JP2006251145A - Cleaning device, developing device, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a process cartridge which has a relaxed specification for an amount of a sealing agent to be sealed thereby enables the efficiency of assembling work of the process cartridge to be increased and prevents the generation of a gap between an end part seal member and a cleaning container and the leakage of the sealing agent. <P>SOLUTION: The process cartridge includes: a rotor; a storing container; a seat member; an end part sealing member; and a filling sealing agent brought into contact with the storing container, the seat member and the end part sealing member to seal them and the process cartridge can be attached/detached to/from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the end part sealing member and the storing container have plurality of gaps having different widths on a mutually opposed face. Out of gaps on the opposed face, there are at least two and more gaps wider than gaps formed on the inside in the longitudinal direction of the storing container on the outside of the longitudinal direction, and any one of the gaps is filled with the filling sealing agent. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device, a developing device, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be attached and detached. Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.) An electrophotographic facsimile, an electrophotographic word processor, etc. are included. Further, as the process cartridge, a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body.

  An image forming apparatus such as a printer using an electrophotographic process uniformly charges a photosensitive drum as an image carrier, forms a latent image by selective exposure to the photosensitive drum, and develops the latent image. The toner image is manifested by toner as an agent, the toner image is transferred to a recording medium, and further, heat and pressure are applied to the transferred toner image to fix the toner image on the recording medium, thereby recording an image. Such an apparatus is accompanied by toner replenishment and maintenance of various process means. As means for facilitating the toner replenishment work and maintenance, the photosensitive drum, charging means, developing means, cleaning means, etc. are grouped in a frame. A cartridge has been put into practical use.

  Such a process cartridge cleaning device includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum, a cleaning member for scraping the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum from the photosensitive drum, a photosensitive drum, and the like. It consists of a charging container and a cleaning container that supports a cleaning member.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the cleaning device, an end seal member 64 and a sheet member 67 are arranged at the end of the cleaning member 6 in order to prevent the toner stored in the cleaning container 51 from leaking out of the container. The filling sealant 81 is injected to close the gap A between the end seal member 64 and the wall surface 56a of the cleaning container 51 caused by the shape error of the end seal member 64 and the pasting error during assembly. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). By adopting such a configuration, the toner is prevented from leaking out of the container through the gap A between the container wall surface 56a and the end seal member 64.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the developing device for the process cartridge comprises a developing roller 40, a developing blade 44 for regulating the amount of toner on the developing roller, and a developing container 45 for supporting the developing roller 40 and the developing blade 44. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the developing device, an end seal member 68 and a sheet member 69 are arranged at the end of the developing roller 40 in order to prevent the toner stored in the developing container 45 from leaking out of the container. The filling sealant 81 is injected to close the gap B between the end seal member 68 and the wall surface 46a of the developing container 45 caused by the shape error of the end seal member 68 or the sticking error during assembly. Yes. By adopting such a configuration, the toner is prevented from leaking out of the container through the gap B in the developing device as in the cleaning device.

JP 2004-037637 A (page 11, FIG. 9)

  When the filling sealant 81 for closing the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51 has a small filling amount, it cannot close the gap A as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the filling sealant 81 lifts the sheet member 67, thereby creating a gap C between the sheet member 67, the end seal member 64, and the filling sealant 81. When such a gap is generated in the container for storing the developer, the developer may leak from the gap.

  Further, as another problem when the filling amount is large, as shown in FIG. 18, the filling sealing agent 81 protrudes to the outside of the end seal member 64 and the sheet member 67, and the protruding filling sealing agent 81 enters the photosensitive drum. Adhesion may cause image defects. In order to prevent these problems, conventionally, the filling amount of the filling sealant 81 is strictly controlled in the assembly process.

  Therefore, the present invention relaxes the standard of the filling amount, improves the assembly work efficiency, and also prevents the generation of a gap between the end seal member and the cleaning container and the overflow of the filling sealant, the process cartridge, and the electrophotography An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  The same applies to the developing container, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device that relaxes the standard of the filling amount, prevents the gap between the end seal member and the developing container, and prevents the filling sealant from protruding.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a rotating body, a storage container for storing a developer, a sheet member for preventing the developer from leaking through a gap between the rotating body and the storage container, and the storage An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: an end seal member for preventing developer from leaking from the end of the container; and a filling sealant that contacts and seals the container, the sheet member, and the end seal member The end seal member and the storage container have a plurality of gaps having different widths on the surfaces facing each other, and the clearances on the facing surface are longitudinal in the longitudinal direction of the storage container. At least two gaps wider than the inner gap are provided on the outside in the longitudinal direction, and any one of the gaps is filled with the filling sealant.

  The present invention also provides a cleaning member for removing the developer on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning container containing the developer removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member, and the cleaning member to A sheet member for guiding the developer removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member to a cleaning container, an end seal member for preventing the developer in the cleaning container from leaking from an end of the cleaning container, and the cleaning In the cleaning device having a filling sealant that contacts and seals the container, the sheet member, and the end seal member, the end seal member and the cleaning container have a plurality of gaps having different widths on the surfaces facing each other. The gap on the facing surface is in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning container, Having at least two wider gap than the hand inside the gap in the longitudinal outside, the filling sealing agent is characterized in that it is filled into one of the gaps.

  Further, the present invention relates to a developer carrier for carrying a developer and transporting the developer to an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developer container for containing the developer, and developing from a gap between the developer carrier and the developer container. A sheet member for preventing the developer from leaking, an end seal member for contacting the peripheral surfaces of both end portions of the developer carrying member to prevent the developer from leaking from the developer container, and the development In the developing device having a filling sealant that contacts and seals the container, the end seal member, and the sheet member, the end seal member and the developer container have a plurality of gaps having different widths on the surfaces facing each other. In the longitudinal direction of the developing container, the gap on the opposite surface has at least two gaps wider than the gap on the inner side in the longitudinal direction, and any of the gaps is filled with the filling sealant. Iko The features.

  According to the present invention, since the filling sealant filled from the opening provided in the cleaning container is filled in the gap between the surfaces where the end seal member and the cleaning container face each other, the flow path of the filling sealant is regulated. can do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the filling sealant from protruding outside the end seal member or the sheet member.

  In addition, between the end seal member and the cleaning container, at least two or more gaps wider than the gap inside the longitudinal inner side are provided in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning container. Injected into either. For this reason, even when the filling amount is large, the filling sealing agent can flow into the other wide gap other than the injected gap, and the filling sealing agent does not lift the sheet member, and the gap between the cleaning container and the end sealing member Can be reliably blocked.

  Similarly, the developing device can prevent the filling sealant from protruding to the outside of the end seal member or the sheet member, and can reliably close the gap between the developing container and the end seal member.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiments of a process cartridge and a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 has four process cartridge mounting portions (not shown) arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. Each of the cartridges 7 (7a to 7d) mounted on the mounting portion includes one electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 (1a to 1d).

  The photosensitive drum 1 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure by a driving means (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus main body. Around the photosensitive drum 1, the following components are arranged in order according to the rotation direction.

  Charging means 2 (2a to 2d) for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, a scanner unit 3 (3a to 3d) for irradiating a laser beam based on image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1, A developing unit 4 (4a to 4d) as a second frame for developing the electrostatic latent image using toner as a developer, and an electrostatic for transferring a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 to a recording medium S. A transfer member 5 and a cleaning member 6 (6a to 6d) for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer are disposed. Here, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging unit 2, the developing unit 4, and the cleaning unit 50 are integrated into a cartridge to form a process cartridge 7.

  The photosensitive drum 1 is obtained by coating an organic photoconductive layer (OPC photosensitive member) on the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of 30 mm, for example. Both ends of the photosensitive drum 1 are rotatably supported by support members. A driving force from a driving motor (not shown) is transmitted to one end. As a result, the photosensitive drum 1 is driven to rotate counterclockwise. As the charging means 2, a contact charging type as shown in FIG. 2 is used. The charging member is a conductive roller formed in a roller shape, and this roller is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, a charging bias voltage is applied to this roller. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged.

  The scanner unit 3 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, image light corresponding to the image signal is irradiated to a polygon mirror 9 (9a to 9d) rotated by a scanner motor (not shown) by a laser diode (not shown). The image light reflected by the mirror 9 selectively exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 1 through the imaging lens 10 (10a to 10d). Thereby, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developing unit 4 includes a toner container 41a containing yellow toner, a toner container 41b containing magenta toner, a toner container 41c containing cyan toner, and a black toner. A toner container 41d and a developing frame 45. The toner is fed into the toner supply roller 43 by the toner transport mechanism 42 in the toner container 41.

  Then, toner is applied to the outer periphery of the developing roller 40 by the developing blade 44 pressed against the outer periphery of the roller 43 and the developing roller 40 as a developing member, and an electric charge is applied to the toner. Then, a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by applying a developing bias to the developing roller 40. The developing roller 40 is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 1.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus is provided with an electrostatic transfer belt 11 that circulates and moves so as to face and contact all the photosensitive drums 1 (1a to 1d). The transfer belt 11 is a film-like member. Then, the recording medium S is conveyed to the transfer position by the transfer belt 11, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 (1a to 1d) is transferred.

  Transfer rollers 12 (12a to 12d) are juxtaposed at positions facing the inside of the transfer belt 11 and facing the four photosensitive drums 1 (1a to 1d). A positive charge is applied from the transfer roller 12 to the recording medium S via the transfer belt 11. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the recording medium S. The transfer belt 11 is stretched by four rollers, that is, a driving roller 13, driven rollers 14a and 14b, and a tension roller 15, and rotates (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the transfer belt 11 circulates and the toner image is transferred while the recording medium S is conveyed from the driven roller 14a side to the drive roller 13 side.

  The feeding unit 16 feeds and transports the recording medium S to the image forming unit. A plurality of recording media S are stored in the feeding cassette 17. At the time of image formation, the feeding roller 18 and the registration roller pair 19 are driven and rotated according to the image forming operation. As a result, the recording media S in the cassette 17 are separated and fed one by one. The leading edge of the recording medium S hits the roller pair 19 and stops temporarily. Then, in synchronization with the rotation of the transfer belt 11 and the toner image, the recording medium S is fed to the transfer belt 11 by the registration roller pair 19.

  The fixing unit 20 fixes the toner images of a plurality of colors transferred to the recording medium S. It comprises a rotating heating roller 21a and a pressure roller 21b that presses and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium S. That is, the recording medium S to which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred is conveyed by the fixing roller pair 21 when passing through the fixing unit 20. Then, heat and pressure are applied by the fixing roller pair 21. As a result, toner images of a plurality of colors are fixed on the surface of the recording medium S.

  The image forming operation is as follows.

  First, the cartridges 7 (7a to 7d) are sequentially driven in accordance with the image formation timing. Then, the photosensitive drum 1 (1a to 1d) is rotationally driven in accordance with the drive. Then, the scanner units 3 corresponding to the respective cartridges 7 are sequentially driven. By this driving, the charging unit 2 applies a uniform charge to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, the scanner unit 3 exposes the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 1 according to the image signal to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1. The developing roller 40 develops the electrostatic latent image.

As described above, the toner images on the photosensitive drums 1 are sequentially transferred to the recording medium S by the electric field formed between the photosensitive drums 1 and the transfer rollers 12. The recording medium S to which the four color toner images are transferred is separated from the transfer belt 11 by the curvature of the driving roller 13. Then, it is carried into the fixing unit 20. After the toner image is heat-fixed by the fixing unit 20, the recording medium S is discharged from the discharge unit 24 to the outside of the main body by the discharge roller pair 23.
(Process cartridge)
Next, a process cartridge embodying the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a main cross section of the cartridge 7 containing the toner. The cartridge 7a containing yellow toner, the cartridge 7b containing magenta toner, the cartridge 7c containing cyan toner, and the cartridge 7d containing black toner have the same configuration.

  The cartridge 7 (7a to 7d) includes a photosensitive drum 1 (1a to 1d), a charging unit 2 (2a to 2d), a cleaning blade 61, and a cleaning member 6 (a sheet metal 60 for supporting the cleaning blade 61). 6a to 6d) and a developing unit 4 (4a to 4d) as a second frame having a developing unit.

  In the cleaning unit 50, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 51. As described above, the charging unit 2 and the cleaning member 6 are disposed on the circumference of the photosensitive drum 1. Further, the residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning member 6 is sent to the waste toner container 53 by the toner feeding mechanism 52. The waste toner container is formed integrally with the cleaning frame 51.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) is transmitted to the cleaning unit 50 via the coupling member 70, so that the photosensitive drum 1 is rotationally driven in accordance with the image forming operation. . Further, the cleaning frame 51 is provided with a cartridge rotation stopper 51a as a main body positioning boss for preventing the process cartridge from rotating due to its own weight or a moment due to a driving force in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the development unit 4 transmits the drive from the drive motor to the development drive gear 71 and transmits the drive to the development roller 40 through a drive train (not shown). The developing roller 40 is rotatably supported by the developing frame body 45 through bearing members 47 and 48. Further, as described above, the toner supply roller 43 and the developing blade 44 are arranged on the circumference of the developing roller 40, respectively. Further, in the toner container 41, a toner transport mechanism 42 for stirring the stored toner and transporting it to the roller 43 is provided.

Further, the developing unit 4 has a suspended structure that is rotatably supported with respect to the cleaning unit 50. That is, the developing unit 4 is provided with holes 47 a and 48 a that are provided in bearing members 47 and 48 attached to both ends of the unit 4, respectively. The shafts are fitted into the cleaning frame 51 in the holes. 62 and 63 are inserted, and the developing unit 4 is rotatably attached to the cleaning unit 50. The developing unit 4 is provided with a spring 54 that is compressed between the developing unit 4 and the cleaning unit 50. The developing unit 4 is rotated about the shafts 62 and 63 by the spring 54, and the developing roller 43 is a photosensitive drum. Energized to 1.
(Main configuration of the present invention)
FIG. 5 shows a main configuration of the cleaning device according to the present invention.

  In the cleaning apparatus for the process cartridge 7, a cleaning member 6 including a cleaning blade 61 and a sheet metal 60 that supports the cleaning blade is fastened to the cleaning container 51, and the cleaning blade 61 is supported on the photosensitive drum 1 supported by the cleaning container 51. The edge is in contact.

  The cleaning device guides the cleaning container 51, the cleaning member 6, an end seal member 64 for preventing toner leakage from the cleaning container 51, and the developer removed from the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning member 6 to the cleaning container 51. The squeeze sheet 67 is a sheet member.

  The end seal member 64 is made of rubber sponge, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or the like. When the end seal member 64 is attached to the cleaning container 51, the end surface 64a of the end seal member 64 is in contact with the end surface 61a of the cleaning blade 61. It is adhered to the cleaning container 51 by a double-sided tape 65 that is disposed so as to be in contact with and integrated with the end seal member 64 as in FIG.

  The squeeze sheet 67 is affixed to the seating surface 57 of the cleaning container 51 with a double-sided tape (not shown). In order to prevent toner leakage from the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51 caused by a shape error of the end seal member 64 or a pasting error at the time of assembly, the filling sealant 81 contains the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51. And injected so as to contact the squeeze sheet 67. For the filling sealant 81, a quick-drying silicone adhesive sealant, an ultraviolet curable bond, or a thermoplastic elastomer is used.

  In the present invention, the cleaning container 51 is used as a means for relaxing the standard of the filling amount, improving the assembly work efficiency, and preventing the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51 and the filling sealant 81 from protruding. Has a recess 55 in a part of the seating surface 57 to which the squeeze sheet is attached, and a hole 56 for injecting the filling sealant 81 into the recess 55 in the vicinity where the end seal member 64 is attached. Yes.

  The end seal member 64 has a convex portion 66, and has surfaces 64 b, 64 c, 64 d facing the inner walls 55 a, 55 b, 55 c of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51 and a surface 64 e facing the facing surface 55 d of the cleaning container 51. Have. At this time, if the gaps between the inner walls 55a, 55b, 55c and the opposing surface 55d of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51 and the surfaces 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e of the end seal member 64 are a, b, c, d, respectively. , C and d are wider than a and b, and a hole 56 for injecting the filling sealant 81 into the gap c is arranged. As shown in FIG. 6, the squeeze sheet 67 is attached so as to cover the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51.

  In the above configuration, the filling sealant 81 injected from the hole 56 first fills the gap c surrounded by the surface 64 d of the end seal member 64 and the surface 55 c of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51.

  In addition, since the gaps c and d wider than the gaps a and b on the inner side are provided on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, the filling sealant 81 flows into the gap d even if the gap c is filled when the filling amount is large. Can do. When the filling amount is large as described above, the gap d serves as a buffer, so that the filling sealant 81 can be prevented from lifting the squeeze sheet 67.

  In the above configuration, even when the filling amount is large, it is possible to prevent the filling sealant 81 from protruding from the end seal member 64 and the squeeze sheet 67 or lifting the squeeze sheet 67. Even if the filling amount varies, there is a problem. It does not occur.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment for relaxing the standard of the filling amount, improving the assembly work efficiency, and preventing the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51 and the overflow of the filling sealant.

  In the present invention, the cleaning container 51 has a recess 55 in a part of the seat surface 57 to which the squeeze sheet is attached, and a filling sealant 81 for injecting the filling sealant 81 into the recess 55 in the vicinity where the end seal member 64 is attached. A hole 56 is provided.

  The end seal member 64 has protrusions 66 a and 66 b, and faces 64 b, 64 c and 64 d facing the inner walls 55 a, 55 b and 55 c of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51 and faces facing the facing face 55 d of the cleaning container 51. 64e, 64f. At this time, the gaps between the inner walls 55a, 55b, 55c and the opposing surface 55d of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51 and the surfaces 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f of the end seal member 64 are respectively a, b, c, d. , E, c and d are wider than a, b and e, and a hole 56 for injecting the filling sealant 81 into the gap c is arranged. The squeeze sheet 67 is attached so as to cover the concave portion 55 of the cleaning container 51 as in FIG.

  In the above configuration, the filling sealant 81 injected from the hole 56 first fills the gap c surrounded by the surface 64 d of the end seal member 64 and the surface 55 c of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51.

  In addition, since the gaps c and d wider than the gaps a and b on the inner side are provided on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, the filling sealant 81 flows into the gap d even if the gap c is filled when the filling amount is large. Can do. Further, in this configuration, even when the filling amount is large and the filling sealing agent 81 flows into the gap d, the filling sealing agent 81 is blocked by the convex portion 66b of the end seal member, so that the filling seal can be more reliably performed. The protrusion of the agent to the outside can be prevented.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment for relaxing the standard of the filling amount, improving the assembly work efficiency, and preventing the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51 and the filling sealant from protruding.

  In the present invention, the cleaning container 51 has a recess 55 in a part of the seat surface 57 to which the squeeze sheet is attached, and a filling sealant 81 for injecting the filling sealant 81 into the recess 55 in the vicinity where the end seal member 64 is attached. A hole 56 is provided.

  The end seal member 64 has a convex portion 66 c, surfaces 64 b, 64 c, 64 d facing the inner walls 55 a, 55 b, 55 c of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51 and surfaces facing the facing surfaces 55 d, 55 e of the cleaning container 51. It has 64g and 64h. At this time, the gaps between the inner walls 55a, 55b, 55c and the opposing surfaces 55d, 55e of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51 and the surfaces 64b, 64c, 64d, 64g, 64h of the end seal member 64 are g, h, i, respectively. , J, f, g, h, i are wider than f, j, and a hole portion 56 for injecting the filling sealant 81 into the gap g is arranged. The squeeze sheet 67 is attached so as to cover the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51 as in FIG.

  In the above configuration, the filling sealant 81 injected from the hole 56 first fills the gap g surrounded by the surface 64 b of the end seal member 64 and the surface 55 a of the recess 55 of the cleaning container 51. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap between the end seal member 64 and the cleaning container 51. Further, three gaps g, h, and i wider than the gap f on the inner side in the longitudinal direction are provided on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, and the filling sealant 81 flows in the order of the gaps g → h → i.

  In this configuration, since the gaps h and i serve as a buffer, the filling sealant 81 can be prevented from lifting the squeeze sheet 67 even when the filling amount is large. Further, since the gap i is surrounded by the concave surface 55 c of the cleaning container 51 and the surface 64 d of the end seal member 64, it is ensured that the filling sealant 81 protrudes outside the end seal 64 and the squeeze sheet 67. Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the concave portion 55 is provided in the cleaning container 51. However, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a convex portion 58 is provided on the seat surface 57 to which the squeeze sheet of the cleaning container 51 is attached, and the surface of the convex portion 58 is provided. 58a to 58c and the facing surface 58d of the cleaning container 51, and the gaps a to d between the surfaces 64c to 64f of the end seal member 64, at least two or more on the outside in the longitudinal direction as the gaps b to d wider than the gap a. In the structure which has, the effect similar to embodiment mentioned so far can be acquired.

  In this embodiment, the hole 56 of the cleaning container is provided at the position of the gap c. However, it may be provided at the position of the gap d in FIG. 7 or the position of the gap h or i in FIG.

<Embodiment 4>
FIG. 11 shows the main configuration of the developing device according to the present invention.

  In the developing device of the process cartridge 7, the developing blade 44 is fastened to the developing container 45 and abuts on the developing roller 40 supported by the developing container 45. The developing device prevents toner leakage from between the developing container 45, the developing blade 44, the end seal member 68 for preventing toner leakage at the end of the developing container 45, and the developing roller 40 below the developing container 45. It is comprised with the blowing prevention sheet | seat 69 which is a sheet | seat member for this.

  The end seal member 68 is made of rubber sponge, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or the like. The end seal member 68 is attached to the developing container 45 by attaching the end seal member 68 to the end surface 49b of the developer container 45. It is adhered to the developing container 45 by a double-sided tape 65 arranged so as to abut and integrated with the end seal member 68.

  The blowout prevention sheet 69 is affixed to the seating surface 46 of the developing container 45 with a double-sided tape (not shown). In order to prevent toner leakage from the gap between the end seal member 68 and the developing container 45 caused by the shape error of the end seal member 68 or the pasting error during assembly, the filling sealant 81 is used to prevent the end seal member 68 and the developing container 45 from being leaked. And injected so as to be in contact with the blowout prevention sheet 69. For the filling sealant 81, a quick-drying silicone adhesive sealant, an ultraviolet curable bond, or a thermoplastic elastomer is used.

  In the present invention, the standard of the filling amount is relaxed to improve the assembling work efficiency, and the developing container 45 is used as a means for preventing the generation of a gap between the end seal member 68 and the developing container 45 and the protrusion of the filling sealant 81. In the vicinity where the end seal member 68 is affixed, a recess 49 is formed in a part of the seat surface 46 to which the blowout prevention sheet 69 is affixed, and a hole 59 for injecting the filling sealant 81 into the recess 49 is provided. Have.

  The end seal member 68 has a convex portion 74, and includes a surface 68 a, 68 b, 68 c facing the inner walls 49 a, 49 b, 49 of the concave portion 49 of the cleaning container 51 and a surface 68 d facing the facing surface 49 d of the developing container 45. Have. At this time, the gaps between the inner walls 49a, 49b, 49c and the facing surface 49d of the concave portion 49 of the developing container 45 and the surfaces 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d of the end seal member 68 are respectively a ′, b ′, c ′, When d ′, c ′ and d ′ are wider than a ′ and b ′, and a hole 59 for injecting the filling sealant 81 is disposed in the gap c ′. As shown in FIG. 12, the blowout prevention sheet 69 is attached so as to cover the concave portion 49 of the developing container 45.

  In the above configuration, the filling sealant 81 injected from the hole 59 first fills the gap c ′ surrounded by the surface 68 c of the end seal member 68 and the surface 49 c of the recess 49 of the developing container 45. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap between the end seal member 68 and the developing container 45. Further, since two gaps c ′ and d ′ wider than the gaps a ′ and b ′ on the inner side in the longitudinal direction are provided on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, the filling sealant 81 fills the gap c ′ when the filling amount is large. It can flow out into the gap d ′. When the filling amount is large in this way, the gap d ′ serves as a buffer, and thus the filling sealing agent 81 can be prevented from lifting the blowing prevention sheet 69.

  In the above configuration, even when the filling amount is large, it is possible to prevent the filling sealing agent 81 from protruding from the end seal member 68 and the blowing prevention sheet 69 or lifting the blowing prevention sheet 69, and the filling amount varies. However, there is no problem.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a process cartridge according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing unit according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the cleaning container and end part sealing member which show Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the seal structure of the cleaning container which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the cleaning container and edge part sealing member which concern on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cleaning container and edge part sealing member which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cleaning container and edge part sealing member which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cleaning container and edge part sealing member which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the developing container and edge part sealing member which concern on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the seal structure of the developing container which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram of the conventional cleaning container. It is a block diagram of the conventional developing container. It is sectional explanatory drawing of the conventional developing container. It is sectional drawing of a cleaning container in case there are few filling sealing agents. It is sectional drawing of a cleaning container in case there are many filling sealing agents. It is a fragmentary figure of a cleaning container in case there are many filling sealing agents.

Explanation of symbols

C contact position S recording medium t developer 1 (1a to 1d) electrophotographic photosensitive drum 2 (2a to 2d) charging means 3 (3a to 3d) scanner unit 4 (4a to 4d) developing unit (second frame)
5 Electrostatic transfer means 6 Cleaning member 7 (7a-7d) Process cartridge 8 (8a-8d) Force applying member (separating means)
9 (9a to 9d) Polygon mirror 10 (10a to 10d) Imaging lens 11 Electrostatic transfer belt 12 (12a to 12d) Transfer roller 13 Drive roller 14 Driven roller 15 Tension roller 16 Paper feed unit 17 Feed cassette 18 Feed Roller 19 Registration roller 20 Fixing portion 21 Fixing roller 21b Pressure roller 23 Discharge roller 24 Discharge portion 40 Developing roller (developing member)
41 (41a to 41d) Toner container 42 Toner transport mechanism 43 Toner supply roller 44 Developing blade 45 Developing frame body 46 Seating surface to which a blowout prevention sheet is attached 47 Bearing member (main body driving side)
48 Bearing member (Non-driving side)
49 Recessed portion provided in developer container 50 Cleaning unit (first frame)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 51 Cleaning container 52 Toner feed mechanism 53 Waste toner chamber 54 Spring 55 Recessed part provided in the cleaning container 56 Hole part provided in the cleaning container 57 Squee sheet attaching seating surface 58 Convex part provided in the cleaning container 59 Provided in the developing container Hole 60 60 Cleaning blade support sheet metal 61 Cleaning blade 62 Connection pin 63 Connection pin 64 End seal member (cleaning container side)
65 Double-sided tape 66 Convex part provided on end seal member (cleaning container side) 67 Squee sheet 68 End seal member (development container side)
69 Blowing prevention sheet 70 Coupling member 71 Development drive gear 74 Convex part provided on end seal (development container side) 81 Filling sealant 100 Image forming apparatus aj On the surface where the end seal member and the cleaning container face each other Gap a ′ to d ′ Gap between the surfaces where the end seal member and the developing container face each other L Laser light

Claims (14)

A rotating member, a container for storing the developer, a sheet member for preventing the developer from leaking from a gap between the rotating member and the container, and the developer leaking from an end of the container. In the process cartridge removable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus having an end seal member for preventing, and a filling sealant that contacts and seals the container, the sheet member, and the end seal member,
The end seal member and the receiving container have a plurality of gaps having different widths on the surfaces facing each other, and the gaps on the facing surfaces are longer than the inner gap in the longitudinal direction of the receiving container. A process cartridge having at least two or more on the outside, wherein one of the gaps is filled with the filling sealant.   The clearance gap in the opposing surface of the said edge part sealing member and the said storage container is comprised by providing a convex shape or a concave shape in the said edge part sealing member or the said storage container. Process cartridge.   The said container has an opening part in either of the clearance gaps in the opposing surface of the said edge part sealing member and the said container, The said filling sealing agent is inject | poured from the said opening part. 2. The process cartridge according to 2.   An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to claim 1 detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body. A cleaning member for removing the developer on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member, and a removal member from the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the cleaning member A sheet member for guiding the developer to the cleaning container, an end seal member for preventing the developer in the cleaning container from leaking from an end of the cleaning container, the cleaning container, and the sheet member In a cleaning device having a filling sealant that contacts and seals with the end seal member,
The end seal member and the cleaning container have a plurality of gaps having different widths on the surfaces facing each other, and the gaps on the facing surfaces are wider than the inner gaps in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning container. A cleaning device having at least two or more on the outside in the longitudinal direction and any one of the gaps filled with the filling sealant.   6. The cleaning according to claim 5, wherein the gap between the opposing surfaces of the end seal member and the cleaning container is formed by providing a convex shape or a concave shape in the end seal member or the cleaning container. apparatus.   The said cleaning container has an opening part in either the clearance gap between the said edge part sealing member and the said cleaning container, The said filling sealing agent is inject | poured from the said opening part. 6. The cleaning device according to 6.   A process cartridge comprising the cleaning device according to claim 5.   An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a process cartridge having the cleaning device according to claim 5 detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body. A developer-carrying member that carries the developer and conveys the developer to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developer container that contains the developer, and prevents the developer from leaking from the gap between the developer-carrying member and the developer container A sheet member for making contact with the peripheral surface of both end portions of the developing carrier, and an end seal member for preventing the developer from leaking from the developing container, and the developing container and the end seal In a developing device having a filling sealant that contacts and seals a member and the sheet member,
The end seal member and the developing container have a plurality of gaps having different widths on the surfaces facing each other, and the gaps on the facing surfaces are wider than the inner gap in the longitudinal direction of the developing container. A developing device having at least two or more on the outside in the longitudinal direction and any of the gaps filled with the filling sealant.   The developing device according to claim 10, wherein a gap between opposing surfaces of the end seal member and the developing container is configured by providing a convex shape or a concave shape in the end seal member or the developing container. apparatus.   11. The developer container according to claim 10, wherein the developing container has an opening in one of the gaps between the end seal member and the developing container, and the filling sealant is injected from the opening. The developing device according to 11.   A process cartridge comprising the developing device according to claim 10.   An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a process cartridge having the developing device according to claim 10 detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body.

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