JPH0980974A - Color image forming device, unit therefor and adjusting method of color image in the device and the unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photoreceptor drum which is reinforced by fitting both concentric flange members, to be driven and capable of housing an exposure optical system inside and adjusting a focusing position and positions in main- and sub-scanning directions from the outside of the photoreceptor drum, with a simple constitution, a process cartridge incorporating the photoreceptor drum, a color image forming device and the image adjusting method thereof. SOLUTION: In the color image forming device provided with a drum-like image forming body 10 and plural image exposure means 12 on a substrate inside the image forming body 10, the flange members 10A and 10B through which the supporting shaft 21 of the substrate 20 is inserted from both ends of the image forming body 10 are concentrically fitted/fixed into the image forming body 10, both end parts of the supporting shaft of the substrate 20 are held by the process cartridge or both side plates of the color image forming device and the rotary driving of the image forming body 10 is executed by driving gears concentrically and integrally provided with the flanges 10A and 10B.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a plurality of charging means, image exposing means and developing means arranged on the peripheral surface of an image forming body to superimpose toner images during one rotation of the image forming body to form a color image. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus and a unit therefor, and a method for adjusting a color image in the apparatus and the unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an apparatus for recording a multicolor image, a charging means, an image exposing means and a developing means of the same number as the kinds of colors required for image formation are arranged around an image forming body to form an image. A color image forming apparatus of a type in which charging, image exposure, and development for each color are sequentially performed while the body makes one round to form toner images of colors by superposing the toner images, and the toner images are collectively transferred onto a transfer material. It has been known.

In such an apparatus, since the formation of the toner image of each color is continuously started with a slight time difference, the speed of color image formation is high, and a color image larger than the peripheral length of the image forming body is formed. It also has the feature that it can be formed.

On the other hand, the image forming body is a thin photosensitive drum, and as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the end portion is a flange member 10B.
Although it is press-fitted with, the deformation occurs and is constantly pushed by the abutment roller 131 of the sleeve roller 130, so that the degree of deformation is further promoted. In order to prevent the deformation, the shapes of the drum-shaped image forming body and the flange member are variously devised, and a means for maintaining the processing accuracy and the assembly accuracy is taken in order to connect the both concentrically without distortion. Skilled skills are required, and the cost and effect are not sufficient.

When the image exposing means is arranged inside the drum-shaped image forming body, it is quite difficult to adjust the image forming position and the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction.

[0006]

As described above, in the image forming apparatus, a large number of image forming equipments such as image exposing and developing means are arranged around the drum-shaped image forming body with high density. Therefore, in order to accurately perform stable operation of these equipment and obtain high image quality, precision machining finishing and assembly are performed so that the drum-shaped image forming body becomes a cylindrical body with accurate dimensions, It is essential that the relative position of is always kept constant. However, in order to satisfy it, it was costly, the configuration was complicated, and it was difficult to realize.

At the same time, when the image exposing means is housed inside the drum-shaped image forming body, it is needless to say that the optical parts, which are the linear image exposing means, must be processed and assembled in advance with high accuracy. For the adjustment of optical components such as the LED array, it is also necessary to make fine adjustments while viewing the image after assembly. However, the adjustment is extremely difficult when a plurality of optical systems are pushed inside the drum-shaped image forming body.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and developed means for stably holding a drum-shaped image forming body in a highly accurate state with a simple structure, and assembling it on the basis of the stable state. Color image formation so that the subsequent fine adjustment of the image forming body can be performed from the outside of the drum-shaped image forming body, and further from the outside of the process cartridge accommodating the image forming body together with a plurality of chargers, developers, cleaners and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a process cartridge thereof, and to provide an adjusting method and a method of maintaining a high image quality by using the adjusting method, in which the position adjustment of the image exposure means can be performed particularly easily and accurately. To

[0009]

This object is achieved by any one of the following technical means (1) to (25).

(1) In a color image forming apparatus having a drum-shaped image forming body and a plurality of image exposing means on a support inside thereof, a flange through which a support shaft of the support passes from both ends of the drum-shaped image forming body. The member is concentrically fitted and inserted into the image forming body to be fixed, and both ends of the supporting shaft of the supporting body are held by both side plates of the process cartridge or the color image forming apparatus and are integrally formed concentrically with the flange member. A color image forming apparatus, characterized in that the image forming member is rotationally driven by a driving member provided in.

(2) The color image forming apparatus according to item (1), wherein the flange member is press-fitted into the drum-shaped image forming body on the basis of its outer diameter.

(3) In the flange member, a bearing is press-fitted concentrically at a position corresponding to the support shaft inside the drum-shaped image forming body, according to item (1) or (2). Color image forming apparatus.

(4) The support shaft is hollow, and a control wire is passed through the hollow space (1)
The color image forming apparatus according to any one of (3) to (3).

(5) The image forming body is movable in a direction perpendicular to its rotation axis (1) to
The color image forming apparatus according to any one of (4).

(6) In a unit having an image forming body and a linear image exposing means for performing a plurality of image exposures inside the unit, a movement for moving the position of each image exposing means from the outside of the image forming body A unit comprising means.

(7) In a method of adjusting a unit having an image forming body and a linear image exposing means for performing a plurality of image exposures therein, the position of each image exposing means is adjusted from the outside of the image forming body. A method of adjusting a color image in a unit, wherein the image of the exposing means is adjusted by moving the moving means.

(8) The unit according to item (6), which has an adjusting portion of the moving means facing the photoconductor surface at the axial end of the image forming body.

(9) The unit according to item (6), which has an adjusting portion for the moving means on the outer side in the axial direction of the axial end portion of the image forming body.

(10) The unit according to item (6) or (9), which has an adjusting portion for the moving means on the outer side in the axial direction of the one axial end of the image forming body.

(11) The unit according to item (6) or (9), characterized in that it has adjustment parts for the moving means on the outer sides in the axial direction of both ends in the axial direction of the image forming body.

(12) The adjustment is characterized in that any one of the parallelism of the image exposure means, the image forming position, the position in the main scanning direction and the position in the sub scanning direction, or a combination thereof is used. 6), (8), (9), (10) and (1
The unit according to any one of 1).

(13) A unit characterized in that, in addition to the adjustment of the item (12), electrical timing adjustment in the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction is performed.

(14) The adjusting section is provided with a protective cover for preventing dust inside the unit (6), (8), (9), (10) and (1).
The unit according to any one of 1).

(15) In a color image forming apparatus having a line-shaped image exposing means for exposing a plurality of images to an image forming body, in a state where the image exposing means is housed in the image forming body, A color image forming apparatus comprising moving means for moving the position of each image exposing means on the common support from the outside of the image forming body.

(16) In a color image adjusting method in a color image forming apparatus having a linear image exposing means for exposing a plurality of images to an image forming body,
A moving means for moving the position of each image exposing means on the common support, and adjusting the image of the image exposing means by moving the image exposing means from outside the image forming body by the moving means. A characteristic color image adjusting method in a color image forming apparatus.

(17) The color image forming apparatus as described in the item (15), characterized in that it has an adjusting portion for the moving means facing the photoconductor surface at the axial end portion of the image forming body.

(18) The color image forming apparatus as described in the item (15), which has an adjusting portion of the moving means axially outside an axial end portion of the image forming body.

(19) The color image forming apparatus as described in the item (15) or (18), characterized in that it has an adjusting portion for the moving means axially outside one axial end of the image forming body.

(20) The color image forming apparatus as described in the item (15) or (18), characterized in that the image forming member has adjusting portions for the moving means on the outer sides in the axial direction at both ends in the axial direction.

(21) The adjustment is characterized in that any one of the parallelism of the image exposure means, the image forming position, the position in the main scanning direction and the position in the sub scanning direction, or a combination thereof is used ( 15. The color image forming apparatus according to any one of 15), (17), (18), (19) and (20).

(22) In addition to the adjustments in (21), a color image forming apparatus is characterized in that an electrical timing adjustment in the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction is performed.

(23) The adjusting portion is provided with a protective cover for preventing dust inside the process cartridge (15), (17), (18),
The color image forming apparatus according to any one of (19) and (20).

(24) The color image forming apparatus according to item (15), wherein the adjustment section is exposed by opening an outer cover of the color image forming apparatus or dividing the apparatus.

(25) The color image forming method according to item (15), wherein the image exposing means and the image forming body are integrally pulled out from the color image forming apparatus to expose the adjusting section. apparatus.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of each claim of the present invention, including the operation thereof, will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a sectional structural view of an embodiment showing a unit of the present invention and a color image forming apparatus incorporating the same. The image forming body in this case is a drum-shaped image forming body, that is, a photosensitive drum 10. An organic photosensitive layer (OPC) made of a transparent conductive layer is applied to the outer periphery of a substrate formed of a transparent member such as optical glass or transparent acrylic resin, and is rotated clockwise while being grounded.

In the present invention, in the photoconductor layer of the photosensitive drum, which is the image formation point of the exposure beam for image exposure, a proper contrast is given to the light attenuation characteristics (photocarrier generation) of the photoconductor layer. It suffices that the exposure light amount has a wavelength that can be used. Therefore, the light transmittance of the transparent substrate of the photoconductor drum in the present invention does not have to be 100%, and may have a characteristic that some light is absorbed when the exposure beam is transmitted. As the material of the translucent substrate, various translucent resins such as soda glass, Pyrex glass, borosilicate glass and fluorine, polyester, polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate used for general optical members can be used. Further, as the translucent conductive layer,
Indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide, copper iodide, Au, Ag, Ni,
A thin metal film that maintains translucency such as Al is used, and as a film forming method, a vacuum vapor deposition method, an active reaction vapor deposition method, various sputtering methods, various CVD methods, dip coating methods, spray coating methods, etc. are used. It As the photoconductor layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) alloy photosensitive layer, an amorphous selenium alloy photosensitive layer, and various organic photosensitive layers (OP
C) can be used.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a scorotron charger, which is a charging means. The scorotron charger 11 performs a charging operation on the above-described organic photoconductor layer of the photoconductor drum 10 by a grid held at a predetermined potential and corona discharge by a discharge wire. A uniform electric potential is applied to the drum 10.

Reference numeral 12 denotes an exposure optical system which is an image exposure means, and includes LEDs, FL, E arranged in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 10.
It is composed of light emitting elements such as L and PL and a Selfoc lens. The image signals of the respective colors read by the separate image reading device are sequentially taken out from the memory and input as electric signals to the respective exposure optical systems 12.
The emission wavelengths of the light emitting devices used in this example have the same wavelength and are in the range of 500 to 900 nm.

Each of the exposure optical systems 12 is mounted on a common columnar support member 20, and each exposure optical system 1
2 (Y), 12 (M), 12 (C) and 12 (K) are arranged at equal intervals and are housed inside the base of the photosensitive drum 10. The exposure optical system 12 is an LC in addition to the above light emitting element.
It may be composed of a combination of optical shutter members such as D, LISA, PLZT and an imaging lens such as a SELFOC lens.

13Y, 13M, 13C and 13K are developing units which are developing means for accommodating each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) developers.
The developing sleeves 130 rotate in the same direction while maintaining a predetermined gap with respect to the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 10.

Each of the developing devices 13 is the above-mentioned charging device 1.
The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 by the charging by 1 and the image exposure by the exposure optical system 12 is reversely developed in a non-contact state by applying a developing bias voltage.

Next, the process of the color image forming apparatus equipped with the image forming body of the present invention will be described.

The image of the original is temporarily read as an image signal for each color of Y, M, C and K from an image read by an image pickup device or an image edited by a computer in an image reading apparatus separate from this apparatus. Stored and stored in memory.

When the image recording is started, the photoconductor drive motor is rotated to rotate the photoconductor drum 10 clockwise.
At the same time, the application of a potential to the photosensitive drum 10 is started by the charging action of the charger 11 (Y).

After a potential is applied to the photosensitive drum 10, image exposure is started by the electric signal corresponding to the first color signal, that is, the image signal of yellow (Y) in the exposure optical system 12 (Y), and the drum is started. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow (Y) image of the original image is formed on the photosensitive layer on the surface by the rotational scanning of.

The latent image is reversely developed by the developing device 13 (Y) in a state where the developer on the developing sleeve is not in contact with it, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10.

Then, the photosensitive drum 10 is further given a potential on the yellow (Y) toner image by the charging action of the charger 11 (M), and the second image of the exposure optical system 12 (M).
Image signal is performed by an electric signal corresponding to the color signal of (1), that is, a magenta (M) image signal, and non-contact reversal development by the developing device 13 (M) causes magenta () on the yellow (Y) toner image. The toner images of M) are sequentially superposed and formed.

By the same process, the charger 11 (C),
The exposure optical system 12 (C) and the developing device 13 (C) further form a cyan (C) toner image corresponding to the third color signal.
Further, finally, a black (K) toner image corresponding to the fourth color signal is sequentially formed by the charging device 11 (K), the exposure optical system 12 (K), and the developing device 13 (K) to form a photoconductor. A color toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the drum 10 within one rotation, and sometimes over one rotation.

The color toner image thus formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is a transfer material which is conveyed from the paper feed cassette 15 in the transfer device 14A and is fed in synchronization with the driving of the timing roller 16. It is transferred onto the transfer paper.

The transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the peripheral surface of the drum by removing the charge in the static eliminator 14B, and the toner is fused and fixed in the fixing device 17, and then the discharge roller 18 is fixed. Via the tray 20 on the top of the device
Is discharged above zero.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 10 from which the transfer paper is separated
The cleaning device 19 removes and cleans residual toner to continue forming the toner image of the original image, or temporarily stops and waits for formation of a new toner image of the original image.

The photoconductor drum 10 is composed of the chargers 1
1, a developing device 13, a cleaning device 19, a toner storage container 40 that supplies toner to each of the developing devices 13, and a waste toner container 50 that stores the toner collected by the cleaning device 19 are stored in the process cartridge 30. Thus, it is possible to integrally pull out and move from the apparatus main body, for example, in the horizontal direction, and further to take it out of the apparatus main body.

The process cartridge accommodates a unit having an image forming body and an image exposing means, and may include a part of the above-mentioned charging device, cleaning device and developing device.

Next, the embodiments of claims 1 to 5 will be concretely described.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, in which the photosensitive drum 10 is concentrically fitted and fixed to the flange member 10A at the front end, and the flange member 10A is provided with a bearing B3. An intermediate portion near the end of the fixed shaft member 21 of the support member 20 of the exposure optical system 12 which is the image exposure means is concentrically supported, and the end of the fixed shaft member 21 is fixed to the wall surface of the process cartridge 30. The holes are concentrically fitted and directly supported. The rear end flange member 10B concentrically supports an intermediate portion near the opposite end of the fixed shaft member 21 via a bearing B4. At the same time, the opposite end of the fixed shaft member 21 is fixed and supported in a concentric fitting hole at the center of the disk member 30A that is attachable to and detachable from the process cartridge 30. The assembly structure of this portion is the embodiment of claim 3.

On the other hand, the one shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A in FIG.
As described above, the front end and the rear end of the shaft member 21 through which the support member 20 is inserted and fixed are the flange members 10 as described above.
Instead of being supported by A and 10B, the process cartridge 30 is concentrically engaged with and supported by the hole in the wall surface of the process cartridge 30. In that case, the rear end is concentrically fitted into the center hole of the disk member 30A and is supported in a state in which the rotation is restricted.

In this case, the front flange member 10A and the rear flange member 10B are tightly fitted and fixed concentrically at both ends of the photoconductor drum 10 so as not to come into contact with the shaft member. The front flange member 10A is rotatable via a bearing B1 that is concentric with the wall surface of the process cartridge 30, and the rear flange member 10B at the opposite end is the rear wall surface of the process cartridge 30 and Via a bearing B2 concentrically fitted in a bearing box formed of the disk member 30A,
It is also rotatable.

Therefore, in the type shown in either FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the photoconductor drum 10 and each exposure optical system 12 can be easily united from the back side of the process cartridge 30 by removing the disk member 30A. You can take it out.

A driving member for rotating the image forming body is provided on either one of the flange members 10A and 10B. Here, a drive gear 10T is used as a drive member for 10B.
Is integrally provided concentrically with the flange. In addition to this, when the image forming body is rotated by the timing belt, a driving member having irregularities can be integrally provided concentrically with the flange. The above is the embodiment of claim 1.

In the embodiment of claim 2 of the present invention, both ends of the photosensitive drum 10 shown in the partial sectional view of the peripheral structure of the photosensitive drum of FIGS. 2 and 3 are flange members 10.
A and 10B are concentrically arranged so that there is no center runout and uniform and correct rotation is possible, and the assembly and adjustment can be performed in the simplest possible state.

That is, since the photosensitive drum 10 is made of plastic by the centrifugal polymerization method except that made of glass, the dimensional accuracy of the outer diameter is high. Therefore, by fitting the flange members 10A and 10B on the basis of the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 10, it is possible to relatively easily perform highly accurate coupling in which the runout is less likely to occur.

At the same time, as shown in FIG.
Flange members 10A, 10 as also shown in the perspective view of FIG.
B is lightly press-fitted to fit the flange members 10A, 10B.
From the inside of the flange member 1 to a position corresponding to the contact surface of the contact roller 131 of the inner diameter portion of the photosensitive drum 10.
The flange members 10A, 10A are arranged so that the pressing member 10K integrally provided on the 0A, 10B abuts elastically.
It is molded integrally with B. A drive gear 10T is integrally and concentrically provided on the flange member 10B. The contact roller 131 is a roller provided concentrically at both ends of the sleeve roller 130, and regulates the interval of the sleeve roller 130 at the developing position with respect to the photosensitive drum 10. The contacting force of the contacting roller is considerably large and may cause deformation distortion of the thin-walled photosensitive drum, but the photosensitive drum is reinforced by the flange members 10A and 10B as described above so that the correct shape is always stable. And will be retained. As a result, high image quality is maintained.

In the embodiment of claim 4, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a hollow portion 21H is provided in the shaft core portion of the support shaft 21,
The control wiring L of each exposure optical system 12 is passed through and taken out of the unit or the process cartridge.

Next, an embodiment of claim 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. That is, the photosensitive drum 10 as an image forming body having an image exposing means inside is attached and housed in the process cartridge 30 as a unit.
The cartridge is movable obliquely upward and horizontally with respect to the main body of the color image forming apparatus. That is, the photoconductor drum 10 is movable in the direction perpendicular to its rotation axis. The structure of this movement will be described in detail.

The process cartridge 30 is moved horizontally obliquely upward by opening the side cover 80 forming the side member of the image forming apparatus main body, and then pulled out from the position, so that the process cartridge 30 is horizontally oriented toward the outside of the apparatus main body. Be moved to.

FIG. 6A shows a supporting structure of the process cartridge 30, and FIG. 6B shows a cross section BB which is a main part thereof. A pair of slanted front and rear substrates 60 in the image forming apparatus main body. The long holes 60A of the
A pair of lift plates 61, which are connected to A by engaging a pin P1 from the inside, are slidably supported from diagonally above to diagonally below.

Inside each of the elevating plates 61, a guide member 70 capable of expanding and contracting in two stages by three rails called accuride rails is attached, and further, a moving plate 71 is attached to each inner rail. Is fixed.

Each of the moving plates 71 has a pair of U-shaped cutouts at opposite positions, and each of the cutouts has a pin P.
The process cartridge 3 described above by engaging 2
Supports 0.

On the other hand, each of the elevating plates 61 is provided with a vertically long slot 61A, and the side cover 80 and the pin P3 on the arm which rotates about the rotation axis H as a fulcrum are engaged with each other.

When the side cover 80 is rotated clockwise to be opened and placed at a horizontal stop position, the lift plate 61 is slanted upward by the movement of the pin P3 so that the pin P1 slides in the elongated hole 60A. Then, it moves diagonally downward and then stops. In this process, the process cartridge 30
Is the timing roller 1 from the image forming position (I).
6, the transfer device 14A, the static eliminator 14B, and the like are moved around to set the drawing position (II).

When the process cartridge 30 is pulled out from the pull-out position (II), it is moved to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body while maintaining the horizontal state as shown in FIG. 7 due to the extension of the guide member 70. In the process, the locking member 30B at the lower end of the process cartridge 30 is sequentially engaged with the concave portions 81A and 81B of the elastic member 81 provided on the inner surface of the side cover 80, and the process cartridge 30 can be restricted and stopped at a specified position. It is like this.

That is, at the position where the locking member 30B engages with the recess 81A of the elastic member 81, the image transfer area of the main body of the image forming apparatus is opened, and the jammed paper can be processed by opening the top cover 90. In the position where it is engaged with 81B, the exposure optical system 1 described above is viewed from the rear surface of the process cartridge
2 can be replaced, and the waste toner container 50 can be taken out at the stop position (III) where the process cartridge 30 is further pulled out and abuts the rising portion 80A of the side cover 80. Further, at the stop position (III), the engagement between the pin P2 and the moving plate 71 can be released, and the process cartridge 30 itself can be separated upward and removed.

When the process cartridge 30 constrained to each of the specified positions and placed in the stopped state is moved so as to be pushed into the main body of the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge 30 is retracted to the above-mentioned withdrawn position due to the contraction of the guide member 70. Will be restored. During this time, since the pin P1 is locked to the end of the elongated hole 60A of the substrate 60 by its own weight, the elevating plate 61 is kept stationary. Next, when the side cover 80 is rotated counterclockwise to be closed and brought into a vertical state, the pin P
3 is moved, the pin P1 of the lift plate 61 is moved to the above-mentioned long hole 60.
By sliding in A, it moves from diagonally above to diagonally below and stops at the initial position.
0 is returned to the image forming position (I) again without contacting the transfer device 14A or the like.

Therefore, inspection of the process cartridge 30
Each maintenance work such as replacement, jam paper processing, toner supply, waste toner collection, and the like can be easily performed by operating from one side surface of the apparatus main body.

Next, with respect to the embodiments of claims 6 to 14,
8 to 18 in addition to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 6 and FIG.
Will also be described in order.

The unit of the sixth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
Each of the exposure optical systems 12 (Y), 12 having the structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and mounted on the supporting member 20.
(M), 12 (C), 12 (K) are correctly adjusted to the predetermined positions, and when readjustment is necessary for maintenance or the like, it is possible to simply and accurately do so, that is,
Each exposure optical system 12 (Y), 12 (M), 12 (C), 1
This is a mechanism that allows the operation from the outside of the photoconductor drum 10 while 2 (K) is still incorporated in the photoconductor drum 10. The adjustment means that the units of the light emitting elements and the converging light transmission body (selfoc lens) arranged in a line in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 10 are in the main scanning direction,
This is an adjustment for moving and positioning in the sub-scanning direction and the height direction (focus plane direction), and is performed mechanically and electrically.

The embodiment of claim 7 defines an adjusting method using the mechanism of claim 6. Next, an embodiment of claim 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 which is a sectional view perpendicular to the axis of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system included therein, FIG. 9 which is a top view thereof, and FIG. 10 which is a side sectional view thereof. It demonstrates using.

In these figures, each exposure optical system 12 (Y), 12 (M), 12 (C), 12 is shown for simplification of description.
Of (K), write only one of the exposure optical systems,
This will be represented by 12.

The support body 20 formed integrally with the fixed support shaft 21 is provided with a channel-shaped groove 21A on its outer peripheral surface in parallel with the axial direction, and the groove 21A is linearly formed as the exposure optical system 12. The light emitting elements such as LEDs and the unit of the converging light transmission body (selfoc lens) arranged side by side are the springs 126,
The upper surfaces of the end portions of the exposure optical system 12 are dropped through 133, 134, 135 and 136, and screws 121R and 122R standing on the L-shaped metal fittings 124R and 125R fixed to the end portions of the supporting member 20. Positioning adjustment is performed by the screwing amount and the spring bottom springs 135 and 136 which are biased upward.

On the other hand, the adjustment in the main scanning direction is performed by a screw 123R having a taper portion which comes into contact with one end of the exposure optical system.
The purpose is achieved by the amount of screwing against the bias of the spring 126 at the opposite end.

Further, the adjustment of the sub-scanning direction is performed by the springs 133 and 134 at the opposite positions of the screws 131R and 132R having the tapered portions which come into contact with the portions near the both ends in the main scanning direction of the exposure optical system. The purpose is achieved by the amount of screwing against the bias.

Further, in the adjustment in the sub-scanning direction, as shown in the top view of FIG. 11, a portion near one end of the exposure optical system 12 is rotatably fixed by a pin 137, and the opposite end is screwed by a screw 1.
32R is rotated to adjust and position against the spring 134.

Such adjusting screws are erected so as to face the drum surface of the photosensitive drum 10, and are passed through an adjusting hole formed in the end portion of the photosensitive member or the flange member to allow a screwdriver or the like to pass through. Insert exposure optical system to the photosensitive drum 1
It is possible to adjust the unit as it is built into 0.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the process cartridge 30 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the photoconductor drum 10 and outside the main body 1 of the color image forming apparatus. It is possible to take it out.

In this way, when the cartridge in FIG. 7 is in the state of 30 (IV), for example, the cover (not shown) above the cartridge 30 (IV) is opened or the dust of the embodiment of claim 14 is used. The screw 121R, 122R, 123R, 11 is inserted through a shielding cover 151 as shown in FIG.
The adjustment operation can be performed by rotating 31R and 132R.

In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh embodiments, the adjustment of each exposure optical system 12 in the height direction (focus), the main scanning direction, and the sub-scanning direction is also incorporated in the photosensitive drum 10. In this state, the adjustment is performed from the outside of the photoconductor drum 10, but the adjustment screw is turned from the axial direction outside the end of the photoconductor.

Although the embodiment of claim 9 does not particularly define one side or both sides of the end, the tenth aspect is such that adjustment is made on either side of the end.
According to the eleventh aspect, the adjustment is performed from both sides.
An embodiment of the adjusting mechanism of the exposure optical system used in claims 9, 10, and 11 is a sectional view of the photosensitive drum and the exposure optical system contained therein, and FIG. 12 is a top view thereof. It demonstrates using FIG. 14 which is a sectional side view.

For simplification of description, in these drawings, each exposure optical system 12 (Y), 12 (M), 12 (C), 12 is formed in the same manner as in the embodiment of claim 8. Of (K), only one exposure optical system is noted and
Will be represented by

The support body 20 formed integrally with the fixed support shaft 21 is provided with a channel-shaped groove 21A on the outer peripheral surface thereof in parallel with the axial direction, and the groove 21A has a linear shape as the exposure optical system 12. The units of the light-emitting element and the converging optical transmission body (selfoc lens) arranged side by side are springs 126, 133, 1
The upper surface of the end portion of the exposure optical system 12 is pressed by the leaf springs 124 and 125 fixed to the support 20 and biased toward the groove bottom.

On the other hand, the adjusting window hole 150 of the process cartridge 30 and the disk member 30A detachably attached thereto.
The adjustment of the height direction of the unit as the exposure optical system 12, that is, the focus position is completed by adjusting the screwing amount of the screws 121 and 122 each having a tapered tip screwed into the supporting member 20 through.

The adjustment in the main scanning direction is performed by passing the adjustment window hole 150 on the outer surface of the disk member 30A to one end of the unit of the exposure optical system and screwing the screw 123 into the support 20. By pressing the tip of the spring against the bias of the spring 126 provided at the opposite end,
Done.

Further, the adjustment of the sub-scanning direction is performed by the exposure optical system 1.
The disk member 3 on the wall surface of the process cartridge 30 and on the opposite side of the disk member 3 with respect to the sides of both side ends of the unit 2
Screws 131 and 132, which are screwed in the axial direction of the photoconductor drum and have tapered ends, are provided on the side surface of the groove 21A on the opposite side from the outer surface of the wall surface of 0A to the support body 20 through the adjustment window hole 150. This is achieved by adjusting the screwing amount while pressing against the bias of the springs 133 and 134.

Such adjusting screws project toward the wall surface of the process cartridge on the outer side in the axial direction of the photoconductor drum 10, and the exposure optical system serves as the photoconductor drum 10.
It becomes possible to adjust it while it is built in.

This is an embodiment of claim 11 and is adapted to be adjustable from the outside of the end portions on both sides in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 10.

In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, adjustment is possible only on the outer side of one end. That is, for the adjustment in the height direction, as shown in FIG. 15 instead of FIG. 14, instead of the height adjusting screw 121 on the opposite side, an adjusting screw 121A is provided, and the screw Other screws 1
The object is achieved as a member provided on the same side as 23 and integrally connecting the taper portion and the screw portion with a long shaft.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16 instead of FIG. 15, one end of the exposure optical system 12 is adjusted with a pin 13 as shown in FIG.
It is fixed by 7, and the screw 132 is left only on the other end so that the adjustment work can be performed only on the outer side of one side of the process cartridge.

As described above, the adjustment of each exposure optical system can be performed from the outside of one side or both sides of the process cartridge 30, which is as described above.
Will be properly performed in a state where it has moved to the position of 30 (III) or 30 (IV) shown in FIG. 7.

The embodiment of claim 12 shows that the above-mentioned adjustment may be any one of the height direction, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, or a combination of all or a part thereof. It is a thing.

In the thirteenth embodiment, in addition to the mechanical adjustment in the height direction and the main and sub scanning directions, the overlap correction of each color of Y, M, C and K is performed by an electrical measuring instrument such as an oscillator. It is shown that it is desirable to apply the electrical timing adjustment by seeing the overlap due to.

In the fourteenth embodiment, the adjusting portion for adjusting the screwing of the screw is a portion to be operated from the outside of the process cartridge, and dust must be prevented. It states that it is necessary to perform the treatment as shown in the partial sectional view. That is, the shield cover 151 has a hole into which an adjustment jig such as a driver is inserted. However, since the shield cover 151 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, when the jig is removed, The hole is closed to prevent dust from entering,
When the driver is inserted into the adjustment window hole 150, the hole of the shield cover 151 is easily opened.

The embodiment of claim 15 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, each exposure optical system 12 (Y), 12 (M), 12 (C), 12 (K) mounted on the support member 20.
Is set at a predetermined position and is incorporated into the photoconductor drum 10 to form a unit, which is incorporated into the color image forming apparatus. Directional moving means is provided, but an adjusting portion for performing a moving operation of the moving means is provided outside the photoconductor drum 10, and each of the exposure optical systems 1 is provided.
In a state in which 2 is incorporated in the photosensitive drum 10, the moving operation can be performed from the outside of the photosensitive drum 10. In the embodiment of claim 6, the exposure optical system is incorporated in a photoconductor, and the process cartridge 3
Although the process cartridge 30 is incorporated in the color image forming apparatus main body 1 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the color image forming apparatus main body 1, the process cartridge 30 is not necessarily required in claim 15 and each image exposure is performed in the photosensitive drum. The unit in which the apparatus is incorporated may be directly incorporated in the main body of the color image apparatus or may be incorporated in the process cartridge as in the sixth aspect.

The unit in which each exposure optical system is incorporated in the photosensitive drum is not incorporated in the process cartridge, but the front wall surface of the color image forming apparatus main body 1 as shown in the sectional views of FIGS. Both ends of the fixed support shaft 21 of the support member 20 of each exposure optical system 12 are fitted and fixed to 3A and the disk member 30A that is detachably attached to the rear wall surface 3B.

That is, the difference between FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIGS. 18 and 19 is only whether the fixed support shaft 21 is supported by the wall surface of the process cartridge 30 or the wall surface 3A of the main body 1. . The other parts structure is exactly the same as the structure having the process cartridge.

Therefore, in this case, the disk member 30A is
Remove the fastening screw between the rear wall 3B of the main body 1 and the unit in which the exposure optical system is incorporated in the photosensitive drum, and adjust the moving means according to the embodiments of claims 6 to 14. Will be possible.

The above is the embodiment of the fifteenth aspect.

Further, by using the apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the exposure optical system is moved to adjust the focus position, the main scanning direction position and the sub-scanning direction position, and the Y, M, and
A method of adjusting a color image by electrically matching the overlapping timings of C and K is an embodiment of claim 16.

Claims 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 21
The second and the twenty-third embodiments are respectively claims 8, 9, 10, and
Since it is almost the same as the embodiments of 11, 12, 13, and 14, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the twenty-fourth embodiment, the main body 1 is, for example, a shell type, which is not shown, without removing the unit in which each of the image exposing means 12 is incorporated in the photosensitive drum from the main body 1 of the color image forming apparatus. 9. The structure according to claim 8, wherein the unit of the photoconductor is attached to the main body 1 without being removed from the main body 1 when the structure is divided into two and opened.
The adjusting unit can be adjusted by adjusting means 14 to 14.

Since the twenty-fifth embodiment has been described in the fifteenth embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

[0111]

According to the present invention, the center of the photosensitive drum as the image forming member and the center of the flange member integrally holding the photosensitive drum are aligned with each other, and the drive transmission means and the control signal transmission means are simple. It's accurate, easy, and inexpensive.

Further, the mechanical adjustment of the focus position of each image exposure means and the position in the main and sub-scanning directions can be easily and accurately carried out in the state where the image forming body is assembled as a unit together with Y, M, The C and K images can be easily overlapped by adjusting the electrical timing, and the high quality of the color image can be easily maintained.

Also, since the unit can be adjusted as it is assembled, maintenance becomes very easy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional configuration diagram of an embodiment showing a unit of the present invention and a color image forming apparatus incorporating the unit.

FIG. 2 is an axial sectional view of an example showing an assembly structure of a unit of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system.

FIG. 3 is an axial sectional view of an example showing an assembly structure of a unit of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a flange member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a flange member.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an image forming position and a drawing position of the process cartridge.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a process cartridge withdrawal structure and restrictions on specific positions.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis showing an example of adjustment of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system included therein.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing an example of adjustment of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system included therein.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing an example of adjustment of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system included therein.

FIG. 11 is a top view showing another embodiment of adjustment of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system included therein.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view perpendicular to the axis showing another embodiment of adjustment of the photosensitive drum and the exposure optical system contained therein.

FIG. 13 is a top view showing another example of adjustment of a photoconductor drum and an exposure optical system included therein.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing another embodiment of adjustment of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system included therein.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view showing another embodiment of adjustment of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system included therein.

FIG. 16 is a top view showing another example of adjustment of the photosensitive drum and the exposure optical system contained therein.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a dust prevention cover of the adjusting portion.

FIG. 18 is an axial sectional view of an example showing an assembly structure of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system.

FIG. 19 is an axial sectional view of an example showing an assembly structure of a photosensitive drum and an exposure optical system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Color Image Forming Apparatus Main Body 3A Main Body Front Wall 3B Main Body Rear Wall 10 Photoreceptor Drums 10A, 10B Flange Member 10K Pressing Member 10T Driving Gear 11 Charger 12 Exposure Optical System 13 Developer 20 Supporting Member 21 Fixed Support Shaft 21A Groove 30 process cartridge 30A disk member 30E stand 121, 121A, 121R, 122, 122R, 12
3,123R, 131, 131R, 132, 132R
Screws 121S, 122S, 126, 133, 134, 13
5,136 springs 124,125 leaf springs 124R, 125RL L-type metal fittings

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor ▲ Hama ▼ Shuta Ta, 2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica stock company (72) Inventor Toshihide Miura 5-14-14 Midori-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A color image forming apparatus having a drum-shaped image forming body and a plurality of image exposing means on a support inside thereof, and a flange member through which a support shaft of the support passes from both ends of the drum-shaped image forming body. Is fitted and inserted concentrically with the image forming body, and both end portions of the support shaft of the support body are held by both side plates of the process cartridge or the color image forming apparatus and concentrically and integrally with the flange member. A color image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming member is rotationally driven by a driving member provided. 2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flange member is pressed into the drum-shaped image forming body on the basis of its outer diameter. 3. The color image forming according to claim 1, wherein the flange member has a bearing press-fitted concentrically at a position corresponding to the support shaft inside the drum-shaped image forming body. apparatus. 4. The support shaft is hollow, and a control wire is passed through the hollow space.
The color image forming apparatus according to any one of 1. 5. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming body is movable in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the image forming body. 6. A unit having an image forming body and a linear image exposing means for exposing a plurality of images therein,
A unit comprising moving means for moving the position of each of the image exposing means from the outside of the image forming body. 7. A method for adjusting a unit having an image forming body and a linear image exposing means for performing a plurality of image exposures inside the image forming body, wherein the position of each of the image exposing means is moved from the outside of the image forming body. A method for adjusting a color image in a unit, wherein the image of the image exposing means is adjusted by moving the image exposure means. 8. The unit according to claim 6, further comprising an adjusting portion of the moving unit facing the photoconductor surface at an axial end portion of the image forming body. 9. The adjusting unit for the moving means is provided outside the axial end of the image forming body in the axial direction.
A unit as described in. 10. The unit according to claim 6, further comprising an adjusting portion of the moving unit on an axially outer side of one end portion of the image forming body in the axial direction. 11. The unit according to claim 6, further comprising an adjusting portion of the moving unit on an outer side in the axial direction of both end portions in the axial direction of the image forming body. 12. The adjustment is performed by any one of a parallelism of an image exposure unit, an image forming position, a position in a main scanning direction, a position in a sub scanning direction, or a combination thereof. The unit according to any one of 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. 13. A unit characterized in that, in addition to the adjustment according to claim 12, electrical timing adjustment in a main scanning direction or a sub scanning direction is performed. 14. The adjusting section is provided with a protective cover for preventing dust inside the unit, according to claim 6, 8, 9, 10, or 11. unit. 15. A color image forming apparatus having a line-shaped image exposing means for exposing a plurality of images to an image forming body, wherein the image exposing means is housed in the image forming body. A color image forming apparatus comprising moving means for moving the position of each image exposing means on the common support from the outside of the image forming body. 16. A color image adjusting method in a color image forming apparatus having a line-shaped image exposing means for exposing a plurality of images to an image forming body, the method comprising the steps of: A color image in a color image forming apparatus, comprising a moving means for moving a position, and adjusting the image of the image exposing means by moving the image exposing means from outside the image forming body by the moving means. Adjustment method. 17. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an adjusting portion of the moving unit facing the photoconductor surface at an axial end portion of the image forming body. 18. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an adjusting portion of the moving unit on an axially outer side of an axial end portion of the image forming body. 19. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an adjusting portion of the moving unit on an axially outer side of an end portion on one side of the image forming body in the axial direction. 20. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an adjusting portion of the moving unit on the outer side in the axial direction at both ends of the image forming body in the axial direction. 21. The adjustment is performed by any one of a parallelism of an image exposure unit, an image formation position, a position in a main scanning direction, a position in a sub scanning direction, or a combination thereof. 21. The color image forming apparatus according to any one of 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20. 22. A color image forming apparatus, wherein in addition to the adjustment according to claim 21, electrical timing adjustment in a main scanning direction or a sub scanning direction is performed. 23. The adjusting part is provided with a protective cover for preventing dust inside the process cartridge.
The color image forming apparatus according to any one of 1. 24. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the adjustment unit is exposed by opening an outer cover of the color image forming apparatus or dividing the outer cover. 25. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image exposing unit and the image forming body are integrally pulled out from the color image forming apparatus to expose the adjusting section.