JPS60104960A - Picture formation device and process unit used for the device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To replace an image carrier easily by arranging an upper plate having an opening to apply information to the image carrier formed in a process unit. CONSTITUTION:A cover 36 consisting of an opaque material is placed on a plate-like member 19 so as to be slid and guide pins 19a8, 19b8 planted on the plate-like member 19 are loosely inserted into long holes 361, 362 of the cover 36. The cover 36 can be slid so that an opening C is opened/closed. Springs 37, 38 are laid between the cover 36 and spring hooks 19a9, 19b9 formed on the plate-like member 19 and excite the cover 36 in the closing direction of the opening C. In the state shown by the alternate long and two short dashes line 36, the cover 36 closes the opening opened by the plate-like member 19 to prevent the irradiation of external light to a photosensitive body. When the process unit U is completely inserted into the copying machine body, an inclined part 361 of the cover 36 is laid on an inclined part of a guide member fixed on the copying machine body side and the whole cover 36 is rotated around its axis, so that the opening C is kept at the opened state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a process unit that includes an image forming apparatus or an image carrier and a process means (including a part or all) that acts on the image carrier, and is detachable from the main body of the apparatus. It is related to.

Here, the image forming apparatus includes, for example, an electronic copying machine, a facsimile machine, a laser beam printer, etc. that forms information on an image carrier.

Hereinafter, an electrophotographic copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, in electrophotographic copying machines, it has been necessary to periodically replace the photoreceptor as an image carrier, clean the charging wire, and replace and adjust various consumable parts. This required skilled skills and was performed by specialized service personnel. Therefore, a service person had to come each time, which was extremely troublesome.

Therefore, recently, as shown in the specification of U8P 3,985,436, a unit is constructed in which image forming means such as a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a cleaner, and a charger are integrated, and when the photosensitive drum is replaced, each member is By replacing both at the same time,
The idea is to reduce maintenance work. With the above configuration, the user can easily replace each process-related member that requires periodic maintenance, and the maintenance work by service personnel can be reduced. Furthermore, a color image can be formed by replacing the process unit with a process unit that stores toner of another color.

Alternatively, by replacing the process unit with a process unit incorporating another developing means, there are advantages such as being able to use the developing means according to the document image. When the need for repair arises, replacing and positioning the photoreceptor, cleaner, developing device, etc., remains troublesome.

In addition, the trouble of replacing and positioning the photoreceptor, cleaner, developing device, etc. is also inconvenient in terms of maintenance in copying machines that are not equipped with a unit. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or a process unit whose body can be easily replaced.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or a process unit that can improve the positional accuracy between an image carrier and a process means.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or a process unit that can obtain clear images.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or a process unit that can prevent damage to an image carrier or a process means.Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail according to examples. .

First, an electrophotographic copying machine using an embodiment of a process unit according to the present invention will be described.

Note that the term "process unit" herein refers to a unit that houses an image carrier such as an electrophotographic photoreceptor and at least one other process means in a frame that is detachable from a predetermined position within the main body of an electrophotographic apparatus. cormorant. The process means includes a charger that acts on an image bearing member such as a photoreceptor, a developing device for electrostatic latent images, a cleaning device that removes toner remaining on the photoreceptor, etc. to carry out the image forming process. It refers to a means for applying a predetermined action to an image carrier, and the main body of an electrophotographic apparatus includes a means for accommodating and supporting the process unit, a transfer paper conveying means, and a means for fixing the toner image transferred from the photoreceptor onto the transfer paper. It has a built-in fixing means, etc., and is surrounded by an exterior plate.

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of the copying machine main body X surrounded by the exterior plate Z. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a document mounting table made of a transparent member such as glass, which is installed at the top of the main body . Reference numeral 2 denotes an imaging optical system in which a large number of short-focus, small-diameter imaging elements such as SELFOC (trade name) and bar lenses are arranged in an array, and is fixed to a plate 16 fixed within the main body X. The original Y placed on the original placing table 1 is illuminated by the illumination lamp L, and the reflected light image is displayed on the array 2.
The process unit U is placed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 3 by
The slit exposure is performed through an aperture A formed in the frame. Note that this photosensitive drum 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow around the shaft 3b. A charger 4 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 3 coated with, for example, a zinc oxide photosensitive layer, a selenium photosensitive layer, an organic photoconductor photosensitive layer 33, or the like. The drum 3, which is uniformly charged by the charger 4, is subjected to image exposure of the reflected light image by the element array 2, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is then visualized by a developing device 5 consisting of a magnet roller 5a and a toner reservoir 5b. Note that developer can be replenished in the developing device 5 by opening the lid 5d around the shaft 5e. On the other hand, the sheets P on the transfer paper storage box S (which can be attached to and detached from the main body 10° It is sent to the transfer station under the guidance of 10a. Then, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 is transferred onto the sheet P by the transfer discharger 8. Thereafter, the sheet P is separated from the drum 3 by a separating means 9 (such as a separating belt or a separating corona discharger).
is guided to the fixing device 11 by the guide 10b, and the toner image on the sheet P is fixed thereon, and then is discharged onto the sheet tray 13 by the discharge roller 12. (In addition, guide 10, 1
0a, 10b, o-ra 6.7, 12, transfer discharger 8
, the separating means 9, and the fixing device 11 are attached to a stay or the like (not shown) fixedly supported within the main body X.

A path for the tab 91 paper P is provided in the main body X so that it is always present. After transferring the toner image, residual toner on the drum 3 is removed by a cleaner 14. This cleaner 1
4 consists of a blade 14a in contact with the drum 3, a waste toner reservoir 4b1, and a scooping sheet 14C for receiving the waste toner removed from the surface of the sitram 30 by the blade 14a. The drum 3 is then opened in an opening 15a provided in the reflective shade 15 for reflecting the lamp radiation from the lamp L onto the document Y, and in a partition plate 16 provided in the main body X so as to divide the upper and lower parts into equal parts. The light is irradiated through the opening 16a1 provided and the opening C provided in the frame of the unit) U, and residual charges on the surface thereof are removed. (Exposure before photosensitive charging by the charger 4 is called pre-exposure.) On the other hand, the charger 4 is placed on the non-image area on the drum 3 before the document table starts moving forward and during the backward movement.
The charges imparted by the charge are removed by irradiating light from the lamp Q through the aperture A (blank exposure).

Next, the configuration of one embodiment of the process unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. This process unit) Uri mainly consists of a frame 17 (made of opaque synthetic resin, metal, etc. to prevent exposure of external light to the photoreceptor) and a drum 3 housed in this frame 17. ．． Charger 4
゜Developer 5. It is composed of each process means of the cleaner 14. In addition, if necessary, the unit U may include other process means, such as a static eliminating corona discharger installed between the separate corona discharger 9 and the cleaner 4, or a drum and other process means. It may include at least one process means. First, the structure of the frame 17 will be explained based on FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame 17 with each process means removed. The frame body 17 includes a target side plate 17a1 and a rear side plate 17.
b1, the right stay 17c1 and the left stay 17d fixed to each other are box-shaped, and the upper left side is covered by the charger support i19, which will be described later, and the upper right side is covered by the current charger cover 20. There is. A guide member 17e is provided on the outside of the right stay 17c and the left stay 17d, respectively.
17f is fixed, and these guide members 17e, 17
f is a positioning guide member 18 fixed within the copying machine main body
U is a pupil at a predetermined position within the main body of the copying machine, and the photoreceptor and other processing means operate to produce an image as described above. It is positioned and supported in the position for forming. When removing this process unit) U from the copying machine main body, move the front exterior plate Z/ (front door) of the main body X in direction b (Fig. 2^, @
), and a handle 17a1 provided on the front side plate 17aK
All you have to do is grasp it, guide it in the direction of the arrow, and pull it out under the guidance of the members 18a and 18b. When installing the unit U at a predetermined position within the main body, the operation is reversed to the above.

Figure 2 (6) @ shows the state in which the present process unit) U is being attached to and detached from the main body of the copying machine.

(Note that in Figure M2 (c), the frame 17 is excluded to make it easier to understand the attachment/detachment state, and the drum 3, charger 4, developer 5,
Only the cleaner 14 is shown. 2) When the U is completely installed in the predetermined position in the main body, the front door 2' is lifted in the opposite direction of the arrow to close it.

Next, a method of attaching each process means to the frame 17 of this embodiment will be explained. First, a method for attaching the charger 4 will be explained based on FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 3 shows the mounting state of each image forming means in this process unit U with the front side plate 17a removed for easy separation. In this figure, the positioning and holding member indicated by a two-dot chain line indicates a member installed on the front side plate 17a. In addition,
The member indicated by the two-dot chain line is also provided at a position of the rear side plate 17b facing the front side plate, so that each image forming means can be positioned and held with respect to the frame body 17. Under such a configuration, the charger 4 holds the charger and includes a plate-like member 19 (made of metal, opaque synthetic resin, etc. to prevent external light from being exposed to the photoreceptor) and forming the upper part of the frame. Legs 4a+ installed on the shield plate 4a are slidably fitted and positioned in the guide 20 provided on the shield plate 4a. Further, when taking out the charger 4 from the unit U, the charger 4 is pulled in the direction D (FIG. 4) of taking out the rod 17), and the leg 4a+
is guided by the guide 20 and pulled out.

Next, we will explain how to attach drum 3 to unit U.
The explanation will be given based on FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. Here, FIG. 5 shows the exposure opening A.

6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which each light shielding means is closed, including the drum 3, and FIG. FIG. Flanges 3a and ab are press-fitted and fixed to both end surfaces of the drum 3 in the central axis direction, respectively.

Further, the flanges 3a and 3b have drum positioning shafts 3a and 3b.
b, is fixed, and bearings 3at, 3b are fitted into the outer periphery of the positioning shafts 3a1, 3b+.
bt is rotatably supported (FIG. 5).

Fig. 6) Front side plate 17a1 of one side frame 17, rear side plate 17b
In K, U-shaped grooves 17a and 17b are formed, respectively, and the bearing 3at is formed in the grooves 17a and t7bs.
By dropping and supporting the 3bt, the drum 3
is supported as a whole in a frame 17 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Furthermore, drum presser legs 19a, 19b are provided at positions corresponding to both ends of the drum center axis of the plate member 19,
At the tip of this leg is the groove 17a* formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

Drum pressing members 19a+ and 19bt that press the snow are fixed to the bearings 3a* and 3b fitted in the drums 17b and 17b, respectively.

Additionally, the drum presser legs 19a and 19bK are fixed legs 19a*.
, 19bt are provided, and these fixed legs 19aw, 19
bt is fixed by fixing means 19aj, 19b# such as screws in the receiving portions 178s, 17bt formed on the front and rear sides 4M17a, 17b of the frame 17, and the plate-like member 19 constitutes the frame 17 as a whole. (Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6). As a result, the drum 3 is held down by the drum holding members 19a+, 191)+ and securely held on the frame 17. A gear portion is formed in the seventh rank 3b, and the drum 3 is rotated by connecting this gear portion to a drive source (not shown) provided on the side of the main body X of the copying machine. Further, this gear section transmits driving force to the magnet roller 5a of the developing device 5 in the process unit U. In addition, the plate-like member]9 has a fulcrum portion 19a4.
19b* (191)a not shown) is formed,
The fulcrum portions 19an, 191)4 are connected to shafts 14d+, 14(L) provided outside the frame 14d of the cleaner 14.
(14dt is not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the axis 14d+.

14dt has a round shaft with a two-sided groove, and the fulcrum portions 198a and 19t) 4 have openings that are removably fitted into the two-sided shape, and are not disposed in the standstill state. The shaft 14 (L, 14d) has a rotatable shape. Therefore, the plate member 19 has a screw t9as,
191) By removing a, the cleaner or drum can be removed from the frame 17 in the direction of arrow E when being removed or replaced, and the shafts 14d+ and 14d can be removed from the frame 17 in the direction of arrow F when removing or replacing the drum. It can be rotated around the center. Regardless of whether the plate member 19 is removed in the direction of arrow E or rotated in the direction of arrow F, the plate member 19 is retracted from above the drum 3, so the drum 3 is removed from the frame 17 in the direction of arrow E. It can be removed and replaced.

That is, in this embodiment, from the device δ body X to the process means
When the U is pulled out, the opening is quickly closed by the mechanism described above. Next, to remove the photosensitive drum 3, remove the screw 19as and rotate the upper plate 19 about the support shaft 14d1 in the direction of arrow F, or remove it in the direction of E.

Then, pull out the drum 3 upward (in the direction of arrow E),
The drum 3 is stored in a predetermined storage container (not shown).

Since the photosensitive drum 3 can be removed extremely easily from the unit U with the openings A, 13, and C closed, the time that the photosensitive drum 3 is exposed to external light when removed is shortened. and will not deteriorate. After removing the photosensitive drum 3, the upper plate 19 can be returned to its original position to prevent dust from entering from the outside. There is an advantage that even if a general user who is not a specialized service person replaces the photosensitive drum, there will be no failure. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the charger 4 and the drum holding member 19a are integrally attached to the plate member 19, the positioning of the drum 3 and the charger 4 can be performed with high precision. Furthermore, the charger 4 as a process means can be positioned around the drum shaft 3b.

In this embodiment, the fulcrum of the plate member 19 is provided in the cleaner 14. This fulcrum may be provided on the front and rear side plates 17a and 17b of the frame 170, but such a configuration is used because the plate-like member 19 guides the charger 4, so that the charger 4 and the cleaner One of the reasons for this is that it is easy to maintain the positional relationship of 14. That is, in FIG. 1, the drum 3 is irradiated with light from the lamp L to erase the residual charge on its surface, but the irradiation width of the light is equal to the shield plate edge 4 at of the charger 4. , is finally set by the spacing between the blade edges 14a+ of the cleaner 14.

When this amount of light is too large or too small, various effects appear on the drum 3, so the amount of light (irradiation width) must be set with high precision. Therefore, if the fulcrum of the plate member 19 is provided in the crease 14 and the charger is guided by the plate member as in this embodiment, the relationship (
irradiation width) can be maintained at a predetermined value. Another reason is to increase the degree of freedom in design. That is, due to design considerations, the fulcrum of the multi-plate member 19 is located outside the frame 14d of the reach 14 as shown in this embodiment, that is, on the rear side plates 17a, 1 of the frame body 17.
7b as well as the front and rear side plates 17a, 17b.
It is also possible to install it in the center between the two. Therefore, instead of providing the fulcrum of the plate member 19 on the frame 17 side, providing it on the cleaner 14 side has the advantage that it is easier to deal with the design.

Next, a method of attaching the developing device 5 to the unit U will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

In the developing device 5, the frame 5C constituting it is the front plate 1 of the frame 17.
7a1 Rear side plate 17bK Shaft 17 provided at opposing position
By being removably mounted on aa @ 17bs, 17a*, and 17bi, it is positioned in the frame 17, and a predetermined gap is formed between the roller 5a and the photoreceptor 3.

By fitting the recess 5C provided on the drum 3 side on the lower surface of the frame 5C with the shaft 17a4, the developing unit 5 is mounted with a clockwise rotational tendency, so that the roller 5a and the photoreceptor 3
A predetermined gap is formed therebetween. Also, frame 5C has axis 5C+
, 5C fables are provided. (Although Set is not shown, it is provided at a position facing the shaft 5Ct in the drum center axis direction). - The male front side plate 17a1 and the rear side plate 17b include
Shafts 17as, 17bs and shafts 17at, i'yb* are provided at opposing positions, respectively, and shaft 17ag
, 171) w are provided with levers 17aa and 17bv rotatably around these axes. and levers 17aa, 171)v and shafts 17av, 17th
Springs 17as and 17bi are applied between them, respectively. Therefore, the tension of the springs 17as and 17bs causes the levers 178m and 17bv to move around the shafts 5C+ and 5.
By pressing C, the developing device 5 is securely held in the frame 17. Further, above the developing device 5, a cover 21 is provided which is rotatable in the direction of arrow G about fulcrum portions 198s, 19k)g formed on the plate member 19. The cover 21 has a shaft 17b provided on the rear 1111 plate 17bK.
- One end is placed on top to prevent it from falling to the developing device 5 side. Since the developing device 5 and its peripheral members are configured in this way, the developing device can be developed by rotating the cover 21 in the direction of the arrow G and rotating and retracting the levers 17ai and 17b in the direction of the arrow H. The container 5 can be taken out from the frame 17 from the unit) U in the direction of the arrow (■).

Next, a method for attaching the cleaner 14 to the unit U will be explained based on FIGS. 3 and 4.

Shafts 14ds, 14da, and 14 are provided at opposing positions on both sides of the cleaner frame 14d in the direction of the drum center axis.
d snow, 14 da is formed (axis 14 (L.

14ds is not shown). These shafts are provided in grooves 17a+e provided in the front side plate 17a and rear side plate 17b of the frame 17.
, 17b irises. The blade 14a is positioned so as to be in contact with the drum 3. Further, on both sides of the cleaner frame 14d, there are shafts 14dy,
14 (Im (14 tons not shown)) are formed at opposing positions.On the other hand, the side plates 17a and 17bK are connected to the shaft 17a+
*, 171)++ (t7b++ is not shown), and rotatable levers 17a+t, 17b++* are installed at the rotation of these shafts 17a++, 17bls. Also, lever 17a+*, t7b+x and groove 1
There is a spring 17a+s between 7a+s and 17b+s.
, 17bms (17bim not shown) is applied. The tension of these springs 17a+* and 17b+s causes the lever 178+t.

17b+* presses the shafts 14d and 14da of the cleaner, so that the cleaner 14 is securely held in the frame 17.

Further, as in the case of the developing device 5 described above, the cleaner 14 can be removed from the frame 17 in the direction of the arrow by rotating the levers 17a+t, 17btt and retracting in the direction of the arrow J (D).

The frame structure of the process unit U and the mounting state of each process means have been explained above.The process means U has an opening A for exposure.

A transfer opening B is formed in the transfer section where the transfer discharger 8 faces the transfer opening B and the drum. When the process unit is removed from the main body of the copying machine, external light enters into the unit U through these openings and has an adverse effect on the photoreceptor. Therefore, it is necessary for the process unit to take measures to close these openings, but the following requirements are required for the configuration for performing the measures. First, the procedure to close the opening is
When the process unit is removed from the copying machine main body, it must be done as soon as possible. This is because the influence of external light on the photoreceptor increases as the time the photoreceptor is exposed to external light increases. Next, the treatment must be carried out reliably. This is because if the person handling the process unit is expected to open and close the opening, he or she may forget to do so. To this end, it is necessary to configure the system so that the treatment is performed as automatically as possible. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above matters. Before explaining the light shielding mechanism that blocks the exposure aperture, we will first explain the transfer aperture B.
The light shielding mechanism that blocks the light will be explained based on FIGS. 3, 4, and 9. In FIG. 3, the state in which the light shielding mechanism for blocking the transfer opening B closes the opening B and the positioning members tea and tab provided on the copying machine main body side are also shown by two-dot chain lines. FIG. 9 shows the light shielding mechanism of the transfer aperture B by the frame 17.
This is a perspective view looking from the inside, with the cleaner 14 excluded. The state shown in FIG. 9 shows the position of the light shielding mechanism when the opening B is open, and the front plate 17a of the frame 17 is shown in the state shown in FIG.
The side is indicated by a two-dot chain line. On the other hand, the state of the light shielding mechanism shown in FIG. 4 shows the state in which the opening B is closed.

On the outer surfaces of the front side plate 17a and the rear side plate 17b of the frame body 17,
Shafts 17a+i, 17b+a, at opposing positions, respectively.
and 17a+s, 17E)+g are formed, and a lever 22 and a lever 23 are formed on the shaft 17aI4 and the shaft 17bI4.
is rotatably mounted. Shafts 22+ and 23t are fixed to the levers 22 and 23, and these shafts 22+ and 23t and the aforementioned shaft 17a+*,
A spring 24.25 is applied between 17b and 17b.

In addition, the holes 22 and 2 provided in the lever 22 and the lever 23 are
3I is made of opaque synthetic resin, and has a pin 26I that protrudes from a cover 26 that can shield the photoreceptor from external light.
26* are loosely fitted together.

The cover 26 has a pin 26. , 26m are fixed, these pins 26. , 26. The arcuate grooves 17a+s and 17tba that slidably guide the frame 1
7 is formed on the front side plate 17a and the rear side plate 17b. On the other hand, a guide groove 17d+ is formed in the left stay 17d of the frame 17, and a slidable slide member 27 is installed in the guide groove 17d+. Also, the left stay 17d has a shaft 17.
dl, 17d, and 17(L are fixed, and pulleys 28, 29, and 30 are rotatably installed around these shafts. One end of a wire 31 is fixed to one end of the cover 26, and the wire 31 is fixed to one end of the cover 26. 31 has its other end fixed to the slide member 27 via a pulley 30. Also, one end of a wire 32 is fixed to the other end of the cover 26, and this wire 32 is connected to the slide member 27 via pulleys 28 and 29. The other end is fixed.The member shown by the two-dot chain line behind the left stay 17d in FIG. 9 is the locking member 33 fixed to the positioning member 18b in FIG. 3.Configured as described above The light shielding mechanism that closes the transfer opening B operates as follows.First, as shown in FIGS. In this state, the cuckoo 26 is receiving force from the springs 24 and 25 via the levers 22 and 23 to move in the direction of the arrow N, but the slide member 27 is in contact with the locking member 33. Since the cover 26 is prevented from moving in the groove 17d+, the cover 26 is in a position retracted from the transfer section opening B, and the opening B is open. As the process unit U is pulled out in the direction D shown in FIG.
Due to the tension of the springs 24 and 25, the slide member 27 moves relatively in the direction of the arrow M in the guide groove 17d+ while in contact with the locking member 33 (FIG. 9). As the slide member 27 moves, the cup <-26 is pulled by the springs 24 and 25 and moves in the direction of the arrow N (Fig. 3), and the slide member 27 moves into the guide groove 1'yd.

When reaching the end 17d, the two-dot chain line (26) in Fig.
The process unit U is then pulled out further in the direction of the arrow, and the copying machine It is removed from the main body. Cover 26 also prevents damage to the photoreceptor through opening B. When inserting U into the copying machine body and setting it in a predetermined position, the member 27 comes into contact with the member 33 and moves in the groove 17 (L) relative to the member 33 in the opposite direction to M. When the cover 26 moves in the direction opposite to N and the unit is set in a predetermined position within the main body, the opening B is open.

Next, the light shielding mechanism of the exposure apertures A and B provided in the plate member 19 will be explained. First, FIG.

The light shielding mechanism in the open-mouthed person will be explained using FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7. As is clear from the explanation of the image forming process of the copying machine main body at the beginning and FIG. 1, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, an opening A is formed in the plate member 19 for performing image exposure and blur exposure using a lamp Q. Further, the plate member 19 has fulcrum portions 19a6, 19
A shaft 19ay is formed at these supporting points.

19b, is fixed. and shafts 19a, 19
b ma.

In order to open and close the opening A around these axes, a rotatably attached cup <-54 (made of opaque synthetic resin, metal, etc.) is installed. Here, in the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the cover 34 is attached to the plate member 1.
9 and closes the opening A to prevent the photoreceptor from being exposed to external light. Now, the process unit (U) has undergone work such as replacing the developing device 5 and the drum 3, and has been inserted in the direction (D') opposite to the arrow D (Fig. 4), that is, into the main body of the copying machine. As the cover 34 is gradually moved (FIG. 6), a sloped portion 34 is formed at the end of the cover 34. rides on the inclined part of the guide member 35 fixed to the main body of the copying machine. Then, when the process unit) U is further inserted, the inclined portion 34. is guided by the guide member 35, and the cover 34 as a whole is guided by the shaft 19.
a, , 19b, and when the process unit is finally installed at a predetermined position in the main body of the copying machine, the opening A is completely opened, as shown in FIG. It rides on the guide member 35 and comes to rest. In this state, image exposure by the optical system 2 and blur exposure by the lamp Q become possible. Cover 34 when the process unit U is taken out from the copying machine body X
The operation of the inclined portion 34. is performed by performing the steps opposite to the above operation. When the aS is separated from the guide member 35, the cover 34 is moved by gravity.
Figure 3. Rotating in 73 directions.

It returns to the state shown in FIG. 5 and is completely blocked before the operator removes the unit U from the main body. Therefore, there is no risk that the drum 3 will be exposed to external light, and damage to the drum caused by the person opening the door is also prevented. Note that the cover 34 may be biased to rotate in the S direction by a spring.

Next, FIG. 1 shows the light shielding mechanism in the aperture C.

A cover 36 (made of opaque synthetic resin, metal, etc.) is slidably placed on the plate-like member 19, which will be explained based on FIGS. 3, 5, and 8. Long hole 36 in cover 36. ．． 36. Guide pins 19a, 19b provided on the plate-like member 19 are loosely fitted into the holes.

Therefore, the cover 36 can be slid in the direction of the arrow O in FIG. 8 to open and close the opening O. Also cover 36
and a spring hook 19 ag provided on the plate member 19,
19 b.

Springs 37 and 38 are stretched between them to bias the cover 36 in the direction of closing the opening C.

Under such a configuration, in the state shown by the two-dot chain line (36) in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, the cover 36
In this state, the opening O made in the photoreceptor is closed to prevent external light from being exposed to the photoreceptor.

As in the case of the opening B described above, when the process unit U undergoes operations such as replacing the developing device 5 and the drum 3, and is inserted into the main body of the copying machine (transferred in the direction D'), the cover 3
Slanted portion 36 formed at the end of 6. is guided by guide members 39 and 40 (Figs. 1 and 8) fixed to the copying machine body, and as shown in Fig. When the process unit is installed at a predetermined position in the main body of the copying machine, the process unit moves from the position shown by the chain line) to the position where the opening C is opened (solid line). In this state, the photoreceptor can be exposed simultaneously. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the opening O is open. The operation of the cover 36 when the process unit [JdE copying machine main body When the cover 36 is separated from the guide member 39, the cover 36 is pulled toward the springs 37 and 38, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

The opening 0 is completely closed before the unit is returned to the state shown in Figure 3 and U is removed from the main body.

Therefore, there is no fear that the drum 3 will be exposed to external light.

In addition, damage to the drum through the opening C is also prevented. In the above embodiments, the light shielding mechanism is first provided on the plate-shaped member that holds the charger, so this member is In addition to the function of fixing the drum, it also has a light blocking function for the opening, making it multifunctional.
This is highly effective in reducing the size of the process unit itself. Further, since the light shielding mechanism is simple, there is no risk of malfunction, and at the same time, it is inexpensive and can perform its functions reliably, and since it can be configured to be small and lightweight, the unit is easy to handle.

Now, as mentioned at the beginning, in addition to the type of process unit shown in this embodiment, there is a type of process unit that can be pulled out from a predetermined position inside the copying machine main body and held outside the copying machine main body. This is done by engaging the guide members 17e and 17f on the process unit side and the positioning members 18a and 18b on the copying machine main body side as explained in this embodiment by pulling out the unit drawer of the members 18a and 18b and providing a stopper at the end of the 41111. However, the process unit is not removed from the main body of the copying machine.

Therefore, there is essentially no difference between such a process unit and the process unit shown in the above embodiment in which the unit can be removed from the main body, and the light shielding mechanism described above can be easily applied.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the previous embodiment, the photoreceptor and the processing means are detachably attached to the unit, whereas the photoreceptor and each processing means are integrally constructed. This is a cartridge type process unit. Such a unit is used when replacing the photoreceptor, or when using a unit containing a different color coloring agent.
Replace the entire unit and attach it to the copier body. This process unit consists of a drum 3゜＠ whose surface is coated with a photoreceptor.
Electric appliances 4. Developing device5. The cleaner 14 is the mold frame 17a
It is renormalized as an integral part of . Even in such a cartridge type unit, when the exposure openings A and 0 and the transfer opening B are opened and the Schnitt is removed from the copying machine body or before it is installed in the copying machine body, In this case, the same treatment as in the previous embodiment is required. The light shielding mechanism for closing the transfer opening B of this embodiment is the same as that of the previous embodiment. On the other hand, the light shielding mechanism for blocking the image exposure apertures A and O is also the same mechanism as in the previous embodiment, but in this embodiment, the frame 1 is integrally formed with a mold.
It is located at 7'. Since the light shielding effect of this practical example is the same as that of the previous embodiment, the explanation of the operation and effect will be omitted.

In addition, in the embodiment, both a slide type cover and a rotation type cover were shown and explained in order to close the exposure opening, but it is possible to use either type as needed. Of course. The cover may be made of an elastic material such as metal, resin, or rubber, but it goes without saying that any non-transparent material may be used. Furthermore, it goes without saying that it may be a filter material that blocks light of a wavelength that adversely affects the photoreceptor, or a member that attenuates external light to the extent that it does not adversely affect the photoreceptor.

In this specification, such a filter material light attenuation member will also be referred to as a light shielding member for convenience.

Further, the present invention can be applied not only to ordinary copying machines but also to electrophotographic apparatuses in which an electrophotographic photoreceptor is exposed to light using a laser beam or a light emitting diode array in response to electrical signals. In addition to the process unit shown in this embodiment, there is one shown in FIG. 11. In any of these cases, the opening is closed using a mechanism similar to that of the previous embodiment when the unit is taken out from a predetermined position within the main body of the copying machine.

11(3) is the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 with the addition of the imaging lens 2, (B) is the embodiment with the addition of the lens 2 and separation means (separation belt) 46, and (C) is the embodiment with the charger cleaner added. Excluding (to) is excluding charger and developing device, (g)
(g) is the one without the cleaner, and (g) is the one without the developer. In addition to these, it is conceivable to install a corona discharger for static elimination under the cleaner, but in any case, it is sufficient as a unit as long as it includes a photosensitive drum and at least one other process means. The type shown in Figure 11 may be used as a cartridge type.

As described above, the opening and closing operations of the light shielding member to prevent external light exposure to the photoconductor, damage to the photoconductor, and prevention of external dust from entering the unit are performed by attaching and detaching the process unit to a predetermined position within the electrophotographic apparatus body. Since it is linked to the operation, the light is automatically blocked, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to do the task when manually blocking the light. Since light shielding is completed when the process unit comes out of the main body, the time that the photoreceptor (tram) is exposed to external light is zero or extremely short, and the influence of external light on the photoreceptor is reduced. can be completely prevented.

Still another example will be shown.

In this embodiment, the drum 3 cannot be removed from the unit V until after the developing device 5 is removed from the unit V. As a result, in this embodiment, damage to the drum 3 that may occur when an attempt is made to carelessly remove the drum 3 from the unit V before removing the developing device 5 from the unit V2>- can be avoided. It is preventable.

Note that the configuration newly added in this embodiment is shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 3 and 5, and the other configurations are the same as in the previous embodiment.

In this embodiment, a substantially "S"-shaped downward protruding member 19a1° is provided on the lower surface of the plate member 19 toward the developing device 5. Further, a pestle 5C of the developing device 5 is placed above the tips of the members 19a and 6 and not in contact with the lid 5d when the lid 5d of the developing device 5 opens around the shaft 5e.
An abutting member 5f fixedly provided above is provided. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to rotate or remove the plate-like member 19 upward in order to take out the drum 3 from the unit V while the developing unit 5 is still attached, this protruding member 19a,
. The abutment member 5f is engaged with the plate member 19, and the plate member 19 cannot be retracted from above the drum 3. Therefore, the drum 3 cannot be removed from the unit V.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when removing the drum 3 from the unit (2), the developing device 5 is first removed from the unit (2), and the abutting member 5f is moved from the protruding member 19a. The drum 3 cannot be removed until after it has been withdrawn from the position where it engages with the drum 3.

Still another embodiment is shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the drum 3 is removed from the unit V without damaging the drum 3 while the process means provided in contact with or close to the peripheral surface of the drum 3, such as the developing device 5 and the cleaner 14, are still attached. It is something that can be taken out.

In this embodiment, the developing area of the magnet roller 5a and the cleaner area of the blade 14a are provided below the center of the drum shaft 3b (below the straight line passing through the center of the drum shaft 3b). Therefore, the magnetic roller 5
Even if the rollers 5a and the blades 14a are in contact with or close to the circumferential surface of the drum 3, when the drum 3 is taken out from the unit V, the rollers 5a and the blades 14a will strongly rub the circumferential surface of the drum 3, causing the drum 3 to be damaged. Damage to the surrounding surface can be prevented.

Although the present embodiment has been described for the purpose of blocking light, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that K can also be applied to deal with damage or dirt.

Still another example will be shown.

This embodiment shows another embodiment in which the unit is loaded into the main body of a copying machine.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a copying machine to which this embodiment is applied.

In the figure, 53 is a photosensitive drum that rotates in the direction of the arrow around a shaft 53a. 52 is a short focus lens array, 54
is a primary charger, 55 is a developer, 58 is a transfer charger, 59
57 is a fixing device, and 64 is a cleaner.

Each of these devices is for forming a copy image of the original 0 on the transfer material P sent from the transfer material storage box S.

Among these process equipment, the photosensitive drum 53 and the charger 54
- The developing device 55 and the cleaner 64 are housed in the process unit 67 as described above.

In the state shown in the figure, the unit 67 is directly supported by the device main body XK due to the engagement relationship between pins and holes, which will be explained in detail later, and is not engaged with the holding frame 68, so there is no gap. I'm there.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the unit 67 is in a fixed position within the apparatus main body X, it is separated from the holding frame 68 and is directly positioned on the chassis of the apparatus main body X. A taper pin 84 attached to the front side of the unit 67 fits into a positioning hole 85 provided in the front plate 74 of the main body chassis. The pin 86 attached to the chassis front plate 74 fits into the positioning hole 87 provided on the front side of the unit. Similarly on the back side, the pin 88 on the rear side of the cartridge is installed on the real root 75 of the main chassis. A pin 76 provided on the chassis root 75 fits into the hole 77 and into the hole 39 on the rear side of the unit, respectively.

The unit 67 is thus positioned in the body by these pins and holes.

Arrow Y indicates the handle 80 attached to the cup of unit 67.
When the unit 67 is pulled in this direction, the unit 67 is released from being held in position with the apparatus main body chassis, is held by the holding frame 68, and is pulled out from the apparatus main body.

FIG. 16 shows details of this coercive relationship. In the figure, the solid line indicates that the unit 67 is pushed in and the pin 88 is inserted into the hole 7.
7, the state is still held by the holding frame 68, and the chain line shows the state when engaged and held in the main body of the apparatus. Therefore, in the state shown by the chain line, the process equipment outside the unit and the unit are in the correct positional relationship. Assuming that the state where the device is held by the holding frame 68 and the state where it is held by the device body X is lifted by an amount a as shown in the figure.
By making the wall thickness of the pin 88 slightly larger than a, the pin 88 will definitely enter the hole 77 when the unit 67 is pushed in.

The left and right positional relationships also have similar dimensional relationships.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the unit 67 pulled out. The device body X and the holding frame 68 are engaged by a hollow movable rail 82 loosely fitting into a rail guide frame 81 attached to the main body X, and a fixed rail 83 attached to the holding frame 68 being loosely fitted into the hollow part. Each rail can be slid by pushing or pulling the holding frame 68. An elongated hole 82a drilled in the center of the rail 82 engages with a pin 83a attached to the rail 83 and a pin (not shown) attached to the guide frame 81, and when pulled out to the position shown in the figure. It becomes a stopper.

Other operating conditions of the copying machine (Fig. 13).

In the unit 67, the position where the optical path from the lens 52 and the light source Q is formed is an open opening A, and the charging area of the chargers 58 and 59 is an opening C where the optical path from the light source is formed. In conjunction with the action of pulling out the unit 67, the opening A
is covered by a rotating lid 69 that rotates clockwise in multiple directions,
The opening C is handled by a movable lid 71 that moves in the upper right direction along with the upper lid 72, and the opening B is closed by an opening 70.

When the unit 67 is pulled in the electronic copying machine configured as described above, the main body chassis of the apparatus and each tapered bin and hole of the unit 67 slide, and the unit 67 gradually lowers and is no longer held in position.

At this time, the unit 67 is held silently by the holding frame 68 without dropping shockingly, and is safely and reliably pulled out from the apparatus main body. To store the unit 67 in the device body XK, press the unit (6=7) on the holding frame 68.
Since each taper pin and the hole have a dimensional relationship as shown in FIG. 15, they can be fitted and stored in a fixed position with high precision. Because it is done automatically in conjunction with these series of actions,
This has the advantage that even if a general user who is not a professional service person replaces the process unit, there will be no failure.

As described above, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus or a process unit in which the image bearing member can be easily replaced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 3 is a diagram explaining how the process unit is pulled out from the copying machine body, Figure 3 is a diagram explaining how each image forming means in the process unit is attached, Figure 4 is a diagram explaining the frame structure of the process unit. Illustrations, Figures 5 and 6,
Figures 7 and 8 are illustrations explaining the light shielding mechanism of the exposure aperture, Figure 9 is a diagram explaining the light shielding mechanism of the transfer aperture, and Figure 1 is a diagram explaining the light shielding mechanism of the exposure aperture.
Figure 0 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a cartridge type process unit according to the present invention, and Figures 11 (4) to (0
12 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of a process unit to which the present invention can be applied, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the process unit, and FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an electronic copying machine to which another embodiment is applied. A cross-sectional view, FIG. 14 is an illustration showing the state in which the process unit and the main body of the apparatus are engaged, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the same as above with the process unit pulled out, and FIG. 16 is an illustration of the engagement relationship between the taper pin and the hole. It is a diagram. In fig. 3... Photosensitive drum 14... Cleaner 17... Frame body 19... Plate member 19al... Drum holding member 26... Cover ■... Process unit Fig. 2 (A) East, 7θ Flash Figure 11 (A”) (B) (C)

Claims (9)

[Claims] (1) An image carrier, a process unit that acts on the nuclear image carrier, a process unit that includes the image carrier and the process unit and is removably attached to the apparatus main body, and a third unit that covers above the image carrier. one position and
an upper plate that is movable between the second position and the second position and has an opening for supplying information to an image carrier provided in the process unit; Device. (2) an image carrier, a developing means for visualizing the image on the image carrier, a unit including the f-image carrier and the developing means and detachable from the apparatus main body; and a unit provided in the unit. The method includes a cover that covers an upper part of the developing means, and an opening/closing plate that is movable between a first position covering an upper part of the image carrier and a second position retracted from the second position. Features of the image forming device. (3) An image carrier, a discharging means that acts on the image carrier, a support member that integrally includes the discharge means and a fixing means for fixing the image carrier, and the image carrier and the support member. What is claimed is: 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a detachable member that can be attached to and detached from an apparatus main body; (4) an image carrier, a support means for removably supporting the image carrier in a direction perpendicular to its axis, a fixing means for identifying the image carrier with the support means, and a fixing means acting on the image carrier. An image forming apparatus comprising: a support member that integrally supports a discharge means. (5) an image carrier, a process means acting on the @ carrier, and a positioning means for positioning the process means around the axis of the image carrier when the process means is placed near the image carrier; An image forming apparatus 0 characterized in that it has a unit that includes the image carrier, a process means, and a positioning means and is removably attached to the main body of the apparatus. (6) The image carrier and the process means acting on the image carrier are movable between a first position covering an upper part of the image carrier and a second position evacuated from the second position. , a process unit that is removably attached to an image forming apparatus main body, and has an upper plate provided with an opening rotor for providing information to an image carrier. (7) An image carrier, a developing means for developing an image on the image carrier, and a cover covering an upper part of the developing means, a first position covering an upper part of the image carrier; An opening/closing plate that is movable from a retracted position to a second position, and is removably attached to an image forming apparatus main body. (8) An image forming apparatus comprising: an image bearing member; a discharging means acting on the image bearing member; and a supporting member integrally having the discharging means and a fixing means for fixing the image bearing member. A process unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body. (9) An image carrier, a process means that acts on the image carrier, and a positioning means that positions the process means about the axis of the image carrier when the process means is disposed near the image carrier. have,
A process unit that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. H. An image forming apparatus and a process unit used in the apparatus according to claim 11, (5), (6), and (9), wherein the process means includes a developing device. (111) An image forming apparatus and a process unit used in the apparatus according to claim 1, (5), (6), and (9), wherein the process means includes a cleaner. tlm Image forming mounting and illumination processing unit for use in this apparatus according to claim 11, (5), (6), and (9), wherein the process means includes a corona charger. Ql The process means includes a short focus and small diameter imaging element array (claims 11, 5) and (
The image forming apparatus according to item 6) and item (9) and the process unit included in this apparatus. Oa The process means includes a short focus imaging element array, a charger, a developer, and a cleaner.
Image forming apparatus described in paragraphs 1), (5), (6), and (9), and a process unit used in this apparatus 0 α-tan A patent in which the process means includes a charging device and a developing device An image forming apparatus according to claims (1), (5), (6), and (9), and a process unit used in this apparatus, wherein the process means includes a charger and a cleaner. An image forming apparatus and a process unit used in the apparatus according to claim 11, (5), (6), and (9). (1) an image carrier, a process means that acts on the image carrier, a first holding means that detachably holds the image carrier, a second holding means that detachably holds the process means; 2 After removing the process means from the holding means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a regulating means for allowing removal of the image carrier from the first holding means. An image carrier, a process means that acts on the image carrier, a first holding means that detachably holds the image carrier, and an operating position of the process means is below the center of the image carrier. an image forming apparatus comprising: a second holding means for holding the process means so as to be located at the second holding means;