JPH06186798A - Process cartridge and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent an image carrier from being exposed to external light from an exposing window without damaging the image carrier by providing a separating means energizing in the direction separating from a developing means. CONSTITUTION:The developing means 10 is freely turnably supported by a shaft 21 with respect to a frame body 12. Further, two tension springs 22 are attached between the means 10 and the frame body 12 and the means 10 is energized in the direction of the arrow (b). When a process cartridge is removed from an image forming device, the means 10 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (b) by the energization of the spring 22, to separate a developing sleeve 10d from a photosensitive drum 7. Therefore, even if a cartridge has a vibration, etc., at the time of carrying, etc., the sleeve 10d never damages the drum 7. Moreover, when the means 10 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (b), an exposing part 9 is blocked so as not to expose the drum 7 to the external light.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge used for image formation and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be mounted.

[0002]

[Prior art]

[Prior Art 1] An image forming apparatus such as a printer forms a latent image by selectively exposing a uniformly charged image carrier.
The latent image is visualized with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a recording medium to perform image recording. In such an apparatus, the toner must be replenished each time it is used up, but this toner replenishment work is not only troublesome, but it may be contaminated. In addition, maintenance of each member can be performed only by a specialized service person, which often causes inconvenience to the user.

Therefore, the image carrier, the charging device, the developing device,
By integrating the cleaning unit and the like into an integrated structure into a cartridge, the user can replenish toner and replace parts of the image carrier that have reached the end of life by loading the cartridge into the main body of the apparatus, facilitating maintenance. Things have been put to practical use.

FIG. 25 is a vertical sectional side view of the process cartridge 101, and FIG. 26 is a schematic external view. In the housing 102 of the process cartridge 101, a photosensitive drum 103 as an image bearing member is arranged on the right side in FIG.
The housing 102 is formed with an opening 102a that partially faces the photosensitive drum 103.
A is opened and closed by a shutter 104 that rotates around a shaft 104a.

That is, when the process cartridge 101 is attached to the main body of the apparatus, the shutter 104 is closed.
25, as shown by the chain double-dashed line, it opens upward to face the transfer charger 5 on the main body side from the photosensitive drum 103, and when the process cartridge 101 is taken out of the main body,
As shown by the solid line in FIG. 25, the shutter 104 is closed to prevent damage to the photosensitive drum 103 and deterioration due to external light.

The opening 102a of the housing 102 is also provided.
As shown in FIG. 26, a rectangular slit-shaped exposure window 102b having a predetermined width is formed on the side opposite to the side on which the photosensitive drum is provided. A substantially horizontal optical image exposure optical path 106 reaching 103 is formed. A cleaning device 107 and a charging device 108 are provided above the optical image exposure optical path 106 as a boundary.
However, the developing devices 109 are arranged below. still,
The charger 108 is composed of a contact charging roller that contacts the photosensitive drum 103 and rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 25.
Includes a toner container 109a containing the toner t therein and a developing sleeve 109b which contacts the photosensitive drum 103 and rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

By the way, the photoconductor drum 103, the cleaning device 107, the charging device 108 and other devices are supported by the housing 102, but the developing device 109 is rotated with respect to the housing 102 by a shaft 110 which is a center of pressure. It is supported freely and is elastically biased in the counterclockwise direction (the direction of the arrow m in FIG. 25) in FIG. 25 by the two compression coil springs 111, 111 compressed between the developing device 109 and the housing 102. As a result, the developing sleeve 109b is always in contact with the photosensitive drum 103 with a predetermined pressure via the spacers c'and c '.

Thus, the compression coil springs 111, 111
Is the exposure window formed in the housing 102 as shown in FIG.
The parts 102b are compactly arranged on both sides, but the parts where they are arranged are inevitably created spaces. That is, the optical image exposure light L emitted from the image exposure device (not shown) is as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the width when passing through the exposure window 102b is larger than that of the photosensitive drum 1 because it expands toward the photosensitive drum 103.
It is narrower than the width when it is illuminated on 03 and therefore the exposure window 102
Spaces are necessarily formed on both sides of b. Therefore, compression coil springs 111, 111 are arranged in this space.

[Prior Art 2] Further, in recent years, an image forming apparatus using a process cartridge is required to be downsized. Therefore, the recording medium is transported from the bottom to the top,
By arranging the developing device, the transfer device, and the fixing device from the lower side to the upper side along the transportation path, the installation space of the apparatus is reduced. Further, by arranging the process means densely, the overall size is reduced.

[Prior Art 3] When the process cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, it is electrically connected to the main assembly of the apparatus to apply a bias voltage to the developing sleeve or the like. As the method of applying the bias voltage, as shown in FIG. 27, the shaft of the charging roller 200 is supported by a bearing 201 made of a conductive resin, and the bearing 201 is used as a contact member.
It is configured by contacting 202. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 28, a power feeding member formed of a leaf spring is provided at the end of the developing sleeve 203.
204 is arranged, and the power feeding member 204 is in contact with the contact member 205 attached to the container of the process cartridge either alone or via another member. As a result, each roller is supplied with power from the power supply device of the apparatus body.

[Prior Art 4] A major advantage of using the process cartridge is that it is maintenance-free. However, as an important technique for that purpose, there is prevention of scattering of the developer around each process means and cleaning of each process means. Therefore, conventionally, in order to prevent the scattering of the developer and to clean each process means, as shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 3, seal members such as urethane foam, urethane sheet, mylar sheet, etc., around each process means 3
00 is adhered and sealed or slidably contacted.

[0012]

However, the above-mentioned conventional process cartridge and image forming apparatus have the following problems.

[Problem 1] In the process cartridge 101 shown in the prior art 1, the photosensitive drum 103 and the developing sleeve 109b are formed by the pressure spring 111 as described above.
Also, the spacer parts c'and c'are always in contact with each other, and there is a risk that the photosensitive drum 103 and the developing sleeve 109b may collide with each other due to vibration during transportation and be damaged.

Further, with the above-mentioned conventional structure, the exposure window 102
Since b is always in an open state, the photosensitive drum 103 may be deteriorated by external light.

[Problem 2] In the structure of the prior art 2, if the process means are densely arranged, the chemical products such as the photosensitive drum and the toner, which are desired to be kept at a low temperature, generate heat and become high in temperature. Close to the fuser. As a result, the photosensitive drum is deteriorated, and the temperature becomes high in only one direction during standby, and the photosensitive drum is thermally deformed so that it is not a perfect circle, and the recording quality is likely to deteriorate.

Further, when the temperature of the toner becomes high, the toner is hardened, which may cause development failure or cleaning failure.

[Problem 3] Further, in the structure of the prior art 3, as shown in FIG. 27, when a conductive resin is used for the power feeding member, the contact portion between the shaft of the charging roller 200 and the bearing 201 is rubbed. An oxide film is formed due to abrasion, and the electric resistance gradually increases. If this leads to long-term durability, a defective image is likely to occur due to poor electrical continuity.

Further, in order to obtain electric conduction to the conductive resin, for example, carbon filler or metal filler is added in the resin. However, it is generally very difficult to uniformly disperse the filler in the resin and stably produce the filler. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly control manufacturing conditions and the like, which may lead to an increase in cost.

On the other hand, when a leaf spring is used as the power feeding member as shown in FIG. 28, the contact pressure applied to the contact member 205 of the power feeding member 204 is the arm portion 204 bent and raised by the power feeding member 204.
a is caused by a certain appropriate amount of bending (elastic deformation). The contact pressure is determined by the length and plate thickness of the arm portion 204a and the amount of bending, and as the developing sleeve 203 becomes smaller in diameter, the length and amount of bending of the arm portion 204a of the power supply member 204 can be sufficiently secured. It becomes difficult and the spring constant (contact pressure when the spring is displaced by a unit length) becomes large.
Therefore, when the position of the power feeding member 204 moves due to vibration during driving, impact due to dropping, or the like, the contact pressure changes significantly, and electrical conduction between the power feeding member 204 and the contact member 205 becomes unstable. .

Further, as a method of fixing the power feeding member 204 to the developing sleeve 203, a wedge-shaped sharp claw portion 204b provided on the circumference of the power feeding member 204 is fixed by biting into the inner surface of the developing sleeve 203 and press-fitting. . However, with such a fixing method, not only the inner surface of the developing sleeve 203 is damaged at the time of press fitting, but also the inner surface of the developing sleeve 203 is damaged when the power feeding member 204 is pulled out due to repair or the like, and the claw portion 204b of the power feeding member 204 is damaged. It also transforms itself.
Therefore, it becomes difficult to reuse the developing sleeve 203 and the power supply member 204.

[Problem 4] Further, in the seal structure described in the prior art 4, since the seal member 300 is adhered by double-sided taper or the like, if the seal member 300 is left in a high temperature and high humidity environment for a long time, the seal The member 300 may peel off. Further, the adhesive agent may be deformed due to the difference in thermal expansion from the mating member to which the seal member 300 is adhered.

Further, since the sealing member 300 is thin and soft, workability at the time of sticking is poor and skill is required. In addition, it is difficult to accurately position the narrow and long one in a container or the like, and a tool dedicated to sticking is required.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus having the following objects.

[Object 1] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem 1 and to provide a process cartridge which can prevent the image carrier from being exposed to external light from an exposure window without damaging the image carrier. To do.

[Object 2] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem 2 and to provide an image forming apparatus which does not deteriorate the image carrier and the like by heat.

[Object 3] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem 3 and to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus which can surely make contact between a power supply member and a contact member.

[Object 4] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem 4, to ensure a seal by a seal member, and to reduce the number of assembling steps and the number of parts to reduce the cost. An image forming apparatus is provided.

[0028]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

[Means 1] A typical configuration according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object 1 is an image carrier, at least a developing unit as a process unit acting on the image carrier, the image carrier and the developing unit. And a separation means for urging the and the separation direction to form a process cartridge.

[Means 2] A typical configuration according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object 2 is to expose an image carrier, at least one process means acting on the image carrier, and the image carrier. A mounting means for mounting a process cartridge having a shutter member capable of opening and closing an opening, a transfer means for transferring the developer on the image carrier to a recording medium, and a transfer means disposed above the transfer means, A fixing unit for fixing the developer transferred to the recording medium, a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium, a plurality of exhaust ports for exhausting heat, and the process cartridge are attached to open the shutter member. At this time, the image forming apparatus is configured such that the shutter member diverts air to the plurality of heat exhaust ports.

[Means 3] A typical configuration according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose 3 is to energize the image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, and the rotating member. And a coil spring for power supply attached to the rotating member, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member and the inner periphery of the coil spring are engaged, and the rotating direction of the rotating member and the winding direction of the coil spring are the same. The feature is that the process cartridge is configured so as to be oriented.

[Means 4] A typical configuration according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose 4 is a frame body, an image carrier, and at least one process means acting on the image carrier.
The process cartridge is characterized in that an elastically deformable thin portion is provided in a part of the frame body or a part of a member constituting the process means.

[0032]

The above-mentioned means has the following actions. [Operation 1] In the structure of the means 1, the separating means separates the image carrier from the developing means, so that it is possible to prevent the developing means from damaging the image carrier due to vibration during transportation.

[Operation 2] In the configuration of the means 2,
The shutter member of the process cartridge diverts the exhaust flow. Therefore, it is possible to protect the image carrier from the heat by blocking the heat generated from the fixing unit from flowing to the vicinity of the process cartridge by the shutter member.

[Operation 3] In the structure of the means 3,
The coil spring for power supply can be easily attached, and the position can be securely fixed, so that the reliability of electrical conduction of the contact portion is improved.

[Operation 4] In the structure of the means 4,
By making the thin portion function as a seal member or a cleaning member, it is not necessary to separately attach the seal member or the like, and the number of parts and the assembly process can be reduced to achieve cost reduction.

[0036]

[First Embodiment]

FIG. 1 is a sectional explanatory view of a laser printer which is one mode of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration explanatory diagram of a process cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus.

First, the overall schematic structure of the image forming apparatus equipped with the process cartridge will be described.

This image forming apparatus A is, as shown in FIG.
A light image based on image information is emitted from the optical system 1 to form a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) image on the photosensitive drum, which is an image carrier. The recording medium 2 is synchronized with the formation of the toner image.
Of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum in the image forming portion formed as a process cartridge B by the transfer unit 4 and the transfer unit 4.
Then, the recording medium 2 is transferred to the fixing means 5 and the transferred toner image is fixed and discharged to the upper discharge portion 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the process cartridge B constituting the image forming section, the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charging means 8. The image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 via the exposure unit 9.
Is exposed to form a latent image, and the developing means 10 forms a toner image corresponding to the latent image to form a visible image. After the transfer means 4 transfers the toner image onto the recording medium 2, the cleaning means 11 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7. Each component such as the photosensitive drum 7 is housed in a frame 12 that constitutes a housing to form a cartridge.

Next, the structure of each part of the image forming apparatus A and the process cartridge B will be described.

[Image forming apparatus] First, the image forming apparatus A
Concerning the configuration of each part of the,
The fixing unit and the cartridge mounting unit will be described in this order.

(Optical System) The optical system 1 irradiates a light image on the photoconductor drum 7 by irradiating light based on image information read from an external device or the like. As shown in FIG. A laser diode 1b, a polygon mirror 1c, a scanner motor 1d, and an imaging lens 1e are housed in the optical unit 1a of FIG.

When an image signal is given from an external device such as a computer or a word processor, the laser diode 1b emits light according to the image signal and illuminates the polygon mirror 1c as image light. The polygon mirror 1c is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor 1d, and the image light reflected by the polygon mirror 1c is irradiated onto a rotating photosensitive drum 7 through an imaging lens 1e to selectively expose the surface of the drum 7. Then, a latent image corresponding to the image information is formed.

(Recording Medium Conveying Means) Next, the constitution of the conveying means 3 for conveying the recording medium 2 (for example, recording paper, OHP sheet, cloth or thin plate) will be explained. As shown in FIG. A cassette 3a mounting portion is provided on the inner bottom portion of the recording medium 13, and the recording medium 2 in the cassette 3a is fed by the pickup roller 3b one by one from the top so as to hit the registration roller pairs 3c1 and 3c2. The pair of registration rollers 3c1 and 3c2 are driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation to convey the recording medium 2 to the image forming unit. Further, the recording medium 2 on which the image has been formed is conveyed to the fixing means 5, and is ejected to the ejection portion 6 by the ejection roller pair 3d1 and 3d2.

(Transfer Means) The transfer means 4 is for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 in the image forming portion to the recording medium 2. The transfer means 4 of this embodiment is as shown in FIG. , The transfer roller 4. That is, by pressing the recording medium 2 by the transfer roller 4 against the photosensitive drum 7 of the mounted process cartridge B, and applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to the transfer roller 4, The toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to the recording medium 2.

(Fixing Means) Fixing Means 5 The Transfer Roller 4
The toner image transferred to the recording medium 2 is fixed by the voltage application. As shown in FIG. 1, the structure is composed of a driving roller 5a that is driven to rotate, and a fixing roller 5c that has a heater 5b inside and is driven to rotate by being pressed against the driving roller 5a. That is, when the recording medium 2 to which the toner image has been transferred in the image forming section passes between the driving roller 5a and the fixing roller 5c, pressure is applied by the pressing of both rollers 5a and 5c, and heat generation of the fixing roller 5c occurs. Heat is applied by the toner, and the toner on the recording medium 2 is fixed on the recording medium 2.

(Process Cartridge Mounting Unit) Inside the image forming apparatus A, a cartridge mounting unit for mounting the process cartridge B is provided. The process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus body 13 by opening the front unit 14. That is, the front unit 14 that can be opened and closed by the hinge 14a is attached to the upper portion of the apparatus body 13. And as shown in FIG. 3, the front unit
When 14 is opened, a cartridge mounting space is provided in the apparatus main body 13, and left and right guide members (not shown) are attached to the left and right inner wall surfaces of the main body. A guide for inserting the process cartridge B is provided on the left and right guide members, and the process cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus A by inserting the process cartridge B along the guide and closing the front unit 14. I am trying.

{Process Cartridge} Next, the structure of each part of the process cartridge B mounted in the image forming apparatus A will be described.

The process cartridge B is provided with an image carrier and at least one process means. Here, the process means includes, for example, a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, a developing means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a cleaning means for cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier. As shown in FIG. 2, in the process cartridge B of this embodiment, a charging unit 8, an exposing unit 9, a developing unit 10, and a cleaning unit 11 are arranged around an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7 which is an image carrier. The frame body (12) is covered with a housing so as to be integrated, and is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body (13).

Next, the structure of each part of the process cartridge B will be described with reference to the photosensitive drum 7, the charging means 8, the exposing part 9, and the developing means.
The cleaning unit 11 and the cleaning unit 11 will be described in this order.

(Photosensitive Drum) The photosensitive drum 7 according to this embodiment is constructed by coating an organic photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical drum base made of aluminum. This photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably attached to the frame 12, and by transmitting the driving force of a drive motor provided on the apparatus main body side to a gear (not shown) fixed to one end of the drum 7 in the longitudinal direction, The photosensitive drum 7 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 according to the image forming operation.

(Charging means) The charging means is for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, and in this embodiment, the charging roller 8 is rotatably attached to the frame body 12.
The so-called contact charging method is used. The charging roller 8 has a metal roller shaft 8a provided with a conductive elastic layer, a high resistance elastic layer further provided thereon, and a protective film provided on the surface thereof. The conductive elastic layer is formed by dispersing carbon in an elastic rubber layer such as EPDM or NBR and has a function of guiding a bias voltage supplied to the roller shaft 8a. The elastic layer having a high resistance is made of urethane rubber or the like and contains a minute amount of conductive fine powder, and even when a charging roller having a high conductivity such as a pinhole of the photoconductor drum 7 faces each other, The leak current to the photosensitive drum 7 is limited to prevent the bias voltage from rapidly dropping. The protective layer is N-
It is made of methylmethoxylated nylon, and acts so that the plastic material of the conductive elastic layer or the elastic layer of high resistance does not touch the photoconductor drum 7 and deteriorate the surface of the photoconductor drum 7.

The charging roller 8 is connected to the photosensitive drum 7
When the image is formed, the charging roller 8 rotates following the rotation of the photoconductor drum 7. At this time, the DC voltage and the AC voltage are superimposed and applied to the charging roller 8 to apply the DC voltage to the photoconductor drum 7. Charge the surface uniformly.

(Exposure Unit) The exposure unit 9 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 uniformly charged by the charging roller 8 with the optical image emitted from the optical system 1 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the drum 7. And an optical path 9 for guiding the optical image is provided above the developing means 10 to form an exposure section. The charging roller 8 and the cleaning means 11 are arranged above the optical path 9, and the developing means 10 is arranged below the optical path 9.

(Developing means) As shown in FIG. 2, the developing means 10 has a toner reservoir 10a for accommodating the toner t, and the toner feed rotating in the direction of arrow a for delivering the toner into the toner reservoir 10a. A member 10b is provided. Further, a developing sleeve 10d having a magnet 10c therein and forming a thin toner layer on the surface by rotating is provided with a minute gap from the photosensitive drum 7. The minute intervals are formed by attaching spacers 10f to both ends of the developing sleeve 10d in the longitudinal direction and bringing the spacers 10f into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 7.

When a toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing sleeve 10d, friction between the toner and the developing sleeve 10d provides sufficient triboelectric charge to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7. A developing blade 10e is provided to regulate the layer thickness of the toner.

(Cleaning Means) Cleaning Means 11
As shown in FIG. 2, the configuration of the cleaning blade 11a contacts the surface of the photoconductor drum 7 to scrape off the toner remaining on the drum 7 and the cleaning blade 11a for scooping off the scraped toner. Located below 11a,
And a squishy sheet that is in weak contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 7.
11b and a waste toner reservoir 11c for storing the scraped waste toner.

(Shutter Member and Air Flow Path) When the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the photosensitive drum 7 is exposed from the opening and comes into pressure contact with the transfer roller 4.
If the drum 7 is exposed when the drum 7 is taken out from the image forming apparatus A, the drum 7 may be exposed to external light and deteriorate or be damaged. Therefore, a drum shutter 15 that can open and close the opening is provided.

The opening / closing structure of the drum shutter 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. Incidentally, FIG.
(A) is a front view of the cartridge B, (b) is a side view

The drum shutter 15 has both ends 15a and 15b.
A shutter lever 16 that is rotatably supported and that interlocks with the opening and closing of the front unit 14 is provided. The shutter lever 16 is a pin protruding from one end of the drum shutter 15.
It is engaged with 15c. When the front unit 14 is opened, the shutter lever 16 is lowered and the drum shutter 15 is biased by a spring.
Closed by 17. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the photoconductor drum 7 from being exposed to outside light and being inadvertently touched by a hand or the like.

When the front unit 14 is closed, the shutter lever 15 pushes up the engaging pin 15c, and the drum shutter 15 is opened. In the present embodiment, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, the central portion 15d of the drum shutter 15 is cut out to secure a gap S with the exterior of the process cartridge B when opened.

Here, the flow of air introduced from the outside of the machine into the apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. The exhaust fan (not shown) is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the ventilation passages 18 and 19, and the air around the process cartridge B mainly passes through the openings 18a and 19a provided in the sheet metal of the ventilation passages 18 and 19. Sucked. For this reason, part of the low-temperature air W ₁ and W ₂ that has flowed in the front unit 14 or the gap of the pickup roller 3b or the like passes through the transfer portion (W ₃ ) and is guided above the process cartridge B. Further, a part passes through the side surface of the fixing means 5 (W ₄ ) and is discharged from the opening 18a.

When the drum shutter 15 is opened, the surface A of the drum shutter 15 is opened to the exhaust opening of the apparatus main body 13.
Abut on the vicinity of 18a. Therefore, in the vicinity of the fixing unit 5,
Alternatively, the high-temperature air W _{4 that} has passed through the inside is the drum shutter.
Blocked by 15, does not flow out to the upper surface of the exterior of the process cartridge B, and is discharged as it is from the opening 18a to the outside of the machine.

The remaining air is the process cartridge B.
In the vicinity of the photoconductor drum 7 and through the gap S between the exterior end of the process cartridge B and the drum shutter 15 (W ₅ ), the sheet is discharged from the opening 19a.

In this way, since the air flow path can be diverted by the drum shutter 15, the chemical products of the process cartridge B (such as the photosensitive drum 7 and the toner t) are not exposed to the high temperature air, and These chemical products can be kept at a low temperature because the outside air at a low temperature always passes through.

{Other Embodiment 1 of First Embodiment} Next, another embodiment of the drum shutter and the air flow passage will be described as another embodiment 1 with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, the drum shutter 15 has a plurality of ventilation holes 15e at its tip. In the first embodiment, the tip of the drum shutter 15 extends up to about half of the opening 18a, and the air flow is slightly detoured.
However, as shown in FIG.
When e is provided, the air passes through the ventilation hole 15e, so that the flow becomes smooth and the temperature rise can be further reduced.

The ventilation hole 15e of the drum shutter 15
Is formed in a direction in which it is difficult for outside light to directly enter the photoconductor drum 7 when the drum shutter 15 is closed.

{Other Embodiment 2 of First Embodiment} Next, another embodiment of the drum shutter and the air flow passage will be described as another embodiment 2 with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, an elastically deformable partition member 20 is provided on the surface A of the drum shutter 15. When the drum shutter 15 rotates to a predetermined position, the partition member 20 contacts the wall surface of the ventilation opening 18a on the apparatus body side.

In the above-described first embodiment, the surface A of the drum shutter 15 is simply brought into contact with the wall surface of the opening 18a on the apparatus main body side. However, the drum shutter 15 has a high temperature.
Is close to. Therefore, when the drum shutter 15 is thermally deformed and warped, a gap is created between the surface A and the apparatus main body wall surface. However, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.
If the partition member 20 that is elastically deformable is provided, even if the drum shutter 15 warps, a gap is not created by the elastic deformation of the partition member 20, and stable ventilation can be maintained.

The partition member 20 may be a foam material or a rubber member as shown in FIG. 7, or may be made of a thin resin material as shown in FIG. good.

[Second Embodiment] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the structure of the separating means for preventing the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing means 10 from coming into pressure contact with each other when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body 13 is described. Explain. The members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the developing means 10 is rotatably supported by the shaft 12 with respect to the frame body 12. Further, two tension springs 22 are attached between the means 10 and the frame body 12, and the developing means 10 is biased in the direction of arrow b (clockwise direction) in FIG.

This process cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body 13
When the front unit 14 is closed and the front unit 14 is closed, the spacer 10f attached to the developing sleeve 10d is brought into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 7 by the pressure member 23 which is interlocked with the front unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the pressure member 23 is rotatable about the shaft 23a,
When the front unit 14 is opened, it rotates in the direction of arrow c against the urging force of the tension spring 24 to retract, and when the front unit 14 is closed, it is rotated in the opposite direction by the urging force of the spring 24. The biasing force of the spring 24 is set stronger than the biasing force of the tension spring 22. Therefore, when the front unit 14 is closed, the tip roller 23b rotates the developing means 10 in the direction opposite to the arrow b, and the spacer 10f is brought into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 7.

On the other hand, when the process cartridge B is removed from the image forming apparatus A, as shown in FIG.
Is rotated in the direction of arrow b by the urging force of the tension spring 22, so that the developing sleeve 10d is separated from the photosensitive drum 7. Therefore, even if vibration or the like is applied to the cartridge B during transportation, the developing sleeve 10d does not damage the photosensitive drum 7.

When the developing means 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow b, the exposure portion 9 is closed, so that the photosensitive drum 7 is not exposed to the external light.

{Other Embodiment 1 of Second Embodiment} Developing means 10
11 and 12 show another embodiment of the separating means for separating the photosensitive drum 7 from the photosensitive drum 7.

In this embodiment, the frame 12 is provided with a guide portion 25 so that the frame 12 for supporting the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing means 10 have a sliding structure as shown in FIG. When the process cartridge B is mounted in the image forming apparatus A, the developing means 10 is pressed in the direction of arrow d in FIG. 11 by a pressing mechanism (not shown), and the developing sleeve 10d and the photosensitive drum 7 are pressed against each other via the spacer 10f. To do.

On the other hand, when the process cartridge B is removed from the image forming apparatus A, the above-mentioned pressurization is eliminated, so that the developing means 10 is guided along the guide portion 25 by the urging of the tension spring 26 as shown in FIG. And the developing sleeve 10d is separated from the photoconductor drum 7, and the exposure unit 9d
Close up.

Therefore, even with the structure shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive drum 7 from being scratched and prevent deterioration from external light.

[Third Embodiment] Next, the contact structure for supplying power to the members of the process cartridge B will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. The members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Here, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of an end portion of the charging roller 8, FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing changes in inner and outer diameters of the coil spring, and FIG.

The charging roller 8 is made to have a uniform surface potential by applying an appropriate bias voltage to the metal shaft 8a. Both ends of the charging roller 8 are bearing members.
The coil spring 28, which is a power feeding member, is engaged (lightly press-fitted) with one end of the shaft 8a and is in contact with the contact member 29 at a constant pressure (N ₀ ). .

When the charging roller 8 rotates from the above state,
The coil spring 28 also follows and rotates at the same time, and electrical contact is ensured by the contact member 29 and the end surface of the coil spring 28 sliding while making contact. Here, the reason why the coil spring 28 can be driven without slipping on the roller shaft 8a will be described.

As shown in FIG. 14, the inner diameter D of the coil spring 28 is
₀ is machined slightly smaller than the outer diameter D ₁ of the roller shaft 8a. Therefore, when the coil spring 28 is engaged with the roller shaft 8a, the inner diameter of the coil spring 28 is elastically deformed from D ₀ to D ₁ , and this elastic deformation causes the coil spring 28 to move to the roller shaft 8a.
A pressurizing force N ₁ that tightens the surface of the is generated. When the charging roller 8 is rotated and used in this state, a static frictional force dF ₁ is generated at the contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of the roller shaft 8a and the inner surface of the coil spring 28, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, coil spring
A static frictional force dF ₀ is generated at the contact portion between the end surface of 28 and the contact member 29.

In this initial state of rotation, the static frictional force dF ₁ acts as a force for moving the coil spring 28 in the circumferential direction, so that the coil spring 28 depends on its winding direction.
Will tighten the surface further. As a result, the pressing force that tightens the roller shaft 8a increases from N ₁ to N ₂ . At this time, the static frictional force generated in the engaging portion between the coil spring 28 and the roller shaft 8a increases from dF ₁ to dF ₂ . In this state, the force relationship of dF ₀ <dF ₂ is established, so that the coil spring 28 follows the charging roller 8 and rotates.
This means that in the present embodiment, the winding direction of the coil spring 28 and the rotating direction of the charging roller 8 are made to coincide with each other (for example, when the coil spring 28 is right-handed, the charging roller 8 is right-handed). Can be realized.

Next, when the coil spring 28 is incorporated into the roller shaft 8a of the charging roller 8 to form one combined component, the assembling direction will be briefly described. It is possible to easily insert the coil spring 28 into the roller shaft 8a by performing a reverse operation to the above. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the charging roller 8 may be held so as not to rotate, and the coil spring 28 may be inserted into the roller shaft 8a while rotating in the direction opposite to the coil winding direction. Thus, the coil spring
When 28 is rotated in the opposite direction to the coil winding direction, the coil spring
The contact portion 28 and the roller shaft 8a frictional force dF ₁ 'is generated, the frictional force dF _1', the inner diameter of the coil spring 28 is increased. Therefore, the above-mentioned tightening force is apparently N
_It becomes smaller than ₁ and becomes N ₁ ′, so that the coil spring 28 can be easily inserted into the roller shaft 8 a.

On the other hand, the coil spring 28 can be easily pulled out from the roller shaft 8a by rotating it in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the coil spring 28 as described above.

{Other Embodiment 1 of Third Embodiment} Next, another embodiment of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Incidentally, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the end portion of the developing sleeve 10d.
FIG. 18 is an enlarged view showing a change in inner and outer diameters of the coil spring 30 which is a power feeding member, and FIG. 18 is an explanatory view when the coil spring 30 is attached to the developing sleeve 10d.

Spacers 10f are provided at both ends of the developing sleeve 10d.
Is rotatably inserted, the outer periphery of the spacer 10f is supported by a bearing member 31, and the driving force is transmitted to a driving gear (not shown) to rotate.

A coil spring 30, which is a power supply member, is engaged (lightly press-fitted) with the inner surface of the end portion of the developing sleeve 10d, and is in contact with the contact member 32 at a constant pressure N ₀ . When the developing sleeve 10d rotates from this state, the coil spring 30
Also, the contact member 32 and the end surface of the coil spring 30 slide while making contact with each other, thereby ensuring electrical continuity.

The major difference between this embodiment and the third embodiment described above is that the outer peripheral surface of the coil spring 32 is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 10d, as described above. Is that the winding direction of the developing sleeve is opposite to the rotating direction of the developing sleeve 10d. With this structure, the coil spring 30 can be used as in the third embodiment.
Can be driven to rotate without slipping on the developing sleeve 10d. The mechanism will be briefly described below.

As shown in FIG. 16, the outer diameter D of the coil spring 30 is
₀ is processed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter D ₁ of the developing sleeve 10d. Therefore, the coil spring 30 is attached to the developing sleeve 10d.
When engaged with the inner diameter of the coil spring 30, the outer diameter of the coil spring 30 changes from D ₀ to D
_It is elastically deformed to _1, and due to this elastic deformation, a pressing force N ₁ that pushes the inner surface of the developing sleeve 10d is generated in the coil spring 30. When the developing sleeve 10d is rotated in this state, a static frictional force dF ₁ is generated at the contact portion between the inner surface of the developing sleeve 10d and the outer surface of the coil spring 30. On the other hand, coil spring 30
At the contact portion between the end face of the contact member 32 and the contact member 32, the static friction force d
F ₀ occurs. In this initial state of rotation, the static frictional force dF ₁ acts as a force to move the coil spring 30 in the circumferential direction, so that the coil spring 30 further pushes the inner surface of the developing sleeve 10d depending on the winding direction, and the developing sleeve 10d.
The pressing force that presses the inner surface of d increases from N ₁ to N ₂ .

At this time, the coil spring 30 and the developing sleeve 10d
The static frictional force generated at the inner surface of the engaging part is from dF ₁ to dF _1.
Increases to ₂ . In this state, the force relationship of dF ₁ <dF ₂ is established, so that the coil spring 30 is connected to the developing sleeve 10.
It rotates following d. In the present embodiment, this means that the winding direction of the coil spring 30 and the rotating direction of the developing sleeve 10d are opposite to each other (for example, when the coil spring 30 is right-handed, the developing sleeve 10d rotates counterclockwise). The form becomes feasible.

Next, the assembling direction of the case where the coil spring 30 is incorporated into the developing sleeve 10d to form one coupling part will be briefly described. It is possible to easily insert the coil spring 30 into the developing sleeve 10d by performing the operation reverse to the above. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the developing sleeve 10d is held so as not to rotate, and the developing sleeve 10 is rotated while rotating the coil spring 30 in the same direction as the coil winding direction.
It is good to insert it in d. Thus, when the coil spring 30 is rotated in the same direction as the coil winding direction, the frictional force dF ₁ ′ is applied to the contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of the coil spring 30 and the inner surface of the developing sleeve 10d.
The frictional force dF ₁ ′ causes the outer diameter of the coil spring 30 to decrease. Therefore, the developing sleeve 10d described above
Since the force pressing the inner surface is apparently smaller than N ₁ , the coil spring 30 can be easily inserted into the developing sleeve 10d. On the other hand, when the coil spring 30 is pulled out from the developing sleeve 10d, it can be easily performed while rotating in the same direction as the winding direction of the coil spring 30 as described above.

{Other example 2 of the third example} Next, another example of the third example will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 19
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an end portion of the charging roller 8.

The difference of this embodiment from the above-mentioned third embodiment is that the coil at the portion where the coil spring 33 is engaged with the roller shaft 8a of the charging roller 8 (the portion R in the figure) is closely wound. That is the point. By doing so, the fixing of the coil spring 33 to the charging roller 8 becomes more reliable as compared with the third embodiment.

The reason is that the charging roller 8 of the coil spring 33 is
Since the static friction force between the coil spring 33 and the roller shaft 8a governs the fixation of the coil spring 33, the coil shaft 33 is wound more securely on the roller shaft 8a. Further, by tightly winding the end of the coil spring 33, it is possible to clearly share the role of the tightly wound portion with the portion engaged with the roller shaft 8a and the portion other than the solenoid elastically deformed.

Further, both ends of the coil spring 33 may be closely wound. This also prevents the coil springs from being entangled with each other. The configuration in which the ends of the coil spring are closely wound can also be applied to the coil spring 30 used in the first embodiment other than the third embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, the toner leakage preventing seal structure of the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. The members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Here, FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the developing blade 10e portion, and FIG. 21 is a perspective view thereof.

As described above, the developing blade 10e is a process member for thinly coating the developing sleeve 10d with the toner t. In this embodiment, the developing blade 10e is molded of non-metal (plastic or the like), and is positioned and attached to the frame 12. The developing blade 10e has a thin-walled sheet portion 34 at both ends thereof, and a thin-walled sheet member 35 similarly over the entire width in the longitudinal direction.
Is integrally molded.

The sheet portion 34 has its tip elastically deformed to the right in FIG. 20 and is brought into sliding contact with the surface of the developing sleeve 10d to scrape and clean the toner flowing out to the surface of the developing sleeve 10d. On the other hand, the sheet portion 35 seals the gap between the developing portion and the developing blade 10e while being elastically deformed upward in FIG.

With this structure, it is not necessary to form the cleaning member and the seal member as separate parts from the developing blade 10e, the number of assembly steps and the number of parts can be reduced, and the positional accuracy can be improved. As a result, it is possible to reduce costs as a result.

In this embodiment, the sheet portions 34 and 35 are integrally formed with the developing blade 10e.
The same effect can be obtained even if 35 is formed integrally with the frame body 12.

{Other example 1 of the fourth example} Next, another example of the fourth example will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 22
6 is an enlarged view of the cleaning means 11. FIG.

In this embodiment, the waste toner reservoir 11c
The thin sheet portions 36 and 37 are integrally molded in a part of the. The sheet portions 36 and 37 are in elastic contact with the surface of the photoconductor drum 7 while being elastically deformed upward in FIG.

The sheet portion 36 functions as a cleaning blade for scraping off the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, and the sheet portion 37 is scraped off and the waste toner storage 11
It functions as a squeeze sheet that seals the waste toner stored in c so as not to flow out. By doing so, the cleaning blade, the squeeze sheet, and the waste toner reservoir can be integrally configured, the number of parts and the number of assembling steps can be reduced to reduce the cost, and the position accuracy can be improved. .

As shown in FIG. 22, a thin sheet portion 38 is formed so as to come into contact with the charging roller 8 and the sheet portion 38 is formed.
The charging roller 8 may be cleaned by 38.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the developing sleeve 10d
With respect to the sealing method of the lower side portion, the same effect as described above can be obtained by forming a part of the guide member 39 of the recording medium 2 to be thin and integrally forming the sheet portion 40.

[Fourth Embodiment 3] Next, another embodiment of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of a side surface portion of the developing means, and shows a groove portion where the toner seal tape is pulled out from the developing means 10.

In this embodiment, the cap 41 is purchased in the drawing groove of the toner seal tape described above.
A plurality of thin sheet portions 41a are provided on one side surface of the cap 41.
Is integrally molded.

When the plurality of sheet portions 41a are inserted into the drawing groove, they are elastically deformed in the direction opposite to the inserting direction to seal the groove portions. By providing a plurality of thin-walled seal portions in this way, it is possible to improve the sealing property as compared with the case where only one seal portion is provided.

[Other Embodiments] The process cartridge B according to the present invention is not limited to the case of forming a single color image as described above, but a plurality of developing means are provided to form a plurality of color images (for example, two color image, three color image). It can also be suitably applied to a cartridge for forming an image or a full color).

As the developing method, various known developing methods such as a two-component magnetic brush developing method, a cascade developing method, a touchdown developing method and a cloud developing method can be used.

As for the structure of the charging means, the so-called contact charging method was used in the above-mentioned first embodiment, but a tungsten wire conventionally used as another structure is provided with a metal shield such as aluminum around the three sides, It goes without saying that a configuration may be used in which positive or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage to the tungsten wire are moved to the surface of the photosensitive drum to uniformly charge the surface of the drum. In addition to the roller type, the charging unit may be of blade type (charging blade), pad type, block type, rod type, wire type, or the like.

Further, as a method for cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, the cleaning means may be constituted by using a blade, a fur brush, a magnetic brush or the like.

Further, the above-mentioned process cartridge is
For example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image carrier and at least one process means are provided. Therefore, as the mode of the process cartridge, in addition to the embodiment described above, for example, the image carrier and the charging means are integrally made into a cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. The image carrier and the developing means are integrally formed into a cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus. The image carrier and the cleaning means are integrally made into a cartridge so that it can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Further, there is one in which an image carrier and two or more of the above-mentioned process means are combined into an integrated cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

That is, the above-mentioned process cartridge is one in which the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. . Further, at least one of the charging means, the developing means, and the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so that it can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body.

Although the laser beam printer has been illustrated as the image forming apparatus in the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and other image forming apparatuses such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a facsimile machine, a word processor and the like can be used. It is also possible to use for.

[0119]

The present invention has the following effects by being configured as described above. (1) By separating the image carrier from the developing means by the separating means, it is possible to prevent the developing means from damaging the image carrier due to vibration during transportation. Further, at this time, by automatically closing the exposure unit, it becomes possible to prevent the image carrier from being deteriorated by external light when the cartridge is removed.

(2) The shutter member of the process cartridge divides the exhaust flow so that heat generated from the fixing unit is blocked from flowing to the vicinity of the process cartridge by the shutter member. It is possible to protect the body from heat.

(3) Further, by constructing the power feeding member with a coil spring, the coil spring for power feeding can be easily attached, the position can be securely fixed, and the reliability of electrical conduction of the contact portion can be improved. Can be done.

(4) Further, by making the integrally molded thin portion such as the frame function as a seal member or a cleaning member, it is not necessary to separately attach the seal member or the like, the number of parts and the assembly process are reduced, and the cost is reduced. Can be planned.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a process cartridge is attached and detached.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a process cartridge,
(B) is a side view.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion in which a process cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which a ventilation hole is provided in a drum shutter.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which an elastically deformable member is provided on the drum shutter.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which an elastically deformable member is provided on the drum shutter.

FIG. 9 is a sectional explanatory view of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

10 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the process cartridge of FIG. 9 is removed from the apparatus main body.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example 1 of the second example.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the cartridge of FIG. 11 is removed from the apparatus main body.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a power feeding member to the charging roller is configured by a coil spring.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a power feeding member to the charging roller is configured by a coil spring.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a power feeding member to the charging roller is configured by a coil spring.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a power feeding member to the developing sleeve is configured by a coil spring.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a power feeding member to the developing sleeve is configured by a coil spring.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a power feeding member to the developing sleeve is configured by a coil spring.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which a power feeding member to the charging roller is composed of a coil spring and an engaging portion is closely wound.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of an example in which a developing blade is provided with a thin sheet portion.

FIG. 21 is a perspective explanatory view of an example in which a developing blade is provided with a thin sheet portion.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a thin sheet portion is provided in the waste toner reservoir.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which a thin sheet portion is provided on a guide member of a recording medium.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which a thin sheet portion is provided on the cap of the drawing groove of the toner seal tape.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a prior art process cartridge.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of an exposure unit of a process cartridge.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a power supply configuration to the charging roller.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a power supply configuration to the developing sleeve.

[Explanation of symbols]

A ... Image forming apparatus, B ... Process cartridge, 1 ... Optical system, 1a ... Optical unit, 1b ... Laser diode, 1c ... Polygon mirror, 1d ... Scanner motor,
1e ... Imaging lens, 2 ... Recording medium, 3 ... Conveying means, 3a
… Cassette, 3b… Pickup roller, 3c1, 3c2…
Registration rollers, 3d1, 3d2 ... Ejection rollers, 4 ... Transfer means, 5 ... Fixing means, 5a ... Drive rollers, 5b ... Heaters,
5c ... Fixing roller, 6 ... Ejecting section, 7 ... Photosensitive drum, 8
... charging roller, 8a ... roller shaft, 9 ... exposure section, 10 ... developing means, 10a ... toner reservoir, 10b ... toner feeding member, 10c
… Magnet, 10d… Development sleeve, 10e… Development blade, 10
f ... Spacer, 11 ... Cleaning means, 11a ... Cleaning blade, 11b ... Squeeze sheet, 11c ... Waste toner reservoir, 12 ... Frame body, 13 ... Device body, 14 ... Front unit, 14a ...
Hinge, 15 ... Drum shutter, 15a, 15b ... Shutter ends, 15c ... Pin, 15d ... Central part, 15e ... Vent hole, 16 ... Shutter lever, 17 ... Spring, 18, 19 ... Ventilation path, 18a, 19a
… Opening, 20… Partitioning member, 21… Shaft, 22… Tensile spring,
23 ... Pressure member, 23a ... Shaft, 23b ... Tip roller, 24 ... Tension spring, 25 ... Guide part, 26 ... Tension spring, 27 ... Bearing member, 28 ... Coil spring, 29 ... Contact member, 30 ... Coil spring, 31 ... Bearing member, 32 ... Contact member, 33 ... Coil spring, 3
4, 35, 36, 37, 38 ... Seat part, 39 ... Guide part, 40 ... Seat part, 41 ... Cap, 41a ... Seat part

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Yoshiya Nomura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Koji Miura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Incorporated (72) Inventor Minoru Sato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A process cartridge mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier, at least a developing unit as a process unit acting on the image carrier, and a direction in which the image carrier and the developing unit are separated from each other. A process cartridge comprising: a separating means for urging. 2. A process cartridge mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier, an exposure unit for irradiating the image carrier with light, a developing unit acting on the image carrier, and a shaft as a center. And a housing that supports the developing means, urges the housing to urge the image carrier and the developing means away from each other, and urges the exposure section to close. A process cartridge comprising: a biasing unit that biases the process cartridge. 3. An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: an image carrier, at least a developing unit as a process unit acting on the image carrier, and the image carrier. Mounting means for mounting a process cartridge having a separating means for urging the developing means and the developing means in a direction of separating the developing means, and the developing means against the bias of the separating means when the process cartridge is mounted. An image forming apparatus comprising: an abutting unit that abuts the image carrier on the image carrier; and a transport unit for transporting a recording medium. 4. A process cartridge mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, and a shutter member capable of opening and closing an opening exposing the image carrier. A process cartridge having a ventilation hole in the shutter member. 5. An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, and the image carrier. Mounting means for mounting a process cartridge having a shutter member capable of opening and closing an opening to be exposed, transfer means for transferring the developer on the image carrier to a recording medium, and arranged above the transfer means, A fixing unit for fixing the developer transferred to the recording medium, a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium, a plurality of exhaust ports for exhausting heat, and the process cartridge mounted to open the shutter member. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the shutter member is configured to divert air to the plurality of heat exhaust ports when the shutter member is opened. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the process cartridge to be mounted has a ventilation hole in the shutter member. 7. A process cartridge mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, and a rotary member for energizing the rotary member. And a coil spring for power supply, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member and the inner periphery of the coil spring are engaged with each other, and the rotating direction of the rotating member and the winding direction of the coil spring are in the same direction. Characteristic process cartridge. 8. A process cartridge attachable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, and a rotary member for energizing the rotary member. A coil spring for power feeding, and an inner peripheral surface of the rotating member and an outer periphery of the coil spring are engaged with each other, and a rotation direction of the rotating member and a winding direction of the coil spring are opposite to each other. Process cartridge characterized by. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein a portion where the coil spring engages with the rotating member is closely wound. 10. The process cartridge comprises a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as the process means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image bearing member, which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is formed into an image forming apparatus main body. 8. The device according to claim 7, which is removable.
Alternatively, the process cartridge according to claim 8. 11. The image forming apparatus is a process cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit as the process unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier are integrally formed into a cartridge. The process cartridge according to claim 7 or 8, which is removable from the main body. 12. The process cartridge is configured such that at least a developing unit as the process unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 7, which is a product. 13. An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, wherein an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, and a rotating member are energized. Therefore, a coil spring for power supply attached to the rotating member is provided, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member and the inner periphery of the coil spring are engaged with each other, and the rotating direction of the rotating member and the winding direction of the coil spring are An image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting unit for mounting a process cartridge configured to be in the same direction; and a transport unit for transporting a recording medium. 14. An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, wherein an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, and a rotating member are energized. Therefore, a coil spring for power supply attached to the rotating member is provided, and an inner peripheral surface of the rotating member and an outer periphery of the coil spring are engaged with each other, and a rotating direction of the rotating member and a winding direction of the coil spring are An image forming apparatus comprising: mounting means for mounting a process cartridge configured to be in mutually opposite directions, and transporting means for transporting a recording medium. 15. A process cartridge mountable to the main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a frame, an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, a part of the frame unit or the process unit. A process cartridge, characterized in that a thin-walled portion that is elastically deformable is provided in a part of the constituent members. 16. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the thin portion constitutes a seal member for preventing leakage of the developer. 17. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the thin portion constitutes a cleaning member for cleaning the process means. 18. The process cartridge comprises a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as the process means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier, which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is formed in the main body of the image forming apparatus. 15. The device according to claim 15, which is removable.
Process cartridge described. 19. The process cartridge is an image forming apparatus in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit as the process unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier are integrally formed into a cartridge. 16. The process cartridge according to claim 15, which is removable from the main body. 20. The process cartridge is configured such that at least a developing unit as the process unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. 16. The process cartridge according to claim 15, which is a product. 21. An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a frame, an image carrier, at least one process unit acting on the image carrier, A mounting means for mounting a process cartridge having an elastically deformable thin portion on a part of the frame body or a part of a member constituting the process means, and a transport means for transporting a recording medium. An image forming apparatus characterized by.