JP2008310305A - Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a cartridge that can be accurately positioned and stably held with respect to the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus without deteriorating operability for attaching and detaching the cartridge to/from the apparatus main body even when a reduction in cost and a reduction in space of the apparatus main body are achieved. <P>SOLUTION: The cartridge is a drum cartridge 30 that has an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 2 and is detachably mountable on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The drum cartridge 30 has lock portions 33 that lock on both side plates 32 of the apparatus main body at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge 30 such that the apparatus main body follows the drum cartridge 30 mounted on the apparatus main body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge that is detachably mounted on an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that detachably mounts the cartridge.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image has a configuration in which a developer image for each color is sequentially formed on one photosensitive drum using a plurality of developing devices having different colors. Are known. Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561, a photosensitive drum or each developing device configured as a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body is known. Hereinafter, a cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum is referred to as a drum cartridge, and a cartridge having a developing device is referred to as a developing cartridge.

  In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, guide members are provided inside the right side plate and the left side plate constituting the main body frame of the apparatus main body. The guide member is provided with a cartridge attachment / detachment guide and a positioning portion. Thereby, the attaching / detaching operation of the developing cartridge or the drum cartridge to the apparatus main body can be easily performed. Further, the cartridge can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body.

  Here, the main body frame and the guide member are required to have rigidity for accurately positioning the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body and stably holding the cartridge.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-244531 (FIG. 14)

  Here, when cost reduction and size reduction are achieved, it is conceivable to reduce the thickness of the main body frame and the guide member provided inside thereof. However, in this case, the main body frame and the guide member are easily bent. If the main body frame or the guide member is bent, it is conceivable that the positioning accuracy is lowered when the cartridge is positioned on the apparatus main body.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can accurately position the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body even if the cost of the apparatus main body is reduced.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can accurately position the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body even if the apparatus main body is downsized.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge and an electronic device capable of accurately positioning the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body even if the thickness of the main body frame provided in the apparatus main body for supporting the cartridge is reduced. A photographic image forming apparatus can be provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to reduce the thickness and size of the apparatus main body by reducing the thickness of the main body frame provided in the apparatus main body for supporting the cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can be positioned with high accuracy.

  Another object of the present invention is a cartridge capable of accurately positioning the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body by regulating the distance between the main body frames by the cartridge even when the main frame is bent. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a cartridge is detachably mounted to form an image on a recording medium. An end-side body frame that bends in the longitudinal direction, and an other-end-side body frame that supports the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge to be mounted. The other end side body frame that is bent in the direction, and one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge is supported by the one end side body frame, and the other end side in the longitudinal direction is supported by the other end side body frame. And the cartridge for regulating a distance between the one end side main body frame and the other end side main body frame.

  Another exemplary configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a cartridge is removably mounted to form an image on a recording medium, and the mounted cartridge The one end side main body frame that supports one end side in the longitudinal direction and bends in the longitudinal direction, and the other end side main body frame that supports the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge to be mounted and bends in the longitudinal direction A cartridge that is detachably mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and includes a housing, one end side locking portion provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and The other end side locking portion provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the casing, and one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge is supported by the one end side main body frame, and the other in the longitudinal direction. The other end is the other end While being supported by the body frame, characterized by regulating the distance between the one end side main body frame and the other end side body frame.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can accurately position the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body even if the cost of the apparatus main body is reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can accurately position the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body even if the apparatus main body is downsized.

  According to the present invention, a cartridge and an electrophotographic image that can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body even if the thickness of the main body frame provided in the apparatus main body for supporting the cartridge is reduced. A forming apparatus can be provided.

  According to the present invention, even if the cost of the apparatus main body is reduced and the size is reduced by reducing the thickness of the main body frame provided in the apparatus main body for supporting the cartridge, the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can be accurately positioned.

  According to the present invention, even when a body frame that bends is used, the cartridge can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus body by regulating the distance between the body frames by the cartridge.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the apparatus and cartridge to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. . Therefore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, a color laser beam printer provided with one photosensitive drum and four developing devices is illustrated as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views of a color laser beam printer.

  First, the image forming operation of the color laser beam printer will be described. In the embodiment described below, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on the recording medium S by detachably mounting a cartridge (developing cartridge 5, process cartridge 30).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) has an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 2. Around the photosensitive drum 2, a plurality of (here, four) developing devices (developing cartridges) 5 (5a to 5d) are arranged. In addition, a charging roller 3 and a cleaning device 6 are disposed as process means acting on the photosensitive drum 2. An exposure unit 4 is arranged. Here, the charging roller 3 is charging means for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The exposure device 4 is exposure means for irradiating the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light corresponding to image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2. The developing device 5 (5a to 5d) is a developing unit that develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with a developer of a corresponding color (here, yellow, magenta, cyan, black) and visualizes the latent image. is there. The developing device 5a contains a yellow developer, and develops the latent image with the yellow developer. The developing device 5b contains a magenta developer, and develops the latent image with the magenta developer. The developing device 5c contains a cyan developer, and develops the latent image with the cyan developer. The developing device 5d contains a black developer, and develops the latent image with the black developer. That is, the developing devices 5a to 5d develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using a developer. The developing device 5 includes a developing roller 25, and the developing roller 25 develops the above-described latent image. The cleaning device 6 is a cleaning unit that removes residual developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 2.

  Here, each of the photosensitive drum 2 and the developing devices 5a to 5d is configured as a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body A. That is, the photosensitive drum 2 is a process cartridge 30 that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A. Each developing device 5 (5a to 5d) is a developing cartridge 5 (5a to 5d) that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A. Each cartridge is detachably attached to the apparatus main body A by an operator (user). In the present embodiment, the cartridge 30 includes, in addition to the photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller (charging unit) 3, a cleaning device (cleaning unit) 6, and a residual developer that contains residual developer removed by the cleaning device 6. A housing 31 is provided. Each cartridge 5 (5a to 5d) can be attached to and detached from a rotatable rotary (rotary support) 1 provided in the apparatus main body A.

  The process cartridge is, for example, a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of a developing unit, a charging unit, and a cleaning unit as the process member are integrated. Therefore, the process cartridge includes a cartridge in which the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing member, the charging unit, and the cleaning unit as the process member are integrally formed. Further, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging unit as the process member are integrally formed into a cartridge. In addition, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit as the process member, and a cleaning unit integrated into a cartridge may be used.

  Here, the process cartridge and the developing cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person. This improves the maintenance operation of the image forming apparatus.

  First, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise in FIG. 2) in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 7. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3. While being charged, the exposure device 4 irradiates the yellow image with light. As a result, a yellow electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 2.

  Simultaneously with the latent image formation, the rotary (rotary support) 1 supporting the four developing cartridges 5a to 5d is rotated. Then, the developing cartridge 5 a containing the yellow developer is disposed at the developing position 18 </ b> X facing the photosensitive drum 2. Then, a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the photosensitive drum 2 and substantially the same potential is applied to the developing roller 25 so that the yellow developer adheres to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2. Thus, development is performed by attaching a yellow developer to the latent image. That is, the developing roller 25 develops the latent image.

  Thereafter, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer is applied to the primary transfer roller 8 disposed inside the transfer belt 7. As a result, the yellow developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred to the transfer belt 7.

  As described above, when the primary transfer of the yellow developer image is completed, the developing cartridges (5b to 5d) for magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially rotated by the rotary 1. Then, it is positioned at the development position 18X facing the photosensitive drum 2. As a result, as in the case of yellow, latent image formation, development, and primary transfer are sequentially performed for magenta, cyan, and black. Then, four color developer images are superimposed on the transfer belt 7.

  During this time, the secondary transfer roller 10 is not in contact with the transfer belt 7. At this time, the cleaning unit 9 for removing the residual developer remaining on the transfer belt 7 is not in contact with the transfer belt 7.

  On the other hand, the sheet S as a recording medium is stored in a cassette 11 provided at the lower part of the apparatus. The sheets S are separated and fed one by one from the cassette 11 by the feeding roller 12 and fed to the registration roller pair 13. The registration roller pair 13 sends out the fed sheet S between the transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 10. Here, the transfer roller 10 is in pressure contact with the transfer belt 7 (state shown in FIG. 2). Note that the recording medium is an image on which an image is formed, and is, for example, paper, an OHP sheet, or the like.

  Further, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer is applied to the transfer roller 10. The four color developer images superimposed on the transfer belt 7 are collectively transferred (secondary transfer) onto the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

  The sheet S on which the developer image is transferred is sent to the fixing device 14. In the fixing device 14, the sheet S is heated and pressed. Then, the developer image is fixed on the sheet S. As a result, an image is formed on the sheet S. The sheet S is discharged from the fixing device 14 to a discharge portion of the upper cover 15 outside the apparatus.

  Next, the attaching / detaching operation of the developing cartridges 5a to 5d and the process cartridge 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The attaching / detaching operation of the developing cartridge is the same for the developing cartridges 5a to 5d. Therefore, here, the attaching / detaching operation of the yellow developing cartridge 5a will be described. When the cartridge 5a is taken out from the apparatus main body A, the cartridge 5a is moved to the attaching / detaching position 18Y (position shown in FIG. 1) different from the developing position 18X shown in FIG. At this time, no developing cartridge 5 has a phase that does not exist at the developing position 18X. In this state, when the cartridge 5a is attached or detached, the cartridge door 16 that can be opened and closed by the operator is opened. Thereby, the cartridge 5a can be detached from the rotary 1 and taken out from the apparatus main body A. The door 16 is rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body A about the fulcrum 16a. In FIG. 2, a state where the door 16 is opened is indicated by a broken line, and a state where the door 16 is closed is indicated by a solid line. The cartridge 5a is detachable in the direction of the arrow A, and the removed cartridge is indicated by a broken line. The attachment / detachment position 18Y is a position where the cartridge 5a faces the door 16. The developing position 18X is a position where the cartridge 5a faces the photosensitive drum 2.

  Further, by opening the door 16 as described above, the drum cartridge 30 can be removed from the apparatus main body A (FIG. 1). Incidentally, the cartridge 30 is detachable in the direction of arrow B, and the taken-out cartridge 30 is indicated by a broken line (FIG. 1).

  In this configuration, by opening the door 16, any of the cartridges 5 a to 5 d and the cartridge 30 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A independently from the same opening 16 b of the apparatus main body A.

  Next, a state where the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state where the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, at both longitudinal end portions (one end portion 30 a and the other end portion 30 b) of the cartridge 30, when the cartridge 30 is attached to the apparatus main body A, the engaging portions 33 are engaged with the apparatus main body A. Is provided. Here, the locking portion 33 is provided integrally with the housing 30 c of the cartridge 30. That is, the locking portion 33 is provided on the outer surface of the side surface 30d provided at the longitudinal end portion 30a of the housing 30c and the outer surface of the side surface 30e provided at the longitudinal end portion 30b. Each locking portion 33 is locked to a notch portion 34 provided on each side plate (main body frame) 32 provided on the apparatus main body A in a state where the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A. In other words, the locking portion 33 includes an attached portion 33a attached to the side surface (30d or 30e), an attached portion 33a, and an engaging portion 33b having a gap G and facing the attached portion 33a. . Moreover, the latching | locking part 33 has the to-be-supported part 33c which connects the to-be-attached part 33a and the engaging part 33b with a clearance gap. And the latching | locking part 33 pinches and latches the side plate 32 from the both sides of the said longitudinal direction. That is, the locking portion 33 is locked to the side plate 32 with the side slope 32 sandwiched between the attached portion 33a and the engaging portion 33b. Specifically, the supported portion 33c is notched portion 34 of the side plate 32 with the inner portion 32a of the side plate 32 held by the attached portion 33a and the outer portion 32b of the side plate 32 held by the engaging portion 33b. Is supported by the upper edge 34a (FIGS. 3 and 9). In this state, the cartridge 30 is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body A by supporting one end 30a on the side plate 32 on one end side and the other end 30b on the side plate 32 on the other end side. In this state, the side plate 32 on the one end side and the side plate 32 on the other end side are locked following the cartridge 30 at both longitudinal ends of the cartridge 30.

  That is, when the side plate 32 is bent inward of the apparatus main body A, the locking portion 33 is locked to the side plate 32 such that the attached portion 33a biases the inner portion 32a of the side plate 32 to the outside. . Further, when the side plate 32 is bent to the outside of the apparatus main body A, the engaging portion 33 is engaged with the outer portion 32 b of the side plate 32 so that the engaging portion 33 is engaged with the side plate 32. .

  In this way, the cartridge corrects the deflection of the side plate 32 and maintains the distance between the side plates 32. According to the above-described embodiment, the one end side locking portion 33 provided on one end side of the cartridge 30 holds the one end side plate 32 from both sides in the longitudinal direction to lock. Further, the other end side locking portion 33 provided on the other end side of the cartridge 30 holds and locks the other end side plate 32 from both sides in the longitudinal direction.

  For this reason, the cartridge 30 can guarantee the distance between the side plates 32 and 32. That is, the cartridge 30 can regulate the distance between the side plates 32 and 32. The gap G is slightly larger than the thickness of the side plate 32 in consideration of manufacturing tolerances. In this embodiment, the material of the side plate 32 is a gin-coated steel plate or the like. The thickness of the side plate 32 is about 0.6 mm. On the other hand, the gap G is about 0.65 mm. The side plate 32 has a side of about 300 mm and a height of about 220 mm. Moreover, the thickness of the conventional side plate is 1.0 mm-0.8 mm. According to this embodiment, it can be made at least about 0.2 mm thinner than the thickness of the conventional side plate. That is, according to the present embodiment, since the thickness is small, even if the side plate is inclined inward or outward of the apparatus main body A, the accuracy of the distance between the side plates can be maintained by the cartridge. The cartridge can serve to reinforce between the side plates. Note that the weight of the cartridge used in this embodiment is about 500 g.

  In addition, it is not limited to this embodiment, The numerical value and material which were mentioned above are what was illustrated, Comprising: A numerical value and material can be selected suitably.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a bottom plate that connects the lower side of the side plate 32. That is, the side plate 32 is attached vertically (substantially perpendicular) to the bottom plate 60. A top plate (not shown) for connecting the upper side of the side plate 32 is provided.

  In addition, the present embodiment is effective for a configuration in which the side plate is bent (is displaced) even if a stay (not shown) for connecting the bottom plate, the top plate, or both side plates is provided, for example. is there.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the distance between the side plates 32 is regulated by the cartridge 30. Therefore, the housing 30c of the cartridge 30 of the present embodiment is made of polystyrene having a thickness of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Thereby, the cartridge 30 has sufficient rigidity. The rigidity of the housing 30c can be realized not only by the thickness but also by, for example, forming a rib on the housing 30c or attaching a metal reinforcing member such as an iron plate to the housing 30c. Therefore, the above-described thickness is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, the locking portion 33 may be provided with a taper on the surfaces (33e, 33f) that sandwich the side plate 32 in the mounting direction of the cartridge 30 (the direction of arrow D in FIG. 4). This is because even when the side plate 32 is misaligned with the locking portion 33 when the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A, the side plate 32 is easily sandwiched and locked by the locking portion 33. It is.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the locking portion 33 has the attached portion 33a and the engaging portion 33b tapered. That is, the attached portion 33a and the engaging portion 33b are provided with the tapers 33h and 33i that are inclined in the direction away from the side plate 32 from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the mounting direction D (FIG. 10). When the thickness of the side plate 32 is about 0.6 mm, the length of l (el) 1 and l (el) 2 is about 1.5 mm. In addition, the thickness mentioned above is an illustration, Comprising: It is not limited to this. Even when the side plate 32 and the locking portion 33 are displaced in the direction orthogonal to the mounting direction D when the cartridge 30 is mounted to the apparatus main body A, the locking portion 33 is moved to the side plate 32 by the tapers 33h and 33i. Can be surely guided. This is effective when the side plate 32 is bent and the position is shifted. The inclination angle of the tapers 33h and 33i with respect to the side plate 32 is about 30 ° (α1, α2 in FIG. 10).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, in the apparatus main body A, a part of the casing 30c of the cartridge 30 (one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 2 and the vicinity of the other end) is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body A. As shown, a drum positioning portion 35 is provided. The cartridge 30 is provided with a positioned portion 2b at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction (same as the longitudinal direction of the drum 2). The positioned portion 2b protrudes outward from the side surfaces 30d and 30e of the housing 30c, and is provided on the same axis as the axis of the drum 2. Reference numeral 2a denotes a drum shaft. With the cartridge 30 mounted on the apparatus main body A, the positioned portion 2b is positioned on the positioning portion 35 (FIG. 4).

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparatus main body A is provided with a lock lever 36 for fixing the cartridge 30 positioned and held by the apparatus main body A. As shown in FIG. 4, the lever 36 is rotated in the direction of arrow C (FIG. 3) with the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the drum 2 being positioned by the positioning portion 35 and the locking portion 33 being locked to the side plate 32. . Thereby, the fixing is completed in a state where the cartridge 30 is positioned and held in the apparatus main body A. The cartridge 30 that has been locked is urged by elastic means (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body A. Accordingly, the cartridge 30 is reliably positioned on the apparatus main body A. The lever 36 is manually operated by the operator.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by attaching the cartridge 30 to the apparatus main body A, the locking portion 33 of the cartridge 30 locks the both side plates 32. In this state, the both side plates 32 are locked following the cartridge 30 at both longitudinal ends of the cartridge 30. That is, the side plate 32 bends and follows the cartridge 30. As a result, the cartridge 30 mounted on the apparatus main body A regulates the distance between the side plates 32 and 32. At the same time, the cartridge 30 also serves as a reinforcing member that ensures the rigidity of the apparatus main body. Therefore, the thickness of the side plate 32 is reduced, or the side plate 32 is changed to a low-cost material. Thus, even if the cost and size are reduced, the detachability of the cartridge 30 with respect to the apparatus main body A is not impaired. In addition, the photosensitive drum 2 (cartridge 30) can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body A and stably held.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the side plate 32 (one-end-side main body frame) that supports one end side in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 2) of the cartridge 30 mounted on the apparatus main body A, the longitudinal direction The side plate 32 is bent. Further, the side plate 32 (the other end side main body frame) that supports the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 30 mounted on the apparatus main body A, the side plate 32 bends in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the cartridge 30 is configured such that one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 30 is supported by the side plate 32, and the other end side in the longitudinal direction is supported by the side plate 32. Regulate the distance between.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A.

  Here, a configuration in which the cartridge 30 indirectly locks both side plates 32 instead of the cartridge 30 directly locking both side plates 32 as in the first embodiment described above will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, guide members 37 are integrally provided on both side plates (main body frames) 32 provided on the apparatus main body A, respectively. The guide member 37 is made of resin. The guide member 37 includes a guide surface 38 that guides the cartridge 30 when the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body A, and an abutting surface 39 for regulating the position in the insertion direction of the cartridge 30. Further, the guide member 37 has a notch 34 for sandwiching and locking the locking portion 33 of the cartridge 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the locking portion 33 of the cartridge 30 is sandwiched and locked in the concave portion 40 of the guide member 37 from both sides in the longitudinal direction. In this state, the both side plates 32 are locked following the cartridge 30 at both longitudinal ends of the cartridge 30. That is, the side plate 32 bends and follows the cartridge 30. For this reason, the cartridge 30 can guarantee the distance between the side plates 32 and 32.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the locking portion 33 is provided to protrude outward from the side surface 30d in the longitudinal direction. And the latching | locking part 33 has the side part 30d and the clearance gap G, and has the to-be-attached part 33a provided along the side surface 30d (it was provided in parallel with the side surface 30d). Moreover, the latching | locking part 33 has the supported part 41 which protrudes in the said longitudinal direction from the side surface 30d, and supports the to-be-attached part 33a to the side surface 30d. The size of the gap G and the size of the side plate 32 are as described above.

  On the other hand, the guide member 37 has a recess 40 in the inner portion 32 a of the side plate 32. The recess 40 supports the attached portion 33a. That is, the attached portion 33a enters and fits into the recess 40. The attached portion 33a is supported by the recess 40. That is, when the side plate 32 is bent inward of the apparatus main body A, the outer surface 33f of the attached portion 33a urges the outer inner surface 40a of the recess 40 outward, and the locking portion 33 is moved to the side plate 32. Lock to. Further, when the side plate 32 is bent outward from the apparatus main body A, the inner surface 33g of the attached portion 33a urges the inner inner surface 40b of the recess 40 inward, so that the locking portion 33 is connected to the side plate 32. Lock to. In this state, the wall tip 40c of the recess 40 supports the supported portion 41.

  According to the present embodiment, the one end side locking portion 33 provided on one end side of the cartridge 30 is sandwiched and locked by the one end side guide member 37 provided on the one end side plate 32 in the longitudinal direction. The other end side locking portion 33 provided on the other end side of the cartridge 30 is sandwiched and locked by the other end side guide member 37 provided on the other end side plate 32 in the longitudinal direction.

  In this way, the cartridge corrects the deflection of the side plate 32 and maintains the distance between the side plates 32. That is. The cartridge corrects the deflection of the side plate 32 and regulates the distance between the side plates 32.

  Since other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by attaching the cartridge 30 to the apparatus main body A, the locking portion 33 of the cartridge 30 is locked to the guide member 37 provided in the apparatus main body A. At this time, the guide member 37 is locked following the cartridge 30 at both longitudinal ends of the cartridge 30. As a result, the cartridge 30 attached to the apparatus main body A regulates the distance between the guide members 37 and 37. At the same time, the cartridge 30 also serves as a reinforcing member that ensures the rigidity of the apparatus main body A. Therefore, the thickness of the side plate 32 is reduced, or the side plate 32 is changed to a material with low cost. Thus, even if the cost and size are reduced, the detachability of the cartridge 30 with respect to the apparatus main body A is not impaired. In addition, the photosensitive drum 2 can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body and stably held.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the locking portion of the present embodiment.

  Also in this embodiment, the cartridge 30 is indirectly locked to the both side plates 32 as in the second embodiment described above.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the both side plates 32 are integrally provided with a main body side positioning member 50 as a guide member. The main body side positioning member 50 includes a positioning hole (locking portion) 51 that fits with a positioning pin (locking portion) 53 of the cartridge 30 and a fixing screw for fixing the cartridge 30 to the apparatus main body A with screws. A hole 52 is provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the pins 53 are inserted and fitted into the positioning holes 51 of the positioning member 50 in the cartridge mounting direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. At this time, the side plate 32 is locked following the cartridge 30 at both longitudinal ends of the cartridge 30. For this reason, the cartridge 30 guarantees the distance between the side plates 32 and 32.

  As described above, when the cartridge 30 mounted on the apparatus main body A is fixed to the apparatus main body A, the screws 54 are fastened to the fixing screw holes 52 through the cartridge 30. Thereby, the fixing is completed in a state where the cartridge 30 is positioned and held in the apparatus main body A. 53a is a taper, and an enlarged view thereof is shown in FIG. Also in the present embodiment, a taper 53 a is provided at the tip of the pin 53 in the mounting direction D. The effect of this taper 53a is the same as that of tapers 33h and 33i (FIG. 10) described later. The length of l (el) 1 and l (el) 2 is about 1.5 mm.

  Since other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by attaching the cartridge 30 to the apparatus main body A, the positioning portion 43 of the cartridge 30 is fitted to the positioning member 50 of the apparatus main body A. At this time, the positioning member 50 of the apparatus main body is fitted along the cartridge 30 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 30.

  In this embodiment, a taper as shown in FIG. 13 may be provided.

  That is, the attached portion 33a and the engaging portion 33b are provided with the tapers 33h and 33i that are inclined in the direction away from the side plate 32 from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the mounting direction D (FIG. 10). When the thickness of the side plate 32 is about 0.6 mm, the length of l (el) 1 and l (el) 2 is about 1.5 mm. In addition, the thickness mentioned above is an illustration, Comprising: It is not limited to this. Even when the side plate 32 and the locking portion 33 are displaced in the direction orthogonal to the mounting direction D when the cartridge 30 is mounted to the apparatus main body A, the locking portion 33 is moved to the side plate 32 by the tapers 33h and 33i. Can be surely guided. This is effective when the side plate 32 is bent and the position is shifted. The inclination angle of the tapers 33h and 33i with respect to the side plate 32 is about 30 ° (α1, α2 in FIG. 10). Reference numeral 33n denotes a fitting portion which is guided by the taper 33h and / or the taper 33i and is fitted to the side plate 32.

  According to this embodiment, the one end side positioning pin (one end side locking portion) 53 provided on one end side of the cartridge 30 is the main body side positioning member (one end side guide member) 40 (provided on the one end side plate 32). It is inserted into a positioning hole (locking part) 51) from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and is fitted. The other end side positioning pin (other end side locking portion) 53 provided on the other end side of the cartridge 30 is a main body side positioning member (other end side guide member) 40 (provided on the other end side plate 32). It is inserted into a positioning hole (locking part) 51) from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and is fitted.

  As a result, the cartridge 30 attached to the apparatus main body A regulates the distance between the positioning members 50 and 50 of the apparatus main body A. That is, the cartridge 30 regulates the distance between the side plates 32. At the same time, the cartridge 30 also serves as a reinforcing member that ensures the rigidity of the apparatus main body A. Therefore, even if the cost is reduced and the size is reduced, the detachability operability of the cartridge 30 with respect to the apparatus main body A is not impaired. In addition, the photosensitive drum 2 (cart lodge 30) can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body A and stably held. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the mounting failure of the cartridge 30 and the image failure.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above-described embodiment, the process cartridge has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the present invention is applied to the developing cartridges 5a to 5d that are detachable from the rotary 1, the same effect can be obtained. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to the developing cartridge with the same configuration.

  For example, similarly to the locking portion 33 of the cartridge 30 in the first embodiment described above, locking portions that lock the both side plates forming the rotary housing are provided at both longitudinal ends of the developing cartridge. This locking portion is provided integrally with the housing of the developing cartridge. Then, by attaching the developing cartridge to the apparatus main body, the both side plates of the rotary are sandwiched and locked from both sides in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the rotary is locked following the developing cartridge at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge. For this reason, the developing cartridge can guarantee the distance between the both side plates of the rotary.

  Further, like the guide member 37 of the apparatus main body in the second embodiment described above, the guide members are integrally provided on both side plates forming the rotary casing. The guide member is made of resin, and has a guide surface that guides the developing cartridge when it is mounted on the rotary, and an abutting surface for restricting the position in the inserting direction of the developing cartridge. Further, the guide member has a notch for sandwiching and engaging the engaging portion of the developing cartridge described above. The engaging portion of the developing cartridge is sandwiched and engaged with the notch portion of the guide member from both sides in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the rotary is locked following the developing cartridge at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge. For this reason, the developing cartridge guarantees the distance between the both side plates of the rotary.

  Further, similarly to the main body side positioning member 50 of the apparatus main body in the third embodiment described above, positioning members (guide members) are integrally provided on both side plates forming the rotary casing. The positioning member has a positioning hole (locking portion) that fits with a positioning pin (locking portion) of the developing cartridge, and a fixing screw hole for fixing the developing cartridge to the apparatus main body. The positioning pins of the developing cartridge are inserted and fitted in the positioning holes of the positioning member in the cartridge mounting direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. At this time, the apparatus main body (both side plates of the rotary) is locked following the developing cartridge at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge. For this reason, the developing cartridge guarantees the distance between the both side plates of the rotary.

  As described above, even when the present invention is applied to the developing cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the rotary included in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the same effect as that of the process cartridge described above can be obtained.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge that is detachable with respect to the rotary included in the apparatus main body is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same effect can be obtained even if the present invention is applied to a developing cartridge that does not have a rotary as described above and can be directly attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which four developing cartridges are used has been illustrated. However, the number of developing cartridges to be used is not limited to this, and may be set as appropriate.

  In the above-described embodiment, as a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit as a process member that acts on the photosensitive drum, and a cartridge that integrally includes a cleaning unit. Illustrated. However, the process cartridge is not limited to this configuration. For example, in addition to the photosensitive drum, a cartridge integrally including any one of a charging unit (process member), a developing unit (process member), and a cleaning unit (process member) may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which one process cartridge is used has been exemplified. However, the number of process cartridges to be used is not limited to this, and may be set as necessary.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to a process cartridge that integrally includes the photosensitive drum 2 and the process member that acts on the photosensitive drum 2 and is detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The present invention also includes a developing roller 25 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2, and a developer storage portion that stores the developer used by the developing roller 25 for developing the electrostatic latent image. Can be applied to a developing cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body A.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer is exemplified as the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be another electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine, or another electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine combining these functions. In the above-described embodiment, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using a recording medium carrier may be used. In this electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developer images of respective colors are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto a recording medium carried on a recording medium carrier. The same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to such an image forming apparatus.

  According to each embodiment described above, the cartridge (developing cartridge 5, process cartridge 30) and the one end side plate 32 are in a state where movement of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction is restricted, and the cartridges 5, 30 and the other end The side plate 32 is a state in which the movement in the longitudinal direction is restricted, and the cartridges 5 and 30 are supported by the one end side plate 32 and the other end side plate 32. Thereby, the effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, by attaching the cartridge to the apparatus main body, the locking portion of the cartridge locks the apparatus main body. At this time, the apparatus main body is locked following the cartridge at both longitudinal ends of the cartridge. As a result, the cartridge regulates the distance within the apparatus main body where the cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body is interposed. At the same time, the cartridge also serves as a reinforcing member for ensuring the rigidity of the apparatus main body. Therefore, even if the cost is reduced and the size is reduced, the detachable operability of the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body is not impaired. In addition, for example, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum can be accurately positioned with respect to the apparatus main body and stably held.

Sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the laser beam printer which is an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus Sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the laser beam printer which is an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus The front view which shows the mounting state with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the mounting state with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The front view which shows the mounting state with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum cartridge which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the mounting state with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum cartridge which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the mounting | wearing form with respect to the apparatus main body of the drum cartridge which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the state which mounts the drum cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment to an apparatus main body. The perspective view which shows the state which mounts the drum cartridge which concerns on 1st Embodiment to an apparatus main body. Partial enlarged view of the apparatus main body according to the first embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the state which mounts the drum cartridge which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to an apparatus main body. The perspective view which shows the state which mounts the drum cartridge which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in an apparatus main body. Partial enlarged view of the apparatus main body according to the third embodiment

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Photosensitive drum 5 (5a to 5d) ... Developing cartridge 30 ... Process cartridge 32 ... Side plate 33 ... Locking part 34 ... Notch part 35 ... Drum positioning part 37 ... Guide member 38 ... Guide surface 39 ... Abutting surface 50 ... Body-side positioning member 51 ... Positioning hole 53 ... Positioning pin

Claims (12)

In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a cartridge is detachably mounted to form an image on a recording medium.
One end side main body frame that supports one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge to be mounted, the one end side main body frame bending in the longitudinal direction;
The other end side body frame that supports the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge to be mounted, the other end side body frame being bent in the longitudinal direction;
The one end side main body frame and the other end side in a state where one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge is supported by the one end side main body frame and the other end side in the longitudinal direction is supported by the other end side main body frame. The cartridge that regulates the distance between the main body frame, and
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:   The cartridge and the one end side main body frame are in a state in which movement in the longitudinal direction is restricted, and the cartridge and the other end side main body frame are in a state in which movement in the longitudinal direction is restricted, 2. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is supported by the one end side main body frame and the other end side main body frame.   The one end side locking portion provided on the one end side of the cartridge holds and holds the side plate as the one end side main body frame from both sides in the longitudinal direction, and is provided on the other end side of the cartridge. The electrophotographic image according to claim 1, wherein the other end side locking portion sandwiches and locks a side plate as the other end side main body frame from both sides in the longitudinal direction. Forming equipment.   The one end side locking portion provided on the one end side of the cartridge is sandwiched and locked by one end side guide member provided on a side plate as the one end side main body frame in the longitudinal direction, and the cartridge The other end side locking portion provided on the other end side is sandwiched and locked by the other end side guide member provided on the side plate as the other end side main body frame in the longitudinal direction. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The one end side locking portion provided on the one end side of the cartridge is inserted and fitted into a one end side guide member provided on a side plate as the one end side main body frame from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The other end side locking portion provided on the other end side of the cartridge is inserted into the other end side guide member provided on the side plate as the other end side main body frame from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is fitted.   The cartridge integrally includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process member acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and is a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, or the cartridge is A developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a developer storage portion for storing the developer used for developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing roller are integrally provided. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing cartridge is detachable from the main body. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus that removably mounts a cartridge to form an image on a recording medium, and supports one end in the longitudinal direction of the mounted cartridge and bends in the longitudinal direction on one end side body frame A cartridge that is removably mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the other end-side main body frame that supports the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge to be mounted and bends in the longitudinal direction. Having:
A housing,
One end side locking portion provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the casing;
The other end side locking portion provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the casing;
Have
The one end side main body frame and the other end side in a state where one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge is supported by the one end side main body frame and the other end side in the longitudinal direction is supported by the other end side main body frame. A cartridge that regulates a distance between the main body frame and the cartridge.   The cartridge and the one end side main body frame are in a state in which movement in the longitudinal direction is restricted, and the cartridge and the other end side main body frame are in a state in which movement in the longitudinal direction is restricted, The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the cartridge is supported by the one end side main body frame and the other end side main body frame.   The one end side locking portion sandwiches and locks a side plate as the one end side main body frame from both sides in the longitudinal direction, and the other end side locking portion is the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The cartridge according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a side plate as a main body frame is sandwiched and locked from both sides.   The one end side locking portion is sandwiched and locked in one end side guide member provided on a side plate as the one end side main body frame in the longitudinal direction, and the other end side locking portion is 9. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the cartridge is sandwiched and locked in the other end side guide member provided on a side plate as the other end side main body frame in the direction.   The one end side locking portion is inserted and fitted into a one end side guide member provided on a side plate as the one end side main body frame from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the other end side locking portion 9 is inserted into and fitted into the other end side guide member provided on the side plate as the other end side main body frame from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Cartridge.   The cartridge integrally includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process member acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and is a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, or the cartridge is A developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a developer storage portion for storing the developer used for developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing roller are integrally provided. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the cartridge is detachable from the main body.

Images