JP2002006625A

JP2002006625A - Positioning mechanism for developer carrier, process unit, process cartridge, and image forming device

Info

Publication number: JP2002006625A
Application number: JP2000189196A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masaki Oshima; 磨佐基尾島
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2000-06-23
Filing date: 2000-06-23
Publication date: 2002-01-11

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable image forming device capable of excellently maintaining a contact state between an image carrier and a developer carrier and stably forming an image for a long period. SOLUTION: An intrusion amount regulating member 16 provided on both sides of a developing roller 14 which carries a developer is brought into contact with a photosensitive drum 1 at a position inside the film thickness regulating area of the drum 1 which carries an image and also inside a cleaning area. As a result, a relative position between the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 1 is defined.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、電子写真方式のプ
リンタあるいは複写機などの画像形成装置に関するもの
である。[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer or copier.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来の画像形成装置の一例として、電子
写真方式の画像形成装置を図５に示す。以下、図に沿っ
て説明する。2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 shows an electrophotographic image forming apparatus as an example of a conventional image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to the drawings.

【０００３】像担持体である感光ドラム１は不図示の駆
動手段により図中矢印方向に駆動され、帯電手段たる一
次帯電器の接触帯電ローラ２により一様に帯電される。
次いで、露光装置（レーザースキャナ）３より、画像パ
ターンに従ったレーザー光Ｌが感光ドラム１に照射さ
れ、感光ドラム１上に潜像が形成される。感光ドラム１
上に形成された潜像は、感光ドラム１の回転に伴い、あ
らかじめ感光ドラム１に接触するように設置され、不図
示の高圧電源によって現像バイアスが印加されている現
像装置４により、トナーが供給されて現像される。現像
装置４により可視化された像（トナー像）は、搬送手段
（ピックアップローラー）９によって所定のタイミング
で送られてくる転写材８上に、不図示の高圧電源によっ
て転写ローラ７に印加される転写バイアスによって転写
される。感光ドラム１上に残った転写残トナーは、クリ
ーニング手段たるクリーニング・ブレード６によって除
かれ、廃トナー容器５に貯留される。トナー像が転写さ
れた転写材８は定着装置１０に送られ、熱および圧を加
えられてトナー像が転写材８に溶融固着され、最終的な
画像となる。A photosensitive drum 1, which is an image carrier, is driven in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1 by driving means (not shown), and is uniformly charged by a contact charging roller 2 of a primary charger serving as a charging means.
Next, the exposure device (laser scanner) 3 irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 with laser light L according to the image pattern, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. Photosensitive drum 1
The latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is supplied with toner by a developing device 4 which is installed in advance in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 as the photosensitive drum 1 rotates and a developing bias is applied by a high-voltage power supply (not shown). And developed. The image (toner image) visualized by the developing device 4 is transferred to the transfer roller 8 by a high-voltage power supply (not shown) onto a transfer material 8 sent at a predetermined timing by a conveyance unit (pickup roller) 9. Transferred by bias. The transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by a cleaning blade 6 as a cleaning means, and is stored in a waste toner container 5. The transfer material 8 onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 10, where the toner image is melted and fixed to the transfer material 8 by applying heat and pressure to form a final image.

【０００４】上記のような画像形成装置１１において
は、メンテナンス性の向上を図るため、例えば、感光ド
ラム１に接触帯電ローラ２とクリーニング・ブレード６
と廃トナー容器５を一体化したプロセスユニット１２と
して構成し、容易に交換できるようにした場合がある。
また、更なるメンテナンス性の向上のため、上記のプロ
セスユニット１２に現像装置４を加えて一体化し、プロ
セスカートリッジ１３とした場合もある。In the image forming apparatus 11 described above, for example, the contact charging roller 2 and the cleaning blade 6
And the waste toner container 5 may be configured as an integrated process unit 12 to facilitate replacement.
Further, in order to further improve the maintainability, the process unit 12 may be integrated with the developing device 4 by adding the developing device 4 to the process cartridge 13.

【０００５】現像方式としては、現像剤の種による１成
分／２成分、磁性／非磁性などや、装置構成による接触
／非接触、現像バイアスによるＤＣ現像／ＡＣ現像など
の分類があるが、用途によってその長所を生かした現像
方式が選択されている。[0005] Development methods are classified into one-component / two-component, magnetic / non-magnetic, etc. depending on the type of developer, contact / non-contact depending on the device configuration, and DC development / AC development using a development bias. The development method that takes advantage of this is selected.

【０００６】例えば、モノクロの小型プリンタでは、構
成が比較的にシンプルでトナーに磁性粉体が含まれても
画像上の問題のない磁性１成分現像剤を用いた非接触Ａ
Ｃ現像方式が主流である。カラープリンタでは、トナー
に磁性粉体が含まれていると色が濁るため非磁性のトナ
ーが用いられることが多く、１成分／２成分によらず画
像の均一性を乱すエッジ効果などの影響が少ない接触現
像方式が用いられる傾向にある。For example, in a monochrome small-sized printer, a non-contact A using a magnetic one-component developer which has a relatively simple structure and does not cause a problem on an image even when a magnetic powder is contained in a toner.
The C development system is the mainstream. In color printers, non-magnetic toner is often used because the color becomes turbid if the toner contains magnetic powder, and the effect of edge effect which disturbs the uniformity of the image irrespective of one component or two components is often used. There is a tendency for less contact development systems to be used.

【０００７】１成分トナーを用いた接触現像方式を採用
した場合は、トナーが被覆された現像剤担持体を像担持
体に直接摺擦させるため、現像剤担持体としては弾性を
持つゴム材などで構成することが多い。弾性を持つ現像
剤担持体としては、たとえば現像ローラがある。When a contact developing method using a one-component toner is employed, the developer carrier coated with the toner is rubbed directly against the image carrier. Often composed of An example of the elastic developer carrier is a developing roller.

【０００８】現像ローラを用いる場合には、像担持体た
る感光ドラムへの接触状態が画像形成に最適となるよう
に設定される必要がある。画像の濃度や品質を左右する
パラメータとして、現像ローラと感光ドラムの接触幅
（摺擦幅）や速度差（周速差）などがあり、これらを常
に一定の範囲内に保つ手段が必要とされる。この手段の
１つとして、現像ローラの回転軸と感光ドラムの回転軸
の距離（軸間距離）、もしくは感光ドラムの表面と現像
ローラの回転軸との距離を規定する部材を設ける方法が
ある。When a developing roller is used, it is necessary to set the state of contact with the photosensitive drum as an image carrier so as to be optimal for image formation. Parameters that affect the density and quality of an image include a contact width (sliding width) between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum and a speed difference (peripheral speed difference). A means for keeping these constant within a certain range is required. You. As one of the means, there is a method of providing a member for defining the distance between the rotation axis of the developing roller and the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum (inter-axis distance) or the distance between the surface of the photosensitive drum and the rotation axis of the development roller.

【０００９】例えば、図６に示すように、芯金φ８ｍｍ
に層厚８ｍｍのゴム部材を被覆した外径φ１６ｍｍの現
像ローラ１４を、層厚５０μｍの感光層を持つ感光ドラ
ム１に不図示のバネなどで付勢して押し当てる場合に、
現像ローラ１４の両端近くに現像ローラ１４の芯金に通
した内径約φ８．０５ｍｍ、幅３ｍｍの十分に硬い円筒
状の侵入量規制部材１５ａ、１５ｂを設ける。For example, as shown in FIG.
When a developing roller 14 having an outer diameter of φ16 mm coated with a rubber member having a layer thickness of 8 mm is pressed against the photosensitive drum 1 having a photosensitive layer having a layer thickness of 50 μm by a spring or the like (not shown),
Nearly both ends of the developing roller 14 are provided with sufficiently hard cylindrical penetration amount restricting members 15a and 15b each having an inner diameter of about 8.05 mm and a width of 3 mm that are passed through a core of the developing roller 14.

【００１０】このとき、感光層上に接する侵入量規制部
材１５ａの外径は１５．７５ｍｍ（外径と内径の差は
７．７０ｍｍ）とし、感光層のないドラムシリンダ上に
接する侵入量規制部材１５ｂの外径は感光層の厚み（５
０μｍ）を加えた１５．８０ｍｍ（外径と内径の差は
７．７５ｍｍ）とする。At this time, the outer diameter of the intrusion amount restricting member 15a in contact with the photosensitive layer is 15.75 mm (the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter is 7.70 mm), and the intrusion amount restricting member 15a in contact with the drum cylinder having no photosensitive layer is provided. The outer diameter of 15b is determined by the thickness of the photosensitive layer (5
0.mu.m) (the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter is 7.75 mm).

【００１１】この条件下では、図７に示すように、感光
ドラム１が現像ローラ１４のゴム材を変形させながら現
像ローラ１４に侵入していき、侵入量規制部材１５ａ、
１５ｂに突き当たった状態で止まる。このとき、元の現
像ローラ１４の仮想外径に感光ドラム１の表面が０．３
ｍｍ（３００μｍ）侵入した状態となる。Under these conditions, the photosensitive drum 1 enters the developing roller 14 while deforming the rubber material of the developing roller 14 as shown in FIG.
It stops in a state where it hits 15b. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is 0.3 mm to the original virtual outer diameter of the developing roller 14.
mm (300 μm).

【００１２】摺擦幅や周速差などを含めた接触状態は、
上記の現像ローラ１４の仮想外径に感光ドラム１の表面
がどの程度侵入するかによって多くの部分が規定される
ため、この侵入の深さ（侵入量）を保持することで画像
形成の安定化および最適化を図っている。The contact state including the rubbing width and the peripheral speed difference is as follows.
Many portions are determined by the extent to which the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 penetrates into the virtual outer diameter of the developing roller 14, and thus, the depth of penetration (the amount of penetration) is maintained to stabilize image formation. And optimization.

【００１３】侵入量規制部材１５ａ、１５ｂの当接位置
は、現像ローラ１４の侵入量の左右差が生じなければい
ずれに設置しても良いとされ、上記のように左右で条件
の異なる部分に設けても特に問題とされなかった。ただ
し、図６に示すように、感光層の塗工の塗り始めや塗り
終わりの「ダレ」と呼ばれる２〜３ｍｍの部分は、膜厚
を一定にできないため、侵入量規制部材１５ａ、１５ｂ
を当接することが避けられている。The contact positions of the penetration amount regulating members 15a and 15b may be set to any positions as long as there is no difference in the penetration amount of the developing roller 14 from the left and right. There was no particular problem with the provision. However, as shown in FIG. 6, a portion of 2 to 3 mm called “drip” at the beginning and end of coating of the photosensitive layer cannot have a constant film thickness, so that the penetration amount regulating members 15a, 15b
Abutment is avoided.

【００１４】感光ドラム１の外径振れなどを考慮する
と、侵入量を一定に保つという観点では、現像ローラ１
４と感光ドラム１の軸間距離を規定するよりも、上記の
例のように感光ドラム１の表面と現像ローラ１４の回転
軸との距離を規定するほうが、より精密な侵入量規定と
なる。In consideration of the fluctuation of the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 1 and the like, from the viewpoint of keeping the penetration amount constant, the developing roller 1
The distance between the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and the rotating shaft of the developing roller 14 as in the above example is more precise than the distance between the shaft 4 and the photosensitive drum 1.

【００１５】なお、感光層と現像ローラ１４の接触部分
の侵入量を安定させるには、その接触部分の感光層の膜
厚が均一である必要がある。したがって、上記の「ダ
レ」の部分を除き、感光層の膜厚を規定した許容誤差範
囲内に塗工した領域（以下、「膜厚規定領域」と称す
る）の内側に、上記の接触部分を設けなければならな
い。In order to stabilize the amount of intrusion at the contact portion between the photosensitive layer and the developing roller 14, the thickness of the photosensitive layer at the contact portion needs to be uniform. Therefore, except for the above-mentioned “drip” portion, the above-mentioned contact portion is placed inside a region (hereinafter, referred to as a “thickness defining region”) coated within the allowable error range where the thickness of the photosensitive layer is defined. Must be provided.

【００１６】[0016]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記の
ような従来技術の場合には、下記のような問題が生じて
いた。However, in the case of the above-described prior art, the following problems have occurred.

【００１７】近年、画像形成装置の高画質化が進み、上
記の侵入量などの精度もより高いものを求められるよう
になってきた。高画質化が進むにつれ、感光ドラムと現
像ローラとの摺擦過多による弊害を避けるために、侵入
量は徐々に浅くなる傾向にあり、現像ローラの外径振れ
などによる侵入量の振れの許容範囲も徐々に狭まる傾向
にある。したがって、従来許容されていた誤差要因も厳
しく管理される必要が出てきた。In recent years, the image quality of image forming apparatuses has been improved, and it has been demanded that the accuracy of the intrusion amount and the like be higher. As the image quality increases, the amount of intrusion tends to gradually decrease in order to avoid the adverse effects of excessive rubbing between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. Also tend to gradually narrow. Therefore, it has become necessary to strictly manage the error factors conventionally allowed.

【００１８】上記の誤差要因として、現像ローラと当接
する感光層の膜厚の耐久変動が挙げられる。特に感光ド
ラム上の侵入量規制部材の当接位置との関連で画像への
影響の度合いが左右される傾向を持つ。[0018] The above error factors include durability fluctuation of the film thickness of the photosensitive layer in contact with the developing roller. In particular, the degree of influence on the image tends to be influenced by the contact position of the penetration amount regulating member on the photosensitive drum.

【００１９】例えば、感光層上の画像形成領域や、画像
形成領域を含む現像ローラとの接触領域は、帯電による
放電ダメージ、クリーニング・ブレードや現像ローラに
よる物理的な摺擦などを受けて削れていく。一方、図６
の侵入量規制部材１５ｂのように、侵入量規制部材の当
接位置が感光層の無いドラムシリンダ上にある場合は、
感光層の削れと無関係なため、画像形成領域の接触状態
が耐久度合いによって徐々に変化し（侵入量が徐々に浅
くなり）、画像に影響を及ぼすことがあった。For example, an image forming area on the photosensitive layer and a contact area with the developing roller including the image forming area are shaved by discharge damage due to charging, physical rubbing by a cleaning blade or a developing roller, or the like. Go. On the other hand, FIG.
When the contact position of the penetration amount regulating member is on the drum cylinder without the photosensitive layer as in the penetration amount regulating member 15b,
Since it is not related to the shaving of the photosensitive layer, the contact state of the image forming area gradually changes depending on the degree of durability (the amount of intrusion gradually decreases), which may affect the image.

【００２０】また、図６の侵入量規制部材１５ａのよう
に、侵入量規制部材の当接位置が感光層上にあっても、
当接位置の帯電条件やクリーニング条件が異なれば画像
形成領域と感光層の削れ方が異なるため、先と同様に画
像に影響を及ぼすことがあった。Further, even if the contact position of the penetration amount regulating member is on the photosensitive layer as in the penetration amount regulating member 15a in FIG.
If the charging condition or the cleaning condition at the contact position is different, the image forming area and the photosensitive layer are scraped differently, which may affect the image as before.

【００２１】特に、図６に示すように、左右の侵入量規
制部材１５ａ、１５ｂの当接位置の条件が異なる場合に
は、画像の左右で濃度差などが生じ問題となっていた。In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, when the conditions of the contact positions of the left and right intrusion amount regulating members 15a and 15b are different, there is a problem that a difference in density occurs between the left and right sides of the image.

【００２２】本発明は上記の従来技術の課題を解決する
ためになされたもので、その目的とするところは、像担
持体と現像剤担持体の接触状態を良好に保ち、長期間安
定して画像を形成できる信頼性の高い画像形成装置を提
供することにある。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to maintain good contact between an image carrier and a developer carrier and to stably maintain the state for a long period of time. An object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable image forming apparatus capable of forming an image.

【００２３】[0023]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に本発明にあっては、感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した
膜厚規定領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に当接し
て現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体と、前記像担持体に付
着した現像剤を取り除くクリーニング手段と、を備えた
画像形成装置において、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設
けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域
内、かつ、前記クリーニング手段によるクリーニング領
域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させることにより、
前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とする現像剤担持体の位置決め機構を設け
た。According to the present invention, there is provided an image bearing member having a film thickness defining region in which the thickness of a photosensitive layer is defined to be a predetermined thickness, and an image bearing member comprising: In an image forming apparatus including a developer carrier that abuts and supplies a developer and a cleaning unit that removes the developer attached to the image carrier, an intrusion amount provided on both sides of the developer carrier. By contacting the regulating member with the image carrier at a position within the thickness-regulated region of the image carrier and within the cleaning region by the cleaning unit,
There is provided a positioning mechanism for the developer carrier, which defines a relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier.

【００２４】したがって、クリーニング手段との摺擦な
どにより像担持体の感光層の膜厚が変化しても、像担持
体の感光層表面と現像剤担持体の接触状態は良好に保た
れる。Therefore, even if the thickness of the photosensitive layer of the image bearing member changes due to rubbing with the cleaning means, the contact state between the surface of the photosensitive layer of the image bearing member and the developer carrying member can be kept good.

【００２５】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に付着した現像剤
を取り除くクリーニング手段と、を備え、画像形成装置
本体に着脱自在に設けたプロセスユニットにおいて、両
側部に侵入量規制部材を有する現像剤担持体を画像形成
装置本体に設け、該侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の
膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記クリーニング手段によるク
リーニング領域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させる
ことにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対
位置を規定することを特徴とする。The image forming apparatus includes an image carrier having a film thickness regulating region in which the film thickness of the photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness, and a cleaning means for removing a developer adhered to the image carrier. In the process unit provided in the above, a developer carrier having an intrusion amount regulating member on both sides is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and the intrusion amount regulating member is disposed within the thickness regulation region of the image carrier, and The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by bringing the carrier into contact with the image carrier at a position within a cleaning area by means.

【００２６】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に当接して現像剤
を供給する現像剤担持体と、前記像担持体に付着した現
像剤を取り除くクリーニング手段と、を備えたプロセス
カートリッジにおいて、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設
けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域
内、かつ、前記クリーニング手段によるクリーニング領
域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させることにより、
前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とする。An image carrier having a film thickness defining region in which the thickness of the photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness, a developer carrier contacting the image carrier and supplying a developer; And a cleaning means for removing the developed developer, wherein the intrusion amount regulating members provided on both sides of the developer carrier are moved within the thickness-defined region of the image carrier and by the cleaning means. By contacting the image carrier at a position in the cleaning area,
It is characterized in that a relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined.

【００２７】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に当接して現像剤
を供給する現像剤担持体と、前記像担持体に付着した現
像剤を取り除くクリーニング手段と、を備えた画像形成
装置において、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入
量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、
前記クリーニング手段によるクリーニング領域内、の位
置で前記像担持体と当接させることにより、前記現像剤
担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定することを特
徴とする。An image carrier having a film thickness defining region in which the thickness of the photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness, a developer carrier contacting the image carrier and supplying a developer; Cleaning means for removing the developed developer, in the image forming apparatus, the penetration amount regulating members provided on both sides of the developer carrying member, within the thickness regulation region of the image carrier, and
The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by bringing the carrier into contact with the image carrier at a position within a cleaning area by the cleaning unit.

【００２８】また、感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜
厚規定領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバ
イアスを重畳したバイアス印加により前記像担持体を帯
電する帯電手段と、前記像担持体に当接して現像剤を供
給する現像剤担持体と、を備えた画像形成装置におい
て、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材
を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記帯電手
段による帯電領域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させ
ることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相
対位置を規定することを特徴とする現像剤担持体の位置
決め機構を設けた。An image carrier having a film thickness regulation region in which the thickness of the photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias; And a developer carrying member that supplies a developer in contact with the image carrying member, wherein an intrusion amount regulating member provided on both sides of the developer carrying member is provided with a film thickness of the image carrying member. The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by being brought into contact with the image carrier at a position within a defined area and within a charging area by the charging unit. A positioning mechanism for the developer carrier was provided.

【００２９】したがって、帯電手段による放電ダメージ
などにより像担持体の感光層の膜厚が変化しても、像担
持体の感光層表面と現像剤担持体の接触状態は良好に保
たれる。Therefore, even if the thickness of the photosensitive layer of the image carrier changes due to discharge damage or the like by the charging means, the contact state between the surface of the photosensitive layer of the image carrier and the developer carrier is kept good.

【００３０】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアス
を重畳したバイアス印加により前記像担持体を帯電する
帯電手段と、を備え、画像形成装置本体に着脱自在に設
けたプロセスユニットにおいて、両側部に侵入量規制部
材を有する現像剤担持体を画像形成装置本体に設け、該
侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、か
つ、前記帯電手段による帯電領域内、の位置で前記像担
持体と当接させることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記
像担持体との相対位置を規定することを特徴とする。An image carrier having a film thickness regulation region in which the thickness of the photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; and charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias; In a process unit detachably provided in the image forming apparatus main body, a developer carrier having an intrusion amount regulating member on both sides is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and the intrusion amount regulating member is regulated to a film thickness of the image carrier. The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by bringing the carrier into contact with the image carrier at a position within the area and within the charging area of the charging unit.

【００３１】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアス
を重畳したバイアス印加により前記像担持体を帯電する
帯電手段と、前記像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する
現像剤担持体と、を備えたプロセスカートリッジにおい
て、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材
を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記帯電手
段による帯電領域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させ
ることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相
対位置を規定することを特徴とする。An image carrier having a film thickness regulation region in which the thickness of the photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; a charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias; And a developer carrying member for supplying the developer in contact with the body, wherein the intrusion amount regulating members provided on both sides of the developer carrying member are disposed within the thickness regulation region of the image carrying member. Further, the relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by bringing the carrier into contact with the image carrier at a position within a charging area of the charging unit.

【００３２】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアス
を重畳したバイアス印加により前記像担持体を帯電する
帯電手段と、該像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する現
像剤担持体と、を備えた画像形成装置において、前記現
像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像
担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記帯電手段による帯
電領域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させることによ
り、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規
定することを特徴とする。An image carrier having a film thickness regulation region in which the film thickness of the photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias; A developer carrying member for supplying a developer in contact with a body, wherein an intrusion amount regulating member provided on both sides of the developer carrying member is provided with a thickness regulating region of the image carrying member. The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by bringing the carrier into contact with the image carrier at a position within the charging area of the charging unit.

【００３３】また、本発明の画像形成装置にあっては、
上記のプロセスユニット、あるいはプロセスカートリッ
ジを、画像形成装置本体に対して着脱自在に構成したこ
とを特徴とする。In the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
The process unit or the process cartridge is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

【００３４】[0034]

【発明の実施の形態】以下に図面を参照して、この発明
の好適な実施の形態を例示的に詳しく説明する。ただ
し、この実施の形態に記載されている構成部品の寸法、
材質、形状、その相対配置などは、特に特定的な記載が
ない限りは、この発明の範囲をそれらのみに限定する趣
旨のものではない。Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions of the components described in this embodiment,
The materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them unless otherwise specified.

【００３５】（第１の実施の形態）図１と図２を参照し
て、第１の実施の形態に係る像担持体と現像剤担持体の
位置決め機構について説明する。(First Embodiment) A positioning mechanism for an image carrier and a developer carrier according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

【００３６】図１は、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る
像担持体たる感光ドラム１と、現像剤担持体たる現像ロ
ーラ１４と、侵入量規制部材１６の相対位置関係を示す
図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a relative positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier, the developing roller 14 as a developer carrier, and an intrusion amount regulating member 16 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. is there.

【００３７】本実施の形態では、帯電手段として接触帯
電ローラ２と図示しないＤＣ帯電バイアス電源と、クリ
ーニング手段としてクリーニング・ブレード６を用いて
おり、接触帯電ローラ２の帯電領域とクリーニング・ブ
レード６のクリーニング領域も図１中に示した。In this embodiment, the contact charging roller 2 and a DC charging bias power source (not shown) are used as charging means, and the cleaning blade 6 is used as cleaning means. The cleaning area is also shown in FIG.

【００３８】本実施の形態の画像形成装置は、上記従来
技術の図５の構成とほぼ同様であるため、同じ構成のも
のには同一の符号をつけ、その説明を省略する。The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is almost the same as the configuration of the prior art shown in FIG. 5, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

【００３９】なお、本実施の形態では、感光ドラム１と
クリーニング・ブレード６と接触帯電ローラ２と廃トナ
ー容器５とを一体化してプロセスユニット（以下、クリ
ーニング・プロセスユニットとも称する）１２を構成
し、画像形成装置１１から着脱自在に設けた。In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1, the cleaning blade 6, the contact charging roller 2, and the waste toner container 5 are integrated into a process unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a cleaning process unit) 12. , Provided detachably from the image forming apparatus 11.

【００４０】本実施の形態では、現像ローラ１４として
従来例と同様に、芯金φ８ｍｍに層厚８ｍｍのゴム部材
を被覆した外径φ１６ｍｍのローラを用いた。侵入量規
制部材１６は、芯金を共有した内径と外径の差が７．９
ｍｍの円筒状部材で、現像ローラ１４の両端の近傍に設
置した。現像ローラ１４と侵入量規制部材１６が感光層
に接する部分はクリーニング領域の内側に位置し、さら
にクリーニング領域は感光層の同一の膜厚規定領域の内
側に位置している。In the present embodiment, a roller having an outer diameter of 16 mm in which a core metal of 8 mm is covered with a rubber member having a layer thickness of 8 mm is used as the developing roller 14 as in the conventional example. The intrusion amount regulating member 16 has a difference of 7.9 between the inner diameter and the outer diameter sharing the metal core.
A cylindrical member having a diameter of 2 mm was installed near both ends of the developing roller 14. The portion where the developing roller 14 and the penetration amount regulating member 16 are in contact with the photosensitive layer is located inside the cleaning area, and the cleaning area is located inside the same thickness regulation area of the photosensitive layer.

【００４１】上記構成において、初期の侵入量は１００
μｍで、画像に影響を及ぼす恐れのないおおよその許容
誤差は±１０μｍである。なお、感光層の膜厚規定領域
の膜厚は５０±２μｍに設定した。In the above configuration, the initial penetration amount is 100
In μm, the approximate tolerance without affecting the image is ± 10 μm. The thickness of the photosensitive layer in the specified thickness region was set to 50 ± 2 μm.

【００４２】図２は、以下のＡ〜Ｄの条件で感光ドラム
１を所定の回転数（クリーニング・プロセスユニット１
２の寿命相当）になるまで回転させて、感光層の削れ量
を調べた結果のグラフである。FIG. 2 shows that the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated at a predetermined number of revolutions (the cleaning process unit 1) under the following conditions A to D.
2 is a graph showing the result of examining the amount of scraping of the photosensitive layer by rotating the photosensitive layer until the life of the photosensitive layer becomes equivalent to 2).

【００４３】条件Ａは、帯電バイアスを加えず、現像ロ
ーラ１４および侵入量規制部材１６を感光層から離間し
た条件における感光層の削れ量を示す（クリーニング・
ブレード６単独の削れ量に相当）。The condition A indicates the amount of scraping of the photosensitive layer under the condition that the developing roller 14 and the penetration amount regulating member 16 are separated from the photosensitive layer without applying a charging bias (cleaning / cleaning).
(Corresponding to the shaving amount of the blade 6 alone).

【００４４】条件Ｂは、ＤＣ帯電バイアスを加え、現像
ローラ１４および侵入量規制部材１６を感光層に当接さ
せた条件における、現像ローラ１４の接触位置の感光層
の削れ量を示す（通常の画像形成条件での画像形成領域
の削れ量に相当）。Condition B indicates the amount of abrasion of the photosensitive layer at the contact position of the developing roller 14 under the condition that a DC charging bias is applied and the developing roller 14 and the penetration amount regulating member 16 are brought into contact with the photosensitive layer. (Corresponds to the shaving amount of the image forming area under image forming conditions).

【００４５】条件Ｃは、現像ローラ１４および侵入量規
制部材１６を感光層に当接させた条件における、侵入量
規制部材１６の接触位置の感光層の削れ量を示す（通常
の画像形成条件での侵入量規制部材１６の接触位置の削
れ量に相当）。Condition C indicates the amount of shaving of the photosensitive layer at the contact position of the penetration amount regulating member 16 under the condition that the developing roller 14 and the penetration amount regulating member 16 are in contact with the photosensitive layer (under normal image forming conditions). (Corresponding to the shaving amount at the contact position of the intrusion amount regulating member 16).

【００４６】条件Ｄは、クリーニング・ブレード６をは
ずし、現像ローラ１４および侵入量規制部材１６を感光
層に当接させた条件における、侵入量規制部材１６の接
触位置の感光層の削れ量を示す（侵入量規制部材１６単
独の削れ量に相当）。Condition D indicates the amount of scraping of the photosensitive layer at the contact position of the penetration amount regulating member 16 under the condition that the cleaning blade 6 is removed and the developing roller 14 and the penetration amount regulating member 16 are in contact with the photosensitive layer. (Equivalent to the shaving amount of the intrusion amount regulating member 16 alone).

【００４７】図２に示すように、本実施の形態の構成で
は、感光ドラム１の感光層は主にクリーニング・ブレー
ド６の摺擦により削られる。接触帯電ローラ２のＤＣ帯
電バイアスによる放電ダメージによる削れや、現像ロー
ラ１４もしくは侵入量規制部材１６の摺擦による削れ
は、クリーニング・ブレード６単独による削れ量の２０
％以下である（上記の条件Ａと条件Ｂの差）。As shown in FIG. 2, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 1 is mainly scraped off by the cleaning blade 6. The abrasion of the contact charging roller 2 due to discharge damage due to the DC charging bias and the abrasion of the developing roller 14 or the intrusion amount regulating member 16 due to rubbing are reduced by 20 to the amount of abrasion by the cleaning blade 6 alone.
% Or less (difference between the above conditions A and B).

【００４８】通常の画像形成条件における侵入量変動
分、すなわち画像形成領域の削れ量と侵入量規制部材１
６の接触位置の削れ量の差（上記の条件Ｂと条件Ｃの
差）はわずか（約２μｍ）であり、この侵入量変動分が
原因で画像に影響を及ぼすことはない。一方、侵入量規
制部材１６の接触位置がクリーニング領域の外側である
場合の侵入量変動分（上記の条件Ｂと条件Ｄの差）は約
１５μｍとなり、許容誤差の１０μｍを超えてしまい、
画像に影響を与える可能性がある。The amount of change in the amount of intrusion under normal image forming conditions, that is, the amount of shaving in the image forming area and the amount of intrusion restricting member 1
The difference in the amount of scraping at the contact position 6 (difference between the above conditions B and C) is slight (about 2 μm), and the variation in the amount of intrusion does not affect the image. On the other hand, when the contact position of the intrusion amount regulating member 16 is outside the cleaning area, the amount of intrusion amount variation (difference between the above conditions B and D) is about 15 μm, which exceeds the allowable error of 10 μm.
May affect the image.

【００４９】つまり、本実施の形態の構成においては、
侵入量規制部材１６が感光層に接する位置をクリーニン
グ領域の内側に設けたので、侵入量変動分を小さく抑え
ることができ、長期間安定して画像を形成することがで
きる。That is, in the configuration of the present embodiment,
Since the position where the intrusion amount restricting member 16 is in contact with the photosensitive layer is provided inside the cleaning area, the amount of intrusion amount fluctuation can be suppressed small, and an image can be formed stably for a long period of time.

【００５０】（第２の実施の形態）図３と図４を参照し
て、第２の実施の形態に係る像担持体と現像剤担持体の
位置決め機構について説明する。(Second Embodiment) A mechanism for positioning an image carrier and a developer carrier according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

【００５１】図３は、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る
像担持体たる感光ドラム１と、現像剤担持体たる現像ロ
ーラ１４と、侵入量規制部材１７の相対位置関係を示す
図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relative positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier, the developing roller 14 as a developer carrier, and the penetration amount regulating member 17 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. is there.

【００５２】本実施の形態では、帯電手段として接触帯
電ローラ２と図示しないＡＣ＋ＤＣ重畳帯電バイアス電
源と、クリーニング手段としてクリーニング・ブレード
６を用いており、接触帯電ローラ２の帯電領域とクリー
ニング・ブレード６のクリーニング領域も図３中に示し
た。In the present embodiment, the contact charging roller 2, an AC + DC superimposed charging bias power source (not shown), and a cleaning blade 6 are used as the charging means, and the charging area of the contact charging roller 2 and the cleaning blade 6 are used. 3 is also shown in FIG.

【００５３】本実施の形態の画像形成装置は、第１の実
施の形態と同じく上記従来技術の図５の構成とほぼ同様
であるため、同じ構成のものには同一の符号をつけ、そ
の説明を省略する。Since the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the prior art shown in FIG. 5 as in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Is omitted.

【００５４】なお、本実施の形態では、感光ドラム１と
クリーニング・ブレード６と接触帯電ローラ２と廃トナ
ー容器５と現像装置４を一体化してプロセスカートリッ
ジ１３を構成し、画像形成装置１１から着脱自在に設け
た。In the present embodiment, the process cartridge 13 is formed by integrating the photosensitive drum 1, the cleaning blade 6, the contact charging roller 2, the waste toner container 5, and the developing device 4, and is attached to and detached from the image forming device 11. Freely provided.

【００５５】現像ローラ１４は第１の実施の形態と同じ
ものを用い、侵入量規制部材１７は第１の実施の形態の
侵入量規制部材１６と同一形状のものを用いたが、本実
施の形態では、図に示すように、侵入量規制部材１７を
現像ローラ１４の両端に密着させている。現像ローラ１
４と侵入量規制部材１７が感光層に接する部分は帯電領
域の内側に位置し、さらに帯電領域は感光層の同一の膜
厚規定領域の内側に位置している。The developing roller 14 has the same shape as that of the first embodiment, and the penetration amount regulating member 17 has the same shape as the penetration amount regulating member 16 of the first embodiment. In the embodiment, as shown in the figure, the penetration amount regulating member 17 is brought into close contact with both ends of the developing roller 14. Developing roller 1
The portion of the photosensitive layer 4 and the intrusion amount regulating member 17 in contact with the photosensitive layer is located inside the charged area, and the charged area is located inside the same thickness-defined area of the photosensitive layer.

【００５６】上記構成において、初期の侵入量は１００
μｍで、画像に影響を及ぼす恐れのないおおよその許容
誤差は±１０μｍである。なお、感光層の膜厚規定領域
の膜厚は５０±２μｍに設定した。In the above configuration, the initial penetration amount is 100
In μm, the approximate tolerance without affecting the image is ± 10 μm. The thickness of the photosensitive layer in the specified thickness region was set to 50 ± 2 μm.

【００５７】図４は、以下のＥ〜Ｈの条件で感光ドラム
１を所定の回転数（プロセスカートリッジ１３の寿命相
当）になるまで回転させて、感光層の削れ量を調べた結
果のグラフである。FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results obtained by rotating the photosensitive drum 1 until a predetermined number of revolutions (corresponding to the life of the process cartridge 13) is reached under the following conditions E to H, and examining the shaved amount of the photosensitive layer. is there.

【００５８】条件Ｅは、ＡＣ＋ＤＣ重畳帯電バイアスを
加え、現像ローラ１４および侵入量規制部材１７を感光
層から離間し、クリーニング・ブレード６もはずした条
件における感光層の削れ量を示す（ＡＣ＋ＤＣ重畳帯電
バイアス単独の削れ量に相当）。Condition E indicates the amount of shaving of the photosensitive layer under the condition that the AC + DC superimposed charging bias is applied, the developing roller 14 and the penetration amount regulating member 17 are separated from the photosensitive layer, and the cleaning blade 6 is also removed (AC + DC superimposed charging). Equivalent to the amount of scraping of the bias alone).

【００５９】条件Ｆは、ＡＣ＋ＤＣ重畳帯電バイアスを
加え、現像ローラ１４と侵入量規制部材１７とクリーニ
ング・ブレード６を感光層に当接させた条件における、
現像ローラ１４の接触位置の感光層の削れ量を示す（通
常の画像形成条件での画像形成領域の削れ量に相当）。The condition F is such that the AC + DC superimposed charging bias is applied, and the developing roller 14, the intrusion amount regulating member 17, and the cleaning blade 6 are brought into contact with the photosensitive layer.
The shaving amount of the photosensitive layer at the contact position of the developing roller 14 is shown (corresponding to the shaving amount of the image forming area under normal image forming conditions).

【００６０】条件Ｇは、ＡＣ＋ＤＣ重畳帯電バイアスを
加え、現像ローラ１４と侵入量規制部材１７とクリーニ
ング・ブレード６を感光層に当接させた条件における、
侵入量規制部材１７の接触位置の感光層の削れ量を示す
（通常の画像形成条件での侵入量規制部材１７の接触位
置の削れ量に相当）。The condition G is such that the AC + DC superimposed charging bias is applied, and the developing roller 14, the intrusion amount regulating member 17, and the cleaning blade 6 are brought into contact with the photosensitive layer.
The shaving amount of the photosensitive layer at the contact position of the intrusion amount regulating member 17 is shown (corresponding to the shaving amount of the contact position of the intrusion amount regulating member 17 under normal image forming conditions).

【００６１】条件Ｈは、帯電バイアスを加えず、現像ロ
ーラ１４と侵入量規制部材１７とクリーニング・ブレー
ド６を感光層に当接させた条件における、侵入量規制部
材１７の接触位置の感光層の削れ量を示す（侵入量規制
部材１７の接触位置の削れ量に相当）。The condition H is such that the developing roller 14, the intrusion amount regulating member 17, and the cleaning blade 6 are brought into contact with the photosensitive layer without applying a charging bias to the photosensitive layer at the contact position of the intrusion amount regulating member 17. The amount of shaving is shown (corresponding to the amount of shaving at the contact position of the penetration amount regulating member 17).

【００６２】図４中の条件Ｅと条件Ｆのプロフィールか
らわかるように、本実施の形態の構成では、感光ドラム
１の感光層の削れ量は、おおよそ半分が接触帯電ローラ
２のＡＣ＋ＤＣ重畳帯電バイアスによる放電ダメージに
よるものであり、残りがクリーニング・ブレード６と現
像ローラ１４の摺擦による削れである。As can be seen from the profiles of the conditions E and F in FIG. 4, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the amount of scraping of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 1 is approximately half the AC + DC superimposed charging bias of the contact charging roller 2. The remaining is shaving due to the rubbing of the cleaning blade 6 and the developing roller 14.

【００６３】通常の画像形成条件における侵入量変動
分、すなわち画像形成領域の削れ量と侵入量規制部材１
７の接触位置の削れ量の差（上記の条件Ｆと条件Ｇの
差）は約５μｍであり、許容誤差内である。一方、侵入
量規制部材１７の接触位置が帯電領域の外側である場合
の侵入量変動分（上記の条件Ｆと条件Ｈの差）は約１５
μｍとなり、許容誤差の１０μｍを超えてしまい、画像
に影響を与える可能性がある。The amount of change in the amount of intrusion under ordinary image forming conditions, that is, the amount of shaving in the image forming area and the amount of intrusion restricting member 1
The difference in the amount of scraping at the contact position 7 (difference between the above conditions F and G) is about 5 μm, which is within the allowable error. On the other hand, when the contact position of the intrusion amount regulating member 17 is outside the charged area, the amount of intrusion amount variation (difference between the above conditions F and H) is about 15
μm, which exceeds the allowable error of 10 μm, which may affect the image.

【００６４】つまり、本実施の形態の構成においては、
侵入量規制部材１７が感光層に接する位置を帯電領域の
内側に設けたので、侵入量変動分を小さく抑えることが
でき、長期間安定して画像を形成することができる。That is, in the configuration of the present embodiment,
Since the position where the intrusion amount regulating member 17 is in contact with the photosensitive layer is provided inside the charged area, the amount of intrusion amount fluctuation can be suppressed small, and an image can be formed stably for a long period of time.

【００６５】また、本実施の形態では、侵入量規制部材
１７が感光層に接する位置をクリーニング領域の外側に
設けたが、クリーニング・ブレード６を延長するなどし
てクリーニング領域の内側に位置するようにすれば、画
像形成領域と侵入量規制部材１７が摺擦している部分の
削れの差をより一層小さくすることができる。In the present embodiment, the position where the intrusion amount regulating member 17 is in contact with the photosensitive layer is provided outside the cleaning area. However, the cleaning blade 6 is extended so as to be located inside the cleaning area. By doing so, the difference in scraping between the image forming area and the portion where the penetration amount regulating member 17 is rubbed can be further reduced.

【００６６】[0066]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明は、現像剤
担持体の両側部に侵入量規制部材を設け、該侵入量規制
部材を像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、クリーニング
手段によるクリーニング領域内、の位置で前記像担持体
と当接させることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担
持体との相対位置を規定するので、クリーニング手段と
の摺擦などにより像担持体の感光層の膜厚が変化して
も、像担持体の感光層表面と現像剤担持体の接触状態は
良好に保たれ、長期間安定して画像を形成することがで
きる。As described above, according to the present invention, the intrusion amount regulating members are provided on both sides of the developer carrier, and the intrusion amount regulating members are provided within the thickness regulation region of the image carrier and the cleaning means. The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by contacting the image carrier at a position within the cleaning area of the image carrier. Even if the film thickness of the photosensitive layer changes, the contact state between the surface of the photosensitive layer of the image carrier and the developer carrier is kept good, and an image can be formed stably for a long period of time.

【００６７】また、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアスを重畳
したバイアス印加により像担持体を帯電する帯電手段を
有する構成において、本発明は、現像剤担持体の両側部
に侵入量規制部材を設け、該侵入量規制部材を像担持体
の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記帯電手段による帯電領域
内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させることにより、前
記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定する
ので、帯電手段による放電ダメージなどにより像担持体
の感光層の膜厚が変化しても、像担持体の感光層表面と
現像剤担持体の接触状態は良好に保たれ、長期間安定し
て画像を形成することができる。In a configuration having charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias, the present invention provides an intrusion amount regulating member on both sides of the developer carrier, By causing the quantity regulating member to abut on the image carrier at a position within the thickness-regulated region of the image carrier and within the charging region by the charging unit, the amount of the developer carrier and the image carrier is reduced. Since the relative position is defined, even if the thickness of the photosensitive layer of the image carrier changes due to discharge damage caused by the charging means, the contact state between the surface of the photosensitive layer of the image carrier and the developer carrier is favorably maintained, An image can be formed stably for a long period of time.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態の構成における、感
光ドラムと現像ローラと侵入量規制部材の相対位置関係
を示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a relative positional relationship between a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and an intrusion amount regulating member in a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】本発明の第１の実施の形態の構成において感光
層の削れ量を調べた結果のグラフである。FIG. 2 is a graph showing a result obtained by examining a shaving amount of a photosensitive layer in the configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

【図３】本発明の第２の実施の形態の構成における、感
光ドラムと現像ローラと侵入量規制部材の相対位置関係
を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relative positional relationship between a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and an intrusion amount regulating member in a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

【図４】本発明の第２の実施の形態の構成において感光
層の削れ量を調べた結果のグラフである。FIG. 4 is a graph showing a result of examining a shaving amount of a photosensitive layer in the configuration according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

【図５】電子写真方式の画像形成装置の概略構成図であ
る。FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

【図６】従来例における、感光ドラムと現像ローラと侵
入量規制部材の相対位置関係を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relative positional relationship between a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and an intrusion amount regulating member in a conventional example.

【図７】感光ドラムと現像ローラの接触状態を示した図
である。FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a contact state between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１感光ドラム２接触帯電ローラ４現像装置５廃トナー容器６クリーニング・ブレード７転写ローラ８転写材１０定着装置１１画像形成装置１２プロセスユニット１３プロセスカートリッジ１４現像ローラ１５ａ、１５ｂ、１６、１７侵入量規制部材 Reference Signs List 1 photosensitive drum 2 contact charging roller 4 developing device 5 waste toner container 6 cleaning blade 7 transfer roller 8 transfer material 10 fixing device 11 image forming device 12 process unit 13 process cartridge 14 developing roller 15a, 15b, 16, 17 Element

Claims

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims]

【請求項１】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体
と、前記像担持体に付着した現像剤を取り除くクリーニング
手段と、を備えた画像形成装置において、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記クリーニン
グ手段によるクリーニング領域内、の位置で前記像担持
体と当接させることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とする現像剤担持体の位置決め機構。An image bearing member having a thickness regulation region in which a thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; a developer bearing member for supplying a developer in contact with the image carrier; A cleaning means for removing the developer adhered to the image bearing member, wherein an intrusion amount regulating member provided on both sides of the developer carrier is provided in a thickness defined region of the image carrier, and A relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier by being brought into contact with the image carrier at a position in a cleaning area by a cleaning means, wherein a positioning mechanism of the developer carrier is characterized. .

【請求項２】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に付着した現像剤を取り除くクリーニング手
段と、を備え、画像形成装置本体に着脱自在に設けたプ
ロセスユニットにおいて、両側部に侵入量規制部材を有する現像剤担持体を画像形
成装置本体に設け、該侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、
かつ、前記クリーニング手段によるクリーニング領域
内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とするプロセスユニット。2. An image forming apparatus main body comprising: an image carrier having a film thickness regulating region in which a film thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; and a cleaning means for removing a developer adhered to the image carrier. In a detachably provided process unit, a developer carrier having an intrusion amount regulating member on both sides is provided in an image forming apparatus main body, and the intrusion amount regulating member is provided in a thickness defined region of the image carrier.
A process unit that contacts the image carrier at a position within a cleaning area of the cleaning unit, thereby defining a relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier.

【請求項３】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体
と、前記像担持体に付着した現像剤を取り除くクリーニング
手段と、を備えたプロセスカートリッジにおいて、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記クリーニン
グ手段によるクリーニング領域内、の位置で前記像担持
体と当接させることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。3. An image carrier having a film thickness defining region in which the thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness, a developer carrier contacting the image carrier and supplying a developer, and the image carrier Cleaning means for removing the developer adhered to the developer carrier, wherein the intrusion amount regulating members provided on both sides of the developer carrier are disposed within the thickness defined region of the image carrier, and A process cartridge for contacting the image carrier at a position within a cleaning area by means to define a relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier.

【請求項４】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、該像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体
と、前記像担持体に付着した現像剤を取り除くクリーニング
手段と、を備えた画像形成装置において、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記クリーニン
グ手段によるクリーニング領域内、の位置で前記像担持
体と当接させることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とする画像形成装置。4. An image carrier having a thickness-regulated region in which the thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness, a developer carrier that comes in contact with the image carrier and supplies a developer, and the image carrier. A cleaning means for removing the developer adhered to the image bearing member, wherein an intrusion amount regulating member provided on both sides of the developer carrier is provided in a thickness defined region of the image carrier, and An image forming apparatus, wherein a relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by bringing the carrier into contact with the image carrier at a position within a cleaning area by a cleaning unit.

【請求項５】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアスを重畳したバイアス印加に
より前記像担持体を帯電する帯電手段と、前記像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体
と、を備えた画像形成装置において、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記帯電手段に
よる帯電領域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させるこ
とにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とする現像剤担持体の位置決め機構。5. An image carrier having a film thickness regulation region in which the thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; a charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias; A developer carrying member that supplies the developer in contact with the image carrying member. In the image forming apparatus, the penetration amount regulating members provided on both sides of the developer carrying member are provided with a film thickness of the image carrying member. The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by being brought into contact with the image carrier at a position within a defined area and within a charging area by the charging unit. A mechanism for positioning the developer carrier.

【請求項６】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアスを重畳したバイアス印加に
より前記像担持体を帯電する帯電手段と、を備え、画像
形成装置本体に着脱自在に設けたプロセスユニットにお
いて、両側部に侵入量規制部材を有する現像剤担持体を画像形
成装置本体に設け、該侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、
かつ、前記帯電手段による帯電領域内、の位置で前記像
担持体と当接させることにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とするプロセスユニット。6. An image carrier having a thickness-regulated region in which the thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness, and charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias. A process unit detachably provided in the image forming apparatus main body, wherein a developer carrier having an intrusion amount regulating member on both sides is provided in the image forming apparatus body, and the intrusion amount regulating member is provided on the film of the image carrier. Within the thickness regulation area,
A process unit that contacts the image carrier at a position within a charging area of the charging unit, thereby defining a relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier.

【請求項７】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアスを重畳したバイアス印加に
より前記像担持体を帯電する帯電手段と、前記像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体
と、を備えたプロセスカートリッジにおいて、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記帯電手段に
よる帯電領域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させるこ
とにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。7. An image carrier having a film thickness defining region in which the thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness; charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias; A developer carrying member for supplying a developer in contact with the image carrying member. In the process cartridge, an intrusion amount regulating member provided on both sides of the developer carrying member is provided. A process of defining the relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier by bringing the carrier into contact with the image carrier at a position within an area and within a charging area by the charging unit. cartridge.

【請求項８】感光層の膜厚を所定厚に規定した膜厚規定
領域を有する像担持体と、ＡＣバイアスにＤＣバイアスを重畳したバイアス印加に
より前記像担持体を帯電する帯電手段と、該像担持体に当接して現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体
と、を備えた画像形成装置において、前記現像剤担持体の両側部に設けた侵入量規制部材を、前記像担持体の膜厚規定領域内、かつ、前記帯電手段に
よる帯電領域内、の位置で前記像担持体と当接させるこ
とにより、前記現像剤担持体と前記像担持体との相対位置を規定す
ることを特徴とする画像形成装置。8. An image carrier having a film thickness regulation region in which the thickness of a photosensitive layer is regulated to a predetermined thickness, charging means for charging the image carrier by applying a bias in which a DC bias is superimposed on an AC bias, A developer carrying member that supplies the developer in contact with the image carrying member. In the image forming apparatus, the penetration amount regulating members provided on both sides of the developer carrying member are provided with a film thickness of the image carrying member. The relative position between the developer carrier and the image carrier is defined by being brought into contact with the image carrier at a position within a defined area and within a charging area by the charging unit. Image forming device.

【請求項９】請求項２または６に記載のプロセスユニッ
ト、あるいは、請求項３または７に記載のプロセスカー
トリッジを、画像形成装置本体に対して着脱自在に構成
したことを特徴とする画像形成装置。9. An image forming apparatus, wherein the process unit according to claim 2 or 6, or the process cartridge according to claim 3 or 7, is configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. .