JPH0944058A - Process cartridge and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve inserting and separating operability of a process cartridge. SOLUTION: The process cartridge possible of being inserted to and separated from an image forming device main body, provided with an electrophotographic photoreceptor 7, processing means processing the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7, first projecting part 24a and second projecting part 25a each disposed so as to project outward on a first frame 14c provided on an end side in an axial direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7, and third projecting part 24b and fourth projecting part 25b each disposed so as to project outward on a second frame 14d provided on the other end side in the axial direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7, is constituted so that a straight line that connects the center of the first projecting part 24a and the center of the second projecting part 25a, and the straight line that connects the center of the third projecting part 24b and the center of the fourth projecting part 25b, are respectively set at 16 to 20 degrees to the horizontal direction, in a state that the process cartridge B is inserted to the image forming device main body.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

Here, examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like.

Further, 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 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 refers to a device in which at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge so as to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0004]

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 service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

On the other hand, in this process cartridge system, it is desired to make the operability of the process cartridge easy when the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

It is also desired to improve the positioning accuracy of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

As an implementation of these, for example, US
P. 4,873,548 and USP. 5,0
The technique described in Japanese Patent No. 47,803 is known.

[0008] The USP. The technology described in Japanese Patent No. 4,873,548 is such that when a positioning member is provided on the first frame, a process cartridge is mounted on the second frame, and both frames are closed, the positioning member is used. The position of the process cartridge is determined by.

The USP. The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5,047,803 is an open / close member (ope) for facilitating removal of the process cartridge from the apparatus main body.
nable and closeable members
The force is applied to the process cartridge in response to the release of r).

These techniques are very effective for the operation of attaching and detaching the process cartridge.

[0011]

The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge having improved processability of mounting and dismounting the process cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body, and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be mounted and dismounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge capable of enhancing the positioning accuracy of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be attached and detached. Especially.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge which can be easily attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be attached and detached.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a guide part provided on the main body of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted on the main body of the apparatus.
Insert so that the protrusion and the second protrusion are supported. When removing the cartridge from the main body of the apparatus, the second
By rotating the cartridge with the projection as a fulcrum, the fitted state of the first projection that has fallen into the positioning recess on the apparatus main body side can be released. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge in which the process cartridge can be smoothly pulled out from the apparatus main body, and an image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge can be attached and detached.

[0016]

A typical structure according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member in a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. Process means that work,
A first projecting portion provided on a first frame provided on one end side with respect to the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member so as to project outward; and wherein the first projecting portion is a process cartridge. A second projecting portion provided to project outward from the first frame for positioning the process cartridge with respect to the image forming apparatus body when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus body; The second projecting portion serves as a fulcrum of rotation of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The second frame is provided on the other end side with respect to the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A third projecting portion that is provided so as to project outwardly, and the third projecting portion is configured such that when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. A fourth projecting portion provided to project outward from the second frame for positioning with respect to the main body, wherein the fourth projecting portion is a main body of the image forming apparatus. Which serves as a fulcrum of rotation of the process cartridge when detached from, and a straight line connecting the center of the first protrusion and the center of the second protrusion, and the center of the third protrusion and the fourth The straight line connecting the centers of the projecting portions is 16 in the horizontal direction when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body.
It is a process cartridge characterized in that the process cartridge is configured to have a degree of 20 to 20 degrees.

Further, a typical constitution according to the present invention for achieving the above object is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable; A process means that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a first protruding portion provided on a first frame provided on one end side in the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member so as to project outward, and The first protrusion is for positioning the process cartridge with respect to the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. The first protruding portion protrudes outward from the first frame. And a second protrusion provided here,
The second projecting portion is external to a second frame provided on the other end side with respect to the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, which serves as a fulcrum of rotation of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus main body. A third protruding portion provided so as to protrude toward one side, and the third protruding portion, when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body,
A fourth protrusion provided on the second frame so as to protrude outward for positioning the process cartridge with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus; and the fourth protrusion is a process. A rotation fulcrum of the process cartridge when the cartridge is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, a straight line connecting the center of the first protrusion and the center of the second protrusion, and the third protrusion. The process cartridge configured so that the straight line connecting the center of the portion and the center of the fourth protrusion is 16 to 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body can be removed. Mounting means for mounting the first protruding portion, b, first positioning means for positioning the first protruding portion, c, second positioning means for positioning the third protruding portion, A conveying means for conveying the recording medium,
An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0018]

In the above structure, when the cartridge is mounted on the main body of the apparatus, the guide portion provided on the main body of the apparatus makes the first
The protrusion part to the fourth protrusion part are inserted so as to be supported.
Then, when the cartridge is taken out from the apparatus main body, the cartridge is rotated around the second protruding portion and the fourth protruding portion as fulcrums, and the first protruding portion and the third protruding portion that have fallen into the positioning concave portion on the apparatus main body side are rotated. The fitting state of the protruding portion can be released. Therefore, the cartridge can be smoothly pulled out from the apparatus main body.

[0019]

First, as a suitable embodiment of the present invention, first of all,
Embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, and then other embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20 and 21 to 25.

First Embodiment Here, the first embodiment will be described in the order of the overall structure of the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge, the frame structure of the developing means, the shutter structure, and the mounting / demounting structure of the cartridge.

(Overall Structure) First, the overall structure of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is an explanatory view showing the overall structure of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with a process cartridge, FIGS. 2 and 3 are explanatory views of the structure of the process cartridge, and FIG. 4 is an apparatus for mounting the process cartridge by opening an opening / closing cover. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the state mounted | worn with a main body.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A forms an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic image forming process. Then, a toner image is formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) which is an image bearing member. Then, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium 2 set on the feed tray 3a is transported by the transport unit 3 including the pickup roller 3b and the transport roller 3c. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge B is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit. Thereafter, the recording medium 2 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 5 by the guide 3d.
The fixing unit 5 is composed of a driving roller 5a and a fixing roller 5b having a built-in heater, and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium 2 passing therethrough to fix the transferred toner image. Then, the recording medium 2 is reversed and conveyed by the discharge rollers 3e and 3f and discharged onto the discharge tray 6.

On the other hand, in the process cartridge B, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a photosensitive drum 7 having a photosensitive layer as an image bearing member is rotated, and its surface is transferred to a charging roller 8 which is a charging means. It is uniformly charged by applying a voltage.
Next, a laser beam corresponding to the image information from the optical system 1 is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure opening 9 to form a latent image. Then, this latent image is developed by the developing means 10 using toner. That is, the charging roller 8 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 7 and charges the photosensitive drum 7. The developing unit 10 supplies toner to a developing area of the photosensitive drum 7 to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7. The optical system 1 has a laser diode 1a, a polygon mirror 1b, a lens 1c, and a reflection mirror 1d.

The developing means 10 supplies the toner in the toner chamber 10a to the developing chamber 10b, rotates the developing roller 10c attached to the developing chamber 10b, and at the same time, a toner layer to which a triboelectric charge is applied by the developing blade 10d. It is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10c having a fixed magnet built therein, and the toner is supplied to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7. Then, the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image, thereby forming a toner image and visualizing the toner image.

Then, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2.
1 removes the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 7.
Here, the cleaning means 11 scrapes off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 by the elastic cleaning blade 11a and collects it in the waste toner reservoir 11b.

Each component such as the photosensitive drum 7 is housed in a cartridge frame formed by connecting the toner developing frame 12, the toner developing wall member 13, and the cleaning frame 14 into a cartridge. . That is, the toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are welded to each other to form the toner chamber 1.
0a and the developing chamber 10b, and the developing roller 10b and the developing blade 10c are attached to the developing chamber 10b. The cleaning frame 14 is provided with the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8, and members constituting the cleaning unit 11. Then, the process cartridge B is constructed by swingably connecting the toner developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 14.

The process cartridge B is provided with an exposure opening 9 for irradiating the photosensitive drum 7 with light corresponding to image information and a transfer opening 15 for facing the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2. is there. And both openings 9, 15
A shutter member 16 capable of opening and closing is attached. That is, the transfer opening 15 is for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2.

In the image forming apparatus A, as shown in FIG. 4, an opening / closing cover 18 is attached to the apparatus body 17 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 19. When the opening / closing cover 18 is opened, a guide member 20 (see FIG. 13) for guiding the process cartridge B is provided inside the apparatus main body. Then, the operator operates the guide member 20.
The process cartridge B is attached and detached along the line.

(Construction of Frame of Developing Means) Next, referring to FIGS.
The structure of the frame forming the developing means will be described with reference to FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the developing means, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view in which the toner developing frame and the toner developing wall member are separated, and FIG. 7 is an assembly explanatory view in which the toner developing frame and the toner developing wall member are combined. Is.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the developing means 10 forms a toner chamber 10a and a developing chamber 10b by connecting the toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13.

The toner developing frame 12 is provided in the toner chamber 10
a and a developing chamber 10b, which is a main body.
There is a toner chamber portion 12b that forms a toner chamber 10a above the seal mounting portion 12a having the toner supply opening 12a1, and a developing chamber 10 below the seal mounting portion 12a.
It has a developing chamber portion 12c which forms b. Then, the same surface wall portion 12a of the toner chamber portion 12b and the developing chamber portion 12c.
1, 12c1 are open. The toner chamber portion 12b is formed so that the open side is wide, and a toner filling opening (not shown) is provided on one side surface in the longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, the toner developing wall member 13 is coupled to the open wall portion of the toner developing frame body 12, and the toner wall portion 13a is coupled to the open surface of the toner chamber 10a portion of the toner developing frame body 12. And a developing wall portion 13b connected to the open surface of the developing chamber 10b portion are integrally configured. At the boundary between the toner wall portion 13a and the developing wall portion 13b, the toner wall portion 13 with respect to the developing wall portion 13b.
A recess 13a1 is formed such that a is recessed.

The toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are both formed by injection molding of resin.

To assemble these, the toner developing wall member 13 is joined to the open wall portion of the toner developing frame 12 and the joined portion is welded and joined. In this embodiment, when the toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are joined together, as shown in FIG.
End members 21 are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction so that both members are accurately positioned.

Therefore, positioning boss holes 12b1 and 12b2 are provided on both side surfaces of the toner developing frame 12 in the longitudinal direction, and similarly, positioning boss holes 13c are also formed on both side surfaces of the toner developing wall member 13 in the longitudinal direction. Is provided. Then, in the end member 21, the boss holes 12b1, 12b2,
A boss 21a is provided as a positioning means that can be fitted into 13c.

Therefore, the toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are joined together, the toner wall portion 13a of the joining portion is welded, and the developing wall portion 13b portion is made of polyurethane foam toner. Leak prevention seal 22 (Fig. 5)
The two are joined by pressure contact with the interposition of (see). At this time, since the joint portion with the seal 22 interposed is not welded, it is not in a strong joint state as in the case of welding. However, the boss 2 of the end member 21
The toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are positioned by fitting and mounting 1a into the respective boss holes 12b1, 12b2, 13c. Even if a force such as a twist is applied to the joint portion, no gap is generated in the joint portion, and there is no risk of toner leaking from the portion.

The end member 21 is the toner developing frame 1.
2 also functions as a member for positioning when the developing roller 10c is attached to the developing roller 10c, and a member for positioning the cleaning frame 14 with the toner developing frame 12 to which the wall member 13 is welded.

As described above, the frame 12 and the wall member 1
3, the lower end of the toner wall 13a is substantially aligned with the edge of the toner supply opening 12a1 because the recess 13a1 is formed in the wall member 13 (FIG. 5).
reference). Then, the seal member 23 is adhered or welded to the toner supply opening 12a1 to form the opening 1
2a1 is closed, and the developing roller 10c and the developing blade 10d are attached to the developing chamber 10a. The developing means 10 thus assembled is filled with the toner T from the toner filling opening into the toner chamber 10a, and the filling opening is closed by a cap (not shown) to form the developing means 10.

The process cartridge B is assembled by connecting the cleaning frame 14 having the photosensitive drum 7 and the cleaning means 11 assembled to the frame 12 and the wall member 13 which are integrated as described above.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the toner chamber 1
0a is located above the developing chamber 10b, and the toner chamber 10a
The shape of the toner developing frame 12 is configured such that a part of a protrudes toward the photosensitive drum 7 side from the developing chamber 10b.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first frame body (toner developing frame body 12) has a toner storage portion (toner chamber portion 12b) for storing toner used for development.
And an open portion 12b1 provided in the toner storage portion
And a toner supply opening 12a1 for supplying the toner stored in the toner storage portion to the developing area. Further, the second frame (toner developing wall member 13) is a developing member mounting portion 13 for mounting the developing roller 10c as a developing member, and a lid member (for closing the open portion 12b1 provided in the toner storing portion). Toner wall portion 13a). The first frame body and the second frame body are joined together to form a developing frame body. Furthermore, the developing frame of this embodiment uses a developing unit (developing unit) for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 using the toner containing unit and the toner contained in the toner containing unit. A portion provided with a mounting portion 13d), a first frame body (toner developing frame body 12) provided from the toner storage portion to the developing portion, that is, a region facing the developing portion, and the developing portion. And a second frame body (toner developing wall member 13) provided from the above portion to the toner storage portion, that is, up to a region facing the toner storage portion.

A developing blade 10d for controlling the amount of toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 10c attached to the developing means attaching portion 13d of the second frame is attached to the first frame. A developing blade mounting portion 10d1 is provided. The wall portion 10a1 that constitutes the toner storage portion of the first frame body is inclined toward the toner supply opening 12a1. Therefore, the toner in the toner container can be supplied to the developing area without waste. A seal member 27 for closing the toner supply opening 12a1 is detachably attached to the toner supply opening 12a1. The seal member 27 prevents the toner in the toner storage portion from leaking before using the process cartridge. The seal member 27
Is removed by the operator prior to using the process cartridge.

Further, the lid member (toner wall portion 13a) of the second frame body faces the toner supply opening 12a1 when the first frame body and the second frame body are joined. It has an inclined surface 13a2 that is inclined. The lower end portion 13a3 of the inclined surface 13a2 and the toner supply opening 1 are
The end of 2a1 substantially coincides with the end. Therefore, the toner in the toner storage portion can be supplied to the developing area without waste.

Here, when the first frame body and the second frame body are coupled, the end portions 12f and 13f on the side where the toner storage portion is provided are coupled. This connection is performed by, for example, welding (for example, ultrasonic welding), bonding, screwing, or a clip spring. Furthermore, in order to connect the first frame body and the second frame body, end members 21 are provided which are connected to both longitudinal ends of the first frame body and the second frame body. Here, the first frame body and the second frame body each have a boss 21a as a positioning portion at the longitudinal end thereof.
Is provided. Therefore, when the first frame body and the second frame body are joined together, the boss 21a engages with a hole provided as a positioning portion in the end member 21 to position both frame bodies. Be seen. Furthermore, the first frame and the second frame
Of the developing means attaching portion 13d when the frame body is joined.
The side provided with is joined with an elastic seal member (toner leak prevention seal 22) interposed.

The first frame and the second frame are both made of plastic (for example, polystyrene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.).
And are integrally molded.

As a result, the capacity of the toner chamber 10a increases without increasing the size of the process cartridge B,
It becomes possible to store a large amount of toner. Even if the capacity of the toner chamber 10a is increased as described above, the toner chamber 10a portion of the toner developing frame 12 is formed so that the open side is wide. Therefore, the toner developing frame is formed by injection molding of resin or the like. The body 12 can be shaped.

Further, since the toner in the toner chamber 10a is supplied by its own weight from the toner chamber 10a to the developing chamber 10b located below when the seal member 27 is peeled off at the start of use, it is not necessary to provide a special toner feeding member. . Further, the seal mounting portion 12a is inclined to the lower right in a state where the seal mounting portion 12a is mounted on the image forming apparatus A (state shown in FIG. 5). However, the recess 13a1 provided in the toner developing wall member 13 is provided on the right side edge of the toner supply opening 12a1.
Since 3a is located, toner does not remain on the back side of the seal mounting portion 12a.

Here, the connection between the toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 is preferably performed by welding as described above in order to surely adhere the joint portion to prevent toner leakage and the like. Other than the above, for example, by interposing a seal such as polyurethane foam in the joint portion, screws or hooks may be used, or bonding may be performed.

(Shutter Configuration) Next, the shutter configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective explanatory views of the shutter member, FIG. 9A is a lateral direction explanatory view of the shutter member, FIG. 9B is a longitudinal direction explanatory view of the shutter member, and FIG. 10 is a state in which the shutter member is opened. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of FIG. 11, and FIG. 11 is a perspective explanatory view of a state where the shutter member is opened.

In the frame of the process cartridge B,
As described above, the exposure opening 9 is provided in the upper part, and the transfer opening 15 for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 7 to the recording medium 2 to be conveyed is provided in the lower part. The openings 9 and 15 can be opened and closed by a shutter member 16. In the embodiments described below, the openings 9 and 15 are formed by cooperation of the toner developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 14.

The shutter member 16 is, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first shutter portion 1 for opening and closing the exposure opening 9.
6a and a second shutter portion 16 for opening and closing the transfer opening portion 15
and b are integrally configured. This shutter portion 16a
16b can prevent damage to the surface of the photoconductor drum 7, adhesion of dust, and deterioration of the photoconductor due to light.

This shutter member 16 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the rotation support shaft 16 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
The first shutter portion 16a is provided so as to have an angle c and to incline obliquely downward from the support shaft 16c. Further, from the both shafts 16c in the direction opposite to the first shutter portion 16a,
An arm portion 16d curved along the shape of the cleaning frame body 14 is formed, and a second shutter portion 16b is provided so as to connect both arm portions 16d.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a bearing portion 14a having a U-shaped cross section is provided at the upper end of the cleaning frame 14 and at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
The shutter member 16 is rotatably attached to the third frame body 14 by fitting the rotation support shaft 16c of the shutter member 16 into the. At this time, a torsion coil spring 23 is attached to one of the support shafts 16c, and the spring 23 always biases the shutter member 16 in the direction of closing the openings 9 and 15.

The opening of the U-shaped groove of the bearing portion 14a is narrower than the inner portion and is elastically deformable. The shutter member 16 can be easily attached by forcibly inserting the shaft 16c from above. To be That is, the shaft 16c is locked to the bearing portion 14a as a recess by elastic force. Then, when a tensile force is applied, the shaft 16c moves to the bearing portion 1
It can be easily removed from 4a.

A locking projection 16e is provided at a predetermined position of the arm portion 16d. When the process cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus A as described later, the locking projection 16e locks the apparatus main body A. The shutter member 16 is engaged with the portion 13a (see FIG. 1) and the shutter member 16 rotates about the support shaft 16c. As shown in FIG. 10, the first shutter portion 16a opens the exposure opening 9 and the second shutter portion 16a. 16b opens the transfer opening 15. That is, one of the arm portions 16d
Is provided with a protrusion 16e at its side end. The protrusion 16e is the locking portion 1 provided in the apparatus main body A when the process cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A.
It comes into contact with 3a and receives a force for opening the shutter member 16.
Here, the protrusion 16e projects outward in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7.

First opening / closing of the exposure opening 9 as described above
By integrally forming the shutter portion 16a and the second shutter portion 16b that opens and closes the transfer opening portion 15, the number of parts can be reduced and the shutter member can be easily assembled without using a complicated link mechanism. It can be opened and closed reliably. That is, the first shutter portion 16a and the second shutter portion 16b are interlocked with each other to open and close the electric light opening 9 and the transfer opening 15.

As shown in FIG. 11, the arm portion 16d is made of a thin plate member, which is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning frame body 14. A recess 14b corresponding to the thickness of the arm 16d is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning frame 14 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The arm 16d is fitted into the recess 14b to close the shutter member 16. In this state, the arm portion 16d is configured to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the cleaning frame body 14.

For this reason, the arm portion 16d does not project from the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame, nor does it project from the surface of the cleaning frame. Therefore, the length of the cartridge B in the longitudinal direction can be shortened, and the overall size can be reduced.

Further, when the process cartridge B according to this embodiment is attached to the image forming apparatus A, as shown in FIG.
The shutter member 16 rotates so that the second shutter portion 16b comes to be located above the fixing unit 5. This fixing means 5
Generates heat because it has a heater, but an air flow path is formed between the second shutter portion 16b and the cleaning frame body 14, and as shown by an arrow a in FIG.
The hot airflow generated in 1 is guided upward through the air flow path. As a result, the heat generated in the fixing unit 5 is easily dissipated, and the temperature rise inside the apparatus is prevented.

The shutter member 16 includes the arm portion 16
A rib 16f for strength reinforcement is provided at the edge of d, the edges of the shutter portions 16a and 16b, or in the vicinity thereof.

As described above, the shutter member 16 of this embodiment has the first shutter portion 16a and the second shutter portion 16
b is formed integrally with the shaft 16c. Where the shaft 1
6c is a center around which the shutter member 16 rotates when the shutter member 16 is attached to the cleaning frame 14. In addition, the shaft 16c is formed by connecting the shutter member 16 to the frame 1
4 is a locking portion for attaching to 4. Further, the second shutter portion 16b is connected to the shaft 16c by the arm portion 16d, and when the shutter member 16 is attached to the frame body 14, the arm portion 16d extends along the outer wall of the process cartridge B. The shape. Here, the arm portions 16d are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second shutter portion 16b. Furthermore, the shutter member 16 is integrally formed of plastic (for example, high impact polystyrene). That is, the first
Shutter portion 16a, second shutter portion 16b, shaft 16c,
The arm portion 16d, the protrusion 16e, and the rib 16f are made of plastic and integrally formed.

(Cartridge Attachment / Detachment Configuration) Next, the configuration for attaching / detaching the process cartridge B to / from the image forming apparatus A will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 12 to 17.
12 is a side view of the process cartridge, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of the cartridge mounting guide portion, and FIG.
4 to 16 are state explanatory diagrams when the process cartridge B is taken out, and FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram when the handle member is not provided above. In addition, in FIGS.
The direction of arrow P1 is the direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to the main body, and the direction of arrow P2 is the direction in which it is taken out from the main body. Further, in this embodiment, the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7, as shown in FIG. Then, the developing device frame 40 is placed in the front and the cleaning device frame 14 is placed in the rear, and the developing device is attached to the apparatus main assembly A.

As shown in FIG. 12, this process cartridge B is provided with a first projection 24 for positioning and a second projection 25 for holding the posture on the side surfaces of both ends of the cleaning frame 14 in the longitudinal direction. The first protrusion 24 is provided on an extension line coaxial with the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 7, and the second protrusion 2
5 is the process cartridge B rather than the first protrusion 24.
Insertion direction when mounting the image forming apparatus A (arrow P1
Direction) Provided on the rear side.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cleaning frame 14
A handle member 26 is integrally provided on the upper surface of the frame body 14. The handle member 26 is provided so as to be located above a line C-C connecting the centers of the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 25.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus A is provided with an opening / closing cover 18 which can be opened / closed about a shaft 19. Then, when the opening / closing cover 18 (see FIG. 4) is opened, a cartridge mounting space is provided inside the apparatus main body, and mounting guide members 20 as cartridge mounting means as shown in FIG. There is. The guide member 20 is provided with a guide groove 20a for guiding the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 25 of the process cartridge B obliquely downward, and a positioning recess 20b is provided at the lower end thereof.

Therefore, the operator grasps the handle member 26,
As shown in FIG. 16, first, the first protrusions 24 provided at both longitudinal ends of the process cartridge B are engaged with the groove 20a. Then, the process cartridge B is further inserted into the groove 2
When pushed in along the direction 0a, the second protrusions 25 provided at both longitudinal ends of the process cartridge B engage with the groove 20a. Next, the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 25 of the process cartridge B are inserted into the guide groove 20a while being fitted in the guide groove 20a. Then, when it is inserted all the way to the innermost part, as shown in FIG.
Touches the inner side wall 20b. Then, due to the action of the moment, the cartridge B slightly rotates in the clockwise direction (the direction of the arrow a shown in FIG. 15) about the second protrusion 25, and the first protrusion 24 falls into the positioning recess 20b to perform the positioning. Then, the mounting of the process cartridge B is completed. In the mounted state of the process cartridge B, the second protrusion 25 is locked in the guide groove 20a, and the attitude of the process cartridge B is maintained. Further, the process cartridge B slightly rotates and falls into the recess 20b. Therefore, when the helical gear 7a provided on one end of the photosensitive drum 7 meshes with the driving helical gear 100 provided on the apparatus main assembly A, both gears are not damaged. Further, even when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main assembly A, the process cartridge B rotates upward, so that the meshing of the two gears can be released smoothly. Incidentally, the drive helical gear 10
Reference numeral 0 indicates that the driving force of a motor (not shown) provided in the apparatus body is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 7.

Next, a case where the process cartridge B is taken out from the image forming apparatus A for replacement will be described. First, if the cartridge B is to be pulled out as it is, it cannot be pulled out because the first protrusion 24 is fitted in the positioning recess 20b. Therefore, the first
It is necessary to release the projection 24 and the positioning recess 20b after the fitting state is released. In the present embodiment, this fitting state can be released in connection with the pulling operation.

When taking out the process cartridge B, the process cartridge B of this embodiment is
When the operator pulls the handle member 26 toward the front, the process cartridge B rotates counterclockwise (the arrow p direction shown in FIG. 15) about the second protrusion 25 as a fulcrum, and the protrusion 2
The fitting state of 4 and the concave portion 20b is easily released. That is,
As shown in FIG. 14, when the handle member 26 is pulled in the direction of the arrow P2, the same force as the x component Px of the force P2 is applied to the second protrusion 25.
Is applied to the first protrusion 24 as a rotation moment. Then, the y-component Pxy of the force Px lifts the first protrusion 24 upward, and the fitting state with the positioning recess 20b is released, as shown in FIG. At this time,
The engagement between the helical gear 7a and the driving helical gear 100 is also smoothly released. Further in that state, move the handle member 26 to the arrow P2.
When pulled in the direction, as shown in FIG. 16, the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 25 slide along the guide groove 20a, and the process cartridge B is pulled out.

Therefore, the operator moves the handle member 26 to the arrow P2.
The process cartridge B can be easily taken out of the image forming apparatus A only by pulling in the direction.

On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG.
When the handle member 26 is provided below the line C-C connecting the centers of the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 25, even if the operator pulls the handle member 26 in the arrow P direction, the second protrusion 25 is a fulcrum. As a result, the process cartridge B does not rotate, so that the fitting state between the first protrusion 24 and the positioning recess 20b is not released. Therefore, in this case, the process cartridge B cannot be taken out unless the projection member 26 is pushed down in the direction of the arrow Q to release the fitting state of the projection 24 and the recess 20b and then pulled in the direction of the arrow P. .

Therefore, in the structure in which the handle member 26 is provided above the line C--C connecting the centers of the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 25 as in this embodiment, the handle member 26 is taken out from the process cartridge B. It is understood that it can be easily removed by applying force only in the direction.

Further, the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 2
5, and the handle member 26 is attached to the same cleaning frame 14
By being integrally provided on the first projection 24 and the second projection 2, the positional relationship between the projections can be accurately obtained.
No rattling occurs between the handle 5 and the handle member 26.

[Other Embodiments] Next, regarding another embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment, the frame structure of the developing means,
The shutter structure and the cartridge mounting / demounting structure will be described in this order, and other structures of the other parts will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. The parts having the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

(Other Example of Frame Structure of Developing Means) In the above-described first embodiment, when the toner developing frame body 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are coupled, the toner developing frame body 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are joined together. And the toner wall portion 13a of the joint portion is welded, and end members 21 are attached to both longitudinal end portions of both members 12 and 13 for positioning. Although shown (see FIG. 7), the entire joint between the toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 may be welded and joined together.

In this way, both members 12 and 13 are firmly connected to each other, and the positional deviation and the like will not occur due to the twisting force. Therefore, in that case, both members 1
It is not necessary to interpose the toner leakage prevention seal 22 on the developing wall portion 13b which is the joint portion of 2 and 13. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the number of assembling steps.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the toner developing frame 12 is provided with the seal mounting portion 12a, and this mounting portion 12
Although the seal member 27 is adhered or welded to a, the toner supply opening 12a1 is closed.
As shown in FIG. 18, the seal member 27 may be attached by sandwiching it.

The toner developing frame body 12 shown in FIG. 18 is similar to the first embodiment in that the seal mounting portion 12a having the toner supply opening 12a1 is provided, but the toner developing wall member 13 coupled to this is mounted. At the boundary between the toner wall portion 13a and the developing wall portion 13b, there is provided a seal pressing portion 28 which can be joined to the seal mounting portion 12a when combined. The toner supply opening 1 is attached to the seal pressing portion 28 when joining
A toner supply opening 28a having a size matching 2a1 is provided.

Further, the toner developing frame body 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are joined to the joint surface via a toner leakage prevention seal 29 made of foamed polyurethane or the like, and both are screwed.
Are joined by

When the toner developing frame 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are joined, the seal member 27 is attached to the seal mounting portion 1.
It can be attached by being sandwiched between 2a and the seal pressing portion 28. Therefore, the seal member 27 does not need to be adhered or welded, and can be easily peeled off at the start of use of the cartridge. Further, even when the used cartridge is collected and recycled, the seal member 27 is left on the frame 12 or the wall member 13 without adhesion or welding. It is possible to easily recycle the member without leaving a mark or the like.

When the seal pressing portion 28 is provided on the toner developing wall member 13, as shown in FIG. 19, a hinge portion 31 is provided at the boundary between the toner wall portion 13a and the developing wall portion 13b, and the hinge portion 31 bends the hinge portion 31. It may be configured as possible.

The configuration shown in FIG. 19 differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 18 described above in that the toner wall portion 13 of the toner wall member 13 is different.
A hinge part 3 which can be bent at the boundary between a and the developing wall part 13b
1, the toner developing frame member 12 and the toner developing wall member 13 are joined together by welding the joint portion of the toner wall portion 13a,
The joint portion of the developing wall portion 13b is that a toner leak prevention seal 32 made of polyurethane foam or the like is interposed.

In this case, after assembling the toner wall portion 13a of the toner developing wall member 13 by welding, the developing wall portion 13 is formed.
The seal member 27 is attached to the seal mounting portion 1 by bending b.
It can be easily sandwiched between the 2a and the seal pressing portion 28.

When the hinge portion 31 is provided on the toner developing wall member 13 as described above, the toner developing frame body 12 and the toner developing wall which are combined in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment for positioning in the bent state. It is necessary to attach the end members 21 having positioning bosses to both ends of the member 13 in the longitudinal direction so as to maintain the angle of the hinge portion 31 constant.

Although the frame structure of the developing means described above has been described by exemplifying the process cartridge including the first embodiment, it has the toner chamber and the developing chamber, and the developing roller and the developing blade are provided in the developing chamber. The same can be applied to a developing device configured by attaching the same or the like, and the same terms can be obtained.

(Other Examples of Shutter Structure) In the above-described first embodiment, the shutter member 16 is made of one member, and the first shutter portion 16a for opening and closing the exposure opening 9 and the transfer opening 15 are provided.
An example is shown in which the second shutter portion 16b that opens and closes is configured integrally (see FIGS. 8 and 9), but as shown in FIG. 20, the first shutter portion 16a and the second shutter portion 16b are You may comprise by another member.

The shutter structure shown in FIG. 20 is used, and the first shutter portion 16a for opening and closing the exposure opening portion 9 and the transfer opening portion 15 are provided.
Is a member separate from the second shutter portion 16b that opens and closes, and is rotatably supported by a bearing portion provided on the upper portion of the cleaning frame body 14 and is always biased in a closing direction by a spring (not shown). .

An arcuate link portion 33 is provided as an opening / closing means for the first shutter portion 16a integrally with the second shutter portion 16b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, when the second shutter portion 16b is opened, the link portion 33 pushes down the first shutter portion 16a to open the first shutter portion 16a in conjunction with the opening of the second shutter portion 16b. When the shutter is closed, the first shutter portion 16a is also closed because the pushing down by the link portion 33 disappears.

Even with this structure, the second shutter unit 1
The first shutter section 16a opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing of 6b, and each shutter section operates reliably without providing a complicated opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing each shutter section.

Even in the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the arm portion 16d of the second shutter portion 16b is configured so as not to project from the longitudinal end portion of the cartridge frame, and
It is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment by configuring the shutter portion 16b to form an air flow path for radiating the heat generated by the fixing means 5.

(Other Example of Cartridge Attachment / Detachment) In the above-described first embodiment, the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion are formed on both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame body 14 so that the process cartridge B can be easily taken out from the image forming apparatus A. 25 is provided, and the handle member 2 is provided above the line connecting the protrusions 24, 25.
6 is provided, and when the handle member 26 is pulled, the cartridge B rotates about the second protrusion 25 as a fulcrum, and the first protrusion 14 and the recess 20
An example in which the fitting state with b is released is shown (Fig. 1
4).

However, the user is the process cartridge B
Even when the cartridge B is rotated around the second projection 25 as a fulcrum by the cartridge frame without the handle member 26 when the cartridge is taken out, the fitting state between the first projection 14 and the recess 20b can be released. The cartridge B can be pulled out in this state.

Therefore, even if the handle member 26 is not provided, the process cartridge B can be easily taken out by rotating it with the second protrusion 25 as a fulcrum.

Further, another embodiment of the process cartridge B will be described.

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge B, FIG. 22 (a) is a left side view of the cleaning frame 14 of the process cartridge B, FIG. 22 (b) is a right side view thereof, and FIG. 23 is this embodiment. 24 is a side view for explaining a process of mounting and removing the process cartridge B in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, FIG. 24 is a side view showing a moment of force at the time of mounting, and FIG. 25 is a moment of force at the time of taking out. It is a side view. The members having the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is incorporated. still,
In the cartridge of this embodiment, the toner stirring means 10a5 is provided in the toner storage portion.

Now, as shown in FIG. 22, the process cartridge used in this embodiment has a left end frame body (first frame body) 14c (first frame body) of the cleaning frame body 14 on one end side with respect to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7. FIG. 22A) and the right end frame body (second frame body) 14d of the cleaning frame body 14 on the other end side.
(FIG. 22 (b)). And the frame 14c
The first protrusion 24a (first protrusion 2)
4) and the second protrusion 25a (second protrusion 25). Further, the frame body 14d is provided with a third protrusion 24b (first protrusion 24) and a fourth protrusion 25b (second protrusion 25) that also protrude outward. Here, the first protruding portion and the third protruding portion are for positioning the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A. Further, the second projecting portion and the fourth projecting portion are provided in the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is detached (mounted) from the apparatus main assembly A.
Is the rotation fulcrum of. The first protruding portion and the third protruding portion (first protrusion 24) protrude coaxially with the axis of the photosensitive drum 7. And the first protrusion 2
4a and the third protrusion 24b are circular members provided on the peripheral surface of the drum shaft that supports the photosensitive drum 7. Here, in FIG. 22A, the metal drum shaft 7c that supports the photosensitive drum 7 on the left end frame 14c projects from the first projecting circular member 24a. When the process cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main assembly A, the drum shaft 7
c contacts the conductive member (metal leaf spring 50, see FIGS. 23A to 23C) provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus to ground the photosensitive drum 7. It should be noted that in FIG.
Reference numeral d denotes a metal drum, which supports the photosensitive drum 7 on the right end frame 14d. Further, the left end frame body 14c and the right end frame body 14d have an elongated fifth protruding portion 14 protruding outward.
c1 and the sixth protrusion 14d1 are provided. This fifth
The protruding portion 14c1 of the first protruding circular member 24a
Is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the protruding circular member 25a. Also,
The sixth protruding portion 14d1 is connected to the outer peripheral surfaces of the third protruding circular member 24d and the second protruding circular member 25b. The fifth protruding portion 14c1 and the sixth protruding portion 14d1 are
Immediately after starting mounting the process cartridge B in the apparatus main assembly A,
Alternatively, even if the operator accidentally releases the grip member 26 immediately before the removal is completed (the state shown in FIG. 16), it is possible to prevent the cartridge B from rotating largely. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, when the process cartridge B is positioned with the photosensitive drum 7 facing downward, the second projecting circular member 25a is located above the first projecting circular member 24a. Similarly, the fourth projecting circular member 25b is also located above the third projecting circular member 24b. Further, in the direction in which the process cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, the second projecting circular member 2
5a is arranged upstream of the first projecting circular member 24a. Similarly, the fourth projecting circular member 25b is also arranged upstream of the third projecting circular member 24b. Here, the outer diameters of the first projecting circular member 24a and the third projecting circular member 24b are equal, and the outer diameter of the second projecting circular member 25a is the same as that of the first projecting circular member (third projecting circular member). It is larger than the outer diameter of the circular member 24b), and furthermore, the outer diameter of the fourth projecting circular member 25b is larger than the outer diameter of the second projecting circular member 25a. By thus defining the size of each projecting circular member, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A (the state shown in FIGS. 14 and 23C), the process cartridge B is so-called three-point support. It is possible to improve the mounting position accuracy. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first projecting circular member 24a and the third projecting circular member 24b is about 12 mm (allowable range of about 11.0 mm to 12.5 m).
m), the outer diameter of the second protruding circular member is about 12.5 mm (allowable range of about 12.0 mm to 13.5 mm), and the outer diameter of the fourth protruding circular member 25b is about 13.0 mm (allowable range of about 1 mm).
2.0 mm to 13.5 mm). Further, the protruding height of the first protruding circular member 24a and the second protruding circular member 25a is about 4.5 mm (allowable range of about 1.0 mm to 5.5 m).
m), and the protruding height of the third protruding circular member 24b and the fourth protruding circular member 25b is about 4 mm (allowable range of about 1.0).
mm-5.0 mm). Also, the fifth protrusion 14c
The protrusion height of 1 is about 3 mm (allowable range 0 mm to 5.5 m
m), the protrusion height of the sixth protrusion 14d1 is about 2.5 mm.
(Allowable range is 0 mm to 5.0 mm). The fifth protrusion 14c1 and the sixth protrusion 14d1 may be omitted.
In addition, the first protruding circular member 24a and the second protruding circular member 25
a distance connecting the centers of a and the third protruding circular member 24b
And the distance (L) connecting the centers of the fourth protruding circular members 25b is about 34 mm. Further, the left end frame body 14c (first
The cleaning drum body 14 (first cartridge frame body) integrally formed with the right end frame body 14d (second frame body) has a photosensitive drum 7 and a charging means (for example, a charging roller 8). ) And a cleaning unit 11 (for example, an elastic cleaning blade 11a), while the toner developing frame 12 (second cartridge frame) has a developing unit 10 (for example, a developing roller 10c) and a toner. It has a storage portion (for example, the toner chamber portion 12b). And
The cleaning frame body 14 and the toner developing frame body 12 are swingably coupled to each other. Incidentally, 14a1 is a groove into which the locking projection 16e is fitted.

Now, the process of attaching and detaching the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main assembly A will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (c).

Similar to the above-described embodiment, the first protrusions 24 (24a, 24b) and the second protrusions 25 (25a, 25b) of the process cartridge B are fitted into the guide groove 20a and along the groove 20a. insert. Then, when the cartridge B is inserted to the deepest part, the first protrusion 24 (24a
-24b) falls into the positioning recess 20b and is positioned. At this time, the second protrusion 25 (25a, 25b) is locked in the guide groove 20a, and the posture of the cartridge B is maintained. At this time, in this embodiment, since the process cartridge is positioned by the so-called three-point support as described above, the positioning accuracy can be improved. Further, in this embodiment, the first protrusions 24 (24a, 24b) provided coaxially with the axis of the rotary shaft 7c of the photosensitive drum 7 are dropped into the positioning recess 20b, and the first protrusions 24 (24
a. 24b) is directly pressed against the recess 20b.

That is, as shown in FIG. 23, the attachment / detachment guide 2
0 is provided with a torsion coil spring 20d as a pressing means on the projection 20c, and both ends thereof are stoppers 20i,
Lock to 20j. Then, a part of the torsion coil spring 20d is configured to project above the positioning recess 20b.

In the above structure, when the process cartridge B is inserted along the guide groove 20a of the guide member 20, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), one end of the torsion coil spring 20d is in contact with the stopper 20j. Then, as the insertion of the cartridge B progresses, as shown in FIG. 23B, the first protrusion 24 (24a, 24b) pushes the torsion coil spring 20d, and one end of the spring 20d is separated from the stopper 20c, whereby the first protrusion is released. A biasing force that presses the 24 (24a, 24b) diagonally downward is generated. When the cartridge B is further inserted, as shown in FIG.
(24a, 24b) fall into the positioning recess 20b,
Although the insertion of the cartridge B is completed, the spring 20
The first protrusion 24 (24a, 24b) is pressed diagonally downward by the bias of d, and the abutting portion 20b of the positioning recess 20b is pressed.
Pressed on 1. Thereby, the first protrusion 24 (24
a. 24b) is securely positioned and fixed in the positioning recess 20b.

The first projection 24 (24a, 24b) provided coaxially with the axis of the photosensitive drum 7 as described above is attached to the spring 2.
By directly pressing and positioning with 0d, the photosensitive drum 7 is directly positioned with respect to the main assembly A of the apparatus and becomes accurate.

Now, referring to FIG. 24, the first protrusion 2
The moment when the 4 (24a, 24b) is dropped into the recess 20b will be described.

The operator holds the grip member 26 and inserts it with the force P from the opening 20e of the cartridge guide 20 toward the positioning portion 20b (obliquely downward). Then, the first protrusion 24
(24a ・ 24b) and the second protrusion 25 (25a ・ 25
b) slides along the cartridge guide 20,
The first projection 24 is guided to a position above the positioning recess 20b.
Contacts the tip 20a1 of the guide groove 20a. Then, from that position, the first projection 2
By the y component Py of the force P applied to the cartridge 4, the cartridge B rotates, and the first protrusion 24 is fitted into the positioning portion 20b. Then, the mounting of the process cartridge B is completed.

Next, the moment when the cartridge B is taken out will be described with reference to FIG. The process cartridge B can be taken out from the main body of the apparatus as shown in FIG.
The steps (c), (b), and (a) are performed in this order.

The operator pulls the handle member 26 with the force P along the opening 20e (obliquely upward) of the cartridge guide 20a. Then, the same force as the x component Px of the force P is generated by using the second protrusions 25 (25a and 25b) as fulcrums.
4a ・ 24b) as a rotation moment. As a result, the first protrusion 24 is lifted upward, and the fitting state between the positioning portion 20b and the first protrusion 24 is released. That is, the cartridge B rotates counterclockwise with the second protrusion 25 as a fulcrum.

When the handle member 26 is further pulled by the force P in that state, the first protrusion 24 is moved along the cartridge guide 20a.
The second protrusion 25 slides, and the process cartridge B is pulled out from the main assembly A of the apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the guide member 20 has a shutter guide portion 20 which is inclined obliquely upward with respect to the insertion direction of the process cartridge B.
i is formed. A shutter protrusion 16e provided on the shutter arm 16d of the process cartridge B can contact the guide portion 20i. When the process cartridge B is inserted along the guide groove 20a as described above,
The shutter protrusion 16e contacts the guide portion 20i, and the shutter protrusion 16e is pushed up as the cartridge B is inserted. As a result, the shutter member 16 rotates clockwise in FIG. 23 against the bias of the spring (not shown) to open the transfer opening 15 and the exposure opening 9. On the contrary, when the process cartridge B is taken out, the shutter protrusion 16e is pushed down along the slope of the guide portion 20i by the bias of the spring, the shutter member 16 rotates counterclockwise, and the transfer opening portion 15 and the exposure opening portion are rotated. 9 is closed.

In this embodiment, the first projecting circular member 24a, the second projecting circular member 25a and the fifth projecting portion 14c1 are integrally formed with the left end frame 14c.
Furthermore, the third projecting circular member 24b, the second projecting circular member 25b, and the sixth projecting portion 14d1 are integrally formed with the right end frame body 14d. Therefore, these protruding circular members 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b and the protruding portion 14
c1 and 14d1 are formed integrally with the cleaning frame body 14. The cleaning frame 14 is made of plastic and is made of polystyrene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene or the like.

(Three-Point Support of Process Cartridge) Next, referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, when mounting the process cartridge B in the main assembly A of the apparatus, three of the above-mentioned four protrusions of the process cartridge B are provided. Protrusion 24
A configuration for positioning the process cartridge B in the apparatus main assembly A using only a, 24b, and 25a will be described.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first
The outer diameter of the projecting circular member 24a and the third projecting circular member 24b is about 12.0 mm, the outer diameter of the second projecting circular member 25a is about 12.5 mm, and the outer diameter of the fourth projecting circular member 25b is about It is 13.0 mm. Further, the inner diameter of the guide groove 20a provided in the apparatus main body is about 13.0 mm, and the positioning recess 2
The inner diameter of 0b is about 12.0 mm. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first protruding circular member 24a and the third protruding circular member 24b are fitted into the positioning recess 20b and the fourth protruding portion is provided in the state where the process cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main body A. The circular member 25b is fitted in the guide groove 20a (FIG. 26). The second projecting circular member 25a is separated from the guide groove 20a (Fig. 27).

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 26 is a side view of the drive side of the process cartridge B (the side on which the helical gear 7a is provided). As shown in the drawing, the drive-side second projecting circular member 25 provided on the cleaning frame 14 is provided.
a is a state of being fitted in the guide groove 20a of the apparatus main body A,
The process cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus A.
On the other hand, FIG. 27 is a side view of the process cartridge B on the non-driving side. As shown in the figure, the non-drive-side fourth projecting circular member 25b is the drive-side second projecting circular member 25a.
The outer diameter of the guide groove 20a and the diameter of the guide groove 20a are smaller than that of the guide groove 20a.
The process cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main body A in a state of being separated from the upper surface and the lower surface of 0a. And
When the driving force is received from the apparatus main body A (when the helical gear 7a receives the driving force by the driving helical gear 100)
The peripheral surface of the fourth projecting circular member 25b comes into contact with the upper surface of the guide groove 20a to prevent the process cartridge B from rotating. Further, when the process cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main body A, the fourth protruding circular member 25
When the peripheral surface of b contacts the lower surface of the guide groove 20a, it serves as a fulcrum of rotation, and the process cartridge B can be smoothly taken out from the main assembly A of the apparatus.

By the way, the cleaning frame body 14 (including the second protrusions 24a and 24b) and the guide groove 20a of the apparatus main body have design tolerances, and it is naturally conceivable that a left and right twist occurs in molding. As a result, the second protrusions 2 provided on both side surfaces of the process cartridge B
5a, 25b and the guide groove 2 provided in the image forming apparatus A
The relative position with respect to 0a is expected to deviate from left to right.

Therefore, as described above, the outer diameter of the fourth projecting circular member 25b on the non-driving side is made smaller than the outer diameter of the second projecting circular member 25a on the driving side. Even if the left and right relative positions with respect to the axial direction are displaced, this displacement can be absorbed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent interference between the process cartridge B and the main body guide member 20 when the process cartridge is mounted, and to prevent the process cartridge B from being twisted due to an external force applied to the process cartridge B when the main body is mounted. Here, the process cartridge B is the photosensitive drum 7.
As a factor that shifts to the left and right with respect to the axial direction of, the twist and the like that occur when the frame body is molded can be considered.

In this example, the outer diameter of the fourth projecting circular member 25b on the non-driving side is made smaller than the diameter of the guide groove 20a so that it is separated from the main body guide groove 20a. However, the configuration for releasing one of the protruding circular members is not particularly limited to this. For example, the outer diameters of the projecting circular members 25a and 25b are the same, and the main body guide grooves 20 provided on the left and right of the main body A of the apparatus.
The same effect can be obtained even if the protruding circular member is separated from the guide groove by making one of the diameters a larger than the outer diameter of the protruding circular member. Further, in the present embodiment, the non-driving side fourth projecting circular member 25b is separated from the main body guide groove 20a, and the drive side second projecting circular member 25a is fitted in the guide groove 20a. Although an example is shown, conversely, the second protruding circular member 25a on the driving side is separated from the main body guide groove 20a, and the fourth protruding circular member 25b on the non-driving side is fitted into the guide groove 20a. Even if the same effect is obtained.

(Arrangement Relationship of First Protrusion and Second Protrusion) Next, the first protrusion 24 (24a, 24b) and the second protrusion 25
The layout relationship of (25a and 25b) will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, when the process cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, the first frame is provided on both side surfaces 14c and 14d of the cleaning frame body 14.
Protrusion 24 (24a, 24b) and second protrusion 25 (25a
The first projection 24 such that the angle θ of the straight line l1 connecting the centers of 25b) and the horizontal direction 12 is 16 ° to 20 °
(24a, 24b) and second protrusion 25 (25a, 25b)
Has been arranged. If this angle θ is larger than the above-mentioned angle range, it is expected that the process cartridge may drop into the positioning recess 20b due to its own weight. On the other hand, if the angle θ is smaller than the angle range, it is expected that the process cartridge B may not smoothly fall into the positioning recess 20b.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by arranging the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion so that the angle θ is 16 ° to 20 °, the user can remove the first protrusion 24 and the second protrusion 25. When the process cartridge B is fitted into the main body guide groove 20a, the process cartridge B is guided by its own weight until just before the first projection is fitted into the positioning recess 20b. Then, the user finally pushes the process cartridge B by hand, or when the opening / closing cover 18 is closed, the process cartridge B is pushed by a protruding member (not shown) attached to the opening / closing cover 18. The mounting of the cartridge B on the apparatus main assembly A is completed.

With this configuration, the process cartridge B
Can be smoothly attached to the image forming apparatus main body A.

(Pressing Spring for Pressing Process Cartridge to Device Main Body) Next, referring to FIGS. 23, 25, 29 and 30, a pressing spring for pressing the process cartridge B to the device main body A. Will be described. As shown in the figure, the positioning recesses 20 of the cartridge guide members 20 provided on the left and right sides inside the image forming apparatus main body A are provided.
Above each of b, a pressing spring 20 (screw coil spring) for pressing the cartridge B against the apparatus main body A is provided. That is, the pressing springs 20d are provided at positions corresponding to the first protrusions 24 (24a, 24b) fitted in the recess 20b. Then, when the user inserts the process cartridge B along the guide groove 20a of the apparatus main body A, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 30, when the first protrusion 24 (24a, 24b) is fitted into the positioning recess 20b. In addition, the first protrusion 24 (24a, 24b) is pressed by the pressing spring 20d into the recess 20b from above on the side opposite to the cartridge inserting direction.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the process cartridge B is used as the second cartridge for positioning the image forming apparatus A.
Since the protrusions 24 (24a, 24b) are pressed by the spring 20d, it is possible to efficiently suppress the vibration when the process cartridge B receives the driving force from the main assembly A of the apparatus and to reduce rattling. it can. Further, when the user mounts the process cartridge B in the apparatus main assembly A and takes it out, it is determined whether the process cartridge B is correctly positioned with respect to the apparatus main assembly A or the positioning is released.
This can be made clearer by the click feeling due to the elastic force of the spring.

(Other Examples of Other Members) The process cartridge B according to the present invention described above 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 images). It can also be suitably applied to a cartridge that forms an image, a three-color image, a full-color image, or the like.

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

The image carrier is not limited to the above-mentioned photosensitive drum, but includes the following, for example. First, a photoconductor is used as the photoconductor, and as the photoconductor, for example, amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and organic photoconductor (OPC).
Etc. are included. The shape on which the photoconductor is mounted includes, for example, a rotating body such as a drum or a belt, and a sheet. Generally, a drum-shaped or belt-shaped member is used. For example, in the case of a drum-type photosensitive member, a photoconductor is vapor-deposited or coated on a cylinder of aluminum alloy or the like. Is.

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 which has been conventionally used as another structure is provided with a metal shield such as aluminum around 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.

The charging means may be of blade type (charging blade), pad type, block type, rod type, wire type or the like other than the roller type.

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

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

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

Further, 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 can also be used for.

As described above, according to the present invention, the first shutter portion for opening / closing the exposure opening portion of the process cartridge and the second shutter portion for opening / closing the transfer opening portion are interlocked with each other. Since it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for opening and closing the shutter, it is possible to simplify the shutter opening and closing mechanism that reliably operates the shutter portion. Further, by integrally forming the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion, there is no need to provide a complicated link mechanism, the number of parts is reduced, and
The assembling process can also be simplified, so that the cost can be reduced.

By providing the center of rotation of the shutter portion above the cartridge frame, the arms supporting the longitudinal ends of the second shutter portion for opening and closing the transfer opening are provided at the longitudinal ends of the cartridge frame. The process cartridge can be configured so as not to project, the length in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge can be shortened, and the size of the cartridge can be reduced.

Further, by mounting the process cartridge on the main body of the apparatus and making the second shutter portion form an air flow path in the state where the second shutter portion is opened, heat generated by, for example, the fixing unit is removed. The heat can be effectively dissipated and the temperature rise in the device can be prevented.

By constructing the process cartridge by accommodating the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing means, it is possible to provide a highly accurate process cartridge.

Therefore, by constructing an electrophotographic copying machine, a laser beam printer or the like using the process cartridge, it is possible to stably record a high quality image.

Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the toner developing frame body having the same side wall forming the toner chamber and the developing chamber is opened, and the toner developing frame connected to the open side of the toner developing frame body. The wall member is connected. Therefore, it is possible to configure a toner chamber and a developing chamber having a complicated shape with two parts, and it is possible to configure a small developing device or a process cartridge despite the large toner storage capacity.

By arranging the toner developing wall member at the edge portion of the toner opening between the toner chamber and the developing chamber, it is possible to prevent the toner from unnecessarily remaining in the toner chamber and to waste the toner. It is possible to use without.

Further, by providing the toner pressing wall member with the seal pressing portion for pressing the sealing member for sealing the toner opening, the sealing member can be easily attached, and the developing device and the process cartridge after the toner is used. When the toner is collected and recycled, the toner developing frame and the toner developing wall member can be easily reused.

Further, by making the joint portion between the toner chamber wall portion and the developing chamber wall portion constituting the toner developing wall member bendable, the developing device or the process cartridge can be easily assembled.

Furthermore, by attaching end members to both ends of the toner developing frame member and the toner developing wall member in the longitudinal direction so as to perform positioning, the connection between the toner developing frame member and the toner developing wall member is accurately performed. It becomes possible to do it.

Further, by arranging the toner chamber constituting the developing means to be located above the developing chamber, the toner in the toner chamber is supplied to the developing chamber by its own weight, and a special toner feeding member is provided. There is no need.

Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the first projection is provided coaxially with the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the second projection serving as the rotation fulcrum of the cartridge is further provided. Therefore, these not only serve as guide members when the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, but also when the cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body, the cartridge can be easily rotated about the second protrusion. Positioning of the device body The fitting of the depressed first protrusion can be easily released. Therefore, the cartridge can be pulled out smoothly.

Further, by arranging the second protrusion behind the first protrusion in the cartridge insertion direction and arranging the handle member above the extension line, it is possible to fit the first protrusion by pulling the handle member forward. When the grip is released naturally, the cartridge can be easily taken out by directly pulling it out with the handle member.

Further, by configuring the cartridge mounting means provided in the image forming apparatus so that the cartridge is inserted obliquely downward, it becomes possible to pull out the cartridge more smoothly while holding the handle member.

By providing the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the handle member on the frame body for holding the electrophotosensitive member, it is possible to easily rotate the cartridge about the second protrusion.

Further, by forming the process cartridge by accommodating the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the developing means and the like in the frame having the projections and the grip member, it is possible to provide a highly accurate process cartridge. Therefore, by constructing an electrophotographic copying machine, a laser beam printer or the like using this process cartridge, it is possible to stably perform high-quality image recording.

According to the above-described embodiment, not only the first projection on the extension line coaxial with the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive member but also the second projection serving as the rotation fulcrum of the cartridge is provided, so that these images the process cartridge. In addition to serving as a guide member for attachment / detachment to the forming apparatus main body, the cartridge can be easily rotated around the second protrusion when the cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body, and the positioning of the apparatus main body is lowered. The fitting of the protrusion can be released. Therefore, the cartridge can be pulled out smoothly.

Further, by arranging the second protrusion behind the first protrusion in the cartridge insertion direction and arranging the handle member above the extension line, the first protrusion can be fitted by pulling the handle member forward. When the grip is released naturally, the cartridge can be easily taken out by directly pulling it out with the handle member.

Furthermore, by inserting the cartridge obliquely downward into the cartridge mounting means provided in the image forming apparatus, the cartridge can be pulled out more smoothly while holding the handle member.

By providing the first projection, the second projection and the handle member on the frame body holding the image carrier, it is possible to easily rotate the cartridge around the second projection.

By constructing the process cartridge by accommodating the image carrier, the developing means and the like in the frame having the projections and the handle member, it is possible to provide a highly accurate process cartridge. This process cartridge is used. By configuring an electrophotographic copying machine, a laser beam printer, or the like, stable high-quality image recording can be performed.

[0149]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a process cartridge having improved operability of attachment and detachment, and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be attached and detached.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a process cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a state in which an opening / closing cover is opened and a process cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of developing means.

FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view in which a toner developing frame and a toner developing wall member are separated.

FIG. 7 is an assembly explanatory view for connecting the toner developing frame and the toner developing wall member.

FIG. 8 is a perspective explanatory view of a shutter member.

FIG. 9A is a lateral direction explanatory view of a shutter member,
(B) is a longitudinal direction explanatory view of the shutter member.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view with a shutter member opened.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a shutter member is open.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a cartridge mounting guide portion.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a state when the process cartridge is taken out, and an explanatory view of a state in which the first protrusion is fitted in the recess.

FIG. 15 is a state explanatory view when the process cartridge is taken out, and is a state explanatory view in which the handle member is pulled and the process cartridge is rotated about the second protrusion as a fulcrum.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a state when the process cartridge is taken out, and is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the handle member is pulled out to pull out the process cartridge.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram when a handle member is not provided above.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of another example of the developing means, which is an example having a seal pressing portion.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of another example of the developing means, in which a hinge portion is provided on the toner developing wall member.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the shutter configuration, in which the first shutter section and the second shutter section are linked by a link section.

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of a process cartridge to which another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

22 (a) is a left side view of the cleaning frame of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 22B is a right side view of the cleaning frame of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21. FIG.

23 is a side view showing a process of attaching / detaching the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21 to / from the apparatus main body. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a moment of force when the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21 is attached to the apparatus main body.

25 is a side view showing the moment of force when the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21 is taken out from the apparatus main body.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the non-driving side showing a state in which the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21 is attached to the apparatus main body.

27 is a drive-side side view showing a state in which the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21 is attached to the apparatus main body.

28 is a side view for explaining an installation angle of a protruding portion that connects the protruding circular members of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21. FIG.

29 is a side view showing the relationship with the spring of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21. FIG.

30 is a side view showing the relationship with the spring of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 21. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A Image forming apparatus B Process cartridge 1 Optical system 2 Recording medium 3 Conveying means 3a Feed tray 3b Pickup roller 3c Conveying roller 3d Guide 3e, 3f Discharging roller 4 Transfer roller 5 Fixing means 5a Driving roller 5b Fixing roller 6 Discharging tray 7 Photosensitive Body drum 8 Charging roller 9 Exposure opening 10 Developing means 10a Toner chamber 10b Developing chamber 10c Developing roller 10d Developing blade 11 Cleaning means 11a Cleaning blade 11b Waste toner reservoir 12 Toner developing frame 12a Seal attachment part 12a1 Toner supply opening 12b Toner chamber Part 12c Developing chamber part 13 Toner developing wall member 13a Toner wall part 13a1 Recess 13b Developing wall part 14 Cleaning frame 14a Bearing part 14b Recess 15 Transfer opening 16 Shutter member 16a First Shaft part 16b Second shutter part 16c Rotating support shaft 16d Arm part 16e Locking protrusion 16f Rib 17 Device body 18 Open / close cover 19 Rotating shaft 20 Guide member 20a Guide groove 20b Positioning recess 21 End member 22 Toner leak prevention seal 23 Twisting coil spring 24 First protrusion 25 Second protrusion 26 Handle member 27 Seal member 28 Seal pressing portion 28a Toner supply opening 29 Toner leakage prevention seal 30 Screw 31 Hinge portion 32 Toner leakage prevention seal 33 Link portion 100 Helical gear

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and provided on one end side in an axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A first projecting portion provided on the first frame so as to project outward, wherein the first projecting portion forms an image on the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. A second projecting portion provided to project outward from the first frame for positioning with respect to the apparatus main body; and the second projecting portion is a process cartridge for the image forming apparatus. It is a fulcrum of rotation of the process cartridge when it is removed from the main body, and is provided so as to project outward on a second frame provided on the other end side with respect to the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. And a third protruding portion for positioning the process cartridge with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. A fourth projecting portion provided on the second frame so as to project outward, and the fourth projecting portion serves as a rotation fulcrum of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is detached from the image forming apparatus main body. And a straight line connecting the center of the first protrusion and the center of the second protrusion and a straight line connecting the center of the third protrusion and the center of the fourth protrusion are When the cartridge is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus,
A process cartridge characterized in that it is configured to be 6 degrees to 20 degrees. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first projecting portion and the third projecting portion project coaxially with an axis of a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member. 3. The first protrusion and the third protrusion are circular members provided on a peripheral surface of a drum shaft that supports a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member. ,
The process cartridge according to claim 2. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the drum shaft is made of metal, and the circular member is made of plastic. 5. The circular member of the first projecting portion is integrally formed with the first frame, and the circular member of the third projecting portion is integrally formed with the second frame. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the process cartridge is molded. 6. The first frame further has an elongated fifth protrusion provided so as to protrude outward, and the fifth protrusion has the first protrusion and the second protrusion. And an elongated sixth projecting portion that is provided on the second frame so as to project outward, and the sixth projecting portion includes the third projecting portion and the fourth projecting portion. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is connected to a protrusion. 7. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are circular, the fifth protrusion is connected to the circular outer peripheral surface, and the third protrusion and the third protrusion are connected to each other. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the protruding portion of 4 is circular, and the sixth protruding portion is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the circular shape. 8. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the fifth protrusion are integrally molded with the first frame, and the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the portion and the sixth protruding portion are integrally formed with the second frame. 9. The second protrusion is positioned above the first protrusion when the process cartridge is positioned with the electrophotographic photosensitive member facing downward, and the fourth protrusion is positioned higher than the first protrusion. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 1, 5, or 8, wherein the protruding portion is located above the third protruding portion. 10. The second direction in the mounting direction for mounting the process cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The protruding portion is arranged on the upstream side of the first protruding portion, and the fourth protruding portion is arranged on the upstream side of the third protruding portion. Item 1,
9. The process cartridge according to item 9. 11. A handle is provided above a straight line connecting the center of the first protrusion and the center of the second protrusion, wherein the handle is an image of the process cartridge. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is a handle when being attached to and detached from the main body of the forming apparatus. 12. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first frame and the second frame are made of plastic and integrally molded. 13. A first cartridge frame, in which the first frame and the second frame are integrally molded, includes the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Cleaning means for removing toner remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the first cartridge frame and the second cartridge frame being swingably coupled to each other, wherein the second cartridge frame The cartridge frame has a developing means for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a toner storage portion for storing toner used for development by the developing means. Item 13. The process cartridge according to Item 12. 14. The drum shaft projects from a circular member as the first projecting portion, and a conductive member provided in the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member is grounded by being brought into contact therewith. 15. The outer diameters of the circular members as the first protruding portion and the third protruding portion are equal to each other, and the outer diameter of the circular member as the second protruding portion is equal to that of the second protruding portion. The diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the circular member serving as the third protrusion, and further,
The outer diameter of the circular member serving as the fourth protruding portion is larger than the outer diameter of the circular member serving as the second protruding portion, and when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the second protruding portion is 14. A play groove is provided in a guide groove provided in the main body of the apparatus, wherein the guide groove is provided.
The process cartridge according to 1. 16. The outer diameters of the circular members as the first and third protrusions are about 12 mm, the outer diameters of the circular members as the second protrusion are about 12.5 mm, and the fourth member. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein an outer diameter of the circular member as the protruding portion of the process cartridge is about 13.0 mm. 17. A process cartridge can be attached and detached,
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process unit that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a first unit provided on one end side in the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A first projecting portion provided on the frame 1 so as to project outward, wherein the first projecting portion is provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. A second projecting portion provided for projecting outwardly on the first frame, wherein the second projecting portion removes the process cartridge from the main body of the image forming apparatus. At this time, a third protrusion that is provided as a fulcrum of rotation of the process cartridge, is provided on a second frame provided on the other end side with respect to the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member so as to project outward. The third protrusion is for positioning the process cartridge with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. A fourth protrusion that is provided so as to protrude into the process cartridge, wherein the fourth protrusion serves as a rotation fulcrum of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus main body. The straight line connecting the center of the protruding portion and the center of the second protruding portion and the straight line connecting the center of the third protruding portion and the center of the fourth protruding portion mount the process cartridge on the image forming apparatus main body. 1 in the horizontal direction
Mounting means for removably mounting the process cartridge configured to be 6 degrees to 20 degrees, b, first positioning means for positioning the first protrusion, c, the third protrusion An image forming apparatus comprising: a second positioning unit that positions the recording medium, d, and a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium. 18. The mounting means comprises first guide means for guiding the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and second guide means for guiding the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a guide unit. 19. Further, a first positioning means and a second positioning means are provided, wherein the first positioning means has a concave portion connected to the first guide means and the first concave portion in the concave portion.
And a spring member that presses the protruding portion of
19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the positioning means includes a recess that connects to the second guide means and a spring member that presses the third protrusion against the recess.