CN105143994B - Box - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a case that can realize miniaturization. Regarding the cover body (43) of the developing cartridge (1), only the rear end portion thereof is fixed to the frame (31) with screws (82). The first fixing portion (85) of the cover body (43) has a pressing rib (81) partially at the front and lower end portions thereof. The head (83) of the screw (82) presses the pressing rib (81). Thereby, the head portion (83) of the screw (82) presses the front lower end portion of the first fixing portion (85) more strongly than when pressing the rear upper end portion of the first fixing portion (85). Thereby, the front lower end portion of the cover body (43) is more strongly pressed against the frame (31), and the cover is not provided with a structure for fixing the cover body (43) to the frame (31). The front end of the body main body (43) is fixed to the frame (31).

Description

box

technical field

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method.

As an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a laser printer including a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a developing cartridge storing toner is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

The developing cartridge includes an agitator for agitating the toner, and a gear mechanism portion for inputting a driving force to the agitator. The gear mechanism part includes: a stirrer drive gear for driving the stirrer; and a gear cover for protecting the stirrer drive gear.

The gear cover is fixed to the frame body of the developing cartridge by screws at three places: a rear upper end portion, a rear lower end portion, and a front end portion.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-72285

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem to be solved by the invention

With regard to the developing cartridge described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, further miniaturization has been studied.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a case that can be downsized.

Technical solutions for solving problems

(1) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the cassette of the present invention includes a frame body, a conveying member, a conveying member, a cover body, a first fixing member, and a thickness member. The frame body is configured to accommodate the developer. The conveying member is located in the frame and extends in the first direction, and is configured to convey the developer. The transmission member is located outside the casing, and is configured to transmit the driving force supplied from the outside to the transmission member. The cover body is configured to cover the transmission member, and has a fixing portion configured to be fixed to the frame body. The first fixing member is configured to fix the cover body to the frame body by pressing the fixing portion. The thickness member has a thickness in the first direction.

In addition, the first fixing member has a pressing portion for pressing the fixing portion.

The frame body has a support portion for supporting the fixing portion.

The thickness member is partially located between the pressing portion and the support portion, and when the pressing portion is projected in the first direction, the thickness member overlaps the pressing portion.

With such a configuration, the pressing portion of the first fixing member presses the fixing portion in a state where the thickness member is sandwiched between the pressing portion of the first fixing member and the supporting portion of the housing. At this time, the thickness member is partially interposed between the pressing portion and the supporting portion.

Therefore, the fixing portion is pressed so as to be biased toward either the portion where the thickness member is sandwiched and the portion where the thickness member is not sandwiched.

As a result, the cover body can be largely moved in the first direction with respect to the frame body on the side that is biasedly pressed, and the cover body can be fixed without having a structure for fixing the cover body to the frame body. The body is fixed to the frame.

As a result, the number of parts can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved.

(2) The pressing portion may have a first surface facing the outer surface of the fixing portion in the first direction. The support part may have a second surface opposite to the inner surface of the fixing part in the first direction. In this case, the thickness member may be located between the outer surface of the fixing portion in the first direction and the first surface and/or between the inner surface of the fixing portion in the first direction and the second surface.

With such a configuration, when the thickness member is interposed between the outer surface of the fixing portion in the first direction and the first surface, the pressing portion of the first fixing member directly presses the thickness member.

Therefore, the pressing portion of the first fixing member moves the portion where the thickness member is sandwiched in the first direction more significantly than the portion where the thickness member is not sandwiched.

As a result, the cover body can be more strongly pressed against the frame body on the side where the thickness member is sandwiched.

In addition, when the thickness member is interposed between the inner surface of the fixing portion in the first direction and the second surface, a thickness of the thickness member is generated between the inner surface of the fixing portion in the first direction and the second surface. corresponding gap.

Therefore, the pressing portion of the first fixing member moves the portion where the thickness member is not sandwiched in the first direction to a greater extent than the portion where the thickness member is sandwiched in the first direction so as to narrow the gap.

As a result, the cover body can be more strongly pressed against the frame body on the side where the thickness member is not sandwiched.

(3) The thickness member may be located between the outer surface of the fixing portion in the first direction and the first surface.

According to such a structure, the cover body can be moved more greatly with respect to the frame body on the side where the thickness member is sandwiched.

(4) The cartridge of the present invention may further include a developing roller having an axis extending in the first direction and configured to carry the developer. The developing roller may be supported by the first end of the frame in the second direction orthogonal to the axis. In this case, the first fixing member may be configured to fix the cover body to the first end portion.

With such a structure, the cover body can be fixed to the first end portion supporting the developing roller using the first fixing member.

Therefore, the cover body can be reliably fixed to the first end portion, and the rigidity of the first end portion can be secured.

(5) The cover may restrict the movement of the developing roller in the first direction.

With such a configuration, the movement of the developing roller in the first direction can be restricted by the cover.

Therefore, a reduction in the number of parts can be achieved, and the movement of the developing roller in the first direction can be restricted.

(6) The developing roller may include a shaft extending in the first direction. In this case, the cover body may have a main body portion and a cover portion configured to cover the peripheral surface of the shaft.

According to such a structure, the cover part can be fixed to a housing|casing together with a main-body part.

Therefore, the covering portion can be positioned on the housing with high accuracy.

(7) The cartridge of the present invention may further include a second fixing member located on the opposite side of the first fixing member via the covering portion.

According to such a structure, the cover part can be more reliably fixed to a housing|casing by a 1st fixing member and a 2nd fixing member.

(8) The cartridge of the present invention may further include a detection member configured to be detected by an external detection mechanism. In this case, the detection member is supported in the second direction by the second end portion of the frame located at a position spaced apart from the first end portion.

With such a configuration, the pressing force of the first fixing member with respect to the fixing portion can be biased toward the second end portion side, and the detection member can be positioned on the housing by the cover body.

As a result, the number of parts can be reduced, and the detection member can be positioned on the housing with high accuracy.

(9) The cover may have a restricting portion located outside the detection member in the first direction for restricting movement of the detection member to the outside in the first direction. In this case, the thickness member may be located on a straight line connecting the first fixing member and the restricting portion.

With such a configuration, the pressing force of the first fixing member with respect to the fixing portion can be reliably biased toward the side where the restricting portion is arranged.

Therefore, the detection member can be reliably positioned on the housing.

(10) Two thickness members may be arranged so as to interpose a straight line connecting the first fixing member and the restricting portion.

With such a configuration, the pressing force of the first fixing member with respect to the fixing portion can be more reliably biased toward the side where the restricting portion is arranged.

Therefore, the detection member can be positioned to the housing more reliably.

(11) The cartridge of the present invention may further include a coupling configured to receive a driving force supplied from the outside. In this case, the coupling may be located between the first fixing member and the restricting portion.

According to such a structure, the coupling can be positioned on the housing by the cover body.

As a result, the number of parts can be reduced, and the coupling can be positioned on the housing with high accuracy.

(12) The thickness member and the cover body may be integrated.

With such a structure, the number of parts can be further reduced.

(13) The main body portion of the cover body may have a third surface facing the outer surface of the cover portion of the cover body in the first direction. In this case, the thickness member may be partially located between the outer surface in the first direction of the covering portion and the third surface.

With such a structure, when the thickness member is interposed between the outer surface of the cover portion in the first direction and the third surface, the thickness member is formed between the outer surface of the cover portion in the first direction and the third surface. thickness corresponding to the gap.

Therefore, the pressing portion of the first fixing member moves the portion where the thickness member is not sandwiched in the first direction to a greater extent than the portion where the thickness member is sandwiched in the first direction so as to narrow the gap.

As a result, the cover body can be largely moved in the first direction with respect to the frame body on the side where the thickness member is not interposed.

Invention effect

According to the cartridge of the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced, and miniaturization can be achieved.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a central cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge as one embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a central sectional view of the printer using the developing cartridge of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from the upper left of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view seen from the lower left of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from the rear right of the gear cover shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 3 , showing a state in which screws are removed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 3 viewed from the lower left, and shows a state in which the upper screw is removed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram explaining that the detection gear is exposed from the confirmation window, and shows a state before the detection gear rotates.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram explaining that the detection gear is exposed from the confirmation window, and shows a state after the detection gear is rotated.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first modification of the present invention.

11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second modification of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third modification of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fourth modification of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fifth modification of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a sixth modification of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a seventh modification of the present invention, in which FIG. 16A shows before the crimped portion is crimped, and FIG. 16B shows after the crimped portion is crimped.

Detailed ways

1. Outline of the developing cartridge

As shown in FIG. 1 , a developing cartridge 1 as an example of a cartridge is configured to be attached to or detached from a drum cartridge 18 to be described later. The developing cartridge 1 includes a developing roller 2 , a supply roller 3 , a layer thickness adjusting blade 4 , and a toner accommodating portion 5 .

In addition, in the following description, when referring to the direction of the developing cartridge 1, the state in which the developing cartridge 1 is placed horizontally is taken as a reference of up and down. That is, the upper part of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the upper part, and the lower part of the paper surface is the lower part. In addition, the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the front, and the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the rear. In addition, when the developing cartridge 1 is viewed from the front, it is used as a reference of right and left. That is, the front side of the paper of FIG. 1 is the left side, and the back side of the paper side is the right side. The left-right direction is an example of the first direction. The front-to-back direction is an example of the second direction.

The developing roller 2 is rotatably supported by a rear end portion, which is an example of a first end portion, of the developing cartridge 1 . The developing roller 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. That is, the developing roller 2 has the center axis A extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller 2 is in contact with a front lower end portion of a photosensitive drum 19 to be described later.

The supplying roller 3 is arranged in front and below the developing roller 2 . The supply roller 3 is rotatably supported by the developing cartridge 1 . The supply roller 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The supply roller 3 is in contact with the front lower end portion of the developing roller 2 .

The layer thickness adjusting blade 4 is arranged in front of and above the developing roller 2 . The layer thickness regulating blade 4 is in contact with the front end portion of the developing roller 2 .

The toner accommodating portion 5 is arranged in front of the supply roller 3 and the layer thickness adjusting blade 4 . The toner accommodating portion 5 is configured to accommodate toner, which is an example of a developer. The toner accommodating portion 5 includes an agitator 6 as an example of a conveying member.

The agitator 6 is rotatably supported in the toner accommodating portion 5 . The agitator 6 extends in the left-right direction.

2. The overall structure of the printer

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 11 is an electrophotographic monochrome printer. The printer 11 includes a main body casing 12 , a process cartridge 13 , a scanning unit 14 , and a fixing unit 15 .

The main body case 12 is formed in a substantially box shape. The main body casing 12 has an opening 16 , a top cover 17 , and a paper feed tray 24 .

The opening portion 16 is configured to penetrate the upper wall of the main body casing 12 in the up-down direction, and is configured to allow passage of the process cartridge 13 .

The top cover 17 has a substantially plate shape. The top cover 17 is swingably supported by the upper wall of the main body case 12 with its lower end as a fulcrum. The top cover 17 is configured to open or close the opening 16 . The top cover 17 includes a paper discharge tray 25 .

The paper discharge tray 25 is arranged on the front half of the top cover 17 . The paper discharge tray 25 is configured to be recessed downward from the upper end portion of the top cover 17 .

The paper feed tray 24 is arranged at the bottom of the main body casing 12 . The paper feed tray 24 is configured to place the paper P thereon.

The process cartridge 13 is accommodated in the substantially center of the vertical direction of the main body casing 12 . The process cartridge 13 is configured to be attached to or detached from the main body casing 12 . The process cartridge 13 includes the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 18 .

The drum cartridge 18 includes a photosensitive drum 19 , a corona-type charger 21 with a grid, and a transfer roller 20 .

The photosensitive drum 19 is rotatably supported by the rear end portion of the drum cartridge 18 . The photosensitive drum 19 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

The scorotron-type charger 21 is arranged above the photosensitive drum 19 at a distance from the photosensitive drum 19 .

The transfer roller 20 is arranged behind the photosensitive drum 19 . The transfer roller 20 is in contact with the rear end portion of the photosensitive drum 19 .

The scanning unit 14 is arranged in front of the process cartridge 13 . The scanning unit 14 is configured to emit a laser beam based on image data toward the photosensitive drum 19 .

The fixing unit 15 is arranged above the process cartridge 13 . The fixing unit 15 includes a heating roller 22 and a pressure roller 23 that is pressed against a rear upper end portion of the heating roller 22 .

Then, when the printer 11 starts the image forming operation, the surface of the photosensitive drum 19 is uniformly charged by the grid corona-type charger 21 . Then, the scanning unit 14 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 19 . Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 19 .

In addition, the agitator 6 agitates the toner in the toner accommodating portion 5 , and supplies the agitated toner to the supply roller 3 . The supply roller 3 supplies the toner supplied from the agitator 6 to the developing roller 2 . At this time, the toner is triboelectrically charged with positive polarity between the developing roller 2 and the supplying roller 3 , and is carried on the developing roller 2 . The layer thickness adjusting blade 4 adjusts the toner carried on the developing roller 2 to a certain thickness.

Then, the toner carried on the developing roller 2 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 19 . Thereby, the toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 19 .

The sheets P are fed one by one from the sheet feeding tray 24 to the space between the photosensitive drum 19 and the transfer roller 20 at predetermined timing by the rotation of various rollers. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 19 is transferred to the sheet P when the sheet P passes between the photosensitive drum 19 and the transfer roller 20 .

Then, the sheet P is heated and pressed while passing between the heating roller 22 and the pressing roller 23 . At this time, the toner image on the paper P is thermally fixed to the paper P. Then, the paper P is discharged to the paper discharge tray 25 .

3. Details of the developer cartridge

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the developing cartridge 1 includes a frame 31 as an example of a housing, and a drive unit 32 .

(1) Frame

The frame 31 has a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. Specifically, the frame 31 includes a left wall 33 , a right wall 34 , a front wall 35 , a lower wall 36 , and an upper wall 37 .

The left wall 33 is arranged at the left end of the frame 31 . The left wall 33 has a substantially rectangular plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction. The left wall 33 includes a first screwing portion 29 as an example of a support portion, a second screwing portion 30 as an example of a support portion, a first locking portion 57 , and a second locking portion 58 .

The first screwing portion 29 is arranged at the rear upper end portion of the left wall 33 . The first screw portion 29 has a substantially cylindrical shape protruding leftward from the left surface of the left wall 33 . The left surface 29A of the first screwing portion 29 is an example of the second surface. The first screwing portion 29 has a screw hole 39A.

The screw hole 39A is recessed rightward from the left surface of the first screwing portion 29 . The screw hole 39A has a substantially circular shape in side view.

The second screwing portion 30 is arranged at the rear lower end portion of the left wall 33 . The second screw portion 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape protruding leftward from the left surface of the left wall 33 . The second screwing portion 30 has a screw hole 39B and an engaging portion 40 .

The screw hole 39B is recessed rightward from the left surface of the second screw portion 30 . The screw hole 39B has a substantially circular shape in side view.

The engaging portion 40 is arranged at the left end portion of the second screwing portion 30 . The engaging portion 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the peripheral portion of the screw hole 39B of the second screwing portion 30 .

The first locking portion 57 is arranged on the front upper end portion of the left wall 33 . The first locking portion 57 protrudes leftward from the left surface of the left wall 33 and is bent upward at the left end portion thereof. The first locking portion 57 has a substantially hook shape.

The second locking portion 58 is arranged at the front lower end portion of the left wall 33 . The second locking portion 58 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the cylindrical portion (not shown) where the stirrer shaft is exposed. The second locking portion 58 has a substantially flat plate shape.

The right wall 34 is arranged at the left end of the frame 31 . Like the left wall 33 , the right wall 34 has a substantially rectangular plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction.

The front wall 35 is spanned between the front end portion of the left wall 33 and the front end portion of the right wall 34 . The front wall 35 has a substantially plate shape extending in the up-down direction.

The lower wall 36 is spanned between the lower end of the left wall 33 and the lower end of the right wall 34 . The lower wall 36 is bent rearward from the lower end portion of the front wall 35 and extends. The lower wall 36 has a substantially plate shape.

The upper wall 37 is arranged above the upper end of the left wall 33 , the upper end of the right wall 34 , and the upper end of the front wall 35 . The upper wall 37 has a substantially plate shape extending in the left-right direction. The peripheral portion of the upper wall 37 is fixed to the upper end portion of the left wall 33 , the upper end portion of the right wall 34 , and the upper end portion of the front wall 35 by welding or the like.

(2) Drive part

As shown in FIG. 4 , the drive unit 32 includes a gear train 41 , a gear cover 38 as an example of a cover body, and screws 82 .

(2-1) Gear train

The gear train 41 includes a development coupling 44 as an example of a coupling, a development gear 45, a supply gear 46, an intermediate gear 47, an agitator gear 48 as an example of a transmission member, and a detection as an example of a detection member Gear 49.

(2-1-1)Development coupling

The developing coupling 44 is rotatably supported by the upper end portion of the left wall 33 . The developing coupling 44 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The developing coupling 44 integrally includes a first gear portion 50 , a second gear portion 51 , and a coupling portion 52 .

The first gear portion 50 is arranged at the right end portion of the developing coupling 44 . The first gear portion 50 has a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The first gear portion 50 has gear teeth over its entire peripheral surface.

The second gear portion 51 protrudes leftward from the left surface of the first gear portion 50 . The second gear portion 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second gear portion 51 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first gear portion 50 . The central axis of the second gear portion 51 coincides with the central axis of the first gear portion 50 . The second gear portion 51 has gear teeth over its entire peripheral surface.

The coupling portion 52 is arranged radially inward of the second gear portion 51 . The coupling portion 52 protrudes leftward from the left surface of the first gear portion 50 . The coupling portion 52 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a closed right end portion. The outer diameter of the coupling portion 52 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second gear portion 51 . In addition, the central axis of the coupling portion 52 coincides with the central axis of the first gear portion 50 . The coupling portion 52 has a concave portion 53 and a pair of convex portions 54 .

The recessed portion 53 is recessed to the right from the left surface of the coupling portion 52 . The concave portion 53 has a substantially circular shape in side view.

As shown in FIG. 7 , each of the pair of convex portions 54 protrudes radially inward from the radially inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 53 . The pair of convex portions 54 are respectively arranged so as to face each other in the radial direction of the concave portion 53 . Each of the pair of convex portions 54 has a substantially prism shape extending in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of convex portions 54 has inclined surfaces 54A.

The inclined surface 54A is the left surface of the convex portion 54 , and is inclined leftward as it goes in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left.

(2-1-2) Developing gear

As shown in FIG. 4 , the developing gear 45 is arranged behind the developing coupling 44 . The developing gear 45 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The developing gear 45 is supported so as not to be relatively rotatable by the left end portion of the rotating shaft 2A which is an example of the shaft of the developing roller 2 . The developing gear 45 integrally has a gear portion 55 and a collar insertion portion 56 .

The gear part 55 is provided in the right end part of the developing gear 45, and is formed in the substantially disc shape which has thickness in the left-right direction. The gear portion 55 has gear teeth over its entire peripheral surface. The gear portion 55 meshes with the rear lower end portion of the first gear portion 50 of the developing coupling 44 .

The collar insertion portion 56 protrudes leftward from the left end portion of the gear portion 55 . The collar insertion portion 56 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the collar insertion portion 56 is smaller than the outer diameter of the gear portion 55 . The central axis of the collar insertion portion 56 coincides with the central axis of the gear portion 55 .

(2-1-3) Supply gear

The supply gear 46 has a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The supply gear 46 is supported by the left end portion of the rotation shaft 3A of the supply roller 3 so as not to be relatively rotatable. On the peripheral surface of the supply gear 46 , gear teeth extending in the left-right direction are formed over the entire circumference. The supply gear 46 meshes with the lower end portion of the second gear portion 51 of the developing coupling 44 .

(2-1-4) Intermediate gear

The intermediate gear 47 is arranged in front of the developing coupling 44 . The intermediate gear 47 is rotatably supported by the left wall 33 . The intermediate gear 47 integrally includes a large-diameter gear 47A and a small-diameter gear 47B.

The large-diameter gear 47A has a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The large-diameter gear 47A is provided with gear teeth over the entire peripheral surface thereof. The large diameter gear 47A meshes with the front end portion of the second gear portion 51 of the developing coupling 44 .

The small-diameter gear 47B protrudes rightward from the right surface of the large-diameter gear 47A. The small diameter gear 47B has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The outer diameter of the small-diameter gear 47B is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter gear 47A. The central axis of the small-diameter gear 47B coincides with the central axis of the large-diameter gear 47A. The small-diameter gear 47B has gear teeth over its entire peripheral surface.

(2-1-5) Agitator gear

The agitator gear 48 is arranged below the intermediate gear 47 . The agitator gear 48 has a substantially circular plate shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The agitator gear 48 is supported by the left end portion of the rotation shaft 6A of the agitator 6 so as not to rotate relatively. The agitator gear 48 has gear teeth over its entire circumference. The agitator gear 48 meshes with the lower end portion of the right end portion of the small diameter gear 47B of the intermediate gear 47 .

(2-1-6) Detection gear

The detection gear 49 is arranged in front and under the intermediate gear 47 . The detection gear 49 is rotatably supported by a front end portion of the left wall 33 which is an example of a second end portion. The detection gear 49 includes a gear portion 49A and a shaft portion 49B.

The gear portion 49A is formed in a substantially semicircular plate shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The gear portion 49A has gear teeth on its peripheral surface. The gear portion 49A meshes with the front lower end portion of the left end portion of the small diameter gear 47B of the intermediate gear 47 . In other words, the detection gear 49 meshes with the small-diameter gear 47B of the intermediate gear 47 at the left of the agitator gear 48 and the right of the large-diameter gear 47A of the intermediate gear 47 .

The shaft portion 49B is arranged at the center in the radial direction of the gear portion 49A. The shaft portion 49B has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The dimension in the left-right direction of the shaft portion 49B is longer than the dimension in the left-right direction of the gear portion 49A.

(2-2) Gear cover

The gear cover 38 includes a collar 42 as an example of a cover portion and a cover body 43 as an example of a main body portion.

(2-2-3) Collar

The collar 42 includes a cylindrical portion 61 , a first fixing portion 62 and a second fixing portion 63 .

The cylindrical portion 61 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and having a closed left end portion. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 61 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the collar insertion portion 56 of the developing gear 45 . The cylindrical portion 61 is relatively rotatably fitted into the collar insertion portion 56 of the developing gear 45 . That is, the cylindrical portion 61 covers the left end portion of the rotation shaft 2A of the developing roller 2 via the collar insertion portion 56 of the developing gear 45 . Thereby, the collar 42 restricts the leftward movement of the developing roller 2 and the radial movement of the developing roller 2 . That is, the collar 42 positions the developing roller 2 to the frame 31 . Further, the collar 42 is positioned to the drum cartridge 18 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum cartridge 18 . Thereby, the collar 42 positions the developing roller 2 to the photosensitive drum 19 .

The first fixing portion 62 extends upward continuously from the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 61 . The first fixing portion 62 has a substantially flat plate shape. The first fixing portion 62 has an insertion hole 62A.

The insertion hole 62A penetrates the upper end portion of the first fixing portion 62 in the left-right direction. The insertion hole 62A has a substantially circular shape in side view. The insertion hole 62A overlaps with the screw hole 39A of the first screwing portion 29 .

The second fixing portion 63 extends downward continuously from the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 61 . The second fixing portion 63 has a substantially flat plate shape. The second fixing portion 63 has an insertion hole 63A.

The insertion hole 63A penetrates the lower end portion of the second fixing portion 63 in the left-right direction. The insertion hole 63A is formed in a substantially circular shape in side view. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 63A is larger than the outer diameter of the engaging portion 40 of the second screwing portion 30 . The insertion hole 63A is used to accommodate the engaging portion 40 .

(2-2-3) Cover body

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the cover body 43 has a substantially box shape in which the right end is open and the left end is closed. The cover body 43 together with the collar 42 constitutes a cover. The cover body 43 is made of, for example, a hard resin material. The cover body 43 has a collar exposing opening 71, a coupling exposing opening 72, a stirrer gear exposing opening 73, a detection gear exposing opening 74, a confirmation window 75, a stirrer gear restricting portion 76, and detection as an example of the restricting portion The gear restricting portion 77 , the first locking claw 78 , the second locking claw 79 , the first fixing portion 85 , and the second fixing portion 86 .

The collar exposure opening 71 is arranged at the rear end portion of the cover body 43 . The collar exposing opening 71 penetrates the left wall of the cover body 43 in the left-right direction. The collar exposing opening 71 has a substantially C-shape in side view with an open rear upper end. The inner diameter of the collar exposure opening 71 is larger than the outer diameter of the collar 42 .

The coupling exposing opening 72 is arranged in front and above the collar exposing opening 71 . The coupling exposure opening 72 penetrates the left wall of the cover body 43 in the left-right direction. The coupling exposure opening 72 has a substantially circular shape in side view.

The agitator gear exposing opening 73 is arranged in the front and lower part of the coupling exposing opening 72 . The agitator gear exposure opening 73 penetrates the left wall of the cover body 43 in the left-right direction. The agitator gear exposure opening 73 has a substantially circular shape in side view.

The confirmation window 75 is arranged in front of the agitator gear exposure opening 73 . The confirmation window 75 penetrates the left wall of the cover body 43 in the left-right direction. The confirmation window 75 has a substantially triangular shape in side view. That is, the confirmation window 75 has a different shape from other openings of the cover body 43 , specifically, the collar exposing opening 71 , the coupling exposing opening 72 , the stirrer gear exposing opening 73 , and the detection gear exposing opening 74 . Thereby, the user can easily recognize the confirmation window 75 .

The detection gear exposure opening 74 is arranged at the front lower end portion of the cover body 43 . The detection gear exposure opening 74 penetrates the peripheral wall of the cover body 43 in the up-down direction. The detection gear exposure opening 74 has a substantially U-shape in front view with the right end open.

The agitator gear restricting portion 76 is arranged on the rear side of the detection gear exposure opening 74 on the lower side of the agitator gear exposure opening 73 . The agitator gear restricting portion 76 protrudes rightward from the inner surface of the left wall of the cover body 43 . The agitator gear restricting portion 76 has a substantially prismatic shape. The agitator gear restricting portion 76 has restricting protrusions 80 .

The restricting protrusion 80 is arranged on the upper end of the agitator gear restricting portion 76 . The restricting protrusion 80 protrudes rightward from the right surface of the agitator gear restricting portion 76 and extends in the front-rear direction.

The detection gear restricting portion 77 is arranged on the rear side of the confirmation window 75 on the front side of the agitator gear exposure opening 73 . The detection gear restricting portion 77 slightly protrudes to the right from the inner surface of the left wall of the cover body 43 . The detection gear restricting portion 77 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

The first locking claw 78 is arranged on the front upper end portion of the cover body 43 . The first locking claw 78 is arranged on the inner side of the front peripheral wall of the cover body 43 . The first locking claw 78 protrudes rightward from the inner surface of the left wall of the cover body 43 and is bent downward at the right end. That is, the first locking claw 78 has a substantially hook shape.

The second locking claw 79 is arranged on the lower end portion of the cover body 43 . The second locking claw 79 is arranged below the agitator gear restricting portion 76 . The second locking claw 79 protrudes rightward from the right edge of the lower peripheral wall of the cover body 43 and is bent upward at the right end. That is, the second locking claw 79 is formed in a substantially hook shape.

The first fixing portion 85 is arranged at the rear upper end portion of the cover body 43 . The first fixing portion 85 is recessed from the left surface of the cover body 43 to the right side. The first fixing portion 85 has a substantially circular shape. The first fixing portion 85 includes an insertion hole 85A, and two pressing ribs 81 , which are a pair as an example of a thickness member.

The insertion hole 85A is arranged at approximately the center in the radial direction of the first fixing portion 85 . The insertion hole 85A penetrates the first fixing portion 85 in the left-right direction. The insertion hole 85A has a substantially circular shape in side view.

As shown in FIG. 6 , a pair of pressing ribs 81 are arranged in front and under the insertion hole 85A. The pair of pressing ribs 81 are respectively arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the first fixing portion 85 . That is, each of the pair of pressing ribs 81 is partially arranged in the front and lower parts in the circumferential direction of the first fixing portion 85 . The pair of pressing ribs 81 respectively protrude leftward from the left surface of the first fixing portion 85 and extend in the radial direction of the first fixing portion 85 . The pair of pressing ribs 81 are respectively arranged so as to sandwich a straight line L1 passing through the center A1 of the insertion hole 85A of the first fixing portion 85 and the center A2 of the detection gear restricting portion 77 . Further, the straight line L1 overlaps the developing coupling 44 between the insertion hole 85A of the first fixing portion 85 and the detection gear restricting portion 77 . That is, the developing coupling 44 is arranged between the insertion hole 85A of the first fixing portion 85 and the detection gear restricting portion 77 .

The second fixing portions 86 are respectively arranged at the rear lower end portions of the cover body 43 . The second fixing portion 86 is recessed from the left surface of the cover body 43 to the right side. The second fixing portion 86 has a substantially circular shape. The second fixing portion 86 has an insertion hole 86A.

The insertion hole 86A is arranged at the approximate center in the radial direction of the second fixing portion 86 . The insertion hole 86A penetrates the second fixing portion 86 in the left-right direction. The insertion hole 86A has a substantially circular shape in side view.

(2-4) Screws

As shown in FIG. 7 , the screw 82 is integrally provided with a head portion 83 and a shaft portion 84 as an example of a pressing portion.

The head 83 is arranged at the left end of the screw 82 . The head 83 has a substantially circular plate shape. The right surface 83A of the head 83 is an example of the first surface.

The shaft portion 84 is disposed substantially at the center in the radial direction of the head portion 83 . The shaft portion 84 extends rightward from the right surface 83A of the head portion 83 . The shaft portion 84 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The outer diameter of the shaft portion 84 is smaller than the outer diameter of the head portion 83 . The shaft portion 84 has screw threads on its peripheral surface.

3. Assembled state of gear cover

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the cover body 43 covers the gear train 41 , the first locking pawl 78 is locked to the first locking portion 57 , and the second locking pawl 79 is locked to the second locking portion 57 . The fixing portion 58 is locked to the left wall 33 .

At this time, the cylindrical portion 61 of the collar 42 is inserted into the collar exposure opening 71 . The coupling portion 52 of the developing coupling 44 is inserted into the coupling exposure opening 72 . The front lower end portion of the detection gear 49 is exposed from the detection gear exposure opening 74 .

In addition, the left end portion of the rotation shaft 6A of the agitator 6 is exposed from the agitator gear exposure opening 73 in the left side view.

In addition, when the developing cartridge 1 is new (unused), the detection gear 49 is not exposed in the confirmation window 75 when viewed from the left side. Thereby, even if the operator visually checks the inside of the confirmation window 75, the detection gear 49 cannot be seen. Further, it can be determined that the developing cartridge 1 is new (unused) based on the fact that the detection gear 49 cannot be seen in the confirmation window 75 .

In addition, although not shown in figure, the restriction|limiting protrusion part 80 is arrange|positioned at a slight interval to the left of the lower end part of the agitator gear 48. In addition, the detection gear restricting portion 77 is arranged to the left of the shaft portion 49B of the detection gear 49 .

Then, the cover body 43 is fixed to the left wall 33 by the screws 82 .

Specifically, the lower screw 82 as an example of the second fixing member is screwed to the second screwing portion 30 of the frame 31 through the insertion hole 86A of the second fixing portion 86 of the cover body 43 .

In addition, the upper screw 82 as an example of the first fixing member is connected to the frame 31 via the insertion hole 85A of the first fixing portion 85 of the cover body 43 and the insertion hole 62A of the first fixing portion 62 of the collar 42 . The first screwing part 29 of the screw is screwed together.

The upper screw 82 and the lower screw 82 sandwich the cylindrical portion 61 of the collar 42 .

At this time, the right surface 83A of the head 83 of the upper screw 82 is in contact with the pressing rib 81 from the left at the front lower end portion. That is, when the head 83 is projected in the left-right direction, the upper screw 82 overlaps with the pressing rib 81 .

Thereby, the head portion 83 of the upper screw 82 presses the front lower end portion of the first fixing portion 85 having the pressing rib 81 to the right more strongly than when pressing the rear upper end portion of the first fixing portion 85 .

As a result, the front lower end portion of the cover body 43 is moved toward the frame 31 more widely than the rear upper end portion of the cover body 43 .

4. Drive of the developing cartridge

When a new (unused) developing cartridge 1 is installed in the main body casing 12, as shown in FIG. As a result, it is determined that the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the main body casing 12 .

The main body coupling 89 in the main body casing 12 is fitted into the coupling portion 52 of the developing coupling 44 so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other.

The main body coupling 89 outputs the driving force from the main body casing 12 to the developing coupling 44 . The driving force from the main body casing 12 is transmitted from the developing coupling 44 to the agitator gear 48 and the detection gear 49 via the intermediate gear 47 .

Thus, the agitator gear 48 rotates clockwise as viewed from the left. In addition, the detection gear 49 rotates clockwise when viewed from the left.

Then, the gear portion 49A of the detection gear 49 comes into contact with the actuator 90 again after being temporarily separated from the actuator 90 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , the detection gear 49 is stopped when the gear portion 49A is separated from the small-diameter gear 47B of the intermediate gear 47 .

Based on such ON and OFF of the actuator 90 , the main body casing 12 determines that the developing cartridge 1 is a new product.

At this time, the detection gear 49 is exposed from the inside of the confirmation window 75 in the left side view.

Thereby, the operator can see the detection gear 49 by visually checking the inside of the confirmation window 75 . Then, based on the fact that the detection gear 49 can be seen from the inside of the confirmation window 75, it can be determined that the developing cartridge 1 is an old product (used or in use).

5. Effect

(1) With this developing cartridge 1 , as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the head 83 of the screw 82 presses the pressing rib 81 .

Accordingly, the head portion 83 of the screw 82 presses the front lower end portion of the first fixing portion 85 more strongly than when pressing the rear upper end portion of the first fixing portion 85 .

As a result, the front lower end portion of the cover body 43 can be more strongly pressed against the frame 31 .

Thereby, the front end portion of the cover body 43 can be fixed to the frame 31 without having a structure for fixing the cover body 43 to the frame 31 .

As a result, reduction in the number of parts and miniaturization can be achieved.

(2) According to this developing cartridge 1 , as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the cover body 43 can be fixed to the rear end portion of the frame 31 supporting the developing roller 2 with the screws 82 .

Therefore, the cover body 43 can be reliably fixed to the rear end portion of the frame 31, and the rigidity of the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 1 can be ensured.

(3) According to this developing cartridge 1 , as shown in FIG. 4 , the collar 42 covering the rotating shaft 2A can be fixed to the frame 31 together with the cover body 43 .

Therefore, the collar 42 can be positioned on the frame 31 with high accuracy.

Further, the collar 42 is used when positioning the developing roller 2 to the photosensitive drum 19 .

According to this developing cartridge 1 , the collar 42 can be fixed to the frame 31 together with the cover main body 43 by the screws 82 that fix the cover main body 43 to the rear end portion of the frame 31 .

Thereby, the collar 42 can be positioned on the frame 31 with high accuracy, and the developing roller 2 can be positioned on the photosensitive drum 19 with high accuracy.

(4) According to this developing cartridge 1 , as shown in FIG. 3 , the collar 42 can be more reliably fixed to the frame 31 by the upper screw 82 and the lower screw 82 .

(5) According to this developing cartridge 1 , the detection gear 49 can be pressed against the frame 31 by the cover main body 43 by biasing the pressing force of the screw 82 on the first fixing portion 85 to the front.

As a result, the number of parts can be reduced, and the detection gear 49 can be positioned on the frame 31 with high accuracy.

(6) According to this developing cartridge 1 , as shown in FIG. 6 , two pressing ribs 81 are arranged so as to interpose the straight line L1 connecting the upper screw and the detection gear restricting portion 77 .

Therefore, the pressing force of the upper screw 82 with respect to the first fixing portion 85 can be more reliably biased to the front where the detection gear restricting portion 77 is arranged.

Therefore, the detection gear 49 can be pressed to the frame 31 more reliably.

In addition, in order to determine whether the developing cartridge 1 is old or new in the main body casing 2 , the detection gear 49 needs to abut against the actuator 90 reliably.

According to this developing cartridge 1, the number of parts can be reduced, and the detection gear 49 can be positioned on the frame 31 with high accuracy.

As a result, the detection gear 49 and the actuator 90 can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

(7) With this developing cartridge 1 , as shown in FIG. 6 , the first fixing portion 85 of the cover body 43 integrally has the pressing rib 81 on the left surface 85C thereof.

Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the number of parts.

(8) According to this developing cartridge 1 , as shown in FIG. 6 , the developing coupling 44 can be pressed against the frame 31 by the cover body 43 .

As a result, the number of parts can be reduced, and the developing coupling 44 can be positioned on the frame 31 with high accuracy.

6. Variations

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the pressing rib 81 as an example of the thickness member is provided on the front lower end portion of the first fixing portion 85 , and the pressing rib 81 is pressed by the screw 82 . However, the thickness member is not particularly limited as long as the thickness of the first fixing portion 85 at the front and lower side of the screw 82 is set to be thicker than the thickness of the first fixing portion 85 at the rear and upper side of the screw 82 .

(1-1) First modification example

As the thickness member, for example, as shown in FIG. 10 , a washer 101 whose front lower end portion is bent leftward may be used.

In addition, the thickness member may not be continuous in the circumferential direction like the gasket 101 . The thickness member may be, for example, a plate member disposed at the front lower end portion of the first fixing portion 85 . The plate member has a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the left-right direction.

(1-2) Second Modification Example

As a thickness member, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the inclined surface 102 formed in the front lower end part of the 1st fixing|fixed part 85 may be sufficient. The inclined surface 102 is inclined leftward as it goes forward and downward.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the first fixing portion 85 has the pressing rib 81 as an example of the thickness member on the left surface 85C thereof. However, the location where the thickness member is arranged is not particularly limited as long as it is the seat surface of the screw 82 , that is, between the right surface 83A of the head 83 and the left surface 29A of the first screwing portion 29 .

(2-1) Third modification example

As shown in FIG. 12, the 1st fixing|fixed part 62 of the collar 42 may have the rib 108 which is an example of the thickness member in the upper rear end part of the right surface 62D. The rib 108 protrudes rightward from the right surface 62D, and extends in a direction connecting the upper front and the lower rear.

In addition, the rib 108 of this modification is located on the straight line L1 passing through the insertion hole 85A of the first fixing portion 85 and the detection gear restricting portion 77 .

Therefore, the pressing force of the screw 82 with respect to the first fixing portion 85 can be reliably biased to the front and downward direction where the detection gear restricting portion 77 is arranged.

As a result, the detection gear 49 can be reliably pressed against the frame 31 .

In addition, in this modification, the thickness member may be, for example, an inclined surface formed on the rear upper end portion of the right surface 62D of the first fixing portion 62 of the collar 42 . The inclined surface is inclined to the right as it goes toward the rear and upward.

(2-2) Fourth modification

As shown in FIG. 13, the 1st screwing part 29 may have the rib 110 which is an example of the thickness member in the upper rear end part of the left surface 29A. The rib 110 protrudes leftward from the left surface 29A, and extends in a direction connecting the upper front and the lower rear.

In addition, in this modification, as a thickness member, the inclined surface formed in the rear upper end part of the left surface 29A of the 1st screwing part 29 may be sufficient, for example. The inclined surface is inclined to the left as it goes toward the rear and upper direction.

(2-3) Fifth modification example

As shown in FIG. 14, the 1st fixing|fixed part 85 has the rib 105 which is an example of the thickness member in the rear upper end part of the right surface 85D. The rib 105 protrudes rightward from the right surface 85D, and extends in a direction connecting the upper front and the lower rear.

With this modification, the rib 105 is interposed between the rear upper end portion of the right surface 85D of the first fixing portion 85 and the left surface 29A of the first screwing portion 29 . Thereby, a gap corresponding to the thickness of the rib 105 is generated between the front lower end portion of the right surface 85D of the first fixing portion 85 and the left surface 29A of the first screwing portion 29 .

Therefore, the head 83 of the screw 82 narrows the gap so that the front lower end portion of the first fixing portion 85 without the rib 105 is wider than the rear upper end portion of the first fixing portion 85 with the rib 105 interposed therebetween. move.

As a result, the cover body 43 can be further pressed against the frame 31 in the front and lower sides where the rib 105 is not interposed therebetween.

In addition, in this modification, as a thickness member, the inclined surface formed in the rear upper end part of the right surface 85D of the 1st fixing|fixed part 85 may be sufficient, for example. The inclined surface is inclined to the right as it goes toward the rear and upward.

(2-4) Sixth Modification Example

As shown in FIG. 15, the 1st fixing|fixed part 62 of the collar 42 may have the rib 106 which is an example of the thickness member at the rear upper end part of the left surface 62C. The rib 106 protrudes leftward from the left surface 62C, and extends in a direction connecting the upper front and the lower rear.

According to this modification, the rib 106 is interposed between the left surface 62C of the collar 42 and the right surface 85D which is an example of the third surface of the first fixing portion 85 of the cover body 43 . Thereby, a gap corresponding to the thickness of the rib 106 is generated between the left surface 62C of the collar 42 and the right surface 85D of the first fixing portion 85 of the cover body 43 .

Therefore, the head portion 83 of the screw 82 presses the first fixing portion 85 without the rib 106 more strongly than when pressing the rear upper end portion of the first fixing portion 85 with the rib 106 therebetween so as to narrow the gap. the front and bottom ends.

As a result, the cover body 43 can be more strongly pressed against the frame 31 in the front and lower sides where the ribs 106 are not interposed therebetween.

In addition, in the sixth modification, the thickness member may be, for example, an inclined surface formed on the rear upper end portion of the left surface 62C of the first fixing portion 62 of the collar 42 . The inclined surface is inclined to the left as it goes toward the rear and upper direction.

(3) Seventh modification example

In the above-described embodiment, the screw 82 is used as an example of the first fixing member, but the first fixing member is not particularly limited as long as it can press the first fixing portion 85 of the cover body 43 . For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the first fixing portion 85 may be pressed against the frame 31 by heating and melting the caulking portion 120 , which is an example of the first fixing member, to deform it into a flat plate shape.

As shown in FIG. 16A , the caulking portion 120 is made of thermoplastic resin. The caulking portion 120 extends leftward from the upper rear end portion of the left wall 33 of the frame 31 . The caulking portion 120 has a substantially cylindrical shape. In addition, the crimping portion 120 is provided with a rib 121 .

The rib 121 is arrange|positioned at the front lower end part of the caulking part 120. The rib 121 protrudes forward and downward from the peripheral surface of the caulking portion 120 and extends in the left-right direction.

Then, as shown in FIG. 16B , when the crimped portion 120 is pressed from the left and heated and melted, the crimped portion 120 is deformed into a substantially disc shape. At this time, regarding the thickness of the deformed caulking portion 120 , the front lower end portion is thicker than the rear upper end portion by the thickness of the rib 121 .

As a result, the deformed caulking portion 120 presses the front lower end portion of the first fixing portion 85 more strongly than when the rear upper end portion of the first fixing portion 85 is pressed.

As a result, the front lower end portion of the cover main body 43 can be more strongly pressed against the frame 31 .

(4) Eighth modification

In the above-described embodiment, the collar 42 and the cover main body 43 are constituted as separate members, but for example, the collar 42 and the cover main body 43 may be integrated, that is, a cover main body having the cylindrical portion 61 . 43.

According to this modification, the cover body 43 covers the left end portion of the developing roller 2 and restricts the movement of the developing roller 2 to the left.

Therefore, the leftward movement of the developing roller 2 can be restricted by the cover body 43 .

As a result, the number of parts can be reduced, and the leftward movement of the developing roller 2 can be restricted.

(5) Other modifications

The cartridge of the present invention may be configured as a toner tank (toner cartridge) that does not include the developing roller 2 .

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the agitator 6 was mentioned as an example of a conveyance member, the feed roller 3 may be sufficient as a conveyance member.

In addition, the material of the thickness member is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and modification. Examples of the material of the thickness member include hard resin materials, soft resin materials such as sponge and rubber, and metal materials such as stainless steel.

In addition, the thickness of the thickness member is appropriately set in consideration of the rigidity of the cover body, the rigidity of the first fixing member and the second fixing member, and the like.

In the above-described embodiment and modification examples, the screws 82 and the caulking portion 120 are listed as the first fixing members, but the first fixing members are not particularly limited as long as the gear cover 38 can be pressed against the frame 31 . For example, the first fixing member may also be a so-called snap fit. In this case, the first fixing member protrudes leftward from the rear upper end portion of the frame 31, for example, and is bent forward and downward at the left end portion thereof. Then, the first fixing member elastically presses the left surface 85C of the first fixing portion 85 of the cover body 43 to the right.

Label description

1, developing cartridge; 2, developing roller; 2A, rotating shaft; 6, agitator; 31, frame; 29, screwing part; 29A, left surface; 42, collar; 43, cover body; 44, developing coupling Shaft; 48, agitator gear; 49, detection gear; 77, detection gear restricting part; 81, pressing rib; 82, screw; 83, head; 83A, right surface; 85, first fixing part; 85C, left surface; 85D, right surface; 90, actuator; A, central axis.

Claims (13)

1. A cartridge is characterized by comprising:

a frame configured to store a developer;

a conveying member located in the housing and extending in a first direction, configured to convey the developer;

a transmission member located outside the frame body and configured to transmit a driving force supplied from the outside to the transmission member;

a cover configured to cover the transmission member and having a fixing portion configured to be fixed to the housing;

a first fixing member configured to fix the cover to the housing by pressing the fixing portion; and

a thickness member having a thickness in the first direction,

the first fixing member has a pressing portion for pressing the fixing portion,

the frame body is provided with a supporting part for supporting the fixing part,

the thickness member is partially located between the pressing portion and the supporting portion, and overlaps with the pressing portion when the pressing portion is projected in the first direction.

2. The cartridge of claim 1,

the pressing portion has a first face opposed to an outer surface of the fixing portion in the first direction,

the support portion has a second face opposed to an inner face of the fixing portion in the first direction,

the thickness member is located between the first-direction outer surface of the fixing portion and the first face and/or between the first-direction inner surface of the fixing portion and the second face.

3. The cartridge of claim 2,

the thickness member is located between the first-direction outer surface of the fixing portion and the first face.

4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the cartridge further includes a developing roller having an axis extending in the first direction and configured to carry a developer,

the developing roller is supported by a first end of the frame in a second direction orthogonal to the axis,

the first fixing member is configured to fix the cover to the first end portion.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4,

the cover restricts movement of the developing roller in the first direction.

6. The cartridge according to claim 4,

the developing roller is provided with a shaft extending in the first direction,

the cover body has a main body and a covering portion configured to cover a circumferential surface of the shaft.

7. The cartridge of claim 6,

the cartridge further includes a second fixing member located on the opposite side of the covering portion from the first fixing member.

8. The cartridge according to claim 4,

the cartridge further comprises a detection member configured to be detected by an external detection mechanism,

the detection member is supported at a second end portion of the frame body at a position spaced apart from the first end portion in the second direction.

9. The cartridge of claim 8,

the cover body has a restricting portion that is located outside the detecting member in the first direction and restricts movement of the detecting member to the outside in the first direction,

the thickness member is located on a straight line connecting the first fixing member and the regulating portion.

10. The cartridge of claim 8,

the cover body has a restricting portion that is located outside the detecting member in the first direction and restricts movement of the detecting member to the outside in the first direction,

the two thickness members are disposed so as to sandwich a straight line connecting the first fixing member and the regulating portion.

11. The cartridge according to claim 9 or 10,

the cartridge further includes a coupling configured to receive a driving force supplied from outside,

the coupling is located between the first fixing member and the restricting portion.

12. The cartridge of claim 1,

the thickness member is integral with the cover.

13. The cartridge of claim 1,

the cartridge further includes a developing roller having an axis extending in the first direction and configured to carry a developer,

the developing roller is supported by a first end of the frame in a second direction orthogonal to the axis,

the developing roller is provided with a shaft extending in the first direction,

the cover body has a main body and a covering portion configured to be separate from the main body and to cover a circumferential surface of the shaft,

the body portion has a third surface opposing the outer surface of the covering portion in the first direction,

the thickness member is partially located between the outer surface of the covering portion in the first direction and the third surface.

Images