JP2006349817A - Developing device and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device and a process cartridge capable of stably supplying toner and compatible with a toner storage container with a large capacity as well, with a simple and inexpensive configuration. <P>SOLUTION: The toner storage container composed of a first frame and a second frame is configured so that: a plurality of first bosses are provided on the first frame; a plurality of second bosses having recessed parts engaged with the first bosses and a diameter larger than that of the hole part of an elastic member are provided on the second frame; and further a fall-off prevention surface when the elastic member is attached is provided on the top of the second boss. In addition, when the second frame is attached to the first frame, a gap is provided between the top surface of the first boss and the bottom surface of the recessed part of the second boss. Further, the first frame and the second frame are positioned by engaging the first bosses and the second bosses. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing device and a process cartridge that can be used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

  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 machine, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like.

  In addition, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed, and the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

  The prior art will be described with reference to FIGS.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as “image forming apparatus”) such as a printer performs selective exposure on a uniformly charged electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 20. A latent image is formed, and the latent image is visualized with a developer (hereinafter, “toner”) T, and the visualized toner image is transferred to a recording medium P to perform image recording. In such an apparatus, it is necessary to replenish the toner T every time the toner T runs out. However, this toner replenishment operation is troublesome and may be contaminated. In addition, maintenance of each member can be performed only by a professional service person, and the user is often inconvenient.

  Therefore, the photosensitive drum 20, the charging device 30, the developing device 40, the cleaning device 50, and the like are integrated into a cartridge to form a cartridge, and the user mounts the process cartridge 2 on the image forming apparatus main body 1 to supply toner T. In addition, parts that can replace parts such as the photosensitive drum 20 that have reached the end of their service life have been put into practical use.

  In this type of process cartridge 2, a developer container 44 that holds and accommodates a developer carrier (hereinafter referred to as “development roller”) 41 that applies toner T to the photosensitive drum 20, and toner that is supplied to the developer container A developer container (hereinafter referred to as “toner container”) 45 for sealing the toner T in the toner container 45 until the start of use and preventing the toner T from scattering. A seal member (not shown) that separates 44 from the toner storage container 45 is used. The seal member is configured to be removed when the process cartridge 2 is used. The seal member is pulled out from the inside of the process cartridge 2 before the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1, thereby opening the toner supply opening 45 a storing the toner T, and the developing container 44 and the developing member. The toner T can be supplied to the roller 41.

  The configuration and operation of the laser beam printer are the same as those in the embodiment of the invention, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  The supply of the toner T to the developing roller 41 is performed as follows.

  That is, in the toner storage container 45, the stirring member 43 is disposed in the vicinity of the toner supply opening 45a. The bottom surface of the toner storage container 45 forms an inclined surface 45 b that is inclined downward toward the stirring member 43. The toner T on the inclined surface 45 b slides down the inclined surface 45 b by its own weight and is supplied to the stirring member 43. The stirring member 43 is driven to rotate in the R3 direction, and the toner T in the vicinity of the stirring member 43 is sent to the toner supply opening 45a as the stirring member 43 rotates.

  However, depending on the configuration of the toner container, the toner on the inclined surface in the toner container may not slide down to the stirring member only by its own weight. For this reason, it is necessary to set the inclination angle of the inclined surface in the toner storage container to an angle of repose (65 degrees) or more at which the toner can slide down under its own weight in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

  However, in order to improve the space efficiency in the image forming apparatus, it is desirable that the tilt angle is small. By attaching the elastic member to the toner storage container with a certain amount of backlash by heat welding or the like and projecting it in the rotation area of the stirring member, the inclination angle is less than the repose angle. Even in the case of (20 degrees to less than 65 degrees), there is one that can stably drop the toner and supply the toner in accordance with the vibration over the substantially entire area of the elastic member caused by the rotation of the stirring member (patent) Reference 1).

  By the way, in recent process cartridges, in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus and reduce the running cost, it is desired to increase the capacity of the toner storage container as much as possible. In order to increase the capacity of the toner storage container, it is difficult to configure the frame forming the toner storage container with one component. Therefore, usually, by joining two or more components by welding or the like, In many cases, the toner container is constituted. At that time, for the purpose of increasing the toner filling density without reducing the strength of the toner storage portion, a partition member is provided inside the toner storage container and the toner on the upstream side in the supply direction of the toner supplied to the toner supply opening A configuration in which a gap is provided between the wall surface of the storage container and the partition member is known.

With the above-described configuration, when the process cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, even when the handle portion of the toner storage container is strongly gripped, the deformation of the frame can be minimized ( Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-258598 A JP-A-8-305246

  In the above-described prior art, particularly in the case of an image forming apparatus corresponding to a paper size of A3 or more, it is necessary to widen the width of the process cartridge in the longitudinal direction in order to support the paper size. At that time, the width of the elastic member in the longitudinal direction must be widened, and in order to maintain a good vibration state of the elastic member, it is necessary to increase the number of places where the elastic member is attached by thermal welding or the like, which increases the number of assembly steps. It was.

  In addition, when the width in the longitudinal direction is increased, when the process cartridge is attached or detached, if both grips formed by the two frames are strongly gripped, both the frames are easily deformed. In order to minimize the deformation amount of both frame bodies, it is necessary to provide a plurality of partition members inside the toner storage container. However, by increasing the width in the longitudinal direction, the number of partition members is increased, or the partition members Must be provided at the longitudinal center where the frame deformation amount is large. In order to provide the partition member, the elastic member provided on the inclined surface in the toner storage container must be provided with a notch or the like in accordance with the position of the partition member. However, there is a possibility that the elastic member cannot obtain proper vibration.

  The present invention is a further development of the above-described prior art. In a process cartridge in which an elastic member is disposed on the inclined surface of a toner storage container, a developing device capable of achieving the above-described object solution with a simple and inexpensive configuration, and It is to provide a process cartridge.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member,
In the developing device having a developer accommodating portion composed of a first frame and a second frame for accommodating the developer used for developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing member,
The first frame includes an inclined surface inclined downward toward the developing member on a bottom surface when the developing device is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a plurality of first frames on the inclined surface. A boss, a stirring member that stirs the developer stored in the developer storage unit by rotating, and a protrusion that protrudes into the rotation area of the stirring member along the inclined direction of the inclined surface. An elastic member that is provided and has a hole portion that engages with the first boss and vibrates in contact with the stirring member when the stirring member rotates;
The second frame body is a plurality of second bosses provided on the second frame body, the recesses engaging with the first boss, and a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole of the elastic member. A second boss having a retaining surface for preventing the elastic member from slipping out of the engaging portion of the first boss at the tip, and the second frame is attached to the first frame. The first gap formed between the tip surface of the first boss and the bottom surface of the recess of the second boss and the elastic member are movable in the thickness direction of the elastic member. And a second gap formed by the inclined surface and the retaining surface of the second boss for attachment.

The present invention also provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor,
A developing member for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A developer storage portion composed of a first frame and a second frame for storing a developer used for developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing member;
In a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having
The first frame includes an inclined surface inclined downward toward the developing member on a bottom surface when the process cartridge is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a plurality of first frames on the inclined surface. A boss, a stirring member that stirs the developer stored in the developer storage unit by rotating, and a protrusion that protrudes into the rotation area of the stirring member along the inclined direction of the inclined surface. An elastic member that is provided and has a hole portion that engages with the first boss, and vibrates in contact with the stirring member when the stirring member rotates;
The second frame body is a plurality of second bosses provided on the second frame body, the recesses engaging with the first boss, and a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole of the elastic member. A second boss having a retaining surface for preventing the elastic member from slipping out of the engaging portion of the first boss at the tip, and the second frame is attached to the first frame When formed, the first gap formed between the tip surface of the first boss and the bottom surface of the recess of the second boss and the elastic member can be moved in the thickness direction of the elastic member. A second gap formed by the inclined surface and the retaining surface of the second boss.

  According to the present invention, in the toner storage container including the first frame and the second frame, the first frame is provided with the plurality of first bosses, and the second frame is engaged with the first bosses. By providing a plurality of second bosses having a recess and a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole of the elastic member, and further providing a retaining surface when attaching the elastic member to the tip of the second boss. When attaching the elastic member on the inclined surface in the toner storage container, the elastic member can be prevented from being detached without performing heat welding or the like at a plurality of locations, so that the number of assembling steps can be reduced.

  Moreover, when attaching a 2nd frame to a 1st frame, it is set as the structure which provides a clearance gap between the front end surface of a 1st boss | hub, and the recessed part bottom face of a 2nd boss, A 1st or 2nd frame body Without providing partition ribs, it is possible to minimize deformation of both frame bodies when the grip portion formed by the first frame body and the second frame body is strongly gripped. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide a cutout or the like in the elastic member, it is possible to maintain a better vibration state of the elastic member and to supply toner stably.

  Further, the positions of the first frame body and the second frame body can be determined by engaging the first boss and the second boss.

  As described above, it is possible to supply toner stably with a simple and inexpensive configuration, and it is possible to cope with a large-capacity toner storage container.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

(overall structure)
The image forming apparatus 1 is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic technique in which a process cartridge 2 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1. When the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) is disposed above the process cartridge 2, and a recording medium to be image formed is disposed below the process cartridge 2. A sheet tray 4 containing P is disposed. Further, the image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a pickup roller 5, a transfer guide 6, a transfer charging roller 7, a conveyance guide 8, a fixing device 9, a discharge roller pair 10, a discharge roller, along the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. A paper tray 11 and the like are arranged.

  Next, the process cartridge and the image forming process according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Process cartridge configuration and image forming process)
The process cartridge 2 integrally accommodates four types of process devices including a photosensitive drum 20, a charging device 30, a developing device 40, and a cleaning device 50. The photosensitive drum 20 and the charging device 30 are cleaned. It is attached to the cleaning frame 51 of the device 50.

  Based on the print start signal, the photosensitive drum 20 is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the arrow R1 direction. A charging device 30 to which a bias voltage is applied is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20, and the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is uniformly and uniformly charged by the charging device 30.

  The laser scanner unit 3 outputs laser light L modulated in accordance with the time-series electric digital pixel signal of the target image information, and enters the process cartridge 2 from the exposure window 53 on the upper surface of the process cartridge 2. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is scanned and exposed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the target image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20. This electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image by the toner on the developing roller 41 that has been subjected to tribo application and layer thickness regulation by the developer regulating member (developing blade) 42 of the developing device 40.

  On the other hand, the recording medium P is fed from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5 or the like in synchronization with the output timing of the laser light L, and passes through the transfer guide 6 to the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer charging roller 7. The timing is supplied to the transfer position. At this transfer position, the toner images are sequentially transferred from the photosensitive drum 20 to the recording medium P.

  The recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 and conveyed to the fixing device 9 along the conveyance guide 8, and the nip portion between the fixing roller 9 a and the pressure roller 9 b constituting the fixing device 9. The toner image is fixed on the recording medium P by performing pressure and heat fixing processing at the nip portion. The recording medium P that has undergone the toner image fixing process is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to the discharge tray 11.

  On the other hand, after the transfer, the photosensitive drum 20 is subjected to image formation starting from charging again after the residual toner on the outer peripheral surface is removed by the cleaning blade 52 of the cleaning device 50.

  Next, the developing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

(Configuration of developing device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the toner in the toner storage container 45 is attracted to the developing roller 41 by the magnet 41a included in the developing roller 41 through the toner supply opening 45a by a toner feeding mechanism described later, and R2 of the developing roller 41 With the rotation in the direction, the toner is conveyed in the direction of the developing blade 42, and is fed in the direction of the photosensitive drum 20 by applying the tribo and layer thickness regulation by the developing blade 42.

  Here, a predetermined developing bias in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage is applied to the developing roller 41, and the photosensitive drum 20 is grounded. Since an electric field is generated in a region where the photosensitive drum 20 and the developing roller 41 face each other, the latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is developed by the above-described charged toner.

  Next, the toner feeding mechanism according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

(Configuration of toner feeding mechanism)
The toner feeding mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.

  The stirring member 43 disposed near the toner supply opening 45a in the toner storage container 45 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow R3. Here, the stirring member 43 is a member in which a stirring blade 43 b is provided on an attachment shaft 43 a that is rotatably supported by a frame that constitutes the toner storage container 45. In the vicinity of the stirring member 43, the bottom surface of the first frame body 45 c constituting the toner storage container 45 forms a stirring recess 45 h along the rotation radius of the stirring member 43. An edge 45i is formed between the inclined surface 45b descending toward the stirring recess 45h and the stirring recess 45h. The stirring recess 45h is along the rotation path of the stirring member 43, and the cross section is an arc as shown.

  In order to improve the space efficiency in the image forming apparatus 1, it is desirable that the inclination angle of the inclined surface 45b is small. However, if the inclination angle of the inclined surface 45b is made smaller than the repose angle, the toner is inclined by the weight of the inclined surface 45b. The toner remaining without being supplied to the developing roller 41 is present behind the inclined surface 45b where the stirring member 43 does not reach, and a predetermined number of printed sheets cannot be obtained.

  Even when the inclination angle of the inclined surface 45b is equal to or less than the repose angle (20 degrees to 65 degrees or less), the elastic member 47 is provided on the inclined surface 45b, and is disposed so as to protrude in the rotation region of the stirring member 43. Along with the vibration over the substantially entire region of the elastic member 47 generated by the rotation, the toner can be stably dropped and the toner can be supplied.

  The elastic member 47 has a movable part having a free end 47b at the tip, and an engagement hole 47a (see FIG. 4) for the frame. The elastic member 47 is arranged over the entire region of the inclined surface 45b so that the free end 47b enters the rotation region of the stirring member 43. In the present embodiment, the free end 47b of the elastic member 47 is set to project 6.0 mm from the edge 45i onto the stirring recess 45h, and the movable part including the free end 47b is located in the rotation region of the stirring member 43. It is set to enter 9.0 mm.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is in the operating state, the stirring member 43 is rotationally driven in the R3 direction. As the stirring member 43 is driven to rotate, the toner in the vicinity of the stirring member 43 is stirred, and a part of the toner is supplied to the developing roller 41 through the toner supply opening 45a.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the free end 47 b of the elastic member 47 protrudes into the rotation region of the stirring member 43, the stirring member 43 periodically interferes with the elastic member 47. At this time, the elastic member 47 is elastically deformed in the direction of the stirring recess 45 h while interfering with the stirring member 43, and is restored to a planar shape after passing through the stirring member 43. At this time, the vibration at the time of elastic deformation and shape restoration of the elastic member 47 can be transmitted to the toner via the elastic member 47 in the range from the free end 47b of the elastic member 47 to the movable portion, and therefore the inclined surface 45b. Even if the inclination angle is equal to or less than the repose angle, the toner slides down the inclined surface 45b. Then, the slipped toner reaches the stirring recess 45 h and the stirring member 43 provided along the rotation path of the stirring member 43, and the toner is sent toward the toner supply opening 45 a as the stirring member 43 rotates.

  In the present embodiment, the inclined surface 45b of 50 degrees is formed with the process cartridge 2 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, a description will be given of the attaching means of the toner container according to the present invention.

(Configuration of toner container)
As shown in FIG. 3, a stirring member 43 is disposed near the toner supply opening 45a in the toner storage container 45, and the bottom surface of the toner storage container 45 is inclined downward toward the developing roller 41 and the stirring member 43. The shape has the inclined surface 45b. The toner container 45 includes a first frame body 45c including an inclined surface 45b and a second frame body 45d that is positioned above the first frame body 45c and forms a lid portion attached to the first frame body 45c. The Two or more first bosses 45e are disposed on the inclined surface 45b of the first frame 45c, and a plurality of second bosses 45f that engage with the first boss 45e are disposed on the second frame 45d. ing. The first boss 45e is disposed on the upstream side of the inclined surface 45b of the first frame 45c with respect to the toner supply direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second boss 45f is provided with a recess 45g that engages with the first boss 45e, and the diameter of the second boss 45f is larger than the diameter of the engagement hole 47a of the elastic member 47. . When the second frame 45d is attached to the first frame 45c, a gap S2 is formed between the inclined surface 45b and the retaining surface 45f1, as will be described later. Here, the retaining surface 45f1 of the second boss 45f is set to be substantially parallel to the inclined surface 45b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the recess 45g of the second boss 45f has a round hole shape 45g1 for determining the position and an elongated round hole shape 45g2 for restricting the rotation, respectively, and the first boss 45e. When the second frame 45d is attached to the first frame 45c, the round hole shape 45g1 and the oblong hole shape 45g2 of the recess 45g are engaged with the first boss 45e. The second frame body 45d and the first frame body 45c are positioned. When the number of the bosses is three or more, the recesses 45g other than the round hole shape 45g1 and the oblong hole shape 45g2 have a dimensional relationship (gap fit to play size) that does not affect positioning and rotation regulation. 45e is engaged.

  The first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d are integrally coupled by a coupling method such as pen welding to constitute the toner storage container 45.

  Next, the elastic member attaching means according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Attaching means for elastic member)
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the elastic member 47 has an elongated engagement hole corresponding to the first boss 45e provided on the upper surface side of the toner storage container 45 of the inclined surface 45b of the first frame 45c. 47a is open and attached to the inclined surface 45b of the first frame 45c with the hole engaged with the first boss 45e.

  Here, the first boss 45e and the engagement hole 47a are engaged with a backlash so that the elastic member 47 can be displaced in all directions, and the first boss 45e is attached to the elastic member 47. C-face is given to the tip to secure. Then, the second frame 45d is attached to the first frame 45c, and the elastic member 47 is attached between the clearance S2 between the retaining surface 45f1 of the second boss 45f and the inclined surface 45b (see FIG. 6).

  The material of the elastic member 47 is any one of polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, and cellulose, and the thickness is desirably 10 μm or more and less than 100 μm. In this embodiment, polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of 75 μm is used.

  Next, the deformation preventing configuration of the toner container according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

(Configuration for preventing deformation of toner container)
As shown in FIG. 6, when the second frame 45d is attached to the first frame 45c, the front end surface of the first boss 45e of the first frame 45c and the second boss 45f of the second frame 45d A gap S1 is formed between the bottom surface 45f2 of the recess 45g. When the process cartridge 2 is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus main body 1, if the grip portion formed by the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d is squeezed, both frame bodies (45c, 45d) are deformed. The amount of deformation can be minimized (gap S1) by the abutment of the front end surface of the first boss 45e and the bottom surface 45f2 of the recess 45g of the second boss 45f.

  Here, when the clearance S2 between the retaining surface 45f1 and the inclined surface 45b is equal to or less than the clearance S1, the retaining member is prevented from being deformed by the deformation of the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d when the grip portion is strongly gripped. The surface 45f1 hits the elastic member 47 on the inclined surface 45b. At this time, a toner condensate may be generated between the retaining surface 45f1 and the elastic member 47. Therefore, the clearance S2 between the retaining surface 45f1 and the inclined surface 45b is preferably equal to or larger than the clearance S1. The gap S1 can be stably welded when the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d are joined, and the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d when the grip portion is firmly held. Desirable dimensions are such that the deformation can be kept to a minimum. For example, it is preferably set to about 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm. In the present embodiment, the gap S1 is set to 0.2 mm, and the gap S2 is set to 0.7 mm.

  If the first boss 45e and the second boss 45f are A4 size process cartridges, about three locations are sufficient. However, since the A3 size process cartridge has a longer longitudinal direction, more than that is desirable. The toner container 45 is most deformed at the center of the toner container 45 during gripping. In order to prevent the deformation of the toner storage container 45, it is desirable to provide the bosses (45e, 45f) as centrally as possible. In order to ensure the strength of the first frame 45c and the second frame 45d when the process cartridge 2 is attached and detached, and to maintain a good vibration state of the elastic member 47, the first boss 45e and the second boss 45f are provided. The number to be arranged is preferably selected as appropriate according to conditions such as the shape and strength of the frame and the thickness, length, and material of the elastic member 47. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the first boss 45 e and the second boss 45 f include five locations including the central portion of the toner storage container 45.

  In the present embodiment, when the second frame 45d is attached to the first frame 45c, a gap S1 is provided between the first boss 45e and the second boss 45f, and the second boss 45f The gap S2 is provided between the retaining surface 45f1 and the first frame 45c inclined surface 45b. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the first boss 45e is provided with a facing surface 45e1 that faces the retaining surface 45f1. It is good also as a structure. The retaining surface 45f1 and the facing surface 45e1 are formed such that a gap S3 is generated when the second frame 45d is attached to the first frame 45c. At this time, by setting the gap S3 to be equal to or less than the gap S1 and the gap S2, the gap S3 does not interfere when the second frame body 45d is welded to the first frame body 45c, and the grip portion is strongly gripped. The deformation of the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d can be minimized (gap S3). In the present embodiment, the gap S3 is set to 0.2 mm as in the gap S1 (see FIG. 6) of the above-described embodiment.

  Thus, even when the clearance S3 is provided between the retaining surface 45f1 and the facing surface 45e1, the same function as that of the above embodiment can be achieved. At this time, the bottom surface 45f2 of the recess 45g provided in the first boss 45e does not require processing accuracy as compared with the first embodiment, and the processing operation becomes easy.

  Although the process cartridge has been described in the above embodiment, the same applies to the developing device. Here, the developing device includes a developing cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus and in which the developing means and the toner container are integrated.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the toner storage container 45 includes the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d, and the first frame body 45c has a plurality of first bosses on the inclined surface 45b. The second frame body 45d has a recess 45g that engages with the first boss 45e, and has a plurality of second bosses 45f having a diameter larger than the diameter of the engagement hole 47a of the elastic member 47.

  The first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d are positioned by the engagement of the first boss 45e of the first frame body 45c and the second boss 45f of the second frame body 45d, and the elastic member 47 is placed on the first boss 45e. In the inserted state, the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d are joined.

  Further, when the second frame 45d is attached to the first frame 45c, a gap S1 is provided between the first boss 45e and the second boss 45f, and the retaining surface 45f1 of the second boss 45f. And the inclined surface 45b, the gap S2 is provided between the first frame body 45c and the inclined surface 45b on the first frame body 45c inclined surface 45b using the retaining surface 45f1 of the second boss 45f provided on the second frame body 45d. When attaching the elastic member 47 with the backlash, the number of assembling steps can be reduced without performing work such as heat welding.

  Further, when the process cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 1, the gap S1 is provided between the front end surface of the first boss 45e and the bottom surface 45f2 of the recess 45g of the second boss 45f. The strength of the first frame body 45c and the second frame body 45d can be ensured, and even when the grip portion is strongly gripped, deformation of both the frame bodies (45c, 45d) can be minimized.

  Further, the first boss and the second boss can be assembled by aligning the positions of the first frame and the second frame.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to stably supply toner with a simple and inexpensive configuration, and it is possible to cope with an increase in capacity of a large capacity toner storage container.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment process cartridge of the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the elastic member in embodiment of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional perspective view which attached the elastic member to the 1st frame in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a gap between bosses of two frame bodies that form a toner container in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the boss | hub of the 2nd frame in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a gap between bosses of two frame bodies that form a toner storage container in another embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a prior art example. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the process cartridge in a prior art example. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the developing device in a conventional example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Process cartridge 3 Exposure apparatus (laser scanner unit)
Reference Signs List 4 Sheet tray 5 Pickup roller 6 Transfer guide 7 Transfer charging roller 8 Transport guide 9 Fixing device 9a Fixing roller 9b Pressure roller 10 Paper discharge roller pair 11 Paper discharge tray 20 Electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum)
30 Charging Device 40 Developing Device 41 Developer Carrier (Developing Roller)
41a Magnet 42 Developer regulating member (developing blade)
43 Stirring member 43a Mounting shaft 43b Stirring blade 44 Developer container 45 Developer container (toner container)
45a Toner supply opening 45b Inclined surface 45c First frame body 45d Second frame body 45e First boss 45e1 Opposing surface 45f Second boss 45f1 Retaining surface 45f2 Bottom surface 45g Concave portion 45g1 Concave portion (round hole shape)
45g2 recess (long round hole shape)
45h Stirring recess 45i Edge 47 Elastic member 47a Engagement hole 47b Free end 48 Coupling arm 50 Cleaning device 51 Cleaning frame 52 Cleaning blade 53 Exposure window part L Laser light P Recording medium S1 Gap S2 Gap S3 Gap T Developer (toner)

Claims (8)

A developing member for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
In the developing device having a developer accommodating portion composed of a first frame and a second frame for accommodating the developer used for developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing member,
The first frame includes an inclined surface inclined downward toward the developing member on a bottom surface when the developing device is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a plurality of first frames on the inclined surface. A boss, a stirring member that stirs the developer stored in the developer storage unit by rotating, and a protrusion that protrudes into the rotation area of the stirring member along the inclined direction of the inclined surface. An elastic member that is provided and has a hole portion that engages with the first boss and vibrates in contact with the stirring member when the stirring member rotates;
The second frame body is a plurality of second bosses provided on the second frame body, the recesses engaging with the first boss, and a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole of the elastic member. A second boss having a retaining surface for preventing the elastic member from slipping out of the engaging portion of the first boss at the tip, and the second frame is attached to the first frame. The first gap formed between the tip surface of the first boss and the bottom surface of the recess of the second boss and the elastic member are movable in the thickness direction of the elastic member. A developing device comprising: a second gap formed by the inclined surface and a retaining surface of the second boss for mounting.   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the second gap is wider than the first gap.   The first boss has an opposing surface that opposes the retaining surface of the second boss, and when the second frame is attached to the first frame, the opposing surface and the retaining surface The developing device according to claim 1, further comprising a third gap formed between the first and second gaps, wherein the third gap is narrower than the first and second gaps.   The position of the first frame and the second frame is determined by the engagement of the first boss of the first frame and the second boss of the second frame. The developing device according to any one of 1 to 3. An electrophotographic photoreceptor;
A developing member for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A developer storage portion composed of a first frame and a second frame for storing a developer used for developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing member;
In a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having
The first frame includes an inclined surface inclined downward toward the developing member on a bottom surface when the process cartridge is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a plurality of first frames on the inclined surface. A boss, a stirring member that stirs the developer stored in the developer storage unit by rotating, and a protrusion that protrudes into the rotation area of the stirring member along the inclined direction of the inclined surface. An elastic member that is provided and has a hole portion that engages with the first boss, and vibrates in contact with the stirring member when the stirring member rotates;
The second frame body is a plurality of second bosses provided on the second frame body, the recesses engaging with the first boss, and a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole of the elastic member. A second boss having a retaining surface for preventing the elastic member from slipping out of the engaging portion of the first boss at the tip, and the second frame is attached to the first frame When formed, the first gap formed between the tip surface of the first boss and the bottom surface of the recess of the second boss and the elastic member can be moved in the thickness direction of the elastic member. A process cartridge comprising: a second gap formed by the inclined surface and a retaining surface of the second boss for attaching to the cartridge.   The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the second gap is wider than the first gap.   The first boss has an opposing surface that opposes the retaining surface of the second boss, and when the second frame is attached to the first frame, the opposing surface and the retaining surface 6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a third gap is formed between the first and second gaps, and the third gap is narrower than the first and second gaps.   The position of the first frame and the second frame is determined by the engagement of the first boss of the first frame and the second boss of the second frame. Process cartridge in any one of 5-7.

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