JP2003195727A - Image forming device unit, connection structure, process cartridge, toner supply container, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To strengthen the snap-fit connection structure of holders, etc., which cover the ends of a process cartridge. <P>SOLUTION: The holders 60 and 70, which join the electrifier 30 of the process cartridge and a developing device 40 holding a photoreceptor drum 20 into a unit, are fitted together by locking the claws of the positioning pins 61 and 71, respectively, having hollows 61b and 71b into the notches 38c and 39c of end covers 38 and 39 in the snap-fit manner. Inserting connection pins 62 and 72 into the hollows 61b and 71b of the positioning pins 61 and 71 prevents drop of positioning pins 61 and 71 and intensifies connecting force. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a snap-fit coupling structure as an integrated means for a process cartridge, a developing device and the like mounted in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and an electrophotographic printer. The present invention relates to a unit of an image forming apparatus, a coupling structure, a process cartridge, a toner replenishing container, and an image forming apparatus using the above.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming process, and includes an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer). Etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, and an electrophotographic word processor.

A process cartridge generally comprises at least one of charging means, developing means and cleaning means, which are process means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is an image carrier, which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and an image is formed on the cartridge. It is detachable from the device body. Further, the developing device is a device in which the developer accommodating portion and the developing means are integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a process in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a charging means, a developing means, a cleaning means and the like are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The cartridge system is adopted.

By this cartridge system, the operability is further improved, and it becomes possible for the user to easily perform maintenance on the above-mentioned process means. Therefore, this cartridge system is widely used in the image forming apparatus main body.

Further, a cartridge structure has been realized in which the above-mentioned process means is divided into a long-life one and a short-life one, each process means is made into a cartridge, and can be used in accordance with the life of the main process means. For example, a developing cartridge (developing unit) in which a developer accommodating portion and developing means are integrally configured, or a drum cartridge (drum unit) in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum) and charging means, and cleaning means are integrally configured, Has been adopted.

[0007]

In recent years, the demand for a color image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image is increasing, and (1) low running cost (2) small space (3) low power (4) ) It is expected to introduce a color image forming apparatus capable of achieving the six items of high image quality (5) high speed (6) operability improvement.

In the above items, the number of parts to be added tends to increase in order to improve the image quality. On the other hand, in order to reduce the running cost, a structure capable of easily assembling these parts is required. As one method for satisfying this requirement, there is a coupling structure using a snap fit using a so-called patchy claw in which the claw is hooked on a mating member by utilizing the elasticity of resin.

In this structure, the component body and the locking claw can be integrally molded with resin, and no special tool is required for the assembly work, so that the cost can be reduced, but the component body There is an unsolved problem that the nail comes off when a certain amount of load is applied against the elasticity. That is,
As shown in FIG. 17, when a pulling force P is applied,
Due to the deformation of the resin, a horizontal component force Px is generated, which causes the pawl to come off. Although the above problem can be overcome to some extent by increasing the amount of engagement of the claws, a fastening member such as a screw is also used in a portion where a strong connection is likely to occur due to deterioration of assembly workability and plastic deformation of the claws. There was a need.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned unsolved problems of the prior art, and greatly improves the coupling force of the coupling structure by snap fitting utilizing elasticity by using a simple fall prevention member. An object of the present invention is to provide a reinforced, simple and strong image forming apparatus unit, a coupling structure, a process cartridge, a toner supply container, and an image forming apparatus which are excellent in assembling workability.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is arranged at a first frame body for holding a process means and at an end portion of the first frame body. An image forming apparatus unit, comprising: a second frame body that is formed; and a coupling structure that couples the second frame body to the first frame body, wherein the coupling structure includes the first and the second frame bodies. Second
Elastic locking means integrated with one of the frame bodies, a locked portion provided on the other of the first and second frame bodies, and a fitting formed on the back side of the elastic locking means. It is characterized by having a joint portion and a fall prevention member fitted in the fitting portion in order to prevent the elastic locking means from falling.

A pair of second frame bodies may be arranged at both ends of the first frame body.

The coupling structure of the present invention is a coupling structure for coupling the first and second frames, and elastic locking means integrated with one of the first and second frames, A locked portion provided on the other of the first and second frame bodies, and a fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means,
It has a fall prevention member fitted in the fitting portion in order to prevent the elastic locking means from falling.

The process cartridge of the present invention is a process cartridge which can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and includes a developer carrier, a developing container for containing the developer, an image carrier. Cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the image carrier, a charging device for charging the image carrier, a first frame supporting at least one of these, and an end of the first frame. A second frame body disposed in the portion, and a coupling structure for coupling the second frame body to the first frame body, wherein the coupling structure includes the first and second frames. Elastic locking means integrated with one of the frame bodies, locked portions provided on the other of the first and second frame bodies, and a fitting formed on the back side of the elastic locking means. Part and the fitting part to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. It is characterized by having a preventing member.

The toner replenishing container of the present invention is a toner replenishing container mounted in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and includes a first frame body which constitutes a container main body for containing toner, and the first frame body. A second frame body disposed at an end of one frame body, and a coupling structure for coupling the second frame body to the first frame body, wherein the coupling structure is the first frame body. Elastic locking means integrated with one of the first and second frame bodies, a locked portion provided on the other of the first and second frame bodies, and a rear side of the elastic locking means. And a fall prevention member fitted into the fit portion in order to prevent the elastic locking means from falling.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and includes a developer carrying member, a developing container containing the developer, an image carrying member, and the image carrying member. Cleaning means for cleaning the surface, a charging device for charging the image carrier, and at least one of them
And a second frame body disposed at an end of the first frame body, and a coupling structure for coupling the second frame body to the first frame body. And an elastic locking means that is integral with one of the first and second frame bodies, and a cover provided on the other of the first and second frame bodies. A locking portion, a fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and a fall prevention member fitted in the fitting portion to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. .

Further, in the image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a first frame body constituting a container main body for containing toner and a first frame body provided at an end portion of the first frame body. A second frame body and a coupling structure for coupling the second frame body to the first frame body, wherein the coupling structure is integrated with one of the first and second frame bodies. A certain elastic locking means, a locked portion provided on the other of the first and second frames, a fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and the elastic locking It may be characterized in that it has a falling prevention member fitted in the fitting portion in order to prevent the falling of the means.

The fall prevention member may be provided with a claw portion which is locked to the fitting portion.

The fall prevention member is preferably made of the same material as at least one of the first and second frames.

The elastic locking means and the locked portion may be constituted by a positioning member protruding from one of the first and second frames and a positioning hole provided in the other.

It is preferable that the positioning member has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion constitutes a fitting portion for fitting the fall prevention member.

The fall prevention member is press-fitted into the fitting portion,
It is preferable that the amount of deformation of the positioning member due to the press-fitting is larger than a preset gap size between the positioning member and the positioning hole.

At least one of the elastic locking means and the locked portion is preferably provided with a taper portion which is inclined outward with respect to the direction in which the fall prevention member is fitted.

[0024]

In the coupling structure by snap fitting in which the elastic locking means of one frame is elastically hooked to the locked portion of the other frame to couple, a fall prevention member for strengthening the coupling force is fitted. A fitting portion for holding the elastic locking means is provided on the back side of the elastic locking means, the elastic locking means is hooked on the locked portion to assemble the two frame bodies, and then the fall prevention member is attached to the fitting portion, for example. Insert by a method such as press fitting.

The fall-preventing member that has been fitted presses the elastic locking means against the locked portion from the back side thereof, and strengthens the coupling force for preventing the slip-off characteristic of the snap-fit structure.

By significantly improving the coupling force in the snap-fit structure that is easy to assemble, it is possible to realize a highly reliable coupling structure at low cost.

If the fall prevention member is provided with a claw portion that locks to the fitting portion, the fall prevention member fitted in the fitting portion can be firmly fixed in the fitting portion, so that the coupling force of the snap-fit structure can be obtained. It can be further improved.

If the fall prevention member is made of the same material as at least one of the first and second frames, the fall prevention member easily fits into the frame and is low in cost.

If the elastic locking means and the locked portion are constituted by a positioning member protruding from one of the first and second frames and a positioning hole provided in the other, positioning of the two frames Since the assembly and the assembly are performed at the same time, the shape of the frame and the assembly work can be simplified.

If the positioning member has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion constitutes a fitting portion for fitting the fall-prevention member, the assembling work can be performed more easily and reliably.

The fall prevention member is press-fitted into the fitting portion,
If the amount of deformation of the positioning member due to press-fitting is larger than the preset clearance between the positioning member and the positioning hole, press-fitting the fall-prevention member causes the positioning member to expand in the positioning hole. The bond is strengthened,
Can be firmly fixed.

If at least one of the elastic locking means and the locked portion has a taper portion that is inclined outward with respect to the direction in which the fall-prevention member is inserted, the elastic force is exerted when the fall-prevention member is inserted. Since a force for pulling the locking means deeper is generated, so-called backlash removal for more stable fixing is possible.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. In the following description, the longitudinal direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of a recording medium 102, and a photosensitive drum which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member. It refers to the same direction as the axial direction of 20.
Further, the left and right are the left and right when viewed from the conveyance direction of the recording medium 102. Furthermore, the upper and lower sides are the upper and lower sides when the cartridge and the like are mounted.

[Description of Overall Structure] The color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a color laser beam printer, and its image forming section is a process cartridge which is four units each including a photosensitive drum 20 which is an image carrier. 10
Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black), and above the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, scanner units 1Y, 1M, which are exposure units corresponding to the respective colors,
1C and 1K (laser beam optical scanning system) are arranged in parallel.

Below the image forming section, the recording medium 10 is provided.
2 for feeding the toner image, the intermediate transfer belt 104a for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 20, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 104a for the recording medium 102.
The secondary transfer roller 104d that transfers the image to the sheet is disposed.

Further, a fixing means for fixing the recording medium 102 on which the toner image is transferred, and an ejecting means for ejecting and stacking the recording medium 102 outside the apparatus are arranged.

Here, the recording medium 102 is, for example, paper, OHP sheet, cloth or the like.

This image forming apparatus is a cleanerless system apparatus, in which the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum is taken into the developing means, and a dedicated cleaner for collecting and storing the transfer residual toner is arranged in the process cartridge. I haven't.

Next, the configuration of each part of the image forming apparatus will be sequentially described in detail.

[Paper Feeding Unit] The paper feeding unit feeds the recording medium 102 to the image forming unit, and a plurality of recording media 10 are provided.
It is mainly composed of a sheet feeding cassette 103a in which 2 are stacked and stored, a sheet feeding roller 103b, a retard roller 103c for preventing double feeding, a feeding guide 103d, and a registration roller 103g.

The paper feed roller 103b is driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation, and the recording medium 10 in the paper feed cassette 103a is rotated.
Separately feed 2 sheets. The recording medium 102 is guided by the feeding guide 103d and is conveyed by the conveying roller 103.
It is conveyed to the registration roller 103g via the e and 103f.

Immediately after the recording medium 102 is conveyed, the registration roller 103g stops rotating, and the skew of the recording medium 102 is corrected by hitting the nip portion.

Registration roller 103g during image forming operation
Is a non-rotating operation for holding the recording medium 102 in a stand-by state,
The rotation operation of transporting the recording medium 102 toward the intermediate transfer belt 104a is performed in a predetermined sequence, and the toner image and the recording medium 102 are aligned with each other during the transfer step which is the next step.

[Process Cartridge] The process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K are respectively
A charging unit and a developing unit are arranged around the photosensitive drum 20, which is an image carrier, and are integrally configured. Each process cartridge 10 can be easily removed from the apparatus main body by the user, and is replaced when the photosensitive drum 20 reaches the end of its life.

For example, the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 20 is counted, and when the number of counts exceeds a predetermined number, the fact that each process cartridge 10 has reached the end of its life is notified.

The photosensitive drum 20 is a negatively charged organic photoreceptor,
On a drum base made of aluminum having a diameter of about 30 mm, a commonly used photoconductor layer is provided, and a charge injection layer is provided as the outermost layer. Then, it is rotationally driven at a predetermined process speed, for example, about 117 mm / sec. The charge injection layer is a conductive fine particle in a binder of an insulating resin,
For example, a coating layer of a material in which SnO ₂ ultrafine particles are dispersed is used.

As shown in FIG. 4, a drum flange 22 is fixed to the rear end of the photosensitive drum 20 of each process cartridge 10, and a driven flange 24 is fixed to the front end thereof. Drum flange 22 and driven flange 2
The drum shaft 21 penetrates through the center of the drum shaft 4.
1, the drum flange 22 and the driven flange 24 are integrally rotated. That is, the photosensitive drum 20 is rotated around the axis of the drum shaft 21. The front end of the drum shaft 21 is rotatably supported by a bearing 25, and the bearing 25 is fixed to a bearing case 23. The bearing case 23 is fixed to the frame of the process cartridge 10.

[Charging means] Each process cartridge 10
The charging device 30 uses a contact charging method, and as shown in FIG. 2, uses a charging roller 31 as a charging member. The charging roller 31 rotatably holds both ends of a cored bar 32 by bearing members (not shown), and urges a pressing spring 34 toward the photosensitive drum to press a predetermined pressing force against the surface of the photosensitive drum 20. The photosensitive drum 20 is rotated according to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 20.

The charging roller cleaning member 33 has a flexible cleaning film 35. The cleaning film 35 is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 31 and reciprocates a certain amount in the longitudinal direction. One end is fixed to the supporting member 36 which is formed so as to form a contact nip with the charging roller 31 on the surface near the free end side. The supporting member 36 is reciprocally driven in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined amount by a driving unit (not shown), and the surface of the charging roller is rubbed with the cleaning film 35. As a result, the deposits (fine toner, external additives, etc.) on the surface of the charging roller are removed.

The image forming apparatus employs a cleanerless system. The cleanerless system will be described below.

[Cleanerless System] First, the outline of this cleanerless system will be described. The transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum 20 after the transfer is sequentially charged by the charging section a and the exposing section b as the photosensitive drum 20 rotates. And is carried to the developing section c, and is simultaneously cleaned (collected) by the developing device 40.

Since the transfer residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 passes through the exposure portion b, the exposure process is performed on the transfer residual toner. However, since the amount of transfer residual toner is small, a great influence does not appear. However, the transfer residual toner includes a normal polarity toner, a reverse polarity toner (reversed toner), and a toner having a small charge amount, and when the reverse toner and the toner having a low charge amount pass through the charging portion a. When the charging roller 31 adheres to the charging roller 31, the charging roller 31 contaminates the toner unacceptably and causes charging failure.

Further, in order to effectively perform the simultaneous cleaning of the transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum surface by the developing device 40, the charge polarity of the transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum carried to the developing section c is normal. It is necessary that the polarity is such that the developing device 40 can develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 20. The reversal toner and the toner having an inappropriate charge amount cannot be removed / collected from the photosensitive drum by the developing device 40, which causes a defective image.

Further, with the recent diversification of user needs, a large amount of transfer residual toner is generated at one time due to continuous printing operation of images having a high printing rate such as photographic images, and the above-mentioned problems occur. It further promotes it.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the transfer residual toner (residual developer image) is made uniform in order to make the transfer residual toner of the photosensitive drum 20 uniform at the position downstream of the transfer portion d. Means 37a are provided, and at the position downstream of the transfer residual toner equalizing means 37a in the photosensitive drum rotation direction and upstream of the charging portion a in the photosensitive drum rotation direction, the charge polarity of the transfer residual toner is a negative polarity that is a normal polarity. Toner (developer) charge control means 37b for aligning the above is provided.

By providing the transfer residual toner equalizing means 37a, the transfer residual toner on the pattern on the photosensitive drum which is carried from the transfer portion d to the toner charging control means 37b has a large amount of toner, but the toner is not exposed. Since the toner is distributed and distributed on the drum surface and is not patterned, the toner is not concentrated on a part of the toner charge control means 37b,
The toner charge control means 37b always fully charges the transfer residual toner to the normal polarity, and effectively prevents the transfer residual toner from adhering to the charging roller 31. Further, generation of a ghost image of the transfer residual toner image pattern is also prevented.

The transfer residual toner equalizing means 37a and the toner charging control means 37b are brush-like members having appropriate conductivity, and are arranged with their brush portions in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum.

Further, these means move (reciprocate) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20 by a driving source (not shown). By doing so, the transfer residual toner equalizing means 37a and the toner charging control means 37b do not continue to be positioned at the same location on the photosensitive drum, and, for example, an overcharged portion or charging due to uneven resistance of the toner charge control means 37b is caused. Even if there is a shortage portion, it does not always occur on the same photosensitive drum surface portion, and therefore, fusion occurs on the photosensitive drum due to the minimal overcharging of the transfer residual toner. The transfer residual toner is prevented or alleviated from adhering.

[Exposure means] The exposure of the photosensitive drum 20 is
This is performed using the laser exposure means of each scanner unit 1. That is, when an image signal is sent from the apparatus main body 100, the laser light L modulated corresponding to this signal is scanned and exposed on the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 20. Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is selectively formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the laser exposure means is
It is composed of a solid-state laser element (not shown), a polygon mirror 2, an imaging lens 3, a reflection mirror 4 and the like. Based on the input image signal, a light emission signal generator (not shown) controls ON / OFF light emission of the solid-state laser element at a predetermined timing. The laser light L emitted from the solid-state laser element is converted into a substantially parallel light flux by a collimator lens system (not shown) and scanned by the polygon mirror 2 rotating at high speed. Then, an image is formed in a spot shape on the photosensitive drum 20 via the imaging lens 3 and the reflection mirror 4.

In this manner, the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is exposed in the main scanning direction by laser beam scanning, and the photosensitive drum 20 is exposed.
Is rotated to expose in the sub-scanning direction, and an exposure distribution according to the image signal is obtained. That is, by the irradiation and non-irradiation of the laser light L, a light portion potential in which the surface potential drops and a dark portion potential in which the surface potential does not drop are formed. Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed by the contrast between the light portion potential and the dark portion potential.

[Developing means] Developing device 40 which is a developing means
Is a two-component contact developing device (two-component magnetic brush developing device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the developer composed of the carrier and the toner is held on the developing sleeve 41 which is the developer carrying member including the magnet roller 42 therein. A regulation blade 43 is provided in the developing sleeve 41 with a predetermined gap, and a thin layer of developer is formed on the developing sleeve 41 as the developing sleeve 41 rotates in the arrow direction.

The developing sleeve 41, as shown in FIG.
Spacers 4 are attached to the reduced diameter journal portions 41a on both sides thereof.
1b is rotatably fitted to the photosensitive drum 20 so as to have a predetermined gap, and at the time of development, the developer formed on the developing sleeve 41 is transferred to the photosensitive drum 20.
It is set so that development can be performed in a state of being in contact with. The developing sleeve 41 is provided on the photosensitive drum 20 in the developing section.
It is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed in a clockwise direction indicated by an arrow, which is a counter direction with respect to the rotational direction of.

The toner used here was a negatively charged toner having an average particle size of 6 μm, and the magnetic carrier was a magnetic carrier having a saturation magnetization of 205 emu / cm ^{3 and} an average particle size of 35 μm. The weight ratio of toner to carrier is 6: 9.
The mixture of 4 is used as a developer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developer container 40a forming the developer accommodating portion in which the developer circulates is divided into two parts by a longitudinal partition 44 except for both ends. The stirring screws 45A and 45B are arranged so as to sandwich the partition wall 44. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the toner replenished from each toner replenishing container 50 falls to the inner side of the stirring screw 45B and is agitated while being sent to the front side in the longitudinal direction, without the partition wall 44 at the front end. Pass through the part. Then, it is further fed to the back side in the longitudinal direction by the stirring screw 45A, passes through a portion without the partition wall 44 on the back side, is agitated while being fed by the stirring screw 45B, and repeats circulation.

The developing process for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 20 by the two-component magnetic brush method using the developing device 40 and the developer circulation system will be described below.

With the rotation of the developing sleeve 41, the developer in the developing container is pumped up to the surface of the developing sleeve 41 by the scooping pole of the magnet roller 42 and conveyed.

In the course of the transportation, the layer thickness of the developer is regulated by the regulation blade 43 arranged perpendicularly to the developing sleeve 41, and the thin layer developer is formed on the developing sleeve 41. When the thin layer developer is conveyed to the developing pole corresponding to the developing section, the magnetic force causes the formation of ears. The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is developed as a toner image by the toner in the developer formed in the spike shape. In the present embodiment, the electrostatic latent image is reversely developed.

The thin layer developer on the developing sleeve 41 which has passed through the developing portion continues to enter the developing container as the developing sleeve 41 rotates, and is separated from the developing sleeve 41 by the repulsive magnetic field of the carrier pole, and the developing container inside. It is returned to the developer pool.

Direct current (DC) voltage and alternating current (AC) voltage are applied to the developing sleeve 41 from a power source (not shown). In the present embodiment, a DC voltage of −500 V and an AC voltage of a peak-to-peak voltage of 1500 V at a frequency of 2000 Hz are applied, and only the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 20 is selectively developed.

Generally, in the two-component developing method, when an AC voltage is applied, the developing efficiency is increased and the image is of high quality, but on the contrary, there is a danger that fogging is likely to occur. Therefore, normally, by providing a potential difference between the DC voltage applied to the developing sleeve 41 and the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 20, it is possible to prevent fogging. More specifically, a bias voltage having a potential between the potential of the exposed portion and the potential of the non-exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 20 is applied.

When the toner is consumed by the development, the toner density in the developer decreases. Then, stirring screw 4
A sensor 46 for detecting the toner concentration is arranged at a position close to the outer peripheral surface of 5B. When the sensor 46 detects that the toner concentration in the developer has dropped below a predetermined concentration level, a command for replenishing the developing device 40 with toner is issued from the toner replenishing container 50. By this toner supply operation, the toner concentration of the developer is always maintained and controlled at a predetermined level.

[Toner supply container] The toner supply containers 50Y, 50M, 50C and 50K, which are units, are arranged in parallel above the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K, and are mounted from the front of the main assembly 100 of the apparatus. It

As shown in FIG. 2, each toner supply container 50
Inside, a stirring plate 52 fixed to a stirring shaft 53 and a screw 51 are arranged, and a discharge opening 56 for discharging toner is formed on the bottom surface of the container. As shown in FIG. 5, both ends of the screw 51 and the agitation shaft 53 are rotatably supported by bearings 54, and the driven coupling 5 is provided at one of the outermost ends.
5 are arranged. The driven coupling 55 is rotationally driven by receiving drive transmission from the drive coupling 112b of the apparatus main body 100.

The outer shape of the screw 51 has a spiral rib shape, and the twisting direction of the spiral is reversed around the discharge opening 56. Drive coupling 112b
The rotation of the screw rotates the screw 51 in a predetermined rotation direction. Then, the toner is conveyed toward the discharge opening portion 56, the toner is allowed to freely fall from the opening of the discharge opening portion 56, and the toner is supplied to each process cartridge 10.

The tip of the stirring plate 52 in the radial direction of rotation is inclined, and when it comes into sliding contact with the wall surface of the toner supply container 50, the tip is abutted at an angle. Specifically, the tip side of the stirring plate 52 is twisted into a spiral state. In this way, the tip end side of the stirring plate 52 is twisted and inclined, whereby an axial conveying force is generated, and the toner is sent in the longitudinal direction. The toner replenishing container is not limited to the two-component developing method, and can be replenished with a process cartridge or a developing cartridge using the one-component developing method.
Needless to say, the powder contained in the toner supply container is not limited to toner, and may be a so-called developer in which toner and magnetic carrier are mixed.

[Transfer Means] The intermediate transfer unit 104, which is a transfer means, collectively records a plurality of toner images, which are sequentially primary-transferred from the photosensitive drum 20 and overlapped, on the recording medium 10.
2 is secondarily transferred. Intermediate transfer unit 104
Includes an intermediate transfer belt 104a that travels in the direction of the arrow, and travels in the clockwise direction of the arrow at substantially the same peripheral speed as the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 20. This intermediate transfer belt 10
Reference numeral 4a denotes an endless belt having a circumferential length of about 940 mm, which is wound around by three rollers including a driving roller 104b, a secondary transfer opposing roller 104g, and a driven roller 104c.

Further, in the intermediate transfer belt 104a,
Transfer charging rollers 104fY, 104fM, 104fC,
104 fK are rotatably arranged at positions facing the photosensitive drum 20, and are pressed toward the center of the photosensitive drum 20.

Transfer charging rollers 104fY, 104fM,
104 fC and 104 fK are supplied with power from a high voltage power source (not shown), and are charged with a polarity opposite to that of the toner from the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 104 a, and the toner images on the photosensitive drum 20 are sequentially primary-transferred onto the upper surface of the intermediate transfer belt 104 a. .

In the secondary transfer portion, a secondary transfer roller 104d as a transfer member is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 104a at a position facing the secondary transfer counter roller 104g. The secondary transfer roller 104d can swing up and down in the drawing and can rotate. At this time, since a bias is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 104a at the same time, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 104a is transferred to the recording medium 102.

Here, the intermediate transfer belt 104a and the secondary transfer roller 104d are driven. Recording medium 1
When 02 enters the secondary transfer portion, a predetermined bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 104d, and the intermediate transfer belt 104d
The toner image on a is secondarily transferred to the recording medium 102.

At this time, the recording medium 1 sandwiched between them.
Simultaneously with the transfer step, the sheet 02 is conveyed leftward in the drawing at a predetermined speed and is conveyed toward the fixing device 106 which is the next step.

At a predetermined position of the intermediate transfer belt 104a, which is the most downstream side of the transfer process, a cleaning unit 105 that can be brought into contact with and separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 104a is provided, and the transfer residual toner remaining after the secondary transfer is removed. Remove.

In the cleaning unit 105, a cleaning blade 105 for removing the transfer residual toner.
a is arranged. The cleaning unit 105 is attached so as to be swingable about a rotation center (not shown), and the cleaning blade 105a is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 104a in a direction in which it bites. Cleaning unit 1
The transfer residual toner taken into the inside of 05 is conveyed and stored in a waste toner tank (not shown) by the feed screw.

As the intermediate transfer belt 104a, one made of a polyimide resin can be used. As other materials, a polycarbonate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyvinylidene fluoride resin, a polyethylene naphthalate resin, a polyether ether ketone resin can be used. Plastics such as polyether sulfone resin and polyurethane resin, and fluorine-based and silicon-based rubbers can be preferably used.

[Fixing Section] As shown in FIG.
The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 20 by 0 is transferred onto the recording medium 102 via the intermediate transfer belt 104a. Then, the fixing device 106 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 102 to the recording medium 102 using heat.

The fixing device 106 includes a fixing roller 106a for applying heat to the recording medium 102 and a pressure roller 106b for pressing the recording medium 102 to the fixing roller 106a.
Each roller is a hollow roller and has a heater (not shown) therein. Then, the recording medium 102 is simultaneously conveyed by being rotationally driven.

That is, the recording medium 10 holding the toner image.
The toner image 2 is conveyed by the fixing roller 106a and the pressure roller 106b, and the toner image is fixed to the recording medium 102 by applying heat and pressure. The recording medium 102 after fixing has a discharge roller 103 serving as a discharge unit.
It is discharged by h and 103j and is loaded on the tray 107 on the apparatus main body 100.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge and Toner Replenishing Container] Next, the procedure for mounting the process cartridge 10 and the toner replenishing container 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 3, a front door 111a which can be opened and closed is arranged on the front surface of the apparatus main body 100,
When the front door 111a is opened to the front, the openings for inserting the process cartridges 10 and the toner supply containers 50 are exposed.

A rotatably supported centering plate 111b is arranged in the opening into which the process cartridge 10 is inserted. When the process cartridge 10 is inserted and removed, the centering plate 111b is opened. .

As shown in FIG. 2, a guide rail 120 for guiding the mounting of each process cartridge 10 and a guide rail 121 for guiding the mounting of each toner supply container 50 are fixed in the apparatus main body 100. .

The mounting direction of the process cartridge 10 and the toner supply container 50 is parallel to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 20, and the guide rails 120 and 121 are also arranged in the same direction. The process cartridge 10 and the toner supply container 50 are temporarily attached to the guide rail 1 described above.
It is slid and inserted from the front side to the back side in the apparatus main body 100 along 20, 121.

When the process cartridge 10 is inserted all the way to the innermost part, the centering shaft 122 of the apparatus main body 100 is inserted into the center hole 22a of the drum flange 22 as shown in FIG. The rotation center position of is determined with respect to the apparatus main body 100. At the same time, the drive transmission portion 26 formed on the drum flange 22 and the drive coupling 112a are connected, and the photosensitive drum 20 can be rotationally driven.

The drive transmission portion 26 has a twisted triangular prism shape, and the drive force is applied by the drive force from the main assembly 100 of the apparatus to generate the force for pulling the photosensitive drum 20 toward the rear side. .

Further, support pins 131 for positioning the process cartridge 10 are arranged on the rear side plate 130, and the support pins 131 are used for the process cartridge 1.
The process cartridge 10 is inserted into the frame No. 0, and the position of the frame of the process cartridge 10 is fixed.

As described above, the rotatable centering plate 111b is disposed on the front side of the apparatus main body 100,
The process cartridge 1 is attached to the centering plate 111b.
The bearing case 23 of 0 is supported and fixed. By the series of inserting operations, the photosensitive drum 20 and the process cartridge 10 are positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 100.

On the other hand, when each toner supply container 50 is inserted to the innermost part, it is fixed to the support pin 132 protruding from the rear side plate 130, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the driven coupling 55 and the driving coupling 1
12b are connected, and the screw 51 and the stirring shaft 53 can be driven to rotate.

[Coupling Structure of Process Cartridge and Toner Replenishing Container] As shown in FIG. 6, the process cartridge 10 includes a charging device 30 and a developing device 40 for holding the photosensitive drum 20, and constitutes a first frame. The holders 60 and 70, which are the second frame members, are joined to both ends of these to form a unit to form an integral cartridge.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the end cover 38 attached to the end of the charging device 30 on the far side in the longitudinal direction has a cylindrical projection 38a for positioning and an elongated hole as a positioning hole. 38b is formed, and a notch 38c that is a locked portion is formed on the wall surface of the elongated hole 38b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, a round hole 39a is similarly formed in the end cover 39 on the front side in the longitudinal direction.
And a long hole 39b which is a positioning hole is formed, and a notch 39c which is a locked portion is formed on the wall surface of the long hole 39b.

A holder 6 is provided at each end of the developing frame 11 which constitutes a holding frame of the process cartridge 10.
Flange 11a, 11b for attaching 0, 70 is formed.

A circular hole 60a and a positioning pin 61 for positioning the charging device 30, and a cylindrical projection 63 and a positioning pin 64 for positioning on the developing frame 11 are formed in the holder 60 on the back side in the longitudinal direction. Has been done.

On the other hand, on the front side holder 70, positioning pins 71, 74a for positioning the charging device 30 are provided.
A cylindrical protrusion 73 for positioning the developing frame 11 and a positioning pin 74b are formed. Further, the handle portion 7 for the user to pull out the process cartridge 10
5 is formed.

On the back side flange 11a in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 11, holes 11c and 11d formed in the holder 60 through which the cylindrical projection 63 for positioning the back side and the positioning pin 64 can pass, and the holder 60 are provided. A round hole 1le and an elongated hole 1lf for positioning at 11 are formed.

On the other hand, on the front side flange 11b, front side positioning pins 74a, 7 formed on the holder 70 are formed.
Holes 11g and 11h through which 4b can pass, a round hole 11i and an elongated hole 11j for positioning the holder 70 are formed.

Next, these assembling methods will be described.

First, the flanges 11 at both ends of the developing frame 11
The charging device 30 is incorporated between a and 11b. Next, from the outside of the flanges 11a and 11b at both ends, the holders 60 and 7
Attach 0 respectively. At this time, the cylindrical convex portion 63 and the positioning pin 64 formed on the back side holder 60 are fitted into the holes 11c and 11d formed on the back side flange 11a, respectively, and at the same time, the circle formed on the back side holder 60 is formed. The hole 60a and the positioning pin 61 are formed in the end cover 38 of the charging device 30, and the cylindrical convex portion 38a and the long hole 3 are formed.
The charging device 30 and the holder 60 are positioned with respect to the back side of the developing frame by being fitted into the developing frames 8b, respectively.

Similarly, the cylindrical protrusion 73 and the positioning pin 74b formed on the front side holder 70 are fitted into the holes 11i and the holes 11h formed on the front side flange 11b, respectively, and at the same time, the front side holder 70 is Positioning of the charging device 30 and the holder 70 with respect to the front side of the developing frame by fitting the formed positioning pins 71 and 74a into the round hole 39a and the elongated hole 39b formed in the end cover 39 of the charging device 30, respectively. Is done.

Next, a method of connecting the holders 60 and 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The positioning pin 61 which is an elastic locking means (positioning member) formed on the holder 60 on the inner side has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a claw 61a is formed on a part thereof.
The claw 61a bends inside the cylindrical portion when it is inserted into the elongated hole 38b formed in the end cover 38 on the inner side, and when the insertion is completed, the bending is released and the notch formed in the elongated hole 38b. 38c is engaged.

Similarly, the positioning pin 7 which is a hollow cylindrical elastic locking means (positioning member) of the front side holder 70.
The claw 71a formed in No. 1 engages with the notch 39c formed in the elongated hole 39b of the front end cover 39.

That is, the claws 61a, 71a are engaged with the charging device 30 to establish the connection.

After the connection is made, the positioning pins 61, 7
The coupling pins 62 and 72, which are fall-prevention members, are press-fitted into the hollow portions 61b and 71b, which are the first fitting portions. Coupling pin 62,
72 may be a metal or a resin molded product, and is preferably made of the same material as that of the holders 60 and 70, which is excellent in recyclability. In this embodiment, polystyrene resin is used.

The connecting pins 62 and 72 are provided on the holders 60 and 70.
Although it is press-fitted into the hollow cylindrical positioning pins 61 and 71 formed in the above, this makes it possible to exert strength integrally and to increase the tilting strength of the positioning pin. Can also be obtained.

Further, the deformation amount of each positioning pin 61, 71 due to the press-fitting of the coupling pin 62, 72 is preset between the elongated holes 38b, 39b of the end covers 38, 39 before the insertion thereof. By designing the holders 60 and 70 so that they are larger than the gap size,
Can be more firmly fixed to.

13 to 15 show a connecting structure for unitizing the toner replenishing container 50. The toner replenishing container 50, which is the first frame, is provided with a handle 81 for easy attachment / detachment by the user. A cover member 80, which is a second frame, is attached.

As shown in FIG. 15, the cover member 80 is provided with positioning portions 82 and 83 which are elastic locking means for fixing to the toner replenishing container 50. Claws 82a, 8 formed at the tip
Holes 50a and 50b, which are engaged portions with which 3a is engaged, are formed. Positioning portions 82, 83 of the cover member 80
Has a square hole 8 which is a fitting portion on the back side of the claws 82a and 83a.
4, 85 are formed.

The toner supply container 50 and the cover member 80 are
After being fixed by the engagement of the claws 82a, 83a of the positioning portions 82, 83 and the holes 50a, 50b, the square holes 84,
A joining member 86 which is a fall prevention member having substantially the same shape as 85;
Insert 87. The coupling members 86, 87 have claw portions 86a, 87a on the surface opposite to the claws 82a, 83a formed on the cover member 80, and the square hole 8 of the cover member 80 is formed.
4 and 85, the engaging portions 84a and 8 at the tip of the square hole are inserted.
The claw portions 86a, 87a of the coupling members 87, 87 are engaged with 5a, so that the coupling members 86, 87 are firmly fixed in the square holes 84, 85 of the positioning portions 82, 83.

As a result, even if the connecting member and the square hole of the cover member have a loose fitting relationship, the connecting member does not fall out, and good connecting strength can be obtained.

FIG. 16 shows a modification, in which a hook 91a formed on the tip of a hollow cylindrical positioning pin 91 similar to the positioning pin 71 has a hooked portion 91b.
A taper portion 91c inclined outward with respect to the insertion direction (fitting direction) is provided. Here, the hooking portion of the claw 91a is a cutout 3 formed in the long hole 39b of the end cover 39.
It is designed to be slightly bent when it is hooked on 9c. In this state, when the coupling pin 92 that is the fall prevention member is press-fitted into the hollow portion 91d that is the fitting portion, a component force Py _{1 in the} insertion direction is generated at the hooked portion of the claw 91a, and the pulling force in the fitting direction is generated. Occurrence occurs, and more stable fixation can be performed.

As described above, the rattling between the members can be removed by only slightly changing the shape of the claws.

[0124]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

[0125] It is possible to realize a unit which is simple and effective in strengthening the coupling force of the coupling structure by the snap fit, is solid, has excellent assembly workability, and is low in cost.

By using such a coupling structure for unitizing the process cartridge and the toner supply container of the image forming apparatus, the number of assembling steps and the number of parts of the image forming apparatus are reduced, and the manufacturing cost and the length of the image forming apparatus are reduced. Can contribute to longer life.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

2 is a cross-sectional view showing a process cartridge and a toner supply container of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of the image forming apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the process cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a toner supply container.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a process cartridge.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an exploded process cartridge.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge when disassembled and seen from the opposite direction.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the back surface of one holder.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of the holder of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the other holder.

12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the joint structure of the holder of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a toner supply container.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner supply container in a disassembled state.

15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the joint structure of the cover member of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Scanner unit 2 Polygon mirror 3 Imaging lens 4 Reflecting mirror 10, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Process cartridge 11 Developing frame 11a, 11b Flange 20 Photosensitive drum 21 Drum shaft 22 Drum flange 23 Bearing Case 24 Driven flange 25 Bearing 26 Drive transmission unit 30 Charging device 31 Charging roller 32 Core metal 33 Charging roller cleaning member 37a Transfer residual toner equalizing means 37b Toner charging control means 38, 39 End cover 38a, 63, 73 Cylindrical projection Part 39a Round holes 38b, 39b Long holes 38c, 39c Notch 40 Developing device 41 Developing sleeve 42 Magnet roller 43 Control blade 44 Partition walls 45A, 45B Stirring screw 46 Sensor 50, 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K Toner supply capacity 50a, 50b Hole 51 Screw 52 Stirring plate 53 Stirring shaft 55 Driven coupling 56 Discharge opening 60, 70 Holder 61, 64, 71, 74a, 74b, 91 Positioning pin 61a, 71a, 82a, 83a, 91a Claw 61b, 71b Hollow parts 62, 72, 92 Coupling pin 75 Grip part 80 Cover member 81 Grip 82, 83 Positioning part 84, 85 Square hole 86, 87 Coupling member 86a, 87a Claw part 91b Claw foot 91c Taper part 100 Device body part 103a Supply Paper cassette 103b Paper feed roller 103c Retard roller 103d Feed guides 103e, 103f Conveying roller 103g Registration roller 104a Intermediate transfer belt 104d Secondary transfer roller 104fY, 104fM, 104fC, 104fK
Transfer charging roller 105 Cleaning unit 105a Cleaning blade 106 Fixing device 106a Fixing roller 106b Pressure roller 107 Toner 111a Front door 111b Centering plates 112a and 112b Drive couplings 120 and 121 Guide rail 122 Centering shaft 130 Rear side plates 131 and 132 Support pin

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kenji Matsuda             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F term (reference) 2H071 BA04 BA27 BA29 DA06 DA08                       DA13                 2H077 AA02

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A first frame body for holding a process means,
A unit of an image forming apparatus including a second frame body disposed at an end of the first frame body and a coupling structure for coupling the second frame body to the first frame body. And an elastic locking means in which the coupling structure is integrated with one of the first and second frames, and the first and second frames.
The engaged portion provided on the other side of the frame body, the fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and the fitting portion fitted in the fitting portion to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. An image forming apparatus unit having a fall prevention member. 2. The unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a pair of second frame bodies are arranged at both ends of the first frame body. 3. The unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fall prevention member includes a claw portion that is locked to the fitting portion. 4. The unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the falling prevention member is made of the same material as at least one of the first and second frames. 5. The elastic locking means and the locked portion are constituted by a positioning member protruding from one of the first and second frames and a positioning hole provided in the other. Item 5. The unit of the image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4. 6. The unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the positioning member has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion constitutes a fitting portion for fitting the fall prevention member. 7. The fall prevention member is press-fitted into the fitting portion, and the deformation amount of the positioning member due to the press-fitting is larger than a preset gap size between the positioning member and the positioning hole. The unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 6. 8. At least one of the elastic locking means and the locked portion is provided with a taper portion that is inclined outward with respect to the direction in which the fall prevention member is fitted. 7. A unit of the image forming apparatus according to any one of items. 9. A coupling structure for coupling the first and second frame bodies, wherein the elastic locking means is integral with one of the first and second frame bodies, and the first and the second frame bodies. The locked portion provided on the other side of the second frame body, the fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and the fitting portion fitted to the fitting portion to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. A combined structure having a fall prevention member. 10. The coupling structure according to claim 9, wherein the fall prevention member includes a claw portion that is engaged with the fitting portion. 11. The joint structure according to claim 9, wherein the fall prevention member is made of the same material as at least one of the first and second frames. 12. The elastic locking means and the locked portion are the first
12. The coupling structure according to claim 9, further comprising a positioning member protruding from one of the second frame and a positioning hole provided in the other. 13. The coupling structure according to claim 12, wherein the positioning member has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion constitutes a fitting portion for fitting the fall prevention member. 14. A fall prevention member is press-fitted into a fitting portion, and a deformation amount of the positioning member due to the press-fitting is larger than a preset gap size between the positioning member and the positioning hole. The bonding structure according to claim 13. 15. At least one of the elastic locking means and the locked portion is provided with a taper portion that is inclined outward with respect to the direction in which the fall prevention member is fitted. 14. The binding structure according to any one of 14 above. 16. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising a developer carrier, a developer container containing the developer, and an image carrier.
Cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the image carrier,
A charging device for charging the image carrier, a first frame body supporting at least one of these, a second frame body arranged at an end of the first frame body, A coupling structure for coupling a second frame body to the first frame body, wherein the coupling structure is an elastic locking means that is integral with one of the first and second frame bodies; The first and the second
The engaged portion provided on the other side of the frame body, the fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and the fitting portion fitted in the fitting portion to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. A process cartridge having a fall prevention member. 17. The process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the fall-prevention member includes a claw portion that engages with the fitting portion. 18. The process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the fall prevention member is made of the same material as at least one of the first and second frames. 19. The elastic locking means and the locked portion are the first
19. The process cartridge according to claim 16, further comprising a positioning member protruding from one of the second frame body and a positioning hole provided in the other. 20. The process cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the positioning member has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion constitutes a fitting portion for fitting the fall prevention member. 21. A fall prevention member is press-fitted into a fitting portion, and a deformation amount of the positioning member due to the press-fitting is larger than a preset gap size between the positioning member and the positioning hole. 21. The process cartridge according to claim 20. 22. At least one of the elastic locking means and the locked portion is provided with a taper portion that is inclined outward with respect to the fitting direction of the fall prevention member. 21. The process cartridge according to any one of items 21. 23. A toner replenishing container mounted on an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, the first frame forming a container main body for containing toner, and an end of the first frame. A second frame body disposed in the portion, and a coupling structure that couples the second frame body to the first frame body, wherein the coupling structure is the first and second frames. Elastic locking means that is integral with one of the frame bodies, and the first and second
The engaged portion provided on the other side of the frame body, the fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and the fitting portion fitted in the fitting portion to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. A toner replenishing container having a falling prevention member. 24. The toner replenishing container according to claim 23, wherein the fall-prevention member includes a claw portion that engages with the fitting portion. 25. The toner replenishing container according to claim 23, wherein the falling prevention member is made of the same material as at least one of the first and second frames. 26. The elastic locking means and the locked portion are the first
26. The toner replenishing container according to claim 23, further comprising a positioning member protruding from one of the second frame and a positioning hole provided in the other. 27. The toner supply container according to claim 26, wherein the positioning member has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion constitutes a fitting portion for fitting the fall-prevention member. 28. The fall prevention member is press-fitted into the fitting portion, and a deformation amount of the positioning member due to the press-fitting is larger than a preset gap size between the positioning member and the positioning hole. 28. The toner supply container according to claim 27. 29. At least one of the elastic locking means and the locked portion is provided with a taper portion that is inclined outward with respect to the fitting direction of the fall prevention member. 28. The toner supply container according to any one of 28. 30. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: a pre-development carrier, a developing capacity for accommodating a developer, an image carrier, and a cleaning for cleaning the surface of the image carrier. Means, a charging device for charging the image carrier, a first frame body supporting at least one of these, and a second frame body arranged at an end of the first frame body. And a coupling structure for coupling the second frame body to the first frame body, wherein the coupling structure is an elastic lock integral with one of the first and second frame bodies. Means, the first and the second
The engaged portion provided on the other side of the frame body, the fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and the fitting portion fitted in the fitting portion to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. An image forming apparatus having a fall prevention member. 31. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, the first forming a container body for containing toner.
A frame body, a second frame body arranged at an end of the first frame body, and a coupling structure for coupling the second frame body to the first frame body, Elastic coupling means in which the coupling structure is integral with one of the first and second frames, and the first and second frames.
The engaged portion provided on the other side of the frame body, the fitting portion formed on the back side of the elastic locking means, and the fitting portion fitted in the fitting portion to prevent the elastic locking means from falling. An image forming apparatus having a fall prevention member.