JP4372703B2 - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is detachably provided with various process cartridges such as a photosensitive drum cartridge, a developing tank cartridge, a charging unit, and a cleaner unit. Since these process cartridges are deteriorated due to use or the consumables are used up, it is necessary to replace them with other cartridges at an appropriate time. At this time, the cartridge may be replaced with a new cartridge, or the cartridge may be replaced with a used cartridge that has been used but is still usable.

  In order to determine the replacement timing of the process cartridge and to optimize the process conditions according to the usage history, the number of times of use and the usage time are set on the image forming apparatus while it is mounted on the image forming apparatus. Often saves history. Examples of optimizing process conditions include changing the charging potential and development conditions according to the cumulative usage time in order to reduce the film thickness and change the sensitivity of the photoconductor. In order to cause a change in consumption and charging characteristics, it is possible to correct development conditions and stirring time.

  Here, if the newly installed cartridge is a new cartridge, there will be no problem in recording the history from the beginning of installation. If the recording of the history is started from the same time as a new product, it may cause a mistake in optimization of the replacement time and process conditions. Therefore, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus can distinguish whether it is a new product or a used product.

  Several methods have already been disclosed for the image forming apparatus to distinguish between a new cartridge and a used cartridge when mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 describes that a new toner cartridge is provided with a foldable claw in advance in order to distinguish whether the toner cartridge is a new product or a used product. When the toner cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body, the foldable claw presses the detection switch attached to the apparatus main body, so that it is detected that a new toner cartridge has been inserted into the apparatus main body and toner has been supplied. At this time, the foldable claw is bent by the pressing force caused by contact with the detection switch. Therefore, even if a used product is inserted into the apparatus main body, the detection switch is not pressed because the foldable claw has already been broken. In this document, by detecting such a toner cartridge, the number of times the detection switch is pressed by only a new toner cartridge is counted to detect the number of toner replenishment, thereby correctly detecting the life of the developing device.

  Patent Document 2 describes that a new development unit is provided with a fuse and the fuse is burned out at a predetermined timing while the development unit is mounted on the copying machine. It can be understood that the developing unit whose fuse has burned out has already been used since the fuse does not conduct even when mounted and used in a copying machine. In this document, by using such a developing unit, it is determined whether the developing unit is new or used, and attempts to prevent the used product from being used in a copying machine.

In Patent Document 3, a developer storage chamber is provided in the upper part of the developing tank of the developing device, and a developing tank of a new developing device is provided in advance as a film-like seal member in the storage chamber and a space including the developing roller and the stirring roller It is described that it is partitioned with. When the developing device is mounted on the copying machine, the seal member is wound up, and the developer is supplied from the storage chamber to a space including the developing roller and the agitation roller. When a new developing device is mounted on the copying machine, the pair of electrode pieces arranged so as to sandwich the sealing member do not contact each other until the sealing member is wound up, so that it is detected that the developing device is new. The Once the developing device is used, the seal member is wound up so that the electrode pieces come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if the developing device is mounted on a copying machine, the developing device may be used. Detected. In this document, when the developing device is mounted on a copying machine, in order to determine whether or not the seal member should be wound, the above-mentioned distinction is made between new and used products. .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-99980 (published on April 11, 1990) JP-A-2-308277 (published on December 21, 1990) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-51182 (published on February 21, 1990)

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the foldable nail breaks when a new toner cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the broken nail may be caught on the apparatus main body, which may cause an apparatus failure. The same problem occurs when this technology is applied to a process cartridge. Further, in the technique of Patent Document 3, when a new developing device is mounted on a copying machine and the seal member is wound up, the developing device may accidentally bite the seal member and cause a device failure.

  Further, since the foldable claw is broken in the technique of the cited document 1, when trying to recycle the toner cartridge and further the process cartridge, the cartridge must be regenerated with the foldable claw. Because the technology burns out the fuse, if you try to recycle the development unit, you must replace the fuse.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge that can distinguish between a new product and a used product, is less likely to cause an apparatus failure, and is easy to recycle. Is to realize. Also, an image forming apparatus using the process cartridge is realized.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the process cartridge of the present invention is an exchangeable process cartridge that is used in an image forming apparatus and whose rotating shaft is driven when operated. The process cartridge is moved by the driving force of the rotating shaft. When the movable member is in a predetermined position, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the rotating shaft is driven, the movable member is moved from the predetermined position by the driving force. When the rotary shaft is driven, it continues to be at a position other than the predetermined position. When the movable element is at a position other than the predetermined position, the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the rotary shaft is driven. Even if it does, the said needle | mover will continue to exist in other than the said predetermined position.

  According to the above invention, when the process cartridge having the movable element at a predetermined position is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the rotation shaft of the process cartridge is driven, the movable element moves from the predetermined position to a position other than the predetermined position, and thereafter the rotation shaft Even if is driven, the mover remains in a position other than the predetermined position. Further, even if a process cartridge having a mover other than a predetermined position is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the rotation shaft of the process cartridge is driven, the mover remains in a position other than the predetermined position. Therefore, if the mover of a new process cartridge is installed at a predetermined position, the mover is at a predetermined position only when a new product is used in the image forming apparatus, and the mover is at a position other than the predetermined position. Therefore, it is determined whether the process cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus is a new product or a used product by detecting whether or not the position of the mover is at a predetermined position by the image forming apparatus. be able to.

  In addition, if it is detected whether or not the mover is at a predetermined position, the mover only needs to move from the predetermined position to another position, so that damage due to position detection and removal of damaged products can be eliminated. It is not necessary, and it is not necessary to make a large movement, and it is not necessary to basically deform with the movement. Therefore, unnecessary interference between the mover and other members hardly occurs. Therefore, the member separated from the process cartridge is not caught in the apparatus as in the prior art, and the film-like member is not caught in the apparatus in the process cartridge. Furthermore, since the mover is not premised on breakage or deformation, the shape restoration regeneration process is basically unnecessary, so that the mover moved to a position other than the predetermined position can be returned to the predetermined position and reused. It can be easily used again with another process cartridge.

  As described above, there is an effect that it is possible to realize a process cartridge that is capable of distinguishing between a new product and a used product but is less likely to cause an apparatus failure and can be easily recycled.

  In order to solve the above problems, the process cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that the movable element can be returned to the predetermined position.

  According to said invention, there exists an effect that a process cartridge can be detected as a new article many times.

  The process cartridge of the present invention is characterized by being recycled in order to solve the above problems.

  According to the above invention, when the process cartridge is recycled, since the movable element can be used many times, there is an effect that the recycling can be performed easily and at low cost.

  In order to solve the above problems, the process cartridge of the present invention includes a columnar member that is coaxial with the rotation shaft and rotates together with the rotation shaft, but cannot move in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. Includes a fitting portion that fits to a side surface of the columnar member, and a protrusion fixed to the fitting portion, and the fitting portion is in the axial direction with respect to the side surface of the columnar member. Is movable and can be engaged in a circumferential direction of the columnar member, and the protrusion includes a columnar portion that is coaxial with the rotating shaft and has a first screw portion on a side surface, The portion includes a stator that protrudes from the fitting portion in a first direction from the inside to the outside of the process cartridge along the axial direction, and is fixed to a frame of the process cartridge. The protruding portion of the mover is separated from the fitting portion. A through hole having a second threaded portion that penetrates in the first direction and is threadedly engaged with the first threaded portion in the penetrating state, and the projecting portion is screwed into the through hole by the threading. When the mover rotates in the rotational direction of the rotary shaft in the screwed state, the first screw portion moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second screw portion. A predetermined position of the movable element in the screwed state is set as the predetermined position.

  According to said invention, the needle | mover which was in a predetermined position moves to a 2nd direction with respect to the side surface of a columnar member with rotation of the columnar member rotated with the driving force of a rotating shaft. Then, when the screwing of the first screw portion of the mover and the second screw portion of the stator is released, the movement is stopped and the rotation is continued. As described above, the combination of the cylindrical member, the mover, and the stator has an effect that it is possible to realize a mechanism for distinguishing between a new product and a used product that is small and has a small moving distance.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the process cartridge of the present invention includes a columnar member that is coaxial with the rotation shaft and is not movable in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and the mover includes a side surface of the columnar member. And a protrusion fixed to the fitting portion, and the fitting portion is movable in the axial direction with respect to a side surface of the columnar member and is cylindrical. The protrusion is not rotatable in the circumferential direction of the member, and the protrusion includes a columnar portion that is coaxial with the rotation shaft and provided with a first screw portion on a side surface. A rotor that protrudes in a first direction from the inside toward the outside of the process cartridge along the axial direction, rotates with the rotating shaft, and cannot move in the axial direction, and the rotor has the movable element. In the first direction when viewed from the fitting portion. In a screwed state in which a through hole having a second threaded portion that is threaded and is threadedly engaged with the first threaded portion in a penetrating state is provided, and the protruding portion is screwed into the through hole by the threading. When the rotor rotates in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft, the first screw portion moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second screw portion, and in the screwed state A predetermined position of the mover is set as the predetermined position.

  According to said invention, the needle | mover which was in a predetermined position moves to a 2nd direction with respect to the side surface of a cylindrical member with rotation of the rotor rotated with the driving force of a rotating shaft. Then, the movement is stopped when the screwing of the first screw portion of the mover and the second screw portion of the stator is released. As described above, the combination of the cylindrical member, the mover, and the rotor has an effect that it is possible to realize a mechanism for distinguishing between a new product and a used product that is small and has a small moving distance.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the process cartridge of the present invention includes a columnar member that is coaxial with the rotation shaft and rotates with the rotation shaft, but cannot move in the axial direction. A fitting portion that is fitted to a side surface of the columnar member; and a protruding portion that is fixed to the fitting portion, wherein the fitting portion moves in the axial direction with respect to the side surface of the columnar member. It is possible to engage in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member, and the protrusion has a rotation center axis that is coaxial with the rotation axis, and from the inside of the process cartridge from the fitting portion A stopper protruding in the first direction toward the outside and having a component in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction is provided on the protruding path, and a stator fixed to the frame of the process cartridge is provided. The protrusion of the child is the A through hole is provided that penetrates in the first direction when viewed from the joint, and the through hole has a notch that allows the stopper to pass through the through hole only when the projection is in a predetermined direction. The compression spring is further provided, and one end of the compression spring abuts on the fitting portion of the mover in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the other end of the compression spring Is a predetermined position of the movable element in a state in which the protruding part of the movable element includes the stopper and penetrates the through hole of the stationary element in contact with the stator in the first direction. It is characterized in that a thing is set as the predetermined position.

  According to the above invention, the movable element at a predetermined position can pass through the through hole of the stator together with the stopper by the rotation of the columnar member rotated by the driving force of the rotating shaft, and the compression spring. The second member moves in the second direction with respect to the side surface of the cylindrical member. Then, when the mover comes into contact with the cylindrical member or the compression spring is fully extended, the movement is stopped and the rotation is continued. As described above, the combination of the cylindrical member, the mover, the stator, and the compression spring has the effect of realizing a mechanism for distinguishing between a new product and a used product that is small and has a small moving distance. Play.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the process cartridge is mounted and detecting means for detecting whether or not the movable element is in the predetermined position.

  According to said invention, there exists an effect that it can detect easily whether a process cartridge is a new article or a used article using the movement of a needle | mover. Further, since the detection unit is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, there is an effect that the detection contact and the detection window are not likely to be defective due to toner adhesion or the like.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, the movable member is in the predetermined position depending on whether or not the process cartridge is mounted and pressed by the protruding tip of the protruding portion of the movable member. It is characterized by having a detecting means for detecting whether or not.

  According to said invention, there exists an effect that it can detect especially easily whether the process cartridge is a new article or a used article using the movement of the protrusion tip of the protrusion part of a needle | mover. Further, since the detection unit is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, there is an effect that a detection contact failure due to toner adhesion or the like hardly occurs.

  As described above, the process cartridge of the present invention includes the mover. When the mover is in a predetermined position, the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the rotating shaft is driven. The child moves from the predetermined position by the driving force. After that, even if the rotary shaft is driven, the child continues to be at a position other than the predetermined position. When the movable element is at a position other than the predetermined position, the process cartridge performs the image formation. Even when the rotary shaft is driven by being mounted on the apparatus, the mover continues to be in a position other than the predetermined position.

  Therefore, it is possible to realize a process cartridge that can distinguish between a new product and a used product, but is less likely to cause an apparatus failure and can be easily recycled.

  One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 as follows.

  First, a schematic configuration of a process unit of an electrophotographic apparatus (image forming apparatus) including a process cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the process unit mainly includes a photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller 3, an exposure unit (not shown), a developing device 4, a transfer discharge roller 5, a cleaning unit 6, and a charge removal unit (not shown). And a fixing roller 7. Among these, the photosensitive drum 2, the charging roller 3, the developing device 4, and the cleaning unit 6 can be mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus as process cartridges for which new and used products are distinguished by the electrophotographic apparatus. The drum cartridge, the charging unit, the developing tank cartridge, and the cleaner unit are provided in this order. In FIG. 7, P indicates a recording sheet, and L indicates a light beam that is irradiated from the exposure unit and writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

  The photosensitive drum 2 rotates in a predetermined direction (the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 7). First, the outer peripheral surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3. The surface of the uniformly charged photoreceptor drum 2 is irradiated with a light beam L controlled by the exposure unit according to image data, and an electrostatic latent image is formed and held.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 moves to a position facing the developing device 4 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2, and is supplied with toner by the developing device 4 to be visualized. At this time, the developing roller 4a of the developing device 4 rotates in a predetermined direction (the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 7) in order to carry and carry the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum 2.

  In the present embodiment, the photosensitive member of the photosensitive drum 2 is composed of an organic optical semiconductor and is charged to −700 V by the charging roller 3. The developing roller 4 a is made of a cylindrical conductive rubber elastic material, and is applied with a developing bias of −400 V and is rotated in the B direction at a peripheral speed equal to that of the photosensitive drum 2.

  The transfer discharge roller 5 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by development onto the paper P. The cleaning unit 6 is disposed downstream of the transfer discharge roller 5 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 2, and the cleaning unit 6 removes residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 after the transfer. The neutralization unit is disposed further downstream of the cleaning unit 6 and neutralizes the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The fixing roller 7 is composed of a pair of upper and lower rollers. When the paper P after the toner image is transferred is conveyed between the upper and lower rollers, the paper P is heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the paper P. .

  Next, a description will be given of an embodiment in which the drum cartridge of the process unit having the above-described configuration is a process cartridge that is a target to be distinguished from a new product and a used product by an electrophotographic apparatus.

  A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1A shows a configuration near one end of the drum cartridge 1 according to this embodiment.

  The drum cartridge 1 includes a photosensitive drum 2, a gear 11, a rotating shaft 12, a waste toner conveying screw 13, a gear 14, a cylindrical member 15, a mover 16, a cover 21, and a frame 22.

  The drum cartridge 1 is attached to the electrophotographic apparatus in the direction from the front side toward the back side, with the front side of the sheet in FIG. 7 being the front side of the electrophotographic apparatus. The mounting direction is the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1A (hereinafter referred to as C direction). Further, the direction when the drum cartridge 1 is removed is the direction of the arrow D opposite to the C direction (hereinafter referred to as the D direction). The direction defined by the C direction (first direction) is a direction from the inner side to the outer side of the drum cartridge 1 along the axial direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 2 and the rotation axis 12, and the D direction ( The direction defined by the (second direction) is a direction from the outside to the inside of the drum cartridge 1 along the axial direction. The drum cartridge 1 is rotationally driven by a drive shaft 31 provided in the electrophotographic apparatus.

  The photosensitive drum 2 has a cylindrical shape with the rotation center axis as a central axis. The gear 11 is fitted to one end of the photosensitive drum 2 on the C direction side, and the drive shaft 31 is fitted in the D direction at the center thereof. The waste toner transport screw 13 is a member that transports the waste toner collected by the cleaning unit in FIG. 7, and obtains toner transport force by the rotation of the rotating shaft 12. The gear 14 is fitted to one end of the rotating shaft 12 on the C direction side and meshes with the gear 11. That is, the waste toner conveying screw 13 rotates by obtaining a driving force from the driving shaft 31 via the gear 11 and the gear 14.

  The columnar member 15 is a member having a columnar base that is coaxial with the rotary shaft 12. Here, the columnar member 15 forms a part of the gear 14 and extends from the gear portion of the gear 14 in the C direction. The columnar member 15 rotates with the rotary shaft 12 and cannot move in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 12. In addition, this cylinder base body should just be provided with the side surface by which a plane is curved along the circumference, and it does not ask | require whether it is the thing with which the inside of the cylinder was filled, or a hollow thing. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 1 (a). On the side surface of the cylindrical member 15, three engaging members 15a, 15b, and 15c are spaced from each other by 120 °. It is provided so as to protrude radially outward and to extend in the axial direction. A region 15z surrounded by a broken line drawn in the cylindrical member 15 in FIG. 1A indicates one of the engaging members 15a, 15b, and 15c. A hatched area 15d shown adjacent to the outside of the side surface of the cylindrical base body indicates an area through which the engaging members 15a, 15b, and 15c pass when the cylindrical member 15 rotates.

  The mover 16 includes a fitting portion 17 and a protruding portion 18.

  The fitting portion 17 includes an inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a and an outer hollow cylindrical portion 17b that are coaxial with each other. The inner hollow cylindrical portion 17 a is a portion that is fitted to the side surface of the cylindrical member 15 from the outside. The outer hollow cylindrical portion 17b is a portion disposed outside the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a. The inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a and the outer hollow cylindrical portion 17b are connected to each other at the respective end portions in the D direction. Moreover, the C direction side edge part of the inner side hollow cylindrical part 17a is obstruct | occluded by the circular-shaped end surface. The C direction side end portion of the outer hollow cylindrical portion 17b is extended and opened to the C direction side further than the C direction side end portion of the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a. In a state where the fitting portion 17 is fitted to the columnar member 15, the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17 a and the outer hollow cylindrical portion 17 b are coaxial with the rotating shaft 12.

  Further, on the side surface of the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a, three engaging members 170a, 170b, and 170c are provided so as to protrude radially inward and extend in the axial direction at intervals of 120 ° from each other. It has been. A region 170z surrounded by a broken line drawn in the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a in FIG. 1A shows one of the engaging members 170a, 170b, and 170c. A hatched area 170d shown adjacent to the inside of the side surface of the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a indicates that when the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a rotates, that is, when the movable member 16 rotates, the engaging members 170a, 170b, 170c The area that passes is shown.

  When the cylindrical member 15 rotates because the hatched area 15d of the cylindrical member 15 and the hatched area 170d of the movable element 16 overlap, the engagement members 15a, 15b, 15c of the cylindrical member 15 and the inner side The engaging members 170a, 170b, and 170c of the hollow cylindrical portion 17a are engaged with each other, and the movable element 16 is rotated. As described above, the fitting portion 17 can move in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 12 with respect to the side surface of the cylindrical member 15 and can be engaged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 15.

  The projecting portion 18 is formed of a cylindrical portion projecting in the C direction from the center of a circular end surface that closes the C-direction side end portion of the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17 a of the fitting portion 17. In a state where the fitting portion 17 is fitted to the columnar member 15, the columnar portion of the protruding portion 18 is coaxial with the rotating shaft 12. The protruding portion 18 includes a first screw portion 18a on the side surface except for the vicinity of the protruding tip.

  The cover (stator) 21 includes a hollow cylindrical part 19 and a through hole part 20. The hollow cylindrical portion 19 is a cylindrical member whose D-direction side end is fixed to a plane portion orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 12 of the frame 22, and the movable element 16 is included in the hollow portion. Yes. The inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical portion 19 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the outer hollow cylindrical portion 17 b of the mover 16. The C-direction side end of the hollow cylindrical portion 19 is an annular end surface provided with an opening 19a in the center. The through-hole portion 20 is an annular plate that is provided on the side surface in the C direction of the opening portion 19a of the hollow cylindrical portion 19 and is coaxial with the opening portion 19a and has a larger diameter than the opening portion 19a. The through-hole portion 20 has a through-hole 20a coaxial with the opening portion 19a and having a smaller diameter than the opening portion 19a at the center. The through hole 20 a is a hole through which the protruding portion 18 passes in the direction from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical portion 19. A second screw portion is provided on the inner surface of the through hole 20a. When the protrusion 18 is passed through the through hole 20a, the first screw portion 18a of the protrusion 18 is screwed with the second screw portion. It is like that. In the protrusion 18, the distance from the protrusion tip to the first screw portion 18 a is set to be equal to or less than the plate thickness of the through hole 20, and the first is always when the protrusion 18 is in a through state with respect to the through hole 20 a. The screw portion 18 and the second screw portion are screwed together.

  FIG. 1B shows a plan view when the mover 16 and the cover 21 of FIG. 1A are viewed in the D direction. As shown in FIG. 1A, when the mover 16 is fitted to the columnar member 15 and the cover 21 is fixed to the frame 22, the through hole 20 a is coaxial with the rotating shaft 12 together with the protruding portion 18. 18 penetrates through-hole 20a in the C direction.

  In the drum cartridge 1 configured as described above, the mover 16 and the cover 21 are detachable from the main body of the drum cartridge 1. When attaching, first, the mover 16 is passed through the through hole 20 a of the cover 21. When the projecting portion 18 is screwed into the through hole 20a by screwing the first screw portion 18a and the second screw portion, the end portion on the C direction side of the outer hollow cylindrical portion 17b of the mover 16 is covered. The penetrating operation is stopped when it abuts against the C-direction side end surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 19 of 21. Next, in this state, the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17 a of the mover 16 is fitted to the cylindrical member 15, and the cover 21 is fixed to the frame 22. In addition to this, in addition to this, the movable element 16 is first fitted to the columnar member 15, and then the cover 21 is screwed onto the projecting portion 18 to be fixed, and the cover 21 is fixed to the frame 22. Also good. When the mover 16 and the cover 21 are removed from the main body of the drum cartridge 1, a procedure reverse to the above may be performed.

  Moreover, the cylindrical member 15, the mover 16, and the cover 21 are made of molding resin. In addition, metal or the like can be used.

  Next, an operation for discriminating whether the drum cartridge 1 is new or used when the drum cartridge 1 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus will be described.

  When the mover 16 and the cover 21 are attached to a new drum cartridge 1 according to the above procedure, and the drum cartridge 1 is attached to the electrophotographic apparatus, the protrusion 18 protrudes from the mover 16 as shown in FIG. With the tip protruding to the maximum in the C direction from the through hole 20a of the cover 21, it faces the back side of the electrophotographic apparatus. A leaf switch (detection means) 32 is provided at this portion of the electrophotographic apparatus, and the protruding portion 18 presses the leaf switch 32. As a result, the electrophotographic apparatus detects that the drum cartridge 1 is mounted. In addition, as will be understood from the following description, the leaf switch 32 is pressed only when the drum cartridge 1 is new, so that it can be detected that the mounted drum cartridge 1 is new.

  When the electrophotographic apparatus to which the drum cartridge 1 is mounted is used, the columnar member 15 is rotated by the driving force of the rotating shaft 12 transmitted from the driving shaft 31 of the electrophotographic apparatus main body to the drum cartridge 1. As a result, the engaging members 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c of the columnar member 15 engage with the engaging members 170 a, 170 b, and 170 c of the mover 16 to rotate the mover 16. The rotation direction when the mover 16 is passed through the cover 21 in the C direction is set to be opposite to the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 12, and the rotation of the mover 16 caused by the columnar member 15 is set. Thus, the first screw portion 18a of the protrusion 18 moves in the direction D with respect to the second screw portion of the through hole 20a, and the protrusion 18 is gradually drawn into the cover 21. At this time, since the inner hollow cylindrical portion 17a of the fitting portion 17 of the mover 16 can move in the D direction with respect to the side surface of the columnar member 15, the entire mover 16 moves in the D direction. When all of the first screw portions 18a have finished moving to the D direction side relative to the second screw portions, the screw fitting of the protrusions 18 into the through holes 20a is released, and the mover 16 is the axis of the rotary shaft 12. The movement is stopped in the direction and the rotation around the rotation axis 12 is continued.

  FIG. 2 shows a state where the mover 16 has finished moving in this way. When the protruding tip of the protruding portion 18 moves in the direction D, the pressure on the leaf switch 32 of the electrophotographic apparatus is released. Further, the movable element 16 stops the movement of the rotary shaft 16 in the axial direction when all the first screw portions 18a have finished moving to the D direction side with respect to the second screw portion. The vicinity of the projecting tip remains in the through hole 20a, and there is no portion projecting toward the C direction from the through hole 20a.

  By the above operation, once the new drum cartridge 1 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus and used once, the movable element 16 moves from an initial predetermined position where the leaf switch 32 is pressed to a position other than the predetermined position where the leaf switch 32 is not pressed. In addition, after that, even if the rotary shaft 12 rotates, the leaf switch 32 remains in a position where the leaf switch 32 is not pressed, so that the leaf switch 32 is not pressed again. Therefore, even if the used drum cartridge 1 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus and the rotary shaft 12 is driven, the movable element 16 remains in a position where the leaf switch 32 is not pressed. In this way, if the mover 16 of the new drum cartridge 1 is installed at the predetermined position, the mover 16 is at the predetermined position only when the new use of the electrophotographic apparatus is started. 16 is in a position other than the predetermined position, whether the drum cartridge 1 mounted in the electrophotographic apparatus is new by detecting whether or not the position of the movable element 16 is in the predetermined position by the leaf switch 32. It is possible to determine whether it is a used product.

  Further, when it is detected whether or not the mover 16 is at a predetermined position in this way, the mover 16 can even move from the predetermined position to another position, in this case, to an arbitrary position on the D direction side. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the damage caused by the position detection and the removal of the damaged product, and it is not necessary to make a large movement and it is not necessary to basically deform with the movement. Unnecessary interference with members is less likely to occur. Therefore, the member separated from the process cartridge is not caught in the apparatus as in the prior art, and the film-like member is not caught in the apparatus in the process cartridge. Further, since the mover 16 is not assumed to be damaged or deformed, the shape restoration reproduction process is basically unnecessary. Therefore, the mover 16 moved to a position other than the predetermined position is returned to the predetermined position and reused. Or can be used again with another drum cartridge.

  If the mover 16 can be returned to the predetermined position, the drum cartridge 1 can be detected as a new product many times. Further, when the drum cartridge 1 is recycled, since the movable element 16 can be used many times, the recycling can be easily performed at a low cost.

  As described above, it is possible to realize a process cartridge that can distinguish between a new product and a used product, but hardly causes an apparatus failure and can be easily recycled.

  Further, according to the drum cartridge 1, a combination of the cylindrical member 15, the movable element 16, and the cover 21 can realize a mechanism for distinguishing between a new product and a used product that is small and has a short moving distance. it can. In addition, since the first screw portion 18a and the second screw portion are always screwed when the projecting portion 18 of the mover 16 is in a penetrating state with respect to the through hole 20a of the cover 21, the mover 16 After the movement, the entire movable element 16 is retracted into the cover 21, and it is difficult to cause troubles such as the movable element 16 hitting another object when the drum cartridge 1 is removed from the electrophotographic apparatus.

  It should be noted that the first screw portion 18a and the second screw portion do not always have to be screwed together when the projecting portion 18 of the mover 16 is in a penetrating state with respect to the through hole 20a of the cover 21. If it is only necessary to detect whether or not the movable element 16 is in a predetermined position, at least in the penetrating state in which the movable element 16 is in the predetermined position, the first screw portion 18a and the second screw portion 18 What is necessary is just to make it a screw part screw.

Next, a configuration of a modified example of the drum cartridge 1 according to the reference of the present invention will be described.

  The drum cartridge of the modified example is a circular cartridge that is movable in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 12 with respect to the side surface of the columnar member 15 in the drum cartridge 1 of FIG. The columnar member 15 is not rotatable in the circumferential direction. In order to make the rotation impossible, the engaging members 15a, 15b and 15c of the columnar member 15 or the engaging members 170a, 170b and 170c of the movable member 16 are eliminated, and the driving force of the rotary shaft 12 is transmitted to the movable member 16. However, what is necessary is just to support by the member which prevents the rotation by this. In addition, the cover 21 is not fixed to the frame 22, and is a rotor that rotates coaxially with the rotating shaft 12 by the driving force of the rotating shaft 12 and cannot move in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 12. In order to do this, the cover 21 may be coaxially connected to the rotary shaft 12 at a place other than the through hole 20a and fixed in the axial direction.

  According to the drum cartridge having such a configuration, the movable element 16 is attached to a new one so as to be in the predetermined position, and the rotary shaft 12 is driven after the drum cartridge is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus, whereby the cover 21 And the protrusion 18 of the mover 16 moves in the direction D as in the case of the drum cartridge 1. Therefore, the same effect as that of the drum cartridge 1 can be obtained.

A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same function as the said Example 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 4A shows a configuration near one end of the drum cartridge 51 according to the present embodiment.

  The drum cartridge 51 includes the photosensitive drum 2, the gear 11, the rotating shaft 12, the waste toner conveying screw 13, the gear 14, the columnar member 15, the mover 41, the cover 44, the coil spring 45, and the frame 22.

  The mover 41 includes a fitting portion 42 and a protruding portion 43.

  The fitting part 42 includes a hollow cylindrical part 42a and a flange 42b. The hollow cylindrical portion 42 a is a portion that is fitted to the side surface of the cylindrical member 15 from the outside. The flange 42b is an annular plate connected to the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the end in the D direction of the hollow cylindrical portion 42a. Moreover, the C direction side edge part of the hollow cylindrical part 42a is obstruct | occluded by the circular-shaped end surface. In a state where the fitting portion 42 is fitted to the cylindrical member 15, the hollow cylindrical portion 42 a and the flange 42 b are coaxial with the rotating shaft 12.

  FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, on the side surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 42a, three engaging members 420a, 420b, and 420c are spaced 120 ° from each other so as to protrude radially inward and in the axial direction. It is provided to extend. In FIG. 4A, a region 420z surrounded by a broken line drawn in the hollow cylindrical portion 42a indicates one of the engaging members 420a, 420b, and 420c. Further, a hatched area 420d shown adjacent to the inside of the side surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 42a passes through the engaging members 420a, 420b, and 420c when the hollow cylindrical portion 42a rotates, that is, when the movable element 41 rotates. Indicates the area.

  When the columnar member 15 rotates because the hatched region 15d of the columnar member 15 and the hatched region 420d of the movable element 41 overlap, the engagement member 15a / 15b / 15c of the columnar member 15 is hollow. The engaging members 420a, 420b, and 420c of the cylindrical portion 42a are engaged with each other, and the movable element 41 is rotated. Thus, the fitting portion 42 is movable in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 12 and can be engaged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 15 with respect to the side surface of the cylindrical member 15.

  The protrusion 43 is formed of a cylindrical member that protrudes in the C direction from the center of a circular end surface that closes the C-direction side end of the hollow cylindrical portion 42 a of the fitting portion 42. Moreover, the protrusion part 43 is equipped with the stopper 43a which has a component of the direction orthogonal to a protrusion direction on the way of protrusion. In a state where the fitting portion 42 is fitted to the columnar member 15, the central axis of the column of the protruding portion 43, that is, the rotation central axis is coaxial with the rotation shaft 12.

  The cover (stator) 44 is a hollow cylindrical member whose D-direction side end is fixed to a plane portion orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 12 of the frame 22 so that the movable element 41 is included in the hollow portion. It has become. The inner diameter of the cover 44 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the mover 41. The end portion on the C direction side of the cover 44 is an annular end surface provided with a through hole 44a in the center. The through hole 44 a is a hole through which the protruding portion 43 penetrates in the direction from the inside to the outside of the cover 44. The through hole 44a is formed with a notch 44a that allows the stopper 43a to pass when the protruding portion 43 is inserted into and removed from the through hole 44a. The cutout portion 44a is a cut groove formed toward a radially outer side from a circular hole through which the other portion of the protrusion 43 can pass. The stopper 43a cannot pass through the circular hole. However, if the protrusion 43 is inserted into and removed from the through hole 44a with the stopper 43a facing the notch 44a, the through hole 44a is inserted into the stopper 43a. Can be passed through. When the cover 44 is fixed to the frame 22, the central axis of the circular hole of the through hole 44 a is coaxial with the rotary shaft 12.

  The coil spring 45 is a compression spring. One end of the coil spring 45 abuts against the flange 42b of the fitting portion 42 of the mover 41 in the D direction, and the other end abuts against the annular end surface of the cover 44 on the C direction side in the C direction. ing.

  FIG. 4B shows a plan view when the mover 41 and the cover 44 of FIG. 4A are viewed in the D direction. As shown in FIG. 4A, in a state where the movable element 41 is fitted to the columnar member 15 and the cover 44 is fixed to the frame 22, the through hole 44a is coaxial with the rotary shaft 12 together with the protrusion 43, and the protrusion 43 penetrates through-hole 44a in the C direction.

  In the drum cartridge 51 configured as described above, the mover 41, the cover 44, and the coil spring 45 are detachable from the main body of the drum cartridge 51. When attaching, first, the protrusion 43 of the movable element 41 is inserted through the through hole 44a of the cover 44 together with the stopper 43a while the coil spring 45 is sandwiched between the movable element 41 and the cover 44. Then, the mover 43 is rotated so that the stopper 43a faces the surface of the cover 44 other than the notch portion 44b to lock the stopper 43a to the cover 44, and the protruding portion 43 is pulled from the through hole 44a by the force of the coil spring 45. Try not to come off. Next, in this state, the fitting portion 42 of the mover 41 is fitted to the cylindrical member 15, and the cover 44 is fixed to the frame 22. In addition to this, in addition to this, the movable element 41 is first fitted to the columnar member 15, and then the cover 44 is sandwiched between the movable element 41 and the coil spring 45 is sandwiched between the protrusion 43 and the through hole. 44a may be attached so as to penetrate the stopper 43a, and the cover 44 may be fixed to the frame 22. Note that when the mover 41, the cover 44, and the coil spring 45 are removed from the main body of the drum cartridge 51, the procedure reverse to the above may be performed.

  The cylindrical member 15, the mover 41, and the cover 44 are made of a molded resin. In addition, metal or the like can be used.

  Next, an operation for distinguishing whether the drum cartridge 51 is new or used when the drum cartridge 51 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus will be described.

  When the mover 41, the cover 44, and the coil spring 45 are attached to a new drum cartridge 51 according to the above procedure, and the drum cartridge 51 is attached to the electrophotographic apparatus, as shown in FIG. With the projecting tip of the projecting portion 43 projecting from the through hole 44a of the cover 44 by a predetermined length in the C direction, it faces the back side of the electrophotographic apparatus. At this time, the protruding portion 43 presses the leaf switch 32. As a result, the electrophotographic apparatus detects that the drum cartridge 51 is mounted. In addition, as will be understood from the following description, the leaf switch 32 is pressed only when the drum cartridge 51 is new, so that it can be detected that the installed drum cartridge 51 is new.

  When the electrophotographic apparatus to which the drum cartridge 51 is mounted is used, the columnar member 15 is rotated by the driving force of the rotating shaft 12 transmitted from the driving shaft 31 of the electrophotographic apparatus main body to the drum cartridge 51. Accordingly, the engaging members 15a, 15b, and 15c of the columnar member 15 are engaged with the engaging members 420a, 420b, and 420c of the movable element 41 to rotate the movable element 41. When the mover 41 rotates until the stopper 43a of the protrusion 43 reaches a position facing the notch 44b of the through hole 44a, the protrusion 43 can pass through the through hole 44a together with the stopper 43a. The entire child 41 moves in the direction D by the force of the coil spring 45. When the fitting portion 42 of the mover 41 comes into contact with the circular end surface of the C-direction end surface of the cylindrical member 15 or the coil spring 45 is fully extended, the mover 43 stops moving in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 12. Then, the rotation around the rotation axis 12 is continued.

  FIG. 5 shows a state where the mover 41 has finished moving in this way. When the projecting tip of the projecting portion 43 moves in the D direction, the pressure on the leaf switch 32 of the electrophotographic apparatus is released. In FIG. 5, when the mover 41 finishes moving in the D direction, the entire protruding portion 43 is accommodated inside the cover 44, and there is no portion protruding in the C direction side from the through hole 44 a. ing.

  Through the above-described operation, once a new drum cartridge 51 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus and used once, the movable element 41 moves from an initial predetermined position where the leaf switch 32 is pressed to a position other than the predetermined position where the leaf switch 32 is not pressed. In addition, after that, even if the rotary shaft 12 rotates, the leaf switch 32 remains in a position where the leaf switch 32 is not pressed, so that the leaf switch 32 is not pressed again. Therefore, even when the used drum cartridge 51 is mounted on the electrophotographic apparatus and the rotary shaft 12 is driven, the mover 41 remains in a position where the leaf switch 32 is not pressed. As described above, if the mover 41 of the new drum cartridge 51 is installed at the predetermined position, the mover 41 is at the predetermined position only when the new use of the electrophotographic apparatus is started. 41 is in a position other than the predetermined position, whether the drum cartridge 51 attached to the electrophotographic apparatus is new by detecting whether or not the position of the movable element 41 is in the predetermined position by the leaf switch 32. It is possible to determine whether it is a used product.

  Further, when it is detected whether or not the mover 41 is in a predetermined position in this way, the mover 41 is even moved from the predetermined position to another position, in this case, to an arbitrary position on the D direction side. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the damage due to the position detection and the removal of the damaged product, and it is not necessary to make a large movement and basically does not need to be deformed along with the movement. Unnecessary interference with members is less likely to occur. Therefore, the member separated from the process cartridge is not caught in the apparatus as in the prior art, and the film-like member is not caught in the apparatus in the process cartridge. Furthermore, since the mover 41 is not assumed to be damaged or deformed, the shape restoration reproduction process is basically unnecessary. Therefore, the mover 41 moved to a position other than the predetermined position is returned to the predetermined position and reused. Or can be used again with another drum cartridge.

  If the movable element 41 can be returned to the predetermined position, the drum cartridge 51 can be detected as a new product many times. Further, when the drum cartridge 51 is recycled, since the movable element 41 can be used many times, the recycling can be easily performed at a low cost.

  As described above, it is possible to realize a process cartridge that can distinguish between a new product and a used product, but hardly causes an apparatus failure and can be easily recycled.

  Further, according to the drum cartridge 51, a combination of the cylindrical member 15, the mover 41, the cover 44, and the coil spring 45 provides a mechanism for distinguishing between a new product and a used product that is small and has a short moving distance. Can be realized. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, if the entire movable element 41 is retracted into the cover 44 after the movable element 41 is moved, the movable element 41 is removed when the drum cartridge 51 is removed from the electrophotographic apparatus. It is hard to cause troubles such as hitting other objects against damage. A configuration in which a part of the protrusion 43 protrudes in the C direction from the through hole 44a after the mover 41 is moved is also possible.

  Further, in this embodiment, the mover 41 can be moved without forming a screw portion as in the first embodiment. Since it is difficult to integrally form the screw portion in the manufacture of the drum cartridge 51, it is necessary to add the process separately when trying to provide the screw portion, but in this embodiment, the formation of the screw portion is unnecessary. The manufacturing process is simplified. Further, it is not necessary to consider variation in accuracy of screwing of a plurality of screw portions, use fatigue, and the like. Further, when assembling the drum cartridge 51, an operation of screwing the screw portion is unnecessary. However, in the configuration of the first embodiment, by providing the screw portion, the number of parts used in the configuration that enables the mover 16 to move can be reduced.

  Each example has been described above. In the embodiment described above, the detection means for detecting the position of the mover is the leaf switch 32, but the detection means is not limited to such a detection that is performed by being pressed. Since it suffices to detect whether or not the mover is at a predetermined position, for example, it is possible to use a detection means that detects a portion of the mover 16 with light.

  If the electrophotographic apparatus is provided with such detection means for detecting whether or not the mover is in a predetermined position, the process cartridge is a new or used product by using the movement of the mover. It can easily be detected. Further, if the detecting means detects whether or not the movable element is in a predetermined position based on whether or not it is pressed by the protruding tip of the protruding part of the movable element as described in the above embodiment, the protruding means Using the movement of the tip, it is particularly easy to detect whether the process cartridge is new or used. Further, since the detection means is provided on the electrophotographic apparatus main body side, the detection contact and the detection window due to toner adhesion and the like are unlikely to occur.

  In the embodiment, a drum cartridge is used as an example of the process cartridge of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a rotating shaft such as a charging unit, a developing tank cartridge, and a cleaner unit as described with reference to FIG. The present invention can be applied to any process cartridge that operates by being driven. Examples of the driven rotation shaft include the charging roller 3 and the developing roller 4a shown in FIG. Although not shown, the rotation shaft of the waste toner conveying member built in the cleaning unit 6 is also applied. Since the photoconductor of the photoconductor drum 2, the charging roller 3, the developing roller 4a, the cleaning blade of the cleaning unit 6 and the like are deteriorated by use, the process cartridge is new or has been used by applying the present invention. , It is possible to appropriately determine the replacement timing of the process cartridge and to optimize the process conditions.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be suitably used for various image forming apparatuses using a process cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of one end of a drum cartridge, and (b) is a plan view of a part of (a) viewed from another direction. . It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the needle | mover moved from the state of Fig.1 (a). It is the EE sectional view taken on the line of Fig.1 (a). FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of one end of a drum cartridge, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of a part of FIG. . It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the needle | mover moved from the state of Fig.4 (a). It is the FF sectional view taken on the line of Fig.4 (a). 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a process unit of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 51 Drum cartridge (process cartridge)
12 Rotating shaft 15 Cylindrical member 16, 41 Movable element 21 Cover (stator)
44 Cover (rotor)
45 Coil spring (compression spring)
17, 42 Fitting part 18, 43 Protruding part 18a First screw part 20a Through hole 43a Stopper 44a Through hole 44b Notch part 32 Leaf switch (detection means)

Claims (5)

An exchangeable process cartridge that is used in an image forming apparatus and that has a rotating shaft driven when operated.
Comprising a mover movable by the driving force of the rotating shaft;
When the movable element is in a predetermined position, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the rotation shaft is driven, the movable element is moved from the predetermined position by the driving force, and thereafter the rotation is performed. Even if the shaft is driven, it continues to be outside the predetermined position,
When the mover is at a position other than the predetermined position, the mover remains at a position other than the predetermined position even when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the rotation shaft is driven .
A columnar member that is coaxial with the rotating shaft and rotates with the rotating shaft, but cannot move in the axial direction of the rotating shaft
The mover includes a fitting portion that fits to a side surface of the columnar member, and a protrusion fixed to the fitting portion,
The fitting portion is movable in the axial direction with respect to the side surface of the columnar member and engageable in a circumferential direction of the columnar member,
The protrusion includes a columnar portion that is coaxial with the rotation shaft and has a first screw portion on a side surface, and the columnar portion extends from the inside of the process cartridge along the axial direction from the fitting portion. Protruding in the first direction towards the outside,
A stator fixed to a frame of the process cartridge, wherein the projecting portion of the mover penetrates in the first direction as viewed from the fitting portion and the first in a penetrating state; A through hole having a second screw portion that is screwed with the screw portion is provided, and the movable element is rotated in the rotation direction of the rotary shaft in a screwed state in which the protruding portion is screwed into the through hole by the screwing. The first screw part moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second screw part,
The process cartridge according to claim to Rukoto said predetermined position a predetermined one of the position of the mover in the screw fitting state.   The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the movable element can be returned to the predetermined position.   The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is recycled. Claims 1 to process cartridge according to any one of 3 is mounted, the image forming apparatus, wherein the movable element is provided with a detecting means for detecting whether the predetermined position. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is mounted, the movable element depending on whether is pressed by the protruding tip of the protruding portion of the movable element is whether the predetermined position An image forming apparatus comprising a detecting means for detecting.

Images