MXPA94003082A

MXPA94003082A - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: MXPA94003082A
Application number: MXPA/A/1994/003082A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Sugiura Yoshinori; Nomura Yoshiya; Kawaguchi Hideshi; Miyake Hiroaki; Matsuda Kenji
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1993-04-28
Filing date: 1994-04-27
Publication date: 2002-05-09

Abstract

A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member;a process device actable on the image bearing member;and a developing bias conductive member for permitting developing bias voltage application to developing means;grounding conductive member for electrically grounding the image bearing member;wherein the conductive members are disposed adjacent an end of the image bearing member in a direction perpendicular to a movement direction of the image bearing member;charging bias conductive member for permitting application of charging bias to the charging means, provided adjacent an opposite end of the image bearing member.

Description

'/ "PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMAT DEVICE" INVENTORS: YOSHIYA NOMURA, YOSHINORI SUGIURA, HIDESHI KAWAGUCHI, HIROaA I MIYAKE; KENJI MATSUDA Japanese, domiciled at 1-24-14-302 Umegaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan; 2-18-26 MInami- -Ikuta, Tama-ku, Kawasaki-shl, Kanaga-a-Ken, Japan; 3-23-15-201 -Minowacho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shl, Kanagawa-ken, Japan; 2-12-13-304 Nakaaoki, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama-Ken, Japan and Canon-ryo, 41-1 -Mitakedai, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken, Japan, give all their rights to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA, duly organized and incorporated in accordance with the Laws of Japan, domiciled at 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ohta-ku, Tokyo, Japan, for the invention described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A process cartridge capable of detachably mounting on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes an image-bearing member; a process device operable in the image-carrying member and a bias-revealing conductive member to allow the application of bias voltage to reveal to the developing medium; a ground conducting means for electrically connecting the image carrying member to earth; wherein the conducting members are positioned adjacent to an end d image carrying member in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the image carrying member; a charge biasing conductor member to allow the «• charging polarization application to the charging means, which is provided adjacent to an opposite end of the image carrying member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED TECHNIQUE The present invention relates to a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus to which it is capable of • removably assemble the process cartridge. The image forming apparatus includes a laser beam form, a light emitting diode printer, an electrophotographic copier machine, a facsimile machine and a word processor, for example. An image forming apparatus such as a print, a uniformly charged photosensitive drum is taught to light in a manner that forms a latent image, and the latent image is displayed by a dye (toner to a dye image, which in turn is transferred to a recording material.In this apparatus, maintenance operations for the different parts have to be carried out by an expert service person with the result of convenience on the user's side. a photosensitive drum, a charging apparatus, a developing device and a similar cleaning device are unified in a cartridge, in this case, by loading the cartridge in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus by the user, the refueling of the cartridge is achieved. tincture, the exchange of parts such as the image-bearing member that has reached the end of service durations, thereby facilitating the operations of e maintenance (process cartridge system). The process system is disclosed in US Patent Numbers 3,985,436, 4,500,195, 4,540,268, 4,627,701 and so on. With this system, in order to provide images of superior quality, an electrical connection with > reliable between the process cartridge and the imaging apparatus. US Pat. No. 4,591,258, which has been assigned to the concessionaire of this application, has proposed that a contact to supply the voltage from the main assembly to a charging apparatus and a contac to supply a voltage from the main assembly to the device. developer, they are placed adjacent to the same side co to resist a driving force. In this structure, the photosensitive drum is connected to ground through a flech of the drum. With this structure, when the process cartridge is inserted into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus along a shaft of the photosensitive drum, the mechanical connection for driving transmission and electrical connection between the main assembly and the process cartridge, are safely established. These structures are practically very effective in the case of a process cartridge moving in a direction along the axis of the photosensitive drum to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Japanese Patent Application Number 4253/1988 under the name of the concessionaire of this application has proposed a process cartridge having a mechanical drive receiving portion adjacent to one end in a direction almost perpendicular to a direction of movement of the carrying member of images, and an electrical contact adjacent to or end. With this structure, the influence of the mechanical driving portion to the electrical contact can be reduced and, therefore, is practically effective. The present invention provides an additional improvement <; nal SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A principal object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image-forming apparatus capable of forming images of superior quality. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus wherein the size of the process cartridge is reduced, and where the size of the image forming apparatus is reduced. A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved process cartridge and an image forming apparatus. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge of an image forming apparatus capable of securely establishing an electrical contact with a main assembly, when the process cartridge is mounted on the main assembly of an apparatus. image maker A further object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge of an imaging apparatus in which the influence of a driving transmission portion on an electrically conductive member is reduced. A further object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus, in which the possibility of damage to an electrical contact can be avoided. A further object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus in which the distance of the electrical installation of the previously conducting member to develop polarization and an electrically conductive member for charge polarization can be reduced. .

A further object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an imaging apparatus, which simplifies the electrical power supply system for the process cartridge, and the structure of the electrical contacts is not influenced. easily by the assembly operation of the process cartridge, while reducing the size and cost of the process cartridge and the image forming tool. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a bias voltage application of revealing developer medium, a bias voltage application d charging to the charging means and an electrical ground connection member carrying images, can be carried With it, it is possible to ensure a high quality of the image. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductive member for supplying the developing polarization voltage and an electrically conductive member for grounding are provided adjacent to the same end portion of the image carrying member in a direction almost perpendicular to a direction of movement of the image-carrying member, and an electrically-co-operative member for supplying the charge bias voltage provides adjacent to the opposite side. Due to this structure, mutual influence can be reduced. - to- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a drive transmission mechanism is placed adjacent the opposite end and therefore, the influence of the drive transmission portion and the electrically conductive members can be reduced. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the positions of the contacts with the electrically conductive members of the main assembly are placed r such that they do not overlap in the assembly direction of the process cartridge relative to the main assembly. of image forming apparatus. Correspondingly, the contact position of the conductor member is not damaged by assembly in the process cartridge. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an electrically conductive member for supplying the developing bias voltage is provided I adjacent to the developing means, and an electrically conducting member for supplying a charging bias voltage s provides adjacent to the cleaning medium. Consequently, the distance of the electrical installation can be reduced. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon taking into account the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention which is taken together with the accompanying drawings.

- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a sectional view of a laser printer, an exemplary mode of an image forming apparatus showing its general structure containing a process cartridge. Figure 2 is an oblique external view of a laser printer. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge illustrated in Figure 1. • Figure 4 is an oblique external view of the process card. Figure 5 is an oblique external view of the process card, as seen from the bottom side. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the process cartridge, which is being separated in the upper and lower frames. Figure 7 is an oblique internal view of the lower frame. Figure 8 is an oblique internal view of the upper frame. Figure 9 is a sectional view of a photosensitive drum. Figure 10 illustrates the bridle gear portion fixed to one of the portions of the photosensitive drum. Figure 11 is an oblique view of a ground contact of the drum. Figure 12 is an oblique view of the ground contact of a drum. Figure 13 is a partial cut-away view of the end portion of the photosensitive drum, showing a fashion comprising a contact with drum ground without branching arm. Figure 14 is a sectional view of the modality comprising the earth contact of the drum without branch arm. Figure 15 is an enlarged oblique view of the area adjacent the axis of the drum. Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of an operation for removing an axle from the drum from the frame. Figure 17 is an enlarged side view of a loading roller and the adjacent essential components. Figure 18 is an amplified front view of a loading roller and the adjacent essential components. Figure 19 is an oblique view of a load roller bearing. Figure 20 is a sectional view of the process cartridge, along a line - of Figure 3. Figure 21 is a sectional view of the process cartridge, along a line B-B in Figure 3. Figure 22 illustrates the relationship of the position in the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve, and of a method for pressing the developing sleeve. Figures 23 (a) and 23 (b) are a cross section in a line AA-A and a cross section in a line BB-BB, in Figure 22. 'Figure 24 illustrates the way in which a bearing slides of conventional sleeve. Figure 25 illustrates the coupling between the developer sleeve and a sleeve gear. Figure 26 is an oblique view of a puta wave of a receiving sheet. Figure 27 illustrates the methods for gluing the receiving sheet. Figure 28 illustrates the methods for gluing the receiving sheet. Figure 29 is an oblique view of the receiving sheet. Figure 30 illustrates a method for gluing the receiving sheet. Figure 31 illustrates the state of contact between a support member of a cleaning sheet and a rib pro seen in the upper frame. Figure 32 illustrates the state of contact between a support member of a cleaning sheet and a pro-portioned rib in the upper frame. Figure 33 is a curved of normal distribution of the average diameters of the dye. Figure 34 illustrates an amount of ho invasion and graduation angle or sheet adjustment. Figure 35 is a diagrammatic illustration of a method for measuring the contact pressure of the sheet. Figure 36 is a table showing the relationship between sheet pressure and the average particle diameter of the dye. Figure 37 is an internal plan view of the lower frame. Figure 38 is an internal plan view of the upper board. Figure 39 illustrates the manner in which the lower surface of the lower panel is used to guide a recording medium. Figure 40 is an oblique view of a shutter mechanism. Figure 41 is an external side view of the process cartridge. Figure 42 is an external bottom view of the process card. Figures 43 (a) and 43 (b) are a plan view of an arrow tension member of the shutter, and an oblique view of it. Figure 44 is an external top view of the process card. Figure 45 illustrates the manner in which the visible drum is assembled to the latter. Figure 46 illustrates the adhesion of the dye to the end portions of the developing sleeve. Figure 47 illustrates the molded configuration of the mounting surface of the developer sleeve. Figure 48 is a sectional view of a modalid in which a developing sheet and a cleaning sheet are stuck Figure 49 is a plan view of the seal members positioned at the end portions of the cleaning sheet. Figure 50 illustrates the relationship between the seal member placed in the end portions of the cleaned sheet, and the photosensitive drum. Figure 51 illustrates the condition of the lubricant re-dressed on the seal members positioned in the end portion of the cleaning sheet. Figure 52 is a plan view of the seal members positioned at the end edges of the revealing sheet. 1 - . 1 - Figure 53 illustrates the configuration of the member d > seal placed on one end of the developing sheet. Figure 54 is a schematic drawing to show the locations where the guide members are fixed when the photosensitive drum is assembled in the frame. Figure 55 is a sectional view of the drum guide member positioned at one end of the blade blade member. Figure 56 schematically illustrates the lubricant on the contact surface between the cleaning sheet and the photosensitive board. Figure 57 illustrates the manner in which the photosensitive drum bearing and the sleeve of the developing sleeve are fused to the frame. Figure 58 illustrates the manner in which a covered film having a break tape is pasted through the dye storage opening. Figure 59 is an enlarged sectional view of a seal member affixed to the area through which the break tape is removed. Figure 60 (a) and 60 (b) are a diagram for an assembly-board line of the process cartridge, and a diagram for a line (b) of disassembly-cleaning of the process cartridge.

Figure 61 illustrates the manner in which the process cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus. Figure 62 illustrates the manner in which the process cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus. Figure 63 illustrates the manner in which the process cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus. Figure 64 illustrates the manner in which the process cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus. Figure 65 illustrates the status of the position of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus. Figure 66 is a diagram of the position for the wiring and the electrical contacts, which are fixed to the photosensitive drum. Figure 67 illustrates the forces exerted on the process pipe. Figure 68 illustrates a moment of rotation around a projection on the side of the process cartridge. Figure 69 illustrates the status of the process cartridge when a top cover is opened. Figure 70 illustrates how top and bottom frames are separated. Figure 71 is a plan view and a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the flange gear attached to one end of the photosensitive drum.

Figure 72 is a schematic sectional view of alternative embodiments of the drum shaft in accordance with the present invention. Figure 73 is an oblique view of the alternative modes of the sliding bearing according to the present invention. Figure 74 is an oblique view of the alternative modes of the sliding bearing according to the present invention. Figure 75 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 76 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 77 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 78 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 79 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 80 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 81 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 82 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 83 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning means in accordance with the present invention. Figure 84 illustrates an alternative embodiment comprising an interlocking or latching mechanism for locking the shutter mechanism in the open state. Figure 85 is an oblique view of an image forming apparatus comprising an alternative embodiment of a pressure structure based on the shutter mechanism and a process cartridge for this apparatus. Figure 86 is an oblique view of the image forming apparatus comprising an alternative embodiment of a pressure structure based on the shutter mechanism and process cartridge for this apparatus. Figure 87 is a plan view and a latitudinal view of the alternative embodiment of the pressure structure based on the shutter mechanism, illustrating the initial stage of installing the cartridge in the image forming apparatus. Figure 88 is a plan view and a latitudinal view of the alternative embodiment of the pressure structure based on the shutter mechanism, illustrating the stage at which the main assembly of the cartridge has been removed from the box. Figure 89 is a plan view of a mechanism of the lever for locking or closing the alternative mode of the pressure structure based on the shutter mechanism. Figure 90 illustrates the positions of the lever d locking or closing in the alternative mode of the pressure structure based on the shutter mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Modality 1 Referring to the drawings, a process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and an image forming apparatus comprising this proc cartridge will be described in more concrete terms.

(General Description of the Process Cartridge and the Image Forming Apparatus Comprising the Process Cartridge) First, the overall structure of the image forming apparatus will be described. Figure 1 is a sectional view of a laser printer comprising a trial cartridge, illustrating its general structure. Figure 2 is an oblique external view of this laser printer. Referring to Figure 1, this image forming apparatus A comprises an interchangeable process cartridge B which is placed in a car-installation space 2. tucho, inside a main set 1 of the device. The process cartridge comprises an image-carrying member and at least one processing means. Within the main assembly of the apparatus, an optical system 3 is placed in the upper section, and a cassette 4 is placed in the space of the cassette installation placed in the bottom. The optical system 3 projects the light beam carrying the information of the image formation that is provided by an external or seeding apparatus, to the image carrying member within the process cartridge B, and the cassette 2 retains the medium of registry. The recording medium inside the cassette 4 is distributed one by one by means of a medium 5 of recording medium. Also within the main assembly of the apparatus, a transfer means 6 is placed in order to be oriented toward the image-bearing member of the installed process cartridge B. The transfer means transfers an image, which is formed on the image-bearing member and it is revealed by a developer (hereinafter called a dye), towards the recording medium. On the downstream side of the transfer means 6 in relation to the direction in which the recording medium is transported, a fixing means 7 is placed, which fixes the image of the dye that has been transferred to the recording medium. . The recording medium in which the dyeing image has been fixed is discharged by the translating means 5 outwardly to a discharge tray 8 placed on the upper portion of the apparatus.

(Image Forming Apparatus) Next, the structure of the image-framing apparatus will be described with respect to the optical system 3, the recording medium conveying means, the transfer medium 6 and the fixing means 7, in this order.

(Optical System) The optical system projects the beam of light that carries information to prepare the image provided by the external device or a similar one, towards the image-bearing member. As shown in Figure 1, it comprises a scanning unit 3e and a mirror 3f, which are placed in the main set 1 of the apparatus wherein the scanning unit 3e cq - comprises a laser diode 3a, a polygonal mirror 3b, a motor 3c scanner, and a 3D image-forming lens. When the signal to form the image is sent by an external equipment such as a computer or word processor, the laser diode 3a emits light in response to the signal to form the image and the imitated light is projected as an image forming beam. , towards the polygonal mirror 3b, which rotates at a high speed by means of the motor 3e scanner. The image-forming beam reflected by the polygonal mirror is projected through the image-forming 3d lens and reflected by the mirror 3f towards the image-bearing member, selectively exposing the surface of the image-bearing member. As a result, a latent image is formed on the image-bearing member in accordance with the information to form images. In this mode, the scanning unit 3e is inclined slightly upwards so that the light beam # transmitted through the lens 3d imager is projected slightly upward toward the mirror 3f. The scanning unit 3e which is the projection means of the beam is provided with a 3g laser shutter that adopts a closed position (position indicated by the double dot chain line in Figure 1) in which it blocks the passage. of the laser beam to prevent the laser beam from escaping involuntarily, and an open position (the position indicated by a solid line in the figure) toward which it is retracted from the closed position to unblock the laser beam passage when the scanner is used .

(Half Carrier of the Registration Medium) i The means 5 of feeding the recording medium to the mint one by one the recording medium contained in the cassette to the image forming station and also to the ba leaves 8 discharge through the medium 7 fixing. The cassette 4 is positioned so as to extend through almost the entire length of the lower portion of the main assembly 1 of the apparatus. It can be pushed towards or removed from the cassette installation space of the main set 1 of the apparatus, by means of a handle 4a, from the front side of the main assembly of the apparatus in the direction indicated by an arrow. The cassette 4 comprises a loading plate 4c which is pressed upwards by means of a spring 4d so as to pivot about an arrow 4b. As the recording medium is mounted on this loading plate 4c, the front end of the recording medium, relative to the direction in which the recording medium is transported, is brought into contact with a separation hook 4e. . After the cassette 4 is installed, the recording medium in the cassette 4 is separated one by one from the upper part and transported outwards from the cassette 4, by roller 5a of rotary pick-up. The recording medium carried outside the cassette 4 is further conveyed through a first reversal blade path comprising an inversion roller 5b, a guide 5c, the roller 5d and the like, to be supplied to the image-forming station Then, the recording medium is fed to a point of its pressure setting formed by the image-bearing member of the transfer roller 6 in the image-forming station. At this pressure clamping point, the image of the dye that has formed on the surface of the imager member is transferred to the recording medium. The recording medium having received the dyeing image guided by a cover guide 5e and supplied to the fixing means 7, wherein the dyeing image is fixed in the recording medium. After passing through the fixing means 7, the recording medium is supplied through a relay 5f to a second reversal path in • bow shape. While passing through this second reversal path 5g, the recording medium is again injected and discharged by a pair of rollers 5h and 5i from a discharge opening 8a, into the discharge tray 8 placed above of the scanner unit 3e and the process cartridge B installed. I The transport path of the recording medium in this mode has the so-called "S" configuration constituted by the first and second investment trajectories. This arrangement not only makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by this apparatus, but also accumulates the recording medium in the discharge tray 8, in the normal numerical order, with its image carrier surface facing downwards.

(Medium of Transfer) - The transfer means 6 transfers the dye image formed in the image-bearing member in the image-forming station to the recording medium. The transfer means 6 of this embodiment comprises a transfer roller 6 as shown in Figure 1. The transfer roller presses the recording medium towards the image-bearing member of the installed process cartridge B. With the recording medium having been pressed towards the image-taking member, it is applied to the transfer roller 6, or voltage having the opposite polarity to that of the dyeing image, whereby the dyeing image on the carrier Images are transferred to the recording medium. The transfer roller 6 is supported by bearing 6a loaded with the pressure of a spring 6b, whereby it is pressed on the image-bearing member. On the side upstream of the transfer roller 6 relative to the conveying direction of the recording medium, there is a guide member 6c, which stabilizes the recording medium as the recording medium enters the attachment point e tre the image carrying member and the transfer roller 6, and at the same time, protects the surface of the transfer roller to prevent the dye from dispersing. After being passed through the fastening point between the image-carrying member and the transfer roller 6, the recording medium is transported in a downward direction maintaining an angle of approximately 20 degrees, relative to the horizontal direction, of so that the member with images can be safely separated. (Fixing Medium) The fixing means 7 fixes the dye image which has been transferred to the recording medium by applying voltage to the transfer roller 6. Its structure is as shown in Figure 1. In the fixing means 7, a reference number 7a designates a heat-resistant film gu member configured as a trough, cross-section of which forms a substantial semi-circle. . At the surface on the underside of this guide member 7a, a ceramic heater 7b of low thermal capacity of a planar plate configuration extending along the approximate longitudinal centerline is placed. In addition around the guide member 7a, a thin cylindrical film (7c) of a heat-resistant resin is loosely placed. This film 7c comprises three layers: a polyimide base film of approximately 50 micrometers in thickness, a primer layer of thickness of approximately 4 micrometers, and a fluorine coating layer of approximately 10 micrometers. The base layer material has a high tensile strength and is of sufficient thickness to withstand the wear stress that is inflicted on the film. This primer layer is made of a mixture of PTFE, PFA, and carbon; therefore, it is electrically conductive. Also on the underside of the guide member 7a a pressure roller 7d is placed in contact with the ceramic heater 7b, with constant pressure being provided by a spring (not shown), and the movie 7c is interposed. In other words, the ceramic heater 7b and the pressure roller 7d form a fixing fastening point, the film 7c being interposed. The pressure roller 7d comprises a metallic core, and a soft silicone rubber, the silicone rubber is fluorine coated on its peripheral surface. •? The ceramic heater 7b generates heat when electricity is supplied, and is controlled to maintain a predetermined fixing temperature, by means of a temperature control system of a central control portion. The pressure roller 7d is rotated in the left-hand direction as indicated by an arrow in Figure 1, at a predetermined peripheral speed. As the pressure roller 7d is rotationally driven, the cylindrical film 7c rotates in a clockwise direction at a predetermined peripheral speed around the film guide member 7a, as indicated by the arrow mark in Figure 1, I give the friction between the roller 7d and the film 7c, through the fixing fixing point, remaining tight A mind in contact with and sliding on the surface faces downwardly of the ceramic heater 7b. After having undergone the process of transferring images, the recording medium is supplied to the fixing means 7, from where it is guided by a guide 7f to the fixing fixing point formed between the controlled ceramic heater 7b. in temperature and pressure roller 7. At the fixing clamping point, the recording medium is fed between the cylindrical film 7c which is being rotationally driven, and the pressure roller 7d, is made through the clamping point together with the film so as to be laminated together , remaining pressed tightly towards the surface facing downwardly of the ceramic heater 7, the film 7c being interposed. While passing through the fixing fastening point, the dyeing image not fixed in the recording medium receives, through the film 7c, the heat of the ceramic heater 7b, whereby the dyeing image It is thermally fixed in the recording medium. After leaving the fastening attachment point, the recording medium stops from the surface of the rotating film 7c, is guided by an output guide 7g, is further transported by the relay 5f, is passed to through the second path 5g of reversal sheet and discharged to the discharge tray by the pair 5h and 5i of discharge rolls.

(Process Cartridge) Next, the structures of different portions of process cartridge B to be installed in the image forming apparatus A will be described. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge, showing its structure. Figure 4 is an oblique external view of the process card. Figure 5 is an oblique external view of the process cartridge, as seen with the bottom side facing upwards. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the process cartridge that has been separated into upper and lower portions. Figure 7 is oblique internal view of the lower half of the cartridge. Figure 8 is an oblique internal view of the upper half. i.1 This process cartridge B comprises an imager member and at least one processing means. For example, for the processing means there is a loading means for loading the surface of the image-carrying member, a developing means for forming a dyeing image of the image-holding means, a cleaning means for cleaning the residual dye of the image. surface of the member carrying images or the like. The process cartridge B of this modality comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 9 as the image carrier member, a charging member 10, a medium 12 developer containing the tincture (developer) and the member 13 cleaner, wherein the photosensitive drum 9 is surrounded by the rest of the processing means as shown in Figures 1 and 3. These processing means are contained entirely in a housing constituted of the upper frame members 14 and 15. and lower, thus forming an interchangeable cartridge that can be installed in or brought from the main unit 1 of the apparatus. In the upper frame or frame member 14, the loading med 10, an exposure means 11, and the dyeing storage of the developer means 12 are contained as shown > r in Figures 6 and 8, and in the lower frame or frame member 15, are contained the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12 of the developer means 12, and the cleaning means 13, co shown in Figures 6 and 7 Then, the structures of the different portions of the process cartridge B will be described in detail with reference to the photosensitive drum 9, loading means 10, the exposure means 11, the revolving means 12 and the cleaning means 13, in this order. ., (Photosensitive Drum) / < Photo-sensitive Drum Structure) The photosensitive drum 9 of this embodiment is 24 millimeters in external diameter and comprises a member 9a of electrically conductive base made of an aluminum cylindrical piece of approximately 0.8 millimeter thickness, and an organic semiconductor (OPC) coated as the photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface of the electrically conductive base member 9a. The photosensitive drum 9 is rotated # for an imaging operation by means of the pulse force transmitted to a flange gear fixed on an extrusion of the drum 9, from a drive motor not illustrated where the other drum end 9 is open. This open end of the drum 9 is supported by a bearing 16a of the bearing member 16. < Flange Gear > The flange gear comprises two gears, a helical gear 9cl placed on the outward side and a straight gear 9c2 placed on the inward side, and fixed on the end (driving side) of the light-sensitive drum 9, with respect to the which the means of registration is transported. This flange gear 9c is molded integrally of plastic material by injection molding. As to the material for the flange gear 9c, polyacetal having slip properties in this embodiment is used, but regular polyacetal or fluorinated polycarbonate can be used. With respect to the flange gear 9c, the helical gear 9cl on the outward side and the gear 9c2 recto on the inward side have different diameters, and in this case, the diameter of the helical gear 9cl helical on the side external is larger than that of the e - - 9c2 granage straight on the inner side. Also, the helical 9cl gear is wider and has a greater number of teeth than the straight gear 9c2; therefore, even when a heavy load is odd on the flange gear 9c2, the impelling force of the main assembly can be reliably transmitted to rotate the photosensitive drum 9, and also, to make the gear engaged with this gear stably rotate. 9c, transmitting a large driving force. The straight gear 9c2 is engageable with a gear that is provided in the main set to transmit the driving force to rotate the transfer roller The data of the exemplary gears are given below. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples. (1) External diameter of the helical 9cl gear (zl): approximately 28.9 millimeters (2) External diameter of the gear 9c2 straight (z2): approximately 26.1 millimeters (3) Width of the gear tooth 9cl helical (z3): approximately 7.7 millimeters ( 4) Width of gear tooth 9c2 straight (z4): approximately 4.3 mm (5) Number of gear teeth 9cl helical (z5) 33 [6) Number of gear teeth 9c2 straight (z6) - - (7) Helical 9cl gear module (z7): 0.8 (8) Helical 9c2 gear module (z8): 0.8 (9) 7 Propeller angle and direction of helical gear 9cl: right, 14.6 ° As stated above, the flange gear comprises two gears 9cl and 9c2 placed side by side and made of plastic material by injection molding, having recessed below the bottom of the tooth; therefore, the flange gear 9c is weak against a force exerted in the radial direction, being able to form by means of the load imparted thereon, as far as the driving force is transmitted. Therefore, in order to prevent this deformation, a reinforcing member 9c4 is snapped into the recessed portion 9c3 of the flange gear 9c. The reinforcement member 9c3 is preferred to press fit to the recessed portion 9c3 of the outer periphery as well as the inner periphery. In accordance with a test carried out by this in ventor, the degree of press fit is preferred to be grad within the scale of 0 to 50 micrometers. This is because the diameter of the circle of the gear point expands or a similar problem occurs, when the condition of pressure adjustment is greater than that within the previously mentioned scale and also because a lesser condition than here - - The aforementioned scale is not effective in increasing the strength of the gear. It has been confirmed by a test that the irregularity of passage, which appears in the image corresponding to the drum gear pa (flange gear 9c) can be eliminated by press fitting the reinforcing member 9c4 in the recessed portion 9c3 of the flange gear 9c. Next, as the means for fixing the flange gear 9c in the photosensitive drum 9, the photosensitive drum 9 and the flange 9c are connected by flanging the edge of the photosensitive tam 9a in a portion 9al (two locations) to a slot 9c5. of the flange gear 9c, by means of a special tool. In this embodiment, beading is performed in two locations, but the number of beading locations is not limited to two. The essential thing is that the two components must fix one another firmly enough to overcome the load imparted in the flange gear 9c. Adopting is fixation means, the former fixing means which is rather unreliable due to the use of glue or rubber, can be replaced by the most reliable mechanical fixing means. <; Earth Contact for the Drum > Referring to Figure 9, the sensitive photo drum 9 of this mode is connected to ground by placing an electrically conductive ground contact 18a in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the drum 9. This ground contact 18a is placed in order to put into contact the photosensitive drum on the upper inner surface and on the opposite side to which the flange gear 9c is fixed. The ground contact 18a is made of an electrically conductive material such as a stainless steel spring material, a phosphor-bronze spring material or the like, and is fixed to a carrier member 16 which rotatably holds the photosensitive drum 9 in the side on which the drum is driven. Describing its structure in a more specific manner, referring to Figure 11, holes 18a2 are cut through a base 18al for snap fit around a flange that is provided in the carrier member 16. The base extends towards two arms 18a3, at the end of each of which a hemispherical projection is provided. These projections are placed in different locations of their arms and project towards the rear side of Figure 11. Since the carrier member 16 is fixed to the photosensitive door 9, the projections 18a4 of this ground contact 18 are pressed on the inner surface of the photosensitive member by the elastic force of the arms 18a3. Having two or more locations (two in this mode) in which contact is made with the photosensitive drum 9, the reliability of the ground contact 18a is improved and likewise, the formation of the semi-spherical projections 18a4 as the actual touch points stabilizes additionally the contact between the photosensitive drum 9 and the contact point 18a. In the case of the ground contact 18a, which are described below, the lengths of the arms 18a3 ig only the locations of the laser projections 18a4 are different, but instead of the lengths the arms 18a3 of the ground contact 18a can be changed as shown in Figure 12. This arrangement causes the contact points between the projections 18a4 to be fierce and the photosensitive drum 9 to move from one another to the circumferential direction; therefore, even when a small or similar perfection extends towards the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9, in the longitudinal direction of the drum 9, it does not happen that both semi-spherical projections 18 run into the imperfection at the same time. As a result, the photosensitive drum 9 is connected to the ground, even with the highest reliability. However, in the case of the last position, the difference in the length of the arm causes the amount of deformation of the arm to be different between the two arms 18a3, thus causing the contact pressure to be different between the two contact points where the projections 18a4 contact the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9, but this can be easily corrected by differentiating the angle of flexion or bending between the arms 18a3.

- - As described above, the ground contact 18a of this embodiment has two arms 18a3, but the number of arms 18a3 may be three or more, or just u (unbranched) as shown in Figures 13 and 14, as long as the ground contact 18a contacts reliably the photosensitive drum 9. In addition, you can use an earth contact 18a that does not have this projection or semi-spherical projections as described above. When the contact pressure with which the contac * 18a of earth is brought into contact with the internal surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is too weak, the hemispherical projection 18a4 can not follow the microscopic irregularities on the inner surface of the photosensitive drum, having the possibility of causing contact failure, and also, having the possibility of generating noises by vibrating the arm 18a3. In order to avoid this contact failure and vibration noise, the contact pressure should be increased but unless F the contact pressure is increased appropriately, the inner surface of the drum is deteriorated or marked by the hemispherical projection 18a4 while the image forming apparatus is operated for a prolonged tender period. Then, as the hemispherical projection 18a4 marches over the marks created in this way, vibration is generated which sometimes causes contact failure or vibration noise.

Taking these factors into account, the tactile pressure between the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 and the drum ground contact 18a is preferred to be graded within the range of 10 to 200 grams. According to a test carried out by this inventor, when the contact pressure was 10 grams or less, there was a possibility that contact failure would occur as the photosensitive drum 9 rotated, generating electromagnetic waves interfering with the other electronic devices. , and when the device was used • Imaging for a prolonged period of time, with a pressure of 200 grams or more, the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9 was marked where ground contact 8a slid, having the possibility of causing strange noise or contact failure as the photosensitive drum rotated. There are cases in which, due to the condition of the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9, the noise or fact • Similar respects can not be completely eliminated. However, marks or scars or contact failure can be prevented more safely, by applying electrically conductive grease to the inner surface of the drum, in the areas where the ground contact 18a is made. As for the location of the contact when the ground contact 18a contacts the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 9, it is preferred that it be on the upper side (almost diametrically opposite to the transfer roller 6) of the inner surface of the drum 9, as shown in Figure 3. This is due to the fact that as it drives the photosensitive drum 9, a force directed towards the transfer roller 6 is imparted and this force has been able to move by the amount of tolerance (or wear) towards the transfer roller 6. Therefore, the contact between the two components becomes more reliable by locating the ground contact 18a in order to contact the upper side of the inner surface of the drum. < Drum shaft > Referring to Figure 9, the sensitive photo drum 9 is rotatably supported by a metal tamper shaft 9d on the driven side and by a bearing 16a i of the carrier member 16 on the non-driven side. Then, with reference to Figure 15, the axis 9d of the drum is pressurized in the cutout hole 15s in the lower frame 15 housing the photosensitive drum 9, with a press fit condition of not more than 47. micrometers, and then, it is inserted into the shaft hole of the flange gear 9c fixed on the end of the photosensitive drum 9, thereby rotatingly holding the drum 9. By snapping the drum shaft 9d into the hole 15s of the The shaft of the lower shaft 15, the drum 9 can be held without using a machine screw to fix the shaft 9d of the drum in the frame. lower. Therefore, this provision has the disadvantages • Tables that the lower frame 15 does not become non-recyclable due to the fact that the screw hole of the machine to fix the drum shaft has become too large also that the tolerance of the shaft 9d of the drum can be reduced so that the photosensitive drum 9 can be rotated more evenly in order to produce more accurate images, ie, images of superior quality. On one of the end surfaces of the axis 9d of the process B), a screw hole 9dl is drilled, which makes it possible to remove the pressed drum shaft 9d when the process cartridge B is separated during recycling. The material for the drum shaft 9 can be either metal or plastic The screw hole 9dl has a female thread, is drilled in parallel with respect to the orientation of the shaft 9d, is positioned approximately in the center of the end surface of the • axis 9d. Referring to Figure 16, an example of operation to extract the shaft 9d from the drum from the lower frame 1 will be described below. An extraction tool 19 for removing the shaft 9d from the drum comprises a flange 19a having an external diameter of approximately 4 mi., A weight 19b having an external diameter of approx. 40 millimeters and a thickness of approximately 10 millimeters, and a plug 19a2 having an external diameter of * approximately 4 10 millimeters, wherein the arrow 19a is threaded at one end 19al, passed through the central hole cut in the weight 19b, and fixed to the plug 19a2 at the other end. Screwing the threaded portion 19 of this extraction tool 19 into the hole 9dl of the axle screw 9d of the drum which has been press fit into the lower duad 15, and then pushing the weight 19b several times against the plug 19a2, the shaft 9d of the drum can be easily extracted from the lower frame 15. The threaded portion 19 is cut with the male thread so that it can be screwed into the screw hole 9dl with the female thread. In this embodiment, the screw hole to be used when disassembling the cartridge during recycling will be described with reference to a case in which the screw hole is drilled in the drum shaft which snaps into the hole of the drum. cartridge box. The perforation of the hole is not limited to this case only; instead, this hole can be punctured in other members that will snap in so that they can be easily removed. (Medium Load)? < Structure of the Medium of Charge > The charging means is for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 9. In this embodiment, the so-called contact loading method such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 149669/1988 is the one used. More specifically, referring to Figure 3, a loading roller 10 is rotatably held within the upper frame 14 by a sliding bearing 10c. The loading roller 10 comprises an arrow 10b of the metal roller (electrically conductive metal core made of steel), SUS, or a similar material), a layer of elastic rubber (made of EPDM, NBR or a similar material) laminate the arrow 10b of the roller, and a layer of urethane rubber with dispersed carbon laminated above the elastic rubber layer, or comprises a metal roller arrow 10b and a layer of foamed urethane rubber with dispersed carbon coated on the arrow 10b of the roller. The sliding bearing 10c which rotatably holds the arrow 10b of the roller of the loading roller 10 is retained by a guide pin 14n of the slide bearing in such a way as to allow it to slide lightly towards the photosensitive drum (Figure 17). b)) without falling (Figure 1 17 (a)). In addition, the sliding bearing 10c which rotatably supports the arrow 10b of the roller is pressed by spring 10a towards the photosensitive drum 9, whereby the charging roller 10 remains in contact with the photosensitive drum surface 9. <Sliding Distance of the Load Roller > As described above, the charging roller 10 remains in contact with the surface of the freezing drum 9 by which it rotates following the rotation of the drum as the drum 9 is driven. When the photosensitive drum 9 is driven by a force transmitted from a drive motor not illustrated, the drum 9 is forced towards the transfer roller. In other words, the sensitive drum 9 is moved slightly in the direction away from the loading roller 10. More specifically, the sensitive drum 9 f moves more on the non-driven side than on the driven side, even though by means of an extremely small amount. When this occurs, the amount of the distance by which the charge roller 10 slides in the radial direction towards the photosensitive drum 10 fails some time to remain in accordance with the amount of distance by which the 9 photosensitive drum, causing the photosensitive drum and the loading roller to separate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance that it allows for the load roller 9 to slide towards the photosensitive side 9 in the radial direction, is graded to be greater in comparison with that for the previous one. In addition, the amount of sliding of the loading roller 10 in the radial direction is differentiated between its longitudinal left-right sides; more specifically, the sliding distance for the sliding bearing 10c on the non-driven side (power supply side) is graded to be greater than that on the driven side (non-power supply side). In this embodiment, with reference to Figure 17, the beta amount of slip for each slide pack 10c for the load roller 10 is graduated to be approximately 1.5 millimeters on the unimputed side, and approximately 1.0 millimeter on the the driven side Likewise, in this embodiment, the slip amount beta for each sliding bearing 10 on the driven or non-driven side is graduated by changing, i.e. shortening the distance between the intermediate point to the stop surface 10c3. In other words, when the loading roller 10 is inserted into the upper frame 14, the allowable amount of movement of the loading screw 10 in the direction (radial direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the loading roller 10 is selected. differently between one side and the other side of the loading roller 10. < Sliding Cojt > The charging roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 9 are positioned more or less angularly with respect to each other due to the tolerance of the related components including the components such as the upper box in which they are installed. Therefore, when the photosensitive drum rotates, the loading roller 10, the rotation of which is subordinate to that of the photosensitive drum 9, is subjected to a thrust directed in the axial direction, a side being pushed in this way.; therefore, the arrow 10b of the roller sometimes comes up against the side of the upper frame 14, whereby the stop portion is subordinated by friction. Also, during the loading of the cartridge, the arrow 10b of the roller of the loading roller 10 comes up against the side wall of the cartridge. 14 superior, due to the derivation or similar factors, whereby sometimes the top portion deteriorates presents scar marks. When these incidents occur the arrow 10b of the roller, of the loading roller 10b occasionally hangs on the shaved or scarred portion which causes contact between the charging roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 10. As a result, defective images are produced. In addition, cartridges that have been shaved or cured may not be recyclable. Therefore, in order to simplify the process for correcting the defects of the cartridge frames during recycling manufacture, a thrust regulating means is formed integrally to regulate the force directed in the axial direction of the loading roller 10, with the sliding bearing 10 rotatably holding the arrow 10b of the roller once placed in the upper frame 14. In other words a plug 10c! similar to a key is formed integrally, co - - the thrust regulating means, with each of the sliding bearings 1 as shown in Figures 18 and 19. In this embodiment, the sliding bearing 10c, on the power supply side (Figure 19 (b)) is formed of an electrically conductive resin material containing a large amount of filler or carbon filler, and that on the non-energy side (Figure 19 (a)) is formed of a non-conductive material such as polyacetal (POM) ). Furthermore, in order to prevent the hook 14n of the sliding guiding of the sliding bearing 10c from being damaged when the process cartridge is dropped, or in a similar situation, and the hook 14 and the bearing 10c are subjected to a force in the pushing direction much greater than that to which the loading roller 9 is subjected when the photo-responsive drum 9 is driven, the suspended members 14p projecting downwardly from the upper frame 14 provide the outward sides of the sliding bearings 10 c relation to the thrust direction. All that is required to assemble the loading roller 1 in the upper frame 14 is first to make the guide bearing 14 of the sliding bearing hold the sliding bearing 10c, with the spring 10a being interposed and then adjust the arrow 10b of the roller of the roller 10 d load on the sliding bearing 10c. As this upper frame 14 combines with the lower frame 15, the loading roller 10 is pressed onto the photosensitive drum 9 shown in Figure 3. < Voltage Applied to the Load Roller > During the imaging operation, the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is uniformly loaded by applying to the charging roller 10 which is rotated by rotating the photosensitive drum 9, a co-oscillating voltage by superimposing an alternating current voltage on the tube. direct current. # To accurately describe the voltage applied to the charge roller, the voltage applied to the car-i roller 10 may be a direct current voltage only, but in order to uniformly change the photosensitive drum 9 a composite oscillating voltage is preferred superimposing an ac voltage on the direct current voltage. More preferably, charge uniformity can be improved by applying an oscillating voltage to the charge roller 9. • composite overlaying an alternating current voltage, which has a peak-to-peak voltage of more than twice the initial load voltage at which the load begins when a direct current voltage is applied only on the current voltage. direct (Japanese Patent Number 149669/1988) Here, an oscillating voltage means a voltage, the value d which changes periodically with respect to time, and it is preferred that there is a peak-to-peak voltage of more than twice the initial charge voltage to which the surface of the photosensitive drum begins to charge when a direct current voltage is applied only. Your waveform is not limited to a sinusoidal waveform; instead of this, it may be in the form of a rectangular waveform, a tri-angular waveform or a pulse waveform. However, from the perspective view of charge noise, a sinusoidal waveform that does not contain high-frequency components is preferable. The oscillating voltage also includes a voltage having a rectangular waveform formed by spinning a power source periodically. direct current for connection and connection, or a similar voltage. < Energy Supply Path to the Loading Roller > Then, a path of energy supply to the loading roller 10 will be described. Referring to FIG. 18, an end portion 18cl of an electrically conductive charge popping contact 18c is pressed into the electrically conductive charge bias contact pin on the main set side of the apparatus, where the other end of this load polarization contact 18c is brought into contact with a spring 10a. The spring 10a is in contact with the sliding bearing 10c having the rotating end (energy supply side) of the arrow 10b of the roller. The energy is supplied from the loading roller 9, through a path established in a manner described above. As described above, the sliding bearing 10c on the power supply side of the loading roller 10 is formed of an electrically conductive resin material containing a large amount of a filler or filler material. carbon; therefore, polarization loading can reliably be applied through the energy supply path described above. (Exposure Medium) An exposure medium 11 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 that has been uniformly charged by the charging roller 10, with a light beam of an optical system 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upper frame 14 is provided with an aperture Ia to allow the laser beam reflected by the mirror 3f to project towards the photosensitive drum 9. (Revealing Medium) t. < Structure of the Revealing Medium > Referring to Figure 3, the revealing means 12 to form the dyeing image with the use of the magnetic dye has the dye storage 12a for storing the dye (toner) and in the dyeing storage 12a, a mechanism is provided 12b dye feed to feed the dye. The dye fed from the dyeing station 12a forms a layer of thin dyeing on the surface of a developing sleeve 12d containing an image of the roller having multiple magnetic poles as the developing sleeve 12d is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. While forming the dye layer on the developing sleeve 12d, the dye is charged triboelectrically by friction between the dyeing and the developing sleeve 12d, as well as the developing sheet 12e, to reveal the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 9. The developer sheet 12e for regulating the thickness of the dyeing layer is fixed to the lower frame 15 in order to hold down on the surface of the developing sleeve 12d with a predetermined pressure. < Revealing Sheet > As for the construction of the developer sheet, a sheet in the form of a plate cut from a flexible material such as polyurethane or silicone rubber is glued on a support member 12 made of metal plate, and the support member 12e is fixed, with a screw 12e2, in the fixing assembly of the lower frame 15, being placed in a prismatic manner so that the developing sheet 12e rubs the reflective sleeve with a predetermined pressure. < Dye Feeding Mechanism > Referring to Figure 13, the dye feed mechanism 12 feeds the dye as the arm 12b2 is oscillated back and forth around the arrow 12b3, and in this way, a feed member 12bl connected to the arm 12b2 is moved backwards in the direction indicated by an arrow B along the bottom surface of the dye storage 12b. The feeding member 12bl, the arm 12b2 and the arrow 12b3 are made of polypropylene (PP), styrene of acrylonitrile (ABS) polystyrene of high impact resistance (HIPS), or a similar material, wherein the arm 12 and the arrow 12b3 are formed entirely. The feed member 12b is a member similar to a rod having an essentially triangular cross-section and extending in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum 9. Several of the feed members 12b are connected together to form an integral component for sweeping the entire lower surface of the dyeing 12a. The date 12b3 is formed entirely with a pair of; < "arm members 12b2, with each arm member 12b2 projecting downwardly from the arrow 12b3, at a location at a certain distance away in the longitudinal direction of the arrow 12b3 from the respective side wall of the storage - 9 - 12a dyeing (Figure 20). In this embodiment, the arm members 12b2 are placed at not less than 15 millimeters away from the respective side walls of the dyeing storage 12a, so that the dyeing in the dye storage 12a can not be consolidated in the narrow spaces between the walls laterals and arm members 12b2. Further, when the dyeing station 12a has been filled entirely with the dye, the dyeing strength against the dyeing member 12bl or the brazing member 12b2 is large, and the arrow 12b3 sometimes twists through the resistance, but by shortening the distance by the arm members 12b2, the torsion of the arrow 12b2 is reduced. One end of the arrow 12b3 around which the arm members 12b2 oscillate is passed through the lateral network of the dyeing station 12a and connected to a rotatingly supported transmission member 17 and the other end is also rotationally held. by the lower portion of a slot 12al in "U" configuration within dye storage 12a, while preventing p > means of a rib 12f2 that the cover member 12f is lifted (Figure 20). The transmission member 17 is constructed so as to be coupled with the transmission means for transmitting a driving force when the process cartridge B is installed in the image forming apparatus A. The transmission means 17 transmits the driving force to oscillate the arm member 12b2 around the arrow 12b3, through a predetermined angle. This transmission means 17 will be described above. The feed members 12b and the arm member 12b2 are connected by rotatably coupling a pair of projections 12b4, which are provided spaced apart from one another in u of the feed supply members 12b in location? in the longitudinal direction of the feed member 12b, towards a loaded hole 12b5 cut off in the arm member 12b2. Although not illustrated, the structure described above can be constructed by integrally forming the feeding member and the arm member so that the connection points can be flexed or bent with little resistance. Having a structure as described in the foregoing, as the arm member 12b2 is oscillated through a predetermined angle during the image forming operation, the feed member 12bl oscillates in the indicated direction by the arrow ba lo as the bottom surface of the storage dye 12a as illustrated by a continuous line and a broken line in Figure 3, whereby the stored dye ce - * r ca from the bottom of the storage 12a of dye is conveyed to the developer sleeve 12d. During this time, since the cross-section of the feeding member 12bl has an essentially triangular shape, the dye is transported as it would have been gently scraped by the angled surface of the feeding member 12bl. Therefore, the magnetic dye has the possibility of not being consolidated near the developer sleeve 12d, being transported excessively, or not to run sufficiently having been transported insufficiently. As a result, the dye layer formed on the developer sleeve surface will not be easily damaged. < Cover Member > The portion of the upper opening of the dye store 12a is covered with a sun cover member 12f given to the portion of the opening. On the inner surface d of the upper plate of the cover member 12f, downward projections 12fl are provided as shown in Figure 3 The distance between the lower end of the downward projection 12fl and the lower surface of the storage 12a d the dye is graduated to be slightly larger than the height of the triangular cross section of the dye feed member 12bl. Thus, as the feeding member 12bl rises away from the lower surface of the dyeing station 12a, its movement is regulated by the downward projections 12fl. As a result, the dye feed member 12bl is flushing up and down between the bottom surface of the dyeing station 12a and the downstream projections 12fl, and thus avoiding excessive lifting. <; Impulse Force Transmission Medium > Then, a driving means for transmitting the driving force to the dye feeding mechanism 12 will be described. Figure 20 is a sectional view of cartridge B of the process shown in Figure 3, showing the section along line A-. Figure 21 also a sectional view of the same process cartridge, which in this case shows the cross section along the line B-B. Referring to Figure 20, one end of the arrow 12b3 which is the fulcrum of the dyeing metering mechanism 12b, is passed through the dye storage side wall 12a of the upper frame 14 is connected with the transmission member 17 rotatably held. The transmission member 17 is made of resin material such as polyacetal (POM) or polyamide, which is excellent in sliding properties and which is fixed to the member 14 of the upper frame by the so-called press fit, in such a way that it can freely rotate around the axis of rotation of arrow 12b3. u As soon as the drive force transmission means shown in Figure 21, the helical gear 9cl of the flange bushing 9c fixed to one end of the drum 9 photosensib coupled with the sleeve gear 12g of the shuttle sleeve 12d; the sleeve gear 12g is coupled with a stirring element 20 which is provided with a flange 20a, is formed integrally with the agitation gear 20 and is located on the side surface of the agitation gear 20, a predetermined distance away from the center rotation 20 shaking gear; the flange 20a is coupled with the elongated hole cut in the arm member 17a of the transmission leg 17. With this structural arrangement in place, as the flange gear 9c rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, the agitating gear 20 is rotated through the gear 12g of the sleeve in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, whereby the transmission member 17 is oscillated backwards and forwards by the flange 20a of the agitation gear in the direction indicated by an arrow in the figure, transmitting the driving force to the arrow 12b3 with tada with the transmission member 17 and finally, the dye feed mechanism 12b is driven. < Placement of Agitation Gear > The placement of the axis of rotation of the gear .20 t agitation depends on the manner in which an ee 20b of the agitation gear 20 fits within a slot 15pl in confi-ration of "U" of a rib 15p formed in the frame 15 i ferior. Therefore, all that is needed to improve the coupling accuracy between the agitation gear 20 and the sleeve gear 12g is to precisely form the lower frame 15. The upper side of the shaft 20b of the agitating gear 20 is regulated by a concave guide 14i which is provided below the cut through hole in the upper frame 1 which rotatably supports the transmission member 17. Therefore, as the upper and lower frames 14 15 are combined, the stirring gear 20 is held rotatably and its position is fixed. Having this arrangement, it is unnecessary to prepare a through hole to rotatably have the agitating gear 20, subsequently improving the strength of the cartridge frame. < Revealing Sleeve > Next, the developed sleeve 12d will be formed where the dyeing layer is formed. The revealing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive drum 9 are positioned to face each other with a microspace (approximately 200 micrometers to 300 micrometers) between them. In this embodiment, in order to effect this micro-space, a contact ring 12dl having a larger external diameter by the above-described micro-space than that of the developing sleeve 12 fits into the developing sleeve 12d towards each F axial end of the developer sleeve 12d, outside the scale where the dyeing layer is formed so that the ring 12c 1 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum, outside the scale where the latent image is formed. Here, the position relationship between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developer sleeve 12 will be described. Fig. 22 is a longitudinal section to illustrate the relationship of the position between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developer sleeve 1 and a method for providing a pressure to the developer sleeve 12d. Figure 23 (a) is a cross section taken along line A-A in Figure 22, and Figure 23 (b) is a cross section, taken along line BB-BB in Figure 22. As shown in Figure 22, the reflecting cuff 12d in which the dyeing layer is formed and the photopermeable drum 9 are positioned to be oriented one towards the other with the microspace (approximately 200 micrometers at 40C mi. same. During this time, a tip of the photosensitive drum 9 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 9d, which snaps into an arrow hole 15 in the lower frame or frame 15 and then fits through the arrow hole in the flange gear 9c fixed to one end of the photosensitive drum 9, and the other end is also held rotationally by means of the bearing 16a d member 16 fixedly fixed in the same lower frame 15 The developing sleeve 12d is equipped with the touch ring 12dl having a larger external diameter by means of my croospace described above, towards each axial end d sleeve 12d developer, outside the scale where the dyeing layer is formed, so that the ring 12dl is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum outside the scale in which the latent image is formed. The developing sleeve 12d is rotatably supported by the sleeve bearings 12h and 12i positioned towards the respective axial ends, wherein the bearing 12h of I * sleeve, on one side (non-driven side) is positioned, relative to the axial direction, outside the scale of the formation of the dye layer but inside the contact ring 12dl and the sleeve bearing 12i on the other side (the driven side is placed outside the scale of the formation of the coating layer as well as outside of the contact ring 12dl These sleeve 12h and 12i cushions are fixed in such a manner to the lower frame 15, which can slide slightly in the direction indicated by an arrow in Figure 22. To the projections projecting from the sleeve bearings 12h and 12i a pressure spring 12j is fixed, which is compressed against the wall of the lower frame 15, and thereby generating the pressure to press the developing sleeve 12d towards the tambo 9 fotose nsible, through the provision described in what As a result, the contact ring 12dl can remain in contact with the photosensitive drum 9, reliably maintaining the space between the developing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive drum 9 and also the driving force can be reliably transmitted to the sleeve gear 12d of the 12d reveals sleeve, which is coupled with the flange gear 9c and the helical 9cl gear. < Amount of Glide of the Revealing Cuff > Referring to Figure 24, the direction in which the sleeve bearings 12h and 12i can slide will be described below. To describe it, first, on the driving side of the developing sleeve, when the driving force is transmitted from the driving motor that is provided on the side of the main set of the apparatus to the helical gear 9cl of the flange gear 9c and then from the helical gear 9cl to the sleeve gear 2g, the working pressure is directed away from the tangential line of the gear pitch of the helical gear 9cl and the gear pitch of the 12g sleeve gear, measure the operating pressure angle (20 ° in this mode) Therefore, the operating pressure is directed as indicated by an arrow P in Figure 24 (0 = 20 ° With the structural arrangement described above, this operating pressure is divided into a component Ps and a component Ph, which are parallel and perpendicular to the direction of sliding of the sleeve bearing 12h, respectively, When the sleeve bearing 12h slides in a direction parallel to the straight line connecting the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 9 and that of the developing sleeve 12d, the components Ps parallel to the sliding direction is moving away from the photosensitive drum 9, as shown in Figure 24. Therefore, , the space between the photosensitive drum 9 and the developer sleeve 12d tends to be easily changed # by the operating pressure between the helical gear 9cl of the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12g, whereby dyeing in the revealing sleeve 12d tends to stop moving properly towards the photosensitive drum. This can cause the deterioration of the development operation. Due to the reasons described above, this modality takes into consideration the manner in which • the driving force is transmitted from the coil hel gear 9cl of the flange gear 9c to the sleeve gear 12g and as shown in Figure 23 (a), the direction in which the sleeve bearing 12i on the driven side of the developer sleeve 12d (side where the sleeve gear 1 is fixed) is allowed to slide and be directed as shown by an arrow Q in Figure 23 (a). In other words, an angle ^, which is formed by the direction of the operating pressure P between the helical gear 9cl of the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12g by the sliding direction (direction of the arrow Q) of the bearing 12i of the driven side sleeve is graduated to a slightly larger angle (approximately 92 ° in this mode) than the 90 ° angle. By means of this structural arrangement, the horizontal component Ps of the operating pressure P is essentially reduced to zero; in this modality, the component Ps works to slightly force the developing sleeve 12d towards the photosensitive drum 9. In this case, the pressure imparted to the developer sleeve 12d by the compression spring 12j is increased by an alpha amount of pressure of the spring to maintain a constant space between the photosensitive drum 9 and the revealing sleeve 12d, so that an appropriate revealing operation can be carried out. Next, the sliding direction of the sleeve driver 12h on the non-driven side of the developing sleeve 1 (side where the sleeve gear 12g is not fixed) will be described. Being different from the case in the driven shaft, the non-driven side is subjected to external force therefore the sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12h becomes almost parallel to the straight line which is connected between the centers of the photosensitive drum 9 and the developer sleeve 12d, as shown in Figure 23 (b).

As described above, in this fashion, when the developing sleeve 12d is pressed directly onto the photosensitive drum 9, the position relationship between the developing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive drum 9 can always be kept proper by differentiating the direction in which the developing sleeve 12d is pressed, between the driven side and the non-driven side; therefore, an appropriate revealing operation can be carried out. In addition, the sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12i on the drive side can be made to be essentially parallel to the straight line connecting the centers of the photosensitive drum 9 and the developing sleeve 12d, in the same manner as that of the sleeve bearing 12h. on the side not driven. More specifically, in this embodiment, since they are on the driven side, the component Ps the direction of sliding of the operating pressure P between the flange gear 9c and the sleeve gear 12g works to use the developing sleeve 12d so that move away from the photosensitive drum 9, which is all that is needed to increase the pressure of the compression spring 12j on the driven side by an amount equivalent to the component Ps, compared with that on the non-operating side. Thus, the developer sleeve 12d can be pressed to offset the component Ps. In other words, when the relationship between a pressure Pl imparted to the unintended side of the developer sleeve 12d by the compression spring 12j and a pressure P2 generated by the coil spring 12j on the driven side, select to satisfy u-1 equation: P2 = Pl + Ps, the developer sleeve 12 always receives an appropriate pressure, guaranteeing the appropriate space between the developing sleeve 12d and the photosensitive drum 9. < Projection of the Plug for the Sleeve Bearing > In the upper portion of the sleeve bearing 12i on the driven side of the developing sleeve 12d, a projection 12il and the stopper are provided to prevent the bearing '.' The sleeve 12i slides outward, so that the developer blade 12d is assembled in the apparatus. Since the compression direction of the compression spring 12j and the sliding direction of the sleeve bearing 12i are different, a rotation moment in the right-hand direction of Figur 23 is generated by force of spring 12j of compression, when s join the developer hose 12d; therefore, the project-? The cap 12il is placed in the upper portion of the sleeve CGJÍ-nete 12i to counteract this force. < Strength of the Frame on the Drive Member Side > When the driving force is transmitted to the gear 12g of sleeve, the sleeve gear 12g is subjected to an ascending force (the direction indicated by an arrow P in Figure 23 (a)), whereby the lower frame 15 is subjected to this force through the sleeve bearing 12i; Therefore, there is a possibility that the frame 15 inf riopr is deformed on the side of the impulse member. To eliminate this possibility, the following structure is provided in this mode. To begin with, the lower frame 15 is molded such that the side wall for supporting the drum arrow 9d of the photosensitive drum 9 and the side wall for holding the driven side of the developer sleeve 12, is connected as a single piece as shown in Figure 7, and the portion of the impeller member of the lower frame 15 forms an essentially box configuration (portion on the right hand side of Figure 7), thereby dispersing the im pression in the limb portion. pulsor of the lower frame 15. Secondly, the strength of the molded arm portion in essentially box configuration has been increased by providing a large number of ribs 15p com shown in Figure 21 on the lower surface (the surface subjected to descending force previously mentioned) . Third, the influence of the aforementioned downward force exerted on the lower frame 15 through the sleeve bearing 12i is reduced by placing the sleeve bearing 12i closer to the side wall of the lower frame 15 than the bearing 12 cuff on the other side.

By making the structural arrangement as described above, the strength of the frame of the portion of the drive member of the lower frame 15 in particular the portion corresponding to the driven side of the driving means 12, may be increased. In this modality, all three methods are used but it is not necessary to say that each method can be effective on its own. < Connection of the Sleeve Gear with the Revealing Sleeve Then, a method for connecting the sleeve gear 12g with the developing sleeve 12d will be described. Figure 25 is a schematic drawing to illustrate the manner in which the developing sleeve 12d and the sleeve gear 12g are connected. Referring to Figure 25 (a), a flange 12k of the sleeve at one end (driven side) of the cylindrical developer sleeve 12d having an outer diameter of 12 millimeters is readily adjusted by gumming, beading, pressure adjustment, or similar methods. This flange 12k of the sleeve comprises three differentiated portions in diameter (stepped): a portion 12kl has an outer diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the gate portion 12d2 of the contact ring 12dl, a portion 12k2 having a smaller outer diameter that the outer diameter of the portion 12kl that is rotatably supported by the bearing 12i sleeve, and an adjustment portion 12k3 that is provided with ridges and valleys to fit in the sleeve gear 12g. The length by which the differently sized portion 12kl in diameter of the sleeve flange 12k projects is greater than the thickness of the gate portion 12d2 of the contact ring 12dl; therefore, even after the deflecting sleeve 12d moves in the thrust direction, the sleeve rider 12i is not rubbed in the contact ring 12dl. The diameter of the coupling of the portion 12k2 to the sleeve flange 12k is rotatably supported on the sleeve 12ide rider is about 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters. The adjustment portion 12k3 with ridges and valleys to be fitted on the sleeve gear 12g has a smaller outer diameter by a step than the outer diameter of the portion 12k2 differentiated in diameter and comprises two different portions: the portions 12k5 of valley with a smaller circumferential diameter of 4 millimeters to 5 millimeters and the 12k4 portions of ridge with a circumference diameter larger than that of the valley portion 12k5, projecting in this way from the valley portion 12k5. The projection height of the ridge portion 12k4 of approximately 0. millimeter and its width is approximately 2.0 millimeters, and circumference D of the ridge portion 12k4 and circumference d of the valley portion 12k5 are concentric. The sleeve flange 12k and the sleeve gear 12 are adjusted (H-js adjustment), where the vall portion 12k5 of the adjustment portion 12k3 is selected as the central tightening match location; therefore, there is a set at the location of the 12k4 portion of the crest in the 12k3 portion of adjustment. In addition, the sleeve gear 12g is provided with an adjustment hole 12g2 for coupling with portion 12k3 of the sleeve flange 12k and is also provided with a flange portion 12gl so that the length through which the flange portion 12k3 12k of sleeve fits inside the 12g sleeve gear, it becomes larger than the gear tooth's width. Therefore, the permissible driving force is increased. As for the material for the sleeve flange 12k the aluminum alloy, or a plastic material such as opolyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate, (PBT), polyamide (PA) and the like, can of course be used. As to the material for the sleeve gear 12g, a plastic material such as polyacetal, (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), fluorinated polycarbonate (PC and the like) can be used. two ridge portions in the portion 12k3 in which the flange 12k of the sleeve fits into the sleeve gear 12g, but can obtain the same effect by providing three or four creel portions, in particular, when the sleeve gear 12g is With plastic factory by injection molding, the thickness can be made more uniform by having four valleys; therefore it is easier to improve manufacturing accuracy. Likewise the flange 12k of the sleeve is adjusted in the mating gear 12g to make an adjustable contact in the valley portion 12k5 of the adjusting portion 12k3, but the adjustable contact can be made in the ridge portion 12k4, providing the set in the 12k5 portion of valley. (Cleaner Medium) < Structure of the Cleaning Medium > The cleaning means 13 is for removing the dual dye after the dyeing image on the cylindrical drum 9 has been transferred to the medium recording medium on the transfer medium 6. Referring to FIG. 3, this cleaning means 13 comprises a sheet 13a cleaned to scrape the residual dye on the photosensitive drum 9, a receiving sheet 13 for collecting the scraped dye that is placed under the cleaning sheet 13a as well as being in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum, and a storage container 13c for residual dyeing to store the collected waste dye. < Receiving sheet > Here, the manner in which the sheet 13b re; 'collector is fixed. This receiving sheet 13b is pasted in a supe- Fixation fixture 13d that is provided in the residual dyeing storage 13c, with a double-sided adhesive tape However, the residual dyeing storage 13c is formed by the lower frame 15 and the upper frame 14 which are made of resin material, and its fixing surface 13d is not perfectly flat. Therefore, when the double side adhesive tape 1 sticks to the fixing surface 13d and the receiving sheet 13b simply sticks on this double side adhesive tape 13e, the tip (where it makes contact with the photosensitive drum 9) The receiving sheet 13b is sometimes crimped as indicated by the reference U-code. With the presence of the "U" shaped wave at the tip of the receiving sheet 13b, the receiving sheet 13b does not come into airtight contact with the surface of the sensitive drum 9, thus leaving the scraped tincture reliably collected. by means of the cleaning sheet 13a. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide tension to tip of the receiving sheet 13b in order to prevent the generation of the "U" wave. In other words, the appearance of the "U" wave can be avoided by gluing the receiving sheet 13b while the fixing surface 13b is flexed or flexed electrically by pulling down the fixing surface 13d placed on the inner portion of the tint storage The residual tension, with a traction tool 21, and stopping the traction after gluing the receiving sheet 13b so that tension can be provided to the tip of the receiving sheet 13 as the fixing surface 13d is entangled by itself. due to the elasticity of the material. However, in the process cartridge B that has recently been reduced in size, the size of the fixing surface 13d for the receiving sheet 13b has also become smaller. Therefore, when the receiving sheet 13b sticks while the fixing surface 13b is bent, the receiving sheet 13b sticks down at both ends 13bl as shown in Figure 17 (a). When the receiving sheet 13b is dropped downwardly below the fixing surface 13b, the recording means has the possibility of hanging on the projecting receiving sheet 13b. Further, when the receiving sheet 13b is glued while the fixing surface 13d is bent, the double-sided adhesive tape 13e is pasted downwardly from the lower edge of the receiving sheet 13b. Therefore, if in this state, the receiving sheet 13b is pressed on the double side adhesive tape 1 by a gluing tool 22, the protruding portion of the tape 13e is stuck to the tool 22 for gluing as shown in FIG. Figure 27 (b), and when the tool 22 is removed for gluing, the adhesive tape 13e of the double side is detached from the fixing surface 13d, and subsequently, the receiving sheet 13b is incorrectly fixed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower end configuration of the receiving sheet 13b becomes essentially the same as the configuration in which the fixing surface 13b is bent as it is pulled by the pulling tool 21 as shown in FIG. Figure 28 (a). In other words, the receiving sheet 13b becomes wider along the longitudinal intermediate portion than at both longitudinal ends. With this design, the double-sided adhesive tape 13e is prevented from being picked up from the receiving sheet 13b. Also, when the traction by means of the pulling tool 21 stops to allow the fixing surface 13d to straighten, and to thereby provide tension to the upper end of the receiving sheet 13b, the lower end of the sheet Receiving 13b is not glued from the bottom d of the fixing surface 13b. Therefore, incorrect fixation of the receiving sheet 13b or the resulting recording medium hanging on the receiving sheet 13b can be eliminated as F describes in the foregoing. Likewise, when simplifying the processing of the receiving sheet 13b, the service life of similar processing tools, the configuration of the lower end of the receiving sheet 13b is preferred to be linear. Therefore, a linear configuration as shown in Figure 29 can be used to make the receiving sheet 13b wider towards the longitudinal center, essentially following the curvature of the lower end of the receiving sheet 13d. Moreover, in this embodiment, in order to bend the fixing surface 13d for the receiving sheet 13b, the fixing surface 13d is pulled by the pulling tool 21, but not to mention the fixing surface 13d for the receiving sheet 13b can bending by pressing, with a pressing tool 23, the upper portions of the dividing plates 13cl that are provided within the residual tint 13c formed integrally with the fixing surface 13d for the receiving sheet 13e, as shown in Figure 30. Also, in this embodiment, the fixing surface 13d of the receiving sheet is formed in the lower storage portion 13c of the residual dye, but the same effect can be obtained by employing a structure in which the receiving sheet 13b is glued to a surface of fixing a metal made of a material such as a metal plate, dif • of that for storage 13c of the residual dye, and this metal plate member is assembled in the residual dyeing stock 13c. < Cleaning sheet > Referring to Figure 3, the cleaning sheet 13a is made of elastic material such as polyurethane rubber (JISA hardness: 60 degrees to 75 degrees), and is fixed integrally to a support member 13al manufactured from a plastic sheet. metal such as a cold-rolled steel plate. The support member 13al to which the cleaning sheet 13 is attached is fixed with screws or the like to the mounting surface of the cleaning sheet of the lower frame 15 to which the photosensitive drum 9 is fixed. The mounting surface of the cleaning sheet of the lower frame 15 is formed in a precise manner so that when the support member 13al to which the cleaning sheet 13a is fixed is mounted thereon, the edge portion of the cleaning sheet 13a is is placed in contact with the photosensitive drum 9, with a predetermined precise contact pressure. Since the primary charge polarization is a voltage generated by superimposing an alternating current voltage on a direct current voltage as described above, it is applied to the cartridge 10 of cartridge B of the process, the photosensitive drum 9 is caused to oscillate microscopically by this alternating current component (approximately 2 KVp_p). This microscopic oscillation of the photosensitive drum 9 has the possibility of activating the adhesion slip of the cleaning sheet 13a, which causes vibrations. The vibration of the cleaning sheet 13a due to the adhesion slip is great, and this large vibration is transmitted, through the support member 13al to which the support member 13a is fixed, to the lower frame 15 and further to the upper frame 14 , through which • Sometimes there are noises. Therefore, in this embodiment, as a means for suppressing the noise caused by the vibration of the cleaning sheet 13a, a rib 14j is provided at a predetermined location within the upper frame 14 as shown in Figures 31 and 32, and this The rib 14j is caused to abut on the upper surface of the support member 13al to which the cleaning sheet 13a is fixed. In addition, in order to prevent the residual dye from escaping from the residual dye storage 13c, a sealing member SI made of foam urethane or similar to the rib 14j is glued, which is compressed between the rib 14j and the member 13al of support. As a result, the vibration of the cleaning blade 13a was suppressed by the cooperation between the resilience of the SI and the hard rib 14j, thus avoiding the noises related to the aforementioned vibration. As is clear from the foregoing description, the support member 13a of the cleaner ho 13a is interposed by the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15, with SI being interposed. In other words, the process cartridge B is assembled in the following manner: the cleaning sheet 13a is mounted on the lower frame 15 by fixing the support member 13al to the lower frame 15 with screws and then the upper frame 14 and the frame The lower arm 15 is placed together as if the support member 13al were compressed between the upper frame 14 and the lower arm 15. As for the rib 14j, its height was selected to leave a clearance of "zero" between the upper surface of the support member 13al, where the rib 14j is bumped, and the internal surface of the upper frame 14 is bent. Also in this embodiment, the rib 14j is centered in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning sheet 13a, and its length F LR is made to be approximately 180 millimeters or more. As a result, the upper frame 14 is bent by the reaction from the cleaning sheet 13a from about 0 millimeter to 1.0 millimeter, but this problem can easily be addressed by designing this bending or bending toward the configuration of the upper frame 14. <; Relationship between the Average Diameter of the Tincture and the Pressure of Contact of the Sheet > F In recent years, the quality of the image has become more and more elevated, and consequently, the diameter of the dye has been progressively reduced to satisfy this desire. In the past, dye having an average particle diameter of about 9 microns has been used but in this embodiment, a dye having an average particle diameter of about 7 microns is used. The normal distribution curve in Figure 33 reproduces the particle size distribution of the tintur $ of this tincture. As is evident from Figure 33, the more the dye particle size is reduced, the greater the amount of smaller dye particles increases. Therefore, the contact pressure with which the cleaning sheet 13a comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 9 can be increased in proportion to the degree of fineness of the dye particle; otherwise, the dye is slipped through the cleaning sheet 13a having possibility of occasion F to the call cleaning fault. Furthermore, the dye that is slid by the cleaning sheet 13a has the possibility of remaining stuck on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9, being consolidated by the loading roller 10 and melting on the surface of the drum, or is able to adhere to the roller 10 load causing an incorrect load in this way. Therefore, in this embodiment, the contact pressure with which the cleaning sheet 13a comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 9 increases as the size of the dye particle is reduced. Next, descriptions will be provided as to the method for measuring the contact pressure of the cleaning sheet 13a, and the results of a resistance test carried out by the applicant * of this patent, wherein the operation of cleaning, the loading characteristic and the condition of the photosensitive tambo were studied making 5,000 copies under normal conditions while changing the pressure of the sheet and F diameter of the dye particle. First, referring to Figure 34, the intrusion amount X '* and the angle of adjustment of the cleaning sheet 13a relative to the photosensitive drum 9 will be described. The amount of intrusion of the sheet means an imaginary quantity by means of which the tip of the cleaning sheet 13a penetrates the photosensitive drum 9 without deforming itself, and the angle of approximation means the angle formed by the cleaning sheet 13a and the tangential line of the photosensitive drum 9 at the point of contact between the tip of the cleaning blade 13a and the photosensitive drum 9. With the definition provided above, the method for measuring sheet contact pressure will be described with reference to Figure 35. To begin, a piece 1 cm wide is cut from the cleaning sheet 13a and placed in the blade assembly 57 which is movable by motor 56 in the direction indicated by an arrow, wherein the piece of the wiper means 13 is placed in contact with a load sens 58, at a predetermined angle% which is selected within a scale of approximately 20 ° to 25 °. Then ,,, the assembly 57 of the sheet is moved towards the average load sensor to the amount equivalent to the desired amount of intrusion, and the value detected by the load sensor is amplified by an amplifier 59 to be read through. of the voltmeter 60. The voltage read in this way becomes F the linear load per centimeter through the substitution with linear load by unit voltage that is prepared in advance. The value obtained in this way is the sheet count pressure. The applicant of the present patent carried out a strength test using the method of measuring the contact pressure of the sheet which is described above, where the cleaning operation, the F load, and the condition of the photosensitive drum were studied by making 5,000 copies under normal conditions while varying the contact pressure of the sheet and the diameter of the dye particle. The results are given in Figure 36. During the test, in order to stabilize the charging characteristic, a voltage of approximately 1 KV of direct current and a voltage of approximately 2 KV of alternating current was applied to the charge roller. . Insofar as the developer system was, it was a developer of the version using the magnetic single-component dye. The investment development referred to in this test means a revealing process in which a latent image is revealed by the dye that has the same charge polarity as the voltage of the latent image. In the case of this modality, a latent image having negative polarity was formed on the surface of the imaging carrying member charged by the contact charging means that has been charged to the negative polarity, and was revealed by a dye that had been charged to the same negative polarity. The speed of the process was about 20 millimeters per second at 160 millimeters per second. Referring to Figure 36, Test Number 1 represents a previous combination, in which a sheet contact pressure of 15 gf per centimeter and a tint having an average particle diameter of the 9 micrometer responsive drum was used. . As expected, the charging characteristic and the condition of the photosensitive drum were good since cleaning operation was sufficient.

In Test Number 2, the contact pressure of the sheet was 15 gf per centimeter and a dye having an average particle diameter of 7 microns was used. The cleaning failure began after approximately 1,000 copies had been made and then, the load failure began after approximately 1,000 and several hundred copies had been made. In addition, the dye that was slid by the cleaning sheet 1 was consolidated and melted on the surface of the drum, by the vibration generated by the superimposed voltage applied to the loading roller 10. In Test No. 3, the contact pressure of the sheet increased to 20 gf per centimeter and a dye having an average particle diameter of 7 microns was used.

- I - - The amount of the tincture that was slipped using the com sheet F described above was reduced, but was not sufficient for cleaning operation. Therefore, the dye that had slipped by the cleaning sheet 13a was mulled on the surface of the cleaning medium 13, on the contact side with the photosensitive drum 9, and after the copy 2,000, the accumulated dye was extracted by the photosensitive drum 9 due to the deformation of the tip of the sheet, when the operation of the apparatus was started. The dye and pulsed ß adhered to the loading roller 10 and caused i-load failure. However, the dye that had adhered to the cargo roll was gradually removed while several copies were continuously made, and the loading function was restored. In Test Number 4, the contact pressure of ho was maintained at 20 gf per centimeter and a dye was used that had an average particle diameter of 4 microns. The results are essentially the same as those for Test Number 3. In Test Number 5, the cone contact pressure was increased to 25 gf per centimeter and the dye having an average particle diameter of 7 micrometers was used. The amount of the dye that slid was almost nil and therefore no dyeing was adhered to the cleaning medium 13, on the side in contact with the photosensitive drum 19. Within the limit of this strength test which made 5,000 copies, the tincture did not slip through the cleaning medium when the apparatus was started and the so-called cleaning failure did not occur. As a result, the cleaning performance, the charging characteristics as well as the condition of the photosensitive drum were good. In tests Nos. 6 and 7, the contact pressure of the sheet was maintained at 25 gf per centimeter, and a dye having an average particle diameter of 5 microns and a dye having an average particle diameter of 4 was used. micrometers, respectively. The results were the same as those for Test Number 5, where both the cleaning performance, the charging characteristic as well as the condition of the photosensitive drum were good.

In Tests Nos. 8 and 10, the upper limit of the contact pressure of the sheet was measured when a dye having an average particle diameter of 7 microns was used. When the contact pressure of the blade was 60 g per centimeter, there was no problem related to the image eg when the contact pressure of the blade was 65 gf per centimeter, the surface of the drum was essentially cured and then of approximately 4,000 copies, appeared in the image stripes due to those scars. In Tests 9 and 11, the upper limit of the contact pressure of the sheet was measured when a dye was used. # has an average particle diameter of 4 micrometers. The results were the same as those for Tests Number 8 and 10, where there was no problem related to the image when the contact pressure of the sheet was 60 gf per centimeter, but when the contact pressure of the sheet was gf per centimeter, the surface of the drum had essentially scarred, and after about 4,000 copies, stripes appeared due to those scars. ß In accordance with the results provided above, with a dye having an average particle diameter of 7 micrometers or less, the sheet contact pressure should be graduated to at least 20gf per centimeter or higher , and in order to always produce satisfactory images by more reliably avoiding cleaning failure, a sheet contact pressure that is graded within the range of 25 gf per centimeter to 60 gf per second is preferred.

F centimeter. Taking into consideration these lower upper limits, it is preferred to adjust the contact pressure of the, hoj and. at approximately 36 gf per centimeter. Therefore, in this embodiment, the elastic cleaning sheet 13a was mounted on the lower arm 15 such that when the average particle diameter is within the range of 4 microns to 7 microns, the cleaning sheet 13a is placed in contact with the photosensitive drum 9, with a sheet contact pressure within the range of 25 gf per centimeter to 60 gf per centi F subway (Upper and Lower Frames) The upper and lower frames 14 and 15 that constitute the housing of the process cartridge will be described. Referring to FIG. 6, on the side of the frame 15 below, the developing sleeve 12d constituting the developing means 12, the developing sheet 12e and the revealing means 12, in addition to the photosensitive drum 9 are placed. On the other hand, in On the side of the upper frame 14, the loading roller 10, the storage 12a of the dye constituting the developing medium 12, and the dye feed mechanism 12b are placed. Referring to Figures 8 and 38, in order to combine the upper and lower frames 14 and 15, four pairs of hooks 14 are formed integrally with the upper frame 14, with approximately equal intervals. Making refe¬ Referring to FIGS. 7 and 37, the lower frame 15 is provided with holes 15a and 15b formed integrally with the frame weapon 15, to engage with the hooks 14a. Therefore, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are connected as the hooks 14a are forcedly engaged within the coupling holes 15a and 15b, wherein the hook 14a and the coupling holes 15a are elastically coupled and can. separate as necessary. Furthermore, in order to secure the connection, the hooks 15c and the coupling holes 15d provide both longitudinal ends of the lower frame 15 as shown in Figures 7 and 37, and the coupling holes 14b and 14c for coupling with the coupling holes 15d and 15e are provided towards both longitudinal ends of the upper frame 14 as shown in Figures 8 and 38. Referring again to Figures 7 37, the positioning projections 15m are formed towards both longitudinal ends of the frame 15 below, adjacent to where the photosensitive drum 9 is placed. These 15m projections penetrate through the holes 14g cut through the upper frame 14 and stick outwardly as shown in Figure 4, when the upper frame 14 is connected. When the various members constituting the process pipe B are assembled separately in the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 as described above, the members such as the developer sleeve 12, the sheet F revealing, the cleaning sheet 13a and the like which are required to be placed specifically in relation to the photosensitive drum 9, are placed on the same side of the frame (in this mode, the lower frame 15), whereby each member can be placed precisely while simplifying the assembly process of the process cartridge B. In addition, the lower frame 15 of this embodiment is provided with coupling concavities 15n placed ad- - lying on one of its banks as shown in the Figures F and 37, and the upper frame 14 is provided with coupling projections 14h positioned adjacent one of its edges to engage with the concavities 15n at the respective approximate intermediate points of the gaps 14a intervals. Further, the lower frame 15 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of coupling concavities 15e, or coupling projection 15fl, and a coupling concavity 15f2, which are placed adjacent each of the respective corners of the frame as shown in FIG. Figures and 37, and the upper frame 14 is provided with a pair of coupling projections 14d, a coupling concavity 14 and a coupling projection 14e2, which are placed adjacent each of the respective corners of the frame 14, as shown in the Figures 8 and 38, for coupling with the pair of coupling concavities 15e, the coupling projection 15f and the coupling concavity 15f2. Adjoining the coupling concavity 15f2, a coupling knife 15f3 is provided, and adjacent to the coupling projection 14e2 d, a coupling hook 14e3 is provided to mate with the coupling hole 15f3. Therefore, when the lower upper frames 14 and 15 are placed together, the projections 14h, 14d, 14e2 and 15fl of the coupling are coupled with the concavities 15n, 15f2, and 14 of the coupling respectively, and in addition, the gauge 14e3 The coupling is coupled with the coupling hole 15f3 whereby both the upper and lower frame 14 and 15 are firmly combined so that the combined upper and lower frames 14 and 15 move from one to the other even when exerted on the the same torsional force. The coupling projections, with coupling cavities, coupling hooks and coupling holes, may be placed in different locations other than those described above provided they can be positioned to provide the resistance to the torsional force exerted on them. frames 14 and 15 upper and lower. Referring to Figure 6, the upper frame 14 is provided with a shutter mechanism 24 which protects the light-sensitive drum 9 from external light, dust or the like when the process cartridge B is outside the heat forming apparatus. images. The structural detail of this obturator mechanism 24 will be described later. The lower surface of the lower frame 15 functions as a guide for transporting the recording medium. At this time, a more detailed description will be provided as to the lower surface of the lower frame 15 which functions as the guide for transporting the recording medium.

Referring to Figure 39, a 15h portion F guide the lower surface of the lower frame 15 that remains on the upstream side of a fastening point nfo m the photosensitive drum 9 and the transfer roller 6, is positioned to deflect the recording medium P by an amount La (La = 5.0 millimeters - 7.0 millimeters), in relation to the direction of the tangential line NI at the position of the fastening point N. Since this guide portion 15h forms part of the lower surface of the frame 15 lower that is built in order to provide a space for i. the revealing sleeve 12d and a space necessary to feed the dye to the sleeve 12d, its configuration and position is effected by the position of the developing sleeve 13d or similar, which is determined to obtain an appropriate revealing condition; therefore, when an attempt is made to align is surface closer to the direction of the tangential line NI the lower frame 15 becomes thinner, creating a proble with respect to the resistance of the process cartridge B. Below the lower surface of the lower frame 15, the location of the lower end 13f of the cleaning means 13 which is placed on the downstream side relative to the direction in which the recording means is transported, is determined by the way wherein the cleaning sheet 13a, the receiving sheet 13b or the like are placed in the cleaning means 13 and also selected to make a location that has • a distance of Lb (Lb = to 4.5 millimeters to 8.0 millimeters) (approximately 6.2 millimeters in this mode) from the tangential line N, so that the lower end 13f does not interfere with the recording medium P. In addition, in this modality the angle S in Figure 39 which is the angle formed between the perpendicular from the center of rotation of the free-standing drum 9 and the line connecting the centers of rotation of the photosensitive tamb 9 and the transfer roller 6, is graduate pair F satisfy: d = 10 ° to 30 ° (approximately 20 ° in this fashion). (Shutter Mechanism) In order to transfer the dye image to the recording medium, the photosensitive drum 9 is made to face the transfer roller 6 through the aperture 15g (Figure 42) that is provided in the lower frame 15 . However, if the photosensitive drum 9 remains exposed when the process cartridge B is left outside the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 9 deteriorates exposing itself to external light and also the powder can adhere to the photosensitive drum 9. Therefore, the process cartridge B is provided with the shutter mechanism 24 to protect the otherwise exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 9 from external light, dust, or the like, when the process cartridge is left outside the apparatus A. image maker T-. Following, the structure of the obturator mechanism will be described in detail with reference to Figures 40 to 44. < Structure of the Shutter Mechanism > Referring to Figure 40, the shutter mechanism 24 comprises an arm 24a to the obturator, a linkage 2 of the obturator, a portion 24c of the obturator, the detents 24d 24e of the arrow, and a torsion spring 24f; and automatically opens or closes as the process cartridge B is installed or removed from the image forming apparatus A. The arm 24a of the plug is made of metal material, and rotatably retained at two points towards the ends, retaining the portions 24dl and 24el (Figure 43) of the arrow retainers 24d and 24e, as shown in Figure 40. By means of this obturator arm 24a, the obturator linkage 24b is rotatably supported, wherein the rotary central portion 24b of the obturator linkage 24b is regulated by a rotation adjustment portion 24a2 of the obturator arm 2, thus avoiding that the obturator linkage rotates more than a certain angle in the direction indicated by an arrow di. By means of the obturator linkage 24b, the portion 24c of the obturator is rotatably supported, wherein the rotary central portion 24c of the obturator portion 24c is regulated by the regulating portion 24b2 of the obturator linkage 24b, thereby preventing the obturator portion 24b from rotating at more than one angle defined in the direction indicated by an arrow on. The retainer 24d of the arrow that rotatably retains one end of the obturator arm 24a is provided with a projection 24d2 (Figure 43) projecting from the retention portion 24dl, and in this projection, the torsional resort 24f is adjusted. One end of the torsion spring 24f is fitted in a groove 24d3 of the arrow detent 24d, and the other end is resting on a bracket portion 24a3 of the obturator 24a3, which rotatably holds the variable 24b. shutter; therefore, the arm 24a of the screwdriver is provided with a rotational movement in the direction indicated by an arrow f as shown in the Figure. The rotation portion 24a2 being pressed by force from the torsion spring 24f. of the obturator arm 24a regulates the obturator linkage 24b in the direction indicated by an arrow d2, and in turn, the regulating portion 24b2 of rotation of the obturator linkage 24b regulates the obturator portion 24c in the direction indicated by the arrow. e2, whereby the shutter mechanism 24 is completely paralyzed as shown in Figure 41. In this embodiment, the inner surf(surffacing the surfof the photosensitive drum 9) of shutter pin 24c is molded to be slippery so that even when the portion 24c of the obturator and the sensitive drum 9.fo contact with each other while the shutter mechanism 24 is completely paralyzed, the portion 24c of the The turator avoids damaging the surfof the drum 9 photosensitive. Also, as shown in Figure 42, a plug supporting portion 14k is provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the opening 15g of the drum of the lower arm 14. This obturator holder portion 14k has the portion 24c of the obturator so that the obturator portion 24 does not come into contact with the surfof the photosensitive drum 9 when the obturator mechanism has been completely paralyzed. Also, the shutter mechanism can be fixed, or removed from the upper frame 14. More specifically, the detents 24d and 24e of the arrow holding the portion 24 of the arrow of the obturator arm 24a are provided with coupling hooks 24d4 and 24e4, respectively, and the mechanism 24 of the obturator is fixed to the frame 14. The upper part is connected by coupling these hooks 24d4 and 24e4 to the coupling holes (not shown) that are provided in the upper frame 14, at the respective longitudinal ends of the upper surfon the revealing side. < Coupling Amount of the Fetch Retreat Coupling > The shutter mechanism is structured so as to open or close as the cartridge B of the process is installed is removed, and the force exerted on the shaft seals 24d and 24e may retain the shutter mechanism in the upper frame 1 when the mechanism changes. 24 of the shutter opens or closes. Since only the arrow 24d retainer was d Ipar of 24d and 24e arrow seals fits with the spring 24f of torsion, which presses on the sealing mechanism the sealing direction, the force exerted on the arrow retainer 2 is greater than that exerted on the other retainer 24e arrow that does not conform to the torsion spring 24f; therefore, its deformation is also greater. As a result, when the amount of hook engagement 24d4 of the arrow catch 24d is equal to that of the engagement fingers 24e4 of the other arrow catch 24e, the coupling gage 24d4 can be disengaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, the coupling amount of the hook 24 of the arrow catch 24d becomes larger than the coupling amount of the hooks 24e4 of the arrow catch 24e, so that it can not easily be disengaged. arrow 24d stay. More specifically, the coupling amount of the coupling hook 24d4 one side of the arrow catch 24d becomes greater than that on the other side. In other words, even when the shaft and arrow detents 24d are placed in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 14, the torsion spring 24f is provided at one end only, that is, at the arrow stop 24d, and in case of this arrow retainer 24d, the amount of engagement of the coupling hook 24d4 on one side of the arrow retainer 24d is different from that on the other side, while in the case of the arrow retainer 24e where the tension spring 24f it is not provided, the coupling amount of the coupling gages 24e4 on one side is the same as that on the other side. Therefore, the amount of resistance by which the arrow retainer 24d or 24e remains engaged with the upper frame 14 is different between them. An exemplary set of concrete values will then be provided for the coupling amount of the coupling hooks 24d4 and 24e4, in this embodiment. The lesson is not limited to this example, and can be done as desired. (1) Coupling amount of the hooks 24d4 d coupling on one side of the arrow catch 24d (DI): about 1.0 millimeter (2) Coupling amount of the hooks 24d4 d coupling on the other side of the arrow catch 24d (D2) ): approximately 1.1 mm (3) Hook arm length 24d of arrow 24d detent coupling (D3): approximately 2.8 mm (4) Coupling quantity of the hooks 24e4 coupling on one side of the arrow catch 24e (The ): approximately 1.0 millimeter (5) Coupling amount of coupling hooks 24e4 on the other side of arrow catch 24e (E2): approximately 1.0 millimeter (6) Arm length 24e of arrow 24e catch coupling ( E3): approximately 2.8 millimeters < Shutter Mechanism Rotation Center > In the obturator mechanism 24, the arrow portion 24al of the obturator arm 24al which is the axis of rotation of the obturator mechanism extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 14, on the upper surface of the development of the upper frame 14; therefore, this arrow portion 24 has the possibility of being deformed or subjected to equal damage when pulled by a user's hand during the installation of the cartridge or in similar situations. Likewise, with reference to Figure 42, in this embodiment, in order to increase the dyeing space in the dyeing station 12a, a protrusion 12 f3 is provided in the cover member 12f. If the arrow portion 24al which is the axis of rotation of the shutter mechanism extends at the top and through the protrusion 12f3, the rotation scale of the shutter mechanism is increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to avoid this increase, the protrusion 12f of the cover member 2 is provided with a groove 12f4 extending in its longitudinal direction as shown in Figure 44, and the arrow portion 24al extends. through this slot 12f4, so that it does not come out above the upper surface of the protrusion 12f3 of the cover member 12f. . { Assembly of the Process Cartridge} Then, the way in which the F process cartridge having the structure described above is assembled, referring to the drawings. (Assembly Involving the Lower Frame) With reference to Figure 45, first, in the lower frame 15, in order to avoid the escape of the dye, contoured seal members S4 made of foam urethane or a similar material are stuck together, with a double-sided adhesive tape, on a mailing-seal surface 15i The regulating guide and a contoured stamp member S5 made of the same material are stuck in the same manner in the seat portion 15jl which is placed on the outward side of the mounting surface 15j of the wiper blade relative to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. lower frame 15. In this way, however, a felt material is used for the seal member S4 so that it can be glued to the bearing surface 15 of the revealing sleeve seal and urethane is used.

Foaming for the seal member S5 so as to be able to glue the seat portion 15jl positioned adjacent the wiper surface 15j of the wiper blade. The members S4 and S5 seal to prevent the dye from escaping do not need to be counted. Instead of this, a liquid material which can solidify in the elastomer can be emptied into the formed concave portions where the seal members will settle in the frame. F The developer sleeve 12d is installed in the lower frame where the sealing member S4 is glued. As discussed above, the dye escaping from the extrudates of the developing sleeve 12d is prevented by means of the seal member S4, where as shown in Figure 46, due to the relationship between the direction of rotation of the cuff 12d (direction of the arrow in the drawing) and the magnetic poles of the magnet 12c of the roller, placed inside this sleeve, the dye is adhered to the developing sleeve 12 in the end portions of the developing sleeve 12d, that is, close to the stamp member S4, as indicated. .H by the solidus in Figure 46; therefore, the sealing function of the seal member S4 is desirably higher in the lower portion 15il shown in Figure 47. Therefore, the sleeve seal carrier surface 15i of this embodiment is molded in such a way that the distance of the dial from the center of the developing sleeve 12d of the lower portion 15il of the sleeve seal carrier surface 15i becomes smaller than a radius R2 of the portion or portion. In other words, the relationship between two radii Rl R2 is: Rl < R2. With this arrangement, when the developer sleeve 12 is mounted on the lower frame 15 through the bearings 12h and 12i, the seal member S4 is further compressed along the lower portions 15il than along another portion, increasing the sealing pressure between the sealing operation. The sleeve bearing surface 15i in this embodiment is taken in a manner so as to cause the seal member S4 to compress by approximately 0.4 millimeter more along the lower portion along the other portion. A sheet support member 12 to which the developer sheet 12e and the carrier support member 13a have been fixed.

When the cleaning sheet 13a has been fixed, it is mounted with screws 12e2 and 13a2 on the mounting surface 15k of the corresponding sheet and 15j of the lower frame 15. During this time, in this embodiment, in order to allow the screws 12e2 and 13a2 to be inserted from the same direction as indicated by the broken lines in Figure 45, the sheet mounting surfaces 15k and 15j for members 12 and 13 to the sheet support, respectively, are formed almost in parallel.

Therefore, when the process cartridges B are mass produced, the developing sheet 12e and the cleaning sheet 13a can be screwed automatically and consecutively by an automated machine or the like. With this arrangement a space is provided for a screwdriver or the like, whereby the assembly efficiency for both sheets 12e and 13a can be increased and also the opening directions of the shapes to form the housing (frame) can be made equal whereby the structure of the mold can be simplified to reduce the cost of manufacture. In this embodiment, the lower frame 15 is molded so that the angles of the surface 15k carrying the developer sheet assembly and the mounting surface 15j for mounting the cleaning sheet, relative to the perpendicular shown in Figure 45, are they become approximately 24 ° and 22 °, respectively, with both surfaces being essentially parallel. Also, as described above, in order to consecutively screw both sheets 12e and 13a with an automated machine or the like, the angles of both screw holes provided for screwing the developing sheet 12e and the cleaning sheet 13a on the surface 15k and 15j of sheet assembly, are manufactured to be the same, and i say, approximately 24 ° relative to the horizontal line drawn in Figure 45, so that they can be pierced by a single slide.

Instead of being screwed on, the developing sheet 12e and the cleaning sheet 13a can be fixed by gluing them on the lower frame 15 with adhesives 12e4 and 13a3 as shown in Figure 48. Even in this case, making an arrangement in which both sheets 12e and 13a can be gummed from the same direction, the developing sheet 12e and the cleaning sheet 13a can be fixed consecutively with an automated machine or the like, as when the screws are used. < Seal on the Ends of the Cleaning Blade > In addition, a seal member S6 made of such foamed polyurethane is bonded to the lower portion of the sheet mounting surface 15j, as shown in FIG. 49, where the lower portion corresponds to the end portion of the sheet 13a cleaner. The seal S6 is a seal to prevent the dye, scraped by the cleaning sheet 13a, from marching laterally on the sheet 13a and escaping from the end of the sheet. When a distance LS (Figure 50) is shortened between the lower edge of the seal member S6 and the contact area between the photosensitive drum 9 and the stamp member S6 (m specifically less than 0. 5 millimeter) reducing the size of the process cartridge B, the sealing member S6 has the possibility of being carried by the photosensitive drum 9 due to the twisting torque of the photosensitive drum 9 and the vibrations, and in addition, it has the possibility of detaching after a period of F for extended use. In this embodiment, therefore, a high density polyethylene sheet 37 is stuck in the sealing member S6 to reduce the friction of the photosensitive drum 9 and seal member S6, as shown in Figure 49. Likewise, in the sheet 13a cleaner, a solid lubricant such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated carbon, silicon particles or the like, is coated with the increase in torque that occurs due to the c F airtight touch due to lack of dyeing in the photosensitive drum during the start-up period is avoided, where in this embodiment, the lubricant 38 is also revived in the seal member S6 as shown in Figure 51, whereby the friction between the end of the drum and the seal member S6 is further reduced to prevent dragging of the seal member S6. < Seal at the End of the Revealing Cuff > Referring to Figure 52, in order to prevent the dye from escaping through a space Lt created in the end portion to the developing sheet 13 and the lower frame 1 (end surface of member S4 in Figure and At the same time for scraping the dye layer in the space fraction Lt of the developing sleeve 12d, a seal member 7 is provided at each end of the regulating sheet 12. This seal member 7 is formed, as shown in FIG. shows Figure 53 to accommodate the contour of the blade 12e reveals that it is pressed against the developing sleeve 12d that the pressure in contact with which the developing sheet 12e is pressed on the developing sleeve does not increase. the sealing member S7 prevents the dye from escaping, with its upper side portion S71, and scraping the dye at the end portion of the developing sleeve 12d, with the lower side portion S72.As described above, the drum 9 Sensitive photo is fixed after the sheets 12e and 13a are fixed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure i '45, the guide members 15ql and 15q2 are provided in the lower arm 15, and the guide member 15ql is placed in the support member 12 revealing sheet, on the surface facing the photosensitive drum 9, and the guide member 12 is placed on the cleaning sheet support member 13al, on the surface facing the photosensitive drum 9. Both of them are placed outside the image-measuring scale of the photosensitive drum 9, in relation to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 9 (scale Ld in Figure 54). A distance Lg is established between both guides 15ql and 15q2 to be larger than the external diameter Rd of the photosensitive drum 9. Having this arrangement, the photosensitive drum 9 can be fixed to the latter with both end portions (the portions on the outside of the image forming scale) relative to the longitudinal direction, being guided by the guide members 15ql and 15q2, as shown in Figure 45 In other words, the photosensitive drum 9 is wound down to the lower frame 15, with the blade 13a flexing slightly, and the developing sleeve pushed lightly to one side. When instead of following the steps described above other members such as the sheets 12e and 13a are assembled after the photosensitive drum 9 is placed first there is a possibility of damaging the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 while the sheet 12e or 13th or similar is fixed. Also, tests such as measuring the fixing location of the developer sheet 12e and the cleaning sheet 13a or its contact pressures in the photosensitive drum 9 can not be carried out, which is inconvenient. In addition, the lubricant to prevent the increase of the torque or the detachment of the blade caused by the hermetic contact between the sheet 12e and the revealing sleeve 12d or between the sheet 13a and the photosensitive drum 9, which occurs due to the lack the dyeing during the start-up period is going to be dressed before both sheets 12e and 13a are fixed to the lower frame 15, which has the possibility of creating a problematic inconvenience that the lubricant falls out unduly during the assembly process. However, this inconvenience - - Problematic can be eliminated by placing the drum 9 fotosensibl last, as is done in this mode. As described above, in accordance with this embodiment, tests such as position checking can be carried out with the developer means 12 the cleaning means 13 being fixed to the frame, and in addition, the photosensitive drum 9 it prevents from deteriorating or presenting notches in the image forming scale during the installation of the photosensitive drum 9. In addition, the lubricant can be coated on the developer means 12 and the cleaning means 13 after it is assembled in the frame; therefore, the lumen is prevented from falling off, effectively preventing the torque increase caused by the tight contact. between the developer sheet 12 and the developer sleeve 12b between the cleaning sheet 13a and the photosensitive drum 9. Also, in this embodiment, the 15ql and 15 members of the drum guide are provided in the lower frame 15, where they can be formed integrally with the lower frame 15 or provided as separate members. Instead of this arrangement, however, projections 12e5 and 13a4 may be provided on the leaf support members 12 and 13 respectively, at both ends thereof, relative to their longitudinal direction, outside the image forming scale. of the photosensitive drum 9 as shown in Figure 55 < t to be used as the guides with the photosensitive drum 9 is embedded in the lower frame 15, where they can be formed integrally with the sheet support members 12 and 13al respectively, or they can be provided as separate members < Insertion of Photosensitive Drum > In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 9 is inserted in the direction forming a predetermined angle with relation to the contact surface of the cleaning sheet 13a as shown in Figure 45. This is because there is a F area Lc at the edge of the free end of sheet 13a, where several tens of microns of wide surface leave the lubricant uncovered as can be seen microscopically, as shown in Figure 56 (a), even when it appears Cover uniformly with the lubricant including the edge, as can be observed macroscopically. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 9 is installed in the aforementioned manner, whereby after F that the photosensitive drum 9 comes into contact with the cleaning sheet 13a, the lubricant 38 in the sheet 13a creeps as it invades the photosensitive drum 9, and disperses to Lc that has not been coated with the lubricant 38. As Resulting, by the time the drum 9 is fully installed, the lubricant 38 will be present throughout the contact surface between the drum 9 and the sheet 13a.

As described above, the drum 9 is installed in the direction forming a predetermined angle T * with respect to the contact surface of the sheet 13. However, in accordance with a test carried out by this inventor, it is evident speaking in general terms that when the rubber hardness of the sheet 13a is 60 ° or more, and at the same time the amount of invasion is 0.5 millimeter or more, or when the contact pressure between the sheet 13a and the drum 9 is 15 gf per centimeter or more, the effect can be obtained F mentioned above if the angle ~ and approximation of the drum 9 is 45 ° or less relative to the contact surface of the sheet 13a. In this embodiment, the drum 9 is installed retaining an angle "of approximately 22 ° to <Installation of the Drum Shaft and Carrier Members> After the developing sleeve 12d, the developing sheet 1 and the cleaning sheet 13a are have assembled in the lower 15 in the manner described above with respect to In this case, a shaft 9 of the drum having a supporting member 9d and a member 16 are attached to the respective ends of the photosensitive drum 9 as illustrated by the oblique drawing in Figure 57 and the sectional drawing in Figure 22, by means of which the photosensitive drum 9 is rotatably mounted in the lower magazine 15. The member 16 is made of a polyacetal example material having sliding properties and comprises a carrier portion of the shaft of the drum 16a which fits into the photosensitive drum 9, the sleeve carrying portions 16b and the piercing portion 16c of cor in "D" wherein the end of the shaft of the cutting magnet 12c "D" is adjusted, where the three portions are formed integrally, therefore, the photosensitive drum 9 and the magnet 12 are supported by bearings as the portion 16a d bearing fits on the end of the drum 9 photosensitive ci lindrico; the end portion of the magnet is adjusted in the portion 16c of the "D" cutting hole; and the shaft carrying member 1 is fixedly fixed in the side wall of the lower arm 15. Referring to Figure 57, an electrically conductive ground contact 18a is fixed to the carrier member 16, and the ground contact 18a is contacted with the electrically conductive base member (aluminum) 9a of the photosensitive drum 9, as the carried member 16 fits into the photosensitive drum 9 (Figure 10). Further, the carrier member 16 is provided with a thrust volt contact 18b, which contacts an electrically conductive member 18d as the carrier member 16 fixes to the developer sleeve 12d, wherein the polarization voltaj contact. it remains in contact with the inner surface d of the developer sleeve 12d. Since the photosensitive drum 9 and the magnet 12c s are supported by a carrier member 16 in one piece, as described above, the accuracy of the position for both components 9 and 12 is improved and in addition, the account of components, by which not only the assembly process can be simplified but also the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, since the positions of the sensitive photo drum 9 and the magnet 12c are fixed with the use of a single component, the photosensitive drum 9 and the magnet 12c can be positioned more precisely; therefore, a magnetic force can be exerted uniformly on the surface of the drum 9 photosensi¬ F ble, which in turn makes it possible to create uniform, accurate and vivid images. Also, by providing the carrier member 16 with a drum ground contact 18a for grounding the photosensitive drum 9 and the polarizing contact 18b to apply the polarization to the developer sleeve 12d, the components are effectively reduced in size and Subsequently the cartridge B of the process itself can be reduced and F size effectively. In addition, the carrier member is provided with a portion to be held to fix the position of the process cartridge B within the main assembly of the apparatus when the process cartridge B is installed in the image forming apparatus; therefore, the cartridge B of the process can be placed exactly in the main assembly of the apparatus.

Referring to Figure 22, member 16 F carrier is also provided with drum shaft 16d, i.e., a cylindrical outward projection. When the process cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A of the apparatus, this portion 16d of the shaft and the portion 15s of the shaft bore of the lower frame 15, to which the shaft 9d of the drum of the other end, is adjusted and as will be described below, the portions 2a of the "U" shaped slot of a portion 2 of the cartridge arrangement are made to rest in the portions 2a.

F which the cartridge position B is fixed. Since the position of the process cartridge B is fixed by the .fe portion 15s of the shaft bore, which directly carries the responsive drum 9 f, and the shaft portion 16d, the cartridge B of the proces can be positioned more accurately without be affected by the processing accuracy for the other components or the tolerance of the whole. Also referring to Figure 22, the other The end F of the magnet 12c is adjusted in the concave portion of the sleeve flange 12k, wherein the external diameter of the magnet 12c is formed to be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the concavity. Therefore, the magnet 12c is retained to provide a play on the side of the flange 12k of the sleeve, whereby the magnet is retained by its lower one due to its own weight or moves slightly towards the support member 12 of sheet by its own magnetic force, since the member of the sheet support It is made of a magnetic metal plate such as a steel plate coated with zinc. Allowing the presence of a game between the flange 12k of the sleeve and the magnet 12c, the frictional torque between the magnet 12c and the rotatingly sliding sleeve flange 12k can be reduced which in turn can reduce the torque of the process cartridge itself. (In the Upper Frame) F On the other hand, in the upper frame 14, sliding bearing 10c is fixed as described above first in the bearing sliding guide grab 14n through the spring 10a, and the roller 10 of load is fixed tatitarily to the bearing 10 of sliding. In addition, the dye feed mechanism 12b is fixed within the dye store 12a; a cover film 26 having a break tape 25 shown in Figure 58 is glued F the opening 12a2, through which the tincture of the dye storage 12a is fed towards the developer sleeve 12d, in order to close the opening 12a2; the cover member 1 is welded; the dye is filled in the dye storage 12a; and then, the dye storage 12 is sealed. Next, the shutter mechanism 24 is attached to the upper frame 14 on the upper surface of the developing side so that the shutter can be opened or closed freely. As stated above, this obturator mechanism 24 is fixed by placing its arrow portion 24al in the slot 12f4 of the cover member 12f and then, holding down the end portion portions of the arrow portion 24al with the detents 24d and 24e. of fle cha (Figure 44). < Break Tape > The breaking tape 25 (which is made, for example of polyethylene-terephthalate or polyethylene) that provides the cover film 26 glued above the opening # 12a2 of the dye storage 12a extends as shown in Figure 58, from one of the longitudinal ends of the opening 12a2 (right end in Figure 58) to the other end (left end in Figure 58), and there, it is bent backwards so that it protrudes outwardly through the opening 14f, a space formed at the rear end of the upper frame 14. The opening 14f is positioned so that the breaking tape 25 faces an operator when the process cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A of the apparatus; therefore, it is placed in the field of visual functioning with the possibility of being easily observed (Fig. 44). In addition, its visibility can be improved by making the color of the break tape 25 more conspicuous against the color of the frames 14 and 15, for example, by selecting a yellow color, or orange if the color of the frame is black.

Likewise, in order to improve the functionality for the operator, the direction of traction (direction of an arrow g of the breaking tape is oriented to be essentially opposite to the direction (direction of an arrow gl) where cartridge B of the process is installed in the main set A of the apparatus. This arrangement, the operator can install the cartridge B of the process in the main set A of the unit, without changing hands retaining the cartridge B of the process for example, with his left hand, and pulling out of the strip 25 with its In addition, even after the operator has installed the process cartridge B on the image forming apparatus A, without remembering to remove the breaking tape, the operator can extract the breaking belt 25 without changing hands. after removing the process box B from the image forming apparatus A.) When a new process cartridge B is used, it is inserted into the image forming apparatus after the operation. of rupture that emerges from the opening 14f has been removed to detach the cover film 26 glued above the opening 12a2 of the dyeing station 12a, so that the dyeing within the dye storage 12a is allowed to move towards the sleeve 12d developer. < Seal member to be placed between the upper and lower frames) Then, the seal member that will stick on the joint between the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 will be described. Referring to Figures 37 and 38, a seal member on the joint between the upper frame 14 and the lower frame 15 is pa. In the upper frame 14, the sealing members SI, S2 and S3 are glued, and in the lower frame 15 the sealing members S8 and S9 are glued. Exhaust of the dye through the joint between the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 is prevented by these seal members. AND This mode, that which prevents the dye from escaping through the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 in the middle of the cleansing medium, is the SI member of the seal, and those which prevent the dye from escaping through. of the joint between the frames 14 and 15 on the side of the developing means, are the seal members S2, S3, S8 and S9. < Slots and Ribs Placed on the Board between the Upper and Lower Frame > As described above, the seal members are glued on the joint or joint surfaces between the upper body 14 and the lower frame 15 to prevent the tincture from escaping out of the process cartridge, where it is shown in Figure 6, the abutment surface of upper frame seal 14 where the sealing members SI, S2 and S are glued is provided with a slot 14m, and the surface d upper frame 15 corresponding to members SI, S2 and S of seal is provided with a triangular rib 15r. Therefore, when the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are placed together, the sealing members SI, S2 and S3 are compressed to form a wave pattern as shown in Figure 53 whereby the operations of sealing of the seal members in the joint or union between the upper and lower frames 14 and 15. In this case, since the seal members are only compressed locally, the reactions of the stamp members hardly increase.; therefore, the force combining the frames 14 and upper and lower is not reduced. As stated above, when the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are placed together, with the sealing members SI, S2 and S3 interposed during the assembly process of the cartridge B of process, the frames 14 and upper and lower are joined so that the seal members SI, S2 and S3 are compressed locally. Furthermore, when pressure is exerted on the denture dye of the process cartridge due to external factors, (for example, vibrations or shocks), the pressured dye may reverse the junction between the upper and lower frames 14 and 15, where the SI members, S2 and S3 of the stamp are interposed. However, the advance of the dye is obstructed by the presence of the triangular ribs 15r and the reaction of the SI members, S2 and S3 of the seal compressed locally by means of the jig. of the triangular 15r ribs; therefore, the tincture escapes from the joint or union between the frames 14 and 15 above and below. In this embodiment, foamed urethane such as MOLTPLANE (factory name) is used as the material for seal members SI, S2 and S3, but a liquid material that solidifies in an elastomer can be injected into the groove 14m previously mentioned, so that it forms itself in the stamp member. As for the configuration of the projection, its section does not need to be triangular as long as it is of a configuration able to locally compress the members of the project. Also, there need not be present the slot provided in the bearing surface of the seal member. i * Precisely for the record, in this mode, the thickness of the seal member is approximately 3 millimeters, and the seal member is compressed to a thickness of approximately one millimeter, where the projection height is approximately 0.5. millimeter. < Hardness of the Seal Member > Between the sealing members SI, S2 and S3 bonded to the joining surfaces between the lower upper frames 14 and 15, the sealing members S2 and S3 placed on the side of the developing medium are harder than the sealing member SI placed in the middle. the side of the cleaning medium. This is because the process cartridge flexes more on the side of the rider half than on the side of the wiping means, in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, a sealing material equivalent to Mesh 60 (number 60) is used for the SI member to be sold on the side of the cleaning medium, and a sealing material equivalent to Mesh 120 (number 120) is used for the members. S2 S3 seal on the side of the revealing member. As for the thicknesses of the SI members, S2 and S3 of seal, those which have a thickness of approximately 3 millimeters are used and The necessary sealing performance is obtained by compressing the seal members to a thickness of approximately 1 m * < limeter as the frames 14 and 15 above and below are combined. These values are optimum when considering both the sealing operation and the force combining the upper and lower frames 14 and 15. < Lateral Convex of the Break Tape > As described above, the members S8 and f the seal member S9 stick to the lower frame 15 at both longitudinal ends on the side of the developing medium. Outside of the two seal members S8 and S9, the seal member S8 is placed on the side from which the breakage tab 25 is removed, it is pasted on the bent surface 15t of the lower arm 15 starting from inside the cartridge , precisely follow the contour of the surface bent through the joint between the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 go (the position indicated by a broken line in Figur 59) and covering a wide area. With this arrangement, when the operator removes the bursting tape from the process cartridge, the bursting strip 25 is pulled out of the cartridge B, between the upper frame 4 and its duplicated portion of the sealing member stuck on the bending surface 15t. or bending. Therefore, the breaking tape 25 always makes contact with the sealing member S8 on its convex side, thereby preventing the seal member S3 from detaching as well as reducing the force necessary to remove it. In other words, the breaking tape 25 contacts the portion of the bent sealing member S8 and does not contact the edge portion of the sling member S8; therefore, the breaking tape 25 does not release the seal member S8 when it is removed. In addition, since the direction in which the tear tape 25 is pulled is different from the longitudinal direction of the surface where the tear tape 25 is stuck, the tear tape 25 is not contacted with the edge. of member S8 of elastic seal when it is brought. As is clear from the foregoing description, in accordance with the present invention, the breaking tape 25 for opening the opening 12a2 can be detachably secured through the opening 12a2 so as not to contact the edge of the member S8. of seal when extracted.

The upper and lower frames 14 and 15, where several components have been assembled as described above, are combined by coupling the coupling grapples and the coupling holes and the like to complete the cartridge assembly process. Process B Here, referring to Figure 60 (a), the description s provides as to a boarding line. After the various components have been assembled in the frame 15, the lower assembled frame 15 is inspected (for example, the ratio of the position between the visible photo drum 9 and the developer sleeve 12d). Then, this lower frame 15 is joined to the upper frame 14 where the loading roller 10 and a similar means have been assembled, thereby terminating the process cartridge B, and this finished cartridge B is shipped after being submitted to a general inspection. It is a simple line. . { Structure to Install the Process Cartridge} The manner in which the process cartridge B is installed in the image forming apparatus A will be described with reference to the drawings. (Process Cartridge Installation Guide) When the process cartridge B is installed in the imager case A, an upper lid Ib opens rotatively around an axis lb4 placed in the upper portion of the main assembly 1 of the cartridge. apparatus, and the process cartridge B is inserted into the cartridge installation space 2 that is provided within the main apparatus assembly 1 from the direction indicated by an arrow in Figure 61. During this time, the process cartridge B installed as guided as shown in Figure 62, wherein the porous portion 15s of the shaft and the shaft portion 16d of the carrier member 16, projecting from the respective gitudinal side surfaces of the process cartridge B, and a first coupling portion 14q extending from the portion 15s of the shaft bore and the axis portion 16d, diagonally up to the tail end (right side in Figure 62), with to the direction of cartridge installation, they are guided by a first guide portion 2a that is provided on the inward surfaces of the installation space 2, and where second coupling portions 15u and 14r are provided in both. Longitudinal lateral surfaces of the process cartridge B, in the lower-front portion relative to the direction of installation, are guided by a second guide portion 2b which is provided on both surfaces into the installation stage 2b. . The second coupling portion 15u, which is a projection, is placed on the same side as the gear 9c. of flange provided in the photosensitive drum 9. Also, the second coupling portion 15u is projected by approximately 2.7 millimeters on the side of the lower frame cleaner 15, in a direction perpendicular to the photosensitive drum axis 9 (direction of travel relative to the cartridge installation direction). B process), wherein the cleaning means 13 is placed parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum. In addition, the coupling portion 15u is in the form of a plate, which has a tapered portion 15ul toward the bottom (Figures 4 and 5). In addition, the actuating portion 15u further projects downwardly by approximately 6 millimeters from the lower surface of the cleaning medium side of the lower frame 15. When during the installation of the process cartridge B an attempt is made to push the process cartridge B down and forward to the image forming apparatus A, such that the process cartridge B is pivoted around the processor. the portion 15s of the hole of the shaft and the portion 16d of the shaft (left-handed direction), the cartridge B of the process is not lowered because the second coupling portions 15u and 14r are in contact with the second guide portion 2b. On the contrary, when another attempt is made to push the process cartridge B back and forth so that the process cartridge B is pivoted about the portion 15s of the shaft hole and the shaft portion 1, the process cartridge B is not lowered further d > The coupling portion 14q is in contact with the guide portion 2a. Also, referring to Figure 63, while the process cartridge B passes over the transfer rod 6, the second coupling portion 15u keeps the portion 6d of the shaft fixed to one end of the transfer roller 6, pressed towards down; therefore, the lower-advancing portion of the process cartridge B relative to the installation direction does not contact the transfer roller or such a device, eliminating the precaution that these components are damaged. During this time, the second coupling portion 14r placed at the other end is in contact with the guiding member 3b. Then, as the process cartridge B is additionally inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus, the second portion 15u of coupling is disengaged from portion 6d of. axis of the transfer roller 6, whereby the transfer roller 6 is pushed upwards by a spring 6b to be pressed on the photosensitive drum 9. Therefore, the process cartridge B is inserted uniformly as it is guided by the guide portions 2a and 2, and as the upper lid lb is closed as shown in Figure 1, the 15s portion of the shaft hole and portion 16d of the shaft are adjusted in the slot portion 2al of an approximately "U" shape which is provided in the - downstream of the first portion 2a of guide, with relation § > the insertion direction by means of which the portion of the process cartridge B is fixed. (Action of the Shutter Mechanism During the Installation of the Cartridge) The process cartridge B is provided with a shutter mechanism 24 to protect the surface of the photosensitive drum 9, wherein the shutter mechanism 24 in this case is constructed to automatically open to measure which process cartridge B is installed in the image forming apparatus A. Next, the movement of the shutter mechanism 24 during the installation of the cartridge will be described. As described above, as the process cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus A, the projecting portion 24a4 (FIG. 40) which is provided adjacent to the arm support portion 24a3 of the arm 24a. The shutter is contacted with a surface 2c of the shutter located on the upper surface of the main assembly of the apparatus, in a position illustrated in Figure 62. As the process cartridge B is additionally inserted, the projection portion 24a4 of arm 24a of the driver moves to the right on cam surface 2c d • > obturator whereby the rod linkage 24b of the obturator and the portion 24c of the obturator also move to the right to separate from the inner portion of the frame 15- This is explained in detail by the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 as shown in Figure 64. During this time, having been released from the rotation control im- ploded by the portion 24e2 of rotation regulation of the bracket 24a of the obturator, the The obturator linkage 24b is col- lating from the support portion 24a3 of the arm 24a of the captor by its own weight, and resting on the contact c the internal surface of the main assembly of the apparatus, but the portion 24c of the obturator is placed where still going to • release from the rotation regulation by the portion 24 of regulation of rotation of the obturator linkage 24b. As the process cartridge is further inserted, the projection portion 24a4 of the orator arm 24a is held moving in the right direction of the cam surface 2c of the obturator to the dead end and then begins to move in the left direction, whereby the linkage 24b of the obturator hanging from the support portion 24a3 of the obturator arm 24b by its own weight, it is caused to start to rotate in the leftward direction around the point where it is brought into contact with the internal surface of the image forming apparatus A. As the rod linkage 24b of the plug is rotated far enough to become perpendicular, in loose terms, the portion of the obturator that has been rotated together with the rod link 24b of the plug comes into contact with the inner surface of the main assembly of the plug. apparatus by means of which the rotation regulation is released by the regulating portion 24b2 of rotation of the obturator linkage 24b. With the top lid lb of the main assembly of the apparatus being closed after the installation of the process cartridge B, the shutter mechanism 24 has the appearance shown in Figure 1, and the photosensitive drum 9 remains in contact with the transfer roller 6. As described above, the shutter mechanism 2 1 in this mode not only opens automatically during the installation of the process cartridge B, but also its configuration and movement changes according to the contour of the internal surface of the assembly. main device. In addition, it can move away from the drum while saving space, thereby contributing to the overall size reduction of the image forming apparatus. (Relationship Between the Electric Contact and the Contact Pin The process cartridge B is provided with the electrically conductive drum ground contact 18a which contacts the photosensitive drum 9, the electrically conducting conductive contact 18b bias with the contact with the developer sleeve 12d, the contact 18c of the po The electrically conductive filler is left in contact with the loading roller 10, in which they are placed to be exposed on the lower surface of the lower frame 15. As the process cartridge B is installed in the main unit A of the apparatus in a manner as described above, the contacts 18a, 18b and 18c are pressed on the drum ground pin 27a, the polarization pin 27b. The developer and charging bias pin 27c, respectively, are placed on the side of the main assembly of the apparatus as shown in Figure 65. As for the structures of the contact pins 27a, 2 and 27c with reference to the Figure 65, fit F inside a cover 28 in such a way that they can project but can not come off completely and also are electrically connected with the electrically conductive compression springs 30 with the electrical installation pattern of a circuit board 28 to which the cover holder 2 is mounted. Referring to Figure 66, the placement d 1 of the electrical contacts in the process case B will be described. Figure 66 is a plan view schematically illustrating the relationship of the position between the sensitive photo drum 9 and each of the electric contacts 18a, 18b and 18c. As shown in Figure 66, the contact 18a, 18b and 18c they are placed on the opposite side (non-driven side) towards one (driven side) where the flange gear 9c is fixed, wherein the charge polarization contact 18c places on the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 9 to the transport direction of the recording medium (side of the cleaning medium), and the ground contact 18a of the F drum and revealing polarization contact 18b is placed on the upstream side of cartridge B of the process with rel ication to the conveying direction of the recording medium (side of developer medium). In addition, the contact points between the contacts 18a, 18b and 18c and the contact pins 27a, 27b and 27c on the side of the main assembly of the apparatus are positioned so as not to be aligned in the direction (the indicated middle direction is an arrow in the drawing) where the B cartridge is inserted • process (y3 and y4 in Figure 66). In other words, these contacts enter the main assembly of the apparatus at the consecutive time of the charge polarization contact 18c, the ground contact 18a of the drum and the revealing polarization contact 18b, wherein the polarization contact 18b The charge is placed where it does not interfere with the ground contact pin 27a of the drum and the revealing polarization pin 27b positioned within the main assembly of the apparatus, and the drum ground contact 18a is placed where it does not meet with the polarization contact pin 27b to be located positioned within the main assembly of the unit. This arrangement is made to prevent the contacts that go deeper into the apparatus from coming into contact with the contact pins placed closer to the input side of the apparatus against being damaged or broken, and from causing damage.

»Contact As described above, by placing the contact points so as not to be aligned in the direction in which the process cartridge B is inserted, an optimum condition can be established to avoid the interferences that may otherwise occur between the contacts on the side of the main assembly of the device and the contacts on the side of the process cartridge B during the installation or separation of the cartridge * of process. Therefore, it will be easier to reduce the size of the main assembly of the process cartridge apparatus. In addition, between the contacts, the drum ground contact 18a and the revealing polarization contact 18b are placed on the side of the revealing medium, relative to the photosensitive drum 9, and the charge polarization contact 18c is placed on the the side of the cleaner; therefore, the configuration of the electrode within the process cartridge B can be simplified, which allows the process cartridge B to be reduced in size. More specifically, the revealing polarization contact 18b is positioned farther from the photosensitive drum 9 than the ground contact 18a of the drum, and the exposed surface area of the drum ground contact 18a is larger than that. 18b polarization contact reveals Further, the configuration of the exposed surface of the revealing polarization contactor 18b has a man-made configuration that a hemispherical portion projects from a rectangular parallelepiped portion d, and the exposed surface configuration of the drum ground contact 18a It's a way to boot. The exposed portion of the ground contact 18a of the drum extends outwardly to the visible photo drum 9 from where it faces the photosensitive drum 9 and the exposed portion of the charge bias contact 18c is bent. The revealing polarization contact 18b and the ground contact 18a of the drum are placed within the scale from which the photosensitive drum 9 is coated with the photosensitive material (designated by Z in Figure 66). Furthermore, by placing the electrical contact points of the process cartridge B inside the process cartridge B instead of outside, the adhesion of the foreign material to the contact, and the resulting deformation and corrosion of the contact due to an external force can be prevented. . An exemplary set of sizes for the electrical contacts in accordance with this embodiment is provided below. The present invention, however, is not limited by this example and can be selected as different settings and sizes. (1) The distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and ground contact 18a of the drum, in the direction perpendicular to the drum axis (XI): about 3.9 millimeters. (2) The distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and load polarization contact 18c in the direction perpendicular to the drum axis (X2): approximately 15.5 millimeters (3) The distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and the polarization contact 18b to reveal in the perpendicular direction to the drum axis (X3): approximately 23.5 millimeter (4) The distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and ground contact 18a of the drum in the direction of the drum axis (Yl): approximately 11.5 millimeters » (5) The distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and charge polarization contact 18c in the direction of the drum axis (Y2): approximately 1.5 millimeters. (6) The distance between the photosensitive drum 9 and the polarization contact 18b to reveal in the direction of the drum ej (Y3): approximately 3.1 millimeters. (7) The distance between the lateral end of the ground contact 18a of the drum and the center of the contact (xl): approximately 10.3 millimeters (8) The vertical length of the ground contact 18a of the drum (yl): approximately 6.0 millimeters (9) The horizontal length of the load polarization contact 18c (x2): approximately 12.4 millimeters (10) The vertical length of the load polarization contact 18c (y2): approximately 6.5 millimeters (11) The vertical length of the revealing polarization contact 18b (x3): approximately 7.0 millimeters (12) The distance between the vertical end of the reveal polarization coil 18b and the center of the contact (y3): approximately 6.1 millimeters (13) The outer radius of the drum ground contact 18a (rl): approximately 3.0 mm (14) The outer radius of the revealing polarization contact 18b (r2): approximately 3.0 millimeters (15) The deviation between the contact point of the revealing polarization contact ldb and the contact point of the ground contact 18a of the drum (y3): approximately 5.0 millimeters (16) The deviation between the contact point of contact 18b of reveal polarization and contact point of contact 18c charge polarization (y4): approximately 7.5 millimeters . { Structure to retain the Process Cartridge} When the process cartridge B is inserted along the guide portions 2a and 2b following the procedure described above and the top cover lb is closed, the process cartridge B must be stabilized in its position in which it is located. . Therefore, in this modalityWhen the upper lid lb is closed, the process cartridge B is pressed to the inner surface of the cartridge installation space 2 Referring to Figure 65, the upper lid lb is provided with a pressure generating means lbl which has shock absorbing springs, at a predetermined location on the inward surface, and the spring lb2 plate adjacent to its center of rotation, wherein when the upper lid lb is open, the plate spring lb2 does not contact the cartridge Process B that is being installed. With this structure in place, when the upper lid lb is closed after the upper lid Ib has been "opened" and the process cartridge B has been inserted to a predetermined point along the guide portions 2a and 2b , the pressure generating means lbl is provided on the inner surface of the upper lid Ib, presses down the upper surface of the process cartridge B, and at the same time, a portion lb3 of the upper lid press downwardly the spring lb2 of the plate, which in turn presses down the upper surface of the cartridge B of the process i As a result, the portion 15s of the hole of the axis i the portion 16 of the axis of the process cartridge B are pressed in the portion 2al of slot, whereby the position of the process cartridge B is fixed and at the same time, the leg portions 15 and 15v2 are brought into contact with the stop portions 2b and 2b, fixed in their position. the rotation of the cartuc ho B.

- - The leg portions 15vl and 15v2 of the lower frame 15 of the process cartridge B are provided in two locations, one on the driven side and the other on the non-driven side, and the lower portion, relative to the cartridge insertion direction. (Figure 5), and the stop portions 2bl and 2b2 are provided in the second guide portions 2b, in predetermined locations corresponding to the respective leg portions 15vl and 15v2, wherein the two stop portions 2b and 2b are of the same height, while the two portion of leg 15vl and 15v2 are made to be slightly different in height. More specifically, the portion 15vl of the leg on the driven side becomes higher at about 0.1 millimeter to 0.5 millimeter than the 15v2 portion of the leg on the non-driven side; therefore, the leg portion 15vl on the driven side always remains in contact with the portion 2b? d, while the leg portion 15v2 on the unimposed side remains in a state in which it is slightly raised from the stop portion 12b2. Therefore, under normal conditions, the position of the process cartridge B in the main conjunct of the apparatus is set at three locations, i.e., the locations in the 15s portion of the axis hole of the process tube B, in the portion 16d of the shaft, and the leg portion 15vl on the drive side, while the change of position of cartridge B of the process is prevented even when all body of the process cartridge B is subjected to a moment of rotation. in the right-hand direction, during operation - of the device. As for the leg portion 15v2 on the driven side, only when the cartridge B is deformed by an external shape, for example, vibrations or the like, is it in contact with the stop portion 12b2 and functions as a plug. (Force exerted on the Process Cartridge) When the upper lid Ib is closed after the installation of the process cartridge B, an upward force is exerted on the cartridge B in addition to the downward pressure imparted by the pressure generating means Ibl or is similar, as described above. Therefore, in order to stabilize the installed process cartridge B, the downstream pressure exerted on the process cartridge B must be set to increase the upward pressure. < Ascending Force > The upward force exerted on the process cartridge B is generated by the electric coil pins 27a, 27b and 27c, the transfer roller 6 and the shutter mechanism 24. During the installation of the process cartridge B, the electrical contact pins 27a, 27b and 27c press down the electrical contacts 18a, 18b and 18c to the lower surface of the cartridge B, and the transfer roller 6 presses the drum 9 photosensitive. Therefore, the process cartridge B is pressed upwardly by the forces Fcl, Fc2 and Fc3 from the springs 30 of the respective L contact pins as shown in Figures 65 and 67, as well as by the force Ft of the 6b roller 6 transfer spring (Figure 1). In addition, the shutter mechanism that is opened by the installation of the process cartridge B remains constantly pressed in the closing direction by the torsion spring 24f. This force Fd exerted on the process cartridge in the same direction as that in which the process cartridge B pulls when it is removed, whereby the process cartridge B is pushed upwardly by the vertical components Fdl and Fd2 of the strength Fd. < Descending Force > On the other hand, the process cartridge B is depressed by the forces Fsl and Fs2 of the pressure generating means lbl, and the force Fs from the plate spring lb2, as described above. In addition, it is also depressed by means of the carcasses Fkl, Fk2, and Fk3, and the rotation of the gear to transmit the im pulsing force to the photosensitive drum 9. More specificallyWith reference to Figure 65, when the process cartridge is installed, the flange gear 9c fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of the photosensitive drum 9 is coupled with a driving gear 31 which is provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus for transmitting the driving force of the driving motor. During this time, the direction of the operating pressure angle between the gears 9c and 31 is graduated downwards by an angle 0 = 1 ° - 6 ° (approximately 4 ° in this mode), in relation to the horizontal line. Therefore, during the image forming operation, a Fgl component of the operating pressure Fg between the driving gear and the flange gear 9c works to press the process cartridge B downwardly. By directing the operating pressure of the gears downwardly with relation to the horizontal line, the process cartridge B is prevented from being pushed upwards. Also, with the operating pressure angle >; being directed downwardly relative to the horizontal line even when the operator closes the upper lid lb without inserting the process cartridge B completely (but sufficiently to allow the top lid lb to close), the process cartridge B pulls inwardly by the rotational force of the driving gear 31 as the drive motor rotates after the closing of the upper t pa, and the hole portion 15 of the shaft and the portion 16 of the shaft engage in 2al portions of groove, whereby the process cartridge B is properly installed.

- - When the process cartridge B is inserted incorrectly, the flange gear 9c and the gear and pulser stop coupling, the process cartridge B rises up from the main assembly A of the apparatus and prevents the top cover lb. from closing. . Therefore, the operator will notice that the process cartridge B has been inserted incorrectly. Also, even when the process cartridge B is directed to a force directed in the downward direction diagonally in FIG. 5 during the image-forming operation, the portion 15s of the shaft hole and the portion 16d of the The axes are caused to abut in the slots 2 at the aforementioned operating pressure angle; therefore, the process cartridge B remains stable. However, when the angle of the operating pressure is diagonally graduated downwardly to the left relative to the horizontal line as described above, the positional arrangement is converted in such a way that the flange gear 9c it has to march over the drive gear 31. Therefore, when the operating pressure angle is increased, the flange gear 9c has the possibility of colliding with the drive gear 31 during the installation of the cartridge B of the process. In addition, the process cartridge B must be raised higher before it can be pulled during its separation; from otr - - In this way, both the gears 9c and 31 have the possibility of colliding with one another, thereby preventing their decoupling. Therefore, the angle 0 of the operating pressure to the left below diagonally mentioned above is preferred to be within a range of approximately 1 to 6. (Relationship between the Ascending and Descending Forces) As for the ascending and descending forces exerted on the process cartridge B as described above, the following conditions have to be satisfied in order for the process cartridge B to be properly installed. and that each of the contact pins remains and remains reliably in contact with the duplicates of the process cartridge B. (1) A total pressure exerted on the process cartridge manifests as a downward pressure. (2) The leg portion 15vl on the driven side n ffr is allowed to pivot about an axis connecting the portion 15s of the shaft bore and the shaft portion 16 and rising. (3) The portion 15s of the shaft bore and the portion 16d of the shaft are not allowed to pivot about an axis connecting both leg portions 15vl and 15v2, and thus lift up. (4) The portion 15s of the bore of the shaft on the driven side and the leg portion 15vl on the driven side does not allow them to pivot about an axis connecting the portion 16d of the shaft on the non-driven side and the 15v2 portion of leg on the driven side and in this way get up (5) The portion 16d of the shaft on the non-driven side of the leg portion 15v2 on the driven side is not allowed to pivot about an axis connecting the portion 15s of the shaft bore on the driven side and the portion 15v of leg on the driven side, and in this way stand up. (6) The portion 15s of the shaft hole on the driven side is not allowed to pivot about an axis I connecting the portion 16d of the shaft on the driven side and the leg portion 15vl on the driven side and rise. (7) The portion 16d of the shaft on the non-driven side is not allowed to pivot about an axis that connects the portion 15s of the shaft bore on the driven side and the leg portion 15v2 on the non-driven side, to in this way, get up. However in the case of this embodiment, since the leg portion 15v2 on the non-driven side is raised slightly above the stop portion 2b2, condition (7) can be eliminated; therefore, it is only necessary to fill conditions (1) to (6).

More specifically, in order to fill the Condi¬ For example, only the following relation has to be satisfied: Fsl + Fs2 + Fs3 + FG1 + Fkl + Fk2 + Fk3 > In addition, referring to Figure 68, in order to fill the Condition (3), it will be sufficient if it is necessary that moment of rotation about a point p of the portion 15v of the leg on the driven side satisfy the following mathematical expression where M (T) in the expression is a reactive force generated by the torque of the cartridge, ie, u moment in the clockwise direction of the process cartridge B around the point p in the drawing. M (Fsl + Fs2) + M (Fs3) + M (FG1) + M (kl + Fk2) > M (Fcl) + M (Fc2) + M (Fc3) + M (Ft) + M (Fdl + Fd2) + M (T) where M () is a moment. Similarly, the expressions that satisfy Conditions (1) - (6) are obtained, and the pressures Fsl, Fs and Fs3 are determined so that they satisfy all conditions. As a result, the process cartridge B remains stabilized at a predetermined location within the main conjunct of the apparatus during the image forming operation. . { Image-forming operation} - - Next, referring to Figure 1, it will provide a description as to the form operation of images of the main set A of the apparatus wherein cartridge B of the process has been installed as described above. As the apparatus receives a registration initiation signal, a pickup roller 5a as well as a conveyor roller 5b are driven, whereby the recording medium is separated and fed one by one out of the cassette by means of a hook 4e. of separation, is reversed as it is guided along the guide 5c by the transport roller 5b, and is supplied to the image forming station. When the front end of the recording means is detected by a sensor not shown, an image is formed in the image forming station in synchronism with the transfer time with which the leading end of the recording medium proceeds from the sensor to the portion of transfer attachment point. More specifically, the photosensitive drum 9 rotates in the direction indicated by an arrow in Figure 1 so as to synchronize with the recording medium transport time, and in response to this rotation, a charge polarization is applied. to loading means 10, whereby the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is charged uniformly. memente. Then, a laser beam modulated by the signal that forms * V the image is projected from the optical system 3 to the top of the photosensitive drum 9 whereby a latent image is formed on the surface of the drum in response to the projected laser beam. At the same time as when the beating image is formed, the developer 2 of the process cartridge B is driven whereby the dye feed mechanism 12b urges to feed out the dye into the dyeing container 12g into the sleeve 12d developer, and forms the dye layer in the rotational developer sleeve 12d. The latent image on the photosensitive drum 9 is rotated through the dye by applying the revealing sleeve 12d to a volt having the same polarity of essentially the same amount of electric potential as those of the photose sible drum 9. Then, the image of the dye in the drum 9 photosensitive is transferred to the recording medium that has been supplied to the portion of the transfer fastening point, t applying the transfer roller 6 to a voltage having the opposite polarity to that of the tincture. Even when the photosensitive drum 9 from which the dye image has been transferred to the recording medium is rotated further in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1, the residual dyeing in the photosensitive drum 9 is scraped by the cleaning sheet 13a . The scraped tincture is collected in the residual dye storage 13c. On the other hand, the recording medium in which the dyeing image has been transferred is guided by the cover guide 5e, which is guided by the lower surface as it is transported to the fixing means 7. In this fixing means 7, the image of the dye in the recording medium is fixed by the application of heat and pressure. Then, the record is reversed by the discharge relay roll 5f and the path 5g of the sheet, unfolded in this way as it is curved in reverse and discharged by means of the discharge roll 5h and 5i towards the tray 8 download. { Procedure to Separate the Process Cartridge} When an unillustrated sensor or a device similar to the amount of the dye in the revealing medium is detected has become small during the image forming operation, this information is displayed in a visual or similar display portion of the set A of the apparatus, whereby the operator is instructed to replace cartridge B of the process. Then, the process of separating the process cartridge B to replace the process cartridge B will be described. When the process cartridge B is removed from the main device assembly, the main lid lb opens as shown in Figure 69, to begin during this time, - - v medium Ibl pressure generator and spring lb2 of plate s They separate from the cartridge B of the process, together with the top lid lb. by means of which the force Fsl + Fs2 + Fs3 generated by means of pressure generator Ibl and the spring lb2 of the plate s cancels. As a result, only the force Fkl + Fk2 generated by the weight of the process cartridge B itself remains with the down force exerted on the process cartridge B. At this point in time, since he had been arranged so that the upward force Fcl + Fc2 + Fc3 exerted on the process cartridge B by the contact pins 27a, 27b and 27c, the upward force Ft generated by the roller 6 of transfer and the ascending force Fd qf coming from the shutter mechanism 24 are slightly greater than downward pressure Fkl + Fk2 arriving from the same weight of the process cartridge B, the process cartridge B rises slightly as the lid is opened lb above, by which the coupling between the flange gear 9c and the drive gear 31 is interrupted, and the portion 15s of the shaft needle I and the shaft portion 16d are disengaged from the slot portion 2al. As a result, even when the angle of the operating pressure between the flange gear 9b and the drive gear 31 is directed diagonally downwardly relative to the horizontal line, the process cartridge B can be removed uniformly.

On the contrary, in the case of the ante¬ structure where the cartridge B of the process is installed in the assembly of the upper lid lb, when the angle of the operating pressure is diagonally graduated downwards relative to the horizontal line, the flange gear 9c and the driving gear 31 remain coupled when the top lid is opened. As a result, the process cartridge B can not be extruded uniformly. Therefore, the drive gear 31 must be provided with a unidirectional or similar clutch ? However, in the case of this embodiment, when the upper lid lb is opened, the flange gear 9c is automatically disengaged from the driving gear 31, which eliminates the need for the provision of the unidirectional clutch thereby allowing the account of the component is reduced. Also, when the process cartridge B and the portion 15s of the shaft bore are lifted and the portion 16d of the shaft i is disengaged from the groove portion 2al, as described above, the process cartridge B is pushed diagonally upwardly into the cartridge. the same direction as that in which the process cartridge B is removed from the cartridge installation space 2, by the pressure from the spring 24f exerting the pressure for closing the shutter mechanism 24. Therefore, it is easier to remove the process cartridge B. As described above, when the upper lid lb is opened, the process cartridge B rises slightly in the direction of separation by the ascending force generated by the transfer roller 6, the pins 27a, 27b and 27c of contact and shutter mechanism 24, therefore, can not be removed uniformly and easily. . { Recycling Process by the Process Cartridge} The process cartridge B that can be removed such and as described above is constructed to be recyclable. Next, the recycling process will be described. After the dyeing in the dye storage 12a is exhausted, the process cartridge B in this mode can be cycled to conserve overall resources and protect the natural environment, where the frames 14 and 15 above and below are separated and the dye is refilled in the dyeing 12a. More specifically, with reference to Figures 7, 8, 37 and 38, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 can be separated by unhooking the hook 14a from the coupling. and the coupling opening 15a, the hook 14a of ac. 1 plating and the coupling projection 15d, the hook 14c coupling and the coupling opening 15d, the coupling hook 15c and the coupling opening 14b, and the coupling garfi 14e3 and the coupling opening 15f3. Referring to Figure 70, this release procedure can be carried out easily by placing the spent process cartridge in a tool 32 to disassemble and push the coupling hook 14 by releasing a tab 32a. Also, the process cartridge B can be assembled by pressing the coupling hooks 14a, 14c, 15c and 14e3 instead of using the disassembly tool 32. After the process cartridge B is disassembled in the upper frame assembly 14 and the lower frame assembly 15 as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the components are cleaned by air blowing and the like on the i? We remove the residual dye adhering to the inside of the cartridge, where a relatively large amount of the residual dye will be adhered to the photosensitive drum 9, the developer sleeve 12 and the cleaning means since they are the limbs that can be removed. they come into direct contact with the dye, while the degree of adhesion of the residual dye is less in the loading roller 10 since it is the member that does not come directly in contact with the dye. Therefore, the loading roller 10 it can be easily cleaned in comparison with the photosensitive drum 9, the cleaned medium or the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the car roller 10 is placed in the upper frame 14 that can be separated from the lower frame 15, where the photosensitive drum 9, the developing sleeve 12d and the cleaning means 13 are placed.; therefore, the upper frame 14 separated from the lower frame 15 i can be easily cleaned.

Referring to Figure 60 (b), the processing cartridge ti is separated into the upper frame assembly 14 and the lower frame assembly 15 and each assembly is further disassembled for further cleaning. More specifically, the assembly of the lower frame 14 is disassembled in the upper frame 14, the loading roller 10 and the like and the assembly of the lower frame 15 is disassembled in the sensitive drum 9, the revealing sleeve 12d, the 12e revealing sheet, cleaning sheet, and the like. In other words, the process card B is disarmed to the level of the individual components to be cleaned; therefore, the cleaning line becomes a simple line. After the cleaning of all residual or similar dye, the opening 12a2 is sealed by gluing the cover film 26 with the breaking tape 25 over the opening 12a2; a new supply of the dye is filled through a dye filling mouth 12a4 which is provided in the * ^ ~ J side surface of dyeing storage 12a; and the dye filling bo 12a4 is covered with the cover 12a3. Accordingly, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are joined by coupling the coupling hook 14a and the coupling opening 15a, the coupling hook 14a and the coupling projection 15b, the coupling hook 14c and the coupling opening 15a. coupling, the coupling hook 15c and the coupling tongue 14b, and the coupling hook 14e3 and - - opening 15f3 coupling, re-finishing in this way and B process cartridge for another use revolution. When the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 are joined, the coupling hook 14a is coupled with the coupling opening 15a; hook 14a coupling with coupling projection 15b; and so on. However, it is conceivable that as the recycle count of the process cartridge B increases, the coupling hooks and the coupling openings eventually stop coupling. Therefore, in this embodiment, screw holes are provided at locations adjacent to the coupling hooks and respective coupling openings or locations where equivalent effects can be obtained to those of the coupling hooks and coupling openings, so that the lower upper frames can be screwed together For example, the screw holes 14al are provided adjoining the corresponding coupling grabs 14a d of the developer means placed in the upper frame 14 and the screw holes 15al are provided adjacent the openings 15a of coupling provided in the lower frame 15, that is, in locations corresponding to those of the screws 14al. In addition to these screw holes, through holes are also provided adjacent the respective corners of the frames, pierced through the coupling projection 14d and the coupling concavity 15e (on the side of the cleaning means), and through the . coupling projections 15fl and 14e2 and concavity 14el coupling (on the side of the developer medium). Therefore, even when these coupling hooks do not engage effectively, the upper and lower frames 14 and 15 can be tightly joined by screwing them together with screws that fit through these screw holes.

K OTHER MODALITY Next, the alternate modalities of the different portions in the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein the portions having the same functions as those in the first embodiment that has been described e the foregoing will be designated by the same reference symbols. (Image Carrier Member) In the first mode, a semiconductor or < (OPC) as the material for the photosensitive layer of the image-bearing member, but the material is not limited by this example. For example, the material can be amorphous silicon (A-Si), selenium (Se), zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium sulfide (CdS), or the like. < Flange Gear > In the first embodiment, the bracing member 9c4 is press fit to the recessed portion 9c3 of the flange gear 9c as shown in Figure 9, as the torque means to prevent the flange gear 9c from being deformed by a load exerted on the flange. as the driving force is transmitted, but the present invention is not limited by this example. By adding just the ribs or similar to the flange gear itself, instead of press fitting the reinforcing member 9c4, it will be sufficient as long as a resistance can be obtained satisfactory. For example, a structural flange gear as shown in Figure 71 is one of these gears. It has been stated above that because the flange gear 9c is made of plastic material by ejection molding, it is hollowed out below the lower shoulder of the gear portion. When they are provided Widths within this recessed portion 9c3 shown in Figure 9, there is a possibility of inviting deterioration in the accuracy of the gear. Therefore, in the case of the flange gear 9c in this embodiment, the recessed portion 9c is molded narrower so that the walls 9c6 are placed below the lower shoulder of the gear portion, and at the same time a large portion is provided. number of ribs 9c7 in recessed portion 9c. With this arrangement, the resistance of the flange gear 9c can be increased without inviting * the deterioration of the gear's accuracy. < Drum shaft > In the first embodiment, the screw hole 9dl is provided on the end surface of the shaft 9d of the screen, as an exemplary means for simplifying the operation to disassemble the shaft 9 of the drum that has been adjusted to pressure in the portion 15s of the drum. shaft bore of the lower frame 15 but the present invention is not limited by this example Any medium will be good as long as it is structured • * make it easier to remove the shaft 9d from the drum. For example, a notch 9d2 may be provided on the drum shaft 9d and the shaft hole portion 15s of the bottom frame 15, as shown in Figure 72 (a), or an outer diameter Rb of the flange portion 9d3 may be provided. make it larger than the outer diameter Ra of the hole portion 15s of the lower frame shaft 15 as shown in FIG.

- * Figure 72 (b), whereby the shaft 9d of the drum can be easily removed. In addition, in this mode, the cost to cut the threads can be eliminated, thus reducing the manufacturing cost. (Medium Load) t < Sliding Cojt > In the first embodiment, the lOcl portion of the hook-shaped plug is formed integrally in the sliding bearing 10c as the thrust adjusting means for regrinding the force in the thrust direction of the carousel 10, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, but the present invention is not limited by this provision. All that is needed is the thrust adjustment portion that is completely integrated in the sliding bearing. For example, a pair that completely covers one end of the slip bearing 10c as shown in Figure 73 (a) can be integrally molded to be used as the plug portion Ocl or instead provides a rib 10c2. of projection on the inner wall of the plug portion lOcl as shown in Figure 73 (b) so that the frictional resistance can be reduced when the end of the arrow of the roller, of the loading roller 10 rotates while In addition, in the manner described above, the loop portion of the plug is integrally formed, as an exemplary thrust adjusting means, in the sliding bearing 10c which rotatably holds the roller 10 of the plug 10. charge but the present invention is not restricted by this particular axis. The same effects can be obtained when a thrust adjustment means for the transfer roller or the like is provided. Regarding the structure of the loading medium, a so-called contact method of charging in the first embodiment is used, but it is needless to say, that the surface of the drum can be loaded uniformly using this loading method so that a metal detector such as an aluminum shield it is placed adjacent to a tungsten wire so as to protect it on all three sides, and the positive or negative ones generated by applying a high voltage to tungsten wire are transferred to the surface of the photosensitive drum. In addition, the contact type charging means can be of a sheet type, (loading sheet), type of black type pad, type of rod, wire type or the like, in addition to the type of roller described in what antece (Revealing Medium) As to the developing method, it is possible to use known disclosing methods such as the two component magnetic brush developer method, the cascade developer method, the touch developer method, the cloud developer method, or the like. (Cleaner Medium) <; Cleaning Blade > In the first embodiment, the rib 14j is provided as a means to suppress the noise generated by the cleaning sheet bration, at a predetermined location on the inner surface of the upper frame 14 as shown in Figures 31 and 32, and this rib 14j is made to on the upper surface of the sheet support member 13al, with the sealing member SI being interposed, but the present invention is not limited by this example, For example, the rib 14j can be made to bump on it. inclined surface of the member 13al holding the blade, holding the blade 13a as long as this arrangement can suppress the vibration of the blade 13a. In addition, a shock absorber member made of chloroprene rubber or similar can be interposed between the sheet support member 13al to which the leaf is fixed.

Fw 13 cleaner and upper frame 14, as shown in Figure 75, wherein the seal member SI is positioned adjacent to the shock absorber member 33 to prevent leakage of the residual toner. Measurement of thickness of the member The shock absorber used in this example is approximately 0.5 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters larger than that of the space between the upper surface of the sheet support member 13 and the internal surface of the upper frame 14, and its measurement in the longitudinal direction it is approximately 150 millimeters to 220 millimeters. The interposition this member 33 shock absorber flexes the upper frame 14 in approximately 0.5 millimeter to 1.0 millimeter. In other words, the shock absorbing member 33 is pressed against the sheet support member 13al by a force strong enough to flex the upper frame 14, whereby the vibration generated by the adhesion-slip of the cleaning sheet is suppresses to reduce the noise that comes out of the process cartridge. Also, the shock absorbing member 33 can be positioned so as to be interposed between the rib 14j of the upper frame 14 and the blade support member 13al, as shown in Figure 76, where the shock-absorbing member 33 used in this Urethane rubber having a thickness of 0.5 millimeter or less, and compressed between the rib 14j and the sheet support member 13al during the cartridge assembly process so that the thickness is reduced to approximately 0.3 millimeter and its hardness reaches approximately 60 °. Therefore, the micro-vibration c li at a frequency of several tens of Hz or more generated by the adhesion-slip of the cleaning sheet 13a can be suppressed. As a result, noise generation can be impaired and good quality images can also be produced. In addition, the rib 14j that is provided in a predetermined location of the upper frame member 14 can be placed directly in contact with the sheet support member 13a as shown in Figures 77 and 78. The neb 14j shown in Figure 77 it is positioned so as to contact substantially through the entire upper surface of the sheet support member 13al, and the rib 14j shown in Figure 38 is placed in order to be contacted essentially with the entire surface area (upper and angled surface) of the sheet support member 13al. This arrangement increases the rate of vibration transmission d of the cleaning blade 13a to the cartridge frame through the rib 14j, but also increases the mass of the object that vibrates by itself (mass of the cartridge frame), by which vibration of the cleaning sheet 13a is dissipated through the shell of the cartridge, that is, the larger mass. Therefore, the vibration of the blade 13a can be reduced and subsequently the noise generated by the vibration is reduced. Also, an arrangement as shown in Figure 79 can be effected so as to provide an upper arm 14 with an opening 34 extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, adjacent to where the cleaning sheet 13a is (in FIG. where the nervadu 14j could have been), and the top lb lid on the side of the main set The apparatus is provided with a stop member 35 which is positioned at a predetermined location such as to abut on the upper surface of the blade support member 13a through the opening 34 as the lid is closed. higher. This arrangement causes the vibration of the cleaning sheet to be transmitted through the entire apparatus by means of the stop member 35, where the mass of the object itself is vibrated is further increased (mass of the whole apparatus) the vibration of the sheet 13a cleaner is dissipated through increased mass, that is, the mass of the entire apparatus, whereby the vibration of the blade 13a is reduced and subsequently the noise generated by the vibration is reduced. In addition, in order to improve the tightness of the contact, a thin and soft shock absorbing material such as a rubber sheet can be interposed between the sheet support member 13al and the stop member 23. Referring to Figure 80, when the sheet support member 13al is firmly screwed into the cartridge frame, it can be screwed not only in both longitudinal ends of the angled surface but also in amb >; e longitudinal ends of the upper surface. Just like the previous mode, this arrangement can suppress micro-vibration with a frequency of several tens of Hz more, generated from the force of friction between the photosensitive member 9 and the cleaning sheet 13a, whereby the mine the generation of noise and also, good quality images can be produced. Also, in the case of the single cleaning medium. As shown in Figure 81, the same effects can be obtained as those of the previous embodiment by firmly screwing the blade support member 13al, er, to the central portion of the top surface.

Likewise, a rib 14j which is slightly more high than the space between the inner surface of the upper frame 1 and the upper surface of the sheet support member 13al and extending in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, is can provide half of the inner surface of the upper frame 14 so that the elastic deformation that occurs as the rib 14j is pressed on the sheet support member 13al can be used to press the upper surface of the member 13al of sheet support. By means of this arrangement, the rib 14j is pressed on the * > The upper surface of the middle sheet support member 13al is the elastic deformation of the upper frame 14, and by this operation, the vibration of the cleaning sheet 13 can be suppressed, thereby reducing the noise of the vibration. Also, the same can be obtained. effects that those of the previous embodiment providing a dividing wall 36 c that is slightly higher than the space between the lower storage portion 13c of the residual tincture < * and the upper portion of the sheet support member 13al, from the storing portion 13c of the residual dyeing of the lower frame 15 in the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. In this case, the strength of the lower frame 15 is also improved by providing this dividing wall 36.

By implementing one or more of these modalities described above, micro-vibration with a frequency of several tens of Hz or more, generated by the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 9 and the cleaning sheet 13a can suppress, in where after the implementation of the midadity, the amplitudes of the vibrations of both the photosensitive drum 9 and the cleaning sheet 13a decrease to 0.01 micrometer or less, which is within the measurement error by means of which the noise generated by The vibration and good quality images are produced, while before the implementation of the modality, they were from approximately 3 micrometers to 5 micrometers, respectively. With respect to the method for cleaning the residual dye in the photosensitive drum 9, the cleaning means can be constituted by a sheet, a skin brush, a magnetic brush or a similar device. (Upper and Lower Frameworks) In the first embodiment, the driving portion on the revealing side of the lower frame 15 is essentially molded into a box configuration, and nerves are also provided to increase the local strength of the frame. It can be applied to the same method to increase other portions in the upper and lower frames. (Shutter Mechanism) In the first embodiment, the shutter mechanism 24 is designed to open automatically as the process cartridge B is used, and to close automatically mediate the torsional spring as the cartridge is removed. Therefore, when the process cartridge B is in the image forming apparatus, the shutter mechanism 24 is pressed in the closing direction by the spring 24 whereby the process cartridge B is pressed in the direction in which the cartridge is pressed. Process B will be lifted from the cartridge installation space 2 of the main unit assembly, which is one of the advantages of this design. However, when the pressure from the torsional spring 24 is too intense, the process cartuc B becomes unstable in its position. Therefore, an interlocking or closing mechanism can be provided to close the shutter mechanism 24 when the shutter mechanism 24 is opened. Regarding the locking mechanism, referring to Figure 84, a lever 39b pressed by a compression spring 39a is provided at a predetermined location of the stop cartridge B, where this lever engages a coupling hole 24c2 that is provided in the closure portion 24c when the shutter mechanism is fully opened . By means of this arrangement, the shutter mechanism 24 is held in the open state; therefore, spring pressure 24 - - torsional is prevented from working in order to lift the cartridge of process. The clamped shutter mechanism is released by eject button 40 shown in Figure 84. More specifically, the main assembly of the apparatus is provided with the ejector button 40 which is pressed by a spring 40 or compression in the direction to exit the main set of the device. As this ejector button 40 is depressed, a pressure projection 40a positioned at the end of the button pushes the lever 39b inwardly, whereby the lever 39b disengages from the coupling hole 24c2 thereby releasing the shutter mechanism of the actuator. the nailed state. The ejector button 40 is provided with a coupling hook 40. When the upper lid lb is closed, this engagement hook 40b engages when the coupling hook 41 is provided in the upper lid lb, thereby locking the upper lid lb in the closed state. On the other side, when the ejector button 40 is depressed, the coupling is interrupted and the upper lid lb is opened by the pressure of the torsion spring that is provided in the vicinity of the station of the upper lid Ib. In other words, as the ejection button 40 is depressed, the upper lid 3 opens automatically and at the same time, the process cartridge rises as if it were floating outside of the cartridge installation stage 2, by means of the pressure from the spring 24f, which facilitates the removal of the cartridge B process. Referring to Figures 85 to 89, the pres that is provided by the drum shutter in the first embodiment can be provided by a native alternating structure, which is totally different from that of the first embodiment. Next, the structure of the alternative structure shown in Figures 85 to 89 will be described. In this embodiment, a process cartridge 42 shown in Figure 85 is installed in the i genes-forming apparatus 43 by inserting it through an inserts window 44 that is provided in front of the apparatus. The process cartridge 4 and the image forming apparatus 43 have the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and the process cartridge 42 comprises a main carving assembly 42a and a case 42b that functions as the shutter mechanism. The cartridge insert window 44 locks a thin plate 46 to which pressure is imparted from a rip 45 in the closing direction, and this thin plate 46 pushes open by the process cartridge 42 that is inserted. The process cartridge 42 is inserted until the flange portion 42c is essentially flush with the front surface of the main assembly of the imaged apparatus. As the main set 42a of the car is further pushed, the case 42b remains where it is. As a result, a front portion of the main assembly 42a of the cartridge projects out of the process cartridge 42. Then, the projected cartridge main assembly 42a is detected by a sensor not shown, and a gear 47 coupled with a non-illustrated engine begins to rotate. The gear 47 is coupled with a rack 42al provided on the upper surface of the primary assembly 42a of the cartridge, and the main assembly 42a of the cartridge additionally withdraws from the case 42b by rotating the cartridge 42a. ** gear 47. During this time, an axle 48 which is the extension of the axis of the photosensitive drum contained in this main cartridge assembly is coupled in a guide groove 49 that provides inside the image forming apparatus 43, when guided. in this way forward by the guide slot 49. Referring to Figure 88, a contact 50 is provided to be an electrical contact on the back (the left one in Figure 88) of the main set 42a of the cartridge. As the main set 42a of the carcase is further extracted, the contact 50 is brought into contact with a contact pin 52 which is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 43 and remains under a downward pressure from a spring 51. During this time, the main assembly 42a of the cartridge is subjected to a downward pressure of the contact pin 52, and, as a result, the - - rear portion of the main assembly 42a of the cartridge falls slightly along the guide groove 49. Also, as the process cartridge 42 is inserted, an arrow 53 that is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 43 projects toward a hole 24b in the case 42b. This arrow 53 is pressed by means of a compression spring 55 through a lever 54, in the direction to project towards the hole 42bl, where the apparatus 54 is exposed outwardly of the image forming apparatus 43. When the main cartridge assembly 42a is further extracted to a predetermined point, the flech 53 falls into a concavity 42a2 that is provided on the side surface of the main cartridge assembly 42a, whereby the main cartridge assembly 42a is driven into the cartridge. this location against the pressure of a tension spring 42d that works to pull the main assembly 42a back into the case 42b. In other words, in the locked state, the force of the tension spring 42d is prevented from working to move the main assembly 42a of the cartridge out of the normal position; therefore, the process cartridge 42 is stabilized in position in the image formed apparatus. The lever 54 is pivotable about an axis 54a, when a force is exerted in the direction of an arrow in - Figure 89, the arrow 53 is pushed out of the concavity 42a2 by the pressure of the tension spring 42d, and the assembly * 42th head of the cartridge is pulled back into the box 42b. During this traction, backward, since the gear 47 and the rack 42al remain engaged, the gear 47 serves as a shock absorber to prevent the main assembly 42 of the cartridge from being pulled sharply back into the box 42b. After the main assembly 4 of the cartridge has been pulled back into the box 42b, the assembly 42a * Main cartridge protrudes by a predetermined amount from the image forming apparatus 43, as shown in FIG. 87, facilitating the extraction thereof. As described above, the provision of tension spring 42d with a suitable force to pull back the main assembly 42a of the cartridge within the box 42b, as well as the provision of the locking or locking mechanism, extremely facilitate the removal Furthermore, with this arrangement in place, the current state related to the installation of the cartridge 43 can be monitored by observing the condition of the lever 54. More specifically, referring to Figure 90, when the cartridge 42 process is not in the image forming apparatus 43, the lever 54 has the appearance shown in Figure 90 (a); when the process cartridge 42 has been properly installed and the arrow 53 has fallen into concavity 42a2, it has the appearance as shown in Figure 90 (b); and when the cartridge 42 is improperly installed in the image forming apparatus 43, it has the appearance shown in Figure 90 (c). Therefore, the current related state of the cartridge installation can be determined just by observing externally the position of the lever 54.. { Structure of Process Cartridge and Process of Assembling} < Seal at the End of the Cleaning Blade > In the first embodiment, as a means to reduce the frictional force between the end portion of the photosensitive drum and the seal member S6, glued to the lower portion of the sheet fixing surface 15j, which corresponds to the portion of the end of the cleaning sheet 13a, the high density polyethylene sheet 37 is glued on the stamp member as shown in Figure 49, or the lubricant 38 such as a silicon microparticle is coated on the S6 member. of seal as shown in Figure 50, but the present invention is not limited by this example. Powdered material such as polyfluorovinylidene particles or the like can be used as the lubricant 38. As a method of adhering the lubricant 38 e powder to the sealing member S6, the lubricant 38 can only be sprayed on the member. Seal S6 when the force of friction between the seal member S6 and the end portion: of the photosensitive drum 9 is not relatively large. This is d Because the drum 9 is in the early stage of use, the surface of the seal member S6 is rough and its frustration is large, whereas after a certain period of use, the roughness of the member surface S6 of seal is reduced and friction is reduced as well. In addition, the powder lubricant 38 can be dispersed through the sealing member 38 by a method in which the powder lubricant 38 is mixed in a volatile liquid, this mixture is soaked in the seal member 3 and then, the liquid evaporates. . This method allows > that the lubricant 38 that has been dispersed through the seal member 37 is exposed little by little on the contact surface between the photosensitive drum 9 and the sealing member 37. As a result, the friction between the photosensitive drum 9 and member 38 The seal member is reduced for a prolonged period of time, whereby the seal member 37 is prevented from being dragged and broken by the photosensitive drum. < Method for Installing the Photosensitive Drum > During the description of the first embodiment, one of the methods for installing the photosensitive drum 9 was introduced, wherein in order to interpose the lubricant 38 through the contact surface between the photosensitive drum 9 and the cleaning sheet 13 at the At the beginning of the cartridge testing process, the photosensitive drum 9 was inserted while being guided in the direction that formed a guide, which was less than 45 ° relative to the surface * contact sheet 13a. This method of drum installation can also be adopted for the recycle assembly process. It is conceivable that the service durations of the different components used in the process cartridge are different. Assume that the service life of the photosensitive drum 9 is less than that of the cleaning sheet 13 In this case, an exhausted process cartridge can be recycled by replacing only the main assembly 42a of the cartridge fr When the photosensitive drum 9 is removed during the operation of Repositioning of the drum, the residual developer is still adhered to the contact surface of the sheet 13a and this residual reflector can serve as the lubricant 38 mentioned above. However, generally speaking, when the photosensitive drum 9 is removed, this resistive developer is divided between the surface of the photosensitive drum 9 and the contact surface of the sheet 13a; therefore, the amount of the residual developer adhering to the sheet 13a is not sufficient to cover the entire contact surface of the sheet 13a. Therefore, the method of drum installation, in accordance with the present invention can be adopted, whereby, as a new photosensitive drum 9 is inserted into the process cartridge B, the residual developer sheet 13a it can distribute to cover the entire contact surface between the sheet 13a and the photosensitive drum 9. In other words, the residual developer can be interposed with the lubricant, between two components. Also, the present invention can preferably be applied not only to a process cartridge for monocolor image formation such as that described above, but also to a process cartridge in which two or more media are provided. regulators for forming multicolored images (e.g., double color images, triple color images, complete color images, or the like). The process cartridge B described above refers to a process cartridge comprising an electrophotographic or similar photosensitive member, such as the image carrier member and at least one processing means. However, many other cartridge designs are possible in addition to those of the embodiments described above. For example, the process cartridge B is available in the form of an interchangeable process cartridge where: a load carrying image and load means are fully assembled; an image-carrying member and a means of revealing are integrally assembled; or an image carrying member and a cleaning means are integrally assembled. In addition, the process cartridge B is also available in the form of an interchangeable process cartridge in which an image carrier member of two or more processing means is integrally assembled. In other words, the process cartridge described above refers to an interchangeable process cartridge for an image forming apparatus, comprising a charging means, a developing means and a cleaning means that are integrally assembled with a photosensitive member electrofot graphic in the form of a cartridge; comprising at least one of a loading means, a developer means, a cleaning means which are integrally assembled with an electrophotographic photosensitive member, or in the form of a cartridge; or comprising at least one developer means, which is integrally assembled with an electrophotographic photosensitive member in the form of a cartridge. During the descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention, a lightning printer l is selected as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention need not be limited to this choice. to say that the present invention is applicable to many other image forming apparatuses such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, a light emitting diode printer, a word processor, or a similar apparatus.

- * In accordance with the above-described modes of scoring, the conductive member of the polarization voltage of ripple to supply the bias voltage of revealing developing means and the conductive member for grounding the image-bearing member, are placed adjacent to my longitudinal end. of the image-carrying member, in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation of the image-bearing member, and the conducting member for charge-biasing volt- age to supply the charging polarization voltage to the charging means, is placed adjacent to the opposite side of the image-bearing member, and in addition, the contact position of the conductive member of the revealing polarization voltage, the contact position of the grounding member and the position of the contact of the load-polarizing conductive member. , does not overlap in the address member of the insertion of the process cartridge in the set p of the image forming apparatus, by which the electrical power supply system to the process cartridge is simplified, and the electrical contacts are free from any influence of the assembly operation of the process card, and the reduction in size and Cost reduction of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus can be achieved. As described above, in accordance with the ent invention, the application of polarization voltage to reveal to the developer means, the application of charging bias voltage to the charging means and the connection to the carrying member of the carrier member. of images, can be achieved safely and can therefore produce images of superior quality. In accordance with the embodiments, a polarization voltage application of revealing to the developer means, a charging bias voltage application to the charging means and an electrical ground connection of the image carrying member can be safely performed, and therefore, the image of superior quality can be assured. In an embodiment of the ent invention, an electrically conductive member for supplying the revealing polarization voltage and an electrically conductive member for grounding is provided adjacent to the same end portion of the image-bearing member, in an almost perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image-carrying member, and an electrically conductive member is provided for supplying charging bias voltage adjacent to the opposite side. Due to this structure, mutual influence can be reduced. Therefore, the power supply system for the process cartridge is simplified so that the size and cost of the process cartridge can be reduced by the image forming apparatus.

- - As described above, the ent invention provides a process cartridge and image forming apparatus capable of securely establishing electrical contact with a main assembly, when the process cartridge is increased in a set of an image forming apparatus. In accordance with another aspect of the ent invention, there is provided a process cartridge and image forming apparatus in which the influence of a driving transmission portion on an electrically conductive member is reduced. In accordance with an additional aspect of the I sat invention, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus are provided in which the possibility of damage to an electrical contact can be avoided. In accordance with a further aspect of the ent invention, there is provided a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus wherein the distance of the electrical installation of an electrically conductive member for developing bias and an electrically conductive member i- for Charge polarization can be reduced. Even though the invention has been described referring to the structures disclosed herein, it is not limited to the details indicated and this application is intended to cover those modifications or changes that may remain

Claims

within the objects of the improvements or the scope of the si¬ * following claims. N O V E D A D I N V E N C L I N Having described the invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, it is claimed as property contained in the following CLAIMS:

1. A process cartridge capable of being removably mounted on a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image-bearing member; a process means operable in the image-carrying member; a polarizing conductive member to reveal torque allowing the application of the bias voltage to reveal to the developing medium; a conductive grounding member for electrically grounding the image carrying member; wherein the conductor members are placed adjacent one end of the image-bearing member in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the image-bearing member; and a load biasing conductor member for * allow the application of charge polarization to the half charge, which is provided adjacent to an opposite end of the image carrying member.

2. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the revealing bias conductor means and the grounding conductor member are positioned adjacent the developer means, relative to the image holder member.

3. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the charging bias conductor member is positioned adjacent the cleaning means, relative to the image carrying member.

A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a driving transmission portion for transmitting the rotational driving force to a photosensitive drum as the imaging member is positioned adjacent to the opposite end .

5. A process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the drive transmission portion includes a helical gear.

A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a contact position d of the biasing conductor reveals its contact position of the connecting conductor to the tier and a contact position of the conductor member of charge polarization deviate from a line along a direction of movement of the image-bearing member.

7. A process according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is mounted on a main assembly of the image forming apparatus along a direction of movement of the image-bearing member.

8. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the process cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus with a cleaning means as the process medium in the front of the developer means in the back part.

9. A process cartridge in accordance with claim 1, a contact position of the revealing bias conductor member, a contact position of the grounding conductor member and a contact position of the load biasing conductor member , is not traslap in a direction of insertion of the process cartridge into the main assembly of the image-bearing member.

10. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing bias conductor member is farther from the imaging member than the conductive grounding member.

11. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an exposed area of the grounding conductor member is larger than an exposed area of the grounding conductor. # member polarization driver to reveal.

12. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a configuration of a portion of the bias conductor to reveal is semi-spherical in a rectangular parallelepiped.

13. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a configuration of an exposed portion of the grounding conductor member is similar to a boot.

A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an exposed portion of the grounding conductor member extends from a position of a photosensitive drum as the image carrying member to the exterior of the photosensitive drum.

15. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an exposed portion of the charge biasing conductor member is bent.

16. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing bias conductive member and the grounding conductor are facing an applied region with photosensitive material of a photosensitive drum such as the imaging member. genes.

17. A process cartridge in accordance with the # claim 1, wherein an exposed portion of the grounding conductor member extends from a position of a photosensitive drum as the image carrying member to the exterior of the photosensitive drum.

18. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge comprises integrally a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as the process medium, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrying member. , in ^^ where the process cartridge is capable of being removably mounted in relation to the main assembly.

19. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge comprises integrally an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image-carrying member and at least one charging means, a developing means and a cleaning means as the means of proc so, wherein the process cartridge is capable of separable mounting relative to the image forming apparatus.

20. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge comprises at least one developer means as the process medium, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the imaging member, and wherein the The process cartridge is capable of detachably mounting in relation to the image forming apparatus.

21. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is removably mounted, the apparatus comprises: a mounting means for mounting the proc cartridge or including a carrier member images; a means of action operable in the image-bearing member; a biasing conductor member to reveal to allow the application of bias voltage to reveal to the developer means a conductive grounding means for electrically connecting the image carrying member; wherein the conductor members are positioned adjacent one end of the image-bearing member in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the image-bearing member; a charge biasing conductor member to allow the charge biasing application to the charging means, which is provided adjacent to an opposite end of the image carrying member; . < a revealing polarization conducting member of the main assembly capable of contacting the revealing polarization conductor member; a grounding conductor member of the main assembly capable of connecting with the grounding conductor member; and a charge biasing conductor member of the main assembly capable of being connected to the charge biasing conductor member.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the imaging apparatus is an electrophotographic scoring machine. I

23. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the imaging apparatus is a laser beam * printer.

24. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the image forming apparatus is a facsimile machine.

25. A process cartridge capable of being removably assembled in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus comprising: an image-bearing member; a revealing medium; a means of loading; a cleaning medium; a polarizing conductive member revealing the application of a revealing bias voltage to the developing med, which is provided adjacent to the developing means and adjacent one end of the image-bearing member, in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the beam. bro image carrier; a conductive grounding member for electrically grounding the image carrying member; a charge biasing conductor member for applying a charge bias voltage to the charging means, adjacent to the cleaning means.

26. A process cartridge according to claim 25, wherein the polarizing conductive medium # of reveal and the grounding conductor member remain adjacent to the developing means, relative to the image-carrying member, and wherein the load-polarizing conductor member is adjacent to the cleaning means, wherein a photosensitive drum as the carrier member of images is provided with a helical gear to receive the rotational force of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus adjacent to the other end of the image carrying member, in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the photosensitive member.

27. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material which is capable of mounting a process cartridge comprising: a mounting means for mounting the proc cartridge or including an imaging member; a half revé lador; a means of loading; a cleaning medium; a member with¬ The polarization detector of revealing for application of a polarization voltage to reveal to the developer means, which is provided adjacent to the developing means and adjacent to an extremity of the image-bearing member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the member. image carrier a grounding conductor member for electrically connecting the image carrying member; a mié-rabr charge bias conductor for the application of a charge bias voltage to the charging means, adjacent to the cleaning means; a polarizing conductive member revealing the main assembly capable of contacting the member: 1 revealing polarization conductor; a grounding conductor member of the main assembly capable of contacting the earthing conductor member; and a load-polarizing conductor member of the main assembly capable of contacting the charge biasing conductor member.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the imaging apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine.

29. An apparatus according to claim 1 0 - 27, wherein the image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer.

30. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the imaging apparatus is a facsimile machine. In testimony of which, I have signed the previous description and novelty of the invention as proxy of CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA, in Mexico City, Federal District, today, April 27, 1994.