JPH09120251A - Process cartridge, recording device and assembly of process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten an assembly stage by constituting an aperture cooperatively by a frame which supports an electrophotographic photoreceptor and a frame which supports a developing means in the case both frames are coupled. SOLUTION: After the photoreceptor drum of a photoreceptor drum unit 300 is opposed to the developing sleeve of a developing unit 400, the right and left dowels of the unit 400 are fit into the deep parts of the right and left rectangular grooves of the unit 300. Then, the unit 300 is combined with the unit 400 in a state where the frame 401 of the unit 400 is covered with the arm part of the unit 300. In the case of coupling the unit 300 with the unit 400, the exposure port 301c of the unit 300 is overlapped on the upper part of the exposure port of the unit 400 to constitute the exposure aperture of specified size(aperture for making image light from a printer main body incident). Namely, both frames 301 and 401 cooperatively constitute the exposure aperture when the units 300 and 400 are coupled.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge, a process cartridge assembling method, and a recording apparatus.

Here, a process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least an image bearing member (for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member) and a developing means are integrally formed as a cartridge so as to be detachable from a recording apparatus main body.

The recording apparatus includes, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, a laser beam printer (LBP), a facsimile apparatus, a word processor, and the like.

(Background Art) Next, the background art of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the background art of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a schematic side sectional view of a process cartridge not mounted on an apparatus main body.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the process cartridge is divided into a developing unit and a cleaner.

As shown in FIG. 1, the photosensitive drum unit 7 supports the photosensitive drum 4, a cleaning blade 7a as a cleaner 7e for cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4, and a waste toner storage 7b. .

On the other hand, the developing device unit 6 supports a developing sleeve 6a as a developing device 6i and a toner storage 6b (in the drawing, the toner in the toner storage 6b and the waste toner storage 7b is not shown). doing).

Then, both projections 6d provided on both arm portions 6c of the unit 6 are fitted into holes 7c of the unit 7, and then a thrust stopper 6f such as a ring is fitted into a groove 6e of the projection 6d to move in the thrust direction. Regulate. Therefore, the units 6 and 7 can rotate around the projection 6d as a rotation center. Thereafter, a pressure spring 9 (tensile spring) is applied to the projections 6g provided on both sides of the unit 6 and the projections 7d provided on both sides of the support 7 to generate a tensile force between the units 6. As a result, the units 6 and 7 are integrated with the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing sleeve 6a in contact with a predetermined pressing force in the direction of arrow A.

When the process cartridge 1 is mounted on a laser beam printer (not shown), the photosensitive drum 4 is driven to rotate by a drive gear (not shown) on the main body. On the other hand, the developing roller gear 6h of the developing sleeve 6a is driven to rotate by the photosensitive drum gear 4a. Generally, the protruding portion 6d and the hole 7c are located in the direction of the meshing pressure of these gears so that the force in the rotational direction becomes zero.

[0010]

However, in the process cartridge constructed as described above, when the pressure spring 9 is applied, it is a tension spring.
6 g of protrusions must be pulled once more than desired force
-It is not possible to hang between 7d, and there is always trouble in assembling. Also, when the process cartridge needs to be disassembled for maintenance or the like, the cleaner 7 and the developing device 6 cannot be disassembled unless the pressure spring 21 is once removed and then the thrust stopper 22 is further removed. Therefore, there is a possibility that assembling and disassembling the process cartridge may take time.

On the other hand, the applicant of the present invention has made an invention which can make the process cartridge compact by using a compression coil spring when the developing sleeve is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum at a predetermined pressure. A patent application for this invention was filed in Japan (Japanese Patent Application No. Sho 63).
-69735, filed on March 25, 1988; JP-A-1-244472, published September 28, 1989).

The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned background art and the above-mentioned invention made by the present applicant.

An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge, a process cartridge assembling method, and a recording apparatus which are further miniaturized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge, a method of assembling the process cartridge, and a recording apparatus that realize a shortened assembly process.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge, an assembling method of the process cartridge, and a recording apparatus which realize an opening provided without weakening the strength of the frame.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main aspect of the present invention is, in a process cartridge detachable from a recording apparatus main body, a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A second frame for supporting a developing means for developing the first frame and the second frame, and when the first frame and the second frame are combined, the two frames cooperate to form an opening. It is a process cartridge characterized by the above.

According to another main aspect of the present invention, in a recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium, a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member in a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the recording apparatus, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A second frame for supporting a developing means for developing the latent image formed on the body, and when the first frame and the second frame are combined, the two frames cooperate with each other. A recording apparatus comprising: a mounting unit for mounting a process cartridge that works to form an opening; and a transport unit for transporting the recording medium.

Another main aspect of the present invention is, in a method of assembling a process cartridge detachable from a recording apparatus main body, a step of preparing a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and forming the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Preparing a second frame for supporting a developing means for developing the formed latent image, so that the first frame and the second frame cooperate to form an opening. It is a method of assembling a process cartridge, characterized in that both frames are connected to each other.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiment described below is a process cartridge which can be attached to and detached from the recording apparatus main body, and which acts on the first support for supporting the image carrier and the image carrier,
A second support for supporting a developing unit for developing an image on the image carrier, a regulating member for regulating a rotation axis of the first support and the second support, Having a compression spring for generating an elastic force between the body and the developing means, and having a coupling means used for coupling the first support and the second support. A process cartridge characterized by the following. Here, the connecting means is fastened to the first support by a screw, and the first support and the second support are rotatably connected around the rotation axis. is there. Further, in a state where the first support and the second support are combined, the positions of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum as the image carrier and the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve of the developing unit are determined. The first support is provided with charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier. Further, the first support is provided with cleaning means for cleaning the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier. The first support and the second support cooperate with each other in a connected state to form an exposure opening. Still further, the first
The support is provided with an openable / closable protection cover for protecting the image carrier. Here, the protective cover protects the transfer area of the image carrier. Still further, the coupling means includes a base, a screw hole for fastening provided on the base, a vertical plate provided on the base as the regulating member, and the compression spring provided on the base. Have. The rotation shaft is a cylindrical member fixed to the first support. Further, the image carrier is an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a drum gear is provided at a side end of the drum. Here, the drum gear meshes with a developing sleeve gear provided at a side end of the developing sleeve of the developing means, and transmits a rotational driving force to the developing sleeve. The developing sleeve of the developing means is pressed toward the electrophotographic photosensitive drum as the image carrier by the elastic force of the compression spring. Further, the developing sleeve of the developing unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum as the image carrier are pressed by the elastic force of the compression spring. Further, the developing sleeve of the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum as the image carrier are arranged with a gap by the elastic force of the compression spring.

The embodiment described below is a method of assembling a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the recording apparatus, and includes a first support that supports the image carrier and the image carrier that acts on the first carrier. A second support for supporting a developing means for developing an image on the image carrier, a restricting member for restricting a rotation axis of the first support and the second support, and the image carrier And a coupling spring used to couple the first support and the second support, the compression spring having an elastic force between the developing means and the developing means. It is characterized in that the first support body and the second support body are integrally coupled to each other so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis by using a coupling means. Here, the connecting means is fastened to the first support by a screw, and the first support and the second support are rotatably connected around the rotation axis. . Then, in a state where the first support and the second support are combined, the positions of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum as the image carrier and the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve of the developing unit are determined. The coupling means includes a base, a screw hole for fastening provided on the base, a vertical plate provided on the base as the regulating member, and the compression spring provided on the base. doing. The rotation shaft is a cylindrical member fixed to the first support.

In the embodiments described below, it is possible to provide an opening (for example, an exposure opening) without weakening the strength of the casing of the process cartridge. This is because the embodiment described below can provide the opening without providing a special hole in the housing.

First, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b).

2A and 2B show a process cartridge to which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view thereof, FIG. 2B is a schematic sectional view thereof, and FIG. It is a perspective view. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the photosensitive drum unit 100 and the developing unit 200 are disassembled. In FIG. 2B, illustration of the toner is omitted.

Now, in this embodiment, the photosensitive drum unit 1 is used.
00 and the developing unit 200 are combined to form a process cartridge 250. Here, the photosensitive drum unit 100 rotatably supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 104 on a frame 100a via a bearing.
A cleaning blade 10 as a cleaner 107 for cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 104
7a and the waste toner storage 107b. On the other hand, the developing device unit 200 includes the developing device 10 on the frame 200a.
6 and the developing sleeve 106a and the toner storage 106
b. Here, the developing sleeve 106a conveys the toner in the toner storage 106b to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 104.

Next, a procedure for connecting the photosensitive drum unit 100 and the developing device unit 200 will be described.

In this embodiment, the cylindrical protrusion 106d provided on the arm portion 200b of the developing device unit 200 is fitted into the U groove 107d provided on the drum unit 100. After the two units 100 and 200 are fitted, the pressing spring 1
The stopper unit 123, into which the compression spring 24 (here, compression spring) is integrated (integrated by snap-fitting the end of the compression spring or the like), is fitted into the fastening portion 107e located above the U groove 107d. Thereafter, the stopper unit 123 is moved to the unit 100 by the screw 305 by an arrow c.
Fasten from direction. At this time, the stopper unit 12
The position of the protrusion 106d of the developing device unit 200 is determined by the surface of the portion 123a of the
The position of 00 is regulated. Further, the pressure spring 124 presses the spring receiving surface 106e of the developing unit 200, and applies an urging force in a direction (arrow (B)) where the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing sleeve 106a come into contact.

That is, the stopper unit 123 includes a board 123b, screw holes 123c for fastening provided on the board 123b, and a vertical plate 123 provided on the board 123b.
a and the compression spring 124 are integrally provided.

On the other hand, the fastening portion 107e provided on the drum unit 100 has a hole 107 into which the vertical plate 123a is fitted.
A female screw portion 107e2 for fastening the e1 and the screw 305 and a hole 107e3 through which the spring 124 passes are provided.

Then, the projection (dowel) 10 of the unit 200
After fitting 6d into the deepest portion of the groove 107d of the unit 100, the stopper unit 123 is fastened to the fastening portion 107e. That is, the vertical plate 12 of the stopper unit 123
3a is fitted into the hole 107e1, while the spring 124 is fitted into the hole 107e1.
7e3 so that the spring receiving seat surface 10 of the unit 200
6e after receiving it in a compressed state.
Fastened to the female screw portion 107e2 via 23c.

As a result, the unit 100 and the unit 200 are rotatably connected about the dowel 106d, and the assembly of the process cartridge 250 is completed. Then, in a state where both units 100 and 200 are combined, the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing sleeve 106a
The position with the peripheral surface is determined. Further, the developing sleeve 106a is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 104 by the elastic force of the compression spring 124. (By the way, in this embodiment, the spring force of the compression spring is set to about 2 kg and the developing sleeve 10a is pressed.
A pressing force of about 1 kg is applied to 6a).

Reference numeral 104a denotes a drum gear provided at the side end of the photosensitive drum 104, which is the developing sleeve 106a.
Meshes with the developing sleeve gear 106b provided at the side end of
The rotational driving force received from the printer body is transmitted to the developing sleeve.

As described above, in this structure, the U groove 107d is formed.
Since the developing unit 106 can be attached to and detached from the direction, both the projections (dubs) 106d can be directed outward (or inward), so that a thrust stopper is not required.

Since the stopper unit 123 is inserted from the direction of the arrow C and is fastened in that direction, the developer unit can be pressed at the same time as the stopper unit 123 is attached, and the tension springs are conventionally troublesome to attach. There is no.

Further, if the fastening of the stopper unit at the time of disassembly is loosened, the pressurization is gradually released, and since there is no thrust stopper, disassembly is extremely easy.

According to the embodiment described above,
Since the positioning of the developing device with respect to the image carrier can be performed using a unit having a compression spring, assemblability and disassembly of the process cartridge can be improved.

In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum unit supports the cleaner, but the support of the photosensitive drum does not necessarily have to have a cleaner, and the present invention requires at least the photosensitive drum and the developing device. Any process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body while being integrally supported.

Further, a preferred embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge to which the preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied, as seen from above, FIG. 4 is an external perspective view as seen from below, and FIG. 5 is of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view, FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a coupling means, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, and FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the photosensitive drum unit, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the developing unit.

First, the photosensitive drum unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 is a unit frame, and a detachable guide 301a is provided on the outer surface of the side plate 301a.
1. An arm 301b extending obliquely upward and an exposure port 301c located between both arms 301b are provided above. And these side plates 301a, guides 301
a1, the arm portion 301b, and the exposure port are integrally formed.
Below the frame 301, a photosensitive drum protective cover 301d is provided so as to be openable. here,
The attachment / detachment guide 301a1 is
To guide the printer in and out of a printer main body (to be described later). The exposure opening 301b forms an exposure opening in cooperation with the frame of the developing unit 400 when the photosensitive drum unit 300 and a developing unit 400 to be described later are combined to form the process cartridge 500. is there. Furthermore, the protective cover 3
01d is attached to an arm 301d2 rotatable about a shaft 301d1. And arm 301d
By engaging the engaging portion 301d3 integral with the engaging member 2 with the engaging portion on the main body side, the photosensitive drum is retracted from the protection position (position shown) for protecting the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum to the retracted position. When the cartridge 500 is disengaged from the main body when the cartridge 500 is removed from the main body, the cartridge 500 returns to the protection position by the spring force of the spring 301d4. In this manner, the protective cover 301d opens and closes according to the attachment / detachment of the cartridge to / from the main body.

A photosensitive drum 302 is rotatably provided between the side plates 301a via a bearing. A helical gear 302a is provided at one end of the drum 302, a spur gear 302b is provided at the other end, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member 302c (for example, an amorphous photosensitive member or an OPC photosensitive member) is provided on the peripheral surface. When the cartridge is mounted on the main body, the helical gear 302a meshes with a helical gear (not shown) on the main body side and receives a drum driving force.
When both units are combined, the developing unit 400
And can transmit the sleeve driving force. Reference numeral 302d denotes a conductive bearing which engages with a conductive member (not shown) on the main body to ground the drum 104 to the main body.

Further, 303 is a charging roller,
The elastic force of the spring 303a presses the peripheral surface of the drum 302 with a predetermined pressing force. Reference numeral 303b denotes an electric contact spring, which elastically contacts the shaft 303c of the charging roller 303, and applies a predetermined voltage to the charging roller 303 from the main body.

In the present embodiment, the arm portion 301b is provided with the elongated concave portion 304. The recesses 304 have front and rear openings 304 b and 3 with the female screw portion 304 a interposed therebetween.
04c is provided. Here, the front opening 304b is through which a compression spring provided in a stopper unit described later penetrates, and the rear opening 304c is also into which a vertical plate provided in the stopper unit fits.

A rectangular groove 307 is provided below the recess 304, and the developing unit 400, which will be described later, is provided.
Dowels fit.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a leg which is placed when the process cartridge 500 is removed from the main body. Reference numeral 306 denotes a conductive metal plate,
06a, the side plate 301 comes into contact with the bearing 302d.
It is attached to a.

Next, the developing unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 is a unit frame, and cylindrical dowels 402 are provided on both upper sides toward the outside, and an exposure port 403 is provided between the dowels 402. 403a is the exposure port 40
403b is a back side light blocking plate for further controlling light entering from the exposure port,
Notches 403c are provided at both ends and at the center so as not to hinder image exposure. Reference numeral 403c denotes a vertical light shielding plate. The back side light shielding plate 403b protrudes toward the photosensitive drum 302 more than the light shielding plate 403a.

Furthermore, 408 is a rectangular groove, which is provided near the dowel 402 and receives a compression spring described later.

Reference numeral 404 is a developing sleeve as a developing means, which rotates to store toner 405.
Is transported to the developing portion of the photosensitive drum 302. Note that a magnet roller is built in the developing sleeve 404. Reference numeral 404a denotes a helical gear, and when the two units 300 and 400 are combined to form the cartridge 500, the helical gear meshes with the drum gear 302a on the photoconductor unit 300 side to receive a rotational driving force.

406 is a doctor blade,
The thickness of the toner on the peripheral surface of the sleeve 404 is regulated. Felts 406a are provided at both ends to prevent toner from leaking from the side. Reference numeral 406b denotes an area outside the felt 406a where no toner is attached.

Reference numeral 407 is a plastic roller, which is provided at both ends of the sleeve 404 and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the sleeve 404. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 500 is configured by combining the two units 300 and 400, the photosensitive drum 30
2 comes into contact with the peripheral surface of the roller 407 and the drum 302
A slight gap (in this embodiment, for example, about 200 to 500 μ) is formed between the surface and the surface of the sleeve 404. However, without being limited to this embodiment, the surface of the drum 302 and the surface of the sleeve 404 may be brought into contact. Reference numeral 406b denotes a screw on which the blade 406 is fixedly mounted on the frame 401.

Next, the stopper unit 600 as a connecting means used for connecting the unit 300 and the unit 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). 6A is a plan view, and FIG. 6B is a side view.

In the figure, reference numeral 602 denotes a screw hole, which is provided so as to penetrate the base body 601 and penetrates the male screw 700 (FIG. 3). A vertical plate 603 is provided on the lower surface 601a of the base 601 so as to face downward. The lower end 603 a regulates the dowel 402 of the developing unit 400. A spring mounting seat 604 is provided in parallel with the vertical plate 603, and a compression spring 605 is mounted at a tip end thereof so as to protrude further below the vertical plate 603. 606 and 607 are blank.

Next, the unit 300 and the unit 40
A method of assembling the process cartridge 500 by combining the process cartridge 500 with the process cartridge 500 will be described.

First, the photosensitive drum 30 of the unit 300
After facing the developing sleeve 404 of the unit 400 with the developing sleeve 404 of the unit 400, the dowels 402 on the left and right sides of the unit 400 are fitted into the rectangular grooves 307 on the left and right sides of the unit 300 to the back. Then, the unit 300 and the unit 400 are combined so that the arm 301b of the unit 300 covers the frame 401 of the unit 400.

Next, the stopper unit 6 is placed in the recess 304.
00 is fitted. At this time, the front opening 30 of the unit 300 is
4b faces the rectangular groove 408 of the unit 400, and the rear opening 304c of the unit 300 faces the rectangular groove 307. Therefore, the compression spring 605 is fitted into the rectangular groove 408 through the front opening 304b, the vertical plate 603 is fitted through the rear opening 304c, and the stopper unit 600 is fitted into the recess 304.

Next, the male screw 700 is fastened to the female screw 304a through the screw hole 602 of the stopper unit 600, and the stopper unit 600 is fastened to the unit 300. This completes the assembly of the process cartridge 500 (FIGS. 3 to 5).

That is, the movement of the dowel 402 of the unit 400 is restricted by the lower end 603a of the vertical plate 603, so that the unit 300 and the unit 400 have the dowel 402.
Are connected integrally with each other around the center of rotation. In addition, at the same time when the stopper unit 123 is attached,
Is pressed by the elastic force of the compression spring 605 in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 302. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drum 3
The peripheral surface of the drum 302 and the peripheral surface of the roller 407 are brought into contact with each other to position them (in this embodiment, the peripheral surface of the drum 302 and the sleeve 4 are used in order to use a so-called jumping development method).
Although a gap (for example, about 200 to 500 μ) is provided between the outer peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface, the two may be directly in contact with each other.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the photoconductor drum unit 300 and the developing device unit 400 are connected to each other,
The positioning of the photosensitive drum 302 and the developing sleeve 404 can be performed in the same assembly process, and the assembly process can be shortened.

Further, according to this embodiment, the unit 300
When the unit and the unit 400 are combined, the exposure opening 301c of the unit 300 overlaps with the exposure opening 403 of the unit 400, and an exposure opening of a predetermined size (an opening for allowing image light from the printer body to enter). Is configured. That is, when the unit 300 and the unit 400 are combined, the frames 301 and 401 cooperate to form an exposure opening. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to particularly provide a large hole for image exposure in only one frame, and the strength of the frame can be increased. Further, in the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 500 is configured, the light shielding plate 403a, the back side light shielding plate 403b, and the vertical light shielding plate 403c are provided. Light entering the cartridge 500 can be reduced as much as possible.

In FIG. 3, arrow A indicates image exposure. The concave portion 409 provided in parallel with the outer surface of the frame 401 of the unit 400 is a handle, and is gripped when the cartridge 500 is carried.
Is not shown in FIG. 7B). Further, reference numeral 310 denotes an arm, which supports the protective cover 301d on the side opposite to that supported by the arm 301d2. FIG. 5 shows a new process cartridge 500 before use. In the figure, reference numeral 411 denotes rotating blades which rotate in the direction of arrow B and feed toner 412 in the direction of the sleeve 404. Reference numeral 311 denotes an elastic cleaning blade as a cleaner, which comes into contact with the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 302 to remove residual toner on the photoconductor after transfer. Reference numeral 312 denotes a waste toner storage, which stores the toner scraped off by the blade 311. Note that C indicates the protection position of the protection cover 301d, and D indicates the retreat position. In this drawing, for easy understanding, the protection cover C and the protection cover 301d located at the retreat position D are both shown by solid lines.

Next, the process cartridge 25 described above.
A description will be given of a laser beam printer in which the printer 500 is detachable with reference to FIG. In this figure, the process cartridges 250 and 500 are schematically shown.

As shown in FIG. 9, the laser beam printer 1 is provided with a process cartridge 250 (500) detachably mounted on the apparatus main body 2, and the process cartridge 250 (500) is an image carrier. The photoconductor drum 104 (302) and process means such as a charger 303, a developing device 106 (404, 405, etc.), a cleaner 107 (311, 312), etc. arranged around the photoconductor drum 104 (302) are incorporated. A scanner unit 8 for irradiating and operating a laser beam and a mirror 9 are arranged in the upper part of the apparatus main body 2.

A laser beam corresponding to predetermined image information is sent from the unit 8 and irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 104 (302) which is uniformly charged by the charger 303 (arrow A). And the photosensitive drum 104 (302)
A latent image corresponding to the image information is formed thereon. The latent image is developed by the developing device 106 (404, 405, etc.) to become a toner image. Further, below the apparatus main body 2, a feeding cassette 10 for storing a large number of sheet materials S (for example, recording paper and OHP sheets) as a recording medium is arranged. A feeding roller 11 is disposed facing the feeding cassette 10, and the sheet material S stored in the cassette 10 is
The registration rollers 12 are fed one by one by the feed rollers 11.
Sent to Then, the toner image is transferred between the photosensitive drum 104 (302) and the transfer charger 13 at a timing adjusted by the registration roller 12, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 104 (302) is transferred to the sheet material S at the transfer position. Is transferred to Then, the sheet material S to which the toner image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 15 by the transport belt unit 14, where the toner image is fixed, and is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2.

Here, for the laser beam printer 1 of this embodiment, two methods for discharging the sheet material S can be selected.

In the first method, when the sheet material S is discharged face up, that is, with the image surface facing upward, it is discharged from the face up discharge roller 16 to the face up discharge tray 17. When the sheet material S is discharged face down, that is, in a page order with the image side down, which is the second method, the sheet material S is further discharged from the face-up discharge roller 16 by a flapper 20.
Conveyance direction switching mechanism and sheet material guiding member 21
By being guided upward through the like, the sheet is turned upside down, and is discharged from the face-down discharge roller 18 to the face-down discharge tray 19.

Note that maintenance of the laser beam printer 1, that is, jam processing and process cartridge 2 is performed.
To replace 50 (500), the upper part 2a of the apparatus main body 2 is pivoted upward about the support shaft P with respect to the lower part 2b to open the inside of the apparatus, as indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure. This is performed by inserting a hand from the direction of arrow E.

The process cartridge 250 (50
The attachment and detachment of 0) is performed from the arrow F direction. That is, the cartridge 250 (500) is made to enter the apparatus main body 1 from the direction of arrow F, and the guide 301a1 on the cartridge side is guided by the guide (not shown) on the main body side to face the mounting position. Then, it is held by the mounting means 22 and 23 at the mounting position. Next, by rotating the upper part 2a clockwise about the support shaft P, the apparatus main body can form an image. At this time, the clockwise rotation of the upper portion 2a causes the engaging portion 301d3 of the protective cover 301d to engage with the engaging portion (not shown) of the main body, and the arm 301d2 rotates counterclockwise. The protection cover 301d moves to the retreat position D. By rotating the upper portion 2a in a counterclockwise direction to open the upper portion 2a, the two engaging portions are disengaged, and the protective cover 301d is moved to the protective position C by the spring force of the spring 301d4.

Reference numeral 24 is a guide. The feeding cassette 10 can be attached and detached in the direction of arrow G.

Further, the above-mentioned photosensitive drum unit may have at least a photosensitive drum, and the developing device unit may have at least a developing device, and are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0072]

As described above, the present invention realizes a shortened assembling process. Further, the present invention realizes that the opening is formed without reducing the strength of the frame of the process cartridge.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a side sectional view for explaining a background art of the present invention. (B) It is a perspective view.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a process cartridge to which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a side sectional view of (b). (C) It is a perspective view which shows a fastening state.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge to which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied.

4 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from below.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 (a) is a plan view showing an embodiment of a connecting means applicable to the present invention. (B) It is a side view.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3, and is a perspective view of a photosensitive drum unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a developing unit.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of a laser beam printer to which the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 photoconductor drum unit 104 electrophotographic photoconductor drum 106 developing device 107 cleaner 123 stopper unit 200 developing device unit 250 process cartridge 300 photoconductor drum unit 400 developing device unit 500 process cartridge

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a recording apparatus main body, which supports a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing means for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A second frame, wherein the two frames cooperate to form an opening when the first frame and the second frame are joined together. 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the opening is an exposure opening for irradiating the electrophotographic photosensitive member with image information in a state where the process cartridge is mounted in a recording apparatus main body. cartridge. 3. The first frame and the second frame each have a restricting member that restricts a rotating shaft, and a compression spring that generates an elastic force between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing unit. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is coupled by using coupling means. 4. The connecting means is fastened to the first frame by screws to connect the first frame and the second frame.
4. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the frame is coupled so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis. 5. The positions of the drum-shaped peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve of the developing unit are determined in a state where the first frame and the second frame are combined. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is a process cartridge. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is provided with charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 7. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is provided with cleaning means for cleaning the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is provided with an openable / closable protective cover for protecting the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the protective cover protects a transfer area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 10. The coupling means includes a base body, a fastening screw hole provided on the base body, a vertical plate provided on the base body as the restricting member, and the compression spring provided on the base body. The process cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising: 11. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the rotating shaft is a columnar member fixed to the first frame. 12. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a drum gear is provided at a side end of the drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member. 13. The drum gear meshes with a developing sleeve gear provided at a side end of a developing sleeve of the developing means to transmit a rotational driving force to the developing sleeve. Process cartridge. 14. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the developing sleeve of the developing unit is pressed toward the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the elastic force of the compression spring. 15. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the elastic force of the compression spring presses the developing sleeve of the developing unit against the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 16. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the developing sleeve of the developing unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are arranged with a gap by the elastic force of the compression spring. 17. A recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium, in a process cartridge detachable from a recording apparatus main body, a first frame supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A second frame for supporting a developing means for developing the first frame and the second frame, and when the first frame and the second frame are combined, the two frames cooperate with each other to form an opening. A recording apparatus comprising: a mounting unit for mounting a process cartridge; and a transport unit for transporting the recording medium. 18. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the recording apparatus is a laser beam printer. 19. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the recording apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 20. A process cartridge having at least an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing means, which is detachable from an image forming apparatus, comprising: a member for regulating a position of the developing means with respect to the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and the developing means. A process cartridge characterized in that a compression spring for urging the electrophotographic photosensitive member side is integrally formed as a unit, and the developing means is positioned on a support of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by using this unit. 21. The process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein the support of the electrophotographic photosensitive member has a cleaning unit. 22. A method of assembling a process cartridge detachably mountable to a recording apparatus main body, the step of preparing a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. For preparing a second frame for supporting the developing means for
And a method for assembling a process cartridge, wherein the first frame and the second frame are combined so that the two frames cooperate to form an opening.