JPH0968913A - Shutter member, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the attachment/detachment of a shutter member to/from the frame body of a process cartridge. SOLUTION: The pivoting supporting shaft 16c of the shutter member 16 is fitted into a bearing part 14a having a U-shape capable of snap-fitting to a cleaning frame body and a turning stopping projection 16f abutted on the cleaning frame 14 at a fixed rotation angle is provided in the vicinity of a supporting shaft. When an attempt to apply a rotation exceeding the fixed rotation angle is made, the supporting shaft is removed from the bearing part having the shape capable of snap-fitting and the pivoting supporting shaft is removed as well.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic system, a process cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the process cartridge. The present invention relates to a shutter member.

[0002]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a further development of the conventional shutter member and process cartridge described below. According to the present invention, the shutter member and the process cartridge can be easily attached to and detached from the process cartridge. Also, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shutter member, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which can surely perform opening.

[0004]

The first invention of the present invention is
In a process cartridge attachable / detachable to the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a first shutter part for opening / closing an exposure opening, and a transfer opening are opened / closed. A shutter member integrally formed with a second shutter portion, a cartridge frame body to which the shutter member is rotatably attached, and a second shutter portion located inside both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame body. And an arm portion that supports both sides in the longitudinal direction of the shutter member, wherein the attachment portion of the shutter member to the cartridge frame at the center of rotation is attached using elasticity, and the extension portion is provided at the base of the arm portion. And the extension portion contacts the cartridge frame when the arm portion is opened while the arm portion is rotated about the rotation center as a fulcrum.
The process cartridge is a member that regulates opening of the shutter member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the arm portion opens while rotating around the pivot center as a fulcrum, the arm portion continues to rotate even after the extending portion hits the cartridge frame. And the rotation center moves to the cartridge frame contact portion of the extension portion, and the shutter is attached to the frame body at the shutter attachment portion by the attachment using the elasticity. The process cartridge according to the invention.

A third invention of the present invention is the process cartridge according to the first or second invention, wherein the first shutter portion also serves as the extending portion.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed, and the cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to the first, second, or third aspect of the invention is detachable.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge, at least one of a charging means, a developing means, and a cleaning means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the process cartridge is provided with respect to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to the first, second, or third aspect of the invention is detachable.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the process cartridge, wherein at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Second or third
It is a process cartridge according to the invention.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge can be attached and detached to form an image on a recording medium: a. And one process means, a shutter member integrally forming a first shutter part for opening and closing the exposure opening and a second shutter part for opening and closing the transfer opening, and a shutter for accommodating the process means. The shutter includes: a cartridge frame body to which a member is rotatably attached; and arm portions located inside both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame body and supporting both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second shutter portion. The mounting part of the rotation center of the member to the cartridge frame has a shape to be mounted by a snap fit utilizing elasticity and extends to the base of the arm part. A process cartridge provided with a projecting portion and provided with a shutter opening regulation means for regulating the opening of the shutter member by the extension portion hitting the cartridge frame when the arm portion opens while rotating around the pivot center as a fulcrum. Mounting means for mounting so as to be possible, b, opening and closing means for opening and closing a shutter member when the process cartridge is mounted and dismounted, c, transfer means for transferring an image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member to a recording medium, d And a conveying means for conveying the recording medium, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

An eighth invention of the present invention has an exposure opening for guiding light according to image forming information from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a transfer opening for transferring a toner image onto a recording medium. In a shutter member used in a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening, a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening, and the first shutter portion. A first arm portion for supporting the shutter portion and the second shutter portion, which is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions, and the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion. A second arm portion, which is provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of both shutter portions, for supporting, and a frame of the process cartridge are detachably and rotatably attached by the elastic force. A first support shaft of a shutter member, characterized in that it comprises a second support shaft, a.

A ninth aspect of the present invention further provides: when mounting the process cartridge in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
An outside of the first arm portion and the second arm portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shutter member for receiving a force in the direction of opening the shutter member by contacting the contact portion of the apparatus body. The shutter member according to the eighth aspect of the invention, characterized in that it has a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are provided so as to project toward.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the first shutter portion, the second shutter portion, the first arm portion, the second arm portion, the first support shaft, and the second shutter portion. The support member, the first projection, and the second projection are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, which is the shutter member according to the ninth invention.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein a, a cartridge frame, b, and an empty image of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided on the cartridge frame. An exposure opening for guiding light according to information; c, a transfer opening provided in the cartridge frame for transferring a toner image to a recording medium; d, an electrophotographic photoreceptor, e, the electrophotography F, a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening, a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening, the first shutter portion and the second shutter A first arm portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions for supporting the shutter portion, and for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion. A second arm portion provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions, a first support shaft that is detachably attached to the frame of the process cartridge by elastic force, and is rotatably attached; A shutter member having a support shaft of g, a first mounting part for elastically mounting the first support shaft provided on the cartridge frame, and a second support shaft; A process cartridge comprising: an attachment portion.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the process cartridge, wherein the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge.
A process cartridge according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the cartridge is removable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the process cartridge is provided to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It is the process cartridge according to the eleventh invention, which is removable.

The fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the process cartridge, wherein at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to the invention.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, including: a, a cartridge frame, and an electrophotographic apparatus provided on the cartridge frame. An exposure opening for guiding light according to image information from the main body of the image forming apparatus, a transfer opening provided in the cartridge frame for transferring a toner image to a recording medium, an electrophotographic photoreceptor, and the electronic device. Process means acting on the photographic photosensitive member, a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening, a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening, the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion. The first arm portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of both the shutter portions and the frame of the process cartridge for supporting Removable,
Further, a shutter member having a first support shaft for rotatably mounting and a second support shaft, the first support shaft provided on the cartridge frame, and the second support shaft are elastic. A mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having a first mounting portion for mechanically mounting and a second mounting portion; and b, a transporting means for transporting the pre-recording medium. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized by having.

[0019]

2. Description of the Related Art In a process cartridge, an exposure opening for exposing an image on an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a transfer opening for transferring an image formed on the image carrier to a recording medium are provided in a predetermined cartridge frame. It is provided in the position. A shutter can be attached to each of the exposure opening and the transfer opening to prevent the photoreceptor from being damaged or being exposed to light when the cartridge is transported or stored, and each opening can be opened and closed. I have to.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention is a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus main body, comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, A shutter member integrally configured with a first shutter portion for opening and closing the exposure opening portion and a second shutter portion for opening and closing the transfer opening portion; and a cartridge frame body rotatably attached to the shutter member, Located inside both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge,
An arm portion for supporting both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second shutter portion, and a mounting portion of the rotation support shaft to the cartridge frame body is U-shaped with a deeper back than the opening portion to provide elasticity of the cartridge frame body. It has a shape to be attached by a snap fit used, and an extension portion is provided at the base of the arm portion in a direction substantially opposite to the extension direction of the arm portion, and the extension portion has the arm portion as a fulcrum about the rotation center. The process cartridge is characterized in that it is a member that comes into contact with the cartridge frame and regulates the opening of the arm portion when opening while rotating.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, when the arm portion is opened while rotating around the pivot center as a fulcrum, the arm portion is maintained even after the extending portion abuts against the cartridge frame. Continuing to rotate, the rotation center moves to the cartridge frame contact portion of the extension portion, and the shutter is detached from the frame body at the snap fit portion. It is the process cartridge described in the embodiment.

An embodiment of the third invention of the present invention is the process cartridge according to the embodiment of the first or second invention, wherein the first shutter portion also serves as the extension portion. .

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging roller, a developing device or a cleaning device and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed, and the cartridge is formed into an image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to the first, second, or third embodiment of the present invention, which is detachable from the process cartridge.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which at least one of a charging roller, a developing device and a cleaning device and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge. The process cartridge according to the first, second, or third embodiment of the present invention, which is detachable from the main body.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least a developing device and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. And the process cartridge according to the first, second, or third embodiment of the invention.

The seventh embodiment of the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable. A shutter member integrally configured with a first shutter portion for opening and closing the exposure opening portion and a second shutter portion for opening and closing the transfer opening portion, and the process means. A cartridge frame body that accommodates the shutter member and is rotatably attached to the cartridge frame body, and arm portions that are located inside both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame body and that support both longitudinal direction sides of the second shutter portion are provided. Then, the mounting portion of the shutter member on the rotation center of the shutter member to the cartridge frame has a shape to be mounted by a snap fit utilizing elasticity, and An extension portion is provided at the base of the cam portion, and shutter opening regulation means is provided for regulating the opening of the shutter member when the extension portion hits the cartridge frame when the arm portion opens while rotating around the fulcrum. A mounting means for removably mounting the process cartridge; b, an opening and closing means for opening and closing a shutter member when the process cartridge is mounted and removed; and c, for transferring an image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member to a recording medium. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit; d; and a transport unit for transporting the recording medium.

The eighth embodiment of the present invention is an exposure opening for guiding light according to image forming information from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a transfer opening for transferring a toner image onto recording paper. A shutter member used in a process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, including: a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening; and a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening. ,
A first arm portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion, the first shutter portion and the second shutter. A second arm portion provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of both shutter portions for supporting the shutter portion and a detachable and rotatable attachment to the frame of the process cartridge by snap-fitting by elastic force. A shutter member having a first support shaft and a second support shaft.

The ninth embodiment of the present invention further comprises:
When the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the first cartridge is contacted with the contact portion of the main body of the apparatus to receive a force in the direction of opening the shutter member with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shutter member. The first embodiment and the second projection, which are provided outside the one arm portion and the second arm portion so as to project outward, and are described in the embodiment of the eighth invention. Shutter member.

In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the first shutter portion, the second shutter portion, the first arm portion, the second arm portion, and the first support shaft are provided. The second support shaft, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, which is the shutter member according to the embodiment of the eighth invention.

The eleventh embodiment of the present invention is a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein a, a cartridge frame, and b, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided on the cartridge frame. An exposure opening for guiding light according to image information in the main body; c, a transfer opening provided on the cartridge frame for transferring a toner image onto a recording medium; d, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, e, a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device that act on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, f, a first shutter part for covering the exposure opening, and a second shutter part for covering the transfer opening. A first arm portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion; A second arm portion for supporting the shutter portion and the second shutter portion, which is provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions, and detachable by a snap fit by elastic force on the frame of the process cartridge, Also, a shutter member having a first support shaft for rotatably mounting and a second support shaft, g, the first support shaft provided on the cartridge frame, and the second support shaft. And a second mounting part for elastically mounting the process cartridge.

In the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging device, a developing device or a cleaning device and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed, and the cartridge is formed into an electrophotographic image. It is the process cartridge according to the eleventh embodiment of the invention, which is detachable from the apparatus main body.

In the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which at least one of a charging device, a developing device and a cleaning device and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge. It is the process cartridge according to the eleventh embodiment of the invention, which is detachable from the apparatus main body.

In the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge is such that at least a developing device and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Is the 11th
2 is a process cartridge according to the embodiment of the invention.

The fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording sheet, in which a, a cartridge frame and the cartridge frame are provided. Further, an exposure opening for guiding light according to image information from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a transfer opening provided on the cartridge frame for transferring a toner image to a recording medium, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member. A drum, a charging device that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing device, and a cleaning device, a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening, and a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening, A first arm portion for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion, the first arm portion being provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions; A shutter member having a first support shaft for detachably and rotatably attaching to the frame of the cartridge by a snap fit by elastic force, and a second support shaft, and the shutter member provided on the cartridge frame. A mounting guide for removably mounting a process cartridge having a first support shaft, a first mounting part for elastically mounting the second support shaft, and a second mounting part; b An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveyance roller and a guide for conveying the pre-recording medium.

(Detailed Description of Embodiments) Next, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(A) First Embodiment As a second embodiment, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be mounted will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6.

As an order of description, the overall structure of the image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is mounted will be described first with reference to FIG. 6, and then the shutter structure will be described with reference to FIG.

{Overall Configuration} This electrophotographic image forming apparatus A
As shown in FIG. 6, a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum 7) is charged by a charging roller 8 which is a charging unit, and then based on image information from the optical system 1. A latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 by irradiating it with a light image. Then, the latent image is developed by the developing means 10 using a developer (hereinafter referred to as "toner") to form a toner image. In synchronism with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium 2 is conveyed from the cassette 3a by a conveying means 3 including a pickup roller 3b, a reversing roller 3c, and pinch rollers 3c1, 3c2, 3c3 which are pressed against the cassette 3a and driven to rotate. . Then, in the image forming unit formed as a process cartridge B, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4 serving as a transfer unit, and the toner image is transferred. The recording medium 2 is conveyed to a fixing means 5 including a fixing rotating body 5a having a heater 5b built therein and a driving roller 5c for pressing and conveying the recording medium 2 to the rotating body 5a, and the transferred toner image is recorded on the recording medium 2. Establish. Then, the recording medium 2 is conveyed by the pair of discharge rollers 3d1 and 3d2 and the pair of discharge rollers 3e1 and 3e2, and the reverse conveyance path 6
Through the discharge unit 21.

On the other hand, the process cartridge B for forming the image forming portion includes the photosensitive drum, the charging roller 8 and
It has a developing means 10 and a cleaning means 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 7 having a photosensitive layer is rotated, the surface thereof is uniformly charged by applying a voltage to a charging roller 8 as a charging means, and then the image information from the optical system 1 is obtained. Is exposed to the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure opening 9 to form a latent image. Then, the latent image is developed by the developing means 10 using toner. The developing means 10 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 7 by the developing roller 10d to develop the latent image. Specifically, the toner in the toner reservoir 10a is sent out through the opening 12a1, the developing roller 10d having the fixed magnet 10c built therein is rotated, and the developing blade 1 is
A toner layer to which a triboelectric charge is applied by 0e is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d, and the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image to form a toner image and visualize it. Then, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 to form the toner image on the recording medium 2.
Transfer to After that, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed by the cleaning unit 11. More specifically, the elastic cleaning blade 11a is used for the photosensitive drum 7.
Scrap off the toner remaining on the. Then, the scraped toner is scooped by the squeeze sheet 11c and collected in the waste toner reservoir 11b. Each of the parts such as the photosensitive drum 7 has a toner frame 12 (having a toner reservoir 10a) and a developing frame 13 (developing means 10) which are integrally combined.
And a cleaning frame body 14 including the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8 and the cleaning means 11) are housed in a rotatably coupled housing to form a cartridge, and the cartridge provided in the apparatus main body 20. It is detachably attached to the attachment means.

The cartridge mounting means is the opening / closing member 1
When you open 7, there is a cartridge mounting space,
As shown in FIG. 7, guide rails 18 serving as cartridge mounting guides are provided on the left and right inner side surfaces of the apparatus main body 20.
Further, cam portions 19 that act on the first shutter portion 16a when the process cartridge B is mounted in the direction of arrow C in FIG. On the other hand, on both outer side surfaces of the process cartridge B, there are provided cylindrical guide round guide portions 24 that project outward from the rotation center position of the photosensitive drum 7 and have the same radius as the groove portion 18 a provided at the end portion of the guide rail 18. Further, a boss portion 25 of a cylindrical protrusion and a longitudinal guide portion 25a are provided continuously from the round guide portion 24 in the insertion direction of the process cartridge B. Round guide 24 in groove 18a
When the occupant is seated, a boss restricting portion 18b is provided so that the boss portion 25 is sandwiched across the diameter, and a groove 18c through which the round guide portion 24 can pass from the boss restricting portion 18b to the groove portion 18a.
The longitudinal guide 25a is guided in the groove 18c.

When mounting the process cartridge B, the round guide portion 24 and the longitudinal guide 25a of the process cartridge B are guided by the guide rails 18, and the round guide portion 24 and the boss portion 25 are respectively provided with the groove portions 18.
a, the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A by closing the opening / closing member 17 while being seated on the boss restricting portion 18b. A handle 26 is provided integrally with the cleaning frame body 14 for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B.

{Shutter Structure} The shutter structure and the cartridge frame mechanism will be described. 1A is an explanatory view of the shutter member in the lateral direction, FIG. 1B is an explanatory view of the shutter member in the longitudinal direction, FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the shutter in a closed state, and FIG. 2 is a state in which the shutter is open. FIG.

At the upper part of the frame of the process cartridge B,
An exposure opening 9 is provided for allowing light according to image information to enter the cartridge B, and the photosensitive drum 7 is provided below the exposure opening 9.
A transfer opening 15 for transferring the toner image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium is provided. And this opening 9,1
The shutter member 16 can be opened and closed.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shutter member 16 integrally includes a first shutter portion 16a that opens and closes the exposure opening portion 9 and a second shutter portion 16b that opens and closes the transfer opening portion 15. I will do it. The upper portion of the frame body is a frame body portion that is positioned above when mounted on the image forming apparatus main body,
The lower part of the frame is a frame part located below. Further, in this embodiment, the exposure opening 9 and the transfer opening 15 cooperate with the toner frame 12 and the developing frame 13 which are integrally coupled, and the cleaning frame 14 which is rotatably coupled with these. It consists of work. However, the present embodiment can be applied even if the aforementioned frame bodies are integrally formed.

This shutter member 16 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), a rotary support shaft 16c supported by the cleaning frame 14 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
The first shutter portion 16a is provided so as to incline diagonally downward from 6c in FIG. 1 (a). Further, an arm portion 16d curved along the shape of the cleaning frame body 14 is formed in a direction opposite to the first shutter portion 16a from each of the support shafts 16c on both sides, and a second arm portion 16d is formed so as to connect both arm portions 16d. A shutter portion 16b is provided. Both arm portions 16d have a columnar projection 16e serving as a cam follower.
Project outward from both ends in the longitudinal direction. This protrusion 1
6e is engageable with cams 19 as abutting portions provided on the left and right of the cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main body 20.

On the other hand, an elastic synthetic resin bearing portion 14a having a U-shaped groove as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 is integrally formed with the cleaning frame body 14 at the upper end of the cleaning frame body 14 in the longitudinal direction. The shutter member 16 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame body 14 by fitting the rotary shaft 16c of the shutter member into the bearing portion 14a. At this time, a torsion coil spring 23 is attached to one of the support shafts 16c, and the spring 23 always biases the shutter member 16 in a direction of closing the openings 9 and 15. As shown in FIG. 8, the bearing portion 14a has an opening 14a1 narrower than the inner cylindrical portion 14a2, and the outer angle of the opening 14a1 becomes a chamfered introduction portion 14a3. It is adapted to be fitted into 14a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the arm portion 16d is made of a thin plate member, which is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning frame body 14. A recess 14b corresponding to the thickness of the arm 16d is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning frame 14 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The arm 16d is fitted into the recess 14b to close the shutter member 16d. In this state, the arm portion 16d is configured to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the cleaning frame body 14.

For this reason, the arm portion 16d does not project from the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame, and does not project from the cleaning frame surface.

The U-shaped groove of the bearing portion 14a has an opening 14a.
1 is narrower than the inner cylindrical portion 14a2, and is configured in a beam shape protruding from the cleaning frame body 14 so as to be elastically deformable. The shutter member 16 can be easily attached by forcibly inserting the support shaft 16c from above. It is designed to be used.

Further, an extension portion 16f extending in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the arm portion 16d is provided at the base of the arm portion 16d on the side of the support shaft 16c, and the shutter member 16 serves as the support shaft 1.
When the first shutter portion 16a opens the exposure opening portion 9 and the second shutter portion 16b opens the transfer opening portion 15 while rotating around 6c, the extending portion 16f cleans when the rotation angle reaches a predetermined angle. The receiving portion 14c of the frame body 14
Then, the shutter member 16 cannot be opened any more.

Therefore, when the shutter member 16 is detached from the frame body 14, when the operator grips the arm portion 16d and pushes the shutter member 16 upward, the extending portion 16f strikes the receiving portion 14c and then the shutter is released. The member 16 continues to rotate about the support shaft 16c, and the rotation is the extension 16
The support shaft 16c is disengaged from the bearing portion 14a around the contact portion between the f and the receiving portion 14c, and the shutter member 16 can be easily removed from the cleaning frame 14. Further, when attaching the shutter member 16 to the frame body, an operator may push the support shaft 16c into the bearing portion 14a.

When the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 20, the protrusions 16 provided on both arm portions 16d.
e contacts the cam 19 of the apparatus main body 20, and the protrusion 16e slides on the cam portion 19 and rotates clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 4 around the rotation support shaft 16c. The shutter portion 16b is rotated in the same direction. At this time, in the state where the shutter member 16 is positioned at an opening angle where the exposure opening 9 and the transfer opening 15 at the position of the photosensitive drum 7 are opened, but the extension 16f does not reach the receiving portion 14c, the process cartridge B
The round guide portion 24 and the boss portion 25 are seated on the groove portion 18a and the boss regulating portion 18b of the mounting portion of the apparatus body 20.

Further, according to this embodiment, the shutter member 16
The first shutter portion 16a, the second shutter portion 16b, each support shaft 16c, the arm portion 16d, and the protrusion 16e are integrally formed of synthetic resin. And this shutter member 16
Can be made of the same material as the frame. For example,
Examples of the synthetic resin include polystyrene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / vitadiene / styrene copolymer) polycarbonate, preethylene, polypropylene and the like.

As described above, the shutter member 16
Is a first shutter portion 16 for covering the exposure opening 9.
a, a second shutter portion 16b for covering the transfer opening 15, and one side in the longitudinal direction of both shutter portions for supporting the first shutter portion 16a and the second shutter portion 16b. A second arm provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter parts for supporting the provided first arm part 16d and the first shutter part 16a and the second shutter part 16b. And a first support shaft 16c for removably and rotatably attaching to the frame of the process cartridge (cleaning frame 14) of the process cartridge, and a second support shaft 16c. is there. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a shutter member that can be easily attached to and detached from the frame body of the process cartridge. Furthermore, when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the shutter member 1 comes into contact with the contact portion (cam 19) of the main body of the apparatus.
6 is provided outside the first arm portion 16d and the second arm portion 16d so as to project outward in the longitudinal direction of the shutter member 16 so as to receive a force in the direction of opening 6. It has a first protrusion 16e and a second protrusion 16e. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the projections 16e are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the shutter member 16 (both sides in the mounting direction of the process cartridge). When the shutter member 16 is located at the open chain position, the protrusion 16e
Is fitted in a recess 14f provided in the cleaning frame 14. Therefore, when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, the shutter member 16 receives force from both sides in the direction of opening the shutter member 16, so that the shutter member 16 can be reliably opened. Therefore, even if the shutter member 16 is formed to be thin and easy to bend for downsizing, weight reduction, or cost reduction, the shutter member 16 can be reliably opened. The process cartridge is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body in a direction intersecting the axis of the photosensitive drum 7.

Embodiment B Next, another embodiment B of the present invention will be described. In the above-described embodiment B, in order to prevent the shutter member 16 from being damaged due to excessive rotation, the protrusion 16f extending in the extension direction of the arm portion 16d is provided at the end portion of the arm portion 16d on the support shaft 16c side, and cleaning is performed. Although an example in which it is configured to hit the projection receiving portion 14c of the frame body 14 has been shown, as shown in FIG.
Both ends 16g of 6a may be used as a substitute for the rotation stopping protrusion 16f. At that time, both end portions 1 of the first shutter portion 16 a at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame body 14
The rib member 14e is provided at the 6g contact position 14d to more reliably receive the both ends 16g of the first shutter portion, which is a rotation stopper.

This makes it possible to obtain the same rotation stopping effect without newly providing a projection on the shutter member 16.

(Embodiment C) In the above embodiment, the rotation support shaft 16c is provided on the shutter member 16, but in this embodiment C, the rotation center is the fixed shaft 14c for cleaning as shown in FIG. It is provided as a metal pin integrally or press-fitted into the frame body 14, a U-shaped groove 16d1 for bearing is provided at the base of the shutter member 16, and the U-shaped groove 16d1 of the shutter member 16 is provided.
Is fitted into the fixed shaft 14c with a snap fit.

The image forming apparatus includes, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor and the like. Further, as the process cartridge, the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, at least one of the charging means, the developing means, and the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so that it can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Furthermore,
This means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photoreceptor are integrally formed as a cartridge so as to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0058]

[Examples] The examples are described together.

[0059]

According to the present invention, the shutter member can be easily attached to and detached from the frame of the process cartridge. Also,
According to another aspect of the present invention, the shutter member can be surely opened according to the mounting of the process cartridge in the apparatus main body.

[Brief description of drawings]

 The drawings show the embodiments,

FIG. 1A is a lateral side view of a shutter member,
(B) is a longitudinal direction front view of the shutter member.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view with a shutter member opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a shutter member is opened.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view with a shutter member closed.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the embodiment B, and is a vertical cross-sectional view in which both ends of the first shutter part are rotation stoppers.

FIG. 6 is a schematic vertical sectional view of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a process cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main body.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a bearing portion according to the embodiment a.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of a bearing portion of the embodiment C.

[Explanation of symbols]

A ... Image forming apparatus B ... Process cartridge 1 ... Optical system 2 ... Recording medium 3 ... Conveying means 3a ... Cassette 3b ... Pickup roller 3c ... Reversing roller 3c1, 3c2, 3c3 ... Pinch roller 3d1, 3d2, 3e1, 3e2 ... Ejection roller Pair 4 ... Transfer roller 5 ... Fixing means 5a ... Fixing rotator 5b ... Heater 5c
Drive roller 6 Reverse transfer path 7 Photoconductor drum 8 Charging roller 9 Exposure opening 10 Developing unit 10a Toner reservoir 10c Fixed magnet 10d Developing roller 10e Developing blade 11 Cleaning unit 11a Cleaning blade 11b ... Waste toner reservoir 11c ... Squeeze sheet 12 ... Toner frame 12a1 ... Opening 13 ... Developing frame 14 ... Cleaning frame 14a ... Bearing 14a1
... Opening part 14a2 ... Cylindrical part 14a3 ... Introduction part 14
b ... concave part 14c ... projection receiving part 14d ... contact position 1
4e ... Rib member 15 ... Transfer opening 16 ... Shutter member 16a ... First shutter part 16b
... second shutter part 16c ... rotating support shaft 16d ... arm part 16e ... dog 16f ... protrusion 16g ... both ends 17 ... opening / closing member 18 ... guide rail 18a ... groove part 18b ... boss regulating part 18c ... groove 19 ... cam part 20 ... Device body 21 ... Discharge part 23 ... Torsion coil spring 24 ... Round guide part 25 ... Boss part 25a ... Longitudinal guide part 26 ... Handle

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; a first shutter part for opening and closing an exposure opening; A shutter member integrally configured with a second shutter part for opening and closing the opening, a cartridge frame body to which the shutter member is rotatably attached, and located inside both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame body,
Arm portions supporting both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second shutter portion, wherein the attachment portion of the shutter member to the cartridge frame at the center of rotation is attached using elasticity, and the arm portion An extension portion is provided at the base, and the extension portion is a member that regulates the opening of the shutter member when the extension portion contacts the cartridge frame when the arm portion is opened while rotating around the pivot center. Process cartridge characterized in that. 2. When the arm portion opens while rotating around the rotation center as a fulcrum, if the extension portion continues to rotate even after the extension portion abuts against the cartridge frame, the extension portion 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rotation center moves to the cartridge frame contact portion, and the shutter is attached to the frame at the shutter attachment portion by the attachment using the elasticity. . 3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first shutter portion also serves as the extension portion. 4. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, 2 or 3. 5. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, 2 or 3. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Process cartridge. 7. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and at least one process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A shutter member integrally configured with a first shutter part for opening and closing the exposure opening and a second shutter part for opening and closing the transfer opening; and a shutter member that accommodates the process means and is rotatable. A cartridge frame body attached to the cartridge frame body; and arm portions located inside both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame body and supporting both longitudinal direction sides of the second shutter portion. The attachment portion to the cartridge frame has a shape to be attached by a snap fit utilizing elasticity, and an extension portion is provided at the base of the arm portion. To detachably mount a process cartridge provided with shutter opening regulating means for regulating the opening of the shutter member when the extending portion comes into contact with the cartridge frame when the arm portion opens while rotating around the rotation center as a fulcrum. Mounting means, b, opening and closing means for opening and closing the shutter member when the process cartridge is attached and detached, c, transfer means for transferring the image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member to a recording medium, d, conveying the recording medium An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: 8. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body having an exposure opening for guiding light according to image forming information from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a transfer opening for transferring a toner image to a recording medium. A shutter member used in a detachable process cartridge, comprising: a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening; a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening; the first shutter portion and a second shutter portion; A first arm portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions for supporting the shutter portion, and for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion, A second arm portion provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of both shutter portions, and a first spindle for detachably and rotatably attaching to the frame of the process cartridge by elastic force, Shutter member and having a second support shaft, a. 9. When the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the length of the shutter member for contacting the contact portion of the apparatus main body and receiving the force in the direction of opening the shutter member. The first projection and the second projection are provided on the outside of the first arm portion and the second arm portion so as to project outward with respect to the direction. The shutter member according to. 10. The first shutter part, the second shutter part, the first arm part, the second arm part, the first support shaft, the second support shaft, and the first shutter part. 10. The shutter member according to claim 9, wherein the protrusion and the second protrusion are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material. 11. A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a, a cartridge frame, b, light provided in the cartridge frame according to empty image information of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. An exposure opening for guiding, c, a transfer opening for transferring a toner image to a recording medium, which is provided in the cartridge frame, d, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, e, a process acting on the retraction between electrophotography Means, f, a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening, a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening, and for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion. A first arm portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the both shutter portions, and the both shutters for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion. A second arm portion provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the portion, a first spindle for detachably and rotatably attaching to the frame of the process cartridge by elastic force, and a second spindle. A shutter member having :, g, a first mounting portion for elastically mounting the first spindle provided on the cartridge frame, a second spindle, and a second mounting portion, A process cartridge comprising: 12. The process cartridge comprises a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to claim 11, which is provided. 13. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to claim 11, which is provided. 14. The process cartridge according to claim 11, wherein at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 15. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a, a cartridge frame, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body provided on the cartridge frame. An exposure opening for guiding light according to image information, a transfer opening provided on the cartridge frame for transferring a toner image to a recording medium, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Process means, a first shutter portion for covering the exposure opening, a second shutter portion for covering the transfer opening, for supporting the first shutter portion and the second shutter portion, The first arm portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of both the shutter portions and the frame of the process cartridge can be detached by elastic force. Also, a shutter member having a first support shaft for rotatably mounting and a second support shaft, the first support shaft provided on the cartridge frame, and the second support shaft are elastic. A mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having a first mounting portion for mechanically mounting and a second mounting portion; and b, a transporting means for transporting the pre-recording medium. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus having: