AU4802501A - Toner container, toner container assembling method, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

S&FRef: 316418D2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku Tokyo 146 Japan Yoshiya Nomura, Kanji Yokomori and Shigeo Miyabe Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower,Level 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 Toner Container, Toner Container Assembling Method, Process Cartridge, and Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus '000 00006 Invention Title: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845c TONER CONTAINER, TONER CONTAINER ASSEMBLING

METHOD,

PROCESS CARTRIDGE,

AND

ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING

APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED

ART

The present invention relates to a toner container, an assembly method for the toner container, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus usable with the process cartridge.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming *a apparatus means an apparatus which forms images on recording medium, using an electrophotographic image forming process. It includes an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, LED printer, laser beam printer), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor, and-the like.

The process cartridge means a cartridge having as a unit an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and charging means, developing means and cleaning means, which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus. It may include as a unit an electrophotographic.photosensitive member and at least one of charging means, developing means and cleaning means. It may include as a unit developing means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

An image forming apparatus using electrophotographic process is known which is used with the process cartridge. This is advantageous in that the maintenance operation can be, in effect, carried out by the users thereof without expert service persons, and therefore, the operativity can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this type is now widely used.

Some of the process cartridges of this type 0 comprises a toner container.

e However, in order to increase the amount of the containable toner, the container volume must be increased, which is rather difficult. Beside, assuming it is possible to successfully increase the -15 container volume, there rises another problem in that a method for efficiently feed out the toner from the large capacity toner container must be devised.

Thus, the present invention was made to further develop the aforementioned art.

o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a toner container, toner container assembling method, process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the toner contained in the toner container can be used efficiently.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a toner container, toner container assembling method, process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein a large amount of the toner contained in the toner container can be used efficiently.

s It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toner container constituted by coupling a first frame and a second frame, toner container assembling method, process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toner container having a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, toner container assembling method, io process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus..

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying S. drawings.

15 In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner °container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image #°oo# forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, said container comprising: a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means and a mounting portion for mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container; and second frame coupled with said first frame and having an outward portion 25 provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member mounted to said mounting portion, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly o6f electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive member; and a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member by said developing -3ameans, said toner container including a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means, a mounting portion mounting said stirring member, and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising: mounting means for detachably mounting thereon a process cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive member; a toner container for .15 containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member by said developing means, said toner container including a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means, a mounting portion for mounting said stirring member, and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame; and feeding means for feeding the recording material.

accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 25 method of assembling a toner container, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, comprising the steps of: preparing a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means and a mounting portion for mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container; preparing a second frame having an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member; and coupling said first frame and second frame to form said toner container.

3b- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner container, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, said container comprising: a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means; a first inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said 1o toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening; and a second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 10-40 degrees S" relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with the short side of s15 said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said second inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening and is downwardly inclined toward said toner •supply opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a .oo.°i process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developing member for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member; toner container for containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member by said developing member, wherein said toner container includes a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing member; a first inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening-in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening; a second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said 3c second inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening and is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising: a mounting member for detachably mounting thereon a process cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive 1o member; a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said photosensitive member by said developing means, wherein said toner container includes a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means; a first inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees 15 relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is **downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening; a second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately *10-40 degrees relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said second inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening and is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening; and feeding means for feeding the recording material.

2In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 2 method of assembling a toner container, having a first frame having first and second inclined surfaces, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, comprising the steps of: preparing the first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means, and the second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said -3dsecond inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening and is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening; preparing a second frame; and mounting a second frame to said first inclined surface wherein said first inclined surface is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 1o toner container, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive drum and said developing roller, said toner container s15 comprising: a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein said first frame oooo° has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward 25 portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member mounted to said mounting portion, wherein said outward portion is extended in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; 3ea charging member, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for removing residual toner from said photosensitive drum; a developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the latent image, wherein said toner container includes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container; a first frame having an 1o elongated toner supply opening for supplying toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting said stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling 15 opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame; and o a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said transmission member from said main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to said image forming apparatus.

25 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for forming an image on a recording material, having a main assembly to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising: a mounting member for mounting thereon a process cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a charging member, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade, contacting said photosensitive drum, for removing residual toner from said photosensitive drum; a developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the latent image, wherein said toner container -3fincludes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion rotatably mounting said stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a to rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; wherein said toner containet is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame; and a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said S' transmission member from said main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to 15 said image forming apparatus; ~a gear engageable with a gear of said gear train of said process cartridge mounted o to said mounting member to transmit the driving force; and a feeding member rotatable to feed a recording material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing roller, comprising the steps of: preparing a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening, for supplying the toner to said developing roller, and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said tiain' assehibly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening; preparing a second frame having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion -3g extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; coupling said first frame with said second frame to assemble said toner container; and filling the toner through said toner filling opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main lo assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive drum and said developing roller, said container comprising: a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member ""for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said 00..20 transmission opening, and said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner container is placed 00.0 0000with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member 0 25 mounted to said mounting portion, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame so that said second frame is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; -3ha charging member, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for removing residual toner from said photosensitive drum; a developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the latent image, wherein said toner container includes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having an io elongated toner supply opening for supplying toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion rotatably mounting said rotatable stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member coo •when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner Is filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said eo transmission opening, said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; said toner container ooooo further including a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame so C•e" ,that said second frame is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to S. 25 a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said transmission member from said main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to said image forming apparatus.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention; there iS: provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for forming an image on a recording material, having a main assembly to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising: a mounting member for detachably mounting thereon a process cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; -3i a charging member, contacting said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade, contacting said photosensitive drum, for removing residual toner from said photosensitive drum; a developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the latent image, wherein said toner container includes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion rotatably mounting said rotatable stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 15 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short 20 side direction of said second frame; wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame so that said second frame is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said transmission member from said main 25 assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to said image forming apparatus; !a gear engageable with a gear of said gear train of said process cartridge mounted to said mounting member to transmit the driving force; and a feeding member rotatable to feed a recording material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive drum and said developing roller, comprising the steps of: 3jpreparing a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a s transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner 1o container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; preparing a second frame having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, Wherein said projection extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; coupling said first frame and second frame so that said second frame is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and filling the toner through said toner filling opening.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming S•apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

-4- Figure 2 show an outer appearance of the apparatus of Figure i.

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a schematic outer appearance of the process cartridge of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a right side view of the process cartridge of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a left side view of the process cartridge of Figure 3.

Figure 7 shows an outer appearance of the process cartridge of Figure 3.

Figure 8"shows an outer appearance of the process cartridge of Figure 3, as seen from the bottom.

Figure 9, shows an outer appearance of a cleaning unit of the process cartridge of Figure 3.

Figure 9, shows an outer appearance of a developing unit of the process cartridge of Figure 3.

Figure 10 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

Figure 11 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of

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C 4* the image forming apparatus.

Figure 12 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

Figure 13 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

10 Figure 14 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

Figure 15 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

Figure 16 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

Figure 17 is a side view illustrating mounting and demounting operation of the.process cartridge of Figure 3 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an inside of the main assembly of the apparatus.

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Figure 19, is a perspective view of an inside of the main assembly of the apparatus.

Figure 19, is a side view of an inside of the main assembly of the apparatus.

Figure 20 shows contact between a contact member and a contact point.

Figure 21 shows contact between a contact member and a contact point.

Figure 22 is a side view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23, shows an outer appearance of a ~developing holder.

Figure 23, is a perspective view of an inside of a developing device holder.

Figure 24 is a sectional view taken along a line I-I in Figure 23, S•Figure 25 is an enlarged view of a toner detection point in Figure 23.

20 Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of a developing unit.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a developing device frame or developing frame.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of a developing unit without the developing holder.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of a toner frame.

Figure 30 is a perspective view of the toner frame after a toner seal is mounted.

Figure 31 is a longitudinal sectional view of the toner seal of Figure Figure 32 is a sectional view taken along a line RO-RO of Figure 3.

Figure 33 is an exploded perspective view of a toner frame.

Figure 34 is a bottom view of a process cartridge.

SFigure 35 is a side view illustrating a gear train of Figure 28.

Figure 36 is a side view of a toner frame.

Figure 37 show an internal structure of a 15 process cartridge.

o Figure 38 illustrates a coupling between a developing unit and a cleaning unit. Figure 39 illustrates separation between a toner container and a developing frame.

a 20 Figure 40 illustrates a process cartridge acct a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT

INVENTION

Hereinafter, the preferable embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following descriptions, the widthwise direction of a process cartridge B means the direction in which the process cartridge B is inserted or removed from the main assembly 14 of an image forming apparatus (hereinafter, apparatus main assembly). This direction coincides with the direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B means the direction perpendicular (substantially) to the direction in which the process cartridge B is inserted or removed from the apparatus main assembly 14. This direction intersects with (is substantially perpendicular to) the direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. Figure 1 is a *"schematic view of an embodiment of the o:ee electrophotographfc image forming apparatus (laser 15 beam printer) in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 2 is an external perspective view thereof. Figures 3 8 are drawings depicting an -embodiment of the process cartridge in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 is a sectional side 20 view of the process cartridge; Figure 4, an external perspective view thereof; Figure 5, a right side view thereof; Figure 6, a left side view thereof; Figure 7, a perspective view as seen from above; and Figure 8 is a perspective view as seen from below. Also in the following description, the top surface of the process cartridge B means the surface which faces upward when the process cartridge B is in the apparatus main assembly 14, and the bottom surface means the surface which faces downward when the process cartridge B is in the main assembly means 14.

[Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus A and Process Cartridge

B]

To begin with, referring to Figures 1 and 2, a laser beam printer as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, to which the embodiment of the present invention has been applied, will be described.

Figure 3 is a side view of a process cartridge B.

Referring to Figure 1, this laser beam printer A is of a type which forms an image on recording medium, for example, recording paper, OHP 15 sheet, or fabric, through the electrophotographic image forming process. First, a toner image is formed on a drum shaped electrophotographically-sensitive member (hereinafter, photosensitive drum) as an image bearing member. More specifically, the photosensitive 20 drum is charged by charging means, and then, a laser beam is projected onto the charged photosensitive member from optical means in response to imaging data, to form a latent image on the photosensitive member in response to the imaging data. Next, this latent image is developed into a toner image by developing means.

Meanwhile, a sheet of recording medium 2 placed in a cassette 3a is conveyed, being thereby fed out, by a conveying means 3 comprising a pair of pickup rollers 3b and 3c, and a pair of registration rollers 3d and 3e, and the like, in synchronism with the toner image formation. Next, a voltage is applied to a transfer roller 4 as transferring means, whereby the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum, which a process cartridge B comprises, is transferred onto the recording medium 2. Then, the recording medium having received the toner image is delivered to a fixing 10 means 5. This fixing means 5 comprises a driving roller 5c and a fixing roller 5b containing a heater 5a, and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium 2, which is passed through the fixing means o •e whereby the transferred toner image is fixed. Next, 15 the recording medium 2 now be ring the fixed toner •c image conveyed and discharged into a discharge tray 6, through a sheet-reversing path 3j, by a group of S" discharging roller pairs 3g, 3h and 3i. This discharge tray 6 is provided on the top surface of the 20 apparatus main assembly 14 of the image forming apparatus A. The apparatus A comprises also a pivotable flapper 3k and a discharge roller pair 3m, and when this flapper 3k is operated, the recording medium 2 can be discharged without being flipped over through the discharge roller pair 3m, without going through the sheet-reversing path 3j. In this embodiment, the aforementioned pickup roller 3b, -11conveyer roller pairs 3c and 3d, register roller 3e, conveyer guide 3f, discharge roller pairs 3g, 3h and 3i, and discharge roller pair 3m constitute .conveying means.

Referring to Figures 3 8, in the process cartridge B, the surface of a photosensitive drum 7 as the image bearing member with a photosensitive layer 7e (Figure 20) is uniformly charged by applying a voltage to a charging roller 8, which is a charging means, while the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated.

Next, a laser beam carrying the image data is S. projected by an optical system 1 onto the photosensitive drum 7 through an exposure opening 9, whereby a latent image is formed on the photosensitive 15 drum 7. This latent image is developed with toner by a developing means 9.

The charging roller 8 is placed-in contact with the photosensitive drum 7 to charge the photosensitive drum 7, wherein this charging roller 8 20 is rotated by the rotation on the photosensitive drum S*e 7. The developing means 9 develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7, by supplying the toner to the photosensitive drum 7, on the-regions to be developed. The optical system 1 comprises a laser diode la, a polygon mirror lb, a lens ic, and a full reflection mirror ld.

As the toner stirring member 9b of the -12aforementioned developing means 9 is rotated, the developing means 9 stirs the toner within the toner container 11A, and sends it toward the developing roller 9c, and as a developing roller 9c, in which a magnet is fixed, is rotated, a layer of toner triboelectrically charged by a developing blade 9d is formed on the surface of the developing roller 9c.

The toner is supplied from this toner layer to the photosensitive drum 7, on the region to be developed.

10 As the toner is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 7 in correspondence with the latent image, the •.latent image is visualized. This developing blade 9d ."regulates the amount of the toner coated on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. Also, 15 stirring members 9e and 9f for stirring and circulating the toner are rotatively mounted adjacent to the developing roller 9c.

Next, a voltage with a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer o o roller 4, whereby the toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred onto the recording medium 2. Then, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed by a cleaning means The cleaning means 10 comprises an elastic cleaning blade 10a, which is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum 7. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is scraped off by the elastic -13cleaning blade 10a to be collected in a waste toner collector The process cartridge B is formed by combining: a toner chamber portion 11 of the cartridge frame (hereinafter toner chamber frame), which constitutes a portion of the toner container 11A (toner containing portion) for storing the toner; a developing chamber portion 12 of the frame (hereinafter, developing chamber frame), which contains the developing means such as the developing roller 9c; and a cleaning means portion 13 of the frame (hereinafter, cleaning means frame), which "comprises the photosensitive drum 7, cleaning means such as the cleaning blade 10a, charging roller 8, and the like. This process cartridge B is removably ~installed in the apparatus main assembly 14 by an roperator.

S.The process cartridge B is provided with an exposure opening le, which allows the light beam 20 carrying the image data to be irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 7, and a transfer opening 13n, which allows the photosensitive drum 7 to face directly the recording medium 2. More specifiqally, the exposure opening le is provided in the cleaning means portion 13, and the transfer opening 13n is formed between the developing chamber portion 12 and cleaning means portion 13.

-14- Next, the structure of the housing of an embodiment of the process cartridge B according to the present invention will be described.

This process cartridge B in accordance with the present invention is assembled in the following manner. First, the toner chamber frame 11 and developing chamber frame 12 are joined. Then, the cleaning means frame 13 is rotatively attached to the structure formed by joining the preceding two frame portions, completing thereby a cartridge housing.

Next, the aforementioned photosensitive drum 7, So charging roller 8, developing means 9, cleaning means 10 and the like are disposed within the housing to o complete the process cartridge B. The process cartridge B is removably installed in a cartridge installing means provided within the apparatus main assembly 14.

[Structure of Housing of Process Cartridge

B]

20 The housing of the process cartridge

B

according to the present invention is constructed by joining the toner chamber frame 11, developing chamber frame 12, and cleaning means frame 13, and its structure will be described below.

Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the toner chamber frame 11 comprises a toner storing container portion 11A, in which the toner stirring member 9b for stirring and sending out the contained toner is mounted. The developing roller 9c and developing blade 9d are mounted on the developing chamber frame 12, and the stirring members 9e and 9f, which circulate the toner within the developing chamber, are rotatively mounted adjacent to the developing roller 9c. Further, an antenna rod 9h is disposed adjacent to the developing roller 9c, substantially in parallel thereto. The aforementioned toner chamber frame 11 and developing chamber frame 12 are melt-welded (by the ultrasonic *o ~welding in this embodiment) to form a developing unit D as an integral second frame member (refer to Figure The photosensitive drum 7, charging roller 8, and cleaning means 10 are mounted on the cleaning means frame 13. Further, a drum shutter-member 18, Gee 0..

which covers and protects the photosensitive drum 7 when the process cartridge B is out of the apparatus 20 main assembly 14, is attached to the cleaning means portion 13 of the frame to form a cleaning unit C as the first frame member (refer to Figure Then, the developing unit D and cleaning unit C are joined with a joining member 22, in such a manner as to be pivotable relative to each other, to complete the process cartridge B. More specifically, referring to Figure 9, an axis 20 is provided at the -16end of an arm portion 19 formed at each of the longitudinal ends (in the axial direction of the developing roller 2c) of the developing chamber portion 12 of the frame (refer to Figure On the other hand, a recessed portion 21, in which the axis 20 is fitted to fix the positional relationship between the developing D and cleaning unit C, is provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning means portion 13 of the frame (refer to Figure The joining member 22 is mounted on the cleaning means portion 13 of the frame by inserting ~the axis 20 into the recessed portion 21, whereby the developing and cleaning units D and C are joined in a 0:90

OS..

*4 manner so as to pijot relative to each other about the 15 axis 20. The joining member 22 is provided with a compression spring 22a, so that the developing chamber frame 12 is pressed downward to reliably press the ::developing roller 9 toward the photosensitive drum 7.

Further, a spacer ring 9i having a larger diameter 20 than the developing roller 9 is provided at each of the longitudinal end portions of the developing roller 9, wherein this ring 9i is pressed on the photosensitive drum 7 to keep a predetermined distance (approximately 300 pm) between the photosensitive drum 7 and developing roller 9c. Thus, the positional relationship between the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 and the peripheral surface of -17the developing roller 9c can be precisely maintained by the elastic force of the compression spring 2 2a.

[Structure of Guiding Means of Process Cartridge

B]

Next, guiding means, which guides the cartridge B when the cartridge B is installed into the apparatus main assembly 14 or removed therefrom, will be described referring to Figures 4 9, wherein Figure 5 is a right-hand side view of the cartridge

B

.10 relative to the direction of an arrow mark X, in which n wh c the cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14 (right-hand side as seen from the o developing unit D side), and Figure 6 is a left-hand 15 side view of the same.

As is evident from the drawings, the guiding means, which serves as a guide when the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14 or removed therefrom, is provided on each of the longitudinal end surfaces of the housing 100.

This guiding means comprises a cylindrical guide 13a as a first guiding member, a long guide 12a as a second guiding member, and s short guide 13b. asa third guiding member.

The cylindrical guide 13a, that is, a cylindrical member, projects outward from the lateral surface of the cleaning means frame 13, in line with -18the axis of the photosensitive drum 7. It supports the drum shaft 7a, which supports the photosensitive drum 7, in such a manner as not to rotate it. The long guide 12a is provided on each of the longitudinal end surfaces of the developing chamber frame 12, and bridges the surfaces of the developing chamber frame 12 and cleaning means frame 13. The short guide 13b is provided on each of the longitudinal end surfaces of the cleaning means frame 13, above the cylindrical guide 13a. More specifically, the long guide 12a is So""integrally formed on developing roller holders 40 and "41 (refer to Figure 23), which will be described later. Further, the cylindrical guide 13a and short guide 13b are integrally formed on the cleaning means frame 13.

The long guide 12a extends in the direction :(arrow X direction), in which the cartridge B is inserted, and its angle is set to be substantially equal to an angle at which the process cartridge B is inserted. The cylindrical guide 13a is disposed so as to be fall in the path of the imaginary extension of the long guide 12a in the cartridge inserting direction, and the short guide 13b is substantially parallel to the long guide 13a. Referring to Figure 6, the cylindrical guide 13a, second guide member 12a, third guide member 13b are also provided on the longitudinal side surface opposite to the one -19illustrated in Figure 10, and their configuration and positions are the same as those shown in Figure These three guiding members project substantially the same distance from the external surface of the cleaning means frame 13 and developing chamber frame 12, which are in the same plane.

Hereinafter, more detailed description will be given.

The cylindrical guide 13 as the first guiding 10 member is provided on each of the lateral surfaces C1 oe (right-hand side 13c) and C2 (left-hand side 13d) of the cleaning unit C, wherein the side C1 is the righthand side portion 13c of the cleaning means frame 13, relative to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7, as the cartridge B is seen from the developing unit D side (as the cartridge B is seen from the downstream side of the cartridge B inserting direction). The other side C2 is the left-hand side portion of the cleaning means frame 13, relative to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7. This cylindrical guide 13a is a cylindrical member, which projects from each of both longitudinal end surfaces 13c and 13d of the cleaning means frame 13 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7. The drum shaft 7a is supported by this cylindrical member 13a, which fits around the drum shaft 7a. In other words, the drum shaft 7a is guided by the guiding member 16a, which will be described later, with the cylindrical member 13a being interposed, and then, the position of the drum shaft 7a is fixed by a groove 16a5 (refer to Figures 10 17).

The long guide 12a as the second guide member is provided on each of the longitudinal end surfaces D1 (right-hand portion 12c) and D2 (left-hand side 12d) of the developing unit D, wherein one surface, S. 10 Dl, of the lateral portion is the right-hand portion *o 12c, relative to the axial'direction of the photosensitive drum 7, of the developing chamber frame portion 12, and the other surface, D2, is the lefthand side portion 12d, relative to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7, of the developing chamber frame portion 12. The long guide 12a is disposed away from the cylindrical guide 13a, being on the upstream side of the cylindrical guide 13a, relative to the cartridge inserting direction (arrow X direction). More precisely, the long guide 12a is disposed within a region L formed between the top and bottom imaginary lines 111 and 112 (Figure 5) extended parallel in the inserting direction and tangentially from the peripheral surface of the cylindrical guide 13a, and this long guide 12a bridges between the developing chamber frame portion 12 and cleaning means frame portion 13, with its inserting end portion 12al -21extending over the lateral surface area of the cleaning frame portion 13 (by an approximate distance of 1 mm to 3 mm).

The short guide 13b as the third guiding member is provided on the lateral surfaces 13c and 13d of the cleaning unit C, above the cylindrical guide 13a. More specifically, the short guide 13b is substantially directly above the cylindrical guide 13a as seen from the cartridge inserting direction. In 10 other words, the short guide 13b is disposed within Se. the region 15 formed between two parallel lines 113 and 114, which are drawn in such a manner as to be tangent to the peripheral surface of the cylindrical guide 13a and substantially perpendicular to the "15 cartridge inserting direction (arrow X direction). In addition, the short guide 13b is substantially parallel to the long guide 13a.

Here, typical measurements of the guiding members will be listed. Hereinafter, a tolerable range means the measurement range adopted in this embodiment of the process cartridge.

The cylindrical guide 13a is approximately 10.0 mm in diameter (tolerable range of 7..5 mm tc 10,0 mm); the long guide 12a, approximately 36.0 mm in length (tolerable range of 15.0 mm to 41.0 mm) and approximately 8.0 mm in width (tolerable range of 1.5 mm to 10.0 mm); and short guide 13b is -22approximately 10.0 mm in length (tolerable range of mm to 17.0 mm) and approximately 4.0 mm (tolerable range of 1.5 mm to 7.0 mm) in width. Further, the distancebetween the peripheral surface of the cylindrical guide 13a and the inserting end portion 12al of the long guide 12a is approximately 9.0 mm.

The distance between the peripheral surface of the cylindrical guide 13a and the bottom end tip 13bl of the short guide 13b is approximately 7.5 mm (tolerable range of 5.5 mm to 9.5 mm).

'Next, a regulatory contact portion 13e and a disengagement contact portion 13f, which are provided on the top surface 13d of the cleaning unit C, will be described. Here, the top surface means such a portion of the leaning unit C surface that is going to face upward when the process cartridge B is installed into the apparatus main assembly 14. In this embodiment, it is the top surface 13i of the cleaning unit C.

The regulatory contact portion 13e and disengagement contact portion 13f are provided on each of the right lateral end portion 13c and left lateral end portion 13d of this surface 13i. This regulatory contact 13e fixes the position of the process cartridge B in the apparatus main assembly 14. More specifically, when the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14, the contact 13e comes in contact with a fixing member 25 provided on -23the apparatus main assembly 14 (Figures 10 17), whereby the position of the process cartridge B is regulated. The disengagement contact portion 13f displays its function when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main assembly 14. More specifically, when the process cartridge B is taken out of the apparatus main assembly 14, it comes in contact with the fixing member 25 to permit a moment to function to smoothly remove the cartridge B. The 10 steps for installing or removing the process cartridge B will be described later with reference to Figures 00 17.

Describing in more detail, a recessed portion 13g is provided of the cleaning unit C, on the top 000.15 surface 13i of the cleaning unit C, at each of the lateral edges relative to the cartridge inserting direction. This recess portion 13g is provided with: the first slanted surface 13gl, which extends upward *toward the rear from the leading end of the cartridge B relative to the inserting direction (arrow

X

direction); the second slanted surface 13g3, which extends downward toward the rear from the top end 13g2 of the slanted surface 13g3; and the fourth slanted surface 13g5, which extends further downward toward the rear from the bottom end 13g4 of the slanted surface 13g3. At the bottom end 13g6 of the slanted surface 13g5, a wall (slanted or inclined surface) -24- 13g7 is provided. The second slanted surface 13g3 corresponds to the regulatory contact portion 1 3e, and the wall 13g7 corresponds to the disengagement contact portion 13f.

Here, the typical measurements of the portions described above will be listed.

The regulatory contact portion 13e is angled by 0 degree relative to the horizontal direction

X

(Figure 5) of the cartridge B in the apparatus main 10 assembly 14, and is approximately 6.0 mm in length (tolerable range of 4.5 mm to 8 .0mm). The i' disengagement contact portion 13f is slanted by 81 (approximately 45 degrees) relative to the horizontal •direction 1, and is approximately 10.0 mm in length (tolerable range of 8.5 mm to 15.0 mm).

[Steps for Installing or Removing Process Cartridge] Next, the steps for installing the process cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly 14, or removing it therefrom, will be described with reference to Figures 10 19.

Let it be assumed that the process cartridge B structured as described above can be installed into the cartridge accommodating means provided within the apparatus main assembly 14, and can be removed therefrom.

Referring to Figures 18 and 19, as an operator opens a pivotal cover 35 by pivoting it about a supporting point 35a, a cartridge accommodating space S, and left and right cartridge installation guides 16, which are mounted on the corresponding sides of the apparatus main assembly 14, are exposed.

Each of the cartridge installation guides 16. comprises a pair of guide portions of its own, that is, a first guide portion 16a and a second guide portion 16b, which correspond to the same on the opposite side.

10 The installation of the process cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly 14 is accomplished by inserting the process cartridge B along the guide portions 16a and 16b and closing the cover 15. As for •the inserting direction of the cartridge B, it is a direction which intersects with the axial line of the photosensitive drum 7; more specifically, such a "direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the photosensitive drum 7 as illustrated -in Figures 10 17. In this case, the cleaning unit C side is the leading side and the developing unit D side is the tailing side.

A recessed portion 17 is provided on the cartridge B, at each of the longitudinal ends, which makes it easier for an operator to hold it during its installation or removal (see Figure the operator uses both hands to hang onto the recessed portions, as handholds, of the process cartridge when installing or -26removing it.

Further, the process cartridge B comprises a drum shutter 18 (see Figure the movement of which is linked to the movement of the cartridge B during its installation or removal. When the cartridge B is removed from the laser beam printer assembly, the shutter 18 is closed to protect the portion of the photosensitive drum 7 which faces the transfer opening. This shutter member 18 10 is connected to each of the tips of an arm 18a and a

S

Slink member 18b, being thereby supported, both of which are rotatively supported on the cleaning means frame 13 as illustrated in Figure 6. Also referring to Figure 6, as the process cartridge B is inserted in the apparatus main assembly 14 in the arrow

X

direction, the leading end of the lever 23, which is fixed to the arm 18a by its base portion, strikes a stopper (unillustrated) fixed on the apparatus main assembly 14, whereby the lever 23 is rotated about a supporting point 18c where the shutter arm 18a is supported, opening thereby the shutter member 18. As the process cartridge B is taken out of the apparatus main assembly 14, the shutter member 18 is closed due to the elastic force of a torsion spring 23a.

The first guide portion 16a is the bottom portion of the guide member 16, and guides the long guide 12a and cylindrical guide 13a provided on the -27process cartridge B side. This first guide portion 16a comprises a main guide portion 16al, a stepped portion 16a2, a recessed portion 16a3, an auxiliary guide portion 16a4, and a positioning groove 16a5, which are disposed in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream relative to the inserting direction. The main guide portion 16al guides the long guide 12a and cylindrical guide 13a. The auxiliary guide portion 16a4 guides the cylindrical guide 13a into the positioning groove 16a5. The positioning groove 16a5 is where the cylindrical guide 13a is fitted to regulate the position of the .e cartridge B in the apparatus main assembly 14. The o second guide portion 16b is the upper portion of the 15 guide member 16, and comprises a slanted surface 16bl and a recess 16b2, which are disposed in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream relative to the inserting direction.

Further, in the cartridge accommodating space S of the apparatus main assembly 14, a fixed member (member for regulating the rotation) is provided on the left and right sides. It is fixed to a stay 27.

This fixed member 25 comes in contact with the aforementioned regulatory contact portion 13e to regulate the clockwise rotation of the cartridge

B

(Figure 15). More specifically, the cartridge B is accurately positioned in the apparatus main assembly -28- 14 as the cylindrical guide 13a fits into the groove 16a5 and the regulatory contact 13e comes in contact with the fixed member 25. Further, when the cartridge B is taken out, the fixed member 25 comes in contact with the disengagement contact portion 13f to facilitate the smooth removal of the cartridge

B.

Further, in the cartridge accommodating space S, a pressing member 26 is disposed on the left and right sides (refer to Figures 10 19). This Pressing member 26 pressed in the clockwise direction (Figures 10 17) by the elastic force of a coil spring 2 6ais .i rotatable about a fulcrum 26b, and elastically presses .e *.the top surface of the cartridge B, whereby the cartridge B is prevented from being vibrated when the apparatus A is subjected to vibration or the like.

S•Next, the relationship between the installation guide 16 provided on the apparatus main assembly 14 and the guide members 12a, 13a and 13b provided on the cartridge B, during the installation 20 or removal of the cartridge B, will be described with **reference to the drawings. Figures 10 15 are schematic drawings, which depict the steps for installing the process cartridge B from the beginning of the cartridge installation to the moment when the process cartridge B is finally positioned in a predetermined location. In Figures 10 and 15, the full side view of the process cartridge B is depicted -29with a solid line, and the installation guide member of the apparatus main assembly 14 is depicted with a double dot chain line (imaginary line). In Figures 11 14, which depict intermediary steps of the cartridge installation, only the guide members of the process cartridge B are depicted with the solid line, and the other portions are depicted with the double dot chain lines.

First, referring to Figure 10, at the beginning of the cartridge B installation into the i:apparatus main assembly 14 by an Operator, the cylindrical guide 13a and long guide 12a of the cartridge B are guided by the guide portion 16a in such a manner as to slide thereon. At this moment, the short guide 13b is not guided by the guide portion 16b, being away from it by a predetermined distance

E

(in this embodiment, approximately 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm).

Also at this moment, the pressing member 26 rotates upward following the slanted surface 13i provided on the top surface of the cartridge B, so that it does not interfere with the cartridge installation. As the cartridge B is being further inserted, the pressing member 26 keeps on.-sliding on the top surface of the cartridge B, checking thereby the upward movement of the cartridge B. Even after the cartridge B has been installed in the apparatus

A,

the pressing member 26 keeps on pressing on the top surface of the cartridge B as long as the cartridge B is in the apparatus

A.

Next, when the process cartridge B has been further inserted and is in the state depicted in Figure 11, the cylindrical guide 13a is ready to pass the stepped portion 16a2 provided on the first installation guide portion 16a and to move onto the recess portion 16a3 provided also on the first installation guide portion 16a. This recessed portion 16a3 of the guide portion 16a is to let go the long guide 12a when the process cartridge B is inserted to predetermined point (Figure 15), and its depth m (in this embodiment, approximately 4.0 mm to 8.0 mm) is :i set to be larger than the aforementioned distance E (E 15 It should be noted that at this moment, the h short guide 13b is not in contact with the second guide portion 16b (upwardly slanted surface 16bl).

Next, as the process cartridge B is further inserted till the state depicted in Figure 12 is 20 realized, the short guide 13b makes contact with the *guide portion 16b before the cylindrical guide 13a of the cartridge B reaches the bottom of the recessed portion 16a3.

In other words, at this time, both the long and short guides 12a and 13b serve as the insertion guide, whereby the shock, which might be imparted on the cartridge B by the stepped portion or the like, is -31reduced.

As the process cartridge B is further inserted, the state illustrated in Figure 13 -is realized. In this state, the trailing end of the long guide 12a of the process cartridge B is at the edge of the recessed portion 16a3 of the first guide portion 16a, and the cylindrical guide 13a of the process cartridge B is in contact with the auxiliary guide portion 16a4, being ready to follow the guide portion 16a4. Next, the cylindrical guide 13a and short guide 13b of the process cartridge B are guided by the first guide portion 16a and second guide portion 16b, respectively (Figure 14).

Next, as the cartridge B is further inserted and the state illustrated in Figure 14 is realized, the short guide 13b comes to the recessed portion 16b2 of the second guide portion 16b. For a short period in which this short guide 13b drops into the recessed portion 16b2, only the cylindrical guide 13a is in contact with the apparatus main assembly 14, at the auxiliary guide portion 16a4; therefore, the process cartridge B slightly rotates in the counterclockwise direction, and lastly, the cylindrical guide 13a drops into the groove 16a5 of the guide portion 16a (Figure 15). At substantially the same time, the regulatory contact portion 13c provided on the cleaning means frame portion 13 comes in contact with the rotation -32regulating portion 2 5a (Figure 15) of the fixed member fixed to the apparatus main assembly 14. As a result, the overall position and orientation of the process cartridge B within the apparatus A is fixed.

In this state, the position of the process cartridge

B

is fixed by the cylindrical guide 13a alone, and the other guides (long and short guides 12a and 13b) are not in contact with any portion of the installation guide member 16 of the apparatus main assembly 14; therefore, the Position of the cartridge B is accurately fixed.

The Positional relationship between the regulatory contact portion 13e and rotation regulating portion 25a, which will be described later in detail, is such that the moment, which is generated on the process cartridge B as the process cartridge B is driven, is received by the contact between regulatory :contact portion 13e and rotation regulating portion The distance from the contact point between the regulatory contact portion 13e and rotation regulating C. C S"portion 25 to the center of the cylindrical guide 13a is longer than the distance between the long guide 12a and the center of the cylindrical guide 13a, and the distance between the short guide 13b and center of the cylindrical guide 13a. Therefore, the orientation of the process cartridge B remains more stable when the process cartridge B is driven.

-33- In a state shown in Figure 15, a helical drum gear 7b provided on the photosensitive drum 7, at one of the axial ends, engages with a driving helical gear 28 provided on the apparatus main assembly 14. Thus, the driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly 14 to the photosensitive drum by way of the gears 28 and 7b, wherein as the driving force is transmitted from the helical gear 28 to helical gear 7b, the cartridge B is subjected to a force that works in the clockwise direction (Figure 17). However, the movement generated on the cartridge B is regulated by the contact portion 13e.

The pressing member 26 presses down the process cartridge B from above. Therefore, even if 15 the cylindrical guide 13a fails to drop into the oooo groove 16a5 of the apparatus main assembly 14, a moment is generated about the contact point between 'the rotation regulating portion 25a and contact portion 13e, whereby the cylindrical guide 13a is 20 caused to drop into the groove 16a5.

Next, referring to Figures 16 and 17, the steps for taking the process cartridge B out of the apparatus main assembly 14 will be described.. In the drawing, the direction indicated by an arrow Y is the direction in which the process cartridge B is removed.

Referring to Figure 16, when the process cartridge B is to be removed from the apparatus main -34assembly 14, the operator grabs a handle portion 17 (to provide the handle, recessed portions, are formed on the cartridge B) and lifts the cartridge B by the handle portion 17 (direction of an arrow whereby the process cartridge B is rotated counterclockwise about the cylindrical guide 13a. As a result, the disengagement contact portion 13f of the process cartridge B makes contact with the disengagement contact portion 25b of the fixed member 25 provided on the apparatus main assembly 14. As the process cartridge B is further lifted, it is rotated about the contact point F between the disengagement contact portion 13f and disengagement contact portion 25b of the fixed member 25. As a result, the cylindrical 15 guide 13a is lifted out of the groove 16a5. At this ooooo moment, the engagement between the drum gear 7b and driving gear 28 is smoothly broken. In this state, the process cartridge B can be pulled straight out of .the apparatus A, following the steps depicted in .20 Figures 14, 13, 12, 11 and 10 in that order.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the long guide as the second guide member is extended in the cartridge inserting direction in such a manner as to bridge the lateral surfaces of the developing unit D and cleaning unit C; therefore, the process cartridge is prevented from wobbling during the installation or removal. As a result, the cartridge installation becomes more reliable, which improves the operational efficiency.

The guiding means, which serves as the guide when the process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14 or removed therefrom, is constituted of three guide members: cylindrical guide 13a, long guide 12a, and short guide 13b, and the process cartridge B is guided by at least two guides during its installation or removal; therefore, even if there is a stepped portion or the like on the installation guide members of the apparatus main assembly 14, the shock, to which the process cartridge ooo B might be subjected, is cushioned.

SThe Position of the process cartridge B is fixed by the rotation regulating portion 25a oriented to control the moment, which is generated on the cartridge B as the cartridge is driven, and the cylindrical guide 13a, whereas the other guides (long and short guides 12a and 13b) remain in non-contact 20 with the guide members of the apparatus main assembly 14; therefore, the orientation of the process cartridge B remains more stable while the image forming apparatus is driven (during the image.

formation).

As for the guiding means for installing or removing the cartridge B, the embodiment described above exemplifies a guiding means comprising three -36guide members positioned at different locations.

However, the embodiment described above is not limited to this example, but instead, it may be a guiding means comprising at least a cylindrical guide as the first guide member, and a long guide as the second guide member, or a guiding means comprising an additional guide member or guide members besides the three mentioned above. Such an arrangement can also stabilize the cartridge B during the installation or removal, and improves the operational efficiency.

S' Referring to Figures 9, and 9, a spur gear 7n is disposed on the photosensitive drum 7, at the end opposite, relative to the axial direction, to the end where the drum gear 7b is disposed. When 15 the process cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus ooooe main assembly 14, this spur gear 7n engages with a gear (unillustrated), which is disposed in the apparatus main assembly 14 on the same axis as the transfer roller 4. As it engages with the 20 unillustrated gear, the driving force is transmitted e• S"from the process cartridge to rotate the transfer roller 4.

A reference numeral 9u designates a helical gear, which is disposed at one of the axial ends of the developing roller 9c. It engages with the aforementioned spur gear 7b, whereby the driving force for rotating the developing roller 9c is transmitted -37by way of the helical drum gear 7b.

[Toner Container Frame (toner container)] Referring to Figures 3, 29, 30, 32 and 33, a toner container frame (toner container) will be described in detail. Figure 29 is a perspective view before a toner seal is welded; Figure 30, a perspective view after the toner is filled; Figure 32, a plan view a top frame lla; and Figure 33 is a S:0 perspective view of the disassembled toner container S.frame.

A toner container frame 11 is constituted of two components: a top frame lla (first frame) and a bottom frame llb (second frame). On each of the longitudinal end surfaces of the top frame lla, a recessed portion 17 is provided. It is disposed close .to the top surface of the top frame, and serves as the handhold described above. The bottom frame llb is provided with a number of ribs llc. They are disposed in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B, with intervals of approximately mm, on the exterior surface, which becomes the bottom portion when the process cartridge B is assembled.

When grasping the process cartridge B, the operator uses both hands, holding onto the recessed portion 17 and ribs llc. In this case, the ribs llc prevent the hands from slipping when grasping the process -38cartridge B. The top and bottom frames lla and llb are joined at a welding surface U, and the welding rib is melted by forced vibration, welding the frames lla and llb together. The methods for joining two frames are not limited to the forced vibration method. For example, they may be welded using heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like, or may be simply glued. Before joining two frames lla and llb, the stirring member 9b is assembled into the top frame :10 lla, and then a coupling member lile is put through a g. hole llel, and engaged to the end portion of the stirring member 9b (state illustrated in Figure 29).

The hole llel is located at one of the longitudinal ends of the top frame lla. On the same side as this hole llel, a toner filling opening lld for filling the toner is located. The diameter of this toner filling .opening lild is approximately 30 mm. In other words, the hole llel and toner filling opening lild are located next to each other. The toner frame 11 is provided with an opening lli for feeding the toner from the toner frame 11 to the developing frame 12, and a seal, which will be described later, is welded to cover this opening lli. After the seal is welded, the toner is filled through the toner filling opening lld, and then the toner filling opening lld is covered with a toner cap llf, completing a toner unit J. The toner cap llf is formed of soft material such as -39polyethylene or polypropylene, and is pressed into the toner filling opening lild of the toner frame 11 so that it does not come off. Next, the toner unit J is joined with the developing frame 12, which will be described later, using ultrasonic welding, constituting a part of a completed developing unit D.

The joining methods are not limited to ultrasonic welding. They may be glued together, or may be snapfitted using the elasticity of their materials.

10 Referring to Figure 3, the angle 9 of a slanted surface K, constituting a part of the bottom frame llb of the toner frame 11, must be such an angle that the toner located in the deeper end of the toner chamber slides dovwn, naturally and continuously, in response to toner consumption. More specifically, the angle 9 is the angle formed between the slanted .surface K of the process cartridge B and the horizontal surface Z, with the apparatus main assembly 14 being leveled. The preferable value for the angle 9 is approximately 60 degrees. When rotating, the stirring member 9b reaches beyond the plane of the slanted surface K Therefore, the bottom frame llb is provided with a recessed portion llg to afford a clearance for the rotating stirring member 9b; it bulges outward. The rotational diameter of the stirring member 9b is approximately 30 mm.(According to this embodiment, the bottom surface of the bottom frame lib dips approximately 3.6 mm. The depth of this recessed portion has only to be approximately mm to 10 mm.) The reason for this arrangement is as follows. If the sweeping area of the stirring member 9b is above the slanted surface K, it is possible that the toner settling between the tip of the toner feeding (stirring) member 9b and the slanted surface

K

is not fed into the developing frame 12, being left unused. However, in this embodiment, the toner is reliably fed from the toner frame 11 into the developing frame 12.

Referring to Figure 29, the stirring member 9b is formed of a rod of steel or the like material, having a diameter'of approximately 3 mm and being in the form of a rectangular frame to improve toner stirring/feeding performance. Each of the opposing longitudinal ends of the stirring member 9b is provided with a supporting axis 9bl. The supporting axis 9bl on one end is fitted in a hole llr, which is located on the internal surface of the top frame Ila, adjacent to the opening lli of the top frame lla, and the supporting member 9bl on the other end is fixed to the coupling member lie.

As described above, the toner frame 11 is constituted of two members, that is, the top and bottom frames lla and lb, and the bottom wall of the bottom frame lb is provided with the recessed portion -41llg to afford a clearance for the toner feeding member 9b; therefore, it is possible to provide even a large capacity process cartridge with reliable toner feeding performance, without increasing cost.

The foregoing can be summarized as follows.

The toner frame (toner container) 11 constitutes a part of a replaceable process cartridge for an electrophotographic image forming'apparatus, which comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive 10 member 7e), and developing means 9 for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic p. hotosensitive member. It stores the toner used in the developing means 9 for developing the latent S. image, and comprises the top frame lla, and the bottom oo. 15 frame llb which is joined with the top frame lla. The top frame lla comprises the opening lli for supplying the stored toner to the developing means 9, and a stirring member mount 9bl (Figure 29) where the stirring member 9b for stirring the stored toner is rotatively mounted. The bottom frame llb is provided with the recessed portion llg (as seen from within), Sthat is, a bulge (as seen from outside), to afford the clearance for the sweeping area of the stirring member S9b. Further, the top frame lla is provided with the welding surface U (joining surface) where the bottom frame llb is welded (Figure 29, 33 and 36). The angle of this welding surface, that is, the angle which is -42formed between this welding surface and the horizontal line 12 when the shorter edge of the rectangular opening ili (Figure 29) is vertically oriented, is approximately 20 to 40 degrees. Further, the top frame Ila is provided with the hole llel (transmission opening), through which the coupling member lie (transmission member) for transmitting the driving force from the apparatus main assembly to the stirring member 9b, when the process cartridge is in the image 10 forming apparatus, is put. One end of the coupling member lie is engaged with the stirring member 9b, and the other end is engaged with the toner feeding gear 9s to receive the driving force. The stirring member :9b is formed of a'metallic rod, and is in the form of a rectangular frame. Further, the top frame lla is provided with the toner filling opening lid (filling opening), which is disposed next to the hole llel (Figure 29). It is to this toner filling opening lid that the toner cap llf for sealing the toner filling opening lid is attached. Further, the top frame lla is provided with a groove lln which extends in parallel to the plane of the opening ili. This groove lln is where the developing frame 12, in which the developing roller 9c of the developing means 9 is mounted, is joined. Further, the top frame lla is provided with a cover film plate 53 (seal mount) where a cover film 51 for sealing the opening Ili and a tear -43tape 52 (toner seal) for unsealing the opening lli are attached. The cover film plate 53 is also in parallel to the plane of the opening lli. Further, the top frame Ila is provided with the handhold (recessed portion) 17, which is where the longitudinal end surfaces of the process cartridge are indented to offer the handhold. The recessed portion llg (bulge) of the bottom frame llb is in the form ok a longitudinally sliced cylinder, having an arc shaped 10 cross section. It is disposed close to the opening I li, relative to the widthwise direction of the bottom frame llb, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the opening lli, along substantially the entire length the opening lli. Further,the top frame lla is provided with a slanted surface L. The angle of the slanted surface L, that is, the angle which is formed between this slanted surface L and the vertical line when the shorter edge of the opening Ili is vertically oriented, is approximately 10 to 40 degrees (Figure 36). This slanted surface L is located above the opening lli, sloping down toward the opening Ili and extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the opening lli, along substantially the entire length of the opening lii.

The toner frame (toner container) 11 is assembled in the following manner. First, the top frame lla, which is provided with the opening lli for -44supplying the stored toner into the developing means 9, and the stirring member mount 9bl where the stirring member 9b is mounted, is prepared. Next, the bottom frame 11, which is provided with the recessed portion llg bulging outward to afford the clearance to the sweeping area of the stirring member 9b, is prepared. Finally, the two frames, lla and l1b, are joined to complete the toner frame (toner container) 11.

It is predictable that the toner within the toner frame 11 will move suddenly due to vibration, *impact, or the like, during the shipment of the process cartridge B from factory to user.

Therefore, according to the present invention, plural partitioning plates lip are provided within the top frame lla of the toner frame 11ii.

They are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the top frame Ila (Figures 3, 32 and 33).

In this embodiment, three partitioning plates lip are disposed at three different locations. As for the configuration of the partitioning plate lip, the edge llpl facing the toner feeding member 9b forms a substantial quadrant in such a manner as to surround the toner feeding member 9b, and the edge llp2 facing the bottom frame llb holds a slight gap therefrom.

Further, as seen from the longitudinal direction of the top frame Ila, the edge llpl is positioned so that the partitioning plate lilp partially blocks the toner filling opening lid.

In order to prevent the toner from phifting within the toner container 11A, the partitioning plate llp should be as large as possible. However, when the toner filling opening lid is faced upward to fill the toner, the partitioning plate lip is situated directly below the toner filling opening lid, and-if the partitioning plate lip blocks the toner filling 10 opening lid entirely, it is difficult to fill the toner into the deepest corner of the toner container 11 A. Therefore, the partitioning plate lip should be formed as it is in this embodiment, so that the toner can be filled all the way into the deepest corner 15 through the space which is not blocked by the partitioning plate lid. Further, according to the present invention, the partitioning plat- lip occupies a substantial part of the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner frame 11; therefore, even when the process cartridge B is subjected to vibration, impact, or the like, the partitioning plate lp can prevent the toner from shifting and becoming compacted.

[Toner Frame Structure Facing Developing Frame] Referring to Figure 3, 29 and 31, at the joint between the toner frame 11 and developing frame -46- 12, the opening 1li for feeding the toner from the toner frame 11 into the developing frame 12 is provided. The opening lli is surrounded by a recessed surface ilk, on which the cover film plate 53 is thermally welded. The depth of this recessed surface llk is such that after the cover film plate 53 is welded to the recessed surface 11, the outward facing surface of the cover film plate 53 becomes substantilly level with the surface llj of the toner 10 frame 11 (top frame lla). On the recessed surface i 1k, plural dowels llm are disposed in a straight line along one of the longitudinal edges of the opening Ili (in this embodiment, five dowels llm are disposed at five different locations). Also, two dowels ilo are 15 disposed on the surface llj along one of the widthwise edges of opening ili; these two dowels Ilo are not on the recessed surface Ilk. Further, along each of the longitudinal external edges of the surface 11j, a groove lln is disposed in parallel to the one on the opposing side. The bottom surface lln2 of this groove lln is above the level of the surface llj (closer toa the developing frame 11 than the surface lli) (Figure 31).

The surface of the developing frame 12, which comes directly in contact with the surface of the toner frame 11, is a surface 12u. Along each of the longitudinal edges of this surface 12u, a tongue 12v, -47which fits into the groove lln of the toner frame 11, is provided. At the end surface of this tongue 12v, an angular ridge 12vl, used for ultrasonic welding, is provided (Figure 31); the angular ridge 12 is melted by ultrasonic welding to weld the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12, along their longitudinal external edges.

Referring to Figure 30, the cover film plate 53, which is loosely fitted onto the recessed surface llk of the toner frame 11, is provided with holes 53c, which correspond to the plural dowels llm. The holes 53cl, which exactly fit to the corresponding end dowels llml, are round, and the holes 53c other than the round holes 53cl are elongated so as to be loosely 15 fitted to the corresponding dowels llm other than the end dowels llml. More specifically, the positional relationship between the dowels llm and hole 53c is such that when the dowels llml and llm are fitted in the corresponding holes 53cl and 53c, the dowel llm is positioned at the middle of the elongated holes 53c in the longitudinal direction of the elongated holes 53c.

Further, the cover film plate 53 is provided with an opening 53b (having approximately the same. size as the opening lli), which corresponds to the opening 11i.

In order to seal this opening 53b, a cover film 51, which can be easily torn in the longitudinal direction, is pasted on the cover film plate 53; the -48four peripheral areas of the cover film 51 are pasted on corresponding four peripheral areas of the opening 53b. On the cover film 51, the tear tape 52 for tearing the cover film 51 to unseal the opening 53b is welded. The tear tape 52 is extended from one of the longitudinal ends of the opening 53b to the other end, where it is doubled back and put through the starting end, between the toner frame 11 and an elastic seal member 54 (Figure 27), such as a piece of felt, which 1 0 is pasted on the flat developing frame surface 12u, directly facing the toner frame 11, at the starting end. The doubled back end of the tear tape 52 is exposed from between the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 (Figures 6 and 30). On the inward side 9 0 15 surface of the seal member 54, a synthetic resin film tape 55 with a small friction coefficient is pasted.

Also on the flat surface 12u, an elastic seal member 56 is pasted at the longitudinal end opposite from :where the seal member 54 is pasted (Figure 27).

In order to make it easier to align the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 when joining two frames 11 and 12, the surface llj of the toner frame 11 is provided with a round hole llr and a square hole llq, which engage with a cylindrical dowel 12wl and square column dowel 12w2, respectively, provided on the developing frame 12; the round hole llr engages with the dowel 12wl, and the square hole llq loosely -49engages with the dowel 12w2. The seal member 56 is fitted around the cylindrical dowel 12wl, and also is glued to the flat surface 12u. Further, in the flat surface 12u of the developing frame 12, which directly comes in contact with the toner frame 11, recessed portions 12y are provided, in which the dowels llm and llo of the toner frame 11 loosely fit.

Before the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 are joined, each frame is independently assembled as a subcomponent. Thereafter, the cylincrical positioning dowel 12wl and square column positioning dowel 12w2 of the developing frame 12 are fitted into the round positioning hole llr and square positioning hole llq of the toner frame 11, respectively. Also, the tongue 12v of the developing frame 12 is fitted into the groove lln of the toner o frame 11. Then, as the toner frame and developing 0 frame 12 are pressed together, the seal members 54 and 56 are compressed, and ridges 12z, which are 20 integrally formed as spacers with the developing frame, at each of the longitudinal ends, approach the surface of the toner frame 11. The ridges 12z are aligned in the widthwise direction of the developing frame 12, with an interval substantilly equal to the width of the tear tape 52, to allow the tear tape 52 to be put through. With the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 being pressed together as described above, ultrasonic vibration is applied between the tongue 12v and groove lln, whereby the angular ridge 12vl is melted and welded to the bottom of the groove lln by the frictional heat. As a result, the edges llnl of the grooves lln of the toner frame 11, and the ridges 12z, as the spacers, of the developing frame 12, firmly contact their counterparts, sealing the entire joint between the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12, except for the gap left between the surface llj of the toner frame 11 and the flat surface 12u of the developing frame 12.

The cover film 51 and tear tape 52 are confined in this gap.

In order'to feed the toner stored in the toner frame 11 into the developing frame 12, the operator has only to pull the end portion 52a (Figure 6) of the tear tape 52, which is exposed from the process cartridge B, by hand. As the tear tape 52 is pulled, the cover film 51 is torn open to unseal the 20 opening 53b (l1i), allowing the toner to be fed from the toner frame 11 into the developing frame 12.

Since the joining portions of the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 are structured as described in the foregoing, that is since the surface of the cover film plate 53 and the surface llj of the toner frame 11 are substantilly at the same level, the tear tape 52 can be smoothly pulled out from between the -51two frames 11 and 12 by applying to the tear tape 52 a sufficient amount of force for tearing the cover film 51 as described above. The cover film plate 53 is located by the dowel llml at one of its longitudinal ends, that is, the end opposite to where the tear tape 52 is pulled out, and in addition, it is disposed on the recessed surface llk of the toner frame 11; therefore, it is not liable to be dislocated.

Further, the dowels llm are aligned in a straight line in the longitudinal direction, and the cover film plate 53 is fitted to these dowels llm; therefore, even the easily deformable cover film 51 can be .e precisely located to allow it to remain flat.

Further, even if the assembly process moves on to the subsequent steps before the welded joint between the oo.cover film plate 53 and toner frame 11 is solidified and stabilized, the cover film plate 53 i§ not dislocated.

When the toner frame 11 and developing frame S.:i 20 12 are joined using ultrasonic welding method, frictional heat is generated to melt the angular ridge 12vl. This frictional heat is liable to cause thermal stress in the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12, which might result in the thermal deformation of the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12. However, according to this embodiment, the groove lln of the toner frame 11 and the tongue 12v of the developing -52frame 12 are engaged across substantially the full length in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the joint portions between the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 are reinforced as to frames 11 and 12 are joined; therefore, the thermal deformation due to the thermal stress is not likely to occur.

As described above, the grooves lln, handholds (recessed portions) 17, partitioning plates llp, toner filling opening lld, hole llel, round hole llr, square hole llq, and cover film plate mount (recessed surface llk, dowels llm and opening lli), of the top frame lla are integrally formed with the top frame lla. Also, the ribs llc and recessed portion lg, of the bottom'frame llb are integrally formed with the bottom frame llb. The material for the top and bottom frames lla and llb is a plastic material, for example, polyethylene, ABS resin (acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene copolymer), polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

20 Figure 36 is a side view of the toner frame 11 used in this embodiment; the surface llj of the toner frame 11, which is joined with the developing frame 12, is vertically oriented.

The toner frame 11 employed in this embodiment is provided with two slanted surfaces K and L, which allow the toner (single component toner) stored in the storage portion 11A to efficiently -53descend toward the opening lli. Both slanted surfaces K and L extend across the entire longitudinal length of the toner frame 11. The slanted surface L is located above the opening lli, and the slanted surface K is located immediately behind the opening lli (being slanted in the widthwise direction of the toner frame 11). The slanted surface L belongs to the top frame lla, and the slanted surface K is formed as a part of the structure of the bottom frame llb. The angle 92 of the slanted surface L relative to a vertical line 11 (joining surface llj) is approximately 10 degrees to 40 degrees (in this embodiment, 92 is set at 24 degrees). The angle 93 of the slanted surface K, relative to the horizontal plane 12, perpendicular to the vertical line 11, is approximately 20 to degrees (in this embodiment, 93 is set at approximately 27 degrees). In other words, the configuration of the top frame lla in this embodiment is regulated so that when the bottom frame llb is 20 joined with the top frame lla, the joined bottom frame llb holds the aforementioned angle. Therefore, even if the toner storage portion 11A is such a toner storage portion that contains a large amount.(for example, no less than 800 the toner can be efficiently fed toward the opening lii.

Next, the developing frame will be further described in detail.

-54- [Developing Frame] The developing frame will be described with reference to Figures 3, 26, 27 and 28. Figures 26 is an exploded perspective view of the developing frame 12, illustrating how the components are assembled; Figure 27, a perspective view of the developing frame 12 and toner stirring member 9e and 9f, as seen from the direction of the surface to be welded, illustrating how the stirring members 9e and 9f are assembled into the frame 12; and Figure 28 is a perspective view of the developing unit without the developing frame holder.

As described above, the developing roller 9c, developing blade 9d, toner stirring members 9e and 9f, and antenna rod 9h for detecting the amount of the remaining toner, are assembled into the developing S" frame 12.

The developing blade 9d comprises a 1 2 mm 20 thick metallic plate 9dl, and a urethane rubber blade SS" 9d2 fixed to the metallic plate 9d2 by means of hot melting, double-side adhesive tape, or the like. It regulates the amount of toner coated on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. The flatness of a blade accommodating flat surface 12i, as a blade mount, provided on the developing frame 12 is regulated; it is approximately 0.05 mm. This flat surface 12i is provided with dowels 12il and screw holes 12i2. The dowels 12il are fitted into the holes 9d3 provided on the metallic plate 9dl. Thereafter, the metallic plate 9dl is screwed onto the flat surface 12i, using the screw holes 9dr provided on the metallic plate 9dl, and the screw holes 12i2.. Also on the developing frame 12, an elastic seal member 12s formed of MOLTPLANE or the like is pasted to prevent toner invasion. It is disposed above the metallic plate 9dl, extending in the longitudinal direction thereof. In addition, an elastic seal member 12s-1 is pasted on the developing member, at each of the longitudinal ends, covering from both ends of the elastic seal member 12s to a round surface 12j, which follows the contour developing roller 9c. Further, on the mandible-like portion 12h, a thin elastic seal member 12s2 is pasted. This elastic seal member 12s2 contracts the generatrix of the developing roller 9c.

One 9dla of the longitudinal ends of the developing blade 9d is bent by approximately degrees. This bent portion 9dla equalizes the voltages of the metallic plate 9dl and developing roller 9c by contacting a development bias contact point 121 (Figure 23(a) and supported on a developing frame holder 40 which will be described later. This arrangement is made because the amount of the toner is detected on the basis of the change in -56the capacitance between the antenna rod 9h for detecting the amount of the remaining toner, and the developing roller 9c, and this capacitance must be prevented from irregularly changing due to the influence of the metallic plate 9dl.

Next, a developing roller unit G will be described. The developing roller unit G comprises: developing roller 9c; spacer rolrer 9i for keeping constant the distance between the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c and the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7; developing roller bearing 9j for locating the developing roller "9c on the developing frame 12; sleeve cap 9o which is placed on both ends of the developing roller 9c so that leakage does not occur between the aluminum cylindrical portion of the photosensitive drum 7 and the aluminum cylindrical portion of the developing 0: roller 9c; developing roller gear 9k (helical gear) which rotates the developing roller 9c as it 20 receives the driving force from the helical gear 7b mounted on the photosensitive drum 7; coil spring contact point 91, one end of which is in engagement with the developing roller gear 9k mounted. at one end of the developing roller gear 9k; and magnet 9g which is contained in the developing roller 9c to adhere the toner to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. This developing unit G is -57attached to the developing roller mount 12X of the developing frame 12 in the following manner. First, a hole 9jl provided on each of the developing roller bearings 9j is aligned with the hole 12p provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the developing frame 12, and a pin provided on the development holder which will be described later, is inserted through the holes 9jl and 12d. Then, the developing frame holder is fixed to the developing frame 12 using screws.

As described above, in this embodiment, when :.the developing roller 9c is mounted on the-developing frame 12, the developing roller unit G is assembled first. Then, the assembled developing roller unit G is mounted on the'developing frame 12 with the use of developing frame holder 40. By going through these steps, assembly efficiency is improved compared to the case in which the developing roller 9c along is directly mounted on the developing frame 12.

The developing roller unit G is assembled 20 through the following steps. To begin with, each end of the developing roller 9c is covered with the sleeve cap 9o. Next, the spacer roller 9i is mounted at each end of the developing roller 9c; the spacer roller 9i is placed on the outward side of the sleeve cap 9o.

Then, the developing roller bearing 9j is mounted on the outward side of the spacer roller 9i. Next, the developing roller gear 9k is mounted at one of the -58longitudinal ends of the developing roller 9c, on the outward side of the bearing 9j, and the coil spring contact point 91 is mounted on the further outward side. At this point in the assembly, one end 9gl of magnet 9g, which has a D-shaped cross section, projects from one end of the developing roller 9c, that is, the end where the developing roller gear 9k is mounted, and the other end of the magiet 9g, which is cylindrical, projects from the other end of the developing roller 9c. This is the way developing roller unit G is assembled.

Next, the antenna rod 9h for detecting the amount of the remaining toner will be described. One end of the antenna rod 9h is U-shaped. This U-shaped portion 9hl is placed in contact with, being thereby o o electrically connected to, the toner detection contact point 122 mounted on the developing frame holder S" which will be described later. This antenna rod 9h is *e attached to the developing frame 12 in the following 20 manner. First, the end portion 9h3 of the antenna rod 9h is inserted into the developing frame 12 through a through hole 12b, provided on the side plate 12A of the developing frame 12. Then, the inserted end portion 9h3 is put through a through hole 12k provided on the other side plate of the developing frame 12, being supported thereby. In other words, the antenna rod 9h is located and supported by the through holes -59- 12b and 12k. In the through hole 12b, a seal member (unillustrated) formed of felt, sponge, or the like, is inserted to prevent toner invasion.

Further, the tip portion 9h2 of the U-shaped portion 9hl is inserted into an approximately 5 mm deep hole 12o of the developing frame 12 to locate the antenna rod 9h in the axial direction. Also, this arrangement improves the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 9hl as the contact point which contacts the toner detection contact point 122 which will be described later. The through hole 12k, into which the end portion 9h3 of the antenna rod 9h has been "inserted, is plugged from outside using thermal welding or the like method, so that toner invasion can be prevented. Next, the toner stirring members 9e and ooo9f will be described. The toner stirring members 9e and 9f are shaped like a crank, and stir the toner as they rotate. They are disposed near the developing roller 9c and antenna rod 9h, across the toner path 20 which the toner having been stored in the toner container 11A passes as it is fed toward the developing roller 9c. The toner stirring members 9e and 9f are fixed in perpendicular to each other.

In assembling the toner stirring members 9e and 9f onto the developing frame 12, to begin with, the end portions 9e3 and 9f3 of the toner stirring members 9e and 9f, respectively, are inserted through corresponding through holes 12t and 12r provided on the side plate 12A of the developing frame 12, which is on the same side as the one through which the antenna rod 9h is inserted. Then, the end portions 9e3 and 9f3 are inserted into corresponding through holes 12m and 12n, provided on the side plate 12B, which is the opposite side plate of the side plate 12A. Thereafter, each of the through holes 12m and 12n are plugged from outside by the thermal welding method, as are the through holes 12k for the antenna rod 9h. After the stirring members 9e and 9f- are inserted into the developing frame 12 as described above, stirring gears 9m and 9n are fitted into the through holes 12t and 12r. At this time, notches 9ml and 9nl, which are cut in the axial direction at the end portions of the gears 9m and 9n, respectively, are engaged with the crank arms 9e2 and 9f2 of the toner stirring members 9e and 9f, respectively. Further, the journals 9el and 9fl of the stirring members 9e 20 and 9f are fitted into center holes (unillustrated) o* provided at the deeper ends of the notches 9ml and 9nl of the gear 9m and 9n, respectively, supporting thereby the toner stirring members 9e and 9-f on the developing frame 12.

When the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 are joined, the side plate 12A of the developing frame 12, which is located on the side from which the -61antenna rod 9h and toner stirring members 9e and 9f are inserted, overlaps the side plate of the toner frame 11, covering the toner cap llf provided on the top frame lla of the toner frame 11. Also, on the side plate 12A, a hole 12x is provided, in which a toner feeding gear 9s (Figure 28) for transmitting the driving force to the toner feeding member 9b is rotatively fitted. The toner feeding gear 9s is linked with the coupling member lile (Figures 29 and 30), which is rotatively supported by the toner frame lla and is engaged with the end portion of the toner feeding member 9b, whereby the driving force is *009 transmitted to the toner feeding member 9b.

'e *Next, how' the driving force is transmitted goes 15 will be described.

Referring to Figures 28 and 35, the stirring 0*"0 gears 9m and 9n, and the toner feeding gear 9s, receive the driving force from the developing roller 00 gear 9k. More specifically, to begin with the stirring gear 9m receives the driving force through a 0:00 small gear 9gl of an idler gear 9q as a stepped gear.

Receiving this driving force, the stirring member 9e rotates. The idler gear 9g receives the driving force from the developing roller gear 9k since the large gear 9g3 of the idler gear 9g meshes with the developing roller gear 9k. The received driving force is transmitted from the middle gear 9g2 of the idler -62gear 9g to an idler gear 9r as a stepped gear. Then, the driving force is further transmitted from the small gear 9rl of the idler gear 9r to the toner feeding gear 9s, rotating thereby the stirring member 9b (through the coupling member lle).Further, the driving force is transmitted from the toner feeding gear 9s to the stirring gear 9n by way of an idler gear 9t to rotate the stirring member 9f. It should be noted here that all the idler gears, 9q, 9r and 9t, are rotatively mounted on corresponding dowels, 12e 12f and 12g, which are integrally formed with the developing frame 12. These dowels 12e, 12f and 12g S. are approximately 2 mm to 3 mm in diameter, and their end portions are supported by the developing frame 15 holder 40 which will be described later; therefore, the dowels 12e, 12f and 12g do not deform due to load.

Further, the rigidity of dowels 12e, 12f or 12g is increased by padding or stepping their base portions, or the like means.

20 The gear train described above is disposed on the same side surface as the previously described

U-

shaped portion 9hl of the anttena 9h.

With the adoption of the above structure, a single member (in this embodiment, the developing frame holder 40) can support the gears constituting the gear train, and establish electrical connection for the toner remaining detecting contact point. In -63addition, all of the toner stirring members 9e and 9f, antenna rod 9h, gears 9o, 9r, 9s and 9t constituting the gear train, and stirring gears 9m and 9n, can be assembled into the developing frame 12 from the same side relative to the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 12. Therefore, assembly effeciency can be greatly improved.

The mandible-like portion 12h of the developing frame 12 doubles as a conveying guide for the recording medium 2, such as recording paper. In order to increase the rigidity, the developing frame 12 may be formed using the blow molding method.

Referring to Figure 27, a reference numeral "12P designates an bpening which extends in the 15 longitudinal direction of the developing frame 12. As the toner frame 11 and developing frame 12 are joined, this opening 12P aligns with the opening lli of the toner frame 11, allowing the toner stored in the toner frame 11 to be supplied to the developing roller 9c.

The aforementioned stirring members 9e and 9f, and antenna rod 9h, are mounted across the entire longitudinal length of this opening 12P.

Further, according to this embodiment, the developing frame 12 comprising the developing roller mount 12X, side plate 12A, developing blade mount (blade accommodating flat surface 12i), antenna rod 9h mount (through holes 12b, 12k and 12o), stirring -64member mount (through holes 12t, 12r, 12m and 12n), gear mount (dowels 12e, 12f and 12g), and the like, is integrally formed with these portions. The material for the developing frame 12 is the same as the aforementioned material for the toner frame 11.

[Developing frame holder Next, the developing frame holder 40 will be described.

Referring to Figures 4 9 and Figures 23 description will be given as to the developing frame holder 40. Figure 23(a) is a perspective view of the developing frame holder, which is mounted on the driving side, as seen from the outside of the 15 developing frame 12; Figure 23(a) a perspective view of the same as seen from inside; Figure 24, an enlarged sectional view of the Figure 3(b) at line; and Figure 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the toner detecting contact point.

The developing unit D is completed by attaching the development holders 40 and 41 at the corresponding lateral ends of the developing frame assembly, having been finished up to the stage illustrated in Figure 28. In this case, the developing roller unit G is mounted in the following manner. First, one of two pins 40d provided at different locations of the developing frame holder is engaged with the hole 9jl of the aforementioned developing roller bearing, and the other pin 40d is engaged with the hole 12p of the developing frame 12.

Next, the developing frame holders 40 and 41 are fixed to the developing frame 12 with screws, in such a manner that the developing roller bearings 9j are sandwiched between the corresponding developing frame holders 40 and 41, and the developing frame 12. At this time, the screws are put through the corresponding holes 401 of the holders 40 and 41.

Next, one end 9gl of the magnet 9g (Figures 3 and 28) contained in the developing roller 9c is engaged with a D-shaped hole 40e provided on the developing frame holder 40, and the other end 9g2 is engaged with a 15 hole (unillustrated) provided on the developing frame holder 41, whereby the position of the magnet 9g in the longitudinal direction is fixed. The angles of the magnetic poles of the magnet 9g are determined as S• the end portion 9gl, having the aforementioned

D-

4 20 shaped section, is engaged with the D-shaped hole of the developing frame holder ~Next, rotational shafts 20, which are integrally formed with the developing frame holders and 41 and project therefrom, are placed into recessed portions 21 (Figure of the cleaning frame, and covered with connector members 22 (Figure whereby the developing unit D is rotatively supported on the -66cleaning frame 13 which supports the photosensitive drum 7, and in addition, the compression spring 22a attached to the connector members 22 is compressed against the spring seats 40h of the developing frame holders 40 and 41, stabilizing the distance between the photosensitive drum 7 and developing roller 9c (preventing the distance from widening).

As already described, the longguide 12a is disposed on the external surfaces of the developing frame holders 40 and 41. In addition, the metallic plate toner detecting contact point 122 for detecting the amount of the remaining toner, and the developing :bias contact point 121, are fitted on the developing frame holder 40; these contact points 121 and 122 are 15 fixed to the developing frame holder 40 as the dowels provided on the internal surface of the developing ooo frame holder 40 are forced into the locking hole of the contact points.

To begin with, how the toner detection contact point 122 is attached will be described with reference to the drawings.

*Figure 24 is a sectional view of Figure 23(b), at the line, and Figure 25-is an enlarged view of the toner detection contact point illustrated in Figure 23(b) and the adjacencies thereof. The toner detection contact point 122 has an external contact point portion 122a and an internal -67contact portion 122b. The external contact point portion 122a is disposed on the external surface of the holder 40, and when the process cartridge B is in the apparatus main assembly 14, it contacts a toner detection contact point member 126 provided on the apparatus main assembly 14. The internal contact point portion 122b presses on the U-shaped portion 9hl of the antenna rod 9h. Referring to Figure 24, the external contact point portion 122a is at substantially the same level as the side plate 40a of developing frame holder 40. The internal contact point portion 122b is disposed within the developing frame holder 40, opposing the antenna rod 9h.

Referring to Figure 25, the toner detection 15 contact point 122 is mounted on the developing frame holder 40, with its locking flap 122ci cut out of the mounting base 122c being fitted around the dowel "..."which projects inwardly from the side plate 40a, and the mounting base 122c being in contact with the side plate 40a. Further, from the mounting base 122c, an angled portion 122d is extended at an angle, and from the angled portion 122d, the internal contact point 122b is extended at an angle, so that the internal contact point 122b becomes parallel to the side plate 40a. Further, a connective portion 122e, which is bent outward at 90 degrees from the mounting base 122c, projects outward along one of the edges of the -68first rectangular hole 40c formed in the side plate Then, the connective portion 122e is bent at degrees in the direction opposite to the direction in which the connective portion 122e is already bent, constituting the external contact point portion 122a.

The external contact point portion 122a is in contact with the bottom surface of a recessed portion formed in the side plate 40a. The depthcof this recessed portion 40i is substantially the same as the thickness of the external contact point portion 122a (Figure 24). Therefore, the outward facing surface of the external contact point portion 122a, and the outward facing surface 40al of the side plate 40, are at substantially the same level.Further, the end 15 portion of the external contact point portion 122a is put through the second rectangular hole 40j formed in .o the side plate 40a, reaching the interior of the side wall 40a, with an end fixing portion 122f being engaged with a dowel 40k projecting from one of the 20 walls of the second rectangular hole 40j. This is the way that toner detection contact point is mounted on the developing frame holder Referring to Figure 24, a width L2 of the first hole 40c, of the side plate 40a, is greater than a distance LI between the side wall facing surface of the mounting base 122c of the toner detection contact point 122 and the outwardly facing surface of the -69external contact point portion 122a, and is also greater than the height of the end fixing portion 122f. Further, a gap large enough to allow the end fixing portion 122f of the toner detection contact point 122 to be passed through is provided between the end surface of the dowel 40k within the second hole and the opposing surface of the second hole.

The toner detection contact point 122 is mounted in the following manner. First, the end fixing portion 122f is inserted into the first hole from the inside of the developing frame holder 40. Then, the end fixing portion 122fis inserted into the second hole 40j by rotating the toner detection contact point 122 in the clockwise direction of Figure oooo *"15 24. Subsequently, the hole 122c of the mounting base 122c is engaged with the dowel 40k. On the other hand, the end fixing portion 122f rides over the dowel *e due to its own elasticity, and th hole of the end *fixing portion 122f engages with the dowel 20 The developing bias contact point 121 will be described.

o oo The developing bias contact point 121 comprises a plate spring portion 121a located within the developing frame holder 40 an internal contact point portion 121b and an external contact point portion 121c located on the outwardly facing surface As the developing frame holder 40 is attached to the developing fram 12, the plate spring portion 121a elastically contacts the bent portion 9dla of the metal plate substantially equal to the potential of the developing roller 9c. The internal contact point portion 121b is fitted around a boss 40f provided with th aforementioned hole 40e being elastically in contact with the coil spring contact point 91 which is fitted around the 40f (contact pressure is approx.

100g to 300g). The frictional area of the internal contact point portion 121b may be coated with electrically conductive grease if desired. The external contact point portion 121c is disposed in the recessed portion of the side plate 40a, and its go external surface outwardly facing surface 40al of the 15 developing frame holder 40. When the process cartridge B is in the apparatus main assembly 14 external contact point portion 121c is in contact with a developing frame contact point member 125 provided in the apparatus main assembly 14, and receives the 20 developing bias to be applied from the apparatus main assembly 14 to the developing roller 9c. The developing bias received from the apparatus main assembly 14 is applied to the developing roller 9c through the developing bias contact point 121 and coil spring contact point 91.

As the developing frame holder 40 is attached to the developing frame 12, the internal -71contact point portin 122b in the form of a plate spring comes in contact with the U-shaped portion 9hl of the antenna rod 9h illustrated in Figure 28; therefore, the toner detection contact point 122 is electrically connected to the antenna rod 9h. The contact pressure between the antenna rod 9h and internal contact point portion 122b is approx. 100g.

When the process cartridge B is in the apparatus main assembly 14, the external contact point portion 122a provided on the outwardly facing surface 40al of the developing frame holder 40 is electrically connected to the contact point member 126 provided in the apparatus main assembly 14. Therefore, an electrical S" signal, correspondent to the capacitance which changes *"15 in response to the change in the amount of toner between the developing roller 9c and antenna rod 9h is *transmitted to the developing frame 12 through the antenna rod 9h, and toner detection contact point 122.

the control section (not shown) detects that the 20 electric signal transmitted to the contact point member 126 has reached a predetermined value, it signals a need for process cartridge exchange. Three engagement holes 40g provided in the internal surface of the developing frame holder 40 are engaged with the corresponding end portions of the dowels 12e, 12f and 12g which serve as the gear shafts for the gears 9q, 9r and 9the illustrated in Figure 35. In other words, -72the dowels 12e, 12f and 12g are supported by the developing frame holder 40 and the developing frame 12, coming between the two. The engagement hole provided in the internal surface of the developing frame holder 40, rotatably supports the stirring gear 9m.

As is evident from the foregoing description, the fact that various functions are assigned to a single component (developing frame holder) leads to improvement in assembling efficiency, and also, cost reduction.

Further, according to this embodiment, developing frame holder 40 comprises the rotatable shaft 20 spring-seat 40b long guide 12a engagement hole (hole 40a) for magnet 9g, mount (boss and the like) for the developing bias contact point 121, mount (dowel 40h, first hole developing frame holder 40 (dowel 40k and the like) for the toner detection contact point 122, engagement 20 hole 40m, pin 40d, screw hole 401, and the like, and these portions are integral formed with the developing frame holder 40. The developing frame holder 41 comprises the rotatable shaft 20, spring seat long guide 12a, and the like, and these portions are integrally formed with the developing frame holder 41.

Each of the developing frame holders 40 and 41 is formed, as a single piece component of acrylonitrile- -73styrene copolymer resin (containing glass filler by The positions of the developing frame holders 40 and 41 are fixed as the pins 40d of the developing frame holders 40 and 40 are inserted into the corresponding holes 12p of the developing frame 12. Then, the developing frame holders 40 and 41 are fixed to the developing frame 12 with the use of screws put through the screw holes 401 (developing frame holders 40 and 41), and screw holders 12rl (developing frame 12).

[Structure of Bottom Surface of Cleaning Frame] ~The developing frame 12 and cleaning 15 frame 13 are provided with guide ribs 121 and 13m, which project from the bottom surfaces thereof, respectively, extending in parallel in the moving ooeO direction of the recording medium or material 2. Both guide ribs 121 and 13m are arranged in such a manner 20 that the outermost ribs 121 and 13m fall within the ago* path of the widest piece of recording medium 2 by a 9:66 small margin. In this embodiment, the outermost ribs are located approx. 5mm inwardly from the edges of the path of the widest piece of recording medium 2 The remainder of the ribs are spread between the outermost ribs to facilitate conveyance of the recording medium 2. The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is -74of a type that can accommodate recording medium 2 of different sizes, and the recording medium 2 is centered regardless of size (center line CL coincides with the center line of the recording medium 2).

STherefore, the arrangement of the ribs provided on the bottom surface of the developing frame 12 and cleaning frame 13 is symmetrical relative to the (center line CL). The rib height is se a predetermined values for the developing frame 12 and cleaning frame 13, respectively, to facilitate conveyance of the recording medium 2. By adopting the above structure, the image disturbance due to the contact between the pre-fixation toner image and the bottom survace of the cleaning frame 13'can be prevented, while improving 15 conveyance efficiency. Figure 34 shows an example of measurement in millimeter between the center line CL and various ribs, along with the symbols correspondent to the standard sizes (Japan Industrial Standard) for the recording medium 2. For example, a symbol A3L 20 stands for an A3 size recording medium fed in the longitudinal direction; a symbol A4s stands for an A4 size recording medium fed in the widthwise direction.

A symbol ENV stands for a recording medium of envelope size, and EXE corresponds to a recording medium of an EXE size. The guide ribs 121 and/or 13m, located 13.0mm and 28mm away from the center line CL, are the ribs which make contact with the center line of the recording medium 2.

Figure 34 is a schematic view of the bottom portion of the cleaning frame 13 as seen from the sheet conveyance direction. This embodiment is different in that the height of guide ribs 13m is symmetrically increased in relation to the distance from the center line; both ribs of each rib pair correspondent to one of the various sheet sizes of the .000 recording medium 2 have the same height. This rib 10 arrangement can reliably prevent the ribs located 0* toward the center line CL from coming in contact with ooo the image bearing surface of the recording medium 2, reliably preventing the image disturbance. The o..oo.

horizontal rib arrangement in this embodiment is the same as the embodiment in which the rib height is the *oo* same for all ribs.

e d [Structure of Electrical Contact Points] •.""Hereinafter referring to Figures 5, 8, 9 and 19, the connection and placement of the contact points, which establishes electrical connections between the process cartridge B and the laser beam printer main assembly 14 when the former is installed into the latter, will be described.

The process cartridge B is provided with a plurality of electrical contact points: (1) Electrically conductive grounding contact point 119 -76electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 7 to ground the drum 7 through the apparatus main assembly 14; Electrically conductive charging bias contact point 120 electrically connected to the charging roller shaft 8a in order to apply a charge bias from the apparatus main assembly 14 to the charging roller 8; Electrically conductive developing bias contact point 121 electrically connected to the developing roller 9c in order to apply a developing bias from the apparatus main assembly 14; and Electrically conductive toner remaining detecting-contact point 122 electrically connected to an antenna rod 9h in order to detect the amount of the remaining toner. All of eeeee these four contact points 119 122 are exposed on the ooo* lateral surface (right-hand side) of the cartridge frame, with intervals large enough to prevent electrical leakage among them. As descilbed before, the ground contact point 119 and charge bias contact point 120 are disposed on the cleaning means frame 13, and development bias contact 121 and toner remainder detecting contact point 122 are disposed on the development chamber frame 12 (developer holder It should be noted here that the toner remaining detecting contact point 122 doubles as a cartridge detecting contact point for detecting the presence (or absence) of the process cartridge within the apparatus main assembly 14.

-77- The grounding contact point 119 is constituted of the electrically conductive axial shaft 7a of the photosensitive drum 7, or an electrically conductive insert molded in the shaft 7 of resin material. In this embodiment, it is constituted of a metallic shaft 7a of iron or the like. The other contact points 120, 121 and 122 are approximately 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm thick electrically conductive metallic pieces, for example, stainless steel piece, phosphor 0. 10 bronze piece, or the like, which are planted on the o surface so as for their leg portions to reach into the process cartridge interior. The charging bias contact point 120 is exposed on the driving side surface 0 (lateral side Cl) -of the cleaning unit C, and the p developing bias contact point 121 and toner remaining detecting contact point 122 are exposed on the driving *:oo* side surface (lateral side Dl) of the developing unit .:00 D.

D.

0. 10: More specifically, referring to Figure 20, in this embodiment, the helical drum gear 7b is provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 7 in the axial direction of the drum 7 as described before. This helical drum gear 7b engages with the helical driver gear 28 provided on the apparatus main assembly 14 to rotate the drum 7. As this helical gear 7b rotates, it generates a thrust (in the direction of an arrow d in Figure 20), pressing thereby the drum 7, which is -78mounted on the cleaning means frame portion 13 with the allowance of some play in its longitudinal direction, toward the direction of the helical gear 7b. As a result, one 7bl of the lateral surfaces of the helical gear 7b remains in contact with the internal surface 13kl of one 13k of the lateral surfaces of the cleaning means frame portion 13 of the cartridge frame, whereby the position of the drum 7 within the cartridge B in the axial direction is 10 regulated. The grounding contact point 119 and charging bias contact point 120 are exposed on the one 13k of the lateral surfaces of the cleaning means portion 13 of the frame, wherein the grounding contact .point 119 is at the end of the drum shaft 7a, and 15 projects outward slightly (approximately 0.8 mm) *o*o .beyond the end of the aforementioned cylindrical guide 13a. This drum shaft 7a is put through the drum cylinder 7d (aluminum cylinder in this embodiment) covered with a photosensitive layer 7e, and is supported at each end by the cylindrical guide 13a, which in turn is supported on the lateral walls 13c and 13d. The drum cylinder 7d and shaft 7a are connected with a grounding plate 7f, which is in contact with both the internal surface 7d of the drum cylinder 7d and peripheral surface 7al of the shaft 7a.

The charging bias contact point 120 is -79located almost directly above the long guide 12, that is, adjacent to the cleaning means portion 13 of the frame, which supports the charging roller 8 (Figure Also, the charging bias contact point 120 is electrically connected to the charging roller shaft 8a through an electrically conductive member 120a, which is in contact with the charging roller shaft 8a.

Next, the developing bias contact point 121 and toner remaining detecting contact point 122 will S. 10 be described. These two contact points 121 and 122 oooare located on one surface, D1, of the lateral surface of the developing unit D, that is, the same side as the lateral surface 13k of the cleaning means portion 13 of the frame. The developing bias contact point e*o* 121 is located directly below the long guide 12a and adjacent to the right-hand end of the frame portion 12c where the magnet 9g contained in the developing :i roller 9c is supported (Figure and is electrically connected to the developing roller 9c through the coil spring contact point 91, which is in contact with the lateral end of the developing roller 9c (Figure Referring to Figure 5, the toner remaining detecting contact point 122 is disposed on the upstream side of the long guide 12a relative to the cartridge inserting direction (arrow X direction in Figure and is connected to an antenna rod 9h, which is disposed on the side of the toner container IIA and extends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c in parallel with the developing roller 9c as shown in Figure through the electrically conductive member 9f, which is in contact with an antenna rod 9h.

The antenna rod 9h is disposed so as to hold a predetermined distance from the developing roller 9c.

The capacitance between this antenna rod 9h and developing roller 9c varies in response ito the amount of the toner present between two components; 10 therefore, the amount of the remaining toner is Sdetected by measuring this capacitance change as a potential difference change, through a control section (unillustrated) in the apparatus main assembly 14.

Here, the terminology "amount of the remaining toner" means an amount of the toner that creates a predetermined amount of capacitance by being present between the developing roller 9cand antenna rod 9h. In other words, the detection of the Spredetermined amount of capacitance means that the amount of the toner remaining in the toner chamber 11A has reached the predetermined amount.

Thus, it is detected by the control section, which is provided in the apparatus main assembly 14 and is connected to the cartridge B through the toner remaining detecting contact point 122, that the capacitance has reached a predetermined first value; whereby it is determined that the amount of the toner (r

I

-81remaining in the toner chamber Ila has reached the predetermined amount. When it is detected that the capacitance has reached the aforementioned first determined value, the apparatus main assembly 14 signals the need for process cartridge B exchange (for example, flashing light, buzzing sound). When the capacitance detected by the control section matches a predetermined second value, which is smaller than the first value, the detecting circuit determines that the S. 10 cartridge B has been installed in the apparatus main assembly 14. The control section circuit does not :i allow the apparatus main assembly 14 to be driven unless it detects that the cartridge B has been .oooei installed in the apparatus main assembly. In other o*oo words, the control section does not allow the .apparatus main assembly 14 to start forming images.

It may be arranged so that a warning signal (for example, blinking light or the like) may be e provided to inform the operator of the absence of the cartridge B in the apparatus.

Next, a description will be given as to the connection between the contact point provided on the cartridge B and the contact point member provided on the apparatus main assembly 14.

Referring to Figure 19, four contact point members, which make contact with corresponding contact points 119 122 when the process cartridge is -82installed in the apparatus A, are provided on one of the lateral walls of the cartridge accommodating space S of the image forming apparatus A (grounding contact point member 123 which electrically contacts the grounding contact point 119, charging bias contact point member 124 which electrically contacts the charging bias contact point 120, developing contact point member 125 which electrically contacts the developing bias contact point 121, and toner detection 10 contact point member 126 which electrically contacts •e the toner remaining detecting contact point 122).

As shown in Figures 19(a) and 19(b), the grounding contact point member 123 is disposed in oeo correspondence to -the groove 16a5. The developing bias contact point member 125 and toner remaining detecting contact point member 126 are disposed below the first guide portion 16a. The charging bias contact point member 124 is disposed above the second guide portion 16b.

Here, the positional relationship between the contact points and guides will be described.

First, referring to Figure 5, as for the positional relationship in the vertical direction (as seen from the horizontal direction), the developing bias contact point 121 is the bottommost one; the toner remaining detecting contact point 122, long guide 12a and cylindrical guide 13a (grounding contact -83point 119) are disposed above the bias contact point 121, being at about the same level; above them is the short guide 13b, and the topmost one is the charging bias contact point 120. As for the positional relationship in the cartridge inserting direction (arrow X direction), the toner remaining detecting contact point 122 is the most upstream one; next is the long guide 12a; at a further downstream location 'is the charging bias contact point 120 and developing bias contact point 121; and at the most downstream locations are short guide 13b and cylindrical guide 13a (grounding contact point 119). Arranging the contact points as described above allows the charging ooo bias contact point 120 to be positioned near the charging roller 8; the developing bias contact point 121, near the developing roller 9c; the toner remaining detecting contact point 122, near the antenna rod 9h; and the grounding contact point 119 to be positioned near the photosensitive drum 7.

Therefore, the wiring for the contact points can be shortened.

The measurements of the contact points are as follows: the charging bias contact point 120 is approximately i0.0 mm in height and width (tolerable range of 8.0 mm to 12.0 mm); developing bias contact point 121, approximately 9.0 mm in height (tolerable range of 6.0 mm to 12.0 mm) and approximately 8.0 mm -84- (tolerable range of 5.0 mm to 11.0 mm); toner remaining detecting contact point 122, approximately mm (tolerable range of 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm) in height and approximately 9.0 mm (tolerable range of 7.0 mm to 11.0 mm) in width; and grounding contact point 119 is circular and its diameter is approximately 7.0 mm. The charging bias contact point 120, developing bias contact point 121, and toner remaining detecting contact point 122 are rectangular.

*e 10 The grounding contact point member 123 is an 0* ee electrically conductive plate spring member, and is S.mounted in the groove 16a5, in which the cylindrical guide 13a (in which the drum shaft 7a of the oo photosensitive drum 7 is fitted), on which the grounding contact point 119 of the cartridge B is mounted, is disposed to fix the position of the cartridge B, whereby the grounding contact point member 123 is grounded through the chassis of the apparatus main assembly (Figures 19 and 26). The other contact point members 124, 125 and 126 are mounted in the corresponding holder covers 127 in such a manner as to be projected therefrom by the corresponding compression springs 129. This arrangement will be described referring to the charging bias contact point member 124. Referring to Figure 20, the charging bias contact point member 124 is placed under a holder cover so that it projects but i'

I

does not come off, and then, this holder cover 127 is fixed to a circuit board 128 mounted on one of the lateral walls of the apparatus main assembly, whereby the contact point members are electrically connected to the wiring patterns by the electrically conductive compression springs 129, correspondingly.

Next, referring to Figure 21, it will be described with reference to the charging bias contact 10 point member 120 how the contact points on the cartridge side come in contact with the corresponding contact point members on the image forming apparatus side when the process cartridge B is installed into the image forming'apparatus A. Figure 21 is an explanatory drawing, which depicts the state of the *.*"4process cartridge B in the image forming apparatus A, wherein an arrow mark H designates the movement of the charging bias contact point 124 on the apparatus main .o assembly, relative to the process cartridge B, when the cartridge B is installed into the image forming apparatus A. It should be noted here that Figure 21 is a cross-section of Figure 5 at a line O.

During the installation of the process cartridge B into the image forming apparatus A using the guide members 16a and 16b as the guide, the charging bias contact point member 124 is in the state depicted in Figure 21 before it reaches the -86predetermined position where it is to be fixedly disposed. At this time, the charging bias contact point member 124 is not in contact with the flat surface 20 of the cleaning means portion 13 of the frame. As the cartridge B is further inserted, the charging bias contact point member 124 is advanced to a position in Figure 21. In this state, it remains in contact with the slanted surface 31 (Figure formed on the right lateral wall 13c of the 10 cleaning means portion 13 of the frame; slides on this slanted surface 31, whereby it is gradually pressed, :"compressing thereby gradually the compression spring 129; and smoothly moves onto the flat surface 32 where the charging bias contact point 120 is exposed. When 15 the inserted cartridge B arrives at the predetermined location, the contact member 124 arrives at a position in Figure 21, where it makes contact-with the charging bias contact point 120. The other contact point members 125 and 126 come in contact with the contact points 121 and 122, respectively, in the same manner.

With such an arrangement as described above being in place, when the cartridge B is guided by the guide member 16 into the predetermined cartridge accommodating location, the contact points and the corresponding contact point members are reliably placed in contact with each other.

-87- Further, when the process cartridge B is positioned at the predetermined location in the apparatus main assembly 14, the grounding contact point member 123 in the form of a plate spring makes contact with the grounding contact point 119 projecting from the cylindrical guide 13a (Figure As the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14, the grounding contact point 119 and grounding contact member 123 e .0 10 electrically contact with each other, grounding thereby the photosensitive drum 7. The charging bias "contact point 120 and charging bias contact member 124 .:o0 electrically contact with each other, allowing thereby a high voltage (superposed voltage of AC and DC 0.0. 15 voltages) to be applied to the charging roller 8. The developing bias contact point 121 and developing •contact member 125 make electrical contact with each other, allowing thereby a high voltage to be applied to the developing roller 9c. The toner remaining detecting contact point 122 and toner remaining detecting contact member 126 make electrical contact with each other, allowing thereby information reflecting the capacitance to be transmitted to the apparatus main assembly 14.

Next, a case in which the photosensitive 7 is rotated by driving the image forming apparatus A, will be described. The photosensitive drum 7 is given an -88approximately 2 mm to 3 mm thrust play in the axial direction so that it is easier to install the process cartridge B into the image forming apparatus A.

Therefore, it is necessary for the charging bias contact point member 124 or the like to be capable of projecting by a distance larger than the thrust play.

Further, in this embodiment, a plate spring 45 is provided, which presses the process cartridge B toward one side (side where the contact point members 123 126 are located) of the apparatus main assembly when the cartridge B is in the apparatus main assembly. eoeo This plate spring 45 is on the side opposite to the side where the contact point members are located, above the first installation guide 16a.

15 Further, when the contact points 119 122 of the process cartridge B are disposed, as they are in this embodiment, on the side where the helical drum gear 7b is disposed (lateral wall on the driving side), the connection for mechanically driving the 0°0 o cartridge B by the apparatus main assembly through the helical drum gear 7b, and the electrical connection between the cartridge B and apparatus main assembly through the contact points 119 122, can be made on the same side of the cartridge B. Therefore, when the aforementioned side of the cartridge B is used as the referential side, the integrated error in the component sizes can be reduced, which makes it -89possible to mount more accurately the contact points and helical gear. Further, when a helical drum gear with teeth cut in such a direction as to generate a thrust directed toward the side where the helical drum gear is positioned is used, the position of the photosensitive drum 7 in the axial direction is fixed on the side where the contact points are located; therefore, in this case, the accuracy in the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 7 and the contact points is also improved, in addition to the aforementioned effects. Further, when oooo "a lever 23 (Figure 6) for opening or closing the drum shutter 18 is located, as it is in the aforementioned embodiment, on the side opposite to the one where the contact points 119 122 are located, the frictional resistance generated on one side of the cartridge by the contact points 119 122 as the cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus A, and the resistance (or pressure), which is med by the lever 23 (Figure 6) for opening or closing the drum shutter member 18, are distributed toward the longitudinal ends of the cartridge B when the process cartridge

B

is inserted into the image forming apparatus A; in other words, the resistance generated when the cartridge B is inserted is evenly distributed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B. Therefore, the cartridge B can be smoothly inserted.

Further, as described in the preceding embodiment, when all the contact points of the process cartridge B are positioned on one and the same lateral wall of the cartridge frame, and the process cartridge B is placed under the elastic pressure generated by the plate spring, it is possible to provide stable electrical connections between the contact points and the corresponding contact point members on the apparatus main assembly side.

10 Figure 22 illustrates an arrangement in which the contact points are located on the side where the aforementioned lever 23 is located. This arrangement can also sufficiently provide the aforementioned effects.

1 Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 37 [Structure of Housing] 20 The housing of the process cartridge B in this embodiment is formed by joining the toner container 111, developing frame 112, and cleaning frame 113.

The structure of this housing will be described below.

Referring to Figures 37, the toner container 111 comprises a toner storing portion 119a, in which the toner stirring member 119b is mounted. The developing roller 119c and developing blade 119d are -91mounted on the developing chamber frame 112, and the stirring member 119e, which circulates the toner within the developing chamber, is rotatively mounted adjacent to the developing roller 119c. The aforementioned toner container 111 and developing chamber frame 112 are melt-welded to form a developing unit.

The photosensitive drum 117, charging roller 118; and cleaning means 111 are mounted on the 1 0 cleaning means frame 113. Further, a drum shutter member 118, which covers and protects the oo*.

"photosensitive drum 117 when the process cartridge B is out of the apparatus main assembly 114 (Figure i), is attached to the cleaning frame 113 to form a cleaning unit.

Then, the developing unit and cleaning unit *are joined to complete the process cartridge B. More specifically, referring to Figures 38, and 38, a cover member for rotatively supporting each of the end portions of the developing roller 119c is attached to each of the longitudinal ends of the developing frame 112. An axis 120 is provided at the end of an arm portion 119 formed on this cover member (Figure 38 illustrates only one side). On the other hand, a recessed portion 121, is provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame. The joining member 122 with a recess portion 112a is -92mounted on the cleaning frame 113 with the use of screws after inserting the axis 20 into the recessed portion 121, whereby the developing and cleaning units and are jointed in a manner so as to pivot from each other about the axis 121, allowing thereby the developing roller 119c to be pressed toward the photosensitive drum 117 due to the weight of the developing unit D itself. Also, the joining member 122 is provided with a compression spring 122a, so 0 that the developing frame 112 is pressed to reliably press the developing roller 119c toward the •ego photosensitive drum 117. Further, a spacer ring 119f (unillustrated) is provided at each of the longitudinal end portions of the developing roller S* 15 119c, wherein this ring 119f is pressed on the photosensitive drum 117 to keep a predetermined distance between the photosensitive drum 117 and developing roller 119c.

o 20 [Structure of Toner Container] Next, the structure of the toner container iI will be described in further detail. Referring to Figure 37, the toner container 111 is formed by welding together an actual container portion llla, which is the first container portion, and a cover member lllb, which is the second container portion.

The actual container portion llla is shaped -93like a bathtub. As the toner container is joined with the developing frame 112, its bottom wall constitutes the first toner descension surface lllc, which slopes down toward the developing roller 119c. The actual container portion llla is structured so that when the process cartridge B is in the image forming apparatus A (Figure the first toner descension surface lllc is inclined approximately 650 to 800, relative to the horizontal line, allowing the toner within the toner storing portion 119a to descend due to its own weight along the first toner descension surface toward the developing roller 119c.

In the bottommost end of the first toner descension surface lllc, a toner discharge opening 15 llld is provided, through which the toner stored in the toner storing portion 119a is discharged into the developing chamber. The toner discharge opening llld is provided with a flange llle, which is welded to the flange 112a of the developing frame 112 to unite the 20 toner container 111 and developing frame 112.

The cover member lllb is welded to the actual container portion llla to cover the top of the actual container portion llla. The top surface of the cover member lllb has a recessed portion 117 as a handhold.

A portion of the cover member lllb, on the developing frame side, constitutes the second toner descension surface 1llf, which projects into the actual container -94portion Illa, creating thereby a recessed portion lllg in the external surface of the cover member 111b.

The second toner descension surface 1llf slopes down toward the toner discharge opening llld of the actual container portion Illa. The top cover llla is structured so that when the process cartridge B is in the image forming apparatus A, the angle of the second toner descension surface 1f, relative to the horizontal line, falls within a range of approximately 10 600 to 7 00 Therefore, the toner in the toner storing portion 119a descends due to its own weight along the toner descension surface 1llf toward the toner 4* discharge opening 1lld.

The recessed portion lllg constitutes a tool 15 recess in which tools are inserted when assembling the developing unit, which will be described later.

As described above, the first and second toner descension surfaces lllc and lllf leading, respectively, to the toner discharge opening lld are inclined at such an angle as to allow the toner to descends due to its own weight; therefore, the entire amount of the toner in the toner storing portion 119a successfully descends toward the toner discharge opening llld. It is understood that the toner descending along the first toner descension surface lllc, and the toner descending along the second toner descension surface Illf interfere with each other, becoming compacted, near the toner discharge opening Hlld. However, in this embodiment, the toner stirring/feeding member 119b is disposed adjacent to the toner discharge opening 11ld; therefore, the toner is fed by the stirring/feeding member 119b into the developing chamber through the toner discharging opening hlld, without becoming caked.

The stirring member 119b is formed by bending a rod into a shape of a crank. With one end 0 projecting outward from the toner container ill, and linking with unillustrated driving means, the stirring member 119b is rotatable in the direction of an arrow mark in Figure 37. As the stirring member 119b rotates, the toner is conveyed while being loosened.

15 Referring to Figure 39, when assembling the toner container ill, it is started from the actual S* 0 container portion llla among the various components.

First, the toner discharge opening hlld of the actual container portion llla is sealed with a sealing member 9.

123. The sealing member 123 is no less than twice as long as the toner discharge opening lld in the longitudinal direction. It is welded to the flange llle formed around the discharge opening hlld, being extended from one longitudinal end of the toner discharge opening lld to the other, and the remainder of the sealing member 123 is doubled back, so that the loose end of the sealing member 123 is exposed from -96between the joint of the toner container 111 and developing frame 112. When the process cartridge B is put to use, a user pulls the sealing member 123 out by grasping the exposed loose end of the sealing member 123, peeling it from the flange llle to expose the toner discharge opening 11ld.

When welding the sealing member 123, the cover member lllb will not have been attached to the actual container portion Illa; therefore, the top of 10 the actual container portion Illa is open.

Consequently, a welding pad for welding the sealing member 123 can be inserted from the top of the actual container portion Ila, to be placed behind the flange llle, making it ea'sier to weld the sealing member 123.

15 After the toner discharge opening llld is sealed with the sealing member 123 as described above, "the cover member lllb is welded to the top portion of the actual container portion Ilia. In order to weld together the cover member lllb and actual container portion Ila, an energy director lllh and an accommodating portion llli are provided on the cover member lllb and the actual container portion Ila, respectively. Since the energy director llh and accommodating portion llli are formed so as to project outward from the toner container 111, the welding horn and welding pad can be placed at a predetermined location, with no difficulty.

-97- After the sealing member 123 and cover member illb are welded to the actual container portion Ila, a predetermined amount of toner is filled into the toner container 111 through an unillustrated toner filling opening, and then, the toner filling opening is sealed with a cap or the like.

Then, the toner container 111 and developing frame 112 are welded together. In this case, the flange llle of the toner container 111 is joined with 10 the flange 112a of the developing frame 112, and the longitudinal edges of these flanges llle and 112a are

S

oo*. welded together. As for the widthwise edges of the o"o. flanges llle and 112a, they are not welded so that the sealing member 123 can be exposed as described above.

15 In order to prevent toner leakage from these portions which are not welded, a toner leakage prevention seal o"00. 124 formed of foamed polyurethane or the like is attached to the pertinent portions of the flange 112a 405 t of the developing frame 112, which is joined with the counterpart of the toner container 111, as illustrated in Figure 39.

Referring to Figure 37, since these flanges llle and 112a are formed so as to project downward from the process cartridge B, the welding horn and welding pad can be applied with no difficulty when they are welded together along their longitudinal edges.

-98- In this embodiment, in order to increase the capacity of the toner storing portion 119a, the cover member Illb is rendered to bulge upward. However, the cover member 1llb is provided with the recessed Sportion llg; therefore, welding tools such as the welding pad can be inserted through this recessed portion Illg, making it easier to weld the top portion of the welding joint between the flanges Ille and 112a.

10 After the toner container 111 and developing frame 112 are united as described above, the developing members such as the developing roller 119c, developing blade 119d, stirring member 119e, and the like, are assembled into the united frames, completing 15 the developing unit.

Even when the toner container 111 is rendered to bulge upward in order to increase the capacity of the toner storing portion 119a as described above, the toner can be reliably fed into the developing chamber 20 by forming the aforementioned two slanted surfaces, the first and second toner descension surface lllc and lllf, without a need for a dedicated toner feeding mechanism.

Further, the toner container 111 is constituted of two components; the actual container portion Illa nd cover member, which have no undercut portion, and therefore, can be easily formed of -99plastic material by injection molding. As a result, the toner container 111 can be manufactured with low cost.

Further, the container 111 is provided with the recessed portion lllg to accommodate the welding tools; therefore, even when the capacity of the toner container 111 is increased, the toner container 111 and developing frame 112 can be easily welded together.

10 Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 40. In this drawing, the .members with the same functions as those of the preceding embodiment (Figures 37 39) are assigned the same referential symbols to adopt their 15 descriptions.

The process cartridge B of this embodiment is different from the one in the preceding embodiment in that the actual container portion llla is open at the bottom though it is also shaped like a bathtub, and 20 therefore, the cover member Illb must be welded to the bottom of the actual container portion lla. It is also different in that the cover member lllb and sealing member are attached in a different order.

Referring to Figure 40, the actual container portion lla, that is, the first container portion, of the toner container 111 in this embodiment is shaped like an inverted bathtub, with the bottom being open.

-100- The top surface of the actual container portion Illa is provided with the recessed portions 117 as the handholds. One of the walls of the actual container portion Illa, on the side of the developing frame 112, projects inward, constituting the first toner descension surface 1llc; the exterior side of the first toner descension surface 111 constitutes the recessed portion 111g. The angle of theffirst toner descension surface Illc is the same as the angle of the second toner descension surface formed on the cover member lllb of the preceding embodiment.

On the other hand, the cover member lllb welded to the bottom of the actual container portion llla is provided with the second toner descension surface 1llf. The angle of the second toner descension surface lllf is the same as the angle of i" the first toner descension surface 111c of the first toner descension surface 1llc formed on the actual container portion Illa in the preceding embodiment.

20 With the structure described above, the toner in the toner storing portion 119a descends due to its own weight along the toner descension surfaces 1llc and llf toward the toner discharge opening 111d.

When assembling the toner container 111 from the bathtub shaped actual container portion llla with the open bottom, the cover member lllb is first welded to the actual container portion Illa. In this case, -101the welding pad is inserted from the side of the toner discharge opening llld to weld the joint adjacent to the edges of the toner discharge opening illd.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the cover member lllb is welded to the actual container portion 111 before the toner discharge opening Illd is sealed with the sealing member 123, which makes this embodiment different from the first embodiment.

After the cover member lllb is welded, the toner discharge opening is sealed by welding the sealing member 123 thereon. When welding the sealing member 123, the welding pad can be inserted from the recessed portion lllg provided on the actual container portion illa; therefore, the sealing member 123 can be easily welded to the flange lllc.

Thereafter, the toner is filled, and the developing members such as the developing roller 119c o. and the like are assembled into the pertinent frame portions, to complete the developing unit. This step 20 is the same as the one in the preceding embodiment.

Even when the actual container portion llla with the open bottom is employed, the same results as the preceding embodiment can be obtained by providing the actual container portion Illa with the first and second toner descension surface llIc and llf.

As described above, according to the present invention, predetermined sections of the toner -102container are formed into the first and second slanted toner descension surfaces; therefore, even when the toner container is bulged upward in order to increase the capacity of the toner storing portion in the developing apparatus or process cartridge, the toner can be reliably fed into the developing chamber.

Further, the toner container is assembled from two components; the actual container portion and cover member, which have no undercut portion, and 10 therefore, can be easily formed of plastic material by injection molding. As a result, the toner container can be manufactured with low cost.

Further, the toner container is provided with the recessed portion for the welding tools; therefore, *15 even when the capacity of the toner container is coo* increased, the toner container and developing frame can be easily welded together.

Further, in each of the preceding embodiments, the process cartridge B is of a type 20 which is used to form a monochrome image, but the present invention is also applicable to a multicolor process cartridge, which comprises two or more developing means and is used to form a multicolqr image (image of two colors, three colors, or fullcolor).

As for the electrophotographic photosensitive member, it is not limited to the aforementioned -103photosensitive drum 7. The present invention is also applicable to the following. To begin with, the photoconductive material is usable as the photosensitive material. As for the photoconductive material, amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, organic photoconductor

(OPC),

or the like, is usable. Further, as for the configuration of a base member on which the photosensitive material is placed, a base member in .10 the form of a drum or a belt is used. For example, in the case of the base member of the drum type, the photoconductive material is coated, deposited, or placed by the like means on a cylinder of aluminum alloy or the like: 15 As for the developing method, the present invention is compatible with various well-known methods such as the double component magnetic brush developing method, cascade developing method, touch down developing method, cloud developing method, and 20 the like.

Further, as to the structure of the charging means, the so-called contact charging method is employed in the first embodiment, but it is needless to say that the present invention is also applicable to other conventional charging methods such as the one in which a metallic shield of aluminum or the like is placed on three sides of a tungsten wire, and positive -104or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage to the tungsten wire are transferred onto the surface of the photosensitive drum to charge it uniformly.

Further, the aforementioned charging means may be of the blade type, (charging blade), pad type, block type, rod type, wire type, or the like, in addition to the roller type described previously.

As for the method for cleaning the residual toner on the photosensitive drum, the cleaning means S. may be constituted of a blade, fur brush, magnetic brush, or the like.

As described above, all of the plural electrical contact points of the process cartridge are disposed on only one of the lateral surfaces of the cartridge frame; therefore, the electrical connection between the process cartridge and image -orming apparatus can be reliably established by positioning the process cartridge in such a manner as to be *20 pressed by elastic means toward its lateral surface where the electrical contact points are disposed.

Further, the electrical connection, as well as the driving mechanism connection, between the process cartridge and image forming apparatus can be more reliably established by means of disposing the helical gear and electrical contact points on the side toward which the electrophotographic photosensitive -105member is pressed by the rotation of the helical gear for transmitting the driving force to the photosensitive member.

Further, the distance the wiring must be routed within the process cartridge can be shortened by means of disposing each of the contact points in the same manner as described in the preceding embodiments.

Further, according to the present invention, the electrical circuit board of the apparatus main assembly, to which the aforementioned electrical contact points are to be connected, can be vertically arranged on the lateral surface of the apparatus main assembly; therefore, the apparatus size can be e 15 reduced.

As described in the foregoing, according to the present invention, the toner supply performance is high even if the amount of toner is large.

While the invention has been described with 20 reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A toner container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, said container comprising: a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means and a mounting portion for mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member mounted to said mounting portion, ~wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second S* 15 frame. o• S2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first frame has a mounting surface for mounting thereto said second frame, said mounting surface being inclined at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner ooooo container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated.

4. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engageable with said stirring member and another end engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, and wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first frame has a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, and wherein said toner filling opening is closed by a cap for hermetically sealing the filling opening. -107-

6. A container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first frame has a connecting portion for connection with a developing frame supporting a developing roller of said developing means, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening.

7. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply 1o opening.

8. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein said first frame has recesses, extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame, for gripping said process cartridge, and wherein said recesses facilitate mounting and demounting of said S: 15 process cartridge relative to the main assembly.

9. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein said outward portion is arcuate, and is provided adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, and said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame, and the depth of the outward portion is approximately 2.0-10.0 mm. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 9, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding.

11. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive member; and a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member by said developing means, said toner container including a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means, a mounting portion mounting said stirring member, and a -108- second frame coupled with said first frame and having an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame.

12. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first frame has a mounting surface for mounting thereto said second frame, said mounting surface being inclined at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically. I0

13. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated. S

14. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 13, wherein said transmission 0 0 member has a coupling having an end engaged with said stirring member and another end engaged with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, and wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. •oooo A process cartridge as claimed in claim 13, wherein said first frame has a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, and wherein said toner filling opening is closed by a cap for hermetically sealing the filling opening.

16. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first frame has a connecting portion in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening, and wherein a developing frame supporting a developing roller of said developing means is connected with said connecting portion.

17. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11 or 16, wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening, and a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening is mounted to said seal mounting portion, and wherein said toner seal is removable prior to start of use of said process cartridge to open said toner supply opening.

109- 18. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11 or 17, wherein said first frame has, recesses, extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame, for gripping said process cartridge, and wherein said recess facilitates mounting or demounting of said process cartridge relative to the main assembly. 19. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11 or 18, wherein said outward portion is arcuate, and is provided adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, and said outward portion extends in a longitudinal i0 direction of said second frame, and the depth of the outward portion is approximately 10.0 mm. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11 or 19, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a 1 5s snap fitting, or welding. e• 9. S21. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a ,,.°charging member for charging said photosensitive member. 22. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 11 or 21, further comprising a cleaning member for removing residual toner from said photosensitive member. •999.23. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising: mounting means for detachably mounting thereon a process cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive member; a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member by said developing means said -toner container including a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means, a mounting portion for mounting said stirring member, and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an outward portion provided without -110- interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame; and feeding means for feeding the recording material. 24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said image forming apparatus includes a laser beam printer. A method of assembling a toner container, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive io member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, comprising the steps of: S.preparing a first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to 15 said developing means and a mounting portion for mounting a rotatable stirring member 06 "°°for stirring the toner contained in said toner container; oooo S:°preparing a second frame having an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member; and coupling said first frame and second frame to form said toner container. 26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein said first frame has a mounting surface for mounting thereto said second frame, said mounting surface being inclined at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, and wherein said toner container is assembled by mounting said second frame to said mounting surface. 27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and wherein said transmission member is mounted to said transmission opening. 28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engageable with said stirring member and another end -111- engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, and wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. 29. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said first frame has a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, and wherein said toner filling opening is closed by a cap for hermetically sealing the filling opening after the toner is filled. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein said first frame has a connecting portion for connection with the developing means having a .developing roller, in a same direction as a surface having said toner supply opening, and wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner .i supply opening, the toner seal being mounted to the seal mounting portion prior to filling the toner. 000 31. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein said outward portion is arcuate, and is provided adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of 0 0° said second frame, and said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame, and wherein the depth of the outward portion is approximately 2.0-10.0 20 mm. 32. A method as claimed in claim 25 or 30, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting or welding. 33. A toner container, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, said container comprising: a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means; a first inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is -112- downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening; and a second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said second inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening and is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening. 34. A container as claimed in claim 33, further comprising a first frame and a second frame coupled with said first frame, wherein said toner supply opening and said second inclined surface are formed in said first frame, and wherein said second frame coupled with said first frame constitutes said first inclined surface. A container as claimed in claim 34, wherein said first frame has a stirring member mounting portion for mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, and said second frame has an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, and wherein the depth of said outward portion is approximately 2.0-10 mm. 20 36. A container as claimed in claim 35, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated. 37. A container as claimed in claim 36, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engageable with said stirring member and another end engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, and wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. 38. A container as claimed in claim 36, wherein said first frame has a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, and wherein said toner filling opening is closed by a cap for hermetically sealing the filling opening. -113- 39. A container as claimed in claim 38, wherein said first frame has a connecting portion for connection with a developing frame supporting a developing roller of said developing means, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. A container as claimed in claim 34 or 39, wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. 41. A container as claimed in claim 34 or 40, wherein said first frame has :recesses, extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame, for gripping said o process cartridge, and wherein said recesses facilitate mounting and demounting of said process cartridge relative to the main assembly. 42. A container as claimed in claim 35, wherein said outward portion is arcuate, and is provided adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, and said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame. 43. A container as claimed in claim 34, wherein said second frame has an outward portion that is arcuate and is provided adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, and said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame, and the depth of the outward portion is approximately 2.0-10.0 mm. 44. A container as claimed in claim 34 or 43, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. A container as claimed in claim 34, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, and wherein said first frame has a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, wherein said toner filling opening is closed by a cap for hermetically sealing the toner filling opening, and wherein said first frame has a -114- connecting portion for connection with a developing frame supporting a developing roller of said developing means, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. 46. A container as claimed in claim 34 or 45, wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. l0 47. A container as claimed in claim 46, wherein said first frame has recesses extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame for gripping said process cartridge. .o 48. A container as claimed in claim 33, further comprising a stirring member mounting portion for mounting a stirring member for stirring the toner in said toner container, wherein said toner container has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated. oo o 49. A container as claimed in claim 48, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engageable with said stirring member and another end engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, and wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developing member for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member; a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member by said developing member, wherein said toner container includes a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing member; a first inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a -115- short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening; a second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said second inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening ajid is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening. 51. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 50, further comprising a stirring 1o member mounting portion for mounting a stirring member for stirring the toner in said toner container, wherein said toner container has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from a S•.main assembly of the image forming apparatus to said stirring member when said process ooo. •o cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated. 52. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 51, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engaged with said stirring member and another end S engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, and wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. 53. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 51, further comprising a first frame, wherein said first frame constitutes a part of said toner container and wherein said S: first frame has a toner filling opening for filling toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, wherein said toner filling opening is closed by a cap for hermetically sealing the toner filling opening, and wherein said first frame has a connecting portion for connection with a developing frame supporting a developing roller of said developing member, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. 54. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 50, further comrising a first frame, wherein said first frame constitutes a part of said toner container, and wherein said first frame has said toner supply opening therein and a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. -116- A process cartridge as claimed in claim 50, further comprising a first frame, wherein said first frame constitutes a part of said toner container, and wherein said first frame has recesses, extending the longitudinal direction of said first frame, for gripping said process cartridge, and wherein said recesses facilitate mounting and demounting of said process cartridge relative to the main assembly. 56. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 50, further comprising a first frame and a second frame, said first and second frames constituting a toner containing portion of said toner container, and wherein said second frame has an outward portion 1o that is arcuate and is provided adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, said outward portion extending in a longitudinal direction of said second frame, and wherein the depth of the outward portion is approximately 2.0-10.0 mm. 57. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 56, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. 58. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 50, further comprising a 20 charging member for charging said photosensitive member. 0 59. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 50 or 58, further comprising a cleaning member for removing residual toner from said photosensitive member. 60. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising: a mounting member for detachably mounting thereon a process cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said photosensitive member; a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing the latent image formed on said photosensitive member by said developing means, wherein said toner container includes a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means; a first inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees

117- relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening; a second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein sajd second inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening and is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening; and feeding means for feeding the recording material. 61. An apparatus as claimed in claim 60, wherein said image forming apparatus includes a laser beam printer. go 62. A method of assembling a toner container, having a first frame having first and second inclined surfaces, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by developing means, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing means, comprising the steps of: 20 preparing the first frame having a toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing means, and the second inclined surface inclined downwardly at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical direction when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said second inclined surface is disposed above said toner supply opening and is downwardly inclined toward said toner supply opening; preparing a second frame; and mounting a second frame to said first inclined surface wherein said first inclined surface is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically, wherein said first inclined surface is downwardly in6lined towaid said toner supply opening in a direction crossing with said toner supply opening. 63. A method as claimed in claim 62, wherein said photosensitive member is in the form of a drum. -118- 64. A method as claimed in claim 62, wherein said first inclined surface is a mounting surface for mounting thereto said second frame, and wherein said toner container is assembled by mounting said second frame to said mounting surface. 65. A method as claimed in claim 62 or 64, wherein said first frame has a stirring member mounting portion for mounting a stirring member, for stirring the toner in said toner container, and wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said io main assembly, is penetrated, and wherein said transmission member is mounted to said transmission opening. S. 66. A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engageable with said stirring member and another end .15 engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. 67. A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein said first frame has a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said 20 transmission opening, wherein said toner filling opening is closed by a cap for hermetically sealing the toner filling opening after the toner is filled. 68. A method as claimed in claim 67, wherein said first frame has a connecting portion for connection with a developing frame supporting a developing roller of said developing means, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening, and wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening, the toner seal being mounted to the seal mounting portion prior to filling the toner. 69. A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein said second frame has an outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, and wherein said outward portion is arcuate, and is provided adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, and said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame, and wherein the depth of the outward projection is approximately 2.0-10.0 mm. -119- A method as claimed in claim 65 or 68, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. 71. A toner container, for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said 1o process cartridge containing said photosensitive drum and said developing roller, said toner container comprising: a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to i said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein said first frame Is has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening; and 20 a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member mounted to said mounting portion, wherein said outward portion is extended in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame. 72. A container as claimed in claim 71, wherein said first frame has a mounting surface for mounting thereto said second frame, said mounting surface being inclined at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane whien said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically. 73. A container as claimed in claim 71 or 72, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engageable with said stirring member and another 1 t. -120- end engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. 74. A container as claimed in claim 71 or 73, wherein saidfirst frame has recesses extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame for gripping said process cartridge. A container as claimed in claim 71 or 74, wherein said outward portion is arcuate, and wherein the depth of the outward portion is approximately 2.0-10.0 mm. 76. A container as claimed in claim 71 or 75, wherein said first frame and °second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. OO4O is 77. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an 8*SS electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; S a charging member, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; :0 20 a cleaning blade, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for removing residual sets toner from said photosensitive drum; a developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the latent image, wherein said toner container includes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container; a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting said stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said 121 second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame; and a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said transmission member from s said main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to said image forming apparatus. 78. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 77, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engaged with said stirring member and another end 1o engaged with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, and wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. e.79. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 77 or 78, wherein said first frame has a connecting portion for connection with a developing frame supporting said Is.. 5 developing roller, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 77 or 79, wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening. S•81. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 77 or 80, wherein said first frame has recesses, extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame, for gripping said process cartridge, and wherein said recesses facilitate mounting and demounting of said process cartridge relative to the main assembly. 82. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 77 or 81, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. 83. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for forming an image on a recording material, having a main assembly to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising:

122- a mounting member for mounting thereon a process cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a charging member, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade, contacting said photosensitive drum, for removing residual toner from said photosensitive drum; a s developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the latent image, wherein said toner container includes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to to said developing roller and a mounting portion rotatably mounting said stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member, for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same 15 longitudinal end as said transmission opening; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short direction of said second frame; wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame; and a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said transmission member from said main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to S• said image forming apparatus; a gear engageable with a gear of said gear train of said process cartridge mounted to said mounting member to transmit the driving force; and a feeding member rotatable to feed a recording material. 84. A method of assembling a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive member and said developing roller, comprising the steps of: preparing a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening, for supplying the toner to said developing roller, and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein 123 said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening; preparing a second frame having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; coupling said first frame with said second frame to assemble said toner container; and :filling the toner through said toner filling opening. *go, A method as claimed in claim 84, wherein said first frame and second 15 frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. oooo• 86. A toner container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive drum and saiddeve!oping roller, said container comprising: a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinaL end as said transmission opening, and said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member

124- mounted to said mounting portion, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame, wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame so that said second frame is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically. 87. A container as claimed in claim 86, wherein said transmission member 1o has a coupling having an end engageable with said stirring member and another end engageable with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. o. 88. A container as claimed in claim 86 or 87, wherein said first frame has S.:i s15 recesses extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame for gripping said process cartridge, and wherein said recesses facilitate mounting and demounting of said ooooi °process cartridge relative to the main assembly. A container as claimed in claim 86 or 88, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. 90. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a charging member, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade, contacted to said photosensitive drum, for removing residual toner from said photosensitive drum; a developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the latent image, wherein said toner container includes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying toner to said developing roller and a

125- mounting portion rotatably mounting said rotatable stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; said toner container further including a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated 1o outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring *member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side directioi of said second frame; .wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame so S°that said second frame is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to 15 a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and ooooo a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said transmission member from said main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to said image forming apparatus. o000 91. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 90, wherein said transmission member has a coupling having an end engaged with said stirring member and another end engaged with a coupling for receiving a driving force from a gear, wherein said stirring member includes a metal rod. 92. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 90 or 91, wherein said first frame has a connecting portion for connection with a developing frame supporting said developing roller, in a same direction of said first frame as a surface having said toner supply opening. 93. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 90 or 92, wherein said first frame has a seal mounting portion for mounting a toner seal for openably sealing the toner supply opening, in a same direction as a surface of said first frame having said toner supply opening.

126- 94. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 90 or 93, wherein said first frame has recesses, extending in the longitudinal direction of said first frame, for gripping said process cartridge, and wherein said recesses facilitate mounting and demounting of said process cartridge relative to the main assembly. A process cartridge as claimed in claim 90 or 94, wherein said first frame and second frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. 96. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for forming an image on a recording material, having a main assembly to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising: a mounting member for detachably mounting thereon a process cartridge S* including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; 15 a charging member, contacting said photosensitive drum, for charging said photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade, contacting said photosensitive drum, for removing S"residual toner from said photosensitive drum; a developing roller for feeding toner to said photosensitive drum to develop a latent image formed on said photosensitive drum; a toner container for containing the toner to be used by said developing roller to develop the 20 latent image, wherein said toner container includes a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion rotatably mounting said rotatable stirring member, wherein said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and a second frame coupled with said first frame and having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said outward portion extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; wherein said toner container is formed by coupling said first frame and second frame so that said second frame is inclined downwardly at

127- approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and a gear train for transmitting a driving force to said transmission member from said main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to said image forming apparatus; s a gear engageable with a gear of said gear train of said process cartridge mounted to said mounting member to transmit the driving force; and a feeding member rotatable to feed a recording material. 97. A method as claimed in claim 96, wherein said first frame and second 1o frame are coupled by bonding with a bonding material, a snap ring, a snap fitting, or welding. S. 98. A method of assembling a toner container for containing toner to be used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 15 by a developing roller for feeding the toner to said photosensitive drum, usable with a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic *o•image forming apparatus, said process cartridge containing said photosensitive drum and said developing roller, comprising the steps of: a first frame having an elongated toner supply opening for supplying the toner to said developing roller and a mounting portion for rotatably mounting a rotatable stirring member for stirring the toner contained in said toner container, wherein 1. said first frame has, at a longitudinal end, a transmission opening, through which a transmission member for transmitting a driving force from said main assembly to said stirring member when said process cartridge is mounted to said main assembly, is penetrated, and a toner filling opening for filling the toner into said container at the same longitudinal end as said transmission opening, said first frame having an inclined surface inclined at approximately 10-40 degrees relative to a vertical line when said toner container is placed with a short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; preparing a second frame having an elongated outward portion provided without interfering with a rotational region of said stirring member, wherein said projection extends in a longitudinal direction of said second frame adjacent said toner supply opening in a short side direction of said second frame; coupling said first frame and second frame so that said second frame is inclined downwardly at approximately 20-40 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when said

128- toner container is placed with the short side of said toner supply opening extending vertically; and filling the toner through said toner filling opening. 99. A toner container for containing toner, said toner container being substantially as described herein in relation to any one embodiment with reference to Figs. 1 100. A process cartridge substantially as described herein in relation to any 0o one embodiment with reference to Figs. 1 101. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus substantially as described herein in relation to any one embodiment with reference to Figs. 1 .9 15 102. A method of assembling a toner container, said method being substantially as described herein in relation to any one embodiment with reference to Figs. 1 o 0 20 DATED this Eighteenth Day of September, 2000 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON