JP2005091708A - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transport a process cartridge loading/unloading type image forming apparatus while a process cartridge B is loaded in an image forming apparatus main body without making the image forming apparatus main body A large-sized. <P>SOLUTION: The process cartridge B is fixed to the image forming paratus main body A with a fixing member 100 halfway in a track of loading of the process cartridge B in the image forming apparatus main body A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus such as a process cartridge detachable printer, copier, and facsimile.

  Here, the process cartridge is an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic system, in which a charging unit, a developing unit, or a cleaning unit and an image carrier such as an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge. It is detachable from the main body. In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the image carrier are integrally formed into a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, at least the developing means and the image carrier are integrated into a cartridge so that the image forming apparatus can be attached to and detached from the main body.

  For example, an image forming apparatus such as a printer using a transfer type electrophotographic process forms a latent image by selectively exposing a photosensitive drum as an image carrier uniformly charged by a charger with an exposure device. The latent image is visualized with a developer (hereinafter referred to as “toner”) by a developing device, the toner image is transferred to a recording medium by a transfer device, and the transferred toner image is permanently transferred to the recording medium by a fixing device. The image is recorded by fixing as a fixed image. After the transfer of the toner image to the recording medium, the transfer residual toner is removed by a cleaning device, and the photosensitive drum is repeatedly used for image formation.

  In such an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to replenish the toner every time the toner runs out. However, the toner replenishing operation is not only troublesome, but also may be contaminated. In addition, maintenance of each member can only be performed by a professional service person, and is often inconvenient for the user.

  Therefore, a cartridge in which the photosensitive drum, the charger, the developing device, the cleaning device and the like are integrated into a cartridge is put into practical use. When the user mounts the process cartridge on the main body of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to easily replace the parts such as the photosensitive drum that has been replenished with toner and has reached the end of its life.

  By the way, with respect to the image forming apparatus of the process cartridge attaching / detaching type, the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge are conventionally packed in separate boxes or the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge are packed. The forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge were packed in one large box and transported. In any case, even if the process cartridge is to be mounted on the image forming apparatus main body when used, the process cartridge is not packed and transported while being mounted in the image forming apparatus main body at the time of transport (for example, patents). (Refer to paragraphs 0004 to 0008 of document 1, see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  Conventionally, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the process cartridge is positioned at the operating position (position where image formation is possible). Therefore, when the process cartridge is packed and transported with the image forming apparatus main body mounted, the interface portion (for example, the contact portion of the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller, the electric contact portion, etc.) between the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus main body is mutually connected. By rubbing, there is a risk of scratches on the surface.

In Patent Document 1, in a process cartridge (process unit) detachable image forming apparatus, a mounting unit that engages with a process cartridge and mounts and holds the process cartridge at a normal position where the process cartridge can be operated is provided in the vicinity of the mounting unit. An image forming apparatus having a second mounting means for mounting and holding the process cartridge at a position different from the normal position when the apparatus main body is transported, and a process cartridge attaching / detaching type image forming apparatus for packing In the transport method for storing and transporting in a body, the process cartridge is transported by storing and transporting the process cartridge in the packing box in such a state that the process cartridge is not in a position different from the normal mounting position of the image forming apparatus. Has been proposed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-104637 (in the column of claims, description of paragraphs 0004 to 0008, see FIGS. 6A and 6B)

  The present invention is a further development of the above-described conventional technique, and an object of the present invention is to transport a process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body without enlarging the image forming apparatus main body.

  The present invention is a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus characterized by the following configuration.

  (1) A process cartridge that includes an image forming process device and is detachably inserted into and attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body by a fixing member in the course of the attachment / detachment to the image forming apparatus main body. Process cartridge characterized by being made.

  (2) The process cartridge according to (1), wherein the fixing member includes at least a holding part for holding the process cartridge and a fixing part for fixing the process cartridge to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

(3) The process cartridge includes an image carrier for forming an image, and has a transfer opening for transferring an image formed on the image carrier to a recording medium,
The process cartridge according to (1) or (2), wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a transfer opening protection member that protects the transfer opening.

(4) The process cartridge includes an image carrier for forming and carrying an image, a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and development used for developing the latent image by the developing roller. Including a developer storage section for storing the developer,
The fixing member is gripped when opening a sealing member that seals the developer passage opening through which the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion passes when the developer is supplied to the developing roller. The process cartridge according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a handle member for forming is integrally formed.

(5) The process cartridge has a contact portion that comes into contact with an electrical contact portion on the image forming apparatus main side in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.
The process cartridge according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a contact protection member that protects a contact portion of the process cartridge.

(6) The process cartridge includes an image carrier that forms and carries an image, and a charging member that contacts the image carrier for charging the image carrier,
The process cartridge according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a separation member for separating the charging member from the image carrier.

(7) The process cartridge includes an image carrier for forming and carrying an image, and a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier,
The process cartridge according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a separation member for separating the developing roller from the image carrier.

  (8) The process cartridge according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the fixing member is a synthetic resin molded product or an elastic member.

(9) In an image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge can be attached and detached,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing member configured to fix the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body in the course of attaching or detaching the process cartridge to or from the image forming apparatus main body.

(10) In an image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge can be attached and detached,
A fixing member for fixing the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus body in the course of attaching and detaching the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus body;
The image forming apparatus main body includes a process cartridge fixed to the image forming apparatus main body by the fixing member and an elastic member that contacts the open / close member in a space formed with the open / close member of the image forming apparatus main body closed. Image forming apparatus.

(11) The process cartridge includes an image carrier for forming and carrying an image, a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and development used for developing the latent image by the developing roller. Including a developer storage section for storing the developer,
The fixing member is formed integrally with a sealing member that seals the developer passage opening through which the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion passes when the developer is supplied to the developing roller. (1) The process cartridge according to (1).

  (12) The process cartridge according to (1), wherein the fixing member is a rotatable lever member provided in at least one of the process cartridges.

  (13) The process cartridge according to (1), wherein the fixing member is a removable protrusion member provided on at least one of the process cartridges.

  According to the present invention, the process cartridge is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body by the fixing member in the course of mounting the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body can be packed and transported while the process cartridge is placed in the image forming apparatus main body without enlarging the image forming apparatus main body.

  Further, the process cartridge is fixed in the course of mounting the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, packing and transportation are possible without damaging the contacts of the image forming apparatus main body, the contacts of the process cartridge, and the photosensitive drum.

  From the above, it is possible to reduce the packaging material during transportation and the transportation amount.

  In the case of the above-described conventional example, in addition to the regular mounting means for mounting the process cartridge in the normal position where the process cartridge can be operated, only the second process cartridge mounting means dedicated for transportation is provided in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus main body is enlarged. In the case of the present invention, since the regular mounting means for mounting the process cartridge at a regular position where the process cartridge can be operated is also used for transportation, the main body of the image forming apparatus can be used without enlarging the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is possible to pack and transport with the process cartridge in place.

(1) Description of Overall Schematic Configuration of Example Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration model diagram of an example image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus of this example is a laser beam printer using a transfer type electrophotographic process and using a process cartridge attaching / detaching method.

  A is an image forming apparatus main body (printer main body), and B is a process cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body A. As will be described later, the process cartridge B in this example includes four process devices including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7, a charging unit 8, a developing unit 10, and a cleaning unit 11. Then, the opening / closing member (opening / closing cover) 15 on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body A is opened around the hinge portion 15a as shown in FIGS. Then, the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body A from here as the process cartridge attaching / detaching opening 15b. The attachment / detachment mechanism of the process cartridge B will be described later.

  In FIG. 1, a process cartridge (hereinafter also referred to as a cartridge) B is positioned and mounted at a predetermined operating position (position where image formation is possible) in the image forming apparatus main body A, and the opening / closing member 15 is closed. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body A is in a state where a printing operation is possible.

  Based on the print start signal, the photosensitive drum 7 is rotationally driven clockwise at a predetermined speed, and the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging means 8. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is subjected to the scanning exposure with the laser beam modulated in accordance with the image information output from the laser scanner 1 as the exposure optical system on the uniformly charged surface. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to is formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image by the developing unit 10, and the toner image is subsequently transferred to the transfer nip portion which is a contact portion between the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer roller 4 as the transfer unit. Go around.

  On the other hand, in synchronism with the formation of the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, the recording medium 2 is fed one by one from the paper feed cassette 3a containing the recording medium 2 to the pickup roller 3b and the pressure contact member 3c pressed against the pickup roller 3b. Separately fed. At the same time, it is conveyed to the transfer nip portion by the conveying means 3 comprising a conveying roller pair 3d, a registration roller pair 3e, and the like. The recording medium 2 sequentially receives electrostatic transfer of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 by the transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 4 while being nipped and conveyed through the transfer nip portion.

  The recording medium 2 exiting the transfer nip is conveyed to the fixing unit 5 by the conveyance belt 3f. The fixing means 5 includes a fixing roller 5d including a driving roller 5a, a heater 5b, and a cylindrical sheet rotatably supported by a support 5c, and a fixing nip portion serving as a pressure contact portion between them. The transfer toner image is fixed by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium 2 that passes through. The recording medium 2 exiting the fixing nip portion is discharged to the discharge portion 6 on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body through the reverse conveyance path having the discharge roller pairs 3g and 3h. This printer can also manually feed a recording medium by folding and storing a manual feed tray 3i and a roller 3j.

(2) Process cartridge B
4 is an external perspective model diagram of the process cartridge B, FIG. 5 is a plan model diagram, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional model diagram when the toner sill is not pulled out and removed, and FIG. 7 is a cross section when the toner sill is pulled out and removed. It is a surface model figure.

  The cartridge B in this example includes four process devices, that is, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7 having a photosensitive layer, a charging unit 8, a developing unit 10, and a cleaning unit 11 as shown in the cross-sectional schematic diagram of FIG. It is.

  More specifically, the cartridge B includes a toner storage container 10a and a toner developing container 10f constituting the developing unit 10 to form a developing unit D, and includes the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7, the charging unit 8, and the cleaning unit 11. And the developing unit D and the cleaning frame 13 are coupled to each other by a coupling shaft 12 so as to be rotatable about the axis, and the biasing spring 14 is connected to the cleaning frame 13 side. The photosensitive drum 7 and the spacer roller 10k provided on the developing roller 10d on the developing unit D side are in urged contact.

  Reference numeral 10i denotes a lid member of the toner container 10a. For example, impact-resistant polystyrene (HIPS) is used for the toner container 10a, the lid member 10i, the toner container 10a, and the cleaning frame 13.

  The charging means 8 is a contact charging roller 8 in this example. The charging roller 8 abuts on the photosensitive drum 7 with a predetermined pressing force by an urging spring (not shown), rotates following the rotational driving of the photosensitive drum 7, and is driven to rotate by applying a charging bias. The peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential.

  Reference numeral 9 denotes an exposure opening, and laser light L output from the laser scanner 1 serving as the exposure optical system enters the cartridge from the exposure opening 9 and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 7.

  The developing means 10 is a combination of a toner container 10a and a developing container 10f. The toner storage container 10a stores toner t therein. A rotatable toner feeding member 10b2 is provided. The developing container 10f is provided with a developing roller 10d that is a developing rotating body incorporating a fixed magnet 10c, a spacer roller 10k on both ends of the developing roller 10d, a developing blade 10e, a toner feeding member 10b2, an antenna rod 10h, and the like. is there.

  Reference numeral 10j denotes a toner seal. In the unused new process cartridge B, the communication opening g between the toner container 10a and the developing container 10f is sealed by the toner seal 10j. This prevents the toner t in the toner container 10a from flowing into the developing container 10f. When the unused cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A and used, the toner seal handle 10j1 (FIG. 5) exposed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B is picked and pulled. Thus, the toner seal 10j sealing the opening g between the toner container 10a and the developing container 10f is pulled out and removed (opening of the process cartridge). As a result, the toner container 10a and the developing container 10f communicate with each other through the opening g and enter the developing container 10f of the toner t in the toner container 10a as shown in FIG. The cartridge B is used by being mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A.

  The cleaning unit 11 includes a cleaning blade 11a that is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, a squeeze sheet 11b, a removed toner storage portion 11c, and the like.

  In a state in which the cartridge B from which the toner seal 10j has been pulled out is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A, the cartridge B is mechanically and electrically coupled to the image forming apparatus main body A so that a print operation is possible. Become.

  During the printing operation, the toner t in the toner storage container 10a is sent out to the opening 10g of the toner storage container 10a by a rotatable toner feed member 10b2 which is a toner feeding means. Then, the toner t is gradually fed into the developing container 10f through the opening 10g. The toner is agitated by the toner agitating member 10b1 in the developing container 10f, and the developing roller 10d, which is a developing rotator incorporating the fixed magnet 10c, is rotated. At the same time, a toner layer imparted with triboelectric charge by the developing blade 10e is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d. The developing roller 10d is pressed against the photosensitive drum 7 by the biasing spring 14 while maintaining a certain clearance with respect to the photosensitive drum 7 by the spacer roller 10k. The toner t of the toner layer formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the pattern of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, whereby the electrostatic latent image becomes a toner image. Visualized.

  Then, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 (FIG. 1) to transfer the toner image to the recording medium 2. The cleaning means 11 scrapes off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 with the cleaning blade 11a, scoops it off with the squeeze sheet 11b, and collects it in the removed toner storage portion 11c.

  The remaining amount of toner is measured by comparing the electrostatic capacity with the developing roller 10d with the antenna rod 10h provided in the developing container 10f. That is, the toner sent from the toner container 10a by the toner feeding member 10b2 is interposed between the antenna rod 10h and the developing roller 10d. The antenna rod 10h and the developing roller 10d are electrically connected to each other and communicate with a contact point exposed at the external appearance of the process cartridge B. These contacts are further connected to contacts arranged on the image forming apparatus A side.

  The image forming apparatus main body A is provided with measuring means for measuring the electrostatic capacitance between the antenna rod 10h and the developing roller 10d, and the electrostatic capacitance is constantly monitored. When the toner is consumed and the toner in the toner storage container 10a is exhausted, and the toner between the antenna rod 10h and the developing roller 10d is consumed, the electrostatic capacity decreases. When the electrostatic capacity becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it is displayed that the remaining amount of toner is small. Such a toner remaining amount detecting method is described in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-006092.

(3) Process Cartridge Mounting Unit A mounting unit for the process cartridge B to the image forming apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective model views of the left and right guide rails 16 for guiding the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge as the process cartridge mounting means, which are disposed to face the left and right sides in the image forming apparatus main body A, respectively.

  When the process cartridge B is mounted, if it is an unused new cartridge, as described above, the toner container 10a and the developing container 10f are held by grasping and pulling the toner seal handle 10j1 (FIG. 5). The toner seal 10j sealing the opening 10g is pulled out and removed, and the cartridge is opened. Then, the cartridge B is slightly shaken to loosen the toner t in the toner storage container 10a and the developing container 10f and correct the deviation of the toner.

  The opening / closing member 15 of the image forming apparatus main body A is opened upward about the hinge 15a to open the process cartridge attaching / detaching opening 15b on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body A. Then, the user holds the cartridge B by hand and inserts the cartridge B into the image forming apparatus main body A through the process cartridge attaching / detaching opening 15b. The left and right bosses 18a and ribs 18b (FIGS. 4 and 5) are arranged along the guide rails 16 facing the left and right sides in the image forming apparatus main body A, respectively, and the tip of the process cartridge B is imaged. It is inserted so as to be buried under the optical means 1 of the forming apparatus main body A (FIG. 10 → FIG. 2).

  The guide rail 16 is formed in a substantially arc shape, the guide member 17 located above the guide rail 16 has a shape following the same, and the rib 18b has a similar arc shape. Therefore, the cartridge B becomes substantially horizontal as it is inserted. When the cartridge B is further pushed in, as shown in FIG. 10, the abutting member 19 provided in the image forming apparatus main body A comes into contact with the contact surfaces 20 provided in the vicinity of the left and right ends of the front end of the cleaning frame body 13. Next, the boss 18a of the cartridge B falls into a receiving recess 16c formed at the end of the guide rail 16, and the cartridge B is positioned and mounted at a predetermined operating position (position where image formation is possible) in the image forming apparatus main body A. It becomes a state.

  Here, the opening / closing member 15 is pivotally closed about the hinge 15a. Then, the coupling recess 39 (FIG. 9) on the image forming apparatus main body A side is advanced by interlocking means (not shown) and the coupling protrusion integral with the drum flange fixed to the side end of the photosensitive drum 7 on the process cartridge B side. Engages with part 36 (FIG. 4). The driving force can be transmitted from the driving source on the image forming apparatus main body A side to the cartridge B through the coupling recess 39. The coupling recess 39 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body A so as to be able to advance and retreat. By transmitting driving force from the driving source on the image forming apparatus main body A side to the process cartridge B through the coupling recess 39, the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 10d as a developing member, and the toner feeding member 10b1 on the process cartridge B side. -10b2 is rotationally driven.

  Further, in the mounted state in which the cartridge B is positioned at a predetermined operating position in the image forming apparatus main body A, the electrical contact on the cartridge B side contacts the electrical contact on the image forming apparatus main body A side. Then, charging bias application control to the charging roller 8 from the image forming apparatus main body A side, development bias application control to the developing roller 10d, conduction between the antenna rod 10h and the capacitance measuring means on the image forming apparatus main body A side. Is made.

  Removal of the process cartridge B in the mounted state on the image forming apparatus main body A side is the reverse of the above-described mounting procedure.

(4) Mode of Transportation of Image Forming Apparatus Main Body A and Process Cartridge B In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus for forming a cartridge B without enlarging the image forming apparatus main body A is used in the image forming apparatus of the process cartridge attaching / detaching type as described above There is a feature in the means configuration that enables transportation in the state of being put in the apparatus main body A. Specifically, the cartridge is fixed by a fixing member in the middle of the process cartridge attachment / detachment locus of the cartridge mounting means in the image forming apparatus main body, and the cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body. .

  In FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the cartridge B is inserted into the guide rail 16 which is a process cartridge mounting means in the image forming apparatus main body A from the cartridge attaching / detaching opening 15b. Then, the cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body A in a state of being fixed in the image forming apparatus main body A by the fixing member 100 in the course of attaching and detaching the process cartridge of the guide rail 16.

  12 and 13 are perspective model views of the cartridge B to which the fixing member 100 is attached, and FIG. 14 is a perspective model view of the fixing member 100.

  The fixing member 100 is fixed to the cartridge B by a first holding member 100a that engages with a boss 18a disposed on both side surfaces of the cartridge B. Further, the belt-like second holding member 100b is wound along the outer periphery of the cartridge B, and the belt-like second holding member 100b is fixed by the engaging portion 100c at the tip of the belt. The fixing member 100 is fixed to the cartridge B by the first holding member 100a and the second holding member 100b.

  In this embodiment, the boss 18a of the cartridge B and the first holding member 100a are engaged and fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first holding member 100a may engage with the boss 18b. In the present embodiment, the engaging portion 100c of the second holding member 100b in the band shape has a hole at one end and a protrusion with a hook shape on the other, and engages the protrusion with the hole. It is fixed by that. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tip of the second holding member 100b may be bonded or welded. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the belt-like second holding portion 100b fixes the two longitudinal positions of the cartridge B, but the second holding portion 100b is in the form of a sheet, and wraps and fixes the entire length of the cartridge. Also good.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the cartridge B to which the fixing member 100 is attached is inserted into the guide rail 16 as the process cartridge mounting means of the image forming apparatus main body A, the bosses 18a disposed on both side surfaces of the cartridge B are used. The first holding member 100 a engaged with is inserted along the guide rail 16. The diameter (dimensions) of the first holding member 100a is set so as to have a relationship of substantially the same dimension as the gap between the guide rail 16 and the guide member 17 thereabove.

  Next, a configuration for fixing the fixing member 100 holding the cartridge B to the image forming apparatus main body A will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the fixing member 100 has a fixing portion facing the side opposite to the operation position of the cartridge B (position where image formation is possible), that is, toward the process cartridge attaching / detaching opening 15 b of the image forming apparatus main body A. 100d. In this embodiment, there are four fixing portions 100d. A boss 100d1 is formed at the tip of the fixing portion 100d, and is engaged with and fixed to the hole a on the image forming apparatus main body A side.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the fixing portion 100d was fixed in the vicinity of the opening of the locus for mounting the cartridge B. However, it is not limited to this. The fixing portion 100d may be engaged with and fixed to the opening / closing member 15 of the image forming apparatus main body A. In this case, when the opening / closing member 15 is opened, the cartridge B held by the fixed member 100 comes out of the image forming apparatus main body A in conjunction with the cartridge B.

  If the boss 100d1 at the tip of the fixed portion 100d is merely engaged with the hole a of the image forming apparatus main body A, the cartridge B may rattle in the attachment / detachment locus due to its own weight. In such a case, for example, the cartridge B can be positioned and fixed in the image forming apparatus main body A as follows.

  That is, the elastic member 101 such as maltoprene is attached to the opening / closing member 15. When the opening / closing member 15 is closed, the elastic member 101 comes into contact with the cartridge B, and tension is applied to the fixing portion 100d of the fixing member 100, whereby the fixing member 100 is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body A.

  In this embodiment, the elastic member 101 is attached to the opening / closing member 15, but the elastic member 101 may be attached to the fixing member 100 and brought into contact with the opening / closing member 15. Further, an elastic portion may be formed integrally with the fixing member 100 and may be brought into contact with the opening / closing member 15.

  Further, the side plate 100e of the fixing member 100 is sandwiched between the guide rail 16 of the image forming apparatus main body A and the side wall of the cartridge B, thereby removing the backlash of the cartridge B and fixing the cartridge B to the image forming apparatus main body A. Desirably, the impact resistance can be improved by attaching an elastic member or the like to the side wall 100e.

  The fixing member 100 is a synthetic resin molded product or an elastic member such as maltoprene or rubber.

  Here, the cartridge B is fixed in the middle of the process cartridge attachment / detachment locus of the guide rail 16 which is the process cartridge mounting means of the image forming apparatus main body A, the process leading to transportation, the user purchases the printer A, and the fixing member 100 is fixed. The process of removing and mounting the cartridge B will be described.

  First, the fixing member 100 is attached to the cartridge B by the first holding member 100a and the second holding member 100b.

  Next, the image forming apparatus main body A is inserted, and the tip end boss 100 d 1 of the fixing portion 100 d of the fixing member 100 is engaged with the engagement hole a of the image forming apparatus main body A. When the opening / closing member 15 of the image forming apparatus main body A is closed, the elastic member 101 contacts the cartridge B, and the fixing member 100 and the cartridge B fixed thereto are fixed to the image forming apparatus main body A (FIG. 11). The position where the cartridge B is fixed is in the middle of the attachment / detachment locus from the attachment / detachment opening 15b of the image forming apparatus main body A to the front of the receiving recess 16c formed at the end of the guide rail 16.

  Then, the image forming apparatus main body A is packed in a box in a state where the cartridge B is put in the image forming apparatus main body A. It is then transported and reaches the user. When the user unpacks the box and opens the opening / closing member 15 of the image forming apparatus main body A, the cartridge B fixed to the fixing member 100 appears. When the engaging portion between the image forming apparatus main body A and the fixing member 100 is removed, the cartridge B can be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body A. Thereafter, the fixing member 100 can be removed from the cartridge B by removing the first holding member 100a and the second holding member 100b engaged with the cartridge B.

  Next, a toner seal that seals the opening 10g between the toner container 10a and the developing container 10f by gripping and pulling the toner seal handle 10j1 (FIG. 5) exposed on one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B. 10j is pulled out and removed (opening of the process cartridge). Then, the cartridge B is sufficiently inserted into the image forming apparatus main body A while the boss 18 a and the rib 18 b of the cartridge B are along the guide rail 16. By doing so, the boss 18a engages with the receiving recess 16c formed at the end of the guide rail 16, and the cartridge B is positioned at a predetermined operating position (position where image formation is possible) in the image forming apparatus main body A. It is put on.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the fixing member 100 integrally forms a drum protection member 100 f that protects the photosensitive drum 7 exposed from the transfer opening 13 a (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the cartridge B. The drum protection member 100f is formed between the side walls 100e on both sides.

  As described above, the user takes out the cartridge B from the image forming apparatus main body A, removes the fixing member 100 from the process cartridge B, and simultaneously removes the drum protection member 100f. Therefore, the user does not touch the photosensitive drum 7, and scratches can be prevented.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic external perspective view of the process cartridge B to which the fixing member 100 according to the third embodiment is attached.

  The toner storage container 10a (FIG. 6) of the cartridge B is provided with an opening 10g that is an opening for supplying toner to the developing roller 10d on the surface facing the developing roller 10d. A toner seal 10j as a sealing member for shielding the toner and the developing roller 10d is welded around the opening 10g. One end 10j2 (FIG. 15) of the toner seal 10j that is severably sealed is pulled out to the outside of the process cartridge B, and adhered or welded to a toner seal handle portion 100g provided integrally with the fixing member 100.

  Accordingly, the user takes out the process cartridge B from the image forming apparatus main body A and removes the fixing member 100 from the process cartridge B. At the same time, the toner seal 10j can be opened by pulling out the toner seal handle 100g.

  In this embodiment, the user needs to remove the fixing member 100 in order to mount a new process cartridge B in the operating position of the image forming apparatus main body A. Therefore, the toner seal handle 100g and the toner seal 10j provided integrally with the fixing member 100 are also removed. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent the cartridge B that has not been opened in the toner seal 10j from being erroneously attached to the image forming apparatus main body A.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cartridge B to which the fixing member 100 according to the fourth embodiment is attached.

  The charging roller 8 of the cartridge B is electrically connected to a contact 8 a (FIG. 13) exposed on the outer appearance of the cartridge B. The contact 8a contacts and is electrically connected to a contact (not shown) disposed on the image forming apparatus main body A side in a state where the cartridge B is normally attached to the image forming apparatus main body A. As shown in FIG. 16, the fixing member 100 of this embodiment is integrally formed with a contact protection member 100 h that protects the contact 8 a exposed to the external portion of the cartridge B.

  As a result, the user removes the cartridge B from the image forming apparatus main body A, removes the fixing member 100 from the cartridge B, and simultaneously removes the contact protector 100h. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user or the like does not touch the contact 8a, and scratches can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the contact protection portion 100h of the contact 8a of the charging roller 8 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact portions such as the developing roller 10d and the antenna rod 10h are protected. Also good.

  A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge B to which the fixing member 100 according to the fifth embodiment is attached.

  In the cartridge B, in order to separate the photosensitive drum 7 and the charging roller 8, the charging roller separation member 100 i passes through the exposure opening 9 and is sandwiched between the cores 8 b of the photosensitive drum 7 and the charging roller 8. The charging roller separation member 100 i is formed integrally with the fixing member 100.

  As a result, the user takes out the process cartridge B from the image forming apparatus main body A, removes the fixing member 100 from the process cartridge B, and simultaneously removes the charging roller separating member 100i. Then, the charging roller 8 and the photosensitive drum 7 are in contact with each other. By sandwiching the charging roller separating member 100i, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a rubbing memory or the like due to friction between the charging roller 8 and the photosensitive drum 7 during transportation.

  Further, in order to separate the developing roller 10d from the photosensitive drum 7, a developing roller separating member 100j is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 10d. The developing roller separating member 100j is formed integrally with the fixing member 100.

  As a result, the user removes the cartridge B from the image forming apparatus main body A, removes the fixing member 100 from the cartridge B, and simultaneously removes the developing roller separating member 100j. By sandwiching the developing roller separating member 100j, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 10d or the photosensitive drum 7 from being bent by the impact at the time of transportation, and the developing roller 10d and the photosensitive drum 7 from being hit and damaged.

  A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(1) Configuration of Process Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus Main Body As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the cartridge B in this embodiment is formed on the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 7 (transfer opening 31 in FIGS. 6 and 7). A drum shutter member 24 is provided. Other configurations of the cartridge B and the image forming apparatus main body A are substantially the same as those of the cartridge B and the image forming apparatus main body A of the first to fifth embodiments, and thus the common description is omitted.

  The drum shutter member 24 is configured such that the drum shutter 22 can be opened and closed by a shutter bar 21 that is rotatably supported by the cartridge B at both longitudinal ends and a shutter arm 23 that is rotatably supported by the longitudinal end of the cartridge B. Has been. A rotating shaft 23a of the shutter arm 23 is provided with a spring (not shown), and urges the shutter arm 23 in the direction of arrow Y in FIG. Therefore, the drum shutter 22 is urged and fixed at the drum protection position.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge B is attached to the image forming apparatus main body A, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 20 to 22, the opening / closing member 15 is opened upward with the hinge 15a as the center. The cartridge B is inserted in the process cartridge mounting direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. At this time, the boss 18a and the rib 18b (FIG. 18) at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B are set along the guide rail 16a (FIG. 21), and the boss 18c (FIG. 19) at the other end in the longitudinal direction is guided to the guide rail 16b (FIG. 20). Along. Then, the front end of the cartridge B is inserted so as to sink under the optical means 1 of the image forming apparatus main body A (FIG. 22 → FIG. 2). The guide rails 16a and 16b are formed in a substantially arc shape, and the guide members 17a and 17b located above the guide rails 16a and 16b have a shape similar to the guide rails 16a and 16b. Inserted into.

  When the cartridge B is further pushed in, the abutting member 19 provided in the image forming apparatus main body A shown in FIG. 22 comes into contact with the contact surfaces 20 provided near both ends of the front end of the cleaning frame 13.

  Next, the boss 18a at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B falls into the receiving recess 16a1 formed at the end of the guide rail 16a, and the boss 18c at the other end in the longitudinal direction falls into the receiving recess 16b1 formed at the end of the guide rail 16b (not shown). ).

  Here, the state of the transfer roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 7 when the cartridge B is mounted at the operating position will be described. In FIG. 23, a drum gear 7a is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 7 of the cartridge B. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, a transfer roller gear 4 a is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the transfer roller 4 provided in the image forming apparatus main body A.

  When the cartridge B is mounted at the operating position, as shown in FIG. 24, the transfer roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 7 come into contact with each other, and the transfer roller gear 4a and the drum gear 7a are engaged with each other. In the figure, only the transfer roller 4 of the image forming apparatus A is shown for explanation. When the photosensitive drum 7 is rotationally driven, the transfer roller 4 is rotationally driven via the drum gear 7a and the transfer roller gear 4a.

  Here, when the opening / closing member 15 is turned around the hinge 15a and closed, the coupling recess 39 (see FIG. 20) is advanced by interlocking means (not shown), and the drum flange fixed to the side end of the photosensitive drum 7 is used. Is engaged with the coupling convex portion 36 (see FIG. 19). By engaging the coupling, it is possible to transmit the driving force from the driving source on the image forming apparatus main body A side to the cartridge B through the coupling recess 39.

  On the other hand, in the process of inserting the cartridge B into the image forming apparatus main body A, the contact portions 21a provided at both ends of the shutter rod 21 of the drum shutter member 24 are in contact with the shutter rod contact portions 31a of the image forming apparatus main body A. (FIG. 25 (a)). When the cartridge B is further inserted, the shutter bar 21 rotates while the contact part 21a is in contact with the shutter bar contact part 31a of the image forming apparatus main body A and opens the drum shutter 22 (FIG. 25B). )). When the cartridge B comes to the operating position, the drum shutter 22 is completely retracted to the open position (FIG. 25 (c)). The same applies to the contact portion 21b on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction and the shutter rod contact portion 31b.

  Here, the electrical contact configuration of the image forming apparatus main body A and the cartridge B will be described. As shown in FIG. 26, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B, a charging roller contact 8a electrically connected to the above-described charging roller 8 is provided. Similarly, a developing bias contact 10d1 electrically connected to the developing roller 10d and an antenna contact 10h1 electrically connected to the antenna rod 10h are provided. The boss 18a at one end in the longitudinal direction is made of a conductor and is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 7, and is used as a drum ground contact.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, the image forming apparatus main body A has a charging contact 40 that contacts the charging roller contact 8a of the cartridge B, a ground contact 41 that contacts the photosensitive drum 7, and a bias contact that contacts the developing bias contact 10d1. 42, a remaining amount detection contact 43 that contacts the antenna contact 10h1 is provided.

  When the cartridge B is mounted at the operating position, as shown in FIG. 27, the respective contacts come into contact and become conductive. In the drawing, only the contact portion of the image forming apparatus main body A is shown for explanation.

(2) Configuration of Fixing Member First, the configuration of the sealing member (toner seal) 10j of the opening 10g between the toner storage container 10a and the developing container 10f of the cartridge B will be described with reference to FIGS. .

  Normally, the cartridge B before use is sealed with a toner seal 10j so that the toner is accommodated in the toner storage container 10a in order to prevent environmental degradation of the toner, toner scattering during transportation, and the like. .

  In FIG. 6, an opening 10g through which the developer passes is provided in the toner storage container 10a and is an opening through which the toner in the toner storage container 10a is supplied to the development container 10f.

  The toner seal 10j is a sheet-like member, and is attached to the entire periphery of the opening 10g by means such as welding to seal the opening 10g. In FIG. 28, one end of the toner seal 10j is folded back and fixed to a toner seal handle 10j1 formed integrally with the toner storage container 10a in the vicinity of the other end 10j2.

  When the user starts using the cartridge B, the user grasps the toner seal handle 10j1 and folds it out of the toner storage container 10a. Thus, the toner seal 10j is removed, and the toner enters the developing container 10f. In the present embodiment, the toner seal handle portion 10j1 is integrated with the toner storage container 10a, but may be a separate body.

  In FIG. 29, the image forming apparatus main body A is provided with a handle abutting portion 30 on which a toner seal handle portion 10j1 formed integrally with the toner storage container 10a of the cartridge B abuts in the middle of the attachment / detachment locus.

  When the cartridge B before use is attached to the image forming apparatus main body A, the toner seal handle portion 10j1 comes into contact with the handle contact portion 30 in the middle of the mounting locus, and the cartridge B is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body A (FIG. 30). ). At this time, since the transfer roller 4 is not in contact with the photoconductor drum 7, damage to the photoconductor drum 7 and the transfer roller 4 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented. Further, the boss 18a at one end in the longitudinal direction, used as a drum earth contact, the developing bias contact 10d1, the charging roller contact 8a, and the antenna contact 10h1 are not in contact with the respective contacts of the image forming apparatus main body A. Contact damage due to vibration or the like can be prevented. Further, the weight of the developing unit D is not applied to the photosensitive drum 7, and damage to the photosensitive drum 7 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented.

  When the user uses the cartridge B, the cartridge B is once removed from the image forming apparatus main body A, the toner seal handle 10j1 is folded, and the toner seal 10j is pulled out. By doing so, the cartridge B can be mounted to the operating position. This also prevents forgetting to pull the toner seal 10j.

  A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. A removable retaining rib 32 is provided on the mounting side surface of the shutter arm 23 of the cartridge B shown in FIG. The toner seal handle 10j1 is formed integrally with the toner storage container 10a in a bent shape so as not to interfere with the image forming apparatus main body A.

  As shown in FIG. 32, when the cartridge B before use is attached to the image forming apparatus main body A, the shutter arm 23 contacts the locking rib 32 in the middle of the attachment locus. At this point, the opening operation of the drum shutter member 24 is hindered. At this time, the cartridge B is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body A via the contact portions 21a and 21b (not shown) of the shutter bar 21 and the shutter bar contact portions 31a and 31b (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body A. The At this time, since the transfer roller 4 is not in contact with the photoconductor drum 7, damage to the photoconductor drum 7 and the transfer roller 4 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented. Further, the boss 18a at one end in the longitudinal direction, used as a drum earth contact, the developing bias contact 10d1, the charging roller contact 8a, and the antenna contact 10h1 are not in contact with the respective contacts of the image forming apparatus main body A. Contact damage due to vibration or the like can be prevented. Further, the weight of the developing unit D is not applied to the photosensitive drum 7, and damage to the photosensitive drum 7 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented.

  When the user uses the cartridge B, the cartridge B is once taken out from the image forming apparatus main body A and the locking rib 32 is folded. Thus, the shutter member 24 can move to the open position, and the cartridge B can be mounted to the operating position.

  In this embodiment, the toner seal handle 10j1 is formed integrally with the toner storage container 10a. However, the toner seal handle 10j1 may not be formed integrally as long as it does not interfere with the image forming apparatus main body A.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 33, the shutter arm 23 can be pivotally locked by a locking rib 10j3 provided on the toner seal handle 10j1. In this case, by removing the toner seal handle 10j1 and the toner seal 10j, the shutter member 24 can be moved to the open position, and the cartridge B can be mounted to the operating position. This also prevents forgetting to pull the toner seal 10j.

  An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cartridge B shown in FIG. 34 is provided with a locking lever 34 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 34a at at least one end in the longitudinal direction. The locking lever 34 is switched from the locking position (FIG. 34 (a)) to the release position (FIG. 34 (b)) by rotating in the arrow P direction in the figure. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus main body A is provided with a locking lever contact portion 35 (FIG. 35).

  When the cartridge B in which the locking lever 34 is in the locking position is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body A, the locking lever 34 and the locking lever contact portion 35 come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. It is fixed in the middle of the insertion locus to the image forming apparatus main body A. At this time, since the transfer roller 4 is not in contact with the photoconductor drum 7, damage to the photoconductor drum 7 and the transfer roller 4 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented.

  Further, the boss 18a at one end in the longitudinal direction, used as a drum earth contact, the developing bias contact 10d1, the charging roller contact 8a, and the antenna contact 10h1 are not in contact with the respective contacts of the image forming apparatus main body A. Contact damage due to vibration or the like can be prevented.

  Further, the weight of the developing unit D is not applied to the photosensitive drum 7, and damage to the photosensitive drum 7 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented.

  When the user uses the cartridge B, the cartridge B is once removed from the image forming apparatus main body A, and the locking lever 34 is switched to the release position. While the contact between the locking lever 34 and the locking lever contact portion 35 is released, the locking lever 34 serves as a guide for determining the insertion posture of the cartridge B, and the cartridge B can be mounted to the operating position (FIG. 36 ( b)). Since the locking lever 34 is formed of a separate member, it is easy to configure the locking lever 34 in a shape and color that can be easily recognized by the user, and troubles such as forgetting to perform the release operation can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the rotatable lever has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained by a method using a removable lever, a rib, or the like.

  A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cartridge B shown in FIG. 37 is formed integrally with the toner storage container 10a in a bent shape so that the toner seal handle 10j1 does not interfere with the image forming apparatus main body A. Further, an end 10j2 of the toner seal is extended from the toner seal handle 10j1 toward the toner storage container 10a side of the cartridge B, and a fixing hole 10j5 is provided at the tip of the extension 10j4. .

  FIG. 38 shows a state where the cartridge B of this embodiment is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body A. In the figure, a fixing hole 10j5 at the tip of a toner seal extension 10j4 extended from the toner seal handle 10j1 is fitted into a fixing boss 33a of a toner seal fixing portion 33 provided in the image forming apparatus main body A. Yes.

  Therefore, the cartridge B is suspended and fixed in the middle of the insertion locus to the image forming apparatus main body A by the toner seal 10j.

  At this time, since the transfer roller 4 is not in contact with the photoconductor drum 7, damage to the photoconductor drum 7 and the transfer roller 4 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented.

  Further, the boss 18a at one end in the longitudinal direction, used as a drum earth contact, the developing bias contact 10d1, the charging roller contact 8a, and the antenna contact 10h1 are not in contact with the respective contacts of the image forming apparatus main body A. Contact damage due to vibration or the like can be prevented. Further, the weight of the developing unit D is not applied to the photosensitive drum 7, and damage to the photosensitive drum 7 due to vibration during transportation can be prevented.

When the user uses the cartridge B, the cartridge B is once removed from the image forming apparatus main body A, the toner seal 10j is pulled out, and the process cartridge B is mounted to the operating position.
[Others]
1) In the present invention, the combination of image forming process devices included in the cartridge B is not limited to the four examples of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7, the charging unit 8, the developing unit 10, and the cleaning unit 11 of the embodiment. Of course.

  2) The image forming process of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the electrophotographic process, and may be another image forming principle / system such as an electrostatic recording process or a magnetic recording process.

Schematic configuration model diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 Diagram of the image forming apparatus main body opening / closing member opened for process cartridge attachment / detachment operation Perspective model view of the process cartridge being installed and removed External perspective model of process cartridge Plan model of process cartridge Cross-sectional model of the process cartridge before opening the toner seal Cross-sectional model of the process cartridge after opening the toner seal Perspective model view of the right process cartridge guide rail in the image forming apparatus main body Perspective model view of the left process cartridge guide rail in the image forming apparatus main body Explanatory drawing of the mounting operation of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body Explanatory drawing of the transport mode of the image forming apparatus main body and process cartridge External perspective model of process cartridge with fixing member (Part 1) External perspective model diagram of process cartridge with fixing member (Part 2) External perspective model view of fixing member FIG. 3 is an external perspective model view of a process cartridge to which a fixing member is attached in Example 3. FIG. 4 is an external perspective model view of a process cartridge to which a fixing member is attached in Example 4. FIG. 5 is an external perspective model view of a process cartridge to which a fixing member is attached in Example 5. External perspective model view of process cartridge according to embodiment 6 (part 1) External perspective model view of process cartridge according to embodiment 6 (part 2) Perspective model view of the right process cartridge guide rail in the image forming apparatus main body Perspective model view of the left process cartridge guide rail in the image forming apparatus main body Explanatory drawing of the mounting operation of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body Transfer part structure explanatory drawing (the 1) Transfer part structure explanatory drawing (the 1) Structure explanatory drawing of drum shutter member of process cartridge Process cartridge contact configuration diagram (Part 1) Process cartridge contact configuration diagram (Part 2) Process cartridge toner seal configuration explanatory diagram Explanatory drawing of the grip contact part on the image forming apparatus main body side (No. 1) Explanatory drawing of the grip contact part on the image forming apparatus main body side (No. 2) External perspective model diagram of process cartridge in Example 7 Explanatory drawing of Example 7 (the 1) Explanatory drawing of Example 7 (the 2) Explanatory drawing of Example 8 (the 1) Explanatory drawing of Example 8 (the 2) Explanatory drawing of Example 8 (the 3) Explanatory drawing of Example 9 (the 1) Explanatory drawing of Example 9 (the 2)

Explanation of symbols

A: Image forming apparatus main body, B: Process cartridge, 1: Optical system, 2: Recording medium, 3: Transport means, 3a: Paper feed cassette, 3b: Pickup roller, 3c: Pressure contact member, 3d: Transport roller, 3e: Registration roller, 3f: Conveying belt, 3g. 3h: discharge roller, 3i: manual feed tray, 3j: roller, 4: transfer roller, 5: fixing means, 5a: driving roller, 5b: heater, 5c: support, 5d: fixing rotating body, 6: discharge section, 7 : Photosensitive drum, 8: Charging roller, 8a: Contact, 8b: Core hook, 9: Exposure opening, 10: Developing means, 10a: Toner storage container, 10b1: Toner stirring member, 10b2: Toner feeding member, 10c: Fixed magnet, 10d: developing roller, 10e: developing blade, 10g: opening, 10f: toner developing container, 10h: antenna rod, 10i: lid member, 10j: toner seal, 10j1: toner seal handle, 11: cleaning means 11a: cleaning blade, 11b: squeeze sheet, 11c: removed toner storage unit, 13: cleaning frame, 15: opening / closing member, 15a: h 15b: detachable opening, 16: guide rail, 16c: receiving recess, 17: guide member, 18a: boss, 18b: rib, 19: abutting member, 20: contact surface, 36: coupling convex portion, 39 : Coupling recess, 100: fixing member, 100a: first holding member, 100b: second holding member, 100c: engaging portion, 100d: fixing portion, 100d1: boss, 100e: side plate, 100f: drum protection member , 100 g: toner seal handle, 100 h: contact protection member, 100 i: charging roller separation member, 100 j: development roller separation member, 101: elastic member

Claims (13)

  A process cartridge that includes an image forming process device and is detachably inserted into and mounted in the image forming apparatus main body, and is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body by a fixing member in the middle of the path of attachment to and detachment from the image forming apparatus main body. Process cartridge characterized by.   The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member includes at least a holding portion for holding the process cartridge and a fixing portion for fixing to the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge includes an image carrier for forming an image, and has a transfer opening for transferring an image formed on the image carrier to a recording medium,
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a transfer opening protection member that protects the transfer opening. The process cartridge stores an image carrier for forming and carrying an image, a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a developer used for developing the latent image by the developing roller. Including a developer storage section for
The fixing member is gripped when opening a sealing member that seals the developer passage opening through which the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion passes when the developer is supplied to the developing roller. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a handle member for forming the handle is integrally formed. The process cartridge has a contact portion that comes into contact with an electrical contact portion on the image forming apparatus main side in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a contact protection member that protects a contact portion of the process cartridge. The process cartridge includes an image carrier for forming and carrying an image, and a charging member in contact with the image carrier for charging the image carrier,
6. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a separation member for separating the charging member from the image carrier. The process cartridge includes an image carrier for forming and carrying an image, and a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier,
7. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is integrally formed with a separation member for separating the developing roller from the image carrier.   The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is a molded product of a synthetic resin or an elastic member. In an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge can be attached and detached,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing member configured to fix the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body in the course of attaching or detaching the process cartridge to or from the image forming apparatus main body. In an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge can be attached and detached,
A fixing member for fixing the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus body in the course of attaching and detaching the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus body;
The image forming apparatus main body includes a process cartridge fixed to the image forming apparatus main body by the fixing member and an elastic member that contacts the open / close member in a space formed with the open / close member of the image forming apparatus main body closed. Image forming apparatus. The process cartridge stores an image carrier for forming and carrying an image, a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a developer used for developing the latent image by the developing roller. Including a developer storage section for
The fixing member is formed integrally with a sealing member that seals the developer passage opening through which the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion passes when the developer is supplied to the developing roller. The process cartridge according to claim 1.   The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is a rotatable lever member provided at least one or more in the process cartridge.   The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is a removable projecting member provided on at least one of the process cartridges.

Images