JP2014130304A - Photoreceptor cartridge and developing cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photoreceptor cartridge and a developing cartridge which are capable of keeping the quality of a photoreceptor by safely and easily rotating the photoreceptor.SOLUTION: A drum cartridge 6 includes a photoreceptive drum 8, a driving force receiving part 44 configured so as to receive a driving force for rotating the photoreceptive drum 8, and a drum cover 80 covering the photoreceptive drum 8. The drum cover 80 includes a first driving force application projection 88 for inputting drive to the driving force receiving part 44.

Description

  The present invention relates to a photosensitive cartridge and a developing cartridge provided in an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer.

  As a cartridge provided in an image forming apparatus, a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum and a developing roller that carries toner to be supplied to the photosensitive drum is known.

  When such a process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum is disposed so as to face the transfer roller in the image forming apparatus, and a part of the photosensitive drum is exposed from the process cartridge ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

  When such a process cartridge is separated into a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a developing cartridge having a developing roller, the developing roller is disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum. A part of it is exposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-268685 A JP 2009-162905 A

  However, in the process cartridge described in Patent Document 1 described above, the photosensitive drum is exposed from the process cartridge, and therefore, deposits such as paper dust and dust may adhere. Most of such deposits are removed by providing a cleaning unit in the image forming apparatus, but there are cases where the deposits cannot be completely removed by the cleaning unit alone. Then, when forming an image, there is a problem that an image forming defect is caused, such as a portion where the toner carried on the developing roller is not properly supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum.

  In such a case, the process cartridge may be detached from the image forming apparatus, and the photosensitive drum may be manually rotated to expose a portion on the photosensitive drum where the deposit is attached, thereby removing the deposit. is there.

  Further, in the process cartridge described in Patent Document 2 described above, since the developing roller is exposed from the developing cartridge, there are cases in which deposits such as paper dust and dust adhere. In this case, there is a problem that an image forming defect is caused such that a portion where the developing roller cannot carry the developer appears at the time of image formation.

  In such a case, the developing cartridge may be detached from the image forming apparatus, and the developing roller may be manually rotated to expose the portion on the developing drum where the deposit is attached, thereby removing the deposit. is there.

  However, since the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are configured to rotate when the driving force from the image forming apparatus is transmitted, a large load is applied to directly rotate the photosensitive drum and the developing roller manually.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive member cartridge and a developing cartridge in which the photosensitive member and the developing roller can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the photosensitive member and the developing roller can be maintained.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a photoconductor cartridge of the present invention includes a photoconductor, a first driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photoconductor, and a photoconductor. A photoreceptor cover that covers at least a part of the surface of the photosensitive member. The photoconductor cover has a first driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the first driving force receiving unit.

  According to such a configuration, since the first driving force application unit is provided on the photoconductor cover, the photoconductor can be rotated using the photoconductor cover like a tool.

  Therefore, since the hand does not directly touch the photoconductor, the photoconductor can be safely rotated, and can be rotated with a small force compared to the case where the photoconductor is directly touched and rotated. .

  Further, since the photoconductor can be rotated without directly touching the photoconductor, the quality of the photoconductor can be ensured.

As a result, the photoreceptor can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the photoreceptor can be maintained.
(2) The developing cartridge of the present invention is attachable to and detachable from the photosensitive cartridge including the photosensitive member and a first driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive member. A roller and a developing cover that covers at least a part of the surface of the developing roller are provided. The developing cover has a first driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the first driving force receiving unit.

  According to such a configuration, the developing cartridge including the developing cover having the first driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the first driving force receiving unit is configured to be detachable from the photosensitive cartridge.

  For this reason, since the first driving force applying portion is provided on the developing cover of the developing cartridge provided separately from the photosensitive cartridge, the photosensitive member can be rotated using the developing cover as a tool. .

  As a result, since the hand does not directly touch the photoconductor, the photoconductor can be safely rotated, and the photoconductor can be rotated with a small force compared to the case where the photoconductor is directly touched and rotated. it can.

  Further, since the photoconductor can be rotated without directly touching the photoconductor, the quality of the photoconductor can be ensured.

Therefore, the photoreceptor can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the photoreceptor can be maintained.
(3) In the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the first driving force applying unit may be a first protrusion protruding from the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover.

According to such a configuration, the first driving force applying portion can be easily attached to the first driving force receiving portion by fitting the first protrusion to the first driving force receiving portion of the photoreceptor. .
(4) In the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the first protrusion includes a first central protrusion configured to be fitted to the first driving force receiving portion, and the lengths of the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover. There may be provided two first side protrusions provided on both sides of the first central protrusion in the direction and configured to be fitted to the first driving force receiving portion.

  According to such a configuration, when the first protrusion is attached to the photosensitive member, the first central protrusion is fitted to the first driving force receiving portion, and the first lateral protrusion is fitted to the first driving force receiving portion. Therefore, the plurality of protrusions are fitted with the first driving force receiving portion.

  For this reason, the first central protrusion can be fitted into the center of the first driving force receiving portion to form a rotating shaft, and the first driving force receiving portion is provided with a driving force by the first side protrusions provided on both sides thereof. Can be granted.

As a result, the force applied to the photoconductor cover and the developing cover can be reliably transmitted to the photoconductor, and the photoconductor can be reliably rotated.
(5) In the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the first central protrusion may protrude from the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover rather than the first side protrusion.

  According to such a configuration, when the first projection is fitted to the first driving force receiving portion, the first central projection can be first fitted to the first driving force receiving portion. After positioning by the protrusion, the first side protrusion can be fitted into the first driving force receiving portion.

Therefore, the first central protrusion and the first side protrusion can be reliably fitted to the first driving force receiving portion.
(6) In the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover may be made of resin, and the first central protrusion may be hollow.

  When the first central protrusion is formed solidly, the photoconductor cover and the developing cover are made of resin, so that the outer surface of the first central protrusion protrudes and fits with the first driving force receiving portion. There may be a problem with accuracy. However, according to such a configuration, since the first central protrusion is formed hollow, it is possible to form a flash on the inner side surface of the first central protrusion, so that the first driving force receiving portion And the fitting precision with a 1st center protrusion can be ensured.

Therefore, the first central protrusion can be reliably engaged with the first driving force receiving portion.
(7) Further, in the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover extend along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member, and the first driving force applying portion is a longitudinal length of the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover. You may arrange | position in the approximate center of the direction.

  According to such a configuration, a force is applied to the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover, and the force is transmitted to the first driving force receiving portion via the first driving force applying portion at the center in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover. In addition, the photoreceptor can be rotated.

Therefore, the force applied to the photoconductor cover and the developing cover can be reliably transmitted to the photoconductor, and the photoconductor can be easily rotated.
(8) Further, in the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover include a rotation direction display unit that indicates a rotation direction of the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover with respect to the first driving force receiving unit. Also good.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to apply a driving force to the first driving force receiving portion without making a mistake in the direction in which the photoconductor should be rotated.

As a result, the photoreceptor can be reliably rotated.
(9) In order to achieve the above-described object, the photosensitive member cartridge of the present invention includes a photosensitive member and a photosensitive member cover that covers at least a part of the surface of the photosensitive member, and the developing cartridge is detachable. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller and a second driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller, and the photosensitive member cover inputs driving to the second driving force receiving portion. A second driving force application unit.

  According to such a configuration, the photosensitive member cartridge including the photosensitive member cover having the second driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the second driving force receiving unit includes the developing cartridge in a detachable manner.

  For this reason, since the second driving force applying portion is provided on the photosensitive member cover of the photosensitive member cartridge provided separately from the developing cartridge, the developing roller is rotated using the photosensitive member cover like a tool. Can do.

  As a result, the developing roller can be rotated safely because the hand does not touch the developing roller directly, and the developing roller can be rotated with a small force compared to the case where the developing roller is directly touched and rotated. it can.

  Further, since the developing roller can be rotated without directly touching the developing roller, the quality of the developing roller can be ensured.

Therefore, the developing roller can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the developing roller can be maintained.
(10) The developing cartridge of the present invention includes a developing roller, a second driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller, and a development covering at least a part of the surface of the developing roller. And a cover. The developing cover includes a second driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the second driving force receiving unit.

  According to such a configuration, since the second driving force applying portion is provided on the developing cover, the developing roller can be rotated using the developing cover like a tool.

  Therefore, the developing roller can be safely rotated because the hand does not directly touch the developing roller, and can be rotated with a small force compared with the case where the developing roller is directly touched and rotated. .

  Further, since the developing roller can be rotated without directly touching the developing roller, the quality of the developing roller can be ensured.

As a result, the developing roller can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the developing roller can be maintained.
(11) Further, in the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the second driving force applying unit may be a second protrusion protruding from the photosensitive member cover.

According to such a configuration, the second driving force applying portion can be easily attached to the second driving force receiving portion by fitting the second protrusion to the second driving force receiving portion of the developing cartridge. .
(12) In the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the second protrusion includes a second central protrusion configured to be fitted to the second driving force receiving portion, and the lengths of the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover. There may be provided two second side projections provided on both sides of the second central projection in the direction and configured to be fitted to the second driving force receiving portion.

  According to such a configuration, when the second protrusion is attached to the developing cartridge, the second central protrusion is fitted to the second driving force receiving portion, and the second lateral protrusion is fitted to the second driving force receiving portion. Therefore, the plurality of protrusions are fitted with the second driving force receiving portion.

  For this reason, the second central projection can be fitted into the center of the second driving force receiving portion to form a rotating shaft, and the second driving force receiving portion is provided with a driving force by the second side projection provided on both sides thereof. Can be granted.

As a result, the force applied to the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover can be reliably transmitted to the developing roller, and the developing roller can be reliably rotated.
(13) In the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover may be formed of a resin.

According to such a configuration, the photoreceptor cover and the development cover can be easily formed from resin.
(14) Further, in the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover extend along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller, and the second driving force applying portion is a longitudinal length of the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover. You may arrange | position in the approximate center of the direction.

  According to such a configuration, a force is applied to the photoconductor cover and the developing cover, and the force is transmitted to the second driving force receiving portion through the second driving force applying portion at the center in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor cover and the developing cover. The developing roller can be rotated.

Therefore, the force applied to the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover can be reliably transmitted to the developing roller, and the developing roller can be easily rotated.
(15) In the photosensitive member cartridge and the developing cartridge of the present invention, the photosensitive member cover and the developing cover may include a rotation direction display unit that indicates a rotation direction of the developing cover with respect to the second driving force receiving unit.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to apply a driving force to the second driving force receiving portion without making a mistake in the direction in which the developing roller should be rotated.

  As a result, the developing roller can be reliably rotated.

  In the photosensitive member cartridge or the developing cartridge of the present invention, the photosensitive member or the developing roller can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the photosensitive member can be maintained.

FIG. 1 is a central cross-sectional view of a printer including a drum cartridge as a first embodiment of the photoreceptor cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the drum cartridge to which the drum cover is attached. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the rotation operation of the photosensitive drum by the drum cover shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a drum cartridge equipped with a drum cover in the second embodiment of the photosensitive cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the rotation operation of the developing roller by the drum cover shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the developing cartridge equipped with the developing cover in the third embodiment of the developing cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the rotation operation of the photosensitive drum by the developing cover shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a developing cartridge equipped with a developing cover in a fourth embodiment of the developing cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing the rotation operation of the developing roller by the developing cover shown in FIG.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus is a horizontal type direct tandem color printer.

  In the following description, when referring to the direction of the printer 1, the state in which the printer 1 is horizontally placed is used as the upper and lower reference. That is, the upper side in FIG. 1 is the upper side, and the lower side in FIG. 1 is the lower side. 1 is the front side, and the left side of FIG. 1 is the rear side. In addition, when the printer 1 is viewed from the front side, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side in FIG. 1 is the left side, and the back side is the right side. The up-down direction is an example of the first direction, the front-rear direction is an example of the second direction, and the left-right direction is an example of the third direction. The upper side is an example of one side in the first direction, and the lower side is an example of the other side in the first direction. The front side is an example of one side in the second direction, and the rear side is an example of the other side in the second direction. The right side is an example of one side in the third direction, and the left side is an example of the other side in the third direction.

  The printer 1 includes a main body casing 2 having a substantially box shape. A top cover 4 that opens and closes the main body opening 3 is provided at the upper end of the main body casing 2 so as to be swingable with the rear end serving as a fulcrum. The printer 1 includes a plurality (four) of process cartridges 5.

  All the process cartridges 5 are detachably provided in the main casing 2 and are arranged in parallel at intervals. Each of the plurality (four) of process cartridges 5 corresponds to one of a plurality (four) of colors (black, yellow, magenta, cyan).

  The process cartridge 5 includes a drum cartridge 6 as an example of a photosensitive cartridge, and a developing cartridge 7 that is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 6.

  The drum cartridge 6 includes a photosensitive drum 8 as an example of a photosensitive member, and a scorotron charger 9.

  The photosensitive drum 8 is rotatably provided at the rear end portion of the drum cartridge 6. The photosensitive drum 8 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is long in the left-right direction.

  The scorotron charger 9 is disposed opposite to the rear upper side of the photosensitive drum 8.

  The developing cartridge 7 includes a developing roller 11 and a supply roller 12 that supplies toner to the developing roller 11.

  The developing roller 11 includes a metallic developing roller shaft 25 extending in the left-right direction and a rubber roller 26 that covers the developing roller shaft 25.

  The developing roller 11 is supported by both developing side walls 56 of the developing frame 51 described later, and both ends of the developing roller shaft 25 in the left-right direction are exposed from the rear side at the rear end of the developing cartridge 7. 8 is contacted from the front upper side.

  The supply roller 12 is opposed to the rubber roller 26 of the developing roller 11 from the front upper side.

  Further, the developing cartridge 7 includes a layer thickness regulating blade 13 that regulates the thickness of the toner supplied to the rubber roller 26 of the developing roller 11. The developing cartridge 7 stores toner on the upper side of the developing roller 11 and the supply roller 12.

  The toner in the developing cartridge 7 is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller 12 and the developing roller 11 and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 11 as a thin layer having a constant thickness by the layer thickness regulating blade 13. The

  On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 9 and then exposed based on predetermined image data by the LED unit 10 disposed on the upper side of the photosensitive drum 8. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8. The toner carried on the developing roller 11 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8, whereby the toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8.

  The paper S is accommodated in a paper feed tray 18 provided at the bottom of the main casing 2 and is conveyed by various rollers so as to make a U-turn to the rear upper side, and one sheet at a time at a predetermined timing. And the conveyor belt 19. Then, the transport belt 19 transports between all the photosensitive drums 8 and all the transfer rollers 20 from the front side to the rear side. At this time, the toner image is transferred to the paper S.

  The sheet S is heated and pressurized when passing between the heating roller 21 and the pressure roller 22. At this time, the toner image is thermally fixed on the paper S.

Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed so as to make a U-turn to the front upper side, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 23 provided on the top cover 4.
2. Process Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the process cartridge 5 includes the drum cartridge 6 and the developing cartridge 7 as described above.

In the following description of the process cartridge 5, the drum cartridge 6, and the developing cartridge 7, when referring to the direction, the state in which the process cartridge 5 is placed horizontally is used as the front and rear reference. That is, the side where the photosensitive drum 8 is disposed is the rear side, and the opposite side is the front side. The side on which the scorotron charger 9 is provided is the upper side, and the opposite side is the lower side. The front-rear direction is an example of the fourth direction, and the up-down direction is an example of the fifth direction. The rear side is an example of one side in the fourth direction, and the front side is an example of the other side in the fourth direction. The upper side is an example of one side in the fifth direction, and the lower side is an example of the other side in the fifth direction. That is, the up-down and front-rear directions related to the process cartridge 5 are slightly different from the up-down directions related to the printer 1, and the process cartridge 5 is arranged in the printer 1 so that the rear side is the rear lower side of the printer 1 It is installed.
(1) Drum Cartridge (1-1) Drum Frame As shown in FIG. 4, the drum cartridge 6 includes a drum frame 31 formed in a substantially rectangular bottomed frame shape.

  The drum frame 31 includes a pair of left and right drum side walls 32, a drum front wall 33, a drum lower wall 35, and a drum upper wall 34.

  Both drum side walls 32 are formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction, and are opposed to each other with an interval in the left-right direction. The drum side walls 32 are formed with exposed grooves 37 for exposing a drive input coupling 61 of the developing cartridge 7 described later.

  Each exposed groove 37 is formed in a substantially U shape in a side view in which the upper side is opened so as to be cut out downward from the upper end edge at approximately the center in the front-rear direction of both drum side walls 32.

  The drum front wall 33 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the left-right direction and extending between the front end portions of both drum side walls 32.

  The drum lower wall 35 extends to the front side continuously from the lower end portion of the drum front wall 33, and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending between the lower end portions of the both drum side walls 32.

  The drum upper wall 34 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the left-right direction provided between the upper ends of the rear portions of the drum side walls 32. A scorotron charger 9 is supported on the drum upper wall 34.

  Further, in the drum frame 31, development is performed by the front half of the drum lower wall 35, both drum side walls 32 corresponding to the front half of the drum lower wall 35, the drum front wall 33, and the front end edge of the drum upper wall 34. A developing cartridge mounting portion 36 for mounting the cartridge 7 is defined.

Further, in the drum frame 31, the photosensitive drum 8 is accommodated by the rear half of the drum lower wall 35, the drum side walls 32 corresponding to the rear half of the drum lower wall 35, and the drum upper wall 34. A drum accommodating portion 42 is partitioned.
(1-2) Photosensitive Drum The photosensitive drum 8 is accommodated in the photosensitive drum accommodating portion 42. The photosensitive drum 8 includes a drum body 43, a driving force receiving portion 44 as an example of a first driving force receiving portion, and a drum shaft 45.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drum main body 43 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The drum main body 43 is exposed from between the rear end portion of the drum lower wall 35 and the rear end portion of the drum upper wall 34.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the driving force receiving portion 44 is formed in a substantially disc shape, and is provided at the left end portion of the photosensitive drum 8 so as not to rotate relative to the drum body 43. The side portion is exposed so as to penetrate the substantially central portion in side view. The outer diameter of the driving force receiving portion 44 is smaller than the outer diameter of the drum main body 43. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the driving force receiving portion 44 includes a central shaft hole 46 and a plurality (four) of cutout grooves 47.

  The central shaft hole 46 is formed in a substantially central portion in a side view of the driving force receiving portion 44 so as to be recessed in a substantially circular shape in a side view from the left surface of the driving force receiving portion 44 toward the right side.

  In the driving force receiving portion 44, the plurality of notch grooves 47 are provided at every 90 ° around the central shaft hole 46 with the central shaft hole 46 as the center. The cutout groove 47 is formed so as to be recessed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view from the left end surface of the driving force receiving portion 44 toward the right, and to be opened in the radial direction of the driving force receiving portion 44.

  Then, the driving force receiving portion 44 is inserted with a tip of a driving input portion (not shown) from the main casing 2 in a state where the drum cartridge 6 is mounted in the main casing 2 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The driving force from the main body casing 2 is input via the. A driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 8 can be applied to the driving force receiving portion 44 by fitting a first driving force applying projection 88 of a drum cover 80 described later.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the drum shaft 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction along the central axis of the photosensitive drum 8, and a right end portion of the drum shaft 45 of the right drum side wall 32. It is exposed so as to penetrate substantially the center in side view.
(2) Developing Cartridge As shown in FIG. 5, the developing cartridge 7 includes a developing frame 51, a drive unit 52 disposed on the left side of the developing frame 51, and an electrode unit 53 disposed on the right side of the developing frame 51. I have.

  The development frame 51 is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. The development frame 51 includes a lower frame 54 that constitutes the lower side of the development frame 51 and an upper frame 55 that constitutes the upper side of the development frame 51.

  The lower frame 54 is integrally formed with a pair of left and right development side walls 56, a development front wall 57, and a development lower wall 58, and is formed in a bottomed frame shape that opens toward the upper side and the rear side. .

  Both development side walls 56 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view extending in the front-rear direction, and are opposed to each other with an interval in the left-right direction.

  The development front wall 57 extends in the left-right direction and is spanned between the front end portions of both development side walls 56.

  The development lower wall 58 extends between the lower end portions of both development side walls 56 so as to extend in the left-right direction and to be continuous with the lower end portion of the development front wall 57.

  The upper frame 55 is connected to the front portions of the development side walls 56 and the upper end of the development front wall 57, and is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in plan view. The layer thickness regulating blade 13 is disposed at the rear end portion of the upper frame 55 so as to come into contact with the developing roller 11 from above.

  The drive unit 52 includes a drive input coupling 61 and a drive side cover 62.

  The drive input coupling 61 includes a coupling portion 63 as an example of a second driving force receiving portion and a coupling collar 64.

  The coupling part 63 is rotatably supported on the left side of the left developing side wall 56 and has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. A coupling recess 65 is formed on the left surface of the coupling portion 63. A gear portion 66 is provided at the right end portion of the coupling portion 63.

  The coupling recess 65 is formed so as to be recessed in a substantially circular shape from the left surface to the right side of the coupling portion 63. A pair of bulging portions 67 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling recess 65.

  The pair of bulging portions 67 are opposed to each other on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling recess 65 and bulge so as to approach each other. The pair of bulging portions 67 are formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view in which the width in the radial direction of the coupling recess 65 becomes shorter as they approach each other. A contact surface 68 is defined in the bulging portion 67 on the upstream side in the rotational direction when the coupling portion 63 is rotated clockwise in the left side view.

  The front end of a main body coupling (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess 65 in a state where the developing cartridge 7 is mounted in the main body casing 2 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Thus, driving force is input from the main casing 2.

  The gear portion 66 is provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the coupling portion 63. The gear portion 66 transmits driving force to the developing roller 11 and the supply roller 12 via a gear train (not shown).

  The drive side cover 62 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The drive-side cover 62 is formed so as to have substantially the same size as the developing side wall 56 on the left side of the developing cartridge 7, that is, the length in the front-rear direction and the length in the vertical direction are substantially the same.

  The coupling collar 64 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes to the left from the left wall at the approximate center in the front-rear direction of the drive side cover 62. The inner diameter of the coupling collar 64 is approximately the same diameter (slightly larger) as the outer diameter of the left end portion of the coupling portion 63.

  The drive-side cover 62 is screwed to the left developing side wall 56 so that the left end portion of the coupling portion 63 is fitted in the coupling collar 64.

  The electrode unit 53 includes an electrode side cover 72.

  The electrode side cover 72 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction. The electrode-side cover 72 is formed so as to have substantially the same size as the developing side wall 56 on the right side of the developing cartridge 7, that is, the length in the front-rear direction and the length in the vertical direction are substantially the same. The electrode side cover 72 is screwed to the right developing side wall 56.

  A developing shaft collar 27 is provided at both ends of the developing roller shaft 25 of the developing roller 11 provided in the developing cartridge 7 in the left-right direction.

The developing shaft collar 27 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and is inserted into both left and right end portions of the developing roller shaft 25 so as to cover both left and right end portions of the developing roller shaft 25. The left developing shaft collar 27 protrudes leftward from the driving side cover 62 so as to penetrate the driving side cover 62, and the right developing shaft collar 27 penetrates the electrode side cover 72. It protrudes to the right side of the electrode side cover 72.
3. Attachment / Removal of Developer Cartridge to Drum Cartridge In order to attach the process cartridge 5 to the main casing 2, first, the developer cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6.

  In order to attach the developing cartridge 7 to the drum cartridge 6, as shown in FIG. 3, the developing cartridge 7 is held so that the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 7 is arranged on the lower side, and the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 7 Is inserted into the rear end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 from above.

  Next, the developing cartridge 7 is inserted into the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 so as to rotate in the clockwise direction in the left side view with the central axis of the developing shaft collar 27 as a fulcrum.

  When the front end portion of the developing cartridge 7 is further pushed into the front end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36, the developing cartridge 7 is rotated clockwise with the rear end portion as a fulcrum, as viewed from the left side, The developer cartridge is completely accommodated in the developing cartridge mounting portion 36.

  At this time, the coupling collar 64 is disposed in the exposed groove 37.

  Thus, the mounting of the developing cartridge 7 to the drum cartridge 6 is completed.

  Further, in order to detach the developing cartridge 7 from the drum cartridge 6, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 7 is held while pressing the front end portion of the drum cartridge 6, and the developing cartridge 7 is viewed from the left side with the rear end portion as a fulcrum. Turn counterclockwise.

  Then, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 7 is detached from the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 upward.

  Thus, the separation of the developing cartridge 7 from the drum cartridge 6 is completed.

  To attach the process cartridge 5 to the main casing 2, as shown in FIG. 1, the top cover 4 is opened, and the process cartridge 5 is placed at a predetermined position in the main casing 2 with the rear side of the printer 1. The rear lower side and the front side are mounted from the upper side so that the front side is the front upper side of the printer 1.

Thereby, the mounting of the process cartridge 5 on the main casing 2 is completed.
4). Drum Cover When the drum cartridge 6 is shipped and transported, the drum frame 31 of the drum cartridge 6 is covered and protected by the photosensitive drum 8 exposed from the rear end of the drum frame 31 as shown in FIG. For this purpose, a drum cover 80 as an example of a photoconductor cover is attached.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the drum cover 80 is formed of a polymer material such as a resin material (for example, polypropylene material), extends in the left-right direction, and has a substantially cylindrical shape in a side view. . The drum cover 80 is formed so as to cover the rear end portion of the drum frame 31 when mounted on the drum cartridge 6.

  The drum cover 80 is integrally provided with a drum cover main body 81, a drum cover left side wall 82, and a drum cover right side wall 83.

  The drum cover main body 81 includes a drum cover upper wall 84, a drum cover rear wall 85, and a drum main body protection portion 86.

  The drum cover upper wall 84 forms an upper portion of the drum cover 80 and is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape that is long in the left-right direction in plan view. The drum cover upper wall 84 includes a bulging portion 87.

  The bulging portion 87 is continuous from the front end edge of the drum cover upper wall 84 except for both ends in the left-right direction, bulges upward, and has a substantially L-shaped partial cylinder in side sectional view with both left-right direction ends closed. It is formed into a shape.

  The drum cover rear wall 85 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in front view extending continuously downward from the rear end portion of the drum cover upper wall 84 and extending downward from the lower end portion thereof. . The drum cover rear wall 85 includes a first driving force application portion and a first driving force application protrusion 88 as an example of a first protrusion, and a rotation direction display arrow 89 as an example of a rotation direction display portion.

  The first driving force application protrusion 88 is provided for inputting driving force to the photosensitive drum 8 via the driving force receiving portion 44. The first driving force application protrusion 88 includes a first central protrusion 91 and a plurality of, that is, two first side protrusions 92.

  The first center protrusion 91 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward from the rear surface at the substantially center in the left-right direction of the drum cover rear wall 85. The outer diameter of the first central protrusion 91 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the central shaft hole 46. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the first central protrusion 91 is partitioned as a hollow portion 93.

  The two first side protrusions 92 are provided on both outer sides in the left-right direction of the first central protrusion 91 and are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rearward from the rear surface of the drum cover rear wall 85. The outer diameter of the first side protrusion 92 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first central protrusion 91, and the length in the front-rear direction is smaller than the length in the front-rear direction of the first central protrusion 91. Further, the outer diameter of the first side protrusion 92 is slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the notch groove 47.

  The rotation direction display arrow 89 is provided so as to bulge rearward from the rear surface of the drum cover rear wall 85, and is formed in an arrow shape indicating a counterclockwise direction in rear view. Specifically, an upward arrow is provided on the left side of the left first side protrusion 92, and a downward arrow is provided on the right side of the right first side protrusion 92.

  The drum main body protection part 86 is continuously curved from the lower end of the drum cover rear wall 85 along the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 8 and is curved forward, and then extends forward. It is formed in a letter shape.

  The drum cover left side wall 82 is provided at the left end portion of the drum cover 80. The drum cover left side wall 82 includes an arc portion 95 and a connecting portion 96.

  The circular arc portion 95 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape that is substantially U-shaped in a side view with the front side open. The arc cover 95 is continuous with the left end edge of the drum cover main body 81 from the rear upper end to the rear end and the lower end. The inner diameter of the arc portion 95 is larger than the outer diameter of the driving force receiving portion 44 of the photosensitive drum 8. The arc portion 95 includes a locking claw 97.

  The locking claw 97 is formed in a substantially prismatic shape extending from the front upper end of the arc portion 95 toward the left.

  The connecting portion 96 is provided between the front upper portion of the arc portion 95 and the front lower portion of the arc portion 95 so as to connect the open portions of the arc portion 95. Specifically, the connecting portion 96 extends leftward from the front upper portion of the arc portion 95, extends downward from the left end portion thereof, extends rightward from the lower end portion thereof, and extends in front of the arc portion 95. It is formed in a substantially flat plate shape that is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the front and is connected to the lower portion.

  The drum cover right side wall 83 is provided at the left end portion of the drum cover 80 and is formed in a flat plate shape that can be elastically deformed. The drum cover right side wall 83 includes a drum side surface protection unit 98 and an operation unit 99.

  The drum side surface protection part 98 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view extending continuously forward from the right end edge of the drum body protection part 86.

  The operation portion 99 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view extending continuously forward from the right end edge of the vertical portion of the drum cover rear wall 85.

  The upper end edge of the front side portion of the drum side surface protection unit 98 and the lower end edge of the front side portion of the operation unit 99 are connected by the connection unit 100.

  The connecting portion 100 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the side, and its upper end edge is connected to the lower end edge of the front portion of the operation portion 99, and its lower end edge is the upper end of the front side portion of the drum side surface protection portion 98. It is connected to the edge.

A drum bearing insertion hole 101 is defined by the rear side portion of the drum side surface protection portion 98, the operation portion 99, and the connecting portion 100.
5. Attachment / detachment of the drum cover to / from the drum cartridge In order to attach the drum cover 80 to the drum cartridge 6, first, the drum cover left side wall 82 of the drum cover 80 is hooked on the drum cartridge 6 from the rear of the drum cartridge 6. Specifically, the drum cover left side wall 82 of the drum cover 80 is brought close to the left side of the drum cartridge 6, and the locking claw 97 of the drum cover left side wall 82 is moved to the front left side of the drum upper wall 34 of the drum frame 31 of the drum cartridge 6. It is made to contact | abut to an edge part from the front side.

  Thereby, the drum cover left side wall 82 is locked to the drum cartridge 6.

  Next, the operation unit 99 is gripped, and the drum cover right side wall 83 is brought closer to the drum cartridge 6 while being elastically deformed so that the interval between the drum cover left side wall 82 and the drum cover right side wall 83 of the drum cover 80 is widened.

  Then, the drum cover 80 is restored by moving the drum cover right side wall 83 to a position where the drum shaft 45 is disposed in the drum bearing insertion hole 101 when projected in the left-right direction, and then releasing the operation unit 99. Then, the drum shaft 45 is inserted into the drum bearing insertion hole 101.

  As a result, the drum cover right side wall 83 is locked to the drum cartridge 6.

  Thereby, the mounting of the drum cover 80 to the drum cartridge 6 is completed.

  In order to detach the drum cover 80 from the drum cartridge 6, the operation is performed in the reverse order of the above-described procedure.

  Specifically, the drum cover right side wall 83 is held on the drum cartridge 6 while holding the operation unit 99 and elastically deforming the drum cover 80 so that the gap between the drum cover left side wall 82 and the drum cover right side wall 83 is widened. Separate from.

  Next, the contact of the locking claw 97 with the drum upper wall 34 is released.

Thereby, the separation of the drum cover 80 from the drum cartridge 6 is completed.
6). Rotation of the photosensitive drum by the drum cover When an image formation failure caused by the photosensitive drum 8 occurs, the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 from the drum frame 31. Remove paper dust and dirt on the surface.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 7, the first driving force application protrusion 88 provided on the drum cover 80 is fitted to the driving force receiving portion 44 of the photosensitive drum 8, so that the drum cover 80 is fixed to a predetermined position. By rotating in the direction, an arbitrary portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 is exposed from the drum frame 31.

  Specifically, first, the tip of the first central protrusion 91 is fitted into the central shaft hole 46.

  Next, the drum cover 80 is further pushed into the photosensitive drum 8.

  Then, since the tip of the first side protrusion 92 is brought into contact with the left surface of the driving force receiving portion 44, when the drum cover 80 is rotated around the first central protrusion 91 as a central axis and projected in the left-right direction. In addition, the first side protrusion 92 is disposed at a position overlapping the notch groove 47.

  When the drum cover 80 is further pushed into the photosensitive drum 8, the first side protrusion 92 is fitted into the notch groove 47.

  Thereby, the fitting of the first driving force application protrusion 88 to the driving force receiving portion 44 is completed.

  Then, the drum cover 80 is rotated along the direction of the arrow of the rotation direction display arrow 89 of the drum cover rear wall 85 with the first central protrusion 91 as the central axis.

As a result, the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated and an arbitrary portion is exposed from the drum frame 31.
6). Operation and Effect (1) According to the drum cartridge 6 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, since the first driving force application protrusion 88 is provided on the drum cover 80, the drum cover 80 is used as a tool. The photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated.

  For this reason, since the hand does not directly touch the photosensitive drum 8, the photosensitive drum 8 can be safely rotated, and the photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated with a small force as compared with the case where the photosensitive drum 8 is directly touched and rotated. be able to.

  Further, since the photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated without directly touching the photosensitive drum 8, the quality of the photosensitive drum 8 can be ensured.

As a result, the photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the photosensitive drum 8 can be maintained.
(2) Further, according to the drum cartridge 6, as shown in FIG. 7, the first driving force application protrusion 88 formed of the protrusion is fitted to the driving force receiving portion 44 of the photosensitive drum 8, thereby The force applying protrusion 88 can be easily attached to the driving force receiving portion 44.
(3) According to the drum cartridge 6, as shown in FIG. 7, when the first driving force application protrusion 88 is attached to the photosensitive drum 8, the first central protrusion 91 is formed in the central shaft hole of the driving force receiving portion 44. 46 and the first side projection 92 can be fitted into the notch groove 47 of the driving force receiving portion 44, so that the plurality of protrusions are fitted with the driving force receiving portion 44.

  For this reason, the first central protrusion 91 can be fitted into the center of the driving force receiving portion 44 to form a rotating shaft, and the driving force receiving portion 44 is driven by the first side protrusions 92 provided on both sides thereof. Can be granted.

As a result, the force applied to the drum cover 80 can be reliably transmitted to the photosensitive drum 8, and the photosensitive drum 8 can be reliably rotated.
(4) According to the drum cartridge 6, as shown in FIG. 7, when the first driving force application protrusion 88 is fitted to the driving force receiving portion 44, first, the driving force is applied from the first central protrusion 91. Since it can be fitted into the central shaft hole 46 of the receiving portion 44, the first side projection 92 can be fitted into the notch groove 47 of the driving force receiving portion 44 after being positioned by the first central projection 91. it can.

Therefore, the first central protrusion 91 and the first side protrusion 92 can be reliably fitted to the driving force receiving portion 44.
(5) Also, according to this drum cartridge 6, when the first central protrusion 91 is formed solidly as shown in FIG. 6, the drum cover 80 is formed of resin, so that the first central protrusion 91 is formed. In some cases, the outer side surface of the light beam may be out of order and a problem may occur in the fitting accuracy with the driving force receiving portion 44. However, since the first central protrusion 91 is formed so as to have the hollow portion 93, a flash in formation can be formed on the inner surface of the first central protrusion 91, so that the center of the driving force receiving portion 44 can be formed. The fitting accuracy between the shaft hole 46 and the first central protrusion 91 can be ensured.

Therefore, the first central protrusion 91 can be reliably engaged with the central shaft hole 46 of the driving force receiving portion 44.
(6) Also, according to this drum cartridge 6, as shown in FIG. 7, the drum cover 80 is formed to be long in the left-right direction, and has the first driving force application protrusion 88 at the center thereof. The photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated by applying a force to the drum cover 80 and transmitting the force to the driving force receiving portion 44 via the first driving force applying projection 88.

Therefore, the drum cover 80 can be gripped and a force can be applied, and the force applied to the drum cover 80 can be reliably transmitted to the photosensitive drum 8, so that the photosensitive drum 8 can be easily rotated.
(7) Also, according to this drum cartridge 6, as shown in FIG. 7, the drum cover 80 is provided with the rotation direction display arrow 89 indicating the rotation direction of the drum cover 80 with respect to the driving force receiving portion 44. The driving force can be applied to the driving force receiving portion 44 without changing the direction in which the photosensitive drum 8 should be rotated.

As a result, the photosensitive drum 8 can be reliably rotated.
7). Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the second embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated using the drum cover 80 that protects the photosensitive drum 8. However, even if the developing roller 11 is rotated using the drum cover 80 that protects the photosensitive drum 8. Good.
(1) Drum Cover In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the drum cover 80 includes a first driving force application protrusion 88 and a rotation direction display arrow 89.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the drum cover 80 includes a second driving force application protrusion 104 as an example of the second driving force application section and the second protrusion, and a rotation direction display section. As an example, a rotation direction display arrow 105 is provided.

  Specifically, the second driving force application protrusion 104 and the rotation direction display arrow 105 are provided on the drum cover rear wall 85 of the drum cover 80.

  The second driving force application protrusion 104 is provided for inputting a driving force to the developing roller 11 via the coupling portion 63. The second driving force application protrusion 104 includes a second central protrusion 106 and a plurality of, that is, two second side protrusions 107.

  The second central protrusion 106 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward from the rear surface at the substantially center in the left-right direction of the drum cover rear wall 85. The outer diameter of the second central protrusion 106 is slightly smaller than the length between the pair of bulging portions 67 in the coupling recess 65 of the coupling portion 63.

  The two second side protrusions 107 are formed in a substantially prismatic shape protruding rearward from the rear surface of the drum cover rear wall 85 so as to be continuous with both lateral sides of the second central protrusion 106 in the left-right direction. The second lateral protrusion 107 has a vertical and horizontal length that is smaller than the outer diameter of the second central protrusion 106, and a longitudinal length that is substantially the same as the longitudinal length of the second central protrusion 106. Further, the length between the left and right outer sides of the two second side protrusions 107 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the coupling recess 65.

The rotation direction display arrow 105 is provided so as to bulge rearward from the rear surface of the drum cover rear wall 85, and is formed in an arrow shape indicating a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the rear. Specifically, an upward arrow is provided on the left side of the left second side protrusion 107, and a downward arrow is provided on the right side of the right second side protrusion 107.
(2) Rotation of developing roller by drum cover When an image formation failure caused by the developing roller 11 occurs, the developing roller 11 is rotated so that the surface of the developing roller 11 is exposed from the developing frame 51 and developed. Paper dust and dirt on the surface of the roller 11 are removed.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 9, the second driving force application protrusion 104 provided on the drum cover 80 is fitted into the coupling portion 63 of the developing cartridge 7 so that the drum cover 80 is moved in a predetermined direction. , The arbitrary position on the surface of the developing roller 11 is exposed from the developing frame 51.

  Specifically, the second driving force applying projection 104 is fitted to the coupling recess 65 of the coupling portion 63 so that the two second side projections 107 do not contact the bulging portion 67.

  Then, the drum cover 80 is rotated along the direction of the arrow of the rotation direction display arrow 105 of the drum cover rear wall 85 with the second central protrusion 106 as the central axis.

  Then, the second side protrusion 107 is brought into contact with the contact surface 68 of the bulging portion 67 formed in the coupling concave portion 65, and the bulging portion 67 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left side, whereby the coupling portion 63 is rotated.

  As a result, the gear portion 66 of the coupling portion 63 transmits a driving force to the developing roller 11 via a gear train (not shown).

Thus, the developing roller 11 is rotated and an arbitrary portion is exposed from the developing frame 51.
(3) Effects of Second Embodiment (3-1) According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the drum having the second driving force application protrusion 104 for inputting driving to the coupling portion 63. The drum cartridge 6 including the cover 80 includes a developing cartridge 7 that is detachable.

  Therefore, since the second driving force applying projection 104 is provided on the drum cover 80 of the drum cartridge 6 provided separately from the developing cartridge 7, the developing roller 11 is used by using the drum cover 80 like a tool. Can be rotated.

  As a result, since the hand does not touch the developing roller 11 directly, the developing roller 11 can be safely rotated, and it can be rotated with a small force compared with the case where the developing roller 11 is directly touched and rotated. Can be made.

  Further, since the developing roller 11 can be rotated without directly touching the developing roller 11, the quality of the developing roller 11 can be ensured.

Therefore, the developing roller 11 can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the developing roller 11 can be maintained.
(3-2) According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second driving force application protrusion 104 made of a protrusion is fitted into the coupling portion 63 of the developing cartridge 7, so that the second The driving force application protrusion 104 can be easily attached to the coupling portion 63.
(3-3) According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second driving force application protrusion 104 is attached to the developing cartridge 7, the second central protrusion 106 is connected to the coupling recess 63 of the coupling portion 63. Since the second side projection 107 can be fitted into the coupling recess 65 of the coupling portion 63, the plurality of projections are fitted with the coupling portion 63.

  Therefore, the second central protrusion 106 can be fitted to the center of the coupling portion 63 to obtain a rotating shaft, and a driving force is applied to the coupling portion 63 by the second side protrusions 107 provided on both sides thereof. can do.

As a result, the force applied to the drum cover 80 can be reliably transmitted to the developing roller 11, and the photoreceptor can be reliably rotated.
(3-4) Moreover, according to 2nd Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the drum cover 80 can be easily formed from resin.
(3-5) According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the drum cover 80 is formed to be long in the left-right direction, and includes the second driving force application protrusion 104 at the center thereof. Therefore, it is possible to apply a force to the drum cover 80 and transmit the force to the coupling portion 63 via the second driving force application protrusion 104 to rotate the developing roller 11.

Therefore, the drum cover 80 can be gripped and a force can be applied, and the force applied to the drum cover 80 can be reliably transmitted to the developing roller 11, and the developing roller 11 can be easily rotated.
(3-6) Also, according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the drum cover 80 is provided with the rotation direction display arrow 105 indicating the rotation direction of the drum cover 80 with respect to the coupling portion 63. Therefore, it is possible to apply a driving force to the coupling unit 63 without making a mistake in the direction in which the developing roller 11 should be rotated.

As a result, the developing roller 11 can be reliably rotated.
8). Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Note that in the third embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated using the drum cover 80 that protects the photosensitive drum 8. However, the photosensitive drum is used by using the developing cover 110 as an example of the developing cover that protects the developing roller 11. 8 may be rotated.
(1) Development Cover When the development cartridge 7 is shipped and transported, the development frame 51 of the development cartridge 7 is covered with the development roller 11 exposed from the rear end of the development frame 51 as shown in FIG. In order to protect it, a developing cover 110 is attached.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the developing cover 110 is formed of a polymer material such as a resin material (for example, a polypropylene material), and integrally includes a main body 111 and a pair of gear covering portions 112. ing.

  The main body 111 includes an upper flat plate portion 113, a curved portion 114, and a lower flat plate portion 115.

  The upper flat plate portion 113 forms an upper portion of the developing cover 110 and is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in a plan view that is long in the left-right direction. The upper flat plate portion 113 includes a gripping portion 116.

  The grip 116 is formed so as to bulge upward at the approximate center in the left-right direction of the upper flat plate 113.

  The curved portion 114 is formed in a substantially C shape in a side sectional view extending continuously downward from the rear end portion of the upper flat plate portion 113 along the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 11. Yes. The bending portion 114 includes a first driving force application protrusion and a first driving force application protrusion 118 as an example of a first protrusion, and a rotation direction display arrow 119 as an example of a rotation direction display section.

  The first driving force application protrusion 118 is provided for inputting driving force to the photosensitive drum 8 via the driving force receiving portion 44. The first driving force application protrusion 118 includes a first central protrusion 121 and a plurality of, that is, two first side protrusions 122.

  The first central protrusion 121 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward from the rear surface at the approximate center in the left-right direction of the bending portion 114. The outer diameter of the first central protrusion 121 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the central shaft hole 46. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the first central protrusion 121 is partitioned as a hollow portion 123.

  The two first side protrusions 122 are provided on both outer sides in the left-right direction of the first central protrusion 121, and are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rearward from the rear surface of the curved portion 114. The outer diameter of the first side protrusion 122 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first central protrusion 121, and the length in the front-rear direction is smaller than the length in the front-rear direction of the first central protrusion 121. Further, the outer diameter of the first side protrusion 122 is slightly smaller than the inner shape of the notch groove 47.

  The rotation direction display arrow 119 is provided so as to bulge rearward from the rear surface of the curved portion 114, and is formed in an arrow shape indicating a counterclockwise direction in the rear view. Specifically, an upward arrow is provided on the left side of the left first side protrusion 122, and a downward arrow is provided on the right side of the right first side protrusion 122.

  The lower flat plate portion 115 is formed so as to continuously extend downward from the lower end portion of the bending portion 114 and then bend forward. The front end portion of the lower flat plate portion 115 is disposed in front of the front end portion of the upper flat plate portion 113.

  Each gear covering portion 112 is formed in a substantially box shape that opens toward the front, and includes a pair of left and right side walls 126, a rear wall 127, a lower wall 128, and an upper wall 129.

  Both side walls 126 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side, and are opposed to each other with a space therebetween. Specifically, the both side walls 126 include an outer wall 132 disposed on the outer side in the left-right direction and an inner wall 133 disposed on the inner side in the left-right direction.

  A color exposure groove 134 is formed in the outer side wall 132 at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction.

  The color exposure groove 134 is formed in a substantially U shape in side view that is recessed rearward from the front edge of each outer wall 132.

  A communication groove 135 is formed in each inner wall 133.

  The communication groove 135 is formed in a substantially U shape in side view that is recessed rearward from the front edge of each inner wall 133 so as to correspond to both left and right ends of the main body 111.

  The rear wall 127 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and is laid between the rear ends of both side walls 126.

  The lower wall 128 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in plan view, and is spanned between the lower ends of the side walls 126 so as to be continuous from the lower ends of the rear wall 127.

  The upper wall 129 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in plan view, and is extended between the upper end portions of the side walls 126 so as to be continuous with the upper end portion of the rear wall 127. The length of the upper wall 129 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length of the lower wall 128 in the front-rear direction.

The main body portion 111 and each gear covering portion 112 are formed by connecting the left and right end portions of the upper flat plate portion 113, the curved portion 114, and the lower flat plate portion 115 and the communication groove 135 on the inner side surface of the inner wall 133 in the left and right direction. By being connected to the peripheral end portion, they are integrally formed. Thereby, the main body 111 and each gear covering portion 112 are communicated in the left-right direction via the communication groove 135.
(2) Attaching / detaching the developing cover to / from the developing cartridge In order to attach the developing cover 110 to the developing cartridge 7, first, the grasping portion 116 is grasped, and the developing cover 110 is brought close to the developing cartridge 7 from the rear of the developing cartridge 7, The upper surface of the lower flat plate portion 115 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the developing lower wall 58 of the developing frame 51.

  Then, the developing cover 110 is swung in the clockwise direction in the left side view with the contact portion between the lower flat plate portion 115 and the developing lower wall 58 as a fulcrum.

  As a result, the upper flat plate portion 113 overlaps the rear end portion of the upper frame 55, and the developing shaft collar 27 of the developing cartridge 7 is disposed in the color exposure groove 134.

  Thereby, the mounting of the developing cover 110 to the developing cartridge 7 is completed.

  In order to detach the developing cover 110 from the developing cartridge 7, the operation is performed in the reverse order of the above-described procedure.

  Specifically, the developing unit 110 is pulled upward by holding the holding unit 116, and the developing cover 110 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the left side with the contact portion between the lower flat plate portion 115 and the developing lower wall 58 as a fulcrum. 110 is swung.

  Next, the developing cover 110 is further moved rearward.

Thereby, the separation of the developing cover 110 from the developing cartridge 7 is completed.
(3) Rotating the photosensitive drum by the developing cover As in the first embodiment described above, when an image formation failure or the like caused by the photosensitive drum 8 occurs, the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated to rotate the photosensitive drum 8. The surface is exposed from the drum frame 31, and paper dust and dirt on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 are removed.

  In such a case, the first driving force application protrusion 118 provided on the developing cover 110 is fitted to the driving force receiving portion 44 of the photosensitive drum 8, and the developing cover 110 is rotated in a predetermined direction, thereby exposing the photosensitive member. An arbitrary portion of the surface of the drum 8 is exposed from the drum frame 31.

  Specifically, first, the tip of the first central protrusion 121 is fitted into the central shaft hole 46.

  Next, the developing cover 110 is further pushed into the photosensitive drum 8.

  Then, since the tip of the first side protrusion 122 is brought into contact with the left surface of the driving force receiving portion 44, the developing cover 110 is rotated around the first central protrusion 121 as a central axis and projected in the left-right direction. In addition, the first side protrusion 122 is disposed at a position overlapping the notch groove 47.

  When the developing cover 110 is further pushed into the photosensitive drum 8, the first side protrusion 122 is fitted into the notch groove 47.

  Thereby, the fitting of the first driving force application protrusion 118 to the driving force receiving portion 44 is completed.

  Then, the developing cover 110 is rotated along the direction of the rotation direction display arrow 119 of the bending portion 114 with the first central protrusion 121 as the central axis.

As a result, the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated and an arbitrary portion is exposed from the drum frame 31.
(4) Effects of Third Embodiment According to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the developing cover 110 having the first driving force applying projection 118 for inputting driving to the driving force receiving portion 44 is provided. The developing cartridge 7 provided is configured to be detachable from the drum cartridge 6.

  Therefore, since the first driving force application protrusion 118 is provided on the developing cover 110 of the developing cartridge 7 provided separately from the drum cartridge 6, the developing cover 110 is like a tool as shown in FIG. In use, the photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated.

  As a result, since the hand does not directly touch the photosensitive drum 8, the photosensitive drum 8 can be safely rotated, and it can be rotated with a small force compared to the case where the photosensitive drum 8 is directly touched and rotated. Can be made.

  Further, since the photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated without directly touching the photosensitive drum 8, the quality of the photosensitive drum 8 can be ensured.

  Therefore, the photosensitive drum 8 can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the photosensitive drum 8 can be maintained.

Also in the third embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
9. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In addition, in 4th Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member similar to above-described 3rd Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the third embodiment described above, the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated using the developing cover 110 that protects the developing roller 11. However, the developing roller 11 may be rotated using the developing cover 110.
(1) Developer Cover In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the developer cover 110 includes a first driving force application protrusion 118 and a rotation direction display arrow 119.

  On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the developing cover 110 includes a second driving force application protrusion 138 as an example of the second driving force application section and the second protrusion, and a rotation direction display section. As an example, a rotation direction display arrow 139 is provided.

  Specifically, the second driving force application protrusion 138 and the rotation direction display arrow 139 are provided on the curved portion 114 of the developing cover 110.

  The second driving force application protrusion 138 is provided for inputting driving force to the developing roller 11 via the coupling portion 63. The second driving force application protrusion 138 includes a base portion 140, a second center protrusion 141, and a plurality of, that is, two second side protrusions 142.

  The base portion 140 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward from the rear surface at the approximate center in the left-right direction of the drum cover rear wall 85.

  The second central protrusion 141 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward from the approximate center on the rear surface of the base portion 140. The outer diameter of the second central protrusion 141 is slightly smaller than the length between the pair of bulging portions 67 in the coupling recess 65 of the coupling portion 63.

  The two second side projections 142 are formed in a substantially prismatic shape protruding rearward from the rear surface of the base portion 140 so as to be continuous with both lateral sides of the second central projection 141 in the left-right direction. The second lateral protrusion 142 has a vertical and horizontal length that is smaller than the outer diameter of the second central protrusion 141, and its longitudinal length is substantially the same as the longitudinal length of the second central protrusion 141. Further, the length between the left and right outer sides of the two second side protrusions 142 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the coupling recess 65.

The rotation direction display arrow 139 is provided so as to bulge rearward from the rear surface of the drum cover rear wall 85, and is formed in an arrow shape indicating a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the rear. Specifically, an upward arrow is provided on the left side of the base portion 140, and a downward arrow is provided on the right side of the base portion 140.
(2) Rotating the developing roller by the developing cover As in the third embodiment described above, when an image formation failure or the like caused by the developing roller 11 occurs, the developing roller 11 is rotated so that the developing roller 11 The surface is exposed from the developing frame 51, and paper dust and dirt on the surface of the developing roller 11 are removed.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 13, the second driving force application protrusion 138 provided on the developing cover 110 is fitted into the coupling portion 63 of the developing cartridge 7 so that the developing cover 110 is moved in a predetermined direction. , The arbitrary position on the surface of the developing roller 11 is exposed from the developing frame 51.

  Specifically, the second driving force application protrusion 138 is fitted to the coupling recess 65 of the coupling portion 63 so that the two second side protrusions 142 do not contact the bulging portion 67.

  Then, the drum cover 80 is rotated along the direction of the arrow of the rotation direction display arrow 139 of the bending portion 114 with the second central protrusion 141 as the central axis.

  Then, the second side protrusion 142 is brought into contact with the contact surface 68 of the bulging portion 67 formed in the coupling concave portion 65, and the bulging portion 67 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left side, whereby the coupling portion 63 is rotated.

  As a result, the gear portion 66 of the coupling portion 63 transmits a driving force to the developing roller 11 via a gear train (not shown).

Thus, the developing roller 11 is rotated and an arbitrary portion is exposed from the developing frame 51.
(3) Effects of Fourth Embodiment According to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, since the second driving force applying projection 138 is provided on the developing cover 110, the developing cover 110 is like a tool. The developing roller 11 can be rotated via the coupling part 63.

  For this reason, the developing roller 11 can be safely rotated because the developing roller 11 is not directly touched. Also, the developing roller 11 can be rotated with a small force as compared with the case where the developing roller 11 is directly touched and rotated. be able to.

  Further, since the developing roller 11 can be rotated without directly touching the developing roller 11, the quality of the developing roller 11 can be ensured.

  As a result, the developing roller 11 can be rotated safely and easily, and the quality of the developing roller 11 can be maintained.

  In the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

6 Drum Cartridge 7 Developing Cartridge 8 Photosensitive Drum 11 Developing Roller 44 Driving Force Receiving Portion 63 Coupling Portion 80 Drum Cover 88 First Driving Force Applying Projection 89 Rotation Direction Display Arrow 91 First Central Projection 92 First Side Protrusion Driving force application protrusion 105 Rotation direction display arrow 106 Second central protrusion 107 Second lateral protrusion 110 Development cover 118 First driving force application protrusion 119 Rotation direction display arrow 121 First central protrusion 122 First lateral protrusion 138 Second drive Force imparting protrusion 139 Rotation direction indication arrow 141 Second central protrusion 142 Second lateral protrusion

Claims (26)

A photosensitive member cartridge comprising: a photosensitive member; a first driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive member; and a photosensitive member cover covering at least a part of the surface of the photosensitive member. Because
The photoconductor cartridge, wherein the photoconductor cover includes a first driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the first driving force receiving unit.   The photoconductor cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first driving force applying unit is a first protrusion protruding from the photoconductor cover. The first protrusion is
A first central protrusion configured to fit into the first driving force receiving portion;
Two first side protrusions provided on both sides of the first central protrusion in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor cover and configured to be fitted to the first driving force receiving portion. The photosensitive member cartridge according to claim 2.   The photoconductor cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the first central protrusion protrudes from the photoconductor cover more than the first side protrusion. The photoconductor cover is made of resin,
The photosensitive member cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the first central protrusion is hollow. The photoconductor cover extends along the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor,
6. The photosensitive member cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first driving force applying unit is disposed at a substantially center in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member cover. 7.   The said photoconductor cover is provided with the rotation direction display part which shows the rotation direction of the said photoconductor cover with respect to a said 1st driving force receiving part, The Claim 1 thru | or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Photoconductor cartridge. A photoconductor cartridge comprising a photoconductor and a photoconductor cover that covers at least a part of the surface of the photoconductor, and a detachable developer cartridge,
The developing cartridge is
A developing roller;
A second driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller,
The photoconductor cartridge, wherein the photoconductor cover includes a second driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the second driving force receiving unit.   The photoconductor cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the second driving force applying unit is a second protrusion protruding from the photoconductor cover. The second protrusion is
A second central protrusion configured to fit into the second driving force receiving portion;
Two second side protrusions provided on both sides of the second central protrusion in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor cover and configured to be fitted to the second driving force receiving portion. The photosensitive member cartridge according to claim 9.   The photoconductor cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the photoconductor cover is formed of a resin. The photoreceptor cover extends along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller,
12. The photosensitive member cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the second driving force applying portion is disposed at a substantially center in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member cover.   The said photoconductor cover is provided with the rotation direction display part which shows the rotation direction of the said photoconductor cover with respect to a said 2nd driving force receiving part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Photoconductor cartridge. A developing cartridge detachably attachable to the photosensitive cartridge comprising a photosensitive member and a first driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive member;
The developing cartridge is
A developing roller;
A developing cover that covers at least part of the surface of the developing roller;
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing cover includes a first driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the first driving force receiving unit.   The developing cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the first driving force applying part is a first protrusion protruding from the developing cover. The first protrusion is
A first central protrusion configured to fit into the first driving force receiving portion;
Two first side protrusions provided on both sides of the first central protrusion in the longitudinal direction of the developing cover and configured to fit into the first driving force receiving portion; The developing cartridge according to claim 15.   The developing cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the first central protrusion protrudes from the developing cover more than the first side protrusion. The developing cover is made of resin,
The developing cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the first central protrusion is hollow. The developing cover extends along the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor,
The photoconductor cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the first driving force application unit is disposed at a substantially center in the longitudinal direction of the developing cover.   20. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the developing cover includes a rotation direction display unit that indicates a rotation direction of the developing cover with respect to the first driving force receiving unit. . A developing cartridge comprising: a developing roller; a second driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller; and a developing cover that covers at least a part of the surface of the developing roller. And
The developing cartridge, wherein the developing cover includes a second driving force applying unit for inputting driving to the second driving force receiving unit.   The developing cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the second driving force applying unit is a second protrusion protruding from the developing cover. The second protrusion is
A second central protrusion configured to fit into the second driving force receiving portion;
And two second side projections provided on both sides of the second central projection in the longitudinal direction of the developing cover and configured to fit into the second driving force receiving portion. The developing cartridge according to claim 22.   24. The developing cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the developing cover is made of resin. The developing cover extends along a longitudinal direction of the developing roller;
The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the second driving force applying unit is disposed at a substantially center in the longitudinal direction of the developing cover. 26. The developing cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the developing cover includes a rotation direction display unit that indicates a rotation direction of the developing cover with respect to the second driving force receiving unit. .

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