JP3687162B2

JP3687162B2 - Separation method and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP3687162B2
Application number: JP34075695A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 久喜永瀬; 宏行時松; 州太 ▲浜▼田; 哲羽根田; 俊英三浦
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Current assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Priority date: 1995-12-27
Filing date: 1995-12-27
Publication date: 2005-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2015-12-27
Also published as: JPH09179370A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、主として複写装置、プリンタ等に於いて、外周に帯電手段と、現像手段とを配置した像担持体と、該像担持体内に像露光手段を内蔵した電子写真方式の画像形成装置に関し、特に像担持体内に設けた像露光手段を支持固定する固定部材の取り外しに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、例えば複数の現像装置を用いてカラー画像を形成する方法は多数知られている。前記のようなカラー画像形成装置に於いて、例えば特開平５−３０７３０７号公報に開示されているものは、単一の像担持体（以下感光体ドラムと云う）の内側に、該感光体ドラムを露光するイエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），黒（ＢＫ）用である複数の像露光手段を、感光体ドラムの長手方向に形成した取付部材に取り付け、前記感光体ドラムの外面に沿って前記複数の像露光手段と同数の帯電器と、該帯電器と前記露光手段により形成された静電潜像を現像する前記イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），黒（ＢＫ）のカラートナーを現像する複数の現像装置を像担持体の外面に沿って配置し、前記感光体ドラムを１回転する事でカラー画像を形成し、記録紙に転写して定着する方法が知られている。そして前記複数の像露光手段を取り付けた取付部材を、支持部材を介して画像形成装置の一部に固定用ネジで固定している。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記の、複数のライン状に形成した像露光手段は感光体ドラムの内面に沿って支持部材を介して画像形成装置の一部に一体的に固定ネジで固定されている。前記ライン状の像露光手段は、集束性光伝送体とＬＥＤで構成され、先端で感光体ドラム表面の感光体の露光により正確な潜像を形成する必要があるため、像露光手段の先端と、感光体ドラム内面が接近して設けられている。しかるに長期間又は頻繁に画像形成操作を行っていると、前記ＬＥＤアレイが疲労して交換を必要とする場合があり、更に集束性光伝送体の発光部分に塵、又はトナー等が付着し、画像形成能力が低下するため清掃を必要とする。その際、前記支持部材を固定した固定ネジを画像形成装置の取付位置より外し、前記取付部材と複数の集束性光伝送体と発光体のＬＥＤアレイを感光体ドラム内より取り外す作業を行うが、前記のように像露光手段の先端と、感光体ドラム内面が接近して設けられ、且つ、接近距離を常時正確に保持するため、保持すると共に固定する固定部材と画像形成装置の取付位置は高精度で嵌合して取り付けられており、極めて間隙が少ないため簡単に取り外すことが不可能である。又無理に取り外すと、支持部材と画像形成装置の取付位置の精度が狂い、再び保持部材を取り付けた時、取付精度が維持できなくなることがある。
【０００４】
本発明は前記の欠点を改善するため、特に改良されたものである。即ち、高精度で取り付けられている支持部材を画像形成装置の取付位置より円滑に取り外すようにすることを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の目的は、下記の発明により達成される。
（１）プロセスユニットに、軸受けを介して像担持体を回転自在に支持するとともに、前記像担持体内に固定の露光手段を設けた画像形成装置の、前記像担持体と前記露光手段とを分離する分離方法において、
前記露光手段を支持する支持部材を保持部材を介して、前記プロセスユニットに固定している固定用ネジを外した後に、前記保持部材に設けられた取り外し用のネジ穴に取り外し用ネジを挿入し、回転により前記取り外し用のネジ穴に進入させ、前記プロセスユニットに突き当て、更に、前記取り外し用ネジを回転させることにより、前記保持部材を前記プロセスユニットから離間させることにより、前記像担持体と前記露光手段とを分離することを特徴とする分離方法。
（２）プロセスユニットに軸受けを介して像担持体を回転自在に支持するとともに、前記像担持体内に固定の露光手段を設けた画像形成装置の、前記像担持体と前記露光手段とを分離する分離方法において、
前記露光手段を支持する支持部材に軸受けを介して回転自在に支持されたフランジに前記像担持体を固定する固定用ネジを外した後に、前記フランジに設けられた取り外し用のネジ穴に取り外し用ネジを挿入し、回転により前記取り外し用のネジ穴に進入させ、前記像担持体の端面に突き当て、更に、前記取り外し用ネジを回転させることにより、前記フランジを前記像担持体の前記端面から離間させることにより、前記像担持体と前記露光手段とを分離することを特徴とする分離方法。
（３）プロセスユニットに軸受けを介して像担持体を回転自在に支持するとともに、前記像担持体内に固定の露光手段を設けた画像形成装置において、
前記露光手段を支持する支持部材を、保持部材を介して前記プロセスユニットに固定し、前記保持部材は固定用ネジにより、前記プロセスユニットに固定され、且つ、前記保持部材は前記固定用ネジのためのネジ穴の他に、前記保持部材を取り外すための取り外し用のネジ穴であって、前記プロセスユニットのネジ穴のない部分に対向する位置に設けられた前記取り外し用のネジ穴を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。
（４）プロセスユニットに軸受けを介して像担持体を回転自在に支持するとともに、前記像担持体内に固定の露光手段を設けた画像形成装置において、
前記露光手段を支持する支持部材に軸受けを介して回転自在にフランジを支持させ、前記フランジに前記像担持体を固定用ネジで固定するとともに、前記フランジは前記固定用ネジのためのネジ穴の他に、前記像担持体と前記露光手段とを分離する取り外し用のネジ穴であって、前記像担持体の端部のネジ穴のない部分に対向する位置に設けられた前記取り外し用のネジ穴を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。
（５）前記記固定用ネジのための前記ネジ穴と、前記取り外し用のジ穴とは、それぞれ、複数設けられていることを特徴とする請求項３又は請求項４に記載の画像形成装置。
（６）前記露光手段は複数設けられていることを特徴とする請求項３〜５のいずか１項に記載の画像形成装置。
【０００６】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は本発明を実施したカラー画像形成装置を示す実施の形態例であり、カラー画像形成装置２００内には、透明材よりなる筒上に、透明導電層と、該透明導電層上に銅フタロシアニンを電荷発生物質とした電荷発生層と、該電荷発生層上に電荷移動層を設けた二層構成のＯＰＣ感光体を塗布したものを感光体ドラム２０１とし、該感光体ドラム２０１内部に固定された支持部材１０６に、例えば発光素子のＬＥＤアレイと、集束性光伝送体アレイ（例えば商品名セルホックレンズとして市販されているもの）を介して組合わせた複数の像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５を放射状に形成して、前記感光体ドラム２０１の内面に沿って配置する。前記像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５は、別体の画像読取り装置によって読み取られた各色の画像信号が、メモリにより順次取り出されて前記像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５のＬＥＤアレイにそれぞれ電気信号として入力される。本実施例で使用される発光素子であるＬＥＤアレイの発光波長は６００〜８００ｎｍの範囲のものである。２０６Ｙ，２０７Ｍ，２０８Ｃ，２０９ＢＫは、イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），及び黒（ＢＫ）の各現像剤を収容した現像装置で、各々前記感光体ドラム２０１の周面に対し、所定の間隔を保持して設けられており、前記現像装置２０６Ｙ，２０７Ｍ，２０８Ｃ，２０９ＢＫに、イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），及び黒（ＢＫ）の各現像剤を補給する現像剤補給手段２１０，２１１，２１２，２１３が各々設けられている。２１４はブレード状に形成したクリーニング装置で、該クリーニング装置２１４で前記感光体ドラム２０１面をクリーニングした後の廃棄トナーを、前記クリーニング装置２１４より、搬送手段２１６を用いて廃棄トナー容器２１５に収容する様に構成する。
【０００７】
尚、像露出が感光体ドラム２０１の裏面より行なわれる事から、該感光体ドラム２０１の表面から行なわれる場合の様な、先のトナー像による光遮蔽の問題が無いため、現像順は、イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），及び黒（ＢＫ）に限定されず、シアン（Ｃ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），イエロー（Ｙ），及び黒（ＢＫ）又は、黒（ＢＫ），シアン（Ｃ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），イエロー（Ｙ）又は、黒（ＢＫ），イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ）又は、黒（ＢＫ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），イエロー（Ｙ）等の他の組み合わせが可能である。
【０００８】
更に、像担持体である前記感光体ドラム２０１の回転方向に対し、前記像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５の手前側で、且つ前記感光体ドラム２０１の外側に近接し、一定間隔に帯電器３００，３０１，３０２，３０３を各々設ける。
【０００９】
そして、前記感光体ドラム２０１と、帯電器３００，３０１，３０２，３０３と、前記像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５と、前記現像装置２０６Ｙ，２０７Ｍ，２０８Ｃ，２０９ＢＫと、現像剤補給手段２１０，２１１，２１２，２１３と、前記クリーニング装置２１４と、廃棄トナー容器２１５とを、図示の様に一体に組み合わせて、画像形成ユニット２００Ｃ（以下プロセスユニット２００Ｃと云う）として構成し、前記カラー画像形成装置２００内に設けた受部材２００Ｄ，２００Ｅにプロセスユニット２００Ｃを載置固定する。
【００１０】
前記プロセスユニット２００Ｃには少なくとも前記帯電器３００，３０１，３０２，３０３と、前記現像装置２０６Ｙ，２０７Ｍ，２０８Ｃ，２０９ＢＫが設けられ、下部には、像担持体である感光体ドラム２０１より画像を記録紙Ｐに転写するための切欠部２００Ｆが形成され、前記感光体ドラム２０１の一部を露出させる。
【００１１】
次に、図１に於ける実施例に示すプロセスユニット２００Ｃの画像形成プロセスについて説明する。まず、本カラー画像形成装置２００とは別体の画像読取装置に於いて、撮像素子により読み取られた画像、あるいはコンピュータで編集された画像を、前記、イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），及び黒（ＢＫ）の各色の画像信号として一旦メモリに格納する。
【００１２】
画像記録のスタート信号により、感光体ドラム２０１を時計方向に回転駆動し、同時に帯電器３００の帯電作用により、感光体ドラム２０１に電荷の付与が開始される。
【００１３】
感光体ドラム２０１に電荷が付与された後、前記像露光手段２０２に於いて、第１の色信号、即ち前記イエロー（Ｙ）の画像信号に対応する電気信号による像露光が開始され、感光体ドラム２０１の回転によってその表面の感光層に前記イエロー（Ｙ）画像に対応する静電潜像が形成される。
【００１４】
前記静電潜像は、前記現像装置２０６Ｙにより非接触反転現像され、感光体ドラム２０１の回転に応じて前記イエロー（Ｙ）のトナー画像が形成される。
【００１５】
次に感光体ドラム２０１は前記イエロー（Ｙ）のトナー画像の上に、更に帯電器３０１の帯電作用により電荷が付与され、前記像露光手段２０３の色信号、即ち前記マゼンタ（Ｍ）の画像信号に対応する電気信号により画像露光が行われ、現像装置２０７Ｍによる非接触反転現像によって、前記イエロー（Ｙ）のトナー画像上にマゼンタ（Ｍ）のトナー画像が重ね合わせて形成される。
【００１６】
前記と同様の画像形成プロセスにより、帯電器３０２、前記像露光手段２０４及び現像装置２０８Ｃによって更に第３の色信号に対応するシアン（Ｃ）のトナー像が、又最後の帯電器３３３、前記像露光手段２０５、及び現像装置２０９ＢＫによって第４の色信号に対応する黒（ＢＫ）のトナー画像が順次重ね合わせて形成され、感光体ドラム２０１の一回転以内に、感光体ドラム２０１の周面上にカラートナー画像が形成される。
【００１７】
前記カラー画像形成装置２００の下位置に、記録紙Ｐを内蔵した給紙カセット２０７を設け、記録紙Ｐを給紙ローラ２１７にて給紙し、搬送ローラ２１８にてレジストローラ２１９迄給送し、一旦停止する。そして前記感光体ドラム２０１の周面上に形成したカラートナー画像が前記切欠部２００Ｆの転写位置に移動した時、前記記録紙Ｐも転写位置に給送される様に前記レジストローラ２１９を始動させ、前記カラートナー画像を記録紙Ｐに転写器２２０にて転写し、分離器２２１にて記録紙Ｐを感光体ドラム２０１より分離した後、搬送装置２２２で定着装置２２３に記録紙Ｐを搬送し、前記カラートナー画像を記録紙Ｐ上に熱定着する。定着が完了した記録紙Ｐは、搬送ローラ２２４，２２５で搬送し、排紙ローラ２２６よりカラー画像形成装置２００の上部に設けた排紙トレイ２００Ａに排紙する。
【００１８】
又前記排紙トレイ２００Ａは、カラー画像形成装置２００に対して支軸２００Ｂで開放自在となし、現像剤補給手段２１０，２１１，２１２，２１３、及び廃棄トナー容器２１５の交換、又は前記イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），及び黒（ＢＫ）のカラートナーの補給を行う事が出来る。
【００１９】
図２は、カラー画像形成装置２００の一部を構成するプロセスユニット２００Ｃの横断面図である。該プロセスユニット２００Ｃに高精度（±１０μｍ）で支持された軸受３３０により回転自在に設けられ、且つ歯車３０１を設けた円筒保持部材３０２に感光体ドラム２０１の一端が嵌合保持されている。そして前記歯車３０１には感光体ドラム２０１を回転駆動する駆動歯車３０３が設けられている。又図の様に感光体ドラム２０１の他端は、前記プロセスユニット２００Ｃの第１挿入孔２３１に高精度で正確に固定された支持部材１０６と軸受３０４を介して高精度で嵌合された受部２３４で回転自在に支持されている。前記支持部材１０６には図１に示す前記像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５が図のように設けられており、正確な位置に固定されている。一方、プロセスユニット２００Ｃには支持部材１０６の他端を保持する保持部材（以下固定部材３０５と云う）が複数の固定用ネジ３０６で固定されている。該固定部材３０５は前記軸受３３０の一部を支持する支持面３０７が形成されており、更にプロセスユニット２００Ｃに高精度に形成した支持面２３３と共に正確に保持された前記軸受３３０が設けられており、該軸受３３０に感光体ドラム２０１の他端が回転自在に保持されている。そして前記支持部材１０６の他端を固定部材３０５の第２挿入孔３０８に前記の高精度で正確に固定する。以上のように感光体ドラム２０１は軸受３３０，３０４に正確な位置に保持され、支持部材１０６もプロセスユニット２００Ｃと、固定部材３０５を介して前記の高精度で保持されているため、図１及び図２に示すように感光体ドラム２０１の内面２０１１と、像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５の先端の発光面が露光時にも所定の巾で正確に保持固定されている。
【００２０】
３０９は前記固定部材３０５の一部に複数個（本実施の形態は４個）設けた固定部材３０５の取り外し用ネジで、固定部材３０５に螺旋溝で螺合され、取り外し用ネジ３０９の先端３１０は固定部材３０５を突き抜けてプロセスユニット２００Ｃの外面２３２に接触するように設ける。更に固定部材３０５の外面３１１と、取り外し用ネジ３０９のネジ頭３１２間には、固定部材３０５の取り外しに充分な間隙３１３が形成されるように前記取り外し用ネジ３０９が長めに形成されている。
【００２１】
図３（ａ），（ｂ）は、固定部材３０５の取り外しの作用を示す。図３（ａ）は固定部材３０５がプロセスユニット２００Ｃに固定用ネジ３０６で固定された状態を示す。前記のように固定部材３０５の支持面３０７で軸受３３０を介して正確に固定部材３０５が保持されており、固定部材３０５の第２挿入孔３０８に支持部材１０６の端部が所定位置に正確に保持固定されている。そして４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９の先端３１０が各々プロセスユニット２００Ｃの外面２３２に接触した状態となっている。
【００２２】
次に図３（ｂ）に示すように固定部材３０５を取り外す場合は、先ず固定用ネジ３０６を固定部材３０５より外し、次に４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９を矢示の方向である右方にドライバー等を用いてネジ頭３１２を回転する。回転方法としては、前記４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９の先端３１０がプロセスユニット２００Ｃの外面２３２に接触しながら同一の回動数で回動させるのがよい。以上の操作を行うことで４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９に螺旋溝で螺合された固定部材３０５は、螺旋溝の作用により、軸受３３０に対して固定部材３０５に高精度で嵌合された支持面３０７が矢示の取り外し方向に順次移動する。同時に支持部材１０６の一端に高精度で嵌合された固定部材３０５の第２挿入孔３０８も支持部材１０６の一端より取り外し方向に移動し、更に４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９を回転させることで図示のように固定部材３０５を取り外す。
【００２３】
図４は前記図３で示した固定部材３０５をプロセスユニット２００Ｃの外面２３２より全て取り外した状態を示す。このように固定部材３０５を取り外した後、例えば支持部材１０６と共に像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５を感光体ドラム２０１内より外部に取り出して清掃又は部品の交換等を行うことが出来る。前記清掃又は部品の交換を行った後、支持部材１０６を感光体ドラム２０１内に収納し、固定部材３０５に螺合された４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９を前記矢示と逆方向に回転し、固定部材３０５より突出した４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９を引き込め、再び前記間隙３１３を形成した位置で停止し、次に４個の固定用ネジ３０６でプロセスユニット２００Ｃの外面２３２に取り付け、再び固定部材３０５の支持面３０７が軸受３３０に、第２挿入孔３０８が支持部材１０６に各々高精度で嵌合する。
【００２４】
図５は、固定部材３０５に取り付けられる４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９と、４個の固定用ネジ３０６の配置を示す。取り外し用ネジ３０９は固定用ネジ３０６と交互に設けられているが、前記配置は４個の取り外し用ネジ３０９を回転した時、固定部材３０５の取り外し作用時に於いて、均等に外れるようにバランスを保持する配置にする。又、取り外し用ネジ３０９は取り外し作用のバランスを崩さないため最低３個が必要である。この場合は、固定用ネジ３０６も最低３個が必要となる。
【００２５】
尚、前記取り外し用ネジ３０９は、常時固定部材３０５に取り付けず、他の所定場所に保管し、固定部材３０５を取り外す時に螺合して取り付けてもよい。
【００２６】
図６は本発明の他の実施形態を示すものである。本実施形態は、プロセスユニット２００Ｃに像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５を設けた支持部材１０６の両端を支持すると共に、支持部材１０６の両端に軸受４００を設け、該軸受４００にフランジ４０４を介して感光体ドラム２０１の両端を高精度で回転自在に取り付けたものである。感光体ドラム２０１とフランジ４０４は複数個の固定用ネジ４１１で固定され、軸受４００で回転出来るように構成されている。本実施形態に於いても、感光体ドラム２０１の内面２０１１と、像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５の先端間の間隙精度を保持するため、軸受４００とフランジ４０４の取り付け面４０９と感光体ドラム２０１の内面２０１１との取り付け面４１０は前記高精度で保持されている。更に、フランジ４０４にはネジ頭４０３を有する複数個の取り外し用ネジ４０１が螺旋溝で螺合して設けられており、取り外し用ネジ４０１の先端４１２は感光体ドラム２０１の端面に接触するように設けられている。そして前記ネジ頭４０３とフランジ４０４の外側面４０８間に、フランジ４０４の取り外しに充分な間隙４０５が形成されるように取り外し用ネジ４０３が長く形成されている。又、一方のフランジ４０４には歯車が４１３が設けられており、駆動用歯車（図示せず）により感光体ドラム２０１を回転駆動することが出来る構成となっている。この構成は前記図２，３と同様である。
【００２７】
以上のように構成された図６の実施形態に於いて、フランジ４０４を感光体ドラム２０１より取り外すには、先ず、プロセスユニット２００Ｃより支持部材１０６を外した後、フランジ４０４と感光体ドラム２０１を固定した固定用ネジ４１１を取り外す。次に複数個の取り外し用ネジ４０１のネジ頭４０３を前記図３（ｂ）に示すように矢示の右回転方向にドライバー等で取り外し、先端４１０を感光体ドラム２０１の端面に接触しながら同一の回動数で回動させる。以上の操作を行うことで複数の取り外し用ネジ４０１に螺合されたフランジ４０４は、螺旋溝の作用により、軸受４００に対して高精度で嵌合された取り付け面４０９と感光体ドラム２０１の内面２０１１との取り付け面４１０が順次取り外し方向に間隙４０５間を移動すし、フランジ４０４が軸受４００と、感光体ドラム２０１の端部より離脱し取り外しを完了する。本実施形態では感光体ドラム２０１の両端にフランジ４０４が設けられているが、前記同様の操作で感光体ドラム２０１よりフランジ４０４を取り外す。
【００２８】
又、本実施形態に於いても、実施形態の図２，３同様に、通常はフランジ４０４より取り外し用ネジ４０３を外しておき、所定の保管場所に保管しておき、フランジ４０４の取り外し時に取り付けて使用してもよいことは勿論である。
【００２９】
以上の操作より感光体ドラム２０１よりフランジ４０４を取り外し、支持部材１０６と共に像露光手段２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５を取り出すことが出来る。
【００３０】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明は、請求項１に於いて、画像形成ユニット本体と像担持体の感光体ドラム間を高精度で支持した軸受と、該軸受と像露光手段の支持部材を高精度で嵌合して支持した固定部材に、螺旋溝で設けた取り外し用の回動部材を設け、画像形成ユニット本体を基ににして回動部材を回動することにより、高精度で支持した軸受と支持部材より螺旋溝の作用で固定部材を円滑確実に取り外し、固定部材と他の支持部材、及び軸受等に歪みを与えることがない。
【００３１】
請求項２に於いて、像露光手段が設けられているが、特に複数の像露光手段が感光体ドラム内に設けられていても、感光体ドラム内面と、像露光手段の先端との間隔が正確で、且つ組み立てと分解時にも像露光手段の先端が感光体ドラム内面に接触することがない。
【００３２】
請求項３に於いて、前記固定部材は、軸受に対して高精度で嵌合され画像形成ユニットに設けられているので、像露光手段の支持部材の位置が正確であり、且つ取り外し用回動部材を用いて無理なく固定部材を取り出すことができる。
【００３３】
請求項４に於いて、前記回動部材は螺旋溝で固定部材に複数個設けられているので、複数の取り外し用回動部材を用いて前記固定部材を軸受及び支持部材の固定面より円滑に移動して取り外すことが出来る。
【００３４】
請求項５に於いて、前記固定部材は複数の取り外し用回動部材と交互に設けた固定用ネジ部材で画像形成ユニットに固定されているので、特に固定部材に固定用ネジ部材を設けるための場所を必要とせず、且つ確実に画像形成ユニットに固定部材を固定することが出来る。
【００３５】
請求項６に於いて、像露光を行うライン状の像露光手段と、前記支持部材に設けた軸受を介して回動自在に設けたフランジと、該フランジに支持した前記ドラム状像担持体とを有し、前記フランジに螺旋溝で設けた取り外し用回動部材を回動することで、ドラム状像担持体と軸受よりフランジを取り外し用回動部材の螺旋溝の作用でフランジを円滑確実に取り外し、フランジと他の支持部材、及び軸受等に歪みを与えることがない。
【００３６】
請求項７に於いて、像露光手段が設けられているが、特に複数の像露光手段が感光体ドラム内に設けられていても、感光体ドラム内面と、像露光手段の先端との間隔が正確で、且つ組み立てと分解時にも像露光手段の先端が感光体ドラム内面に接触することがない。
【００３７】
請求項８に於いて、前記取り外し用回動部材は螺旋溝で前記フランジに複数設けられているので複数の取り外し用回動部材を用いて前記フランジを軸受及び感光体ドラムより円滑に移動して取り外すことが出来る。
【００３８】
請求項９に於いて、前記フランジは複数の取り外し用回動部材と交互に設けた固定用ネジ部材で感光体ドラムに固定されているので、特にフランジに固定用ネジ部材を設けるための場所を必要とせず、且つ確実に感光体ドラムにフランジを固定することが出来る。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のカラー画像形成装置を示す全体の構成図。
【図２】本発明のプロセスユニットを示す横断面図。
【図３】本発明のプロセスユニットより固定部材を取り外す状態を示す横断面図。
【図４】本発明のプロセスユニットより固定部材を取り外した状態を示す斜視図。
【図５】本発明の固定部材の正面図。
【図６】本発明の他のプロセスユニットを示す横断面図。
【符号の説明】
１０６支持部材
２００カラー画像形成装置
２００Ｃプロセスユニット
２０１感光体ドラム
２０２，２０３，２０４，２０５像露光手段
３００，３０１，３０２，３０３帯電器
２０６Ｙ，２０７Ｍ，２０８Ｃ，２０９ＢＫ現像装置
３３０，３０４，４００軸受
３０２円筒保持部材
３０５固定部材
３０６，４１１固定用ネジ
３０９，４０１取り外し用ネジ
３１０，４１２先端
３１２，４０３ネジ頭
４０４フランジ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention mainly relates to an image carrier having a charging unit and a developing unit arranged on the outer periphery thereof, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which an image exposure unit is built in the image carrier. In particular, the present invention relates to removal of a fixing member that supports and fixes an image exposure means provided in the image carrier.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, many methods for forming a color image using, for example, a plurality of developing devices are known. Among such color image forming apparatuses, for example, what is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-307307 discloses a photosensitive drum on the inner side of a single image carrier (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum). A plurality of image exposure means for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) that are used to expose the photosensitive drum are attached to a mounting member formed in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum, and the photosensitive drum The same number of chargers as the plurality of image exposure means, and the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) developing the electrostatic latent image formed by the charger and the exposure means ), A plurality of developing devices for developing black (BK) color toner are arranged along the outer surface of the image carrier, and a color image is formed by rotating the photosensitive drum once and transferred to a recording sheet. A fixing method is known. Then, an attachment member to which the plurality of image exposure means are attached is fixed to a part of the image forming apparatus via a support member with fixing screws.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The image exposure means formed in a plurality of lines are fixed integrally to a part of the image forming apparatus via a support member along the inner surface of the photosensitive drum with a fixing screw. The line-shaped image exposure means is composed of a converging light transmitter and an LED, and it is necessary to form an accurate latent image by exposing the photoreceptor on the surface of the photoreceptor drum at the tip. The inner surface of the photosensitive drum is provided close to the photosensitive drum. However, if the image forming operation is performed for a long time or frequently, the LED array may be fatigued and needs to be replaced, and further, dust or toner adheres to the light emitting portion of the converging light transmission body, Cleaning is required because the image forming ability is reduced. At that time, the fixing screw fixing the support member is removed from the mounting position of the image forming apparatus, and the mounting member, the plurality of converging light transmitters, and the LED array of the light emitter are removed from the inside of the photosensitive drum. As described above, the front end of the image exposure means and the inner surface of the photosensitive drum are provided close to each other, and in order to maintain the approach distance accurately at all times, the fixing member for holding and fixing and the mounting position of the image forming apparatus are high. It is fitted and attached with accuracy, and it cannot be removed easily because there are very few gaps. If it is forcibly removed, the mounting position accuracy of the support member and the image forming apparatus may be incorrect, and when the holding member is mounted again, the mounting accuracy may not be maintained.
[0004]
The present invention has been particularly improved to remedy the above drawbacks. That is, an object is to smoothly remove the support member attached with high accuracy from the attachment position of the image forming apparatus.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
 The object of the present invention is achieved by the following invention.
(1) The image carrier and the exposure unit of the image forming apparatus in which the process unit rotatably supports the image carrier via a bearing and is provided with a fixed exposure unit in the image carrier. In the separation method to
 After removing the fixing screw for fixing the supporting member for supporting the exposure means to the process unit via the holding member, the removing screw is inserted into the removing screw hole provided in the holding member. The image carrier by separating the holding member from the process unit by causing the screw to enter the removal screw hole by rotation, abut against the process unit, and further rotating the removal screw. A separation method comprising separating the exposure means.
(2) The image carrier is rotatably supported by the process unit via a bearing, and the image carrier and the exposure unit of the image forming apparatus provided with a fixed exposure unit in the image carrier are separated. In the separation method,
 After removing a fixing screw for fixing the image carrier to a flange rotatably supported by a support member that supports the exposure means via a bearing, a screw hole for removal is provided in the flange provided on the flange. By inserting a screw, rotating to enter the screw hole for removal, abut against the end surface of the image carrier, and further rotating the removal screw, the flange is removed from the end surface of the image carrier. A separation method characterized in that the image carrier and the exposure means are separated by separating them.
(3) In an image forming apparatus in which an image carrier is rotatably supported by a process unit via a bearing, and a fixed exposure unit is provided in the image carrier.
 A support member that supports the exposure unit is fixed to the process unit via a holding member, the holding member is fixed to the process unit by a fixing screw, and the holding member is used for the fixing screw. A screw hole for removing the holding member, and the screw hole for removal provided at a position facing a portion of the process unit where there is no screw hole. An image forming apparatus.
(4) In an image forming apparatus in which an image carrier is rotatably supported by a process unit via a bearing, and a fixed exposure unit is provided in the image carrier.
 A support member that supports the exposure unit supports a flange rotatably through a bearing, and fixes the image carrier to the flange with a fixing screw, and the flange has a screw hole for the fixing screw. In addition, a screw hole for separation for separating the image carrier and the exposure means, the screw for removal provided at a position facing a portion of the end of the image carrier that does not have a screw hole. An image forming apparatus having a hole.
(5) The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a plurality of the screw holes for the fixing screws and a plurality of the removal hole are provided. .
(6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein a plurality of the exposure units are provided.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a color image forming apparatus embodying the present invention. In a color image forming apparatus 200, a transparent conductive layer is formed on a cylinder made of a transparent material, and copper is formed on the transparent conductive layer. A photosensitive drum 201 is formed by applying a charge generation layer using phthalocyanine as a charge generation material and a two-layer OPC photosensitive member provided with a charge transfer layer on the charge generation layer, and is fixed inside the photosensitive drum 201. A plurality of image exposure means 202, 203, which are combined with the supporting member 106 via, for example, an LED array of light emitting elements and a converging optical transmitter array (for example, commercially available as a product name SELFOC lens). 204 and 205 are formed radially and disposed along the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 201. The image exposure means 202, 203, 204, and 205 sequentially read out the image signals of the respective colors read by separate image reading devices using a memory and store them in the LED arrays of the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, and 205. Each is input as an electrical signal. The light emission wavelength of the LED array, which is a light emitting element used in this example, is in the range of 600 to 800 nm. 206Y, 207M, 208C, and 209BK are developing devices that contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) developers, respectively, on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 201. On the other hand, the developing devices 206Y, 207M, 208C, and 209BK are provided with predetermined intervals, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) developers are added to the developing devices 206Y, 207M, 208C, and 209BK. Developer replenishing means 210, 211, 212, and 213 for replenishing are provided. A cleaning device 214 is formed in a blade shape, and waste toner after the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 is cleaned by the cleaning device 214 is accommodated in the waste toner container 215 from the cleaning device 214 by using the conveying unit 216. Configure as follows.
[0007]
Since the image exposure is performed from the back surface of the photoconductive drum 201, there is no problem of light shielding by the previous toner image as in the case of performing from the front surface of the photoconductive drum 201. (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK), but not limited to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK) or black (BK) , Cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) or black (BK), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) or black (BK), magenta (M), cyan ( Other combinations such as C) and yellow (Y) are possible.
[0008]
Further, with respect to the rotation direction of the photoconductive drum 201 as an image carrier, the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, 205 is in front of and close to the outside of the photoconductive drum 201, and is charged at regular intervals. A container 300, 301, 302, 303 is provided.
[0009]
The photosensitive drum 201, the chargers 300, 301, 302, and 303, the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, and 205, the developing devices 206Y, 207M, 208C, and 209BK, and the developer supply means 210. , 211, 212, 213, the cleaning device 214, and the waste toner container 215 are integrally combined as shown in the figure to form an image forming unit 200 C (hereinafter referred to as a process unit 200 C). The process unit 200C is placed and fixed on receiving members 200D and 200E provided in the apparatus 200.
[0010]
The process unit 200C is provided with at least the chargers 300, 301, 302, and 303 and the developing devices 206Y, 207M, 208C, and 209BK. An image is recorded on the lower portion of the photosensitive drum 201 that is an image carrier. A notch 200F for transfer onto the paper P is formed, and a part of the photosensitive drum 201 is exposed.
[0011]
Next, the image forming process of the process unit 200C shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1 will be described. First, in an image reading apparatus separate from the color image forming apparatus 200, an image read by an image sensor or an image edited by a computer is converted into the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan. (C) and black (BK) image signals are temporarily stored in the memory.
[0012]
The photosensitive drum 201 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the start signal for image recording, and at the same time, the charging of the charger 300 starts to apply the electric charge to the photosensitive drum 201.
[0013]
After the electric charge is applied to the photosensitive drum 201, the image exposure means 202 starts image exposure with an electric signal corresponding to the first color signal, that is, the yellow (Y) image signal. As the drum 201 rotates, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow (Y) image is formed on the photosensitive layer on the surface.
[0014]
The electrostatic latent image is subjected to non-contact reversal development by the developing device 206 Y, and the yellow (Y) toner image is formed in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 201.
[0015]
Next, the photosensitive drum 201 is further charged on the yellow (Y) toner image by the charging action of the charger 301, and the color signal of the image exposure means 203, that is, the magenta (M) image signal. Image exposure is performed with an electrical signal corresponding to the above, and a magenta (M) toner image is superimposed on the yellow (Y) toner image by non-contact reversal development by the developing device 207M.
[0016]
By the same image forming process as described above, a cyan (C) toner image corresponding to the third color signal is further obtained by the charger 302, the image exposure unit 204, and the developing device 208C, and the final charger 333 and the image are also obtained. A black (BK) toner image corresponding to the fourth color signal is sequentially superimposed by the exposure unit 205 and the developing device 209BK, and is formed on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 201 within one rotation of the photosensitive drum 201. A color toner image is formed.
[0017]
A paper feeding cassette 207 containing recording paper P is provided at the lower position of the color image forming apparatus 200, and the recording paper P is fed by the paper feeding roller 217 and fed to the registration roller 219 by the transport roller 218. , Stop once. When the color toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 201 moves to the transfer position of the notch 200F, the registration roller 219 is started so that the recording paper P is also fed to the transfer position. The color toner image is transferred onto the recording paper P by the transfer device 220, and the recording paper P is separated from the photosensitive drum 201 by the separator 221, and then the recording paper P is transported to the fixing device 223 by the transport device 222. The color toner image is heat-fixed on the recording paper P. The recording paper P that has been fixed is transported by transport rollers 224 and 225, and discharged from a paper discharge roller 226 to a paper discharge tray 200A provided on the upper portion of the color image forming apparatus 200.
[0018]
The paper discharge tray 200A can be freely opened by the support shaft 200B with respect to the color image forming apparatus 200, the developer supply means 210, 211, 212, 213, and the waste toner container 215 can be replaced, or the yellow (Y ), Magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) color toners can be supplied.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a process unit 200 C that constitutes a part of the color image forming apparatus 200. One end of the photosensitive drum 201 is fitted and held on a cylindrical holding member 302 that is rotatably provided by a bearing 330 supported by the process unit 200C with high accuracy (± 10 μm). The gear 301 is provided with a drive gear 303 that rotationally drives the photosensitive drum 201. Further, as shown in the figure, the other end of the photosensitive drum 201 is received with high precision through a support member 106 and a bearing 304 which are fixed to the first insertion hole 231 of the process unit 200C with high precision. The portion 234 is rotatably supported. The image exposure means 202, 203, 204, 205 shown in FIG. 1 is provided on the support member 106 as shown in the figure, and is fixed at an accurate position. On the other hand, a holding member (hereinafter referred to as a fixing member 305) that holds the other end of the support member 106 is fixed to the process unit 200C with a plurality of fixing screws 306. The fixing member 305 is provided with a support surface 307 for supporting a part of the bearing 330, and further provided with the bearing 330 accurately held together with the support surface 233 formed with high accuracy in the process unit 200C. The other end of the photosensitive drum 201 is rotatably held by the bearing 330. Then, the other end of the support member 106 is fixed to the second insertion hole 308 of the fixing member 305 with high precision and accuracy. As described above, the photosensitive drum 201 is held at the correct position by the bearings 330 and 304, and the support member 106 is also held by the process unit 200C and the fixing member 305 with the above-described high accuracy. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner surface 2011 of the photosensitive drum 201 and the light emitting surface at the tip of the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, 205 are accurately held and fixed at a predetermined width during exposure.
[0020]
Reference numeral 309 denotes a plurality of fixing member 305 removal screws provided in a part of the fixing member 305 (four in this embodiment). The fixing member 305 is screwed into the fixing member 305 with a spiral groove, and the tip 310 of the removal screw 309 is provided. Is provided so as to penetrate the fixing member 305 and contact the outer surface 232 of the process unit 200C. Further, the removal screw 309 is formed longer between the outer surface 311 of the fixing member 305 and the screw head 312 of the removal screw 309 so that a gap 313 sufficient to remove the fixing member 305 is formed.
[0021]
3A and 3B show the operation of removing the fixing member 305. FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state in which the fixing member 305 is fixed to the process unit 200 C with fixing screws 306. As described above, the fixing member 305 is accurately held by the support surface 307 of the fixing member 305 via the bearing 330, and the end portion of the supporting member 106 is accurately positioned at a predetermined position in the second insertion hole 308 of the fixing member 305. Holding fixed. The tips 310 of the four removal screws 309 are in contact with the outer surface 232 of the process unit 200C.
[0022]
Next, when removing the fixing member 305 as shown in FIG. 3B, the fixing screw 306 is first removed from the fixing member 305, and then the four removing screws 309 are moved to the right in the direction of the arrow. The screw head 312 is rotated using a screwdriver or the like. As a rotation method, the tips 310 of the four removal screws 309 are preferably rotated at the same rotation number while contacting the outer surface 232 of the process unit 200C. As a result of the above operation, the fixing member 305 screwed into the four removal screws 309 with the spiral groove is supported with high precision fitting to the fixing member 305 with respect to the bearing 330 by the action of the spiral groove. The surface 307 sequentially moves in the removal direction indicated by the arrow. At the same time, the second insertion hole 308 of the fixing member 305 fitted to one end of the support member 106 with high precision is also moved in the removal direction from one end of the support member 106, and further, four removal screws 309 are rotated to show the figure. The fixing member 305 is removed as shown in FIG.
[0023]
FIG. 4 shows a state in which all the fixing members 305 shown in FIG. 3 are removed from the outer surface 232 of the process unit 200C. After removing the fixing member 305 in this manner, for example, the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, and 205 together with the support member 106 can be taken out from the inside of the photosensitive drum 201 to be cleaned or replaced. After performing the cleaning or replacement of parts, the support member 106 is accommodated in the photosensitive drum 201, and the four removal screws 309 screwed to the fixing member 305 are rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow, The four removal screws 309 protruding from the fixing member 305 are retracted and stopped again at the position where the gap 313 is formed. Next, the four fixing screws 306 are attached to the outer surface 232 of the process unit 200C and fixed again. The support surface 307 of the member 305 is fitted into the bearing 330 and the second insertion hole 308 is fitted into the support member 106 with high accuracy.
[0024]
FIG. 5 shows an arrangement of four removal screws 309 and four fixation screws 306 attached to the fixing member 305. The removal screws 309 are alternately provided with the fixing screws 306, but the arrangement is balanced so that when the four removing screws 309 are rotated, the fixing members 305 are removed evenly. Arrange to hold. Further, at least three screws 309 for removal are necessary in order not to disturb the balance of the removal action. In this case, at least three fixing screws 306 are required.
[0025]
The detaching screw 309 may not be always attached to the fixing member 305 but may be stored in another predetermined place and screwed and attached when the fixing member 305 is removed.
[0026]
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, both ends of the support member 106 provided with the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, 205 in the process unit 200 C are supported, bearings 400 are provided at both ends of the support member 106, and flanges 404 are provided on the bearing 400. In this way, both ends of the photosensitive drum 201 are rotatably attached with high accuracy. The photosensitive drum 201 and the flange 404 are fixed by a plurality of fixing screws 411 and can be rotated by a bearing 400. Also in this embodiment, in order to maintain the gap accuracy between the inner surface 2011 of the photosensitive drum 201 and the tips of the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, 205, the mounting surface 409 of the bearing 400 and the flange 404, and the photosensitive member. A mounting surface 410 with the inner surface 2011 of the drum 201 is held with high accuracy. Further, a plurality of removal screws 401 having screw heads 403 are screwed into the flange 404 by means of a spiral groove, and the tip 412 of the removal screw 401 is in contact with the end surface of the photosensitive drum 201. Is provided. A removal screw 403 is formed long between the screw head 403 and the outer surface 408 of the flange 404 so that a gap 405 sufficient to remove the flange 404 is formed. One flange 404 is provided with a gear 413 so that the photosensitive drum 201 can be driven to rotate by a driving gear (not shown). This configuration is the same as in FIGS.
[0027]
In the embodiment of FIG. 6 configured as described above, in order to remove the flange 404 from the photosensitive drum 201, first, after removing the support member 106 from the process unit 200C, the flange 404 and the photosensitive drum 201 are moved. The fixed fixing screw 411 is removed. Next, the screw heads 403 of the plurality of screws for removal 401 are removed with a screwdriver or the like in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow as shown in FIG. 3B, and the tip 410 is the same while contacting the end surface of the photosensitive drum 201. It is rotated at the number of rotations. By performing the above operation, the flange 404 screwed into the plurality of screws 401 for removal is attached to the mounting surface 409 and the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 201 with high accuracy with respect to the bearing 400 by the action of the spiral groove. The attachment surface 410 to 2011 is sequentially moved between the gaps 405 in the removal direction, and the flange 404 is detached from the bearing 400 and the end of the photosensitive drum 201 to complete the removal. In this embodiment, the flanges 404 are provided at both ends of the photosensitive drum 201, but the flanges 404 are removed from the photosensitive drum 201 by the same operation as described above.
[0028]
Also in this embodiment, as in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the embodiment, the removal screw 403 is normally removed from the flange 404, stored in a predetermined storage location, and attached when the flange 404 is removed. Of course, it may be used.
[0029]
By the above operation, the flange 404 can be removed from the photosensitive drum 201, and the image exposure means 202, 203, 204, 205 can be taken out together with the support member 106.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in claim 1, the bearing that supports the image forming unit main body and the photosensitive drum of the image carrier with high precision, and the bearing and the support member of the image exposure means are provided with high precision. A bearing that is supported with high accuracy by providing a rotating member for removal provided by a spiral groove on the fixed member that is fitted and supported in step 1, and rotating the rotating member based on the image forming unit main body. The fixing member is smoothly and reliably removed from the support member by the action of the spiral groove, and the fixing member, other support members, bearings and the like are not distorted.
[0031]
The image exposure means is provided according to claim 2, but the distance between the inner surface of the photosensitive drum and the tip of the image exposure means is particularly large even if a plurality of image exposure means are provided in the photosensitive drum. It is accurate and the tip of the image exposure means does not contact the inner surface of the photosensitive drum even during assembly and disassembly.
[0032]
4. The fixing member according to claim 3, wherein the fixing member is fitted to the bearing with high accuracy and is provided in the image forming unit. Therefore, the position of the support member of the image exposure means is accurate, and rotation for removal is performed. The fixing member can be taken out without difficulty using the member.
[0033]
5. The rotating member according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the rotating members are provided in the fixing member by a spiral groove, so that the fixing member is made smoother than the fixing surfaces of the bearing and the supporting member by using a plurality of rotating members for removal. Can be moved and removed.
[0034]
6. The fixing member according to claim 5, wherein the fixing member is fixed to the image forming unit by fixing screw members provided alternately with a plurality of rotating members for removal. The fixing member can be securely fixed to the image forming unit without requiring a place.
[0035]
The line-shaped image exposure means for performing image exposure according to claim 6, a flange rotatably provided via a bearing provided on the support member, and the drum-shaped image carrier supported by the flange. By rotating the removing rotation member provided with a spiral groove on the flange, the flange is removed from the drum-shaped image carrier and the bearing, and the flange is smoothly and reliably operated by the action of the spiral groove of the rotation member for removal. Detachment does not give distortion to the flange and other supporting members and bearings.
[0036]
The image exposure means is provided in claim 7, but even if a plurality of image exposure means are provided in the photosensitive drum, the distance between the inner surface of the photosensitive drum and the tip of the image exposure means is It is accurate and the tip of the image exposure means does not contact the inner surface of the photosensitive drum even during assembly and disassembly.
[0037]
9. The plurality of removing rotating members are provided in the flange with spiral grooves, and the flange is smoothly moved from the bearing and the photosensitive drum by using a plurality of removing rotating members. Can be removed.
[0038]
10. The flange according to claim 9, wherein the flange is fixed to the photosensitive drum by a fixing screw member provided alternately with a plurality of rotating members for removal. It is not necessary and the flange can be securely fixed to the photosensitive drum.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a color image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a process unit of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a fixing member is removed from the process unit of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fixing member is removed from the process unit of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the fixing member of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another process unit of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
106 Support member
200 color image forming apparatus
200C process unit
201 Photosensitive drum
202, 203, 204, 205 Image exposure means
300, 301, 302, 303 Charger
206Y, 207M, 208C, 209BK Development device
330, 304, 400 Bearing
302 Cylindrical holding member
305 Fixing member
306,411 fixing screw
309, 401 Removal screw
310,412 tip
312,403 Screw head
404 flange

Claims

Separation method for separating the image carrier and the exposure unit in an image forming apparatus in which an image carrier is rotatably supported by a process unit via a bearing and a fixed exposure unit is provided in the image carrier. In
After removing the fixing screw for fixing the supporting member for supporting the exposure means to the process unit via the holding member, the removing screw is inserted into the removing screw hole provided in the holding member. The image carrier by separating the holding member from the process unit by causing the screw to enter the removal screw hole by rotation, abut against the process unit, and further rotating the removal screw. A separation method comprising separating the exposure means.

In a separation method for separating the image carrier and the exposure unit of an image forming apparatus in which an image carrier is rotatably supported by a process unit via a bearing and a fixed exposure unit is provided in the image carrier. ,
After removing a fixing screw for fixing the image carrier to a flange rotatably supported by a support member that supports the exposure means via a bearing, a screw hole for removal is provided in the flange provided on the flange. By inserting a screw, rotating to enter the removal screw hole, butting against the end surface of the image carrier, and further rotating the removal screw, the flange is removed from the end surface of the image carrier. A separation method characterized in that the image carrier and the exposure means are separated by separating them.

In an image forming apparatus in which a process unit rotatably supports an image carrier via a bearing, and a fixed exposure unit is provided in the image carrier.
A support member that supports the exposure unit is fixed to the process unit via a holding member, the holding member is fixed to the process unit by a fixing screw, and the holding member is used for the fixing screw. A screw hole for removing the holding member, and the screw hole for removal provided at a position facing a portion of the process unit where there is no screw hole. An image forming apparatus.

In an image forming apparatus in which a process unit rotatably supports an image carrier via a bearing, and a fixed exposure unit is provided in the image carrier.
A support member that supports the exposure unit supports a flange rotatably through a bearing, and fixes the image carrier to the flange with a fixing screw, and the flange has a screw hole for the fixing screw. In addition, a screw hole for separation for separating the image carrier and the exposure means, the screw for removal provided at a position facing a portion of the end of the image carrier that does not have a screw hole. An image forming apparatus having a hole.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the screw holes for the fixing screws and a plurality of the removal hole are provided.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the exposure units are provided.