CN214623306U - Developing device and toner container - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a developing device and toner container. By easily grasping the developing device or the toner container, the developing device and the toner container can be prevented from falling down. The developing device is detachable with respect to an image forming apparatus, and includes: a casing formed in a long shape and capable of accommodating a developer therein; a bulging portion provided on at least one side surface in a short-side direction perpendicular to a long-side direction of the housing and bulging outward so as to expand an internal storage volume of the housing; and a concave portion provided at a central portion of the bulging portion.

Description

Developing device and toner container

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a developing device and a toner container attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus such as a copier and a complex machine.

Background

An image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system includes a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum with toner. The developing device includes a developing roller rotatably supported in a casing thereof, and performs development by supplying toner contained in the casing from the developing roller to a photosensitive drum.

Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with a toner container that stores toner replenished to the developing device. If all the toner in the toner container is consumed, the toner container is replaced with a new toner container filled with toner.

Since a development failure occurs if the developing roller of the developing device is aged, the developing device that has passed a certain period of time is replaced with a new one in order to maintain image quality. Further, since the developing device integrally configured with the toner containing portion cannot perform development when the toner in the toner containing portion runs out, it is replaced with another developing device filled with toner. Therefore, the conventional image forming apparatus has a structure in which the developing device is detachably supported so that the developing device can be replaced.

Further, the developing device may be provided with a handle to be gripped by a user when the developing device is mounted at a predetermined mounting position in the image forming apparatus. The handle may be provided on the toner container. However, when the developing device before or after removal is carried, the user does not necessarily grasp the handle, depending on the portion to be grasped. For example, a user sometimes holds the housing of the developing device for picking up without using a handle. Further, when the developing device is detached, after the developing device is pulled out from the image forming apparatus using the handle, the carrying position of the developing device is sometimes changed from the handle to the housing main body to operate the developing device. In any case, if a portion to which the user's fingers are hooked is not provided on the casing, it is difficult for the user to hold the casing, and there is a possibility that the user fails to take the casing and the developing device falls. The toner container may also cause such a problem.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model aims to provide a can prevent developing device and toner container that developing device fell through grabbing developing device or toner container easily.

The utility model provides a developing device, it can be installed and removed for image forming device, include: a casing formed in a long shape and capable of accommodating a developer therein; a bulging portion provided on at least one side surface in a short-side direction perpendicular to a long-side direction of the housing and bulging outward so as to expand an internal storage volume of the housing; and a concave portion provided at a central portion of the bulging portion.

The utility model discloses still provide a toner container, it can be installed and removed for image forming device, include: a housing formed in a long shape and capable of accommodating toner therein; a bulging portion provided on at least one side surface in a short-side direction perpendicular to a long-side direction of the housing and bulging outward so as to expand an internal storage volume of the housing; and a concave portion provided at a central portion of the bulging portion.

According to the utility model discloses, through grabbing developing device or toner container easily, can prevent that developing device from falling.

The present specification will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate, in order to simplify the summary of the concepts described in the following detailed description. The present specification is not intended to limit the important features and essential features of the subject matter described in the claims, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims. The object described in the claims is not limited to the embodiments for solving some or all of the disadvantages described in any part of the present invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a top cover of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the image forming unit is detached from the apparatus main body.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a drum unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a drum unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of a section VII-VII in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the drum unit is attached to the apparatus main body.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left side front.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear on the right side.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of section XII-XII in fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged view of a left side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a left side view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the side cover is removed.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a right side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a state where a shaft cover is removed from a right side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a left side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention in a plan view.

Fig. 18 is a partially enlarged view showing a handle provided in the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of a section XVIII-XVIII in fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a partially enlarged view showing a handle provided in the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of section XIX-XIX in fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a view showing an internal structure of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of a cross-sectional plane XX-XX in fig. 9.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of a central portion of an upper surface of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a bottom surface of the developing device.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a drum unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be made using the vertical direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the horizontal direction 9 shown in the respective drawings. In fig. 1 to 5, the vertical direction is defined as the vertical direction 7 in an installation state (the state shown in fig. 1) in which the image forming apparatus 10 can be used, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 (the width direction 9) are defined in the installation state.

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Fig. 1 to 3 show an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus having at least a printing function, and is, for example, a printer that forms an image of a single color on a sheet such as a printing paper by an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 10 prints an image on a printing paper based on image data input from the outside via a communication unit not shown. The image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to a single color printer, and may be a color printer that forms a color image. The image forming apparatus 10 may be a complex machine having functions such as a facsimile machine and a copier, in addition to the printing function.

Fig. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing an external appearance of the image forming apparatus 10, in which fig. 1 shows a state in which the top cover 12 and the front cover 13 are closed, and fig. 2 shows a state in which the top cover 12 and the front cover 13 are opened. Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of the apparatus main body 11. In fig. 3, illustration of the top cover 12 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the width direction 9, and includes: an apparatus main body 11 to which each part for performing an image forming process is attached; a top cover 12 provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 11; and a front cover 13 provided on a front surface of the apparatus body 11.

As shown in fig. 2, an opening 21 communicating with the inside is formed in an upper portion of the apparatus main body 11, and the top cover 12 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 21. The top cover 12 is supported to be openable and closable between an open posture (posture shown in fig. 2) for opening the opening 21 and a closed posture (posture shown in fig. 1) for closing the opening 21, with a hinge 24 provided at a rear end portion of an upper portion of the apparatus main body 11 as a center. When the top cover 12 is rotated upward (opening direction) to open the opening 21, an image forming unit 50 and the like described later mounted inside the apparatus main body 11 are exposed. In this state, the user can take out the developing device 70 supported by the image forming unit 50 from the inside of the apparatus main body 11.

An opening 22 communicating with the inside is formed in a lower portion of the front surface of the apparatus main body 11, and the front cover 13 is provided so as to be capable of opening and closing the opening 22. The front cover 13 is supported to be openable and closable between an open posture (posture shown in fig. 2) for opening the opening 22 and a closed posture (posture shown in fig. 1) for closing the opening 22, with a hinge 25 provided at a lower end portion of the front side of the apparatus main body 11 as a center. If the front cover 13 is rotated forward (opening direction) to open the opening 22, printing paper can be placed inside the apparatus main body 11 through the opening 22.

As shown in fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 mainly includes an image forming Unit 50, a fixing section 31, a paper feed tray 32, a feed Unit 33, an LSU (Laser Scanner Unit) 34, a paper discharge tray 35 (see fig. 1), a plurality of conveying rollers 37 provided in a conveying path 36, and a discharge roller 38 provided at the end of the conveying path 36. They are mounted inside a cover of an outer frame of the image forming apparatus 10 or an apparatus main body 11 including an internal frame. In fig. 3, a path indicated by a broken line extending upward from the supply unit 33 is a conveyance path 36.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 50. The image forming unit 50 forms an image in an electrophotographic manner, and includes a drum unit 60 and a developing device 70. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 50 is detachably supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be replaceable.

When the stored developer becomes empty, the developing device 70 needs to be replaced with another developing device 70 filled with the developer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the developing device 70 is supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 11. Specifically, the developing device 70 is detachably attached to the drum unit 60 (an example of an attachment member) attached to the device main body 11. In addition, even when the inside of the image forming apparatus 10 is maintained, the developing device 70 is detached as necessary. Fig. 2 and 3 show a state in which the image forming unit 50 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the image forming unit 50 is detached from the apparatus main body 11.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the drum unit 60. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cross-sectional plane VII-VII in fig. 6, showing a cross-sectional structure of the drum unit 60.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the drum unit 60 includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging section 62, a transfer roller 63, and a casing 64. The photosensitive drum 61, the charging section 62, and the transfer roller 63 are supported on a casing 64. The developing device 70 is detachably supported by a developing support 65 provided integrally with the housing 64.

The housing 64 is a molded article formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, and includes: a first base frame 641 extending in the left-right direction 9; and a pair of support frames 642 erected at both ends in the left-right direction 9 of the first base frame 641. Each support frame 642 is formed in a plate shape, for example. Each support frame 642 is formed of an insulating member that is not electrically conductive. Each support frame 642 extends in the front-rear direction 8, and the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63 are rotatably supported at a rear portion of each support frame 642 in a state of being in pressure contact with each other. Further, a charging unit 62 is attached to an upper portion of a rear portion of each support frame 642. The charging unit 62 is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61, and is attached to be suspended on each support frame 642.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, a developing support portion 65 is integrally formed on the front side of the housing 64. The developing support 65 includes: a second base frame 651 formed forward from the first base frame 641 through a paper passage opening 66 (see fig. 7); and a front plate 652 that constitutes a front portion of each support frame 642. If the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support 65, a lower surface 716 (see fig. 12) of the developing device 70 is supported by the second base frame 651. In this case, the lower surface 716 is a supported surface supported by the drum unit 60.

The paper passage opening 66 is a through opening formed between the first base frame 641 and the second base frame 651, and is configured to allow the printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 32 to pass therethrough and guide the printing paper to a transfer position between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63.

In a state where the image forming unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, if an image forming operation is started, the charging section 62 uniformly charges the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. Further, laser light corresponding to image data is scanned from the LSU34 to the photosensitive drum 61. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. Bias voltages are applied to the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74 (see fig. 10) of the developing device 70, respectively, to form an electric field having a predetermined potential difference between the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74, which enables toner to fly from the developing roller 74 to the photosensitive drum 61. The toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image from the developing roller 74 due to the potential difference, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. An electric field having a predetermined potential difference is also formed between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 32 by the potential difference. The printing paper with the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed to the fixing section 31.

The fixing unit 31 is provided downstream of the image forming unit 50 in the paper conveyance direction. The fixing unit 31 fixes the toner image transferred to the printing paper by heat. The fixing unit 31 includes a hot roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller is heated by a heating device such as an IH heater during a fixing operation. The pressure roller applies a force to the heating roller through an elastic member. When the print paper passes through the fixing section 31, the fixing section 31 presses the print paper, and the toner is heated and melted to adhere to the print paper. Thereby, the toner image is fixed to the printing paper, and an image is formed on the printing paper.

A discharge roller 38 is provided downstream of the fixing unit 31 in the conveying direction. The discharge roller 38 discharges the printed paper after image formation, on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 31, to the paper discharge tray 35 (see fig. 1).

The photosensitive drum 61 of the drum unit 60 is deteriorated or worn whenever the photosensitive layer of the surface thereof is formed to overlap an image. If the photosensitive layer is deteriorated, chargeability is deteriorated, and if the photosensitive layer is worn, the photosensitive layer is not charged at a predetermined potential, which results in deterioration of image quality. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 61 needs to be replaced at a predetermined replacement timing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drum unit 60 is supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 11, so that the photosensitive drum 61 can be replaced. Further, in the case of maintaining the inside of the image forming apparatus 10, the drum unit 60 can be detached as necessary. Here, fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which only the drum unit 60 of the image forming unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 11. Therefore, the developing device 70 is not shown in fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 8, guide grooves 111 are formed on the inner surfaces 15 of the apparatus body 11 on both sides in the left-right direction 9, respectively, and the guide grooves 111 are used to guide the drum unit 60 when the drum unit 60 is mounted inside the apparatus body 11 from the opening 21. The guide groove 111 functions as follows: when the drum unit 60 is detached from the apparatus main body 11, the drum unit 60 is also guided toward the opening 21 side and is easily taken out. The guide groove 111 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the funnel-shaped insertion port 113 when viewed in cross section formed at the upper end edge portion of the inner surface 15. Although fig. 8 shows the guide groove 111 formed in the right inner surface 15A, the guide groove 111 having the same shape is also formed in the opposite left inner surface 15B (see fig. 5).

The guide groove 111 is formed so as to be gradually inclined toward the mounting position of the drum unit 60 (the position shown in fig. 8, hereinafter referred to as the unit mounting position). Specifically, the guide groove 111 includes: a first groove 111A formed substantially straight from the insertion port 113 to a first bending point P1; a second groove 111B gently inclined from the first bending point P1 to a second bending point P2 than the first groove 111A; and a third groove 111C gently inclined from the second bending point P2 to the unit mounting position than the second groove 111B.

As shown in fig. 6, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 644 that is inserted into the guide groove 111 when attached to the apparatus body 11 and when detached from the apparatus body 11. A guide member 644 is provided upright on the outer surface of each of a pair of support frames 642 constituting the housing 64. The guide member 644 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member vertically erected on the outer surface of the support frame 642.

On the outer surface of the support frame 642, a guide member 644 is provided on the rear side. The drum unit 60 is inserted until the guide member 644 is disposed at the terminal end of the guide groove 111.

As shown in fig. 8, an additional guide groove 112 branched from the guide groove 111 is formed in the inner surface 15A. Fig. 8 shows the guide groove 112 formed in the right inner surface 15A, but the guide groove 112 formed similarly is also formed in the opposite left inner surface 15B. The guide groove 112 functions in the same manner as the guide groove 111 as follows: that is, the drum unit 60 is guided to the unit attachment position when the drum unit 60 is attached to the inside of the apparatus main body 11 from the opening 21, and the drum unit 60 is guided to the opening 21 side when the drum unit 60 is detached from the apparatus main body 11.

The guide groove 112 extends obliquely rearward downward from the first bending point P1 in the guide groove 111. The guide groove 112 is formed to gradually widen obliquely rearward from an upper end opening 114, which is a connection portion with the guide groove 111. In other words, the guide groove 112 is formed in a shape expanding from the upper end opening 114 toward the obliquely rear end.

The upper groove wall surface of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112A, and the guide surface 112A is used to guide a bearing portion 77 (see fig. 13 and 15) described later provided in the developing device 70 to a mounting position P11 defined in the drum unit 60 when the developing device 70 is mounted to the apparatus main body 11. The guide surface 112A is substantially parallel to the second groove 111B of the guide groove 111.

A groove wall surface on the lower side of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112B, and the guide surface 112B is used to guide a guide member 645 (see fig. 6) described later provided in the drum unit 60 downward when the drum unit 60 is mounted to the apparatus main body 11. The guide surface 112B guides downward a guide portion 78 or 791 (see fig. 13 and 15) provided in the developing device 70, when the developing device 70 is mounted to the apparatus body 11.

As shown in fig. 6, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 645 inserted into the guide groove 112 at the time of attachment to the apparatus body 11 and at the time of detachment from the apparatus body 11. The guide members 645 are provided upright on the outer surfaces of the pair of support frames 642 constituting the housing 64, respectively. The guide member 645 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member vertically erected on the outer surface of the support frame 642.

The guide member 645 is provided on the outer surface of the support frame 642 at the front side of the guide member 644. When the drum unit 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, first, the guide member 644 is inserted into the guide groove 111 from the insertion port 113, and then, the guide member 645 is inserted into the guide groove 111. During the mounting of the drum unit 60, the guide member 644 is guided from the first groove 111A via the second groove 111B along the third groove 111C toward the unit mounting position (the position shown in fig. 8). On the other hand, if the guide member 645 reaches the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111 during the mounting of the drum unit 60, it enters the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114 and is guided toward substantially downward along the guide surface 112B of the guide groove 112.

Then, if the drum unit 60 is inserted to the unit mounting position shown in fig. 8, the drum unit 60 is locked at the unit mounting position by a lock mechanism not shown. That is, the drum unit 60 is positioned at the unit mounting position. Further, if an unlocking member (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 is operated, the lock of the lock mechanism is unlocked. Thereby, the drum unit 60 can be removed upward from the unit attachment position and can be taken out to the outside from the opening 21.

As shown in fig. 7, a guide groove 646 for guiding the bearing portion 77 (see fig. 13 and 15) of the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11 and a stopper 647 provided at a terminal end of the guide groove 646 are formed in the support frame 642. The guide groove 646 is formed in the support frame 642 so as to partition the support frame 642 into a rear portion and a front plate 652 on the front side. The stopper 647 positions the bearing portion 77 at the mounting position P11 with the bearing portion 77 guided to the mounting position P11. When the developing device 70 is mounted on the device main body 11, the stopper 647 abuts against the bearing 77, and the movement of the bearing 77 in the insertion direction is restricted by the stopper 647. Thereby, the developing device 70 is positioned on the drum unit 60. The developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a lock mechanism, not shown, provided in the drum unit 60. Further, if the lock release lever 67 provided in the drum unit 60 is operated, the lock of the lock mechanism is released. Thereby, the developing device 70 can be removed upward from the device main body 11 and can be taken out to the outside from the opening 21.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the developing device 70 as viewed from the left front, fig. 10 is a perspective view of the developing device 70 as viewed from the right rear, and fig. 11 is a plan view of the developing device 70. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of section XII-XII in fig. 11, showing a cross-sectional structure of a central portion of the developing device 70.

The developing device 70 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 61, develops the electrostatic latent image with the toner, and forms a toner image as a visible image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. As shown in fig. 12, the developing device 70 includes a casing 71 (an example of a housing), an agitating member 72, a supply roller 73 (an example of a rotating member), and a developing roller 74 (an example of a rotating member). The stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, and the developing roller 74 are rotatably supported on the housing 71.

The housing 71 is a molded article formed of, for example, synthetic resin. As shown in fig. 9 to 11, the housing 71 is formed in a shape elongated in the left-right direction 9 (longitudinal direction). A developer containing toner is contained in the casing 71. That is, the casing 71 functions not only as a casing for supporting the developing roller 74 and the like, but also as a developer container (also referred to as a toner container) for storing developer.

As shown in fig. 12, the stirring member 72 is disposed on the front side inside the housing 71. The stirring member 72 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711 (see fig. 9 to 11), and the pair of support frames 711 are provided on both sides of the housing 71 in the left-right direction 9 (axial direction). The pair of support frames 711 (an example of a pair of support members) form side surfaces on both sides in the left-right direction 9 of the housing 71.

A support shaft 722 (see fig. 14) rotatably supported by the support frame 711 is provided at both ends in the width direction of the shaft member 721 of the stirring member 72. The left support shaft 722L of the stirring member 72 is rotatably supported in a bearing hole (not shown) formed in the left support frame 711L. As shown in fig. 14, the support shaft 722L passes through the bearing hole and protrudes outward of the support frame 711L. A transmission gear 82 described later is mounted on the support shaft 722L.

As shown in fig. 12, a thin film-like blade 723 perpendicular to the shaft member 721 is provided on the shaft member 721 of the stirring member 72. When a rotational driving force is inputted to the stirring member 72 from the outside, the stirring member 72 rotates, and the developer accommodated in the casing 71 is stirred by the paddle unit 723. The toner contained in the developer is given an electric charge by stirring the developer by the stirring member 72.

As shown in fig. 9, a side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L on the left side of the housing 71.

Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged view of the left side portion of the developing device 70. Fig. 14 is a left side view of the developing device 70, showing a state in which the side cover 75 is removed.

As shown in fig. 13, the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L so as to cover the left side surface of the support frame 711L. As shown in fig. 14, a transmission mechanism 80 including a plurality of gears 81 to 85 is provided inside the side cover 75, that is, between the side cover 75 and the support frame 711L. The gears 81 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80 are rotatably supported by the support frame 711L.

As shown in fig. 14, the transmission mechanism 80 includes an input portion 76 to which the driving force from the outside is input. That is, the input unit 76 is provided on the support frame 711L. The input portion 76 is, for example, a coupling (connector). A cylindrical portion 751 (see fig. 13) having a cylindrical shape and penetrating through the input portion 76 and exposed to the outside is formed in the side cover 75. As shown in fig. 13, in a state where the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, the input portion 76 is exposed to the outside through the cylindrical portion 751.

When the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, a drive output unit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 is connected to the input unit 76. Thereby, the rotational driving force of the driving source such as the motor is input to the input portion 76 via the drive output portion. The input portion 76 includes an input gear 81 (see fig. 14) provided coaxially with the input portion 76. That is, the transmission mechanism 80 has an input gear 81. When the rotational driving force is input to the input portion 76, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the input gear 81 to the other transmission gears 82 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80.

As shown in FIG. 14, the transmission mechanism 80 has a plurality of transmission gears 82 to 85. The transmission gears 82 to 85 are disposed on the outer surface of the support frame 711L. The transmission gear 82 is attached to the support shaft 722L of the stirring member 72 and transmits a rotational driving force to the stirring member 72. The transmission gear 83 is attached to an end portion of a rotating shaft 732 (an example of a second support shaft) of the supply roller 73, and transmits a rotational driving force to the supply roller 73. The transmission gear 84 is attached to an end portion of a rotating shaft 742 (see fig. 12) of the developing roller 74, and transmits a rotational driving force to the developing roller 74. The transmission gear 85 is rotatably supported by the support frame 711L in a state of meshing with the transmission gear 82. The transmission gear 85 transmits a rotational driving force to the rotating member 90 provided to the support frame 711L.

If the rotational driving force is input to the input portion 76 and transmitted from the input gear 81 to the other transmission gears 82 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, the developing roller 74, and the rotational member 90, and the stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, the developing roller 74, and the rotational member 90 rotate.

As shown in fig. 12, the supply roller 73 is disposed on the front side of the developing roller 74 (the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the developing device 70) and on the rear side of the stirring member 72. The supply roller 73 is a roller member that rotates while carrying toner contained in the developer on the outer peripheral surface. The supply roller 73 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. The supply roller 73 carries the developer accommodated in the casing 71 on the outer circumferential surface by rotating, and conveys the developer to a position opposite to the developing roller 74.

The supply roller 73 has: a cylindrical roller 731 made of an elastic member having conductivity; and a conductive rotating shaft 732 disposed at the center of the roller body 731. The roller body 731 is formed of an elastic member such as polyurethane in which carbon is appropriately dispersed. The rotating shaft 732 is a conductive metal shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft 732 are rotatably supported in bearing holes (not shown) provided in the pair of support frames 711. A predetermined bias voltage (hereinafter referred to as a supply bias voltage) is applied to the supply roller 73 in order to carry the toner having an electric charge on the outer circumferential surface and to move the toner from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74.

In the present embodiment, the supply bias is applied to the rotating shaft 732 of the supply roller 73 from the supply terminal 117 (see fig. 8) provided in the apparatus body 11 in a state where the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus body 11. Specifically, the supply terminal 117 is provided at a position where it contacts a guide 791 (see fig. 15 and 16) described later in the mounted state of the developing device 70, and if the developing device 70 is mounted to the device body 11, the guide 791 contacts the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 to the rotary shaft 732 via the guide 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792.

The developing roller 74 is disposed on the rear side inside the casing 71. The developing roller 74 is a roller member that rotates while carrying toner contained in the developer on the outer peripheral surface. The developing roller 74 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. An opening 713 through which the developing roller 74 is exposed to the outside is formed in a side surface on the rear side of the housing 71. In a state where the developing device 70 is attached to the device main body 11, the developing roller 74 and the photosensitive drum 61 are opposed to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween.

The developing roller 74 has: a cylindrical roller 741 made of an elastic member having conductivity; and a conductive rotating shaft 742 (an example of a first support shaft) disposed at the center of the roller body 741. The roller body 741 is formed of an elastic member such as polyurethane in which carbon is appropriately dispersed. The rotating shaft 742 is a conductive metal shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft 742 are rotatably supported by bearing portions 77(77L, 77R) provided in the pair of support frames 711 (see fig. 11). A predetermined bias voltage (hereinafter referred to as a developing bias voltage) is applied to the developing roller 74 in order to move the toner from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74. The toner having an electric charge is supplied from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74 by a potential difference between the developing bias and the supply bias.

In the present embodiment, the developing bias is applied to the rotating shaft 742 of the developing roller 74 from the supply terminal 116 (see fig. 8) provided in the apparatus body 11 in a state where the developing apparatus 70 is attached to the apparatus body 11. Specifically, the supply terminal 116 is provided at a position where it contacts a bearing portion 77R (see fig. 15) described later in the mounted state of the developing device 70, and if the developing device 70 is mounted to the device main body 11, the guide portion 77R2 (see fig. 15) of the bearing portion 77R contacts the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotary shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R 2.

As shown in fig. 14, a bearing portion 77L (an example of a first bearing portion) is provided in the support frame 711L. The bearing portion 77L is integrally formed with the support frame 711L, and has a cylindrical guide portion 77L1 (an example of a first guide portion) protruding outward from an outer side surface of the support frame 711L. The left shaft end of the rotating shaft 742 is inserted into a bearing hole formed inside the bearing portion 77L, and is thereby rotatably supported. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 77L1 of the bearing portion 77L also serves as a guide member: that is, for guiding the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 together with a guide portion 77R2 of a bearing portion 77R described later in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11.

As shown in fig. 13, the side cover 75 is provided with a guide portion 78 integrally formed with the side cover 75. The guide portion 78 is provided at a position spaced apart from (the guide portion 77L1 of) the bearing portion 77L by a predetermined distance toward the front side (the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the developing device 70). The guide portion 78 is a columnar member protruding outward from the outer side surface of the side cover 75. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 78 guides the portion on the front end side of the developing device 70 downward together with the guide portion 791 of the guide member 79 described later in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side portion of the developing device 70.

As shown in fig. 15, a bearing portion 77R (an example of a first bearing portion) is provided in the support frame 711R. The bearing portion 77R is an example of the first guide portion. The bearing portion 77R includes a cylindrical portion 77R1 integrally formed with the support frame 711R and a guide portion 77R2 (an example of a first guide portion) that is guided during attachment of the developing device 70 to the device main body 11. The cylindrical portion 77R1 protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711R. The right shaft end portion 742R of the rotating shaft 742 is inserted into the inner hole of the cylindrical portion 77R1, whereby the shaft end portion 742R is rotatably supported.

In a state where the rotation shaft 742 passes through the cylindrical portion 77R1, the shaft end portion 742R passes through the cylindrical portion 77R1 and is exposed outward. A cylindrical guide portion 77R2 is attached to the exposed portion. The guide portion 77R2 is formed of, for example, a conductive member. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 77R2 is used to guide the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the device body 11.

As shown in fig. 15, the support frame 711R is provided with a guide 791. Specifically, a guide member 79 formed of a conductive member is fixed to the support frame 711R, and a guide portion 791 is formed integrally with the guide member 79. The guide 791 is an example of a second guide.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the shaft cover 712 (see fig. 15) is removed from the right side portion of the developing device 70. As shown in fig. 16, a bearing hole for supporting the right shaft end portion 732R of the rotating shaft 732 of the supply roller 73 is formed in the support frame 711R, and the shaft end portion 732R is inserted through the bearing hole. A shaft cover 712 (see fig. 15) is attached to an outer surface of the support frame 711R so as to cover the shaft end 732R. In fig. 15, the member surrounded by the thick solid line is a shaft cover 712.

As shown in fig. 16, the guide member 79 is mounted on the outer surface of the support frame 711R. In fig. 16, the member surrounded by the thick solid line is the guide member 79. The guide member 79 is formed of a conductive member, and has a guide portion 791 and a connection portion 792. The connecting portion 792 is connected to the shaft end portion 732R that protrudes the support frame 711R outward, thereby also electrically connecting the conductive rotating shaft 732 and the conductive guide member 79.

The guide portions 791 are provided at positions spaced apart from the bearing portions 77R by a predetermined distance. The guide portion 791 is a columnar member that protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711R. In the present embodiment, the guide 791 guides a portion on the front end side of the developing device 70 downward in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus body 11.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, the support frame 711R is provided with a lid member (cover member) 717 that closes the toner filling port formed in the support frame 711R. The toner filling port communicates with the inside of the housing 71, and the toner is filled from the toner filling port to the inside.

As described above, the developing device 70 of the present embodiment includes the bearing portions 77(77L, 77R) provided to the pair of support frames 711. Therefore, in a state where the apparatus body 11 is mounted on the drum unit 60, if the developing device 70 is inserted into the apparatus body 11, the guide portion 77L1 of the bearing portion 77L and the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R provided in the developing device 70 are guided along the guide surface 112A of the apparatus body 11 toward the mounting position P11 (see fig. 8).

Specifically, if the guide 77L1 and the guide 77R2 inserted into the guide groove 111 from the insertion port 113 reach the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111, the guide 77L1 and the guide 77R2 enter the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114. Thereafter, the guide surface 112A along the guide groove 112 is guided toward the mounting position P11. If the guiding by the guide surface 112A is finished, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 enter the guide groove 646, and are guided to the installation position P11 by the guide groove 646. Further, if the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 are guided to the mounting position P11, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 are restricted by the stopper 647 at the mounting position P11.

Further, in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the device main body 11, if the guide portions 78, 791 enter the guide groove 112, the guide surface 112B along the guide groove 112 is guided toward substantially downward.

Thereby, the developing device 70 is positioned in the drum unit 60, and the developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a not-shown locking mechanism.

Further, in the developing device 70 of the present embodiment, the guide portion 77L1 provided to the bearing portion 77L and the guide portion 77R2 provided to the shaft end portion 742R function as members to be guided when the developing device 70 is mounted. In other words, the bearing portions 77L, 77R also serve as guide members of the developing device 70 when attached to and detached from the device main body 11. Therefore, the number of members provided on the side surface portion of the developing device 70 can be reduced, and as a result, the housing 71 of the developing device 70 can be made compact.

In the present embodiment, in the mounted state of the developing device 70, the guide portion 791 is in contact with the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 to the rotary shaft 732 via the guide portion 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792. Further, the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R contacts the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotary shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R 2. That is, the guide member 79 also serves as a power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for supplying a bias voltage, and the bearing portion 77R also serves as a power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for developing a bias voltage. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the power receiving terminals on the side surface portion of the developing device 70, and the number of members provided on the side surface portion can be further reduced. As a result, the housing 71 of the developing device 70 can be further made compact.

[ second ]

As shown in fig. 9, two handles 200 are provided in the developing device 70. The handle 200 is a portion that the user grips with fingers when the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, when the developing device 70 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 11, or when the developing device 70 is gripped or carried.

The handle 200 is provided on a front surface 714 (an example of a side surface) on the front side of the housing 71. Specifically, the two grips 200 are disposed at an upper end portion of the front surface 714 with a predetermined interval in the left-right direction 9. In the present embodiment, two handles 200 are provided at both ends of the upper end portion in the left-right direction 9, respectively. Each handle 200 is formed integrally with the housing 71. In the present embodiment, an example in which the handle 200 is provided in the housing 71 is described, but the handle 200 may be provided in other parts of the developing device 70 as long as it can function as a grip of the developing device 70 without being provided in the housing 71. The attachment position of the handle 200 is not limited to the front surface 714 of the housing 71, and may be, for example, the upper surface 715, the lower surface 716, or both the left and right surfaces (e.g., the pair of support frames 711) of the housing 71. Further, the number of the handles 200 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more, for example. In addition, in the case where there is one handle 200, the handle 200 is preferably provided at the center of the upper end portion of the front surface 714. In the case where the number of the handgrip 200 is three or more, the handgrip 200 is preferably provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction 9 in the upper end portion of the front surface 714.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a left side portion of the developing device 70. As shown in fig. 17, the handle 200 projects forward from the front surface 714. The handle 200 is a plate-like member extending forward. As shown in fig. 18 and 19, the upper surface 201 of the handle 200 is formed in a curved shape. Fig. 18 is a partially enlarged view showing the handle 200 provided in the developing device 70, and is a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional surfaces XVIII to XVIII in fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a partially enlarged view showing the handle 200, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional plane XIX-XIX in fig. 18.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the upper surface 201 of the handle 200 is formed in a curved shape is described, but for example, the lower surface 202 (see fig. 18) of the handle 200 may be formed in a curved shape.

In the present embodiment, the handle 200 includes a base portion 203 protruding forward from the front surface 714, and a grip portion 204 extending forward (i.e., in the protruding direction of the handle 200) from the base portion 203. As shown in fig. 18, the inclined surface 2041 on the upper side of the grip portion 204 on the upper surface 201 of the handle 200 is formed in a curved shape.

As shown in fig. 17 and 18, the base portion 203 has an upper surface 2031 (an example of a first upper surface) perpendicular to the front surface 714 of the housing 71. As shown in fig. 18, the grip portion 204 is bent obliquely upward toward the front side with respect to the base portion 203. That is, the grip portion 204 has an inclined surface 2041 on the upper side thereof. The inclined surface 2041 is curved obliquely upward with respect to the upper surface 2031 of the base portion 203 and extends obliquely upward. The inclined surface 2041 forms a predetermined angle (an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees) with the upper surface 2031. The angle is, for example, an angle determined in a range of 150 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less, and more preferably an angle determined in a range of 165 degrees or more and 175 degrees or less. In the handle 200, the inclined surface 2041 of the grip portion 204 is formed in a curved shape. The upper surface 2031 of the base portion is a flat surface, and the upper surface 2031 is not formed into a curved shape.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the upper surface of the grip portion 204 is inclined obliquely upward forward is illustrated, but the grip portion 204 is not limited to this shape. For example, the upper surface of the grip portion 204 may have a horizontal shape or may be inclined obliquely forward and downward. In any configuration, the upper surface of the grip portion 204 may be formed in a curved shape with a concave central portion.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 18 and 19, the inclined surface 2041 of the grip portion 204 includes a flat bottom surface 2042 formed at the center thereof and a curved surface 2043 provided at the outer peripheral edge portion 2044 of the grip portion 204 and continuous with the bottom surface 2042. The inclined surface 2041 of the grip portion 204 is formed in a curved shape in which the central portion (the bottom surface 2042) thereof is depressed as a whole by the bottom surface 2042 and the curved surface 2043.

Since the handle 200 is configured as described above, if the user grips the handle 200 in such a manner that the handle 200 is sandwiched by the thumb and the index finger of the user's hand, the thumb of the inclined surface 2041 placed on the upper side of the grip portion 204 matches the curved shape, and thus the grip portion 204 of the handle 200 can be firmly gripped by the index finger and the thumb placed on the lower surface 202. This makes it easy to hold the developing device 70, and prevents the developing device 70 from falling down when the developing device 70 is attached and detached. Further, the developing device 70 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.

The inclined surface 2041 (see fig. 18) of the grip portion 204 is not limited to the curved shape formed by the bottom surface 2042 and the curved surface 2043. For example, the inclined surface 2041 may be formed in a shape in which the central portion thereof is the deepest portion and is curved from the deepest portion to the outer peripheral edge portion 2044. The inclined surface 2041 may be formed in an arc shape passing through the shape of the deepest section.

Further, a protruding portion 205 protruding vertically downward from the lower surface 202 is provided on the outer peripheral edge portion 2044 of the grip portion 204. The protruding portion 205 is provided over the entire outer peripheral edge portion 2044. That is, the lower surface 202 of the handle 200 is formed in a concave shape by the protruding portion 205. Therefore, the user's finger placed on the lower surface 202 easily hooks the projection 205. This improves the feeling of holding when the user grips the handle 200, and makes it easier to grip the handle 200.

As shown in fig. 17, the outer peripheral edge portion 2044 is formed in a circular arc shape. Specifically, in the outer peripheral edge portion 2044, a front-side (projecting-direction-side) projecting end portion is formed in an arc shape. The outer peripheral edge portion 2044 is formed in a semicircular arc shape, for example.

Further, a protruding rib 207 formed in an arc shape is formed on the inclined surface 2041, which is the upper surface of the grip portion 204, inward of the outer peripheral edge portion 2044. As shown in fig. 17, the rib 207 is formed in an arc shape similar to the arc shape of the outer peripheral edge portion 2044, for example, a semicircular arc shape. In the present embodiment, two ribs 207 are formed on the inclined surface 2041. Thereby, when the user grasps the inclined surface 2041 of the grip portion 204, the fingers hook the rib 207, thereby further facilitating the grasping of the handle 200.

[ third ]

As shown in fig. 9, a bulging portion 210 bulging upward is provided in the housing 71 of the developing device 70. The bulge portion 210 is provided on an upper surface 715 of the housing 71. In other words, the bulging portion 210 is provided on the upper surface 715 on one side, i.e., the upper side, in the vertical direction 7 (short-side direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction 9) of the housing 71. The bulge portion 210 extends in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface 715 and is formed integrally with the housing 71. In the case where the casing 71 is configured by a lower case capable of accommodating the developer and a cover member closing an upper surface opening of the lower case, the bulging portion 210 may be integrally formed with the cover member, or the bulging portion 210 may also serve as the cover member.

In addition, although the present embodiment illustrates the configuration in which the bulging portion 210 is provided on the upper surface 715 of the housing 71, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The bulging portion 210 may be provided on any one of the short-side direction sides of the housing 71, for example, on the front surface 714 or the lower surface 716 of the housing 71 (see fig. 20).

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of section XX-XX of FIG. 11. The bulging portion 210 is a portion that enlarges the storage volume inside the housing 71, and as shown in fig. 20, the bulging portion 210 bulges upward (outward) from the upper surface 715. Thereby, the developer accommodating volume inside the housing 71 is enlarged by the volume of the hollow portion 211 inside the bulging portion 210.

In the present embodiment, the bulging portion 210 has a vertical surface 2102 extending downward from the top portion 2101 on the front side and an inclined surface 2103 extending obliquely rearward and downward from the top portion 2101 in a sectional view, and is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view. Therefore, the height of the portion on the rear side of the developing device 70, that is, the portion on the insertion direction side of the developing device 70 into the device body 11 can be made smaller than the height of the portion on the front side. This facilitates mounting of the developing device 70 to the device main body 11.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of the center of the bulging portion 210 of the developing device 70. As shown in fig. 21, a concave portion 220 is provided in the center of the bulging portion 210. The concave portion 220 is provided at the center of the expanded portion 210 in the longitudinal direction.

The concave portion 220 extends in the front-rear direction 8 in the bulging portion 210. The recess 220 is formed in a shape in which the center of the bulging portion 210 is recessed downward, and is formed in a groove shape surrounded by a bottom surface 221 and a pair of side surfaces 222 inclined from the top 2101 and the inclined surface 2103 toward the bottom surface 221. The bottom surface 221 is a surface parallel to the upper surface 715. The side surface 222 and the bottom surface 221 form a predetermined angle (an obtuse angle larger than 90 degrees). The angle is, for example, an angle determined in a range of more than 90 degrees and 150 degrees or less.

Since the recess 220 is configured as described above, when the user grips and picks up the developing device 70 with one hand, the user can grip the developing device with the fingers of his or her hand while being caught by the recess 220. Thus, the user can easily hold the developing device 70 with one hand, and can firmly and stably hold the developing device 70 with even one hand. As a result, the developing device 70 can be prevented from dropping when the developing device 70 is operated.

Further, since the inclined side surface 222 is provided in the recess 220, for example, when the user tries to grope and hold the developing device 70 with his hand in a state where the user cannot visually recognize the developing device with certainty, the user can grasp the position of the bottom surface 221 of the recess 220 by the interval of reception from the finger when the user holds the finger on the side surface 222. This allows the user to shift the position of the finger toward the bottom surface 221 of the recess 220, and firmly attach the finger to the recess 220.

[ fourth ]

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the developing device 70. Fig. 22 shows a lower surface 716 of the developing device 70, i.e., a lower surface 716 of the casing 71. Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a drum unit 60 provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

As described above, the developing device 70 is detachably supported by the drum unit 60 as the mounting member. Specifically, the developing device 70 is detachably supported by a developing support 65 (see fig. 7) provided in the housing 64 of the drum unit 60. In a state where the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support 65, it is necessary to prevent the positional displacement of the developing device 70. Therefore, as shown in fig. 22, a positioning member 230 is provided at the housing 71.

The positioning member 230 is disposed on a lower surface 716 of the housing 71. The lower surface 716 is a supported surface that is supported when the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support 65. That is, the lower surface 716 of the developing device 70 is supported by the second base frame 651 (see fig. 23) of the developing support portion 65. In the present embodiment, the positioning member 230 is provided at the left end portion in the lower surface 716.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the positioning member 230 is provided at the left end portion of the lower surface 716, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The positioning member 230 may be disposed at a central portion of the lower surface 716 or at a right end portion. In addition, a plurality of positioning members 230 may also be provided on the lower surface 716.

The positioning member 230 engages with a notch 654 (positioning hole) formed in the second base frame 651 in a state where the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support 65 (mounted state). Specifically, in the attached state, the positioning member 230 is inserted into the cutout 654. Thereby, the developing device 70 is positioned so as not to be positionally displaced in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 with respect to the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60.

The positioning member 230 protrudes perpendicularly from the lower surface 716. The positioning member 230 is a narrow rib-like member extending in a short direction (for example, the front-rear direction 8) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction 9) of the housing 71 on the lower surface 716. In the present embodiment, the positioning member 230 extends in the direction (rearward) of the respective guide portions 77L1, 77R2, 78 that guide the developing device 70 when the developing device 70 is inserted to the mounting position in the developing support 65.

As shown in fig. 23, a cutout 654 is formed in the second base frame 651 of the developing support 65. When the developing device 70 has attachment compatibility with the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60, that is, when the developing device 70 can be attached to the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60, the positioning member 230 is provided at a position corresponding to the notch 654, that is, at a position where it can be inserted into the notch 654. In this case, the developing device 70 is suitably mounted to the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60. That is, in a state where the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support 65, the positioning member 230 is inserted into the cutout 654.

On the other hand, if the developing device 70 does not have the attachment compatibility with the developing support 65 of the drum unit 60, the positioning member 230 is provided at a position not corresponding to the notch 654, that is, at a position not insertable into the notch 654. In this case, even if the developing device 70 is inserted into the developing support 65 of the drum unit 60, the positioning member 230 abuts against the second base frame 651. Therefore, the developing device 70 cannot be attached to the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60. Thus, in the present embodiment, the positioning member 230 functions in the same manner as the interchangeable member 240 described later. That is, the positioning member 230 constitutes a part of the interchange member 240.

In the present embodiment, the positioning member 30 is formed to be longer in the short direction than the interchangeable member 240 described later, and is formed to have a longer protruding length. Further, the notch 654 is formed to be long in the short direction corresponding to the positioning member 30, and the notch depth is also formed to be deep. Therefore, with the positioning member 230 inserted into the cutout 654, the developing device 70 can be positioned with high accuracy relative to the developing support 65.

As shown in fig. 22, in the housing 71, an exchange member 240 is provided at a position adjacent to the positioning member 230. The exchangeable member 240 is a member necessary for preventing an inappropriate developer from being supplied to the image forming apparatus 10 because another inappropriate developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 with respect to the drum unit 60. In the present embodiment, the exchangeable member 240 is a member that can be mounted in an alternative manner with respect to the drum unit 60. Specifically, the interchangeable member 240 is a member for allowing only the developing device 70 having the attachment compatibility to be attached to the developing support 65 of the drum unit 60.

As shown in fig. 22, three interchange members 240 are provided on the lower surface 716. Each interchangeable member 240 is provided on a lower surface 716 of the housing 71 and is disposed on the center side of the positioning member 230. Each of the interchange members 240 is formed in the same shape, protruding perpendicularly from the lower surface 716. Further, each of the interchange members 240 is a narrow rib-like member extending in the short side direction (for example, the front-rear direction 8) of the housing 71 on the lower surface 716. Each interchangeable member 240 has a shorter dimension in the short direction and a shorter protruding length than the positioning member 230.

In addition, although the present embodiment illustrates the configuration in which the plurality of interchangeable members 240 are provided, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Only one interchange member 240 may be provided at a position adjacent to the positioning member 230. Further, the interchangeable member 240 may not necessarily be provided at a position adjacent to the positioning member 230, and may be provided at a position offset from the positioning member 230 on the lower surface 716. For example, in the case where the positioning member 230 is provided at the left end portion of the lower surface 716, the interchange member 240 may be provided at the center portion or the right end portion of the lower surface 716.

Each of the exchangeable members 240 engages with the cutout 655 formed in the second base frame 651 in a state where the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support 65. Specifically, in the mounted state, the interchange member 240 is inserted into the cutout 655. In the present embodiment, when the developing device 70 has the mounting compatibility with respect to the developing support 65 of the drum unit 60, the exchangeable member 240 is provided at a position corresponding to the notch 655, that is, at a position where it can be inserted into the notch 655. In this case, the developing device 70 is suitably mounted to the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60. That is, in a state where the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing bearing 65, the exchangeable member 240 is inserted into the cutout 655.

On the other hand, in a case where the developing device 70 does not have the attachment compatibility with respect to the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60, the exchangeable member 240 is provided at a position not corresponding to the notch 655, that is, a position where it cannot be inserted into the notch 655. In this case, even if the developing device 70 is inserted into the developing support 65 of the drum unit 60, the exchangeable member 240 abuts against the second base frame 651. Therefore, the developing device 70 cannot be attached to the developing bearing 65 of the drum unit 60. Thus, the structure in which the interchangeability of installation is achieved by the interchangeable member 240 and the cutout 655 is generally referred to as a non-interchangeable structure.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reject the mounting of the developing device which does not have the mounting compatibility by the positioning member 230, as well as by the interchanging member 240. Thus, the non-interchangeable structure can be realized not only by the interchangeable member 240 but also by the positioning member 230. In other words, the positioning member 230 forms part of the non-interchangeable structure. Therefore, by combining the arrangement pattern of the respective interchangeable members 240 and the arrangement position of the positioning member 230, the number of identifications of the non-interchangeable structures corresponding to the plurality of types of the developing devices 70 can be increased without increasing the number of interchangeable members 240. Further, since the number of the exchangeable members 240 can be reduced, the structure of the lower surface 716 of the developing device 70 is not complicated, the developing support 65 and the developing device 70 can be well coordinated, and the developing device 70 can be smoothly attached to the developing support 65.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the developing device 70 is attached to the drum unit 60 attached to the image forming apparatus 10 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a case in which the casing 64 of the drum unit 60 is formed integrally with the apparatus main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10.

In the above embodiment, the developing device 70 is shown as being attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 10, but the present invention can also be applied to a toner container attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 10.

The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and therefore, the embodiments described in the present specification are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, all changes that do not depart from the scope and boundary of the claims and that are equivalent to the scope and boundary of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (6)

1. A developing device attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus, the developing device comprising:

a casing formed in a long shape and capable of accommodating a developer therein;

a bulging portion provided on at least one side surface in a short-side direction perpendicular to a long-side direction of the housing and bulging outward so as to expand an internal storage volume of the housing; and

and a recess provided at a central portion of the bulging portion.

2. The developing device according to claim 1,

the bulging portion is formed in an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction,

the concave portion is provided at a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the bulging portion.

3. The developing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cross section of the bulging portion is triangular.

4. The developing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recessed portion is formed in a groove shape surrounded by a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces inclined to the bottom surface.

5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the recess extends in the short side direction.

6. A toner container that is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus, the toner container comprising:

a housing formed in a long shape and capable of accommodating toner therein;

a bulging portion provided on at least one side surface in a short-side direction perpendicular to a long-side direction of the housing and bulging outward so as to expand an internal storage volume of the housing; and

and a recess provided at a central portion of the bulging portion.

Images