JP3192484B2 - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus to which this process cartridge can be attached and detached - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer, and an image forming apparatus detachable from the process cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is integrated with an image carrier and at least one process means acting on the image carrier for the purpose of maintenance-free operation of the image forming apparatus and facilitating replacement of consumables. A process cartridge detachable from the main body is used.

When the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body and is in a state where an image can be formed, the image carrier must be exposed on the surface of the cartridge housing.

Conversely, when the cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body and the image forming apparatus cannot be operated, it is preferable that the image carrier is in a protected state in order to prevent an external influence.

In order to achieve this object, a process cartridge having a cover movable between a first position covering an exposed portion of an image carrier and a second position retracted from the first position has already been put to practical use. ing.

The cover is supported by pivots at substantially both ends of the image carrier in the longitudinal direction. In consideration of the assemblability of the cartridge, the pivots are both pivot shafts and slits into which the pivot shafts fit. (Fig. 32).

[0007]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]
There is a problem that the cover is relatively easily detached due to an impact when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body or an impact when the cartridge is dropped.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, a cartridge frame, a photosensitive drum, and a process acting on the photosensitive drum. Means, a cover for covering an exposed portion where the photosensitive drum is exposed from the cartridge frame, a first position in which the cover covers the exposed portion, and a first position for retreating from the first position. A first circular hole provided at one longitudinal end of the cartridge frame, into which a shaft provided at one longitudinal end of the cover is fitted so as to be movable between the first position and the second position; A shaft provided on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the cover is fitted so as to be movable between a first position covering the exposed portion and a second position retracted from the first position. The cartridge frame Second provided in the longitudinal direction other end
And the second from the edge of the cartridge frame.
A second slit, through which the shaft can pass, leading to the hole of
A spring for biasing the cover in one direction, a spring provided on a side where the first hole is provided in a longitudinal direction of the cover, and a spring provided on the apparatus main body. A pin that engages with the abutting portion and moves the cover to the second position, the pin being provided on the side where the first hole is provided in the longitudinal direction of the cover; A driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum from the apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, wherein the driving force receiving section receives the driving force in a longitudinal direction of the cover. A driving force receiving portion provided on the side where the one hole is provided. Still another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for detachably attaching a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording material, comprising: (a) a cartridge frame, a photosensitive drum, and acting on the photosensitive drum; A process unit, a cover for covering an exposed portion where the photosensitive drum is exposed from the cartridge frame, and a first cover for covering the exposed portion with the cover.
And a shaft provided at one end in a longitudinal direction of the cover is fitted so as to be movable between a position of the cartridge frame and a second position retracted from the first position. A circular first hole provided at one end side, a first position covering the exposed portion, and a second position retracted from the first position.
A second hole provided at the other longitudinal end of the cartridge frame, into which a shaft provided at the other longitudinal end of the cover is fitted so that the cover can be moved. hand,
A second hole extending from the edge of the cartridge frame to the second hole and having a slit through which the shaft can pass, and a spring for urging the cover in one direction, A spring provided on the side where the first hole is provided in the direction, and a pin for engaging the contact portion provided on the apparatus main body to move the cover to the second position. A pin provided on the side provided with the first hole in the longitudinal direction of the cover, and rotating the photosensitive drum from the apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for causing the driving force to be transmitted, and a driving force receiving portion provided on a side provided with the first hole in a longitudinal direction of the cover. Featured professional An image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting portion for removably mounting a print cartridge; (b) the abutting portion; and (c) transport means for transporting the recording material. .

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a laser beam printer as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 1 by opening a front door 2 of the printer main body 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge 3. The cartridge 3 includes a photosensitive member serving as an image carrier, a charging unit for uniformly charging the image carrier, a developing unit for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a residue on the image carrier. Cleaning means is contained. Here, the process cartridge has an image carrier (photoconductor) and at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit, and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view when the cartridge 3 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 (as viewed from the direction A in FIG. 1). FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a state in which the front door 2 is opened and the cartridge 3 is attached and detached in the direction of arrow C. In FIG. 3, the exterior of the cartridge 3 is hatched.

First, an outline of an image forming process of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

The photosensitive drum 4 having a photosensitive layer on the surface is uniformly charged on the surface by a charging roller 5. Next, a laser beam L is irradiated onto the photoconductor 4 from the laser optical unit 6 based on image information input from an external computer or the like. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photoconductor 4. Next, in the developing section 7, the portion of the photoconductor 4 irradiated with the laser beam L is developed (reversed development) with toner t having the same polarity as the charged polarity of the photoconductor, and a visible image is formed on the photoconductor 4. Form. Next, the recording material P supplied from the paper supply cassette 10 is pinched between the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer roller 8 at the same time as the visible image reaches the transfer position formed by the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer roller 8. The visible image is transferred to the recording material P. This recording material is sandwiched between nips 9 formed by the pair of fixing rollers 12 and 13, and a visible image is fixed on the recording material. Thereafter, the recording material P is discharged onto the discharge tray 14. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 4 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 15 to remove residual toner and the like, and then proceeds to the charging step again.

Next, the process of transporting the recording material P will be described in detail.

A plurality of recording materials P are stacked in a sheet feeding cassette 10, and the leading end of the recording materials P is urged by a tension spring 16 to rotate on a stacking slope 17, and the surface of the sheet feeding roller 18 is rotated. Is pressed. When the user loads the recording material P into the apparatus, the user can pull out the sheet cassette 10 in the right direction (the direction of the arrow B) in the drawing. At this time, since the paper feed spring support shaft 19 moves upward along the slide grooves 20 formed on both side walls (front and rear sides of the paper) of the paper feed cassette 10, the loading slope 17 is moved to the paper feed cassette 1
Since the recording material P is lowered to the bottom surface of 0, the recording material P can be smoothly loaded.

The paper feed roller 18 is fixed to a paper feed drive shaft 21, and a clutch and a solenoid (not shown) are provided at the shaft end of the paper feed drive shaft 21.
8 can be controlled. Separating claws 22 are provided at the left and right corners of the recording material on the paper feed roller side.
3 is rotatably urged by a spring (not shown). Also,
A guide portion 24 for guiding the recording material from the paper feed cassette 10 is formed in the apparatus main body, and guides the recording material P to guide the recording material P to the registration roller pair 25.

When a solenoid (not shown) is turned on by a paper feed start signal, the driving force of a paper feed drive gear (not shown) is transmitted to the drive shaft 21 via a clutch (not shown).
The paper feed roller 18 rotates to guide the recording material P to the cassette entrance guide 23. At this time, only the uppermost recording material is derived from the relationship between the friction coefficients. Shortly thereafter, the recording material P is fed to the registration roller pair 2 by the rotation of the paper feed roller 18.
5 is reached.

On the other hand, a registration roller pair 2
5 is provided with a second inlet 26 for introducing a recording material P from other than the paper feed cassette 10. With such a configuration, options such as multiple decks and cassettes can be
The recording material P can be introduced into the apparatus main body from another feeding means, and a configuration excellent in expandability is realized.

A sensor lever 27 is provided upstream of the registration roller 25 in the recording material conveyance direction. The sensor lever 27 is rotatably supported by a frame of the apparatus main body, and detects the leading end of the recording material P with a photo interrupter (not shown) or the like. After the detection of the leading end position of the recording material, the recording material P is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer roller 8 by the registration roller 25 in synchronization with the leading end of the visible image on the photosensitive drum 4.

A plurality of guide ribs 29, which are guide members, are formed in a longitudinal direction on a part of the surface of the toner storage section 28 of the developing section 7.
Is used as a guide member for the recording material, so that it can be conveyed to the photosensitive drum 4 with high accuracy.
Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 4 is formed by an image forming process described later.
The toner image formed thereon is transferred to the recording material P by the transfer roller 8 pressing the photosensitive drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. At this time, the transfer roller 8 has a DC polarity opposite to that of the toner.
A bias of about 500 to 2000 V is applied, and the toner is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the recording material P.

As an auxiliary means for separating the recording material P from the photosensitive drum 4 after the end of the transfer, a charging needle (not shown) is buried at the leading end on the upstream side of the fixing entrance guide 30, and it is difficult to separate the recording material. Materials can be separated smoothly. For this reason, the winding of the recording material P around the photosensitive drum 4 due to the separation failure of the recording material can be prevented. Further, even if a recording material separation failure occurs, since the rush prevention guide 31 is disposed opposite the fixing entrance guide 30, a serious jam can be avoided.

The transferred recording material P is guided to the fixing unit 9 by the fixing entrance guide 30. The fixing unit 9 includes a fixing roller 12 having a halogen heater 32 therein as a heat source. A pressure roller 13 is pressed against the fixing roller 12 with a predetermined pressure, and is driven to rotate by a driving gear (not shown). . The temperature of the fixing roller 12 is detected by a thermistor (not shown) in contact with the surface of the fixing roller 12, and the temperature is controlled by a controller (not shown) in an electrical unit of the apparatus main body. As a safety measure against runaway of the halogen heater 32, a non-contact thermoswitch (not shown) is disposed above the fixing roller 12.

The recording material P passes through the nip portion between the heated fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 13 so that the toner image on the recording material P is permanently fixed on the recording material P. The recording material P after fixing is fixed to a fixing roller 12 by a separation claw (not shown).
After being separated from the surface of the fixing roller 12, the sheet is conveyed upward by a pair of pulling rollers 33 disposed above the fixing roller 12.
At this time, the pulling roller 33 is several% higher than the fixing roller 12.
It is driven to rotate at a high relative speed.
Is conveyed while being forcibly pulled, curling the recording material,
The configuration is such that wrinkles and the like can be prevented from occurring. Thereafter, the recording material P is discharged out of the apparatus by a discharge roller 34, and is stacked on a discharge tray 14 provided at a discharge port 35.

The above-described transfer roller, fixing section, pulling roller and the like are integrally fixed to the front cover 2 and are rotatably supported by a shaft 36 of the apparatus main body. The front cover 2 can be divided as shown in FIG. 4 and can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body.

Next, the laser optical system of the image forming unit will be described with reference to FIGS.

A polygon mirror 38, which is a rotating polygon mirror, is fixed on the rotation axis of the polygon motor 37 which rotates at high speed. Then, the laser light L emitted from the laser unit 39 passes through the collimator lens 40 and the cylindrical lens 41, is reflected on the surface of the polygon mirror 38, and is reflected on the photosensitive drum 4 via the spherical lens 42 and the F lens 43. Focus the laser light.

The laser light L scans the generatrix direction of the photosensitive drum 4 by rotating the polygon mirror 38, and changes the irradiation point of the laser light L to a predetermined potential by turning on and off the laser unit 39. An electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum. At this time, polygon mirror 3
In order to obtain a reference for laser scanning in the generatrix direction of the photosensitive drum 4 (referred to as main scanning) by a reference numeral 8, a BD mirror 44 is provided at a position outside the image area at the beginning of the main scanning direction. The laser light L is
After being reflected by the BD mirror 44, the photosensitive drum 4
Is introduced into the laser receiving surface 45 provided at a position substantially equivalent to the above. Thereafter, the laser light L is guided to a laser light receiving element (not shown) on a DC controller (not shown) by an optical fiber 46 in a laser light receiving surface 45.

With this configuration and beam detection, a laser scanning reference timing is obtained from an image output timing, and an image signal is output to the laser unit by a clock from this reference timing, thereby obtaining a laser scanning reference timing. A scan is performed. The above polygon motor,
Optical devices such as mirrors and lenses are housed integrally in the scanner unit 6, and the scanner unit 6 is positioned and fixed on the apparatus main body with high accuracy.

Next, the process cartridge 3 which is an image forming section will be described.

The above-described electrophotographic process is used as an image forming method when this process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body. The configuration of the process cartridge 3 will be briefly described according to this process.

The primary charging section is disposed on the upstream side of the exposure position of the laser beam L. In this embodiment, the charging roller 5, which is a semiconductive elastic body that can be rotationally driven, presses the photosensitive drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. In contact. The charging roller 5 is
For example, DC-600V to -700V, AC1200V
By applying a bias of ４1800 V, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 can be uniformly charged to ６００600 V to ７００700 V.

Next, an electrostatic latent image is formed by the above-described laser beam optical system, and the potential of the electrostatic latent image portion becomes -50.
V to -150V.

On the other hand, the toner t of the same polarity as the primary charge is pumped up from the toner container 28 by the stirring member 47 and sent into the developing section 7 through the opening 48. Then, the surface of the developing roller 11 is thinly and uniformly coated with the toner t frictionally charged by the rubbing of the developing blade 49.
The toner t is applied to the photosensitive drum 4 by 200 μm to 350 μm.
When the AC bias is applied to the developing roller 11 in a state of being close to m, a reversal phenomenon (jumping development) occurs on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image described above, and a toner image appears on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Imaged.

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 4 is transferred onto the recording material P by the bias of the transfer roller 8 as described above.

On the other hand, the residual toner t which is a transfer residue on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is removed from a squeeze sheet 50 (PE having a thickness of 50 μm to 100 μm) provided at the entrance of the cleaning section.
T sheet), is scraped off by the cleaning blade 15, and is stored in the cleaning container 51. Then, the cleaned photosensitive drum 4 can perform the next image forming process again.

The process cartridge 3 is configured to replace a new one after a certain amount of image formation in consideration of the life of each process member (photosensitive drum, cleaning blade, charging roller, etc.), the absence of toner, and the like. Have been. At the time of the replacement, the process cartridge 3 is configured to be able to be inserted and removed from the side where the front cover 2 is opened. It is possible to take out in a right angle direction. After a new process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body, the front cover 2 is closed, and the process cartridge 3 is set at a predetermined position by pressing the transfer roller 8 or the like.

By the way, the characteristics of the photosensitive drum 4 deteriorate when exposed to external light for a long time, and an image defect occurs when a foreign substance adheres to the surface or is damaged by distribution or the like. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, a drum shutter (cover) movable to a first position covering an exposed portion of the image carrier and a second position retracted from the first position. ) 52
Are rotatably supported by the housing of the process cartridge 3. FIG. 6 is a front view and a side view of the cartridge with the drum cover 52 placed on the front, and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cartridge when the cartridge 2 is opened. In a state where the process cartridge 3 is taken out of the apparatus main body, or in a state where the process cover 3 is attached to the apparatus main body and the front cover 2 is opened, the drum shutter 52 is closed by the urging force of the shutter spring 53 (the first position). 1 position). At the end of the drum shutter 52, a drum shutter pin 54, which is a rod-shaped arm, is provided so as to protrude, and is engaged with a shutter open lever 55 provided on the apparatus main body side. The shutter open lever 55 is configured to rotate about a fulcrum 56 in conjunction with opening and closing of the front cover 2. When the front cover 2 is closed in a state where the process cartridge 3 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the shutter open lever 55 is rotated, and the drum shutter 52 is opened together with the shutter pin 54 engaged with the shutter open lever 55 (second position). ).

Here, the drum shutter 52 is connected to the rotating shaft 5.
7 is openable. The rotation shaft 57 is rotatably supported by rotation fulcrums 58 and 59 at substantially both ends in the longitudinal direction of the image carrier 4. One of the pivots 58 is the pivot 5
7 and a circular fitting hole 60, and the other rotating fulcrum 59 has a rotating shaft 57 and a fitting hole 61 having a slit. When the cover 52 having the shaft 57 is attached to the cartridge frame, first, the tip of the shaft 57 on the circular fitting hole 60 side is inserted into the hole 60.
Into the shaft 57 on the side of the slit-fitted hole 61.
The tip is fitted into the hole 61 from the slit.

As described above, one of the pivot points has a pivot shaft and a circular fitting hole, and the other pivot point has a pivot axis and a slit-fitting hole. In addition to preventing the cover 52 from accidentally falling off from the frame,
Easy assembly is possible.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, a driving force receiving portion (gear) provided at an end of the photosensitive drum for receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body is driven by a driving gear of the apparatus main body.
The force F is applied in a direction inclined by the pressure angle α with respect to the tangent 1 of the reference pitch circle. Therefore, if there is a circular round hole 60 on the driving force receiving gear side, there is no concern that the drum cover will come off even if a force acts on the side where the drum shutter pin comes off the cartridge due to the force F.

Further, the drum shutter is urged to rotate in one direction by a shutter spring 53. The shutter spring is in the vicinity of the drum shutter pin 54, that is, in the hole 6a.
It is mounted on a shaft 57 near zero. With this arrangement, the shutter spring is positioned on the opposite side (hole 61).
Side), the amount of twisting of the drum shutter 52 when the drum shutter 52 is fully opened to the end point can be greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an obstacle due to twisting (interference of parts, plastic deformation).

The length S of the drum shutter pin 54 of the drum shutter 52 of this embodiment is set to be smaller than 19 mm from the thrust reference plane T of the process cartridge. By doing so, the packing bag of the process cartridge is prevented from being damaged. S
In the case of ≧ 19, the packing material is damaged in a drop test or the like, so that a special packing must be put on the packing material, resulting in an increase in cost.

In this embodiment, the shafts are provided at both ends of the drum shutter. However, the shafts may be formed on the process cartridge side and the holes may be formed on the drum shutter side. It goes without saying that it is good.

The user attaches and detaches the process cartridge 3 to and from the apparatus main body while holding the handle member 62 provided on the housing of the process cartridge 3. The handle member 62 is rotatably attached to the process cartridge 3. When the drum shutter 52 rotates, the handle member 62 rotates following the drum shutter 52 so that it does not interfere with the process equipment in the apparatus main body. It is configured to move. The user holds the handle member 62 and sets a target for the installation portion of the process cartridge 3 secured in the apparatus base. This mounting operation of the process cartridge can be accurately performed by using a positioning and guiding mechanism described below.

The process cartridge 3 has an arc-shaped flange portion 70 for positioning and a guide rib portion 71 for preventing inclination of the process cartridge 3 and guiding it when the process cartridge 3 is mounted on the apparatus main body. Each is formed on the body. The photosensitive drum 4 is supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction by drum positioning pins 98.
The drum positioning pin 98 is inserted and fixed in a positioning hole concentric with the arc-shaped flange portion 79.

On the other hand, the guide rib 7
A guide hole 97 that guides the process cartridge 1 to regulate the inclination of the process cartridge 3 and an arc-shaped positioning portion 96 for positioning the process cartridge 3 are formed.

As described above, the photosensitive drum 4 is positioned with high accuracy with respect to the apparatus main body by engaging the flange portion 79 of the process cartridge 3 with the positioning section 96 of the apparatus main body. .

Accordingly, the user can easily mount the process cartridge 3 by inserting the guide ribs of the process cartridge 3 into the guide holes 97 of the apparatus main body and then pushing the guide ribs into the apparatus main body. .
Marks (not shown) are provided at the center of the top surface of the process cartridge 3 (FIG. 12) and at the center of the upper portion of the process cartridge insertion port on the apparatus main body side as auxiliary guide means for mounting in the main body. These marks are compared with each other to improve the mountability of the process cartridge.

A laser shutter 117 is attached to an inner cover 116 in the apparatus main body so as to be rotatable about a hole 118. When the process cartridge 3 is not in the apparatus main body, the laser shutter 117 descends by its own weight (the state shown in FIG. 4), and the optical path of the laser is closed. Therefore, if a laser beam is irradiated due to malfunction or the like, the laser beam is prevented from leaking out of the apparatus main body by the closed laser shutter 117.

On the other hand, a laser shutter rib 119 for actuating the laser shutter 117 is provided at the rear of the container of the process cartridge 3. When the process cartridge 3 is mounted on the apparatus main body,
The laser shutter rib 119 pushes the laser shutter 117 upward (the state shown in FIG. 3) to open the optical path of the laser light.

The photosensitive drum 4 is driven by a drum gear 78 adhered and fixed to the end of the photosensitive drum 4 meshing with a drum drive gear 77 which is supported on the inner surface of the apparatus main body. When the drive motor (not shown) rotates, the drum drive gear 77 rotates via a motor gear, idler gear, clutch gear, and the like (not shown).
Is driven to rotate, and the above-described image formation is performed. At this time, the direction of the meshing force F applied to the tooth surface of the drum gear is
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 23, a perpendicular 1 drawn in a straight line connecting the rotation centers of the drum gear 78 and the drum drive gear 77.
From the gear by a meshing pressure angle α. The direction of the engagement force F is directed toward the mounting direction of the process cartridge 3 to the apparatus main body.

Therefore, when the drum driving gear 77 is driven to rotate, the engaging portion F of the gear causes the flange portion 79 of the process cartridge to move to the positioning portion 96 of the apparatus main body.
Pressed to. Therefore, even if the flange portion 79 of the process cartridge is supported in a state of being shifted from the positioning portion 96 of the apparatus main body, if the photosensitive drum 4 is driven, the flange portion 79 is engaged in a normal state. Are combined.

Further, a moment in the counterclockwise direction is generated in the process cartridge 3 from the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 4 by the engagement force F, so that the support surface 130 of the guide rib 71 of the process cartridge 3
It is pressed against the receiving surface 131 of the guide hole 97 of the apparatus main body. Therefore, the support surface 130 of the guide rib portion 71 of the process cartridge is used as the receiving surface 1 of the guide hole 97 of the apparatus main body.
When the photosensitive drum 4 is driven, the supporting surface 130, the receiving surface 13
1 are adhered to each other and supported in a normal state.

When removing the process cartridge 3 from the apparatus body, the front cover 2 is opened. At the time of opening, the drum drive gear 77 is disengaged from gears connected by a drive motor by a link mechanism (not shown), and the drum drive gear 77 becomes rotatable with respect to gears on the apparatus main body side. . Accordingly, the above-described engagement force F disappears, and the process cartridge can be smoothly removed from the apparatus main body.

Next, the electrical connection between the process cartridge 3 and the apparatus main body 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 31, on the side of the process cartridge 3 opposite to the drum gear 78, contact portions of a primary bias 132, a developing bias 133, and a residual toner detection 134 are arranged at predetermined intervals. Further, the above-mentioned drum positioning pin 98 is provided with an electrode 91 for taking a drum ground so as to protrude to the side.

On the other hand, a high-voltage board 135 is attached to the inner side surface of the apparatus main body. The high-voltage board 135 has a primary bias 136, a developing bias 137, and a toner for electrically connecting to the process cartridge 3. Residual examination 13
8. The contact portion of the drum ground 139 is arranged. When this high-voltage board is attached to the apparatus main body, the tops of the contacts protrude inward from holes formed in side walls inside the apparatus main body.

When the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body, the corresponding contact portions come into contact with each other, and the electrical connection is completed. Here, it is desirable that the contacts on the process cartridge side and the apparatus main body side be made of the same material or the same group of materials. In the case of this embodiment, all the contacts on the high-voltage board are KN-plated on a phosphor bronze plate, and the contacts (primary bias, developing bias, toner residual detection) on the process cartridge side are made of stainless steel plate, and the drum ground. The electrode of No. 1 uses a steel surface plated with KN.

Next, the handle 62 of the cartridge 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the handle member 62,
A shaft 63 serving as a rotation center is provided integrally. A hinge 64 is provided in the cartridge housing. The hinge portion 64 has an opening 65, and the handle member 62
3 is inserted from the opening 65 and attached. The clearance of the opening 65 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the shaft 63, and the handle member is attached by a so-called patching method. In a state where the handle member is attached, the handle member 62 is freely rotatable around the hinge 64. When taking out the cartridge 3 from the apparatus main body, the user pulls in the direction of arrow C (see FIGS. 4 and 9) while holding the handle member 62. At this time, by providing the opening 65 on the side opposite to the arrow C direction, it is possible to prevent the handle member 62 from being accidentally detached from the cartridge housing.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment.

The handle member 66 is integrally provided with a shaft 67 serving as a center of rotation. Further, since the slit 69 is provided, the shaft 67 can bend inward (in the direction of arrow D). (Within the elastic deformation of the resin material) When attaching the handle member to the hinge 68 of the cartridge housing,
7 is elastically deformed in the direction of arrow D and fitted into hinge portion 68. After being fitted, it does not come off because it is elastically restored. This embodiment has an advantage that safety can be obtained with respect to the fitting table because there is no groove 70 in the hinge portion as shown in FIG.

As described above, the handle member is provided separately from the cartridge, and the rotation shaft of the handle member is fitted into the hinge portion provided in a part of the cartridge housing, so that the handle member has a light force about the rotation axis. (1) A large weight cartridge can be supported. (2) The assembling of the handle member is simplified, and the rotation of the handle member is light and there is no restoring force, so that the packing workability is improved and the packing bag is not likely to be damaged. (3) When the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body and the front cover is closed, the drum shutter rotates in conjunction therewith, and the drum shutter easily pushes up the handle member. Since the handle member can be rotated with a light force, the drum cover is not damaged. This has the effect.

Next, the positioning of the cartridge at the time of mounting / detaching the process cartridge will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, near the longitudinal end portion of the cartridge, there is an engaging portion which engages with a cartridge inserting guide portion provided on the apparatus main body in an uneven relationship, and at least one end in the cartridge longitudinal direction. And a second surface 73 that is substantially parallel to the front end surface 72 of the projection 71 in the cartridge longitudinal direction and that engages with the guide portion of the apparatus main body. Here, the second surface 7
Reference numeral 3 denotes a longitudinal end surface of the rib 74 in the cartridge longitudinal direction.

The second surface 73 extends substantially from the front end (position a in FIG. 2) in the cartridge insertion direction C to the rear end, and the projection 71 is located substantially in the center of the cartridge insertion direction C (FIG. 2).
From the middle b position) to the rear end.

When inserting the cartridge as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, first, the second surface 73 is inserted.
Is inserted along the inner surface of the cartridge insertion guide 75 provided in the apparatus main body 1 and conforming to the shape of the cartridge, thereby positioning the cartridge in the longitudinal direction. Subsequently, the insertion direction of the cartridge is determined by inserting the convex portion 71 along the guide 75.

As described above, at the position a in FIG. 2, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge and the inserting direction are not adjusted at the same time, but only the longitudinal direction is adjusted first, and then the inserting direction is adjusted, so that the operability at the time of inserting the cartridge is improved.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
When the cartridge 71 is inserted into the hole of the main body side guide 75, the drum gear (described later) of the cartridge is connected to the drum driving gear 7 of the main body.
7 is engaged.

The shape of the rib 74 may be as shown in FIG. 14 as long as it has the second surface 73.

Next, the positioning between the photosensitive drum and the apparatus main body will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

When the drum gear 78 adhered and fixed to the photosensitive drum 4 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow E by the drum drive gear 77, the drum gear 78 has helical teeth. Get. Therefore, the drum positioning pins 80 inserted into the container flange 79 and the drum gear 78 of the process cartridge 3 move in the direction of arrow F together with the photosensitive drum 4. By this movement, the surface of the drum positioning pin 80 comes into close contact with the positioning side plate 81 in the apparatus main body. Thereby, the drum 4 and the apparatus main body are not twisted due to the sinking of the drum 4 when the drive is applied, and the positioning between the apparatus main body and the photosensitive drum 4 is accurately performed. Therefore, high image accuracy can be maintained. Reference numeral 82 denotes a cartridge a frame.

Next, another embodiment using the same principle will be described with reference to FIG.
6 is shown. In FIG. 16, when the drum gear 83 bonded and fixed to the photosensitive drum 4 is a spur gear, the surface of the photosensitive drum positioning pin 84 at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 4 is applied by the elastic force of the spring material 85 or the like from the apparatus main body side. By directly pressing the photosensitive drum 4 in the direction of arrow F by obtaining the thrust force, the surface of the drum positioning pin 80 can be brought into close contact with the positioning plate of the apparatus main body. Thus, the positional relationship between the apparatus main body and the photosensitive drum 4 can be accurately determined.

Next, still another embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG.
7, a drum gear 7 adhered and fixed to the photosensitive drum 4
8 and the flange portion 86 of the container of the process cartridge 3
Even if one point of the positioning pin 87 to be inserted into the flange portion 86 is fastened to the flange portion 86 with the screw 85, the flange 86 near the 89 and the positioning pin 87 are weakly floating because of one point fastening. Therefore, when a thrust force is applied, the surfaces of the positioning plate 81 and the positioning pins 87 in the apparatus main body can be in close contact with each other, and the photosensitive drum and the apparatus main body can be accurately positioned. Further, if the fastening is performed at one point, there is an effect that the positioning pin does not come off during the distribution of the cartridge or the like. Also, as shown in FIG.
If the surface of 0 is secured as large as possible, it is more advantageous to prevent the photosensitive drum 4 from being driven and from going into a sunk posture, and the positional relationship with the apparatus main body can be maintained more accurately. .

Next, the vicinity of the drum ground electrode 91 of the process cartridge 3 and the drum ground high-voltage contact 92 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

At the center of the drum positioning pin on the non-driving side of the process cartridge 3, a drum ground electrode (rotary shaft) 91 which is a conductive parallel pin is inserted. The rotation shaft 91 protrudes from the longitudinal end of the cartridge. The surrounding area is lightened (because the manufacturing cost is reduced)
A groove (recess) 93 is provided. The groove 93 is provided with a rib (protection portion) 95 on a line connecting the guide rib 94 when the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the drum ground electrode 91. The guide rib 94 is on the other end side from the rib 71 in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 has a drum ground high-voltage contact (biasing member) near the center of the positioning portion 96 of the process cartridge 3.
92 are attached.

Therefore, the process cartridge 3
Of the image forming apparatus main body 1
The drum high-voltage contact 92 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 first slides on the guide rib 94 of the process cartridge 3 and further slides on the rib 95 of the drum positioning section 98. When the positioning pin 98 moves and the positioning pin 98 is positioned at the positioning portion 96 of the apparatus main body 1, the positioning pin 98 reliably contacts the drum ground electrode 91.

Therefore, the drum ground high-voltage contact of the image forming apparatus main body can reliably contact the drum ground electrode without being caught by the groove of the drum positioning pin of the process cartridge 3.

Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the previous embodiment, there was a step between the rib of the drum positioning pin and the drum ground electrode. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the height of the rib 100 of the drum positioning pin 99 is made equal to the height of the electrode on the drum ground electrode 101 side, and the same as the rib on the guide rib 102 side. , To make it a smooth curve.

Therefore, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the drum ground high-voltage contact (not shown) on the main body side is connected to the guide rib of the process cartridge 1.
Slide on the rib 100 of the drum positioning pin 99,
The contact with the drum ground electrode 101 can be made more smoothly without any step.

Next, a method of supporting the photosensitive drum will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In the drawing, reference numeral 103 denotes a drum support shaft, which is engaged with the hole 106 of the arm 105 extending from the cleaner container 104, and is fixed by a screw at the collar 107.

The boss 108 of the drum support shaft 103 engages with the center hole 110 of the gear flange 109 fixed to the end of the photosensitive drum 4 by means of bonding, press fitting, caulking or the like, and the photosensitive drum slides. Rotate. The drum support shaft 103 is made of self-lubricating plastic such as polyacetal, and can rotate smoothly when sliding with the gear flange 109. Note that the engagement between the inner diameter of the gear flange 109 and the boss 108 of the drum support shaft 103 is a clearance fit for sliding.

On the other hand, ribs 112 are provided at three places in the circumferential direction at the main diameter portion 111 of the drum support shaft 103, and the circumscribed circles at the vertices of the ribs 112 are the arms 1 of the cleaner container to be engaged.
05 is larger than the mounting hole 106 by about 0.1 to 0.3 mm. Therefore, the mounting holes 106 are formed at three places of the ribs 112.
The drum support shaft 103 is pressed into the mounting hole and further fixed with screws. The cleaner container is made of a plastic material such as modified PPO, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and ABS. When the drum support shaft 103 is press-fitted, a recess is formed by the rib 112. On the other hand, the rib 112 of the drum support shaft 103 is also crushed by press fitting. Therefore, the inner wall of the mounting hole 106 and the rib 112 of the drum support shaft 103
Are deformed with each other and receive a reaction force, so that they are strongly fixed without play.

The arrangement of the ribs on the main diameter portion of the drum shaft according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22 is a front view when the drum spindle is pressed into the cleaner container, and FIG. 23 is a simplified view showing the direction of the force. The three ribs 112 on the main diameter portion 111 of the drum spindle 103 are arranged at equal intervals (120 ° intervals). Further, on the photosensitive drum 4, an engaging force between the driving gear 77 and the drum gear 78, a pressing force of the charging roller,
A force such as a contact force of the cleaning blade is applied.
Other forces are transmitted to the drum support via the gear flange.
This force F acts in a direction in which the pressure angle is inclined toward the drum gear 78 from a common tangent to the pitch circle of the drive gear and the drum gear 78. This force F is evenly received by two of the three ribs.

At this time, the main diameter portion 111 of the drum support shaft 103
Has an outer diameter of φ13h9, a rib height of 0.1, and a mounting hole 1 of the cleaner container 104 which engages with the main diameter portion 111.
By setting the hole diameter of 11 to φ13H8, the rib 112
Is a moderate amount of collapse.

If this force F is applied to the ribs 112 and 11
When the force acts between the two ribs, all of the force F acts on the other rib 112, so that the deformation amount of the rib 112 becomes larger than the other two ribs, and the center of the drum slightly shifts.

Therefore, by arranging the ribs on the drum support shaft main diameter portion in such a manner, the force acting on the drum support can be evenly received, and the center of the drum does not shift.

The cross-sectional shape of the rib 112 may be triangular, semicircular, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the number of the ribs 112 may be three or more as long as the ribs 112 are located at positions where the force F is received. Further, the force for inserting the drum support shaft 103 into the mounting hole 106 may be only the force for deforming the rib 112, which can be easily performed by an operator, and does not require a special pressure tool. The same effect can be obtained even if the rib 112 is attached to the mounting hole 106 side.

FIG. 24 is a front view of another example of the drum support shaft. The drum support shaft 113 engages with the mounting hole 106 of the arm portion 105 extending from the cleaner container 104, and
7, the boss 108 is fixed to the photosensitive drum 4
, And rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 4.

The main diameter portion 111 of the drum support shaft 113 has three projections 114, the circumcircle of which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 106 of the cleaner container 104. A lightening hole 115 is provided inside the convex portion 114, so that the convex portion 114 is thin. One of the three places is located in the direction of action of the force F, and the other two places receive this force F.

Therefore, when the drum support shaft 113 is inserted into the mounting hole 106 of the cleaner container 104, the convex portion 114 is deformed, and the lightening hole 115 is crushed.

The drum support shaft 113 is driven by the reaction force of the projection 114.
Is strong in the mounting hole 106 and is fixed without play, and the rotating shaft of the photosensitive drum is stabilized. Further, even if the gear flange 109 receives a force F in the pressure angle direction of the gear from a driving gear (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body, the gear flange 109 is not displaced.

Also, in this case, the force for inserting the drum support into the mounting hole is sufficiently small, and the assembling is facilitated.

Next, the opening / closing mechanism of the laser shutter will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As described above, the laser shutter 117 is provided on the inner cover 116 in the apparatus main body.
It is mounted so that it can rotate around the center. When the process cartridge 3 is not in the apparatus main body, the laser shutter 117 as the laser light path blocking means is closed downward by its own weight (see FIG. 4). Therefore, even if a laser beam is irradiated due to a malfunction or the like, the laser beam path is cut off, so that the laser beam does not leak out of the apparatus main body. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, the laser shutter 11 is disposed substantially at the center of the process cartridge 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.
A laser shutter rib 119 serving as a first projection for actuating 7 is provided to project from frame 120. When the process cartridge 3 is mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus, the laser shutter rib 119 covers the inner cover 11.
6 through the hole 121 provided in the laser shutter 11
7 and presses the laser shutter 117, the laser shutter 117 is pushed upward around the 118 portion,
The laser beam opening 122 provided in the apparatus main body is opened (see also FIG. 3).

Here, on both sides of the laser shutter rib 119, there are second projections 123 which are smaller in projection amount than the first projections and are provided adjacent to the first projections. Therefore, when the process cartridge 3 is stored in the bag 124, even if an unexpected impact force or the like is applied, the tips of the four laser shutter ribs juxtaposed equally hit the inside of the bag 124 as shown in FIG. Therefore, a force is prevented from being applied to one point, and the bag 124 is prevented from being broken when the process cartridge 3 is carried.

As a result, the tribo-imparting ability is reduced due to moisture absorption of the developing toner T in the process cartridge.
It has become possible to prevent problems such as image density reduction and background fog.

Further, since the second projections 123 are provided on both sides of the first projections 119, the second projections 123 also serve to protect the first projections.

Here, the laser shutter rib 119 is used.
The amount of protrusion of the laser shutter 117 from the frame 120 is
In order to open the ribs, it is specifically 6 mm or more. If the protruding amount is too large, the strength of the rib 119 itself becomes weak and causes breakage. Therefore, a height of 18 mm or less is appropriate. Also, when the cartridge is installed in the main unit,
The laser beam blocking means contacts the first protrusion, but the second
No contact with the projections.

Next, another embodiment of the laser shutter rib will be described with reference to FIG.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the laser shutter rib (contact portion) 119 which abuts on the laser light path blocking means to open the laser light path has a drum gear (driving force receiving) rather than a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member (cartridge). 13) is provided on the cartridge frame on the 78 side (the drum gear is
The cartridge is provided at the right end of the cartridge in FIG. 2 so as to engage with the drive gear 77 on the main body side shown in FIGS.
reference).

Therefore, when the driving force is applied to the drum gear 78 from the driving gear 77 of the apparatus main body, the force F shown in FIG. 23 is applied. Therefore, even if the cartridge is not mounted to the predetermined position, the predetermined position is maintained by the force F. It is fully installed until. Thus, there is no fear that image formation is performed while the laser shutter is not sufficiently opened.

Even if the laser shutter has its own weight, the process cartridge does not lose its own weight and is engaged with the original position of the apparatus main body by the engagement force F. It is possible to open to.

Here, it goes without saying that the inner cover on the apparatus main body side is provided with a hole for projecting the rib at a position corresponding to the laser shutter rib.

Next, another embodiment of the laser shutter rib will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, a rib 125 extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge is provided on the cartridge frame.

As described above, two laser shutter ribs 125 extending in the longitudinal direction are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the end of the rib 125 is formed in a sector shape so that the entire front end of the rib hits the bag 124 described above. This is effective for breaking the bag 124.

Further, by extending the rib 125 in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 3, the cartridge frame can be reinforced.

Next, the laser shutter rib will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 29, the shape of the laser shutter rib 126 is a U-shape.

This prevents the bag from being torn as in the case described above.

Further, by forming the ribs in a U-shape, it is possible to prevent the ribs from being deformed by their own weight when the laser shutter ribs strike the laser shutter ribs.

Next, still another embodiment of the laser shutter will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 30, the laser shutter rib 1
27 is a separate member from the cartridge frame, a hole 128 is provided in the cartridge frame, and the laser shutter rib 1
27 is provided with a snap fit 129,
, The cartridge frame and the laser shutter rib 127 are integrally fixed. This has the following effects.

Although the process cartridges used in this embodiment are the same in appearance, various process cartridges such as small particle size toner having a particle size of about 5 to 6 μm and toner having a particle size of about 15 μm are prepared. ing. The recording apparatus is selectively used in accordance with the specifications of the recording apparatus main body (for example, high-definition images, high-speed printing, etc.). for that reason,
By making the shutter rib 127 detachable from the cartridge frame, it can be identified by the rib shape and the rib height.

According to the above-described embodiment, one of the rotation fulcrums of the drum cover has a rotation shaft having a circular fitting hole, and the other rotation fulcrum has a rotation shaft and a fitting hole having a slit. so,
It is possible to provide a cartridge having a rotation fulcrum having sufficient strength even when the photosensitive drum is driven without impairing the assemblability of the cartridge.

As described above, according to the present invention, the operability of attaching the cover to the cartridge frame can be improved. Further, according to the present invention, it was possible to obtain sufficient mounting strength of the cover to the cartridge frame.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a laser scanner and a laser light path.

FIG. 6 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of the cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view when the drum cover of the cartridge is opened.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a handle of the cartridge.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a handle of the cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the handle of the cartridge.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the handle of the cartridge.

FIG. 12 is a diagram when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a guide portion of the cartridge and the apparatus main body.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the cartridge.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a photosensitive drum supporting portion of the cartridge.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a photosensitive drum supporting portion of another cartridge.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a photosensitive drum supporting portion of still another cartridge.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a photosensitive drum supporting portion of still another cartridge.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a drum ground portion of the cartridge and the apparatus main body.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a drum ground portion of another cartridge.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a drum supporting portion of the cartridge.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a force applied to the photosensitive drum when the photosensitive drum is driven.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a force applied to the photosensitive drum when the photosensitive drum is driven.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the drum support.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a laser shutter unit.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a cartridge.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an engagement state between a laser shutter rib of the cartridge and a packing material.

FIG. 28 is a view showing another embodiment of the cartridge.

FIG. 29 is a view showing still another embodiment of the cartridge.

FIG. 30 is a view showing still another embodiment of the cartridge.

FIG. 31 is a view showing the electrical contacts of the cartridge and the electrical contacts of the main body.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a conventional cartridge.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Hishita 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shigeo Miyabe 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Non-corporation (72) Inventor Minoru Sato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kazuo Shishido 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) reference Patent flat 1-155366 (JP, a) JP Akira 59-58447 (JP, a) JitsuHiraku flat 2-102017 (JP, U) (58 ) investigated the field (Int.Cl. ⁷ G03G 15/00 550 G03G 21/16-21/18

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A process cartridge detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a cartridge frame; a photosensitive drum; process means acting on the photosensitive drum; and a photosensitive drum exposed from the cartridge frame. A cover for covering the exposed portion, wherein the cover is movable between a first position covering the exposed portion and a second position retracted from the first position. A first circular hole provided at one longitudinal end of the cartridge frame, into which a shaft provided at one end in the first direction is fitted; a first position covering the exposed portion; The cover is provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame, and a shaft provided on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the cover is fitted so as to be movable to a second position retracted from the position. The second hole A second hole having a slit through which the shaft can pass from an edge of the cartridge frame to the second hole, and a spring for urging the cover in one direction, A spring provided on the side where the first hole is provided in the longitudinal direction, and a pin which engages with a contact portion provided on the apparatus main body and moves the cover to the second position. And a pin provided on a side provided with the first hole in a longitudinal direction of the cover; and when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the photosensitive drum is removed from the apparatus main body. A driving force receiving portion that receives transmission of driving force for rotating,
A driving force receiving portion provided on a side where the first hole is provided in the longitudinal direction of the cover. 2. The process unit includes a charging unit that charges the photosensitive drum, a developing unit that develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, and a residue that remains on the photosensitive drum. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is at least one of cleaning means. 3. An image forming apparatus for detachably attaching a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording material, comprising: (a) a cartridge frame, a photosensitive drum, and process means acting on the photosensitive drum. A cover for covering an exposed portion where the photosensitive drum is exposed from the cartridge frame; a first position where the cover covers the exposed portion; and a second position where the cover is retracted from the first position. A first circular hole provided at one longitudinal end of the cartridge frame, into which a shaft provided at one longitudinal end of the cover is fitted so as to be movable between the first position and the second position. A shaft provided on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the cover is fitted so as to be movable between a first position covering the exposed portion and a second position retracted from the first position. , The longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame A second hole provided on the other end side in the direction, wherein the second hole has a slit from the edge of the cartridge frame to the second hole and through which the shaft can pass; A spring provided on the side where the first hole is provided in the longitudinal direction of the cover, and a contact portion provided on the apparatus body. A pin for moving the cover to the second position, the pin being provided on a side where the first hole is provided in the longitudinal direction of the cover; and A driving force receiving portion that receives a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum from the apparatus main body when the device is mounted,
A mounting portion for detachably mounting a process cartridge, comprising: a driving force receiving portion provided on a side where the first hole is provided in the longitudinal direction of the cover. An image forming apparatus comprising: (b) the abutting portion; and (c) conveying means for conveying the recording material.