Cartridge unit

Abstract

To provide a technique that can improve workability of attachment and detachment of a cover member to and from a cartridge.SOLUTION: A cartridge protective assembly is to protect a cartridge B removably attached to an image forming apparatus body, and the cartridge protective assembly comprises: the cartridge B that includes a rotating body 62, and frame bodies 71, 73 rotatably supporting the rotating body 62, the frame bodies 71, 73 formed with an opening 71a for exposing part of an outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 62 and having a part to be engaged; and a cover member 1001 that has an engaging part to be engaged with the part to be engaged, covers at least part of the opening 71a, and is removably attached to the frame bodies 71, 73. The cover member 1001 has a light transmissivity of 40% or more in a portion including at least the engaging part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection assembly for a cartridge that is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In image forming apparatuses that form images on recording media using an electrophotographic image forming method, a process cartridge type device configuration is known. That is, in order to facilitate toner supply and maintenance, a process cartridge in which a photoconductor, charging means, developing means, cleaning means, etc. are assembled together in a frame to form a cartridge that is detachably attachable to the main body of the image forming apparatus has been put into practical use.

[0003] The photoconductor is rotatably supported in the cleaning frame of the process cartridge, and a part of the surface of the photoconductor is exposed from an opening in the frame. This means that there is a possibility that the user may come into contact with the surface of the photoconductor. If the user comes into contact with the surface of the photoconductor, oils from the hands or the like may adhere to the surface of the photoconductor, which may cause image defects. In order to prevent the user from coming into contact with the surface of the photoconductor, the surface of the photoconductor may be covered with a cover member. The cover member serves to prevent dust and contact by the user.

[0004] Furthermore, when performing maintenance such as removing a jam, the cartridge that was once installed in the main body may be removed and temporarily stored outside the main body. In that case, there is a possibility that the user may need to reattach the cover member. In this case, as in the above case, covering the surface of the photoconductor with a cover member can prevent dust and user contact. In order to further reduce the risk of the user accidentally touching the surface of the photoconductor, Patent Document 1 proposes a cover member and a sheet member attached to the cover member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-207731 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The cover member described in Patent Document 1 can be reattached to the cartridge after being removed once.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the workability in attaching and detaching a cover member to and from a cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge protection assembly of the present invention comprises: A cartridge protection assembly for protecting a cartridge that is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus body, comprising: a cartridge including a rotating body and a frame that rotatably supports the rotating body, the frame having an opening that exposes a part of an outer circumferential surface of the rotating body and an engaged portion; a cover member that has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion and covers at least a portion of the opening and is detachable from the frame body; A cartridge protection assembly comprising: The cover member has a light transmittance of 40% or more at least in a portion including the engagement portion. It is characterized by the above. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the workability in attaching and detaching the cover member to and from the cartridge can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge protection assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3]1 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a partial perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge and a cover member according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view and a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Transmittance measurement method [Figure 14] Relationship between color, thickness and light transmittance of cover material [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a front view of a cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiment may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0012] Example 1 An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copying machines, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), facsimile machines, and word processors. A process cartridge is an apparatus in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mounted on the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. For example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of the process means, namely, a developing means, a charging means, and a cleaning means, are integrated into a cartridge. In some cases, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing means are integrated into a cartridge, and the former is a photosensitive member unit (or a cleaning unit), and the latter is a developing unit. In the following description, the direction of the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is defined as the longitudinal direction. In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the side where the electrophotographic photosensitive drum receives a driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus is defined as the driving side, and the opposite side is defined as the non-driving side.

[0013] The overall configuration and image forming process will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus main body (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, image forming apparatus main body) A of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a process cartridge (hereinafter, referred to as cartridge) B. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of cartridge B. Here, the apparatus main body A refers to the portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus excluding cartridge B.

[0014] <Overall Configuration of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus> The electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) shown in Fig. 2 is a laser beam printer utilizing electrophotographic technology in which a cartridge B is detachably attached to an apparatus main body A. When the cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body A, an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) is disposed for forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 serving as an image carrier of the cartridge B. In addition, a sheet tray 4 is disposed below the cartridge B, which stores a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a sheet material PA) on which an image is to be formed. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 is a photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) used for forming an electrophotographic image.

[0015] Furthermore, in the apparatus main body A, a pickup roller 5a, a pair of feeding rollers 5b, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a conveyance guide 8, a fixing device 9, a pair of discharge rollers 10, a discharge tray 11, etc. are arranged in this order along the conveyance direction D of the sheet material PA. The fixing device 9 is composed of a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0016] <Image formation process> Next, an outline of the image forming process will be described. Based on a print start signal, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum 62, or simply photosensitive body 62, or drum 62) is rotated in the direction of arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed).

[0017] A charging roller (charging member) 66 to which a bias voltage is applied comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 and uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 (see FIG. 3). The exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam L corresponding to image information. The laser beam L passes through a laser aperture 71h provided in the cleaning frame 71 of the cartridge B and scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

[0018] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, in the developing unit 20 as a developing device, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is stirred and transported by the rotation of the transport member (stirring member) 43, and is sent out to the toner supply chamber .

[0019] The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 is a developer carrier that carries a developer (toner T) on its surface in order to develop the latent image formed on the drum 62. The toner T is frictionally charged by the developing blade 42, and the layer thickness on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 32 as a developer carrier is regulated.

[0020] The toner T is supplied to the drum 62 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image, and develops the latent image. As a result, the latent image is visualized as a toner image. The drum 62 is an image carrier that carries the latent image and the image (toner image, developer image) formed with the toner on its surface. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet material PA stored in the lower part of the device main body A is sent out from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a and the pair of feeding rollers 5b in synchronization with the output timing of the laser light L. Then, the sheet material PA is transported to the transfer position between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 via the transfer guide 6. At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 62 to the sheet material PA.

[0021] The sheet material PA onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum 62 and transported along a transport guide 8 to a fixing device 9. The sheet material PA then passes through a nip between a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b which constitute the fixing device 9. A pressure / heat fixing process is performed in this nip, and the toner image is fixed onto the sheet material PA. The sheet material PA which has had the toner image fixed is transported to a pair of discharge rollers 10 and discharged onto a discharge tray 11.

[0022] 3, the drum 62 after transfer has residual toner on its outer peripheral surface removed by a cleaning member 77, and is used again in the image forming process. The toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in a waste toner chamber 71b of the cleaning unit 60. The cleaning unit 60 is a photoconductor drum unit having the photoconductor drum 62.

[0023] In the above, the charging roller 66, the developing roller 32, the transfer roller 7, and the cleaning member 77 are process means that act on the drum 62.

[0024] <Overall Cartridge Configuration> Next, the overall structure of the cartridge B will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B, and Figures 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views for explaining the structure of the cartridge B. Note that in this embodiment, the screws used to join the various parts will be omitted from the description.

[0025] The cartridge B has a cleaning unit (photoconductor holding unit, drum holding unit, image carrier holding unit, first unit) 60 and a developing unit (developer carrier holding unit, second unit) 20.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the cleaning unit 60 as a first unit has a drum 62 as a first rotating body, a charging roller 66, a cleaning member 77, and a cleaning frame 71 as a first frame that supports these. On the driving side of the drum 62, a driving side drum flange 63 provided on the driving side is rotatably supported by a hole 73a of a drum bearing 73 (see Fig. 4). In a broad sense, the drum bearing 73 and the cleaning frame 71 can be collectively referred to as the cleaning frame.

[0027] 5, on the non-driven side, a hole (not shown) of the non-driven side drum flange is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 78 press-fitted into a hole 71c provided in the cleaning frame 71. Each drum flange is a bearing portion that is rotatably supported by a bearing portion.

[0028] 3, in the cleaning unit 60, the charging roller 66 and the cleaning member 77 are disposed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the drum 62. The cleaning member 77 has a rubber blade 77a, which is a blade-shaped elastic member made of rubber as an elastic material, and a support member 77b that supports the rubber blade. The rubber blade 77a abuts against the drum 62 in a counter direction to the rotation direction of the drum 62. That is, the rubber blade 77a abuts against the drum 62 such that its tip portion faces upstream in the rotation direction R of the drum 62.

[0029] The waste toner removed from the surface of the drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 is stored in a waste toner chamber 71b formed by the cleaning frame 71 and the cleaning member 77. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a scoop sheet 65 for preventing the waste toner from leaking from the cleaning frame 71 is provided on the edge of the cleaning frame 71 so as to come into contact with the drum 62.

[0030] The charging roller 66 is rotatably attached to the cleaning unit 60 via charging roller bearings 67 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71. The longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71 (the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B) is approximately parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis of the drum 62 extends (the axial direction). Therefore, hereinafter, when the longitudinal direction or the axial direction is simply mentioned without any particular mention, this refers to the axial direction of the drum 62. The charge roller 66 is pressed against the drum 62 by a charging roller bearing 67 being pressed against the drum 62 by a biasing member 68. The charge roller 66 is rotated by the rotation of the drum 62.

[0031] 3, the developing unit 20 as the second unit has a developing roller 32 as a second rotating body, a developing container 23 as a second frame body supporting the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, etc. The developing roller 32 is rotatably attached to the developing container 23 by bearing members 26 (FIG. 4) and 27 (FIG. 5) provided on both ends.

[0032] Further, a magnet roller 34 is provided within the developing roller 32. A developing blade 42 is disposed in the developing unit 20 for regulating the toner layer on the developing roller 32. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, spacing members 38 are attached to both ends of the developing roller 32, and the developing roller 32 is held with a small gap between it and the drum 62 by the spacing members 38 coming into contact with the drum 62.

[0033] 3, a blowout prevention sheet 33 for preventing toner from leaking from the developing unit 20 is provided on the edge of the developing container 23 so as to abut against the developing roller 32. Furthermore, a transport member 43 is provided in the toner chamber 29 formed by the developing container 23 and the bottom member 22. The transport member 43 agitates the toner contained in the toner chamber 29 and transports the toner to the toner supply chamber 28.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the cartridge B is constructed by combining the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20. When the developing unit 20 and the cleaning unit 60 are combined, first, the center of the first developer support boss 26a of the bearing member 26 is aligned with the first hanging hole 71i on the drive side of the cleaning frame 71, and the center of the second developer support boss 27a of the bearing member 27 is aligned with the second hanging hole 71j on the non-drive side. Specifically, the developing unit 20 is moved in the direction of the arrow G, so that the first developer support boss 26a and the second developer support boss 27a are fitted into the first hanging hole 71i and the second hanging hole 71j. This allows the developing unit 20 to be movably connected to the cleaning unit 60. More specifically, the developing unit 20 is rotatably connected to the cleaning unit 60. That is, the developing roller 32 is connected to the drum 62 in a state in which it can be moved toward and away from the drum 62. Thereafter, the drum bearing 73 is assembled to the cleaning unit 60 to configure the cartridge B.

[0035] In this embodiment, the non-drive side urging member 46L (FIG. 5) and the drive side urging member 46R (FIG. 4) are formed of compression springs. The urging forces of these springs allow the drive side urging member 46L and the non-drive side urging member 46R to urge the developing unit 20 against the cleaning unit 60, thereby reliably pressing the developing roller 32 toward the drum 62. Furthermore, the developing container 23 is provided with spacing members 38 attached to both ends of the developing roller 32. That is, the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 come into contact with each other at a predetermined contact pressure via the spacing members 38, so that the developing roller 32 is held at a predetermined distance from the drum 62, and their relative positions are determined.

[0036] <Cartridge installation> Next, the mounting of cartridge B will be specifically described with reference to Figures 6(a), 6(b), 7(a) and 7(b). Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the driving side guide portion of image forming apparatus A for explaining the mounting of cartridge B, and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the non-driving side guide portion of image forming apparatus A for explaining the mounting of cartridge B. Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the driving side of image forming apparatus A for explaining the positioning of cartridge B. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the non-driving side of image forming apparatus A for explaining the positioning of cartridge B.

[0037] The installation of the cartridge B will now be described. As shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b), the first driving The side plate 15 has a guide rail upper portion 15g and a guide rail 15h as guides, and the non-driving side plate 16 has a guide rail upper portion 16d and a guide rail 16e. The drum bearing 73 provided on the driving side of the cartridge B has a rotation-stopped portion 73c. ​​The mounting direction of the cartridge B is a direction (arrow C) that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drum 62 (FIG. 3).

[0038] Furthermore, the cleaning frame 71 has a positioned portion 71d as a first positioning portion and a rotation-stopped portion 71f as a second positioning portion on the non-driven side in the longitudinal direction. When the cartridge B is mounted through the cartridge insertion opening 17 of the main body A of the apparatus, the driven side of the cartridge B and the rotation-stopped portion 73c of the cartridge B are guided by the guide rail 15h of the main body A of the apparatus. On the non-driven side of the cartridge B, the positioned portion 71d and the rotation-stopped portion 71f of the cartridge B are guided by the guide rail 16d and the guide rail 16e of the main body A of the apparatus. In this way, the cartridge B is mounted in the main body A of the apparatus.

[0039] Next, the state in which the opening and closing door 13 is closed will be described. As shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), 7(a) and 7(b), the first driving side plate 15 has a positioning upper portion 15a, a positioning lower portion 15b and a rotation stopper portion 15c for positioning, and the non-driving side plate 16 has a positioning portion 16a and a rotation stopper upper portion 16c. The drum bearing 73 has a positioned portion upper portion (first positioned portion, first protrusion, first overhanging portion) 73d and a positioned portion lower portion (second positioned portion, second protrusion, second overhanging portion) 73f.

[0040] The cartridge pressing members 1 and 2 are rotatably attached to both axial ends of the opening / closing door 13. The cartridge pressing springs 19 and 21 are attached to both longitudinal ends of a front plate provided in the image forming apparatus A. The drum bearing 73 has a pressed portion 73e as a biasing force receiving portion, and the cleaning frame 71 has a pressed portion 71o on the non-driven side (see FIG. 3). By closing the opening / closing door 13, the pressed portions 73e and 71o of the cartridge B are pressed by the cartridge pressing members 1 and 2 biased by the cartridge pressing springs 19 and 21 of the apparatus main body A (see FIG. 7).

[0041] As a result, on the driving side, the positioned portion upper part 73d, the positioned portion lower part 73f, and the rotation stopper part 73c of the cartridge B are respectively fixed to the positioning portion upper part 15a, the positioning portion lower part 15b, and the rotation stopper part 15c of the main body A of the apparatus. As a result, the cartridge B and the drum 62 are positioned on the driving side. Also, on the non-driving side, the positioned portion 71d and the rotation stopper part 71f of the cartridge B are respectively fixed to the positioning portion 16a and the rotation stopper part 16c of the main body A of the apparatus. As a result, the cartridge B and the drum 62 are positioned on the non-driving side.

[0042] Although the above has been described as an example of a configuration for determining the position of the cartridge B with respect to the apparatus main body A, it is not intended to limit the means for positioning. A configuration may be used in which the positioning portions are fixed by directly acting on the positioned portion 73d and the rotation stopped portion 73f on the driving side of the cartridge B and the positioned portion 71d and the rotation stopped portion 71f on the non-driving side.

[0043] Next, the configuration in which cartridge B receives a driving force from the main assembly A of the apparatus will be described with reference to Figures 8(a), 8(b), 8(c) and 8(d). Figure 8(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the drive section of the main assembly A of the apparatus, and Figure 8(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the drive section of cartridge B. Figure 8(c) is a diagram showing the state before the drive sections of the main assembly A of the apparatus and cartridge B are engaged. Figure 8(d) is a diagram showing the state in which the power supply of the main assembly A of the apparatus is turned on and the drive sections of the main assembly A of the apparatus and cartridge B are engaged.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the main body A of the apparatus is supplied with a driving force from a driving source (not shown) of the main body A of the apparatus. 8(b), the cartridge B is provided with a drive transmission member 81 that transmits the driving force to the cartridge B. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the cartridge B is provided with a drive receiving portion 63b on the drive side drum flange 63 to receive the driving force by engaging with the drive transmission member 81. When the opening / closing door 13 is closed and the power supply of the apparatus main body A is turned on, the drive transmission member 81 moves in the direction of the arrow E in FIG. 8(c). Then, as shown in FIG. 8(d), the drive transmission portion 81b of the drive transmission member 81 engages with the drive receiving portion 63b of the drive side drum flange 63, and the drum 62 rotates via the drive side drum flange 63.

[0045] Further, a gear shape 81g is provided on the outer periphery of the drive transmission member 81. Furthermore, a developing roller gear 90 is coupled to the end of the developing roller 32 of the cartridge B. When the drive-receiving portion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 is engaged as shown in FIG. 8(d), the gear shape 81g provided on the drive transmission member 81 and the developing roller gear 90 are also arranged to mesh with each other. That is, the drive transmission member 81 rotates the drum 62 via the driving side drum flange, and at the same time, the developing roller 32 also rotates via the developing roller gear 90.

[0046] <Cover material> The characteristic cover member in this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Figures 1 and 9. Figures 1 and 9 show the cartridge B and cover member 1001 in this embodiment. Figure 1 shows the state in which the cover member 1001 is assembled to the cartridge B, and Figure 9 shows the state before the cover member 1001 is assembled to the cartridge B. The configuration in which the cover member 1001 is assembled to the cartridge B in the state in which it is removed from the apparatus main body A as shown in Figure 1 is referred to as a cartridge protection assembly for protecting the cartridge B.

[0047] As described above with respect to the overall cartridge configuration, the lower right in the figure indicates the non-driven side having the bearing 27, and the upper left in the figure indicates the driven side having the drum bearing 73. The photoconductor 62 is rotatably supported in the cleaning frame 71 of the cartridge B, and a part of the surface of the photoconductor 62 is exposed from an opening 71a of the frame 71 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, for example, the user's hand may come into contact with the surface of the photoconductor 62. If the user's hand comes into contact with the surface of the photoconductor 62, oils from the user's hands may adhere to the surface of the photoconductor 62, causing image defects.

[0048] In order to prevent the user's hand or the like from touching the surface of the photoconductor 62, the surface of the photoconductor 62 is covered with a cover member 1001 at the time of purchase, that is, the photoconductor 62 is shipped in the form of a protective assembly (see FIG. 1). The cover member 1001 serves to prevent dust and to prevent the user from touching the photoconductor 62. It also serves to protect the photoconductor 62 from hitting against any object.

[0049] Furthermore, when performing maintenance such as removing a jam, the cartridge B that was once installed in the apparatus main body A may be removed and temporarily stored outside the apparatus main body A. At that time, it is possible that the user will reattach the cover member 1001 to the cartridge B (see FIG. 9). In this case as well, by covering the surface of the photoconductor 62 with the cover member 1001, it is possible to prevent dust and contact by the user, as in the case described above.

[0050] The cover member 1001 has a shape along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B (axial direction of the photosensitive member 62), and has recessed portions 1020, 1030 at both ends, the recessed portions having a shape that matches the outer diameter shape of the ends of the cartridge B. The first recessed portion 1020 provided at one end of the cover member 1001 has a shape that matches the shape of the non-driving side end of the cleaning frame 71, which is one end of the cartridge B. The first recessed portion 1020 includes a first wall portion 1021 that faces the non-driving side end of the cleaning frame 71 in the longitudinal direction, and a second wall portion 1022 that faces the non-driving side end of the cleaning frame 71 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is configured to cover a part of the outer shape of the non-driving side end. Similarly, the second wall portion 1022 provided at the other end of the cover member 1001 has a shape that matches the shape of the non-driving side end of the cleaning frame 71, which is one end of the cartridge B. The second recessed portion 1030 has a shape that fits the shape of the driving side end of the cleaning frame 71, which is the other end of the cartridge B. The second recessed portion 1030 includes a first wall portion 1031 that faces the driving side end of the cleaning frame 71 in the longitudinal direction, and a second wall portion 1032 that faces the driving side end in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is configured to cover a part of the outer shape of the driving side end.

[0051] The positioning of the cover member 1001 to the cartridge B and the procedure for attaching the cover member 1001 to the cartridge B will be described below. The positioning configuration will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 10, 11, and 12. Fig. 10 is a front view of the cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 is a side view of the cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a front view of the cartridge B with the cover member 1001 attached, the right side of the figure indicating the non-driven side and the left side of the figure indicating the driven side.

[0052] The attachment of the cover member 1001 to the cartridge B on the non-driven side will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a side view of the cartridge B seen from the non-driven side, taken along the arrow F in Figure 10. Figure 11(a) shows the state before the cover member 1001 is attached, and Figure 11(b) shows the state after the cover member 1001 is attached.

[0053] In the cartridge B, an engaged portion 71k and a locked portion 71m are provided on the cylindrical surface of a cylindrical positioned portion 71d that is provided on the frame 71 and protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B. The non-driving side positioning portion 1002 of the cover member 1001 has a cylindrical engaging portion 1002a, a locking arm 1002b, and a triangular claw-shaped locking portion 1002c at the tip of the locking arm 1002b.

[0054] 11(a), the cover member (non-driven side) 1002 is attached to the cartridge B by gripping the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 and separating them to open a gap S. Then, the cover member 1001 is assembled in the direction of the arrow K so that the separation spacer part 1002d is inserted into the gap S (the separation spacer part 1002d is sandwiched between the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 in the gap S).

[0055] At the same time, the cover member (non-driven side) 1002 is assembled to the frame 71 so that the engaged portion 71k fits into the engaging portion 1002a. The cover member (non-driven side) 1002 is provided with guide portions 1002e and 1002f, which allow the user to easily assemble the cover member 1001 to the cartridge B.

[0056] During the assembly, the locking arm 1002b bends in the direction of the arrow M due to elastic deformation, and the locking portion 1002c climbs over the locked portion 71m. The engaging portion 1002a abuts against the locked portion 71k, completing the assembly of the cover member (non-driving side) 1002. The climbing over locking portion 1002c abuts against the locked portion 71m, thereby functioning as a snap fit portion that prevents the cover member 1001 from coming off in the direction opposite to the arrow K.

[0057] When the cover member (non-driven side) 1002 is attached to the cartridge B, the engaging portion 1002a of the cover member (non-driven side) 1002 is provided inside the first recessed portion 1020, and is arranged to be hidden by the cover member (non-driven side) 1002. That is, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B, the engaging portion 1002a is in a position hidden by the first wall portion 1021, and a part of the tip of the cylindrical positioned portion 71d and the engaged portion 71k are also arranged to be hidden by the first wall portion 1021. The engaging portion 1002a is also hidden by the second wall portion 1022 when viewed from the opposite side to the engaged portion 71k in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. It's a hiding place.

[0058] The locking portion 1002c also has a convex shape that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B from the tip of the locking arm 1002b that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B, and when viewed in the perpendicular direction, it is hidden by the locking arm 1002b depending on the viewing angle. That is, when viewed in the perpendicular direction, it has an angle such that the locked state between the locking portion 1002c and the locked portion 71m is hidden by the locking arm 1002b.

[0059] An engaged portion 71k is provided as a part of the outer periphery of the cylindrical positioned portion 71d, and a locked portion 71m is provided as a part of the outer periphery on the back side of the engaged portion 71k. That is, the cover member (non-driven side) 1002 is configured to have a wide range of angles at which the engaged state with the engaged portion 71k and the locked state with the locked portion 71m are hidden by the cover member (non-driven side) 1002 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0060] In addition, the spacing spacer portion 1002d is also angled so that the abutment portion with the cleaning unit 60 is hidden by the first wall portion 1021 when viewed in the longitudinal direction, and is hidden by the second wall portion 1022 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0061] Figure 12 is a side view of the cartridge B as seen from the drive side in the direction of the arrow G in Figure 10. Figure 12(a) shows the state before the cover member 1001 is attached, and Figure 12(b) shows the state after the cover member 1001 is attached. Also shown are partial cross-sectional views HH and JJ, which are cut along a horizontal plane intersecting the central axis of the photoconductor 62, for each of the cartridges.

[0062] The cartridge B has a cylindrical (convex curved) positioned upper portion 73d and positioned lower portion 73f, and a concave locked portion 73g on the drum bearing 73 as a frame. The drive side positioning portion 1003 of the cover member 1001 has a cylindrical engaging portion upper portion 1003a and engaging portion lower portion 1003b, and a triangular claw-shaped locking portion 1003d at the tip of a locking arm 1003c (HH cross section).

[0063] 12(a), the cover member (driving side) 1003 is attached to the cartridge B by gripping the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 and separating them to open a gap S. Then, the cover member 1001 is assembled in the direction of the arrow L so that the separation spacer part 1003e is inserted into the gap S (the separation spacer part 1003e is sandwiched between the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 in the gap S).

[0064] At the same time, the cover member (driving side) 1002 is assembled to the drum bearing 73 so that the upper positioned portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f fit into the upper engaging portion 1003a and the lower engaging portion 1003b.

[0065] During the assembly, the locking arm 1003c bends in the direction of the arrow N due to elastic deformation, and the locking portion 1003d climbs over the locked portion 73g. The upper engaging portion 1003a and the upper engaging portion 1003b abut against the upper positioning portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f, respectively, and assembly of the cover member (driving side) 1003 is completed. The climbing over locking portion 1003d comes into contact with the locked portion 73g, thereby functioning as a snap fit portion that prevents the cover member 1001 from coming off in the direction opposite to the arrow L. The direction of elastic deformation of the locking portion 1003d is different from the direction of elastic deformation of the non-driving side locking portion 1002c.

[0066] In a state where the cover member (driving side) 1003 is assembled to the cartridge B, the engagement portions 1003a and 1003b of the cover member (driving side) 1003 are engaged with the first concave portion 1030. and is disposed so as to be hidden by the cover member (driving side) 1003. That is, the engaging portions 1003a, 1003b are located at positions hidden by the first wall portion 1031 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B, and the positioned portions 73d, 73f are also disposed so as to be hidden by the first wall portion 1031. The engaging portions 1003a, 1003b are also located at positions hidden by the second wall portion 1032 when viewed from the opposite side to the positioned portions 73d, 73f in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The locking portion 1003d also has a convex shape that protrudes in the longitudinal direction from the tip of the locking arm 1003c extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B, and is arranged so as to be hidden by the locking arm 1003c when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The locking portion 1003d is also hidden by other components of the cover member (driving side) 1003 depending on the viewing angle, even in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. That is, the locking portion 1003d is arranged at an angle such that the locking state with the locked portion 73g having a concave shape recessed in the longitudinal direction is hidden by the locking arm 1002b and other components of the cover member (driving side) 1003.

[0068] In addition, the spacing spacer portion 1003e is also angled so that the abutment portion with the cleaning unit 60 is hidden by the first wall portion 1031 when viewed in the longitudinal direction, and is hidden by the second wall portion 1032 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, the non-driving side utilizes the cylindrically-shaped positioned portion 71d to form a snap-fit ​​portion in the cross-sectional direction. Since the driving side does not have a protruding shape, a recessed engaged portion 73g is provided to form a snap-fit ​​portion that elastically deforms in the longitudinal direction. As described above, in relation to other functional shapes, it is possible to adopt a snap-fit ​​configuration in which the non-driving side and the driving side, i.e., one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction, undergo elastic deformation in different directions. Note that, as described above, the position at which the above-mentioned positioning portion is provided is not limited to both ends in the longitudinal direction along the rotation axis direction of the photoconductor 62 (outside the longitudinal direction of the opening). For example, instead of providing the positioning portion at both ends, a positioning configuration in which a plurality of positions are provided along the sides of the long opening edge extending in the longitudinal direction may be used. Alternatively, the positioning portion may be additionally provided at a location other than both ends.

[0070] Further, a spacer portion 1002d is inserted into the gap S on the non-driven side, and a spacer portion 1003e is inserted into the gap S on the driven side, and is sandwiched between the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20. This generates and maintains a gap between the photoconductor 62 held in the cleaning unit 60 and the developing roller 32 held in the developing unit 20, and prevents the photoconductor 62 and the developing roller 32 from coming into contact with each other due to an impact during logistics.

[0071] In this embodiment, the cover member 1001 is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, when the cover member 1001 is attached to the cartridge B, the cover member 1001 can be attached while visually checking the photoconductor 62 which should not be touched by the user. As a result, the risk that the user will accidentally touch the surface of the photoconductor 62 can be reduced. Note that, although the entire cover member 1001 is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material in this embodiment, it may be configured to have transparent or semi-transparent portions only in necessary locations.

[0072] In addition, the periphery of a positioning portion for engaging the cover member 1001 with the cartridge B is made transparent or semi-transparent. This improves visibility of the shape for engaging the cover member 1001 with the cartridge B, and further reduces the risk that the user will accidentally touch the surface of the photosensitive member 62 while assembling the cover member 1001 with the cartridge B.

[0073] In particular, the non-driving side positioning portion for engaging the cover member 1001 with the cartridge B The cover member 1001 and its periphery including the drive-side positioning portion 1003 are made transparent or semi-transparent. This is because, if the cover member 1001 is relatively soft, it may be necessary to provide positioning portions at both longitudinal ends to make it easier to remove the cover member 1001 from the ends. This allows the user to recognize the engaging portion of the cover member 1001 with the cartridge B, improving the visibility of the shape for engagement and further reducing the risk that the user will accidentally touch the surface of the photosensitive member 62.

[0074] <Transparency> 13 is a diagram showing a system for measuring the light transmittance. The light transmittance was measured for each portion of the cover member 1001 as follows.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 13, a 6 mm diameter window 1104h serving as a light source entrance was placed above a box structure that did not leak light from inside, and a measurement unit 1101a of an illuminometer 1101 ("HIOKI 3423 LUX HiTESTER" manufactured by HIOKI EE Corporation) was placed below the light source entrance. Furthermore, a sample fixing unit 1102 was installed at the midpoint between the light source entrance and the measurement unit.

[0076] The sample fixing section 1102 is composed of a fixing plate 1103 on which the sample 1001a is placed, and a cover plate 1104 which covers the sample 1001a and also serves as the light source entrance section. The fixing plate 1103 has a recess 1103a as a blank for placing the sample 1001a, facing the center of the measurement section 1101a. The fixing plate 1103 and the cover plate 1104 each have windows 1103h and 1104h with a diameter of 6 mm through which light from the light source passes, facing the center of the measurement section 1101a. Using such an evaluation device, the light transmittance of the sample 1101a was evaluated.

[0077] In detail, the light from the light source 1105 is passed through the 6 mm diameter windows 1103h and 1104h of the fixing plate 1103 and the cover plate 1104 (without a sample), and the light from the light source is adjusted so that the reading of the illuminometer 1101 is 2000 lux. Then, the sample 1001a is placed on the blank 1103a of the fixing plate 1103 and covered with the cover plate 1104, so that the sample 1001a is interposed in the middle of the passage path of the light from the light source 1105. The value (U) of the illuminometer 1101 at that time is read. This operation is performed three times for each part, and the average value is taken as the light transmittance. The light transmittance T (%) is calculated by the following formula. Light transmittance T(%)=U / 2000×100

[0078] Table 1 in Fig. 14 shows the relationship between the thickness and light transmittance of the cover member. The light transmittance of each part of a prior art cover member made of PS (polystyrene) and orange in color, and a cover member made of PP (polypropylene) and natural in color according to this embodiment, was measured using the procedure described above. In addition to the light transmittance results, a judgment was also made as to whether the engagement part was visible.

[0079] As a result, it was found that if the light transmittance of the periphery of the cover member 1001, including the non-driving side positioning portion 1002 and the driving side positioning portion 1003 for engaging with the cartridge B, is 40% or more, the engaging portions are visible, making it easy to aim and assemble. Therefore, by configuring the periphery of the positioning portion for engaging the cover member 1001 with the cartridge B to be transparent or semi-transparent, the visibility of the shape for engaging the cover member 1001 with the cartridge B is improved. This can further reduce the risk that the user will accidentally touch the surface of the photosensitive member 62 while assembling the cover member 1001 to the cartridge B.

[0080] In this specification, "transparent" and "semi-transparent" do not necessarily need to be clearly defined. For example, a relatively high light transmittance value close to 100% can be defined as "transparent," and a light transmittance value that is not 100% but is at least 40% can be defined as "semi-transparent." In other words, when a user attaches or detaches the cover member 1001 to or from the cartridge unit, the light transmittance can be determined as "semi-transparent." In the industry, the term "transparent or translucent" refers to a material that has transparency (translucency) to such an extent that the position of the engagement portion and the photoconductor 62 can be visually confirmed through the cover member 1001. In this embodiment, PP (polypropylene) is used as the material for the cover member as described above, but PS (polystyrene) may be used as long as it provides similar visibility.

[0081] Example 2 Fig. 15 is a front view of a cartridge B according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge B according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a partial portion of the E-E cross section of Fig. 15.

[0082] The cover member 1201 has a character-shaped portion 1201b on which characters indicating handling precautions are displayed on the outer surface 1201a covering the photoconductor 62. The character-shaped portion 1201b has a function of, for example, calling the user's attention not to touch the photoconductor 62 and informing the user of the upward direction of how to remove the cover member 1201. Since the character-shaped portion 1201b is arranged so as to cover the photoconductor 62, it can be emphasized as a call for attention to the target photoconductor 62. Possible methods of arranging the character-shaped portion 1201b include engraving in which characters are carved into a mold and the characters 1201b are drawn by molding. Other means may be used as long as characters and illustrations can be arranged.

[0083] Also, it is desirable to reduce the amount of material used to reduce the cost of the cover member 1201. To achieve this, as shown in FIG. 16, it is considered to reduce the thickness t of the cover member 1201. If the thickness is too thin, the resin may not circulate completely and may cause a short circuit, so a balance must be taken with moldability. Specifically, it is necessary to ensure that the resin flowing in from the gate (the portion 1201g of the cover member 1201 corresponding to the gate) in the mold can flow to every corner of the cavity of the mold. To achieve this, it is possible to make the thickness t1 of the portion (central flow path portion) 1201c of the cover member 1201 corresponding to the central flow path of the mold thicker than the thickness t2 of the portion (other flow path portion) 1201d of the cover member 1201 corresponding to the other flow paths of the mold. This makes it possible to maintain sufficient fluidity and reduce the amount of resin used.

[0084] In this case, a thickness difference (t2-t1) occurs between the adjacent central flow passage portion 1201c and the other flow passage portion 1201d, but by smoothly connecting them at the joint 1201e, the step can be made inconspicuous. That is, the thickness change at the joint 1201e connecting the parts of the cover member 1201 with different thicknesses is configured to gradually change at least at the part overlapping with the character-shaped portion 1201b. As a result, the step at the joint 1201e is made inconspicuous with respect to the outline of the character 1201b drawn on the surface of the transparent or translucent cover member 1201, and the visibility of the character-shaped portion 1201b can be maintained. In addition, by applying coloring to the marking, the visibility of the character-shaped portion 1201b can be further improved.

[0085] <Developing roller cover member> In this embodiment, the cover member for the photosensitive body has been described as a rotating body of the cartridge, but the same configuration can be applied to the cover member for the developing roller, and the same effect can be obtained. For example, the present invention is preferably applicable to a case where a developing unit having a developing roller is separated from a photosensitive body unit having a photosensitive body and made into a cartridge, and the developing cartridge is configured to be detachable from the main body of the device alone. That is, the visibility of the shape for engaging the cover member with the developing cartridge is improved, and the risk of the user accidentally touching the surface of the developing roller while assembling the cover member to the developing cartridge can be further reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] B... cartridge, 62... photosensitive drum, 71... cleaning frame, 71a... opening, 73... drum bearing, 1001... cover member

Claims

1. A cartridge protection assembly for protecting a cartridge that is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus body, comprising: a cartridge including a rotating body and a frame that rotatably supports the rotating body, the frame having an opening that exposes a part of an outer circumferential surface of the rotating body and an engaged portion; a cover member that has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion and covers at least a portion of the opening and is detachable from the frame; A cartridge protection assembly comprising: A cartridge protection assembly, wherein the cover member has a light transmittance of 40% or more at least in a portion including the engaging portion.

2. the engaged portion is provided at an end of the frame in an axial direction of the rotor, the cover member has a recessed portion corresponding to an outer shape of the end portion of the frame body, the recessed portion including a first wall portion opposed to the end portion in an axial direction and a second wall portion opposed to the end portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, The engagement portion is disposed inside the recessed portion, 2. The cartridge protection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion have a light transmittance of 40% or more.

3. 3. A cartridge protection assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that the engaging portion is positioned at a position hidden by the first wall portion when viewed in the axial direction, and hidden by the second wall portion when viewed from the opposite side to the engaged portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

4. the frame has a positioning portion for determining a position of the cartridge with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus, 4. A cartridge protection assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that the positioned portion has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction, includes the engaged portion on its outer circumferential surface, and at least a portion of its tip and the engaged portion are hidden by the first wall portion when viewed in the axial direction.

5. The cover member has a locking arm extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a locking portion provided at a tip of the locking arm and having a convex shape protruding in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the frame body has a locked portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the positioned portion on a rear side of the engaged portion and to which the locking portion is locked; the engaging portion and the engaged portion have an angle such that the engaging portion and the engaged portion are hidden by the engaging arm when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, 5. The cartridge protection assembly according to claim 4, wherein the light transmittance of the locking arm and the locking portion is 40% or more.

6. the cover member has a locking arm extending in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotor, and a locking portion provided at a tip of the locking arm and having a convex shape protruding in the axial direction, The frame body has a recessed shape recessed in the axial direction and has a locked portion to which the locking portion is locked, the locking portion and the locked portion are located in a position hidden by the locking arm when viewed in the axial direction, 5. The cartridge protection assembly according to claim 2, wherein the light transmittance of the locking arm and the locking portion is 40% or more.

7. The cartridge is a first rotating body as the rotating body, and a frame that rotatably supports the first rotating body; a first unit having a first frame body as a body; a second unit including a second rotor and a second frame that rotatably supports the second rotor; Equipped with the cover member has a spacer portion inserted between the first unit and the second unit, A cartridge protection assembly as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the spacer portion has an angle such that the abutment portion with the first unit is hidden by the first wall portion when viewed in the axial direction, and is hidden by the second wall portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

8. the first rotating body is a photosensitive drum, 8. The cartridge protection assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second rotating body is a developing roller.

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