparatus main body side, as in the case of FIG. 7, the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ and the four photoconductors 4 are rotated.
1 (K, C, M, Y) can be rotationally driven in synchronization.

However, depending on the driving force of the driving source 90, the developing roller 49 of each developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y).
(K, C, M, Y) and supply roller 48 (K, C, M,
Y) does not rotate. In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 10, another drive source 100 is provided at another position on the apparatus main body side, and when the photoconductor cartridge 40 is mounted at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body, another drive source 100 is provided. A developing device 44 in which four gears 101 (K, C, M, Y) of the source 100 that rotate in the same direction in synchronization are attached to the photoconductor cartridge 40.
(K, C, M, Y) developing roller 49 (K, C, M,
Developing roller gear 84 (K,
C, M, Y) are arranged so as to mesh with each other. Therefore, the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) is connected to the photoconductor 41.
(K, C, M, Y) is rotationally driven by a drive source 100 of a different system.

In the arrangement as shown in FIG. 1, the color misregistration of each color and the banding of the image largely depend on the rotation accuracy of the image carrier and the recording medium holding belt, but not so much on the rotation accuracy of the developing roller. Therefore, FIG. 9 and FIG.
As described above, the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ of the photoconductor cartridge 40 and the drive source 90 for the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y)
By using a different drive source 100 for the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y), it is possible to prevent the rotation of the image carrier from being affected by uneven rotation due to torque fluctuations of the developing means. It is possible to provide a high-quality image forming apparatus that is capable of preventing color misregistration and image banding.

Also in the configurations of FIGS. 9 and 10, the drive gear 91 of the apparatus main body side drive source 90 is replaced by gears 72K, 81, 72C, 82, 72M, as shown in FIG.
The recording medium holding belts 30 'and 4 are meshed with a gear 72K of a gear train composed of 83, 72Y, 99, 98 and 97.
The individual photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y) can also be modified so as to be rotationally driven in synchronization.

Next, the photosensitive cartridge 4 as described above
0, the four color monochromatic toner images are adsorbed on the recording medium holding belt 30 'on the recording medium P due to the mutual positional deviation of the photoconductors 41K, 41C, 41M and 41Y, especially the parallelism deviation (skew). FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a mechanism for adjusting the color misregistration that occurs when the images are transferred in superposition.
As illustrated, the shaft 51 (K, K, C, M, Y) of each transfer roller 45 (K, C, M, Y) protruding from one side plate of the frame 70.
C, M, Y) each with adjusting screw 105 and expandable spring 1
The other end of the expandable spring 106 is fixed to the side plate 70 by being sandwiched between the end of the expandable spring 106 and the side plate 70, and the end of the adjusting screw 105 can be adjusted in the direction opposite to the expanding direction of the expandable spring 106.
By adjusting the position of one end of the shaft 51 (K, C, M, Y), the transfer positions of the transfer rollers 45K, 45C, 45M, 45Y are changed. Since there is the above speed difference between the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ and the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y), when the transfer position changes, the recording medium holding belt 3
Since the transfer position of the toner image of the corresponding color on the recording medium P adsorbed at 0 ′ also changes, the color shift can be adjusted. It is not always necessary to provide such a color misregistration adjustment mechanism on all four transfer rollers 45K, 45C, 45M, and 45Y. Each axis 51 (K, C, M, Y)
A similar adjusting mechanism may be provided at the opposite end of the
The misalignment while maintaining the parallelism between the photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y) is caused by the writing timing of the latent image of each color formed on each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y). It is not necessary because it can be solved electrically by adjusting.

Of course, the same adjusting mechanism is used for each photoconductor 41.
The color misregistration can also be adjusted by providing each of the (K, C, M, Y) axes 71 (K, C, M, Y).

In this way, the transfer roller 45 (K, C, M, Y) or the photoconductor 41 is attached to the photoconductor cartridge 40.
By providing the (K, C, M, Y) position adjusting mechanism, the latent image writing position and the transfer position on the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) can be finely adjusted, and the color misregistration can be further reduced. Can be reduced. Note that the color misregistration (position) adjustment mechanism can adjust the color misregistration at the time of shipment of the photoconductor cartridge 40 or at any time after the photoconductor cartridge 40 is attached to the apparatus main body.

By the way, in an electrophotographic system in which a latent image is formed on an image carrier, toner development is performed, and the toner image is transferred to a transfer medium, in order to recover the untransferred residual toner on the image carrier, FIG. There is a so-called cleanerless system in which a cleaning device is used without providing such a cleaning device (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-77166). When such a cleanerless system is adopted, the cleaning device 46 (K, C, M, Y) of FIG.
The configuration is as shown in 2. In the case of FIG. 12, the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 1 except that the cleaning device 46 (K, C, M, Y) is not provided as shown in the figure, and the description of the configuration and operation is omitted. The configuration of the photoconductor cartridge 40 in this case is also different from the case of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that only the cleaning device 46 (K, C, M, Y) does not exist, and four photoconductors 41K, 41C, 41M, 41Y and corona chargers 42 (K, C, M,
Y) and the recording medium holding belt 30 'are integrally configured.

By adopting the method of eliminating the cleaning device as described above, not only can the photoconductor cartridge 40 and the main body of the device be downsized, but also the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M,
The reaction force applied to Y) can be reduced, which reduces the deformation of the frame 70, and the color shift caused by the deformation of the frame 70 and the displacement of the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) position. Can be prevented.

FIG. 13 shows a view similar to FIG. 1 of another embodiment. In this embodiment, instead of using a single exposure unit 43 as in the embodiment of FIG.
Exposure device 43 'such as an LED array that selectively exposes each color corresponding to (K, C, M, Y) to form an electrostatic latent image.
(K, C, M, Y) to the corona charger 42 (K, C, M,
In this embodiment, the photoconductor cartridge 40 is integrally disposed between the (Y) and the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y). Therefore, in the photoconductor cartridge 40 of this embodiment, the four photoconductors 41K, 41C, and 4 are mounted on the frame 70.
1M, 41Y and corona charger 42 attached to them
(K, C, M, Y) and the exposure device 43 '(K, C, M,
Y) and the cleaning device 46 (K, C, M, Y) are relatively positioned and attached, and the driving roller 10, the driven roller 20, and the tension roller 21 are also provided.
Recording medium holding belt 3 stretched around and driven in circulation
0'is attached to the frame 70 of the photoconductor cartridge 40 together with these means so that the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) is contacted by the transfer roller 45 (K, C, M, Y). ing.

In this embodiment, since the exposure unit 43 of the main body is omitted, the photoconductor cartridge 40 can be pulled out from the main body of the apparatus by lifting it substantially upward.

With such a configuration, the exposure device 43 '
(K, C, M, Y) -Photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y)-
The recording medium holding belt 30 'and the transfer roller 45 (K,
By using C, M, and Y) as the integrated photoconductor cartridge 40, most of the color misregistration factors can be adjusted at the manufacturing stage, and a high-quality image forming apparatus with extremely small color misregistration is provided. be able to.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, four photoconductors 41K, 4K are provided on the frame 70 of the photoconductor cartridge 40.
1C, 41M, 41Y, the corona charger 42 (K, C, M, Y) attached to them, and the exposure device 43 '(K,
C, M, Y) and the cleaning device 46 (K, C, M,
Y), the recording medium holding belt 30 ′, the driving roller 10 around which the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ is stretched, the driven roller 20, the tension roller 21, and the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ which are connected to the photoconductors 41. Transfer roller 45 (K, C, M, Y) that is in contact with (K, C, M, Y), paper suction roller 104 that attracts recording medium P onto recording medium holding belt 30 ′, and toner image The recording medium P on which the recording medium P is mounted is positioned relative to the peeling roller 107 for peeling the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ from the recording medium holding belt 30 ′.
4 shows an example of a configuration in which the exposure device 43 ′ (K, C, M, Y) is attached to the frame 70 of the photoconductor cartridge 40. FIG. 14 shows the photoconductor 4 of the photoconductor cartridge 40.
1B is a partially enlarged perspective view showing only one end portion of 1Y and 41M, but the exposure apparatus 43 '(K, C, M, Y) is accurately shown around the corresponding photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y). In order to be mounted in parallel to the position positioned at, the mounting projections 111 (K, C, M, Y) are integrally provided so as to face each other from the inner surfaces of both side plates of the frame 70, and Each of the protrusions 111 (K, C, M, Y) is provided with a positioning hole into which a positioning pin is fitted and a screw hole (none of which is shown). Then, the exposure device 43 '(K,
Mounting protrusions 111 (K, M, Y) facing the positioning pins 115 provided at both ends of the long substrate 113 (FIG. 15).
(C, M, Y) and the fixing projections 112 (K, C, M, Y) through the screw insertion holes 114 provided at both ends of the long board 113 (FIG. 15).
Each exposure device 43 '(K, C, M, Y) is fixed at a predetermined position by screwing and fixing it in 11 (K, C, M, Y) screw holes.

In FIG. 15, each exposure device 43 '(K, C,
A perspective view in the case of configuring (M, Y) as an LED line head including the LED array 116 is shown. As described above, the exposure device 43 ′ (K, C, M, Y) is connected to the frame 70.
The photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) is mounted on a long substrate 113 having a length extending between both side plates of the photoconductor 41.
LED array 1 that forms a line image parallel to its axis on top
16 is attached to the elongated substrate 113, and each LED is connected to a driver IC 117 that controls light emission. Then, at both ends of the long board 113, a positioning pin 115 for determining a mounting position and a screw insertion hole 114 for mounting are installed.
Are provided, and as described above, they are fixed at accurate positions with respect to the photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y) of the photoconductor cartridge 40. A gradient index rod lens array 118 is integrally fixed in front of the LED array 116. Due to the image forming action of the gradient index rod lens array 118, a photoconductor corresponding to a light emitting point array of the LED array 116. An image is formed on the photosensitive surface of 41 (K, C, M, Y).

Here, in the photoconductor cartridge 40 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, exposure devices 43'K and 4 ', which are positioned and attached to the photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y), respectively.
Due to the relative positional deviations of 3'C, 43'M, and 43'Y, especially the parallelism deviation (skew), the monochromatic toner images of four colors are superposed on the recording medium P adsorbed on the recording medium holding belt 30 '. FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a mechanism that adjusts the color shift that occurs during transfer. Frame 7 as shown
Exposure device 43 '(K,
C, M, Y) mounting protrusions 111 (K, C, M, Y),
Alternatively, by sandwiching each of the long substrates 113 between the adjusting screw 105 and the tip of the expandable spring 106, the expandable spring 10 can be formed.
By fixing the other end of 6 to the side plate 70 and adjusting the tip of the adjusting screw 105 in the direction opposite to the expanding direction of the expandable spring 106, each exposure device 43 ′ (K, C, M,
By adjusting the position of one end of Y), the exposure device 43′K,
It becomes possible to adjust the deviation of the parallelism between 43'C, 43'M and 43'Y. Such a color misregistration adjustment mechanism includes four exposure devices 43'K, 43'C, 43 '.
It is not always necessary to provide all of M and 43′Y. A similar adjusting mechanism may be provided at the opposite end of each of the exposure devices 43 '(K, C, M, Y).
The positional deviation of the 3 '(K, C, M, Y) while maintaining the parallelism with each other adjusts the writing timing of the latent image of each color formed by each exposure device 43' (K, C, M, Y). It is not always necessary because it can be solved electrically.

By thus providing the photosensitive cartridge 40 with the position adjusting mechanism of the exposure device 43 '(K, C, M, Y), the latent image is written on the photosensitive body 41 (K, C, M, Y). The position and the transfer position can be finely adjusted, and the color misregistration can be further reduced. Note that the color misregistration (position) adjustment mechanism can adjust the color misregistration at the time of shipment of the photoconductor cartridge 40 or at any time after the photoconductor cartridge 40 is attached to the apparatus main body.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the writing means integrally attached to the photoconductor cartridge 40 together with the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) and the recording medium holding belt 30 'is illustrated in FIG. The present invention is not limited to such a writing device using light, and for example, the applicant of the present invention can apply the
The writing means by charge transfer such as charge injection, charge removal, etc. proposed in 298925 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-298927 may be used. FIG. 17 shows the charge injection electrode line head 3 (K, C, M, when the charge injection electrode line head 3 (K, C, M, Y) is used as the writing means.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the arrangement and configuration of (Y) with respect to the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y). When writing is performed by this charge injection, the charger 42 (K, C,
M, Y) is not necessary. Charge injection electrode line head 3
(K, C, M, Y) are the corresponding photoconductors 41 (K, C,
(M, Y) is contacted by the array of the electrodes 3b and the photoconductor 41
A latent image is formed by creating a potential distribution in (K, C, M, Y). Each electrode 3b is a driver IC1
The charge injected by 19 is controlled.

As described above, in the color image forming apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of photoconductors 41 (K, C, M, Y) and the recording medium holding are attached to the photoconductor cartridge 40 which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body. The belts 30 'are positioned and attached to each other, and the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) is attached to each photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y) attached to the photoconductor cartridge 40. ) Is configured to be removable, the relative position accuracy between the photoconductors is improved, and the transfer position accuracy is also improved, so that the misregistration and skew of the photoconductor and the color misregistration caused by the transfer position misalignment are prevented. Can be prevented.

Further, the photoconductor gear is mounted on the photoconductor in such a phase relationship that the speed fluctuation caused by the gear driving the photoconductor (photoconductor gear) is reduced, and the cartridge 40 is integrated.
And the color shift due to the photoconductor gear can be significantly reduced (see FIG. 7).
etc). When the photoconductors are individually assembled to the apparatus main body, the photoconductors rotate independently, and thus the phase of the photoconductor gear cannot be adjusted.

Further, the photoconductor cartridge 40 can be assembled by selecting photoconductors having uniform characteristics at the time of shipping, and it is possible to prevent color change due to variations in photoconductor properties of respective colors. Moreover, since a plurality of photoconductors can be replaced at the same time, the maintainability is improved.

Further, the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y)
The developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) and the photosensitive member cartridge 40 can be independently replaced because the developing device 44 can be detached from the photosensitive member cartridge 40.
Even when (K, C, M, Y) has reached the end of life, it is not necessary to replace the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M, Y), and running costs can be reduced.

Even when the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) has reached the end of its life and is replaced, the developing device 44 (K, C, M,
Since only Y) is replaced, the photoconductor 41 (K, C, M,
It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with good work efficiency, which does not require the work of color matching depending on the position and shape of Y).

Further, since the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) can be replaced by removing the photoconductor cartridge 40 from the main body of the device and then attaching and detaching it to the photoconductor cartridge 40, the development device 44 ( (K, C, M, Y) replacement work becomes easier and maintainability is improved.

A plurality of photoconductors 41 (K, C, M,
Y) and the recording medium holding belt 30 ′ can be used as one replacement part, and the developing device 44 (K, C, M, Y) can also be used as one replacement part 47 (FIG. 5), which greatly improves maintainability. Can be improved.

Although the color image forming apparatus of the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications can be made.

[0079]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the color image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of image bearing members are positioned relative to each other with respect to the image bearing member cartridge which is detachable from the apparatus main body. Since the developing means is configured to be attached to and detached from each image carrier attached to the image carrier cartridge, the relative positional accuracy between the image carriers is improved, and the position of the image carrier is improved. It is possible to prevent a color shift due to a shift or a shift in parallelism. Further, since a plurality of image carriers can be replaced at the same time, maintainability is improved. Further, the developing means and the image carrier cartridge can be independently replaced, and even when the developing means reaches the end of its life, there is no need to replace the image carrier, and the running cost can be reduced. Further, even if the developing means reaches the end of its life and is replaced, only the developing means is replaced, so there is no need for color matching work depending on the position and shape of the image carrier, and a color image forming apparatus with good work efficiency is provided. Become. Further, when the developing means is replaced, the image carrier cartridge may be taken out of the apparatus main body and then attached / detached to / from the image carrier cartridge, which facilitates the replacement work of the developing means and improves the maintainability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall schematic configuration of an example of a color image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the photosensitive cartridge is pulled out from the apparatus main body in the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a single photosensitive body cartridge with a developing device removed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which some of a plurality of developing cartridges are mounted on the photosensitive cartridge and some of the developing cartridges are mounted.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining an attaching / detaching mechanism in the case where all the developing devices are configured as an integral developing cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining an attaching / detaching mechanism when the black developing device is configured as one developing cartridge and the remaining developing devices are configured as an integral developing cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an example of a mechanism for synchronously rotating a photoconductor in a photoconductor cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mechanism for synchronously rotating the photoconductor of the embodiment in which the photoconductor and the developing device are driven by different driving sources when the photoconductor cartridge is mounted.

10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mechanism for rotating the developing device of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a mechanism for adjusting the color misregistration of the photoconductor cartridge.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the overall schematic configuration of the embodiment of the color image forming apparatus adopting the cleanerless system.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of an embodiment in which an exposure device is integrated with a photoconductor cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an example of a configuration in which the exposure device is attached to the frame of the photoconductor cartridge.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view when the exposure device is configured as an LED line head including an LED array.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the mechanism for adjusting the color misregistration of the photoconductor cartridge.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the arrangement and configuration of the charge injection electrode line head with respect to the photoconductor when the charge injection electrode line head is used as the writing unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

P ... Recording medium (paper) 3 (K, C, M, Y) ... Charge injection electrode line head 3b ... Charge injection electrode 10 ... Drive roller 20 ... Driven roller 21 ... Tension roller 22 ... Drive roller shaft 23 ... Driven roller Shaft 24 of tension roller 30 'recording medium holding belt 40 photoconductor cartridge 41 (K, C, M, Y) photoconductor (photosensitive drum) 42 (K, C, M, Y) corona charging Exposure unit 43 (K, C, M, Y) ... Exposure position 43 '(K, C, M, Y) ... Exposure device 44 (K, C, M, Y) ... Developing device 45 (K, C) , M, Y) ... Transfer roller 46 (K, C, M, Y) ... Cleaning device 47, 47 (K, C, M, Y), 47YMC ... Developing cartridge 48 (K, C, M, Y) ... Supply Roller 49 (K, C, M, Y) ... Developing roller 50 (K, C, M, Y) ... Regulation blade 51 (K, C, M, Y) ... Transfer roller shaft 61 ... Fixing roller pair 62 ... Paper ejection roller pair 63 ... Paper feed cassette 64 ... Pickup roller 65 ... Gate roller pair 68 ... Paper ejection tray 69 ... Side plate 70 ... Frame 71 (K, C, M, Y) ... Shaft 72 (K, C, M, Y) of photoconductor ... Gears 73, 73 (K, C, M, Y), 73YMC ... Guide groove 74, 74 (K, C, M, Y), 74YMC ... Fixed lever 75 (K, C, M, Y) ... Electrodes 76 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a high voltage to the discharge wire ... Electrode 77 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a high voltage to the grid ... Electrode 78 (K, C, M, Y) for applying a development bias voltage to the developing roller ... Applying a development supply bias voltage to the supply roller Electrodes 79, 79 (K, C, M, Y), 79YMC ... Guide Reference numeral 80 (K, C, M, Y) ... Electrodes 81, 82, 83 for applying transfer voltage to the transfer roller ... Idle gear 84 (K, C, M, Y) ... Developing roller gear 85 (K, C, M) , Y) ... Supply roller gear 86 (K, C, M, Y) ... Idle gear 90 ... Device body side drive source 91 ... Drive gear 97 ... Drive roller rotating gears 98, 99 ... Gear 100 ... Another drive source 101 (K, C, M, Y) ... Drive gear 104 ... Paper suction roller 105 ... Adjusting screw 106 ... Expandable spring 107 ... Separation roller 108 ... Paper inlet 109 ... Paper outlet 110 ... IC 111 (K, C, M, Y) ) ... Mounting protrusion 112 (K, C, M, Y) ... Fixing screw 113 ... Long board 114 ... Screw insertion hole 115 ... Positioning pin 116 ... LED array 117 ... Driver IC 118 ... Gradient index type rod lens array 119 …driverー IC

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Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A charging means, a developing means, and
At least two image forming stations equipped with transfer means
In a tandem type color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by providing one or more transfer media through each station, a plurality of image carriers can be attached to and detached from the image carrier cartridge that is detachable from the apparatus main body. The recording medium holding belts are mounted so as to be positioned relative to each other, and the recording medium holding belt is mounted in contact with the plurality of image carriers, and the developing means is attached to and detached from each image carrier mounted on the image carrier cartridge. A color image forming apparatus, which is configured to be possible. 2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer of the developing means is a one-component developer. 3. A plurality of image bearing members are positioned relative to each other and are integrally attached to the image bearing member cartridge, and for the image bearing member cartridge, developing means for each of the plurality of image bearing members. 3. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of developing cartridges constituting the above are individually detachably arranged. 4. A plurality of image bearing members are positioned relative to each other and are integrally attached to the image bearing member cartridge. With respect to the image bearing member cartridge, a developing means for each of the plurality of image bearing members is provided. 3. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a developing cartridge in which all of the above are integrated is detachably arranged. 5. A plurality of image carriers are positioned relative to each other and integrally attached to the image carrier cartridge, and a specific one of the plurality of image carriers is attached to the image carrier cartridge. The developing means for one image bearing member is configured as one developing cartridge, and the developing means for each of the remaining image bearing members are integrated to form another developing cartridge, and the two developing cartridges are individually The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color image forming apparatus is detachably arranged. 6. The image carrier cartridge receives the driving force of the plurality of image carriers and the developing means and the recording medium holding belt for each of the plurality of image carriers at one place from the main body of the apparatus. 6. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving force for the plurality of image carriers is branched and is transmitted to the developing unit. 7. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the driving force is mutually transmitted between the plurality of image carriers via a gear train, a belt or a chain. 8. A driving force of the plurality of image carriers and the recording medium holding belt is received from one driving source of the apparatus main body,
6. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving force of the developing unit for each of the plurality of image carriers is received from another driving source of the apparatus main body. . 9. The color image according to claim 1, wherein there is a speed difference between a peripheral speed of the plurality of image carriers and a conveying speed of the recording medium holding belt. Forming equipment. 10. A mechanism for adjusting color misregistration by adjusting a transfer position where the recording medium holding belt is brought into contact with the plurality of image carriers is provided.
The described color image forming apparatus. 11. A mechanism for adjusting color misregistration by adjusting a position of at least one image carrier attached to the image carrier cartridge with respect to another image carrier is provided. 11. The color image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10. 12. The writing means is attached at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of image carriers of the image carrier cartridge, and a writing means is attached to the cartridge. Color image forming apparatus. 13. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a mechanism for adjusting a position of at least one writing unit attached to the image carrier cartridge to adjust color misregistration. . 14. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the writing unit is configured as a line head that performs linear writing on each of the image carriers. 15. The cleaning device for independently collecting the residual developer is not provided around the image carrier of the image carrier cartridge, as described in any one of claims 1 to 14. Color image forming apparatus.