Process cartridge with image carrier supporting structure for use in an image forming apparatus
US7546064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/183
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A process cartridge and an image carrier supporter for use in an image forming apparatus. The image carrier supporter temporarily fixes an image carrier inside a process cartridge of an image forming apparatus. The image carrier supporter includes a penetration shaft, and first and second fixing members. The penetration shaft includes first and second ends, and penetrates through a center throughhole of the image carrier. The first and second fixing members are provided at the first and second ends, respectively, of the penetration shaft, and are configured to closely contact a circumferential inner surface of the image carrier and a frame of a process cartridge, respectively. The process cartridge is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus, and includes a frame, the image carrier, the image carrier supporter, and a process mechanism configured to form an image on the image carrier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.