JPH11184351A - Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a cartridge shutter opening / closing mechanism in which a process cartridge can be packaged and transported in an apparatus main body. SOLUTION: When a process cartridge C is attached or detached, a structure is provided in which a shutter member 28 is switched so as to be located at one of a illustrated protection position and a retracted position of a photosensitive member 7 in an apparatus main body 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and a process cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a shutter opening / closing mechanism.

Here, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, and the like), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

A process cartridge is a charging means,
The developing means or the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally made into a cartridge, and this cartridge is made detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is used as an image forming apparatus. A process cartridge system detachable from the main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a serviceman, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

[0005] Such a process cartridge is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 16, a shutter member 28 is generally provided to protect the photosensitive drum from being deteriorated by exposure to light. That is, the shutter member 28 is provided rotatably about a shutter shaft 28a, and the opening where the photosensitive drum provided on the lower frame 12b of the process cartridge C is exposed is closed by the shutter member 28 to expose the photosensitive member. When the process cartridge C is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 16, the shutter arm 28 b is automatically rotatable between a protection position for protecting the body drum and a retracted position retracted from the protective position. Make up. A cartridge mounting unit for mounting the process cartridge C is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 16. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the process cartridge C is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 16 by opening the openable cover 17. That is, an opening / closing cover 17 that can be opened and closed by a hinge 17a is attached to an upper portion of the apparatus main body 16. And the opening / closing cover 17
When a is opened, a cartridge mounting space is provided in the apparatus main body 16 as shown in FIG. 15, and a cartridge insertion guide rail 18a is provided on the left and right wall surfaces of the space. When the process cartridge C is inserted along the drum shaft 12b2 along the cartridge insertion guide rail 18a, a protrusion integral with the shutter shaft 28a is pushed up by the shutter release rail 18b, and the shutter arm 2
8b rotates, and the shutter member 28 moves to the retracted position retracted from the protection position.

The process cartridge C has a drum gear coaxially with the drum shaft 12b2. When the process cartridge C is mounted, the drum gear meshes with a drive gear of the apparatus main body 16 to transmit a driving force.
Then, in order to prevent the drum gear from being damaged when the cartridge is mounted, the process cartridge C is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 16 by closing the opening / closing cover after inserting the drum shaft 12b2 until the drum shaft 12b hits the stopper. That is, when the cover 17 is closed, the pressing member 17c provided on the upper surface of the cover 17 presses the housing 12 of the process cartridge C downward, causing the drum shaft 12b2 to drop into the dropping portion 18c formed directly below. Thus, the gears are engaged with each other, and the photosensitive drum contacts the transfer unit 4. In this manner, the process cartridge C is configured to be stably mounted at a predetermined position and completed (see FIG. 16).

[0007] Shutter member 28 for protecting the photosensitive drum
As described above, the moving means is configured to move the shutter member from the protection position to the retracted position with the insertion of the process cartridge C into the image forming apparatus main body 16 as shown in JP-A-7-333960. In some cases, the shutter member is moved from the protection position to the retracted position by the shutter control unit after the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body as described above.

[0008]

However, in the means for moving the shutter member in accordance with the insertion of the process cartridge into the image forming apparatus main body, the shutter member is always opened when the process cartridge is mounted.
The photosensitive drum is in contact with the transfer means. for that reason,
When the process cartridge is transported in a package, the photosensitive drum and transfer means may be deformed and damaged due to external vibration, impact from dropping, or storage in a high-temperature environment that exceeds normal operating conditions such as storage. Could have an effect.
For these reasons, when packing and transporting the apparatus, it is necessary to pack the process cartridge separately from the main body, which has been a factor of cost increase.

Further, in the means as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-333960, it is possible to transport the process cartridge together, but it is necessary to provide shutter control means for moving the shutter member after the process cartridge is mounted. This has been a factor in the increase in size and cost.

In view of the above, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problem. When the process cartridge is mounted, the shutter member can be selected so as to be located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the apparatus main body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge shutter opening / closing mechanism capable of suppressing the increase in cost due to an increase in the size of the apparatus and the complexity of the configuration, and of transporting the process cartridge in a package.

[0011]

The main aspects of the present invention are as described below with reference to the claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A cartridge frame having an opening opening to the outside and having a built-in process means, a protection position for closing the opening to protect the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a retreat position for retreating from the protection position. A shutter member capable of being selected so that the shutter member is located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge is characterized in that the process cartridge can be used.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by detachably attaching a process cartridge, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a cartridge frame having an opening for opening the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the outside and incorporating the process unit, and the opening A protection position for closing the unit to protect the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a shutter member movable between a retracted position retracted from the protected position, and when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge capable of selecting the shutter member to be located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the image forming apparatus main body; b. A shutter opening member for acting on the shutter member to move the shutter member to the retracted position when the process cartridge whose shutter member is selected to the retracted position is mounted; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a cartridge frame having an opening for opening the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the outside and incorporating the process unit, and the opening Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having a protection position for closing the portion to protect the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a shutter member movable to a retracted position retracted from the protected position; b. A position that acts on the shutter member to retreat the shutter member from the protection position to the retreat position when the process cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion; and a position that does not act on the shutter member to keep the shutter member in the protection position. A shutter opening guide member movable between the shutter opening guide member and c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium.

[0015]

In other words, according to the present invention, when the process cartridge is mounted, the shutter member can be selected so as to be located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the apparatus main body. It is possible to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge shutter opening / closing mechanism capable of suppressing the increase in cost due to the complexity and complexity of the configuration and transporting the process cartridge in a package.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description, the longitudinal direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of a recording medium (recording paper 2) and parallel to the surface of the recording medium.

[Embodiment 1] An example applied to a facsimile apparatus as an embodiment according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Here, the description will be made in the following order. Overall Configuration of Facsimile Apparatus Configuration of Reading Apparatus for Reading Information Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus for Recording Received Information Configuration of Each Part of Process Cartridge Used in Image Forming Apparatus Configuration of Opening and Closing Mechanism of Shutter Member Shutter for Image Forming Setting of the position switching unit and operation of the shutter member Setting of the shutter position switching unit and operation of the shutter member when the package is transported inside the cartridge device Configuration of mounting the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus main body

<< Overall Configuration of Facsimile Apparatus >> FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus having an image forming apparatus equipped with a process cartridge according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus has a document reading device A above and an image forming device B below it. Then, the information read by the document reading device A is transmitted to a facsimile device of another machine in the case of the facsimile mode, and is recorded by its own image forming device B in the case of the copy mode.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus B irradiates a light image based on image information from an optical unit 1 to form a toner image on a photosensitive drum 7 as an image carrier.
Then, the recording paper 2 as a recording medium is conveyed by a conveying means 3 in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to an image forming unit formed as a process cartridge C in a cartridge. The recording paper 2 is transferred to the recording paper 2 by the means 4, and the recording paper 2 is conveyed to the fixing means 5, where the transferred toner image is fixed and discharged to the discharge tray 6.

As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge C constituting the image forming section rotates the photosensitive drum 7 to uniformly charge the surface thereof by the charging means 8, and the light from the optical system 1 The image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure unit 9.
To form a latent image, and a developing unit 10 forms a toner image corresponding to the latent image to visualize the latent image. After the transfer unit 4 transfers the toner image to the recording paper 2, the cleaning unit 11 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7. Each component such as the photosensitive drum 7 is composed of an upper frame 12a which is a first frame made of resin,
The cartridge is housed in a housing 12 formed by coupling a lower frame 12b as a second frame.

The toner container 10a of the process cartridge C is provided with a stirring means for stirring the toner.

{Reading Device} The reading device A conveys the document 13 and reads the information described in the document. Its composition is
As shown in FIG. 1, the originals 13 stacked on the original placing table 14a are separated one by one by a preliminary transport roller 14b2 pressed against the preliminary transport pressing piece 14b1 and a separation roller 14d pressed against the reverse rotation roller 14c. Document 13 at 14e
After reading the information of the original 13 while pressing and contacting the original with the contact type sensor of the reading means 15, the original 13 is discharged to the original discharge tray 14g by the discharge roller 14f.

The reading means 15 includes an LED as a light source.
15a irradiates the information writing surface of the document 13 with light, and reflects the reflected light through the short focus imaging lens 15b.
The information is read by forming an image on the image forming apparatus c, and the signal is transmitted to another machine in the facsimile mode via the control means described later, and is transmitted to its own image forming apparatus B in the copy mode.

The document table 14a is provided with a slider 14h slidable in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the document 13 is conveyed (the width direction of the document 13). The slider 14h is slid according to the width of the document 13. Thus, both sides of the document 13 stacked on the document table 14a can be aligned.

{Image Forming Apparatus} Next, regarding the configuration of each part of the image forming apparatus B that forms an image in accordance with a recording signal,
The optical unit, the conveying unit, the transfer unit, and the fixing unit will be described in this order.

(Optical Means) The optical means 1 irradiates a light image on the photosensitive drum 7 by irradiating light based on image information read from an external device or the like. As shown in FIG. Laser diode 1 in 1a
b, a polygon mirror 1c, a scanner motor 1d, and an imaging lens 1e.

For example, when an image signal is given from another facsimile machine, the laser diode 1b emits light according to the image signal and irradiates the polygon mirror 1c as image light. The polygon mirror 1c is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor 1d.
The image light reflected by the imaging lens 1e and the reflection mirror 1
Irradiation is performed on the rotating photoconductor drum 7 via f, and the surface of the photoconductor drum 7 is selectively exposed to form a latent image corresponding to image information.

(Recording Paper Conveying Means) Conveying means 3 for conveying the recording paper 2 is disposed below the image forming apparatus B, and is mounted so as to be able to be pulled out from one end of the paper feeding section D. One of the uppermost sheets of the recording paper 2 loaded in the cassette 3a is separated by a separating claw 3a1 provided at a corner of the leading end of the recording paper 2 and a feeding roller 3b having a circular shape with a part cut away. The sheet is separated and fed one by one, and is sent to a pair of conveying rollers 3d by a pair of cassette conveying rollers 3c.
Transports the recording paper 2 to the image transfer unit in synchronization with the image forming operation. Then, the recording paper 2 after the image transfer is conveyed to the fixing unit 5 by the guide plate 3e, and the fixed recording paper 2 is discharged to the discharge tray 6 by the discharge roller pair 3f.

(Transfer Means) The transfer means 4 is for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 in the image forming section to the recording paper 2. The transfer means 4 of the present embodiment is as shown in FIG. And a transfer roller 4. The transfer roller 4 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 7 of the mounted process cartridge C during image formation (FIG. 1 is transported together with the process cartridge), and is driven by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7 to rotate. It is configured. That is,
The recording paper 2 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge C by the transfer roller 4, and a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is applied to the transfer roller 4. The upper toner image is transferred to the recording paper 2.

As shown in FIG. 9, both ends of the core 4a of the transfer roller 4 are rotatably supported by bearings 4g. Bearing 4
g is movably fitted to the guide member 4c so that the bearing 4g is movable substantially toward the center of the photosensitive drum 7. A compression coil spring 4d is contracted between the bearing 4g and the terminal 4c1 of the guide member 4c in order to press the transfer roller 4 against the photosensitive drum 7. When the process cartridge C is not mounted, the transfer roller 4 is moved upward by the spring force of the compression coil spring 4d in FIG.
Is prevented from moving upward.

(Fixing Unit) The fixing unit 5 fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the configuration includes a driving roller 5a that is driven and rotated, and a fixing member 5c that has a heater 5b inside and has a sheet member that is pressed against the driving roller 5a and is driven to rotate. That is, the recording paper 2 onto which the toner image has been transferred by the image forming unit is
When passing between the fixing member 5a and the fixing member 5c, pressure is applied by pressing both of the members 5a and 5c, and heat is applied by heat generated by the heater 5b, so that the toner on the recording paper 2 is fixed to the recording paper 2.

{Process Cartridge} Next, the structure of each part of the process cartridge C mounted on the image forming apparatus B will be described.

The process cartridge B has an image carrier and at least one process means. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum which is an image carrier,
Developing means for forming a toner image on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
There is a cleaning means for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. In the process cartridge C of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a charging unit 8, an exposure unit 9, a developing unit 10, and a cleaning unit 11 are arranged around an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7, which is an image carrier. These components are integrated by covering them with the housing 12, and further, a shutter member 28 is attached thereto, which is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 16.

Next, the structure of each part of the process cartridge C will be described in the order of the photosensitive drum, charging means, exposure unit, developing means, and cleaning means.

(Photosensitive Drum) The photosensitive drum 7 according to the present embodiment is formed by applying an organic photosensitive layer to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical drum base made of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably mounted on a frame, and the driving force of a drive motor provided on the apparatus main body 16 is transmitted to a flange gear fixed to one end of the photosensitive drum 7 in the longitudinal direction, whereby the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated. 7 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 according to the image forming operation.

(Charging Means) The charging means is for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, and in this embodiment, a charging roller 8 is rotatably mounted on the frame, so-called contacting means. A charging method is used. The charging roller 8 is formed by providing a conductive elastic layer on a metal roller shaft 8a, further providing a high-resistance elastic layer thereon, and further providing a protective film on the surface thereof. The conductive elastic layer is formed by dispersing carbon in an elastic rubber layer such as EPDM or NBR.
It serves to guide the bias voltage supplied to a. The high-resistance elastic layer is made of urethane rubber or the like and contains a small amount of conductive fine powder as an example. Even when a pinhole of the photosensitive drum 7 or a charging roller having high conductivity is opposed to the photosensitive layer, the photosensitive layer can be used. It functions to limit the leak current to the body drum 7 and prevent a sharp drop in the bias voltage. The protective film is made of N-methylmethoxylated nylon so that the composition of the conductive elastic layer or the high-resistance elastic layer does not touch the photoconductor drum 7 and deteriorate the surface of the photoconductor drum 7. Works.

The charging roller 8 is moved to the photosensitive drum 7
During image formation, the charging roller 8 rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7, and at this time, a DC voltage and an AC voltage are applied to the charging roller 8 in a superimposed manner so that the photosensitive drum 7 Charge the surface uniformly.

(Exposure Unit) The exposure unit 9 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 uniformly charged by the charging roller 8 to a light image irradiated from the optical unit 1 and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 to an electrostatic latent image. The exposing section 9 is provided for forming an image, and is provided with an opening for guiding the optical image on the upper surface of the upper frame 12 of the cartridge frame.

(Developing Unit) As shown in FIG. 3, the developing unit 10 stores toner in a toner storage container 10a which is a toner storage unit, and sends out and stirs the toner. Are provided so as to be able to reciprocate. A non-rotating magnet 10b is provided inside the opening 10a1 of the toner container 10a, and a developing sleeve 10c, which forms a thin toner layer on the surface by rotation, is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 7 by a small distance. It is provided. The developing sleeve 10c is formed by roughening the surface of an aluminum cylindrical member by sandblasting or the like, and applying a conductive paint dispersed with a pigment thereon. A toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing sleeve 10c. When the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed by friction between the toner and the developing sleeve 10c, a sufficient triboelectric charge is obtained. A developing blade 10d is provided to regulate the thickness of the toner layer.

The opening 10a1 of the toner container 10a of the new process cartridge C is sealed with a toner seal 31, and the toner seal 31 is folded at the end of the sealed portion and overlaps the sealed portion. The end opposite to the longitudinal direction of the folded portion is drawn out to the outside as shown in FIG. The toner accommodating container 10a of the process cartridge C is filled with toner. In use, the portion of the toner seal 31 that has been exposed is pulled open by hand and opened.

(Cleaning means) Cleaning means 1
As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration 1 includes a cleaning blade 11a for contacting the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 and scraping off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7, and for scooping up the scraped toner. And a squeeze sheet 11b which is located below the blade 11a and is in weak contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, and a waste toner reservoir 11c for storing the scooped waste toner.

{Mounting Configuration of Process Cartridge in Image Forming Apparatus Main Body} When the shutter member 28 opens and closes in accordance with the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge C in the image forming apparatus main body 16, the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge C in the apparatus main body 16 is configured. For the action, the description of the conventional technique is cited. When the process cartridge C is mounted on the apparatus main body 16 with the shutter member 28 closed, the transfer roller 4
At the same time.

{Structure of Opening / Closing Mechanism of Shutter Member} The shutter member 28 protects the photosensitive drum 7. Here, the opening and closing configuration of the shutter member 28 will be described. The shutter member 28 includes a shutter shaft 28a, a shutter arm 28b, a shutter 28c, a shutter shaft holder 28d, a torsion coil spring 28e, and a shutter position switching unit 29, as shown in FIGS.

The shutter shaft 28a is rotatably pressed by the shaft retainer 28d at the vicinity of both ends of the shaft portion 28a1 disposed in the longitudinal direction. Shaft 28
a1 Both ends are bent at a right angle to form an arm 28a4,
A shaft portion 28a5 is bent from the arm portion 28a4 in parallel with and opposed to the shaft portion 28a1, and a rotation restricting portion 28a2 is provided by bending the shaft portion 28a5 end twice so as to face outward. The shutter arm 28b is rotatably supported by the shaft portion 28a5 of the shutter shaft 28a. The rotation of the shutter arm 28b is controlled by the rotation restricting portion 28a2 of the shutter shaft 28a in the direction of arrow a in FIG. The rotation of the shutter shaft 28a is restricted so as not to exceed a predetermined angle. A shutter 28c is rotatably supported by the shutter arm 28b, and the rotation of the shutter 28c is more than a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 4 by the rotation restricting portion 28b1 of the shutter arm 28b. It is regulated not to rotate.

A torsion coil spring 28e is locked to one end of the shutter shaft 28a in the longitudinal direction, and the shutter 28c biases the opening 12b1 of the lower frame 12b in a direction to close the opening.

Further, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the shutter shaft 28a, there is formed a shutter position switching portion 29 which is fitted in the shaft portion 28a5 and is movable in the longitudinal direction. The position is switched and set before the process cartridge C is mounted on the apparatus main body 16 in accordance with the case where the package is transported together with the apparatus main body 16.

The mounting of the shutter member 28 is described in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the shaft portion 28a1 of the shutter shaft 28a is dropped into the groove 12c1 of the lid member 12c, and
d is locked and mounted on the upper frame body 12a, and the torsion coil spring 28e is locked and mounted.

The shutter member 28 closes the opening 12b1 by the bias of the torsion coil spring 28e when the process cartridge C is not mounted on the apparatus main body 16, and the shutter 28c closes the lower frame 1 at the edge of the opening 12b1.
2b.

{Setting of Shutter Position Switching Unit and Operation of Shutter Member at the Time of Image Formation} The case of performing image formation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a view of the process cartridge C in FIG. In this case, the shutter position switching section 29 is set to a position where it can be engaged with the shutter opening rail 18b in FIG. By projecting outward from the shutter shaft 28a as shown in FIG. 6, the shutter position switching unit 29 causes the process cartridge C to
6 has a function of locking the shutter at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body 16 and opening the shutter member 28.

That is, as the process cartridge C is inserted into the apparatus main body 16, the shutter position switching section 29 comes into contact with the upper surface portion 18b1 of the shutter opening rail 18b provided on the apparatus main body 16, as shown in FIG. When the process cartridge C is further inserted from this state,
The shutter shaft 28a rotates counterclockwise relative to the process cartridge C about the shaft 28a1, and the arm 28a4 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 28a5, as shown in FIG. As shown, the shutter 28c opens the opening 12b1 (see FIG. 3) of the lower frame 12b,
When the process cartridge C is completely inserted, FIG.
The photosensitive drum 7 is exposed as shown in FIG. Conversely, when the mounted process cartridge C is removed from the apparatus main body 16, the shutter member 28 is automatically closed by the action of the torsion coil spring 28e by the reverse operation.

At this time, the operation of mounting the process cartridge C to the cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main body 16 is referred to the description of the prior art (the same applies to all embodiments).

{Setting of Shutter Position Switching Unit and Operation of Shutter Member During Bundled Transport in Cartridge Device} The case where the process cartridge C is transported together with the device main body 16 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a view of the process cartridge C of FIG. 3 as viewed from the direction of the arrow r. In this case, the shutter position switching unit 29 is moved in the longitudinal direction from the position in FIG. 6 in the direction of arrow d to set the position in FIG. At this time, the shutter shaft 28a cannot rotate because the flat surface 29a of the shutter position switching portion 29 is in contact with the flat surface 12d1 on the back of the projection 12d of the process cartridge C, and the shutter 28c always closes the opening 12b1. To protect the photosensitive drum 7.
That is, by aligning the longitudinal direction of the shutter position switching unit 29 with the shutter shaft 28a as shown in FIG. 9, the shutter position switching unit 29 is provided on the apparatus main body 16 when the process cartridge C is mounted on the apparatus main body 16. It does not come into contact with the upper surface of the shutter opening rail 18b. The process cartridge C is always inserted with the opening 12b1 closed by the shutter 28c, and the shutter protrusion 28c1 provided on the shutter 28c contacts both ends of the core 4a of the transfer roller 4 as shown in FIG. When the process cartridge C is completely inserted, the shutter protrusion 28c1 pushes both ends of the core 4a of the transfer roller 4 in the direction of arrow e as shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 8c fixes the transfer roller 4 without touching it. By mounting the process cartridge C at the position where the shutter 28c closes the opening 12b1 in this way, the photosensitive drum 7 is protected from the impact during transportation, and the transfer roller 4 is also fixed to secure the same during transportation. Protect from impact. Also,
Since the surface of the photoconductor drum 7 and the surface of the transfer roller 4 are fixed without being in contact with each other, deformation and damage caused by the contact can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment] Next, as a second embodiment, another example of a configuration in which the process cartridge C is mounted at a position where the shutter 28c closes the opening 12b1 is shown in FIG.
1, will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and 12 show FIG.
5 is a view of the process cartridge C of FIG. Note that members having the same functions as in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description is referred to. Further, a bearing for supporting the metal core 4a of the transfer roller 4 is abbreviated.

In this embodiment, a shutter opening rail 18b which is fitted in a longitudinal guide member provided on the apparatus main body 16 and is movable in the longitudinal direction is formed.
(A guide member for movement is not shown.) That is, when performing image formation, the shutter opening rail 18b is set at the position shown in FIG. The shutter member 28 can be rotated by contacting the protrusion 28a3 provided on the shutter opening rail 18b of the apparatus main body 16 with the upper surface 18b1. The shutter opening rail 18b is provided with a projection 18b2 directed downward. On the other hand, the slope 4b1 of the transfer roller pressing release member 4b fixed to the bearing 4g supporting the transfer roller 4
The transfer roller 4 at a position (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 11) that is not in contact with the projection 18b2 of FIG. I have.

When the process cartridge C is transported together with the apparatus main body 16, the shutter opening rail 18b is moved in the direction of arrow f as shown in FIG. By aligning,
The projection 28a3 of the shutter shaft 28a does not contact the shutter release rail 18b. Also, the shutter opening rail 18b
The pressing release member 4b provided on the bearing 4g supporting the transfer roller 4 which is in contact with the projection 18b2 projecting below the shutter opening rail 18b by the inclined surface 4b1 by the movement of Move,
The transfer roller 4 is sufficiently retracted from the locus of the movement of the shutter 28c in the closed state. With such a configuration, since the process cartridge C is always inserted with the opening 12b1 closed by the shutter 28c, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Third Embodiment Next, as a third embodiment, another embodiment in which the process cartridge C is mounted at a position where the shutter 28c closes the opening 12b1 will be described with reference to FIGS. I will explain. FIG. 13, FIG.
4 is a view of the process cartridge C of FIG. 3 as viewed from the direction of arrow r. Note that members having the same functions as those in Embodiment 1 or 2 are given the same reference numerals, and the description is referred to.

In the first or second embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the protrusion for rotating the shutter member 28 is configured to be integral with the shutter member 28. In this example, the shutter position switching section 29 is provided. Are configured to be detachable from the shutter member 28. That is, when performing image formation, as shown in FIG. 13, the shutter position switching unit 29 is attached to the shaft portion 28a5 of the shutter shaft 28a. With this configuration, when the process cartridge C is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 16, the shutter member 28 can rotate by the shutter position switching unit 29 being in contact with the upper surface portion 18 b 1 of the shutter opening rail 18 b of the apparatus main body 16. Further, when the process cartridge C is transported together with the apparatus main body 16, the shutter position switching unit 29 is used.
Is removed from the shutter shaft 28a, and the process cartridge C
The lower frame 12b is mounted between the end 28e1 of the torsion coil spring 28e and the shutter shaft 28a as shown in FIG. 14 or inserted into the end 28e1. With such a configuration, since the process cartridge C is always inserted with the opening 12b1 closed by the shutter 28c, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
Further, when the process cartridge C is transported together with the apparatus main body 16, the shutter position switching unit 29 and the toner seal 31 can be integrated. With such a configuration, the toner seal 31 is always removed when a new process cartridge C is used, so that the setting change at the time of image formation can be promptly and simultaneously promoted.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, a facsimile apparatus has been exemplified as an example using an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser beam It can be used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a printer.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the retreat operation of the transfer roller 4 is performed in accordance with the setting change when the cartridge is transported from the time of image formation. However, for example, the above-described setting change is performed using a solenoid or the like. The evacuation operation may be performed independently.

In the first embodiment, the shutter projection 28c1
Is designed to push down the metal core 4a of the transfer roller 4, but the bearing 4g may be pushed down.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the process cartridge is mounted, the shutter position switching unit is switched so that the shutter member is located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the apparatus main body. Suppress the cost increase due to the enlargement of the equipment and the complicated configuration,
Further, it is possible to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge shutter opening / closing mechanism that can be transported together with the process cartridge.

When the process cartridge is mounted, the movable shutter opening rail provided on the apparatus main body is switched so that the shutter member is located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the apparatus main body. Similar effects can be obtained.

Further, when the process cartridge is mounted, a detachable shutter position switching section is provided in the process cartridge so that the shutter member is located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the apparatus main body, and the switching section is switched. By doing so, a similar effect can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the facsimile machine.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the configuration of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shutter member according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a view of the configuration of the process cartridge and the shutter member according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow r in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an operation state of a shutter member when the process cartridge according to the first embodiment is inserted into the apparatus main body.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an open state of a shutter member when the process cartridge according to the first embodiment is inserted into the apparatus main body.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the setting of the shutter position switching unit and the configuration of the process cartridge and the transfer unit according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow r in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of the facsimile apparatus when the process cartridge according to the first embodiment is included in the apparatus main body.

FIG. 11 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow r in FIG. 3 showing a configuration of a process cartridge, a shutter member, and a transfer unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of the configuration of the process cartridge, shutter member, and transfer means according to the second embodiment, as viewed in the direction of arrow r in FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a view of the configuration of the process cartridge and the shutter member according to the third embodiment, as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow r in FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a setting of a shutter position switching unit and a configuration of a process cartridge and a transfer unit according to a third embodiment, as viewed from an arrow r in FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration for explaining an open state of a shutter member when a process cartridge according to the related art is inserted into an apparatus main body.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration for explaining an open state of a shutter member when a process cartridge according to the related art is inserted into an apparatus main body.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: reading device B: image forming device C: process cartridge D: paper feeding unit 1: optical unit 1a: optical unit 1b: laser diode 1c: polygon mirror 1d: scanner motor 1e: imaging lens 1f: reflecting mirror 2, recording Paper 3 ... Conveying means 3a ... Feed cassette 3a1 ... Separation claw
3b: feed roller 3c: cassette transport roller pair 3d
... Transport roller pair 3e ... Guide plate 3f ... Discharge roller pair 4 ... Transfer means (transfer roller) 4a ... Transfer roller core
4b ... Transfer roller pressing release member 4b1 ... Slope 4c ...
Guide member 4c1 ... Terminal 4d ... Compression coil spring 4e
... Stopper 4g ... Bearing 5 ... Fixing means 5a ... Drive roller 5b ... Heater 5c
... Fixing member 6 ... Discharge tray 7 ... Photoreceptor drum 8 ... Charging means (charging roller) 8a ... Roller shaft 9 ... Exposure unit 10 ... Developing means 10a ... Toner storage container 10a1 ...
Opening 10b Magnet 10c Developing sleeve 10d Developing blade 11 Cleaning means 11a Cleaning blade 11b Squeeze sheet 11c Waste toner reservoir 12 Housing 12a Upper frame 12b Lower frame
12b1 ... opening 12b2 ... drum shaft 12c ... lid member 12c1 ... groove 12d ... projection 12d1 ... plane 13 ... original 14a ... original mounting table 14b1 ... preliminary conveyance pressing piece 14
b2: Preliminary conveyance roller 14c: Reverse rotation roller 14d: Separation roller 14e: Pressing unit 14f: Discharge roller 14g: Document discharge tray 14h: Slider 15: Reading unit 15a: LED 15b: Short focus imaging lens 15c: Photoelectric conversion element 16 ... Device main body 16a Inner wall surface 17 Opening / closing cover 17a Hinge 17c Pressing member 18a Cartridge insertion guide rail 18b Shutter opening rail 18b1 Top surface portion 18b2 Projection
18c: Dropping part 19: First stirring member 20: Second stirring member 28: Shutter member 28a: Shutter shaft 28a1,
28a5: shutter shaft portion 28a2: rotation restricting portion 28
a3: shutter shaft projection 28a4: arm 28b: shutter arm 28b1: rotation restricting portion 28
b2: shaft 28c: shutter 28c1: shutter projection 28d: shutter shaft holder 28e: torsion coil spring 29: shutter position switching unit 29a: flat surface 30: operation panel 31: toner seal

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A process cartridge detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and an opening of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the outside. A cartridge frame having an opening and incorporating a process means; a protection position for closing the opening to protect the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a shutter member movable to a retreat position for retreating from the protection position. When the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the shutter member can be selected so as to be located at either the protection position or the retracted position in the image forming apparatus main body. And process cartridge. 2. A mechanism for selecting the shutter member so as to be located at the protection position in the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted, wherein a mechanism for selecting the shutter member is provided in the process member in the direction in which the process cartridge is inserted. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the projection is movable between a position where the shutter opening member of the image forming apparatus main body is engaged and a position where the shutter release member is not engaged. 3. A projection provided on the shutter member, wherein the mechanism for selecting the shutter member to be located at the protection position in the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted, comprises: The shutter opening member is movable between a position where it is engaged with the projection of the shutter member and a position where it is not engaged in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction of the process cartridge provided in the apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to claim 1. 4. A mechanism for selecting the shutter member to be located at the protection position in the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted, wherein a shutter opening rail of the image forming apparatus main body when the shutter member is mounted. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is a protrusion that can be attached to and detached from a shutter member engaged with the shutter. 5. A developing means for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum using toner as a processing means, wherein the developing means is separated by a toner seal capable of removing a gap between a developing member and a toner storage container. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein a protrusion detachable from the shutter member and a member for detaching the toner seal are integrally or connected to each other. 6. A projection which acts on the transfer means so as to move the transfer means of the image forming apparatus main body away from the shutter member when the shutter member is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the shutter member is in the protection position with the opening closed. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a shutter member. 7. The process cartridge, wherein a charging unit, a cleaning unit, a developing unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body. 7. The process cartridge according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a charging unit, a cleaning unit, a developing unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrated into a cartridge to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. 7. The process cartridge according to any one of 6. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the process cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body. . 10. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a cartridge frame having an opening for opening the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the outside and incorporating the process unit,
And a shutter member movable between a protection position for closing the opening to protect the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a retreat position for retreating from the protection position, wherein the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. A. Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge that can be selected so that the shutter member is located in either the protection position or the retreat position in the image forming apparatus main body; b. A shutter opening member for acting on the shutter member to move the shutter member to the retracted position when the process cartridge whose shutter member is selected to the retracted position is mounted; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium. 11. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a cartridge frame having an opening for opening the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the outside; Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having a protection position for closing the portion to protect the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a shutter member movable to a retracted position retracted from the protected position; b. A position that acts on the shutter member to retreat the shutter member from the protection position to the retreat position when the process cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion; and a position that does not act on the shutter member to keep the shutter member in the protection position. A shutter opening guide member movable between the shutter opening guide member and c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium. 12. A position where the mounted process cartridge is in pressure contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a position where it is acted on the shutter member of the mounted process cartridge in a state where the shutter member is in the protection position and does not contact the shutter member. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a transfer unit capable of moving the image. 13. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic process using a laser beam modulated according to a time-series electric signal of a target image. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 14. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is a facsimile apparatus having a communication unit for transmitting an image received from a communication line to an electrophotographic image forming unit and forming the received image on a recording medium. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12. 15. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image read by an image reading unit on an image forming unit.