JP2013015706A - Developer handling device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer handling device such as a cleaning device capable of preventing developer from leaking to the outside from opposing surface sections of structures through gaps existing at the boundaries between notch sections of end leakage prevention members and contact members.SOLUTION: The developer handling device includes: the contact members contacting along an axial direction of an outer peripheral surface of a rotor holding the developer; the container-shaped structures formed with openings facing an outer peripheral surface region of the axial direction of the rotor, mounting sections for mounting the contact members and the opposing surface sections facing the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends of the axial direction of the rotor; and the end leakage prevention members which are planar members mounted in the opposing surface sections of the structures to be in contact with each of the outer peripheral surfaces at both the ends of the axial direction of the rotor and are formed with the notch sections so that each part at both the ends of the contact members is made to exist in corner sections arranged inside the structures of the members. In each intersection angle section in which cut lines of the notch sections cross with each other in the prevention members, a projection section is provided to exist so that the intersection angle section disappears.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer handling apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that forms an image composed of a developer, for example, an unnecessary developer remaining on an image carrier such as a photoconductor that retains an image composed of a developer is contacted. A developer handling device such as a cleaning device that is removed and cleaned by a cleaning member is provided. In such a developer handling device, a developer leakage prevention measure is taken to prevent the developer removed by the contact cleaning member from leaking outside the device main body.

  Conventionally, for example, there is a clearance between a cleaning blade that contacts the surface of the image carrier, a housing frame to which the cleaning blade is attached, and a clearance between the both ends of the cleaning blade in the scooping direction and the housing frame. An inner seal member for sealing; a film seal member for sealing the upstream side of the cleaning blade in the image carrier rotation direction; and a side seal member for sealing both ends of the cleaning blade and the film seal member in the image carrier axis direction. As a cleaning device for an image forming apparatus, one that employs the following measures for preventing developer leakage is known.

  That is, the cleaning device is provided along the rotation direction of the image carrier with respect to the inner seal member, and a part of the inner seal member rotates from the upstream end of the side seal member in the image carrier rotation direction. A circumferential portion disposed on the upstream side in the direction and an upstream end in the rotation direction of the image carrier from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the image carrier from the upstream side in the axial direction of the image carrier. It has an extended extension part and a convex part projecting upward from the extension part in the direction of gravity, and is blocked by the convex part between the convex part of the inner seal member and the side seal. This is configured to provide a void for holding toner (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 shows that according to this cleaning device, it is possible to prevent toner leakage without increasing the number of parts.

Japanese Patent No. 4507538

  The present invention relates to a contact member that contacts an axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of a rotating body having an outer peripheral surface on which a developer is held, an attachment portion to which the contact member is attached, and both axial ends of the rotating body. A container-like structure having an opposing surface portion facing the outer peripheral surface, and the developer is attached to the opposing surface portion of the structure in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends in the axial direction of the rotating body. A planar member that prevents leakage to the outside of the structure via a gap, and a part of each end portion of the contact member is present at each corner disposed inside the structure of the member. Therefore, as a developer handling device such as a cleaning device provided with an end leakage prevention member formed with a cutout portion in a form cut out at each cut line along the axial direction and the rotation direction of the rotating body. Agent leaks at the end Provided is a developer handling device capable of preventing leakage from the opposing surface portion of the structure through the gap between the notch portion of the stop member and the contact member, and such developer handling device. An image forming apparatus equipped with the above is provided.

The developer handling device of this invention (A1) is:
A contact member that contacts along the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body having an outer peripheral surface on which the developer is held;
A container-like structure in which an opening facing the outer peripheral surface area in the axial direction of the rotating body, a mounting portion for attaching the contact member, and an opposing surface portion facing the outer peripheral surface at both axial end portions of the rotating body; ,
A surface that is attached to the opposing surface portion of the structure in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends in the axial direction of the rotating body and prevents the developer from leaking to the outside of the structure via the opposing surface portion. Each of the incisions along the axial direction and the rotational direction of the rotating body in order to cause a part of both end portions of the contact member to be present at corners disposed inside the structure of the member. An end leakage prevention member formed with a cutout portion in a form cut out by a line,
In the end leakage preventing member, a protruding portion that exists so as to disappear the crossing corner portion is provided at the crossing corner portion where the cut lines of the cutout portion cross each other.

The developer handling device according to the present invention (A2) is the developer handling device according to the above-described invention A1. The remaining portion excluding the minimum width portion extending in the rotation direction of the rotating body with the minimum width along the axial direction of the rotating body of the end leakage preventing member and the end leakage preventing member of the contact member. An elastic member that is at least in contact with a part of the end portion present in the notch is disposed,
The protruding portion of the end leakage preventing member is pushed by the rotating body through the contact member and is elastically deformed so as to dent a portion of the elastic member, so that a portion around the portion is inclined. It is arranged to do.

The cleaning device which is an example of the developer handling device of the invention (B1) is the developer handling device of the invention A1 or A2,
The rotating body is an image holding body that holds an image composed of a developer,
The contact member is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier to remove unnecessary developer, and the contact member is located at a position farther upstream than the first contact member in the rotation direction of the image carrier. A second contact member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier and prevents the developer removed by the first contact member from leaking;
The structure is a structure having an accommodating portion for accommodating at least the developer removed by the first contact member,
The end leakage prevention member is formed as a notch for forming at least a part of both ends of the second contact member, and the protrusion is provided at an intersection angle of the notch. It is configured.

The developing device as another example of the developer handling device of the invention (C1) is the developer handling device of the invention A1 or A2,
The rotating body is a developer holding and conveying body that holds the developer and conveys it to the development region,
The structure is a structure having an accommodating portion for accommodating a developer supplied to the developer holding and conveying body,
The contact member is a member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developer holding and conveying member and prevents the developer present in the housing portion of the structure from leaking,
The end leak prevention member is configured to form a notch for causing a part of both ends of the contact member to exist as the notch, and to provide the protrusion at an intersection corner of the notch. Is.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention (D1) is equipped with at least one of the developer handling apparatus according to the above-described invention A1 or A2, the cleaning apparatus of the above-mentioned invention B1, and the developing apparatus of the above-mentioned invention C1. is there.

  According to the developer handling apparatus of the invention A1, the developer passes through a gap existing at the boundary between the notch portion of the end leakage preventing member and the contact member as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided. Leakage from the opposing surface portion is prevented.

  In the developer handling apparatus according to the invention A2, the developer is opposed to the opposite surface portion of the structure through a gap existing at the boundary between the notch portion of the end leakage preventing member and the contact member, as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided. From the outside to the outside is more stably prevented.

  In the cleaning device of the invention B1, compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided, the developer passes from the facing surface portion of the structure through the gap existing at the boundary between the notch portion of the end leakage preventing member and the contact member. Leakage to the outside is prevented.

  In the developing device of the invention C1, the developer passes from the opposing surface portion of the structure through a gap existing at the boundary between the notch portion of the end leakage preventing member and the contact member, as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided. Leakage to the outside is prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the invention D1, the opposed surface portion of the structure passes through the gap existing at the boundary between the notch portion of the end leakage preventing member and the contact member, as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided. Leakage to the outside, and problems such as contamination in the apparatus due to leakage of the developer are avoided.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 and the like. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a part (image forming device or the like) in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detachable unit (process cartridge) in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which follows the QQ line of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded side view showing a state where a photosensitive drum is removed from the process cartridge of FIG. 3. It is a perspective view showing one end of the process cartridge after the photosensitive drum is removed. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a portion surrounded by circles a and b in the process cartridge after the photosensitive drum of FIG. 5 is removed. It is a side view which shows the cleaning elastic board in a drum cleaning apparatus, a side sealing material, a leak prevention film material, and an inner side sealing material. It is a perspective view which shows the state after removing the cleaning elastic board, side seal material, leak prevention film material, etc. of a process cartridge (drum cleaning apparatus). It is a side view of the process cartridge (drum cleaning device) of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the EE line | wire of FIG. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the right-and-left end part of the cartridge housing | casing of a process cartridge. (A) is the perspective view of a side seal, (b) is the front view, (c) is the side view. It is principal part explanatory drawing which shows the attachment state (positional relationship) of the cleaning elastic board in a drum cleaning apparatus, a side seal material, a leak prevention film material, and an inner side seal material. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the attachment state of the cleaning elastic board in a drum cleaning apparatus, a side seal material, a leak prevention film material, and an inner side seal material. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the attachment use state with a side seal, an inner side sealing material, etc. which do not provide a protrusion part, (b) is an explanation which shows the attachment use state with a side seal, an inner side seal material, etc. which provided the protrusion part. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the movement state of the developer at the time of applying the side seal which does not provide a protrusion part, (b) is the movement state (leak prevention) of the developer at the time of applying the side seal which provided the protrusion part It is explanatory drawing which shows a state. It is principal part explanatory drawing which shows the attachment state (positional relationship) of the side seal which does not provide a protrusion part, a cleaning elastic board, a leak prevention film material, and an inner side sealing material. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the attachment state of the side seal which does not provide a protrusion part, a cleaning elastic board, a leak prevention film material, and an inner side sealing material. It is a front view which shows the other example of the protrusion part of a side seal. (A) is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the attachment state of the cleaning elastic board in the case where an inner side sealing material is not provided, a side seal, and a leakage prevention film material, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the attachment use state of (a).

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 shows a part (image forming apparatus) in the image forming apparatus, FIG. 3 shows an attachment / detachment unit in the image forming apparatus, 4 shows a state of a cross section taken along line QQ in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a color printer, for example. The image forming apparatus 1 is developed in the internal space of the housing 10 with toner (colored fine powder) constituting a developer using a known electrophotographic method, electrostatic recording method, or other image recording method. A plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 for forming the toner images to be formed, and an intermediate transfer apparatus for holding the toner images formed by the respective image forming apparatuses 20 and finally transferring them to a recording sheet 9 as an example of a recording material 30, a paper feeding device 40 that accommodates and transports the required recording paper 9 to be supplied to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer device 30, and the recording paper 9 on which the toner image is transferred by the intermediate transfer device 30. A fixing device 45 for fixing the toner image is installed. The housing 10 has a support structure portion and an exterior portion formed of a support member, an exterior cover, and the like. An alternate long and short dash line in the figure indicates a conveyance path through which the recording paper 9 is mainly conveyed in the housing 10.

  The image forming apparatus 20 includes four image forming apparatuses 20Y, 20M, 20C, which respectively form four color toner images exclusively for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (black: K). It is composed of 20K. These four image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K) are arranged in a state of being arranged in series in the internal space of the housing 10. Each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) has a substantially common configuration as shown below.

  Each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) includes a rotating photosensitive drum 21 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the following devices are arranged around the photosensitive drum 21. Is mainly arranged. The main devices are a charging device 22 for charging an image holding surface (outer peripheral surface) on which the image of the photosensitive drum 21 can be formed to a required potential, and image information (signal) on the charged outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Exposure device 23 that forms an electrostatic latent image (for each color) having a potential difference by irradiating light based on the toner, and toner of developer of corresponding colors (Y, M, C, K) A developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) that develops a toner image that is a visible image by developing the toner image, and a primary transfer device 25 that transfers the toner image to the intermediate transfer device 30 (intermediate transfer belt thereof). A drum cleaning device 26 that removes and adheres toner and other adhering matter remaining on the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the transfer, and charging that corrects the charging polarity of the toner remaining on the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Of the pre-cleaning charger 27 and the photosensitive drum 21 It is the static eliminator 28 or the like for neutralizing the holding surface.

  Further, in each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K), as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the like, the photosensitive drum 21, the drum cleaning device 26, and the pre-cleaning charger 27 are integrated to form a housing. The detachable unit (process cartridge) 2 is detachably mounted on a mounting portion formed on the body 10.

  The photosensitive drum 21 is formed by forming an image holding surface having a photoconductive layer (photosensitive layer) made of a photosensitive material on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical or columnar substrate to be grounded. It receives power and rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. The charging device 22 is arranged in contact with the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and is provided with a contact member such as a charging roll to which a charging bias is supplied or an image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21. This is a non-contact type charging device in which a charging current is applied to a discharge wire arranged at a predetermined interval, and charging is performed by corona discharge. In the first embodiment, as the charging device 22, for example, a non-contact type charging device is used for the black color image forming device 20K, and contact type charging is used for the remaining color image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C). You are using a device. As the charging bias, when the developing device 24 performs reversal development, a voltage or current having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner supplied from the developing device is supplied.

  The exposure device 23 irradiates light (dotted line with arrows) configured according to image information input to the image forming apparatus 1 onto the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after being charged, and electrostatically It forms a latent image. As the exposure device 23, a scanning type configured using optical components such as a semiconductor laser and a polygon mirror is used, but in addition, for example, configured using a light emitting diode and an optical component. A non-scanning exposure apparatus may be used. The exposure device 23 performs image processing required by the image processing device 27 on the information of the image to be printed input to the image forming device 1, and transmits image signals of the respective color components obtained after the processing. It is like that. An image information device (not shown) such as an image reading device, an information terminal such as a personal computer, or a storage medium read / write device can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a connection communication unit. Image information is input from.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) has an accommodating portion 240 that accommodates a two-component developer containing nonmagnetic toner and a magnetic carrier, and an opening 240 b that faces the photosensitive drum 21. A developing roll 241 that has a container housing 240, holds the developer contained in the container housing 240 while rotating, and transports the developer to a developing region that is close to and faces the photosensitive drum 21; And a layer thickness regulating member 243 for regulating the amount (layer thickness) of the developer held on the developing roll 241. ing. Reference numeral 245 in FIG. 2 indicates a leakage preventing film that prevents the toner floating in the container housing 240 from leaking outside. The leakage prevention film 245 is attached with one end fixed to the container 240 and the other end in contact with the developing roll 241. Reference numeral 246 is a developer leakage prevention bar.

  In each of the developing devices 24, a developing bias is supplied to the developing roll 241 (cylindrical non-magnetic sleeve), and the developing roll 241 and the agitating / conveying member 243 receive power from a rotation driving device (not shown) and are required. Rotated in the direction of. The toner of the developer in each developing device 24 is rubbed with the carrier by being conveyed while being agitated by the agitating / conveying member 243 in the container housing 240, and thereby has a required polarity (negative polarity in the first embodiment). Frictional charge.

  The developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) is supplied with each developer by a developer supply system. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the replenishment system is a detachable / replaceable developer cartridge 13 that accommodates four color (Y, M, C, K) replenishment developers (for example, non-magnetic toner including a little magnetic carrier). (Y, M, C, K) and a replenishing device 14 (Y, M, C, K) for transporting the replenishment developer of each developer cartridge 13 to each developing device 24 by a necessary amount. Yes. Each of the replenishing devices 14 receives and temporarily stores the replenishment developer discharged from the discharge port of each developer cartridge 13, and supplies the stored replenishment developer to each developing device 24. Each time, the required amount is sent out. Reference numeral 15 denotes a connection conveyance device that conveys the replenishment developer fed from each replenishment device 60 to each development device 24.

  Further, the developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) is a part of the developer (magnetic carrier and non-adhering to it) in order to cope with the deterioration of the carrier of the developer stored in the developer container 240. A so-called trickle developing method is employed in which the magnetic toner is discharged to the outside of the developing device 24. This part of the developer is discharged through a discharge port formed at one end of the developer container 240 so that a part of the developer conveyed by the agitating and conveying member 243 overflows. Is done. The developer discharged from each developing device 24 is collected by a collection system described later.

  The primary transfer device 25 is a contact type transfer device including a primary transfer roll that rotates in contact with the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and is supplied with a primary transfer bias. As the primary transfer bias, a DC voltage or the like indicating a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied from a transfer power supply unit (not shown). The primary transfer device 25 may be handled as constituting the intermediate transfer device 30. Details of the drum cleaning device 26 will be described later. Deposits such as toner removed by the cleaning device 26 are sent to a collection system, which will be described later, and collected.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the intermediate transfer device 30 is arranged so as to exist at a position below each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K). The intermediate transfer device 30 includes an intermediate transfer belt 31 that rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow while passing through a primary transfer position between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer device 25 (primary transfer roll). A plurality of support rolls 32a to 32f that are held in a desired state from the inner surface and rotatably supported, and an outer peripheral surface (image holding surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 31 supported by the support roll 32e are brought into contact with a predetermined pressure. A secondary transfer roll 35 that rotates and a belt cleaning device 36 that removes and adheres toner, paper dust, and the like that remains on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 after passing through the secondary transfer roll 35 and cleans it. It is mainly composed of.

  As the intermediate transfer belt 31, for example, a belt formed of an endless belt having a predetermined thickness using a material in which a resistance adjusting agent such as carbon is dispersed in a synthetic resin such as polyimide resin or polyamide resin is used. . The support roll 32a is configured as a drive roll, and the support roll 32c is configured as a tension applying roll. A secondary transfer bias is supplied to the support roll 32e (or the secondary transfer roll 35) from a transfer power supply unit (not shown). As the secondary transfer bias, a DC voltage or the like indicating the same polarity (or opposite polarity) as the charging polarity of the toner is supplied. The belt cleaning device 36 includes a container main body 360, a cleaning elastic plate (cleaning blade) 361 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 after passing through the secondary transfer position and removes deposits such as residual toner, and cleaning. A rotating brush 362 that contacts and cleans the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 on the upstream side of the elastic plate 361 in the belt rotation direction, and deposits such as toner removed by the cleaning elastic plate 361 are collected to a collecting system described later. It consists of a delivery member 363 such as a screw auger that is driven to feed.

  The paper feeding device 40 is disposed so as to exist at a position below the intermediate transfer device 30. The paper feeding device 4 is attached so that it can be pulled out to the front side (side surface that the operator faces when using it) of the housing 10, and is a single unit that accommodates recording paper 9 of a desired size, type, etc. Or a plurality of) paper containers 41 and a feeding device 42 that feeds the recording paper 9 from the paper container 41 one by one. The recording paper 9 fed from the paper feeding device 40 is transferred to a secondary transfer position (secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer device 30 through a plurality of paper conveyance roll pairs 43a, 43b, 43c,. The intermediate transfer belt 31 and the secondary transfer roll 35).

  The fixing device 45 rotates inside the housing 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow and is heated by heating means so that the surface temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature. A pressurizing rotator 48 which is rotated in contact with a predetermined pressure in a state substantially along the axial direction is installed. The recording sheet 9 on which an image is formed after the fixing of the toner image by the fixing device 45 is discharged to a housing 10 or the like through a discharge conveyance path constituted by a plurality of conveyance roll pairs and conveyance guide materials. It is transported and accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the collection system includes a collection container 16 that finally stores a developer (toner or toner and carrier) discharged from each developing device 24 and each cleaning device 26, 36, and each of the collection containers 16. The developing device 24 and the cleaning devices 26 and 36 are connected to the collection container 16 to be connected to the collection container 16 so as to convey the developer such as toner to the collection container 16.

  The basic image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is performed as described below. Here, a full-color image formed by combining toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, K) formed using all of the four image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K). A pattern (full color mode) of the image forming operation to be formed will be described.

  When there is an instruction for an image forming operation (printing) from the above-described image information device or the like, in each of the four image forming apparatuses 20 (Y, M, C, K), first, each photosensitive drum 21 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. Each charging device 22 charges the image holding surface of each photosensitive drum 21 to a required polarity (negative polarity in the first embodiment) and a potential. Subsequently, the exposure device 23 emits light on the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 21 based on the image data separated into the color components (Y, M, C, K) transmitted from the image processing device 27. Exposure is performed by irradiating light to form an electrostatic latent image of each color component composed of a required potential difference. Next, each developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) corresponds to an electrostatic latent image of each color component formed on the photosensitive drum 21 with a corresponding color (Y) charged to a required polarity (minus polarity). , M, C, K) toner is supplied and electrostatically adhered.

  The developing process at this time will be described in detail. In each developing device 24, the developing roll 241 and the agitating / conveying member 243 start to rotate in response to a request instruction for the image forming operation, and the inside of the container casing 240 (container). The developer contained in the toner is conveyed to the developing roll 241 while being agitated by the agitating and conveying member 243. The developer transported by stirring adheres to the rotating developing roll 241 (sleeve thereof), is regulated to a required thickness by the layer thickness regulating member 242, and is then transported to the developing region facing the photosensitive drum 21. Is done. The developer (toner component in the first embodiment) conveyed to the developing area is supplied to the photosensitive drum 21 by a developing electric field formed by a developing bias supplied between the developing roll 241 and the photosensitive drum 21. And adhere to the electrostatic latent image portion. On the other hand, most of the developer G that has not been subjected to the development is returned to the container housing 240 (container) by the rotating developing roll 241. The electrostatic latent images of the respective color components formed on the respective photosensitive drums 21 in this way are each developed with the corresponding color toners by passing through the developing device 24, and are thus four colors (Y, M, C, K) is visualized as a toner image.

  Next, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 21 of the respective image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K) are sequentially applied to the intermediate transfer belt 31 of the intermediate transfer device 30 by the primary transfer device 25. The primary transfer is performed so as to be superimposed on each other. Further, the intermediate transfer device 30 holds the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 and conveys it to the secondary transfer position, and then the secondary transfer roll 34 is conveyed from the paper supply device 40 and fed into the sheet 9. Secondary transfer in a batch. The sheet 9 on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 31 and then introduced into the fixing device 45, where it undergoes necessary fixing processing (heating and pressing), and the toner image is fixed. The sheet 9 after fixing is discharged and stored in a discharge storage section (not shown) formed in the housing 10, for example, in an image forming operation that only forms an image on one side.

  Through the above operation, the sheet 9 on which a full color image formed by combining four color toner images is output.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus 1, when the detection result of a toner density detection sensor (not shown) attached to the container housing 240 of the developing device 24 falls below a preset value, the replenishing device 14 operates for a required time. The replenishment developer is replenished from each developer cartridge 13 to the developing device 24 to be replenished.

  Further, in the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1, the image holding surface after the primary transfer of each photosensitive drum 21 in each image forming apparatus 20 (Y, M, C, K) is charged by the pre-cleaning charger 27. After that, the drum cleaning device 26 cleans and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 in the intermediate transfer device 30 is cleaned by the belt cleaning device 36. Each photosensitive drum 21 is neutralized by a static eliminator 28 after its image holding surface is cleaned by a drum cleaning device 26. Further, in each developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) in each image forming device 20, a part of the developer is discharged to the outside by the trickle developing method described above. The toner and the like removed by the drum cleaning device 26 and the belt cleaning device 36 and the carrier and toner discharged from each developing device 24 are recovered by the recovery system and finally stored in the storage container 16.

  Hereinafter, the drum cleaning device 26 in the process cartridge 2 of the detachable unit will be described.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the like, the process cartridge 2 has a main body 202 that is long along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 21 and a drum support that protrudes in the same direction from the left and right ends of the main body 202. The cartridge support 201 is composed of parts 203 and 204, the photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably attached to the drum support parts 203 and 204 of the cartridge support 201, and the drum cleaning device is attached to the main body 202. 26 and a pre-cleaning charger 27 are integrally provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 12, and the like, the main body 202 of the cartridge main body 201 is integrally formed by incorporating the container housing 260 of the drum cleaning device 26 and the frame 270 of the pre-cleaning charger 27. ing. Further, the drum support portions 203 and 204 of the cartridge main body 201 are formed in a shape having mounting holes 205 and 206 for inserting and fixing the bearing portions 212 and 213 of the photosensitive drum 21. Incidentally, the pre-cleaning charger 27 is composed of a corona discharger, and is installed on the opening side of the frame 270 facing the photosensitive drum 21 (FIGS. 2 and 4). Reference numeral 214 in FIG. 3 and the like is a fixing part for fixing the bearing portions 212 and 213 when they are attached to the attachment holes 205 and 206. Reference numerals 216 and 217 in FIGS. 3 and 5 indicate a disc-shaped flange member having the shaft portion 215 of the photosensitive drum 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, etc., the drum cleaning device 26 is configured by installing the following in a container housing 260 incorporated in the main body 202 of the cartridge main body 201. That is, the container housing 260 has a cleaning elastic plate 261 that contacts the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and an image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 at a position upstream of the cleaning elastic plate 261 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21. The anti-leakage film 262 that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21, the rotating brush 263 that rotates in contact with the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 between the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the anti-leakage film 262, and the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the rotating brush 263 are removed. A transporting member 264 is provided for transporting an adherent such as toner from the container housing 260 toward the collection system. Reference numeral 265 in FIG. 4 and the like is a scraping member (flicker) for scraping off the adhered matter such as toner removed from the brush bristles in contact with the bristles of the rotating brush 263.

  The container housing 260 of the drum cleaning device 26 has an opening 260g that is opened in a rectangular shape so that the upper surface and the upper side surface facing the photosensitive drum 21 are opened, as shown in FIGS. It is comprised by the container 260a which consists of a shape, and the cover body 260b which block | closes the upper surface part of the container 260a. Further, of the left and right side plate portions of the container 260a of the container case 260, the outer peripheral surfaces (the outer peripheral portions of the flange members 216 and 217 and the image holding surface) of the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 21 are disposed at portions facing the photosensitive drum 21. Left and right facing surface portions 266 and 267 that are substantially cylindrical curved surfaces so as to face each other in correspondence with the end region), and mounting portions 260d that are located above the facing surface portions 266 and 267 and are attached to the cleaning elastic plate 261, respectively. Is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 and the like, the cleaning elastic plate 261 has a support plate 261c having an L-shaped cross section and an elongated, substantially rectangular shape fixed with a free end 261b protruding from one side in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 261c. It is comprised with the elastic board (rubber board etc.) 261a. The cleaning elastic plate 261 is attached by fixing both ends in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 261a to the attachment portion 260d (screw hole 260e) of the container 260a of the container housing 260 with screws 261d via the cover plate 260b. It has been.

  As a result, the cleaning elastic plate 261 has a required posture such that the free end 261b (corner portion) of the elastic plate 261a faces downward with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21 with respect to the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The contact is made with pressure. Further, the cleaning elastic plate 261 approaches the side of the elastic plate 261a near the free end 261b at both the left and right ends of the opposite end portions 266 and 267 of the container housing 260 on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21. Are installed in the existing positional relationship (see FIGS. 5, 7, and 10).

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and the like, the leakage prevention film 262 has a flat plate-like support plate 262 c and an elongated and substantially fixed shape with a free end 262 b protruding from one side in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 262 c. And a rectangular film material (such as a synthetic resin film) 262a. The film material 262a is chamfered at the corners on the free end 262b side at both ends thereof. The leakage prevention film 262 is fixed to the attachment groove 260f formed at the lower part of the container 260a in the container 260a by the adhesive or the like at the lower end of the support plate 262a where the longitudinal film 262a does not protrude. It is attached by doing.

  As a result, the leakage prevention film 262 has a free end 262b of the film 262a with respect to the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 in the upward direction along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21 (the elastic plate 261a of the cleaning elastic plate 261 has The free end 261b is brought into contact with an oblique posture (in a direction facing the free end 261b). Also, the portions near the free ends of the left and right ends of the leakage prevention film 262 and the film material 262a approach the sides of the ends of the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21 in the container housing 260. It is installed in an existing positional relationship (see FIGS. 5, 7, and 10).

  The rotating brush 263 has a configuration in which brush bristles are erected at a required density on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and is disposed in an upper concave portion on the side facing the photosensitive drum 21 in the container 260a of the container housing 260. The both ends of the rotating shaft are rotatably attached to the side wall portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the container 260a. The rotating brush 263 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow at one end of the rotating shaft by receiving power from a rotation driving device (not shown). As described above, the rotating brush 263 is brought into a state in which the brush bristles can rotate while contacting the image holding surface between the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the leakage prevention film 262 of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The conveying member 264 has a configuration (so-called screw auger) in which a conveying blade portion that continuously protrudes in a spiral shape for conveying toner or the like is formed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft. The conveying member 264 is disposed in a lower recess located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 21 across the rotating brush 263 in the container 260a of the container housing 260, and both ends of the rotation shaft are in the longitudinal direction of the container 260a. It is rotatably attached to the side wall portions at both ends. Further, the conveying member 264 extends from the side wall portion at one end in the longitudinal direction of the container 260a continuously to the lower concave portion and extends to a cylindrical conveying tube 275 provided in a state of linearly projecting. Yes. Further, the conveying member 264 is rotated in a required direction by receiving power from a rotation driving device (not shown) at one end of the rotating shaft. As described above, the conveying member 264 is in a state in which the bristles can rotate while contacting the image holding surface between the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the leakage prevention film 262 of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The transport pipe 275 has a discharge port formed below the protruding end, and is formed so as to be connected to the connection transport device 17 of the recovery system when the process cartridge 2 is mounted. The transfer pipe 275 is attached so that an open / close lid 276 that opens and closes the discharge port slides outside the transfer tube 275. When the process cartridge 2 is not mounted, the transfer tube 275 closes the discharge port by the coil spring 277 ( The position is moved away from the side wall of the container 260a, and is moved to a position where the discharge port is opened against the pushing force of the coil spring 277 (position close to the side wall of the container 260a). It is like that.

  The drum cleaning device 26 operates as follows.

  That is, in this drum cleaning device 26, the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the primary transfer passes through the rotating brush 263 and the cleaning elastic plate 261 in this order. As a result, adhering matter such as toner remaining on the image holding surface after the primary transfer of the photosensitive drum 21 is removed to some extent by the rotating brush 263 and then downstream of the rotating drum 263 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21. It is finally removed by being scraped off by a cleaning elastic plate 261 located on the side.

  The toner and other deposits removed by the rotating brush 262 and the cleaning elastic plate 261 are, in principle, captured and transported by the rotating brush 262 and removed by the scraping member 265, and then are transferred to the collection system by the transport member 26. Sent out. On the other hand, the adhering matter such as toner removed by the rotary brush 262 and the cleaning elastic plate 261 falls or floats along the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and adheres between the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and the container housing 260. Anything that may leak to the outside of the container housing 260 through the gap is captured by the leakage prevention film 262, and the leakage is prevented.

  The drum cleaning device 26 employs the following configuration in order to prevent the developer from leaking from both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 to the outside of the container housing 260.

  First, in the drum cleaning device 26, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and the like, the photosensitive drum 21 in which the developer is placed between the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the leakage prevention film 262 on the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 of the container housing 260. Left and right side seal members 50A and 50B as an example of end leak prevention members for preventing leakage from the both ends of the container to the outside of the container casing 260 via the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 are attached by means such as adhesion. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, the side seal members 50A and 50B are respectively provided on the outer peripheral surfaces (actually the outer peripheral portions of the flange members 216 and 217 and the end portions of the drum outer peripheral surface) at both ends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 21. Installed in contact. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8, 13, 14, and the like, the side seal members 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B are arranged at the corners (in the axial direction central portion side of the photosensitive drum 21) inside the container housing 260. In FIG. 13 c, portions drawn by imaginary lines R 1 and R 2), a cut line JL along the axial direction J of the photosensitive drum 21 and its rotation are provided so that a part of each end portion of the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the leakage prevention film 262 exists. A first cutout portion 51 and a second cutout portion 52 that are cut out along a cut line KL along the direction K are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and the like, the side seal members 50A and 50B are crossing corner portions where the cut lines JL and KL of the second cutout portion 52 intersect each other (respectively depicted in FIG. 13c). Protruding portions 60 that exist so as to eliminate the crossing corner portions are provided on the missing portions formed by the cut lines JL and KL.

  The protrusion 60 in the first embodiment has a rectangular shape surrounded by the outlines 61 and 62 substantially parallel to the cut lines JL and KL. In the first embodiment, the rectangular shape that avoids the protrusion 269 (FIGS. 6 and 12 a) formed on the facing surface portion 267 on the side portion of the right side sealing material 50 B located on the end portion side of the photosensitive drum 21. The notch 53 is formed.

  As the side sealing materials 50A and 50B, as shown in FIG. 13c, for example, a raised layer 56 having a thickness in the thickness direction of about 2 mm is formed on one surface of a planar substrate 55 having a thickness of about 2 mm. (Felt etc.) is used. The side seal members 50A and 50B are attached to the facing surfaces 206 and 207 so that the raised layer 56 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Incidentally, the side seal members 50A and 50B that are attached to the opposing surfaces 206 and 207 have a minimum width (W) along the axial direction K of the photosensitive drum 21 as shown in FIG. This is a portion (minimum width portion) 50c. The remaining portion 50d excluding the minimum width portion 50c is supported by an inner sealing material (70) described later. Reference numeral 57 in FIG. 13c denotes a release paper that is peeled off when attached.

  Next, in the drum cleaning device 26, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 12 and the like, the mounting step portion (opposing surface portion) located on the side (side) of the photosensitive drum 21 of the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 in the container housing 260 is disposed. Further, the developer passes through a gap between the side seal materials 60A and 60B and the opposing surfaces 266 and 267 of the container housing 260 in the lower (retracted portion) 268 in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 21. The left and right inner sealing materials 70A and 70B as an example of an elastic member for preventing leakage are attached by means such as adhesion.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the inner sealing materials 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B are formed, for example, in an elongated prismatic shape as a whole. As shown in FIGS. 8, 14, and 15, the inner sealing materials 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B have end portions 71 located on the upstream side in the rotation direction K of the photosensitive drum 21 as part of both end portions of the leakage prevention film 262. Until the end 72 located on the downstream side in the rotation direction K reaches at least the fixed ends 261e at both ends of the cleaning elastic plate 621. The elastic plate portion is configured to be supported in contact with the elastic plate portion. Further, the inner sealing materials 70A and 70B have surfaces that come into contact with the side sealing materials 50A and 50B and the like, and the surfaces of the side sealing materials 50A and 50B after being attached to the opposing surfaces 266 and 267 before the photosensitive drum 21 is attached. It is attached in the state where it becomes almost the same height. As the inner sealing materials 70A and 70B, for example, a foamed material such as urethane foam or a member such as a sponge is used.

  In this drum cleaning device 26, first, the inner sealing materials 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B are attached to the attachment step 268 (FIG. 12) in the container housing 260 (FIGS. 9 to 11), and then the opposing surface portion in the container housing 260. Side seal materials 50A and 50B are attached to 266 and 267 (FIG. 9). At this time, as shown in FIG. 14 and the like, the side seal materials 50A and 50B are supported by the opposing surface portions 266 and 267, while the remaining portion 50d excluding the minimum width portion 50c is the inner seal material. It is attached so as to be in a positional relationship supported by (70).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and the like, the cleaning elastic body 261 is attached to the attachment portions 260c and 260d of the container housing 260 with screws, and the leakage prevention film 262 is attached to the attachment groove portion 262d of the container housing 260. Install by sticking. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 14, and the like, the cleaning elastic body 261 has corners on the free end 261 b side at both ends thereof in the first cutout portions 51 in the side seal members 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B. In addition, the leakage prevention film 262 is in a state in which corners on the free end 261b side at both ends thereof are present in the second cutout portions 52 in the side seal materials 50A and 50B. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 14, the leakage prevention film 262 is such that part of the corners on the free end 261b side at both ends thereof are placed on the protrusions 60 in the side seal members 50A and 50B. It becomes a state. Finally, the upper lid portion 260b is attached to the opened upper surface portion of the accommodating portion 260a in the container housing 260. The upper lid portion 260b can be attached before the cleaning elastic body 261 is attached.

  As described above, the basic portion of the drum cleaning device 26 is assembled. By attaching the photosensitive drum 21 (the bearing portions 212 and 213) to the drum support portions 203 and 204 in the cartridge support 201 of the process cartridge 2 in such a state, the appearance as shown in FIGS. (In this case, it is assumed that the pre-cleaning charger 27 is equipped in advance).

  When the photosensitive drum 21 is attached to the drum cleaning device 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7, 14, and 15, the free end 261b of the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the free end 262b of the leakage prevention film 262 are used. However, the side seal members 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B are in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends of the photosensitive drum 21. At this time, the side seal members 50A and 50B are in contact with each other in such a positional relationship that the end portion 261a of the flange portion 261 of the photosensitive drum 21 is present on the center side of the minimum width portion 50c. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the side seal members 50A and 50B face the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 at a substantially constant interval so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21. It is kept in contact with the same strength (contact force F).

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the protrusion 60 in the second notch 52 of the side seal members 50A and 50B in the drum cleaning device 26 is exposed at the corner of the free end 262b of the leakage prevention film 262. Since the drum 21 is pressed by the contact force F from the outer peripheral surface of the drum 21, the inner seal members 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B are partially depressed away from the photosensitive drum 21 when pressed by the corners of the leakage prevention film 262. It becomes elastically deformed. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the inner sealing materials 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B are in a state in which the portions 75 around the portions that are pushed and elastically deformed by the protruding portions 60 of the side sealing materials 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B are inclined. Become. Incidentally, the high (thick) portion of the inclined peripheral portion is kept in contact with the leakage prevention film 262. FIG. 16 shows a partial cross section of a portion of the side seal material 50A, 50B near the surface formed by the cut line JL (FIG. 13b) of the second notch 52.

  In such a drum cleaning device 26, even when the developer removed by the cleaning elastic plate 261 and the rotating brush 263 moves to both end portions of the photosensitive drum 21, the developer basically remains at both end portions of the photosensitive drum 21. The side seal members 50A and 50B on the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 that are in contact with the surface prevent the course from being leaked to the outside of the container housing 260.

  On the other hand, when the amount of the developer that moves to both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 becomes relatively large, a part of the developer moves in a direction as indicated by a dotted line with an arrow in FIG. To do. In FIG. 17a, as the side seal members 50A and 50B, as shown in FIG. 16a, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the second notch 52 (corner portion 52e) provided with no protrusion 60 (500) is applied. The example of a structure of the cleaning apparatus in a case is shown.

  The movement of the developer at that time will be described based on the case where the side seal material 500 in which the protrusion 60 is not provided in the second notch 52 is applied. First, as shown in FIGS. 17A, 18, and 19, the developer at that time includes an edge portion 52 a along the cut line JL in the axial direction J in the second notch portion 52 of the side seal material 500, and the leakage prevention film 262. It moves through the gap S1 existing at the boundary with the free end 262b. Moreover, it moves also through the clearance gap S3 (FIG. 19) which exists between the edge part of the prevention film 262 which exists in the 2nd notch part 52, and the inner side sealing material 70. FIG. That is, the developer at this time moves so as to gradually shift in the direction as indicated by the dotted line M1 in FIG.

  Thereafter, the side seal material 500 moves through the gap S <b> 2 between the edge portion 52 b along the cut line KL in the rotation direction K and the end portion of the leakage prevention film 262 in the second cutout portion 52. That is, the developer at this time moves so as to gradually shift in the direction as indicated by the dotted line M2 in FIG. 17a. The developer that has passed through the gap S <b> 2 leaks out of the container casing 260 through a gap that exists between the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 of the container casing 260 and both ends of the photosensitive drum 21.

  In this regard, in the drum cleaning device 26 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 17b and the like, since the protruding portions 60 are provided in the second notches 52 of the side seal materials 50A and 50B, The gap S1 and the gap S3 (FIG. 19) existing at the boundary between the edge 52a of the second cutout 52 and the free end 262b of the leakage prevention film 262 disappear due to the presence of the protruding portion 60 and no longer exist. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 17b, the developer moving as indicated by the arrow M1 through the gap S1 and the gap S3 is blocked by the protrusion 60 and blocked.

  Further, the path is cut off by the protrusion 60, and a part of the developer is caused by the edge 60a and the leakage prevention film 262 along the rotation direction K of the photosensitive drum 21 of the protrusion 60 as illustrated by the arrow M3 in FIG. 15B, the leakage prevention film 262 is in a closed state with the end portions 72 of the inner sealing materials 70A and 70B in contact with each other as shown in FIG. That movement is hindered. In particular, in the first embodiment, as described above, the protruding portion 60 is elastically deformed so as to dent the inner sealing materials 70A and 70B, and the peripheral portion 75 is kept inclined, so that the developer is inclined. It stays in the surrounding part 75 and it becomes difficult to advance.

  Therefore, the drum cleaning device 26 reliably prevents the developer from leaking from both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 to the outside of the container housing 260 in this way.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has a toner image that is not transferred to the recording paper 9 in each image forming device 20 at a required time (hereinafter, this toner image is abbreviated as a “special toner image”). The toner discharging operation for forming the ST on the photosensitive drum 21 is executed.

  This toner discharge operation is performed for the following reason. That is, first, in the developing device 24, when image formation (development) with relatively low image density (image area ratio is small) is continuously performed, the image is not used for development and is not used for development by the developing roll 24b. Since the chance of returning to the developer accommodating portion 24a and receiving stress such as a stirring action by the stirring and conveying member 24c and a rubbing action by the layer regulating member 24d increases, the characteristics of the toner deteriorate (external additives such as a charge adjusting agent). And deterioration of charging characteristics due to embedding in toner particles, etc.), and this may lead to poor development due to the deterioration of the toner, and hence a reduction in image quality. In order to reduce the amount of such deteriorated toner, a part of the toner in the developing device 24 is intentionally discharged to the outside of the developing device 24, thereby reducing the toner density in the developing device 24. A new developer (toner or the like) is supplied from the developer cartridge 50 to the developing device 24 by the replenishment system 5 and replaced (refreshed).

  In the toner discharging operation, each image forming device 20 forms a toner image having a high image density on the photosensitive drum 21 as a special toner image ST, thereby discharging a part of the toner from the developing device 24 and forming the toner image. The special toner image ST is removed by the drum cleaning device 26 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31.

  On the other hand, when this toner discharge operation is executed, a relatively large amount of toner constituting the special toner image ST is removed by the drum cleaning device 26 and the like, and is stored in the container 16 by the recovery system. Therefore, in the drum cleaning device 26, it is necessary to remove a relatively large amount of toner from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 as compared with a normal image forming operation. In addition, the special toner image ST is formed on both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 up to the vicinity (to the full image formation guarantee area).

  As a result, in the drum cleaning device 26, the container passes through the gaps S 1, S 2 and the like existing at the boundary between the second notch portion 52 of the side seal members 50 A and 50 B and both ends of the cleaning elastic plate 261 from both ends of the photosensitive drum 21. It tends to leak out of the housing 260. However, since the drum cleaning device 26 employs the measures for preventing the developer leakage as described above, the developer is discharged from both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 even when the toner discharge operation is performed. Leakage to the outside of the container housing 260 is prevented.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, a rectangular shape is exemplified as the protruding portion 60 provided at the crossing corner portion of the second notch portion 52 of the side seal materials 50A and 50B. However, the shape of the protruding portion 60 is the developer gap S1. , S2, S3 as long as the path can be blocked, other shapes may be used. As another shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, a protruding portion 60 </ b> B having a shape having a recess 63 on the edge 52 a along the axial direction J of the photosensitive drum 21 can be applied. In the case of the projecting portion 60B, the developer moving along the axial direction J at both ends of the photosensitive drum 21 is efficiently dammed to the concave portion 63, and a part of the developer is along the rotation direction K. It becomes difficult to move in the direction.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 1, although the structure which arrange | positions inner side sealing material 70A, 70B was illustrated, the inner side sealing material 70A, 70B is not arrange | positioned, For example, as illustrated in FIG. A configuration in which the mounting portion 268 (in FIG. 12) (of the inner seal materials 70A and 70B) is a support surface portion 280 whose mounting surface is the same height as the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 to which the side seal materials 50A and 50B are mounted ( It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the opposing surface portions 266 and 267 are extended portions.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 1, although the case where the protrusion part 60 was provided in the intersection corner | angular part of the 2nd notch part 52 of side seal material 50A, 50B was illustrated, if necessary, it will be in the 2nd notch part 52 In addition, you may comprise so that the protrusion part 60 may be provided in the crossing angle part of the 1st notch part 51. FIG.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the drum cleaning device 26 (an example of the developer handling device) in which the protruding portion 60 is provided at the intersection angle portion of the notch portion 52 of the side seal materials 50A and 50B is shown. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which a protruding portion is provided at the crossing corner of the notch portion of the side seal material at 36. When the developing device 24 is a developing device in which a side seal material in which a part of both ends of the leakage prevention film 245 (FIG. 2) is formed is used, the side seal material is notched. The structure which provides a protrusion part (60) in the crossing angle part in a part can be employ | adopted. In the developing device (another example of the developer handling device) adopting the configuration, leakage from the both ends of the developing roll 241 to the outside through the opening of the container housing 240 can be prevented.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 employs a paper transport device that transports the recording paper 9 so as to pass the primary transfer positions of the plurality of image forming devices 20 without using the intermediate transfer device 3. Also good. For the image forming apparatus 1, the number of the image forming apparatuses 20 may be singular or other plural (plurality other than four). When an image forming apparatus having a single image forming device 20 is used, the intermediate transfer device 3 can be omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 21 ... Photosensitive drum (rotating body)
24. Cleaning device (other example of developer handling device)
26 ... Cleaning device (example of developer handling device)
50: Side seal material (end leakage prevention member)
52 ... 2nd notch part 52a ... Intersection corner part 60 ... Protrusion part 70 ... Inside sealing material (elastic member)
75 ... Surrounding portions 240, 260 ... Container housing (container-like structure)
240b ... opening 241 ... developing roll (rotating body, developer holding and conveying body)
245 ... Leak prevention film (contact member)
260g ... Openings 260c, 260d ... Mounting part 262 ... Leakage prevention film (contact member)
266, 267 ... opposing surface portion J ... axial direction K ... rotational direction JL ... cut line along axial direction KL ... cut line along rotational direction

Claims (5)

A contact member that contacts along the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body having an outer peripheral surface on which the developer is held;
A container-like structure in which an opening facing the outer peripheral surface area in the axial direction of the rotating body, a mounting portion for attaching the contact member, and an opposing surface portion facing the outer peripheral surface at both axial end portions of the rotating body; ,
A surface that is attached to the opposing surface portion of the structure in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends in the axial direction of the rotating body and prevents the developer from leaking to the outside of the structure via the opposing surface portion. Each of the incisions along the axial direction and the rotational direction of the rotating body in order to cause a part of both end portions of the contact member to be present at corners disposed inside the structure of the member. An end leakage prevention member formed with a cutout portion in a form cut out by a line,
A developer handling apparatus, comprising: a protruding portion that exists so as to eliminate the intersecting corner portion at an intersecting corner portion where the cut lines of the notch portion of the end portion leakage preventing member intersect. The width along the axial direction of the rotating body of the end portion leakage prevention member is the smallest at the end portion located on the inner side of the structure in the structure or the side portion of the end portion. An elastic member that contacts at least the remaining portion excluding the minimum width portion extending in the rotation direction of the rotating body and a part of the end portion present in the cutout portion of the end portion leakage prevention member of the contact member,
The protruding portion of the end leakage preventing member is pushed by the rotating body through the contact member and is elastically deformed so as to dent a portion of the elastic member, so that a portion around the portion is inclined. The developer handling device of claim 1, arranged to The developer handling device according to claim 1 or 2,
The rotating body is an image holding body that holds an image composed of a developer,
The contact member is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier to remove unnecessary developer, and the contact member is located at a position farther upstream than the first contact member in the rotation direction of the image carrier. A second contact member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier and prevents the developer removed by the first contact member from leaking;
The structure is a structure having an accommodating portion for accommodating at least the developer removed by the first contact member,
The end leakage prevention member is formed as a notch for forming at least a part of both ends of the second contact member, and the protrusion is provided at an intersection angle of the notch. The cleaning apparatus characterized by comprising in. The developer handling device according to claim 1 or 2,
The rotating body is a developer holding and conveying body that holds the developer and conveys it to the development region,
The structure is a structure having an accommodating portion for accommodating a developer supplied to the developer holding and conveying body,
The contact member is a member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developer holding and conveying member and prevents the developer present in the housing portion of the structure from leaking,
The end leak prevention member is configured to form a notch for causing a part of both ends of the contact member to exist as the notch, and to provide the protrusion at an intersection corner of the notch. A developing device.   An image forming apparatus comprising at least one of the developer handling device according to claim 1, the cleaning device according to claim 3, and the developing device according to claim 4.

Images