JP2004163894A - Image carrier unit, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make small a space needed for a shutter which protects an image carrier when an image carrier unit, which has the image carrier where a toner image is formed and a support supporting the image carrier and is taken in and out of the image forming apparatus body, is taken out of an image forming apparatus body to move between an opening position and a closure position. <P>SOLUTION: The shutter 35, which retracts from above the image carrier 3 when the image carrier unit 28 is set in the image forming apparatus body, moves horizontally when the image carrier unit 28 is drawn out of the image forming apparatus body to cover the image carrier from above. The shutter 35 is subjected to translational movement between its opening position and closure position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an image carrier unit having an image carrier on which a toner image is formed, and a support for supporting the image carrier, the image carrier unit being capable of being taken in and out of an image forming apparatus main body, The present invention relates to a process cartridge having a body unit and an image forming apparatus having the image carrier unit or the process cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus having an image carrier unit of the above type is conventionally known, and is configured as, for example, a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine having at least two of these functions. In an image forming apparatus of this type, when the image carrier unit is taken out of the main body of the image forming apparatus, if the image carrier is directly irradiated with light, the image carrier is deteriorated, and the image carrier is manually moved. If the object comes into contact with the object, the surface of the image carrier may be stained or damaged.
[0003]
Therefore, conventionally, a shutter is provided on the image carrier unit, and when the image carrier unit is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body, the shutter is brought to the closed position to cover the image carrier, and the image carrier unit is again moved. 2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus has been proposed in which an image carrier can be opened by moving a shutter to an open position when set in an image forming apparatus main body (for example, see Patent Document 1). In a conventional image forming apparatus of this type, a shutter is rotatably supported on a support of the image carrier unit, and the shutter is moved to an open position or an open / close position in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation of the image carrier unit with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. It is configured to rotate to the closed position. However, if the shutter is configured to rotate and open and close, a large space must be secured in the image forming apparatus main body so that the shutter can rotate without any trouble. You can't escape the drawbacks.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-337580 A (Pages 5-6, FIGS. 1-4)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made based on the above-described novel recognition, and an object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for securing a large space in the image forming apparatus main body as in the related art for the operation of the shutter. An object of the present invention is to provide an image carrier unit, a process cartridge having the image carrier unit, and an image forming apparatus having the image carrier unit or the process cartridge.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has an image carrier on which a toner image is formed, and a support for supporting the image carrier, and an image carrier which can be taken in and out of an image forming apparatus main body. The image carrier unit occupies a closed position covering the image carrier when the image carrier unit is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body, and an image is formed when the image carrier unit is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body. An image carrier, comprising: a shutter mounted on the support so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to an insertion / removal direction of the image carrier unit so as to occupy an open position for opening the carrier. A unit is proposed (claim 1).
[0007]
At this time, it is advantageous if a guide portion for guiding the shutter is provided on the support so that the shutter moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of inserting and removing the image carrier unit. .
[0008]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to claim 1 or 2, the shutter is moved to the closed position and the open position, respectively, in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation of the image carrier unit with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. It is advantageous if it is configured (claim 3).
[0009]
The image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a guide member mounted on the support so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the image carrier unit is taken in and out. The guide member is formed on the guide member such that the shutter moves to the closed position or the open position by moving the guide member relative to the support in a direction substantially parallel to the loading / unloading direction. It is advantageous that a guide projection projecting from the shutter is slidably fitted in the guide hole thus formed (claim 4).
[0010]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to the fourth aspect, it is advantageous that the guide hole extends in a direction inclined with respect to a direction in which the image carrier unit is inserted and removed (claim 5).
[0011]
Furthermore, in the image carrier unit according to claim 4 or 5, it is advantageous that a plurality of guide holes are formed in the guide member, and the guide protrusions are slidably fitted in the respective guide holes. (Claim 6).
[0012]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to claim 5 or 6, the guide hole portion into which the guide protrusion fits when the shutter occupies the open position and the closed position, respectively, and a guide hole portion in the vicinity thereof. It is advantageous that the image carrier unit extends substantially parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the image carrier unit.
[0013]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 4 to 7, when the image carrier unit is taken in and out of the image forming apparatus main body, a mating locking portion located in the image forming apparatus main body. A locking portion for stopping the guide member with respect to the image forming apparatus main body in cooperation with the guide member is provided, and the guide member is moved by the cooperation of the locking portion and the counterpart locking portion. And the shutter is moved to the closed position or the open position by moving the support, the image carrier, and the shutter in the insertion / removal direction. ).
[0014]
In the image carrier unit according to claim 8, the locking portion is restrained by a magnetic force with respect to the counter locking portion to stop the guide member with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. It is advantageous to configure (claim 9).
[0015]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 4 to 7, an urging member for urging the guide member in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the image carrier unit is pushed into the image forming apparatus main body is provided. When the image carrier unit is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body, the action of the urging member pushes the guide member to a position farthest in the pushing direction with respect to the support to close the shutter. When the image carrier unit is pressed into the image forming apparatus main body, the guide member is stopped relative to the image forming apparatus main body by a stopper on the image forming apparatus main body side against the action of the urging member. In this case, it is advantageous that the shutter is moved to the open position (claim 10).
[0016]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, one end side is fixed to the support, and the other end side is slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the image carrier unit. At least one wire spring in contact with the support, and slidably holds the wire spring, and is slidable with respect to the support in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the image carrier unit is taken in and out. The wire spring has an intermediate portion between one end and the other end thereof fixed to the shutter, and an intermediate portion of the wire spring fixed to the shutter is the wire spring. Projecting from the one end side and the other end side in the direction in which the shutter moves to the closed position, and the slider is substantially parallel to the insertion / removal direction relative to the wire spring. Slide in the direction By deforming the roots, so that the shutter is moved to its closed position or open position, which is advantageous with the slider, and a wire spring, setting the relative position of the shutter (claim 11).
[0017]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to claim 11, when the image carrier unit is taken in and out of the image forming apparatus main body, the slider is in contact with a mating locking portion located in the image forming apparatus main body. The slider is configured to stop with respect to the image forming apparatus main body by cooperative action, and the slider is stopped with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, and the support, the image carrier, the shutter, and the linear spring are moved in and out of the direction of insertion and exit. It is advantageous that the shutter is moved to its closed position or open position by deforming the wire spring by moving the shutter (claim 12).
[0018]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to the twelfth aspect, it is advantageous that the slider is restrained by a magnetic force with respect to the counter locking portion and the slider is stopped with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. (Claim 13).
[0019]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, between one end of the wire spring locked to the support and an intermediate portion of the wire spring fixed to the shutter. It is advantageous that the slider is slidably mounted on the wire spring portion of the (1).
[0020]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 11 to 14, a wire spring portion on which the slider is slidably mounted projects in a direction in which the shutter moves to its open position. It is advantageous if it is curved in this way (claim 15).
[0021]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 11 to 15, it is advantageous that the wire spring guide portion of the slider holding the wire spring extends substantially parallel to the sliding direction of the slider. (Claim 16).
[0022]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 16, a shutter portion facing the image carrier when the shutter occupies the closed position is provided on an image forming area surface of the image carrier. It is advantageous to have a regulating means for regulating the position of the shutter portion so as not to come into contact with the shutter portion (claim 17).
[0023]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to the seventeenth aspect, it is advantageous that the regulating means is constituted by a flange of the image carrier that protrudes outward from an image forming area surface of the image carrier. Item 18).
[0024]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to the seventeenth aspect, it is advantageous that the regulating means is constituted by a regulating protrusion formed on the support.
[0025]
Further, in the image carrier unit according to the seventeenth aspect, it is advantageous that the regulating means is constituted by a regulating protrusion formed on the shutter itself which comes into contact with a portion of the image carrier outside the image forming area. (Claim 20).
[0026]
21. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein a shutter portion facing the image forming area surface of the image carrier when the shutter occupies the closed position is provided in the image forming area. Advantageously, it is formed in a curved shape substantially along the surface (claim 21).
[0027]
21. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein a shutter portion facing the image forming area surface of the image carrier when the shutter occupies the closed position is an axis of the image carrier. It is advantageous to be formed so as to be bent at a bent portion along (Claim 22).
[0028]
23. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the shutter occupies the closed position, a gap is provided between a leading end of the shutter and an edge of an opening of the support. It is advantageous to provide a receiving portion on the support body, in which the front end of the shutter fits, in order to prevent the formation of the shutter (claim 23).
[0029]
24. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein when the shutter occupies the closed position, burrs formed on an edge of the shutter when the shutter is formed are formed on the surface of the image carrier. It is advantageous if the shutter is arranged so as to be located on the side remote from the shutter (claim 24).
[0030]
In the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24, when the shutter occupies the closed position, the tip of the shutter facing the image carrier surface is formed in a rounded shape. (Claim 25).
[0031]
Furthermore, in the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 25, it is advantageous that at least a surface of the shutter facing the image carrier has conductivity (claim 26).
[0032]
In the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 26, it is advantageous that the shutter and the support are made of the same material (claim 27).
[0033]
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 27, and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the image carrier. A process cartridge to be used is proposed (claim 28).
[0034]
Further, in the process cartridge according to the twenty-eighth aspect, it is advantageous that the image carrier unit is detachable from another process cartridge part.
[0035]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes an image forming apparatus including the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 27 (claim 30).
[0036]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge according to claim 28 or 29 (claim 31).
[0037]
Further, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 30 or 31, when the shutter remains in the closed position even when the image carrier unit is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body, It is advantageous to provide a detecting means for detecting the state (claim 32).
[0038]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0039]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus configured as a copying machine. The image forming apparatus shown here has an image reading unit 1A located at the top, an image forming unit 1B located below the image reading unit 1A, and a sheet feeding unit 1C located below the image reading unit 1B. The image reading section 1A is provided with a contact glass 5, a first traveling body 12, a second traveling body 13, an imaging lens 14, and a CCD 15 disposed below the contact glass 5. 12 has a light source 16 and a first mirror 24, and the second traveling body 13 has second and third mirrors 25 and 26. With the original D placed on the contact glass 5, the first and second traveling bodies 12 and 13 move in the directions of arrows E and F, and at this time, the original D is illuminated by light from the light source 16. The reflected light is reflected by the first, second and third mirrors 24, 25, 26 and reaches the CCD 15 through the imaging lens 14. In this way, a document image is formed on the CCD 15 and the image is read as an image signal. The read image signal is digitized and processed.
[0040]
On the other hand, the image forming unit 1 </ b> B is provided with four image carriers 3 configured as drum-shaped photoconductors, and a process device disposed around each of the image carriers 3, on each image carrier. A yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image are respectively formed. Here, the image carrier 3 is configured as a drum-shaped photoconductor, but an image carrier composed of an endless belt can also be used. When it is necessary to identify these image carriers, they are denoted by reference numerals 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3BK, and these are referred to as first, second, third, and fourth image carriers as necessary. When it is not necessary to particularly identify these, the image carrier is denoted by reference numeral 3.
[0041]
In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a process unit disposed around each image carrier 3 is integrally assembled to form a process unit 6, and each image carrier is formed. An integral image carrier unit 28 is constituted by the body 3 and a support 27 described later, and a process cartridge 100 is constituted by the process unit 6 and the image carrier unit 28. These points will be described later in detail.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 1, an intermediate transfer member 4 which is an example of a transfer material is disposed facing the first to fourth image carriers 3Y to 3BK, and the intermediate transfer member 4 shown here has a plurality of support members. An endless belt is wound around the rollers 12A, 12B, and 12C and driven to travel in the direction of arrow A.
[0043]
Since the operation is substantially the same as that of forming the toner images on the first to fourth image carriers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3BK, the toner images are formed on the first image carrier 3Y. Only the configuration to be formed will be described. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the image carrier 3Y and the process equipment disposed around the image carrier 3Y. The image carrier 3Y is driven to rotate clockwise in FIGS. At this time, the surface of the image carrier is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity by the charging roller 7. The charging roller 7 is rotatably supported by the case 22 of the process unit 6, and is pressed against the surface of the image carrier 3Y by a pressing spring 38.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 1, an exposure device 8 is disposed below the image carrier 3, and emits a laser beam L light-modulated based on the image-processed signal as described above. Then, the laser beam L is applied to the charged surface of the image carrier 3Y charged by the charging roller 7 as shown in FIG. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier 3Y, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a yellow toner image by the developing device 9. The developing device 9 shown here has a developing case 17 constituted by a part of the case 22 of the process unit 6, a developing roller 18 supported by the developing case 17, and driven to rotate, and a stirring screw 39. The electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the dry developer whose amount is regulated by the regulating blade 40 while being carried and conveyed by the developing roller 18.
[0045]
A first transfer device 10 constituted by a transfer roller is disposed at a position substantially opposed to the image carrier 3Y with the intermediate transfer member 4 formed of an endless belt interposed therebetween. The yellow toner image on the body 3Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 4. The transfer residual toner which is not transferred to the intermediate transfer member 4 and remains on the first image carrier 3Y is removed by the cleaning device 11. The cleaning device has a cleaning case 19 constituted by a part of a case 22 and a part of a support 27, and a cleaning brush 20 and a cleaning blade 21 supported by the cleaning case 19. The untransferred toner on the image carrier 3Y is removed by the cooperation of the blade and the blade 21, and the surface of the image carrier 3Y is cleaned.
[0046]
In exactly the same way, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image and a black toner image are respectively formed on the second to fourth image carriers 3M, 3C, and 3BK shown in FIG. The images are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 4 onto which the image has been transferred. In this way, the four color toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer member 4 in a superimposed state.
[0047]
On the other hand, the paper feed unit 1C shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a paper feed cassette 29 containing a recording material P as a final transfer material made of, for example, transfer paper or a resin film, and a paper feed roller 30. The uppermost recording material P loaded on the cassette 29 is sent out in the direction of arrow B by the rotation of the paper feed roller 30, and is conveyed to the pair of registration rollers 31. Further, a second transfer device 23 composed of a transfer roller is disposed opposite to the support roller 12C with the intermediate transfer member 4 interposed therebetween, and the recording material P sent out at a predetermined timing by the rotation of the registration roller 31 is disposed. Passes through the transfer area between the second transfer device 23 and the intermediate transfer member 4, and at this time, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 4 by the action of the second transfer device 23 is transferred onto the recording material P. Transcribed. The recording material P carrying the toner image transferred in this way passes through the fixing device 2, and at this time, the toner image is fixed on the recording material P by the action of heat and pressure, and a full-color image is formed on the recording material P. Is formed. The recording material that has passed through the fixing device 2 is discharged to a paper discharge unit 6A as indicated by an arrow C direction. Further, the transfer residual toner adhered to the intermediate transfer member after the transfer of the toner image is removed by the cleaning device 41.
[0048]
In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each toner image formed on each image carrier 3 is transferred to a transfer material comprising an intermediate transfer member 4, and then the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 4 is finally transferred. It is configured to transfer onto a recording material P which is a material, but the intermediate transfer member 4 is omitted, and the toner image on each image carrier 3 is directly transferred onto a transfer material made of a recording material. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the overlaid toner image is fixed by a fixing device to obtain a full-color image.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 2, each process device of the charging roller 7, the developing device 9, and the cleaning device 11 is disposed around the image carrier 3 </ b> Y. A simple process unit 6 is configured. This is the same for the process devices provided around the other image carriers 3M, 3C, and 3BK. In the illustrated example, four process units 6 are provided. Further, in the illustrated example, the process unit 6 is configured by a plurality of process devices, but the number of the process devices can be appropriately selected. In short, the process unit 6 includes at least one process device that forms a toner image on the image carrier. What is necessary is just to comprise a process unit.
[0050]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each image carrier 3 is rotatably supported by a support 27, and these constitute an image carrier unit 28. The support 27 of the image carrier unit 28 shown here has a support main body 32 and a cover 33 detachably fixed to the support main body 32, and the cover 33 faces the cover 33. A storage space S (FIG. 2) in which a shutter 35 described later is stored is defined by the support main body portion 34. Further, the shaft portions at the respective longitudinal ends of the drum-shaped image carrier 3 are rotatably supported by a pair of bearing portions 36 of the support body 32. An opening 37 is formed in the support 27, and the image carrier 3 projects through the opening 37 and comes into contact with the intermediate transfer member 4 as shown in FIG.
[0051]
FIG. 5 shows only the case 22 of the process unit 6 in a simplified manner by a chain line. The process unit 6 and the image carrier unit 28 are removably assembled to each other. For example, by sliding the image carrier unit 28 in the axial direction G of the image carrier 3, the image carrier unit 28 can be separated from the process unit 6. The process cartridge 6 is configured by the process unit 6 and the image carrier unit 28.
[0052]
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 4, reference numeral T indicates a rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 1, and reference numeral U indicates a front side of the image forming apparatus main body 1. As shown in this figure, each of the image carrier units 28 and each of the process units 6 can be pulled out toward the image forming apparatus main body 1 in a direction indicated by an arrow X while being guided by guide rails (not shown). The image carrier unit 28 and the process unit 6 are pulled out in the axial direction of the image carrier 3 in this example. At this time, the process cartridge 100 with the process unit 6 and the image carrier unit 28 assembled is pulled out in the front direction X, or is pushed in the depth direction indicated by the arrow Y to a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body. Can be set to Alternatively, while the process unit 6 is left in the image forming apparatus main body 1, only the image carrier unit 28 can be pulled out in the front direction X or pushed in the back direction Y and set. Further, the image carrier unit 28 can be left in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and only the process unit 6 can be taken in and out of the image forming apparatus main body 1. As described above, since the image carrier unit 28 and the process unit 6 can be separately attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 1, repair, inspection, or replacement thereof can be easily performed.
[0053]
When the image carrier unit 28 and the process unit 6 set in the image forming apparatus main body 1 are to be pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body, the image carrier unit 28 and the process unit 6 are moved prior to the pull-out operation. The image carrier 3 and the intermediate transfer member 4 are separated slightly downward, and the process unit 6 is slightly lowered with respect to the image carrier unit 28. For this reason, when the image carrier unit 28 or the process unit 6 or the process cartridge 100 in which these are assembled are pulled out in the front direction X, the image carrier 3 and the intermediate transfer body 4 are rubbed or the process unit 6 is developed. The roller 18, the charging roller 7, the cleaning blade 21, and the like do not rub against the image carrier 3, and the shutter 35, which operates as described later, does not contact the intermediate transfer member 4. Can be blocked. When the process unit 6 and the image carrier unit 28 are inserted and set in the main body of the image forming apparatus, they are inserted in a state where they are vertically separated from each other, and then the process unit 6, the image carrier unit 28, and the intermediate transfer unit. The unit 32 approaches in the vertical direction, and the image carrier 3 contacts the intermediate transfer member 4 as shown in FIG.
[0054]
Further, in the following description, when the image carrier unit 28 is set in the image forming apparatus main body 1, each side of the image carrier unit 28, which is a part on the back side T of the image forming apparatus main body 1, is moved to the back side. , And each side of the image carrier unit 28 which is the front side U of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is referred to as the front side.
[0055]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the image carrier unit 28 is detachably attached to the process unit 6 having at least one process device for forming a toner image on the image carrier 3, The process cartridge 100 is constituted by the image carrier unit 28 and the process unit 6, but these may be modified as appropriate. For example, the support body 27 and the case 22 may be integrally formed, and the image carrier unit 27 and the process unit 6 shown in FIG. As described above, the image carrier unit and the process cartridge can be configured in various forms. In any case, the image carrier unit supports the image carrier on which the toner image is formed and the image carrier. And a support that can be taken in and out of the image forming apparatus main body. In this example, the image carrier unit 28 is moved in and out in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the image carrier 3. The process cartridge includes the image carrier unit and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body. . At this time, it is advantageous if the process cartridge is configured such that the image carrier unit is detachable from another process cartridge portion (the process unit 6 in the example in the figure), like the process cartridge of the present embodiment. It is. The image forming apparatus has such an image carrier unit or a process cartridge.
[0056]
Here, FIGS. 2 and 5 show a state in which the image carrier unit 28 and the process unit 6 are set at predetermined positions in the image forming apparatus main body, and FIG. Although the state when the image carrier is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body is shown, when the image carrier unit 28 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body, if the opening 37 formed in the support 27 is left open, There is a possibility that the image carrier 3 is directly exposed to the light incident from the opening 37. When an operator touches the image carrier 3 through the opening 37, the image carrier is deteriorated. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the above-described shutter 35 is provided in the image carrier unit 28. The shutter 35 is made of a thin plate made of resin or metal such as polycarbonate.
[0057]
As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 5, when the image carrier unit 28 is mounted at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body 1, the shutter 35 occupies the open position accommodated in the accommodation space S described above. At this time, the upper part of the image carrier 3 is opened. As a result, a toner image can be formed on the image carrier 3 without any trouble, and the toner image can be transferred to the intermediate transfer member 4. On the other hand, when the image carrier unit 28 is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the shutter 35 is pulled out from the storage space S in the direction of the arrow H, and the image carrier 3 is moved. Occupies a closed position covering the top of the. Thereby, the opening 37 of the support 27 can be closed, external light can be prevented from directly hitting the image carrier 3 from here, and the hand of an operator can be prevented from touching the image carrier. The image carrier 3 of the image carrier unit 28 pulled out of the apparatus main body can be effectively protected. After performing operations such as repairing and checking the image carrier unit 28, when the image carrier unit 28 is set again at a predetermined position in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the shutter 35 moves in the direction of arrow I and the storage space S And the upper part of the image carrier 3 is opened.
[0058]
When the shutter 35 operates between the closed position and the open position as described above, the shutter 35 operates in directions H and I that are substantially perpendicular to the directions X and Y in and out of the image carrier unit 28. The shutter 35 does not rotate but moves substantially in translation and moves between the open position and the closed position. As described above, the shutter 35 occupies a closed position that covers the image carrier 3 when the image carrier unit 28 is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the image carrier unit 28 is moved to a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body 1. The support 27 is movably movable in directions H and I substantially perpendicular to the insertion and removal directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28 so as to occupy the open position where the image carrier 3 is opened when set at the position of. It is assembled.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 6, the support 27 is provided with stepped guide portions 42, and the guide portions 42 allow the shutter 35 to move the image carrier unit 28 in and out of the X and Y directions. Are guided so as to move in directions H and I which are substantially orthogonal to. In the illustrated example, the directions H and I in which the shutter 35 operates are also directions substantially orthogonal to the axial direction G of the drum-shaped image carrier 3, whereby the shutter 35 covers the upper portion of the image carrier 3. Alternatively, the operating stroke of the shutter 35 required for opening the shutter can be reduced.
[0060]
Further, as shown in a specific configuration example later, the shutter 35 is configured to move to its closed position and the open position in conjunction with the attachment / detachment operation of the image carrier unit 28 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1. Have been.
[0061]
As described above, the shutter 35 is configured to be substantially translated and brought to the closed position or the open position in the directions H and I substantially perpendicular to the directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28. Therefore, the operating space of the shutter 35 can be reduced as compared with the conventional case where the shutter is rotated. Moreover, even if another element is located close to the image carrier unit, the shutter 35 can operate between the open position and the closed position without interfering with the element. In the image forming apparatus of this example, the intermediate transfer member 4 is located immediately above the image carrier unit 28, but the shutter 35 can operate without interfering with the intermediate transfer member 4.
[0062]
In the illustrated example, when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, the shutter 35 covers the upper part of the peripheral surface of the image carrier 3, and when the shutter 35 occupies the open position, the shutter 35 Although the shutter 35 is configured so as to open the upper part of the peripheral surface, but occupies the closed position, the shutter 35 occupies another portion of the image carrier 3, for example, the peripheral side or lower part of the image carrier, or the peripheral surface thereof. It is also possible to constitute so as to cover a plurality of portions among the upper portion, the peripheral side portion, and the lower portion of the peripheral surface, and further cover the entire peripheral surface of the image carrier. The shutter with the closed position closed can cover at least a part of the peripheral surface of the image carrier.
[0063]
What has been described above is a configuration common to each of more specific configuration examples of the image forming apparatus described later.
[0064]
Next, each specific configuration example of the interlocking means for moving the shutter 35 to the closed position or the open position in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation of the image carrier unit 28 will be described.
[0065]
First, in the specific examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a guide member 43 made of a thin plate is disposed between the shutter 35 and the plate-like portion 34 of the support 27 as clearly shown in FIG. A guide protrusion 44 formed on the guide member 43 and a root portion of a later-described locking portion 48 are slidably fitted in respective guide holes 45 formed on the cover 33. These guide holes 45 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the directions X and Y in and out of the image carrier unit 28 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. As a result, the guide member 43 is assembled to the support 27 so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the directions X and Y for inserting and removing the image carrier unit 28. A guide hole may be formed in the guide member 43, and a guide protrusion that fits into the guide hole may be formed on the support 27 side.
[0066]
The guide member 43 is formed with two guide holes 46 extending in a direction inclined with respect to the insertion / removal directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28, and each of the guide holes 46 has a guide protrusion projecting from the shutter 35. The parts 47 are slidably fitted respectively. The angle α formed between each guide hole 46 and the insertion and removal directions X and Y is 0 <α <90 °. Further, in the portion 34 of the support 27, two guide grooves 75 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion / removal directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28 are formed, and a guide hole 46 is formed in each guide groove 75. Are slidably fitted respectively.
[0067]
FIG. 5 shows the image carrier unit 28 when the image carrier unit 28 is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 8 shows the guide member 43 and the shutter 35 at this time. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship of an image carrier 3. Similarly, FIG. 9 shows an arrangement relationship of the same elements when the image carrier unit 28 is pulled out from the inside of the image forming apparatus main body to the front side U. In the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the guide protrusion 44 and the locking portion 48 are located at the front end of each guide hole 45, and each guide protrusion 47 is located at the back end of each guide hole 46. Located in the department.
[0068]
The above-described locking portion 48 is provided at a portion on the near side of the guide member 43, and in this example, a locking groove 49 (FIG. 6) is formed in the locking portion 48. When an operator such as a user or a serviceman starts to pull out the image carrier unit 28 from the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 in the front direction X, the entire image carrier unit 28 including the guide member 43 is moved in this direction. Start moving to X. When the image carrier unit 28 moves a certain distance, the locking groove 49 of the locking portion 48 provided on the guide member 43 engages with the mating locking portion 50 provided in the image forming apparatus main body. The mating locking portion 50 is formed in an arm shape that can be elastically deformed in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8. When the locking portion 48 hits the distal end pin 51 of the mating locking portion 50, the mating locking portion 50 is formed. The elastic pin 50 is elastically deformed and then elastically restored, and the tip pin 51 is engaged with the locking groove 49. Thereby, the guide member 43 is stopped with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1. On the other hand, the other portion of the image carrier unit 28 is continuously pulled in the front direction X, so that the stopped guide member 43 moves in the back direction Y relative to the support 27 and the shutter 35. For this reason, the guide projection 47 projecting from the shutter 35 slides in the guide hole 46 while being guided by the guide hole 46, and finally the guide projection 47 is moved as shown in FIGS. The guide protrusion 44 reaches the front side portion of the guide hole 46, and the guide protrusion 44 abuts on the rear end of the guide hole 45. As a result, the guide member 43 is pulled in the forward direction X by the support 27, so that the guide groove 49 is disengaged from the distal end pin 51 of the mating locking portion 50, and the guide member 43 moves again in the forward direction X together with the support 27. Then, the entire image carrier unit 28 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body. 7 and 9 show the state of the image carrier unit 28 at this time. The mating engagement portion 50 may be provided directly on the image forming apparatus main body 1 or may be provided on a frame (not shown) supporting the intermediate transfer body 4 or the like.
[0069]
As described above, the guide member 43 relatively moves in the depth direction with respect to the support 27, and the guide protrusion 47 slides in the guide hole 46 extending in the inclined state. As shown by, it moves toward a position above the image carrier 3 and stops at a closed position covering the upper part thereof. When the image carrier unit 28 is pushed in the depth direction Y, the operation opposite to that described above is performed, and the shutter 35 moves in the direction of the arrow I to reach the open position shown in FIGS. The upper part of the body 3 is opened. As described above, the guide member 43 moves in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion / removal directions X and Y of the image carrier 28 relative to the support member 27, so that the shutter 35 moves to the closed position or the open position. A guide projection 47 projecting from the shutter 35 is slidably fitted in a guide hole 46 formed in the guide member 43. Accordingly, the shutter 35 can be automatically operated between the open position and the closed position in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation of the image carrier unit 28.
[0070]
In addition, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, when the image carrier unit 28 is taken in and out of the image forming apparatus main body 1, the guide member is cooperated with the mating locking portion 50 located in the image forming apparatus main body. A locking portion 48 for stopping the 43 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided on the guide member 43, and the guide member 43 is caused to cooperate with the locking portion 48 and the counterpart locking portion 50. 1, the shutter 35 is moved to the closed position or the open position by moving the support 27, the image carrier 3, and the shutter 35 in and out directions X and Y. Therefore, the shutter 35 can be more reliably operated between the closed position and the open position.
[0071]
In the illustrated example, two guide holes 46 are provided, but the number may be one. However, when a plurality of guide holes 46 are formed in the guide member 43 and the guide protrusions 47 are slidably fitted in the respective guide holes 46, the shutter 35 can be operated in a more stable state.
[0072]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a guide hole portion into which the guide protrusion 47 fits when the shutter 35 occupies the open position and the closed position, respectively, and a guide hole portion near the guide hole portion. 8, and 46A in FIG. 9) extend substantially parallel to the insertion and removal directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28. Thereby, the frictional force applied to the shutter 35 when the shutter 35 starts operating can be reduced, and the shutter 35 can start to move smoothly.
[0073]
In the above-described example, the locking portion 48 having the locking groove 49 and the mating locking portion 50 having the tip pin 51 that engages with the locking groove 49 are used. Instead of mechanically engaging the locking portion 48 and the mating locking portion 50, one of the locking portion 48 and the mating locking portion 50 is formed of a magnet, and the other is formed of a magnetic material, or both are formed of a magnet. The locking portion 48 is restrained by a magnetic force against the mating locking portion 50 to stop the guide member 43 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the shutter 35 is opened in the same manner as described above. It can be operated between an open position and a closed position.
[0074]
Instead of providing the locking portion 48 and the mating locking portion 50 as described above, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a compression spring 52 as an example of an urging member is provided, and one end of the compression spring 52 is attached to the guide member 43. The other end is pressed against a spring receiver 53 projecting from the support 27, and the spring 52 urges the guide member 43 in a direction substantially parallel to the pushing direction Y of the image carrier unit 28 against the image forming apparatus main body. It can also be configured to do so. As shown in FIG. 11, when the image carrier unit 28 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body, the guide member 43 is pressed by the compression spring 52 to the deepest position in the pushing direction Y with respect to the support. Thus, the shutter 35 is held at the closed position that covers the upper portion of the image carrier 3, just like the case shown in FIG.
[0075]
A stopper 54 is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. When the image carrier unit 28 is moved in the depth direction Y, the guide member 43 contacts the stopper 54 as shown in FIG. Stopped with respect to image forming apparatus main body 1. When the image carrier unit 28 is further pushed in the depth direction Y, the stopped guide member 43 moves in the front direction X relative to the shutter 35, so that the shutter 35 moves toward the open position. As shown in FIG. 10, when the image carrier unit 28 is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body, the shutter 35 occupies the open position and the image The upper part of the carrier 3 is opened. Other configurations of the image carrier unit 28 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are the same as those of the image carrier unit described above.
[0076]
As described above, the urging member for urging the guide member 43 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the image carrier unit 28 is pushed into the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided, and the image carrier unit 28 is moved outside the image forming apparatus main body 1. The guide member 43 is pressed against the support 27 to the deepest position in the pushing direction Y by the action of the urging member to hold the shutter 35 in the closed position, and the image carrier unit 28 Is pushed into the image forming apparatus main body 1, the guide member 43 is stopped with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 by the stopper 54 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 against the action of the urging member, and the shutter 35 is moved. It is moved to the open position. With this configuration, the shutter 35 can be reliably operated between the closed position and the open position in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the image carrier unit 28. The stopper 54 may be provided directly on the image forming apparatus main body, or may be provided on a frame or the like that supports the intermediate transfer body 4.
[0077]
The shutter 35 and the guide member 43 having a thickness of 0.4 mm are made of polycarbonate, and the shutter 35 is provided by an image carrier unit 28 configured to be able to be housed in a housing space S having a width of 1.5 mm in the vertical direction. It has been experimentally confirmed that the 35 can be operated without any trouble in the closed position and the open position.
[0078]
In the specific examples shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a wire spring 55 is provided, and one end 56 of the wire spring 55 is engaged with a locking hole 57 formed in the support body 27 so that the one end 56 is supported. It is fixed to the body 27. A guide surface 59 is formed on the support 27 so as to extend substantially parallel to the directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28. The other end 58 of the wire spring 55 is slidable on the guide surface 59. Abut. As described above, the other end 58 of the wire spring 55 is in contact with the support 27 so as to be slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion and removal directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28. The wire spring 55 has an intermediate portion 60 between the one end 56 and the other end 58 fixed to the shutter 35 by locking, welding, adhesive, or the like. The intermediate portion 60 of the wire spring 55 fixed to the shutter 35 in this way is more than the one end 56 and the other end 58 of the wire spring 55 in the direction in which the shutter 35 moves to the closed position, that is, in the direction of the arrow H. Protruding toward.
[0079]
Further, a slider 62 is slidably fitted to an edge portion 61 of a hole 66 extending substantially parallel to the support member 27 in the inserting and removing directions X and Y of the image carrier unit 28. The slider 62 has a U-shaped portion 63 and a curl portion 64 integrally formed with the U-shaped portion 63 as shown in FIG. The wire spring 55 is fitted to and held by the curl portion 64 slidably in the axial direction. As described above, the slider 62 slidably holds the wire spring 55 and slidably attaches to the support 27 in a direction substantially parallel to the directions X and Y for inserting and removing the image carrier unit 28. Have been.
[0080]
FIGS. 15 and 16 show the linear springs when the image carrier unit 28 is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body and when the image carrier unit 28 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body. 5 shows a relative positional relationship between the image bearing member 55, the slider 62, the shutter 35, and the image carrier 3. In these figures, the aforementioned protruding height of the wire spring 55 is indicated by H1.
[0081]
Also in this example, the mating locking portion 50 is arranged in the image forming apparatus main body, and the mating locking portion 50 and the slider 62 can be engaged with each other. 8 and 9, an arm having a tip pin 51 is used, and the tip pin 51 and a locking groove (not shown) formed in the slider 62 are used. 15), one of the slider 62 and the mating locking portion 50 is formed of a magnet, and the other is formed of a magnetic material in the examples shown in FIGS. Either or both are constituted by magnets.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 15, when the image carrier unit 28 is set in the image forming apparatus main body, the slider 62 is engaged with a wire spring portion near the intermediate portion 60 of the wire spring 55. Therefore, the wire spring 55 is elastically deformed by an external force applied by the slider 62, and its protruding height H1 is reduced. The shutter 35 fixed to the wire spring 55 is moved from the position above the image carrier 3 It occupies the retracted open position. Here, when the image carrier unit 28 starts to be pulled in the front direction X, the entire image carrier unit 28 including the slider 62 moves to the front side U. Next, when the slider 62 moves to a position facing the mating locking portion 50, the slider 62 and the mating locking portion 50 are connected to each other by magnetic force, and the movement of the slider 62 is stopped. Subsequently, since the image carrier unit 28 except the slider 62 moves in the front direction X, the slider 62 relatively moves toward one end 56 of the wire spring 55. The slider 62 slides in the depth direction Y relative to the wire spring 55. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the wire spring 55 is deformed while elastically restoring, and its protruding height H1 gradually increases, and the shutter 35 moves in the direction of arrow H toward a position above the image carrier 3. I do. Next, when the slider 62 abuts on the one end 56 of the wire spring 55 fixed to the support 27, an external force in the front direction X is applied to the slider 62 via the wire spring 55. Reference numeral 62 departs from the mating engagement portion 50 against the action of the magnetic force, and the entire image carrier unit 28 is pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 12 and FIG. 16 show the state at this time. At this time, the shutter 35 occupies a closed position that covers the upper part of the image carrier 3.
[0083]
When the image carrier unit 28 is pushed into the image forming apparatus main body from the state shown in FIG. 16 and is moved in the depth direction Y, the operation opposite to that described above is performed. That is, the slider 62 is stopped by being connected to the counterpart engaging portion 50 by the magnetic force. Subsequently, when the image carrier unit 28 except the slider 62 is further pushed in the depth direction Y, the slider 62 slides in the front direction X relative to the wire spring 55, whereby the wire spring 55 has its protruding height. The height H1 is elastically deformed so as to decrease, and the shutter 35 starts to move in the direction of the arrow I toward the open position. When the slider 62 reaches a portion near the intermediate portion 60 of the wire spring 55, the slider 62 hits the front end 67 of the hole 66 shown in FIG. The entire image carrier unit 28 including the slider 62 is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG. At this time, the shutter 35 closes the open position, and the upper part of the image carrier 3 is opened.
[0084]
As described above, the slider 35 slides in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion / removal directions X and Y with respect to the wire spring 55 to deform the wire spring 55, so that the shutter 35 closes. The relative positions of the slider 62, the wire spring 55, and the shutter 35 are set so as to move to the position or the open position.
[0085]
Further, in the illustrated example, when the image carrier unit 28 is inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1, the slider 62 cooperates with the counterpart engaging portion 50 located in the image forming apparatus main body to form the image. The slider 62 is stopped with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the support 27, the image carrier 3, the shutter 35, and the wire spring 55 are moved in and out of the direction X. , Y to deform the wire spring 55 so as to move the shutter 35 to its closed position or open position. Since the slider 62 is configured to stop with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1, the shutter 35 is brought to the closed position and the open position with a simple configuration. It is possible.
[0086]
In the illustrated example, a line between one end 56 of the wire spring 55 locked to the support 27 of the image carrier unit 28 and an intermediate portion 60 of the wire spring 55 fixed to the shutter 35. Since the slider 62 is slidably attached to the spring portion, when the slider 62 slides relative to the wire spring 55, the shutter 35 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow J in FIG. The shutter 35 can be moved between the open position and the closed position in a stable state.
[0087]
Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the wire spring portion in which the slider 62 is slidably mounted is curved so as to protrude in the direction I in which the shutter 35 moves to its open position. When the wire spring 55 is relatively moved toward the intermediate portion 60, the wire spring 55 is always deformed in a predetermined direction, which can prevent the shutter 35 from swinging in the arrow J direction.
[0088]
Further, since the wire spring guide portion of the slider 62 holding the wire spring 55, that is, the curl portion 64 shown in FIG. 14 extends substantially parallel to the sliding direction of the slider 62, the slider 62 When the shutter 55 moves relative to the intermediate portion 60, the portions on both sides of the wire spring 55 centered on the intermediate portion 60 can be deformed symmetrically, which also prevents the shutter 35 from swinging in the arrow J direction. Can be prevented.
[0089]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, one wire spring 55 and one slider 62 engaged with the wire spring 55 are provided, but the number may be plural. At least one wire spring is provided. 17 and 18 show an example in which another wire spring 55A is provided in addition to the wire spring 55, and another slider 62A is attached to the wire spring 55A so as to be relatively slidable. In the example shown here, the two sliders 62, 62A are integrally connected to each other by a connecting member 65. The behavior of the wire spring 55A and the slider 62A is substantially the same as the behavior of the wire spring 55 and the slider 62 described above. When the movement of the shutter 35 is regulated by the plurality of wire springs as described above, the shutter 35 can be operated in a more stable state. In FIG. 18, the portions corresponding to the wire spring 55A and the portions corresponding to the wire spring 55 in the portions related to the wire spring 55A are denoted by the reference numerals obtained by adding A to the reference numerals assigned to the respective portions. .
[0090]
By the way, in the image carrier unit of each embodiment described above, when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position and the shutter 35 contacts the surface of the image carrier, the surface may be scratched. In order to prevent such a problem, when the shutter occupies its closed position, the position of the shutter portion is regulated so that the shutter portion facing the image carrier does not contact the image forming area surface of the image carrier. It is preferable to provide a restricting means.
[0091]
Each specific example is shown in FIGS. In these figures, the symbol K indicates an image forming area surface on which a toner image is formed on the image carrier 3.
[0092]
In the example shown in FIG. 19, the drum-shaped image carrier 3 has a flange 68 located at each end in the longitudinal direction, and the flange 68 is located radially outward in the image carrier from the image forming area surface K. It protrudes. When the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, the shutter 35 is placed on both flanges 68, thereby preventing the shutter 35 from contacting the image forming area surface K. As described above, in this example, the above-described regulating means is constituted by the flange 68 of the image carrier 3 projecting outward from the image forming area surface K of the image carrier 3.
[0093]
In the example shown in FIG. 20, a portion near the opening 37 of the support 27 is formed as a regulating protrusion 69 protruding upward, and the shutter 35 occupying the closed position rests on the regulating protrusion 69. This prevents the shutter 35 from coming into contact with the image forming area surface K of the image carrier 3. Thus, in this example, the regulating means is constituted by the regulating protrusion 69 formed on the support 27.
[0094]
Further, as shown in FIG. 21, a regulating projection 70 is provided on the shutter 35 itself, and when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, the regulating projections 70 are in contact with the image forming area surface of the image carrier 3. Portions other than K, in the illustrated example, are configured to abut against the flange 68 thereof. As described above, in this example, the restricting means is constituted by the restricting projection 70 formed on the shutter itself that comes into contact with a portion of the image carrier 3 outside the image forming area surface.
[0095]
Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, the shutter portion facing the image forming area surface K (see FIGS. 19 to 21) of the image carrier 3 corresponds to the image forming area. If it is formed in a curved shape substantially along the surface, the image carrier 3 can be more reliably protected by the shutter 35.
[0096]
Further, as shown in FIG. 22, when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, the shutter portion facing the image forming area surface of the image carrier 3 is bent at a bent portion 71 along the axis of the image carrier 3. When bent, as in the case where the shutter 35 is curved as shown in FIG. 3, the image carrier 3 can be reliably protected by the shutter 35. FIG. 23 illustrates a state where the shutter 35 illustrated in FIG. 22 occupies the open position and is stored in the storage space S. In this manner, the shutter 35 of this example can also be accommodated in the storage space S having a narrow upper and lower width.
[0097]
The configuration in which the shutter 35 is formed into a curved surface and the configuration in which the shutter 35 can be bent can be applied to the image carrier units of any of the above-described embodiments. These configurations are shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. It is particularly preferable to employ the present invention together with a structure provided with such a regulating means.
[0098]
In the configuration of each image carrier unit described above, when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, as shown in FIG. 22, the tip 72 of the shutter 35 and the edge of the opening 37 of the support 27 are closed. When the supporting member 27 is provided with a receiving portion 73 into which the leading end portion 72 of the shutter 35 is fitted in order to prevent a gap from being formed between the shutter and the shutter 35, the intrusion of light into the image carrier 3 is more reliably prevented. As a result, the deterioration of the image carrier 3 can be effectively suppressed.
[0099]
Incidentally, the shutter 35 can be formed by a molding method such as injection molding or press molding, and at the time of the molding, burrs 74 are formed as exaggeratedly shown in FIG. If such burrs 74 come into contact with the surface of the image carrier 3, the surface is scratched.
[0100]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, the burr 74 formed at the edge of the shutter 35 at the time of molding the shutter 35 is on the side away from the surface of the image carrier 3. When the shutter 35 is disposed so as to be positioned, the burr 74 can be prevented from contacting the surface of the image carrier.
[0101]
Also, as shown in FIG. 24, when the tip end portion 72 of the shutter 35 facing the surface of the image carrier 3 is formed in a round shape when the shutter 35 occupies the closed position, the image The possibility that the surface of the carrier 3 is damaged can be more reliably eliminated. At this time, it is preferable that the end portion 72 of the shutter 35 be rounded here by finishing. The burr 74 can be removed during the finishing process.
[0102]
Also, if at least the surface of the shutter 35 facing the image carrier 3 has conductivity, the conductive portion is grounded to charge the shutter 35 and deteriorate the image carrier due to the influence. Can be prevented. For example, after a molded product of the shutter 35 is obtained, a conductive paint is applied to a surface of the shutter 35 facing the image carrier 3 to form the shutter 35, or the entire shutter 35 is formed of a conductive material.
[0103]
Further, when the shutter 35 and the support 27 are made of the same material, when the image carrier unit 28 is recycled, the shutter 35 and the support 27 can be melted without being disassembled, for example, to perform the reproduction process. And the number of steps required for recycling can be reduced.
[0104]
Further, in the image forming apparatus having the image carrier unit 28 described above, when the shutter 35 remains in the closed position even when the image carrier unit 28 is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body, If a detecting means (not shown) including, for example, a photo sensor for detecting this is provided, and when it is detected that the shutter 35 is not opened, the fact is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus main body. Trouble can be prevented beforehand.
[0105]
In the embodiment described above, one shutter 35 is configured to cover the upper part of the image carrier 3 when the image carrier unit 28 is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body. It may be configured to cover the image carrier. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, when the image carrier unit 28 is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body, the two shutters 35, 35 cover the upper portion of the image carrier 3, and the image carrier unit 28 is moved to the image forming apparatus. When the shutter is set in the main body, the shutters 35 can be retracted in the direction of arrow I to open the upper portion of the image carrier 3. In order to operate these shutters 35, 35, the above-described configurations can be employed.
[0106]
The present invention can be applied not only to a copying machine but also to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction peripheral thereof, and an image carrier unit or a process cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus. Further, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus in which only one image carrier unit instead of a plurality of image carrier units is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is not necessary to secure a large space in the image forming apparatus main body in order to operate the shutter so as to bring the shutter to the closed position and the open position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an entire configuration of an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a process cartridge having an image carrier unit and a process unit.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of an image carrier unit and a process unit when a shutter occupies a closed position.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state when an image carrier unit and a process unit are pulled out or pushed in from the image forming apparatus main body.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the image carrier unit with the shutter occupying an open position.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the image carrier unit.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the image carrier unit with the shutter occupying a closed position.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relative positional relationship between the guide member, the shutter, and the image carrier when the shutter occupies the open position.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 8, with the shutter occupying a closed position.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 8, illustrating an example of another image carrier unit.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 9 relating to the image carrier unit shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another example of the image carrier unit, showing a state in which a cover is removed from a support.
13 is an exploded perspective view of the image carrier unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a slider.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 8 relating to the image carrier unit shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 9 relating to the image carrier unit shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an image carrier unit provided with two wire springs.
18 is an exploded perspective view of the image carrier unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the shutter occupying the closed position rests on the flange of the image carrier.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which the shutter occupying the closed position rests on the regulating protrusion of the support.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a regulating protrusion of a shutter occupying a closed position is placed on a flange of an image carrier.
FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a state where the shutter occupying the closed position is bent at the bent portion.
FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram when the shutter shown in FIG. 22 occupies an open position.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating shutter burr.
FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view showing a state where the upper portion of the image carrier is covered by two shutters.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming apparatus main body
3 Image carrier
3Y, 3M, 3C, 3BK Image carrier
6 Process cartridge
27 Support
28 Image carrier unit
35 shutter
37 opening
42 Guide
43 Guide member
46 Guide hole
47 Guide protrusion
48 Locking part
50 Mating part
54 Stopper
55,55A Wire spring
56, 56A One end side
58, 58A other end side
60,60A middle part
62, 62A slider
68 flange
69 Regulatory protrusion
70 Regulatory protrusion
71 Turn
72 Tip
73 Receiving part
74 Burr
100 process cartridge

Claims (32)

An image carrier unit that has an image carrier on which a toner image is formed and a support that supports the image carrier, and that can be taken in and out of the image forming apparatus main body. When it comes out of the image forming apparatus main body, it occupies a closed position covering the image carrier, and when the image carrier unit is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body, it occupies an open position for opening the image carrier. An image carrier unit, comprising: a shutter mounted on the support so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the image carrier unit is taken in and out. 2. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein a guide portion for guiding the shutter is provided on the support so that the shutter moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the image carrier unit is inserted and removed. 3. 3. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein the shutter moves to the closed position and the open position in conjunction with an attachment / detachment operation of the image carrier unit with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. A guide member mounted on the support so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of loading and unloading of the image carrier unit, wherein the guide member is moved relative to the support in the loading and unloading direction. By moving in a substantially parallel direction, a guide projection formed on the shutter is slidable in a guide hole formed in the guide member so that the shutter moves to its closed position or open position. The image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is fitted. The image carrier unit according to claim 4, wherein the guide hole extends in a direction inclined with respect to a direction in which the image carrier unit is taken in and out. The image carrier unit according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of guide holes are formed in the guide member, and the guide protrusions are slidably fitted in the respective guide holes. When the shutter occupies the open position and the closed position, the guide hole portion into which the guide protrusion fits and a guide hole portion near the guide hole portion extend substantially parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the image carrier unit. The image carrier unit according to claim 5. Locking for stopping the guide member with respect to the image forming apparatus main body in cooperation with a mating locking section located in the image forming apparatus main body when the image carrier unit is taken in and out of the image forming apparatus main body. The guide member is provided on the guide member, and the guide member is stopped relative to the image forming apparatus main body by the cooperation of the locking portion and the counterpart locking portion, and the support, the image carrier, and the shutter are The image carrier unit according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the shutter is moved to the closed position or the open position by moving the shutter in the loading / unloading direction. The image carrier unit according to claim 8, wherein the locking portion is restrained by the magnetic force with respect to the counter locking portion to stop the guide member with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. An urging member for urging the guide member in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the image carrier unit is pushed into the image forming apparatus main body, and the urging member is provided when the image carrier unit is moved out of the image forming apparatus main body. When the guide member is pressed against the support at the innermost position in the pushing direction to hold the shutter at the closed position, and when the image carrier unit is pushed into the image forming apparatus main body, 8. The image forming apparatus main body side stopper stops the guide member with respect to the image forming apparatus main body against the action of the urging member, and moves the shutter to an open position. 2. The image carrier unit according to item 1. At least one wire spring fixed at one end to the support, and at the other end slidably in contact with the support in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of taking in and out the image carrier unit, and sliding the wire spring. A slider movably held and slidably attached to the support in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in and out of the image carrier unit, wherein the wire spring has one end and another An intermediate portion between the end sides is fixed to the shutter, and the intermediate portion of the wire spring fixed to the shutter moves the shutter to the closed position more than the one end and the other end of the wire spring. The slider slides in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion / removal direction with respect to the wire spring to deform the wire spring, whereby the shutter is closed. Position or open position To way, the slider and, wire springs and an image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3 was set the relative position of the shutter. When the image carrier unit is moved in and out of the image forming apparatus main body, the slider stops with respect to the image forming apparatus main body by cooperating with a counterpart locking portion located in the image forming apparatus main body. By stopping the slider with respect to the image forming apparatus main body and moving the support, the image carrier, the shutter, and the wire spring in the insertion / removal direction to deform the wire spring, The image carrier unit according to claim 11, wherein the shutter is moved to its closed position or open position. 13. The image carrier unit according to claim 12, wherein the slider is restrained by a magnetic force with respect to the mating locking portion to stop the slider with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. The slider is slidably mounted on a wire spring portion between one end of the wire spring locked to the support and an intermediate portion of the wire spring fixed to the shutter. 14. The image carrier unit according to any one of claims 13 to 13. The image carrier according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the wire spring portion to which the slider is slidably attached is curved so as to protrude in a direction in which the shutter moves to its open position. unit. 16. The image carrier unit according to claim 11, wherein a wire spring guide portion of the slider holding the wire spring extends substantially parallel to a sliding direction of the slider. And a regulating means for regulating the position of the shutter portion so that the shutter portion facing the image carrier does not contact the image forming area surface of the image carrier when the shutter occupies the closed position. 17. The image carrier unit according to any one of 1 to 16. 18. The image carrier unit according to claim 17, wherein the restricting means is constituted by a flange of the image carrier protruding outward from an image forming area surface of the image carrier. 18. The image carrier unit according to claim 17, wherein said regulating means comprises a regulating protrusion formed on said support. 18. The image carrier unit according to claim 17, wherein said regulating means is constituted by a regulating protrusion formed on a shutter itself abutting on a portion of the image carrier outside the image forming area surface. 21. The shutter portion facing the image forming area surface of the image carrier when the shutter occupies the closed position is formed in a curved shape substantially along the image forming area surface. 2. The image carrier unit according to item 1. 21. The shutter portion facing the image forming area surface of the image carrier when the shutter occupies its closed position is bent at a bent portion along the axis of the image carrier. Image carrier unit. When the shutter occupies its closed position, the receiving portion into which the leading end of the shutter fits is inserted into the receiving portion to prevent a gap from being formed between the leading end of the shutter and the edge of the opening of the support. 23. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein the image carrier unit is provided on a support. 2. The shutter according to claim 1, wherein when the shutter occupies its closed position, a burr formed at an edge of the shutter when the shutter is formed is located on a side away from the surface of the image carrier. 24. The image carrier unit according to any one of claims 23 to 23. 25. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein when the shutter occupies its closed position, the tip of the shutter facing the surface of the image carrier has a rounded shape. 26. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein at least a surface of the shutter facing the image carrier has conductivity. 27. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein the shutter and the support are made of the same material. A process cartridge comprising: the image carrier unit according to any one of claims 1 to 27; and at least one process device for forming a toner image on the image carrier. 29. The process cartridge according to claim 28, wherein the image carrier unit is detachable from another process cartridge part. An image forming apparatus comprising the image carrier unit according to claim 1. An image forming apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to claim 28. 32. The image forming apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect when the shutter remains in the closed position even when the image carrier unit is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body. Image forming device.

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