JP2006330481A - Electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of preventing the removal of a separating member for protecting an electrophotographic photoreceptor from forgetting, then starting an image forming operation. <P>SOLUTION: The electrophotographic image forming apparatus, in which a process cartridge 10 can be loaded in and unloaded from a primary electrophotographic image forming apparatus body 100 and which forms an image on a recording medium P, is provided with: separating members 17 and 18 which are detachably provided to the process cartridge and protect the electrophotographic photoreceptor; and an attachment member which is detachably provided between the primary apparatus body and the process cartridge loaded in the primary apparatus body and can not be detached unless the process cartridge is removed from the primary apparatus body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge can be attached and detached.

  Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium (for example, recording paper, OHP sheet, etc.) using an electrophotographic image forming system. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), a facsimile apparatus, and a multifunction machine (multifunction printer) thereof.

  Further, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means as the process means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming main body. is there. In addition, at least one of charging means, developing means, and cleaning means as process means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming main body.

  Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a unit, and this unit is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. The method that enables it is adopted.

  Conventionally, the image forming apparatus main body and the unit are packaged in such a manner that the image forming apparatus main body and the unit are packed in separate boxes, or the image forming apparatus main body and the unit are packed in one box. Yes. The unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body during use and is positioned at an image formable position. Among them, for the purpose of reducing the volume of the box when packing the main body of the image forming apparatus and the unit in one box and increasing the distribution efficiency, it is proposed to pack the unit in the state where it is mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus. ing.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration that protects the contact portion between the photosensitive drum 20 and the intermediate transfer belt 26. Specifically, when the photosensitive cartridge 80 is transported while being mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, a protective sheet (protective member) 90 is sandwiched between the contact portions of the photosensitive drum 20 and the intermediate transfer belt 26. Not. And the warning tag 96A with which the handle part 96 was extended is provided so that presence of the protection sheet 90 can be confirmed easily. When the user uses the image forming apparatus 10, the user removes the photoconductor cartridge 80 from the image forming apparatus 10, removes the protective sheet 90 from the photoconductor cartridge 80, and reattaches the photoconductor cartridge 80 to the image forming apparatus 10. Wear and use.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-218983 (see [0038] to [0040], FIG. 7)

  In the prior art, it is considerably improved that the user forgets to remove the protective member. However, the present invention further improves the prior art to prevent forgetting to remove the protective member and to start an image forming operation.

A representative configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process cartridge having a process means that operates in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the process cartridge is formed with an electrophotographic image. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a mounting unit detachably mounted on the apparatus main body and forming an image on a recording medium, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transportable in a state where the process cartridge is mounted. A separation member detachably provided on the process cartridge, the separation member separating the process means from the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus mounted with the process cartridge. When transporting, between the apparatus main body and the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body A detachable member removably interposed, a detachable member that can not be removed as not remove the process cartridge from the apparatus main body,
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a conveying means for conveying the recording medium.

  Another representative configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a process cartridge having a process means that operates in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and the process cartridge is electrophotographic. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium and that can be transported in a state in which the process cartridge is mounted. The process cartridge is detachably provided on the process cartridge and protects the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body is detachably provided to remove the process cartridge from the apparatus main body. Detachable member that cannot be removed without it, and conveying means for conveying the recording medium A electrophotographic image forming apparatus to have a.

  According to the present invention, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can be transported with the process cartridge mounted, the detachable member cannot be removed unless the process cartridge is removed from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Therefore, forgetting to remove the spacing member can be prevented, and the image forming operation can be started by removing the spacing member.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall Configuration of Example of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is a tandem type full color laser beam printer using a transfer type electrophotographic process.

  In FIG. 1, Y, M, C, and Bk are first to fourth image forming stations that form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images corresponding to color separation component colors of a full-color image, respectively. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) 100, they are arranged in parallel from the bottom to the top.

  Each of the image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk includes a drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 11 (Y to Bk) as an image carrier, and a charging roller 12 as a charging unit. Electrophotographic process means such as (Y to Bk), scanner unit 30 (Y to Bk) as exposure means, developing device 14 (Y to Bk) as developing means, and cleaning member 16 (Y to Bk) as cleaning means have.

  The scanner unit 30 (Y to Bk) irradiates the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) with the laser beam L based on the image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Exposure means. The scanner units 30 (Y to Bk) are respectively arranged in the horizontal direction so as to correspond to the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk).

Reference numeral 40 denotes an electrostatic transfer unit (electrostatic transfer means), which is disposed inside the front cover 90. The front cover 90 is opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 100 including the electrostatic transfer unit 40 (FIGS. 1 and 5). FIG. 1 shows a state in which the front cover 90 is closed in the apparatus main body 100. In the state of FIG. 1, the electrostatic transfer unit 40 includes three rollers: an upper drive roller 43, a lower tension roller 44, and a driven roller 45 between the drive roller 43 and the tension roller 44. An endless electrostatic transfer belt (hereinafter referred to as transfer belt) 41 is stretched. The transfer belt 41 is composed of a film-like member having a thickness of about 80 to 150 μm and a circumferential length of about 300 to 400 mm with a volume resistivity of 10 ¹¹ to 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm. The transfer belt 41 circulates and moves so as to face and contact all the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk) of the first to fourth cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) during image formation. Reference numerals 42 (Y to Bk) denote transfer rollers, which are arranged in parallel so as to be in contact with the inside of the transfer belt 41 so as to sandwich the transfer belt 41 with the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk).

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a recording medium feeding unit (hereinafter referred to as a feeding unit) disposed in the lower part of the apparatus main body 100, and feeds and conveys a transfer material P as a recording medium to the transfer belt 41 of the electrostatic transfer unit 40. Is. In the feeding unit 80, 81 is a feeding cassette in which a plurality of transfer materials P are stored. 82 is a feeding roller, 83 is a registration roller pair, and 84 is an electrostatic attraction roller. The feeding roller 82, the registration roller pair 83, the electrostatic adsorption roller 84, and the transfer belt 41 constitute a transport mechanism as a transport unit.

  A feeding jam sensor 70 is provided above the feeding unit 80. The jam sensor 70 detects the presence or absence of the transfer material P being conveyed.

  A fixing unit 20 is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 100 and fixes a plurality of color toner images transferred to the transfer material P. A heating roller 21a that rotates, a pressure roller 21b that presses against the heating roller 21a and applies pressure to the transfer material P, a discharge roller pair 22 and the like are included. Reference numeral 23 denotes a discharge tray portion disposed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 100 for receiving the transfer material P on which an image has been formed.

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a display unit as a display unit, which displays an operation state of the image forming apparatus. An operation unit 120 is an operation unit that can perform an operation for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a predetermined operation.

  The image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk are sequentially driven in accordance with a predetermined control timing of the image forming sequence, and the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk) are driven to rotate counterclockwise. The transfer belt 41 of the electrostatic transfer unit 40 is rotationally driven by the driving roller 43 in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow A at a peripheral speed corresponding to the rotational peripheral speed of each of the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk).

  Each photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) is subjected to a primary charging process uniformly to a predetermined polarity (negative polarity in this embodiment) and potential by a charging device (Y to Bk) during the rotation process. The charged surface is subjected to image exposure with laser light L modulated in accordance with image information output from the scanner unit 30 (Y to Bk), and an image is formed on each photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk). An electrostatic latent image of information is formed. That is, image light corresponding to the image signal is output by a laser diode (not shown) of the scanner unit 30 (Y to Bk). Image light is applied to a polygon mirror 32 (Y to Bk) that is rotated at high speed by a scanner motor (not shown). The image light reflected by the polygon mirror 32 (Y to Bk) selectively exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) via the imaging lens 33 (Y to Bk). Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk).

  The electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image by the developing device 14 (Y to Bk) (reversal development using negative polarity toner in this embodiment). Accordingly, yellow, magenta, cyan, black, which are color separation component color images of full-color images, are respectively formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk) of the image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk by an electrophotographic process. Are formed at predetermined sequence control timings.

  On the other hand, the feeding roller 82 of the feeding unit 80 is rotationally driven at a predetermined control timing. Thereby, the transfer material P in the cassette 81 is separated and fed one by one. The leading edge of the transfer material P abuts against the nip portion of the registration roller pair 83 that is in a rotation stop state at that time, and is temporarily stopped. Then, the registration roller pair 83 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the rotation of the transfer belt 41 and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk). As a result, the transfer material P is fed between the electrostatic attraction roller 84 and the transfer belt 41. The transfer material P is sandwiched between the electrostatic attraction roller 84 and the transfer belt 41 and presses against the outer periphery of the transfer belt 41. A voltage is applied between the transfer belt 41 and the electrostatic adsorption roller 84. As a result, charges are induced in the transfer material P that is a dielectric and the dielectric layer of the transfer belt 41. Then, the transfer material P is electrostatically attracted to the outer periphery of the transfer belt 41. As a result, the transfer material P is stably adsorbed to the transfer belt 41 and is transported to the most downstream transfer portion by the movement of the transfer belt 41.

  The transfer material P is transferred to the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk) by an electric field formed between the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk) and the transfer rollers 42 (Y to Bk) in the above transport process. The toner images are sequentially superimposed and transferred. In this embodiment, positive charges are applied to the transfer material P from the transfer rollers 42 (Y to Bk) via the transfer belt 41. Due to the electric field due to the electric charge, the negative toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the transfer material P in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk).

  That is, the transfer material P is electrostatically adsorbed and held on the surface of the transfer belt 41, and is conveyed from the bottom to the top by the rotation of the transfer belt 41. In the transfer process, the photosensitive drums 11 (Y to Bk) of the image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk are transferred to the transfer units of the first to fourth image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images respectively formed on the surface are sequentially subjected to superimposed transfer. As a result, an unfixed full-color toner image is synthesized and formed on the surface of the transfer material P.

  The transfer material P that has received the superimposed transfer of the four-color toner images is separated from the transfer belt 41 by the curvature of the transfer belt drive roller 43 and is carried into the fixing unit 20. The transfer material P is nipped and conveyed by a fixing nip portion composed of a rotating heating roller 21a and a pressure roller 21b in pressure contact therewith. As a result, the transfer material P is given heat and pressure by the roller pair 21a and 21b. As a result, toner images of a plurality of colors are fixed on the surface of the transfer material P. The transfer material P is subjected to the above-described toner image fixing by the fixing unit 20, and then discharged to the discharge tray unit 23 outside the apparatus main body 100 by the discharge roller pair 22.

  In each of the first to fourth image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk, the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) after the transfer of the toner image onto the transfer material P is transferred by the cleaning device 16 (Y to Bk). Residual deposits such as toner are removed and repeated for image formation.

(2) Process Cartridge FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 10, FIG. 3 is a perspective model view of the front side of the process cartridge 10, and FIG. 4 is a perspective model view of the back side of the process cartridge 10.

  In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 11 is incorporated in a process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge) 10 and is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by attaching and detaching the cartridge 10 to and from the apparatus main body 100.

  In the following description, the short direction of the cartridge 10 or a member constituting the cartridge 10 is a direction in which the cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100. The longitudinal direction is a direction that intersects the direction in which the cartridge 10 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100. With respect to the cartridge 10, the front surface is a surface of the photosensitive drum exposure opening as viewed from the direction in which the cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100. The back surface is a surface on the opposite side when the cartridge 10 is viewed from the front. Left and right are left or right when the cartridge 10 is viewed from the front. In addition, the upper surface of the cartridge 10 is a surface located on the upper side when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, and the lower surface is a surface located on the lower side.

  A cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) is detachably mounted on each of the first to fourth image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk. Each of the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) includes a photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk), a charging roller 12 (Y to Bk), a developing device 14 (Y to Bk), and a cleaning member 16 (ad). ing. The cartridge 10 is detachable from the apparatus main body 100.

  The attachment / detachment operation of each of the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) with respect to the apparatus main body 100 is performed with the front cover 90 of the apparatus main body opened and the cartridge insertion opening 92 in the apparatus main body largely opened (FIG. 5).

  That is, the front cover portion of the apparatus main body 100 is formed to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body 100 including the electrostatic transfer unit 40 inside thereof. The cover 90 can be opened to the front side of the apparatus main body 100 as shown by a solid line in FIG. 5 with the lower hinge shaft 91 (FIG. 1) as the center by opening the cover 90 to the front side. The front cover 90 can be in a state where the cartridge insertion opening 92 (FIG. 5) in the apparatus main body is opened. On the contrary, the insertion opening 92 is closed by closing the front cover 90. A method for attaching and detaching the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) to the apparatus main body 100 will be described in detail in the section (3) below.

  In each of the first to fourth image forming stations Y, M, C, and Bk, the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) contains the developer stored in the toner container of the developing device 14 (Y to Bk). In the cartridge 10Y of the image forming station Y, yellow toner is used. The cartridge 10M of the second image forming station M is magenta toner. In the cartridge 10C of the third image forming station C, cyan toner is used. In the cartridge 10Bk of the fourth image forming station Bk, the black toner is used. Except for the difference in toner color, they have the same configuration, and in this embodiment, the description will be made with the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11, a charging roller 12, a cleaning unit 50 as a first frame including a cleaning member 16, and a second frame having a developing device 14. A developing unit 60 is included.

  A photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably attached to the cleaning unit 50, and a charging roller 12 and a cleaning member 16 are disposed on the circumference thereof. Further, the residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by the cleaning member 16 is sent to a removed toner chamber 53 provided behind the cleaning frame 51 by a toner feeding mechanism (not shown). The charging roller 12 is a conductive roller, and this roller is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Then, a charging bias voltage is applied to this roller. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged.

  The developing unit 60 includes a toner container 62 and a developing frame 66. The toner is accommodated in the toner container 62. The toner in the toner container 62 is sent to the toner supply roller 64 by the toner transport mechanism 63. Then, the frictionally charged toner is uniformly applied to the outer periphery of the developing roller 61 by the roller 64 and the developing blade 65 pressed against the outer periphery of the developing roller 61 as a developing member. Then, a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is developed by applying a developing bias to the developing roller 61. The developing roller 61 is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 11.

  The photosensitive drum 11 is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of 20 to 30 mm, for example. Both ends in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 11 are rotatably supported by support members (bearing members) 64 and 65 (FIGS. 3 and 4) provided on the left and right side surfaces of the cleaning frame 51, respectively. In addition, a coupling member 70 that transmits a driving force from a driving motor (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100 is provided at one end. As a result, the photosensitive drum 11 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG.

  The support members 64 and 65 are supported by the grip portions 82 and 83 and the cleaning frame 51 when the cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100. The cleaning frame 51 is provided with a shutter member 72 that protects the photosensitive drum 11. The shutter member 72 has a closed position (solid line in FIGS. 2 and 3) where the opening and closing mechanism 97 conceals the photosensitive drum external exposure opening on the front side of the cartridge 10, and upward or downward from the photosensitive drum external exposure opening. It can be opened and closed at the shifted opening position (two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). The shutter member 72 is held in the closed position when the cartridge 10 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100. Further, when the cartridge 10 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100 and the front cover 90 of the apparatus main body is closed (FIG. 1), the shutter member 72 is moved to the open position by means interlocked with the cover closing operation. Then, the transfer belt 41 comes into contact with the externally exposed surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

  The developing unit 60 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 51 by a coupling shaft 62 (FIG. 2). A pressing spring 54 presses the developing unit 60 against the cleaning frame 51 to bring the developing roller 61 into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 around the coupling shaft 62.

  Reference numeral 71 (FIG. 4) denotes a cartridge driving gear (helical gear) provided on the developing unit 60 side. In a state in which the cartridge 10 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the main body drive gear (helical gear: not shown) on the apparatus main body 100 side is engaged, and a driving force is received from the main body drive gear side. The rotation of the drive gear 71 drives the developing roller 61, the toner transport mechanism 63, and the toner supply roller 64 via a gear train (not shown).

(3) Mounting Method of Process Cartridge Next, mounting of the cartridge 10 to the apparatus main body 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The attachment / detachment operation of each cartridge 10 (a to d) with respect to the apparatus main body 100 is performed with the front cover 90 of the apparatus main body 100 opened and the cartridge insertion opening 92 in the apparatus main body opened largely. The closed state of the front cover 90 with respect to the apparatus main body 100 is locked by a latching mechanism (not shown). The lock by the latching mechanism is released, and the front cover 90 including the electrostatic transfer unit 40 is opened to the near side of the apparatus main body 100 around the lower hinge shaft 91. As a result, the cartridge insertion opening 92 in the apparatus main body 100 can be largely opened.

  Main body guides 130 and 131 for guiding the cartridge 10 to the image forming position are attached to the cartridge insertion opening 92 inside the side plates 101 and 102 of the apparatus main body 100. Four cartridges 10 can be inserted into the insertion opening 92 in the vertical direction. From the bottom, yellow insertion port, magenta insertion port, cyan insertion port, and black insertion port.

  The cartridge mounting mechanisms in the yellow insertion port, magenta insertion port, cyan insertion port, and black insertion port are similar to each other, and here, as an example, an example in which the cartridge 10 (10Y) is inserted into the lowermost yellow insertion port will be described.

  A scanner frame 31 is provided between the side plates 101 and 102 of the apparatus main body 100. The frame 31 is provided with an irradiation window 136 through which the laser light L from the scanner unit 30 passes.

  First, the operator is in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 (longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 11), and grips the cartridge 10 by gripping the left and right grip portions 73 and 74 provided at both ends of the cleaning unit 50 with left and right hands. Have. Then, the operator inserts the cartridge 10 in the direction of the arrow in the short direction of the cartridge 10 with the cartridge back side opposite to the photosensitive drum 11 side first.

  The main body guides 130 and 131 are provided with rough guide portions 132 and 133 for receiving the lower surfaces on both sides of the cartridge 10. The operator places the lower surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 on the rough guide portions 132 and 133, respectively. Boss guides 134 and 135 are provided on the main body guides 130 and 131, respectively. The boss guides 134 and 135 engage with bosses 51 d and 51 e provided on both side surfaces of the cleaning frame 51 in the longitudinal direction, and restrict the rotation of the cartridge 10 within the apparatus main body 100. When the cartridge 10 is further inserted, the bosses 51d and 51e ride on the boss guides 134 and 135 and are guided. The rough guide portions 132 and 133 and the boss guides 134 and 135 constitute mounting means for detachably mounting the cartridge 10 to the apparatus main body 100.

  When the cartridge 10 is further inserted into the apparatus main body 100, support members 64 and 65 for supporting the photosensitive drum 11 are inserted along the guide grooves 103 and 104 provided in the side plates 101 and 102, respectively. . At this time, the cartridge 10 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100 until the support members 64 and 65 abut against the guide grooves 103 and 104 and are received. In this state, the unit electrical contact 95 provided on the right side surface of the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 comes into contact with the main body electrical contact 137 provided on the main body guide 131 and becomes electrically conductive. The unit electrical contact 95 is in electrical contact with the IC tag 94. The IC tag 94 stores information relating to the cartridge 10 (new product information, serial number, toner color, etc.). When the unit electrical contact 95 and the body electrical contact 137 are electrically connected, electrical information can be exchanged between the IC tag 94 of the cartridge 10 and a control circuit unit (not shown) on the apparatus body 100 side. .

  In addition, a developing bias electrical contact (not shown) for applying a developing bias provided in the cartridge 10 and a developing bias body electrical contact (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body come into contact with each other to be in an electrically conductive state.

  Further, the drive gear 71 provided in the cartridge 10 is engaged with a main body drive gear (not shown) of the apparatus main body.

  The cartridge 10 (10M, 10C, 10Bk) is inserted into the magenta insertion port, the cyan insertion port, and the black insertion port in the same manner as the cartridge 10 (10Y) is inserted into the lowermost yellow insertion port.

  Next, the opened front cover 90 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 100. Then, the closed state is locked by a latching mechanism (not shown). The following operation is performed by means interlocked with the closing operation of the front cover 90.

  1) The pressing positioning of each cartridge 10 within the apparatus main body 100 in the short direction.

  2) The movement of the shutter member 72 of each cartridge 10 to the open position.

  3) Engagement of a power transmission coupling member (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100 with the coupling member 70 of each cartridge 10.

  Removal of each cartridge 10 from the inside of the apparatus main body 100 is performed in the reverse procedure to that at the time of mounting. That is, the lock by the latch mechanism (not shown) is released. Then, the front cover 90 is tilted and opened toward the front side of the apparatus main body 100 around the hinge shaft 91. By the means interlocking with the opening operation of the front cover 90, the engagement of the power transmission coupling member with the coupling member 70 is released. Further, the shutter member 72 moves to the closed position. In this state, the grip portions 73 and 74 of the cartridge 10 are grasped by hand, and the cartridge 10 is pulled out in the direction opposite to that at the time of mounting. Thereby, each cartridge 10 can be taken out from the apparatus main body 100.

(4) Photosensitive drum protection mechanism for new cartridge during transportation In the cartridge 10, the photosensitive drum 11 and the charging roller 12 are in contact with each other. For this reason, in the new cartridge 10, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and the surface of the charging roller 19 are rubbed due to a sudden impact generated when a new image forming apparatus is transported, and the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum is damaged. There is a possibility of receiving. When the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is damaged, there is a possibility that the toner image formed on the surface is disturbed and an image defect occurs.

  As a countermeasure, the cartridge 10 is provided with a photosensitive drum protection mechanism as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, both ends of the cored bar shaft 12a of the charging roller 12 are rotatably held by the bearing member 19. The bearing member 19 is supported by guide grooves 51 a and 51 b provided in the cleaning frame 51 of the cartridge 10 so as to be movable in the short direction. Then, the surface of the charging roller 12 is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by urging the photosensitive drum 11 side by the urging spring 20 contracted between the bearing member 19 and the partition plate 51c of the cleaning frame 51. ing.

  In the new cartridge 10, when the new image forming apparatus is shipped, the separation members 17 and 18 as shown in FIG. 7A are used to separate the photosensitive drum 11 and the charging roller 12 in a non-contact state. The photosensitive drum and the charging roller are maintained in a separated state. The spacing members 17 and 18 have a protruding shape 17b and 18b at the tips of the ring-shaped handle portions 17a and 18a, respectively. The operator holds the handle portions 17a and 18a and inserts the protrusions 17b and 18b into the insertion ports 51c and 51d of the cleaning frame 51 (FIG. 7B). The bearing member 19 is provided with engagement recesses 19 a and 19 b that engage with the protrusions 17 b of the separation member 17. The engaging recesses 19a and 19b overlap with a part of the insertion openings 51c and 51d on the photosensitive drum 11 side in a state where the positions are shifted.

  When the protrusions 17b and 18b of the separation members 17 and 18 are inserted into the insertion ports 51c and 51d, the tip ends of the protrusions 17b and 18b enter the engagement recesses 19a and 19b of the bearing member 19, respectively. When the protrusions 17b and 18b are further inserted, the protrusions engage with the engagement recesses 19a and 19b, and the bearing member 19 starts to move to the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 11 against the biasing force of the biasing spring 18. . When the protrusions 17b and 18b are further inserted, the insertion openings 51c and 51d are aligned with the engagement recesses 19a and 19b, and the separation members 17 and 18 are held by the cleaning frame 51 in this state (FIG. 7C). ). As a result, the charging roller 12 is held by the bearing member 19 in a state of being separated from the photosensitive drum 11 (FIG. 8).

  The cartridge 10 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100 with the separating members 17 and 18 held by the cleaning frame 51 (FIG. 6). This can prevent the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 from being damaged during transportation.

(5) Preventing forgetting to remove the spacing member In a new image forming apparatus, the spacing members 17 and 18 are removed from the cartridge 10, and the image forming operation is performed unless the charging roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 11 are brought into contact with each other. I can not let you. In order to prevent forgetting to remove the spacing members 17 and 18, in this embodiment, the detachable member 200 in the form of a flexible sheet can be removed between the apparatus main body 100 and the cartridge 10 attached to the apparatus main body. It is arranged. The material of the detachable member 200 is, for example, paper or fiber.

  FIG. 9 shows a structural model diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with the detachable member 200. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of the detachable member 200 with respect to the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk).

  The detachable member 200 is arranged in a U shape so as to wrap around the back side of each cartridge 10 (Y to Bk), the upper surface of the uppermost cartridge 10Bk, and the lower surface of the lowermost cartridge 10Y. And it is clamped by the scanner frame 31 and the back surface of each cartridge 10 (Y-Bk). At this time, in the open state of the front cover 90 (FIG. 11), the end of the detachable member 200 on the front side of the cartridge is disposed at a position that can be visually recognized by the user. Reference numeral 32 denotes a plate for placing a detachable member portion corresponding to the lower surface of the lowermost cartridge 10Y. The longitudinal dimension of the detachable member 200 is shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the photosensitive drum 11 (FIG. 10).

  Next, initial setting of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the user opens the front cover 90 around the hinge shaft 91 in order to remove the detachable member 200 from the apparatus main body 100. At that time, the electrostatic transfer unit 40 is also rotated at the same time, and the jammed state is changed from the normal use state. In this state, the user removes all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) from the apparatus main body 100. Then, the detachable member 200 is removed from the cartridge insertion port 92 of the apparatus main body 100.

  It is necessary to prevent the user from pulling out even if the user holds the end of the detachable member 200 and performs the pulling out operation with the front cover 90 open. For this purpose, the scanner frame 31 and each cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) hold the detachable member 200 with a force of 78.45 N (about 8 Kgf) or more.

  As described above, the detachable member 200 cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100 unless all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) are removed from the apparatus main body 100. By removing all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) from the apparatus main body 100, the user can visually recognize and recognize the separation members 17 and 18. As a result, the user can be prompted to pull out the separating members 17 and 18.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the charging roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to the charging roller, and any process means (for example, a developing roller) that acts in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 may be used.

  FIG. 12 shows a structural model diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with the detachable member 201.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, the detachable member 201 has a detachable member portion corresponding to the lower surface of the lowermost cartridge 10 </ b> Y placed on the plate 33 that is shorter than the plate 32. Other portions are arranged in the same manner as the detachable member 200 of the first embodiment. The end of the detachable member 201 that hangs downward from the plate 33 is detected by the detachable member presence / absence detection means (second detection means) 210. As shown in FIG. 13, the detection means 210 is constituted by, for example, a photo interrupter.

  When the detachable member 201 is not detached from the image forming apparatus, the photo interrupter of the detachable member presence / absence detecting unit 210 is in a light-shielding state, and when it is detached, it is in a light-receiving state. Alternatively, the control circuit unit on the apparatus main body 100 side may take in a signal corresponding to the light shielding state or the light receiving state from the photo interrupter, and determine the presence or absence of the detachable member 201 based on the signal.

  Each of the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) is provided with an IC tag 137 (not only for exchanging electrical information about the cartridge 10 described above) but also for detecting the presence of a cartridge in the apparatus main body 100 and the remaining amount of toner. First detection means) is provided. The IC tag 137 can detect the use / unuse of each of the cartridges 10Y to Bk). Further, the control circuit unit on the apparatus main body 100 side takes in the electrical information obtained from the IC tag 137 of each cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) mounted on the apparatus main body 100, and uses / unuses based on the information. You may judge.

  In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus, the photo interrupter of the attaching / detaching member presence / absence detecting unit 210 is in a light-shielding state (the state in which the attaching / detaching member 201 is present), and the IC tag 137 is connected to each cartridge 10 ( When it is detected that Y to Bk) are not used, processing that does not perform all image forming operations including image forming sequence processing is performed. For example, processing such as not rotating the electrostatic transfer belt 41 and not irradiating the laser that exposes the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) from the scanner unit 30 (Y to Bk) is not performed.

  Then, a display for urging the removal of the detachable member 201 is performed on the display unit 110 disposed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 110.

  Next, when a message prompting the user to remove the detachable member 201 is displayed on the display unit 110, the user is caused to remove the detachable member 201, and then the start confirmation of the image forming sequence process is displayed on the display unit. After that, unless the operation unit 120 confirms the start of the image forming sequence process, all operation processes including the image forming sequence process are not restarted.

  Also in the present embodiment, since all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) are not removed from the apparatus main body 100, the detachable member 201 cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100, so that the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  FIG. 14 shows a structural model diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a detachable member 202.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the detachable member 202 has the detachable member portion corresponding to the lower surface of the lowermost cartridge 10 </ b> Y placed on the plate 32. Other portions are arranged in the same manner as the detachable member 200 of the first embodiment. Then, the end of the detachable member 202 that hangs downward from the plate 32 is disposed in the conveyance path with the media detecting means. For example, as shown in the figure, it is arranged on a conveyance path having a paper feed jam sensor (third detection means) 70. This paper jam sensor 70 not only detects the presence or absence of the transfer material P being conveyed, but also when the feed roller 82 (half moon roller) cannot feed the transfer material P in the feed cassette 81, A case where the transfer material P arrives at the registration roller pair 83 is delayed is detected. Then, the end of the detachable member 202 is placed in the conveyance path with the paper jam sensor 70 jammed.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment reads the state of the paper feed jam sensor 70 when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus. It can be detected that 202 is absent. Further, the control circuit unit on the apparatus main body 100 side may take in a signal corresponding to the jammed state or the non-jammed state from the paper feed jam sensor 70 and determine the presence / absence of the detachable member 202 based on the signal.

  Further, since the paper jam sensor 70 also serves as the detachable member presence / absence detecting means 210 for detecting the presence / absence of the detachable member 20, it is not necessary to provide the detachable member presence / absence detecting means, and the cost can be reduced.

  As long as the media detecting means can confirm the presence or absence of the transfer material P, any sensor may be used. For example, in addition to the paper feed jam sensor 70, a gloss sensor that detects the gloss of the media, a thick paper sensor that detects the thickness of the media, or the like may be used as long as it is near the feeding mechanism 80.

  Further, as long as it is in the vicinity of the fixing unit 20, a color sensor that detects the chromaticity and density of an image printed and permanently fixed on the transfer material P may be used.

  Also in the present embodiment, since all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) are not removed from the apparatus main body 100, the detachable member 202 cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100, so that the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  FIG. 15 shows a structural model diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with the detachable member 203.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, the detachable member 203 is disposed so as to wrap all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk). The longitudinal dimension of the detachable member 203 is substantially the same as the longitudinal dimension of the photosensitive drum 11 (FIG. 16). Both ends of the detachable member 203 are disposed on the back side facing the mounting direction of the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk). The detachable member 203 is arranged so as to wrap around the externally exposed surface, the back surface, the uppermost cartridge upper surface, and the lowermost cartridge lower surface of the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) in the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk).

  In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the detachable member 203 is made of a soft material such as paper or fiber in order to protect the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) and the surface of the transfer belt 41 from damage such as scratches. It is made. Of the two end portions of the detachable member 203, the upper end portion may be disposed on the upper surface of the uppermost cartridge, and the lower end portion may be disposed on the lower surface of the lowermost cartridge.

  Also in this embodiment, since all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100 unless the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) are removed from the apparatus main body 100, the same operations and effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  FIG. 17 shows a structural model diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with the detachable member 204.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, protrusions 10a and 10b are provided on the back surface of the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk). The scanner frame 31 and the detachable member 204 are provided with holes 31a, 31b, 204a, 204b at positions corresponding to the protrusions 10a, 10b, respectively. Then, the protrusions 10 a and 10 b of the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) are passed through the holes 204 a and 204 b of the detachable member 204 and inserted into the holes 31 a and 31 b of the scanner frame 31. As a result, the detachable member 204 cannot be detached from the apparatus main body 100 unless the protrusions 10a and 10b of all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) are pulled out from the corresponding holes 31a and 31b, 204a and 204b. The dimension of the detachable member 204 in the longitudinal direction may be shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the photosensitive drum 11.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, notches 204 a and 204 b may be formed in both ends of the detachable member in the longitudinal direction instead of the hole shape in the detachable member 204.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the protrusions 204e and 204f may be provided on the detachable member 204, and the recesses 10c and 10d may be provided on the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk). The protrusions 204e and 204f of the detachable member 204 are inserted into the recesses 10c and 10d of the corresponding cartridge 10 (Y to Bk). As a result, the detachable member 204 cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100 unless the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) is removed from the apparatus main body 100.

  Also in this embodiment, since all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) are not removed from the apparatus main body 100, the detachable member 204 cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100. Therefore, the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  FIG. 21 shows a structural model diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a detachable member 205.

  The detachable member 205 has an annular shape (cylindrical shape) in which seams are matched or seamless. The longitudinal dimension of the detachable member 205 is substantially the same as the longitudinal dimension of the photosensitive drum 11 (FIG. 22). As shown in FIG. 22, the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) is inserted into the detachable member 205 and attached to the apparatus main body 100 in that state. Accordingly, each cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) is arranged so as to be wrapped by the detachable member 205 for each station. The detachable member 205 is made of a soft material such as paper or fiber in order to protect the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 (Y to Bk) and the surface of the transfer belt 41 from damage such as scratches.

  Also in this embodiment, since all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) are not removed from the apparatus main body 100, the detachable member 205 cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100. Therefore, the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. .

  FIG. 23 shows a structural model diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a detachable member 206.

  The detachable member 206 is disposed so as to wrap the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk) in the same manner as the detachable member 200 of the first embodiment, and is sandwiched between the scanner frame 31 and the back surface of the cartridge 10 (Y to Bk). Yes. An end portion of the detachable member 206 is pulled out so as to protrude outside from a gap between the front cover 90 and the apparatus main body 100. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize the presence of the detachable member 206 from the outside of the image forming apparatus. The dimension of the detachable member 206 in the longitudinal direction may be shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the photosensitive drum 11.

  Also in the present embodiment, since all the cartridges 10 (Y to Bk) must be taken out from the apparatus main body 100, the detachable member 206 cannot be removed from the apparatus main body 100, so that the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. .

[Other]
The present invention can be applied not only to a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus but also to a monochrome electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Overall configuration diagram of an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus Enlarged cross-sectional view of process cartridge Front perspective view of process cartridge Perspective model view of the back side of the process cartridge Cross-sectional model view of the image forming apparatus with the front cover opened Explanatory drawing when mounting the process cartridge to the main unit Explanatory drawing of the photosensitive drum protection mechanism Enlarged cross-sectional view of the process cartridge showing the state when mounted on the main unit Structural model diagram of the image forming apparatus of Example 1 provided with a detachable member The perspective view of the image forming apparatus provided with the detachable member Explanatory drawing which removes a process cartridge in order to remove a detachable member from an apparatus main part Configuration model diagram of image forming apparatus of embodiment 2 provided with detachable member Explanatory drawing of the attachment / detachment member presence / absence detection means in the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 2. Configuration model diagram of image forming apparatus of embodiment 3 provided with detachable member Structural model diagram of image forming apparatus of embodiment 4 provided with detachable member Explanatory drawing of the detachable member in the image forming apparatus of Example 4. Structural model diagram of image forming apparatus of Example 5 provided with detachable member Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus of Example 5, a detachable member, and a scanner frame (the 1) Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus of Example 5, a detachable member, and a scanner frame (the 2) Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus of Example 5, and a detachable member. Structural model diagram of image forming apparatus of Example 6 provided with detachable member Explanatory drawing of the detachable member in the image forming apparatus of Example 6. Configuration model diagram of image forming apparatus of Example 7 provided with detachable member

Explanation of symbols

10: Process cartridge (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10Bk)
11: Photosensitive drum (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11Bk)
12: Charging roller (12Y, 12M, 12C, 12Bk)
14: Developing device (14Y, 14M, 14C, 14Bk)
16: Cleaning member (16Y, 16M, 16C, 16Bk)
17.18: Separating member 19: Bearing member 20: Biasing spring 31: Scanner frame 40: Electrostatic transfer unit 41: Electrostatic transfer belt 70: Feed jam sensor 90: Front cover 110: Display unit 120: Operation unit 200 Detachable member 201 of Example 1: detachable member 202 of Example 2: detachable member 203 of Example 3: detachable member 204 of Example 4: detachable member 205 of Example 5: detachable member 206 of Example 6: implemented Removable member 210 of Example 7: Removable member presence / absence detecting means (photo interrupter, etc.)
P: Transfer material

Claims (11)

A process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process unit that operates in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a mounting unit that detachably mounts the process cartridge on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transportable in a state where the process cartridge is mounted.
A separation member detachably provided in the process cartridge, the separation member for separating the process means from the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A detachable member detachably interposed between the apparatus main body and the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body when transporting the electrophotographic image forming apparatus with the process cartridge mounted; A detachable member that cannot be removed without removing the process cartridge from the apparatus body;
Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprises:
First detection means for detecting that the process cartridge is unused;
Second detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the detachable member;
When the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is turned on, the first detection unit detects that the process cartridge is unused, and the second detection unit detects that the detachable member is present. Display means for performing a display prompting removal of the detachable member;
The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The display unit further includes an operation unit for performing a confirmation operation for starting an image forming operation after the removal process of the detachable member is performed when the display unit prompts the removal of the detachable member. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The third detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium being conveyed further, the third detection means also serving as a second detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the detachable member. 2. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to 2.   The said detachable member is a protective member that protects the process cartridge when the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported with the process cartridge mounted. Electrophotographic image forming apparatus.   6. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge and the detachable member have a protrusion and at least one hole or notch, and the protrusion is inserted into the hole or notch. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.   The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one end of the detachable member protrudes from the apparatus main body to the outside.   The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one end of the detachable member is opposed to a mounting direction of the process cartridge. A process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process unit that operates in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a mounting unit that detachably mounts the process cartridge on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus being transportable in a state where the process cartridge is mounted,
A separation member which is detachably provided in the process cartridge and protects the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A detachable member that is detachably provided on the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body and cannot be removed without removing the process cartridge from the apparatus main body;
Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus.   The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a shape of the detachable member that is detachably provided on the process cartridge is a cylindrical shape that covers the process cartridge. 11. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process means is a charging roller that charges the electrophotographic photosensitive member.