JPH0693141B2 - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Process cartridge and image forming apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0693141B2 JPH0693141B2 JP63069735A JP6973588A JPH0693141B2 JP H0693141 B2 JPH0693141 B2 JP H0693141B2 JP 63069735 A JP63069735 A JP 63069735A JP 6973588 A JP6973588 A JP 6973588A JP H0693141 B2 JPH0693141 B2 JP H0693141B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- process cartridge
- image carrier
- image
- developing
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】 （産業上の利用分野） 本発明は、画像形成装置本体に着脱可能なプロセスカー
トリッジ及び該プロセスカートリッジを着脱可能な複写
機、レーザプリンタ等の画像形成装置に関する。Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus main body and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer in which the process cartridge is detachable.
（従来の技術） 第６図及び第７図に従来のプロセスカートリッジ101の
構成を示すが、該プロセスカートリッジ101は、ハウジ
ング102内に、像担持体としての感光ドラム103、該感光
ドラム103の周面を所定の極性に一様に帯電するための
帯電器108、現像剤容器109aと現像スリーブ109bを有し
て構成され、感光ドラム103上に形成された潜像を現像
する現像器109及び感光ドラム103上に付着した現像剤を
除去するクリーニング器107を所定の相互配置関係をも
ってコンパクトに収納して構成され、これは画像形成装
置本体に対して着脱可能である。(Prior Art) FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show the structure of a conventional process cartridge 101. In the process cartridge 101, a housing 102 is provided with a photosensitive drum 103 as an image carrier and a periphery of the photosensitive drum 103. A developing device 109 configured to have a charger 108 for uniformly charging the surface to a predetermined polarity, a developer container 109a and a developing sleeve 109b, and which develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 103, and a photosensitive member. A cleaning device 107 for removing the developer adhering on the drum 103 is compactly housed in a predetermined mutual arrangement relationship, and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
ところで、第７図に示すように、前記感光ドラム103、
帯電器108及びクリーニング器107は側板112に支持さ
れ、現像器109は側板113に支持されているが、これら側
板112,113は加圧中心たる軸110を中心として互いに回動
自在であって、これらは各々に突設されたピン114,115
間に張架された引張コイルばね（スリーブ加圧ばね）11
1によって互いに引き合う方向に付勢されている。そし
て、この引張コイルばね111によって現像スリーブ109b
の両端スペーサ部c,c（第６図参照）が感光ドラム103に
圧接せしめられ、現像スリーブ109bのスペーサ部c,cを
除く部分と感光ドラム103との間隔が常に一定に保たれ
る。By the way, as shown in FIG. 7, the photosensitive drum 103,
The charging device 108 and the cleaning device 107 are supported by the side plate 112, and the developing device 109 is supported by the side plate 113. The side plates 112, 113 are rotatable with respect to each other about a shaft 110 which is a pressurizing center. Pins 114 and 115 protruding from each
Tension coil spring stretched between (sleeve pressure spring) 11
It is urged in the direction to attract each other by 1. The tension coil spring 111 causes the developing sleeve 109b.
Both end spacers c, c (see FIG. 6) are pressed against the photosensitive drum 103, so that the distance between the developing sleeve 109b except the spacers c, c and the photosensitive drum 103 is always kept constant.
（発明が解決しようとする問題点） しかしながら、上記従来のプロセスカートリッジ101に
あっては、前述のように側板112に重量の大きな感光ド
ラム103、帯電器108及びクリーニング器107を支持せし
め、これらを引張コイルばね111によって現像スリーブ1
09b側に吊り上げる必要がある。そのため、引張コイル
ばね111に大きな引張力を要し、従って、引張コイルば
ね111のコイル径及びコイル線径が大きくなってこれの
設置スペースが問題となり、プロセスカートリッジ101
のコストアップを招いていた。(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the above-described conventional process cartridge 101, as described above, the side plate 112 is made to support the heavy photosensitive drum 103, the charging device 108, and the cleaning device 107, and these are mounted. Develop sleeve 1 by tension coil spring 111
It is necessary to lift it to the 09b side. Therefore, a large tensile force is required for the tension coil spring 111, and accordingly, the coil diameter and the coil wire diameter of the tension coil spring 111 become large and the installation space for this becomes a problem, and the process cartridge 101
Was incurring higher costs.
又、引張コイルばね111は感光ドラム103の長手方向の両
外側に配置されているため、プロセスカートリッジ101
の長手方向の寸法（幅寸法）が大きくなって該プロセス
カートリッジ101の大型化、延いては画像形成装置の大
型化を招くという問題があった。Further, since the tension coil springs 111 are arranged on both outer sides in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 103, the process cartridge 101
However, there is a problem in that the size (width size) in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge becomes large and the process cartridge 101 becomes large, and thus the image forming apparatus becomes large.
本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的と
する処は、弾性手段の小型化と合理的配置によって小
型、軽量化を図ることができるプロセスカートリッジ及
び画像形成装置を提供することにある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus that can be reduced in size and weight by downsizing and rational arrangement of elastic means. is there.
（問題点を解決するための手段） 上記目的を達成すべく本発明は、画像形成装置本体に着
脱可能なプロセスカートリッジにおいて、像担持体と、
フレームと、前記像担持体に形成された潜像を現像する
ための現像手段と、軸を中心にして、前記像担持体と前
記現像手段とを互いに変位可能に支持する支持手段と、
前記像担持体に露光を行うための露光開口と、前記軸に
対して前記像担持体が位置する側とは反対側に、そし
て、前記露光開口の側方で前記フレームの内側に、前記
像担持体と前記現像手段とが近付く方向に付勢力を作用
するように設けられた弾性手段と、を設けたことを特徴
とする。(Means for Solving Problems) To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus main body, comprising an image carrier and
A frame, a developing means for developing the latent image formed on the image carrier, and a supporting means for movably supporting the image carrier and the developing means with respect to an axis.
The exposure opening for exposing the image carrier, the side opposite to the side where the image carrier is located with respect to the axis, and the side of the exposure opening inside the frame, the image Elastic means provided so as to exert a biasing force in a direction in which the carrier and the developing means approach each other.
又、本発明は、プロセスカートリッジを着脱可能で、記
録媒体に画像を形成する画像形成装置において、像担持
体と、フレームと、前記像担持体に形成された潜像を現
像するための現像手段と、軸を中心にして、前記像担持
体と前記現像手段とを互いに変位可能に支持する支持手
段と、前記像担持体に露光を行うための露光開口と、前
記軸に対して前記像担持体が位置する側とは反対側に、
そして、前記露光開口の側方で前記フレームの内側に、
前記像担持体と前記現像手段とが近付く方向に付勢力を
作用するように設けられた弾性手段と、を設けたことを
特徴とする。Further, the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, in which a process cartridge is attachable / detachable, an image carrier, a frame, and a developing unit for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier. A supporting means for supporting the image carrier and the developing means so as to be displaceable from each other about an axis, an exposure opening for exposing the image carrier, and the image carrier with respect to the axis. On the side opposite to the side where the body is located,
Then, inside the frame at the side of the exposure opening,
Elastic means provided so as to exert an urging force in a direction in which the image carrier and the developing means approach each other.
（作用） 本発明によれば、軸に対して像担持体が位置する側とは
反対側に、そして、露光開口の側方でフレーム内側に、
像担持体と現像手段とが近付く方向に付勢力を作用させ
るための弾性手段が設けられているため、弾性手段に要
する付勢力が小さくて済むとともに、空間を有効に活用
することができる。(Operation) According to the present invention, on the side opposite to the side where the image carrier is located with respect to the axis, and on the inside of the frame at the side of the exposure opening,
Since the elastic means for applying the urging force in the direction in which the image carrier and the developing means approach each other is provided, the urging force required for the elastic means is small and the space can be effectively utilized.
従って、例えば圧縮コイルばね等の弾性手段のサイズを
小さくすることができ、プロセスカートリッジ、延いて
は画像形成装置の小型、軽量化を図ることができる。Therefore, the size of the elastic means such as the compression coil spring can be reduced, and the size and weight of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus can be reduced.
（実施例） 以下に本発明を適用した実施例を添付図面に基づいて説
明する。(Embodiment) An embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
尚、以下の実施例では、画像形成装置本体に対して着脱
自在に構成され、ハウジング内に少なくとも像担持体と
現像器を組み込んで成るプロセスカートリッジであっ
て、前記現像器を加圧中心回りに回動可能に支持すると
ともに、該現像器と前記ハウジング間に弾発手段を介設
し、該弾発手段を加圧中心に対して前記像担持体が配さ
れる側とは反対側に配したプロセスカートリッジと該プ
ロセスカートリッジを本体内に装着可能な画像形成装置
について説明する。In the following embodiments, the process cartridge is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and at least the image carrier and the developing device are incorporated in the housing. In addition to being rotatably supported, elastic means is provided between the developing device and the housing, and the elastic means is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the image carrier is arranged with respect to the center of pressure. The process cartridge and the image forming apparatus capable of mounting the process cartridge in the main body will be described.
上記構成を採用する本実施例によれば、加圧中心の両側
に弾発手段と像担持体及び該像担持体に圧接される現像
スリーブが配されるため、圧縮コイルばね等の弾発手段
によって現像器を一方向に付勢すれば、加圧中心に対し
て弾発手段とは反対側に配される現像スリーブが像担持
体に所定の圧力をもって圧接される。According to the present embodiment employing the above-mentioned configuration, the elastic means, the image bearing member and the developing sleeve pressed against the image bearing member are arranged on both sides of the center of the pressure, so that the elastic force generating means such as the compression coil spring is provided. When the developing device is biased in one direction by, the developing sleeve arranged on the opposite side of the pressing center from the elastic means is pressed against the image carrier with a predetermined pressure.
然るに、弾発手段が現像器に及ぼす付勢力と現像スリー
ブの押圧力との加圧中心からの作用長さを適当に設定す
れば、所謂テコの原理によって弾発手段に要する弾発力
を小さく抑えることができ、これによって弾発手段を構
成する圧縮コイルばね等の寸法を小さくしてその合理的
配置を可能とすることができ、プロセスカートリッジ、
延いては画像形成装置の小型、軽量化を図ることができ
る。However, if the action length of the biasing force exerted on the developing device by the elastic means and the pressing force of the developing sleeve from the center of pressure is set appropriately, the elastic force required by the elastic means can be reduced by the so-called lever principle. It is possible to reduce the size of the compression coil spring or the like constituting the elastic means, thereby enabling a rational arrangement of the compression coil spring, the process cartridge,
As a result, the size and weight of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.
第８図は本発明を適用した実施例に係るレーザビームプ
リンタの縦断面図である。該レーザビームプリンタにお
いては多数枚のカットシートＰ…は給紙トレイ41上に積
載され、各カットシートＰは給紙ローラ42及び搬送ロー
ラ43によって１枚ずつ画像形成部に搬送される。そし
て、カットシートＰは転写ローラ44によって感光ドラム
３上の画像を転写された後、定着器45に導かれ、転写さ
れた画像を熱ローラ定着され、最終的に排出ローラ46に
よって装置外の排紙トレイ47上へ排出される。FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a laser beam printer according to an embodiment to which the invention is applied. In the laser beam printer, a large number of cut sheets P ... Are stacked on a paper feed tray 41, and each cut sheet P is conveyed to the image forming unit one by one by a paper feed roller 42 and a conveyance roller 43. After the image on the photosensitive drum 3 is transferred to the cut sheet P by the transfer roller 44, the cut sheet P is guided to the fixing device 45, the transferred image is fixed by the heat roller, and finally the discharge roller 46 discharges the image outside the apparatus. The paper is discharged onto the paper tray 47.
ところで、上記給紙トレイ41、給紙ローラ42を含む給紙
部、搬送ローラ43を含む搬送部、定着器45を含む定着部
及び排出ローラ46、排紙トレイ47を含む排紙部は装置ベ
ースＢに軸Ａにて軸支されており、これらは図示の一点
鎖線の位置で分割され、開閉可能に構成されている。By the way, the paper feed tray 41, the paper feed unit including the paper feed roller 42, the transport unit including the transport roller 43, the fixing unit including the fixing device 45 and the discharge roller 46, and the paper discharge unit including the paper discharge tray 47 are the device bases. It is rotatably supported by B on an axis A, which is divided at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.
又、前記画像形成部は、感光ドラム３、クリーニング器
７、帯電器８及び現像器９を一体とするカートリッジ１
を構成している。上記帯電器８は半導電性弾性体、例え
ば導電ゴムローラに電気的バイアスをかけることによっ
て感光ドラム３を帯電することができる。Further, the image forming unit is a cartridge 1 in which the photosensitive drum 3, the cleaning device 7, the charging device 8 and the developing device 9 are integrated.
Are configured. The charger 8 can charge the photosensitive drum 3 by electrically biasing a semi-conductive elastic body such as a conductive rubber roller.
ところで、カートリッジ１は、感光ドラム３の寿命、ク
リーニングブレード寿命、トナー無し等のことを考慮し
て、或る一定量の画像形成後は新しいものと交換される
が、この交換は次のようにしてなされる。By the way, the cartridge 1 is replaced with a new one after a certain amount of image formation in consideration of the life of the photosensitive drum 3, the life of the cleaning blade, the absence of toner, and the like. Done.
即ち、第９図に示すように給紙、搬送、定着及び排紙部
を有する外装カバー部Ｋを開けると、カートリッジ１は
外装カバー部Ｋを開放される側へ抜き差しが可能に構成
されているため、操作者はカートリッジ１を本体からド
ラム母線方向と直角をなす方向に取り出すことができ
る。That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the outer cover section K having the sheet feeding, transporting, fixing and discharging sections is opened, the cartridge 1 can be inserted into and removed from the side where the outer cover section K is opened. Therefore, the operator can take out the cartridge 1 from the main body in a direction perpendicular to the drum generatrix direction.
又、新しいカートリッジ１は、上記取り出しの場合とは
逆に操作することによって本体に装着され、装着後は外
装カバー部Ｋを閉じれば、カートリッジ１は転写ローラ
44からの圧力を受けて所定位置に確実にセットされる。
尚、外装カバー部Ｋが開放されているときには、第９図
に示すように排紙トレイ47（第８図参照）は取り外さ
れ、給紙トレイ41は折り畳まれている。Further, the new cartridge 1 is mounted to the main body by operating in the reverse of the above-mentioned removal, and after mounting, if the exterior cover K is closed, the cartridge 1 is transferred to the transfer roller.
It receives pressure from 44 and is reliably set in position.
When the exterior cover K is open, the paper discharge tray 47 (see FIG. 8) is removed and the paper feed tray 41 is folded, as shown in FIG.
第１図は本発明を適用した実施例に係るプロセスカート
リッジ１の縦断側面図、第２図は同プロセスカートリッ
ジ１の斜視図である。該プロセスカートリッジ１のハウ
ジング２内には、像担持体としての感光ドラム３が第１
図中、右寄りに配置されている。FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a process cartridge 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1. In the housing 2 of the process cartridge 1, a photosensitive drum 3 as an image bearing member is first provided.
In the figure, it is arranged on the right side.
そして、ハウジング２には上記感光ドラム３の一部が臨
む開口部2aが形成されているが、該開口部2aは軸部4aを
中心に回動するシャッター４にて開閉される。即ち、当
該プロセスカートリッジ１が本体内に装着されていると
きには、シャッター４は第１図中、鎖線にて示すように
上方へ開いて感光ドラム３は開口部2aから本体側の転写
帯電器５に臨んでおり、同プロセスカートリッジ１が本
体外へ取り出されたときには、シャッター４は第１図
中、実線にて示すように閉じて感光ドラム３の損傷や外
光による劣化を防ぐ。An opening 2a is formed in the housing 2 so that a part of the photosensitive drum 3 is exposed. The opening 2a is opened and closed by a shutter 4 which rotates around a shaft 4a. That is, when the process cartridge 1 is mounted in the main body, the shutter 4 opens upward as shown by the chain line in FIG. 1, and the photosensitive drum 3 moves from the opening 2a to the transfer charger 5 on the main body side. When the process cartridge 1 is taken out of the main body, the shutter 4 is closed as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 to prevent damage to the photosensitive drum 3 and deterioration due to external light.
又、ハウジング２の前記開口部2aが設けられる側とは反
対側には所定幅を有する矩形のスリット状露光窓2bが形
成されており、ハウジング２内には該露光窓2bから感光
ドラム３に至る略水平な光像露光光路６が形成されてい
る。そして、この光像露光光路６を境としてこれの上方
にはクリーニング器７と帯電器８が、下方には現像器９
がそれぞれ配されている。尚、帯電器８は感光ドラム３
に接触して図示矢印方向に回転する接触帯電ローラにて
構成され、現像器９は内部にトナーｔを収容して成るト
ナー容器9aと感光ドラム３に接触して図示矢印方向に回
転する現像スリーブ9bを含んで構成される。Further, a rectangular slit-shaped exposure window 2b having a predetermined width is formed on the side of the housing 2 opposite to the side where the opening 2a is provided, and inside the housing 2, the exposure window 2b extends from the exposure window 2b to the photosensitive drum 3. A substantially horizontal optical image exposure optical path 6 is formed. A cleaning device 7 and a charging device 8 are provided above the optical image exposure optical path 6 as a boundary, and a developing device 9 is provided below the cleaning device 7.
Are arranged respectively. The charger 8 is the photosensitive drum 3
The developing device 9 includes a contact charging roller that rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. It is composed of 9b.
ところで、前記感光ドラム３、クリーニング器７、帯電
器８等の機器はハウジング２に支持されているが、現像
器９は加圧中心たる軸10にてハウジング２に対して回動
自在に支持されているとともに、該現像器９とハウジン
グ２間に縮装された２個の圧縮コイルばね11,11によっ
て第１図中、反時計方向（図示矢印ａ方向）に弾発付勢
されており、これによって現像スリーブ9bは感光ドラム
３に所定の圧力をもって常時接触せしめられている。By the way, the photosensitive drum 3, the cleaning device 7, the charging device 8 and other devices are supported by the housing 2, but the developing device 9 is rotatably supported by the housing 10 by a shaft 10 which is a center of pressure. In addition, the two compression coil springs 11 and 11 compressed between the developing device 9 and the housing 2 are elastically urged in the counterclockwise direction (the direction of arrow a in the figure) in FIG. As a result, the developing sleeve 9b is kept in constant contact with the photosensitive drum 3 with a predetermined pressure.
而して、上記圧縮コイルばね11,11は、第２図に示すよ
うに、ハウジング２に形成された露光窓2bに両側部にコ
ンパクトに配されるが、これらが配される部位は必然的
に生ずる空間である。つまり、不図示の画像露光装置か
ら発せられる光像露光光Ｌは第２図に示すように感光ド
ラム３に向かってその幅が拡大するため、露光窓2bを通
過するときの幅は感光ドラム３に照射されるときの幅よ
りも狭く、従って、露光窓2bの両側には必然的に空間部
が形成される。Thus, the compression coil springs 11 and 11 are compactly arranged on both sides of the exposure window 2b formed in the housing 2 as shown in FIG. 2, but the portions where these are arranged are inevitable. It is a space that occurs in. That is, since the width of the optical image exposure light L emitted from the image exposure device (not shown) expands toward the photosensitive drum 3 as shown in FIG. 2, the width when passing through the exposure window 2b is the photosensitive drum 3. The width is narrower than the width when the light is irradiated onto the exposure window 2. Therefore, a space is inevitably formed on both sides of the exposure window 2b.
そこで、斯かる空間部に圧縮コイルばね11,11を配する
ことは、当該プロセスカートリッジ１の小型、コンパク
ト化にとって非常に合理的である。Therefore, arranging the compression coil springs 11 and 11 in such a space is very rational for making the process cartridge 1 small and compact.
又、本実施例のような機器配置を採れば、圧縮コイルば
ね11,11に必要な弾発力は小さくて済み、これら圧縮コ
イルばね11,11の寸法を小さくすることが可能となる。Further, if the device arrangement as in this embodiment is adopted, the elastic force required for the compression coil springs 11, 11 can be small, and the size of these compression coil springs 11, 11 can be reduced.
即ち、第１図に示すように、圧縮コイルばね11,11の弾
発力をF1、現像スリーブ9bの接触圧力をF2とし、軸10か
ら力F1,F2までの作用長さを図示の如くl1,l2とすれば、
モーメントの釣合いにより次式が成立する。That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the elastic force of the compression coil springs 11 and 11 is F 1 , the contact pressure of the developing sleeve 9b is F 2, and the acting length from the shaft 10 to the forces F 1 and F 2 is As shown in the figure, if l 1 and l 2
The following equation is established by the balance of moments.
F1×l1＝F2×l2…（１） 従って、圧縮コイルばね11,11に要求される弾発力F1は
次式で表わされる。F 1 × l 1 = F 2 × l 2 (1) Therefore, the elastic force F 1 required for the compression coil springs 11, 11 is expressed by the following equation.
然るに、l1＞l2であるから、力F1とF2との間には次の大
小関係が成立する。 However, since l 1 > l 2 , the following magnitude relation holds between the forces F 1 and F 2 .
F1＜F2…（３） 上式より明らかなように、現像スリーブ9bの所要接触圧
力F2に対して圧縮コイルばね11,11に要求される弾発力F
1（個々の圧縮コイルばね11に対してはF1/2）は接触圧
力F2より小さい値で済み、この結果、圧縮コイルばね1
1,11の寸法（巻き数、巻き径及び線径）は小さくて済
み、プロセスカートリッジ１、延いては該プロセスカー
トリッジ１を装着すべき画像形成装置の小型、軽量化を
図ることができる。F 1 <F 2 (3) As is clear from the above formula, the elastic force F required for the compression coil springs 11 and 11 with respect to the required contact pressure F 2 of the developing sleeve 9b.
1 (F 1/2 for each compression coil spring 11) is less than the contact pressure F 2 and , as a result, compression coil spring 1
The dimensions (number of windings, winding diameter, and wire diameter) of 1 and 11 can be small, and the process cartridge 1 and by extension, the image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge 1 is to be mounted can be reduced in size and weight.
ところで、以上は現像器９の自重を無視したが、これを
考慮すれば弾発力F1は前記第（２）式で表わされる値よ
りも小さくて済み、このことは各圧縮コイルばね11の小
型化にとって更に有利となる。By the way, although the self-weight of the developing device 9 is neglected above, the elastic force F 1 may be smaller than the value expressed by the equation (2) in consideration of this. It is more advantageous for downsizing.
尚、本実施例においては、圧縮コイルばね11を露光窓2b
の左右に１個ずつ計２個配置したが、露光窓2bを左右何
れかの方向に寄せ、これによってできる空間部に１個又
は複数の圧縮コイルばね11を配置するようにしても良
い。又、本実施例においては、画像形成時の複写材Ｐは
プロセスカートリッジ１に対して第１図の鎖線にて示す
経路を経て搬送される。In this embodiment, the compression coil spring 11 is connected to the exposure window 2b.
Although a total of two are arranged, one on each of the left and right sides, the exposure window 2b may be moved to either the left or right direction, and one or a plurality of compression coil springs 11 may be arranged in the space formed by this. Further, in the present embodiment, the copy material P at the time of image formation is conveyed to the process cartridge 1 through the path shown by the chain line in FIG.
ところで、以上の実施例においては、現像器９の所定の
方向に弾発付勢すべき手段として圧縮コイルばね11,11
を用いたが、これの代わりに第３図及び第４図に示すよ
うに前記実施例と同じ場所に捩りコイルばね21,21を配
置しても良い。即ち、現像器９にボス部9c,9cを突設
し、該ボス部9c,9cに捩りコイルばね21,21を通し、第３
図に示すように各捩りコイルばね21の一端21aをハウジ
ング２に係合せしめ、他端21bを現像器９の露光窓9dの
一部に係合せしめることによって、現像器９の現像スリ
ーブを感光ドラム（共に図示せず）に所定圧力をもって
接触せしめることができる。By the way, in the above embodiment, the compression coil springs 11 and 11 are used as means for elastically urging the developing device 9 in the predetermined direction.
However, instead of this, the torsion coil springs 21, 21 may be arranged at the same place as in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, the developing device 9 is provided with boss portions 9c and 9c, and the torsion coil springs 21 and 21 are passed through the boss portions 9c and 9c.
As shown in the drawing, one end 21a of each torsion coil spring 21 is engaged with the housing 2 and the other end 21b is engaged with a part of the exposure window 9d of the developing device 9, whereby the developing sleeve of the developing device 9 is exposed. The drum (both not shown) can be brought into contact with a predetermined pressure.
その他、第５図に示すように、露光窓2b部のハウジング
２と現像器９の間に略全幅に亘って板ばね31を介設する
ことによっても同様の効果を得ることができる。尚、第
３図及び第５図において、10は共に加圧中心となるべき
軸である。Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, a similar effect can be obtained by providing a leaf spring 31 between the housing 2 of the exposure window 2b and the developing device 9 over substantially the entire width. In FIGS. 3 and 5, 10 is an axis that should be the center of pressurization.
以上のように、本実施例によれば、加圧中心の両側に弾
発手段と像担持体及び該像担持体に圧接される現像スリ
ーブが配されるため、圧縮コイルばね等の弾発手段によ
って現像器を一方向に付勢すれば、加圧中心に対して弾
性手段とは反対側に配される現像スリーブが像担持体に
所定の圧力をもって圧接される。As described above, according to this embodiment, the elastic means, the image bearing member, and the developing sleeves pressed against the image bearing member are arranged on both sides of the center of the pressing force. When the developing device is urged in one direction by, the developing sleeve arranged on the side opposite to the elastic means with respect to the center of pressure is pressed against the image carrier with a predetermined pressure.
従って、弾発手段が現像器に及ぼす付勢力と現像スリー
ブの押圧力との加圧中心からの作用長さを適当に設定す
れば、所謂テコの原理によって弾発手段に要する弾発力
を小さく抑えることができ、これによって弾発手段を構
成する圧縮コイルばね等の寸法を小さくしてその合理的
配置を可能とすることができ、プロセスカートリッジ、
延いては画像形成装置の小型、軽量化を図ることができ
る。Therefore, if the action length of the biasing force exerted on the developing device by the elastic means and the pressing force of the developing sleeve from the center of pressure is appropriately set, the elastic force required by the elastic means can be reduced by the so-called lever principle. It is possible to reduce the size of the compression coil spring or the like constituting the elastic means, thereby enabling a rational arrangement of the compression coil spring, the process cartridge,
As a result, the size and weight of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.
（発明の効果） 以上の説明で明らかな如く、本発明によれば、軸に対し
て像担持体が位置する側とは反対側に、そして、露光開
口の側方でフレームの内側に、像担持体と現像手段とが
近付く方向に付勢力を作用させるための弾性手段が設け
られているため、弾性手段に要する付勢力が小さくて済
むとともに、空間を有効に活用したことを相俟ってプロ
セスカートリッジ、延いては画像形成装置の小型、軽量
化を図ることができるという効果が得られる。(Effects of the Invention) As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the image is formed on the side opposite to the side where the image carrier is located, and on the inside of the frame at the side of the exposure opening. Since the elastic means for exerting the urging force in the direction in which the carrier and the developing means approach each other is provided, the urging force required for the elastic means can be small and the effective use of the space is taken into consideration. It is possible to obtain the effect of reducing the size and weight of the process cartridge, and thus the image forming apparatus.
第１図は本発明を適用して実施例に係るプロセスカート
リッジの縦断側面図、第２図は同プロセスカートリッジ
の斜視図、第３図は本発明の変更実施例を示すプロセス
カートリッジ要部の断面図、第４図は同プロセスカート
リッジの斜視図、第５図は他の実施例に係るプロセスカ
ートリッジの斜視図、第６図及び第７図は従来のプロセ
スカートリッジの縦断側面図、第８図は本発明を適用し
た実施例に係る画像形成装置の縦断側面図、第９図はプ
ロセスカートリッジの交換要領を示す同画像形成装置の
断面図である。 １……プロセスカートリッジ、２……ハウジング、2b…
…露光窓、３……感光ドラム（像担持体）、９……現像
器、9b……現像スリーブ、10……軸（加圧中心）、11…
…圧縮コイルばね（弾性手段）、21……捩りコイルばね
（弾性手段）、31……板ばね（弾性手段）。FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same process cartridge, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the process cartridge showing a modified embodiment of the present invention. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the same process cartridge, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to another embodiment, FIGS. 6 and 7 are longitudinal side views of a conventional process cartridge, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional side view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus showing a process cartridge replacement procedure. 1 ... Process cartridge, 2 ... Housing, 2b ...
... exposure window, 3 ... photosensitive drum (image carrier), 9 ... developing device, 9b ... developing sleeve, 10 ... axis (center of pressure), 11 ...
... compression coil spring (elastic means), 21 ... torsion coil spring (elastic means), 31 ... leaf spring (elastic means).
Claims (7)
ートリッジにおいて、 像担持体と、 フレームと、 前記像担持体に形成された潜像を現像するための現像手
段と、 軸を中心にして、前記像担持体と前記現像手段とを互い
に変位可能に支持する支持手段と、 前記像担持体に露光を行うための露光開口と、 前記軸に対して前記像担持体が位置する側とは反対側
に、そして、前記露光開口の側方で前記フレームの内側
に、前記像担持体と前記現像手段とが近付く方向に付勢
力を作用するように設けられた弾性手段と、 を有することを特徴とするプロセスカートリッシ。1. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an image carrier, a frame, developing means for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and an axis as a center. Supporting means for displaceably supporting the image carrier and the developing means, an exposure opening for exposing the image carrier, and an opposite side to the side where the image carrier is located with respect to the axis. And elastic means provided so as to exert a biasing force in a direction in which the image carrier and the developing means approach each other, and inside the frame at a side of the exposure opening. And process cartridge.
ジングに設けられており、前記露光開口は前記ハウジン
グ内に設けられた所定幅を有する矩形のスリット状露光
窓で、前記弾性手段としての圧縮コイルバネは前記ハウ
ジングの内側に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項
１記載のプロセスカートリッジ。2. The image carrier is provided in a housing as the frame, and the exposure opening is a rectangular slit-like exposure window having a predetermined width provided in the housing, and the exposure means is a compression means as the elastic means. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the coil spring is provided inside the housing.
ニング手段及び帯電手段は前記フレームとしてのハウジ
ングに支持され、前記現像手段は前記回動中心としての
軸を中心として回動して前記感光ドラムに対して接近・
離隔可能に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１記
載のプロセスカートリッジ。3. A photosensitive drum as the image bearing member, a cleaning means, and a charging means are supported by a housing as the frame, and the developing means rotates about an axis as the rotation center to rotate the photosensitive drum. Approaching
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is provided so as to be separable.
１つずつ設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１記載
のプロセスカートリッジ。4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means is provided one on each side of the exposure opening.
１つ設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１記載のプ
ロセスカートリッジ。5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein one elastic means is provided on one side of the exposure opening.
ねであることを特徴とする請求項１記載のプロセスカー
トリッジ。6. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means is a torsion coil spring or a leaf spring.
媒体に画像を形成する画像形成装置において、 a.像担持体と、 フレームと、 前記像担持体に形成された潜像を現像するための現像手
段と、 軸を中心にして、前記像担持体と前記現像手段とを互い
に変位可能に支持する支持手段と、 前記像担持体に露光を行うための露光開口と、 前記軸に対して前記像担持体が位置する側とは反対側
に、そして、前記露光開口の側方で前記フレームの内側
に、前記像担持体と前記現像手段とが近付く方向に付勢
力を作用するように設けられた弾性手段と、 を有するプロセスカートリッジを装着するための装着部
と、 b.前記記録媒体を搬送する搬送手段と、 を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。7. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable, a. An image carrier, a frame, and a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier. Means, supporting means for supporting the image carrier and the developing means so as to be displaceable with respect to each other about an axis, an exposure opening for exposing the image carrier, and the image with respect to the axis. It is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the carrier is located, and on the inside of the frame on the side of the exposure opening so as to exert a biasing force in a direction in which the image carrier and the developing means approach each other. An image forming apparatus comprising: an elastic unit; and a mounting unit for mounting a process cartridge having: b. A transport unit configured to transport the recording medium.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP63069735A JPH0693141B2 (en) | 1988-03-25 | 1988-03-25 | Process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP63069735A JPH0693141B2 (en) | 1988-03-25 | 1988-03-25 | Process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP6083310A Division JP2823111B2 (en) | 1994-04-21 | 1994-04-21 | Image forming device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH01244472A JPH01244472A (en) | 1989-09-28 |
| JPH0693141B2 true JPH0693141B2 (en) | 1994-11-16 |
Family
ID=13411369
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP63069735A Expired - Fee Related JPH0693141B2 (en) | 1988-03-25 | 1988-03-25 | Process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH0693141B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATE137871T1 (en) * | 1991-04-10 | 1996-05-15 | Canon Kk | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING THE PROCESS CARTRIDGE |
| JPH05224476A (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1993-09-03 | Canon Inc | Process cartridge and image forming device capable of loading the same |
| JP3154642B2 (en) * | 1995-04-28 | 2001-04-09 | キヤノン株式会社 | Process cartridge, method for coupling toner developing frame and cleaning frame, and image forming apparatus |
| JP3397590B2 (en) * | 1996-07-04 | 2003-04-14 | キヤノン株式会社 | Process cartridge assembling method, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus |
| AU713394B2 (en) * | 1997-09-01 | 1999-12-02 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Assembling method of process cartridge, assembling method and process cartridge |
| US6397016B1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2002-05-28 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming units and translucent toner detection window |
| JP3566697B2 (en) * | 2001-02-09 | 2004-09-15 | キヤノン株式会社 | Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and separation mechanism |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5652761U (en) * | 1979-09-29 | 1981-05-09 | ||
| JPS56155952A (en) * | 1980-05-02 | 1981-12-02 | Minolta Camera Co Ltd | Electronic copier |
| JPS61254956A (en) * | 1985-05-07 | 1986-11-12 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Supporting device for developing device |
| JPS6215576A (en) * | 1985-07-15 | 1987-01-23 | Toshiba Corp | Developing device |
| JPS62115469A (en) * | 1985-11-15 | 1987-05-27 | Canon Inc | Image forming device |
| JPS62170978A (en) * | 1986-01-24 | 1987-07-28 | Canon Inc | Process cartridge |
| JPS62208058A (en) * | 1986-03-08 | 1987-09-12 | Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd | Recording device preventing developer carrier from floating |
-
1988
- 1988-03-25 JP JP63069735A patent/JPH0693141B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH01244472A (en) | 1989-09-28 |
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