JPH09197746A - Image forming apparatus, process cartridge, and recording medium storage means - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) An object of the present invention is to prevent the photosensitive drum from being inadvertently exposed to light by external light entering from the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus. An exposure window for a laser beam of a main body.
It is characterized in that the light shielding member 12 for opening and closing is opened only during printing. As opening / closing means, there are proposed (1) electromagnetic attraction by the solenoid coil 14, (2) shape memory metal, and (3) opening / closing means linked with a drum gear. In addition, a method is proposed in which the paper feed roller is rotated in the reverse direction after printing is stopped to shield the light by curving the paper, and a method in which a light-shielding member is internally provided in the paper feed cassette.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or a copying machine, a process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus, and a recording medium storage means.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (eg, LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.). , An electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like.

As the process cartridge, a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Also, 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 which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Furthermore, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the image forming apparatus main body).

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a further development of the prior art described below, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, and a recording medium storage means that have a large light shielding effect. To do.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording medium. To removably mount a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member, process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, an exposure window for receiving image light, and a light shielding member for opening and closing the exposure window. Mounting means, and b. An image forming apparatus comprising: an exposing unit that generates the image light; an opening / closing unit that opens the light shielding member only during an image forming operation; and a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium.

A second invention of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the opening / closing means has a solenoid coil which operates in response to an image forming operation signal.

A third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the opening / closing means has a metal member having a shape memory effect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the light shielding member is provided so as to be opened and closed by rotating around a fulcrum, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the light shielding member are interlocked via a gear train and a friction plate clutch. The image forming apparatus according to the first invention is characterized in that.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable. Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; b. A recording medium storage unit for storing the recording medium for feeding; a recording medium delivery unit provided in the mounting unit for the recording medium storage unit; and a recording medium delivered from the recording medium delivery unit. The image forming apparatus is characterized by having a conveying unit for conveying and a control unit for urging the recording medium feeding unit in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the recording medium after the image forming operation is completed.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising recording medium storage means and recording medium transport means, wherein the recording medium storage means presses the recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a recording medium feeding portion light-shielding member that shields a space above the recording medium.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the feeding section light-shielding member has a rotary member in contact with a recording medium at its tip.

An eighth invention of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth invention, wherein the feeding section light shielding member is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect has a recording medium storage means that is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and the feeding section light-shielding member is provided in the storage means. It is a device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in a process cartridge which can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member,
A process cartridge comprising: an exposure window into which image light is input; and a light blocking member which is driven by an opening / closing means provided in the image forming apparatus main body and which operates in conjunction with an image forming operation to open the exposure window. .

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the process cartridge, wherein the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge,
A process cartridge according to the tenth invention, wherein the cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed and can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to the tenth invention.

A thirteenth invention of the present invention is the process cartridge according to the tenth invention, wherein 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 image forming apparatus main body. It is a cartridge.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in a recording medium storage means for storing a recording medium which is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and is sent to a recording medium conveying means of the image forming apparatus main body, a space on the recording medium is shielded from light. The recording medium storage means is characterized in that it is provided with a feeding section light shielding member.

[0019]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is used as an image forming apparatus. A process cartridge system detachable from the main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a serviceman, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

Such a process cartridge is provided with a light shielding member for opening and closing the exposure window provided in the process cartridge, and the opening / closing operation of the exposure window of the process cartridge is performed by inserting the process cartridge into the main body of the image forming apparatus at the same time. The operation of opening the exposure window is performed,
The exposure window is always kept open while the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and the exposure window is closed when the process cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus main body. .

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge are provided with means for opening a light shielding member for opening and closing the exposure window of the process cartridge only during an image forming operation. In addition, the light shielding of the upper space of the paper feeding cassette recording medium for storing the recording medium is measured.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment A) FIG. 1 is a sectional explanatory view schematically showing the vicinity of a process cartridge in an image forming apparatus adopting an electrophotographic system such as a printer according to the embodiment A, and an image forming apparatus main body 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the process cartridge 7 of the image forming unit, the optical means such as the laser scanner unit 8a, the paper feed cassette 20, and the recording medium P pass from the paper feed cassette 20 through the facing portion of the transfer roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 1. Further, it is provided with a conveying means for sending to the fixing means 9 and discharging it to the outside of the machine after fixing, a mounting means for the process cartridge 7 described later, and the like.

In FIG. 1, the photosensitive drum 1 which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member of, for example, a rotary drum type as an image bearing member is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow a at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed). The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 has a predetermined polarity,
In order to uniformly charge the electric potential, for example, a charging roller 2 as a contact charging unit that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 so as to apply a DC voltage of about 1 to 2 KV or a superimposed voltage of a DC voltage and an AC voltage. The charging roller 2 is driven to rotate according to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. The charging roller 2 is provided with an elastic body such as a conductive rubber around the conductive shaft 2a. A predetermined voltage is applied to the charging roller 2 from a power supply device 19 on the image forming apparatus main body side through a conductive shaft 2a,
As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly processed by the charging roller 2 to have a predetermined polarity and potential. In the charging roller 2 of this embodiment, a bearing 2b that rotatably supports the shaft 2a is held substantially in the normal direction of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by a guide (not shown) so that the bearing 2b can be moved back and forth.
By compressing the compression coil spring 2c between the cartridge frame 7a and the cartridge frame 7a, the charging roller 2 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 1 with an appropriate pressure.

On the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 which has been uniformly charged by the charging roller 2, the laser scanner unit 8a outputs a laser beam L1 modulated into a time-series electric digital pixel signal of the target image information, which is a reflection mirror 8b. Is reflected by the process cartridge 7 and then enters the cartridge frame 7a through the exposure window 6a of the process cartridge 7 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 according to desired image information. This electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 3. In the present embodiment a, the fixed magnet 3c is internally provided.
Developing sleeve 3a made of non-magnetic material and photosensitive drum 1
The distance between the developing sleeve 3a and the developing sleeve 3a is coaxial.
A space roller having a diameter slightly larger than that of the photosensitive drum 1 is held in a constant state by being rotated in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 1. Further, in the present embodiment a so-called jumping development is performed in which the developing sleeve 3a is applied with an oscillating voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage and a DC voltage from the power supply device 11 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, the developing device 3 has a developing sleeve 3a that rotates in the direction of arrow e to convey the toner, and a developing sleeve 3b that elastically contacts the developing sleeve 3a to regulate the toner coat thickness on the developing sleeve 3a. ing. The developing device 3 removes the toner in the toner reservoir 3d from the opening 3e which is closed by the before-use seal member and removes the seal member at the start of use to supply the toner to the developing chamber 3f including the developing sleeve 3a. The toner is fed by the toner feeding member 10 in the toner reservoir 3d.

The carried toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is conveyed from a paper feed cassette (not shown) between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 4 at the position of the transfer roller 4 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 30. The image is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the recording medium P fed by the means in synchronism with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. The recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and conveyed to a fixing unit 9 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus to be fixed with the toner image. The fixing unit 9 is configured such that a pressure roller 9b is pressed against a fixing roller 9a containing a heater and is rotated.

After the toner image is transferred onto the recording medium P, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is repeatedly scraped off by the elastic cleaning blade 5a of the cleaning device 5 so that adhered substances such as transfer residual toner are scraped off and subjected to repeated image formation. The scooping sheet 5b for collecting the scraped toner and the like scoops the transfer residual toner scraped by the cleaning blade 5a and guides it to the waste toner reservoir 5c.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the four process devices including the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the developing device 3 and the cleaning device 5 are placed in the cartridge frame 7a with a predetermined positional relationship with each other. The process cartridge 7 is built in and can be collectively attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. For this reason,
A guide member (not shown) for guiding the process cartridge 7 to the set position is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 30 (see, for example, FIG. 9). This guide member is a mounting means for removably mounting the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body 30. By mounting the process cartridge 7 in the image forming apparatus main body 30,
The image forming apparatus main body 30 and the process cartridge 7 side are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other to be operable as the image forming apparatus.

Next, the opening / closing of the exposure window 6a, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described in detail. In FIG. 1, the light shielding member 12 that opens and closes the exposure window 6a for the laser beam L1 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is the fulcrum 12-1 at the fulcrum 12-1.
a. The light shielding member 12 has a lever portion 12b integrally with a shutter 12a that opens and closes the exposure window 6a. A magnetic body 13 is attached to the lever portion 12b of the light shielding member 12, and a so-called solenoid coil 14 is provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 30 facing the magnetic body 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the solenoid coil 14 is formed by winding a plurality of conducting wires 14b around a cylindrical metal 14a, and is wound as much as necessary to attract the magnetic body 13 on the light shielding member 12. Light-shielding member 12
A tension coil spring 15 is stretched between the lever portion 12b of the cartridge frame body 7a and the lever frame 12a of the cartridge frame body 7a.
It is urged counterclockwise around 2-1. When the magnetic body 13 is not attracted to the solenoid coil 14, the shutter 12a is exposed to the exposure window 6a at the limit position where the light shielding member 12 is rotated counterclockwise about the fulcrum 12-1 by the spring force of the tension coil spring 15. Is designed to close. The solenoid coil 14 is energized by a power supply 28 on the side of the image forming apparatus main body 30 via a normally open contact 29 of a relay of a controller (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus main body 30.

With the process cartridge 7 removed from the image forming apparatus main body 30, the shutter 12a closes the exposure window 6a by the tension coil spring 15 attached to the light shielding member 12 as shown in FIG. The state in which the process cartridge 7 is covered so as to block the intrusion is maintained. This state does not change even when the process cartridge 7 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 30.

Next, the opening and closing of the light shielding member 12 when the process cartridge 7 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 4, when a print start signal is sent from a control device (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 30, the normally open contact 29 is closed in FIG. 4, a predetermined voltage is applied to the solenoid coil 14, and the solenoid coil 14 pulls the magnet. The magnetic body 13 is attracted against the spring force of the coil spring 15, and the light shielding member 12 is supported by the fulcrum 12.
The exposure window 6a for the laser beam L1 opens by rotating clockwise around -1. In FIG. 4, a signal indicating the end of printing is confirmed from the control device, the voltage is continuously applied to the solenoid coil 14 to continue printing, and the control device disconnects the normally open contact 29 in FIG. 4 to end printing. Then, the magnetic force of the solenoid coil 14 is lost, and a force is applied to the light shielding member 12 in the direction of closing the exposure window 6a by the tension coil spring 15, and the light shielding member 12 rotates counterclockwise around the fulcrum 12-1 to close the exposure window 6a. .

(Embodiment B) Next, Embodiment B will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In this Embodiment B, the same reference numerals are given to the same functional portions as those in Embodiment A, the description of Embodiment B is cited, and only different portions will be described.

In the present embodiment B, a metal spring 15 having a shape memory effect is used as the opening / closing means of the light shielding member 12. That is, both ends of the shape memory spring 15 are locked to the lever portion 12b of the light shielding member 12 and the cartridge frame 7a. The material of the spring 15 is a metal such as a Ti—Ni alloy, and the transformation start temperature and the reverse transformation start temperature are different for each alloy. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the process cartridge 7 is detached to the outside, and the shape-memory spring 15 formed in a spring shape is contracted to expose the exposure window 6 by the light shielding member 12.
A is blocked to prevent outside light from entering.

In FIG. 6, the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the main body 30 of the image forming apparatus (not shown), but the state of closing the exposure window 6a is continuously maintained. Further, when the process cartridge 7 is mounted, the shape memory spring 15 causes the heat source 23 (fixing roller 9a) inside the image forming apparatus main body 30.
Etc.) and heat can be transmitted through a heat conductor 24 such as a metal rod such as copper or aluminum or a heat pipe. Now, when the image forming apparatus main body 30 operates, the heat source 23 such as a heater attached to the fixing roller 4a starts heating. Then, the heat is transmitted to the shape memory spring 15 via the heat transfer medium 24, and the spring 15 is transformed by the heat and becomes in an expanded state, and as a result, the light shielding member 1 is formed.
2 opens the exposure window 6a for the image exposure laser beam L1. Although the shape-memory metal is used as the opening / closing means of the light-shielding member 12 in the present embodiment B, the light-shielding member 12 itself is made of the shape-memory metal to reduce the number of parts and to reduce the opening / closing torque of the light-shielding member 12. It can be made smaller.

(Embodiment C) FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a main part of the present embodiment C, and the entire structure of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the embodiment A. In the figure, the gear 16 directly connected to the photosensitive drum 1 rotates integrally with the photosensitive drum 1 in the a direction as shown in the figure. The gear 17 that meshes with the gear 16 transmits this rotation to the gear 18 a that meshes with the gear 17. As shown in FIG. 8, a gear 18a meshing with the gear 17 and a friction plate 18b
It is designed to be able to slide with appropriate torque by combining the two.

Although not shown, the gear 17 is rotatably supported by the cartridge frame 7a of the process cartridge 7. By fixing the light shielding member 12 to the friction plate 18b, the light shielding member 12 is rotatably supported by the cartridge frame 7a by the fulcrum 12-1 as in the case of the first embodiment, and the exposure window 6a can be opened and closed by the shutter 12a. A tension coil spring 15 is stretched between the lever portion 12b and the cartridge frame 7a.

The above-mentioned friction plate 18b is rotatably supported by a fulcrum 12-1 which is a shaft fixed to the gear 18a or integrally with the gear 18a. The fulcrum 12-1 is rotatably supported by the cartridge frame 7a. The light shielding member 12 is fixed to the friction plate 18b around the fulcrum 12-1. A spring member 33 such as a disc spring or a compression coil bar is inserted into the fulcrum 12-1 and contracted between the shaft retaining ring 32 fitted to the fulcrum 12-1 and the light shielding member 12, and the gear 18a and the friction plate 18b are provided. Is pressed in the axial direction. When the photosensitive drum 1 is driven, the gear 16 rotates clockwise as indicated by arrow a, the gear 17 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by arrow b, the gear 18a rotates clockwise as indicated by arrow c, and the gear 18a is given by the spring force of the spring member 33. The friction plate 18b is driven clockwise by the friction force, and the light shielding member 12 whose rotation center is fixed to the friction plate 18b can open the light shielding member 12 against the spring force of the tension coil spring 15. it can.

(Embodiment D) FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the embodiment D, showing an image forming apparatus (printer). In the image forming apparatus, the paper feeding direction is the vertical direction of this embodiment, and the configuration is almost the same as in FIG. In this embodiment, when the paper feed cassette 20 in which the paper as the recording medium P is vertically inserted is used, the opening 20 on the upper surface is used.
A means for preventing external light entering from c is provided. The present embodiment D is characterized in that the paper feed roller 22 reversely rotates this external light and the paper itself of the recording medium P becomes a light shielding member due to the curving of the paper.

The image forming apparatus in this example is similar to that of the first embodiment, and when the signal for starting the printing is input, the paper feed roller 22 sets one sheet of the uppermost recording medium P in the paper feed cassette 20. The process cartridge 7 as an image forming portion exposed from the laser scanner unit 8a through the reflection mirror 8b through the delivery / transport guide 21.
It is guided to the position of the transfer roller 4 opposite to. The recording medium P is
The transfer roller 4 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 (see FIG. 1).
The toner image is transferred by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image, is sent to the fixing unit 9, is fixed, and is discharged out of the apparatus. Thus, one or many prints are obtained, and when the image forming operation is completed, the operation shown in FIG. 10 is performed.

Description will be given below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When it is confirmed that the operation of the image forming apparatus is completed in FIG. 10, the paper feed roller 22 is rotated in the direction in which the recording medium P is fed out in the direction opposite to the normal paper feed direction in FIG. In FIG. 10, the paper feed roller 22 is reversely rotated by a predetermined angle for obtaining an appropriate curve using the recording medium P as a light shielding member, and then stopped, and the power supply off operation is completed in FIG. In the present embodiment D, the stopper 19 is provided at the upper end of the paper feed cassette 20 as shown in FIG. 9, so that the retreat of the recording medium P can be stopped and the curving of the paper can be effectively performed.

(Embodiment E) FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an embodiment E. In this embodiment E as well as in the second embodiment, when the paper feed cassette 20 in which the paper as the recording medium P is vertically inserted is used, a means for preventing external light entering through the opening 20c on the upper surface is provided. In the present embodiment (e), a light shielding member 27 having the same width as the plate-shaped paper feeding cassette 20 is provided on the inner surface of the paper feeding cassette 20 and the top plate 20b side facing the bottom plate 20a side on which the recording medium P of the paper feeding cassette 20 is placed. It is installed so as to turn around a fulcrum 27-1 provided at the center.
As shown in FIG. 11, the light blocking member 27 includes the light blocking member 27 and the top plate 20b.
The recording medium P remaining in the paper feeding cassette 20 is abutted with an appropriate pressing force by the compression coil spring 15-2 which is contracted between them. As a result, it is possible to prevent outside light from entering the image forming apparatus main body 30 through the opening 20c due to the remaining amount of the recording medium P becoming small.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, by providing the bristles 25 in contact with the recording medium P at the tip of the light shielding member 27, the light shielding effect can be enhanced. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a cylindrical rotating roller 26 that is in contact with the recording medium P is rotatably attached to the tip of the light shielding member 27 by a support shaft 26a to avoid unnecessary sliding friction between the light shielding member 27 and the recording medium P. Therefore, it is possible to avoid image deterioration due to electric charges due to friction between the recording medium P and the light shielding member 27. When the rotating roller 26 is made of a conductive material and grounded, it is possible to completely prevent frictional electrification.

The above-mentioned light shielding member 27 may be provided on the top plate 20b of the sheet feeding cassette loading section of the image forming apparatus main body 30 or may be fitted to the sheet feeding cassette.

[0044]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present application is described.
According to the invention, the light-shielding member of the exposure window of the process cartridge is operated by the opening / closing means which opens only during the image forming operation. According to the above configuration, while the image forming operation is not performed, the exposure window is shielded so that external light entering through the gap of the image forming apparatus main body can be shielded, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is inadvertently exposed to light. Can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
In the first invention, the opening / closing means has a solenoid coil which operates in response to an image forming operation signal. According to the above configuration, by using the solenoid coil, the opening / closing operation of the opening can be surely performed by the magnetic attraction force.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
In the first invention, the opening / closing means includes a metal member having a shape memory effect. According to the above configuration, by transmitting heat from the heat source of the image forming apparatus main body to the opening / closing means, the light blocking member can be driven with a simple configuration.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
In the first invention, the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the opening / closing means are interlocked with each other through a plurality of gear trains and friction plate clutches. According to the above configuration, driving of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, the image forming operation and the opening / closing operation can be mechanically performed in synchronization with each other.

According to the fifth invention of the present application,
After the operation of the image forming apparatus main body is finished, the image forming apparatus is rotated by a predetermined angle in a direction opposite to the direction in which the recording medium in the recording medium storage means is conveyed. According to the above configuration, after the operation of the main body is completed, the recording medium feeding means is reversed to convey the recording medium in the reverse direction. As a result, the recording medium is appropriately curved, and the upper space of the recording medium of the recording medium storage means can be shielded from light, and the intrusion of external light can be prevented.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention,
It is characterized by having a recording medium feeding portion light shielding member for shielding the space and pressing the recording medium. According to the above configuration, it is possible to shield the space on the recording medium in the recording medium storage unit as the recording medium is consumed, and to prevent outside light from entering.

Further, according to a seventh invention of the present application, in the sixth invention, a rotating member which is in contact with the recording medium is provided at a tip portion of the feeding portion light shielding member. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being inadvertently charged without rubbing the feeding unit light-shielding member and the recording medium. Further, the recording medium is not charged even if the rotating member slides.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the main body of the image forming apparatus is provided with the feeding section light-shielding member, and the ninth aspect of the present invention feeds the recording medium storage means. There is a mode in which a partial light shielding member is provided.

According to the tenth invention of the present application, in the process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The exposure is driven by an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, an exposure window for inputting image light, and an opening / closing unit provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus and operating in association with an image forming operation. And a light blocking member for opening a window. According to the above configuration, since the light blocking member of the process cartridge is on the driven side, the process cartridge has a simple configuration and the exposure window can be opened only during image formation in which an opening is required.

The eleventh invention of the present invention is the above-mentioned tenth invention, wherein the process cartridge is a charging means,
The developing unit or the cleaning unit 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.

In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the invention, the process cartridge is an image in which at least one of charging means, developing means and cleaning means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge. It has a mode in which it can be attached to and detached from the main body of the forming apparatus.

In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Have.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a recording medium storage unit for storing a recording medium which is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and is sent to a recording medium conveying unit of the image forming apparatus main body. It is characterized in that it is provided with a feeding portion light-shielding member that shields the light. By doing so, the main body of the image forming apparatus does not need a light-shielding member for the feeding unit. And it is effective to make the recording medium storage means common.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part of an embodiment A of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view for explaining the operation of FIG.

3 is a perspective view of a solenoid coil in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment a of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the process cartridge according to the embodiment B of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a main part of an image forming apparatus equipped with the process cartridge of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part of the embodiment C of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view including a fulcrum of the light shielding member according to the embodiment C of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of Embodiment D of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of an embodiment E of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the feeding unit light shielding member in the embodiment E of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the feeding unit light shielding member in the embodiment E of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Photosensitive drum 2 ... Charging roller 2a ... Shaft 2b ... Bearing 2c ... Compression coil spring 3 ... Developing device 3a ... Developing sleeve 3b ... Developing blade 3c ... Fixed magnet 3d ... Toner reservoir 3e ... Opening 3f ... Developing chamber 4 ... Transfer roller 5 Cleaning device 5a Elastic cleaning blade 5b Squeeze sheet 5c Waste toner reservoir 6a Exposure window 7 Process cartridge 7a Cartridge frame 8a Laser scanner unit 8b Reflecting mirror 9 Fixing means 9a Fixing roller 10 Toner feeding Member 11 ... Power supply device 12 ... Shading member 12-1 ... Support point 12a ... Shutter
12b ... Lever part 13 ... Magnetic material 14 ... Solenoid coil 14a ... Metal 14b ... Conductive wire 15 ... Spring 16, 17 ... Gear 18a ... Gear 18b ... Friction plate 19 ... Power supply device 20 ... Paper feed cassette 20a ... Bottom plate 20b ... Top plate 2
0c ... Aperture 21 ... Conveying guide 22 ... Paper feeding roller 23 ... Heat source 24 ... Heat conductor 25 ... Flocking 26 ... Rolling roller 26a ... Spindle 27 ... Shading member 27-1 ... Support 28 ... Power supply 29 ... Normally open contact 30 ... Image forming apparatus main body 32 ... Shaft retaining ring 33 ... Spring member L1 ... Laser light P ... Recording medium

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable, a. To removably mount a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member, process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, an exposure window for receiving image light, and a light blocking member for opening and closing the exposure window. Mounting means, and b. An image forming apparatus comprising: an exposure unit that generates the image light; an opening and closing unit that opens the light shielding member only during an image forming operation; and a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing means has a solenoid coil which operates in response to an image forming operation signal. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing means includes a metal member having a shape memory effect. 4. The light shielding member is provided so as to be opened and closed by rotating around a fulcrum, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the light shielding member are interlocked via a gear train and a friction plate clutch. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable, a. An electrophotographic photosensitive member, a mounting means for detachably mounting a process cartridge having the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; b. A mounting portion of a recording medium storage means for storing the recording medium for feeding, a recording medium delivery means provided in the mounting portion of the recording medium storage means, and a recording medium delivered from the recording medium delivery means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium; and a control unit for urging the recording medium feeding unit in a direction opposite to the recording medium conveying direction after the image forming operation is completed. 6. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a recording medium storage means, and a recording medium conveying means, wherein the recording medium storage means presses the recording medium to form a space on the recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a light shielding member for feeding a recording medium that shields light. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the light-shielding member for the feeding unit has a rotating member at a tip thereof which is in contact with a recording medium. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the feeding unit light shielding member is provided in the image forming apparatus main body. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a recording medium storage unit that is attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the feeding unit light shielding member is provided in the storage unit. 10. A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; an exposure window for inputting image light; and an image forming apparatus main body. A process cartridge, which is driven by an opening / closing means that operates in conjunction with an image forming operation to open the exposure window. 11. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Process cartridge described. 12. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. Process cartridge described. 13. The process cartridge, wherein at least a developing means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.
0. The process cartridge according to 0. 14. A recording medium storing means for storing a recording medium which is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and is sent to a recording medium conveying means of the image forming apparatus main body. A recording medium storage means comprising: