JPS6114677A - Image carrier unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent exactly a photosensitive body from being damaged or deteriorated by shielding a light and protecting the photosensitive boy, when installing and removing it, by constituting a protective case for protecting the photosensitive body so that the part contributed to an image formation of the photosensitive body is opened and closed when installing and removing it to and from a device. CONSTITUTION:A photosensitive drum 1 is protected by inner and outer cases 2, 3, and the inner case 2 into which the drum 1 has been inserted is covered with the outer case 3. Both the cases are formed as one body by engaging plural claws 3b of the case 3 to long holes 2b of the case 2. Plural opening 2c, 3e of both the cases correspond to each process of exposure, development, transfer and cleaning for forming an image, and when attaching and detaching the photosensitive body, the opening part and the non-opening part are superposed to each other and protect the surface of the photosensitive body. As for the case 2, its rotation is controlled by a pin 13, and the case 3 is rotated by a handle 3c. In this way, when attaching and detaching the photosensitive body, it is protected and its damage and deterioration are prevented, and the attaching and detaching work can be executed easily.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to an image carrier unit used in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer using electrophotographic technology.

[Prior art and problems]

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, when an electrostatic latent image carrier, for example, a photoreceptor drum, is loaded or removed from the apparatus,
Various methods have been used to protect the image carrier that has been pulled out of the apparatus.

As is well known, the photoreceptor is generally made of an aluminum tube with a thin layer of photoconductive material such as selenium or OPC vapor-deposited or coated on the outer surface of the tube.

A general characteristic of these photoconductive materials is that they are sensitive to strong light such as direct sunlight, and when directly exposed to such strong light, they may lose their function as photoreceptors.

In addition, it is sensitive to organic solvents, and if a solvent adheres to it, the photoconductive material may melt or the structure may be destroyed.

In addition, even if you touch it with your hands or get saliva on it, the tissue will change in quality. Furthermore, its mechanical strength is very weak and cannot withstand even the slightest contact with solder or impact.

As mentioned above, photosensitive drums have a major problem in that they contain many unstable elements and are expensive.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid the above-mentioned problems, especially when a user handles the photoreceptor.

An example of this is a method in which a special container is prepared and the photoreceptor tram is housed and stored in order to protect the removed image carrier from being scratched by hitting it against an object or from deterioration due to strong light irradiation. was there.

The disadvantage in this case is that it is the most reliable method if the work is done carefully, but on the other hand, it is cumbersome to handle.
Generally, this step is often omitted unless the photoreceptor tram is left outside the apparatus for a long period of time.

Therefore, the photoreceptor drum is completely unprotected and may be damaged or deteriorated.

In addition, there was a risk of losing the special container, which was an inappropriate storage method.

In addition, as another conventional example, as shown in Fig. 1, the outer diameter of the flange 8 portion attached to the photoreceptor drum is increased to prevent other objects from coming into contact with the drum surface when it is placed on a flat surface. There is something to do.

The drawback in this case is that it works well when placed on a flat plate, but
If a small object is placed on a flat surface, or if the flat surface is uneven, it may come into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1 and cause damage.

Furthermore, 4J was in a state of defenselessness against strong light.

[Purpose of the invention]

In view of the conventional drawbacks described in 1-1, the present invention provides tg! When the photoreceptor drum serving as the II support member is taken out, the photoreceptor 1' ram is shielded from light and protected by Ii (which prevents damage or deterioration of the image bearing member).
An object of the present invention is to provide an image carrier unit.

[Key points of the invention]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image carrier and a t
It is characterized by being integrated with a protective case that protects the inlet holder.

[Embodiments of the invention]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is an axial sectional view of an apparatus using the image carrier unit of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a right side view, FIG. 4 is a right side view of a drive coupling part, and FIG. 5 is an exploded view. .

+g! The In holding unit consists of an image bearing member 1 (photosensitive drum), an inner case 2 and an outer case 3 for protecting it.
It is composed of.

The image carrier 1 is integrally formed with image carrier flanges 6.7 on both sides thereof by press-fitting or adhesion. A hole is bored in the center of these flanges 6.7 through which the shaft 8 can pass without play.

First, the image carrier 1 in which these flanges 6.7 are integrated
Insert into inner case 2. Cylindrical part 2a of inner case 2
The inner diameter of the flange 6.7 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flange 6.7. Further, the cylindrical portion 2a is provided with exposure, development,
Transfer, cleaning.

An opening 2C is provided in a portion corresponding to a process such as an eraser. When the inner case is completely inserted, the inner case flange 4 is fitted and fixed to the end of the cylindrical portion 2a of the inner case. Since the positional relationship between the inner case 2 and the inner case flange 4 in the circumferential direction is important, it is preferable to make a mark for alignment. Next, attach the screw lever 5 to the boss portion of the inner case flange 4 l). At this time, one end of the torsion spring 5 is locked in the hole 4a. After doing this, replace the outer case 3 with the inner case 2.
be affected by

The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 3a of the outer case is the same as that of the cylindrical portion 2a of the inner case.
and the outer diameter of the inner case flange 4, and it is desirable that there be no substantial looseness when the inner case flange 4 is assembled.

The plurality of claws 3b of the outer case 3 engage with the elongated holes 2b of the inner case 2, and the inner case 2. Since it is integrated with the outer case 33, due to the positional relationship with the arm of the other end of the torsion spring 5, the claw 3
More specifically, b engages with one end (*marked part) of the elongated part 2b.

In order to increase workability, it is desirable to provide an opening on the handle 3c side of the outer case 3 so that the arm of the torsion spring 5 can be moved.

Further, a handle 30 and a bottle 14 are provided at the right end of the outer case 3, and a plurality of claws 3b are provided at the left end. Now,
The outer case 3, like the inner case, is provided with several openings 3e, each corresponding to the exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, and eraser steps necessary for image formation. In the above-mentioned state, that is, when the image carrier is attached and detached, the openings and non-openings overlap each other as shown in FIG. 6, and the surface of the image carrier 1 is exposed to the outside. Not exposed.

Next, a case where such an image carrier (image carrier unit) with a protective case is set in an image forming apparatus will be described. (See Figures 2, 3, and 4.) First, align the shaft 8 with the center hole of the image carrier flange 6 and move it forward (push it in).
It also penetrates. Pin 13 provided in inner case 2
Hold the handle 3c and adjust it so that it fits into the hole in the device main body 20 and insert it further. At this time, the inner diameter of the boss portion of the outer case 3 also fits into the shaft 8. The drive coupling 9 hits the flange 6 for the image carrier, and as it is pushed forward by the outer case 3 via the flange 6, the carrier 1, and the flange 7, the compression spring 11 is deflected and the drive force coupling 9
is retreating.

After the pin 14 provided on the outer case 3 is completely inserted into the inside of the device main body 21, rotate the handle 3c (therefore, rotate the outer case 3), and then move the pin 14 into the device main body 2.
Merge into hole 1. Now, move your hand #1 from the handle 3c.
T-1! The return force of the compression spring 11 causes the pin 14 to fit into the hole in the device main body 21, and the case 3 is fixed in a rotated state at a certain angle, and the free end of the shaft 8 is also attached to the outer case 3 at 31. At this time, the inner case 2 does not rotate because its rotation is restricted by the pin 13.The state of the opening of each case in this case is as shown in FIG. In the image forming process, Q, jJ
The image carrier 1 is exposed only at +3 stations (arrows) such as exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, and eraser.

Image 1n holding body Uniso 1. To remove it from the device, do the following: First, grasp the handle 3c with your hand and push it in the axial direction -1! For example, the compression spring 11 is bent and the pin 14 is removed from the device main body 2I.

Hole 4a of inner case flange 4 and protrusion 3d of outer case 3
The outer case 3 rotates to its initial state due to the restoring force of the torsion spring 5 applied thereto. At this time, the exposed portion of the image carrier is completely closed, so it can be pulled out as it is.

As explained above, in the image carrier unit according to the present invention, the image carrier is exposed only when inserted into the apparatus main body, and the image carrier is always covered by the protective case when removed from the apparatus main body. Become.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above in detail, according to the image carrier unit of the present invention, the photoreceptor drum and the protective case are integrally configured, so that when the photoreceptor drum is taken out from the apparatus, the drum part is always covered by the case. Therefore, the photoreceptor drum can be protected regardless of whether the worker forgets to do the work or makes a mistake.

As a result, in the past, it was necessary to handle the photoreceptor drum very carefully, but according to the present invention, there is no need to handle the photoreceptor drum so carefully, so the work time can be significantly shortened and work efficiency can be improved. You can improve your performance.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a conventional image carrier, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. 2, and FIG. Right side view of the drive coupling part of
FIG. 5 is an exploded view, FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the case in the closed state, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the case in the open state. 1... Image carrier (photosensitive drum), 2... Inner case, 2a... Cylindrical portion of inner case,
2b---long hole, 2c, 3e...opening,
3...Outer case, 3a...Cylindrical part of outer case, 3b...Claw 3C...Handle, 3
d...Protrusion, 4...Flange for inner case,
4a... hole, 5... torsion spring, 6.
7... Image carrier flange, 8... Shaft, 9... Drive coupling, 10...
Pin, 11... Compression spring, -]〇-l2... Bearing, 13.14... Positioning pin, 20.21... Device main body. Patent Applicant Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Same as above
ID Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Yoshiyuki Osuga Figure 6 Figure 7

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) An image carrier unit characterized by integrating an image carrier and a protective case that protects the image carrier. (2) When the protective case is attached to and removed from the image forming apparatus,
2. The image carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the image carrier that corresponds to a portion contributing to image formation opens and closes.