WO2017002822A1

WO2017002822A1 - Processing cartridge protective cover, separation and release means, processing cartridge, and separation method for processing cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2017002822A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/069176
Authority: WO
Inventors: 卓哉錦織; 正志水野; 修一池田; 保典河合; 洋平松岡
Original assignee: 三菱化学株式会社
Priority date: 2015-06-29
Filing date: 2016-06-28
Publication date: 2017-01-05

Abstract

A processing cartridge protective cover (50, 150) disposed on the outer periphery of a processing cartridge body (10) comprises: a plate-like first protective piece (51, 151), a plate-like second protective piece (52, 152) positioned facing the first protective piece with a gap therebetween; a connecting piece (53, 153) that connects one edge of the first protective piece and one edge of the second protective piece; engaging pieces (51a, 52a, 151a), which are protruding members disposed on at least the first protective piece or the second protective piece; and a separation member (54, 155), which is a protrusion disposed between the first protective piece and the second protective piece, on at least one of the first protective piece, the second protective piece, and the connecting piece.

Description

Process cartridge protective cover, separation releasing means, process cartridge, and separation method of process cartridge

The present invention relates to a protective cover for protecting a process cartridge, a process cartridge to which the protective cover is attached, a separation release means for the process cartridge, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and copiers are provided with a process cartridge that is detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “apparatus main body”).

The process cartridge is a member that forms contents to be represented such as characters and figures in a posture mounted on the apparatus main body, and transfers this to a recording medium such as paper. For this purpose, the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum on which the content to be transferred is formed, and a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum. The principle that an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is mounted is well known.

Since the process cartridge is a replacement part, it is transported, sold and installed as a single process cartridge. Therefore, it is important to protect the members constituting the process cartridge before being attached to the apparatus main body. For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a protective cover that is attached to a process cartridge and is removed when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. Thereby, each member constituting the process cartridge is protected from light, dust and the like (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Further, in the process cartridge, the developing roller operates in contact with the photosensitive drum when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, but when the process cartridge is not yet mounted on the apparatus main body, It is preferable to keep away without contacting. Therefore, the process cartridge is provided with a separation means for separating the photosensitive drum and the developing roller before being attached to the apparatus main body.

In Patent Document 3, in a member that keeps the photosensitive drum and the developing roller apart (set to a separated state), the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and the photosensitive drum rotates to rotate the member. A technique for releasing the separated state is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-3160 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-214106 Japanese Patent No. 5355679

However, in the prior arts described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the protection is not necessarily sufficient, and there is a possibility that external light may be directly irradiated onto the photosensitive drum.

Further, in the separation member described in Patent Document 3, the separation state cannot be resolved unless the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body and the photosensitive drum rotates. Furthermore, separation may not be released only by the frictional force when the photosensitive drum rotates, and reliable separation cannot be released unless the end member attached to the end of the photosensitive drum is provided with a pressing portion of a recess. There is. Further, when the concave portion is provided in the end member, the structure of the mold is complicated, and the roundness of the end member is deteriorated, which may affect the image. On the other hand, it has been desired to eliminate the separation state before the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body.

In addition, the techniques for achieving the conventional state, including the technique described in Patent Document 3, tend to be complicated. On the other hand, if the separated state can be maintained more easily, the process cartridge can be manufactured easily.

Accordingly, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides a means that can more reliably protect against external light and dust, and that can separate the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, and a means that can release the separated state. The issue is to provide. Further, a process cartridge using these means is provided.

The present invention is a process cartridge protective cover disposed on the outer peripheral portion of a process cartridge main body, and is disposed opposite to the plate-shaped first protective piece and the first protective piece with a space therebetween. A plate-shaped second protective piece, a connecting piece for connecting ends of the first protective piece and the second protective piece, and at least one of the first protective piece and the second protective piece. At least one of the locking piece that is the protruding member, the first protective piece, the second protective piece, and the connecting piece is disposed between the first protective piece and the second protective piece. And a separation member that is a protrusion.

As one aspect of the process cartridge protective cover of the present invention, for example, a first protective piece, a second protective piece, and a connecting piece are formed by combining at least two members.

As one aspect of the process cartridge protective cover of the present invention, for example, at least one of the first protective piece, the second protective piece, and the connecting piece is disposed between the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge main body and the developing roller. A separation assisting member that is a protrusion to be made is disposed.

As one aspect of the process cartridge protective cover of the present invention, for example, the surface of the separation assisting member that should face the photosensitive drum side has an arc shape. The present invention is a process cartridge including a housing, a photosensitive drum disposed in the housing, and a developing unit. The process cartridge protective cover of the present invention is disposed on the outer periphery, and the process cartridge protective cover is locked. The piece is locked to the locking portion provided in the housing, the first protective piece and the second protective piece block the opening provided in the housing, and the separating member contacts the developing means. Thus, the process cartridge is arranged such that the developing roller of the developing unit and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other without contact.

As one aspect of the process cartridge of the present invention, for example, the protective cover is further provided with a protrusion that engages with a hole or a recess provided in the housing.

The present invention is a separation release unit that is arranged in a process cartridge body and releases a separation state of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, and a holding member arranged on an outer peripheral portion of the process cartridge body, and extends from the holding member A separation release member provided between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller and arranged to be caught by the separation member.

As one mode of the separation release means of the present invention, for example, the holding member includes a plate-shaped protective piece and a locking piece arranged at one end of the protective piece.

The present invention is a process cartridge including a casing, a photosensitive drum disposed in the casing, and a developing unit. A separation member is disposed between the photosensitive drum and the developing unit. The separation releasing member of the invention is provided, and the separation releasing member is a process cartridge arranged to be hooked on the separation member.

As one aspect of the process cartridge of the present invention, for example, the separation release means is further provided with a protrusion that is engaged with a hole or a recess provided in the housing.

The present invention is a method for maintaining a separation state between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller that are brought into contact with each other by an urging force, and is a development that is rotatably held in a first housing containing the photosensitive drum. A process of separating the second housing containing the rollers against the urging force, a hole provided at an end of the first housing, and a second housing disposed inside the hole. A process cartridge separation method including a step of inserting a separation holding member between the protruding protrusions.

The present invention is a method for maintaining a separation state between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller that are brought into contact with each other by an urging force, and is a development that is rotatably held in a first housing containing the photosensitive drum. A process of separating the second housing containing the rollers against the urging force, a hole provided at an end of the second housing, and a first housing disposed inside the hole. A process cartridge separation method including a step of inserting a separation holding member between the protruding protrusions.

The present invention is a method for maintaining a separated state of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller that are brought into contact with each other by an urging force, and includes an end portion of a first housing enclosing the photosensitive drum, and the developing roller. The process of attaching a cover member to the end of the second housing that encloses, and the second housing, which is held rotatably relative to the first housing, to the biasing force A process of inserting the separation holding member between the process of separating against and the hole provided in the cover member and the protrusion protruding from the second housing disposed inside the hole; including.

The present invention is a method for maintaining a separated state of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller that are brought into contact with each other by an urging force, and includes an end portion of a first housing enclosing the photosensitive drum, and the developing roller. The process of attaching a cover member to the end of the second housing that encloses, and the first housing that is held rotatably relative to the second housing to the biasing force A process of inserting the spacer holding member between the hole provided in the cover member and the protrusion protruding from the first housing disposed inside the hole; including.

The present invention is a method for maintaining a separated state of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller that are brought into contact with each other by an urging force, and includes an end portion of a first housing enclosing the photosensitive drum, and the developing roller. The process of attaching a cover member to the end of the second housing that encloses, and the second housing, which is held rotatably relative to the first housing, to the biasing force The process of separating against and the rotation of the second casing against the urging force by passing through the hole provided in the cover member and contacting a part of the second casing Inserting a separation holding member for preventing the above.

A method of maintaining a separated state between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller that are brought into contact with each other by an urging force, the second housing including the developing roller and an end portion of a first housing that includes the photosensitive drum. A process of attaching a cover member to an end of the casing, and the first casing, which is rotatably held relative to the second casing, separated from the biasing force And a step of passing through a hole provided in the cover member, contacting a part of the first casing, and preventing rotation of the first casing against the biasing force. Inserting the holding member.

According to the present invention, the photosensitive drum, particularly the photosensitive drum, of the process cartridge can be more reliably protected, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can be easily separated from each other, and the separated state can be easily separated. It can also be eliminated.

FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment, and is a perspective view from one viewpoint of the process cartridge 1, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view from a different viewpoint. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the process cartridge body 10. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 101 for explaining the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second member 150 b of the process cartridge protective cover 150. 8A is a perspective view of the first member 150a of the process cartridge protective cover 150, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the first member 150a of the process cartridge protective cover 150 from different viewpoints. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 101. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 201. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 201. FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 201. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 201. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the process cartridge main body 210. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the separation release means 250. 16A is a perspective view of the entire process cartridge 310, and FIG. 16B is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the process cartridge. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 310. FIG. 18 is a side view of the process cartridge 310. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 310 in the separated state. FIG. 20 is a side view of the process cartridge 310 in the separated state. FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the spacing member 341, and FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the spacing member 341 '. It is a figure explaining the attitude | position in which the separation state was maintained by the separation holding member. 6 is a side view when assembling the process cartridge 410. FIG. FIG. 24A is a side view showing an example of how to insert the spacing member 460, and FIG. 24B is a side view showing another example of how the spacing member 460 is inserted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge (toner cartridge) 1 having a process cartridge protective cover 50 for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from one direction, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from a viewpoint with the bottom side in FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1A, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 1, and FIG. 4 is an exploded sectional view in the same section as FIG. .

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 4, the process cartridge 1 may be described as a process cartridge main body 10 and a process cartridge protective cover 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as “protective cover 50”) disposed on the outer periphery of the process cartridge 1. ). Each will be described below.

The process cartridge main body 10 is a device that is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body to form an image and transfers the image to a recording medium such as paper. The structure and function of such a process cartridge main body 10 are known.

That is, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 4 in particular, the process cartridge main body 10 has a casing 11, and includes a photosensitive drum 12, a charging roller 13, and developing means 14 inside.

The housing 11 is a box-shaped member that constitutes the outline of the process cartridge main body 10, and other elements constituting the process cartridge main body 10 are disposed inside the case 11. Here, the casing 11 is provided with a window and unevenness communicating with the outside as necessary. As will be described later, the window serves as an opening to communicate with the photosensitive drum 12 from the outside because of the need to irradiate the photosensitive drum 12 with laser light and to contact the photosensitive drum 12 with a paper medium or the like.

Communication parts

11a and 11b which are parts to be formed are formed. Further, as the unevenness, locking

portions

11c and 11d for hooking the locking

pieces

51a and 52a of the protective cover 50 are provided.

The photosensitive drum 12 is a member in which a photosensitive layer is coated on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical base. Characters, graphics, and the like to be transferred to a recording medium such as paper are formed on the photosensitive layer. The base is formed of a conductive material made of aluminum or aluminum alloy in a cylindrical shape. The type of aluminum alloy used for the substrate is not particularly limited, but is a 6000 series, 5000 series, 3000 series aluminum alloy defined by JIS standards (JIS H 4140), which is often used as a substrate of a photosensitive drum. It is preferable that The photosensitive layer is as known.

The charging roller 13 is one of charging means, and is applied with a voltage. The charging roller 13 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 12 to uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 12.

The developing means 14 is a means for supplying a developer to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, and a container 15 in which the developer (toner) is stored and a developing roller 16 provided in the opening of the container 15 are disposed. . In addition, the well-known other structural member is arrange | positioned inside the container 15 as needed.
The developing roller 16 is a roller that supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 12 by causing the developer contained in the container 15 to adhere to the surface thereof and moving the toner to the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is developed. In this embodiment, a developing roller using a contact developing system is used.

Here, in the state where the process cartridge main body 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the developing means 14 has a part of the outer surface of the developing roller 16 on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 12 as shown in FIG. Positioned to touch. By such contact, the developer (toner) is supplied from the developing roller 16 to the photosensitive drum 12.

However, when the period before the process cartridge main body 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body is long (when the transportation and storage period from manufacture to use is long), the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive member during this period. If it is in contact with the drum 12, problems such as deformation or alteration of the contact portion may occur.

Therefore, the developing means 14 of the process cartridge body 10 is configured to be able to rotate around a predetermined axis as indicated by an arrow V in FIG. As long as no external force is applied, the developing roller 16 is urged in a direction in contact with the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 12 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the developing means 14 is rotated against this urging force, the developing roller 16 can be in a posture of being detached from the photosensitive drum 12 as shown in FIGS. Although details will be described later, the protective cover 50 is configured to be able to maintain this posture.

In the process cartridge main body 10 as described above, as can be seen from FIGS. 2, 4 and the like, the photosensitive drum 12 is irradiated with a laser beam and a recording medium such as paper is brought into contact with the outside.

Communication portions

11 a and 11 b that are spaces communicating with the body drum 12 are formed.

The communication portion 11a and the communication portion 11b are formed on one surface of the process cartridge 1 and the other surface on the opposite side, and both can reach the photosensitive drum 12 from the outside.

Returning to FIGS. 1 to 4, the protective cover 50 will be described. As can be seen from these drawings, the protective cover 50 includes a first protective piece 51, a second protective piece 52, a connecting piece 53, a separation member 54, and a separation assisting member 55.

The first protective piece 51 is a plate-like piece arranged so as to conceal the communication portion 11b from the outside as will be described later. Of the first protective piece 51, a protruding locking piece 51a extending toward the second protective piece 52 is formed at one end of the cross section shown in FIGS. The second protective piece 52 is a plate-like piece arranged so as to conceal the communication portion 11a from the outside as will be described later, and is separated from the first protective piece 51 with a predetermined interval. It is a piece arranged. A protruding locking piece 52 a extending toward the first protective piece 51 is formed at the tip of the second protective piece 52 on the same side as the first protective piece 51.

The connecting piece 53 includes a tip of the first protective piece 51 opposite to the side on which the locking piece 51a is disposed, and a side of the second protective piece 52 on which the locking piece 52a is disposed. Is a plate-shaped piece arranged so as to connect the tip on the opposite side.

The separation member 54 is a member that maintains the posture in which the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 12 by rotating the developing unit 14 against the urging force of the developing unit 14 as described later. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the separation member 54 is a protruding member disposed between the first protection piece 51 and the second protection piece 52, and more specifically, the first protection piece. It is comprised by the taper-shaped member which has the inclined surface arrange | positioned in the corner part of the piece 51 and the connection piece 53. FIG.

The separation assisting member 55 is a member that holds the separation state between the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 16 in addition to the separation member 54. Specifically, the separation assisting member 55 of the present embodiment is a member erected from the inner surface of the second protective piece 52, and as can be seen from FIG. 2, in a posture in which the process cartridge body 10 and the protective cover 50 are combined. A separation assisting member 55 extends so as to enter between the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 16. Accordingly, even when the separation member 54 does not act for some reason, the separation assisting member 55 can maintain the separation state between the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller 16.

Here, it is preferable that the separation assisting member 55 has an arcuate surface on the photosensitive drum 12 side. Thereby, the surface of the photosensitive drum is not damaged. Alternatively, the separation assisting member 55 may be provided at the end of the photosensitive drum where the photosensitive layer is not formed.

The process cartridge body 10 and the protective cover 50 as described above are combined as follows to form the process cartridge 1. The mode of the combination is clearly shown in FIGS.

That is, the first protective piece 51 of the protective cover 50 is disposed so as to block the communication portion 11b of the process cartridge body 10. At this time, it arrange | positions so that the latching piece 51a may be hooked on the latching | locking part 11c of the housing | casing 11. FIG.

On the other hand, the second protective piece 52 of the protective cover 50 is disposed so as to block the communication portion 11a of the process cartridge main body 10. At this time, the locking piece 52 a is disposed so as to be hooked on the locking portion 11 d of the housing 11. Thereby, both the communication part 11a and the communication part 11b are concealed by the first protective piece 51 and the second protective piece 52, respectively, and the photosensitive drum 12 is more reliably protected.

The connecting piece 53 is positioned on the process cartridge body 10 on the side where the developing means 14 is arranged, and the separating member 54 is arranged to press the developing means 41. As a result, the developing means 41 rotates as described above, and the developing roller 16 can be in a posture away from the photosensitive drum 12. At that time, the locking piece 51a is disposed so as to be hooked on the locking portion 11c of the housing 11, and the locking piece 52a is disposed so as to be hooked on the locking portion 11d of the housing 11, so that the separation member Even if 54 receives the urging force from the developing means 41, the posture can be maintained without moving. The separation assisting member 55 extends between the photosensitive drum 12 and the developing roller and assists the separation state.

Note that a hole or a recess may be provided in the casing of the process cartridge body 10 regardless of the purpose. The protective cover 50 may further be provided with a protrusion that locks against the hole or the recess. Thereby, the protective cover 50 can be further stably attached to the process cartridge body 10.

The material of the protective cover 50 is not particularly limited, but is preferably composed of a thin plastic film, for example, a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. This can be formed by, for example, vacuum forming, pressing, or injection molding.
In addition, the material of the protective cover 50 may be mixed with a so-called ultraviolet scattering agent (such as carbon or ceramic) or an ultraviolet absorber in order to improve the shielding rate of light having a wavelength of 400 nm or less.

As described above, according to the protective cover 50 and the process cartridge 1 including the protective cover 50, the photosensitive drum, particularly the photosensitive drum, of the process cartridge can be more reliably protected from external defects, and the photosensitive drum and the developing roller can be separated from each other. It is possible to leave.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a process cartridge (toner cartridge) 101 having a process cartridge protective cover 150 for explaining the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 101. 7 is a perspective view of the second member 150b of the process cartridge protection cover 150, FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the first member 150a of the process cartridge protection cover 150 from one viewpoint, and FIG. 8B is a process cartridge protection. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first member 150a of the cover 150 from another viewpoint. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG.

6 to 9, the process cartridge 101 is sometimes referred to as a process cartridge main body 10 and a process cartridge protective cover 150 (hereinafter simply referred to as “protective cover 150”). Since the process cartridge body 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted here.

The protective cover 150 has a box-shaped first member 150a opened on one side and a box-shaped second member 150b opened on one side, and the opened parts of the two members overlap each other. As a result, a box-like shape is formed, and the process cartridge main body 10 is contained therein. In such a state of being combined in a box shape, the protective cover 150 includes a first protective piece 151, a second protective piece 152, a first connecting piece 153, a second connecting piece 154, and a separation member. 155.

The first protective piece 151 is a plate-like piece arranged so as to conceal the communication part 11b from the outside. In this embodiment, the first protective piece 151 is constituted by a box-shaped bottom plate of the first member 150a.

From the surface of the first protective piece 151, a protruding locking piece 151a extending toward the second protective piece 152 in the cross section shown in FIG. 9 is formed.

The second protective piece 152 is a plate-like piece arranged so as to conceal the communication part 11a from the outside. That is, the second protective piece 152 is a plate-like piece that is spaced apart from the first protective piece 151 with a predetermined interval. In this embodiment, the second protective piece 152 is constituted by a box-shaped bottom plate of the second member 150b. From the surface of the second protective piece 152, a position restricting piece 152 a that protrudes toward the first protective piece 151 is formed in the cross section shown in FIG. 9.

The first connecting piece 153 is a plate-like piece arranged so as to connect one end of the first protective piece 151 and one end of the second protective piece 152. In this embodiment, the first connecting piece 153 is formed by abutting the end faces of the box-shaped side plate of the first protective piece 151 and the box-shaped side plate of the second protective piece 152. Is formed.

The second connecting piece 154 is a plate-like piece arranged so as to connect the other side end of the first protective piece 151 and the other side end of the second protective piece 152. The second connecting piece 154 is a connecting piece arranged on the opposite side of the first connecting piece 153. In this embodiment, the box-shaped side plate of the first protective piece 151 and the second protective piece 152 It is formed by abutting end faces of one box-like side plate.

The separating member 155 is a protruding member that rotates the developing unit 14 against the urging force of the developing unit 14 and maintains the posture in which the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 12. In this embodiment, the separation member 155 is disposed between the first protection piece 151 and the second protection piece 152 as shown in FIG. 9, and more specifically, the first protection piece 151 and the first connection piece 153. It is comprised by the taper-shaped member which has the inclined surface arrange | positioned in the corner of entry. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 8B, the spacing member 155 of this embodiment is provided with three spacing members 155 intermittently along the longitudinal direction of the protective cover 150. However, it is not always necessary to dispose a plurality of elements intermittently, and a single continuous element may be used.

The process cartridge body 10 and the protective cover 150 as described above are combined as follows to form the process cartridge 101. FIG. 9 clearly shows the mode of the combination.

That is, the first protective piece 151 of the protective cover 150 is disposed so as to block the communication portion 11b of the process cartridge body 10. At this time, it arrange | positions so that the latching piece 151a may be hooked on the latching | locking part 11c of the housing | casing 11. FIG.

On the other hand, the second protective piece 152 of the protective cover 150 is disposed so as to block the communication portion 11a of the process cartridge main body 10. At this time, the position restricting piece 152a presses the housing 11 toward the first protective piece 151 side. Thereby, both the communication part 11a and the communication part 11b are concealed by the first protective piece 151 and the second protective piece 152, respectively, and the photosensitive drum 12 is more reliably protected. In addition, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive surface from coming into contact with the second protective piece 152 by placing a part of the cartridge on the step of the position regulating piece 152a.

The first connecting piece 153 is positioned on the process cartridge main body 10 on the side where the developing means 14 is disposed, and the separating member 155 is disposed so as to press the developing means 41. As a result, the developing unit 14 rotates as described above, and the developing roller 16 can be in a posture away from the photosensitive drum 12. A second connection piece 154 is disposed on the side opposite to the first connection piece 153. Therefore, since the process cartridge main body 10 is surrounded by members on the four sides and is pressed, even if the separating member 155 receives the urging force from the developing means 14, the posture can be maintained without moving.

The material of the protective cover 150 is not particularly limited, but is preferably composed of a thin plastic film, for example, a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. This can be formed by, for example, vacuum forming, pressing, or injection molding. Further, the material of the protective cover 50 may be mixed with a so-called ultraviolet scattering agent (such as carbon or ceramic) or an ultraviolet absorber in order to improve the shielding rate of light having a wavelength of 400 nm or less.

As described above, the protective cover 150 and the process cartridge 101 including the protective cover 150 can more reliably protect the photosensitive drum, particularly the photosensitive drum, of the process cartridge from external defects, and keep the photosensitive drum and the developing roller apart. It is possible.

FIGS. 10 to 15 are views for explaining the third embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a process cartridge (toner cartridge) 201 provided with the separation releasing means 250. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1, and FIG. 13 is a process according to the viewpoint of FIG. An exploded sectional view of the cartridge 201 is shown.

As can be seen from FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, the process cartridge 201 includes a process cartridge main body 210 and a separation releasing means 250 disposed on the outer periphery of the process cartridge 201.

The process cartridge main body 210 is a device that is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus to form an image and transfers the image to a recording medium such as paper. The structure and function of such a process cartridge main body 210 are known.

That is, as can be seen from FIGS. 11 to 13 in particular, the process cartridge main body 210 has a casing 211 and includes a photosensitive drum 212, a charging roller 213, a developing means 214, and a separation member 220 inside. Yes.

The housing 211 is a box-shaped member that forms the outer shell of the process cartridge main body 210, and other elements that constitute the process cartridge main body 210 are disposed inside the housing 211. Here, the casing 211 is provided with a window and unevenness communicating with the outside as necessary. As will be described later, the window is formed with a communicating portion 211a that is a portion communicating with the photosensitive drum 212 from the outside because the photosensitive drum 212 needs to contact a paper medium or the like. Further, as the unevenness, a locking portion 211b for hooking the locking piece 251a of the separation releasing means 250 is provided.

The photosensitive drum 212 is a member in which a photosensitive layer is coated on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical base. Characters, graphics, and the like to be transferred to a recording medium such as paper are formed on the photosensitive layer. The base is formed of a conductive material made of aluminum or aluminum alloy in a cylindrical shape. The type of aluminum alloy used for the substrate is not particularly limited, but is a 6000 series, 5000 series, 3000 series aluminum alloy defined by JIS standards (JIS H 4140), which is often used as a substrate of a photosensitive drum. It is preferable that The photosensitive layer is as known.

The charging roller 213 is one of charging means, and is applied with a voltage. The charging roller 213 contacts the photosensitive drum 212 and uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 212.

The developing unit 214 is a unit that supplies a developer to the surface of the photosensitive drum 212, and includes a container 215 that stores the developer (toner) and a developing roller 216 that is provided in an opening of the container 215. . In addition, other well-known structural members are disposed inside the container 215 as necessary. The developing roller 216 is a roller that supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 212 such that the developer contained in the container 215 adheres to the surface and moves the toner to the photosensitive drum 212. As a result, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 212 is developed. In this embodiment, a developing roller using a contact developing system is used.

The separation member 220 is disposed on one end side of the developing roller 216 and is provided so as to be rotatable coaxially with the rotation shaft of the developing roller 216. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the separation member 220 is disposed between the developing roller 216 and the photosensitive drum 212, with one end contacting the photosensitive drum 212 and the other end contacting the developing roller 216. It is sandwiched and kept in a separated state.

Further, as can be seen from FIG. 12, the separation member 220 is provided with a release protrusion 220 a, and pulling this rotates the separation member 220, and the separation member 220 is connected to the developing roller 216 and the photosensitive drum 212. The state where the two members are separated from each other is resolved.

That is, the developing unit 214 is configured so that a part of the outer surface of the developing roller 16 contacts the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 12 as shown in FIG. 14 in a state where the process cartridge main body 210 is mounted on the apparatus main body. Is positioned. By such contact, the developer (toner) is supplied from the developing roller 216 to the photosensitive drum 212. At this time, the separation member 220 is in a posture in which the separation member 220 is detached from between the developing roller 216 and the photosensitive drum 212.

However, when the period before the process cartridge main body 210 is mounted on the apparatus main body is long (when the transportation and storage period from the manufacturing to the use is long), the developing roller 216 is in the photosensitive drum 212 during this period. If it is in contact with the surface, problems such as deformation or alteration of the contact portion may occur.

Therefore, the developing means 214 of the process cartridge main body 210 is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined axis as indicated by an arrow V in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the developing roller 216 is biased in a direction in contact with the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 212. On the other hand, when the developing means 214 is rotated against the urging force and the separation member 220 is sandwiched between the developing roller 216 and the photosensitive drum 212, the developing roller 216 is moved as shown in FIGS. The posture can be taken away from the photosensitive drum 212.

Returning to FIGS. 10 to 13, the separation release means 250 will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the separation release means 250. As can be seen from these drawings, the separation release means 250 includes a protection piece 251, a holding piece 252, and a separation release member 260.

The protective piece 251 functions as a holding member for holding the separation releasing means 250 in the process cartridge main body 210 and also has a function of protecting the process cartridge main body 210 in this embodiment. And the protection piece 251 is a plate-shaped piece arrange | positioned so that the communication part 211a may be concealed from the outside. A protrusion-like locking piece 251 a extending toward the process cartridge main body 210 is formed at one end of the protection piece 251 in the cross section shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. This locking piece 251a also functions as a holding member for holding the separation releasing means 250 in the process cartridge body 210.

The holding piece 252 also functions as a holding member for holding the separation releasing means 250 in the process cartridge main body 210. The holding piece 252 is a plate-like piece provided at the end of the protective piece 251 opposite to the locking piece 251a and extending toward the process cartridge main body 210 in the cross section shown in FIGS. is there. The holding piece 252 is hooked on any part of the process cartridge main body 210 and acts together with the locking piece 251 a to hold the separation releasing means 250 in the process cartridge main body 210. In this embodiment, the front end of the holding piece 252 comes into contact with and catches on the container 215 provided in the developing unit 214.

The separation release member 260 is a member provided so as to extend from the surface of the protective cartridge 251 on the process cartridge main body 210 side. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 12, the separation releasing member 260 is formed such that the tip thereof is tapered from the root portion on the protective piece 251 side. As can be seen from FIG. 15, the separation release member 260 is provided at the end of the protection piece 251, and this corresponds to the position of the release protrusion 220 a of the separation member 20 of the process cartridge body 210. As shown in FIG. 12, the tip of the separation release member 260 is disposed so as to be caught by the release protrusion 220a of the separation member 220.

Note that a hole or a recess may be provided in the casing of the process cartridge main body 210 regardless of the purpose. The separation release means 250 may further be provided with a protrusion that locks against the hole or the recess. Thus, the separation releasing means 250 can be stably attached to the process cartridge main body 210.

The process cartridge body 210 and the separation release means 250 as described above are combined as follows to form the process cartridge 1. 10 to 12 clearly show the mode of the combination.

That is, the protective piece 251 of the separation releasing means 250 is arranged so as to block the communication portion 211 a of the process cartridge main body 210. At this time, it arrange | positions so that the latching piece 251a may be hooked on the latching | locking part 211b of the housing | casing 211. FIG.

On the other hand, the holding piece 252 of the separation releasing means 250 is hooked on the container 215 of the developing means 214, and the separation releasing means 250 is held on the process cartridge main body 210 by the locking piece 251a and the holding piece 252. In this embodiment, the communication portion 211a is concealed by the protection piece 251 and the photosensitive drum 212 is protected from light, dust, dust, scratches, and the like.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the separation release member 260 is disposed such that the tip thereof is caught by the release protrusion 220a of the separation member 220. At this time, the separating member 220 is disposed between the photosensitive drum 212 and the developing roller 216, and both are separated as shown in FIGS.

When the process cartridge 201 combined as described above is attached to the apparatus main body, the separation releasing means 250 is detached from the process cartridge main body 210. Then, the separation release member 260 is caught by the release protrusion 220a of the separation member 220 at the time of the separation, and the separation member 220 is rotated. As a result, the process cartridge main body 210 is in a state where the developing means 214 can rotate and the developing roller 216 can come into contact with the photosensitive drum 212 as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the separation releasing member 260, the separation state between the developing roller 216 and the photosensitive drum 212 can be eliminated before the process cartridge main body 210 is mounted on the apparatus main body. Can be activated.

In this embodiment, since the protection function is added to the protection piece 251 which is one of the holding members, the separation release means of this embodiment can perform protection and separation release simultaneously. Then, it is possible to simultaneously remove the protective cover and release the separation by one operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be a separation release unit that functions only to release separation without adding a protection function. In that case, it is only necessary to provide a separation releasing member and a holding member for holding the separation releasing member in the process cartridge main body 210. In the above embodiment, the protection piece 251, the locking piece 251a, and the holding piece 252 function as the holding member.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a process cartridge (toner cartridge) 310 for explaining the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the entire process cartridge 310, and FIG. 16B is an enlarged perspective view focusing on one end portion thereof. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 16A, and FIG. 18 is a side view seen from the direction of the arrow indicated by III in FIG. In FIG. 18, a portion hidden by the first housing 320 in the outline of the second housing 330 is represented by a dotted line.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the process cartridge 310 includes a photosensitive drum 311 and a charging roller 312 that is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 311 and is a means for charging the photosensitive drum 311. Further, a cleaning blade 313 is provided as means for cleaning the surface of the charging roller 312.

Further, a developing roller 314 as developing means is provided so as to face the photosensitive drum 311, and a developing blade 315 and a toner supply roller 316 are disposed so as to contact the developing roller 314. An agitator 317 is provided so as to contact the toner supply roller 316, and one end of the agitator 317 is connected to a rotating shaft 318 that rotates the agitator 317. Further, a toner storage container 319 for storing toner is provided. Here, the rotation of the agitator 317 makes contact with the toner storage container 319, thereby giving an impact to the toner storage container 319, promoting the flow of toner disposed in the toner storage container 319, and supplying the toner to the toner storage container 319. It has a function to make it easy to discharge from

In this embodiment, the process cartridge 310 is held by each member surrounded by the first casing 320 and the second casing 330.

More specifically, the first casing 320 is provided with the above-described photosensitive drum 311, charging roller 312, and cleaning blade 313. The first casing 320 is provided with

end plates

321 and 322 at both ends thereof. Among them, the end plate 321 is provided with a through hole (hole) 321a and a protrusion 321b. The through hole 321 a is a hole provided so as to penetrate the end plate 321 and opens in a direction facing the end plate 322. Further, the protrusion 321 b is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the end plate 321 that is opposite to the end plate 322.

On the other hand, the above-described developing roller 314, developing blade 315, toner supply roller 316, agitator 317, rotating shaft 318, and toner storage container 319 are disposed in the second casing 330. A protrusion 331 is provided at the end of the second housing 330.

The first casing 320 and the second casing 330 as described above are combined as follows. That is, as can be seen from FIG. 16A, the second casing 330 is disposed between the two

end plates

321 and 322 of the first casing 320, and the second casing 330 can be rotated about a shaft (not shown). The second housing 330 is arranged to pass the end plate 321 and the end plate 322 of the first housing 320.

At this time, the protrusion 331 provided in the second housing 330 is disposed so as to pass through the through hole 321a provided in the end plate 321 of the first housing 320. 16A, FIG. 16B, and FIG. 18, the protrusion 321b provided on the end plate 321 of the first housing 320 and the second housing 330 are provided. An elastic member 340 is disposed so as to pass the protrusion 331. Thereby, the second housing 330 is biased in the rotation direction. This direction is an urging direction in which the photosensitive drum 311 and the developing roller 314 are held in contact with each other as shown in FIG. Here, the protrusion 331 may have a function in addition to being used for separation. For example, it can be configured to function as an electrode.

In contrast, the second housing 330 can be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow IV in FIG. 17 against the biasing force of the elastic member 340. 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining a scene where the second casing 330 is rotated. 19 is a sectional view from the same viewpoint as FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 is a side view from the same viewpoint as FIG. Also in FIG. 20, a portion hidden by the first housing 320 in the outline of the second housing 330 is represented by a dotted line.

As can be seen from FIG. 19, the photosensitive drum 311 and the developing roller 314 can be separated from each other by rotating the second housing 330 against the urging force of the elastic member 340. At that time, as can be seen from FIG. 20, the position of the protrusion 331 provided on the second housing 330 changes inside the through hole 321 a provided on the end plate 321 of the first housing 320. A space at a position indicated by V in FIG. 20 (a space on the right side of the protrusion 331 in FIG. 20) is expanded. The present invention is a separation method for maintaining a separated posture (the posture shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) by inserting a separation holding member into the space. FIG. 21 shows an example of the separation holding member. FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a spacing member 341 of one example, and FIG. 21B is a perspective view of a spacing member 341 'of another example.

21A and 21B, the separation holding members 341 and 341 'have a columnar insertion portion 342. The separation holding member 341 ′ further includes a knob 343, which improves the usability of the separation holding member.

As shown in FIG. 22, the insertion portions 342 of the

separation holding members

341 and 341 ′ are separated from the protrusions 331 of the second housing 330 and the through holes 321 a of the first housing 320 in the separation state. Insert between walls. Accordingly, the protrusion 331 is caught by the insertion portion 342 of the

separation holding members

341 and 341 ′ and cannot move, so that the separation state is maintained.

According to the above method, in order to maintain the separated state, it is only necessary to insert the separating member from the side surface of the process cartridge, and the separated state can be very easily achieved. Moreover, it is easy to cancel the separated state because it is only necessary to pull out the separating member.

In the above embodiment, the end plate 321 is disposed in the first housing 320, the through hole 321a is provided therein, and the protrusion 331 is provided in the second housing 330. On the contrary, an end plate may be arranged in the second housing, a hole may be provided here, and a protrusion may be provided in the first housing. This also works in the same way.

23 and 24 are diagrams for explaining the fifth embodiment, and are side views of the process cartridge (toner cartridge) 410. FIG. In this embodiment, when assembling the process cartridge 410, the end of the first housing 420 containing the photosensitive drum 411 and the end of the second housing 430 containing the developing roller 414 as shown in FIG. The process of attaching the cover member 440 on the flat plate is included.

As shown on the left side of FIG. 23, the second casing 430 is provided with a protrusion 431 and a protrusion 432 at the end that is a side surface so as to protrude outward. The cover member 440 has a first hole (hole) 441 in the upper portion and a second hole (hole) 442 in the lower portion, and a protruding portion 443 is provided to protrude outward. 23, when the cover member 440 is attached to the end portion of the first housing 420 and the end portion of the second housing 430, the protrusion 431 and the protrusion 431 of the second housing 430 protrude. The part 432 is disposed inside the second hole 442 of the cover member 440 and protrudes from the second hole 442.

Here, when the process cartridge 410 is mounted in the apparatus main body, the photosensitive drum 411 and the developing roller 414 need to be in contact with each other. Therefore, both ends of the elastic member 450 made of a spring are attached so as to be hooked by the protruding portion 432 of the second housing 430 and the protruding portion 443 of the cover member 440, respectively. The contact state between the body drum 411 and the developing roller 414 is realized.

On the other hand, when the process cartridge 410 is still mounted on the apparatus main body and is not used, it is preferable that the photosensitive drum 411 and the developing roller 414 are separated without contacting each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, a predetermined spacing holding member is attached to the process cartridge 410 from the outside of the cover member 440.

FIG. 24 (a) shows one example. As a premise, the second housing 430 is held so as to be rotatable relative to the first housing 420 and the cover member 440. That is, the operator can rotate the second housing 430 in the direction of the arrow indicated by X against the inelastic force of the elastic member 450. At this time, the developing roller 414 is separated from the photosensitive drum 411.

In this state, the operator separates between the second hole 442 provided in the cover member 440 and the protrusion 431 protruding from the second housing 430 disposed inside the second hole 442. The holding member 460 is inserted. The spacing member 460 is held and fixed in a space defined between the inner wall of the second hole 442 and the protrusion 431. By this series of processes, a process cartridge separation method for separating the photosensitive drum 411 and the developing roller 414 is realized. At the time of use, by removing the separation holding member 460, the process cartridge 410 is in the state on the right side of FIG. 23 and can be used by being attached to the apparatus main body. Further, since the fixed separation holding member 460 prevents the attachment to the apparatus main body, the process cartridge 410 is prevented from being attached to the apparatus main body while the separation state between the developing roller 414 and the photosensitive drum 411 is maintained. It has a function.

Although the shape of the separation holding member 460 is not particularly limited, as shown in FIG. 24A, insertion and removal are facilitated by providing a handle 461. In the above embodiment, the protrusion 431 is disposed on the second housing 430, and the separation holding member 460 is held between the protrusion 431 and the second hole 442 of the cover member 440. On the contrary, a protrusion 431 may be disposed on the first housing 420, and the spacing member 460 may be inserted between the protrusion 431 and the second hole 442 of the cover member 440. In this case, the protrusion 432 is also disposed in the first housing 420, and both ends of the elastic member 450 are hooked on the protrusion 432 disposed in the first housing 420 and the protrusion 443 of the cover member 440. The first housing 420 is held so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the second housing 430 and the cover member 440. Further, the position of the second hole 442 of the cover member 440 is adjusted so that the protrusion 431 of the first housing 420 is disposed inside thereof.

FIG. 24B shows another example. The operator inserts the separation holding member 460 into the first hole 441 provided in the cover member 440. At this time, the spacing member 460 passes through the first hole 441 and contacts a part of the second housing 430, thereby resisting the urging force of the elastic member 450. The rotation returning to FIG. 23 is prevented. By this series of processes, a process cartridge separation method for separating the photosensitive drum 411 and the developing roller 414 is realized. At the time of use, by removing the separation holding member 460, the process cartridge 410 is in the state on the right side of FIG. 23 and can be used by being attached to the apparatus main body. Further, since the fixed separation holding member 460 prevents the attachment to the apparatus main body, the process cartridge 410 is prevented from being attached to the apparatus main body while the separation state between the developing roller 414 and the photosensitive drum 411 is maintained. It has a function.

Although the shape of the separation holding member 460 is not particularly limited, as shown in FIG. 24 (a) or FIG. 24 (b), by providing a handle 461, insertion and removal are facilitated. In addition, the separation holding member 460 preferably has a shape that does not touch the developing roller 414 and the photosensitive drum 411 in the separation state.

In the above embodiment, the separation holding member 460 is in contact with a part of the second housing 430 while passing through the first hole 441, thereby resisting the urging force of the elastic member 450. The rotation of the housing 430 back to FIG. 23 is prevented. On the other hand, the separation holding member 460 that has passed through the first hole 441 contacts a part of the first housing 420, thereby resisting the urging force of the elastic member 450. The rotation of 420 back to FIG. 23 may be prevented. In this case, the protrusion 432 is also disposed in the first housing 420, and both ends of the elastic member 450 are hooked on the protrusion 432 disposed in the first housing 420 and the protrusion 443 of the cover member 440. The first housing 420 is held so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the second housing 430 and the cover member 440. Further, the position of the first hole 441 of the cover member 440 is adjusted so that the separation holding member 460 that has passed through the first hole 441 can contact a part of the first housing 420.

This application is a US patent provisional application 62 / 186,115 filed on June 29, 2015, a Japanese patent application filed on September 7, 2015, Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-175849, and a Japanese patent filed on September 7, 2015. The application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-175895, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-035949 filed on Feb. 26, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

1, 101 process cartridge (toner cartridge)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Process cartridge main body 11 Case 12 Photoconductor drum 14 Developing means 16 Developing

roller

50, 150 Process cartridge

protective cover

51, 151 First

protective piece

52, 152 Second protective piece 53

Connecting piece

54, 155 Separating member 153 First One connecting piece 154 Second connecting piece

Claims

A process cartridge protective cover disposed on the outer periphery of the process cartridge body,
A plate-shaped first protective piece;
A plate-like second protective piece disposed opposite to the first protective piece with an interval;
A connecting piece for connecting ends of the first protective piece and the second protective piece;
A locking piece that is a protruding member disposed on at least one of the first protective piece and the second protective piece;
At least one of the first protective piece, the second protective piece, and the connecting piece, a separation member that is a protrusion disposed between the first protective piece and the second protective piece; Comprising
Process cartridge protective cover.
2. The process cartridge protective cover according to claim 1, wherein the first protective piece, the second protective piece, and the connecting piece are formed by combining at least two members.
At least one of the first protective piece, the second protective piece, and the connecting piece has a separation assisting member that is a protrusion to be disposed between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller of the process cartridge body. The process cartridge protective cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the process cartridge protective cover is disposed.
4. The process cartridge protective cover according to claim 3, wherein a surface of the separation assisting member that faces the photosensitive drum side has an arc shape.
A process cartridge including a housing, a photosensitive drum disposed in the housing, and a developing unit,
The process cartridge protective cover according to claim 1 or 2 is disposed on an outer periphery,
The locking piece of the process cartridge protective cover is locked to a locking portion provided in the housing,
The first protective piece and the second protective piece block an opening provided in the housing, and the separation member comes into contact with the developing means, whereby the developing roller of the developing means and the developing roller A process cartridge in which photosensitive drums are arranged apart without contact.
6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the process cartridge protective cover is further provided with a protrusion that engages with a hole or a recess provided in the housing.
A separation releasing means disposed in the process cartridge body for releasing the separation state of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller,
A holding member disposed on the outer periphery of the process cartridge body;
A separation release member provided so as to extend from the holding member, and disposed by being caught by a separation member provided between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller.
Separation release means.
The holding member is
A plate-shaped protective piece,
A locking piece disposed at one end of the protective piece,
The spacing release means according to claim 7.
A process cartridge including a housing, a photosensitive drum disposed in the housing, and a developing unit,
A spacing member is disposed between the photosensitive drum and the developing unit,
The separation release means according to claim 7 or 8,
The separation release member is disposed by being hooked on the separation member.
Process cartridge.
10. The process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the separation releasing means is further provided with a protrusion that engages with a hole or a recess provided in the housing.
A method of maintaining a separated state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller which are brought into a contact state by an urging force,
A step of rotating the second housing containing the developing roller, which is rotatably held in the first housing containing the photosensitive drum, against the biasing force;
Including a step of inserting a spacing member between a hole provided at an end of the first casing and a protrusion protruding from the second casing disposed inside the hole. Process cartridge separation method.
A method of maintaining a separated state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller which are brought into a contact state by an urging force,
A step of rotating the second housing containing the developing roller, which is rotatably held in the first housing containing the photosensitive drum, against the biasing force;
Inserting a spacing member between a hole provided at an end of the second casing and a protrusion protruding from the first casing disposed inside the hole. , Toner process cartridge separation method.
A method of maintaining a separated state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller which are brought into a contact state by an urging force,
A process of attaching a cover member to an end of the first casing containing the photosensitive drum and an end of the second casing containing the developing roller;
A process of separating the second casing against the biasing force, which is held rotatably relative to the first casing.
A process cartridge separation method comprising: inserting a separation holding member between a hole provided in the cover member and a protrusion protruding from the second housing disposed inside the hole. .
A method of maintaining a separated state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller which are brought into a contact state by an urging force,
A process of attaching a cover member to an end of the first casing containing the photosensitive drum and an end of the second casing containing the developing roller;
A process of separating the first casing against the urging force, which is held rotatably relative to the second casing;
A process cartridge separation method comprising: inserting a separation holding member between a hole provided in the cover member and a protrusion protruding from the first casing disposed inside the hole. .
A method of maintaining a separated state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller which are brought into a contact state by an urging force,
A process of attaching a cover member to an end of the first casing containing the photosensitive drum and an end of the second casing containing the developing roller;
A process of separating the second casing against the biasing force, which is held rotatably relative to the first casing.
A separation holding member that passes through a hole provided in the cover member, contacts a part of the second casing, and prevents the second casing from rotating against the biasing force is inserted. And a process cartridge separating method.
A method of maintaining a separated state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller which are brought into a contact state by an urging force,
A process of attaching a cover member to an end of the first casing containing the photosensitive drum and an end of the second casing containing the developing roller;
A process of separating the first casing against the urging force, which is held rotatably relative to the second casing;
A separation holding member that passes through a hole provided in the cover member, contacts a part of the first casing, and prevents the first casing from rotating against the biasing force is inserted. And a process cartridge separating method.