JP2001034144A - Image forming device and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a cartridge to be loadable and unloadable without being conscious for loading/unloading processing of a connector by making a loading direction of the connector and a loading direction of the process cartridge mutually the same and providing a connector on main body side on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming device which holds the process cartridge. SOLUTION: When a cartridge cover 24 is opened and the process cartridge 2 is inserted into a main body frame 1, right and left positioning bosses 6 which protrudes from side surfaces of the process cartridge 2 are mounted on a guide rail 12b of the main body frame 1, and are inserted along the guide surface. Subsequently, when the connectors of the main body side and the process cartridge side are brought into proximity to each other, a guide pin 22' of an LED connector P 22 is inserted into a guide hole of the LED connector C 8 and connected therewith. Based on the constitution, the connector of the main body side is attached to the main body of the image forming device and, therefore, a user can execute the loading/unloading of the process cartridge without consciousness of loading/unloading processing of a connector.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a printer having a process cartridge having a solid-state scanning element as an exposure means and a photosensitive member exposed by the exposure means, and a process cartridge. It is about. More specifically, the present invention relates to a configuration for attaching a connector for transmitting an electric pixel signal to a solid-state scanning element included in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and a process cartridge.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, and the like), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

A process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means, a solid-state scanning element and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. It is assumed that. In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit, and the solid-state scanning element and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Further, it refers to a device in which the solid-state scanning element and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Liquid crystal elements and LEDs are used as solid-state scanning elements.
Elements and the like are known, and this description describes a printer using an LED head including a LED array and a SELFOC lens (trade name) as a solid-state scanning element as a representative example.

The configuration of a conventional LED printer will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, 100 is an LED printer, 10
Reference numeral 1 denotes a cassette for accommodating the recording medium S; 102, a sheet feeding spring for pressing the intermediate plate 103 on which the recording medium S is placed upward;
Numeral 03 denotes a middle plate on which the recording medium S is loaded, which is rotatably attached to the cassette 101. Reference numeral 104 denotes a separation claw for separating the recording medium S one by one, and reference numeral 105 denotes a paper feed roller.
Reference numeral 106 denotes a pair of registration rollers for transporting the recording medium S to the transfer unit at a predetermined timing; 107, a process cartridge to which an electrophotographic process member is integrally attached;
Reference numeral 108 denotes a transfer roller that performs a transfer process, 109 denotes a fixing device that performs a fixing process, and 110 denotes a paper discharge roller. 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes an LED head for performing an exposure process, which includes an LED array, a selfoc lens, and the like. 112
Is a holding member for the LED head 111. In the process cartridge 107, reference numeral 120 denotes a photosensitive drum;
, A developing sleeve for performing a developing process; 122, a charging roller for similarly performing a charging process; and 123, a cleaning blade for performing a cleaning process of the photosensitive drum. 1
Reference numeral 31 denotes a part of the exterior of the printer 100,
It can be opened and closed around the center. The recording medium S discharged from the discharge roller 110 is discharged and stacked on the upper surface of the upper cover 131.

An LED head holding member 112 is attached to the back surface of the upper cover 131 in a state where the LED head holding member 112 is movable toward the center of the photosensitive drum 120 and is also pressed toward the photosensitive drum 120 by an LED spring (not shown). I have. LE when the upper cover 131 is closed and in the print state
The D head 111 is abutted against the frame member of the process cartridge 107 and is kept at a predetermined distance, which is the focal length, from the photosensitive drum 120.

When the user of the printer 100 performs an operation such as a jam clearing operation or cleaning of the LED head 111, a lock mechanism (not shown) for holding the upper cover 131 in the printer body is released, and the upper cover 131 is moved upward in FIG. Open as shown by the solid line. In this state, the user can attach / detach the process cartridge 107 to / from the main body of the printer 100. When the process cartridge 107 is taken out, the recording medium transport path 133 shown by a solid thin line in FIG.
Can be seen. And the jammed recording medium can be touched. Then, jam processing is possible. Further, since the LED head 111 is contaminated with dust, toner, or the like, cleaning is required as necessary. In this cleaning process, the LED head 111 is exposed when the upper cover 131 is open, so that the LED head can be easily cleaned.

[0009]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the LED head is abutted against the process cartridge by a spring, which is an elastic member, the upper cover receives the reaction force thereof, so that the upper cover and the locking portion of the upper cover are used. Requires rigidity. During printing, vibrations generated from a gear train transmitting torque to the photosensitive drum, a motor of the printer, a recording medium conveying member, and the like are transmitted to the process cartridge. In order to achieve higher image quality so that the relative positional relationship between the photosensitive drum and the LED head does not fluctuate due to the influence of this vibration, it is necessary to press the LED head more strongly against the process cartridge, thereby also locking the upper cover and the upper cover. Greater rigidity is required by the mechanism.

In addition, the process cartridge contains an amount of developer,
There is an upper limit of the number of prints for reasons such as the durability performance of the photosensitive drum. When the number of prints reaches this predetermined number, it is necessary to replace the prints, and used process cartridges are discarded or recycled. In order to provide high-quality prints, it is necessary that the sensitivity of the photosensitive drum and the light amount of the LED are appropriate values. That is, when the sensitivity of the photosensitive drum is low, a large amount of light needs to be exposed, and when the sensitivity is high, a small amount of light must be used. However, if the process cartridge is a replacement part and the variation of the photosensitive drum and the LED is large, a difference in image quality occurs due to the combination of the LED head, that is, the printer body and the process cartridge. As a countermeasure, it is necessary to strictly control the quality in the manufacturing process and to provide a means for recognizing the sensitivity of the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 10 also shows a state where the upper cover is opened. When performing jam processing, remove the process cartridge from the printer and remove the jam paper.
Since the LED head is exposed during the processing operation, there is a possibility that a problem such as adhesion of dust or accidental scratching of the LED head may occur. On the other hand, also on the process cartridge side, the portion where the LED head is inserted becomes an opening, and the photosensitive drum is exposed. When the photosensitive drum is exposed to external light for a long time, this portion is charged and adversely affects the image quality. As with the LED head, there is a possibility that a problem such as dust or damage to the photosensitive drum may occur. In some cases, a shutter is provided as a countermeasure against this problem.

[0012]

Therefore, in the present invention,
An LED head which is a solid-state scanning element and an electrical contact (hereinafter referred to as a connector) of the LED head are integrally attached to the process cartridge, while a connector of the LED head is attached to a holding member of the process cartridge such as a frame of the printer body. The direction of attachment / detachment of the connector and the direction of attachment / detachment of the process cartridge to / from the process cartridge holding member of the printer main body are the same.

The main aspects of the present invention are as described below with reference to the claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a solid-state scanning element for exposing an image to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a coupling portion facing forward in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge. A connector provided to send a process cartridge; and a mounting portion for removably mounting a process cartridge having a connector. B. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side connector coupled to the process cartridge connector; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A lower frame; b. An upper frame provided to be openable and closable with respect to the lower frame and supporting the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached and detached; c. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a solid-state scanning element for exposing an image to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a coupling portion facing forward in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge. And a connector provided so that the process cartridge can be taken out. D. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side connector provided on the upper frame and coupled to a connector of the process cartridge; e. Transport means for transporting the recording medium, wherein the mounting portion is provided on the upper frame and regulates a mounting direction such that the process cartridge is mounted toward the connector of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Guide means capable of supporting the process cartridge, and positioning means provided on the lower frame for positioning the process cartridge when closing the upper frame and releasing the positioning portion when opening the upper frame. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized in that:

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a solid-state scanning element for exposing an image to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A connector provided with the coupling portion facing forward in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge, and provided to send an electric pixel signal to the solid-state scanning element; and mounting means for mounting to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A process cartridge characterized by the above-mentioned.

With the above configuration, the process cartridge can be attached and detached by the same operation as when there is no connector without the user being aware of the process of attaching and detaching the connector between the LED head and the image forming apparatus main body. . Further, since the solid-state scanning element is integrally mounted on the process cartridge, the positioning of the solid-state scanning element with respect to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is ensured, and the solid-state scanning element is mounted on a frame or the like of the process cartridge using an elastic member such as a spring. Does not act on the upper cover of the image forming apparatus main body.

In the variation in physical properties between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the solid-state scanning device, since the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the solid-state scanning device are paired, the light quantity characteristics of the solid-state scanning device in the production process according to the sensitivity characteristics of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Can be adjusted.

Further, since the solid-state scanning element is integrally attached to the process cartridge, the solid-state scanning element and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are not exposed during a jam processing operation or when the process cartridge is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus. In addition, problems such as adhesion of dust and generation of scratches can be prevented.

[0020]

(Embodiment 1) The configuration of a printer as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus based on an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the overall configuration of a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus using the same will be described.

[Overall Configuration] This electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) A is, as shown in FIG.
A solid-state scanning element, for example, an LED head including an LED array and a SELFOC lens (trade name) is irradiated with information light based on image information to a photosensitive drum 5 which is a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, and is applied to the photosensitive drum 5. A latent image is formed, and the latent image is developed with a developer (hereinafter, referred to as “toner”) to form a toner image. Then, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the sheet is separated and fed one by one from the sheet cassette 11a containing the recording medium S by the pickup roller 11b and the separation claw 11c. The toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member conveyed by the conveying means 11 and formed into a cartridge as the process cartridge 2 is transferred to a recording medium S by applying a voltage to a transfer roller 14 as a transfer means, and the recording is performed. The medium S is transported to the fixing device 3 by the transport belt 11f. The fixing device 3 includes a driving roller 3a,
The fixing roller 3c includes a heater 3b and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium S passing therethrough to fix the transferred toner image. Then, the recording medium S is transferred to a discharge roller pair 11g,
The sheet is conveyed at 11h, and is discharged to the discharge section 27 through the reverse conveyance path.

[Process Cartridge] On the other hand, the process cartridge 2 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process means. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning means for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member Etc. In the process cartridge 2 of the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 5 which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer is rotated, and a voltage is applied to a charging roller 15 which is a charging means.
Is uniformly charged, and the charged photosensitive drum 5 is exposed to a light image from the LED head 7 to form a latent image, and the latent image is developed by a developing unit 16. are doing. The developing means 16 forms a toner image by supporting the toner in the toner container 16a in a thin layer on the surface of the developing roller 16b and displacing the toner on the photosensitive drum 5.

After a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 14 to transfer the toner image to the recording medium S, a removed toner storage unit for scraping off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 5 by the cleaning blade 17a. 1
The residual toner on the photosensitive drum 5 is removed by cleaning means 17 for collecting the toner on the photosensitive drum 7b.

The photosensitive drum 5 and other members are composed of a developing unit in which a toner storage frame 16a and a toner developing frame 18 containing a developing member such as a developing roller 16b are welded and integrated, A housing 17b is formed, and a cleaning frame 19 having a photosensitive drum 5, a cleaning blade 17a, and a charging roller 15 is rotatably connected to each other, and a compression coil spring (not shown) is compressed between the cleaning frame 19 and the developing unit. The cartridge is housed in a cartridge frame body provided and formed into a cartridge, and is mounted on a cartridge mounting portion provided in the image forming apparatus A.

FIGS. 1 to 3 are main cross-sectional views of the printer, particularly showing portions related to the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge. FIG. 1 shows a state where the process cartridge is mounted, and FIGS. FIG. 3 shows the state of the process. 1 is the body frame of the printer,
Reference numeral 2 denotes a process cartridge, 3 denotes a fixing device, and 4 denotes a process cartridge drive gear, which meshes with a gear (not shown) coaxially fixed to the photosensitive drum 5 (see FIG. 1). In the process cartridge 2, reference numeral 5 denotes a photosensitive drum, and reference numerals 6 denote positioning bosses projecting from both side surfaces of the process cartridge 2 and are coaxial with the photosensitive drum shaft. 7 is an LED head which is a scanning optical system for performing an exposure process, and 8 is an LE attached to a process cartridge.
D connectors C (connector pins are not shown) and 9 are attitude control guides provided on the process cartridge for controlling the attitude of the process cartridge. Body frame 1
The main components of the printer, such as the fuser 3, can be attached.
It consists of left and right sides and a plurality of stays connecting them. In the main body frame 1, 1 'is the right side of the frame, 1
Reference numeral 0 denotes an upper frame stay that connects left and right members (not shown) of the main body frame 1 and reference numeral 10 'denotes a connector holding portion of the upper frame stay.

When the cartridge cover 24 is opened upward about the rotation shaft 24a at the top of the image forming apparatus A, the process cartridges 2 are mounted symmetrically on the left and right walls inside the frame 1 of the printer body. A guide member is provided for the operation. This guide member is a lower guide 12
And an upper guide 13 provided thereabove. Lower guide 12
Has a guide rail 12b that guides the positioning boss 6 of the process cartridge 2 over almost the entire process of attaching and detaching the process cartridge 2. The guide rail 12b is inclined substantially straight forward and downward when viewed from the mounting direction of the process cartridge 2. Upper guide 13 is lower guide 12
It is arranged above. At the end of the guide rail 12, a positioning groove 12a into which the positioning boss 6 is fitted is provided. Reference numeral 13 denotes an upper guide against which the attitude control guide 9 of the process cartridge 2 abuts. The upper guide 13 is located above the lower guide 12 and is provided on the left and right side surfaces inside the main body frame 1.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a connector holder which is movably attached to the connector holding portion 10 'in the direction of arrow C. Reference numeral 22 denotes an LED connector P (connector pin hole not shown), which is a connector on the main body side, and is fixed to the connector holder 21. Reference numeral 23 denotes a connector spring 23 provided between the frame upper stay 10 and the connector holder 21. The connector holder 21 is substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction of the process cartridge 2 by the connector spring 23 and the connector holding portion 10 in the direction of arrow C. It is movably held in the direction of arrow C. Reference numeral 22 'denotes a guide pin of the LED connector P22 which engages with a guide hole (not shown) of the LED connector C8 when the connector is in a coupled state.

Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to the mounting operation of the process cartridge 2. Fig. 3 shows the mounting start, Fig. 1
Shows a state at the time of completion of mounting, and FIG. 2 shows an intermediate state.

When the cartridge cover 24 is opened and the process cartridge 2 is inserted into the main body frame 1 of the printer main body, first, the left and right positioning bosses 6 protruding from the side surfaces of the process cartridge 2 are connected to the guide rails 1 of the main body frame 1.
2b and is inserted in the direction of arrow B along this guide surface. Next, as shown in FIG. 2, when the connector on the main body side and the connector on the process cartridge 2 side come close to each other, the guide pin 22 'of the LED connector P22 is inserted into a guide hole (not shown) of the LED connector C8, and then the connectors are connected. . The connector spring 23 is a tension coil spring, and the connector holder 21 is stopped by a stopper (not shown). Alternatively, the connector spring 23 has a free length,
At the free length position, the guide pin 22 'is connected to the LED connector C8.
Is located at a position where it can enter the guide hole. Subsequently, the positioning boss 6 fits into the positioning groove 12a. Then, the driving gear 4 meshes with a gear (not shown) fixed to the photosensitive drum 5. At this time, the process cartridge 2 is slightly lowered, but the LED connector P22 is moved downward following the operation of the positioning boss 6 fitting into the positioning groove 12a because the connector holder 21 is slidably held in the connector holding portion 10 '. Move in the direction. When the operator releases his / her hand from the process cartridge 2, the attitude control guide 9 on the side surface of the process cartridge 2 is placed on the upper guide 13, and the mounting of the process cartridge 2 on the main body frame 1 is completed.

The LED connector is provided with a guide pin 22 'projecting from the LED connector P22 and a guide hole to be engaged with the guide pin 22'. The LED connector 8 and the LED connector P22 are arranged in ideal insertion positions and directions. On the other hand, even if there is some deviation, if the guide pins 22 'enter the guide holes, the connectors can be connected without any problem. However, since the connector is small, the margin for displacement is small and 2
mm. In the present invention, since the holding portion for the LED connector P is provided on the main body frame on which the guide for inserting the process cartridge 2 is integrally provided, an ideal connector insertion position and direction can be obtained during the process cartridge insertion process. On the other hand, it is possible to easily realize guidance with a small displacement.

An LED connector C8 is attached to the process cartridge 2,
Since the connectors are connected in conjunction with the insertion operation of the connector, the user has an excellent operability without making the user feel the presence of the connector more than necessary.

(Embodiment 2) The description of Embodiment 1 is cited for the overall configuration of the printer and the configuration of the process means of the process cartridge.

Next, the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the connector is mounted at a position where the connector can be visually observed in the mounting operation of the process cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main cross-sectional view of the printer, particularly a portion related to the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge. Is omitted. Reference numeral 30 denotes a printer, 31 denotes a main body frame, 32 denotes a process cartridge, and in the process cartridge 32, 33 denotes an LED connector C attached to the process cartridge. The main body frame 31 is attached with main components of the printer such as the process cartridge 32, and is composed of left and right side frames and a plurality of stays connecting the frames. In the main body frame 31, reference numeral 31 'denotes a right side of the frame;
Is a stay on the frame for connecting both side frames (not shown) of the main body frame 31, and 34 'is a connector holding portion of the stay on the frame. 35a and 35b are upper guides for positioning the upper portion of the process cartridge by sandwiching the attitude control guide portion 9 of the process cartridge. The distance between the opposing surfaces of the upper guides 35a and 35b becomes narrower toward the front as viewed from the mounting direction of the process cartridge 2.

Reference numeral 36 denotes a connector holder which is mounted on the connector holding portion 34 'so as to be movable in the direction of arrow C in the figure. An LED connector P 37 is a connector on the main body side and is fixed to the connector holder 36.
Reference numeral 38 denotes a connector spring, as in the first embodiment. The LED connector P37 is held by the connector holder 36 so as to be swingable in a direction indicated by an arrow C which is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the process cartridge 32 (direction indicated by an arrow B).

Next, this embodiment will be described according to the mounting operation of the process cartridge. FIG. 5 shows the state at the end of mounting, and the state of the process is omitted.

When the process cartridge cover 24 is opened and the process cartridge 32 is inserted into the body frame 31 of the printer body in the direction of arrow B, first, the left and right positioning bosses 6 protruding from the side surfaces of the process cartridge 32 are mounted on the guide rails 12b of the body frame 31. And inserted along this guide rail surface. When it is further inserted, the attitude control guide section 9 enters between the pair of upper guides 35a and 35b, and the distance between the upper guides 35a and 35b is reduced according to the insertion, and the attitude of the process cartridge 32 is determined. Next, as in the first embodiment, the connector on the main body side and the connector on the process cartridge 32 side approach each other, the connector pin 36 'of the LED connector 37 is inserted into a guide hole (not shown) of the LED connector C33, and then the connectors are connected. You. Subsequently, the positioning boss 6 fits into the drum shaft positioning groove 12a. At this time, the process cartridge 32 is slightly lowered, but the connector holder 36 is held so as to be movable in the direction of arrow C, so that the positioning boss 6 is positioned in the drum shaft positioning groove 1.
The LED connector C33 follows the operation of fitting into 2a and moves downward.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the connectors are connected in conjunction with the insertion operation of the process cartridge. Therefore, excellent operability can be achieved without making the user feel the presence of the connectors more than necessary. Have. In addition, since the connector part is mounted on the process cartridge and at a position visible to the user during the process cartridge attaching / detaching operation, the user naturally controls the force applied to the process cartridge during the operation and confirms the connection of the connector. Is possible.

(Embodiment 3) The description of Embodiment 1 is cited for the construction of the recording medium conveying means, transfer means, fixing means and process means of the process cartridge of the printer.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the main body frame has a frame which is separated into two parts, and one of the main body frames is rotated and opened while holding the process cartridge at the time of attaching / detaching the process cartridge or clearing a jam.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the main cross-sectional views of the printer, particularly those parts related to the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge. FIG. 6 shows a state before the process cartridge is mounted, and FIG. It is shown. In the figure, 40 is a printer, 41 is a lower frame of the printer, 42
Are a pair of left and right cartridge positioning grooves provided on both side surfaces of the lower frame 41 (only one side is shown). Reference numeral 43 denotes an upper frame, and reference numeral 44 denotes a rotation center of the upper frame 42. The upper frame 43 is connected to the lower frame 41 at the center 44. Reference numeral 45 denotes a front U groove (only one side is shown) for holding the front end of the process cartridge 48 provided on both side surfaces of the upper frame 43, and reference numeral 46 denotes a rear end portion of the process cartridge 48 similarly provided on both side surfaces of the upper frame 43. Is a connector holder for holding the LED connector P22, which is a connector on the printer body side, and is provided on the upper frame 43.

Reference numeral 49 denotes a pair of left and right tip pins (only one side is shown) attached to both sides of the process cartridge 48.
Thus, the attitude control guide unit in a state where the process cartridge 48 is mounted on the printer 40. Reference numeral 50 denotes a rear guide attached to the right side surface of the process cartridge 48. When the process cartridge 48 is mounted on the upper frame 43, it serves as an attitude control guide together with the pins 49.

Next, this embodiment will be described in accordance with the mounting operation of the process cartridge. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the upper frame, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the mounting is completed with the upper frame closed.

In a process cartridge attaching / detaching operation or a printer jam clearing operation, the user releases the lock mechanism (not shown) and turns the upper frame 43 upward to open the upper frame 43. When the process cartridge 48 is inserted into the upper frame 43, the cartridge tip pin 49 first moves while sliding on the guide rail 45a following the front U groove 45, and the cartridge rear guide 50 enters the rear U groove 46 to determine the insertion direction. . After the insertion direction is determined, the LED connectors 8 and 22 attached in both directions of the process cartridge 48 and the printer 40 are connected. In this state, the process cartridge 48 is held by the upper frame 43.

Next, when the upper frame 43 is rotated downward and closed, a pair of left and right process cartridges 48 is formed.
The positioning boss 6 is fitted in the positioning groove 42 of the lower frame 41, and the position and posture of the process cartridge 48 are determined.

The main body frame of the printer 40 is of a two-body type, and the upper frame 43 is
3, the process cartridge 48 can be held and the process cartridge 48 is mounted on the upper frame 43, so that the connectors are connected. With the upper frame 43 opened, the process cartridge 48 can be attached / detached and the connector can be connected. With this configuration, the upper frame 43 can be seen clearly when the process cartridge 48 is attached or detached, so that the operability of attaching or detaching the process cartridge is greatly improved. If the user needs to touch the inside of the printer, such as clearing the jam or cleaning the inside of the printer, the jam can be cleared only by opening the upper frame, and a larger space for access can be secured. Therefore, the operability in this respect is also good.

(Embodiment 4) Embodiment 1 is cited for the description of the structure of the process means of the process cartridge.

Next, the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Embodiment 4 is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printer that performs an electrophotographic process in a vertical transport path that transports a recording medium in a vertical direction.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are main cross-sectional views of the printer, particularly showing portions related to the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge. FIG. 8 shows a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the printer, and FIG. It shows a process of attaching and detaching to and from the device. Reference numeral 60 denotes a printer having a vertical transport path 77 for transporting the recording medium S almost vertically, 61 denotes a printer body frame, 62 denotes a process cartridge, 63 denotes a transport unit of the printer, and 64 accommodates paper as the recording medium S. Cassette, 65 a paper feed roller, 66 a pair of transport rollers, 67 a transfer roller, 68
Denotes a fixing device, 69 denotes a paper discharge roller, and 70 denotes a stacking tray. The transport unit 63 includes a transfer roller 67, a fixing device 68,
It is composed of a discharge roller 69 and a transport guide (not shown).

Reference numeral 71 denotes an LED connector C mounted on the process cartridge 62; 72, a positioning boss having the same center as the photosensitive drum protruding from both side surfaces of the process cartridge 62; and 73, a rib-shaped member provided on the side of the process cartridge 62. The process cartridge attitude control guide 74 is the center of rotation of the transport unit 63. The process cartridge 62 is partially provided with a concave portion, and the LED connector 71 is attached to the concave portion. Reference numeral 75 denotes a guide rail provided on both side surfaces of the main body frame 61, and a terminating end is a positioning groove 75a. 7
Reference numeral 6 denotes a cartridge attitude control guide groove, and arrow D denotes a mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge 62.

Next, this embodiment will be described in accordance with the mounting operation of the process cartridge.

When carrying out the attaching / detaching operation of the process cartridge 62, the transport unit 63 is first opened counterclockwise around the center of rotation 74 to bring it to the state shown in FIG. Next, the process cartridge 62 is inserted into the main body frame 61 of the printer main body.
First, the left and right positioning bosses 72 protruding from the side surface of the process cartridge 62 are placed on the guide rails 75 of the main body frame 61 and inserted along the guide surfaces. Subsequently, the positioning boss 72 at the same center as the photosensitive drum axis is fitted into the positioning groove 75a of the U groove at the base of the guide rail 75, and the cartridge attitude control guide portion 73 is fitted into the cartridge attitude control guide groove 76, and the process is started. The insertion direction and position of the cartridge 62 are determined. Then, the LED connector C71 on the process cartridge side and the LED connector P22 on the main body frame side are connected. Finally, the transport unit 63 is closed, and the operation ends.

In this embodiment, since the LED connector C71 on the process cartridge side is attached to the concave portion of the process cartridge 62, it is possible to prevent the connector from being accidentally touched and damaged. The LED head 7 is mounted at a predetermined focal length with respect to the photosensitive drum, and since the photosensitive drum-LED head 7-LED connector C71 is arranged approximately linearly, the LED head 7 and the LED connector C
This is an arrangement configuration in which the distance to the distance 71 is shortest. Since an LED transmits an image signal at a very high frequency, a shorter wiring is more resistant to noise, which is also advantageous in this regard.

In each embodiment, in order to make the LED connector P movable in the mounting direction of the process cartridge, the connector holder is made movable with respect to the supporting member, and the connector holder is located at the connector coupling position with a spring. The flexible member may be attached to the main body frame.

[0056]

As described above, in a process cartridge having a built-in solid-state scanning element for performing exposure in an electrophotographic process and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is detachable, the mounting direction of the connector and the The mounting direction is the same, and the main body side connector is provided on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus which holds the process cartridge. Therefore, the following effects are obtained. 1. The attachment and detachment can be performed without being aware of the attachment and detachment of the connector. 2. Since the connector on the main body side is attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the positional accuracy of the connector between the process cartridge and the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be easily maintained with high accuracy. 3. When the connector of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is movably held, it is possible to prevent mechanical stress from being applied to the electrical contacts when the connector is in the fastened state. 4. Since the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the solid-state scanning device are paired in a cartridge, processing such as adjusting the light amount characteristics of the solid-state scanning device in accordance with the sensitivity characteristics of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum can be performed in the production process. 5. Since the solid-state scanning element and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are not exposed in a jam clearing operation or in a state where the process cartridge is detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent problems such as adhesion of dust and generation of scratches. 6. When the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the solid-state scanning element, and the connector of the process cartridge are arranged substantially in line with the mounting / detaching direction of the process cartridge, the configuration becomes strong against noise. 7. When the connector is made visible when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the user can naturally control the force applied to the process cartridge during operation and check the connection of the connector.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing a cartridge mounting unit of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a process cartridge mounting operation in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a process cartridge mounting operation in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view showing a cartridge mounting means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a cartridge mounting unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a process cartridge mounting operation in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the process cartridge mounting operation in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Image forming apparatus S: Recording medium 1: Printer body frame 1 ': Right side of the frame 2: Process cartridge 3: Fixing device 3a: Driving roller 3b: Heater 3c:
Fixing roller 4 ... Drive gear 5 ... Photoconductor drum 6 ... Positioning boss 7 ... LED head 8 ... LED connector 9 ... Attitude control guide section 10 ... Frame stay 10 '... Connector holding section 11 ... Conveying means 11a ... Paper feeding cassette 11b ... Pickup roller 11c ... Separation claw 11d ... Transport roller 11e ... Registration roller pair 11f ... Transport belt 1
1g, 11h: Discharge roller pair 12: Lower guide 12a: Positioning groove 12b: Guide rail 13: Upper guide 14: Transfer roller 15: Charging roller 16: Developing unit 16a: Toner container 16b: Developing roller 17: Cleaning unit 17a: Cleaning Blade 17b: Removed toner container 18: Toner developing frame 19: Cleaning frame 21: Connector holder 22: LED connector P 22 '... Guide pin 23: Connector spring 24: Cartridge cover 24a: Rotating shaft 27: Discharge unit 30 ... Printer 31 ... Main frame 31 '... Right side of frame 32 ... Process cartridge 33 ... LED connector C 34 ... Stay on frame 34' ... Connector holder 35a, 35b ... Upper guide 36 ... Connector holder 36 '... Connector pin 37 ... LED Connector P 38 ... Connector spring 40 ... Printer 41 ... Printer lower frame 42 ... Cartridge positioning groove 43 ... Upper frame 44 ... Rotating center 45 ... Front U groove 45a ... Guide rail 46 ... Back U groove 47 ... Connector holder 48 ... Process cartridge 49 ... Tip Pin 50 ... Rear Guide 60 ... Printer 61 ... Body Frame 62 ... Process Cartridge 63 ... Transport Unit 64 ... Cassette 65 ... Sheet Roller 66 ... Transport Roller 67 ... Transfer Roller 68 ... Fixer 69 ... Discharge Roller 70 ... Loading tray 71 ... LED connector C 72 ... Positioning boss 73 ... Position control guide part 74 ... Center of rotation 75 ... Guide rail 75a ... Positioning groove 76 ... Cartridge attitude control guide groove 77 ... Vertical transport path 100 ... LED printer 101 ... Cassette 102 … If you feed Reference Signs List 103 middle plate 104 separation claw 105 feed roller 106 registration roller pair 107 process cartridge 108 transfer roller 109 fixing device 110 discharge roller 111 LED head 112 holding member 120 photosensitive drum 121 Developing sleeve 122 Charging roller 123 Cleaning blade 131 Upper cover 132 Rotation center 133 Transport path

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Ken Yokoyama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Naoki Michiwaki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon (72) Inventor Akira Kuroda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2H071 BA04 BA13 BA14 BA16 BA19 BA20 BA27 BA29 BA36 DA03 DA06 DA08 DA13 DA15 DA21 EA04 EA06 5E021 FA14 FB17 FC06 FC31 FC38 HA05 KA02

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a solid-state scanning element for exposing an image to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a coupling portion facing forward in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge. And a mounting portion for detachably mounting a process cartridge having: b. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side connector coupled to the process cartridge connector; c. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: conveying means for conveying the recording medium. 2. The mounting portion is provided at a guide rail for guiding a process cartridge positioning guide portion provided on the same center line as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a process cartridge mounting direction, and at an end of the guide rail. A positioning groove for fitting a positioning guide portion of the process cartridge, and a guide portion for regulating an attitude control guide portion of the process cartridge for determining the attitude of the process cartridge. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is movably provided in a direction crossing a mounting direction of the process cartridge. 3. The electrophotographic image according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side connector is provided on the back side of the process cartridge mounting portion when viewed from the process cartridge mounting direction. Forming equipment. 4. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side connector is provided at a visible position when the process cartridge is mounted on a mounting portion.
Or the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to 2. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the guide for regulating the attitude control guide of the process cartridge and the connector of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are arranged in a straight line substantially in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 6. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which detachably attaches a process cartridge and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: a. A lower frame; b. An upper frame provided to be openable and closable with respect to the lower frame and supporting the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached and detached; c. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a solid-state scanning element for exposing an image on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a coupling unit disposed in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge with an electric pixel signal applied to the solid-state scanning element. And a mounting portion for removably mounting the process cartridge having: d. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side connector provided on the upper frame and coupled to a connector of the process cartridge; e. Transport means for transporting the recording medium, wherein the mounting section regulates the mounting direction so that the process cartridge is mounted toward the connector of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body provided on the upper frame. Guide means capable of supporting the process cartridge, and positioning means provided on the lower frame for positioning the process cartridge when closing the upper frame, and releasing the positioning portion when opening the upper frame. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: 7. A process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a solid-state scanning element for exposing an image on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A process cartridge comprising: a connector disposed so that a coupling portion faces forward in a direction, and provided to transmit an electric pixel signal to the solid-state scanning element; and mounting means for mounting to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. . 8. A positioning guide portion provided on the same center line as the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and guided and positioned by the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the mounting means is regulated by the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising: an attitude control guide unit that is configured to determine an attitude of the process cartridge. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the connector and the attitude control guide are arranged on a straight line substantially in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Process cartridge. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connector is provided at a front end of the process cartridge as viewed in a mounting direction of the process cartridge to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Process cartridge. 11. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the connector is provided at a position visible when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
The process cartridge according to any one of the above. 12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the connector is provided at a rear upper position of the process cartridge when viewed from a mounting direction of the process cartridge to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. cartridge. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the solid-state scanning element, and the connector are arranged substantially in a straight line in the same direction as the mounting direction of the process cartridge. Process cartridge. 14. A process cartridge comprising: a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit; a solid-state scanning element and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a cartridge which is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the process cartridge is used. 15. The process cartridge is configured such that at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit, a solid-state scanning element, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the process cartridge is used. 16. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein at least the solid-state scanning element and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge described in any one of the above.