JP2019020551A - Developing cartridge and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a developing cartridge which prevents toner leakage from a space between a first seal member and a developing blade.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller for carrying a developer; a developing container that stores the developer and rotatably supports the developing roller; a developing blade that has a nip part in contact with the developing roller and restricts the developer; a first seal member that is bonded to the developing container and prevents leakage of the developer from the developing container on both ends of the developing roller; a seal pressing member that presses the end face of the first seal member to a developing roller rotary axis direction; and a second seal member which injects an elastic resin to the developing container, is molded while being bonded to the first seal member, and seals a space between the developing blade and the developing container and a space between the first seal member and the developing blade to prevent leakage of the developer. The seal pressing member presses the first seal member in a portion overlapping with the end of the second seal member when being viewed from the developing roller rotation axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  Here, the process cartridge includes at least one of a developer, a photosensitive drum, and process means (for example, a developer carrier (hereinafter referred to as “developing roller”)), and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The thing which can be attached to and detached from the main body.

  Further, there are process cartridges in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are integrally formed into a cartridge, and those in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are separately formed into a cartridge. In particular, a cartridge having a developing roller is referred to as a developing cartridge.

  Further, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming system. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer and a laser beam printer), a facsimile machine, and a word processor.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”) irradiates a photosensitive drum with light corresponding to image data to form an electrostatic image. Then, a developer (hereinafter referred to as “toner”) is supplied from the developing roller of the developing cartridge to the electrostatic image, and is visualized as a toner image. This toner image is transferred from a photosensitive drum to a recording material such as recording paper by a transfer device. A recorded image is formed by fixing the toner image on a recording material with a fixing device. In order to prevent toner leakage at the end of the developing blade that regulates the toner layer thickness on the developing roller, a developing cartridge using toner is proposed in which a seal member is provided between the developing roller and the developing container. ing.

  Patent Document 1 is provided with a developing container, a developing roller, a developing blade, a seal member disposed at both ends in the axial direction of the developing roller, and a seal pressing member that presses the side surface of the sealing member. A configuration is described in which the seal member pressed by the member contacts the end of the developing blade to seal the toner.

  Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which a molded seal member made of an elastic member formed in a developing container is disposed in a gap between the rear surface of the developing blade and the developing container, and toner leakage from the gap is suppressed. Here, the developing blade back surface is defined as a surface contacting the developing roller of the developing blade as a surface and a surface opposite to the surface in the thickness direction.

JP 2006-66077 A JP 2012-118566 A

  FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view showing the periphery of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing blade.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a molded seal member 257 (hereinafter referred to as “second seal member”) is molded in the developing container 16 to which a seal member 251 (hereinafter referred to as “first seal member”) is attached. . At this time, the second seal member 257 is in contact with the developing blade 215 and adhered to the first seal member 251. Therefore, when the first seal member 251 moves in the arrow F direction, the second seal member 257 moves in accordance with the movement. At this time, if the tackiness of the second seal member 257 is high, a large frictional force (force F23) is generated between the developing blade 215 and the second seal member 257. Therefore, when the seal pressing member 246 presses the first seal member end surface 251 a of the first seal member 251, the first seal member other end surface 251 b 1 bonded to the second seal member 257 is tacked to the second seal member 257. This makes it difficult to follow the movement of the first seal member 251.

  The present invention has been considered in view of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. The object is to use the developing cartridge used in the apparatus main body, in which the second seal member is formed on the developing container while being bonded to the first seal member, and the end surface of the first seal member is used as the end surface of the developing blade. The contact is made without gaps. Thereby, toner leakage from between the first seal member and the developing blade can be prevented.

In order to achieve the above object, the developing cartridge according to the present application is:
A developing cartridge that is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
A developing roller for carrying the developer;
A developer container containing the developer and rotatably supporting the developing roller;
A developing blade that regulates the developer, having a nip portion in contact with the developing roller;
A first seal member that is bonded to the developing container and prevents the developer from leaking from the developing container to both ends of the developing roller;
A seal pressing member that presses the end surface of the first seal member in the direction of the developing roller rotation axis;
An elastic resin is injected into the developing container while being bonded to the first seal member, and is molded between the developing blade and the developing container and between the first sealing member and the developing blade. A second seal member for preventing the developer from leaking;
Have
The seal pressing member presses the first seal member at a location overlapping the end of the second seal member when viewed from the developing roller rotation axis direction.

  According to the developing cartridge of the present invention, in the configuration in which the second seal member to be bonded to the first seal member is formed in the developing container, the second seal member end and the first seal are viewed from the developing roller axial direction. The end surface of the first seal member can be brought into contact with the end surface of the developing blade without a gap by the seal pressing member pressing the first seal member at a location where the members overlap at least. Therefore, in the configuration in which the second seal member bonded to the first seal member is formed in the developing container, the toner can be sealed even if the second seal member has high tackiness.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of the periphery of the developing blade longitudinal end when the first adhesive portion and the pressing surface overlap at least when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 13 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus main body and a process cartridge of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. It is sectional drawing of the process cartridge which concerns on 1st Example which can apply this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating assembly of the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. It is sectional drawing with respect to the developing roller rotating shaft direction which concerns on 1st Example which can apply this invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a developing cartridge according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view showing the configuration of the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. It is a perspective view explaining the detailed structure of the 1st seal member which concerns on 1st Example which can apply this invention. It is the schematic diagram which represented a mode that the 1st seal member deform | transformed by the assembly | attachment state of the press part which concerns on 1st Example which can apply this invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the periphery of the developing blade longitudinal end when the first adhesive portion and the pressing surface according to the first embodiment to which the present invention can be applied do not overlap at least when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the periphery of the longitudinal end of the developing blade 15 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal end seal structure of a developing cartridge according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applicable.

  A process cartridge and an apparatus main body according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The apparatus main body will be described by taking a laser beam printer main body, a drum cartridge detachable from the laser beam printer main body, and a developing cartridge as examples.

  In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge is a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum and the rotation axis of the developing roller. In addition, the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum and the rotation axis of the developing roller are in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the recording medium. The short direction of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge is a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum and the rotation axis of the developing roller. In this embodiment, the direction in which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to and detached from the laser beam printer main body is the short direction of each cartridge. Moreover, the code | symbol in an explanatory note is for referring drawings, and does not limit a structure.

  In the following description, the side on which the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main body to the developing cartridge in the longitudinal direction is referred to as the “drive side”. The opposite side is referred to as the “non-driving side”.

(1) Overall Description of Device Main Body The overall configuration of the device main body to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory side sectional view of the apparatus main body.

  The apparatus main body shown in FIG. 2 forms an image with toner t on a recording medium 2 by an electrophotographic image forming process in accordance with image information communicated from an external device such as a personal computer. The apparatus main body is provided with a developing cartridge B1 and a drum cartridge C that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body A1 by a user. Examples of the recording medium 2 include recording paper, label paper, an OHP sheet, and cloth. The developing cartridge B1 has a developing roller 13 and the like, and the drum cartridge C has a photosensitive drum 10 and a charging roller 11 and the like.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 11 by applying a voltage from the apparatus main body A1. Then, the laser beam L corresponding to the image information is irradiated from the optical unit 1 to the charged photosensitive drum 10, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 10. This electrostatic latent image is developed with toner t by a developing device described later, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

  On the other hand, the recording medium 2 accommodated in the paper feed tray 4 is regulated by the paper feed roller 3a and the separation pad 3b in pressure contact therewith in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, and is separated and fed one by one. Then, the recording medium 2 is conveyed to a transfer roller 6 as a transfer unit by a conveyance guide 3d. The transfer roller 6 is urged so as to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

  Next, the recording medium 2 passes through a transfer nip portion 6 a formed by the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer roller 6. At this time, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image to the transfer roller 6.

  The recording medium 2 onto which the toner image has been transferred is regulated by the conveyance guide 3 f and conveyed to the fixing unit 5. The fixing unit 5 includes a driving roller 5a and a fixing roller 5c incorporating a heater 5b. Then, when the recording medium 2 passes through the nip portion 5d formed by the driving roller 5a and the fixing roller 5c, heat and pressure are applied, and the toner image transferred to the recording medium 2 is transferred to the recording medium 2. To be established. As a result, an image is formed on the recording medium 2.

  Thereafter, the recording medium 2 is conveyed by the discharge roller pair 3g and discharged to the discharge unit 3h.

(2) Description of Electrophotographic Image Forming Process Next, an electrophotographic image forming process to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge B1 and the drum cartridge C.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the developing cartridge B1 is provided with a developing roller 13, a developing blade 15 and the like as a developing device in a developing container 16. The drum cartridge C includes a cleaning drum 21 and a photosensitive drum 10 and a charging roller 11.

  The toner t stored in the toner storage portion 16a of the developing container 16 is transferred from the opening 16b of the developing container 16 to the developing chamber when the toner conveying member 17 rotatably supported by the developing container 16 rotates in the arrow X17 direction. 16c is sent out. The developing container 16 is provided with a developing roller 13 having a built-in magnet roller 12. Specifically, the developing roller 13 includes a shaft portion 13e and a rubber portion 13d (see FIG. 6). The shaft portion 13e has a conductive elongated cylindrical shape such as aluminum, and a central portion thereof is covered with a rubber portion 13d in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6). Here, the rubber portion 13d is covered with the shaft portion 13e so that the outer shape is coaxial with the shaft portion 13e. The developing roller 13 attracts the toner t in the developing chamber 16 c to the surface of the developing roller 13 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 12. Further, the toner t is frictionally charged by the developing blade 15 and the layer thickness of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 13 is regulated. Then, toner t is supplied to the developing region of the photosensitive drum 10 by rotating the developing roller 13 to which a voltage is applied from the apparatus main body A1 in the rotation direction X5 while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 10.

  Here, in the case of the contact development method as in this embodiment, if the state where the developing roller 13 is always in contact with the photosensitive drum 10 as shown in FIG. 3 is maintained, the rubber portion 13d of the developing roller 13 is deformed. There is a fear. For this reason, it is preferable to keep the developing roller 13 away from the photosensitive drum 10 during non-development.

  A charging roller 11 that is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 21 and biased in the direction of the photosensitive drum 10 is provided in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10. The detailed configuration will be described later. The charging roller 11 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by voltage application from the apparatus main body A1. The voltage applied to the charging roller 11 is set to a value such that the potential difference between the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and the charging roller 11 is equal to or higher than the discharge start voltage. Specifically, a DC voltage of -1300 V is used as the charging bias. Applied. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly contact-charged to a charged potential (dark portion potential) of −700V. In this example, the charging roller 11 is driven to rotate with respect to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10 (details will be described later). Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by the laser light L of the optical means 1. Thereafter, the toner t is transferred according to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 to make the electrostatic latent image visible, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10.

(3) Configuration and Assembly Description of Developer Cartridge Next, the outline of the configuration of the developer cartridge B1 to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied and the method of assembling the parts related to toner sealing will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. However, the seal configuration of the first seal member 51 and the second seal member 57 will be described in detail in the next section.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the assembly of the developing cartridge B1. 5 is a cross-sectional view in which the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13 is a normal line, FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view when the developing blade 15 is assembled to the developing container 16, and FIG. FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the elastic resin member 15c when the developer container 16 is assembled. 6A and 6B are perspective explanatory views showing the configuration of the developing cartridge B1, in which FIG. 6A is the driving side, and FIG. 6B is the non-driving side. FIG. 7 is an explanatory perspective view showing the configuration of the developing cartridge B1, in which FIG. 7 (a) is a driving side, and FIG. 7 (b) is a non-driving side.

  4, 6, and 7, the developing cartridge B <b> 1 includes a developing container 16, a developing blade 15, a driving side developing bearing 36, a non-driving side developing bearing 46, a developing roller 13, a developing roller gear 29, and a driving input gear. 27, a coupling member 180 is provided. Further, the developing cartridge B1 includes a developing side cover 34, a first movable member 120, a second movable member (not shown), a first seal member 51, a second seal member 57, and a third seal member 58.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the first seal member 51 is a pair of seal members provided at the end portions of the developing roller 13 on the driving side and the non-driving side, respectively. The first seal member 51 has a bonding layer 51g as a joining means, and the bonding layer 51g is bonded along the first fixed surface 16d and the second fixed surface 16e provided in the developing container 16, The developer container 16 is assembled.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, after the mold (not shown) contacts the surface 16k of the developing container 16, the second seal member 57 is elongated on the surface 16k by injection molding the elastomer resin. Molded in the direction. Here, the first bonding portion 57 a 1 of the second seal member 57 is bonded to the side surface 51 b (hereinafter, referred to as “first seal member other end surface”) of the first seal member 51 in the longitudinal direction. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

  The third seal member 58 is formed of a flexible sheet. One end side 58a in the short direction of the third seal member 58 is fixed to a fifth fixing surface 16j provided in the developing container 16 by a joining means such as a double-sided tape. At this time, since the first seal member 51 protrudes from the fifth fixed surface 16j and the third seal member 58 compresses the first seal member 51 to the fifth fixed surface 16j, the first seal member 51 and the third seal The member adheres without gaps.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the developing blade 15 includes a conductive support member 15a made of sheet metal, a flexible elastic member 15b and an elastic resin member 15c made of a SUS plate.
The elastic member 15b includes a fixed end 15b2 and a free end 15b1 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The fixed end 15b2 is fixed to the support member 15a by YAG or welding, and the free end 15b1 is covered with an elastic resin member 15c.

  The elastic resin member 15c includes a nip portion 15c1 that contacts the developing roller 13, a first convex portion 15c2 that includes the nip portion 15c1, and a second convex portion 15c3 that protrudes in the opposite direction to the first convex portion 15c2. By making contact with the developing roller 13 at the first convex portion 15c2, the peak value of the contact pressure between the developing blade 15 and the developing roller 13 can be increased, leading to improvement in image quality.

  The support member 15a has a driving side end 15a1 and a non-driving side end 15a2 in the longitudinal direction fixed to the third fixing surface 16g and the fourth fixing surface 16h of the developing container 16 with screws 52 and 53, respectively ( (See FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the developing roller 13 is accurately placed with respect to the developing container 16 at the position at the time of image formation by an assembly jig. At this time, the developing roller 13 compresses the first seal member 51 in the radial direction of the developing roller 13, thereby preventing the toner from leaking from both longitudinal ends of the developing roller 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the developing roller 13 bends the elastic member 15 b while being in contact with the nip portion 15 c 1 of the developing blade 15. When the elastic member 15b is bent, a predetermined contact pressure is applied between the nip portion 15c1 and the developing roller 13, and the second seal member 57 is in close contact with the elastic member 15b over the length, and the developing blade 15 and the developing container 16 are in contact with each other. Prevents toner from leaking out. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the developing roller 13 contacts the third seal member 58 to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap between the developing container 16 and the developing roller 13.

  Then, the non-driving side developing bearing 46 having the non-driving side pressing portion 46a is assembled in the direction of the arrow F while the developing roller 13 is accurately arranged. First, the fitting portion 46d of the non-driving side developing bearing 46 is fitted into the second positioning hole 16m of the developing container 16, and then the non-driving side end portion 13g of the developing roller 13 is the supporting portion of the non-driving side developing bearing 46. 46b.

  Further, the non-driving side developing bearing 46 is inserted in the direction of arrow F, and the seal pressing portion 46a presses the first seal member end surface 51a. The first seal member 51 that has received the pressing force moves in the direction of arrow F, and the first seal member other end surface 51 b contacts the end surface 15 c 4 of the developing blade 15. Thus, the toner is prevented from leaking from between the developing blade 15 and the first seal member 51.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4C, the driving side developing bearing 36 is also assembled at the same time as the non-driving side bearing 46. When the driving side developing bearing 36 and the non-driving side bearing 46 are assembled, the developing roller 13 is fitted to the hole 36b of the driving side developing bearing 36 and the support portion 46b of the non-driving side bearing 46 and is rotatably supported. .

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the developing roller gear 29 is engaged with the developing roller shaft 13 a so as to rotate integrally with the developing roller 13 on the outer side in the longitudinal direction from the driving side developing bearing 36. The drive-side developing bearing 36 supports the drive input gear 27 so as to be rotatable on the outer side in the longitudinal direction. The drive input gear 27 meshes with the developing roller gear 29. Further, a coupling member 180 is provided so as to engage with the drive input gear 27.

  A developing side cover 34 is provided at the driving side end of the developing cartridge B1 so as to cover the driving input gear 27 and the like from the outside in the longitudinal direction. The coupling member 180 protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction through the hole 34a of the development side cover 34. The coupling member 180 is configured to engage with a main body side driving member (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body A1 and transmit a rotational force. The rotational force input to the coupling member 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 13 as a rotating member via the drive input gear 27 and the developing roller gear 29.

  Further, the driving side developing bearing 36 is provided with a first movable member 120. The first movable member 120 includes a drive side contact / separation lever 70 as a first main body portion and a drive side development pressure spring 71 as a first elastic portion. On the other hand, the non-driving side developing bearing 46 is similarly provided with a second movable member comprising a non-driving side contact / separation lever 72 (see FIG. 7B) and a non-driving side pressure spring (not shown). . When the main body side slide member (not shown) is in contact with the driving side contact / separation lever 70 and the non-drive side contact / separation lever 72, the developing cartridge B1 is brought into contact with or separated from the photosensitive drum 10. Move.

(4) Detailed Configuration Description of Seal The detailed seal configuration of the first seal member 51 and the second seal member 57 of the developing cartridge B1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. FIG. Although this description is given only on the non-driving side, the driving side has the same configuration.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the detailed configuration of the first seal member 51. 9A and 9B are perspective views for explaining the second seal member 57 before the blade is assembled. FIG. 9A is a view with a D end seal, and FIG. 9B is a view without a D end seal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the periphery and the cross section of the first seal member 51, and is a schematic diagram showing in time series how the first seal member 51 is deformed by the assembled state of the seal pressing portion 46a. 10A is a front view just before the developing blade 15 is assembled, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C is a state when the developing roller 13 is assembled. FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 10E is a front view after the seal pressing portion 46a presses the first seal member 51, and FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  First, the first seal member 51 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The first sealing member 51 includes a surface layer 51d, an intermediate layer 51c, an adhesive layer 51f that bonds the surface layer 51d and the intermediate layer 51c, and an adhesive layer 51g that fixes the intermediate layer to the developing container 16. The surface layer 51d is composed of a base fabric 51d2 and a pile yarn 51d1 raised from the base fabric 51d2. The material of the pile yarn 51d1 is a synthetic fiber such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, semi-synthetic fiber cotton such as rayon, natural fiber such as cotton, or a combination or twisted yarn thereof. Things. Examples of the material of the base fabric 51d2 include polyester, and the base fabric 51d2 is formed as a knitted fabric or a woven fabric. Further, the base fabric 51d2 is impregnated with a resinous adhesive so that the pile yarn 51d1 does not come off from the base fabric 51d2. The intermediate layer 51c is a cushion layer formed of an elastic body, and is made of a synthetic resin foam such as polyurethane. Since the first seal member 51 is contracted between the developing roller 13 and the developing container 16, the first sealing member 51 abuts against the developing roller 13 with an elastic force and prevents the toner from leaking from both longitudinal ends of the developing roller 13.

  However, other materials may be used for each layer, and a two-layer structure of a surface layer 51d and a fixing portion 51g to which an elastic force is applied or a multilayer structure may be used.

  Next, the second seal member 57 will be described.

  As described above, the second seal member 57 is obtained by molding an elastomer resin in the developing container 16 to which the first seal member 51 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the second seal member 57 includes a second seal member end portion 57a disposed at both longitudinal ends, and a second seal member central portion extending longitudinally to connect the second seal member end portion 57a. 57b. The second seal member end portion 57a includes a first adhesive portion 57a1, a second contact portion 57a2, a third contact portion 57a3, and a fourth contact portion 57a4.

  Here, the sealing of the gap between the developing blade 15 and the second seal member 57 in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the developing roller 13 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first adhesive portion 57 a 1 is in close contact with the first seal member other end surface end surface 51 b of the first seal member 51. Here, the 1st adhesion part 57a1 is the surface as shown in FIG.9 (b), and is closely_contact | adhering with the 1st seal member other end surface end surface 51b.

  Then, referring to FIG. 5, when the developing blade 15 is assembled to the developing container 16, the third contact portion 57a3 and the second seal member central portion 57b of the second seal member 57 interfere with the support member 15a, and are elastic. Abut with deformation.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 10B, the fourth contact portion 57a4 is in a positional relationship that does not interfere with the elastic member 15b.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10D, when the developing roller 13 is accurately placed at the same position as that during image formation by the assembly jig, the elastic member 15b bends in the direction of the arrow N, and the fourth contact The portion 57a4 interferes with the elastic member 15b and elastically deforms and comes into contact.

  The second contact portion 57a2 and the fourth contact portion 57a4 are in contact with the elastic member 15b of the developing blade 15, and the third contact portion 57a3 is a corner portion 15b5 (formed by the elastic member 15b of the developing blade 15 and the support member 15a). It contacts with Fig.5 (a).

  Here, the sealing of the gap between the first seal member 51 and the developing blade 15 in the longitudinal direction will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is an enlarged front view of the vicinity of the longitudinal end of the developing blade 15, in which the first adhesive portion 57 a 1 and the pressing surface 46 a 1 overlap each other when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13. FIG. 1A is a view before the seal pressing portion 46a presses the first seal member end surface 51a, FIG. 1B is a view after the seal press portion 46a presses the first seal member end surface 51a, and FIG. FIG. 1C is a sectional view shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1D is a sectional view shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the periphery of the longitudinal end of the developing blade 215, in which the first adhesive portion 257a1 and the pressing surface 246a1 do not overlap when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 213. 11A is a diagram before the seal pressing portion 246a presses the first seal member end surface 251a, and FIG. 11B is a diagram after the seal pressing portion 246a presses the first seal member end surface 251a.

  First, a case where there is a range where at least the first adhesive portion 57a1 and the pressing surface 46a1 overlap as seen from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13 (see FIG. 9) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, when the pressing surface 46a1 presses the first pressing portion 51a1 of the first seal member end surface 51a in the arrow F direction, the surface layer portion 51d of the first seal member 51 moves in the arrow F direction. On the other hand, the fixing portion 51g is fixed to the developing container 16 and does not move.

  Further, the first seal member 51 is applied with a force F1 in the direction of arrow F. Since the base fabric 51d2 (see FIG. 8) is hard, the first adhesive portion 57a1 also receives substantially the same force F2 (F1≈F2).

  Here, since the second seal member end 57a is in contact with the elastic member 15b while being compressed and deformed by the elastic member 15b, a frictional force is generated between the second seal member end 57a and the elastic member 15b. The maximum static friction force of the friction force is defined as a friction force F3 (see FIG. 1C).

  When the relationship between the force F2 and the frictional force F3 is F3 <F2, the surface 57m of the fourth contact portion 57a4 of the second seal member end portion 57a slides in the direction of arrow F while being in contact with the elastic member 15b. (Refer FIG.10 (f)).

  Thereafter, the end surface 51 b 1 comes into contact with the end surface 15 c 4 of the developing blade 15.

  At that time, since the base fabric 51d2 is hard and has high rigidity, the end surface 51b2 of the first seal member 51 is also in contact with the end surface 15c4 as shown in FIG. The end surface 15c4 of the developing blade 15 and the end surface 51b1 and the end surface 51b2 of the first seal member 51 are in contact with each other, thereby sealing the first seal member 51 and the developing blade 15 in the longitudinal direction.

  Next, a case where the first adhesive portion 57a1 and the pressing surface 46a1 do not overlap when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this case, the first pressing portion 251a1 is pressed with the force F21 by the pressing surface 246a1. Then, a moment in the arrow M direction is generated due to friction by the fourth contact portion 257a4, and the end surface 251b2 of the first seal member 251 and the nip portion end surface 215c10 come into contact with each other.

  When the end surface 251b2 and the nip portion end surface 215c10 come into contact with each other, the end surface 251b2 receives a reaction force F21 ′ from the nip portion end surface 215c10, but F21 and F21 ′ are at positions almost facing each other, so the arrow in FIG. It is difficult to generate a moment in the direction opposite to the M direction. Since the first seal member 251 is a continuous body, it is difficult to fill the gap between the end surface 251b1 and the end surface 215c4 in the vicinity of the fourth contact portion 257a4. This tendency becomes stronger as the position of the pressing surface 246a1 is further away from the fourth contact portion 257a4.

  Thus, it is difficult for the first seal member other end surface 251b to contact the end surface 215c4 of the developing blade 215 in the entire region.

  Thus, even if the tackiness of the second seal member is high, it is possible to press the place where the first adhesive portion 57a1 and the pressing surface 46a1 overlap when viewed from the axial direction of the developing roller 13 as shown in FIG. The other end surface 51b is most likely to be in contact with the end surface 15c4 of the developing blade 15 over the entire area. By contacting the entire area, the longitudinal gap between the developing blade 15 and the first seal member 51 can be filled, and the toner can be sealed.

Here, the elastic member 15b of the developing blade 15 can obtain the same effect even if it is a material made of urethane as well as SUS. The function, material, shape and relative arrangement of the components described in this embodiment are as follows: Unless specifically described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

  In Example 1, even if the tackiness of the second seal member is high, the end surface 51b1 and the end surface 51b2 are pressed by pressing the place where the first adhesive portion 57a1 and the pressing surface 46a1 overlap when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13. A configuration has been shown in which the entire end surface 15c4 of the developing blade 15 is brought into contact with each other so that the gaps between them can be filled and the toner can be sealed.

  Here, a more effective example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal end seal structure of the developing cartridge B1 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applicable.

  The seal pressing portion 146a that presses the first seal member 51 presses a place that does not overlap with the pressing surface 146a1 that presses the place where the first adhesive portion 57a1 and the pressing surface 46a1 overlap when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 13. It has a pressing surface 146a2.

  Here, the dotted line 51t of the first seal member 51 indicates the movement when the pressing surface 146a1 presses the first sealing member 51 when there is no pressing surface 146a2 of the seal pressing portion 146a.

  In Example 1, the intrusion amount after pressing in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first seal member 51 of the seal pressing portion 46a was constant. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the amount of penetration of the seal pressing portion 146a into the first seal member 51 in the longitudinal direction may not be constant.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12A, the first seal member 51 is pressed against the pressing surface 146a1, and similarly, the first bonding portion 57a1 slides in the direction of arrow F at the contact point with the elastic member 15b, and the first The seal member 51 also moves. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the first seal member 51 is further pressed by the pressing surface 146a2. As a result, the first seal member 51 is deformed more parallel to the end surface 15c4 of the developing blade 15. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first seal member 51 comes into contact with the end face 15c4 of the developing blade 15 more in parallel than in FIG.

  That is, since the portion other than the vicinity of the fourth contact portion 57a4 is also pressed, the end surface 51b1 and the end surface 51b2 can fill the gap between the end surface 15c4 of the developing blade 15, and an improvement in toner sealing property can be expected.

A1 image forming apparatus, B1 developing cartridge, t toner, 2 recording medium,
3a paper feed roller, 3b separation pad, 3d transport guide, 3f transport guide,
3g discharge roller pair, 3h discharge section, 5 fixing means, 5a drive roller,
5b heater, 5c fixing roller, 5d nip, 6 transfer roller,
6a transfer nip, 10 photosensitive drum, 11 charging roller,
12 magnet roller, 13 developing roller, 15 developing blade,
15a support member, 15b elastic member, 15b1 free end, 15b2 fixed end,
15c conductive resin part, 15c1 nip part, 15c4 end face, 16 developer container,
16a toner storage unit, 16b opening, 16c developing chamber, 16d first fixed surface,
16e 2nd fixed surface, 16g 3rd fixed surface, 16h 4th fixed surface,
16j 5th fixed surface, 16k surface, 17 toner conveying member,
21 cleaning frame, 27 drive input gear, 29 developing roller gear,
34 development side cover, 36 drive side development bearing, 46 non-drive side development bearing,
46a Non-driving side pressing part, 51 1st sealing member (D end sealing member),
51a 1st sealing member end surface, 51b 1st sealing member other end surface,
57 second seal member (molded seal member),
58 third seal member (blowing prevention sheet), 70 drive side contact / separation lever,
71 driving side developing pressure spring, 72 non-driving side contact / separation lever,
180 Coupling member

Claims (10)

A developing cartridge (B1) detachably attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developing roller (13) for carrying the developer;
A developing container (16) for containing the developer and rotatably supporting the developing roller;
A developing blade (15) for regulating the developer, having a nip portion (15c1) in contact with the developing roller;
A first seal member (51) that is bonded to the developing container and prevents the developer from leaking from the developing container (16) to both ends of the developing roller;
A seal pressing member (46) for pressing the end surface of the first seal member in the direction of the developing roller rotation axis;
An elastic resin is injected into the developing container while being bonded to the first seal member, and is molded between the developing blade and the developing container and between the first sealing member and the developing blade. A second seal member (57) for preventing the developer from leaking;
Have
The developing cartridge, wherein the seal pressing member presses the first seal member at a position overlapping with the end portion of the second seal member when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the developing roller. A developing cartridge (B1) detachably attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developing roller (13) for carrying the developer;
A developing container (16) for containing the developer and rotatably supporting the developing roller;
A developing blade (15) for regulating the developer, having a nip portion (15c1) in contact with the developing roller;
A first seal member (51) that is bonded to the developer container and prevents developer from leaking from the developer container (16) to both ends of the developer roller;
A seal pressing member (46) for pressing the end surface of the first seal member in the direction of the developing roller rotation axis;
An elastic resin is injected into the developing container while being bonded to the first seal member, and is molded between the developing blade and the developing container and between the first sealing member and the developing blade. A second seal member (57) for preventing the developer from leaking;
Have
The developing cartridge, wherein the seal pressing member presses the first seal member at both a portion overlapping with the end portion of the second seal member and a portion not overlapping with the end portion of the second seal member when viewed from the developing roller rotation axis direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the elastic seal member includes a plurality of layers having different hardnesses, and the hardest layer is in contact with the end face of the developing blade. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the seal pressing member is provided on a bearing that rotatably supports the developing roller. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the contact portion with the developing roller and the free end (15b1) of the developing blade are integrally formed of a resin material. A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
A developing roller for carrying the developer;
A developer container containing the developer and rotatably supporting the developing roller;
A developing blade that regulates the developer, having a nip portion in contact with the developing roller;
A first seal member that is bonded to the developing container and prevents the developer from leaking from the developing container to both ends of the developing roller;
A seal pressing member that presses the end surface of the first seal member in the direction of the developing roller rotation axis;
An elastic resin is injected into the developing container while being bonded to the first seal member, and is molded between the developing blade and the developing container and between the first sealing member and the developing blade. A second seal member for preventing the developer from leaking;
Have
The process cartridge, wherein the seal pressing member presses the first seal member at a position overlapping the end of the second seal member when viewed from the developing roller rotation axis direction. A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
A developing roller for carrying the developer;
A developer container containing the developer and rotatably supporting the developing roller;
A developing blade that regulates the developer, having a nip portion in contact with the developing roller;
A first seal member that is bonded to the developing container and prevents the developer from leaking from the developing container to both ends of the developing roller;
A seal pressing member that presses the end surface of the first seal member in the direction of the developing roller rotation axis;
An elastic resin is injected into the developing container while being bonded to the first seal member, and is molded between the developing blade and the developing container and between the first sealing member and the developing blade. A second seal member for preventing the developer from leaking;
Have
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the seal pressing member presses the first seal member at both a portion overlapping with the end portion of the second seal member and a portion not overlapping with the end portion of the second seal member when viewed from the developing roller rotation axis direction. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the elastic seal member is composed of a plurality of layers having different hardnesses, and the hardest layer is in contact with the end face of the developing blade. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the seal pressing member is provided on a bearing that rotatably supports the developing roller. The process cartridge according to claim 6 or 9, wherein the contact portion with the developing roller and the free end (15b1) of the developing blade are integrally formed of a resin material.