JP2003236877A - Resin joint body and cartridge freely detachable to main body of electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple joining technique for effectively ensuring joining strength by a reduced amount of injection resin and not selecting a joining place. <P>SOLUTION: In the resin joint body having first and second resin molded articles 38 and 50 and joined by injecting a molten resin in the joining part formed between the first and second resin molded articles, the first resin molded article 38 has an injection flow channel 187 for guiding the molten resin to the joining part and the joining part has parts 190 and 191 widened outwardly from the center of the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow channel 187 so as to have an angle with respect to the molten resin injection direction in the injection flow channel almost centering around the downstream opening 189. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a resin joined body for fixing two resin molded products. And a cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. As a typical example, a fixing method (joining method) when applied to a removable cartridge in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus adopting an electrophotographic system such as a laser printer or a copying machine will be described below.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming system. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.) facsimile machine, and a word processor. Further, the cartridge includes a process cartridge, a developing cartridge, a toner cartridge and the like.

The process cartridge is a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as a process means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is formed in the main body of the image forming apparatus. It can be attached to and detached from. Further, at least one of a charging means, a developing means, and a cleaning means and a electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a process means into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, it refers to a process means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge is formed. A process cartridge system is adopted in which the printer is attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without resorting to a serviceman, so that the operability can be markedly improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

By using the process cartridge having such a structure, if maintenance of the apparatus is required, the user can easily perform maintenance / replacement by himself, and high quality image can be obtained at low cost. It is also easy to obtain.

FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 of the embodiment of the present invention,
A conventional technique will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 18. In the above device including such a process cartridge,
The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum 15 and a charging roller 1.
7. The cleaning frame 16 integrally supports the cleaning blade 16. Further, the cartridge includes a developing frame body 19 that integrally supports a developing roller 20s and a developing blade 20b (not shown in FIG. 3), a developer containing frame body that contains toner (hereinafter, referred to as a toner frame body). ) 50 three frame bodies. Furthermore,
In order to integrally support the frames 14 and 50, the following constitution is adopted. That is, both sides of the frame bodies 14 and 50 are sandwiched by side covers (hereinafter referred to as covers) 37 and 38, and a joint outer peripheral portion formed between the frame bodies 14 and 50 and the covers 37 and 38 is injected. Parts 156 and 157 (see FIG. 18)
It is fixed as a process cartridge by injecting molten resin into the process cartridge. Here, the cross sections of the injection parts 156 and 157 are indicated by reference numeral 154 in FIG.

Here, the injection part 154 has the cover 37,
It is provided along the peripheral edge between the frame 38 and the frame bodies 14 and 50. The flanges 152 with ribs 154b are provided on the frame bodies 14 and 50.
a, a backup rib 161a is provided. The cover 38 is provided with ribs 160b and flanges 152b with gaps X1 and g1 between the ribs 154b and flanges 152a.

[0008]

The frame bodies 14 and 50 are sandwiched by the covers 37 and 38 from both sides, and the frame bodies 1 are formed.
The molten resin is injected into the gaps formed between the Nos. 4 and 50 and the covers 37 and 38 to perform the joining. The joining is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-030297. According to the present invention, (1) the outer peripheral portion of the container where the joinable portion is joined (2) the joining portion is linear.

The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned conventional technique.

The purpose of the present invention is to ・ Any place to join. ・ A small amount of injected resin effectively secures the bonding strength. ・ Achieves the joining of two resin molded products with a simple device.

Further, the present invention provides a cartridge which is removable from the resin-bonded body and the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which achieves the above respective objects.

[0012]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention is as follows if it is shown with a number corresponding to the claims.

A first invention according to the present application is a first resin molded product, a second resin molded product, and a joint formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product. In a resin joined body in which a molten resin is injected and bonded to a portion, the first resin molded article has an injection flow path that guides the molten resin to the bonding portion, and the bonding portion is the injection flow channel. The resin bonded body is characterized by having a portion having a downstream opening substantially as a center and forming an angle with a molten resin injecting direction in the injection flow channel and expanding outward from the center of the opening.

In a second invention according to the present application, the joint is
The resin joined body according to the first aspect of the present invention, which has a portion that spreads in a conical shape with the approximate center of the downstream opening of the injection channel as the apex.

In a third invention according to the present application, the joint is
The resin bonded body according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it has a portion that spreads radially with the downstream opening of the injection flow channel as the approximate center.

In a fourth invention according to the present application, the joint is
The resin bonded body according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the resin bonded body has a portion that spreads in a disk shape with the downstream opening of the injection flow path substantially at the center.

The joint portion of the fifth invention according to the present application is
The resin bonded body according to the first invention, which is provided at a pinpoint.

A sixth invention according to the present application is a first resin molded product, a second resin molded product, and a joint formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product. In a resin joined body in which a molten resin is injected and bonded to a portion, the first resin molded article has an injection flow path that guides the molten resin to the bonding portion, and the bonding portion is the injection flow channel. A first portion that spreads in a disk shape on a surface of the injection flow passage that is substantially the center and is orthogonal to the molten resin injection direction of the injection flow passage, and a cylindrical shape that extends from the first portion in the injection flow passage direction or the opposite direction. Is a second part of the resin bonded body.

A seventh invention according to the present application is a first resin molded product, a second resin molded product, and a joint formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product. In a resin joined body in which a molten resin is injected and bonded to a portion, the first resin molded article has an injection flow path that guides the molten resin to the bonding portion, and the bonding portion is the injection flow channel. A first portion that extends radially in a plane orthogonal to the molten resin injecting direction in the injection flow channel with the downstream opening as the center, and a second portion that extends from the first portion in the injection flow channel direction or the opposite direction. It is a resin-bonded body characterized by comprising parts.

The joint portion of the eighth invention according to the present application is
The sixth, which is provided at pinpoint,
It is a resin joined body according to the seventh invention.

[0021] A ninth invention according to the present application is the above-mentioned joining portion,
One of the resin molded products has a first projecting portion forming the outer peripheral portion of the joint in a direction orthogonal to the molten resin injection direction in the injection flow path with the downstream opening of the injection flow path substantially at the center. The other resin molded product has a second protrusion that surrounds the outer shape of the protrusion, and is the resin joined body according to any one of the first to eighth inventions. is there.

The tenth invention of the present application is: (a) The molten resin to be injected is a material compatible with the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product to be joined, The amount of the molten resin to be injected is 0. 0 per one joining point excluding the resin in the injection channel formed by the first resin molded product.
It is 025 cc to 0.2 cc, and (c) the gap for the joint formed by the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product is 3 mm or less.
To The resin joined body according to any one of the ninth invention.

The eleventh invention of the present application is a cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
(A) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, (B) a drum frame that rotatably supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, (C) a developing roller that develops a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, D) A developer accommodating frame for accommodating the developer used for the development by the developing roller, and (E) a third resin molded product and a fourth resin sandwiching the side surfaces on one end side and the other end side of each frame body. In any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a molded product, wherein at least one structure of the fixing method has a structure of the respective frame bodies, the third resin molded product, and the fourth resin molded product. It is a cartridge for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which has a resin-bonded joint structure according to any one of the above.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Description of Main Parts of Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention is as follows with reference to FIGS. 6 to 22.

The first is a cover 38 which is a first resin molded product.
Then, the molten resin is injected into the gap 180 between the toner frame 50, which is the second resin molded product, and the joint portion formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product to be bonded. It is in a resin bonded body. Then, the first resin molded product has an injection flow path 187 for guiding the molten resin to the gap 180.

Here, the gap 180 at the joining portion is substantially centered on the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow path 187, and the injection flow path 187 is formed.
There is a portion that extends outward from the center of the opening 189 at an angle with the molten resin injection direction inside. For example, in FIG. 8, there is a joining portion 190 that extends from the opening 189 in a disc shape at an angle of 90 degrees with the molten resin injection direction.

In the second and first, as shown in FIG. 19, the gap 180 at the joint portion is the downstream opening 18 of the injection flow path 187.
It has a joint portion 191 that is a portion that spreads in a conical shape with the approximate center of 9 as the apex. In the case of this example, the first joint portion 190 (see FIG. 8) is not provided.

Third, in the first, the gap 180 at the joint portion
21 is the downstream opening 18 of the injection flow path 187 as shown in FIG.
It has the 1st part 177 and the 2nd part which spread radially centering on 9 substantially. The form of the gap 180 is not limited as long as it is radial from the downstream opening 189.

Fourth, in the first, the gap 1 of the joint portion
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 20, the reference numeral 80 has a joint portion 190 that is a portion that expands in a disk shape with the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow channel 187 substantially at the center.

Fifth, in the first, the joint portion is formed as shown in FIG.
It is provided at pinpoints as 158 and 159 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 20, the sixth is a cover 38 which is a first resin molded product, a toner frame 50 which is a second resin molded product, a first resin molded product and a first resin molded product. This is in a resin bonded body in which a molten resin is injected and bonded in a gap 180 of a bonded portion formed between two resin molded products. Then, the first resin molded product has an injection flow path 187 for guiding the molten resin to the gap 180.

Here, the gap 180 is a first portion that spreads like a disc in a plane that is substantially centered on the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow channel 187 and is orthogonal to the molten resin injection direction in the injection flow channel 187. The part 190 and the joining parts 191, 191 'which are cylindrical second parts extending from the first part in the injection flow direction or in the opposite direction.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the seventh is a cover 38 which is a first resin molded product, a toner frame 50 which is a second resin molded product, a first resin molded product and a second resin molded product. In a resin bonded body in which a molten resin is injected and bonded in a gap 180 of a bonded portion formed between the resin molded products. Then, the first resin molded product has an injection flow path 187 for guiding the molten resin to the gap 180.

Here, the gap 180 at the joining portion is substantially centered on the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow path 187, and the injection flow path 187 is formed.
A first portion 177 radially extending in a plane orthogonal to the molten resin injecting direction, and second portions 176, 17 extending from the first portion 177 in the injection flow direction or the opposite direction.
It becomes 6 '.

In this example, the portion 177 has the opening 189.
On the plane substantially perpendicular to the injection flow path 187, the second portion 176 extends radially outward in four directions and extends obliquely downward and outward. The resin shape 202 injected and solidified in the gap 180 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 22
The first portion 177 is similar to that shown in FIG. 21, but the second portion 176 ′ extends in the direction opposite to the resin flow direction in the injection flow channel 187. The resin shape 202 'injected and solidified in the gap 180 is as shown in FIG.

Eighth, in the sixth and seventh, the joints are provided at pinpoints as indicated by 158 and 159 shown in FIG.

In the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the gap 180 at the joint has the following structure.

The toner frame 50 or the cover 38, which is one of the resin molded products, in the direction perpendicular to the molten resin injection direction in the injection flow path 187, with the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow path 187 substantially at the center, forms a joint portion. The cover 38 or the toner frame 50, which is the other resin molded product, has the first protrusion 195 (see FIG. 8) or 175 (see FIG. 20) forming the outer peripheral portion, and has the outer shape of the protrusion 195 or 175. A hollow cylindrical protrusion shape 194 or 174 which is a second protruding portion that surrounds
Have

The tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects. (A) The molten resin to be injected is the cover 38 which is the first resin molded article to be joined and the toner frame which is the second resin molded article. It is a material compatible with the body 50.

(A) The amount of the molten resin to be injected is 0.025 cc to 0.2 cc per one joining point excluding the resin in the injection flow path 187 formed by the first resin molded product.

(C) The gap formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product is 3 mm or less.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is a cartridge 13 which is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 18 and has the following structure.

(A) It has the frame 14 for rotatably supporting the drum 15.

(B) It has a developing frame 19 for supporting the developing roller 20s for developing the latent image formed on the drum 15.

(C) It has a toner frame 50 which is at least one frame of a developer containing frame for containing the developer used for the development by the developing roller 20s.

(D) The above-mentioned cover 38, which is a third resin molded product, and the above-mentioned cover 37, which is a fourth resin molded product, sandwiching the side surfaces of the frame bodies 14 and 15 on the one end side and the other end side.
Have and.

In the fixing method of the frames 14 and 50, the cover 37 that is the third resin molded product, and the cover 38 that is the fourth resin molded product, at least one structure of the fixing method is the first. It is a joining structure of the resin joined body according to any one of 1 to 10.

[Detailed Description of Embodiments] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the image carrier and the process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as the cartridge) provided with the process means acting on the image carrier intersects with the conveying direction of the recording medium and is parallel to the surface of the recording medium. Say the direction.

[Description of Process Cartridge and Device Main Body] FIG. 1 is a main sectional view of a process cartridge according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a main sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) according to the present invention. Illustrate. This process cartridge is provided with an image carrier and process means that acts on the image carrier. As the image carrier, there is an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum or drum). Here, the process means includes, for example, a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, a developing device for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a cleaning means for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier. Here, there is a charging roller 17 as the charging means. The developing device includes a developing roller 20s and a developing blade 20b. As a cleaning means, there is a cleaning blade (hereinafter referred to as a blade) 16.

The process cartridge 13 of this embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, a charging roller 17, a developing roller 20s, a developing blade 20b, a developer accommodating frame 50 accommodating toner, and a developing blade 16 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 15. And these members 15, 1
6, 17, 20s, and 20b are covered with a housing to integrally form a cartridge, which is detachably attached to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body) 18.

The cartridge 13 is mounted on the apparatus main body 18 as shown in FIG. 2 and used for image formation. For image formation, a sheet 2 as a recording medium is fed by a paper feed roller 3 from a sheet cassette 1 attached to the lower part of the apparatus. Then, the sheet 2 is conveyed by the conveying roller 7a. The conveyed sheet 2 is made to stand by by the registration roller 7b. In synchronization with this sheet conveyance, the drum 15 is selectively exposed from the exposure device 30 to form a latent image.

After that, a thin layer of toner as a developer contained in a developer accommodating frame body (hereinafter referred to as a toner container or toner frame body) 50 is carried on the surface of the developing roller 20s by the developing blade 20b. Here, the toner is supplied from the toner frame 50 to the developing roller 20s through the toner supply opening 50c and the receiving opening 19a by the toner conveying members 50e and 50f.
Sent to. Then, by applying a developing bias to the developing roller 20s, toner is supplied to the drum 15 according to the latent image to form a toner image. The sheet 2 is sent from the roller 7b to the opposing portion of the transfer roller 10 and the drum 15 at the same timing as the formation of the toner image on the drum 15. This toner image is transferred to the sheet 2 conveyed by applying a bias voltage to the transfer roller 10. The transferred sheet 2 is conveyed to the fixing device 25 to fix the image. After fixing, the sheet 2 is ejected to the ejecting section 24 at the top of the apparatus by the ejecting rollers 34 and 35.

[Frame Structure of Process Cartridge] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the frame structure. FIG. 3 is a diagram before the frame body is assembled. FIG. 4 is a diagram after the frame body is assembled. FIG. 17 shows the positions of the joint E of the prior art and the joint F using the technique of the present invention, and the shape of the resin injected into the gap formed by the cover 38, the frame 14, and the toner container 50. In order to compare G and H, they are shown in the same cartridge 13.

The cartridge 13 is composed of three frames. One is a cleaning frame (also referred to as a drum frame) 14 (hereinafter referred to as a frame 14) that integrally supports the drum 15, the charging roller 17, and the blade 16. The other one is the developing roller 20s and the developing blade 20b.
(Not shown in FIG. 3) developing frame 1 integrally supporting
It is 9. Still another one is a toner frame 50 that contains toner.

Further, in order to integrally support these three frame bodies, side covers (hereinafter referred to as covers) 37 and 38, which are other frame bodies, are fixed on both side surfaces of the frame body to form a cartridge 13. ing. In this way, the cartridge frame (collectively referred to as the cartridge frame)
Consists of multiple frames.

The developing roller 20s is rotatably supported by the developing device frame 19. The frame 14 is the blade 16
Is fixed with machine screws or the like. The charging roller 17 is the core 1
The frame body 14 is provided with an end portion of 7a through a bearing member (not shown).
It is rotatably supported. Further, the drum 15 has flange portions 15a and 15b at both end portions, respectively, and bearing members 39a and 39b.
It is rotatably supported by the frame 14 via 39b.

The covers 37 and 38 are large enough to cover the main cross section of the cartridge 13. The covers 37 and 38 are arranged at one end of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction and integrally support the frame 14 and the toner frame 50 from both sides. Holes 37a, 38a of the covers 37, 38
Are positioned coaxially with the center of the drum 15 supported by the frame body 14. The drum 15 is a bearing member 39a, 39
supported by b. At this time, if the cover 37 is positioned via the bearing member 39a, the accuracy is determined. Further, the covers 37, 38 should be placed at a position as far as possible from the drum 15.
The positioning portions 37b and 38b, which are dowels provided in the above, are positioning portions 1 that are holes provided in the end surface 14c of the frame body 14.
4b (only one end is shown) is fitted to determine the position in the rotational direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toner frame 50 is provided with dowel-shaped positioning portions 50a and 50b protruding in the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the drum 15) on the end face 50d. The positioning portions 50a, 50b and the positioning portions 37c, 37d, which are holes provided in the cover 37, are fitted to position the cover 37 and the toner frame 50 in the rotational direction on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the other cover 38 is also positioned on the toner frame 50 by using the positioning portions 38c and 38d.

The bearing members 39a and 39b also serve as positioning for the apparatus main body 18. Bearing members 39a, 39
b is holes 14a and 14f at the ends of the frame body 14 in the longitudinal direction.
Has been pressed into. In the assembled state, the bearing members 39a and 39b cover the covers 37, 38 (3
8 side is invisible) and is projected outward through the hole 37a. The protruding bearing members 39a and 39b are fitted into a positioning portion (not shown) provided in the apparatus body 18.

In order to supply the toner from the toner frame 50 to the developing roller 20s, the toner receiving opening 19a and the toner supply opening 50c are provided in each of the toner frame 50 and the developing frame 19. As shown in FIG. 1, the developing frame body 19 and the toner frame body 50 are connected by a cylindrical seal member 44 that connects the opening 19a and the opening 50c. Both ends of the member 44 are fixed to the peripheral edges of the opening 19a and the opening 50c via the plate 21, respectively. The fixed part is sealed. Therefore, the member 44 prevents the toner moving from the opening 50c toward the opening 19a from leaking to the outside. The hollow plate 21 has one end of the member 44 attached thereto. Then, the plate 21 is attached to the toner frame 50.
This facilitates the construction of the member 44. Further, since the toner frame 50 is positioned by the covers 37 and 38 and the developing frame 19 is positioned by the frame 14, the developing frame 19 and the toner frame 50 are misaligned due to a dimensional error. There are cases. Therefore, the member 44 is made of a flexible material (flexible member).

[Toner Frame] As shown in FIG. 1, the toner transport member 50e, 50f is rotatably provided on the toner frame 50. The opening 50c is sealed with a toner seal (not shown). Further, the toner as the developer is filled in the toner frame 50.

The toner seal passes through between the plate 21 and the toner frame 50 that fixes the plate 21 through the seal and is exposed to the outside. The toner seal is pulled out when the cartridge 13 is used, and the opening 50c is opened.

[Cleaning Frame] The blade 16 is attached to the frame 14. Then, the transfer residual toner scraped by the blade 16 from the drum 15 is sent to the removed toner reservoir 14d by the sending member 14e.

Each frame 14, 50, 19 and cover 3
Each of the above-mentioned members is incorporated in each of 7 and 38, and the toner is filled in the toner frame. Then, the frame bodies 14, 50
After assembling the covers 37 and 38 on both end surfaces of the frame and positioning them on the planes orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal positioning between the covers 37 and 38 and the frame bodies 14 and 50 is performed by, for example, a fixing jig (not shown). The cover 37, 38 and the frame body 14,
The molten resin is injected and fixed in the molten resin injecting portion which is a gap formed between 50. Here, the molten resin injecting portion is: 154 (FIG. 5, FIG. 17, FIG. 18) in the related art, and the injecting portion 154 shown in cross section here is provided along the edge 40 of the covers 37, 38, and 156 in FIG. It extends linearly as indicated by 157. The injection flow paths to the injection parts 156 and 157 are provided in the covers 37 and 38 (38 side is not shown). Injection unit 6 serving as a gate to injection units 156 and 157
A plurality of 3 are provided near the outer peripheries of the end faces of the covers 37 and 38.
Technology of the present invention ⇒ 180 (for example, FIG. 8).

[[Application Example of the Present Invention (Joining of Resin Molded Product) in Cartridge]] In the above-described configuration, the covers 37 and 38 which are the first resin molded product form the second resin molded product. The side surfaces of the frame body 14 and the toner frame body 50 are sandwiched. The covers 37 and 38 and the frame body 14,
The toner frame body 50 is assembled by a jig (not shown) or another method in which the longitudinal positional relationship of each is determined. However, the covers 37, 38 and the frame bodies 14, 50
Is not fixed yet.

The cover 38 and the toner frame 50 are joined together at the joint portion F formed between the cover 38 which is the first resin molded product and the toner frame 50 which is the second resin molded product as shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. Further, FIGS. 17 and 18 are used for the description of the conventional technique.

In the present invention, the shape of the joint portion F, which is the portion where the respective frame bodies are joined together, can be seen from (FIGS. 7 and 17). Also, as can be seen from the cross-sectional shape of the joint (FIG. 6), the joint F does not have to be near the outer periphery of the resin molded product.

The joint E shown in FIG. 17, which is a conventional technique, is
A place to be joined like the injection portions 156 and 157 shown in FIG. 18 is the outer peripheral portion of the frame body.

In the present invention, the covers 37 and 38 such as the injection portions 158 and 159 shown in FIG.
It is possible to provide a joint at the center of the frame bodies 14, 50. In addition, in the present invention, a joint portion may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the frame body. That is, according to the present invention, the joint portion of the frame body can be provided in the entire projection range viewed along the longitudinal direction of the side covers 37 and 38.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the injection port 64, which serves as a gate connected to the jig side gate for injecting the molten resin, appears in the cover 37 outside the injection portions 158 and 159 in the longitudinal direction. Then, the injection port 64 serving as a gate and the injection portions 158 and 159 are connected by the injection flow path 187. The gate is arranged inside the end surface of the cover 38.

In the prior art, the injection flow path 65 is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the cover 38.

In the present invention, the cover 38, which is the first resin molded product, injects the molten resin from the molten resin injection port (gate) 64 to the joint F through the injection flow path 187. As a result, the injected resin portion 181 solidified in the injection channel 187 in the cover 38 is formed into a truncated cone shape as shown in FIG.

Comparing the resin joining portion 182 of the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 with the resin joining portion 183 of the prior art, for example, the difference in the joining range (portion) can be seen as shown in FIG.

Specifically, it is a conventional wide-angled joint ⇒ a substantially linear wide range (156 and 157 in FIG. 18). The technology of the present invention ⇒ pinpoints of substantially circular shape (158, 15 in FIG. 18)
A joint is provided in 9).

The resin bonding which is the present invention will now be described in detail.

First, a partially enlarged view of the joint portion F of the cartridge 13 (FIG. 7) and a sectional view of the joint portion (FIG. 6,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 to 16 and 19 to 22).

<Joining Process, Flow of Molten Resin> The longitudinal positional relationship between the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 is determined by a jig (not shown) or another method.

A molten resin is injected into a gap 180 (see FIG. 8) formed by the cover 38 and the toner frame 50.
The toner frame 50 and the cover 38 are joined by injecting the toner through the injection channel 187. Here, the gap 180 is composed of a disk-shaped space centered on the downstream opening 189 and a hollow truncated cone-shaped space that continues around this space.
Here, the injection flow path 18 for guiding the molten resin to the resin joint portion
7 has a cover 38 (see FIG. 8) which is a resin molded product.

The molten resin flows into the gap 180 after reaching the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow path 187. As a result, the first joint portion 190 and the second joint portion 191 that spread in a disc shape are formed on the surface orthogonal to the arrow direction in FIG.

Here, the first joint 190 is the downstream opening 1
It has a disc shape with 89 at the center. Also, the second joint 1
Reference numeral 91 is a hollow truncated cone shape continuing from the outer edge of the first joint portion 190, and the lower side is widened downward.

As a result, the resin 192 injected between the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 is in the position shown in FIG. 6 (the cross hatched portion in FIG. 6). Here, the joints 190 and 191 are substantially centered on the downstream opening 189 of the injection flow path 187, and the injection flow path 18 is formed.
7 has a portion that extends outward from the center of the opening 189 at an angle with the molten resin injection direction (arrow in FIG. 8). The reason why the disc-shaped joining portion 190 is configured as described above is that the molten resin flows into the first joining portion 190 evenly (resin amount, resin speed, resin arrival time) from the downstream opening 189. It is intended that the resin flows evenly in the second joint 191 as in the above. As a result, it is possible to effectively secure the bonding strength with a smaller resin injection amount. That is, in the joining portion 190, the cover 38, the toner frame 50 and the injected resin are compatible with each other in a disc shape.
In addition, in the joint portion 191, the injected resin is compatible with the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 in the shape of a hollow truncated cone. Therefore, the bonding area is large and the bonding strength is secured regardless of the small resin injection amount.

<Shape of Portion Forming Resin Joint of Cover 38 and Toner Frame 50> Next, the shape will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

(Joined portion of cover 38) As shown in FIG. 8, in order to provide the injection flow path 187, a cylindrical recess 178 is provided from the outer surface of the cover 38. In order to provide the recess 178, a bottomed cylindrical portion 179 is provided inward from the outer side member (outer wall) of the cover 38 as shown in FIG.

The injection channel 187 for guiding the molten resin to the joints 190 and 191 has a circular cross section.

The injection flow path 187 has a resin injection port 64.
(Diameter 3.5 mm or less) to the downstream opening 189 (diameter 0 ..
It is a hollow truncated cone shape whose diameter gradually decreases to 6 mm or more).

It has an outer diameter portion 193 for forming an injection flow path 187 following the resin injection port 64. This outer diameter portion 193
Protrudes from the bottom of the recess 178 into the recess 178. The top surface of the outer diameter portion 193 is flush with the outer surface of the cover 38.

The cover 38 covers the downstream opening 1 of the injection flow path 187.
It has a cylindrical protrusion shape 194 larger than 89.
The projecting portion shape 194 projects from the bottom of the cylindrical portion 179 toward the toner frame 50.

(Joining Portion of Toner Frame 50) Toner Frame 5
Reference numeral 0 has a shape 195 protruding in a truncated cone shape smaller than the inner diameter of the protruding shape 194 of the cover 38 on the outside of the end surface 50d. The shape 195 may be cylindrical. The shape 195 has a lightening 188.

The toner frame 50 has a cylindrical protrusion shape 196 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion shape 194 of the cover 38 on the outer side of the end surface 50d.

Next, the state of joining the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 will be described.

The positional relationship between the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 when they are joined together is shown in FIGS.

(Positional relationship between the cover 38 and the toner frame 50) When the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 are supported by a jig or the like, the center of the normal injection flow path 187 coincides with the center of the shape 195. The gap at that time is xb. At that time, a gap xa is formed in the longitudinal direction. Gap x
The values a and xb are determined in consideration of the single product tolerance between the resin molded products at the joint portion, the assembly tolerance at the joint time, and the like.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the gap xa is a gap in the longitudinal direction between the cylindrical portion 179 and the cylindrical protruding portion shape 196. The gap xb is a gap between the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the shape 194 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the protrusion shape 196. The gap xb is a gap in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

In the cartridge 13 applied this time, the gap xa is 0.6 mm (0 to 1.2 mm) and the gap xb is 0. It is 5 mm (0 to 1.0 mm). The gaps xa and xb are each set to a range of 3 mm or less.

As a result, FIG. 11 shows the case where the gap xa in the longitudinal direction a shown in FIG. 10 is the minimum. In FIG. 11, the bottom of the cylindrical portion 179 and the tip of the shape 196 are in contact with each other. In some cases, the cross section of the joint showing the maximum gap xa may be in the state shown in FIG. Here, also in the state of FIG. 11, the downstream opening 189 and the shape 19 are formed.
A gap is created between the top surface of No. 5 and the gap 1
80 is reserved. Also in the state of FIG. 12, the shapes 194 and 196 have an overlap, and the gap 18
The molten resin can be injected at zero.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the joint showing the case where the gap xb in the direction b orthogonal to the longitudinal direction a has the maximum amount of deviation.
In some cases, the state shown in can occur. In this state, the shapes 195 and 196 are displaced from each other in the direction of FIG.

The cylindrical shape 194 of the cover 38
The cylindrical shape 196 is provided to cover the shape 194 with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter. The reason is that the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 are expected to have any positional relationship as described above. Among them, as shown in FIG. 14, there is a case of the joint portion 199 showing a case where the gap xb in the direction b orthogonal to the longitudinal direction has the maximum deviation amount.

Therefore, the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 are arranged so that the injected resin does not leak from the joining portion 199 area to the outside.
The adjacent surface or the contact surface 197 prevents the resin from leaking from the bonding portion 199 region to the outside.

<Other Joining Sectional Shapes and Shape of Resin Injected into the Shapes> Examples of sections other than the above-described joining section sectional shape will be described.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment corresponding to claim 2. In this example, the shape 195 is conical, and the disc-shaped joint 190 is not provided, but only the joint 191.

An angle is formed from the downstream opening 189 of the cover 38, and a joint 191 is provided so as to spread outward from the center of the downstream opening 189. The resin shape injected into this cross section shown in FIG. 19A is 200 shown in FIG. 19B, which is a hollow conical shape.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment for claim 5. It has a joint 191 'extending in the opposite direction to the second joint 191 of the resin joint 182 of FIG.

Therefore, the shape 17 protruding from the outer side plate (outer wall) of the cover 38 toward the toner frame 50 in the shape of a truncated cone is shown.
5 was provided, and the flow path 187 was provided at the center thereof. Then, a cylindrical protruding shape 174 surrounding the shape 175 is provided from the end surface 50 d of the toner frame 50 toward the cover 38. Then, a cylindrical protrusion shape 173 surrounding the shape 174 is provided. The shape 173 is the cover 38
To the toner frame 50. Figure 20 (a)
The shapes of the resin injected into the injection channel 187 and the gap 180 of this cross section shown in FIG. 18 are 181 and 201 shown in FIG.
The resin shape 201 is a trapezoidal bowl shape.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment corresponding to claim 6. The gap 180 extends radially from the center of the downstream opening 189 of the cover 38 to a plane orthogonal to the resin injection direction, and has a first portion 177. Further, the first portion 177 is followed by a second portion 176 extending in the resin injection direction.
Injection channel 187 and gap 18 of this cross section shown in FIG.
The resin shape injected into 0 is 181, 2 shown in FIG.
02. The shape 202 is a four-legged shape.

In FIG. 21, the toner frame 50 is covered with the cover 38.
A shape 195 that protrudes in a truncated cone shape is provided. The cover 38 is provided with a truncated conical recess 171 that fits exactly into this shape 195. And the recess 171
A radial gap 180 is provided around the downstream opening 189. The gap 180 is formed by the groove provided in the recess 171 of the cover 38 and the shape 195. Also,
The outer diameter of the cylindrical protruding portion shape 194 around the recess 171 is the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 179.

Note that the groove may be provided in the shape 195 without providing the groove for the gap 180 in the recess 171.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment corresponding to claim 6, in which the gap 180 has a first portion 177 and a second portion 176 'extending in the opposite direction to the resin injection direction. The resin shape that has flown into the injection channel 187 and the gap 180 of this cross section shown in FIG. 22A is shown in FIG.
1 ', 202'. The shape 202 is an inverted four-legged shape.

In FIG. 22, from the cover 38 to the toner frame 50
It has a cylindrical protruding portion shape 173 and a truncated conical shape 175. The shape of the joint portion of the cover 38 is similar to that of FIG. A truncated cone-shaped recess 169 that fits exactly into the shape 175 from the toner frame 50.
There is provided a cylindrical protruding shape 172 having Then, in the recess 169, gaps 180 are provided radially around the downstream opening 189. The gap 180 is formed by the groove provided in the recess 169 and the shape 175. Note that the groove may be provided in the shape 175 without providing the groove for the gap 180 in the recess 169.

<Explanation of Resin to Inject> The injection amount is 0.025 cc to 0.2 cc in the case of the joint 182 (FIG. 17) or 199 (FIG. 14) excluding the resin of the injection flow path 187 of the cover 38. . The resin material to be injected is preferably a resin compatible with the cover 38 and the toner frame 50. Since the resin cover 38 and the toner frame 50 in the application example of the cartridge 13 are both HIPS (high impact polystyrene), the same HIPS material was selected as the injection resin. The injection amount is 0.065 g (specific gravity 1.05).

<Joining Strength> After joining, when a pulling force M for separating the cover 38 and the toner container 50 from each other is applied as shown in FIG. 15, they are separated by the separating surface 186 as shown in FIG. When the diameter of the separation surface 186 is D1, the bonding strength is an approximate value of the tensile strength of the cylinder having the diameter D1. Separation surface 18
Reference numeral 6 is a surface that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction substantially passing through the tip end portion 182a where the injected resin enters the second joint portion 191 and first solidifies. More specifically, the separation surface 186 passes through the tip portion 182a that is compatible with the toner frame 50.

That is, the diameter D in FIG. 9 and the diameter D in FIG.
By changing the diameter of No. 1, the present invention can satisfy the strength required in the product form. Here, the diameters D and D1 are the diameters of the separation surfaces that are separated by the tensile force. Of course, it is also possible to increase the number of joints (points).

In FIG. 9, the shape 195 does not have the lightening 188 shown in FIG. 8, and the shape 195 is thin.

In the above description, the cover 38 and the toner frame 50 are joined together by resin.
The same applies to resin bonding between the covers 37 and 38 and the frame 14. Further, although the above description of the cartridge 13 is applied to the developing cartridge, the toner cartridge and the like, the present invention is similarly applied.

[0115]

As described above, according to the invention of the present application: -Any joining place can be selected. -Effectively secure the bonding strength with a small amount of injected resin.・ Achieves the joining of two resin molded products with a simple device.

It is possible to provide a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the resin bonded body and the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic main sectional view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a frame body of the process cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a frame body of the process cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a joint portion of a process cartridge of a conventional example, which is cut inward and outward.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a partially enlarged view of a joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is an external view and (b) is a perspective view of a part of (a) as viewed from the Z direction. .

FIG. 8 shows a joint according to an embodiment of the present invention, k in FIG.
FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a joint according to an embodiment of the present invention, k in FIG.
FIG.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line kk of FIG. 17, showing the joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line kk of FIG. 17, showing the joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line kk of FIG. 17, showing the joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line kk of FIG. 17, showing the joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line kk of FIG. 17, showing the joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line kk of FIG. 17, showing the joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line kk of FIG. 17, showing the joint portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view for explaining a resin flow path of the process cartridge.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view for explaining a resin flow path of the process cartridge.

FIG. 19 (a) of the embodiment of the present invention is k- of FIG.
FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing a resin shape of a joint portion, and FIG.

FIG. 20 (a) of the embodiment of the present invention is k- of FIG.
FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing a resin shape of a joint portion, and FIG.

FIG. 21 (a) of the embodiment of the present invention is k- of FIG.
FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing a resin shape of a joint portion, and FIG.

FIG. 22 (a) of the embodiment of the present invention is k- of FIG.
FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing a resin shape of a joint portion, and FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

C ... Image forming apparatus E ... Conventional joint F ... Joint G using technology of the present invention ... Injection resin shape H of prior art joint ... Injection resin shape M of joint using technology of the present invention ... Tensile strength a of resin-bonded body using the technique of the present invention a ... Longitudinal direction xa ... Longitudinal gap b ... Orthogonal direction xb ... Longitudinal orthogonal gap X1 ... Gap g1 ... Gap 1 ... Sheet cassette 2 ... Sheet 3 ... Paper feed roller 7 ... Conveying roller 7a ... Conveying roller 7b ... Registration roller 10 ... Transfer roller 13 ... Process cartridge 14 ... Cleaning frame 14a ... Hole 14b ... Positioning portion 14c ... End surface 14d ... Removed toner reservoir Feeding member 14f ... Hole 15 ... Photosensitive drum 15a, 15b ... Flange portion 16 ... Cleaning blade 17 ... Charging roller 17a ... Core metal portion 18 ... Device body 19 Developing frame 19a ... Receiving opening 20 ... Developing means 20s ... Developing roller 20b ... Developing blade 20c ... Projection 21 ... Plate 24 ... Ejection unit 25 ... Fixing device 30 ... Exposure device 34 ... Ejection roller 35 ... Ejection roller 37 ... Side cover 37a ... Holes 37b, 37c,
37d ... Positioning portion 37e ... Positioning concave portion 38 ... Side cover 38a ... Hole portions 38b, 38c,
38d ... Positioning parts 39a, 39b ... Bearing member 40 ... Edge 44 ... Seal member 50 ... Toner frame 50a, 50b ... Positioning part 50
c ... Toner supply opening 50d ... End face 50e, 50f ... Toner conveying member 63 ... Conventional resin injection port (old gate) 64 ... Inventive resin injection port (new gate) 65 ... Side cover resin injection flow path 152a, Reference numeral 152b ... Flange 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159 ... Molten resin injecting portion 154b ... Rib 160b ... Rib 161a ... Backup rib 169 ... Frustum-shaped conical recess 170 ... Joining outer peripheral portion 171 ... Frustum-shaped conical recess 172 ... Projection shape 173 ... Projection shape 174 ... Cylindrical projection shape 175 ... Frustum-conical projection shape 176, 176 '... Second portion 177 extending in injection direction or opposite direction ... First portion 178 radially expanding ... Recessed portion 179 ... Cylindrical portion 180 ... Gap 181, 181 ', which is the molten resin injection portion of the present invention ... Injection resin shape 18 in the side cover A resin joint portion 182a formed of the side cover and the toner frame (or a cleaning frame body) of the present invention 182a A joint end 183 ... A resin formed of the conventional side cover and the toner frame (or cleaning frame body) Joining portion 186 ... Separation surface 187 ... Resin injection flow path 188 ... Lightening 189 ... Downstream opening 190 ... Disc-shaped first joint portion 191, 191 '... Disc-shaped joint portion extending (second ) Joining portion 192 ... Injected resin 193 ... Outer diameter portion 194 forming resin injection flow path ... Cylindrical protruding shape 195 ... Frustum-conical protruding shape 196 ... Cylindrical protruding shape 197 ... Contact surface 199 ... Joining portion 200 ... Resin shape of joining portion 201 according to embodiment of the present invention ... Resin shape of joining portion 202 according to embodiment of the present invention ... Resin shape of joining portion according to embodiment of the present invention

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Toru Oguma             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Kenshiro Abe             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F-term (reference) 2H071 BA04 BA22 BA27 EA00                 4F206 AD05 AD35 AG03 AH33 JA07                       JB12 JB20                 4F211 AD25 AG23 AH33 TA08 TC14                       TD01 TN82 TN87

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A molten resin is injected into a first resin molded product, a second resin molded product, and a joint formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product. In the resin joined body to be joined together, the first resin molded article has an injection flow channel that guides the molten resin to the bonding section, and the bonding section has a downstream opening of the injection flow channel as a substantially center. The resin bonded body, which has a portion that extends outward from the center of the opening at an angle with the molten resin injection direction in the injection flow path. 2. The resin joined body according to claim 1, wherein the joined portion has a portion that spreads in a conical shape with the approximate center of the downstream opening of the injection channel as the apex. 3. The resin joined body according to claim 1, wherein the joined portion has a portion that radially extends with the downstream opening of the injection flow channel as a center. 4. The resin bonded body according to claim 1, wherein the bonded portion has a portion that expands in a disk shape with the downstream opening of the injection flow channel as a substantial center. 5. The resin joined body according to claim 1, wherein the joined portion is provided at a pinpoint. 6. A molten resin is injected into a first resin molded product, a second resin molded product, and a joint formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product. In a resin joined body to be joined together, the first resin molded article has an injection flow channel that guides the molten resin to the bonding section, and the bonding section has a downstream opening of the injection flow channel substantially at the center, A first portion that spreads in a disk shape on a surface of the injection channel that is orthogonal to the molten resin injection direction, and a cylindrical second portion that extends from the first portion in the injection channel direction or the opposite direction. A resin joined body characterized by the above. 7. A molten resin is injected into a first resin molded product, a second resin molded product, and a joint formed between the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product. In a resin joined body to be joined together, the first resin molded article has an injection flow channel that guides the molten resin to the bonding section, and the bonding section has a downstream opening of the injection flow channel substantially at the center, A first portion radially extending in a plane orthogonal to the molten resin injecting direction in the injection flow channel, and a second portion extending from the first portion in the injection flow channel direction or the opposite direction. Resin bonded body. 8. The resin bonded body according to claim 6, wherein the bonded portion is provided at a pinpoint. 9. A resin molded product, wherein one of the resin moldings in the joining portion has a downstream opening of the injection passage substantially at the center thereof and is orthogonal to the molten resin injecting direction in the injection passage, the outer peripheral portion of the joining portion. 9. The resin molded article on the other side has a first projecting portion that forms a groove, and the other resin molded article has a second projecting portion that surrounds the outer shape of the projecting portion. The resin bonded body according to item 1. 10. (a) The molten resin to be injected is a material compatible with the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product to be joined, and (b) the amount of molten resin injected is , Excluding the resin in the injection flow path formed by the first resin molded product, the bonding point is 0.025 cc to 0.2 cc per point, and (c) the first resin molded product and the second resin molded product. The resin-bonded body according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a gap for a joint formed with the resin-molded article is 3 mm or less. 11. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: (A) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, (B) a drum frame rotatably supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and (C) the above. A developing roller for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; (D) a developer accommodating frame body for accommodating a developer used for development by the developing roller; and (E) one end side of each frame body. A third resin molded product that sandwiches the side surface on the other end side, and a fourth resin molded product, wherein each frame and the third resin molded product, a method of fixing the fourth resin molded product, at least A cartridge for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein a structure of the fixing method at one location is a bonding structure of a resin bonded body according to any one of claims 1 to 10.