JP3296972B2 - Image forming unit of image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Image forming unit of image forming apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- JP3296972B2 JP3296972B2 JP17594896A JP17594896A JP3296972B2 JP 3296972 B2 JP3296972 B2 JP 3296972B2 JP 17594896 A JP17594896 A JP 17594896A JP 17594896 A JP17594896 A JP 17594896A JP 3296972 B2 JP3296972 B2 JP 3296972B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- image forming
- forming apparatus
- forming unit
- charging device
- claw body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Landscapes
- Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
- Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、画像形成装置の作
像ユニットに関し、特に画像形成装置本体への装着性を
改良したものに関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming unit for an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming unit having improved mountability to an image forming apparatus main body.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術及び発明が解決しようとする課題】複写機
やファクシミリ等の画像形成装置では近年とみに小型化
が図られているが、小型化の要求を達成するために、感
光体、現像装置、帯電装置等を一体のケース内に納めて
作像ユニットを構成し、画像形成装置全体としての小型
化に資するようにすることが多くなってきている。この
ようにすると、作像系の感光体、現像ユニット、クリー
ニングブレード、帯電ローラ、トナーリサイクル部等の
各部品の寿命を同じとしてより経済的なものとすること
ができ、また部品交換も別々の時期に行うのではなく、
一括で一つのユニットを交換するだけで済むようにな
り、取り扱いも容易になるという利点がある。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as copiers and facsimile machines have been miniaturized. However, in order to meet the demand for miniaturization, a photoconductor, a developing device, An image forming unit is often configured by housing a charging device or the like in an integrated case to contribute to downsizing of the entire image forming apparatus. In this way, the life of each of the components such as the photoreceptor, the developing unit, the cleaning blade, the charging roller, and the toner recycling unit of the image forming system can be made more economical, and the replacement of the components can be performed separately. Instead of doing it at the time,
There is an advantage that it is only necessary to replace one unit at a time and the handling becomes easy.
【０００３】ところで、このような作像ユニットはカー
トリッジ状に画像形成装置本体に対して着脱可能とする
ものであるが、装着時の抜け止めを設ける必要がある。
通常この種の作像ユニットのケースは合成樹脂製であ
り、抜け止めは合成樹脂の可撓性を利用していわゆるパ
ッチン止めあるいはスナップフィット等と称する構造を
採用するものが多い。そのため感光体等を収納した合成
樹脂製のケースの一部に爪体を撓めるように設け、装着
時にはこの爪体を画像形成装置本体の側板の端縁と摺接
させつつ撓ませて側板端縁を乗り越えさせ、装着後は撓
んだ状態から復帰して側板端縁と係合させ、それによっ
て作像ユニットが画像形成装置本体から抜けないように
している。By the way, such an image forming unit is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus in the form of a cartridge.
Usually, the case of this type of image forming unit is made of a synthetic resin, and the retainer often adopts a so-called patching stop or snap fit utilizing the flexibility of the synthetic resin. Therefore, a claw body is provided in a part of a synthetic resin case accommodating a photoreceptor and the like so that the claw body is bent while being in sliding contact with an edge of a side plate of the image forming apparatus main body at the time of mounting. The image forming unit is moved over the edge and returns from the deflected state after mounting to engage with the side plate edge, thereby preventing the image forming unit from falling out of the image forming apparatus main body.
【０００４】ところが周知のように、合成樹脂製の爪体
をいったん撓ませてしまうと若干塑性変形が生じるよう
な撓み方をすることもあり、その場合、樹脂の弾性だけ
では爪が画像形成装置本体の側板端縁と十分な係合状態
を得るところまで復帰しきれないことになり、抜け止め
としては不十分な状態になることがあった。However, as is well known, once the synthetic resin claw body is bent, the plastic claw sometimes bends in such a manner that a slight plastic deformation occurs. In such a case, the claw of the image forming apparatus is required only by the elasticity of the resin. It cannot be returned to the point where a sufficient engagement state with the side plate edge of the main body is obtained, and the state may not be sufficient as a stopper.
【０００５】そこで本発明は、上記従来の問題点に鑑
み、撓んだ後の復元性が弱い爪体を用いても作像ユニッ
トを画像形成装置本体に装着した後に確実に元の状態に
復帰し、画像形成装置本体からの抜け止めとして十分に
機能し得るようにすることを目的とする。In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention reliably returns to the original state after the image forming unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, even if a nail member having a weak restoring property after bending is used. It is another object of the present invention to sufficiently function as a retainer from the image forming apparatus main body.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明の画像形成装置の
作像ユニットのうち請求項１に係るものは、上記目的を
達成するために、感光体、現像装置、帯電装置等を一体
のケース内に納めてなる画像形成装置の作像ユニットに
おいて、上記帯電装置を上記ケースに支持する部位に上
記帯電装置を上記感光体から離すように付勢する手段を
備え、画像形成装置本体へ装着したときの抜け止めとな
る爪体を上記ケースに片持ち状に設けるとともに、上記
爪体の自由端側を、上記付勢手段によって上記帯電装置
とともに上記感光体から離す方向へ付勢可能な位置に配
したことを特徴とする。According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit for an image forming apparatus, comprising: An image forming unit of the image forming apparatus housed in the image forming apparatus main body, wherein a portion for supporting the charging device in the case is provided with a unit for urging the charging device to be separated from the photoconductor, and is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. When the claw body serving as a stopper is provided in the case in a cantilever shape, the free end side of the claw body is biased in a direction in which the biasing means can be urged away from the photoconductor together with the charging device by the biasing means. It is characterized by being arranged.
【０００７】同請求項２に係るものは、上記爪体を、上
記感光体や帯電装置等を覆う上記ケースのカバー部をコ
字溝状に切り欠いて一体成形してなることを特徴とす
る。According to a second aspect of the present invention, the claw body is formed integrally by cutting a cover portion of the case covering the photosensitive member, the charging device and the like into a U-shaped groove. .
【０００８】同請求項３に係るものは、感光体、現像装
置、帯電装置等を一体のケース内に納めてなる画像形成
装置の作像ユニットにおいて、上記帯電装置を上記感光
体へ押し付けるように付勢する手段を備え、画像形成装
置本体へ装着したときの抜け止めとなる爪体を上記ケー
スに片持ち状に設けるとともに、上記爪体の自由端側
を、上記付勢手段によって上記帯電装置とともに上記感
光体から離す方向へ付勢可能な位置に配したことを特徴
とする。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus in which a photosensitive member, a developing device, a charging device, and the like are housed in an integrated case, the charging device is pressed against the photosensitive member. A biasing means is provided, and a claw body serving as a retainer when being attached to the image forming apparatus main body is provided in the case in a cantilever manner, and a free end side of the claw body is charged by the biasing means with the charging device. And at a position where it can be urged in a direction away from the photoreceptor.
【０００９】[0009]
【発明の実施の形態】本発明に係る画像形成装置の作像
ユニットの実施の形態を図面を参照して以下説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
【００１０】まず、図１〜３により、本発明に係る画像
形成装置の作像ユニットの一実施形態の構成を説明す
る。図１は本発明に係る作像ユニットの外観を示す斜視
図、図２は本発明実施形態に係る作像ユニット、転写・
分離装置、定着装置等を示す断面図、図３は図１の作像
ユニット帯電ローラ及びその保持構造を示す分解斜視図
である。これらの図において、１０は作像ユニット、１
１は転写・分離装置、１２は定着装置であり、作像ユニ
ット１０はカートリッジ状に形成してあって図示せぬ画
像形成装置本体に対して着脱可能になっている。また転
写・分離装置１１は、転写ローラ１３を備え、回動支点
１４により図中上下方向で回動可能にしてあり、定着装
置１２は、加圧ローラ１５と加熱ローラ１６とから構成
してある。First, the configuration of an embodiment of an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an image forming unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the image forming unit charging roller of FIG. 1 and its holding structure. In these figures, 10 is an image forming unit, 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a transfer / separation device, 12 denotes a fixing device, and the image forming unit 10 is formed in a cartridge shape, and is detachable from an image forming apparatus main body (not shown). Further, the transfer / separation device 11 includes a transfer roller 13 and is rotatable in a vertical direction in the figure by a rotation fulcrum 14. The fixing device 12 includes a pressure roller 15 and a heating roller 16. .
【００１１】図示の作像ユニット１０は、それぞれ合成
樹脂製の感光体周りケース１７と上カバー３７でケース
を構成し、その内側に、感光体１８、帯電装置を構成す
る帯電ローラ１９、現像装置２０、クリーニング装置２
１及びクリーニング装置２１で回収した残留トナーを現
像装置１１へ送り込むトナーリサイクルベルト２２、ト
ナー搬送スクリュー４２、剤撹拌部材４３等を設けてあ
る。また上カバー３７は感光体周りケース１７上を覆う
ように取り付けてあり、感光体１８や帯電ローラ１９等
にオペレータやサービスマンの手などが接触するのを防
止している。The illustrated image forming unit 10 comprises a case 17 composed of a photosensitive resin surrounding case 17 and an upper cover 37 made of a synthetic resin. Inside the case, a photosensitive member 18, a charging roller 19 constituting a charging device, and a developing device are provided. 20, cleaning device 2
1 and a toner recycle belt 22 for feeding the residual toner collected by the cleaning device 21 to the developing device 11, a toner conveying screw 42, an agent stirring member 43, and the like. The upper cover 37 is attached so as to cover the case 17 around the photoconductor, thereby preventing the hand of an operator or a service person from contacting the photoconductor 18 and the charging roller 19.
【００１２】帯電装置の帯電ローラ１９は、金属製の芯
金２７の外周に、吸湿性が小さく、抵抗値が安定してい
る導電性ゴム（例えばエピクロルヒドリンゴム）２８を
成形したものであり、導電性ゴム２８の表面を感光体１
８の表面に接触させた状態で芯金２７に高電圧を印加す
ることによって、感光体１８の表面を一様に帯電する。
帯電ローラ１９の芯金２７の両端部は、軸受２９、２９
によって回転自在に保持してあり、各軸受２９を帯電ロ
ーラケース３１で図中上下方向で移動可能に取り付ける
とともに、軸受２９と帯電ローラケース３１の内面との
間に加圧スプリング３３を介在させ、この加圧スプリン
グ３３の付勢力によって帯電ローラ１９を感光体１８へ
所定の加圧力で押し付け可能にしている。The charging roller 19 of the charging device is formed by molding a conductive rubber (e.g., epichlorohydrin rubber) 28 having a small hygroscopic property and a stable resistance value on the outer periphery of a metal core 27. The surface of the conductive rubber 28 is
By applying a high voltage to the metal core 27 in a state where the surface of the photoconductor 8 is in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 8, the surface of the photoconductor 18 is uniformly charged.
Both ends of the core metal 27 of the charging roller 19 are
Each bearing 29 is movably mounted in the charging roller case 31 in the vertical direction in the figure, and a pressure spring 33 is interposed between the bearing 29 and the inner surface of the charging roller case 31. The urging force of the pressure spring 33 enables the charging roller 19 to be pressed against the photosensitive member 18 with a predetermined pressure.
【００１３】また帯電ローラ１９の保持部材である帯電
ローラケース３１の内面には、帯電ローラ１９の表面を
クリーニングするためのクリーニングパッド３４を、例
えば両面テープ等の接着剤で貼り付けてある。帯電ロー
ラ１９は、帯電動作時には感光体１８の表面に接触し続
け、周知のように感光体１８の表面に付着している微小
なトナーによって表面が汚れて帯電ムラを引き起こしや
すいが、その表面にクリーニングパッド３４を圧接させ
てクリーニングし、付着しているトナーを取り除くこと
によって帯電ローラ１９が汚れた場合に生じる帯電ムラ
を防止できるようになっている。A cleaning pad 34 for cleaning the surface of the charging roller 19 is adhered to the inner surface of the charging roller case 31, which is a holding member of the charging roller 19, with an adhesive such as a double-sided tape. The charging roller 19 keeps in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 18 during the charging operation. As is well known, the surface of the photoreceptor 18 is easily contaminated by minute toner adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor 18 to cause charging unevenness. The cleaning is performed by pressing the cleaning pad 34 against pressure to remove the adhered toner, thereby preventing charging unevenness caused when the charging roller 19 becomes dirty.
【００１４】さらに帯電ローラケース３１の長手方向の
両端部内側と、作像ユニット１０の感光体周りケース１
７に設けたバネ受け３５、３５との間には、スプリング
３６、３６をそれぞれ介在させ、帯電動作時と帯電ロー
ラ１９のクリーニング時以外の状態で帯電装置全体を感
光体１８から離れるように、スプリング３６の付勢力に
よって帯電ローラケース３１を図中上方へ付勢してあ
る。Further, the inside of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the charging roller case 31 and the photosensitive member surrounding case 1 of the image forming unit 10 are formed.
7, springs 36, 36 are interposed between the spring receivers 35, 35, respectively, so that the entire charging device is separated from the photoreceptor 18 in a state other than during the charging operation and when the charging roller 19 is cleaned. The charging roller case 31 is urged upward in the drawing by the urging force of the spring 36.
【００１５】このように構成した作像ユニットを用いた
作像動作を簡単に説明する。まず画像形成装置本体を所
定の位置に装着した状態で、感光体１８が図示せぬ駆動
源によって図２中の矢示方向に回転可能になり、画像形
成動作が開始すると、感光体１８に図示せぬ除電ランプ
から除電光を照射してその表面を除電し、表面電位を例
えば０〜−１５０Ｖの基準電位に平均化する。次に、感
光体１８の表面に接触状態にある帯電ローラ１９に高電
圧を印加して感光体１８を帯電し、その表面電位を例え
ば−１１００Ｖ前後にする。そして、その帯電した電位
面に対して露光して、画像となる表面電位が例えば０〜
−２９０Ｖの潜像部分を形成する。An image forming operation using the image forming unit configured as described above will be briefly described. First, with the image forming apparatus main body mounted at a predetermined position, the photosensitive member 18 is rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 by a drive source (not shown). The surface is neutralized by irradiating static elimination light from a static elimination lamp (not shown), and the surface potential is averaged to a reference potential of, for example, 0 to -150V. Next, a high voltage is applied to the charging roller 19 which is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 18 to charge the photoreceptor 18, and the surface potential is set to, for example, about -1100V. Then, the charged potential surface is exposed, and the surface potential to form an image is, for example, 0 to 0.
A latent image portion of -290 V is formed.
【００１６】この潜像部分が、感光体１８の回転によっ
て現像装置２０の現像スリーブ２３の位置まで移動する
と、その潜像部分に例えば−８００Ｖ前後のバイアスを
掛けてある現像スリーブ２３の表面に保持されているト
ナーが付着し、潜像部分が現像されてトナー像（可視
像）となる。When the latent image portion is moved to the position of the developing sleeve 23 of the developing device 20 by the rotation of the photosensitive member 18, the latent image portion is held on the surface of the developing sleeve 23 in which a bias of, for example, about -800 V is applied. The latent toner adheres, and the latent image portion is developed to become a toner image (visible image).
【００１７】一方、図示せぬ給紙部から給紙された転写
紙Ｐは、その先端と感光体１８上のトナー像の先端とを
転写ローラ１３の位置で一致するようにレジストローラ
対２４によってタイミング調整され、感光体１８上のト
ナー像が転写ローラ１３によって転写紙Ｐに転写され
る。その転写紙Ｐを定着装置１２の加圧ローラ１５と加
熱ローラ１６間へ搬送し、そこで熱と圧力により転写し
たトナーを転写紙Ｐへ融着させ、機外の図示せぬ排紙ト
レイ等に排出する。On the other hand, the transfer paper P fed from a paper feed unit (not shown) is moved by the registration roller pair 24 so that the front end of the transfer paper P and the front end of the toner image on the photoreceptor 18 coincide at the position of the transfer roller 13. The timing is adjusted, and the toner image on the photoconductor 18 is transferred to the transfer paper P by the transfer roller 13. The transfer paper P is conveyed between the pressure roller 15 and the heating roller 16 of the fixing device 12, where the transferred toner is fused to the transfer paper P by heat and pressure, and is transferred to a discharge tray (not shown) outside the apparatus. Discharge.
【００１８】画像転写後に感光体１８上に残った残留ト
ナーは、クリーニング装置２１のクリーニングブレード
２５により掻き落とし、感光体１８の表面にほとんどト
ナーが付着、残留していない状態として次の作像工程へ
移る。クリーニング装置２１によって回収した残留トナ
ーは、トナーリサイクルベルト２２により現像装置２０
の現像剤撹拌部２６へ搬送して回収し、剤撹拌部材４3
で撹拌して再度現像スリーブ２３へ供給してトナーをリ
サイクルする。なお図中４１はクリーニングブレード２
５のホルダーである。The residual toner remaining on the photoreceptor 18 after the image transfer is scraped off by a cleaning blade 25 of a cleaning device 21. Move to The residual toner collected by the cleaning device 21 is transferred to the developing device 20 by the toner recycling belt 22.
The developer is transported to the developer agitating section 26 and collected.
And the toner is recycled by supplying the toner to the developing sleeve 23 again. In the figure, 41 is the cleaning blade 2
5 holder.
【００１９】ところで上述した上カバー３７は、一端側
をコ字溝状に切り欠いて作像ユニット１０を画像形成装
置本体へ装着する際の抜け止めとなる爪体５１を一体成
形してある。この爪体５１は、画像形成装置本体の側板
５２に設けた開口５３から作像ユニット１０を挿入して
装着する際の装着方向先側を自由端とし、上カバー３７
と連結する装着方向後端側とした図示のような片持ち状
になっており、突起５４を形成した自由端側が撓めるよ
うになっている。The upper cover 37 is integrally formed with a claw body 51 which is notched in a U-shaped groove at one end side and serves as a stopper when the image forming unit 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. The claw body 51 has a free end at a tip end in a mounting direction when the image forming unit 10 is inserted and mounted through an opening 53 provided in a side plate 52 of the image forming apparatus main body.
It has a cantilever shape as shown in the drawing, which is connected to the rear end side in the mounting direction, and the free end side on which the projection 54 is formed is bent.
【００２０】この爪体５１は、帯電装置の帯電ローラケ
ース３１の長手方向に沿う方向で延設してあり、少なく
とも自由端が帯電ローラケース３１の上面に被さってス
プリング３６と対向するようにしてあり、このため、帯
電装置がスプリング３６によって図中上方へ押し上げら
れてフリーな状態になってしまわないように所定の位置
に押さえ込むストッパを兼ねている。また爪体５１のう
ちで最も上カバー３７の外側へ突出する部分となる突起
５４の位置は、自由端よりも画像形成装置本体への装着
方向で後側としてあり、突起５４の自由端側の面は装着
方向後側へ適宜角度傾斜したテーパ面５５としてある。The claw body 51 extends in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the charging roller case 31 of the charging device, and has at least a free end covering the upper surface of the charging roller case 31 and facing the spring 36. For this reason, the charging device also serves as a stopper for pressing the charging device to a predetermined position so that the charging device is not pushed up in the figure by the spring 36 to be in a free state. Further, the position of the projection 54 which is the part of the claw body 51 that protrudes to the outside of the upper cover 37 is located rearward of the free end in the mounting direction to the image forming apparatus main body. The surface is a tapered surface 55 inclined at an appropriate angle toward the rear side in the mounting direction.
【００２１】次に本実施形態の作像ユニット１０を画像
形成装置内に装着する状態を図４〜６を参照して説明す
る。図４は爪体５１が画像形成装置本体の側板５２の位
置に到る直前の状態の断面図、図５は爪体５１が側板５
２の直下に入り込んだ状態の断面図、図６は爪体５１が
側板５２の位置を抜けた後の状態の断面図である。Next, a state in which the image forming unit 10 of the present embodiment is mounted in the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the state immediately before the claw body 51 reaches the position of the side plate 52 of the image forming apparatus main body, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a state where the claw body 51 has just passed through the position of the side plate 52.
【００２２】作像ユニット１０を画像形成装置本体の側
板５２の開口５３から挿入して行き、図４のように爪体
５１が側板５２の端縁に触れる状態とする。その状態の
まま作像ユニット１０をさらに開口５３から押し入れて
行くと、突起５４のテーパ面５５がまず側板５２の端縁
に当たり、さらに押し入れると側板５２の端縁によって
テーパ面５５が押されて爪体５１が撓んで行き、突起５
４の頂部が側板５２の直下に入り込む。すると図５に示
すように、爪体５１の自由端が帯電ローラケース３１の
頂面と接触し、スプリング３６をその付勢力に抗して圧
縮させ、帯電装置全体を感光体１８側へ移動させ、帯電
ローラ１９を感光体１８に当接させる。The image forming unit 10 is inserted through the opening 53 of the side plate 52 of the image forming apparatus main body, so that the claw body 51 touches the edge of the side plate 52 as shown in FIG. When the image forming unit 10 is further pushed in from the opening 53 in this state, the tapered surface 55 of the projection 54 first contacts the edge of the side plate 52, and when the image forming unit 10 is further pushed in, the tapered surface 55 is pushed by the edge of the side plate 52. The claw body 51 bends, and the protrusion 5
The top of 4 enters directly below the side plate 52. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the free end of the claw body 51 comes into contact with the top surface of the charging roller case 31, compresses the spring 36 against the urging force, and moves the entire charging device toward the photoreceptor 18 side. Then, the charging roller 19 is brought into contact with the photoconductor 18.
【００２３】この状態からまたさらに作像ユニット１０
を押し込んで行くと、突起５４の頂部が側板５２の位置
よりも画像形成装置本体の内側へ入り込み、突起５４を
押さえ付けるものがなくなるので、爪体５１はそれ自身
の弾性により元の状態に復帰しようとするが、この状態
ではスプリング３６にも圧縮しようとする力が掛からな
くなっているので、爪体５１にはそれ自身の弾性に加え
てスプリング３６の付勢力が働き、図６に示すように、
爪体５１は素早くしかも確実に元の状態に復帰し、いわ
ゆるパッチン止めの状態となる。なお、突起５４の頂部
が側板５２の下を抜けた後すぐに復帰が始まるように、
装着方向先側のテーパ面５５とは異なり、装着方向後側
の面はできるだけ垂直面あるいはできるだけ急角度の面
にするとよい。From this state, the image forming unit 10
Is pushed in, the top of the protrusion 54 enters the inside of the image forming apparatus main body from the position of the side plate 52, and there is nothing to press the protrusion 54, so that the claw body 51 returns to its original state by its own elasticity. However, in this state, since the force for compressing the spring 36 is not applied to the spring 36, the biasing force of the spring 36 acts on the claw body 51 in addition to its own elasticity, and as shown in FIG. ,
The claw body 51 quickly and surely returns to the original state, and is in a so-called patched state. Note that the return is started immediately after the top of the protrusion 54 has passed under the side plate 52.
Unlike the tapered surface 55 on the front side in the mounting direction, the surface on the rear side in the mounting direction may be a vertical surface as much as possible or a surface with as steep an angle as possible.
【００２４】本実施形態では、図５の状態では帯電ロー
ラ１９を感光体１８へ押し付けるための加圧スプリング
３３も十分に圧縮されるので、突起５４が側板５２の位
置を抜けるとこの加圧スプリング３３からも爪体５１を
元の位置へ復帰させる付勢力が掛かる。従ってこの加圧
スプリング３３も本発明で付勢手段として用い得るもの
であり、スプリング３６のように帯電ローラケース３１
を感光体１８から離すように付勢する手段がない構成の
場合には、この加圧スプリング３３のように帯電ローラ
１９を感光体１８へ押し付ける手段を本発明の付勢手段
として採用すればよい。In the present embodiment, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the pressing spring 33 for pressing the charging roller 19 against the photosensitive member 18 is also sufficiently compressed. An urging force for returning the claw body 51 to the original position is also applied from 33. Therefore, this pressure spring 33 can also be used as an urging means in the present invention.
If there is no means for urging the photosensitive member 18 away from the photosensitive member 18, a means for pressing the charging roller 19 against the photosensitive member 18 like the pressing spring 33 may be employed as the urging means of the present invention. .
【００２５】また爪体５１の自由端が帯電ローラケース
３１の頂面と接触する位置は、スプリング３６の近傍で
あるほうが好ましいが、圧縮されたスプリング３６が復
元する際の付勢力が爪体５１に作用すれば問題ないの
で、特に図示のような位置関係には限定されない。さら
に、作像ユニットを合成樹脂製とした実施形態に関して
のみ以上説明してきたが、本発明はこれに限定されず、
合成樹脂製以外の材料でも弾性を有するもので作像ユニ
ットのケースを構成した場合にも適用できる。It is preferable that the position where the free end of the claw body 51 contacts the top surface of the charging roller case 31 is near the spring 36, but the urging force when the compressed spring 36 recovers is lessened. Since there is no problem if it acts on the position, there is no particular limitation on the positional relationship as shown in the figure. Furthermore, although only the embodiment in which the image forming unit is made of synthetic resin has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.
The present invention is also applicable to a case in which a material other than a synthetic resin is made of a material having elasticity to form the case of the image forming unit.
【００２６】[0026]
【発明の効果】請求項１に係る画像形成装置の作像ユニ
ットは以上説明してきたように、帯電装置を感光体から
離すための付勢手段によって、画像形成装置本体へ装着
したときの抜け止めとなる片持ち状に設けた爪体を感光
体から離す方向へ付勢するようにしたので、画像形成装
置本体への装着時に撓んだ爪体を、爪体自身の弾性と付
勢手段の付勢力によって素早くかつ確実に元の状態へ復
帰させることが可能になるいう効果がある。As described above, the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention uses the urging means for separating the charging device from the photoreceptor to prevent the charging device from being detached when the charging device is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. The cantilever provided in the cantilever shape is biased in a direction away from the photoreceptor. There is an effect that it is possible to quickly and reliably return to the original state by the urging force.
【００２７】請求項２に係る画像形成装置の作像ユニッ
トは、感光体や帯電装置等を覆うケースのカバー部をコ
字溝状に切り欠いて爪体を一体成形したので、上記共通
の効果に加え、部品点数を増やさずにすむという効果が
ある。In the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, since the cover of the case for covering the photosensitive member, the charging device and the like is cut out in a U-shaped groove shape and the claw body is integrally formed, the common effect is obtained. In addition to this, there is an effect that the number of parts does not need to be increased.
【００２８】請求項３に係る画像形成装置の作像ユニッ
トは、帯電装置を感光体へ押し付けるための付勢手段に
よって、画像形成装置本体へ装着したときの抜け止めと
なる片持ち状に設けた爪体を感光体から離す方向へ付勢
するようにしたので、画像形成装置本体への装着時に撓
んだ爪体を、爪体自身の弾性と付勢手段の付勢力によっ
て素早くかつ確実に元の状態へ復帰させることが可能に
なるいう効果がある。According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus is provided in a cantilever shape which is prevented from falling off when the charging unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body by an urging means for pressing the charging device against the photosensitive member. The nail body is urged in the direction away from the photoreceptor, so that the nail body bent when attached to the image forming apparatus main body is quickly and reliably restored by the elasticity of the nail body itself and the urging force of the urging means. There is an effect that it is possible to return to the state.
【図１】本発明に係る作像ユニットの外観を示す斜視図
である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming unit according to the present invention.
【図２】本発明実施形態に係る作像ユニット、転写・分
離装置、定着装置等を示す断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming unit, a transfer / separation device, a fixing device, and the like according to the embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】図１の作像ユニット帯電ローラ及びその保持構
造を示す分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the image forming unit charging roller of FIG. 1 and its holding structure.
【図４】爪体が画像形成装置本体の側板の位置に到る前
の状態の断面図である。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the claw body reaches a position of a side plate of the image forming apparatus main body.
【図５】爪体が画像形成装置本体の側板の直下に入り込
んだ状態の断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the claw body has entered directly below a side plate of the image forming apparatus main body.
【図６】爪体が画像形成装置本体の側板の位置を抜けた
後の状態の断面図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the claw body has passed through a position of a side plate of the image forming apparatus main body.
１０ 作像ユニット １１ 転写装置 １２ 定着装置 １３ 転写ローラ １４ 回動支点 １５ 加圧ローラ １６ 加熱ローラ １７ 作像ユニットのケース １８ 感光体 １９ 帯電ローラ ２０ 現像装置 ２１ クリーニング装置 ２２ トナーリサイクルベルト ２３ 現像スリーブ ２４ レジストローラ対 ２５ クリーニングブレード ２６ 現像剤撹拌部 ２７ 芯金 ２８ 導電性ゴム ２９ 軸受 ３１ 帯電ローラケース ３３ 加圧スプリング ３４ クリーニングパッド ３５ バネ受け ３６ スプリング ３７ 上カバー ４１ クリーニングブレードのホルダー ４２ トナー搬送スクリュー ４３ 剤撹拌部材 ５１ 爪体 ５２ 画像形成装置本体の側板 ５３ 開口 ５４ 突起 ５５ テーパ面 Ｐ 転写紙 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 image forming unit 11 transfer device 12 fixing device 13 transfer roller 14 rotation fulcrum 15 pressure roller 16 heating roller 17 case of image forming unit 18 photoconductor 19 charging roller 20 developing device 21 cleaning device 22 toner recycling belt 23 developing sleeve 24 Registration roller pair 25 Cleaning blade 26 Developer stirring section 27 Core bar 28 Conductive rubber 29 Bearing 31 Charging roller case 33 Pressure spring 34 Cleaning pad 35 Spring receiver 36 Spring 37 Upper cover 41 Cleaning blade holder 42 Toner transport screw 43 Agent Stirring member 51 Claw body 52 Side plate of image forming apparatus main body 53 Opening 54 Projection 55 Tapered surface P Transfer paper
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 巽 謙三 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株 式会社リコー内 (72)発明者 山口 俊隆 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株 式会社リコー内 (72)発明者 須田 武男 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株 式会社リコー内 (72)発明者 吉永 洋 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株 式会社リコー内 (72)発明者 雨宮 賢 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株 式会社リコー内 (72)発明者 大堀 真由美 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株 式会社リコー内 (56)参考文献 特開 平６−273987（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平６−301249（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平８−30177（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平７−72707（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平７−92878（ＪＰ，Ａ) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) G03G 15/02 101 G03G 21/16 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kenzo Tatsumi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshitaka Yamaguchi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeo Suda 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd. Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. Hiroshi Yoshinaga 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd. Inside Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Ken Amamiya 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd. Inside Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Mayumi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-6-273987 (JP, A) JP-A-6-301249 (JP, A) JP-A-8-30177 (JP, A) JP-A-7-72707 (JP, A) JP-A-7-92878 ( P, A) (58) investigated the field (Int.Cl. 7, DB name) G03G 15/02 101 G03G 21/16
Claims (3)
ケース内に納めてなる画像形成装置の作像ユニットにお
いて、上記帯電装置を上記ケースに支持する部位に上記
帯電装置を上記感光体から離すように付勢する手段を備
え、画像形成装置本体へ装着したときの抜け止めとなる
爪体を上記ケースに片持ち状に設けるとともに、上記爪
体の自由端側を、上記付勢手段によって上記帯電装置と
ともに上記感光体から離す方向へ付勢可能な位置に配し
たことを特徴とする画像形成装置の作像ユニット。1. An image forming unit for an image forming apparatus in which a photoconductor, a developing device, a charging device, and the like are housed in an integrated case, wherein the charging device is mounted on a portion supporting the charging device in the case. Means for urging the claw body away from the main body, the claw body serving as a retainer when the claw body is attached to the image forming apparatus main body is provided in the case in a cantilever manner, and the free end side of the claw body is biased by the urging means. An image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit is disposed at a position where the member can be biased in a direction away from the photoconductor together with the charging device.
覆う上記ケースのカバー部をコ字溝状に切り欠いて一体
成形してなることを特徴とする請求項１の画像形成装置
の作像ユニット。2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the claw body is formed integrally by cutting a cover portion of the case covering the photoconductor, the charging device and the like into a U-shaped groove. Imaging unit.
ケース内に納めてなる画像形成装置の作像ユニットにお
いて、上記帯電装置を上記感光体へ押し付けるように付
勢する手段を備え、画像形成装置本体へ装着したときの
抜け止めとなる爪体を上記ケースに片持ち状に設けると
ともに、上記爪体の自由端側を、上記付勢手段によって
上記帯電装置とともに上記感光体から離す方向へ付勢可
能な位置に配したことを特徴とする画像形成装置の作像
ユニット。3. An image forming unit of an image forming apparatus in which a photoconductor, a developing device, a charging device, and the like are housed in an integrated case, comprising means for urging the charging device to press the photoconductor. A direction in which a claw body serving as a retainer when the claw body is attached to the image forming apparatus main body is cantilevered, and a free end side of the claw body is separated from the photosensitive member together with the charging device by the urging means. An image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit is disposed at a position where the image forming apparatus can be biased.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP17594896A JP3296972B2 (en) | 1996-06-14 | 1996-06-14 | Image forming unit of image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP17594896A JP3296972B2 (en) | 1996-06-14 | 1996-06-14 | Image forming unit of image forming apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH103244A JPH103244A (en) | 1998-01-06 |
| JP3296972B2 true JP3296972B2 (en) | 2002-07-02 |
Family
ID=16005058
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP17594896A Expired - Lifetime JP3296972B2 (en) | 1996-06-14 | 1996-06-14 | Image forming unit of image forming apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3296972B2 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-06-14 JP JP17594896A patent/JP3296972B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH103244A (en) | 1998-01-06 |
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