JPH0484150A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate the exchange of consumables, the maintenance and exchange of materials and jam treatment by putting a laser emission port provided in a laser writing system into a closed state as a process cartridge moves from a 1st position to a 2nd position. CONSTITUTION:While the process cartridge 30 exists in the 1st position, a rising part 72A of a slide plate 72 is pressed by an engaging pin 53 on the base of a frame 50 and moves a shutter plate 71 to the position retreated from the laser emission port part 70A. Writing of an original light image is executed in this state by irradiation with a laser of the laser writing system unit 7. Then, the pressing by the engaging pin 53 is released and the slide plate 72 is slid by the energization of a tension spring 75 when the process cartridge 30 moves to the 2nd position in parallel with the movement of the stand 50. The shutter plate 71 is thereby moved up to the position covering the laser emission port part 70A. The exchange of the process materials and the treatment of troubles, such as jamming of transfer materials are easily and rapidly executed in this way.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image on a transfer material such as a copying machine or a printer.

[Background of the invention]

There are many ways to obtain color images using electrophotography.
A device has been proposed. For example, JP-A-61-10077
As disclosed in Publication No. 0, a latent image is formed and developed in accordance with the number of separated colors of an original image on a photoreceptor drum serving as an image forming member, and is transferred onto a transfer drum each time the development is performed. There is a method in which a multicolor image is formed on a paper and then transferred onto a transfer material to obtain a color copy. A device using this method requires a transfer drum large enough to transfer one sheet of image onto its circumferential surface in addition to the photoreceptor drum, and the device does not have a large and complicated structure. Inevitable.

Furthermore, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-149972, a latent image is formed and developed on a photoreceptor drum according to the number of separated colors of the original image, and is transferred onto a transfer material each time it is developed. There is a way to obtain a multicolor copy. With this method, it is difficult to overlay multicolored images with high precision,
It is not possible to obtain a good quality color copy.

Another method is to repeatedly form a latent image on a photoconductor drum according to the number of separated colors of the original image and develop it with color toner, and then overlap the color toner images on the photoconductor drum and then transfer the images to obtain a color image. . The basic process for forming a multicolor image is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 60-75850 and No. 60 No.
-76766, 60-95456, 60-95
No. 458, No. 60-158475, and the like.

In a multicolor image forming apparatus that obtains a color image through such superimposition, a plurality of developing units containing different colored toners are arranged around the periphery of the photoreceptor drum, and generally The photoreceptor drum is rotated multiple times to develop the latent image on the photoreceptor drum to obtain a color image.

On the other hand, in image forming apparatuses such as monochrome analog copying machines using electrophotography and copying machines and printers using semiconductor laser/LED scanning systems, various photoreceptors, developer carriers, cleaning members, and developer toners that have a useful life are used. A part of the image forming means is made into a cartridge for replenishment and replacement when the image forming means is worn out, and the member that integrates the main parts of the image forming means is taken out of the apparatus for maintenance or replacement. Something has been proposed. In addition, various proposals have been made for structures that open the conveyance path of the transfer material on which an image is formed by the image forming means and make it easier to remove the transfer material when dealing with a jam.

Typical configurations of these include a photoreceptor drum l8, a developing device, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-54392,
Proposals have been made to attach a cleaner, etc. integrally to a support member and make it removable from the main body of the device, making it easier to replace and repair each unit, and then to integrate the main parts of these image forming means and make them disposable. is JP-A-57-1
54255, and JP-A-59-147366 discloses a printer configuration that uses a similar disposable cartridge and forms a latent image on a photoreceptor drum by dont exposure scanning writing using a semiconductor laser. There is.

Further, these publications disclose a structure in which the upper housing of the split structure is opened to open the transfer material conveyance path and take out the transfer material in the event of a jam. A structure is adopted in which a disposable process cartridge is replaceably disposed in an upper housing with a two-part structure, and is intended to improve the workability of cartridge replacement and ease of jam disposal. In addition, we focused on the ease of replacing process cartridges, mainly replenishment toner cartridges and linting cartridges for recovered toner, and adopted a C2-split structure. A method designed to improve workability is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1161/1983.

In addition, the above structure is made vertical, and JP-A-63-2
No. 44058, No. 63-244059, No. 63-24
4064, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-179168, etc., this is an attempt to improve same-direction operation and jam handling.

[Problem that the invention attempts to solve]

However, if the developing device, image carrier, etc. are used as process cartridges and are replaceable with respect to the apparatus main body, the process cartridge can be easily loaded into and removed from the apparatus main body, and it is also easy to insert and remove the process cartridge into the apparatus main body. There is no need to worry about toner or developer leaking or collapsing from the developing device during processing, and there is no need to worry about such problems when dealing with transfer material jams.
Not proposed.

In addition, in a printer with a two-part structure, the process cartridge installed in the upper housing when the 8-part housing is opened is proposed to be kept horizontal at all times to prevent waste toner from collapsing. It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 190961. Although it is designed to make loading and jam removal easier,
This structure does not solve problems such as toner dripping and leakage when loading a cartridge, clearing a jam, or replacing minced meat.

In particular, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-2003 has a structure in which a disposable cartridge is provided in the upper casing with a two-part structure that facilitates jam disposal.
72159, a process cartridge is installed in the lower housing to facilitate replenishment and replacement of collected toner, and when handling a jam, the process cartridge for developing, cleaning, photoconductor drums, etc. is lifted upwards for processing. The proposals in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 58-1161 are all contradictory in terms of workability of process cartridge replacement and ease of jam removal. Furthermore, in these process cartridges, the developing section
The cleaning section is on the bottom and faces the transfer pole across the paper feed and conveyance path, so when replacing the process cartridge or when the device is subjected to external vibration shock, even if the cartridge is tightly sealed, the developing device and Toner spills from the cleaner section, causing stains inside the machine and staining the transfer paper.

Furthermore, the printer disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-195357 has a process cartridge built-in and a flat feeding and conveying path formed at the top. The problem with the transport section has not been solved because there are restrictions on the transport path between the parts. Furthermore, it is not easy to clear jams when split into two, the overall compactness due to the stacked paper feeding configuration of the upstand is lacking, and the opening angle of the upper housing is restricted when split into two, which is indispensable for users. However, a device with excellent operability has not yet been provided.

Regarding color image forming bodies, as explained above, there are photoconductor drums with a photoconductor coated or vapor-deposited on the peripheral surface of the drum, as well as belts with a photoconductor coated on or mounted on a flexible belt. For example, a patent application filed in 1983 by the applicant
4-192874, etc. The shape of the belt-shaped image forming body (hereinafter also referred to as a photoconductor belt) is determined by stretching it between rotating rollers including a drive roller, so that space can be used effectively to construct a compact color image forming apparatus. It is valid in some cases. In addition, since the photoreceptor belt can run along a small curvature, it is possible to prevent poor separation of the transfer material by using a rotating roller with a small diameter and using this curvature to separate the transfer material. can.

In a color image forming apparatus using such a photoreceptor belt, each image forming means such as a charging means, an image exposure means, a plurality of developing device groups, and a cleaning means are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt. Either the image forming means is mainly installed facing the lower circumferential surface, or each of these image forming means, including the photoreceptor belt mentioned above, is freely installed in the main body of the apparatus as an independent process cartridge formed into an L-knit. It is stored in a removable state.

In addition, the transfer material with the color toner image transferred to it is ejected onto a paper ejection tray installed on the top of the device with the copy side facing down, allowing the device to be installed in a small space. ing.

In recent years, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publications No. 64-40850 and No. 63-244059 have disclosed configurations that use compact cartridges to solve the problems of transportability and jam handling, and that enable operations in the same direction.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-85763 discloses a control concept that performs display output when the toner in the process cartridge is exhausted or when the photoreceptor has reached the end of its lifespan.
The above-mentioned jam disposal is easy, there is no toner consumption during operation and operation of the cartridge, and it is easy to replace.
In addition, there has been no image forming apparatus that is compact and has easy-to-use functions that allow all operations to be performed from one direction on the front of the apparatus body.

As a result of solving and improving this point, the present invention facilitates the replacement of consumables, maintenance and replacement of materials, and jam handling.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus configured so that all of the above-mentioned operations can be performed from the same side of the apparatus.

[Means to solve the problem]

The above object is to provide an image forming apparatus into which a replaceable process cartridge including at least an image carrier can be inserted.
The process cartridge has a first cartridge that enables image formation by a laser beam emitted from a laser writing system provided in the main body of the apparatus.
position and a second position where the process cartridge can be installed and removed, and the process cart 1
．． - Achieved by an image forming apparatus characterized in that a laser exit portion provided in the laser writing system is brought into a closed state as the aperture moves from the first position to the second position.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure.

In the first section, reference numeral 1 denotes a visible photoreceptor belt which is a belt-like image carrier. The photoreceptor belt 1 is installed between rotating rollers 2 and 3, and is rotated clockwise by the drive of the rotating roller 2. transported.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a support member, ie, a kite member, which is fixed to the main body of the apparatus so as to be inscribed in the photoreceptor belt 1, and the photoreceptor belt 1 is brought into a tensioned state by the outward biasing action of the rotary roller 3. The inner peripheral surface of the kite member 4
Let it rub.

Therefore, the photoreceptors on the outer circumferential surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 are always maintained at a fixed position relative to the surface of the guide member 4 even during conveyance, making it possible to form a stable image forming surface.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a scorotron charger as a charging means, 7 a laser writing system unit as an image exposure means, and 8 to 11 a plurality of developing means, that is, developing devices, each containing a developer of a specific color. The means is arranged opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 with the guide member 4 on the back side.

The laser writing system unit 7 has a slot on the top surface.

It is housed in a holding casing 70 provided with a .-shaped exposure opening 70A and incorporated into the main body of the apparatus.

In addition to the optical system shown in the drawings, the laser writing system unit 7 may also include an optical system that integrates a light emitting section and a convergent light transmission body.

Each of the developing units 8, 9, IO, and 11 accommodates, for example, yellow-magenta, cyan, and black developers, respectively, and is provided with a developing sleeve that maintains a predetermined gap with the photosensitive belt L, and the photosensitive belt Sl. It has the function of making the upper latent image visible using a non-contact development method. Unlike contact development, this non-contact development has the advantage of not interfering with the movement of the photoreceptor belt.

12 is a transfer device, 12A is a static elimination bar, 13 is a cleaning device, and a plate F' 13A and a toner conveying roller 13B of the cleaning device 13 are connected to the photoreceptor belt 1 during image formation.
The photoreceptor belt 1 is kept in a position apart from the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1, and is pressed against the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 as shown in the figure only during cleaning after image transfer.

The process of forming a color image by the color image forming apparatus is performed as follows.

First, the formation of a multicolor image according to this embodiment is performed according to the following image forming system. That is, data obtained by a color image data input section in which an image sensor scans an original image is subjected to arithmetic processing in an image data processing section to create image data, which is then stored in an image memory. The image memory is then taken out during recording and input to a recording section, for example the color image forming apparatus shown in the embodiment of FIG.

That is, when a color signal output from an image reading device separate from the printer is input to the laser writing system unit 7, the laser writing system unit 7 outputs a laser beam generated by a semiconductor laser (not shown). is rotated and scanned by a polygon mirror 7B rotated by a drive motor 7A, and passes through an fθ lens 7C to mirrors 7D and 7E.
, 7F, the optical path is bent, and the light is projected onto the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor belt 1, which has been charged in advance by the charger 6, which is a charging means, to form a bright line.

On the other hand, when scanning is started, the beam is detected by the index sensor, modulation of the beam by the first color signal is started, and the modulated beam scans the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor belt l. Therefore, by main scanning by the laser beam and sub-scanning by conveying the photoconductor belt 1, the photoconductor belt l is
A latent image corresponding to the first color is formed on the circumferential surface of -1. This latent image is created using yellow (Y) toner (
The toner image is developed by the developing device 8 loaded with a developing medium (developing medium), and a toner image is formed on the drum surface. The obtained toner image, while being held on the drum surface, passes under a cleaning device 13, which is a cleaning means, which is separated from the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor belt 1, and enters the next copy cycle.

That is, the photoreceptor belt 1 is charged again by the charger 6, and then the second color signal output from the signal processing section is input to the writing system unit 7, and the second color signal is inputted to the writing system unit 7, and the second color signal is inputted to the writing system unit 7. In the same manner, writing is performed on the drum surface to form a latent image. The latent image is developed by a developer 9 loaded with magenta (M) toner as a second color.

The second macenter (M) toner image is formed in the presence of the previously formed yellow (Y) toner image.

IO is a developing device having cyan (C) toner, which forms a cyan (C) toner image on the drum surface based on a control signal generated by a signal processing section.

Furthermore, 11 is a developing device having black toner, and forms a black toner image superimposed on the belt surface by the same process. These developing devices 8, 9゜lO and 11
A direct current or even alternating current bias is applied to each sleeve, and jumping development is performed using a two-component developer as a developing means.
Development is now possible without contact. As for development, non-contact development using a -component developer can also be used.

The color toner image thus formed on the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor belt l is transferred to a transfer material fed from the paper feed cassette 14 via the paper feed guide 15 at the transfer section.

That is, the transfer material housed in the paper feed cassette 14 is conveyed out by the rotation of the paper feed roller 16, and transferred to the transfer device 12 via the timing roller 17 in synchronization with the image formation on the photoreceptor belt l. supplied to.

The transfer material that has undergone image transfer and static electricity removal is transferred to the rotating roller 2.
It is reliably separated from the photoreceptor belt L, which suddenly changes direction along the direction, and heads upward via the suction type conveyor belt 17A, and after welding the image to the fixing roller 18 with I, it passes through the discharge roller 19. The liquid is discharged onto a tray formed on the upper lid 20.

On the other hand, the photoreceptor belt i, which has completed the transfer to the transfer material, continues to be conveyed to the blade 13A and the toner conveying roller 13B.
The remaining toner was removed in the cleaning device 13 which was brought into pressure contact with the blade 13A, and the blade 13A was removed again after the cleaning was completed. A little later, the toner supply roller 13B smoothed out the toner accumulated on the tip of the blade 13A. Afterwards, the toner supply roller 13B is separated and a new image forming process begins.

The photosensitive drum 1, the charger 6, each developing device, and the cleaning device 13 are incorporated into an independent process cartridge 30 as process materials for image formation, and are integrally attached to and removed from the main body of the apparatus.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3 showing the AA cross section, inside the device, a pedestal 50 is provided which is slidably supported by engaging a pair of fixed guide rules 40 with legs 50A on the bottom surface. The process cartridge 30 is placed on the pedestal 50 and housed in the apparatus.

The pedestal 50 is the pinion PI of the motor Ml on the device main body side.
As shown in FIG. 2, the rack plate 51, which meshes with the rack plate 51, is integrally moved, as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the upper lid 20 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body via a shaft 2OA, and is opened by rotating counterclockwise to open an opening in the upper part of the apparatus main body.

That is, the upper lid 20 has a sector gear 21 integrated in its rotating base that meshes with a pinion P2 of a motor M2 on the device main body side, and is rotated counterclockwise as shown in the second section by the rotation of the motor M2 to a predetermined position. is held at an angle of

The movement of the pedestal 50 and the opening of the upper cover 20, that is, the rotation of the motors M1 and M2, are automatically started at the time of the process material replacement, inspection, or replenishment cycle and at the timing of transfer material transport trouble. .

The process cartridge 30 has a counter function that adds up the frequency of use of the process materials it accommodates, and when it is newly installed in the apparatus main body, the protrusion member 31 on the side of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3 is installed on the apparatus main body side. Press the reset lever 35 of the counter C to return the display of the counter C to 0, and record the number of times of use from then on. When the frequency (reference value) is reached, the counter C outputs a signal S.

〔example〕

Cleaning durability replacement...20,000C drum life replacement...60,000C At 60,000C, the new process unit is inserted and the counter C is reset again.

Based on this signal, the cycle of replacement and inspection of the photosensitive drum I, the charger 6, each developing device, and the cleaning device 3 is detected.

Note that the protrusion member 31 is described in the present inventor's actual publication 12-82.
The proposal according to Publication No. 95 is applied, thereby preventing the counter C from being reset again by the same cartridge 30.

Further, the process cartridge 30 is configured to check the amount of remaining toner in the toser replenishment hopper 30A and the amount of waste toner in the waste toner cartridge 3.
It is equipped with a sensor that detects the amount of toner collected in each 0B, and when the time for replenishment or replacement is reached, a signal S' is transmitted to the main body of the apparatus via the connector 32 shown in FIG. It is detected whether the period of At the time of replacement in the maintenance cycle or the supply/replacement of consumable materials, a replacement display is displayed on the operation display section 60 in response to signals s and s'.

On the other hand, photosensors Sl, S2, 83, etc., which detect the passage of the transfer material, are arranged at key points on the conveyance path of the transfer material. If the sensor located on the downstream side cannot detect the transfer material even after a predetermined time has elapsed, a jam detection signal S'' (not shown) is output, and the occurrence of a jam in the transfer material is detected.

Each of the detected signals described above is input to a control section of the main body of the apparatus, and output as a signal for controlling the rotation of the motors M1 and M2. On the other hand, a jam indicator lamp Ll is lit on the operation display section 60 (Z).

Hereinafter, the process of controlling the rotation of motors Mlf and M2 using the above symbols will be explained with reference to the control circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

The image forming apparatus described above has a lamp Ll for indicating the occurrence of a transfer material jam as shown in FIG. It is provided with a lamp L2 that displays the cycle of material replacement or replenishment, a reset button 61 that starts driving the motors M1 and M2 in the reverse direction, and an eject button 62 that starts driving the motors M1 and M2 in the forward direction.

The above-mentioned jam detection signal (S''), replacement of process materials,
When the replenishment detection signal (s, s') is input to the control section of the main body of the apparatus, the lamps Ll and L2 are lit and displayed.

Furthermore, upon input of one of the detection signals, a signal is outputted to the power supply unit to supply power for forward rotation to the motors M1 and M2 at the same time as the lighting.

Due to the forward rotation of the motor M1, the pedestal 50 moves from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG.
At the position F, the rotation of the motor M1 is stopped.

As a result, the process cartridge 30 is moved from the first position in the apparatus, where it is possible to form an image, to the second position, where it is possible to remove it from the apparatus and clear the jam.
Allows for easier removal and replacement of process materials,
Inspections and supplies are carried out efficiently.

On the other hand, continuing or in parallel with this, the motor M2 rotates forward, and the upper cover 20 rotates from the angle shown in FIG. 1 to the angle shown in FIG. The rotation of the motor M2 is stopped at the angle at which the switch MS2 on the device main body is pressed and switched from OFF to ON.

Therefore, in conjunction with the movement of the process cartridge 30 described above, jamming of the transfer material can also be easily handled.

Furthermore, in the present invention, as the process cartridge 30 moves from the first position to the second position, the holding housing 7
The laser exit portion 70A of No. 0 is automatically closed. Therefore, even if the pedestal 50 is removed from the main body of the apparatus, the emission and leakage of laser light is prevented and work can be performed safely.

That is, FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b) showing the arrow C thereof
), a slide plate 72 fixed to a shutter plate 71 covering the laser exit port 70A or a pair of guide pins 73 is slidably attached to the upper surface of the holding housing 70. .

The slide plate 72 is always biased to block the laser emission part 7QA with the shutter plate 71 by the action of a tensile force 75 stretched between it and the fixed bottle 74, but when the process cartridge 30 When in the first position, the rising portion 72A of the slide plate 72 or the stand 50
Pressed by the engagement pin 53 on the bottom surface, the shirt shirt plate 71 is moved to a position retracted from the laser exit port 70A against the action of the tension spring 750.

In this state, the optical image of the document is written by laser irradiation from the laser writing system unit 7.

Therefore, as the frame 50 moves, the process cartridge 30
When the shutter plate 71 moves to the second position, the pressure applied by the engagement pin 53 is released, and the slide plate 72 slides under the bias of the tension spring 75 to a position where the shutter plate 71 covers the laser emission port 70A. You can move up to.

Process cartridge 3 for replacing and replenishing process materials
0 is removed from the stand 50, the process cartridge exposure opening 30G formed of a transparent filter or the like is aligned with the stand exposure opening 50A on the stand 50, and the process cartridge is removed from the stand 50. 30 is placed on the pedestal 50 again as shown in FIG. 6(a), the bottom of the cartridge 30 presses the switch MS3, and the process cartridge 30 storage detection signal is inputted to switch from OFF to ON. , signals are output for supplying reverse rotational power to the motors Ml and M2, respectively.

As a result, the process cartridge 30 moves again from the second position to the original first position, and the motor Ml stops at the position where the light shielding plate 52 switches the 7-point sensor S4 of the apparatus main body from OFF to ON. The process material is maintained in an imageable condition.

Further, as the pedestal 50 on which the process cartridge 30 is placed for image formation returns to the first position, the rising portion 72A is again pressed by the engagement pin 53 and the slide plate 7
2 is moved to the illustrated position to open the laser exit portion 70A.
is opened to enable laser irradiation.

On the other hand, the upper cover 20 rotates clockwise due to the reverse rotation of the motor M2, and the switch MSI is turned on with the sector gear 21.
The device stops at the angle required to switch from FF to ON, and the opening at the top of the device body is closed to enable copying.

In addition, when only the jam removal of the transfer material is performed and the process cartridge 30 remains placed on the pedestal 50, the reset function provided in the operation/display section 60 is reset as shown in FIG. 6(b). By pressing the button 61, a signal is output for supplying power for reverse rotation to the motors M1 and M2 in place of the action of the switch MS3.

The above-mentioned jam indicator lamp Ll and replacement/replenishment indicator lamp L2 are turned off automatically after the process cartridge returns to the first position and the top cover 20 is closed.

In addition, as mentioned above, the eject button 6 is provided on the operation/display section 60.
It is also possible to specifically provide a motor 2 and rotate the motors Ml and M2 in the normal direction by pressing the motor 2.
Further, by pressing the reset button 6I of the mounting diameter of the process cartridge 30, the reverse rotation of the motors M1 and M2 can be started at an arbitrary timing.

Therefore, after confirming that the lamp L1 or L2 is lit, the process cartridge 30 is moved and the upper cover 20 is opened and closed by button operations, which simplifies the mechanism and allows work to be carried out safely.

FIG. 8 shows a transfer drum type image forming apparatus as another embodiment of the present invention. The photoreceptor belt 101 and the process cartridge portion disposed around its periphery are approximately the same as those in the previous embodiment, but the transfer drum 200 is brought into contact with the transfer portion of the photoreceptor belt 101. rotates in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) while maintaining synchronization with the photoreceptor belt lO1. A transfer material is wrapped around the outer periphery of the transfer drum 200, a toner image is transferred onto the wrapped transfer material, the transferred toner images are superimposed, and then separated from the transfer drum 200 and fixed onto the device. This is what was discharged.

A charger 201 provided to electrostatically attract the transfer material and a wrapping member 202 for mechanically wrapping the transfer material around the transfer drum 200 are provided on the peripheral edge of the transfer drum 200. 202 has a roller at its tip and comes into contact only when it is first wound around the transfer drum 200. Further, a gripper 203 is provided on the peripheral surface of the transfer drum 200, and acts to hold the leading edge of the transfer material that is synchronously conveyed. 204 is a transfer device and a photoconductor bell! -10
The toner image on 1 is electrostatically transferred onto a transfer material. 20
5 is a separation electrode, and 206 is a separation claw. Also 207
1 is a cleaner that can be brought into contact and separated, and is used to remove toner adhered to the transfer drum 200 after the transfer material has been separated.

The transfer material discharged from the paper feed cassette 114 is transferred to the transfer drum 200, which is charged by the charger 201 while maintaining synchronization.
The transfer material enters the printer, is wound by the wrapping member 202, the leading edge of the transfer material is held by the gripper 203, rotates to the transfer section, and is formed on the photoreceptor bell l-101 by the transfer device 204 in the transfer section. (Y) Transfer the toner image onto a transfer material. After completing the first transfer, the transfer drum 200 continues to rotate, producing a magenta (M) toner image in the second rotation, a cyan (C:1 toner image) in the third rotation, and a black (BK) toner image in the fourth rotation.
) The l-ner images are transferred one after the other in a superimposed manner. When the transfer of the four-color toner images is completed, the transfer material is neutralized by a separation/elimination electrode 205, the leading edge of the transfer material is released from being held by a separation claw 206, and is separated and conveyed to the fixing roller 118.

In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the transfer drum 200 is located on the apparatus main body side and is not included in the process cartridge which can be moved and taken out. Therefore, the insertion and removal of the process cartridge, the opening and closing of the laser aperture of the laser writing system, jam removal, etc., are performed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 1O showing the arrow CC thereof, when the stand is omitted and the process cartridge 130 is directly supported and guided by the holding housing 170, the retaining pin described above is used. It is attached to the bottom surface of the process cartridge 130, and the process cartridge exposure opening 13 is installed in the image forming state by the movement of the process cartridge itself.
It is provided to match 0G. It is also possible to open and close a shutter plate 71 (not shown) similar to that shown in FIG. 4 for the laser opening 17oA provided on the upper surface of the holding housing 170.

In this case, the leg portion 50A1, the rack plate 51, and the light shielding plate 52
The leg portion 150A, the rack plate 151, and the light shielding plate 152 corresponding to the above are all attached to the process cartridge 130 side, and the switch MS3 is turned off by inserting the process cartridge 130 into the holding housing 170.
Then, the rack plate 151 is brought into mesh with the pinion P1 of the motor Ml and placed in a movable state.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, operations such as replacing, inspecting, and replenishing process materials in an image forming section can be carried out at appropriate intervals, and troubles such as transfer material jams can be easily and promptly dealt with without missing an opportunity. As a result, inspection and maintenance are well done, and high-quality images can always be copied, and even if the cartridge is accidentally removed during processing, there will be no leakage of laser beams that are harmful to the human body, and there will be no leakage of laser beams that are harmful to the human body. An image forming apparatus has been provided which can prevent harm to the operator by mistake even if a laser light source is connected.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1, 2, 8, and 9 are cross-sectional configuration diagrams of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIGS. 3, 4, 1O, and 5 are sectional views and essential parts thereof. FIG. 6 is a control circuit diagram, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control process. l...Photosensitive drum 6...Charger 7...Laser writing system units 8-11...Developer 12...Transfer device 13...
-Cleaning device 14...Paper feed cassette 20...Top lid 21...Sector gears 30, 130...Process cartridge lithography 40, 140
・Kite rail 50 mount 51,151...rank board 60...operation/display unit 70,170...holding casing 70A, 170A...laser exit port L I, L
2...Display ramp S1-S5...Photo sensor MSI, MS2...Sinch Ml, M2...Motor

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An image forming apparatus into which a replaceable process cartridge including at least an image carrier can be inserted, wherein the process cartridge is capable of forming an image using a laser emitted from a laser writing system provided in the main body of the apparatus. movable between a first position and a second position where the process cartridge can be attached and detached, and as the process cartridge moves from the first position to the second position, the laser writing An image forming apparatus characterized in that a laser exit port provided in the system is closed.