JPH0616186B2 - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Process cartridge and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number
JPH0616186B2
JPH0616186B2 JP62003076A JP307687A JPH0616186B2 JP H0616186 B2 JPH0616186 B2 JP H0616186B2 JP 62003076 A JP62003076 A JP 62003076A JP 307687 A JP307687 A JP 307687A JP H0616186 B2 JPH0616186 B2 JP H0616186B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
process cartridge
cartridge
image carrier
developing
image
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
Application number
JP62003076A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JPS63172171A (en
Inventor
雅雄 吉河
敬 斉藤
達也 小林
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to JP62003076A priority Critical patent/JPH0616186B2/en
Priority to DE3850678T priority patent/DE3850678T2/en
Priority to EP88300117A priority patent/EP0276910B1/en
Publication of JPS63172171A publication Critical patent/JPS63172171A/en
Priority to US07/379,685 priority patent/US4924267A/en
Publication of JPH0616186B2 publication Critical patent/JPH0616186B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1803—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
    • G03G21/1817—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof having a submodular arrangement
    • G03G21/1821—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof having a submodular arrangement means for connecting the different parts of the process cartridge, e.g. attachment, positioning of parts with each other, pressure/distance regulation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/01—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for producing multicoloured copies
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0896—Arrangements or disposition of the complete developer unit or parts thereof not provided for by groups G03G15/08 - G03G15/0894
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/1642—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements for connecting the different parts of the apparatus
    • G03G21/1647—Mechanical connection means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1803—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
    • G03G21/1807—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof colour
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1603—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for multicoloured copies
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/163—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for the developer unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1648—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts using seals, e.g. to prevent scattering of toner
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1651—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for connecting the different parts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1651—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for connecting the different parts
    • G03G2221/1654—Locks and means for positioning or alignment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1678—Frame structures
    • G03G2221/1687—Frame structures using opening shell type machines, e.g. pivoting assemblies
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/18—Cartridge systems
    • G03G2221/183—Process cartridge
    • G03G2221/1838—Autosetting of process parameters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/18—Cartridge systems
    • G03G2221/183—Process cartridge
    • G03G2221/1853—Process cartridge having a submodular arrangement
    • G03G2221/1861—Rotational subunit connection

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Color Electrophotography (AREA)

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 〔産業上の利用分野〕 本発明はプロセスカートリッジおよびプロセスカートリ
ッジを着脱可能であって記録媒体に画像を形成する電子
写真装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus to which a process cartridge can be attached and detached and which forms an image on a recording medium.

〔従来の技術〕[Conventional technology]

現在、コンピュータ、ファクシミリ、ＣＡＤ等の情報機
器の端末装置のプリンタとして、また複写機として、電
子写真による静電記録方式が多く適用されている。At present, an electrostatic recording method by electrophotography is widely applied as a printer of a terminal device of information equipment such as a computer, a facsimile, and a CAD, and as a copying machine.

これらのプリンタでは情報信号をレーザビーム、ＬＥ
Ｄ、ＬＣＤ等により静電潜像保持体、つまり感光ドラム
上に書き込み、それを現像装置によって可視像化し、そ
の後、転写紙に転写、定着する工程により記録像が得ら
れる。しかしながら、従来のプリンタでは記録像は例え
ば黒色だけの１色であった。These printers send information signals to laser beams and LEs.
A recorded image is obtained by a process of writing on an electrostatic latent image holder, that is, a photosensitive drum by D, LCD, etc., making it a visible image by a developing device, and then transferring and fixing it on a transfer paper. However, in the conventional printer, the recorded image is only one color, for example, black.

しかしながら、最近では記録像がより明瞭となり且つ情
報の理解がより容易となる等の理由から、例えばフォー
マットの色と計算値やデータ値の色とが異なる色で表現
されたり、ＣＡＤにより出力された図面の一部が他の色
で出力される等、２色又はそれ以上の複数の色で区別さ
れることが望まれている。However, recently, for the reason that the recorded image becomes clearer and the information is easier to understand, for example, the color of the format and the color of the calculation value or the data value are expressed by different colors or are output by CAD. It is desired to distinguish between two or more colors, such as a portion of the drawing being output in another color.

このような２色記録を可能とする電子写真装置の一例を
第５図に示す。FIG. 5 shows an example of an electrophotographic apparatus capable of such two-color recording.

第５図において、静電潜像保持体として導電基板上に、
光導電層を塗布して構成されるドラム状の電子写真感光
体１０１を回転自在に設け、該感光ドラム１０１を帯電
器１０２で一様に帯電する。次に例えばレーザのような
発光素子によって第１の情報信号１０３を露光し、第１
の静電潜像を形成し、第１の現像装置１０４で可視化す
る。この後、帯電器１０５で再び帯電し同様にレーザの
ような発光素子によって第２の情報信号１０６を露光し
て第２の潜像を形成し、第２の現像装置１０７によって
可視化する。次いで転写紙１０９へ転写、更に定着装置
１１０により定着する。また、感光ドラム１０１上の転
写残トナーはクリーニング装置１１１によってクリーニ
ングされる。In FIG. 5, as an electrostatic latent image holder on a conductive substrate,
A drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member 101 formed by applying a photoconductive layer is rotatably provided, and the photosensitive drum 101 is uniformly charged by a charger 102. Then, the first information signal 103 is exposed by a light emitting element such as a laser,
Electrostatic latent image is formed and visualized by the first developing device 104. After that, it is charged again by the charger 105, and similarly, the second information signal 106 is exposed by a light emitting element such as a laser to form a second latent image, which is visualized by the second developing device 107. Then, it is transferred onto the transfer paper 109 and further fixed by the fixing device 110. Further, the transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum 101 is cleaned by the cleaning device 111.

このような電子写真装置では、その使用が長時間に及ぶ
と、感光体の交換、現像剤の補強や交換、帯電線の清
掃、その他の調整や交換が必要で、このような保守作業
は、専門のサービスマンが行うこととなる。しかし、こ
の電子写真装置を常時良好な状態で作動させるのに、前
記専門知識を持つサービスマンに頼ることなく、保守作
業をする手法が提案されている。In such an electrophotographic apparatus, if the usage is extended for a long time, it is necessary to replace the photoreceptor, reinforce or replace the developer, clean the charging line, and perform other adjustments or replacements. It will be done by a professional service person. However, in order to always operate the electrophotographic apparatus in a good condition, there has been proposed a method of performing maintenance work without relying on a service person having the above-mentioned specialized knowledge.

その一例として、装置に内包する放電器・現像器・感光
ドラム等の各プロセス手段を複数組合せたものをカート
リッジ化し、このカートリッジを単に新しいものと交換
する方法がある。このようにプロセスカートリッジを交
換することを可能な構成にすれば保守・修理・消耗品の
交換等においても、単にプロセスカートリッジを新しい
プロセスカートリッジと交換することにより直ちに装置
本体を使用することも可能である。As one example, there is a method in which a plurality of process means such as a discharger, a developing device, and a photosensitive drum included in the apparatus are combined into a cartridge, and the cartridge is simply replaced with a new one. If the process cartridge can be replaced in this way, the main body of the device can be immediately used for maintenance, repair, replacement of consumables, etc. simply by replacing the process cartridge with a new process cartridge. is there.

〔発明が解決しようとする問題点〕[Problems to be solved by the invention]

しかし多色プリントを行う電子写真装置においては、各
色の現像装置におけるトナー消費量が異なるために、各
現像装置を同一のプロセスカートリッジに組み込むこと
は、１つの現像装置のトナーが切れた場合、プロセスカ
ートリッジ自体の使用価値を半減させてしまうこととな
るという問題点があった。However, in an electrophotographic apparatus that performs multicolor printing, since the toner consumption amount of each color developing device is different, it is necessary to install each developing device in the same process cartridge when the toner of one developing device runs out. There is a problem that the utility value of the cartridge itself is halved.

又、通常殆どの場合において、黒等の一色のみの画像を
プリントし、特殊な用途のみに他の各画像をプリントす
るユーザにとっては、２つの現像装置を同一プロセスカ
ートリッジに組み込み両者一体のカートリッジを色毎に
何種類も用意することは高価なものとなってしまう。In most cases, a user who prints an image of only one color, such as black, and prints each of the other images only for a special purpose, installs two developing devices in the same process cartridge and installs both cartridges. It would be expensive to prepare several types for each color.

そこで本発明は、現像剤が消費し尽くされた際でも無駄
を極力軽減して、メンテナンス操作の容易性を実現する
とともに、カラー画像の形成にも対処することのできる
プロセスカートリッジおよび画像形成装置を提供するこ
とを目的とするものである。Therefore, the present invention provides a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the waste as much as possible even when the developer is consumed, realizing the ease of maintenance operation, and capable of coping with the formation of a color image. It is intended to be provided.

〔問題点を解決するための手段〕[Means for solving problems]

前記問題点を解決するための第１の本発明は、電子写真
装置本体に装着可能なプロセスカートリッジにおいて、
像担持体と、前記像担持体に作用する第１の現像手段
と、を有するカートリッジ枠体と、前記カートリッジ枠
体に設けられた、前記像担持体に作用する第２の現像手
段を有する現像ユニットを着脱可能な着脱手段と、を有
することを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジである。A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a process cartridge mountable in an electrophotographic apparatus main body,
Development including a cartridge frame having an image carrier and a first developing unit acting on the image carrier, and a second developing unit provided on the cartridge frame and acting on the image carrier A process cartridge comprising: a detachable unit capable of detaching the unit.

また第２の本発明は、プロセスカートリッジを着脱可能
であって記録媒体に画像を形成する電子写真装置におい
て、像担持体と前記像担持体に作用する第１の現像手段
とを有するカートリッジ枠体と、前記カートリッジ枠体
に取り外し可能に設けられた、前記像担持体に作用する
第２の現像手段を有する現像ユニットと、を一体的に装
着可能な装着手段と、前記装着手段に装着したカートリ
ッジ枠体の有する像担持体に形成された画像を記録媒体
に転写する転写手段と、を有することを特徴とする電子
写真装置である。A second aspect of the present invention is an electrophotographic apparatus in which a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, the cartridge frame having an image carrier and a first developing unit that acts on the image carrier. And a developing unit that is detachably provided on the cartridge frame and has a developing unit that has a second developing unit that acts on the image carrier, and a mounting unit that is mounted on the mounting unit. An electrophotographic apparatus, comprising: a transfer unit that transfers an image formed on an image carrier of a frame body to a recording medium.

〔作用〕[Action]

本発明によれば、像担持体と第１の現像手段とを有する
カートリッジ枠体に第２の現像手段を有する現像ユニッ
トを着脱可能としたので、第１の現像手段と第２の現像
手段を別々に分離することができる。According to the present invention, since the developing unit having the second developing means can be attached to and detached from the cartridge frame body having the image carrier and the first developing means, the first developing means and the second developing means can be replaced. It can be separated separately.

〔実施例〕〔Example〕

以下説明する実施例は、像担持体の周囲に、潜像形成手
段・現像手段・及びクリーニング手段を一体に有し、本
体装置に着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジに、同様に潜
像形成手段及び現像手段を一体に有する少なくとも１つ
以上のサブカートリッジを着脱可能に構成した多色の電
子写真装置である。そこで以下説明する実施例によれ
ば、像担持体の周囲に、潜像形成手段・現像手段・及び
クリーニング手段を一体に有し、本体装置に着脱可能な
プロセスカートリッジに対して、潜像形成手段及び現像
手段を一体に有する少なくとも１つ以上のサブカートリ
ッジを着脱可能に構成したので、操作性に優れ多色の電
子写真装置が得られ、また各色に応じた潜像形成条件・
現像条件が設定されるので画質のよいコピーが得られ
る。In the embodiments described below, a latent image forming unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit are integrally provided around the image carrier, and a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body unit is similarly provided. Is a multicolor electrophotographic apparatus in which at least one or more sub-cartridges integrally having the above are detachably configured. Therefore, according to the embodiment described below, the latent image forming means, the developing means, and the cleaning means are integrally provided around the image carrier, and the latent image forming means is attached to the process cartridge detachable from the main body apparatus. Also, since at least one or more sub-cartridges integrally having the developing means are configured to be attachable / detachable, a multicolor electrophotographic apparatus having excellent operability can be obtained, and latent image forming conditions corresponding to each color can be obtained.
Since the development conditions are set, a copy with good image quality can be obtained.

さて第１図は本発明の一実施例である。図において、１
はプロセスカートリッジで、感光ドラム１１・帯電器１
２・露光窓１３・現像装置１４・クリーナ１５を一体化
したものである。２はサブカートリッジで帯電器２１・
露光窓２２・現像装置２３を一体化したものである。３
はプロセスカートリッジ１にサブカートリッジ２を嵌合
その他の手法で取付け固定する部材で、その装着固定し
た際に、帯電器２１及び現像装置２３と感光ドラム１１
の相互位置関係は、所定の設定値に固定されるように構
成されている。Now, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1
Is a process cartridge, the photosensitive drum 11 and the charger 1
2. The exposure window 13, the developing device 14, and the cleaner 15 are integrated. 2 is a sub cartridge, a charger 21.
The exposure window 22 and the developing device 23 are integrated. Three
Is a member for attaching and fixing the sub cartridge 2 to the process cartridge 1 by fitting or other method. When the sub cartridge 2 is attached and fixed, the charger 21, the developing device 23 and the photosensitive drum 11 are attached.
The mutual positional relationship of is fixed to a predetermined set value.

又嵌合固定部材３を解除することによって、サブカート
リッジ２はプロセスカートリッジ１と、図面上で上方向
（矢印Ａ）へ取りはずし可能である。Further, by releasing the fitting fixing member 3, the sub cartridge 2 can be removed from the process cartridge 1 in the upward direction (arrow A) in the drawing.

サブカートリッジ２には、様々な色トナーを有する現像
装置２３を配することが可能であるが、各色のサブカー
トリッジにおいて、トナーの帯電特性など各トナーの物
性値は異なっているが、各色画像が適正に得られるよう
に、潜像形成条件・現像条件は最適になるように各色毎
に、設定される。その潜像形成条件としては、帯電器２
１の形状、帯電線と感光ドラム１１の距離、更に帯電器
２１としてスコロトロンを用いる場合には、加えてグリ
ッドに接続する定電圧素子の定格電圧等を最適な値とす
る。又、現像条件としては、本体装置に設置された電源
からのバイアス電圧を、抵抗・コンデンサを組み合わせ
た回路により最適な条件に変換する構成とする。このよ
うに構成することによって、様々な色のサブカートリッ
ジを用いても、良質の画像を得ることが出来る。It is possible to arrange the developing device 23 having various color toners in the sub-cartridge 2. However, in each color sub-cartridge, the physical properties of each toner such as the charging characteristics of the toner are different, but each color image is The latent image forming condition and the developing condition are set for each color so as to be optimal so as to be properly obtained. The latent image forming condition is that the charger 2
1 and the distance between the charging line and the photosensitive drum 11, and when a scorotron is used as the charger 21, the rated voltage of the constant voltage element connected to the grid is set to an optimum value. Further, as the developing condition, the bias voltage from the power source installed in the main body apparatus is converted into the optimum condition by the circuit combining the resistor and the capacitor. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a good quality image even when using sub cartridges of various colors.

上記構成のプロセスカートリッジ１はサブカートリッジ
２を取り付けた状態で本体装置に設けた第２図に示すガ
イド４に係合して案内され、本体装置に装填される。第
２図は、プロセスカートリッジ１を本体装置に組込んだ
状態の概略を示したもので、本体箱枠体等は省略してあ
る。The process cartridge 1 having the above structure is guided by engaging with the guide 4 shown in FIG. 2 provided in the main body device with the sub cartridge 2 attached, and is loaded in the main body device. FIG. 2 shows an outline of a state in which the process cartridge 1 is incorporated in the main body device, and the main body box frame body and the like are omitted.

第２図に基づいて本発明実施例装置の動作を説明する。The operation of the apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

図において、ＯＰＣを感光層として有する感光ドラム１
１は、サブカートリッジ２に配置された第１の帯電器２
１によって負に一様に帯電される。次に、露光窓２２を
通してフォーマット等の第１の画像光６を感光ドラム１
１上に露光する。第１の画像光６は、第１の半導体レー
ザ５１を光源として第１の画像信号により変調された第
１のレーザビームであり、該第１のレーザビームは、モ
ータ５４により一定に回転数で回転する回転多面鏡５３
により偏光され、結像レンズ５５を経て、折り返しミラ
ー５６で反射された後、感光ドラム１１上をラスタ走査
され、第１の静電潜像を形成する。In the figure, a photosensitive drum 1 having OPC as a photosensitive layer
1 is a first charger 2 disposed in the sub-cartridge 2.
1 uniformly charges negatively. Next, the first image light 6 such as a format is transmitted through the exposure window 22 to the photosensitive drum 1
1 is exposed. The first image light 6 is a first laser beam modulated by a first image signal using the first semiconductor laser 51 as a light source, and the first laser beam is constantly rotated by the motor 54 at a constant rotation speed. Rotating polygon mirror 53
After being reflected by the folding mirror 56 through the image forming lens 55, the photosensitive drum 11 is raster-scanned to form a first electrostatic latent image.

これらの露光光学系は本体装置に組込まれている。These exposure optical systems are incorporated in the main body device.

該第１の静電潜像は、サブカートリッジ２に配置された
第１の現像装置２３によって現像される。該現像装置２
３は磁性粒子と赤等の有彩色トナーからなる現像剤を有
し、第１の静電潜像を有彩色に現像し、第１のトナー像
を形成する。The first electrostatic latent image is developed by the first developing device 23 arranged in the sub cartridge 2. The developing device 2
3 has a developer composed of magnetic particles and a chromatic color toner such as red, and develops the first electrostatic latent image into a chromatic color to form a first toner image.

次に、プロセスカートリッジ１に配置された第２の帯電
器１２により、再び負に一様に帯電する。その後露光窓
１３を通して、データ等の第２の画像信号７を感光ドラ
ム１１上に露光する。第２の画像光７は、第２の半導体
レーザ５２を光源として第２の画像信号により変調され
た第２のレーザビームであり、該第２のレーザビーム
は、回転多面鏡５３により偏光され、結像レンズ５５を
経て、感光ドラム１１上をラスタ走査され、第２の静電
潜像を形成する。Next, the second charging device 12 disposed in the process cartridge 1 charges the negative uniform charge again. After that, the second image signal 7 such as data is exposed on the photosensitive drum 11 through the exposure window 13. The second image light 7 is a second laser beam modulated by a second image signal using the second semiconductor laser 52 as a light source, and the second laser beam is polarized by the rotating polygon mirror 53, The photosensitive drum 11 is raster-scanned via the imaging lens 55 to form a second electrostatic latent image.

該第２の静電潜像は、プロセスカートリッジ１に配置さ
れた第２の現像装置１４によって現像される。該現像装
置１４は黒の一成分磁性トナーを現像スリーブ１４−１
に薄層に形成し、感光ドラム１１とは、該トナーが非接
触で現像するジャンピング現像装置であり、第２の静電
潜像を黒に現像し第２のトナー像を得る。The second electrostatic latent image is developed by the second developing device 14 arranged in the process cartridge 1. The developing device 14 uses a black one-component magnetic toner for the developing sleeve 14-1.
The photosensitive drum 11 is a jumping developing device that develops the toner in a thin layer in a non-contact manner, and develops the second electrostatic latent image to black to obtain a second toner image.

このように形成された２色のトナー像は、本体装置に配
置された転写装置８によって、転写紙１００に同時に転
写され、分離装置９で感光ドラムから転写紙を剥離させ
て定着装置１０により定着する。The two-color toner images thus formed are simultaneously transferred onto the transfer paper 100 by the transfer device 8 arranged in the main body device, and the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum by the separating device 9 and fixed by the fixing device 10. To do.

前記実施例のプロセスカートリッジ１及びこれに着脱可
能なサブカートリッジ２では、プロセスカートリッジ側
で黒画像形成、サブカートリッジ側で有彩色画像形成を
行う構成である。一般的に、黒画像のプリントが多いこ
とから、プロセスカートリッジ１に配置した現像装置１
４のトナー装填容量を、サブカートリッジ２の現像装置
２３よりも大きく構成するのが好ましい。The process cartridge 1 and the sub-cartridge 2 that can be attached to and detached from the process cartridge 1 of the above-described embodiment are configured to perform black image formation on the process cartridge side and chromatic color image formation on the sub-cartridge side. Generally, since many black images are printed, the developing device 1 disposed in the process cartridge 1
It is preferable that the toner loading capacity of No. 4 is larger than that of the developing device 23 of the sub cartridge 2.

第３図・第４図は他の実施例を示したもので、第３図は
第１の帯電器１２をプロセスカートリッジ１に配し、第
２の帯電器２１をサブカートリッジ２に配した構成であ
る。第４図は、第１の帯電器１２及び第１の現像装置１
４を、プロセスカートリッジ１に配し、第２の帯電器２
１、及び第２の現像装置２３をサブカートリッジ２に配
した構成である。FIGS. 3 and 4 show another embodiment. In FIG. 3, the first charger 12 is arranged in the process cartridge 1 and the second charger 21 is arranged in the sub cartridge 2. Is. FIG. 4 shows the first charger 12 and the first developing device 1.
4 in the process cartridge 1 and the second charger 2
In this configuration, the first and second developing devices 23 are arranged in the sub cartridge 2.

以上述べた実施例のいずれの場合においても、一方の現
像装置に充填したトナーが切れたら、プロセスカートリ
ッジとサブカートリッジを分離して、新に交換するだけ
で再びプリント可能な状態となる。In any of the above-described embodiments, when the toner filled in one of the developing devices runs out, the process cartridge and the sub-cartridge are separated, and a new replacement is made to enable printing again.

又プロセスカートリッジは、それ自体で帯電器・露光窓
・現像装置を備えているので、２色プリントを必要とし
ない場合には、サブカートリッジを用いずプロセスカー
トリッジ単体で使用することも可能である。Further, since the process cartridge is provided with the charger, the exposure window, and the developing device by itself, it is possible to use the process cartridge alone without using the sub-cartridge when two-color printing is not required.

この場合、以下のような構成で画像形成が行われる。In this case, image formation is performed with the following configuration.

第６図は、サブカートリッジ２の側面に設けた凸部２４
が、本体に配したスイッチ１１２をＯＮすることによっ
て、サブカートリッジ２の装着の有無をＣＰＵ１１３に
送信する状態を説明する図である。ＣＰＵ１１３はスイ
ッチ１１２の状態を判断して、例えば第１図に示したプ
ロセスカートリッジ１に設けた帯電器１２に電流を供給
する高圧電源（ＨＶＴ）１１４の印加電圧を切換える。
第１図の構成を別にとると、サブカートリッジ２が装着
されて、スイッチ１１２がＯＮの状態であれば、高圧電
源１１４は、−４．８ｋＶを印加し、スイッチＯＦＦの
状態では高圧電源１１４は、−５．４ｋＶを印加する。
これはサブカートリッジ２の装着の有無によって第１の
帯電器２１による帯電が行われるか否かが変わり、プロ
セスカートリッジ１に設けた帯電器１２に印加する電圧
値を適切な値に切換えなければ潜像電位が変わってしま
うために、このように高圧電源による設定値を切り換
え、現像装置１４での現像を充分な条件で行うことを可
能にする。FIG. 6 shows the protrusion 24 provided on the side surface of the sub cartridge 2.
6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the presence / absence of mounting of the sub cartridge 2 is transmitted to the CPU 113 by turning on the switch 112 disposed on the main body. The CPU 113 determines the state of the switch 112 and switches the applied voltage of a high voltage power supply (HVT) 114 that supplies a current to the charger 12 provided in the process cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 1, for example.
Apart from the configuration of FIG. 1, when the sub cartridge 2 is mounted and the switch 112 is in the ON state, the high voltage power supply 114 applies −4.8 kV, and in the switch OFF state, the high voltage power supply 114 is , -5.4 kV is applied.
This depends on whether or not the first charger 21 is charged depending on whether or not the sub-cartridge 2 is attached. If the voltage value applied to the charger 12 provided in the process cartridge 1 is not switched to an appropriate value, the Since the image potential changes, the set value by the high-voltage power source is switched in this way, and it is possible to perform development in the developing device 14 under sufficient conditions.

同様にＣＰＵ１１３は、第２の現像装置１４に印加する
現像バイアス値を切換える構成とすることも可能であ
る。Similarly, the CPU 113 can also be configured to switch the developing bias value applied to the second developing device 14.

更には、プロセスカートリッジにサブカートリッジを複
数取り付ける構成とすることで、３色以上の多色画像を
形成することも可能となる。Furthermore, by providing a plurality of sub-cartridges to the process cartridge, it is possible to form a multicolor image of three or more colors.

以上説明した実施例によれば、１回の複写サイクルにお
いて、多色印刷を行う電子写真装置において、潜像形成
手段・現像手段・クリーニング手段を備えたプロセスカ
ートリッジと、それに着脱可能に潜像形成手段・現像手
段を有するサブカートリッジを設けることにより、メン
テナンス及び取扱いが容易であり、更には、経済的な多
色の電子写真装置が得られる。また画質を向上すること
が可能となった。According to the embodiment described above, in an electrophotographic apparatus for performing multicolor printing in one copy cycle, a process cartridge provided with a latent image forming unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit, and a latent image forming detachably formed on the process cartridge. By providing the sub-cartridge having the means and the developing means, maintenance and handling are easy, and an economical multicolor electrophotographic apparatus can be obtained. It has also become possible to improve the image quality.

〔発明の効果〕〔The invention's effect〕

前述した通り本発明によれば、現像剤が消費し尽くされ
た際でも無駄を極力軽減して、メンテナンス操作の容易
性を実現するとともに、カラー画像の形成にも対処する
ことのできるプロセスカートリッジおよび画像形成装置
を提供することができる。As described above, according to the present invention, even when the developer is used up, waste is reduced as much as possible to realize ease of maintenance operation, and a process cartridge capable of coping with the formation of a color image. An image forming apparatus can be provided.

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

第１図は本発明の一実施例を示す縦断側面図、 第２図はその動作説明図、 第３図・第４図は本発明の他の実施例の縦断側面図、 第５図は２色記録を可能とする電子写真装置の従来例の
一つの説明図、 第６図はサブカートリッジの装着の有無により帯電器に
印加する電圧値、現像バイアス値を切換える手段の説明
図である。 １…プロセスカートリッジ ２…サブカートリッジ ６・７…画像信号 １１…像担持体 １２・２１…帯電器 １４・２３…現像装置 １５…クリーナFIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of its operation, FIGS. 3 and 4 are vertical sectional side views of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a conventional example of an electrophotographic apparatus capable of color recording, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of means for switching a voltage value applied to a charger and a developing bias value depending on whether a sub cartridge is mounted or not. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Process cartridge 2 ... Sub cartridge 6.7 ... Image signal 11 ... Image carrier 12/21 ... Charger 14/23 ... Developing device 15 ... Cleaner

フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 特開 昭61−55661（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭59−31976（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 昭57−104951（ＪＰ，Ａ) 実開 昭61−167655（ＪＰ，Ｕ)Continuation of front page (56) Reference JP-A-61-55661 (JP, A) JP-A-59-31976 (JP, A) JP-A-57-104951 (JP, A) Actual development 61-167655 (JP , U)

Claims (7)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】電子写真装置本体に装着可能なプロセスカ
ートリッジにおいて、 像担持体と、 前記像担持体に作用する第１の現像手段と、 を有するカートリッジ枠体と、 前記カートリッジ枠体に設けられた、前記像担持体に作
用する第２の現像手段を有する現像ユニットを着脱可能
な着脱手段と、 を有することを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。1. A process cartridge mountable on the main body of an electrophotographic apparatus, comprising: a cartridge frame having an image carrier and a first developing unit acting on the image carrier; and a cartridge frame provided on the cartridge frame. A process cartridge comprising: a detachable unit capable of detachably attaching a developing unit having a second developing unit that acts on the image carrier. 【請求項２】前記カートリッジ枠体は前記像担持体に作
用する帯電手段を有する特許請求の範囲第（１）項に記
載のプロセスカートリッジ。2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge frame has a charging unit that acts on the image carrier. 【請求項３】前記カートリッジ枠体は前記像担持体に作
用するクリーニング手段を有する特許請求の範囲第
（１）項に記載のプロセスカートリッジ。3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge frame has a cleaning unit that acts on the image carrier. 【請求項４】前記現像ユニットは前記像担持体に作用す
る帯電手段を有する特許請求の範囲第（１）項に記載の
プロセスカートリッジ。4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing unit has a charging unit that acts on the image carrier. 【請求項５】第１の現像手段は黒現像剤を有する特許請
求の範囲第（１）項に記載のプロセスカートリッジ。5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first developing means has a black developer. 【請求項６】第２の現像手段は色現像剤を有する特許請
求の範囲第（１）項に記載のプロセスカートリッジ。6. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second developing means has a color developer. 【請求項７】プロセスカートリッジを着脱可能であって
記録媒体に画像を形成する電子写真装置において、 像担持体と前記像担持体に作用する第１の現像手段とを
有するカートリッジ枠体と、前記カートリッジ枠体に取
り外し可能に設けられた、前記像担持体に作用する第２
の現像手段を有する現像ユニットと、を一体的に装着可
能な装着手段と、 前記装着手段に装着したカートリッジ枠体の有する像担
持体に形成された画像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段
と、 を有することを特徴とする電子写真装置。7. An electrophotographic apparatus in which a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, and a cartridge frame body having an image carrier and a first developing unit acting on the image carrier, A second detachably mounted on the cartridge frame and acting on the image carrier
A developing unit having a developing unit, and a transfer unit for transferring an image formed on an image carrier of a cartridge frame mounted on the mounting unit to a recording medium. An electrophotographic apparatus characterized by having.
JP62003076A 1987-01-09 1987-01-09 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus Expired - Lifetime JPH0616186B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP62003076A JPH0616186B2 (en) 1987-01-09 1987-01-09 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
DE3850678T DE3850678T2 (en) 1987-01-09 1988-01-08 Work unit and multi-color imaging device equipped with it.
EP88300117A EP0276910B1 (en) 1987-01-09 1988-01-08 Process cartridge and multicolor image forming apparatus using same
US07/379,685 US4924267A (en) 1987-01-09 1989-07-12 Process cartridge and multi-color image forming apparatus using same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP62003076A JPH0616186B2 (en) 1987-01-09 1987-01-09 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPS63172171A JPS63172171A (en) 1988-07-15
JPH0616186B2 true JPH0616186B2 (en) 1994-03-02

Family

ID=11547246

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP62003076A Expired - Lifetime JPH0616186B2 (en) 1987-01-09 1987-01-09 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH0616186B2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9046087B2 (en) 2009-02-13 2015-06-02 Alfred Kaercher Gmbh & Co. Kg Motor pump unit

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0693140B2 (en) * 1987-12-23 1994-11-16 キヤノン株式会社 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP2542931Y2 (en) * 1990-07-18 1997-07-30 株式会社リコー Copier

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9046087B2 (en) 2009-02-13 2015-06-02 Alfred Kaercher Gmbh & Co. Kg Motor pump unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS63172171A (en) 1988-07-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4924267A (en) Process cartridge and multi-color image forming apparatus using same
JP2003050531A (en) Image forming device
US5196891A (en) Image forming apparatus having distribution brush and image carrier mounted in a removable unit
JPH0731443B2 (en) Recording device
US5537188A (en) Color image forming apparatus having a process cartridge and a color developer cartridge
US5220386A (en) Image forming apparatus having cleanable transfer material carrying means
US5181070A (en) Process cartridge and image forming apparatus using such cartridge
JPH0616186B2 (en) Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
EP0599296B1 (en) Color image forming apparatus
JP3153039B2 (en) Multicolor image forming device
JPH0682244B2 (en) Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP2566999B2 (en) Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP2009288552A (en) Image forming apparatus, controller, toner cartridge, developing cartridge, and process cartridge
JPH07117807B2 (en) Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
JPH1020627A (en) Color image forming device
JPH11174775A (en) Developing device and multicolor image forming device
JPH08202171A (en) Electrophotographic recorder
JP3058204B2 (en) Multicolor image forming device
JP3261063B2 (en) Image forming device
JPS62143070A (en) Image forming device
US6889025B2 (en) Color image forming apparatus having developers in a fixed position with respect to a photosensitive medium
JP2004333890A (en) Image forming apparatus
JP3579115B2 (en) Color electrophotographic method
JPS63216071A (en) Process cartridge
JPH10161398A (en) Multicolor image forming device