KR0167117B1 - Blade member method for attaching blade member process cartridge method for assembling process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is characterized by comprising an elastic blade, a support member for supporting the elastic blade and a support member having a protrusion protruding from the support portion in the longitudinal direction and a hole formed in the protrusion, wherein the length of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction is 5 mm or more and less than 20 mm. .

Description

Blade member, mounting method of blade member, process cartridge, assembly method of process cartridge and image forming apparatus

1 is a front view showing a copier equipped with a process cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view showing the copier in a state where the tray is opened.

3 is a perspective view showing the copier in a state where the tray is closed.

4 is a front view showing a process cartridge.

5 is a perspective view showing a process cartridge.

6 is a perspective view of a process cartridge in an inverted state;

7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the process cartridge in a state where the upper frame and the lower frame are separated.

8 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the lower frame.

9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the upper frame.

10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the process cartridge as a photosensitive drum.

11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the measurement of charging noise.

12 is a graph showing the measurement result of the charging noise according to the position of the filling.

13 is a perspective view showing the ground contact of the photosensitive drum.

14 is a perspective view showing the ground contact of the photosensitive drum according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which an unbranched ground contact is used with a photosensitive drum. FIG.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-branching ground contact used for the photosensitive drum. FIG.

17 is a front view showing a mounting configuration of a charging roller.

18A is a perspective view showing an exposure shutter.

18B is a sectional view of a part of the exposure shutter.

19 is a cross-sectional view showing a nonmagnetic toner transfer mechanism having a square vane;

20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d and a structure for pressing the developing sleeve.

FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 20. FIG.

FIG. 21B is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 20;

Fig. 22 is a sectional view for explaining the pressure acting on the developing sleeve.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating the squeegee sheet in a state where the upper edge of the sheet is deformed. FIG.

24A is a perspective view showing a state where the double-sided adhesive tape protrudes from the lower end of the squeegee sheet.

24b and 24c show a state in which the adhesive tool is bonded to the double-sided adhesive tape protruding.

25A is a perspective view showing a state in which a lower end portion of a curved sheet of squeegee sheet is fixed to a curved adhesive surface.

25B is a perspective view showing a state in which an end portion of the squeegee sheet is extended by releasing the curved surface of the adhesive surface.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a squeegee sheet according to another embodiment in which the width of the sheet is gradually widened straight from both ends to the center portion. FIG.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view for explaining curved surface formation of the squeegee sheet attachment surface by pressing the surface.

FIG. 28 shows a state in which the recording medium is guided by the lower surface of the lower frame.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing a state in which the photosensitive drum is finally assembled; FIG.

30 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a developing blade and a cleaning blade are fixed.

Figure 31 is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of a process cartridge.

32 is a view for explaining the position of the guide member for assembling the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge.

33 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the drum guide is disposed at the end of the blade of the support member.

34 is a perspective view illustrating attachment of a bearing member for a photosensitive drum and a developing sleeve.

35 is a sectional view showing a photosensitive drum and a developing sleeve to which a bearing member is attached.

36 is a perspective view illustrating a protective film and an opening tape.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view showing a state where the opening tape protrudes from the gripper.

38 is a schematic diagram showing conditions for holding a process cartridge by an operator.

FIG. 39A is a flowchart showing an assembly and shipment line of a process cartridge. FIG.

FIG. 39b is a flow chart showing the disassembly and washing line of the process cartridge.

40 is a perspective view showing a state in which a process cartridge is mounted on an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a state in which the process cartridge of FIG. 24 is mounted on an image forming apparatus; FIG.

42 is a perspective view showing three contact arrangements installed in the image forming apparatus.

43 is a sectional view showing the structure of three contacts.

44 is a sectional view for explaining positioning of the relative position of the lower frame and the dens unit eye;

45 is a cross-sectional view for explaining positioning of state positions between the lower frame and the original glass support.

46 is a perspective view showing the attachment position of the position fixing pegs.

FIG. 47 is a front view schematically showing the relationship between the rotation shaft of the drum and the sleeve and the shaft support member, and schematically showing the direction of transmission of the driving force transmitted from the drive gear to the flange gear of the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view showing a developing sleeve according to an embodiment capable of easily sliding the developing sleeve; FIG.

49 is a front view schematically showing the developing sleeve of FIG. 48;

50 is a front view showing a state in which the upper frame and the lower frame are released.

FIG. 51 shows gears and contacts attached to the photosensitive drum. FIG.

52A is a front view showing a developing sleeve accommodating member according to another embodiment.

52B shows an end of the receiving member of FIG. 52A.

Fig. 53 is a sectional view showing a configuration in which the developing blade and the cleaning blade can be attached to the inside of the image forming apparatus by the pins.

54 is a front view showing conditions for finally assembling the photosensitive drum according to another embodiment.

55 is a front view showing a bearing member for supporting the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve according to another embodiment.

FIG. 56 schematically shows a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force to various components from a driving motor of an image forming apparatus. FIG.

57 and 58 are perspective views showing the flange gear of the photosensitive drum and the gear integrally engaged with the flange gear protrude from the lower frame.

FIG. 59 is a view of a gear train and a transfer roller for transferring a driving force from a drive gear of an image forming apparatus to a photosensitive drum. FIG.

60A and 60B show different drive transmission mechanisms for developing sleeves, characterized in that magnetic toner and nonmagnetic toner are used.

61 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the attachment of the cleaning blade.

62 is a plan view partially showing the cleaning blade before attachment.

63 is a plan view partially showing a cleaning blade after attachment;

64, 65, and 66 are plan views illustrating the assembly of the cleaning blade.

FIG. 67 is a view partially showing a cleaning blade according to another embodiment in which the assembling motive of the cleaning blade has a circular end. FIG.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view partially showing the cleaning blade according to another embodiment, wherein the assembling protrusion of the cleaning blade is rounded by chamfering the tapered portion. FIG.

FIG. 69 is a plan view partially showing a cleaning blade according to another embodiment in which the tape is fixed to the tapered portion; FIG.

FIG. 70 is a plan view partially showing a cleaning blade according to another embodiment in which oil is applied to a tapered portion. FIG.

71A and 71B are explanatory diagrams showing conditions for widening the engaging portion of the lower frame by using a tool so that the cleaning blades can be combined.

72A and 72B are explanatory diagrams showing conditions in which the coupling portion of the lower frame is narrowed using a tool.

FIG. 73 is a view showing a condition in which coupling portions of the lower frame are opposed to both ends of the blade supporting member for the cleaning blade.

74 is a perspective view of the cleaning blade.

75 is a perspective view of a developing blade.

76A to 76D illustrate a method of attaching a developing blade.

77A and 77B illustrate an embodiment in which a bonding margin is formed in a developing blade support unit.

78A and 78B show an embodiment in which the developing blade support is tapered.

79A and 79B illustrate a method of engaging and supporting protrusions of a developing blade.

80 is a view showing an embodiment characterized in that only one end of the developing blade is coupled to the blade support.

81 is a view showing an embodiment in which only one end of the developing blade is fixed by screws.

82 is a plan view showing a cleaning blade and a blade support member integrally formed with the cleaning blade.

FIG. 83 is a side view of the blade support member and cleaning blade of FIG. 82; FIG.

FIG. 84 is a graph showing the relationship between the length of the projection of the longitudinal blade supporting member and the length from the lower end of the projection to the tip of the blade.

85 is a schematic illustration of the force acting on the blade.

FIG. 86 is a table showing permanent deformation.

87 is a view schematically showing a contact angle.

88 is a graph showing the relationship between contact angle and pulling amount.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

1: Manuscript recording means 2: Manuscript

3: sheet feed tray 4: recording medium

5: transfer means 6: transfer roller

7: fixing means 8: discharge tray

9: photosensitive drum 10: charging roller

11: shutter member 12: developing means

13 cleaning means 14 upper frame

15: lower frame 16: device body

17 cooling fan 19 cover

20: pull tool 21: adhesive tool

22: protective cover 23: lower guide member

24: pin 26: bearing member

27: opening tape 28: protective film

29: loading member 30: preventing protrusion

31: ridge 32: information board

33,34: side support member 36: support cover

37: electric substrate 38: conductive compression spring

40: position fixing peg 41: driver

45: screw hole 48: pin

49: transfer roller gear 50: drum ground plate

51: drum ground shaft 54: drive motor

56,57: tool 58: contact

59: screw 60: cartridge base

The present invention relates to a blade member, a method of mounting the blade member, a process cartridge, a method of assembling the process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

Image forming apparatuses include, for example, electrophotographic copying machines, laser beam printers, LED printers, facsimile apparatuses, word processors and the like.

In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a latent image is formed by uniformly electrifying the image bearing member unevenly, then the latent image is visualized with toner, and then the toner image is transferred onto the recording sheet, thereby forming an image on the recording sheet. do. In such an image forming apparatus, a new toner must be replenished every time the toner is used up. The operation of resupplying the toner not only causes malfunction, but also causes contamination of the surroundings. In addition, most users are inconvenienced because various components or members have to be repaired only by those skilled in the art.

In order to eliminate such drawbacks and inconveniences, an image bearing member as a process cartridge which can be detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, such as a developing device that completely consumes toner or an image bearing member whose service life is terminated. By assembling a charger, a developing device and a cleaning device integrally, an image forming apparatus that can be easily replaced and thus easy to repair is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,985,436, 4,500,195, It has been proposed and put into practice as disclosed in 4,540,268 and 4,627,701. By the way, in order to make the image forming apparatus compact, it has recently been desired to use miniaturized process cartridges and various components. On the other hand, in order to improve the assembly capacity of the process cartridge, there has been a demand for facilitating assembly and disassembly of parts used with the processor cartridge. The reason for this is that the process cartridge is strongly required to be recycled in order to efficiently use the resources from the viewpoint of protecting the global environment. For this purpose, it is desirable to propose a process cartridge which can be reproduced more easily. In addition, after disassembling and disassembling the spent processor cartridge to replace the damaged or old parts with new or other parts to reassemble the processor cartridge to use as it is.

Although U.S. Patent No. 3,985,436 discloses the collection and regeneration of units that have been used for a period of time, the preferred configuration for regeneration is not fully disclosed (US Patent Publication No. 3,985,436, 16, 38-62). Line).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a blade member, a method of mounting a blade member, a process cartridge, a method of assembling a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus which can be compact and can improve the precision of position fixing during mounting and assembly operations. It is.

Another object of the present invention is to minimize the amount of permanent deformation of the blade member, the method for mounting the blade member, the process cartridge, the method for assembling the process cartridge and the parts and to prevent the progress of the blade member, which is undesirable. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of minimizing undesired noise and maintaining good performance for a long time.

Still another object of the present invention is a method for mounting a blade support member, a method for assembling a process cartridge having a blade mounted to the support member, and a process cartridge such as that can be mounted, and the mounting accuracy of the blade can be maintained. In addition, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of easily mounting a blade.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge which can be reused properly, an image forming apparatus on which such a process cartridge can be mounted, and a method of assembling a cleaning apparatus.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge capable of improving the assembling ability, an image forming apparatus on which such a process cartridge can be mounted, and a method of assembling the cleaning apparatus.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge capable of improving resolution, and a method of assembling an image forming apparatus and a cleaning apparatus to which such a process cartridge can be mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to assemble a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus on which such a process cartridge can be mounted, and a cleaning apparatus, characterized in that the spent process cartridges are collected from the market and efficiently disassembled and reproduced accordingly. To provide a way.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blade member, a method of mounting the blade member, a process cartridge, a method of assembling the process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus that can be compact.

First, a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an image forming apparatus using such a process cartridge will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Overall configuration of process cartridge and image forming apparatus equipped with this process cartridge]

First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus will be briefly described. 1 is a front sectional view of a copier as an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a process cartridge. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the copier seen from the open tray, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the copier seen from the closed tray, FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the process cartridge, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the process cartridge, and FIG. Fig. Is a perspective view of the process cartridge seen in the inverted state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus a operates to optically read image information on an original or a document 2 by the document recording means 1. The recording medium placed on the sheet feed tray 3 or manually inserted from the sheet feed tray 3 is a developer for forming an image in response to the image information by the transfer means 5 (hereinafter referred to as toner). ) Is transferred to the image forming station of the process cartridge b, which is transferred to the recording medium by the transfer means 6.

Next, the recording medium 4 is transmitted to fixing means 7 for permanently fixing the transferred toner image to the recording medium 4. Next, the recording medium is discharged to the discharge tray 8.

The process cartridge b for forming the image forming station is operated to be uniformly charged on the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum (image bearing member) by the charging means 10. Next, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 9 by irradiating an optical image read by the original recording means 1 with the photosensitive drum by the exposure means 11, and a latent image as a toner image by the developing means 12. Visualize

After the toner image is transferred to the recording medium 4 by the transfer means 6, the remaining toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 9 is removed by the cleaning means 13.

In addition, the process cartridge (b) is formed of a cartridge unit incorporating a photosensitive drum 9 or the like into a frame including the first frame or the upper frame 14 and the second frame or the lower frame 15. Further, in the embodiment, the frames 14, 15 are made of high impact styrol resin (HIPS), the thickness of the upper frame 14 is about 2 mm, the thickness of the lower frame 15 Is about 2.5mm. However, the material and thickness of the frame can be appropriately selected without being limited to the above dimensions.

Next, various components of the image forming apparatus a and the process cartridge b mountable in the image forming apparatus will be described in detail.

[Image Forming Device]

First, various components of the image forming apparatus a will be described.

[Manuscript reading means]

The document recording means 1 optically reads the information recorded on the document and, as shown in FIG. 1, is placed on the upper portion of the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus to place the document 2 on it. The original glass support 1a is included. The document pressing plate 1b having a sponge layer 1b1 on its inner surface is attached to the document glass support 1a for opening and closing movement. The original glass support 1a and the original press plate 1b are mounted on the apparatus main body 16 for the reciprocating sliding motion in the left and right directions in FIG. On the other hand, the dens unit 1c is disposed below the original glass support 1a at the upper portion of the apparatus main body 16, and includes a light source 1c1 and a short-focus lens array 1c2.

In the above configuration, when the original 2 is placed on the original glass support 1a having the image surface facing downward, the light source 1c1 is activated and the original glass support 1a is slid in the left and right directions in FIG. The photosensitive drum 9 of the process cartridge b is exposed by the reflected light from the document 2 through the lens array 1c2.

[Medium carrier for transport]

The conveying means 5 conveys the recording medium 4 placed on the sheet feed tray 3 to the image forming station and also conveys the recording medium to the fixing means 7. More specifically, a plurality of recording media 4 are stacked on the sheet supply tray 3 or one recording medium 4 is manually inserted into the sheet supply tray 3, and then the front end of the recording medium is sheet fed. The nip between the roller 5a and the friction pad 5b biased against the roller is opposed. When the copy start button a3 is pressed, the sheet feed roller 5a is rotated to feed the pair of resist rollers 5c1 and 5c2 which in turn transfers the recording medium by separating the recording medium 4 and then forming an image. Record the operation. After the image forming operation, the recording medium 4 is conveyed to the fixing means 7 by the conveying belt 5d and the guiding member 5e, and then discharged by the pair of discharge rollers 5f1 and 5f1. Discharge to (8).

[Means of transcription]

The transfer means 6 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 to the recording medium 4, and in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the transfer means 6 is a transfer roller 6 )

More specifically, by the transfer roller 6 installed in the image forming apparatus, the recording medium 4 is biased against the photosensitive drum 9 of the process cartridge b mounted in the image forming apparatus, and the photosensitive drum is also used. By applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image formed in (9) to the transfer roller 6, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to the recording medium 4.

[Measuring means]

The fixing means 7 transfers the toner image onto the recording medium 4 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 6, and as shown in FIG. 1, the drive roller 7a held by the holder 7b. And a heating resistance fixing film 7e extended and wound between the heating body 7c and the tension plate 7b. In addition, the tension plate 7d is urged by the tension spring 7f to apply tension to the film 7e. Since the pressure roller 7g is urged against the heating body 7c between the films 7e, the fixing film 7e is pressed against the heating body 7c with a predetermined force necessary for the fixing operation. .

The heating body 7c is made of a heating resistance material such as alumina, and is made of a wire or plate member having a width of about 160 μm and a length of about 216 mm (dimensions perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1), and an insulating material. Or a heat generating surface made of, for example, Ta ₂ N, disposed on a lower surface of the holder 7b of a synthetic material including insulation, and a protective layer made of, for example, Ta ₂ O, which protects the heat generating surface. Have The lower surface of the heating body 7c is flat, and the front and rear ends of the heating body are rounded to enable sliding of the fixing film 7e. The fixing film 7e is made of heat treated polyester and has a thickness of about 9 μm. The film can be rotated clockwise by the rotation of the drive roller 7a. When the recording medium 4 to which the toner image is transferred passes between the fixing film 7e and the pressure roller 7g, the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 4 by heat and pressure.

In addition, in order to discharge heat generated by the fixing means 7 from the image forming apparatus, a cooling fan 17 is provided in the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus. The cooling fan 17 is configured to generate an air flow (FIG. 1) flowing from the recording medium supply inlet to the image forming apparatus and out to the recording medium outlet, for example, a copy start button a3 (FIG. 2). When pressing the cooling fan 17 is rotated. Since the various parts including the process cartridge b are cooled by the air flow, no heat remains in the image forming apparatus.

[Recording medium supply tray and discharge tray]

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the sheet feed tray 3 and the discharge tray are the shafts 3a and 8a in the apparatus main body 16 for pivoting in the direction b of Fig. 2. Are mounted on each.

Locking ceramics 3c and 8c are formed at free ends of the trays 3 and 8 on both sides of the tray, respectively. This protrusion may be coupled to the locking groove 1b2 formed on the upper surface of the document support plate 1b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the trays 3 and 8 fold inward to engage the locking projections 3c and 8c with the corresponding grooves 1b2, the original glass support 1a is provided. And sliding the document holding plate 1b in the left and right directions. As a result, the operator can easily lift and carry the image forming apparatus a through the gripper 16a.

[Setting button for density light]

In addition, a setting button for setting the density and the like is provided on the image forming apparatus a. Briefly, in FIG. 2, the power switch a1 is provided to turn on and off the image forming apparatus. The density adjusting dial a2 is used to adjust the basic density of the image forming apparatus (copy image). Pressing the copy start button a3 starts the copy operation of the image forming apparatus. Pressing the copy clear button a4 interrupts the copy operation to clear various setting conditions (for example, setting concentration conditions). Pressing the copy recovery counter button a5 sets the number of copies. Pressing the automatic density setting button a6 automatically sets the density at the copy operation. The density setting dial a7 allows the operator to adjust the radiation density by rotating the dial as needed.

[Processes cartridge]

Next, various parts of the process cartridge that can be mounted in the image forming apparatus a will be described.

The process cartridge b comprises an image bearing member and at least one process means.

For example, the process means includes charging means for charging the surface of the image bearing member, developing means for forming a toner image on the image bearing member, and cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the image bearing member. . As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, in the embodiment, the process cartridge b is positioned around the photosensitive drum 9, which is an image bearing member, by a housing composed of upper and lower frames 14 and 15. As shown in FIG. By incorporating the arranged charging means 10, the developing means 12 including the toner (developing agent) and the cleaning means 13, it is configured as a cartridge detachably mounted in the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus. The charging means 10, the exposure means 11 (opening 11a) and the toner container 12a of the developing means 12 are arranged in the upper frame 14, and the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing means 12 The developing sleeve 12d and the cleaning means 13 are arranged in the lower frame 14.

From now on, the charging means 11, the exposure means 11, the developing means 12, and the cleaning means 13, which are various components of the process cartridge b, will be described in detail below. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the process cartridge with the upper and lower frames separated from each other. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the lower frame, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure outside the upper frame.

[Photosensitive drum]

In the embodiment, the photosensitive drum 9 consists of a cylindrical drum core 9a having a thickness of about 1 mm and having a cylindrical drum core made of aluminum and an organic photosensitive layer 9b disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum core. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 9 is 24 mm. The photosensitive drum 9 transfers the driving force of the drive motor 54 (FIG. 56) of the image forming apparatus to the flange gear 9c (FIG. 8) fixed to one end of the photosensitive drum 9, thereby producing an image. Rotate in the direction of the arrow in response to the forming apparatus.

In the image forming operation, when the photosensitive drum 9 rotates, the photosensitive drum 9 is uniformly applied by applying the vibration voltage obtained by superimposing the AC voltage to the DC roller to the charging roller 10 in contact with the drum 9. To be charged. In this case, in order to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 9, the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the charging roller 10 must be increased. However, when the frequency exceeds 2000 Hz, the photosensitive drum 9 and the charging roller 10 vibrate, thus generating so-called charging noise. That is, when applying the AC voltage to the charging roller 10, the electrostatic attraction is generated between the photosensitive drum 9 and the charging roller 10, the attraction force is the maximum at the maximum and minimum of the AC voltage, and thus the charging roller While elastically deforming, the charging roller is attracted to face the photosensitive drum 9. On the other hand, the attractive force at the median value of the AC voltage is minimized, and as a result, the elastic deformation of the charging roller 10 is restored to the tray and the charging roller 10 is separated from the photosensitive drum 9. As a result, the photosensitive drum 9 and the charging roller 10 vibrate at twice the frequency of the AC applied voltage. In addition, when the attraction roller 10 is opposed to the photosensitive drum 9, the rotation of the drum and the roller is braked, and thus vibrations due to stick slip are generated, resulting in charging noise.

In order to reduce vibration of the photosensitive drum, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 (cross section of the drum), the rigid or elastic filler 9d is disposed in the photosensitive drum 9. The filling material 9d is made of metal such as aluminum, brass, ceramic such as cement, gypsum, rubber material such as natural rubber, etc. in consideration of productivity workability, weight effect and price. The filling 9d has a solid cylindrical shape or a hollow cylindrical shape, and has an outer diameter that is about 100 µm smaller than the inner diameter of the photosensitive drum 9 and is inserted into the dream core 9a. That is, the gap between the drum core 9a and the filling 9d is corrected to have a maximum value of 100 μm, and the adhesive 9e (for example, cyanoacrylate resin, epoxy resin or the like) is filled with the filling 9d. Is applied on the outer surface of the c) or on the inner surface of the drum core 9a, the filler 9d is inserted into the drum core 9a, and is thus bonded to each other.

From now on, the results of the tests conducted by the inventors, i.e., the results of inspecting the relationship between the position of the filling 9d and the noise pressure (noise level) while changing the position of the filling 9d of the photosensitive drum 9 will be described below. do. As shown in FIG. 11, the noise pressure was measured with a microphone m arranged at a distance of 30 cm from the front of the process cartridge b placed indoors with 43 dB of ambient noise. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, when arranging the filling having a weight of 80 g, the noise pressure was 54.5 to 54.8 dB at the central position in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 9. On the other hand, when the filling weighing 40 g was placed 30 mm away from the center position in the direction of the flange gear, the noise pressure was minimal. From the above results, it was found that it is more effective to arrange the filling 9d of the photosensitive drum 9 by offsetting in the direction of the gear flange 9c from the center portion. As a reason, since one end of the photosensitive drum 9 is supported by the flange gear 9c, and the other end of the drum 9 is supported by the flangeless bearing member 26, the photosensitive drum 9 The configuration is asymmetrical with respect to the center position in the longitudinal direction of the drum.

Thus, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the filling 9d is exposed from the central position c in the longitudinal direction of the drum in the direction of the flange gear 9c, for example in the direction of the delivery mechanism. It is arranged in the photosensitive drum 9 which is offset up to (9). Further, in the embodiment, the filling material 9d made of a pupil aluminum member having a length l3 of 40 mm and a weight of about 20 to 60 g, preferably a weight of 35 to 45 g (more preferably about 40 g), has a center. The position is fixed in the photosensitive drum 9 having a longitudinal length l1 of 257 mm at a position apart from a distance l2 of 9 mm in the direction of the flange gear 9c from the position c. By arranging the filling 9d in the photosensitive drum 9, the latter can be stably rotated, thus suppressing vibration due to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 9 in the image forming operation. Therefore, even if the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the charging roller 10 is increased, the large voltage can be reduced.

Further, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, one of the ground contacts 18a is in contact with the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9, and the other of the ground contacts is opposed to the drum ground contact pins 35a. The photosensitive drum 9 is electrically grounded. The ground contact 18a is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum opposite the end adjacent to the flange gear 9c.

The ground contact 18a is made of spring stainless, spring in, or the like and attached to the bearing member 26. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the ground contact is composed of a base portion 18a1 having a locking opening 18a2 that can engage a boss formed in the bearing member 26, and the base There are two portions 18a extending from the portion 18a1, and each arm portion is formed at a free end having a semicircular projection 18a4 projecting downward. When the bearing member 26 is attached to the photosensitive drum 9, the projection 18a4 of the ground contact 18a is biased against the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 by the elastic force of the arm portion 18a3. In this case, since the ground contact 18a is in contact with the photosensitive drum at a plurality of points (two points), the reliability of the contact can be improved, and the ground contact 18a is in contact with the photosensitive drum via the semicircular protrusion 18a4. Therefore, the contact between the ground contact and the photosensitive drum 9 is stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 14, the lengths of the arm portions 18a3 of the ground contact 18a are different from each other. In the above configuration, since the positions at which the semicircular protrusions 18a4 are in contact with the photosensitive drum 9 are separated from each other in the peripheral direction of the drum, a crack portion extending in the axial direction from the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is provided. Even if present, both projections 18a4 are not in contact with the crack portion at the same time, thus reliably maintaining the ground contact between the contact and the drum. Further, even when the length of the arm portion 18a3 is different, the contact pressure between one side of the arm portion 18a and the photosensitive drum is different from the contact pressure between the drum on the other side of the arm portion. However, the difference can be compensated for, for example, by changing the bending angle of the arm portion 18a3.

In the embodiment, the ground contact 18a has two arm portions 18a3 as described above, but may form two or more arm portions, and the ground contact must be in contact with the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, one arm 18a3 which is not (different) may be used.

From now on, if the contact pressure between the ground contact 18a and the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is too weak, the semicircular projection 18a4 cannot conform to the nonuniformity of the inner surface of the photosensitive drum, and thus between the ground contact and the photosensitive drum. Results in poor contact. Noise caused by the vibration of the arm portion 18a3 is generated. To prevent bad contact and noise, the contact pressure must be increased. However, if the contact pressure is too strong, when using the image forming system for a long time, the inner surface of the photosensitive drum is damaged by the high pressure of the semicircular projection 18a4. As a result, when the semi-circular pottery 18a4 passes through such a damaged portion, vibrations occur, thus causing poor contact and generating vibration noise. In view of the above problem, it is preferable to set the contact pressure between the ground contact 18a and the inner surface of the photosensitive drum within the range of 10 g to 200 g. That is, according to the test results conducted by the inventors, when the contact pressure is less than about 10 g, poor contact is likely to occur in response to the rotation of the photosensitive drum, and thus there is a possibility of generating a high frequency that interferes with other electronic equipment. On the other hand, if the contact pressure is greater than about 200 g, the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is liable to be damaged by the sliding contact between the drum inner surface and the ground contact 18a for a long time, thus causing abnormal noise and poor contact. Cause. In addition, although the occurrence of the noise and the like cannot be completely eliminated due to the internal surface condition of the photosensitive drum, the vibration of the photosensitive drum 9 can be reduced by arranging the filling 9d inside the drum 9. Application of conductive grease to the contact area between the ground contact 18a and the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 can more effectively prevent damage to the drum and poor contact. In addition, since the ground contact 18a positioned on the bearing member 26 located far from the filling 9d is offset in the direction of the flange gear 9c, the ground contact can be easily attached to the bearing member.

[Means of war]

The charging means charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 9. In the embodiment, the charging means is a so-called contact charging type as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-149669. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the charging roller 10 is rotatably mounted to the inner surface of the upper frame 14 through the sliding bearing 10c. The charging roller 10 includes a metal roller shaft 10b (for example, a conductive metal core made of iron, SUS, etc.), an elastic rubber layer made of EPDM, NBR, or the like, and disposed around the roller shaft, and carbon is interspersed. And a urethane rubber layer disposed around the elastic rubber layer, or a metal roller shaft and a foam urethane rubber layer in which carbon is interspersed. Since the roller shaft 10b of the charging roller 10 is held by the bearing sliding guide stop type 10d of the upper frame 14 via the sliding bearing 10c, it cannot be separated from the upper frame and the photosensitive drum 9 Can be slightly moved in the direction of. Since the roller shaft 10b is biased by the spring 10a, the charging roller 10 is biased against the surface of the photosensitive drum 9. Therefore, the charging means is constituted by the charging roller 10 coupled to the upper frame 14 via the bearing 10c. In the image forming operation, when the charging roller 10 is driven by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 9, the DC voltage and the AC voltage whose surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is superimposed on the charging roller 10 as described above. It is uniformly charged by applying.

The voltage applied to the charging roller 10 will now be described. Even if the voltage applied to the charging roller 10 is only the DC voltage, in order to achieve uniform charging, the vibration voltage obtained by superimposing the DC voltage and the AC voltage as described above should be applied to the charging roller. Preferably, the charging voltage is uniformly improved by applying to the charging roller 10 a vibration voltage obtained by superimposing a DC voltage having a peak-to-peak voltage value more than twice the charging start voltage when only the DC voltage is applied to the AC voltage. (See Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-149669). The oscillation voltage described herein means a voltage whose voltage value changes periodically as a function of time, and preferably has a peak-to-peak voltage that is at least two times greater than the charging start voltage of EO to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum only with DC voltage. do.

In addition, the waveform of the vibration voltage is not limited to a sine wave, but may be a square wave, a triangle wave, or a pulse fire. However, sine waves that do not contain harmonic components are preferable in terms of reducing charge noise. The DC voltage includes, for example, a voltage having a square wave obtained by periodically turning on / off a DC power supply.

As shown in FIG. 17, a voltage is applied to the charging roller 10 by biasing one end 18c1 of the charging bias contact 18c against the charging bias contact pin of the image forming apparatus described later. A voltage is applied to the charging roller 10 by biasing the other end 18c2 of the charging bias contact 18c against the metal roller side 10b. In addition, since the charging roller 10 is biased by the elastic contact 18c in the right direction of FIG. 17, the charging roller bearing 10c disposed away from the contact 18c has a stopping portion 10c1. Further, the stopper portion 10e depending on the upper frame 14 is disposed near the contact 18c to prevent excessive axial movement of the charging roller 10 when the process cartridge b falls or vibrates. do.

In the embodiment, the charging roller 10 has 1.6 to 2.4 KVVpp. Apply a voltage of -600VV _DC (sine wave).

When the charging roller 10 is assembled to the upper frame 14, the bearing is supported by the guide latch 10d of the upper frame 14, and the roller shaft 10b of the charging roller 10 is connected to the bearing 10. Is coupled to.

Also, when the upper frame 14 is assembled to the lower frame 15, the charging roller 10 is biased against the photosensitive drum 9 as shown in FIG.

Further, the bearing 10c for the charging roller 10 is made of a conductive bearing sheet containing a large amount of carbon filler, and is supplied from the charging bias contact 18c via the metal spring 10a to supply a stable charging bias. The voltage is applied to the charging roller 10.

[Exposure means]

The exposure means 11 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 uniformly charged by the charging roller 10 with the optical image read out from the reading means 1. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1, the upper frame 14 forms an opening 11a for exposing the light from the lens array 1c2 of the image forming system to the photosensitive drum 9. Further, when the process cartridge b is removed from the image forming apparatus a, if the photosensitive drum 9 is exposed to ambient light through the opening 11a, the photosensitive drum may deteriorate. To avoid this, the opening 11a is closed by the shutter member 11b when the process cartridge b is removed from the image forming apparatus b, and the shutter member when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The shutter member 11b is attached to the opening 11a so as to open the opening 11a.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 18B, the shutter member 11b has an L-shaped cross section having a convex portion in the outward direction of the cartridge, and is pivotable on the upper frame 14 via the pin 11b1. Is mounted. The torsion coil spring 11c presses the shutter member by the coil spring 11c so that the opening 11a is closed while the process cartridge b is detached from the image forming apparatus a. It is mounted around either one.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the contact portion 11b2 is provided with an upper opening and closing cover 19 (mounting the process cartridge b) to the image forming apparatus a and openable with respect to the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus. 1 degree) rotates the shutter member 11b in the direction of the arrow e (Fig. 18b) by contacting the contact portion 11b2 with the projection 19a formed on the cover 19 to open the opening 11a. It is formed on the outer surface of the shutter member 11b to open.

In the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 11b, since the shutter member 11b has an L-shaped cross section and the contact portion 11b2 is disposed in the outward direction of the outer shape of the cartridge b and near the pivot pin 11b1, As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 18B, the shutter member 11b abuts against the pottery 19a of the lid 19 in the outward direction of the outer shape of the process cartridge b. As a result, even if the opening and closing angle of the shutter member 11b is small, the tip portion of the rotating shutter member 11b is reliably opened and closed, so that the light from the lens array 1c2 disposed on the shutter member is reliably exposed to the photosensitive drum. A good electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9. By constructing the shutter member 11b as described above, when inserting the process cartridge b into the image forming apparatus, the cartridge b is obstructed from the shutter opening 19a of the lid 19 of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the process cartridge b and the image forming apparatus a can be miniaturized by shortening the stroke of the pottery.

[Measures]

Next, the developing means 12 will be described. The developing means 12 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 by the exposure means with toner which is a toner image. Further, in the image forming apparatus a, even if magnetic toner or nonmagnetic toner is used, in the embodiment, the developing means of the process cartridge b includes magnetic toner which is a one-component magnetic developer.

The binder resin of the one-component magnetic toner used in the developing operation is styrene copolymer such as styrene propylene copolymer, styrene vinyl toluene copolymer, styrene vinyl naphthalene copolymer, styrene ethyl acrylate copolymer or styrene acrylate copolymer, and polystyrene. Methyl methacrylate, polybutymethacrylate, polyvinylacetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl butylene, polyacrylate resin, rosin, modified rosin, terpene resin, phenol resin, aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, acrylic hydrocarbon resin Or aromatic petroleum resin, paraffin wax or beeswax, or a mixture of the above-described styrene copolymer and polystyrene and polyvinyl toluene.

As for the coloring material added to the magnetic toner, carbon black, copper phthalocyanine, iron black and the like are known. The magnetic fine particles included in the magnetic toner are materials that are magnetized when placed on the magnetic material. For example, metal ferromagnetic powders such as iron, cobalt and nickel, metal alloy powders, or mixed powders such as magnetite and petite have.

As shown in FIG. 4, the developing means 12 for forming the toner image with the magnetic toner includes a toner container 12a for storing the toner, and a toner transport mechanism disposed in the toner container 12a for transferring the toner. Has (12b) Further, the developing means is designed to rotate the developing sleeve 12d having the magnet 12c to form a toner thin film on the surface of the developing sleeve. When the toner layer is formed on the developing sleeve 12d, the developing frictional charge is applied to the electrostatic job on the photosensitive drum 9 by friction between the toner and the developing sleeve 12d. Further, in order to regulate the thickness of the toner layer, the developing blade 12e is biased against the surface of the developing sleeve 12d. The developing sleeve 12d is disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 with a gap of about 100 to 400 m.

As shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic toner transfer mechanism 12b is made of polypropylene 99, acrylobutadiene styrol (ABS), high impact styrol (HIPS), and is formed along the bottom surface of the toner container 12a. It has a conveying member 12b1 which can be reciprocated in the direction of an arrow f. Each conveying member 12b1 has a substantially triangular cross section and is provided with a plurality of long rod members extending along the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum to scratch the entire bottom surface of the toner container 12a (fourth) The rod member is interconnected at both ends thereof to form an integral structure. There are also three conveying members 12b1, and the moving range of the conveying member is selected to be larger than the bottom width of the triangular cross section so as to scrape all the toner on the bottom surface of the toner container. In addition, since the projection 12b6 is formed at the free end of the arm member 12b2, the transfer member 12b1 can be prevented from rising and being confused.

The transfer member 12b1 has a locking projection 12b4 at one longitudinal end, and the projection is rotatably coupled to the slot 12b5 formed in the arm member 12b2. The arm member 12b2 is rotatably mounted on the upper frame 14 via the shaft 12b3, and is also connected to an arm (not shown) disposed outside of the toner container 12a. Further, the drive transmission means, when mounting the process cartridge b in the image forming apparatus a, transmits the driving force from the image forming apparatus to the conveying member so that the female member around the shaft 12b3 at a predetermined angle. Shake (12b2). As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, the conveying member 12b1 and the female member 12b2 are integrally formed of resin such as polypropylene or polyamide so as to overlap at the connecting portion.

Therefore, in the image forming operation, when the arm member 12b2 is shaken at a predetermined angle, the conveying member 12b1 moves in the direction f in the direction f between the condition shown by the solid line and the condition shown by the tangential line. Reciprocate along the bottom of). As a result, the toner located near the bottom surface of the toner container 12a is transferred in the direction of the developing sleeve 12d by the conveying member 12b1.

In this case, since each of the conveying members 12b1 has a triangular cross section, the toner is rubbed by the conveying member and gently conveyed along the inclined surface of the conveying member 12b1. Therefore, the toner near the developing sleeve 12d is difficult to square, and therefore, the toner layer formed on the surface of the developing sleeve 12d is difficult to deteriorate.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the lid member 12f of the toner container 12a forms a subordinate member 12f1. The distance between the lower end of the subordinate member 12f1 and the bottom surface of the toner container is selected so as to be slightly larger than the height of the triangular cross section of each toner transfer member 12b1. Therefore, the toner conveying member 12b1 reciprocates between the bottom surface of the toner bottle and the subordinate member 12f1, and as a result, the conveying member 12b1 attempts to injure from the bottom surface of the toner bottle, thus limiting such injuries. Or regulate, thereby preventing the injuries of the transfer member 12b1.

In addition, the image forming apparatus a according to the embodiment accommodates a process cartridge including a non-magnetic toner. In this case, the toner transfer member is configured to gait the nonmagnetic toner near the developing sleeve 12d.

That is, when a nonmagnetic toner is used, as shown in FIG. 19, the elastic roller 12g rotated in the same direction as the developing sleeve 12d is applied to the toner transfer mechanism 12h in the direction of the developing sleeve 12d. The nonmagnetic toner transferred from the toner container 12a is transferred. In this case, in the nip between the developing sleeve 12d and the elastic roller 12g, the toner on the elastic roller 12g is frictionally charged by the sliding contact between the toner and the developing sleeve 12d, It is electrostatically attached to the developing sleeve 12d. Then, at the time of rotation of the developing sleeve 12, the nonmagnetic toner attached to the developing sleeve 12d is introduced into the contact area between the developing blade 12e and the developing sleeve 12d to form a toner thin layer on the developing sleeve. Further, the toner is triboelectrically charged by the sliding contact between the toner and the developing sleeve with a polarity sufficient to develop an electrostatic charge. However, when the toner remains on the developing sleeve 12d, the remaining toner is mixed with the new toner supplied to the developing sleeve 12d and transferred to the contact area between the developing sleeve and the developing blade 12e. The residual toner and the new toner are triboelectrically charged by the sliding contact between the toner and the developing sleeve 12d. In this case, the new toner is charged with an appropriate charge, but the residual toner is overcharged because it is charged more than the condition already charged with the proper charge. The overcharged toner has a stronger adhesive force to the developing sleeve 12d than the properly charged toner, and thus becomes difficult to use during the developing operation.

In order to avoid this, in the embodiment of the process cartridge including the non-magnetic toner, as shown in FIG. 19, the non-magnetic toner transfer mechanism 12h uses the rotating member 12h1 disposed in the toner container 12a. It includes, the rotating member 12h1 has an elastic square wing (12h2). When the non-magnetic toner cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus a, the latter is rotated by the image forming apparatus in the image forming operation because the drive transmission means is closed to the rotating member 12h1. In this way, when the image includes a non-magnetic toner and forms an image by using a cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus, the toner in the toner container 12a is markedly scribed by the square blade 12h2. As a result, the toner in the vicinity of the developing sleeve 12d is squared so that the toner in the toner container 12a is mixed, and thus, the charges removed from the developing sleeve 12d in the toner of the toner container are prevented from being deteriorated. It is interspersed.

By the way, the developing sleeve 12d in which the toner layer is formed is disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the photosensitive drum 9 with a small gap (about 300 μm for the process cartridge including the magnetic toner and about 300 μm for the process cartridge including the non-magnetic toner). Therefore, in the embodiment, contact rings each having an outer diameter larger by an amount corresponding to the smaller gap than the developing sleeve are arranged near the both ends of the developing sleeve and outside the toner layer forming region. Thus, the ring abuts against the photosensitive drum in the outer region of the latent image forming region.

The positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d will now be described. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d and the structure for pressing the developing sleeve. FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 20, and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 20, the developing sleeve 12d in which the toner layer is formed is disposed in the face-to-face relationship with the photosensitive drum 9 with a small gap (about 200 to 300 µm). In this case, the photosensitive drum 9 is rotatably mounted on the lower frame 15 by rotatably supporting the rotating shaft 9f of the flange gear 9c at one end of the drum via the supporting member 33. . The other end of the photosensitive drum 9 is rotatably mounted on the lower frame 15 via the bearing portion 26a of the bearing member 15 fixed to the lower frame. Since the developing sleeve 12d has the above-described contact rings 12d1 each having an outer diameter as large as an amount corresponding to a small gap compared to the developing sleeve, the developing sleeve 12d is disposed near the both ends of the developing sleeve and outside the toner forming region. The ring is in contact with the photosensitive drum 9 in a region outside the latent image forming region.

In addition, the developing sleeve 12d is rotatably supported by a sleeve bearing 12i disposed between the contact rings 12d1 near both end portions of the developing sleeve and outside of the toner layer forming region. 12i is mounted on the lower frame 15 so that it can move slightly in the direction of the arrow g of FIG. Each sleeve bearing 12i has a synchronous extension for mounting the bushing spring 12j having one end in contact with the lower frame 15 in the rearward direction. As a result, the developing sleeve 12d is always biased in the direction of the photosensitive drum 9 by the bushing spring. By this arrangement, the contact ring 12d1 is always in contact with the photosensitive drum 9, and consequently always maintains a predetermined gap between the developing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive drum 9. Therefore, the driving force is transmitted to the flange gear 9c of the photosensitive drum 9 and the sleeve gear 12k of the developing sleeve coupled to the flange gear 9c.

The developing gear 12k constitutes a developing sleeve 12d and a flange portion. That is, in the embodiment, the sleeve gear 12k and the flange portion are integrally formed of a resin material (for example, polyacetylene resin). In addition, a metal pin 12d2 (e.g., made of stainless steel) having a small diameter and having one end rotatably supported by the lower frame 15 is pressurized at the center of the sleeve gear 12 (flange portion). Assembled and fixed. The metal pin 12d2 acts as a rotating shaft at one end of the developing sleeve 12d. According to the embodiment, since the sleeve gear and the flange portion can be formed by resin, the developing sleeve can be easily manufactured, and the developing sleeve 12d and the process cartridge b can be reduced in weight.

The sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12i will now be described with reference to FIG.

First, the driving of the developing sleeve 12d will be described. When the driving force is transmitted from the drive source (drive motor) 54 of the image forming apparatus to the flange gear 9c and then transferred from the flange gear 9c to the sleeve gear 12k, the coupling force between the gears is a flange gear. The engaging pitch source of 9c and the engaging pitch source of sleeve gear 12k are oriented in a direction inclined or offset from a tangent contacting at a pressure angle (20 ° in this embodiment). Therefore, the coupling force is directed in the direction of the arrow p of FIG. In this case, when the sleeve bearing 12i slides in a direction parallel to the line connecting the rotational center of the photosensitive drum 9 and the rotational center of the developing sleeve 12d, the coupling force p is horizontally parallel to the sliding direction. When decomposed into the force component ps in the direction and the force component ph in the vertical direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, as shown in FIG. 22, the horizontal force component parallel to the sliding direction is separated from the photosensitive drum. It is going away. As a result, with respect to the driving of the developing sleeve 12d, the distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d is easily displaced according to the coupling force between the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12k. The toner on the developing sleeve 12d cannot be moved to the photosensitive drum 9, thus degrading the developing ability.

In order to avoid this, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21A, the driving side (the side where the sleeve gear 12k is disposed) is considered in consideration of transmitting the driving force from the flange gear 9c to the sleeve gear 12k. ), The sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12i coincides with the direction of the arrow q. That is, the angle Ø formed between the direction of the engagement force p and the sliding direction (between the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12k) is set to have a value of about 90 ° (92 ° in the embodiment). do.

By the above configuration, the force component ps can be ignored in the horizontal direction parallel to the sliding direction. In addition, in the embodiment, the force component ps is slightly close to the developing sleeve 12d in the direction of the photosensitive drum 9. Act to boost In such a case, the developing sleeve 12d is pressurized by an amount corresponding to the spring pressure α of the bushing spring 12j to keep the distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d constant, Therefore, correct the phenomenon.

Next, the sliding direction of the sliding bearing 12i on the non-drive side (on the side where the sleeve gear 12k is not arranged) will be described. On the non-drive side, unlike the drive side described above, since the sliding bearing 12i does not receive a driving force, as shown in FIG. 21B, the sliding direction of the sliding bearing 12i is that of the photosensitive drum 9. The center and the center of the developing sleeve 12d are selected to be substantially parallel to the line connecting the center.

In this manner, when the developing sleeve 12d is pressed in the direction of the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive light are changed by changing the bias angle that biases the developing sleeve 12d from the non-drive side to the driving side. The positional relationship between the drums 9 is always maintained appropriately, so that an appropriate phenomenon can be developed.

Further, the sliding direction of the sliding bearing 12i on the driving side can be set to be substantially parallel to the line between the center of the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d on the non-driving side as well. That is, as described in the above embodiment, on the driving side, the developing sleeve 12d is the force component ps of the coupling force between the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12k that indicate the sliding direction of the sliding bearing 12i. In this embodiment, the biasing force of the bushing spring 12j on the driving side is set to have a value larger than the amount corresponding to the force component ps on the non-driving side. do. That is, when the negative force of the bushing spring 12j is p in the developing sleeve 12d on the non-drive side, the secondary force p2 of the bushing spring 12j on the driving side is set to have a relationship of p2, = p1 + ps. As a result, the developing sleeve 12d is always boosted by an appropriate biasing force, thus ensuring that the distance between the developing sleeve and the photosensitive drum 9 is kept constant.

[Cleaning means]

The cleaning means 13 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 9 to the recording medium 4 by the transfer means 6, and then removes the remaining toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 9. As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning means 13 includes an elastic cleaning blade 13a designed to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 and to remove or rub residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 9; Waste toner collecting the squeegee sheet 13b disposed below the cleaning blade 13a to receive the removed toner in a slight contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 and the waste toner collected by the sheet 13b. It consists of the cylinder 13c. Further, the squeegee sheet 13b is in close contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 to pass through the residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, but the toner removed from the photosensitive drum 9 by the cleaning blade 13a is photosensitive. Facing away from the surface of the drum (9).

Now, a method of attaching the squeegee sheet 13b will be described. The squeegee sheet 13b is adhered to the attachment surface 13d of the waste toner container 13c via the double-sided adhesive tape 13e. In this case, the waste toner container 13c is made of a resin material (for example, high impact styrol (HIPS), etc.) and has a somewhat non-uniform surface. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, the double-sided adhesive tape 13e contacts the photosensitive drum 9 only if the double-sided adhesive tape 13e is attached only to the attachment surface 13d and the squeegee sheet 13b is attached to the adhesive tape 13e. There is a fear that the edge X of the squeegee sheet 13b to be deformed. When the deformed edge X of the squeegee sheet 13b occurs, the squeegee sheet 13b does not adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 9, so that the toner removed by the cleaning blade 13a can be reliably accommodated. have.

In order to avoid the determination, when the squeegee sheet 13b is attached to the attachment surface, the attachment surface 13d is lowered by the pull tool 20 at the bottom of the waste toner container as shown in FIG. 24A. By pulling elastically so that the attachment surface is curved, and then the squeegee sheet 13b is bonded to the curved attachment surface, and then by releasing the curved surface of the attachment surface so that tension is applied to the edge of the squeegee sheet 13b. The edges can be prevented from being deformed. However, in the recent small process cartridge b, since the size of the attachment surface 13d is small, when the squeegee sheet 13b is adhered to the curved surface 13d, as shown in FIG. 24a, the squeegee sheet Both lower ends or the corners 13b1 of 13b protrude downward from the attachment surface 13d. Then, when the squeegee sheet 13b protrudes downward from the attachment surface 13d, the recording medium 4 may come into contact with the protruding squeegee sheet 13b, as is apparent from the cross section of FIG. Further, the squeegee sheet 13b is attached to the curved attachment surface 13d, and as shown in FIG. 24A, the double-sided adhesive tape 13e protrudes from the lower end of the squeegee sheet 13b.

Thus, in the above state, when the squeegee sheet 13b is urged against the double-coated tape 13e by the adhesive tool 21, as shown in FIG. 24B, the protrusion of the double-sided tape is attached to the adhesive tool 21. As shown in FIG. Is adhered to, and as a result, when the adhesive tool 21 is removed, as shown in FIG. 24C, the double-sided adhesive tape 13e is peeled off the attaching surface 13d, and the poor adhesion of the squeegee sheet 13b is achieved. Brings about.

In order to avoid this, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25A, the configuration of the lower end of the squeegee sheet 13b is approximately the same as that of the curved surface of the attachment surface 13d curved by the pulling tool 20. As shown in FIG. It becomes a configuration. That is, since the width of the squeegee sheet 13b varies from both vertical ends to the center portion, the latter becomes larger than the former (for example, the width of the center portion is about 7.9 mm and the width of both ends is about 7.4 mm). ). In this manner, when the squeegee sheet 13b is attached to the attachment surface, the curved double-sided tape 13e does not protrude from the squeegee sheet 13b. In addition, when the tensioning is applied to the upper edge of the squeegee sheet 13b by removing the pull tool 20 and releasing the bending of the attachment surface 13d, the lower end of the squeegee sheet is attached. It does not protrude downward from the surface 13d.

Thus, the contact between the recording medium 4 and the squeegee sheet 13b and the poor adhesion of the squeegee sheet 13b can be prevented.

In addition, in view of the service life and workability of the work tool, the lower edge of the squeegee sheet 13b is preferably straight. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26, the width of the squeegee sheet 13b is continuously changed such that the width at the center portion is larger than the width at both vertical ends corresponding to the amount of bending of the attachment surface 13d. . In this embodiment, the attaching surface 13d is curved by being pulled by the pulling tool 20, but the attaching surface 13b is formed by the toner partition film integrally formed on the attaching surface by the pushing tool 20a. The plate 13c1 may be pushed to be curved.

Further, in the embodiment, the squeegee sheet attaching surface 13d is formed below the waste toner container 13c, but the squeegee sheet 13b is adhered to the metal plate attaching surface formed independently from the waste toner container 13c, so that the metal plate is You may couple to the waste toner box 13c.

Further, in the embodiment, the squeegee sheet 13b is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has a thickness of about 38 μm, a length of about 241.3 mm, a median width of about 7.9 mm, an end width of about 7.4 mm, and about 14556.7 mm. Has an appropriate radius of curvature of.

[Upper Frame and Lower Frame]

Next, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 constituting the housing of the process cartridge b will be described. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d of the developing means 12, the developing blade 12e, and the cleaning means 13 are provided in the lower frame 15. As shown in FIG. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the charging roller 10, the toner container 12a of the developing means 12, and the toner transfer mechanism 12b are provided in the upper frame 14. As shown in FIG.

In order to assemble the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 together, four pairs of locking latches 14a are integrally formed in the upper frame 14, and are spaced equidistant from each other in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame.

Similarly, the locking opening 15a and the locking protrusion 15b that are coupled to the locking latch 14a are integrally formed in the lower frame 15. Therefore, when the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are forced to face each other in order to engage the locking engagement type 14a and the corresponding locking opening 15a and the locking protrusion 15b, The upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are coupled to each other. In addition, in order to ensure mutual coupling between the upper and lower frames, as shown in FIG. 8, the locking engagement type 15c and the locking opening 15d are formed at both sides of the longitudinal ends of the lower frame 15, respectively. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the locking opening 14b coupled by the locking stop 15c and the locking stop 14c coupled by the locking opening 15d are vertical ends of the upper frame 14. It is formed near both sides of.

The components constituting the process cartridge b are separately contained in the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 as described above, and the photosensitive drum 9 is placed in the same frame (the lower frame 15 in the illustrated embodiment). By arranging the parts to be positioned relative to each other (for example, the developing sleeve 12d, the developing blade 12e, and the cleaning blade 13a), it is possible to ensure good accuracy of the positioning of each component, In addition, as shown in Fig. 8, the engaging groove 15n is formed in the lower frame 15 near one side of the edge. As described above, the engaging projection 14h coupled to the engaging groove 15n is formed on the upper frame 14 near the rim of one axis at the central position between the adjacent locking latches 14a.

Further, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the engaging projection 15e is formed on the lower frame 15 near the two corners, while the engaging groove 15f is the lower frame near the other two corners. It is formed on the top. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the coupling groove (14d) coupled by the coupling projection (15e) is formed in the upper frame 14 near the two corners, while the coupling coupled to the coupling groove (15f) The protrusion 14e is formed in the lower frame near the other two corners. Accordingly, when the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are interconnected, the engaging projections 14h, 14e, and 15e of the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 correspond to the coupling grooves 15n corresponding thereto. ), (15f) and (14d), the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are firmly interlocked with each other, so that even if a torsional force is applied to the upper and lower frames 14 and 15, It does not decompose.

In addition, the position of the coupling protrusion and the coupling groove may be changed as long as the coupled upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are not disassembled by applying any twisting force.

In addition, as shown in Figure 9, the protective cover 22 is rotatably installed on the upper frame 14 via the pivot pin (22a). Since the protective cover 22 is biased in the direction of the arrow h of FIG. 9 by a torsion coil spring (not shown) disposed around the pivot pin 22a, the process cartridge b is shown in FIG. As shown, the protective cover 22 opens and closes the photosensitive drum 9 in a state of being removed from the image forming apparatus a.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the photosensitive drum 9 is attached to the lower frame 15 opposite the transfer roller 6 to transfer the toner image from the photosensitive drum onto the recording medium 4. It is designed to be exposed from the opening 15g formed. However, when the photosensitive drum 9 is exposed to the surroundings in a state where the process cartridge b is removed from the image forming apparatus a, the photosensitive drum is deteriorated by ambient light and dust or the like adheres to the photosensitive drum 9. do. To avoid this, when the process cartridge b is detached from the image forming apparatus a, the opening 15g is closed by the protective cover 22 to protect the photosensitive drum 9 from ambient light and dust. In addition, when mounting the process cartridge b to the image forming apparatus a, the protective cover 22 is rotated by a rocking mechanism (not shown) to expose the photosensitive drum 9 from the opening 15g.

Also, as is apparent from FIG. 1, in the embodiment, the lower surface of the lower frame 15 serves as a guide for transporting the recording medium 4. As shown in FIG. The lower surface of the lower frame is formed as the central guide step portion 15h2 of both guide portions 15h (FIG. 6). The longitudinal length of the center guide portion 15h2 (e.g., the distance between the steps) is about 102 to 120 mm which is slightly larger than the width (about 100 mm) (107 mm in the embodiment), and the depth of the step is 0.8 It is selected to have a value of about 2 mm. By this arrangement, the central guide portion 15h2 increases the conveyance space for the recording medium 4, and consequently can use thick and elastic sheets such as postcards, business cards or envelopes as the recording medium 4, This thick sheet is not in contact with the guide surface of the lower frame 15, and prevents the recording medium from being caught. Further, a thin sheet of ordinary paper, which is wider than a postcard, is used as a recording medium, and since such a sheet (recording medium) is guided by both guide portions 15h1, the sheet can be conveyed without floating.

The lower surface of the lower frame 15, which serves as a transport guide for the recording medium, will now be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 28, both guide portions 15h1 have a la (5) to the tangential direction X relative to the nip N between the photosensitive drum 9 and the transfer roller 6. 7 mm). Both guides 15h1 are formed on the lower surface of the lower frame 15, which is designed to form a space required between the lower frame and the developing sleeve 12d and a space in which sufficient toner can be supplied to the developing sleeve. This guide portion is determined by the position above the developing sleeve 12d so as to obtain an appropriate developing condition. When the lower surface of the guide side part approaches the tangent X, the lower thickness of the lower frame 15 is reduced, thus causing a problem with the force of the process cartridge b.

The position of the lower end 13f of the cleaning means 13 is determined by the positions of the cleaning blade 13a, the squeegee sheet 13b constituting the cleaning means 13, and the like, and the recording medium. (4) is selected to form a distance lb (3 to 5 mm) which prevents interference when fed. Further, in the embodiment, as a vertical line passing through the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 9 shown in FIG. 28 and the angle (β) of the main body connecting the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum with the center of the transfer roller 6, 5 It is selected to have a value of-20 degrees.

In view of the above problem, by forming a groove or step having a length lc (1 to 2 mm) only in the center guide portion 15h2 so that the guide portion approaches the tangent X, the force of the lower frame 15 is reduced. It is possible to supply the thick and elastic recording medium 4 evenly. Further, in most cases, the thick and elastic recording medium 4 is a business card, an envelope, etc., narrower than a postcard under the general specification conditions of the image forming apparatus, and the width of the center guide step or the groove 15h2 is the width of the postcard. As long as it is set slightly larger, it does not matter in actual use.

Further, the downwardly regulating pottery 15i is formed on the outer surface of the lower frame 15 in the lower region of the recording medium guide area. The regulating protrusion 15i protrudes about 1 mm from the guide surface of the lower frame for the recording medium 4. By the above configuration, when the process cartridge b is somewhat lowered for some reason during the image forming operation, the restricting projection 15i is applied to the lower guide member 23 (FIG. 1) of the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus. Because of the contact, the process cartridge can be prevented from further lowering. Thus, a space of 1 mm or more is maintained between the lower guide member 23 and the lower guide surface 15 of the lower frame 15 to provide a transfer path for the recording medium 4, thereby transporting the recording medium without jamming. . In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the groove 15j is formed in the lower surface of the lower frame 15 so as not to interfere with the resist roller 5c2. Therefore, when the process cartridge b is mounted on the image forming apparatus a, the whole image forming apparatus can be miniaturized because it can be mounted near the resist roller 5c2.

[Assembling of Processes Cartridge]

Next, the assembly of the process cartridge having the above-described configuration will be described. In Fig. 29, the toner leakage preventing seal S made of moltopren (flexible polyurethane) rubber manufactured by INOAC, which has a regular shape and prevents the leakage of the toner, The end and the end of the cleaning means 13 and the lower frame 15 is fitted.

In addition, the toner leakage preventing seals S may not each have a normal shape. Alternatively, the toner leakage seal may be attached by forming a groove in a portion of the seal and pouring a liquid material that becomes an elastomer when solidified in the groove.

The blade support member 12a1 for attaching the developing sleeve 12e and the blade support member 13a1 for attaching the cleaning blade 13a are attached to the lower frame 15 by pins 24a and 24b, respectively. According to the embodiment, as shown in the dashed line in FIG. 29, since the attachment surfaces of the blade support members 12e1 and 13a1 are substantially parallel to each other, the pins 24a and 24b can be driven from the same direction. . Therefore, when manufacturing a large amount of the process cartridge b, the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a can be continuously attached to the pins using an automatic device. Further, the assembling ability of the blades 12e and 13a can be improved by forming a space for the driver, and the mold shape can be made simple by aligning the housing removal direction from the mold, thus achieving cost reduction. Can be.

In addition, the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are not attached to the lower frame 15 by the adhesives 24c and 24d, as shown in FIG. Can be. In this case, when the adhesive is applied from the same direction, the attachment of the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a can be performed automatically and continuously using an automatic device.

After attaching the blades 12e and 13a as described above, the developing sleeve 12d is attached to the lower frame 15. Next, the photosensitive drum 9 is attached to the lower frame 15. For this purpose, in the embodiment, the surfaces of the blade supporting members 12e1, 13a1 (opposed to the photosensitive drum) in the outer region of the image forming area c (Fig. 32) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 9 (In the embodiment, the guide members 25a and 25b are integrally formed on the lower frame 15). The distance between the guide members 25a and 25b is set to be larger than the outer diameter D of the photosensitive drum 9. Therefore, various components such as the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are attached to the lower frame 15, and as shown in FIG. 31, the photosensitive drum 9 is finally attached to the lower frame, At this time, both longitudinal ends (outer part of the image forming region) of the photosensitive drum are guided by the guide members 25a and 25b. That is, the cleaning blade 13a is slightly bent and the developing sleeve 12d is slightly delayed to rotate and the photosensitive drum 9 is attached to the lower frame 15.

First, the photosensitive drum 9 is attached to the lower frame 15, and then the blades 12e, 13a, etc. are attached to the lower frame, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is the blades 12e, 13a. There is a risk of being damaged while attaching the light. In addition, during the assembling operation, it is difficult or impossible to inspect the attachment position of the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a, and it is difficult or impossible to measure the contact pressure between the blade and the photosensitive drum. In addition, before attaching the blades 12e and 13a to the lower frame 15, the first blades 12e and 13a in the state of no toner and between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d are provided. Lubricant is applied to the blades 12e and 13a in order to prevent the increase of torque and blade conduction due to the close contact, but such lubricating oil is likely to be dropped from the blade during assembly of the blade. However, according to the embodiment, since the photosensitive drum 9 is finally attached to the lower frame, the above defects and problems can be eliminated.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the attachment position of the means 12 and 13 can be inspected with the developing means 12 and the cleaning means 13 attached to the frame. The image forming area of the photosensitive drum can be prevented from being damaged or scratched. In addition, since it is possible to apply lubricating oil in a state where the means 12 and 13 are attached to the frame, it is possible to prevent the dropping of lubricating oil, and thus, between the developing blade 12e and the developing sleeve 12d. The close contact between the cleaning blade 13a and the photosensitive drum 9 can prevent an increase in torque and generation of blade conduction.

Further, in the embodiment, the guide members 25a and 25b are integrally formed in the lower frame 15, but as shown in FIG. 33, the pottery 12e2 and 13a2 are the blade members 12e1. Photosensitive drum, because the blade supporting member is integrally formed on the 13a1 or other guide member can be attached at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the blade supporting member outside of the image forming region of the photosensitive drum 9; 9 is guided by the projections or other guide members when the drum is assembled.

The developing sleeve 12d, the developing blade 12e, the cleaning blade 13a and the photosensitive drum 9 are attached to the lower frame 15a as described above, and then the bearing member 26 is attached to the photosensitive drum 9. One end and one end of the developing sleeve 12d are coupled to rotatably support. The bearing member 26 is made of a wear-resistant material such as polyacetal and is also coupled to the drum bearing portion 26a and the developing sleeve 12d, which is bonded on the photosensitive drum 9, to the sleeve bearing portion 26b. And a D-type cutting hole 26c coupled to an end portion of the magnet 12c cut into a D-type.

Alternatively, the sleeve bearing portion 26b is assembled to the outer surface of the developing bearing 12i supporting the outer surface of the developing sleeve or the sliding surface 15q of the lower frame 15 assembled to the outer surface of the sliding bearing 12i. May be assembled in the middle.

Therefore, the drum bearing portion 26a is assembled to the end of the photosensitive drum 9, the end of the magnet 12c is inserted into the D-type cutting hole 28c, and the developing sleeve 12d is inserted into the sleeve bearing portion 26b. When the bearing member 26 is inserted into the side of the lower frame 15 while sliding in the longitudinal direction of the drum, the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d are rotatably supported. Further, as shown in FIG. 34, when the ground contact 18a is attached to the bearing member 26, and the bearing member 26 is coupled to the side of the lower frame, the ground contact 18a is exposed to light. It contacts with the aluminum drum hore 9a of the drum 9 (FIG. 10). Further, when the developing bias contact 18b is attached to the bearing member 26 and the bearing member 26 is attached to the developing sleeve 12d, the bias contact 18b is attached to the inner surface of the developing sleeve 12d. Contact the conductive member 18d.

In this way, by rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d by one bearing member 26, the accuracy of positioning of the components 9, 12d can be improved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, thus facilitating the assembly operation and reducing the cost. In addition, since the positioning of the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, and the magnet 12c can be performed using one member, the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the magnet 12c is increased. It is possible to determine the degree, and as a result, the magnetic force on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 can be made constant to obtain a high picture quality. Further, since the ground contact 18a for grounding the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing bias contact 18b for applying the developing bias to the developing sleeve 12d are attached to the bearing member 26, the parts are simplified. Can be effectively achieved to miniaturize the process cartridge (b).

Further, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a support portion for fixing and fixing the process cartridge b in the image forming apparatus is formed, so that the positioning of the process cartridge b relative to the image forming apparatus can be accurately performed. have. Further, as is apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, a V-shaped protrusion, for example, a drum shaft portion 26d (FIG. 20), which protrudes outward, is formed on the bearing member 26. As shown in FIG. When mounting the process cartridge b into the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus, the drum shaft portion 26d is supported by the shaft supporting member 34 as described later, thus positioning the process cartridge b. Decide In this way, since the process cartridge b is fixed by the bearing member 26 for directly supporting the photosensitive drum 9 when it is mounted to the apparatus main body 16, the photosensitive drum 9 is different. Precise positioning can be achieved regardless of assembly and assembly errors.

Further, as shown in FIG. 35, the other end 12c of the magnet 12c is accommodated in an inner hole formed in the sleeve gear 12k, and selected so that the outer diameter of the magnet 12c is somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the hole. do. Thus, in the sleeve gear 12k, the magnet 12c is retained in the hole with play and held in the lower position by the own weight or made of magnetic metal such as ZINKOTE (galvanized steel sheet manufactured by Shin-Niptsu Steel Co., Ltd.). The magnetic force of the magnet 12c is biased in the direction of the blade supporting member 12e1. In this way, the friction torque between the magnet 12c and the rotary sleeve gear 12k can be reduced because the sleeve gear 12k and the magnet 12c are related to each other with a clearance, and thus the torque related to the process cartridge. Decreases.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31, the charging roller 10 is rotatably mounted in the upper frame 14, and the shutter member 11b, the protective cover 22, and the toner conveying mechanism 12b are upper part. Attach to frame 15. The opening 12a1 for supplying the developing sleeve 12d from the toner container 12a is closed by the protective film 28 (FIG. 36) having the opening tape 2. Further, the lid member 12f is fixed to the upper frame, and then the toner is supplied to the toner container 12a via the filling opening 12a3, and then the filling opening 12a3 is opened by the lid 12a2. It closes and thus seals the toner container 12a.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 36, the opening tape of the protective film 28 sandwiched around the opening 12a1 is different from the longitudinal end (right end in FIG. 36) of the opening 12a1 in the other longitudinal direction. (Extended to the left end of FIG. 36), bent at the other end and extended along the gripper portion 14f formed on the upper frame 14, and protrude outward.

Next, the process cartridge b is assembled by interconnecting the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 via the locking latch and the locking opening or groove. In this case, as shown in FIG. 37, the opening tape 27 is exposed between the gripper portion 14f of the lower frame 14 and the gripper portion 15k of the lower frame 15. Therefore, when using the new process cartridge b, the opening of the opening tape 27 exposed between the gripper portions 14f and 15k to open the opening 12a1 is pulled out of the opening tape from the protective film 28. (27) is peeled off, so that the toner in the toner container 12a is moved in the direction of the developing sleeve 12d. Next, the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus a.

As described above, the tear tape 27 is opened between the gripper portions 14f and 15k of the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 to open the tear tape 27 by the upper and lower frames 14 and ( It can be easily opened from the process cartridge at the time of assembly. The gripper portions 14f and 15k are used when the process cartridge b is mounted in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, if the operator forgets to remove the tear tape 27 before installing the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus, the operator must hold the gripper portion at the time of installation of the process cartridge, so the operator has not removed the tear tape 27. ) Can be seen. In addition, when the color of the opening tape 27 is clearly different from the colors of the frames 14 and 15 (for example, when the frame is black and the white or yellow opening tape 27 is used). This improves the discrimination and thus reduces the case of forgetting to remove the tear tape.

Further, for example, when a V-shaped guide rib for temporarily holding the opening tape 27 is formed on the gripper portion 14f of the upper frame 14, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are provided. It is possible to reliably and easily open the tear tape 27 at a predetermined position at the time of interconnection.

In addition, since the process cartridge b is interconnected to the upper and lower frames 14 and 15, a groove 15j for accommodating the resist roller 5c2 is formed in the outer surface of the lower frame 15 at the time of assembly. As shown in FIG. 36, the operator can reliably grip the process cartridge b by inserting a finger into the groove 15j. Further, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, since the rib 14i for preventing slip is formed on the process cartridge b, the operator can easily hold the process cartridge by holding the rib with a finger. . In addition, since the groove accommodating the resist roller 5c2 is formed in the lower frame 15 of the process cartridge b, it is possible to further downsize the image forming apparatus.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the groove 15j is formed along and near the pawl 14a and the latch opening 15b for interconnecting the upper and lower frames 14 and 15, respectively. When the operator grips the process cartridge b by holding on the finger, the gripping force from the operator acts in the locking direction, and thus the locking latch 14a and the locking opening 15b can be reliably engaged.

The assembly and shipping for the process cartridge b will now be described with reference to FIG. 39A. As shown, various components are assembled to the lower frame 15, and then the lower frame on which the various components are assembled is examined (e.g., the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d). Check). Next, the lower frame 15 is coupled to the upper frame 14 on which components such as the charging roller 10 are assembled, thus forming the process cartridge b. Next, the entire process cartridge b is inspected, and then the process cartridge is shipped.

Therefore, assembly and shipping line is very simple.

[Attach cartridge]

Next, a configuration for mounting the process cartridge b in the image forming apparatus a will be described.

As shown in FIG. 40, a loading member 29 having a coupling window 29a coinciding with the outline of the process cartridge b is provided on the upper opening / closing cover 19 of the image forming apparatus a. The process cartridge b is inserted into the image forming apparatus via the coupling window 29a by holding the gripper portions 14f and 15k. In this case, the guide ridge 31 formed on the process cartridge b is guided to a guide groove (not shown) formed in the cover 19, and the lower part of the process cartridge has a guide plate having a hook at its end ( 32).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 40, the erroneous attachment preventing protrusion 30 is formed on the process cartridge b, and the engaging window 29a has a groove 29b for accommodating the protrusion 30. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, the configuration or position of the projection 30 is different depending on the specific process cartridge including the toner having a developing sensitivity suitable for the specific image forming apparatus (a). For example, the projections 30 may be assembled into the image forming apparatus assembling windows 29a of the image forming apparatus, even if a particular process cartridge containing toners having different development sensitivities is mounted in the specific image forming apparatus. Since it is not matched, it cannot be mounted in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, erroneous mounting of the process cartridge b can be prevented, and therefore formation of a faint image by different shape sensing toner can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent misfit of process cartridges containing different types of drums as well as different development sensitivities. In addition, since the groove 29b and the projection 30 are located at the time of mounting the process cartridge, even if the operator tries to erroneously mount the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus, the operator 30 will be able to fill the filling member. The fact that it is blocked by (29) can be confirmed visually easily.

Therefore, it is possible to avoid the possibility of the operator forcibly inserting the process cartridge into the image forming apparatus and damaging the process cartridge b and the image forming apparatus as in the conventional case.

After inserting the process cartridge (b) into the engaging window (29a) of the opening and closing cover 19, when closing the cover 19, the photosensitive drum (9) protruding from one of the upper and lower frames (14), (15) The rotary shaft 9f is supported by the shaft support member 33 (FIG. 40) via the bearing 46a, and rotates the rotary shaft of the developing sleeve 12d protruding from one of the upper and lower frames 14 and 15. 12d2) is supported by the shaft support member 33 via the sliding bearing 46b and the bearing 46c (FIG. 35). On the other hand, the drum shaft portion 26d (FIG. 35) of the bearing member 26 attached to the other end of the photosensitive drum 9 is supported by the shaft support member 34 shown in FIG.

In this case, the protective cover 22 rotates to expose the photosensitive drum 9, and as a result, the photosensitive drum 9 is brought into contact with the display roller 6 of the image forming apparatus a. In addition, the drum ground contact 18a in contact with the photosensitive drum 9, the development bias contact 18b in contact with the developing sleeve 12d, and the charge bias contact 18c in contact with the charging roller 10 have a lower contact. It is installed on the process cartridge (b) so as to protrude from the lower surface of the frame (15) and the contacts (18a), (18b), (18c) is a drum ground contact pin (35a), developing bias contact pin (35b) and charging bias The contact pins 35c (Fig. 42) are pressed against each other.

As shown in FIG. 42, the drum ground contact pin 35a and the charge bias contact pin 35c are disposed downstream of the transfer roller 6 in the recording medium transfer direction, and the development bias contact pin 35b is It is arranged upstream of the transfer roller 6 in the recording medium conveyance direction.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 43, the contacts 18a, 18b, and 18c provided in the process cartridge b are similarly transferred to the recording medium transfer between the drum ground contact 18a and the charge bias contact 18c. Direction on the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 9, and the developing bias contact 18b is disposed on the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 9 in the recording medium transfer direction.

The arrangement of the electrical contacts of the process cartridge b will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 51 is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the electrical contacts 18a, 18b, and 18c.

As shown in FIG. 51, the contacts 18a, 18b, 18c are arranged at the end of the photosensitive drum 9 opposite the end where the flange gear 9c is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the drum. .

The developing bias contact 18b is disposed on one side of the photosensitive drum 9 (for example, the side on which the developing means 12 is disposed), and the drum ground contact 18a and the charging bias contact 18c are cleaning means ( 13) is arranged on the other side of the photosensitive drum. The drum ground contact 18a and the charging bias contact 18c are disposed on a substantially straight line. In addition, the developing bias contact 18b is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 9 in a somewhat outward direction of the positions of the drum ground contact 18a and the charging bias contact 18c. The drum ground contact 18a, the development bias contact 18b, and the charging bias contact 18c are gradually located away from the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 9 in order (for example, between the contact 18a and the drum). The distance is the shortest, and the distance between the contact 18c and the drum is the longest). Further, the area of the developing bias contact 18b is larger than the area of the drum contact 18a and the area of the charging bias contact 18c.

Further, the developing bias contact 18b, the drum contact contact 18a, and the charging bias contact 18c are in an outward direction of the position where the arm portion 18a3 of the drum contact contact 18a contacts the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9. It is also arranged in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 9.

As described above, by arranging electrical contacts between the process cartridge that can be mounted in the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus on the side where the process cartridge is fixed and in contact, the contact between the process cartridge and the contact pin of the image forming apparatus is arranged. It is possible to improve the accuracy of position fixing, thus preventing bad electrical connection and arranging the contacts on the non-drive shaft of the process cartridge, thereby simplifying and miniaturizing the configuration of the contact pins of the image forming apparatus.

In addition, since the contact point of the process cartridge is disposed inside the outline of the frame of the process cartridge, foreign matters can be prevented from adhering to the contact point, thus preventing contact corrosion and preventing deformation of the contact point due to external force. can do.

Further, since the developing bias contact 18b is arranged on the developing means 12 side, and the drum ground contact 18a and the charging bias contact 18c are arranged on the cleaning means 13 side, the configuration of the electrode of the process cartridge can be simplified. Therefore, the process cartridge can be miniaturized.

Next, the dimensions of various parts according to the examples are described as follows.

However, it should be noted that the following dimensions are one example and the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

(1) Distance 6.0 mm between the photosensitive drum 9 and the drum ground contact 18a

(2) Distance between photosensitive drum (9) and charging bias contact (18c) (X2) approx. 18.9 mm

(3) The distance (X3) between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing bias contact 18b is about 13.5 mm

(4) Approx.4.9mm in width (Y1) of charging bias contact 18c

(5) Approx.6.5mm in length (Y2) of charging bias contact 18c

(6) Width of drum grounding point 18a (Y3) Approx.5.2 mm

(7) Drum ground point length (Y4) Approx.5.0 mm

(8) Width 7.2 of developing bias contact 18a (Y5) Approx. 7.2 mm

(9) Approx. 8.0 mm in length (Y6) of developing bias contact 18a

(10) Diameter of flange gear 9c (Z1) Approx. 28.6 mm

(11) Approx. 26.1 mm in diameter (Z2) of gear 9i

(12) Width of flange gear 9c (Z3) Approx.6.7 mm

(13) Approx.4.3 mm width Z4 of gear 9i

(14) 33 dimensions of flange gear (9c)

(15) 30 dimensions of gear (9i)

The flange gear 9c and the gear 9i will now be described. The gears 9c and 9i consist of helical gears. When the driving force is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the flange gear 9c, the photosensitive drum 9 mounted with play in the lower frame 19 exerts a thrust force to be moved in the direction of the flange gear 9c. Thus, the drum is positioned on the lower frame 15 side.

The gear 9c is used together with a process cartridge including a magnetic toner for forming a black image. When the black image forming cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the gear 9c is coupled with the gear of the image forming apparatus to receive the driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 9 and is coupled with the gear of the developing sleeve 12d. Rotate The gear 9i is connected to a gear connected to the transfer roller 6 of the image forming apparatus to rotate the transfer roller. In this case, the rotational load hardly acts on the transfer roller 6.

In addition, the gear 9i is used together with a color image forming cartridge including a nonmagnetic toner. When the color image forming cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the gear 9c is coupled to the gear of the image forming apparatus to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 9. On the other hand, the gear 9i is connected to the gear connected to the transfer roller 6 of the image forming apparatus to rotate the transfer roller, and is coupled to the gear of the developing sleeve 12d for the nonmagnetic toner to rotate the latter. The flange gear 9c has a diameter larger than the diameter of the gear 9i, has a dimension larger than that of the gear 9i, and has a width wider than the width of the gear 9i. Therefore, even when a large load is applied to the gear 9c, the gear 9c can receive the driving force and rotate the photosensitive drum 9 more reliably and transmit a larger driving force to the developing sleeve 12d for magnetic toner. The latter can be rotated more reliably.

Further, as shown in FIG. 43, each of the contact surfaces 35a to 35c is held in the corresponding support cover 36 so as to move in the support cover but not to be separated from the support cover. Each of the cover pins 35a to 35c is electrically connected to the wiring pattern printed on the electric substrate 37 on which the support cover 36 is mounted via the conductive compression spring 38. In addition, since the charging bias contact 18c in contact with the contact pin 35c has an arc-shaped curved surface in the vicinity of the pivot shaft 19b of the upper opening / closing cover 19, the process cartridge b is opened and closed. When cover 19 rotates around pivot axis 19b in the direction of arrow R to close the cover, charging bias contact 18c closest to pivot axis 19b (e.g., has the smallest stroke) The charging bias contact) can effectively contact the contact pin 35c.

[Positioning]

When the process cartridge (b) is mounted and the opening / closing cover (19) is closed, the distance between the photosensitive drum (9) and the lens unit (1c) and the distance between the photosensitive drum (9) and the original glass support (1a) are constant. Positioning is established so as to remain. Such positioning will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 8, the positioning projection 15m is formed on the lower frame 15 to which the photosensitive drum 9 is attached, near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the frame. As shown in FIG. 5, when the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are coupled, the protrusion 15m protrudes upward through the holes 14g formed in the upper frame 14.

Also, as shown in FIG. 14, the lens unit 1c including the lens array 1c2 for reading the document 2 is pivoted, and the pivot pin 1c3 for a slight pivoting movement around the pivot pin. Is attached to the upper opening / closing cover 19 to which the process cartridge b is mounted, and is also urged downward by the bushing spring 39 (FIG. 44). Therefore, when the process cartridge b is mounted on the upper cover 19 and the latter is closed, as shown in FIG. 44, the lower surface of the lens unit 1c is the positioning ceramic 15m of the process cartridge b. ) Is contacted. As a result, when the process cartridge b is mounted in the image forming apparatus a, the distance between the lens array 1c2 of the lens unit 1c and the photosensitive drum mounted on the lower frame 15 is accurately determined. The optical image read optically from the document 2 can be accurately exposed to the photosensitive drum 9 via the lens array 1c2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 45, the positioning pegs 40 are provided in the lens unit 1c, and the positioning pegs are provided from the upper cover 19 in the upper direction through the holes 19c formed in the upper cover. It may protrude somewhat. As shown in FIG. 46, the position fixing pegs 40 protrude somewhat on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the original reading slit Z (FIGS. 1 and 46). Therefore, when the process cartridge b is mounted on the upper lid 19, the latter is closed, and the next image forming operation is started, as described above, the lower surface of the lens unit 1c is the positioning projection 15m. ), The original glass support 1a is moved while being placed on the position fixing pegs 40. As a result, the distance between the photosensitive drums 9 mounted on the lower frame 15 of the originals 2 placed on the original glass support 1a is always kept constant, so that the light reflected from the originals 2 is exposed to the photosensitive drum ( Expose it correctly to 9). Therefore, since the information recorded on the document 2 can be read accurately and optically, and the exposure to the photosensitive drum 9 can be performed accurately, high image quality can be obtained.

[Drive Delivery]

The driving force transfer to the photosensitive drum 9 of the process cartridge b mounted in the image forming apparatus a will be described below.

When attaching the process cartridge b to the image forming apparatus a, the rotating shaft 9f of the photosensitive drum 9 is supported by the shaft supporting member 33 of the image forming apparatus as described above.

As shown in FIG. 47, the shaft support member 33 is comprised of the support part 33a for the drum rotation shaft 9f, and the contact part 33b for the rotation shaft 12d2 of the developing sleeve 12d. An overlapping portion 33c having a predetermined protrusion amount L (1.8 mm in the embodiment) is formed on the support portion 33a, thereby preventing the drum rotation shaft 9f from rising upward. Further, when the drum rotating shaft 9f is supported by the supporting portion 33a, the rotating shaft 12d2 of the developing sleeve is in contact with the contact portion 33b, thereby preventing the rotating shaft 12d2 from falling downward. Further, when closing the upper opening / closing cover 19, the positioning projection 15p of the lower frame 15 protruding from the upper frame 14 of the process cartridge b is connected to the contact portion 19c of the opening / closing cover 19. Contact with each other.

Therefore, when driving the drive gear 41 of the image forming apparatus geared to the flange gear to transfer the driving force to the flange gear 9c of the photosensitive drum 9, the process cartridge b is shown in FIG. As described above, a reaction force is applied to rotate the process cartridge around the drum rotation shaft 9f in the direction of the arrow i. However, since the rotating shaft 12d2 of the developing sleeve is in contact with the contact portion 33b and the positioning projection 15p of the lower frame 15 protruding from the upper frame 14 is in contact with the contact 19c of the upper cover. The rotation of the process cartridge b is prevented.

As described above, although the lower surface of the lower frame 15 serves as a guide for the recording medium 4, the lower frame is fixed by contacting the lower frame with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus as described above. Therefore, since the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 9, the transfer roller 6, and the guides 15h1 and 15h2 for the recording medium 4 is maintained with high accuracy, the recording medium and image transfer can be performed with high accuracy. Can be.

In the transmission of the driving force, the developing sleeve 12d is formed by the rotation reaction force acting on the process cartridge b and the reaction force generated when the driving force is transmitted from the flange gear 9c to the sleeve gear 12j. Is biased downwards. In this case, if the rotating shaft 12d2 of the developing sleeve is not in contact with the connecting portion 33b, the developing sleeve 12d is always biased downward in the image forming operation. As a result, there is a fear that the developing sleeve 12d is displaced downward and the lower frame 15 on which the developing sleeve 12d is mounted is deformed. However, in the embodiment, since the rotating shaft 12d2 of the developing sleeve is surely in contact with the contact portion 33d, the above inconvenience does not occur.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the developing sleeve 12d is biased against the photosensitive drum 9 by the spring 12j via the sleeve bearing 12i. In this case, the configuration as shown in FIG. 48 is adopted to facilitate sliding of the sleeve bearing 12i. That is, a bearing 12m for supporting the rotating shaft 12d2 of the developing sleeve is held in the bearing holder 12n so as to slide along the slot 12n1 formed in the bearing holder. By the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 49, the bearing holder 12n is brought into contact with the contact portion 33b of the shaft support member, and is supported by this contact. Under the above conditions, the bearing 12m can slide along the slot 12n1 in the direction of the arrow. Further, in the embodiment, the inclination angle θ (FIG. 41) of the contact portion 33b is selected to have a value of about 40 degrees.

In addition, the developing sleeve 12d is supported without the sleeve rotating shaft.

For example, as shown in FIG. 52A and FIG. 52B, the lower end part supported by the lower frame 15 supported by the accommodating part 53 formed on the image forming apparatus in order to the sleeve bearing 52 is carried out. By both ends.

In the embodiment, the flange gear 9c of the photosensitive drum 9 has a line connecting the rotation center of the flange gear 9c and the rotation center of the drive gear 41, as shown in FIG. Gear engagement with drive gear 41 which transmits a driving force to the flange gear so as to be offset counterclockwise from the vertical line passing through the center of rotation of the flange gear 9c by a small angle α (1 ° in this embodiment). Thus, the direction F of the driving force transmitted from the drive gear 41 to the flange gear 9c is directed upward. In general, the floating force of the process cartridge can be prevented by the directional force generated in the downward direction by setting the angle to 20 ° or more, but in the embodiment, the angle α is set to about 1 °.

By setting the above angle α to about 1 °, the flange gear 9c is driven by the drive gear 4 when the upper opening / closing cover 19 is opened in the direction of the arrow j to remove the process cartridge b. It is not blocked by, and can therefore be smoothly disassembled from the drive gear 41. Further, when the driving force transfer direction F is directed upward as described above, the rotating shaft 9f of the photosensitive drum is biased upwards, and therefore tries to be disassembled from the drum support 33a. Therefore, in the embodiment, since the overlap portion 33c is formed on the support portion 33a, the drum rotation shaft 9f is not disassembled from the drum support portion 33a.

[play]

The process cartridge having the above configuration can be reproduced. That is, discarded cartridges can be collected from the market and the parts reused to form new process cartridges. Such reproduction will be described below. In general, spent process cartridges have been disposed of in the past. However, the process cartridge (b) according to the embodiment can be collected from the market after the toner in the toner container is consumed to protect resources on the earth and the natural environment. Next, the collected process cartridges are disassembled into upper and lower frames 14 and 15 and washed sequentially. Next, reusable parts and new parts are mounted on the upper frame 14 or the lower frame 15 as needed, and then new toner is replenished into the toner container 12a. In this way a new process cartridge is obtained.

More specifically, the locking locking type 14a and the locking opening 15a, which combine the upper and lower frames 14 and 15, the locking latch 14a and the locking protrusion 15b, and the locking opening of the locking latch 14c. By releasing the connection between the locking latch 15c and the locking opening 14b, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 can be easily disassembled from each other. This disassembly operation can be easily performed by placing the spent process cartridge (b) on the disassembly tool 42 and pressing the locking latch 14a by the push rod 42a as shown in FIG. . Even when the disassembly tool is not used, the process cartridge can be disassembled by pressing the locking catches 14a, 14c and 15c.

After separating the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 from each other as described above (FIGS. 8 and 9), by removing the waste toner attached to the cartridge or remaining by air blow technique. Clean the frame. In this case, since the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, and the cleaning means 13 are in direct contact with the toner, a relatively large amount of waste toner is generated in the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, and the cleaning means ( 13) is attached.

On the other hand, since the charging roller 10 is not in direct contact with the toner, the waste toner is hardly attached to the charging roller 10. Therefore, the charging roller 10 can be cleaned more easily than the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, and the like. In contrast, in the embodiment, the charging roller 10 is provided in the upper frame 14, not the lower frame 15 in which the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, and the cleaning means b are mounted. The upper frame 14 separated from the lower frame 15 can be easily cleaned.

As shown in Fig. 39B, in the disassembly and cleaning lines, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are separated from each other as described above. Next, the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 are disassembled and cleaned, respectively. Next, for the upper frame 14, the charging roller 10 is separated and cleaned from the upper frame, and for the lower frame 15, the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d, and the developing blade 12e. Remove the cleaning blade 13a from the lower frame and clean it. Thus, disassembly and cleaning lines can be simplified.

After removing the toner, as shown in FIG. 9, the opening 12a1 is again sealed with a new protective film 28, and the new toner is supplied through the toner filling opening 12a3 formed on the side of the toner container 12a. It replenishes to 12a, and the filling hole 12a3 is closed by the lid 12a2. Next, by achieving the connection between the locking opening 15a of the locking latch 14a, the locking latch 14a and the locking projection 15b, and the locking latch 14c and the locking latch 15c and the locking opening 14b. The upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 can be interconnected again, thus reassembling the process cartridge in a usable state.

In addition, when the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 are interconnected, the same process cartridge may be interlocked even if the locking latch 14a and the locking opening 15a, the locking latch 14a, the locking projection 15b, and the like are interlocked. When playing back frequently, there is a fear that the locking force between the locking latch and the locking opening becomes weaker. In order to cope with this, in the embodiment, screw holes are formed in a frame near four corners. That is, a screw hole is formed in the assembling groove 14d and the assembling protrusion 14e of the upper frame 14, and is formed in the assembling protrusion 15e and the assembling groove 15f of the lower frame 15. Therefore, even when the locking force by the locking latch becomes weaker, after the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 are coupled to each other and the assembling protrusion and the assembling groove are assembled, the upper and lower frames ( 14), 15 can be firmly combined.

[Image forming operation]

Next, the image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus (a) equipped with the process cartridge (b) will be described.

First, the original 2 is placed on the original glass support 1a shown in FIG.

Next, when the copy start button a3 is pressed, the light source 1c1 is turned on, and the document glass supporter 1a reciprocates on the image forming apparatus in the left and right directions in FIG. 1 to optically read the information recorded on the original. . On the other hand, at the time of reading and writing the original, the sheet feed roller 5a and the pair of resist rollers 5c1 and 5c2 are rotated to transfer the recording medium 4 to the image forming station. The photosensitive drum 9 is rotated in the direction d in FIG. 1 at the time of recording the transfer timing of the pair of resist rollers 5c1 and 5c2, and is uniformly charged by the charging means 10. Then, the optical image read by the reading means 1 is exposed to the photosensitive drum 9 through the exposure means 11, thus forming a latent image on the photosensitive drum 9.

At the same time as forming the latent image, the developing means 12 of the process cartridge b is operated to drive the toner transfer mechanism 12b, thereby transferring the toner from the toner container 12a in the direction of the developing sleeve 12d. A toner layer is formed when the developing sleeve 12d is rotated.

Next, a latent image is visualized on the photosensitive drum 9 as a toner image by applying a voltage having the same electric potential as that of the photosensitive drum 9 to the developing sleeve 12d. In the embodiment, a voltage of about 1.2 KVVpp and 1590 Hz (square wave) are applied to the developing sleeve 12d. The recording medium 4 is transferred between the photosensitive drum 9 and the transfer roller 6. By applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the transfer roller 6, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to the recording medium 4. In the embodiment, the transfer roller is made of foamable EPDM having a volume resistance of about 10 ⁹ Ωcm, has an outer diameter of about 20 mm, and applies a voltage of -3.5 KV to the transfer roller as a transfer voltage.

After displaying the toner image on the recording medium, the photosensitive drum 9 is continuously rotated in the direction d. On the other hand, the remaining toner remaining in the photosensitive drum 9 is removed by the cleaning blade 13a, and the removed toner is collected in the waste toner container 13c through the squeegee sheet 13b.

On the other hand, the recording medium on which the toner image is displayed is transferred, and is conveyed to the fixing means 7 for permanently fixing the toner image to the recording medium 4 by heat and pressure by the transfer belt 5d. Next, the recording medium is discharged by a pair of discharge rollers 5f1 and 5f2. In this manner, the information is recorded on the document on the record carrier.

Next, another Example is described.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the developing blades 12e and the cleaning blades 13a are attached to the frame by the pins 24a and 24b has been described. However, as shown in FIG. The assembly projections 43a and 43b formed at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the 12e and the cleaning blade 13e are forcibly inserted into the assembly grooves 44a and 44b formed in the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus. When the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are attached to the lower frame 15, the pinhole 45 for accommodating the pins for attaching the blades 12e and 13a to the assembly protrusion 43a. And 43b, and the pinhole 45 is formed in the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus (although a half punch or circular boss may be used instead of the assembling protrusions 43a and 43b). do).

With this arrangement, when the assembly connection between the blades 12e and 13a and the lower frame is loosened by repetitive regeneration of the process cartridge b, the blades 12e and 13a are lower frame by the pins. Can be firmly attached to

In addition, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 9 is made smaller than the distance L between the drum guide members 25a and 25b, so that the lower frame 15 is exposed to light. Although an example of finally attaching the drum has been described, as shown in FIG. 54, even when the photosensitive drum 9 is coupled to the upper frame 14, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 9 is equal to the drum guide member 25a. Since the distance L is smaller than the distance L between 25b, the photosensitive drum is finally joined to the upper frame, thereby preventing the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 from being damaged as in the first embodiment. In FIG. 54, the same reference numerals are used for the components or parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment. In addition, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are interconnected by interlocking the locking projection 47a and the locking opening 47b and securing them with pins 48.

As shown in FIG. 35, in the first embodiment, the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d are supported by the bearing member 26, but the flange gear 9c is supported by the photosensitive drum 9. As shown in FIG. When the transfer roller gear 49 is installed at one end of the photosensitive roller and the transfer roller gear 49 is installed at the other end of the photosensitive drum, the structure as shown in FIG. 55 can be adopted. In FIG. 55, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

More specifically, in FIG. 55, the flange gear 9c and the transfer roller gear 49 are fixed to both ends of the photosensitive drum 9 by adhesive, press working, etc., respectively, and the positioning of the drum is carried out by the bearing member. This is performed by rotatably supporting the central boss 49a of the transfer roller gear 49 by the bearing portion (26). In this case, in order to ground the photosensitive drum 9, the drum ground plate 50 having the center L-shaped contact portion is fixed to the inner surface of the drum and brought into contact with the drum, and passes through the center hole of the transfer roller gear 49. The ground shaft 51 is always in contact with the drum ground plate (50). The drum ground shaft 51 is made of a conductive material such as stainless, and the drum ground plate 50 is made of a conductive material such as phosphorous or stainless. When the process cartridge b is mounted in the image forming apparatus a, the head 51a of the drum ground shaft 51 is supported by the bearing member 26. In this case, the head 51a of the drum ground shaft 51 is in contact with the drum ground contact plate of the image forming apparatus, thus grounding the photosensitive drum. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the accuracy of positioning between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d can be improved by using one bearing member 26.

In addition, the process cartridge b according to the present invention can be used not only to form a monochrome image, but also to provide a multicolor image (two-color image, three-color image or all-color image by providing a plurality of developing means 12). Can be used to form. In addition, as a developing method, a two-component magnetic brush developing type, a serial developing type, a contact developing type or a cloud developing type are known. Further, in the first embodiment, although the charging means is of the so-called contact charging type, another conventional charging technique is characterized in that three walls are formed by a metal shield made of tungsten wire and aluminum. It is possible to adopt a method of uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 by forming and moving a cation or anion generated by applying a high pressure to the tungsten wire to the surface of the photosensitive drum 9.

Further, the contact charges are, for example, not only the roller type described above but also a blade (charged blade) type, a pad type, a block type rod type or a wire type. In addition, the cleaning means for removing the remaining toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 9 is not only a blade type but also a fur brush type and a magnetic brush type.

The process cartridge b also includes an image bearing member (e.g., an electrophotographic photosensitive member) and at least one processing means. Therefore, not only the above-described configuration but also the process cartridge is a unit detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus, and the image bearing member and the charging unit are integrally combined or detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus. A unit in which the developing means is integrally combined or detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus, and the image bearing member and the cleaning means are integrally combined or detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus, and the image bearing member and two or more units are detachably mounted. Processing means can be combined integrally. That is, the process cartridge is a unit detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus, and is a unit integrally combining charging means, developing means or cleaning means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member or detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus. A unit in which the charging means, one or more developing means, one or more cleaning means, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally combined or detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus, so that the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be combined together. have.

Further, in the embodiment, the image forming apparatus was an electrophotographic copying machine, but the present invention is not limited to a copying machine, and can be adopted in various image forming apparatuses such as a laser beam printer, a facsimile, a word processor, and the like.

The driving force transmitted to the photosensitive drum 9 will now be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 56, the driving force is transmitted from the driving motor 54 attached to the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus to the driving gear G6 via the gear trains g1 to g5, and the driving is performed. The photosensitive drum 9 is rotated by transmitting a driving force from the gear G6 to the flange gear 9c geared to the drive gear. Further, the driving force of the drive motor 54 is transmitted from the gear G4 to the gear trains g7 to g11, thereby rotating the sheet feed roller 5a.

Further, the driving force of the driving motor 54 is transmitted from the gear g1 to the driving roller 7a of the fixing means 7 via the gears g12 and g13.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 57 and FIG. 58, the flange gear (1st gear) 9c and the gear (2nd gear) 9i are integrally formed, and the gears 9c and 9i of FIG. A part is exposed from the opening 15g formed in the lower frame 15. When the process cartridge b is mounted in the image forming apparatus a, as shown in FIG. 59, the drive gear g6 is geared to the flange gear 9c of the photosensitive drum 9, and the gear The gear 9i integrally coupled to 9c is gear-coupled with the gear 55 of the transfer roller 6. In FIG. 59, a part of the image forming apparatus is shown by the solid line, and a part of the process cartridge is shown by the dashed-dotted line.

Since the dimensions of the gear 9c are different from the dimensions of the gear 9i, the rotation speed of the developing sleeve 12d when using the black image forming cartridge including the magnetic toner is the color image forming cartridge including the nonmagnetic toner. This is different from the rotating speed of the developing sleeve. That is, when mounting the black image forming cartridge including the magnetic toner in the image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 60A, the flange gear 9c is gear-engaged with the sleeve gear 12k of the developing sleeve 12d. . On the other hand, when the color image forming cartridge including the nonmagnetic toner is mounted in the image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 60B, the gear 9i is geared to the sleeve gear 12k of the developing sleeve 12d and developed. Rotate the sleeve.

As described above, the gear 9c is larger in diameter and wider than the gear 9i, and has a dimension larger than that of the gear 9i, even if a larger load is applied to the gear 9c. In this case, the driving force is reliably received, and the photosensitive drum 9 is reliably rotated, and a larger driving force is transmitted to the developing sleeve 12d for the magnetic toner, so that the developing sleeve 12d can be reliably rotated.

Next, when the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are forcibly coupled to the engaging portions 44a and 44b of the main body 16 of the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. Preferred embodiments will be described. In addition, below, although the cleaning blade 13a is demonstrated, the developing blade 12e can also be considered similarly.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view showing the engaging portion 44b of the cleaning blade 13a, and FIG. 62 and FIG. 63 are plan views thereof. 61-63, the taper part 43b1 is formed by obliquely cutting the lower part of the assembly protrusion 43b formed in the longitudinal end part of the blade support member 13a1, and taper. The portion 44b1 is formed by obliquely cutting the upper portion of the engaging portion 44b of the image forming apparatus main body 16. Therefore, by coupling the coupling protrusion 43b to the taper portions 43b1 and 44b1, the coupling protrusion 43b is coupled to the coupling portion 44b, and the protrusion 43b can be smoothly inserted into the assembly portion 44b.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 63, when the coupling protrusion 43b is coupled to the coupling portion 44b, the lower end 43b2 of the coupling protrusion 43b is connected to the lower end 44b2 of the coupling portion 44b. , The amount of insertion of the cleaning blade 13a is thus regulated. Therefore, when the tapered portion 43b1 is formed on the engaging projection 43b, it is preferable to leave the lower end portion 43b2.

Further, even when the coupling pottery 43b is forcibly coupled to the coupling portion 44b as described above when the blade supporting member 13a1 is engaged, as shown in FIG. 64 during the automatic assembly operation, The lower frame 15 is elastically deformed by pulling with a suitable tool (not shown) in the direction of the arrow so as to widen the distance between the engaging portions 44b, and then as shown in FIG. The member 13a1 is coupled between the engaging portions 44b.

In this case, since there are taper parts 43b1 and 44b1 as described above, the coupling operation can be performed smoothly. When the tool is next released, as shown in FIG. 66, the deformation of the lower frame 15 is elastically restored, so that the engaging projection 43b is engaged with the engaging portion 44b. Further, the engaging portion 44b is pushed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 66, and therefore, the engaging projection 43b and the engaging portion 44b can be interlocked with certainty.

In this way, the cleaning blade can be easily assembled.

Instead of the inclined taper portion 43b1 formed on the engaging projection 43b, as shown in FIG. 67, the lower portion of the engaging projection may be rounded to have a predetermined radius of curvature. Also in this case, the same technical effect can be obtained.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 68, the taper part 43b1 formed on the engaging protrusion 43b may be rounded by chamfering the lower part of the taper part 43b1. In this case, the engaging projection can be assembled to the assembling portion 44b more smoothly. In addition, even when the tapered portion is not formed, even if the lower portion of the engaging projection 43b is rounded as described above, the smoothness of assembly is somewhat improved.

FIG. 69 shows an embodiment in which a PTFE tape 13a3 or the like is adhered to the taper portion 43b1 of the blade supporting member 13a1 to smoothly engage the projections at the engaging portion of the apparatus main body. FIG. 70 also shows another embodiment in which lubricant oil such as silicone oil, grease or the like is applied onto the tapered portion 13b1 to smooth the tapered portion, thereby improving the smooth coupling of the coupling protrusions of the apparatus main body.

Further, when the tape 13a3 is attached to the tapered portion or when the lubricant is applied to the tapered portion, it is not necessary to form the taper 43b1 on the engaging projection 43b, but in order to maintain the attachment accuracy, On the lower end portion 43b2 used as the determination criterion, no tape or adhesive is to be applied.

The method for mounting the blade will be described with reference to Figs. 64, 65, 71a and 75. Figs.

By the way, when the blade support member 13a1 is engaged, even if the engaging projection 43b is forcibly coupled to the engaging portion 44b as described above, 64th, 65th, 71a to 75th, As shown in the figure, automatic assembly can be performed using the tools 56 and 57.

That is, as shown in the schematic plan view of FIG. 71A and the schematic side view of FIG. 71B, the lower frame 15 is mounted on the cartridge support base 60 to form a frame for supporting the blade support member 13a1. The hook portion of the tool 56 is locked on the blade engaging portion 44b. The hook portion 56a is connected to a cylinder 56b connected to the pump 56c in sequence.

After locking the hook portion 56a on the blade engaging portion 44b, the pump 56c is operated to generate a force on the order of 2 to 6 kgf so as to extend the distance between the opposing engaging portions 44b. The distance between the opposing engaging portions 44b is extended by about 0.5 to 2 mm. As a result, since the distance between the engaging portions 44b is extended as shown in FIG. 64, the engaging projection 43b of the blade 13 is easy between the engaging portions 44b as shown in FIG. Can be inserted. In this case, the coupling operation can be facilitated because of the existence of the tapered portions 43b1 and 44b1 described above.

After assembling the blade 13, as shown in Figs. 72A and 72B, by using the tool 57, a force for narrowing the distance between the opposing engaging portions 44b is generated. The tool 57 used in the present embodiment includes a tozzle clamping tool including a plate member 57a having a locking hook portion 57a1 at one end and a vertical portion 57b at the other end, The vertical part has a fixing part 57c which fixes this vertical part. The arm 57e, the handle 57f and the actuating arm 57g are pivotally mounted on the fixing portion 57c via pinot pins 57d1, 57d2 and 57d3, respectively. From now on, the hook portion 57a is locked with respect to the outer surface of any one of the coupling portions 44b, and the locking hole 57a2 formed in the plate member 57 at the predetermined position is the protrusion 15m of the lower frame 15. )

In this state, when turning the handle 57f in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 72a, the working arm 57g is rotated, and as shown in FIG. 44b) can be biased, and therefore the distance between the locking part of the hook part 57a and the engaging part 44b which opposes by the bias of the actuating part 57g1 can be narrowed.

In this embodiment, by applying a force of about 1 to 4 kgf, the distance between the opposing engaging portions 44 can be narrowed by about 0.1 to 1.5 mm.

In this manner, as shown in FIG. 73, the contact portion 44b3 of the engaging portion 44b is brought into contact with the contact portion 58 of the blade supporting member 13a1 (see perspective view of the cleaning blade of FIG. 74). Therefore, it is possible to maintain the accuracy of positioning of the blade support member 13a1 with respect to the lower frame 15. In this way, the coupling protrusion 43b is coupled to the coupling portion 44b. In the above state, when the blade 13a fixes the blade 13a by tightening the screw 59 in the screw hole 45, the blade 13a can be attached to the original place with high precision.

In addition, the lower frame 15 made of a plastic material can be obtained by injecting the synthetic resin into the mold and by separating the mold to take out the molded portion, but is bonded by the temperature of the mold and the temperature and pressure of the injected resin. There is a fear that the portion 44b is deformed to increase the distance between the coupling portions 44b. However, even if such a deformation occurs, such deformation can be corrected by biasing the contact portion 44b3 of the engaging portion 44b to contact the contact portion 44b3 with the contact portion 58 of the blade 13a. Therefore, the dimensional accuracy of a part can be improved. Therefore, the cleaning blade 13a attached to the lower frame 15 may be uniformly applied to the photosensitive drum 9 attached to the lower frame 15 along the horizontal direction of the blade. Similarly, the attachment position of the dip sheet 13b attached to the lower frame 15 can be accurately maintained.

In addition, when a force 57 is applied to the lower frame 15 to narrow the distance between the engaging portions 44b by the tool 57 to the lower frame 15, the lower surface of the lower frame is subjected to a force to bend outward of the cartridge. (For example, a force bent in the direction of arrow Y is applied). Therefore, when the process cartridge b is gripped by the operator's hand as shown in FIG. 38, when the wall of the lower frame 15 is thin, the lower surface of the lower frame is easily bent inwards, In the extreme case, the curved lower frame comes into contact with the developing sleeve 12d, thus damaging the latter. Therefore, internal bending of the lower frame 15 can be prevented by applying a force that the lower surface of the lower frame bends outwardly of the cartridge as described above. Therefore, the thickness of the lower frame 15 can be reduced, and the developing sleeve 12d can be arranged near the inner surface of the lower frame 15, thus making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the process cartridge b.

In addition, although the example of attaching the cleaning blade 13a has been described, the developing blade 12e can be similarly attached by using the tools 56 and 57. In this case, when attaching the developing sleeve 12e shown in FIG. 75, the blade engaging portion formed on the lower frame can be brought into contact with the contact portion 12e3 of the blade supporting member 12e1. Now, the L-shaped regulatory plate 12e4 is attached to the blade supporting member 12e1. When the toner of the toner container 12a is supplied to the developing sleeve 12d or when the toner layer attached to the developing sleeve 12e is rotated along the rotation of the developing sleeve 12d, the outside of the toner container 12a is rotated. The restriction plate 12e4 prevents the toner from entering the formed space (see FIG. 4) between the wall and the developing blade support member.

As described above, the cleaning blade 13a is attached to the lower frame 15, and then the developing blade 12e is attached to the lower frame. The developing sleeve 12d is then attached to the lower frame, and the photosensitive drum 9 is finally attached to the lower frame.

In this way, the engaging portions of the lower frame with respect to the developing blades 12e and the longitudinal ends of the blade supporting members 13a1 and 12e1 of the cleaning blade 13a, using the tool 57, In order to make contact by reducing the distance, it is preferable that the rigidity of the engaging portion is larger than that of the blade supporting member. For this purpose, in the embodiment, the lower frame 15 may be made of plastic and the blade support members 13a1, 12e1 may be formed of a metal (eg iron or other) plate. In addition, the lower frame 15 is preferably made of polystyrene, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene, polyphenyloxide, polyphenylene and the like.

In addition, although the elastic blades made of urethane rubber were used as the blades 13a and 12e in the embodiment, the blades 13a and 12e are made of a material having a higher rigidity (for example, metal). When manufactured, the engaging portion of the lower frame can be in direct contact with the blades 13a, 12e instead of the blade support member.

In the embodiment, after locking the blade support member to the locking portion, the frame is expanded outward by applying a force to the frame to reduce the distance between the opposing frames. Therefore, even when the wall of the frame is thin, even if the frame is gripped by the operator's hand, the frame is less likely to bend, thus preventing the frame from contacting the developing sleeve, for example.

Further, when applying a force to reduce the distance between the opposing frames, by contacting the longitudinal end of the blade supporting member to the opposing frame, it is possible to easily maintain the mounting position of the blade with high accuracy even if the frame is bent. .

A method of attaching the developing blade 12e of the cleaning blade 13a will be described with reference to FIGS. 76A to 81. In the various embodiments described below, the method for attaching the cleaning blade 13a is the same as the method for attaching the developing blade 12e, so that the method for attaching the developing blade 12e will be described.

76A to 81, the projections 62n1 are formed at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the developing blade 12e, and the tapered portions 62n2 extending in the lower inner direction are respectively projected portions 62n1. Is formed at the bottom of the

Meanwhile, blade supports 66 and 67 are formed on the housing. Since the support portions 66 and 67 are formed of an elastically deformable material, the support portions can be elastically deformed in the direction of the arrow b. In addition, the support parts 66 and 67 are pupils, and form reference surfaces 66a and 67a at the lower end, and press parts 66b and 67b at the upper end. In addition, the support parts 66 and 67 are each separated from each other by the distance between the length corresponding to the longitudinal length of the blade 12e and the reference surfaces 66a and 66b, respectively, and the pressing parts 66b and ( 67b) is slightly smaller than the width (up and down dimension) of the projection 62n1.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 76B, when forcibly inserting the blade 12e in the direction A, the tapered portion 62n2 abuts against the pressing portions 66b and 67b, and thus, the direction In (B), the blade support parts 66 and 67 are elastically deformed. When the blade supporting portions 66, 67 are urged from the outside in the C direction as shown in FIG. 76C, with the lower end portion of the protrusion 62n1 being in contact with the reference planes 66a, 67a, the protrusions The pressing portions 66b and 67b at the upper end of 62n1 are joined by pressing (fixing region d is shown by hatched regions in FIGS. 76c and 76d), and thus the blade 12e is fixed. It can be attached reliably.

In this manner, the blade 12e can be easily attached only by forcibly inserting the blade 12e while elastically deforming the blade supporting portions 66 and 67. In addition, since there is no need to fix the blade by screws, the number of parts can be reduced, thus achieving cost reduction.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 77A and 77B. In the present embodiment, the coupling margins 66c and 67c are formed on the inner surfaces of the blade support portions 66 and 67 (in this embodiment, three coupling margins are formed). In the present embodiment, when attaching the blade 12e, the projections 62n1 are engaged with the blade support while cutting the engagement margins 66c and 67c. Coupling margins 66c and 67c are formed at one position or at a plurality of positions depending on the size of protrusion 62n1 of the blade. By the above configuration, the bonding force can be reduced when attaching the blade 12e, and thus the operability and the assembly ability can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the coupling margin is formed on the blade supports 66, 67 to reduce the bonding force to the blade 12e, but is shown in Figure 78a and 78b for this embodiment. 78A is a plan view, and FIG. 78B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line j-j of FIG. 78A.

In this embodiment, the tapered portions 66d and 67d are formed on the blade support portions 66 and 67. The tapered portions 66d and 67d form passages for the blade supports 66 and 67. Each passageway has an inlet opening with a width greater than the protrusion 62n1 of the blade and also has an outlet opening with a width smaller than the protrusion, and the embodiment width of the passageway gradually increases from the inlet to the outlet opening. Is reduced.

With this arrangement, when attaching the blade 12e to the blade support portion, the projection 62n1 can be easily inserted into the tapered portions 66d and 67d, and the coupling force is smaller than in the previous embodiment.

Another embodiment is shown in Figure 79a and 79b. FIG. 79A is a plan view and FIG. 79B is a sectional view taken along the line k-k of FIG. 79A. In addition, only the blade support part 66 is demonstrated in this figure.

In the present embodiment, the engaging holes 62n3 are formed in the respective projections 62n1, and the hinge portions 66e and 67e having the projections 66f and 67f are the blade support portions 66 and 67. It is formed above (67 is not shown). When inserting the protruding portion 62n1 of the blade into the blade supporting portions 66 and 67, it is elastically adapted to engage the projections 66f and 67f formed at the end of the hinge portion with the corresponding engaging holes 62n3. The hinge parts 66e and 67e are deformed.

By the above configuration, the engagement force can be reduced when attaching and fixing the blade 12e and ensuring positioning of the blade 12e when inserted into the support portion.

Therefore, the assembly ability can be further improved. In addition, as in the above embodiment, in the present embodiment, when the blade is coupled to the blade support while cutting and using the blade support, the blade can be more securely fixed.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 80 and FIG. 81. In Fig. 80, one of the protrusions 62n1 is assembled to the blade support 66, and is thereby supported, and the other protrusion 62n1 is elastically deformed by the support 67 in the direction of the arrow. ) And the blade support portion 67 by pressure. With the above configuration, the inner surface of only one of the blade support portions is cut at the time of pressurizing the protrusion 62n1 of the blade, so that the assembly ability can be further improved.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 81, one of the protrusions 62n1 of the blade is coupled to and supported by the blade support 66. As shown in FIG. The screw hole 62n4 is formed in the other protrusion 62n1. By aligning the screw hole 62n4 with the screw hole 67g formed in the blade support part 67, and tightening the screw in the aligned holes 62n4, 67g, the other projection 62n1 is replaced with the blade support part ( 67) to be fixed and supported. By the above configuration, unlike the conventional case, since only one side of the blade is fixed by the screw, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly ability can be improved.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the cleaning means having the blade 13a or the developing means having the blade 12e are integrally combined with the cartridge together with the photosensitive drum has been described, but the blade attaching technique shown in the above embodiment has been described. It is applicable to an image forming apparatus characterized by attaching a photosensitive drum, a cleaning apparatus or a developing apparatus to the frame of the apparatus.

In the above embodiment, an example in which both the developing blade 12e and the cleaning blade 13a are attached in the same manner has been described, but the blade 12e or the blade 13a is attached in the manner shown in any of the above embodiments. Even if it improves assembling ability compared with the conventional case.

Next, the cleaning blade 13a and the blade supporting member 13a1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 82 to 88.

FIG. 82 is a partial plan view of the integrally formed blade support member 13a1 and the cleaning blade 13a, and FIG. 83 is a side view thereof. As described above, the cleaning blade 13a is made of polyurethane having a hardness of 60 ° -73 °, preferably of 62 ° -68 ° (JIS A-hardness). Further, the blade supporting member 13a1 is made of a cold rolled steel sheet (SECC) having a flatness of 0.08 or less and a thickness of 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm (preferably, a thickness of 1.2 mm in consideration of strength and bending accuracy).

Further, the support member 13a1 is 90 ° It has a bending angle β having a relationship of β 165 ° (FIG. 83). The blade 13a and the supporting member 13a1 are integrally connected through the adhesive 13a6. In this case, the edge portion 13a5 of the polyurethane rubber 13a is cut by a cutter (not shown) to obtain flatness. In addition, as described above, the support member 13a1 according to the present embodiment has a protrusion 43b as a protrusion projecting in the longitudinal direction from the support portion 13a7 supporting the polyurethane rubber blade 13a, and the lower end portion of the protrusion ( 43b2 is substantially parallel to the edge portion 13a5 of the blade 13a. When the support member 13a1 is attached to the frame 15a, the edge portion 13a5 of the blade 13a is accurately positioned by contacting the lower portion 43b2 with respect to the lower portion 44b2 of the frame 15a. The edge portion 13a5 may be in uniform contact with the surface of the periphery of the photosensitive drum 9. In addition, a screw hole 45 is formed in the blade supporting member 13a1 as an attachment hole. The support member 13a1 is fixed to the frame 15a by screws tightened to the screw holes 45. In addition, the support member is fixed to the frame 15a by inserting a projection (same material as the frame 15a) formed in the frame into the hole 45 and then heating and caulking the projection.

In this embodiment, the attachment hole 45 is formed in the projection 43b. That is, the center of the hole is positioned at a position spaced apart from the side edge of the support portion 137 of the support member 13a by an external longitudinal distance P, and the radius r of the attachment hole 45 is separated by the distance ( Set to smaller than P) (rP)

More specifically, as an example, the diameter of the hole 45 was about 3.2 mm (r = about 1.6 mm) (also, in this embodiment, the blade support member has a screw 59 (diameter of 2.6 mm) 73 °), but the most preferable example, but the diameter of the hole may be 2.7mm to 3.6mm), the distance P was about 3.8mm, the thickness of the steel plate was about 1.2mm, the blade 13a was 1.7 Polyurethane rubber having a hardness of 65 ° ± 3 ° with a thickness of about mm. In addition, the following dimensions were used. That is, (i) S = about 13.0 mm, (ii) T = about 9.7 mm, (iii) V = about 10.2 mm, (iv) R 1 = about 2.2 mm, (v) R 2 = about 4.8 mm, (vi) R3 = about 2.0 mm, (vii) R4 = about 4.5 mm.

However, S is the distance between the edge portion 13a5 of the blade 13a of the lower end of the blade support member 13a1, and T is the distance between the bends i of the lower end 43b2.

In this way, by arranging the entire area of the hole 45 of the projection 43b, that is, by forming the specific areas R1, R2, and R3 around the pit, the following advantages are obtained. Can be.

(i) When the hole 45 is fixed by the screw of the heating caulking by forming the region R1, even if the iron plate is somewhat deformed by increasing the torque or heating, the deformation affects the edge portion 13a5 of the blade. Therefore, proper cleaning ability can be maintained.

(ii) By forming the regions R2 and R3, when the hole 45 is formed, even if the iron plate is somewhat deformed, the deformation is the lower end 43b2 and the both ends 43b3 used to fix the attachment position. Therefore, since the supporting member 13a1 can be attached to the frame 15a accurately at a predetermined position, proper cleaning ability can be maintained.

In the above description, an example in which a round hole or a cylindrical hole is used as the attachment hole has been described, but it is preferable that the same relationship is satisfied even when an extended slot hole is used (FIGS. 63 to 70 and 74). Therefore, as in the case of the supporting member according to the present embodiment, when the round hole is formed at one end and the extended hole is formed at the other end, the round hole formed at one end satisfies the above relationship. Get the same advantages. In addition, in this embodiment, the vertical dimension of the extended hole is about 4.5 mm, and the width dimension of the extended hole is about 3.2 mm.

In addition, in this embodiment, the extended hole is disposed so as to satisfy the same relationship as the round hole, and the entire area of the extended hole is disposed in a protrusion having a length of about 9 mm to 10 mm.

In addition, with respect to the above-described configuration, the protrusion 43b produced a plurality of specimens having a length in the range of 4 to 2 mm, and each specimen was attached to the frame 15a to improve the attachment accuracy of the attachment S. Measured. The result is shown in FIG. The area under the dot line and the chain line shown in FIG. 84 is an area where the accuracy of attachment can be obtained which does not cause any problem in practical use. Therefore, when the length V of the protrusion part 43b was in the range of 5 mm-20 mm, it turned out that the appropriate attachment accuracy was obtained.

If the length of the protrusion 43b is 5 mm or less, the length of the lower end 43b2 is shortened as a positioning standard, and consequently, when the blade supporting member is attached to the frame 15, the position of the positioning with respect to the frame 15 is increased. If the accuracy can be sufficiently obtained, and the length V of the protrusion 43b is longer than 20 mm, the length of the lower end 43b2 is considerably longer, and as a result, the lower end 43b2 of the blade supporting member 13a1 is produced. You cannot get enough straightness.

The relationship between the thickness and the angle between the blades 13a of the supporting member 13a1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 83 to 88.

First, the size of each part of the blade 13a of the support member 13a1 formed integrally will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 83 is also a schematic side view illustrating the enlarged size of the photosensitive drum 9 in order to clarify the blade 13a of the support member 13a.

(i) Bending angle β of support member 13a1 about 115 degrees

(ii) the length h1 of the vertical portion h of the support member 13a1 about 15.5 mm

(iii) the length i1 of the bent portion of the support member 13a1 is about 7.5 mm

(iv) the thickness t of the supporting member 13a1 is about 1.2 mm

(v) the virtual entry amount b of the blade 13a to the photosensitive drum 9

0.7 to 1.3 mm

(vi) Width of tip surface C of blade 13a (thickness of tip of blade)

1.7 mm

(vii) the length (d1) of the vertical surface of the blade 13a about 1.5 mm

(viii) the length k1 of the inclined surface k of the blade 13a about 5.0 mm

(ix) Length (V1) of root flat surface (V) of blade (13a) about 2.0 mm

(x) Length of flat surface (contact surface) of blade 13a (m1) Approx.9.5 mm

(xi) Tip length j1 from the tip end surface of the blade 13a to the tip end of the support member 13a1.

7.5 mm

(xii) the thickness of the root of the blade 13a (e) about 2.6 mm

(xiii) thickness f at one side of the engaging portion of the blade 13a to the support member 13a1;

0.8 mm

(xiv) thickness g at the other side of the engaging portion of the blade 13a to the support member 13a1;

0.6 mm

(xv) the set contact α of the blade 13a to the photosensitive drum 9 and the flat surface m of the blade 13a and the photosensitive drum at the point where the photosensitive drum and the blade 13a come into contact with each other. Angle between tangents)

About 23-25 degrees

(xvi) Between the flat surface (contact surface) m and the edge part 13a5 of the blade 13a which contact | connects the photosensitive drum 9, and the rear end part i2 of the bending part i of the support member 13a1. Angle (θ) between straight lines (1) connected to

About 18 degrees

(xvii) the length of the longitudinal blades 13a about 240 mm

First, according to the embodiment, the flat surface m, the edge portion 13a5 (the vertex between the shear surface c and the flat surface m on the elastic blade 13a) and the bent portion of the support member 13a1 The angle θ between the straight line l1 (dashed line and chain line in FIG. 83) connected between the rear end portions i2 of (i) will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, the angle is selected to about 18 degrees.

The angle will be described. First, to increase the contact angle of the blade 13a to the photosensitive drum 9 in order to efficiently clean the toner having fine molecules, it is examined. This means that the virtual entry amount b (Fig. 83) of the edge portion 13a5 of the blade 13a relative to the photosensitive drum 9 is increased. When increasing the contact pressure, the friction force F increases between the surface of the blade 13a and the surface of the photosensitive drum 9. Therefore, the blade 13a which performs cleaning of the toner while repeating fine stick slip in response to the rotation of the drum 9 increases the vibration of the tip of the blade due to the sticking slip, and consequently, the support member 13a1. Itself vibrates. Therefore, in the conventional case, vibration of the tip of the blade causes vibration of the support member 13a1, and thus generates undesirable noise (e.g., at an angle of 16 degrees or less, undesirable noise frequently occurs). In this case, the angle β is generally a value obtained by adding the set contact angle r of the blade 13a to 90 degrees (for example, r 90 degrees).

Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, the inventors have noted the relationship between the contact pressure of the blade 13a and the strength of the iron plate. First, the length of the free end j of the blade 13a is set to have a value of about 6 mm to 9 mm in consideration of the relationship between the contact pressure and the space in which the cleaning device is installed. From now on, in the above state, the inventor conducted the test paying attention to the angle θ. As a result, when the angle θ was set larger than 18 °, even when the contact pressure was set to the required value, the support member 13a1 itself did not vibrate, thus preventing undesirable noise. This will be described below in more detail.

Assuming that the length j1 of the free end j of the blade 13a is approximately constant, the length of the support member 13a1 (steel plate) is equal to the length h1 of the vertical portion h and the length of the bend i. It is determined by the ratio between the lengths i1. Therefore, in the embodiment, in consideration of the micro-vibration of the length j1 of the free end, the flat surface (contact surface) m of the blade 13a and the edge of the blade 13a5 and the bent portion of the support member 13a1 The relationship is formed by the angle θ between the straight lines connected between the rear ends i2.

From now on, in order to set the angle [theta] larger than 18 [deg.], It is considered that the angle [beta] is reduced, or the length of the bent portion i and the vertical portion h are shortened at the same time. In any case, the length itself of the support member 13a1 can be increased.

Therefore, in the embodiment, even if the fixing slip at the tip of the blade is increased by increasing the contact pressure of the blade, the length of the supporting member 13a1 is increased, so that vibration can be actively suppressed. Thus, vibration of the support member 13a1 does not occur and prevents undesirable noise. From now on, as the angle is enlarged, the enlarged angle θ is not preferable. In other words, when the angle θ is increased (for example, when the bent portion i is enlarged), the size of the cleaning blade becomes larger as one component, and thus the cleaning device itself becomes large. In order to avoid this, in the embodiment, the upper limit of the angle [theta] is formed so as to set the upper limit of the angle [theta] or to achieve the compactness of the cleaning blade as one component, and thus the cleaning apparatus itself can be optimized.

In consideration of the strength of the supporting member 13a1, it is preferable that the length of the vertical portion h and the bend portion i satisfies the following relationship.

f n g (n ≥ 0.38)

By satisfying the above relationship, it is possible to obtain strength that hardly causes vibration.

In this case, preferably, by selecting the value n so as to have a relationship of n1, the cleaning apparatus is prevented from having a larger value than necessary. In addition, as long as the relationship f n · g is satisfied, the thickness f may decrease as the thickness g decreases. Therefore, both the thickness g and the thickness h of the support member 13a1 can be reduced.

Therefore, flatness can be further improved. Therefore, the blade 13a can be set with high accuracy and compactness of the cleaning apparatus can be achieved.

In detail, it is preferable that the vertical portion h of the supporting member 13a1 and the free end j of the blade 13a satisfy the following relationship.

h 2.2j

As the reason why the vertical portion h should be regulated to be 2 or more, the contact width 13a6 of 2 mm or more between the support member 13a1 and the blade 13a is considered regardless of the length of the free end j, and taking into account the peeling strength. Based on the required fact, the reason why the vertical portion h is regulated to 2.2j or less is based on the fact that the flatness is extremely deteriorated when the vertical portion h is 2.2j or more.

When the above conditions or relations are satisfied, the miniaturized and lightweight cleaning braid 13a and the supporting member 13a1 can be obtained. Further, even if the contact pressure between the blade 13a and the photosensitive drum 9 increases, undesirable noise can be prevented, and good cleaning can be achieved even in the case of a toner having a fine particle size.

The test results will be described below. The length j1 of the free end was set to 7.5 mm, the length h1 of the vertical part was set to 15.5 mm, the bending angle β was set to 115 degrees, and the angle θ was set to 18 degrees. One relationship was satisfied. In this state, the cleaning blade including the integrally formed blade 13a and the support member 13a1 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 9 in a state of having a contact pressure greater than the normal contact pressure, and under normal environmental conditions. A toner having fine diameter particles was used in the above apparatus for endurance test (test to obtain 4000 copies).

As a result, there was no undesirable noise from the beginning to the end and also confirmed good cleaning ability.

On the contrary, when the length i1 'of the bend i' was set to 5.5 mm, the angle θ was 15 degrees. The same test was done by using the cleaning blade which has the said relationship. As a result, it was found that undesirable noise continued to occur from the beginning until hundreds of copies were made.

Lubricant, such as carbon fluoride, was normally applied to the tip of the blade. Nevertheless, undesirable noise was generated. However, after hundreds of copies, undesirable noise disappeared. This means that a large amount of toner accumulates on the blade rim portion 13a5 to increase the lubricating oil capacity.

In addition, in order to increase the strength of the support member 13a1, it is considered that the thickness of the support member 13a1 itself is increased. However, if the thickness of the supporting member 13a1 is increased to 15 mm, for example, the flatness of the supporting member is deteriorated at the time of manufacture of the supporting member.

In addition, in the above description, in the case of the toner having a fine particle diameter, an example in which undesirable noise is generated when the contact pressure is increased to increase the friction wall F has been described, but the present invention uses a toner having a fine particle diameter. It is not limited to doing.

For example, the friction wall F almost depends on the match of the material and the coefficient of friction between the photosensitive drum and the contact surface of the blade. Therefore, when cleaning the toner having a normal particle size, undesirable noise occurs even when a normal contact pressure (low contact pressure) is used. In this case, undesirable noise can be prevented by satisfying the above condition according to the present invention.

As described above, by selecting the angle θ (the angle between the contact surface of the blade and the straight line connected between the rear end of the bent portion of the support member and the edge of the blade in contact with the photosensitive drum) by 18 ° to 22 °, It is possible to increase the strength of the support member without increasing the size of the support member and to prevent undesirable noise.

Next, the thickness of the blade 13a will be described with reference to FIGS. 83 and 85 to 88.

In this embodiment, the thickness of the blade 13a at various positions satisfies the following relationship.

2C1, fg, C1 d1

only,

C1: width of the cross section c of the blade 13a (thickness of the tip of the blade 13a)

e: thickness of the root of the blade 13a

d1: length of the vertical portion d of the blade 13a

f: thickness of the engaging portion (the engaging portion on the flat surface side m) of the blade 13a to the supporting member 13a1

g: Thickness of the engaging portion (engaging portion on the inclined surface k side) of the blade 13a with respect to the supporting member 13a1.

In addition, conventionally integrally formed support members and blades generally have the following relationship.

C1 d1, g f, 2C1 e

The above relationship according to the present embodiment will be described sequentially. First, by satisfying the relationship of c1 e, concentration of stress is prevented in the portion of the blade 13a, and permanent deformation is suppressed to the maximum. Also, e By satisfying the relationship between 2c1 and fg, the hardening shrinkage of the rubber is suppressed to the maximum, and thus the parallelism of the edge portion 13a5 in the longitudinal direction is kept to the maximum. In this way, the parallelism of the edges can be improved. In addition, even when only parallelism is improved, cleaning of the toner having a fine particle size is insufficient, and therefore, toners having particles smaller than the average particle size are sometimes not removed. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to improve the cleaning capability, the relationship of c1 d1 with respect to the contact pressure of the blade 13a to the photosensitive drum is satisfied as described above. In this way, the rigidity of the blade 13a is improved and increased. That is, shifting the tip of the blade in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 9 is prevented, thus preventing so-called turn-up of the blade. Thereby, the rigidity of the blade 13a in the longitudinal direction can be increased so that the end of the blade has a relationship of c1 d1.

The so-called conduction phenomenon of the blade will now be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 85, a test of the top (vertical) drag N of the blade 13a from the photosensitive drum 9, and the frictional force F between the drum 9 and the blade 13a The test and the test of the synthetic drag force R obtained from the drag N and the frictional force F were performed. Therefore, when the contact pressure is increased, the normal drag N increases and the frictional force F further increases, as a result of which the tip of the blade 13a is shifted in the rotational direction of the drum 9, thus the so-called conduction. It causes a phenomenon. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the rigidity of the blade 13a is increased, the conduction phenomenon can be prevented.

In addition, in this embodiment, the amount of permanent deformation can be reduced by the above configuration. This will be described below.

The table shown in FIG. 86 shows the relationship between the above-described conventional blade according to the embodiment of the present invention and the blade entry amount b and the permanent deformation amount of the blade of the present invention. . That is, the table shows the test results of measuring the permanent deformation of the blade 13a after contacting the blade 13a against the photosensitive drum at 45 ° C. for 5 hours with an entry amount of 0.8 mm and 1.1 mm. . As is apparent from the table, for the conventional blade, the amount of permanent deformation was about 10%. On the other hand, for the blade according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the percentage of permanent deformation decreased by about 5%. As a reason, in the present invention, the rigidity of the end of the blade is increased (by c1 d1), and the elasticity of the blade on the side of the flat surface (contact surface) in contact with the support member 13a1 is also increased (fg). By).

In the blade configuration, the length d1 of the vertical surface d is 1 mm. This is because after the blade is molded in rubber, the edge of the blade is cut to form the edge portion 13a5 with high accuracy. That is, when cutting the blade, the cutter is moved from the side of the contact surface of the blade in the longitudinal direction while holding the vertical portion d, so that the vertical portion of 1 mm or more is held as the holding portion. If the cutout cannot be held directly, it is feared that the rim 13a5 cannot be cut with high accuracy.

In addition, when it is desired to further reduce the amount of permanent deformation, the thickness of the entire blade may be increased in accordance with the above relationship. Since the percentage of permanent deformation is determined by the configuration of the blade, if the entry amount b is small, the permanent deformation amount can be further reduced when the contact pressure is increased.

Next, the contact angle according to the above embodiment will be described.

As an element required to stably maintain high cleaning capability, there is a contact angle at the tip of the blade as well as the above-mentioned element. As shown in FIG. 87, the tangent at the contact point between the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 and the rim portion 13a5 of the braid, and a point located 0.5 mm from the contact point 13a5 along the blade contact surface m. The contact angle is formed as the angle β between the straight lines connected between (Y) and the contact point 13a5. That is, the contact angle is the angle of the blade in contact with the photosensitive drum 9. Further, the contact angle was determined by actually contacting the blade 13a with the photosensitive drum 9 at a specific entry amount and visually measuring the contact angle with a microscope.

With respect to the above-described conventional blade configuration and the blade configuration according to the present invention, the relationship between the contact angle of the edge of the blade and the blade entry amount b is shown in FIG. According to the inventor's investigation, the contact angle β ranges 6 ° to maintain the cleaning ability stably. β It was found that it was 16 °. In addition, considering various vibrations, eccentricity of the photosensitive drum 9, the contact angle range is 8 °. β It was 14 degrees. In view of the above, comparing the configuration of a conventional blade with the configuration of the blade according to the embodiment of the present invention, that is, referring to the entry amount b, the allowable contact range of the blade according to the present invention is conventional. Wider than blade For example, as shown in FIG. 88, in order to maintain the contact angle of the tip of the blade within the range of 6 to 16 °, it is apparent that the blade entry amount is 0.5 to 1.03 mm (range of 0.53 mm) in the conventional blade. .

In contrast, in the blade according to the present embodiment, the entry amount is 0.6 to 1.26 mm (range of 0.66 mm). Therefore, the setting range for the entry amount is wide. Therefore, even when the range for the entry amount b is set wider, the assembling capacity can be improved and the overall cost can be reduced. In addition, when the range for the entry amount b is set as narrow as in the conventional example, the range of the contact angle at the tip of the blade can be formed narrow, thus maintaining a good cleaning ability for a long period of time and improving the reliability.

Further, after assembling the blades shown in FIG. 82 and FIG. 83 to the process cartridge B described above and obtaining 4000 copies by the image forming apparatus a using such a process cartridge under normal environmental conditions, the photosensitive apparatus is exposed to light. It was found that good cleaning ability can be maintained without damaging the drum.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the case of the toner having a fine particle diameter, an example of increasing the frictional force by increasing the contact angle of the blade has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the toner having the fine particle diameter but is related to the toner particle diameter. Any case can be applied as long as the above relationship or condition is satisfied. The reason for this is that the present invention as described above can be achieved as long as the relationship is satisfied.

As described above, according to the cleaning blade and the blade supporting member according to the above embodiment, it is possible to miniaturize, improve the accuracy of positioning when attaching the process cartridge or the cleaning device, and permanent deformation amount after the attachment. It is possible to provide a blade member which can reduce the pressure, prevent the conduction, prevent the undesirable noise, and maintain the good characteristics for a long time.

Claims (122)

In the method of attaching the blade support member for mounting the braid support member for supporting the elastic blade to the frame of the detachable process cartridge, the direction in which the opposite elastic portions of the frame are bent outward to widen the gap between the elastic portions. A step of applying a force by a tool to the frame of the pros cartridge; Inserting a blade support member for supporting the blade into a locking portion formed at the opposed elastic portion of the frame in a state where the opposed elastic portion is widened; Releasing the force applied to the frame by a tool, thereby fixing the blade support member to the frame such that the spacing between opposite elastic portions of the frame is narrowed due to the elasticity of the elastic portion. Mounting method of the blade support member, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, wherein the rigidity of the frame is smaller than that of the elastic blade or the blade support member. The electrophotographic photosensitive apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic blade is a cleaning blade made of urethane rubber, and the cleaning blade is mounted with the blade support member formed of a metal plate between the frames made of a plastic material. A method of mounting a blade support member, wherein the remaining toner of the member is scraped off. The developing blade according to claim 1, wherein the elastic blade is a developing blade made of urethane rubber, and the developing blade is formed around a developing sleeve in a state in which the blade supporting member formed of a metal plate is mounted between the frames made of a plastic material. A method for mounting a blade support member, characterized in that the thickness of the toner layer is regulated. The method of claim 1, wherein the blade support member, by applying a force to the frame in the direction of narrowing the space between the opposing frame, by screwing in a state in which both vertical ends of the blade support member in contact with the frame Mounting method of the blade support member, characterized in that fixed to the frame. The method of claim 1, wherein the blade support member, while applying the force to the frame in a direction of narrowing the distance between the opposing frame in a state in which both vertical ends of the blade support member in contact with the surface perpendicular to the frame, Mounting method of the blade support member, characterized in that fixed to the frame. The blade of claim 1, wherein the space between the frames is widened by approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm by applying a force of approximately 2 kgf to 6 kgf to the frame in a direction that widens the space between the opposing frames. Method of mounting the support member. 2. The blade according to claim 1, wherein the space between the frames is narrowed by about 0.1 to 1.5 mm by applying a force of about 1 kgf to 4 kgf to the frame in a direction of narrowing the space between the opposing frames. Method of mounting the support member. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame is made of polystyrene, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene, polyphenylene oxide, or polyphenylene ether. The blade supporting member according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion formed in the frame has an opening, and the blade supporting member is locked to the frame by press-assembling an end portion of the blade supporting member to the opening. How to install The blade supporting member mounting method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of applying a force of a tool to the frame in a direction of narrowing the space between the opposing frames. The method according to claim 1, wherein the frame is a frame of a process cartridge that is integrally coupled to the image bearing member and the process means and can be detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame is a frame of a developing apparatus. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame is a frame of a cleaning apparatus. A process cartridge assembling method for attaching a cleaning blade to a process cartridge that can be detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, the method comprising: a locking member formed on a frame of a blade support member for supporting the cleaning blade for removing toner from an image bearing member Applying a force from a tool to the frame of the preth cartridge in a direction to bend outwardly opposite elastic portions of the frame to widen the spacing between the elastic portions before engaging the portion; Inserting a blade support member for supporting the blade into a locking portion formed at the opposed elastic portion of the frame in a state where the opposed elastic portion is widened; The force applied to the frame is released by a tool so that the spacing between the opposed elastic portions of the frame is narrowed due to the elasticity of the elastic portion, thereby fixing the blade support member to the frame, A process cartridge assembling method comprising the process of assembling a process cartridge. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the frame comprises a first frame and a second frame; Attaching the cleaning blade to scrape the toner from the image bearing member to the first frame; Next, the process cartridge is assembled by locking the first frame to a second frame including a charging roller for charging the image bearing member and a toner storage portion for storing the toner used in the developing means. How to assemble. 16. The process cartridge manufacturing method according to claim 15, wherein said process cartridge is a unit detachably mountable in an image forming apparatus, wherein at least a cleaning means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally combined. A process cartridge assembling method for attaching a developing blade to a process cartridge that can be detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, the method comprising assembling a blade supporting member on a frame for supporting a developing blade for controlling the thickness of a toner layer around a developing sleeve. Applying a force by a tool to the frame of the process cartridge in a direction to bend outwardly opposite elastic portions of the frame to widen the gap between the elastic portions before engaging the formed locking portion; Inserting a blade support member for supporting the blade into a locking portion formed at the opposed elastic portion of the frame in a state where the opposed elastic portion is widened; The force applied to the frame is released by a tool so that the spacing between the opposite elastic portions of the frame is narrowed due to the elasticity of the elastic portion, thereby fixing the blade support member to the frame, A process cartridge assembling method comprising the process of assembling a process cartridge. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: the frame consists of a first frame and a second frame; Attaching the developing sleeve to the first frame to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum; Next, the process cartridge is assembled by combining the first frame with a second frame including a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum and a toner housing for storing toner used in a developing operation. How to assemble a cartridge. 19. The process cartridge as claimed in claim 18, wherein said process cartridge is a unit detachably mountable in said image forming apparatus, and at least a developing means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally combined. An image forming apparatus which can be detachably mounted on a process cartridge and is suitable for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: coupling a blade support member supporting a cleaning blade for removing toner of an image bearing member to a locking portion formed on a frame; Previously, the force of the tool is applied to the frame of the process cartridge in a direction to bend the opposed elastic portions of the frame outward to widen the gap between the elastic portions, and with the opposed elastic portions widened, By inserting a blade support member for supporting the blade into the locking portion formed at the opposed elastic portion of the tool, and so that the distance between the opposed elastic portions of the frame is narrowed due to the elasticity of the elastic portion. Release the force applied to the frame, thereby removing the blade support member. Mounting means to be fixed to the machine frame, mounting the assembly and the process cartridge; And a conveying means for conveying the recording medium. An image forming apparatus which can be detachably mounted on a process cartridge and is suitable for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a locking member formed on a frame of a blade support member for supporting the developing blade for regulating the thickness of a toner layer around a developing sleeve; Before engaging the part, the force of the tool is applied to the frame of the process cartridge, in which the opposite elastic part of the frame is bent outward to widen the gap between the elastic parts, and the opposite elastic part is widened. In the state, a blade supporting member for supporting the blade is inserted into the locking portion formed on the opposite elastic portion of the frame, and the spacing between the opposite elastic portions of the frame is narrowed due to the elasticity of the elastic portion. Release the force applied to the frame by means of a tool, thereby Mounting means fixed to the frame to mount the assembled process cartridge; And a conveying means for conveying the recording medium. 22. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. An image forming apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 22. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus. 23. An image forming apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus. 22. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. 23. An image forming apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. A process cartridge mountable on an image forming apparatus, comprising: a frame; An image bearing member; Parts attached by pressure assembly; And a member for screwing the component. 30. A process cartridge according to Claim 29, wherein said member for screwing said component is formed with a screw hole position in the vicinity of a pressing assembly region. 30. A process cartridge according to Claim 29, wherein said component is a cleaning blade attached by pressure assembling and removing toner from said image bearing member. 30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the component is a developing blade which is attached by pressure assembly and regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the surface of the toner conveying member for conveying the toner to the developing station. 30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the coupling portion formed on the frame is forcibly coupled to the coupling protrusions formed at both end portions of the cleaning blade and the developing blade as the components by pressure assembly. An image forming apparatus suitable for forming an image on a recording medium and mounting a process cartridge, the image forming apparatus comprising: a process cartridge having a frame, an image bearing member, a component attached by pressing, and a member for screwing the component; Mounting means; An image forming apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a recording medium. 30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the process cartridge is a unit that can be detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus, wherein the process cartridge is integrated with an electrophotographic photosensitive member that is a charging means, a developing means that is a process means, or a cleaning means, or an image bearing member. Process cartridge, characterized in that combined. 30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the process cartridge is a unit detachably mountable in the image forming apparatus, and includes at least one of a charging means, a developing means as a process means or a cleaning means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image bearing member. Process cartridge, characterized in that integrally combined. 30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein said process cartridge is a unit detachably mountable in said image forming apparatus, and at least integrally combines a developing means serving as a process means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member serving as an image bearing member. Process cartridge. 35. An image forming apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 35. An image forming apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. 35. An image forming apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus. A method of assembling a cleaning device for cleaning a surface to be cleaned, the method comprising: forming an inclined surface and a projection on an end surface of an attachment surface of a cleaning member for cleaning the surface to be cleaned while being in contact with the surface to be cleaned; Forming the inclined surface, the engaging portion and the groove portion on the frame, and directing the inclined surface of the cleaning member to the engaging portion along the inclined surface of the frame, thereby joining the cleaning member to the engaging portion and further cleaning the cleaning portion. And a step of coupling the protrusion of the member to the groove portion of the frame. 42. The method of assembling a cleaning apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said cleaning member comprises an elastic cleaning blade and a blade holder for supporting said cleaning blade, and said attachment surface is formed on said blade holder. 42. The method of assembling a cleaning apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said groove portion of said frame is an opening formed in said frame. 42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the inclined surface of the cleaning member faces the engagement portion, elastically widens the frame outwardly, then engages the cleaning member with the engagement portion, and returns the frame to its original state. Assembly method of a cleaning device, characterized in that. 42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the cleaning member is coupled to the coupling portion, the protrusion of the cleaning member is coupled to the groove portion of the frame, and the blade holder is attached to the frame by screwing means as necessary. Assembly method of a cleaning device characterized in that. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the cleaning member is coupled to the engaging portion, the protrusion of the cleaning member is coupled to the groove portion of the frame, and then a blade holder is attached to the frame by screwing means during regeneration. Assembly method of a cleaning device characterized in that. 42. The method of assembling a cleaning apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said cleaning member comprises an elastic cleaning blade for removing residual toner from said image bearing member. 42. The method of assembling a cleaning apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said cleaning member comprises a doctor blade for keeping a toner layer on a developing roller constant. A frame; A process cartridge formed on the frame and suitable for holding the component, wherein the process cartridge is mountable to the image forming apparatus, wherein an end portion of the component held by the engaging portion of the frame is supported by an inclined structure; Process cartridge. 50. The process cartridge according to claim 49, wherein said component is a cleaning blade attached to said frame by pressure assembling and removing toner of said image bearing member. 50. The process cartridge according to claim 49, wherein the component is a developing blade attached to the frame by pressure assembly and which maintains a constant thickness of a toner layer on a developing sleeve for directing toner to a developing station. The process cartridge according to claim 49, wherein the inclined structure has a rounded cross section. 50. The process cartridge of claim 49, further comprising a lubricity tape adhered to the warp structure. 52. The process cartridge of claim 51, wherein lubricant is applied to the inclined structure. An elastic blade; The support member has a support portion for supporting the elastic blade, a projection protruding from the support portion in the longitudinal direction, and a hole formed in the projection, the support member is a blade having a support member for supporting the elastic blade, A member, wherein the length of the longitudinal projections is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. The blade member according to claim 55, wherein the elastic blade is made of polyurethane rubber. 56. The blade member of claim 55, wherein the support member is formed of a cold rolled steel sheet. 56. The blade member according to claim 55, wherein the protrusions are formed respectively at the longitudinal ends of the support portion in both units of the support member, and one hole is formed in the support member. 56. The blade member of claim 55, wherein the elastic blade is attached to the support member by an adhesive. The blade member according to claim 55, wherein the blade member is locked to the member to which the blade member is attached when the blade member is attached to the member to which the blade member is attached. 56. The blade member of claim 55, wherein the aperture is a round aperture. 56. The blade member of claim 55, wherein the aperture is an elongated slot aperture. The blade member of claim 55, wherein the hole is a round hole or an elongated slot hole. 56. The longitudinal end portion of the support portion according to claim 55, wherein the hole formed in the protruding portion formed in the longitudinal end portion of the support portion on one end of the support member is a round hole, and the longitudinal end portion of the support portion on the other end portion of the support member. The hole formed in the protrusion formed in the blade member, characterized in that the elongated slot hole. 65. The blade member of claim 64, wherein the round hole has a diameter of about 3.2 mm. (a) a frame; (b) an image bearing member installed on the frame; (c) a blade member comprising an elastic blade, a support portion for supporting the elastic blade, a projection protruding from the support portion in a longitudinal direction, and a support member for supporting the elastic blade with a hole formed in the protrusion, the image forming A process cartridge mountable in an apparatus, wherein the length of the projection in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. 67. A process cartridge according to Claim 66, further comprising a charging roller acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member as said image bearing member. 67. A process cartridge according to Claim 66, further comprising a developing device acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive member as said image bearing member. (a) a frame, (b) an image bearing member installed on the frame, (c) an elastic blade and a support for supporting the elastic blade, a protrusion protruding from the support in a longitudinal direction, and a hole formed in the protrusion. Mounting means for mounting a process cartridge comprising a blade member comprising a support member for supporting an elastic blade; An image forming apparatus comprising conveying means for conveying a recording medium, wherein the process cartridge can be detachably mounted and is suitable for forming an image on the recording medium, wherein the length of the projection in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. And an image forming apparatus. 70. An image forming apparatus according to claim 69, wherein said image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 70. An image forming apparatus according to claim 69, wherein said image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. 70. An image forming apparatus according to claim 69, wherein said image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus. The blade member is composed of an elastic blade, a support portion for supporting the elastic blade, a projection protruding from the support portion in the longitudinal direction, and a support member for supporting the elastic blade having a hole formed in the protrusion, and frame the blade member A method for mounting a blade member mounted on a blade member, wherein the blade member having a length of the protruding portion in the longitudinal direction in a range of 5 mm to 20 mm is attached to the frame, and the blade member is locked to the hole. Method of attachment 74. The blade member mounting method of claim 73, wherein the hole is locked to the frame by a screw. 75. The method of claim 73, wherein the protrusion is locked to the frame by pressure assembly. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein said aperture is locked to said frame by heat caulking. An elastic member; A blade member comprising a support member for supporting the elastic member, wherein the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade coupled by the support member is thicker than twice the thickness of the tip of the elastic blade blade member. 78. The blade member of claim 77, wherein one surface of the elastic member in the longitudinal direction is flat and the other surface has a vertical portion perpendicular to the cross section of the elastic blade and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface. 78. The blade member of claim 77, wherein a thickness of the portion of the elastic blade coupled by the support member at the side of the one side is thicker than a thickness of the portion of the elastic blade at the side of the other side. 78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein one surface of the elastic blade is flat and the other surface has a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface; Blade member, characterized in that the width of the end surface is larger than the length of the vertical surface. 81. The blade member of claim 80, wherein the length of the vertical surface is at least 1 mm. 78. The blade member of claim 77, wherein the elastic blade is made of polyurethane rubber. 78. The blade member of claim 77, wherein the support member is formed from a cold rolled steel sheet. 78. The blade member of claim 77, wherein the elastic blade is attached to the support member by an adhesive. (a) a frame; (b) an image bearing member installed on the frame; (c) a process cartridge comprising an elastic blade and a support member for supporting the elastic blade, the process cartridge being mountable in an image forming apparatus, wherein the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade joined by the support member is equal to the thickness of the elastic blade. A process cartridge, characterized in that less than twice the thickness of the tip, the elastic blade is in contact with the image bearing member to clean the image bearing member. 86. The process cartridge according to Claim 85, wherein the process cartridge further comprises a charging roller acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member which is the image bearing member. 86. The process cartridge according to Claim 85, wherein the process cartridge further includes a developing device that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member that is the image bearing member. (A) mounting means for mounting a process cartridge having (a) a frame, (b) an image bearing member installed on the frame, and (c) a blade member comprising an elastic blade and a support member for supporting the elastic blade. and; (B) An image forming apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, the process cartridge being detachably mounted, and adapted to form an image on the recording medium, wherein the elastic blade is joined by the support member. And the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade is thicker than twice the thickness of the tip of the elastic blade, and the elastic blade is in contact with the image bearing member to clean the image bearing member. 89. An image forming apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 89. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 88, wherein the image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. 89. An image forming apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus. The blade member is composed of an elastic blade and a support member for supporting the elastic blade, the mounting method of the blade member for mounting the blade member to the frame, the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade coupled by the support member is A method of mounting a blade member, characterized in that it is thicker than twice the thickness of the tip of the elastic blade, and the blade member is mounted to the frame, and both ends of the support member are locked onto the frame. 93. The method of claim 92, wherein both ends of the support member are locked onto the frame by screws. 93. The method of claim 92, wherein both ends of the support member are locked onto the frame by pressure assembly. An elastic blade having one surface flat in the longitudinal direction and the other surface having a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface; In the blade member consisting of a support member for supporting the elastic blade, the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade coupled by the support member at the side of the one surface, the portion of the elastic blade at the side of the other surface Blade member, characterized in that thicker than the thickness. 97. The blade member of claim 95, wherein the elastic blade is made of polyurethane rubber. 97. The blade member of claim 95, wherein the support member is formed from a cold rolled steel sheet. 97. The blade member of claim 95, wherein the elastic blade is adhered to the support member by an adhesive. (a) a frame; (b) an image bearing member installed on the frame; (c) One surface of the elastic blade is flat in the longitudinal direction and the other surface is a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade and an elastic blade having an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface and a support for supporting the elastic blade. A process cartridge having a blade member made of a member and mountable in an image forming apparatus, wherein the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade joined by the support member at the side of the one surface is at the side of the other surface. A process cartridge, characterized in that thicker than the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade, the elastic blade is in contact with the image bearing member to clean the image bearing member. 100. The process cartridge according to Claim 99, wherein the process cartridge further comprises a charging roller acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member which is the image bearing member. 100. The process cartridge according to Claim 99, wherein the process cartridge further includes a developing device that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member that is the image bearing member. (A) (a) the frame, and (b) the image bearing member installed on the frame; (c) one surface of the elastic blade is a flat in the longitudinal direction, the other surface is an elastic blade having a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade and the inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface and the support member for supporting the elastic blade Mounting means for mounting a process cartridge having a blade member; (B) An image forming apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, the process cartridge being detachably mounted and suitable for forming an image on the recording medium, wherein the supporting member is provided from the side surface of the one side. The thickness of the portion of the elastic blade coupled by the, is thicker than the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade on the side of the other side, the elastic blade is in contact with the image bearing member to clean the image bearing member An image forming apparatus. 103. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 102, wherein said image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 103. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 102, wherein the image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. 103. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 102, wherein said image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus. The blade member is an elastic blade having one surface of the elastic blade flat in the longitudinal direction, the other surface having a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface, and a support for supporting the elastic blade. In the method of mounting a blade member, which is composed of a member and mounts the blade member on a frame, the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade joined by the support member at the side of the one surface is the thickness at the side of the other surface. And thicker than the thickness of the portion of the elastic blade, wherein both ends of the support member are locked on the frame. 107. The method of claim 106, wherein both ends of the support member are locked onto the frame by screws. 107. The method of claim 106, wherein both ends of the support member are locked onto the frame by pressure assembly. The blade member includes: an elastic blade having one surface flat in the longitudinal direction, the other surface having a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade, and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface; A blade member comprising a support member having a bent portion at a rear end supporting the elastic blade, the blade member comprising a straight line connecting the rear end of the support member at a vertex between the end surface and the flat surface and the flat surface of the elastic blade. Blade member, characterized in that the angle is 18 degrees or more and 22 degrees or less. 109. The blade member of claim 109, wherein the elastic blade is polyurethane rubber. 109. The blade member of claim 109, wherein the support member is formed from a cold rolled steel sheet. 109. The blade member of claim 109, wherein the elastic blade is attached to the support member by an adhesive. (a) a frame; (b) an image bearing member installed on the frame; (c) One surface of the elastic blade is flat in the longitudinal direction, and the other surface supports the elastic blade having a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface, and then A process cartridge having a blade member made of a support member having a bent portion at an end thereof, the process cartridge being attachable to an image forming apparatus, the straight line connecting the rear end of the support member at the vertex between the end surface and the flat surface and the elastic blade. And an angle between the flat surface and 18 degrees or less and 22 degrees or less, wherein the elastic blade is in contact with the image bearing member to clean the image bearing member. 116. The process cartridge according to claim 113, wherein the process cartridge further includes a charging roller acting on the transfer photosensitive member which is the image bearing member. 117. The process cartridge according to claim 113, wherein the process cartridge further includes a developing device that acts on the transfer photosensitive member which is the image bearing member. (A) (a) the frame, (b) the image bearing member provided on the frame, and (c) one surface of the elastic blade is vertically flat and the other surface is perpendicular to the end face of the elastic blade. Mounting means for supporting a process cartridge having an elastic blade having an inclined surface inclined with respect to a portion and a vertical surface and a blade member formed of a supporting member having a bent portion at a rear end thereof; (B) An image forming apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, wherein the process cartridge can be detachably mounted, and suitable for forming an image on the recording medium, wherein the end face and the flat surface are separated. The angle between the straight line connecting the rear end of the support member at the apex and the flat surface of the elastic blade is 18 degrees or more and 22 degrees or less, and the elastic blade is in contact with the image bearing member to clean the image bearing member. An image forming apparatus. 118. The image forming apparatus according to claim 116, wherein said image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 118. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 116, wherein the image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer. 118. The image forming apparatus according to claim 116, wherein the image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus. The blade member has an elastic blade having one surface of the elastic blade flat in the longitudinal direction, the other surface having a vertical portion perpendicular to the end surface of the elastic blade and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical surface, and supporting the elastic blade after A method of mounting a blade member for mounting a blade member to a frame, the method comprising: a support member having a bent portion at an end thereof; The angle between the surfaces is 18 degrees or more and 22 degrees or less, and both ends of the support member are locked to the frame. 126. The method of claim 120, wherein both ends of the support member lock the frame with screws. 126. The method of claim 120, wherein both ends of the support member lock the frame by press assembly.