JPH10142887A - Color image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the attachment/detachment and the change of plural developing means arranged around an image forming body by opening a housing for a developing means integrally holding the plural developing means of a process cartridge from a housing for an image forming body so that the developing means may be attached to and detached from the inside of the housing for the developing means. SOLUTION: In the case of the maintenance or the change of the developing device 13 or a photoreceptor drum 10, a tray T functioning as an opening/ closing cover is opened upward with a rotary supporting shaft TA as a fulcrum. Each device 13 is locked in the housing for the developing device 102, and the housing 102 is opened with a rotary supporting shaft 102a as a fulcrum, then the developing device 13 is unlocked to be detached from the inside of the housing 102 toward the inner side through a guide rail 102b, whereby the maintenance or the change of the device 13 is performed. By pulling out the drum 10 from a housing for a photoreceptor drum 101 upward in a state where the housing 102 is opened, the maintenance or the change of the drum 10 or an exposure optical system is performed.

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、複写機、プリン
タ、ＦＡＸ等の画像形成装置で、像形成体の周辺に複数
組の帯電手段、像露光手段と現像手段を配置して像形成
体の一回転中にトナー像を重ね合わせてカラー画像を形
成する電子写真方式のカラー画像形成装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc., in which a plurality of sets of charging means, image exposing means and developing means are arranged around the image forming body. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by superimposing toner images during one rotation.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、多色のカラー画像を形成する方法
としては、画像形成に必要な色と同数の像形成体、帯電
手段、現像手段等を備え、それぞれの像形成体に形成し
た単色のトナー像を転写材に重ね合わせてカラー画像と
するカラー画像形成装置や、像形成体を複数回回転して
各色毎の帯電、像露光ならびに現像を繰り返してカラー
画像を形成するカラー画像形成装置、あるいは、同じく
像形成体の一回転以内に各色毎の帯電、像露光ならびに
現像を順次行ってカラー画像を形成するカラー画像形成
装置等が知られている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of forming a multi-color image, a single color image formed on each image forming body is provided with the same number of image forming bodies, charging means, developing means and the like as the number of colors required for image formation. Color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by superimposing the toner image on a transfer material, or a color image forming apparatus that rotates the image forming body a plurality of times and repeats charging, image exposure, and development for each color to form a color image Alternatively, there is known a color image forming apparatus which forms a color image by sequentially performing charging, image exposure, and development for each color within one rotation of the image forming body.

【０００３】しかし前記の各画像形成装置において、画
像形成に必要な色と同数の像形成体、帯電手段、現像手
段等を備え、それぞれ像形成体に形成した単色のトナー
像を転写材に重ね合わせてカラー画像とするカラー画像
形成装置は、複数の像形成体や転写材の搬送を要するた
め装置の容積が大型化する欠点があり、一方、像形成体
を複数回回転して各色毎の帯電、像露光ならびに現像を
繰り返してカラー画像を形成するカラー画像形成装置
は、容積は小型化されるものの、形成される画像のサイ
ズが像形成体の表面積以下に限定されると云う制約があ
る。However, each of the above image forming apparatuses is provided with the same number of image forming bodies, charging means, developing means, etc. as the number of colors required for image formation, and superposes a single color toner image formed on each image forming body on a transfer material. A color image forming apparatus that forms a color image together has a drawback that the volume of the apparatus is increased due to the necessity of transporting a plurality of image forming bodies and a transfer material. A color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by repeating charging, image exposure, and development has a limitation that although the volume is reduced, the size of the formed image is limited to the surface area of the image forming body or less. .

【０００４】その点、像形成体の一回転以内に各色毎の
帯電、像露光ならびに現像を順次行ってカラー画像を形
成するカラー画像形成装置は、画像のサイズに制約がな
く、しかも高速の画像形成を可能とする等の利点があ
る。更に、像形成体の基体として透光性基体を用い、像
形成体の内部に像露光手段を配置し装置の小型化を図っ
たものが、例えば特開平５−３０７３０７号公報によっ
て提案されている。In this regard, a color image forming apparatus which forms a color image by sequentially performing charging, image exposure and development for each color within one rotation of the image forming body has no restriction on the size of the image and has a high speed image. There are advantages such as enabling formation. Further, an apparatus in which a light-transmitting substrate is used as a substrate of an image forming body and an image exposing means is arranged inside the image forming body to reduce the size of the apparatus has been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-307307. .

【０００５】[0005]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら前記の提
案によるカラー画像形成装置は、像形成体に対し内側に
像露光手段、外側に帯電手段、現像手段を数多く配置す
るために構造が複雑であり、特に、交換頻度の多い現像
剤のメンテナンス操作を要する現像手段は、保守・交換
等のメンテナンス操作の際の装置本体との着脱、交換が
困難である。特に、一成分現像剤を用いた現像手段にお
いては、現像剤の使いきりによる現像手段の交換頻度が
多く、着脱、交換の容易性が要求される。However, the color image forming apparatus according to the above-mentioned proposal has a complicated structure because an image exposing means is arranged inside the image forming body, and a number of charging means and developing means are arranged outside the image forming body. Particularly, it is difficult to attach / detach / replace a developing unit which requires a maintenance operation of a developer which is frequently exchanged with the apparatus main body at the time of a maintenance operation such as maintenance / exchange. In particular, in a developing unit using a one-component developer, the developing unit is frequently replaced due to the exhaustion of the developer, and easiness of attachment / detachment and exchange is required.

【０００６】本発明はこの点を解決して、像形成体の周
囲に配置される複数の現像手段の着脱、交換が容易な構
成のカラー画像形成装置を提供することを目的としたも
のである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a color image forming apparatus which solves this problem and has a structure in which a plurality of developing means arranged around an image forming body can be easily attached and detached and exchanged. .

【０００７】[0007]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的は、回転する像
形成体の周囲に、前記像形成体を帯電させる帯電手段
と、帯電された像形成体に像露光し潜像を形成させる像
露光手段と、像形成体に形成された潜像を現像しトナー
像を形成させる現像手段と、を複数組配置し、前記像形
成体の一回転中に、前記像形成体に対し前記帯電手段に
よる帯電と前記像露光手段による像露光と前記現像手段
による現像とによるトナー像の形成を順次繰り返すこと
により前記像形成体上に複数のトナー像を重ね合わせた
後、重ね合わせたトナー像を転写材に一括して転写する
カラー画像形成装置において、前記複数の像露光手段
と、前記複数の像露光手段を内包する前記像形成体と、
前記像形成体の周囲に配置される前記複数の現像手段と
を前記カラー画像形成装置本体に着脱可能な一体的なプ
ロセスカートリッジとし、前記プロセスカートリッジの
前記複数の現像手段を一体的に保持する現像手段筺体
を、前記プロセスカートリッジの前記像形成体を保持す
る像形成体筺体より開口し、前記現像手段筺体の内部よ
り前記現像手段を着脱することを特徴とするカラー画像
形成装置によって達成される（第１の発明）。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging means for charging an image forming body around a rotating image forming body, and an image exposure for forming a latent image by exposing the charged image forming body to an image. Means and a developing means for developing a latent image formed on the image forming body to form a toner image are arranged, and during one rotation of the image forming body, the charging means is used for the image forming body. A plurality of toner images are superimposed on the image forming body by sequentially repeating formation of a toner image by charging, image exposure by the image exposing unit, and development by the developing unit, and then the superimposed toner image is transferred to a transfer material. In the color image forming apparatus that collectively transfers to the, the plurality of image exposure means, the image forming body including the plurality of image exposure means,
A developing unit that is arranged around the image forming body and the plurality of developing units is an integral process cartridge that is detachable from the main body of the color image forming apparatus, and a developing unit that integrally holds the plurality of developing units of the process cartridge. This is achieved by a color image forming apparatus characterized in that an opening of a means housing is opened from an image forming body housing for holding the image forming body of the process cartridge, and the developing means is attached to and detached from the inside of the developing means housing. First invention).

【０００８】また、上記目的は、回転する像形成体の周
囲に、前記像形成体を帯電させる帯電手段と、帯電され
た像形成体に像露光し潜像を形成させる像露光手段と、
像形成体に形成された潜像を現像しトナー像を形成させ
る現像手段と、を複数組配置し、前記像形成体の一回転
中に、前記像形成体に対し前記帯電手段による帯電と前
記像露光手段による像露光と前記現像手段による現像と
によるトナー像の形成を順次繰り返すことにより前記像
形成体上に複数のトナー像を重ね合わせた後、重ね合わ
せたトナー像を転写材に一括して転写するカラー画像形
成装置において、前記複数の現像手段を一体的に保持す
る現像手段筺体を設け、前記カラー画像形成装置本体の
開閉蓋を開口した後、前記現像手段筺体を装置本体内部
より取出し、前記現像手段筺体の内部より前記現像手段
を着脱することを特徴とするカラー画像形成装置によっ
て達成される（第２の発明）。[0008] Further, the above object is to provide a charging means for charging the image forming body around a rotating image forming body, an image exposing means for exposing a charged image forming body to form a latent image,
A developing unit for developing a latent image formed on the image forming body to form a toner image, a plurality of sets are arranged, and during one rotation of the image forming body, charging of the image forming body by the charging unit and A plurality of toner images are superimposed on the image forming body by sequentially repeating formation of a toner image by image exposure by the image exposing means and development by the developing means, and then the superimposed toner images are collectively transferred onto a transfer material. In the color image forming apparatus, the developing means housing for integrally holding the plurality of developing means is provided, and after opening and closing a lid of the color image forming apparatus main body, the developing means housing is taken out from the inside of the apparatus main body. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image forming apparatus, wherein the developing unit is attached to and detached from the inside of the developing unit housing.

【０００９】また、上記目的は、回転する像形成体の周
囲に、前記像形成体を帯電させる帯電手段と、帯電され
た像形成体に像露光し潜像を形成させる像露光手段と、
像形成体に形成された潜像を現像しトナー像を形成させ
る現像手段と、を複数組配置し、前記像形成体の一回転
中に、前記像形成体に対し前記帯電手段による帯電と前
記像露光手段による像露光と前記現像手段による現像と
によるトナー像の形成を順次繰り返すことにより前記像
形成体上に複数のトナー像を重ね合わせた後、重ね合わ
せたトナー像を転写材に一括して転写するカラー画像形
成装置において、前記複数の現像手段を一体的に保持す
る現像手段筺体を設け、前記カラー画像形成装置本体の
開閉蓋の開口に伴って前記現像手段筺体を前記像形成体
より離間させ、前記現像手段筺体の内部より前記現像手
段を着脱することを特徴とするカラー画像形成装置によ
って達成される（第３の発明）。Further, the above object is to provide a charging means for charging the image forming body around a rotating image forming body, an image exposing means for imagewise exposing the charged image forming body to form a latent image,
A developing unit for developing a latent image formed on the image forming body to form a toner image, a plurality of sets are arranged, and during one rotation of the image forming body, charging of the image forming body by the charging unit and A plurality of toner images are superimposed on the image forming body by sequentially repeating formation of a toner image by image exposure by the image exposing means and development by the developing means, and then the superimposed toner images are collectively transferred onto a transfer material. In the color image forming apparatus, the developing means housing for integrally holding the plurality of developing means is provided, and the developing means housing is moved from the image forming body along with an opening of an opening / closing lid of the color image forming apparatus main body. A third aspect of the present invention is achieved by a color image forming apparatus wherein the developing unit is detached from the inside of the housing of the developing unit.

【００１０】[0010]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を説明
する。なお、本願の記載は請求項の技術的範囲や用語の
意義を限定するものではない。また、以下の、本発明の
実施の形態における断定的な説明は、ベストモードを示
すものであって、本発明の用語の意義や技術的範囲を限
定するものではない。また、以下の実施形態の説明にお
いて、カラートナー像の転写材への転写の際に、転写域
において像形成体に対向する側の転写材の面（転写材の
表面または上面という）に転写する画像を表面画像、転
写材の他方の側の面（転写材の裏面または下面という）
に転写する画像を裏面画像という。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The description of the present application does not limit the technical scope of the claims and the meaning of terms. Also, the following assertive description in the embodiment of the present invention indicates the best mode, and does not limit the meaning of the terms of the present invention or the technical scope. In the following description of the embodiment, when a color toner image is transferred to a transfer material, the color toner image is transferred to the surface of the transfer material facing the image forming body in the transfer area (referred to as the surface or upper surface of the transfer material). The image is a front image, the other side of the transfer material (called the back or bottom surface of the transfer material)
The image to be transferred to is referred to as a backside image.

【００１１】本発明のカラー画像形成装置の一実施形態
の画像形成プロセスおよび各機構について、図１ないし
図３を用いて説明する。図１は、本発明の一実施形態を
示すカラー画像形成装置の断面構成図であり、図２は、
図１のプロセスカートリッジの概要断面図であり、図３
は、現像手段交換の第１の例を示す図である。図１に示
すカラー画像形成装置はベルト状転写手段を有し、さら
にはベルト状部材を用いて転写材の両面にトナー像を形
成し、これを一括定着を行うようにした両面画像形成装
置であるが、本発明は両面画像形成に限定されるもので
はない。An image forming process and each mechanism of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge of FIG. 1 and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of replacement of a developing unit. The color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a double-sided image forming apparatus having a belt-shaped transfer unit, further forming a toner image on both sides of a transfer material using a belt-shaped member, and performing collective fixing. However, the present invention is not limited to double-sided image formation.

【００１２】図１または図２によれば、像形成体である
感光体ドラム１０は、例えば、光学ガラスや透明アクリ
ル樹脂の透明部材によって形成される円筒状の基体を内
側に設け、透明の導電層、ａ−Ｓｉ層あるいは有機感光
層（ＯＰＣ）等の感光層を該基体の外周に形成したもの
であり、接地された状態で図１の矢印で示す時計方向に
回転される。Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, a photosensitive drum 10 as an image forming body is provided with a cylindrical base formed of a transparent member of, for example, optical glass or transparent acrylic resin, and is provided with a transparent conductive material. A photosensitive layer such as a layer, an a-Si layer, or an organic photosensitive layer (OPC) is formed on the outer periphery of the substrate, and is rotated clockwise as shown by an arrow in FIG. 1 in a grounded state.

【００１３】帯電手段としてのスコロトロン帯電器１１
はイエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ）およ
び黒色（Ｋ）の各色の画像形成プロセスに用いられ、像
形成体である感光体ドラム１０の移動方向に対して直交
する方向に感光体ドラム１０と対峙して取り付けられ、
感光体ドラム１０の前述した有機感光層に対し所定の電
位に保持された制御グリッドと、例えば鋸歯状電極から
なる放電電極１１ａとを有し、トナーと同極性のコロナ
放電によって帯電作用（本実施形態においてはマイナス
帯電）を行い、感光体ドラム１０に対し一様な電位を与
える。放電電極１１ａとしては、その他ワイヤ電極を用
いることも可能である。Scorotron charger 11 as charging means
Is used in an image forming process of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K), and is exposed in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the photosensitive drum 10 as an image forming body. It is installed facing the body drum 10,
It has a control grid maintained at a predetermined potential with respect to the above-mentioned organic photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 10 and a discharge electrode 11a composed of, for example, a sawtooth electrode. In the embodiment, the photosensitive drum 10 is given a uniform potential. Other wire electrodes can be used as the discharge electrode 11a.

【００１４】各色毎の像露光手段としての露光光学系１
２は、感光体ドラム１０上での露光位置が、スコロトロ
ン帯電器１１の放電電極１１ａと現像器１３の現像位置
との間に位置するように配置される。Exposure optical system 1 as image exposure means for each color
Reference numeral 2 denotes an arrangement in which the exposure position on the photosensitive drum 10 is located between the discharge electrode 11a of the scorotron charger 11 and the development position of the developing device 13.

【００１５】Ｙ、Ｍ、Ｃ及びＫの各色毎の像露光手段と
しての露光光学系１２は、露光系として基板１２２上に
感光体ドラム１０の軸と平行な主走査方向に配列された
複数の発光素子としてのＬＥＤ（発光ダイオード）１２
１をアレイ状に並べた線状の露光素子１２ａを、結像素
子としての光集束性光伝送体（商品名、セルフォックレ
ンズ）１２ｂを保持する結像素子保持部材としてのレン
ズホルダ１２ｃに取付けたユニットとして構成され、各
露光光学系１２を支持する共通支持体としての支持部材
２０に各色毎の露光光学系１２が取付けられて感光体ド
ラム１０の基体内部に収容される。An exposure optical system 12 as an image exposure means for each of the colors Y, M, C and K has a plurality of exposure systems arranged on a substrate 122 in a main scanning direction parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 10. LED (light emitting diode) 12 as a light emitting element
The linear exposure elements 12a in which the elements 1 are arranged in an array are attached to a lens holder 12c as an imaging element holding member that holds a light converging light transmitter (trade name, Selfoc lens) 12b as an imaging element. The exposure optical system 12 for each color is mounted on a support member 20 as a common support for supporting each exposure optical system 12, and is housed inside the base of the photosensitive drum 10.

【００１６】各色毎の露光光学系１２は、従来用いられ
ていた楔状の貼付部材を用いずに、支持部材２０上に直
接仮止めされ、予め治工具等により感光体ドラム１０と
の主走査方向及び感光体ドラム１０の回転方向の副走査
方向とを位置出しされる状態に調整されて各色毎の露光
光学系１２の共通支持体としての支持部材２０に直接図
２に黒丸で示す接着剤にて固定される。これにより、露
光光学系１２が設けられた支持部材２０の小型化が図ら
れる。即ち、像露光手段の小型化が図られる。The exposure optical system 12 for each color is temporarily fixed directly on the support member 20 without using a conventionally used wedge-shaped sticking member, and is previously moved in the main scanning direction with the photosensitive drum 10 by a jig or the like. The rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 10 and the sub-scanning direction are adjusted so as to be positioned, and the support member 20 as a common support member of the exposure optical system 12 for each color is directly applied to the adhesive indicated by a black circle in FIG. Fixed. Accordingly, the size of the support member 20 provided with the exposure optical system 12 can be reduced. That is, the size of the image exposure means can be reduced.

【００１７】別体のイメージスキャナにより読込まれた
り、外部信号等により入力されて不図示の記憶部、例え
ばＲＡＭ内に記憶された各色の画像データが装置本体の
制御部を通して記憶部より順次読み出され、露光光学系
１２にそれぞれ電気信号として入力され、各色毎のＬＥ
Ｄ１２１が、例えばパルス幅変調方式（ＰＷＭ方式）に
より発光される。この実施形態で使用される発光素子の
発光波長は６００〜９００ｎｍの範囲のものである。The image data of each color read by a separate image scanner or input by an external signal or the like and stored in a storage unit (not shown), for example, a RAM, is sequentially read from the storage unit through a control unit of the apparatus main body. Are input to the exposure optical system 12 as electric signals, and the LE for each color is input.
D121 is emitted by, for example, a pulse width modulation method (PWM method). The emission wavelength of the light emitting element used in this embodiment is in the range of 600 to 900 nm.

【００１８】上記の露光素子としては、その他ＦＬ（蛍
光体発光），ＥＬ（エレクトロルミネッセンス），ＰＬ
（プラズマ放電）等の複数の発光素子をアレイ状に並べ
たものが用いられる。この実施形態で使用される発光素
子の発光波長は、外部から像露光を行う際は通常Ｙ，
Ｍ，Ｃのトナーの透過性の高い７８０〜９００ｎｍの範
囲のものが用いられるが、裏面から像露光を行う方式で
あることからカラートナーに対して透光性を十分に有し
ないこれより短い４００〜７８０ｎｍの波長でもよい。The above exposure elements include FL (phosphor emission), EL (electroluminescence), PL
A device in which a plurality of light emitting elements such as (plasma discharge) are arranged in an array is used. The light emission wavelength of the light emitting element used in this embodiment is usually Y, when performing image exposure from the outside.
M and C toners having a high transmittance in the range of 780 to 900 nm are used. However, since the image exposure is performed from the back side, the color toner does not have sufficient light-transmitting property. The wavelength may be up to 780 nm.

【００１９】画像形成される色順序と、回転される感光
体ドラム１０に、該色順序に従って設けられる現像器１
３は、本実施形態においては、図１の感光体ドラム１０
に対してＹ，Ｍの現像器１３が感光体ドラム１０の左側
に、また、Ｃ，Ｋの現像器１３が感光体ドラム１０の右
側に配置され、Ｙ，Ｍの現像器１３の現像ケーシング１
３８の下方にＹ，Ｍのスコロトロン帯電器１１が、ま
た、Ｃ，Ｋの現像器１３の現像ケーシング１３８の上方
にＣ，Ｋのスコロトロン帯電器１１が配置される。Developing device 1 provided in accordance with the color order in which the image is formed and on the rotating photosensitive drum 10
Reference numeral 3 denotes the photosensitive drum 10 in FIG.
The Y and M developing units 13 are arranged on the left side of the photosensitive drum 10, and the C and K developing units 13 are arranged on the right side of the photosensitive drum 10.
The scorotron chargers 11 for Y and M are disposed below 38, and the scorotron chargers 11 for C and K are disposed above the developing casing 138 of the C and K developing devices 13.

【００２０】各色毎の現像手段としての現像器１３は、
イエロー（Ｙ），マゼンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ）および
黒色（Ｋ）の一成分の現像剤をそれぞれ収容し、それぞ
れ感光体ドラム１０の周面に対し所定の間隙を保って、
現像位置において感光体ドラム１０の回転方向と同方向
に回転する例えば厚み０．３ｍｍ〜０．５ｍｍ、外径１
０〜２０ｍｍの円筒状の非磁性のステンレスあるいはア
ルミ材で形成された現像スリーブ１３１を備えている。The developing device 13 as a developing means for each color includes
One-component developers of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) are accommodated, respectively, and a predetermined gap is maintained with respect to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10, respectively.
At the developing position, the photosensitive drum 10 rotates in the same direction as the rotating direction of the photosensitive drum 10.
The developing sleeve 131 is formed of a nonmagnetic stainless steel or aluminum material having a cylindrical shape of 0 to 20 mm.

【００２１】現像スリーブ１３１は、例えばアルミニウ
ム、ステンレス鋼等の非磁性材料からなり、表面をサン
ドブラスト処理でＪＩＳ１０点平均粗さによる表示（Ｊ
ＩＳ−Ｂ０６１０）で０．５μｍ〜５μｍの粗面加工を
施し回転可能に支持された現像剤搬送担体である。現像
スリーブ１３１が感光体ドラム１０の周面に対し所定の
間隙を保って、現像位置において感光体ドラム１０の回
転方向と同方向に回転する。The developing sleeve 131 is made of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum, stainless steel or the like, and its surface is sandblasted to indicate the JIS 10-point average roughness (J).
IS-B0610), which is a developer carrier that is rotatably supported with a roughened surface of 0.5 μm to 5 μm. The developing sleeve 131 rotates at the developing position in the same direction as the rotating direction of the photosensitive drum 10 while maintaining a predetermined gap with respect to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

【００２２】１３２は現像スリーブ１３１へ現像剤（ト
ナー）を供給するトナーの供給部材としての、例えばス
ポンジやウレタンゴムの発泡材ローラよりなり、供給部
において現像スリーブ１３１と平行に設けられ、現像ス
リーブ１３１と同方向に回転する供給ローラである。１
３３は現像剤層（トナー層）の高さ、量を規制するため
設けられた規制部材であり、例えば板状のステンレスや
ゴム材よりなる帯状の弾性板と、弾性板の先端部で現像
スリーブ１３１との当接部に取付けられ、例えばスポン
ジやウレタンゴムの発泡材よりなる帯状の弾性体と、よ
り構成される。規制部材１３３は先端を現像スリーブ１
３１の回転方向上流に向けて配置される。Reference numeral 132 denotes a toner supply member for supplying a developer (toner) to the developing sleeve 131, which is, for example, a sponge or urethane rubber foam material roller. Reference numeral 131 denotes a supply roller which rotates in the same direction. 1
Reference numeral 33 denotes a regulating member provided to regulate the height and amount of the developer layer (toner layer). For example, a belt-shaped elastic plate made of a plate-like stainless steel or rubber material, and a developing sleeve at the tip of the elastic plate. It is attached to the abutment portion 131 and is composed of, for example, a band-shaped elastic body made of a foam material such as sponge or urethane rubber. The regulating member 133 has a leading end at the developing sleeve 1.
31 is arranged upstream in the rotation direction.

【００２３】現像器１３が不図示の突き当てコロにより
感光体ドラム１０と所定の値の間隙、例えば１００μｍ
〜５００μｍをあけて非接触に保たれ、各色毎の現像器
１３による現像作用に際しては、現像スリーブ１３１に
対し直流電圧あるいはさらに交流電圧を加えた現像バイ
アスが印加され、現像器の収容する一成分現像剤による
ジャンピング現像が行われて、負荷電の感光体ドラム１
０に対してトナーと同極性（本実施形態においてはマイ
ナス極性）の直流バイアスを印加して、露光部にトナー
を付着させる非接触の反転現像が行われる。この時の現
像間隔精度は画像ムラを防ぐために２０〜５０μｍ程度
以下が必要である。A developing device 13 is provided with a gap of a predetermined value, for example, 100 μm, from the photosensitive drum 10 by an abutting roller (not shown).
In the developing operation of the developing unit 13 for each color, a developing bias to which a DC voltage or an AC voltage is applied is applied to the developing sleeve 131, so that one component contained in the developing unit is accommodated. Jumping development by the developer is performed, and the photosensitive drum 1 is negatively charged.
A non-contact reversal development is performed by applying a DC bias having the same polarity as that of the toner to 0 (minus polarity in the present embodiment) to attach the toner to the exposed portion. At this time, the accuracy of the development interval needs to be about 20 to 50 μm or less in order to prevent image unevenness.

【００２４】上記の各色毎の現像器１３は、前述したス
コロトロン帯電器１１による帯電と露光光学系１２によ
る像露光とによって形成される感光体ドラム１０上の静
電潜像を、現像バイアスの印加による非接触現像法によ
り非接触の状態で帯電極性と同極性のトナー（本実施形
態においては感光体ドラムは負帯電であり、マイナス極
性のトナー）をもって反転現像する。The developing unit 13 for each color applies an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 formed by the charging by the scorotron charger 11 and the image exposure by the exposure optical system 12 to apply a developing bias. In the non-contact state, a reversal development is performed in a non-contact state with a toner having the same polarity as the charged polarity (in the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum is negatively charged and has a negative polarity).

【００２５】上記の現像器に用いられる一成分現像剤
（トナー）としては、従来のトナーと同様の方法で得ら
れる球形や不定形の非磁性のトナーを用いることができ
る。好ましいトナーは、スチレン系樹脂，ビニル系樹
脂，エチレン系樹脂，ロジン変性樹脂，アクリル系樹
脂，ポリアミド樹脂，エポキシ樹脂，ポリエステル樹脂
等の樹脂やパルミチン酸，ステアリン酸等の脂肪酸ワッ
クス等の樹脂を用い、それにカラー顔料等の着色成分や
必要に応じて帯電制御剤等を加えて、従来公知のトナー
粒子製造方法と同様の方法によって作ることができる平
均粒径が２０μｍ以下、好ましくは１０μｍ以下、特に
好ましくは１〜７μｍの粒子からなるものである。ま
た、必要に応じて粒子の流動滑りを良くするための流動
化剤や像形成体面の清浄化に役立つクリーニング剤等が
混合される。流動化剤としては、コロイダルシリカ、シ
リコンワニス、金属石鹸あるいは非イオン表面活性剤等
を用いることができ、クリーニング剤としては、脂肪酸
金属塩、有機基置換シリコンあるいはフッ素等表面活性
剤等を用いることができる。As the one-component developer (toner) used in the above-mentioned developing device, a spherical or irregular non-magnetic toner obtained by the same method as the conventional toner can be used. Preferred toners include resins such as styrene resins, vinyl resins, ethylene resins, rosin modified resins, acrylic resins, polyamide resins, epoxy resins, polyester resins, and resins such as fatty acid waxes such as palmitic acid and stearic acid. A coloring component such as a color pigment, and a charge controlling agent, if necessary, can be added thereto, and the average particle size can be made by a method similar to a conventionally known method for producing toner particles, to 20 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or less, particularly It is preferably composed of particles of 1 to 7 μm. If necessary, a fluidizing agent for improving the fluid sliding of the particles, a cleaning agent useful for cleaning the surface of the image forming body, and the like are mixed. As a fluidizing agent, colloidal silica, silicon varnish, metal soap, a nonionic surfactant, or the like can be used. As a cleaning agent, a surfactant such as a fatty acid metal salt, organic group-substituted silicon, or fluorine can be used. Can be.

【００２６】一成分現像剤（トナー）は、現像器１３内
に密閉されており、使い切ると、現像器毎交換される。
トナーは現像スリーブ１３１、規制部材１３３、供給ロ
ーラ１３２間で摩擦帯電される。The one-component developer (toner) is hermetically sealed in the developing device 13, and when used up, is replaced every developing device.
The toner is frictionally charged between the developing sleeve 131, the regulating member 133, and the supply roller 132.

【００２７】上記の如く、一成分現像剤を用いた現像手
段を用いることにより、現像器１３が小型となり、ま
た、感光体ドラム１０に対し、現像器１３に用いられる
前記の現像器内部の各部材を感光体ドラム１０の中心よ
り放射状に感光体ドラム１０の周囲に配置することによ
り像形成体の周囲が効率よく利用され、像形成体周りの
装置の小型化が図られる。As described above, by using the developing means using a one-component developer, the developing device 13 is reduced in size. By arranging the members radially around the photosensitive drum 10 from the center of the photosensitive drum 10, the periphery of the image forming body is efficiently used, and the size of the device around the image forming body can be reduced.

【００２８】原稿画像として本装置とは別体の画像読取
装置の撮像素子により読み取られた画像あるいは、コン
ピュータで編集された画像は、Ｙ，Ｍ，ＣおよびＫの各
色別の画像データとして一旦メモリに記憶し格納され
る。An image read as a document image by an image sensor of an image reading apparatus separate from the apparatus or an image edited by a computer is temporarily stored as image data for each color of Y, M, C and K in a memory. And stored.

【００２９】画像記録のスタートにより不図示の感光体
駆動モータの始動により感光体ドラム１０を図１の矢印
で示す時計方向へ回転し、同時に感光体ドラム１０の左
方でイエロー（Ｙ）の現像器１３の現像ケーシング１３
８の下方に配置されたＹのスコロトロン帯電器１１の帯
電作用により感光体ドラム１０に電位の付与が開始され
る。When the image recording starts, the photosensitive drum driving motor (not shown) is started to rotate the photosensitive drum 10 clockwise as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 and simultaneously develop yellow (Y) on the left side of the photosensitive drum 10. Developing casing 13 of container 13
The application of a potential to the photoconductor drum 10 is started by the charging action of the Y scorotron charger 11 arranged below the photoconductor drum 8.

【００３０】感光体ドラム１０は電位を付与されたあ
と、Ｙの露光光学系１２において第１の色信号すなわち
Ｙの画像データに対応する電気信号による露光が開始さ
れ、感光体ドラム１０の回転走査によってその表面の感
光層に原稿画像のＹの画像に対応する静電潜像を形成す
る。After a potential is applied to the photosensitive drum 10, exposure by the first color signal, that is, an electric signal corresponding to the Y image data is started in the Y exposure optical system 12, and the rotational scanning of the photosensitive drum 10 is performed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the Y image of the original image is formed on the photosensitive layer on the surface.

【００３１】前記の潜像はＹの現像器１３により現像ロ
ーラ上の現像剤が非接触の状態で反転現像され感光体ド
ラム１０の回転に応じイエロー（Ｙ）のトナー像が形成
される。The latent image is reversal-developed by the Y developing device 13 in a state where the developer on the developing roller is not in contact with the developer, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10.

【００３２】次いで感光体ドラム１０は前記イエロー
（Ｙ）のトナー像の上に、さらに感光体ドラム１０の左
方、イエロー（Ｙ）の上部でマゼンタ（Ｍ）の現像器１
３の現像ケーシング１３８の下方に配置されたマゼンタ
（Ｍ）のスコロトロン帯電器１１の帯電作用により電位
が付与され、Ｍの露光光学系１２の第２の色信号すなわ
ちＭの画像データに対応する電気信号による露光が行わ
れ、Ｍの現像器１３による非接触の反転現像によって前
記のイエロー（Ｙ）のトナー像の上にマゼンタ（Ｍ）の
トナー像が重ね合わせて形成される。Next, the photosensitive drum 10 has a magenta (M) developing device 1 on the yellow (Y) toner image and further on the left of the photosensitive drum 10 and above the yellow (Y).
A potential is applied by the charging action of the magenta (M) scorotron charger 11 disposed below the third developing casing 138, and the second color signal of the M exposure optical system 12, that is, electricity corresponding to M image data. Exposure is performed by a signal, and a magenta (M) toner image is formed on the yellow (Y) toner image by non-contact reversal development by the M developing unit 13.

【００３３】同様のプロセスにより感光体ドラム１０の
右方でシアン（Ｃ）の現像器１３の現像ケーシング１３
８の上方に配置されたシアン（Ｃ）のスコロトロン帯電
器１１、Ｃの露光光学系１２およびＣの現像器１３によ
ってさらに第３の色信号に対応するシアン（Ｃ）のトナ
ー像が、また感光体ドラム１０の右方、Ｃの下部で黒色
（Ｋ）の現像器１３の現像ケーシング１３８の上方に配
置された黒色（Ｋ）のスコロトロン帯電器１１、露光光
学系１２および現像器１３によって第４の色信号に対応
する黒色（Ｋ）のトナー像が順次重ね合わせて形成さ
れ、感光体ドラム１０の一回転以内にその周面上にカラ
ーのトナー像が形成される。By the same process, the developing casing 13 of the developing unit 13 for cyan (C) is located on the right side of the photosensitive drum 10.
The cyan (C) toner image corresponding to the third color signal is further exposed by the cyan (C) scorotron charger 11, the exposure optical system 12 of C, and the developing device 13 of C, which are disposed above the cyan (C). The black (K) scorotron charger 11, the exposure optical system 12, and the developing device 13 are disposed on the right side of the body drum 10 and below the developing casing 138 of the black (K) developing device 13 below the C. Are sequentially superimposed, and a color toner image is formed on the peripheral surface within one rotation of the photosensitive drum 10.

【００３４】これ等Ｙ，Ｍ，Ｃ及びＫの露光光学系１２
による感光体ドラム１０の有機感光層に対する露光は感
光体ドラム１０の内部より前述した透明の基体を通して
行われる。従って第２，第３および第４の色信号に対応
する画像の露光は何れも先に形成されたトナー像の影響
を全く受けることなく行われ、第１の色信号に対応する
画像と同等の静電潜像を形成することが可能となる。The Y, M, C and K exposure optical systems 12
Exposure to the organic photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 10 is performed from the inside of the photosensitive drum 10 through the above-described transparent substrate. Therefore, the exposure of the images corresponding to the second, third, and fourth color signals is performed without any influence from the previously formed toner image, and the same exposure as the image corresponding to the first color signal is performed. It is possible to form an electrostatic latent image.

【００３５】上記の画像形成プロセスによって像形成体
としての感光体ドラム１０（像形成体）上に裏面画像と
なる重ね合わせカラートナー像が形成され、感光体ドラ
ム１０上の裏面画像の重ね合わせカラートナー像が転写
域１４ｂにおいて、トナーと反対極性（本実施形態にお
いてはプラス極性）の直流電圧が印加される転写器１４
ｃ（第１の転写手段）により、駆動ローラ１４ｄ及び従
動ローラ１４ｅ間に張架され、感光体ドラム１０に近接
あるいは接触して設けられたトナー像受像体１４ａ（中
間転写体）上に一括して転写される。By the above-described image forming process, a superimposed color toner image serving as a back image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10 (image forming body) as an image forming body, and the superimposed color toner of the back image on the photosensitive drum 10 is formed. The transfer unit 14 to which a DC voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner (positive polarity in the present embodiment) is applied to the toner image in the transfer area 14b.
c (first transfer means), is stretched between the drive roller 14d and the driven roller 14e, and is collectively placed on a toner image receiver 14a (intermediate transfer member) provided close to or in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. Is transcribed.

【００３６】転写後の感光体ドラム１０の周面上に残っ
たトナーは、クリーニング装置１９にいたり、感光体ド
ラム１０に当接したゴム材から成るクリーニングブレー
ド１９ａによってクリーニングされ、引き続き次の表面
画像のカラー画像形成が行われる。The toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 10 after the transfer is removed by the cleaning device 19 or the cleaning blade 19a made of a rubber material in contact with the photoreceptor drum 10, and subsequently the next surface image is removed. Is performed.

【００３７】以上のようにしてトナー像受像体１４ａ上
に裏面画像となる重ね合わせカラートナー像が形成され
た後、感光体ドラム１０上には引き続き表面画像となる
重ね合わせトナー像が上記のカラー画像形成プロセスと
同様にして形成される。このとき、トナー像受像体１４
ａ上に形成されている裏面画像と感光体ドラム１０上に
形成される表面画像とは転写域１４ｂにおける同期がと
られ、両面のトナー像の形成状態となる。なお、この時
に形成される表面画像は、感光体ドラム１０上では裏面
画像形成とは互いに鏡像になる様に画像データを変更す
る必要がある。After the superimposed color toner image serving as the back side image is formed on the toner image receiving member 14a as described above, the superimposed toner image serving as the front side image is successively formed on the photosensitive drum 10. It is formed in the same manner as the image forming process. At this time, the toner image receiver 14
The back image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 and the back image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 are synchronized with each other in the transfer area 14b, and the toner images are formed on both sides. It is necessary to change the image data so that the front surface image formed at this time is a mirror image of the back surface image formation on the photosensitive drum 10.

【００３８】転写材である記録紙Ｐが転写材収納手段で
ある給紙カセット１５より、送り出しローラ１５ａによ
り送り出され、給送ローラ１５ｂにより給送されてタイ
ミングローラ１５ｃへ搬送される。Recording paper P, which is a transfer material, is sent out by a feed roller 15a from a paper feed cassette 15 which is a transfer material storage means, is fed by a feed roller 15b, and is conveyed to a timing roller 15c.

【００３９】記録紙Ｐは、タイミングローラ１５ｃの駆
動によって、感光体ドラム１０上に担持された表面画像
のカラートナー像と、トナー像受像体１４ａに担持され
ている裏面画像のカラートナー像と、の同期がとられて
転写域１４ｂへ給送される。この際、記録紙Ｐは、転写
材帯電手段としての紙帯電器１４ｆによりトナーと同極
性に紙帯電され、トナー像受像体１４ａに吸着されて転
写域１４ｂへ給送される。トナーと同極性に紙帯電を行
うことにより、記録紙Ｐが転写部以外でトナー像受像体
１４ａ上のトナー像や感光体ドラム１０上のトナー像と
引き合うことを防止して、トナー像の乱れを防止してい
る。また、転写材帯電手段としては、トナー像受像体１
４ａに当接及び当接解除可能な導通ローラやブラシ帯電
器やコロナ帯電器等を用いることも可能である。The recording paper P is driven by the timing roller 15c to form a color toner image of a front surface image carried on the photosensitive drum 10 and a color toner image of a rear surface image carried on the toner image receiver 14a. Are fed to the transfer area 14b in synchronization with the above. At this time, the recording paper P is charged to the same polarity as the toner by a paper charger 14f as a transfer material charging means, is attracted to the toner image receiver 14a, and is fed to the transfer area 14b. By charging the paper with the same polarity as the toner, the recording paper P is prevented from attracting to the toner image on the toner image receiver 14a or the toner image on the photoconductor drum 10 outside the transfer portion, and the toner image is disturbed. Has been prevented. Further, as the transfer material charging means, the toner image receiving member 1 is used.
It is also possible to use a conductive roller, a brush charger, a corona charger, or the like that can make contact with and release contact with 4a.

【００４０】トナーと反対極性（本実施形態においては
プラス極性）の電圧が印加される第１の転写手段として
の転写器１４ｃにより感光体ドラム１０の周面上の表面
画像が一括して記録紙Ｐの上面側（表面側）に転写され
る。この際、トナー像受像体１４ａの周面上の裏面画像
は記録紙Ｐに転写されないでトナー像受像体１４ａに存
在する。次に、トナーと反対極性（本実施形態において
はプラス極性）の電圧を印加した第２の転写手段として
の裏面転写器１４ｇによりトナー像受像体１４ａの周面
上の裏面画像を一括して記録紙Ｐの下面側（裏面側）に
転写する。A surface image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is collectively recorded on a recording paper by a transfer unit 14c as a first transfer unit to which a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner (positive polarity in this embodiment) is applied. It is transferred to the upper surface side (front side) of P. At this time, the back surface image on the peripheral surface of the toner image receiver 14a is not transferred to the recording paper P but exists on the toner image receiver 14a. Next, a backside image on the peripheral surface of the toner image receiving body 14a is collectively recorded by a backside transfer unit 14g as a second transfer unit to which a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner (positive polarity in the present embodiment) is applied. The image is transferred to the lower surface (back surface) of the paper P.

【００４１】各色のトナー像は互いに重なり合うことか
ら、一括転写を可能とするにはトナー層の上層と下層の
トナーとが同様の帯電量で同一極性に帯電していること
が好ましい。このことから、トナー像受像体１４ａ上に
形成したカラートナー像をコロナ帯電により極性反転を
行ったり、感光体ドラム１０上に形成したカラートナー
像をコロナ帯電により極性反転を行う両面画像形成で
は、下層のトナーが同極性に十分帯電されないことか
ら、転写が不良となるので好ましくない。Since the toner images of the respective colors overlap with each other, it is preferable that the toner in the upper layer and the toner in the lower layer of the toner layer be charged to the same polarity with the same charge amount in order to enable batch transfer. Accordingly, in the double-sided image formation in which the polarity of the color toner image formed on the toner image receiving body 14a is inverted by corona charging or the polarity of the color toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 is inverted by corona charging, Since the toner of the lower layer is not sufficiently charged to the same polarity, the transfer becomes unfavorable.

【００４２】感光体ドラム１０上で反転現像を繰り返
し、重ね合わせて形成した同極性のカラートナー像を極
性を変えずにトナー像受像体１４ａに一括転写し、次
に、極性を変えずに記録紙Ｐに一括転写することが、裏
面画像形成の転写性の向上に寄与するので好ましい。表
面画像形成に対しても、感光体ドラム１０上に反転現像
を繰り返し、重ね合わせて形成した同極性のカラートナ
ー像を極性を変えずに記録紙Ｐに一括転写することが、
表面画像形成の転写性の向上に寄与するので好ましい。The reversal development is repeated on the photoreceptor drum 10, and the color toner images of the same polarity formed by superimposition are collectively transferred to the toner image receiving member 14a without changing the polarity, and then recorded without changing the polarity. Batch transfer to paper P is preferable because it contributes to improving the transferability of backside image formation. Also for the surface image formation, reversal development is repeatedly performed on the photosensitive drum 10 to collectively transfer color toner images of the same polarity formed by superimposition onto the recording paper P without changing the polarity.
It is preferable because it contributes to improvement of the transferability of surface image formation.

【００４３】以上のことからカラー画像形成において
は、上記の表面や裏面の画像形成法を用いて、第１の転
写手段を動作させて転写材の表面にカラートナー像を形
成し、次に、第２の転写手段を動作させて転写材の裏面
にカラートナー像を形成する両面画像形成法が好ましく
採用される。As described above, in the color image formation, the first transfer means is operated to form a color toner image on the surface of the transfer material by using the above-described front and back surface image forming method. A two-sided image forming method of forming a color toner image on the back surface of the transfer material by operating the second transfer means is preferably employed.

【００４４】トナー像受像体１４ａは厚さ０．５〜２．
０ｍｍの無端状のゴムベルトで、シリコンゴム或いはウ
レタンゴムの１０⁸〜１０¹²Ω・ｃｍの抵抗値をもつ半
導電性基体と、ゴムの基体の外側にトナーフィルミング
防止層として厚さ５〜５０μｍのフッ素コーティングを
行った２層構成とされる。この層も同様な半導電性が好
ましい。ゴムベルト基体の代わりに厚さ０．１〜０．５
ｍｍの半導電性のポリエステルやポリスチレン、ポリエ
チレン、ポリエチレンテレフタレート、ポリイミド等を
使用することもできる。The toner image receiving member 14a has a thickness of 0.5-2.
An endless rubber belt of 0 mm, a semiconductive substrate of silicon rubber or urethane rubber having a resistance value of 10 ⁸ to 10 ¹² Ω · cm, and a thickness of 5 to 50 μm as a toner filming prevention layer outside the rubber substrate. And a two-layer structure with fluorine coating. This layer also preferably has a similar semiconductivity. 0.1-0.5 thickness instead of rubber belt base
mm semi-conductive polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, or the like can also be used.

【００４５】両面にカラートナー像が形成された記録紙
Ｐが、転写材分離用としての紙分離ＡＣ除電器１４ｈ
（以後分離極ともいう）により除電され、トナー像受像
体１４ａから分離され、両方のローラの内部にヒータを
有する２本のローラで構成される定着手段としての定着
装置１７へと搬送される。定着ローラ１７ａと、圧着ロ
ーラ１７ｂとの間で熱と圧力とを加えられることにより
記録紙Ｐ上の表裏の付着トナーが定着され、両面画像記
録がなされた記録紙Ｐが排紙ローラ１８により送られ
て、裏面画像のトナー像を上面として反転され装置上部
のトレイＴへ排出される。トレイＴは、回転支軸ＴＡに
より開閉可能な開閉蓋として設けられる。The recording paper P on which the color toner images are formed on both sides is used as a paper separating AC static eliminator 14h for separating the transfer material.
(Hereinafter, also referred to as a separation pole), is separated from the toner image receiving body 14a, and is conveyed to a fixing device 17 as a fixing unit including two rollers having heaters inside both rollers. By applying heat and pressure between the fixing roller 17a and the pressure roller 17b, the toner adhered to the front and back of the recording paper P is fixed, and the recording paper P on which double-sided image recording has been performed is sent by the paper discharge roller 18. Then, the image is inverted with the toner image of the rear surface image as the upper surface, and is discharged to the tray T at the top of the apparatus. The tray T is provided as an openable / closable lid that can be opened / closed by the rotation support shaft TA.

【００４６】転写後のトナー像受像体１４ａの周面上に
残ったトナーは、トナー像受像体のクリーニング手段と
してのトナー像受像体クリーニング装置１４ｉに設けら
れトナー像受像体１４ａに当接及び当接解除可能なブレ
ードによりクリーニングされる。また、転写後の感光体
ドラム１０の周面上に残ったトナーはクリーニング装置
１９にいたり、感光体ドラム１０に当接したゴム材から
成るクリーニングブレード１９ａによってクリーニング
装置１９内に掻き落とされ、図示せぬ排トナー容器に回
収される。クリーニング装置１９により残留トナーを除
去された感光体ドラム１０はＹのスコロトロン帯電器１
１によって一様帯電を受け、次の画像形成サイクルには
いる。The toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the toner image receiver 14a after the transfer is brought into contact with and in contact with the toner image receiver 14a provided in a toner image receiver cleaning device 14i as cleaning means for the toner image receiver. It is cleaned by a blade that can be released. Further, the toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 after the transfer enters the cleaning device 19 or is scraped off into the cleaning device 19 by a cleaning blade 19a made of a rubber material which is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and The toner is collected in a waste toner container (not shown). The photosensitive drum 10 from which the residual toner has been removed by the cleaning device 19 is the Y scorotron charger 1
1 and uniformly charged, and the next image forming cycle is started.

【００４７】上記の方法を用いることにより、重ね合わ
せカラートナー像の一括転写であるので、トナー像受像
体上のカラー画像の色ズレやトナーの散りやこすれ等が
起こりにくく、画像劣化が少ない良好な両面カラー画像
形成がなされる。By using the above method, since the superimposed color toner images are transferred collectively, color shift of the color image on the toner image receiving body, scattering or rubbing of the toner, and the like are less likely to occur, and the image is less deteriorated. A double-sided color image is formed.

【００４８】前記の如く、感光体ドラム１０は、内包す
る各露光光学系１２の小型化や各現像器１３の小型化に
よる装置の小型化により、外径φが５０ｍｍから１００
ｍｍの小径のドラムが使用され得る。外径φが５０ｍｍ
以下であると各露光光学系１２を感光体ドラム１０内に
配設することは困難となり、また、外周に４組のスコロ
トロン帯電器１１や現像器１３を配設することも困難と
なる。外径φが１００ｍｍ以上であると、転写材の感光
体ドラム１０からの分離性能が低下し、像形成に要する
時間が必要以上長時間要することとなる。又、感光体ド
ラムの精度や変形により位置合わせ精度も低下するとい
う問題も生じる。As described above, the photosensitive drum 10 has an outer diameter φ of 50 mm to 100 mm due to the miniaturization of the exposure optical system 12 included therein and the miniaturization of the apparatus due to the miniaturization of each developing unit 13.
mm small diameter drums may be used. Outer diameter φ is 50mm
If it is less than the above, it is difficult to dispose each of the exposure optical systems 12 in the photosensitive drum 10, and it is also difficult to dispose four sets of scorotron chargers 11 and developing devices 13 on the outer periphery. If the outer diameter φ is 100 mm or more, the performance of separating the transfer material from the photosensitive drum 10 is reduced, and the time required for image formation is longer than necessary. In addition, there arises a problem that the accuracy of alignment is reduced due to the accuracy and deformation of the photosensitive drum.

【００４９】感光体ドラム１０が小径であると、外周長
が短いので露光光学系１２や現像器１３のレイアウトの
結果によっては記録紙Ｐの給送系の形成が困難となる
が、前記の説明の如く、露光光学系１２を小型化して感
光体ドラム１０内に配置し、また、感光体ドラム１０に
対し、現像器１３の各部材を感光体ドラム１０の中心よ
り放射状に配置して、感光体ドラム１０の周囲に各現像
器１３を配置し、これにより、Ｙ、Ｍ、Ｃ及びＫの各色
毎の現像器１３を感光体ドラム１０の中心軸を通る水平
線よりも上部で、対応するＹ、Ｍ、Ｃ及びＫの各色毎の
露光光学系１２と対にして配置することが可能となり、
更に、記録紙Ｐの給送系をほぼ水平方向に設定して記録
紙Ｐに対する画像の転写や搬送性を保証出来る装置を実
現している。If the diameter of the photosensitive drum 10 is small, the outer peripheral length is short, so that it may be difficult to form a feeding system for the recording paper P depending on the layout result of the exposure optical system 12 and the developing device 13. As described above, the exposure optical system 12 is miniaturized and arranged in the photosensitive drum 10, and each member of the developing device 13 is arranged radially from the center of the photosensitive drum 10 with respect to the photosensitive drum 10, Each developing device 13 is arranged around the body drum 10, whereby the developing device 13 for each of the colors Y, M, C, and K is placed above the horizontal line passing through the central axis of the photosensitive drum 10 and the corresponding Y , M, C and K can be arranged in pairs with the exposure optical system 12 for each color,
Further, an apparatus capable of guaranteeing the transfer of an image to the recording paper P and the transportability thereof by setting the feeding system of the recording paper P in a substantially horizontal direction is realized.

【００５０】上記のカラー画像形成装置において、像形
成体としての感光体ドラム１０或いはトナー像受像体１
４ａによる片面のみのコピーがなされることは勿論であ
る。In the above color image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 10 or the toner image receiving member 1 as an image forming member
As a matter of course, only one side is copied by 4a.

【００５１】感光体ドラム１０は図２に示す如く、それ
を係合固定する両面端のフランジ部材１０ａ及び１０ｂ
が後述するプロセスカートリッジ３００に固定される感
光体ドラムの支持軸３０に対し両面端のフランジ部材１
０ａ及び１０ｂに嵌込まれたベアリングＢ１，Ｂ２によ
り軸受けされて回転自在に支持される。As shown in FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 10 has flange members 10a and 10b at both ends for engaging and fixing it.
Are flanged members 1 at both ends with respect to a support shaft 30 of a photosensitive drum fixed to a process cartridge 300 described later.
It is rotatably supported by bearings B1 and B2 fitted in Oa and 10b.

【００５２】感光体ドラム１０及び露光光学系１２が一
体的とされ、感光体ドラム１０及び露光光学系１２を支
持する支持軸３０が図１及び図２下部の像形成体保持用
の像形成体筺体としての感光体ドラム筺体１０１の溝１
０１ａに上部より落し込まれ、露光光学系１２が位置出
しされた状態で、支持軸３０が感光体ドラム筺体１０１
に固定される。感光体ドラム筺体１０１にクリーニング
装置１９が取付けられる。また、図１及び図２上部の現
像手段筺体としての現像器筺体１０２にスコロトロン帯
電器１１を一体化された各色毎の現像器１３が、現像器
筺体１０２に設けられたガイドレール１０２ｂと現像ケ
ーシング１３８に設けられたガイド溝１３８ａとにより
それぞれ現像器筺体１０２に取付けられる。The photosensitive drum 10 and the exposure optical system 12 are integrated, and a support shaft 30 for supporting the photosensitive drum 10 and the exposure optical system 12 is an image forming body for holding the image forming body shown in FIGS. Groove 1 of photosensitive drum housing 101 as housing
01a from the top and the exposure optical system 12 is positioned, and the support shaft 30 is moved to the photosensitive drum housing 101.
Fixed to The cleaning device 19 is attached to the photosensitive drum housing 101. A developing device 13 for each color in which a scorotron charger 11 is integrated with a developing device housing 102 as a developing means housing at the upper part of FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with a guide rail 102b provided on the developing device housing 102 and a developing casing. 138 are attached to the developing device housing 102 by the guide grooves 138a.

【００５３】感光体ドラム１０及び露光光学系１２が取
付けられた感光体ドラム筺体１０１に、各色毎の現像器
１３が取付けられた現像器筺体１０２とが結合されプロ
セスカートリッジ３００が構成される。現像器筺体１０
２が回転支軸１０２ａにより感光体ドラム筺体１０１に
対し開閉可能とされる。A photosensitive drum housing 101 on which the photosensitive drum 10 and the exposure optical system 12 are mounted is connected to a developing device housing 102 on which a developing device 13 for each color is mounted, thereby forming a process cartridge 300. Developing device housing 10
2 can be opened and closed with respect to the photosensitive drum housing 101 by the rotation support shaft 102a.

【００５４】プロセスカートリッジ３００を装置本体に
装着すると、フランジ部材１０ｂの一体とする歯車Ｇが
装置本体側の駆動歯車と噛合して駆動されることにより
感光体ドラム１０が所定の方向に定速で回転される。When the process cartridge 300 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the gear G integrated with the flange member 10b is driven by meshing with the drive gear on the apparatus main body side, so that the photosensitive drum 10 is driven at a constant speed in a predetermined direction. Rotated.

【００５５】現像器筺体１０２への現像器１３の装着
時、現像器１３は一旦、不図示の係止部材により現像器
筺体１０２への挿入方向の奥側に係止される。現像器筺
体１０２の感光体ドラム筺体１０１への結合時に、該係
止部材の係止が解除され、不図示の、例えばバネ等を用
いた弾性部材により現像器１３が押圧され、現像器１３
が突当てコロ１３７を感光体ドラム１０に当接された状
態で、現像器１３が装着される。When the developing device 13 is mounted on the developing device housing 102, the developing device 13 is temporarily locked by a locking member (not shown) on the back side in the insertion direction into the developing device housing 102. When the developing device housing 102 is connected to the photosensitive drum housing 101, the locking of the locking member is released, and the developing device 13 is pressed by an elastic member (not shown) using, for example, a spring or the like.
The developing device 13 is mounted in a state where the abutting roller 137 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

【００５６】図３に示すように、現像器１３や感光体ド
ラム１０のメンテナンス、交換の際には、回転支軸ＴＡ
を支点として開閉蓋としてのトレイＴを上部に開口し、
不図示のレバー、カム等により各現像器１３を現像器筺
体１０２に係止状態とし、内部に各現像器１３が内包さ
れた現像器筺体１０２を回転支軸１０２ａを支点として
開口し、現像器１３の係止（不図示）を外してガイドレ
ール１０２ｂを介して現像器１３を現像器筺体１０２の
内部より現像器筺体１０２の内側方向に取外し、各現像
器１３のメンテナンス、交換を行う。また、現像器筺体
１０２を開口した状態で、露光光学系１２が内包された
感光体ドラム１０を感光体ドラム筺体１０１より上部へ
抜取り、感光体ドラム１０や露光光学系１２のメンテナ
ンス、交換を行う。As shown in FIG. 3, when the developing unit 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are maintained or replaced, the rotating shaft TA
A tray T as an opening / closing lid is opened at an upper portion with a fulcrum as a fulcrum,
Each developing device 13 is locked to the developing device housing 102 by a lever, a cam, or the like (not shown), and the developing device housing 102 in which the developing devices 13 are included is opened with the rotation support shaft 102a as a fulcrum. The developing device 13 is detached from the inside of the developing device housing 102 to the inside of the developing device housing 102 via the guide rail 102b by releasing the locking (not shown) of the 13 and maintenance and replacement of each developing device 13 are performed. Further, with the developing device housing 102 opened, the photosensitive drum 10 containing the exposure optical system 12 is pulled out above the photosensitive drum housing 101, and maintenance and replacement of the photosensitive drum 10 and the exposure optical system 12 are performed. .

【００５７】現像器筺体１０２の開閉は図３に一点鎖線
で示した、現像器筺体の保持手段としての、例えば保持
バネＳによりトレイＴの開閉に伴って、連動して行われ
るようにしてもよい。The opening / closing of the developing unit housing 102 may be performed in conjunction with the opening / closing of the tray T by means of, for example, a holding spring S as holding means of the developing unit housing, which is indicated by a chain line in FIG. Good.

【００５８】上記により、像形成体の周囲に配置される
複数の現像手段を、現像手段を内包する現像手段筺体内
部よりの一方向の着脱、交換により、現像手段の着脱、
交換が容易となる。特に、現像剤の使いきりによる現像
手段の交換頻度が多い一成分現像剤を用いた現像手段の
着脱、交換が容易となる。As described above, a plurality of developing means arranged around the image forming body can be attached and detached in one direction from the inside of the developing means housing containing the developing means, and exchange can be performed.
Exchange becomes easy. In particular, it becomes easy to attach / detach / replace the developing means using a one-component developer, which frequently requires replacement of the developing means due to the exhaustion of the developer.

【００５９】現像手段の交換の第２の例を図４及び図５
を用いて説明する。図４は、現像手段交換の第２の例を
示す図であり、図５は、図４のプロセスカートリッジの
置き方を示す図である。上記第１の例と同様な構造、機
能を有する部材には、同一の番号を付した。FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second example of replacement of the developing means.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing a second example of replacement of the developing means, and FIG. 5 is a view showing how to place the process cartridge of FIG. Members having the same structure and function as those of the first example are given the same numbers.

【００６０】前記第１の例の図１及び図２にて説明した
と同様にして像形成体筺体としての感光体ドラム筺体１
０１と現像手段筺体としての現像器筺体１０２とにより
プロセスカートリッジ３００が構成され、カラー画像形
成装置本体内部に設けられる。A photosensitive drum housing 1 as an image forming housing in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment.
01 and a developing device housing 102 as a developing means housing, a process cartridge 300 is provided inside the color image forming apparatus main body.

【００６１】図４に示すように、現像器１３や感光体ド
ラム１０のメンテナンス、交換の際には、回転支軸ＴＡ
を支点として開閉蓋としてのトレイＴを上部に開口し、
プロセスカートリッジ３００を装置本体より抜出す。こ
の際、図４に一点鎖線にて示すような、把手Ｈを現像器
筺体１０２の上部に設け、把手Ｈを持ってプロセスカー
トリッジ３００を引出すようにすることが好ましい。As shown in FIG. 4, when maintenance and replacement of the developing device 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are performed, the rotation support shaft TA is used.
A tray T as an opening / closing lid is opened at an upper portion with a fulcrum as a fulcrum,
The process cartridge 300 is pulled out of the apparatus main body. At this time, it is preferable that a handle H is provided on the upper portion of the developing device housing 102 as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 4, and the process cartridge 300 is pulled out while holding the handle H.

【００６２】装置本体より引出したプロセスカートリッ
ジ３００を図５に示すように置き台Ｄ１上に設置し、不
図示のレバー、カム等により各現像器１３を現像器筺体
１０２に係止状態とし、内部に各現像器１３が内包され
た現像手段筺体としての現像器筺体１０２を回転支軸１
０２ａを支点として開口し、現像器１３の係止（不図
示）を外してガイドレール１０２ｂを介して現像器１３
を現像器筺体１０２の内部より現像器筺体１０２の内側
方向に取外し、各現像器１３のメンテナンス、交換を行
う。また、置き台Ｄ１にプロセスカートリッジ３００を
置き、現像器筺体１０２を開口した状態で、露光光学系
１２が内包された感光体ドラム１０を、像形成体保持用
の像形成体筺体としての感光体ドラム筺体１０１より上
部へ抜取り、感光体ドラム１０や露光光学系１２のメン
テナンス、交換を行う。The process cartridge 300 pulled out from the apparatus main body is set on the mounting table D1 as shown in FIG. 5, and each developing device 13 is locked to the developing device housing 102 by a lever, cam or the like (not shown). The developing device housing 102 as a developing device housing in which each developing device 13 is included
02a as a fulcrum, the developing device 13 is unlocked (not shown), and the developing device 13 is
Is removed from the inside of the developing device housing 102 toward the inside of the developing device housing 102, and maintenance and replacement of each developing device 13 are performed. Further, with the process cartridge 300 placed on the holder D1 and the developing device housing 102 opened, the photosensitive drum 10 containing the exposure optical system 12 is used as a photosensitive member as an image forming member housing for holding the image forming member. The photosensitive drum 10 and the exposure optical system 12 are removed from the upper part of the drum housing 101 for maintenance and replacement.

【００６３】前記例と同様に、像形成体の周囲に配置さ
れる複数の現像手段を、現像手段を内包する現像手段筺
体内部よりの一方向の着脱、交換により、現像手段の着
脱、交換が容易となる。特に、現像剤の使いきりによる
現像手段の交換頻度が多い一成分現像剤を用いた現像手
段の着脱、交換が容易となる。In the same manner as in the above example, the mounting and dismounting of the developing means can be performed by attaching and detaching and replacing the developing means arranged around the image forming member in one direction from the inside of the housing of the developing means containing the developing means. It will be easier. In particular, it becomes easy to attach / detach / replace the developing means using a one-component developer, which frequently requires replacement of the developing means due to the exhaustion of the developer.

【００６４】現像手段の交換の第３の例を図６及び図７
を用いて説明する。図６は、現像手段交換の第３の例を
示す図であり、図７は、図６の現像手段筺体の置き方を
示す図である。前記第１の例と同様な構造、機能を有す
る部材には、同一の番号を付した。FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third example of replacement of the developing means.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third example of replacement of the developing unit, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how to put the housing of the developing unit of FIG. Members having the same structure and function as those of the first example are given the same numbers.

【００６５】前記第１の例の図１及び図２にて説明した
と同様にしてプロセスカートリッジ３００が構成される
が、プロセスカートリッジ３００の像形成体筺体として
の感光体ドラム筺体１０１と現像手段筺体としての現像
器筺体１０２とが、現像器筺体１０２に設けられた突起
部１０２ｃと感光体ドラム筺体１０１に設けられた溝１
０１ｃとによって結合されて、プロセスカートリッジ３
００が構成されている。感光体ドラム筺体１０１と現像
器筺体１０２とが突起部１０２ｃと溝１０１ｃとによっ
て結合された状態で、不図示の係止部材により感光体ド
ラム筺体１０１と現像器筺体１０２とが係止される。The process cartridge 300 is constructed in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment. The process cartridge 300 includes a photosensitive drum housing 101 as an image forming body housing and a developing means housing. The developing device housing 102 is provided with a protrusion 102 c provided on the developing device housing 102 and the groove 1 provided on the photosensitive drum housing 101.
01c and the process cartridge 3
00 is configured. The photosensitive drum housing 101 and the developing device housing 102 are locked by a locking member (not shown) in a state where the photosensitive drum housing 101 and the developing device housing 102 are connected by the protrusion 102c and the groove 101c.

【００６６】上記の如く構成されたプロセスカートリッ
ジ３００が、カラー画像形成装置本体内部に設けられ
る。The process cartridge 300 configured as described above is provided inside the main body of the color image forming apparatus.

【００６７】図６に示すように、現像器１３や感光体ド
ラム１０のメンテナンス、交換の際には、回転支軸ＴＡ
を支点として開閉蓋としてのトレイＴを上部に開口し、
不図示の感光体ドラム筺体１０１と現像器筺体１０２と
の係止部材を外し、感光体ドラム筺体１０１を装置本体
に残して現像器筺体１０２を装置本体より抜出す。この
際、図６に一点鎖線にて示すような、把手Ｈを現像器筺
体１０２の上部に設け、把手Ｈを持って現像器筺体１０
２を引出すようにすることが好ましい。As shown in FIG. 6, when the developing unit 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are maintained or replaced, the rotating shaft TA
A tray T as an opening / closing lid is opened at an upper portion with a fulcrum as a fulcrum,
The locking member between the photosensitive drum housing 101 and the developing device housing 102 (not shown) is released, and the developing device housing 102 is pulled out of the apparatus main body while the photosensitive drum housing 101 is left in the apparatus main body. At this time, a handle H as shown by a dashed line in FIG.
2 is preferably drawn.

【００６８】図７に示すように、現像器筺体１０２を逆
さまとし、把手Ｈに対して設けられた現像器筺体１０２
の位置固定ともなる置き台Ｄ１の穴に把手Ｈを落し込
み、装置本体より引出した現像器筺体１０２を置き台Ｄ
２上に設置する。現像器１３の係止（不図示）を外して
ガイドレール１０２ｂを介して現像器１３を現像器筺体
１０２の内部より現像器筺体１０２の内側方向に取外
し、各現像器１３のメンテナンス、交換を行う。また、
トレイＴを開口した状態で、装置本体内部より、露光光
学系１２が内包された感光体ドラム１０を感光体ドラム
筺体１０１より上部へ抜取り、感光体ドラム１０や露光
光学系１２のメンテナンス、交換を行う。As shown in FIG. 7, the developing device housing 102 is turned upside down, and the developing device housing 102
The handle H is dropped into the hole of the mounting table D1 which also fixes the position of the developing device 102, and the developing device housing 102 pulled out from the apparatus main body is mounted on the mounting table D.
Place it on 2 The locking (not shown) of the developing device 13 is released, and the developing device 13 is removed from the inside of the developing device housing 102 to the inside of the developing device housing 102 via the guide rail 102b, and maintenance and replacement of each developing device 13 are performed. . Also,
With the tray T opened, the photoconductor drum 10 including the exposure optical system 12 is pulled out from the photoconductor drum housing 101 from the inside of the apparatus main body, and maintenance and replacement of the photoconductor drum 10 and the exposure optical system 12 are performed. Do.

【００６９】前記第１及び第２の例と同様に、像形成体
の周囲に配置される複数の現像手段を、現像手段を内包
する現像手段筺体内部よりの一方向の着脱、交換によ
り、現像手段の着脱、交換が容易となる。特に、現像剤
の使いきりによる現像手段の交換頻度が多い一成分現像
剤を用いた現像手段の着脱、交換が容易となる。In the same manner as in the first and second examples, a plurality of developing means arranged around the image forming body are developed and removed by one-way attachment / detachment and exchange from the inside of the developing means housing containing the developing means. The attachment / detachment and replacement of the means are facilitated. In particular, it becomes easy to attach / detach / replace the developing means using a one-component developer, which frequently requires replacement of the developing means due to the exhaustion of the developer.

【００７０】現像手段の交換の第４の例を図８を用いて
説明する。図８は、現像手段交換の第４の例を示す図で
ある。前記第１の例と同様な構造、機能を有する部材に
は、同一の番号を付した。A fourth example of replacement of the developing means will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of replacement of the developing unit. Members having the same structure and function as those of the first example are given the same numbers.

【００７１】前記第１の例の図１及び図２にて説明した
と同様にしてプロセスカートリッジ３００が構成される
が、上記第３の例と同様に、プロセスカートリッジ３０
０の像形成体筺体としての感光体ドラム筺体１０１と現
像手段筺体としての現像器筺体１０２とが、現像器筺体
１０２に設けられた突起部１０２ｄと感光体ドラム筺体
１０１に設けられた溝１０１ｄとによって結合されて、
プロセスカートリッジ３００が構成されている。感光体
ドラム筺体１０１と現像器筺体１０２とが突起部１０２
ｄと溝１０１ｄとによって結合された状態で、不図示の
係止部材により感光体ドラム筺体１０１と現像器筺体１
０２とが係止される。更に、図３にて説明したと同様
に、各現像器１３が内包された現像器筺体１０２が、開
閉可能なトレイＴに現像手段筺体の保持部材としての、
例えば保持バネＳにより取付けられる。The process cartridge 300 is constructed in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, but the process cartridge 30 is constructed similarly to the third embodiment.
A photoconductor drum housing 101 as an image forming body housing and a developing device housing 102 as a developing device housing have a projection 102d provided on the developing device housing 102 and a groove 101d provided on the photoconductor drum housing 101. Joined by
A process cartridge 300 is configured. The photoreceptor drum housing 101 and the developing device housing 102 are formed by a protrusion 102
d and the groove 101d, the photosensitive drum housing 101 and the developing device housing 1 are locked by a not-shown locking member.
02 is locked. Further, in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 3, the developing device housing 102 in which each of the developing devices 13 is included is provided on a tray T that can be opened and closed as a holding member of the developing device housing.
For example, it is attached by a holding spring S.

【００７２】上記の如く構成されたプロセスカートリッ
ジ３００が、カラー画像形成装置本体内部に設けられ
る。The process cartridge 300 configured as described above is provided inside the main body of the color image forming apparatus.

【００７３】図８に示すように、現像器１３や感光体ド
ラム１０のメンテナンス、交換の際には、回転支軸ＴＡ
を支点として開閉蓋としてのトレイＴを上部に開口する
と、不図示の感光体ドラム筺体１０１と現像器筺体１０
２との係止部材が外され、トレイＴの開口に伴って現像
器筺体１０２が感光体ドラム筺体１０１の感光体ドラム
１０より離間し装置内部より引上げられる。As shown in FIG. 8, when the developing unit 13 and the photosensitive drum 10 are maintained or replaced, the rotating shaft TA
When a tray T as an opening / closing lid is opened at an upper portion with a fulcrum as a fulcrum, a photosensitive drum housing 101 and a developing device housing
2, the developing device housing 102 is separated from the photosensitive drum 10 of the photosensitive drum housing 101 with the opening of the tray T, and pulled up from the inside of the apparatus.

【００７４】現像器筺体１０２が引上げられた状態で、
現像器１３の係止（不図示）を外してガイドレール１０
２ｂを介して現像器１３を現像器筺体１０２の内部より
現像器筺体１０２の内側方向に取外し、各現像器１３の
メンテナンス、交換を行う。また、現像器筺体１０２が
保持されたトレイＴを開口した状態で、装置本体内部よ
り、露光光学系１２が内包された感光体ドラム１０を感
光体ドラム筺体１０１より上部へ抜取り、感光体ドラム
１０や露光光学系１２のメンテナンス、交換を行う。With the developing device housing 102 pulled up,
The locking (not shown) of the developing device 13 is released and the guide rail 10
The developing device 13 is detached from the inside of the developing device housing 102 through the inner side of the developing device housing 102 via 2b, and maintenance and replacement of each developing device 13 are performed. Further, with the tray T holding the developing device housing 102 opened, the photosensitive drum 10 including the exposure optical system 12 is pulled out from the photosensitive drum housing 101 to the upper portion from the inside of the apparatus main body. And maintenance and replacement of the exposure optical system 12.

【００７５】メンテナンス後、現像器筺体１０２が保持
されたトレイＴを閉じるが、この際、現像器筺体１０２
の突起部１０２ｄの、例えば３角形状の先端のテーパ部
が、感光体ドラム筺体１０１の溝１０１ｄの、例えば３
角形状のテーパ部に嵌入し、感光体ドラム筺体１０１に
現像器筺体１０２が位置合わせされて結合される。After the maintenance, the tray T holding the developing device housing 102 is closed. At this time, the developing device housing 102 is closed.
For example, the tapered portion at the tip of the triangular shape of the protrusion 102 d is
The developing device housing 102 is fitted into the rectangular tapered portion, and is aligned and coupled to the photosensitive drum housing 101.

【００７６】上記の３つの例と同様に、像形成体の周囲
に配置される複数の現像手段を、現像手段を内包する現
像手段筺体内部よりの一方向の着脱、交換により、現像
手段の着脱、交換が容易となる。特に、現像剤の使いき
りによる現像手段の交換頻度が多い一成分現像剤を用い
た現像手段の着脱、交換が容易となる。As in the above three examples, a plurality of developing means arranged around the image forming body are detached and attached in one direction from the inside of the developing means housing containing the developing means, and the developing means is attached and detached. , Replacement is easy. In particular, it becomes easy to attach / detach / replace the developing means using a one-component developer, which frequently requires replacement of the developing means due to the exhaustion of the developer.

【００７７】[0077]

【発明の効果】請求項１ないし６によれば、像形成体の
周囲に配置される複数の現像手段を、現像手段を内包す
る現像手段筺体内部よりの一方向の着脱、交換により、
現像手段の着脱、交換が容易となる。特に、現像剤の使
いきりによる現像手段の交換頻度が多い一成分現像剤を
用いた現像手段の着脱、交換が容易となる。According to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, a plurality of developing means arranged around the image forming body can be detached and replaced in one direction from the inside of the developing means housing containing the developing means.
The attachment / detachment and replacement of the developing means becomes easy. In particular, it becomes easy to attach / detach / replace the developing means using a one-component developer, which frequently requires replacement of the developing means due to the exhaustion of the developer.

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

【図１】本発明の一実施形態を示すカラー画像形成装置
の断面構成図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】図１のプロセスカートリッジの概要断面図であ
る。FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge of FIG.

【図３】現像手段交換の第１の例を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of replacement of a developing unit.

【図４】現像手段交換の第２の例を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example of replacement of a developing unit.

【図５】図４のプロセスカートリッジの置き方を示す図
である。FIG. 5 is a view showing how to place the process cartridge of FIG. 4;

【図６】現像手段交換の第３の例を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a third example of replacement of a developing unit.

【図７】図６の現像手段筺体の置き方を示す図である。FIG. 7 is a view showing how to put a housing of a developing means in FIG. 6;

【図８】現像手段交換の第４の例を示す図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of replacement of the developing unit.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１０ 感光体ドラム １１ スコロトロン帯電器 １２ 露光光学系 １３ 現像器 １０１ 感光体ドラム筺体 １０２ 現像器筺体 ３００ プロセスカートリッジ Ｄ１，Ｄ２ 置き台 Ｓ 保持バネ Ｔ トレイ REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 photoconductor drum 11 scorotron charger 12 exposure optical system 13 developing device 101 photoconductor drum housing 102 developing device housing 300 process cartridge D1, D2 mounting table S holding spring T tray

Claims (6)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 回転する像形成体の周囲に、前記像形成
体を帯電させる帯電手段と、帯電された像形成体に像露
光し潜像を形成させる像露光手段と、像形成体に形成さ
れた潜像を現像しトナー像を形成させる現像手段と、を
複数組配置し、前記像形成体の一回転中に、前記像形成
体に対し前記帯電手段による帯電と前記像露光手段によ
る像露光と前記現像手段による現像とによるトナー像の
形成を順次繰り返すことにより前記像形成体上に複数の
トナー像を重ね合わせた後、重ね合わせたトナー像を転
写材に一括して転写するカラー画像形成装置において、 前記複数の像露光手段と、前記複数の像露光手段を内包
する前記像形成体と、前記像形成体の周囲に配置される
前記複数の現像手段とを前記カラー画像形成装置本体に
着脱可能な一体的なプロセスカートリッジとし、 前記プロセスカートリッジの前記複数の現像手段を一体
的に保持する現像手段筺体を、前記プロセスカートリッ
ジの前記像形成体を保持する像形成体筺体より開口し、
前記現像手段筺体の内部より前記現像手段を着脱するこ
とを特徴とするカラー画像形成装置。A charging unit configured to charge the image forming body around the rotating image forming body; an image exposing unit configured to perform image exposure on the charged image forming body to form a latent image; And developing means for developing the formed latent image to form a toner image, wherein during one rotation of the image forming body, the image forming body is charged by the charging means and the image is formed by the image exposing means. A color image in which a plurality of toner images are superimposed on the image forming body by sequentially repeating formation of a toner image by exposure and development by the developing unit, and then the superimposed toner images are collectively transferred to a transfer material. A color image forming apparatus main body, wherein the plurality of image exposing means, the image forming body including the plurality of image exposing means, and the plurality of developing means disposed around the image forming body; Detachable integrated And a process cartridge, a developing unit housing which integrally holds the plurality of developing means of said process cartridge, and an opening from the image forming body housing for holding said image forming body of the process cartridge,
A color image forming apparatus, wherein the developing unit is attached to and detached from the inside of the developing unit housing. 【請求項２】 前記プロセスカートリッジを前記カラー
画像形成装置本体より取外した後、前記現像手段の交換
を行うことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のカラー画像形
成装置。2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing unit is replaced after the process cartridge is removed from the color image forming apparatus main body. 【請求項３】 回転する像形成体の周囲に、前記像形成
体を帯電させる帯電手段と、帯電された像形成体に像露
光し潜像を形成させる像露光手段と、像形成体に形成さ
れた潜像を現像しトナー像を形成させる現像手段と、を
複数組配置し、前記像形成体の一回転中に、前記像形成
体に対し前記帯電手段による帯電と前記像露光手段によ
る像露光と前記現像手段による現像とによるトナー像の
形成を順次繰り返すことにより前記像形成体上に複数の
トナー像を重ね合わせた後、重ね合わせたトナー像を転
写材に一括して転写するカラー画像形成装置において、 前記複数の現像手段を一体的に保持する現像手段筺体を
設け、前記カラー画像形成装置本体の開閉蓋を開口した
後、前記現像手段筺体を装置本体内部より取出し、前記
現像手段筺体の内部より前記現像手段を着脱することを
特徴とするカラー画像形成装置。3. A charging means for charging the image forming body around the rotating image forming body, an image exposing means for exposing the charged image forming body to an image to form a latent image, and forming the image forming body. And developing means for developing the formed latent image to form a toner image, wherein during one rotation of the image forming body, the image forming body is charged by the charging means and the image is formed by the image exposing means. A color image in which a plurality of toner images are superimposed on the image forming body by sequentially repeating formation of a toner image by exposure and development by the developing unit, and then the superimposed toner images are collectively transferred to a transfer material. A developing device housing for integrally holding the plurality of developing devices, and after opening an opening / closing lid of the color image forming apparatus main body, removing the developing device housing from the inside of the apparatus main body; Within Color image forming apparatus characterized by attaching and detaching the more the developing unit. 【請求項４】 回転する像形成体の周囲に、前記像形成
体を帯電させる帯電手段と、帯電された像形成体に像露
光し潜像を形成させる像露光手段と、像形成体に形成さ
れた潜像を現像しトナー像を形成させる現像手段と、を
複数組配置し、前記像形成体の一回転中に、前記像形成
体に対し前記帯電手段による帯電と前記像露光手段によ
る像露光と前記現像手段による現像とによるトナー像の
形成を順次繰り返すことにより前記像形成体上に複数の
トナー像を重ね合わせた後、重ね合わせたトナー像を転
写材に一括して転写するカラー画像形成装置において、 前記複数の現像手段を一体的に保持する現像手段筺体を
設け、前記カラー画像形成装置本体の開閉蓋の開口に伴
って前記現像手段筺体を前記像形成体より離間させ、前
記現像手段筺体の内部より前記現像手段を着脱すること
を特徴とするカラー画像形成装置。4. A charging means for charging the image forming body around the rotating image forming body, an image exposing means for performing image exposure on the charged image forming body to form a latent image, and forming the image forming body. And developing means for developing the formed latent image to form a toner image, wherein during one rotation of the image forming body, the image forming body is charged by the charging means and the image is formed by the image exposing means. A color image in which a plurality of toner images are superimposed on the image forming body by sequentially repeating formation of a toner image by exposure and development by the developing unit, and then the superimposed toner images are collectively transferred to a transfer material. A developing device housing for integrally holding the plurality of developing devices, the developing device housing being separated from the image forming body along with an opening of an opening / closing lid of the color image forming apparatus main body; Means of housing Color image forming apparatus according to claim than to attach and detach the said developing unit parts. 【請求項５】 前記現像手段筺体が前記開閉蓋に取付け
られていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載のカラー画
像形成装置。5. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said developing means housing is mounted on said opening / closing lid. 【請求項６】 前記複数の像露光手段と、前記複数の像
露光手段を内包する前記像形成体と、前記像形成体の周
囲に配置される前記複数の現像手段とを前記カラー画像
形成装置本体に着脱可能な一体的なプロセスカートリッ
ジとし、 前記カラー画像形成装置本体の開閉蓋の開口に伴って、
前記プロセスカートリッジの前記複数の現像手段を一体
的に保持する現像手段筺体を、前記プロセスカートリッ
ジの前記像形成体を保持する像形成体筺体より離間する
ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載のカラー画像形成装
置。6. The color image forming apparatus, comprising: the plurality of image exposing units; the image forming body including the plurality of image exposing units; and the plurality of developing units disposed around the image forming unit. With an integral process cartridge detachable from the main body, with the opening of the open / close lid of the color image forming apparatus main body,
5. The color according to claim 4, wherein a developing unit housing of the process cartridge for integrally holding the plurality of developing units is separated from an image forming unit housing of the process cartridge for holding the image forming unit. Image forming device.