JPS60104961A - Picture formation device and process unit used for the device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent precisely a sheet from floating after transfer of a picture formed on an image carrier by forming a regulating means for regulating the floating of the sheet after the transfer. CONSTITUTION:Under the state that a process unit is positioned on a prescribed position in the device body, a cover is located on a shunted position from a transfer opening. The other end of a pivotal paper removing roller 40 is located on a working position on the lower part of a cleaner 14 by a wire 41 pivotally supported by a cylindrical bent part 42a of a fitting 42. A spring 43 is hung between the wire 41 and the bottom part 14e of the cleaner 14 and the wire 41 is excited by the spring force in the direction of a stopper part 42b of the fitting 42 and abutted on the stopper part 42b so as to be regulated. At the position, the paper removing roller 40 prevents the paper immediatedly after separation from overfloating, so that the paper can be properly carried.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, or a microphone PVA device, and a process unit used in this apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a regulating portion for regulating the floating of a sheet after transfer, and a process unit used in this apparatus.

Hereinafter, an explanation will be given using an electrophotographic copying apparatus as an example.

First, the electrophotographic process unit described below houses an electrophotographic photoreceptor and at least one other process means in a frame that can be attached to and removed from a predetermined position in the Akiko'If-8 apparatus main body. To tell. The process means means a means for performing a predetermined action on the photoreceptor in order to carry out the image forming process, such as a charger for the photoreceptor, a developer for electrostatic latent images, and a cleaning device for removing toner remaining on the photoreceptor. The main body of the electrophotographic apparatus has a built-in means for accommodating and supporting the process unit, a transfer paper conveying means, a fixing means for fixing the donor image transferred from the photoreceptor onto the transfer paper, and is attached by an exterior plate. It refers to something that is surrounded.

Now, in an electrophotographic device, in addition to replacing the photoreceptor as an image carrier, retaining developer, disposing of waste toner that has been cleaned and removed from the photoreceptor after transfer, and cleaning the charging wire, various consumable parts are replaced. It is necessary to make adjustments as necessary.

Many of the above operations were concentrated around the photoreceptor and were traditionally time-consuming, but in recent years, photoreceptors, developing devices,
Processing means surrounding the photoreceptor, such as a cleaner and a charger, are housed in one frame, and this unit can be pulled out and held at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body, or each frame unit can be removed from the apparatus main body. An electrophotographic apparatus has been proposed which is configured to facilitate each of the above-mentioned operations. In this way, work efficiency can be improved and work time can be shortened.
This reduces running costs and allows users to do it themselves rather than service personnel. Furthermore, since the developing device can be easily replaced if a different color is desired, an image of the desired color can be easily formed.

Furthermore, a process unit is constructed in which image forming means such as a photoconductor, a developing device, a cleaner, and a charger are integrated into a frame, and when the photoconductor is replaced, the entire unit can be replaced. , it is being considered to reduce maintenance work.

This configuration allows users to easily replace process-related units that require periodic maintenance, and eliminates or reduces maintenance work by service personnel, improving work efficiency. is significantly improved. Furthermore, an image of a desired color can be formed by replacing the process unit with a process unit that stores toner of a different color. Alternatively, by replacing the process unit with a process unit incorporating another developing means, there is an advantage that the developing means can be used in accordance with the original image.

On the other hand, in these electrophotographic apparatuses, the photoreceptor is removed from a predetermined position within the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus during maintenance work or replacement of the process unit, so the photoreceptor is exposed to external light. There is a risk of exposure. Such exposure to the photoreceptor by external light affects the performance of the photoreceptor and promotes deterioration of the photoreceptor. This is inconvenient when using materials such as organic photoconductors, zinc oxide, selenium, etc., which are easily degraded by strong light, for the photoconductor.In particular, organic photoconductors cannot be used for long periods of time after being exposed to external light for a short time. Extreme care must be taken to prevent this from happening.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned process unit, an opening for irradiating light onto the photoreceptor for image formation and an opening for transferring the formed image are formed in the frame. Therefore, as mentioned above, when the unit is removed from its predetermined position in the apparatus main body or when the unit is replaced, external light is exposed to the photoreceptor through the above opening, causing the above-mentioned problems. I end up.

Therefore, when the electrophotographic process unit is inserted into a predetermined position in an electrophotograph, the opening is open, and when the electrophotographic process unit is removed from the predetermined position, the opening is closed. It has been proposed to provide a light shielding means.

Now, the image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor is transferred to a transfer paper, and while the transfer paper is separated from the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and conveyed to a fixing means, the transfer paper itself is strained at a place immediately after separation. The electrostatic adhesion force causes the transfer paper to lift up, causing the transfer paper to come into contact with a part of the electrophotographic process unit, such as a cleaner.

This may occur. This is especially likely to occur when humidity is low. As a result, the toner image on the transfer paper becomes smudged, disturbed, or jammed. In order to solve this problem, at least one paper shielding roller is installed above the paper conveyance section immediately after separation, and the upper surface of the transfer paper that has lifted up too much is brought into contact with the roller to prevent the transfer paper from lifting up any further, thereby solving the above problem. There are ways to do this.

However, as mentioned above, if the process unit is removable from the predetermined loading position of the equipment body, the paper guard roller may hit a part of the equipment body when the process unit is removed, or it may be removed and stored. There is a risk that the unit may be damaged if touched or even placed on a desk, or it may not function properly as a paper screening guide, or your hands may get dirty if you touch it. There is.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image forming apparatus using a process unit or an arranging unit that solves the above-mentioned problems without complicating the operation of attaching and detaching the process unit from a predetermined loading position of the apparatus main body.

First, an electrophotographic copying machine using an embodiment of a process unit according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a copying machine main body X surrounded by an exterior plate Z. In the figure, it is a document loading table made of a transparent member such as a single glass, which is installed at the top of the main body do. This is an imaging optical system in which a large number of short-focus, small-diameter imaging elements such as 2-digit 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 reflected from the array 2.
The process unit 1 is placed on the electronic photosensitive drum 3 by
Slit exposure is performed through an aperture A formed in the frame 7. Note that this photosensitive drum 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow around the shaft 3b. Also, 4 is a charger, for example zinc oxide!
The photosensitive drum 3 coated with a light layer or organic photoconductor photosensitive N 3 a is uniformly charged. This charger 4
The element array 2 performs image exposure of the reflected light image on the drum 3, which is uniformly charged, to form an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is then transferred to the magnet roller 5a.
The image is visualized by a developing device 5 comprising a toner reservoir 5b and a toner reservoir 5b. On the other hand, the sheets P on the transfer paper storage box S (which can be attached and detached from the main body It is sent to the transcription department under the guidance of 10 and 10'. 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 by a guide 10' to a fixing device [11], and after the toner image on the sheet P is fixed, it is discharged onto a tray 13 by a discharge roller 12. (In addition, guides 10 and 10
', 10', rollers 6, 7, 12, transfer discharger 8,
The separating means 9, the fixing device 11, and a stay fixedly supported within the main body X (not shown) are attached to the main body.

In other words, a passage for the paper P is provided within the main body X at all times. ) 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 ia% waste toner reservoir 14b that is in contact with the drum 3, and a scoop sheet 14c that receives the waste toner removed from the surface of the drum 30 by the blade 14a. The drum 3 has an opening 15' provided in the reflective shade 15 for reflecting the light emitted from the lamp L onto the original document Y, so that the upper and lower parts of the drum 3 are divided into two. The light is irradiated through an opening 16' provided in the wall plate 16 of the FI 11 and an 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 referred to as pre-exposure.) On the other hand, before the document table starts moving forward and during the backward movement, the light applied by the charger 4 to the non-image area on the drum 3 is The charge is removed by irradiating light from the lamp Q through the aperture A (blank exposure).

Next, the configuration of an embodiment of the process unit according to the present invention,
This will be explained with reference to Figures 1.2, 3, 4, and 5.6. This process unit U mainly includes a frame 17 (made of opaque synthetic resin, metal, etc. to prevent exposure of external light to the photoreceptor), and a drum 3. Charger 4° developer 5. The cleaner 14 is composed of each process means. In addition, if necessary, the unit U may include other process means, such as a static elimination corona chair placed between the separate corona discharger 9 and the cleaner 14, or a drum. and at least one other process means "fc". First, the structure of the frame 17 will be explained based on FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the frame 17 in a state where the frame 17 includes a front side plate 17a1 a rear side plate 17b, and a right stay 17c and a left stay 17 mutually fixed to these.
d, it has a box-like configuration, and the upper left side is covered by the electric appliance support plate 19, and the upper right side is completely covered by the developer cover 20. Guide members 17e and 17f are fixed to the outside of the right stay 17c and the left stay 17d, respectively, and these guide members 17e and 17f are positioning guide members 18a and 18b fixed inside the copying machine body X.
By being placed on top of the slider, the process unit) U is at a predetermined position within the copying machine body, that is, the position where the photoreceptor and other process means operate to form an image as described above. Positioned and supported.

When taking out the process unit from the copying machine main body, move the front exterior plate Z/(front door) of the main body in direction b (second direction).
A handle 17a is provided on the front side plate 17a and is open to the
, and guide it in the direction of the arrow, and pull it out under the guidance of the members 18a and 18b. Further, when the unit U is installed in a predetermined position within the main body, the operation opposite to the above is performed. FIG. 2 shows the state in which the process unit is being attached to and detached from the main body of the copying machine. (In this figure, frame 17 is shown to make it easier to understand the attachment/detachment state.
are excluded, drum 3, charger 4, developer 5, cleaner 1
Only 4 was shown. ) Units) When the installation of U at a predetermined position in the main body is completed, the front door Z' is lifted in the opposite direction of the arrow and closed.

Next, a method of attaching each process means to the frame 17 of this embodiment will be explained. First of all, Obi M? The installation method of 'f44 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 3 shows the mounting state of each image forming means in this process unit with the front side plate 17a removed to make it easier to understand. In this figure, the positioning and holding member indicated by a two-dot chain line is a member placed in a V position on the front side plate 17a. Note that the member indicated by two dots and one line is also provided at a position Ia of the rear side plate 17b opposite to the front side plate, so that each image forming means can be positioned and held with respect to the frame 17. Under such a configuration, a plate-like member 19 (covered with metal, opaque synthetic resin, etc. to prevent external light from being exposed to the photoreceptor) holds the four chargers and constitutes the upper part of the frame. The leg portion 4al installed on the shield plate 4aVc is slidably fitted and positioned in the guide 201C provided on the shield plate 4aVc. Furthermore, when taking out the charger 4 from the unit U, the charger 4 is pulled in the take-out direction D (FIG. 4) of the frame 17, as described above, from the legs 4a.
l is guided by the guide 20 and pulled out.

Next, we will explain how to install drum 3 unit) U head in the third section.
．． This will be explained based on Figures 4 and 5.6.

Here, FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the exposure openings A and C are closed by the respective blocking light means, including the drum 3).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the means for closing part A for image exposure and blank temporary light, viewed from a cross section along the center axis of the drum 3. Each end face of the drum 3 in the central axis direction is provided with a flange 3a.

3b is press-fitted and fixed. Also, the flange 3a.

Drum positioning shafts 3a0 and 3bl are fixed to 3b,
There are bearings 3 on the outer periphery of this positioning @ 3a, , 3b.
a2, 3b, are fitted, and this bearing 3a,.

3b, the positioning shafts 3a, 3b are rotatably supported (Fig. tX5*6). On the other hand, U-shaped grooves 17a2 and 17bl are formed in the front side plate 17a1 and the rear side plate 171) of the frame 17, respectively, and the bearings 3a2, 3b2 are supported by falling into these grooves 17a, 17b. Right, drum 3 is the whole and 1. frame 17
(Figures 3 and 4). Furthermore, drum presser legs 1 are provided at positions corresponding to both sides of the drum center axis of the plate member 19.
1a, 191) A bearing 3a is fitted into the grooves 17a, 17b, which are provided with a skein and formed of an elastic material such as rubber at the tip of the lung.

Drum pressing members 19a, 19b, which press the drums 3b, are fixed. 1Y drum presser foot 19a, 19
blcil fixed legs 19a, 19b2 are provided, and a side plate 17a9 in front of the frame of these fixed legs 19a2.19b2
．． It is fixed by one foot v19a3, 19b3 such as a screw in the receiving parts 17a, 17b2 formed in the plate-like part 1'lt, and the frame 17 is constituted by the plate-like part 1'lt as a whole (the third
4, 5, 6IJ), As a result, the drum 3h is held down by the drum holding parts 19a, 19b and securely held in the frame 17. A gear portion is formed on the flange 3b, and the drum 3 is rotated when the gear portion is connected to a drive source (not shown) provided on the main body side of the multiple machine. Further, this gear portion transmits driving force to the magnetic roller 5a of the developing device 5 in the process unit. In addition, the plate member 19 has a fulcrum portion 1.
9a4.19b4 (19b, kebashi jte) is formed and this fulcrum part 19a4, 19b4 is the cleaner 1
Outside the frame 14d of t (axis 14d provided in iIfl,
14d, (14d, not shown) 11? :, are engaged with each other. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the shaft 14d
The fulcrum portions 19a(, 19b4(d) have openings that are removably fitted into the 20,000-round shape, and have an engaging part. It has a shape that allows it to rotate about the shafts 14d, 14d2 in the mated state.Therefore, the plate-like members 19 and the screws 19a3, 1
9b.

By removing the cleaner or drum, the cleaner or drum can be removed from the frame 17 in the direction of arrow E when being removed or replaced, and the axis "d+" can be removed from the frame 17 in the direction of arrow F when removing or replacing the drum.
It is rotatable around +14 d2. Regardless of whether it 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 taken out from the frame 17 in the direction of arrow E and replaced. It is possible.

Next, a method for attaching the developing device 5 to the unit U will be explained based on FIG. 3, cylinder 4, and FIG. 5.

The frame 5C constituting the fence image device 5 is the front plate 1 of the frame 17.
7a, rear side plates 17b & C shafts 1 provided at opposing positions
7a, , 17bl and 17a, , 17b.

By being removably placed in the frame 17, a predetermined gap t11 is formed between the p-ra 5a and the photoreceptor 3. Further, the frame 5c is provided with a shaft 5c1°5c. (Although 5c2 is not shown, it is provided at a position opposite to the shaft 5c in the direction of the drum center axis). - The male front side plate 17a and the rear side plate 17bK have shafts 17aIl at opposing positions, respectively.

17b, and shaft 17a? , 17b@ is provided, and the axis 17
a.

17b, the lever 17 is rotatable around these axes.
a 6* 17 b7 is installed. And between the levers 17a, 17b7 and the shafts 17a, 2, 17b6
Channels 17a, ) and 17b1 are applied to each channel. Therefore, the tension of the springs 17a, 17b causes the levers 17a6, 17b to press against the shafts 5c, 5c, and the developing unit 5 is held securely in the frame 17. Further, above the developing device 5, a fulcrum portion 1 formed on the plate member 19 is provided.
A cover 21 is provided that is rotatable in the direction of arrow G about 9all and 19b. The cover 21 has one end resting on a shaft 17b provided on the rear side plate 17b, and
, so that it does not fall toward the imager 5 side. Since the developing device 5 and its peripheral members are constructed and arranged in this way,
Rotate and retract the cover 21 in the direction of arrow G, and then press the lever 17.
a8, 17b,.

By rotating and retreating in the direction of the arrow H, the developing device 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 14d, 14d, , 14ds, and 14d6 are formed at opposing positions on both side surfaces of the Riri-1 frame 14d in the direction of the drum center axis (shafts 14d, 14d6 are not shown). These shafts are provided in a groove portion 17a in the front side plate 17a+N side plate 171) of the frame 17. .

17b,. The blade 14a is positioned so as to come into contact with the drum 3 by being removably placed on the drum 3. Further, shafts 14d7 are provided on both sides of the cleaner frame 14d. j4d,
(14d8 not shown) are formed at opposing positions. On one side &, 17a', 17b are shafts 17a,...
17bll (171)1. (d not shown) is provided,
Rotatable levers t';'a, 2.17b, 2 are installed around these pins 17a□, 17b, 1.

Also lever' 7a12117t)+2 and groove 17a
,. , 17b,.

Spring 17a, 3117b, (17b,
, not shown) are applied. This spring 17 a13
+17b+s tension causes lever 17a12.17
b. The cleaner 14 is securely held in the frame 17 by holding down the glazes 14d7 and 14d6 of the cleaner. In addition, the cleaner 14 is connected to the lever 17 in the same manner as the above-mentioned present case 5.
By rotating and retracting a, 2° 17b, .

The frame configuration 1 of the process unit and the mounting state of each process means have been explained above. A transfer opening B is formed therein.

When the process means 1- is taken out from the main body of the 93X camera, external light enters 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 configuration f
The following matters are required. First, the treatment to close the opening is
When the process unit is taken out from the copying machine main body, this must be done as soon as possible. This is due to the influence of external light on the photoconductor F! This is because the longer the time that the photoreceptor is exposed to external light, the larger it becomes. 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 measures are performed as automatically as possible. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above matters.

Next, a light shielding mechanism for closing the transfer opening B will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 7. In FIG. 3, the light shielding mechanism that blocks the transfer aperture B is the aperture B'! ) positioning member 18a provided in the closed state and on the copying machine main body side;
18b is also indicated by a two-dot chain line. Figure 7 shows transfer opening B.
This is a perspective view of the light shielding mechanism seen from inside the frame 17, with the cleaner 14 excluded. The state shown in FIG. 7 shows the position of the light shielding mechanism when the opening B is open, and is indicated by the two-dot chain line on the front plate 17a side t/i of the frame. on the other hand,
The state of the light shielding mechanism shown in FIG. 4 is based on the opening B.

On the outer surfaces of the front side plate 17a and the rear side plate 17b of the frame 17, shafts 17a, 17b, .
and "a + a + 17 b 16 are formed, and a lever 22 and a lever 2 are formed on the shafts 17a, , and 17b1.
3 is rotatably attached. and lever 22
and the lever 23 has a shaft 22. , 23. is fixed,
These axes 221, 231 and the aforementioned axes 17a,..., l t'
There is a fence 24.25 between ybl and ybl. Also, holes 22 provided in the levers 22 and 23. ,23
゜Kil'i A pin 26 made of opaque synthetic resin, metal, etc., protruding from a cover 26 that can shield the photoreceptor from external light.
□, 26. are loosely fitted together.

Furthermore, pins 263 and 264 are fixed to the cover 26, and these pins 26. ．． Arc-shaped grooves 17a, 6t 17b, for slidably guiding the frame 17 are formed in the front plate 17a and the rear pole 17b of the frame 17, respectively.

- A guide groove 17d is formed in the left stay 17d of the blade frame 17, and a slide member 27 that can slide into this groove 17d
is installed. Also, the left stay 17d has 17d2,
17d, , 17d are fixed, and the boots IJ28, 29.30 are installed rotatably around these axes. One end of a wire 31 is fixed to one end of the cover 26, and the other end is fixed to the slide member 27 via the wire 311d7'-ri 30. Further, one end of a wire 32 is fixed to the other end of the cover 26, and the other end of this wire is fixed to the slide member 27 via pulleys 28 and 29. Note that 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. The light shielding mechanism for closing the transfer opening B configured as described above operates as follows. First, the third
figure.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the process unit is positioned at a predetermined position within the main body of the copying machine, the cover 2 and the cover 24, 25 are pushed together via levers 22 and 23.
Although the sliding member 27 is receiving a force to move in the direction of the arrow N, the sliding member 27 is prevented from moving in the groove 17d1 because it is in contact with the locking member 33vc. Therefore, the cover 26 is in a position retracted from the transfer opening B, and the opening B is open. As the process unit is pulled out in the direction D shown in FIG.
Due to the tensile force of 4.25 mm, the slide member 27 relatively moves in the direction of arrow M within the guide groove 17d while in contact with the locking member 33 (FIG. 7). This slide member 27
As the cover 26 moves, the cover 26 is moved in the direction of the arrow N by the spring 24.2m (Fig. 3), and the slide member 27
When reaches the end 17d of the guide l 17d, the third
The position indicated by the two-dot chain line (26) in the figure, that is, the opening B
It reaches a position where it completely blocks off and prevents external light from being exposed to the photoreceptor. Thereafter, the process unit U is further pulled out in the direction of the arrow and taken out from the duplex apparatus main body. Cover 26 also prevents damage to the photoreceptor through opening B. When inserting U into the copying machine main body and setting it in a predetermined position, the member 27 comes into contact with the member 33 and the groove 17d.

The cover 26 moves in the opposite direction to N by relatively moving therein in the direction opposite to M, and when the unit is set at a predetermined position within the main body, the opening B is opened.

Next, the paper guard roller that moves as the cover 26 that closes the transfer opening B is opened and closed will be explained using $8 [M] in FIG. As described above, when the process unit is positioned at a predetermined position within the apparatus main body, the cover 26 is at a position W retracted from the switching section opening B. In this case, the paper shielding roller 40 is rotatably supported at its tip, and the other end is attached by a wire 41 rotatably supported by a metal fitting 420 and a cylindrical bent portion 4.2a. , located in the lower operating position of the cleaner 14. This is because the spring 43 is connected to the wire 41 and the bottom 14e of the cleaner 14.
This is because the spring force causes the wire 41 to be attached in the direction of the stopper part 42b of the metal fitting 42, and is restricted by coming into contact with the stopper part 42bvc (the eighth figure). At this position, the paper guard 40 prevents the paper from floating too high after separation and promotes good conveyance of the paper.

Now, as the process unit U is pulled out from the predetermined loading position of the main body in the direction D, the cover 26 moves in the direction of the arrow N as described above, but at this time, the paper guard roller 40 or the wire 41 26a or its inner surface 26b, and as the cover 26 slides to the rA position, the wire 41 rotates in the direction of arrow M against the spring force of the spring 43, and processes is stored inside. Also, when this printer U is installed and positioned again in a predetermined position on the main body of the apparatus, the cover 26 is retracted from the transfer opening B, and the paper guard roller 40 is also retracted from the metal fitting 42 in conjunction with this. Stopper part 42bC wire 4
It moves in the opposite direction of the arrow M by the spring force of the spring 43 until it reaches the position where it hits the sheet, and returns to the position where it functions as a paper-shielding roller. In this way, the paper guard roller 4 of this embodiment
It moves between a predetermined operating position and a storage position within the unit U in conjunction with the movement of the cover 26. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the paper guard roller from being damaged, etc., and to fully fulfill the function of the paper guard roller, without having to use a thin shaft to attach and detach the unit from the predetermined loading position of the device main body. .

In this embodiment, after the image formed on the image carrier is transferred,
Although a star-shaped paper guard roller is shown as an example of a regulating member that regulates the floating of a sheet, the regulating member is not limited to this, and may have a circular or rectangular shape, for example, and is not necessarily rotatable. It is not necessary, and the material may be any suitable material such as rubber or resin.

Furthermore, the support member for supporting the regulating member is not limited to wire, but may be made of resin or the like, and its shape may also be cylindrical, rectangular, or the like. In addition, the size, length, etc. of the regulating member and supporting member may be any suitable size, and in this embodiment, an example is shown in which they are arranged at three locations in the width direction of the conveyance path after transfer, but the arrangement may also be selected as appropriate. . Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the shielding roller 40 rotates as the cover 26 moves, but the string: the shielding roller does not displace, the cover moves to avoid it, and the cover is transferred. It may also be configured to cover the paper guard roller as well as the frontage.

As mentioned above, when removing the Process Unit U from the equipment body, the Beni 1 protector 0-5'- may hit a part of the Souryu Body, and when it is removed and stored, it may not come into contact with your hand.
(If the paper is dropped on a desk or the like, this problem can be solved, such as the paper guard roller being damaged or not functioning properly, and hands getting dirty by touching it.)

Moreover, this can be achieved simply by attaching and detaching the process unit U to the main body of the apparatus.

Next, examples of process units to which the present invention can be applied are shown in Nos. 96 (A) to (F') (the cover and paper guard roller are omitted in the figures).

Figure 9 (5) shows the image-forming lens 2 added to Figure 1 (Real &Shi);
6 added, (C'l excludes the charger cleaner, (T1 excludes the charger and developer, c'8 excludes the cleaner, (0 excludes the developer) In addition to these, there is also a static eliminator placed on the underside of the cleaner!
It is conceivable that the unit be equipped with a container, but in any case, it is sufficient that the unit includes a work carrier and at least one other process means. Furthermore, even if these units cannot be completely removed from the main body of the apparatus, they may be of a drawer type, as long as they can be attached to and removed from a predetermined loading position of the main body of the apparatus.

Furthermore, the individual process means can be removed from the unit Δ
<However, these may be fixedly installed. Further, the image carrier is not limited to a photosensitive drum, and may be a magnetic drum, an insulated drum, or the like, and may also be in the form of a belt instead of a drum. Therefore, in the above-described embodiments, the light-shielding cover has been described as an example, but in the present invention, the cover may have a light-shielding function, and may be made of metal, resin, cloth, etc., and the cover prevents damage to the image carrier. It may be something that prevents someone from touching it with their hands, etc. The point is that the cover protects the image carrier by preventing it from deteriorating due to light or being damaged by collision with objects.

As described above, the present invention provides a process unit that includes a regulating member that regulates the floating of a sheet, and an image forming apparatus that uses this unit.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1d is a sectional view of a copying machine using an embodiment of the process unit according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating how the process unit is pulled out from the main body of the copying machine, and Fig. 3 is the process unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the frame structure of the process unit, FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the light shielding mechanism of the exposure aperture, and FIG. 6 is a side view thereof. , Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the light shielding mechanism of the transfer opening, Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the mechanism of the paper shield, and Fig. 9 (N to (F'') shows the implementation of the process unit. It is a side view of an example. In the figure, a U-shaped process unit, is the developer, 14 cleaner, 26°34.36 is the cover, 40 is the paper cover
It is. Cross-out diagram (△)

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) An image carrier, a process unit that acts on the image carrier, a process unit that includes the image carrier and the process unit and is removable at a predetermined loading position of the apparatus main body, and is formed on the image carrier. 1. A uniformity forming apparatus comprising: a regulating member that regulates floating of the sheet after the transferred image is transferred. (2) An image carrier, a process means that acts on the image carrier, and a predetermined loading position of the apparatus main body including the image carrier and the process means [a removable process unit and a transfer section of the unit] a cover that is movable between a first position that covers the frontage and a second position that can be retracted from the second position, and a regulation that restricts the floating of the sheet after transfer, which is linked to the movement of the cover. An image forming apparatus characterized by having a member. (3) Image formation characterized by having an image carrier, a process means that acts on the image carrier, and a regulating member that regulates the floating of the sheet after the image formed on the image carrier is transferred. A process unit that can be attached and detached to a predetermined loading position in the main body of the device. (4) The image carrier and the process means acting on the image carrier are movable between a first position that covers the frontage of the transfer section and a second position that can be retracted from the second position. What is claimed is: 1. A process unit detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus at a predetermined loading position r°, characterized by comprising a cover and a regulating member that regulates the floating of a sheet after transfer, the regulating member interlocking with the movement of the cover. (5) ii! according to claims (1), (2), (3), and (4), wherein the regulating member is a paper guard roller! iI image formation, apparatus and process unit used in this apparatus.