JP2019053332A - Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress an increase in size of a developing device.SOLUTION: A developing device comprises: a developer carrier 25 that carries a developer; a developing frame body 39 that rotatably supports the developer carrier 25; a first end member 37 that supports one end of the developing frame body 39 in the axial direction of the developer carrier 25; and a second end member 38 that supports the other end of the developing frame body 39 in the axial direction of the developer carrier 25. The first end member 37 and second end member 38 can be each independently moved with respect to the developing frame body 39.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  While developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, the developing device can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the developer image can be formed on the photosensitive drum and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a process cartridge. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using electrophotographic technology.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium such as a sheet using an electrophotographic technique is known. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a word processor, and a multifunction machine (multifunction printer).

  In such an image forming apparatus, first, the photosensitive drum is uniformly charged by the charging roller. Then, an electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum by selectively exposing the charged photosensitive drum. The electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed as a toner image by a developing device. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to a recording medium such as recording paper or a plastic sheet. Thereafter, the toner image transferred onto the recording material is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image on the recording medium. In this way, an image is formed on the recording medium.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing device, and the like are integrated as a cartridge so that maintenance of components in the image forming apparatus can be easily performed. As the process cartridge, there are known configurations such as a cleaning cartridge having a photosensitive drum, a developing cartridge as a developing device having a developing unit, and a toner cartridge for supplying a developer.

  Here, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the developing cartridge is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge includes a first frame that rotatably supports the developing roller, and a second frame that rotatably supports both ends of the first frame in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller. Then, in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the second frame body in the developing cartridge is positioned, and the first frame body is rotatable. As a result, the developing roller can be brought into contact with or separated from the photosensitive drum.

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the second frame that rotatably supports both ends of the first frame in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller is configured as one member. Therefore, since the part which connects the part which supports the both ends of a 1st frame with respect to a 2nd frame is arrange | positioned, it is necessary to enlarge a developing cartridge.

JP 2013-182036 A

  An object of the present invention is to suppress an increase in the size of a developing cartridge as a developing device.

In order to achieve the above object, the developing device according to the present invention comprises:
A developer carrier;
A developing frame that rotatably supports the developer carrier;
One end side end member that supports one end of the developing device frame in the axial direction of the developer carrier;
In the axial direction of the developer carrying member, the other end side end member that supports the other end of the developing frame,
Have
The one end side end member and the other end side end member can be independently rotated with respect to the developing device frame.

In order to achieve the above object, the developing device according to the present invention comprises:
A developing frame that rotatably supports the developer carrier;
In the axial direction of the developer carrier, one end side or the other end side of the development frame body is supported, and the other end side of the development frame body is not supported on the other side. An end member rotatable with respect to the developing frame;
A regulating member that regulates rotation of the end member;
A regulated portion engageable with the regulating member;
Have
The regulating member is
A position where the rotation of the end member is restricted by engaging with the restricted portion;
A position where engagement with the regulated portion is released and rotation of the end member is possible;
Is movable.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge or an image forming apparatus using the developing device and including an image carrier.

  The present invention can suppress an increase in size of a developing cartridge as a developing device.

The figure explaining the structure of a front side edge part member and a front regulation member 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is an external perspective view of a drum cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum cartridge according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of mounting the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment on the image forming apparatus. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is an external view of a developing cartridge as viewed from the back end member side according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge on the back end member side according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a developing cartridge in a state where it is mounted on an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. Modification Example of Developing Cartridge According to Embodiment 1 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment is positioned in the image forming apparatus. 1 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. A perspective view and a sectional view of a conventional developing cartridge The fragmentary sectional view of the back side end member concerning Example 2. External appearance perspective view of near side end member according to embodiment 2 External appearance perspective view of near side regulation member concerning Example 2 External perspective view of back side end member according to embodiment 2 Schematic sectional view of a retaining member according to Embodiment 3 4 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 3. FIG. Schematic sectional view of the back end member according to the third embodiment. The figure which shows a mode that a developing cartridge is mounted in an image forming apparatus. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is an external view of a developing cartridge as viewed from the back end member side according to the fourth embodiment. Sectional drawing of the developing cartridge in the back side edge part side which concerns on Example 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are brought into contact with and separated from each other according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of mounting the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining mounting of a developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment is mounted on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment is mounted on the apparatus main body.

  Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. This is not intended to limit the scope to the following embodiments.

Example 1
<Overall configuration of image forming apparatus>
First, the overall configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as the image forming apparatus 100) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, four photosensitive drum cartridges 9 (hereinafter referred to as drum cartridges 9) (9Y to 9K) and four developing devices 4 (hereinafter referred to as developing cartridges 4) (4Y to 4K) Are mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 by mounting members (not shown). Here, in the direction in which the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are inserted into the image forming apparatus 100, the upstream side is defined as the near side, and the downstream side is defined as the back side. The developing cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured separately from the drum cartridge including the photosensitive drum, and is detachable from the image forming apparatus 100, which will be described in detail later.

  In FIG. 2, the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are provided side by side with respect to the horizontal direction in the image forming apparatus 100. Each drum cartridge 9 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum 1) (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) as an image carrier and a charging member disposed around the photosensitive drum 1. Charging rollers 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). Each drum cartridge 9 is provided with process means such as a cleaning member 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) as a cleaning member. Here, in each drum cartridge 9, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, and process means such as the cleaning member 6 are integrally configured.

In addition, each developing cartridge 4 (4Y to 4K) is integrated with a processing means such as a developing roller 25 (25a to 25d) as a developer carrying member and a developing blade 35 (35a to 35d) as a developer regulating member. Provided. The charging roller 2 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and the developing roller 25 develops a latent image (electrostatic latent image) formed on the photosensitive drum 1 with a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner). That is, the developing roller 25 carries toner as a developer for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The cleaning member 6 removes the toner as the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after the toner image as the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the recording medium S.

  Below the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4, a scanner unit 3 as an exposure device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 by selectively exposing the photosensitive drum 1 based on image information. Is provided. A cassette 17 in which the recording medium S is stored is attached to the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100. A recording medium conveying unit that conveys the recording medium S is provided so that the recording medium S passes through the secondary transfer roller 69 and the fixing unit 74 and is conveyed above the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, a feeding roller 54 that separates and feeds the recording medium S in the cassette 17 one by one and a pair of conveying rollers 76 that transport the fed recording medium S are provided as recording medium conveying means. ing. Further, a registration roller pair 55 for synchronizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 and the recording medium S is provided as a recording medium conveying unit.

  Above the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4, an intermediate transfer unit 5 for transferring a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is provided as an intermediate transfer unit. Yes. The intermediate transfer unit 5 includes a driving roller 56, a driven roller 57, a primary transfer roller 58 (58a, 58b, 58c, 58d) disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 1 of each color, and a secondary transfer roller 69. And a counter roller 59 disposed at a position facing the. The transfer belt 14 as an intermediate transfer member is stretched by a driving roller 56, a driven roller 57, a primary transfer roller 58, and a secondary transfer roller 69. The transfer belt 14 circulates while facing and contacting all the photosensitive drums 1. By applying a voltage to the primary transfer roller 58 (58a, 58b, 58c, 58d), a toner image as a developer image is primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 onto the transfer belt.

  As described above, each photosensitive drum 1 rotates, is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2, and is selectively exposed by the scanner unit 3. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 25. Thereby, each color toner image is formed on each photosensitive drum 1. In synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the registration roller pair 55 conveys the recording medium S to the secondary transfer position where the opposing roller 59 and the secondary transfer roller 69 abut via the transfer belt 14. To do.

  Then, a transfer bias voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 69, whereby each color toner image on the transfer belt 14 is secondarily transferred to the recording medium S. The recording medium S on which the toner image as a color developer image is transferred is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 74. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the recording medium S. Thereafter, the recording medium S is discharged to the discharge unit 75 by the discharge roller 72. The fixing unit 74 is disposed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 100.

<Drum cartridge configuration>
Next, the drum cartridge 9 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K). The drum cartridges 9Y to 9K have the same configuration. In the present embodiment, as described above, in the insertion direction of the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4, the upstream side is defined as the near side, and the downstream side is defined as the back side. FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the drum cartridge 9.

The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported by the drum front bearing 10 and the drum back bearing 11 on the cleaning frame 27 in the drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K). A drum coupling 16 and a flange (not shown) are provided on one end side of the photosensitive drum 1 in the rotation center axis direction. As described above, the charging roller 2 and the cleaning member 6 are provided around the photosensitive drum 1.

  The cleaning member 6 includes a rubber blade 7 and a cleaning support member 8. The tip 7 a of the rubber blade 7 is disposed so as to contact the photosensitive drum 1 in the counter direction with respect to the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning member 6 falls into the removed toner chamber 27a. In addition, a squeeze sheet 21 that prevents toner from leaking from the removed toner chamber 27 a is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1. Then, when a driving force is transmitted from a main body driving motor (not shown) to the drum cartridge 9, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotationally driven according to an image forming operation. The charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the drum cartridge 9 via a charging roller bearing 28 and is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 1 by a charging roller pressing member 33. The charging roller 2 rotates following the photosensitive drum 1.

<Configuration of developer cartridge>
Next, the configuration of the developing cartridge 4 as a developing device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) as the developing device. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 4. In this embodiment, the developing cartridge 4Y containing toner as a yellow developer, the developing cartridge 4M containing magenta toner, and the developing cartridge 4C containing cyan toner are the same. It becomes the composition of. Further, the configuration of the developing cartridge 4K that stores black toner is the same.

  Here, the developing cartridge 4 as a developing device has a developing roller 25 that contacts the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in the direction of arrow B, and a toner supply roller 34 as a supply member that contacts and rotates with the developing roller 25. doing. Further, the developing cartridge 4 includes a developing blade 35 that regulates the toner (the thickness of the toner layer) on the developing roller 25 and a toner conveying member 36. Further, the developing cartridge 4 as a developing device includes a developing frame 31 that supports the developing roller 25, the toner supply roller 34, the developing blade 35, and the toner conveying member 36.

  The developing frame 31 has a developing chamber 31c in which the developing roller 25 is disposed, and a toner storage chamber 31a provided below the developing chamber 31c. The toner storage chamber 31a and the developing chamber 31c are partitioned by a partition wall 31d. Further, the partition wall 31d is provided with an opening 31b that allows the toner storage chamber 31a and the developing chamber 31c to communicate with each other. As described above, in the toner storage chamber 31a of the developing frame 31, the toner as the developer stored therein is agitated and the toner transport for transporting the toner to the development chamber 31c through the opening 31b. A member 36 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the developing roller 25 and the toner supply roller 34 are rotatably supported by the pre-development bearing 12 and the developing back bearing 13 at both ends in the axial direction of the developing roller 25. That is, the pre-development bearing 12 and the development back bearing 13 are the pre-development bearing 12 and the development back bearing 13 as part of the development frame 31. Further, a developing coupling 23 (drive receiving portion) is provided at the back end of the toner supply roller 34. A toner supply gear 30 is provided at the front end of the toner supply roller 34. A developing gear 29 that meshes with the toner supply gear 30 is provided at the front end of the developing roller 25. Therefore, when the driving force is transmitted from the main body drive motor (not shown) to the development coupling 23, the toner supply roller 34 and the development roller 25 are rotationally driven according to the image forming operation.

A gear cover 20 is provided outside the developing gear 29 and the toner supply gear 30. That is, the gear cover 20 is a gear cover 20 as a part of the developing device frame 31. Here, the configuration of the developing frame 31 described above is a developing unit 39. At both ends (that is, one end and the other end) in the axial direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing frame 31, a front end member 37 (corresponding to the one end member or the first end member) and the back A side end member 38 (corresponding to the other end side end member or the second end member) is provided. That is, the front end member 37 is provided at one end of both end portions of the developing unit 39 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25. Further, rear end members 38 are provided on the other end side of both end portions of the developing unit 39 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25. The back end member 38 has a suspension hole as a back-side supported hole that engages with a boss 13 a (corresponding to the other end side engaging portion) provided on the developing back bearing 13 as a back-side support shaft. 38a (corresponding to the other end side engaged portion) is provided. Further, the front end member 37 has a suspension hole as a supported hole on the front side that engages with a boss 20a (corresponding to the one end side engagement portion) provided on the gear cover 20 as a support shaft on the front side. 37a (corresponding to one end side engaged portion) is provided. The boss 20 a is provided so as to protrude from the gear cover 20 toward the front end member 37. The front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are rotatably attached to an axis Y (corresponding to the rotation center axis) connecting the boss 13a of the developing back bearing 13 and the boss 20a of the gear cover 20. . That is, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 have a rotation center axis Y (corresponding to the end rotation center axis) that passes through the boss 13a in the development back bearing 13 and the boss 20a in the gear cover 20. It is attached so that it can rotate around. The rotation center axis Y extends in the axial direction of the developing roller 25. The rotation center axis Y is preferably in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the developing roller 25. In the present embodiment, the boss 13a and the boss 20a are concentric, so the rotation center axis Y coincides between the back side and the near side. Therefore, the developing unit 39 can rotate around one rotation center axis Y connecting the boss 13a and the boss 20a. Further, the front side end member 37 rotatably supports one end side in the axial direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39, while the other end side in the axial direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39 is It is configured not to support. The rear side end member 38 supports the other end side of the developing unit 39 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25 so as to be rotatable, while supporting one end side of the developing unit 39 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25. Not configured to be. That is, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 support either one end side or the other end side of the developing frame 31 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25, and one end of the developing frame 31. The other side of the side or the other end side is not supported. In this embodiment, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are rotatable independently of each other with respect to the developing device frame 31. That is, as shown in the drawing, the front side end member 37 is rotatable with respect to the developing frame 31 and the back side end member 38. The back end member 38 is rotatable with respect to the developing frame 31 and the front end member 37. In other words, when the front side end member 37 rotates with respect to the developing frame 31, the back side end member 38 can be stopped with respect to the developing frame 31 and the front side end member 37. . Further, when the rear side end member 38 rotates with respect to the developing frame 31, the front side end member 37 can be stopped with respect to the developing frame 31 and the rear side end member 38. In the present exemplary embodiment, the developing device frame 31 has a plurality of positions with respect to the front end member 37. One of the plurality of positions is a development position where an image is formed on the recording medium S with toner.

<Configuration in which drum cartridge 9 and developing cartridge 4 are attached / detached>
Next, a configuration in which the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are mounted on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) and the developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are provided in the opening 101 (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d). Here, in this embodiment, the drum cartridge 9 is inserted in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 6 from the near side to the far side in the axial direction (preferably parallel direction) of the photosensitive drum 1. Further, the developing cartridge 4 is inserted in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 6 from the near side to the far side in the axial direction (preferably parallel direction) of the developing roller 25. As described above, in this embodiment, in the direction in which the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are inserted, the upstream side is defined as the near side, and the downstream side is defined as the back side.

  On the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100, a main body mounting upper guide portion 103 (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) is provided. On the lower side of the image forming apparatus 100, a main body mounting lower guide portion 102 (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) is provided. Each of the main body mounting upper guide portion 103 and the main body mounting lower guide portion 102 has a shape extending along the arrow F direction of the drum cartridge 9 (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1). Then, the drum cartridge 9 is placed on the main body mounting lower guide portion 102 on the front side in the arrow F direction, and the drum cartridge 9 is moved along the main body mounting upper guide portion 103 and the main body mounting lower guide portion 102 in the arrow F direction. To move. In this way, the drum cartridge 9 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, an upper body mounting upper guide portion 104 (corresponding to the first guide portion) extending from the front side to the rear side is located above the opening 101, and a lower body mounting lower guide portion 105 (second guide portion) is disposed below the opening 101. Corresponding). The main body mounting upper guide portion 104 and the main body mounting lower guide portion 105 each have a guide shape extending from the near side to the far side along the insertion direction F of the developing cartridge 4. The case where the developing cartridge 4 as the developing device is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100 is the same as that of the drum cartridge 9. That is, on the front side in the direction of arrow F (the axial direction of the developing roller 25), the developing cartridge 4 is placed on the main body mounting upper guide portion 105 provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100 and on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 100. It is mounted on the main body mounting lower guide portion 104 provided. Then, the developing cartridge 4 is moved along the main body mounting upper guide portion 105 and the main body mounting lower guide portion 104 in the direction of arrow F.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the front end member 37 is guided by a main body mounting upper guide portion 105 as a first guide portion provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. A guided portion 37k (also corresponding to the one end side guided portion) is provided as a third guided portion. Further, the front side end member 37 has a guided portion as a fourth guided portion guided by a main body mounting lower guide portion 104 as a second guide portion provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. 37h (corresponding to one end side guided portion) is also provided. On the other hand, the back end member 38 has a guided portion 38m as the first guided portion guided by the main body mounting upper guide portion 105 as the first guide portion (also corresponds to the other end-side guided portion). Is provided. Further, the back side end member 38 has a guided portion 38n as a second guided portion guided by a main body mounting lower guide portion 104 as a second guide portion (corresponding to the other end side guided portion). Is provided. The guided portion 37k and the guided portion 38m are guided by the main body mounting upper guide portion 105, and the guided portion 37h and the guided portion 38n are guided by the main body mounting lower guide portion 104. Thereby, when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted, the developing cartridge 4 is guided with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in the drawing, in this embodiment, the back end member 38 is inserted downstream in the insertion direction. That is, in the insertion direction, the rear side end member 38 is disposed on the downstream side of the front side end member 37. In other words, the rear side end member 38 is disposed on the downstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing device frame, and the near side end member 37 is disposed on the upstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing device frame 31. .

<Configuration of back side end member 38>
Next, the configuration of the back end member 38 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 8 is an external view of the developing cartridge 4 as viewed from the back end member 38 side. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 4 on the back side end member 38 side (a KK cross-sectional view in FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 7, the development back bearing 13 has a back side regulating member 40 (a regulating member or the other end side regulating member) for regulating rotation of the back side end member 38 relative to the development back bearing 13. Is supported). The back side regulating member 40 includes the developing cartridge 4 that is the image forming apparatus 100.
The protrusion 4 extends in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 in the posture of being attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the back side regulating member 40 is movable in a direction in which the developing cartridge 4 as a developing device is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, inside the back side regulating member 40, a regulating spring 41 (corresponding to the other end side biasing member) as a biasing member is attached to the spring support portion 13 b of the developing back bearing 13. Yes. The regulating spring 41 as an urging member presses the back regulating member 40 in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 in a posture in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the regulation spring 41 biases the back side regulation member 40 in a direction in which the back side regulation member 40 and the groove part 38f (corresponding to the regulated part or the other end side regulated part) are engaged. On the other hand, the back end member 38 is provided with a groove 38f that can be engaged with the restricting portion 40a of the back restricting member 40. The groove 38 f penetrates in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. Further, as described above, the development back bearing 13 is provided with the boss 13a, and the back end member 38 is provided with the suspension hole 38a that can be engaged with the boss 13a.

  Here, in a state where the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the suspension hole 38a and the boss 13a are engaged, and the restriction portion 40a and the groove portion 38f are engaged (FIGS. 8 and 8). 9 (a)). Thus, when the restricting portion 40 a and the groove portion 38 f are engaged, the back side end member 38 cannot rotate around the boss 13 a of the developing back bearing 13. That is, the development back bearing 13 is positioned with respect to the back end member 38 by fitting the back side regulating member 40 into the groove 38f.

  On the other hand, when the back side regulating member 40 is pressed in the direction P in FIG. 9 from the state where the regulating part 40a and the groove 38f are engaged, the back side regulating member 40 opposes the pressing force of the regulating spring 41. Move in the P direction. Here, the P direction is a direction opposite to the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Thereby, engagement with the regulation part 40a in the back side regulation member 40 and the groove part 38f in the back side end part member 38 is cancelled | released (refer FIG.9 (b)). In this state, the developing device frame 31 is rotatable with respect to the back end member 38 around the boss 13 a of the developing back bearing 13. Here, FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the back side regulating member 40 is pressed in the P direction by the engagement release unit 90 provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

  That is, in a state before the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 and in a state where the rear side regulating member 40 is not pressed against the engagement release portion 90 provided on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, The back side regulating member 40 and the groove 38f are engaged. Therefore, the development back bearing 13 is positioned with respect to the back side end member 38. However, in conjunction with the operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 on the image forming apparatus 100, the back side regulating member 40 is pressed by the disengagement unit 90, and the engagement between the back side regulating member 40 and the groove 38f is released. Thus, the developing back bearing 13 can be rotated with respect to the back side end member 38. Here, when the rear side regulating member 40 is pressed by the engagement release unit 90 in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is removed from the image forming apparatus 100, the engagement between the back side regulating member 40 and the groove 38f is released. . At this time, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis Y of the developing unit 39, the back side regulating member 40 and the groove 38f do not overlap. As a result, the developing unit 39 can rotate with respect to the back end member 38. As described above, the rotation center axis Y of the developing back bearing 13 is a direction (preferably parallel) in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100 in a posture in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. Direction).

As described above, in this embodiment, when the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the regulating portion 40a and the groove portion 38f are engaged. 38 cannot rotate. On the other hand, when the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the engagement between the restricting portion 40a and the groove portion 38f is released, so that the developing back bearing 13 rotates with respect to the back side end member 38. be able to. Here, the restricting portion 40 a in the back-side restricting member 40 is pressed by the engagement releasing portion 90 provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 in conjunction with the operation of inserting the developing cartridge 4 into the image forming apparatus 100. The Thereby, engagement with the control part 40a and the groove part 38f is cancelled | released.

<Configuration of front side end member>
Next, the configuration of the front side end member 37 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7, and 10. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the front side end member 37 and the front side regulating member 60. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the developing cartridge 4 in a state where the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 1 is a view of the developing cartridge 4 shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from the G direction. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is being attached to the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. 1B is a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is completely attached to the image forming apparatus 100. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the front end member 37 from rotating with respect to the pre-development bearing 12 and the gear cover 20, The front side regulating member 60 is rotatably attached. The front side regulating member 60 corresponds to a regulating member or one end side regulating member. Here, the boss 37c (the rotation center axis of the boss 37c corresponds to the engagement rotation center axis) extends in a direction (preferably a direction orthogonal) to the axis direction of the developing roller 25. The front side regulating member 60 is supported so as to be rotatable about the boss 37c as a central axis. The boss 37 c extends in a direction crossing the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, the front side regulating member 60 extends in a direction (preferably a direction orthogonal) intersecting the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100 in a posture in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. It is rotatable around the rotation center axis. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to urge the front side regulating member 60 in one direction in the rotation direction of the front side regulating member 60, the front side regulating member 60 and the front side end member 37 are interposed. A torsion coil spring 50 is attached. The torsion coil spring 50 corresponds to an urging member or one end side urging member. The coil spring 50 urges the front side regulating member 60 in a direction in which the front side regulating member 60 and a groove 20c (corresponding to the regulated part or the one end side regulated part) to be described later are engaged. Due to the urging force of the torsion coil spring 50, the front side regulating member 60 is urged by the abutting portion 37d as the regulating portion in the front side end member 37, as shown in FIG. The abutting portion 37d is predetermined so that the front side regulating member 60 does not rotate and the engagement between the front side regulating member 60 and the groove portion 20c is released in the direction in which the front side regulating member 60 and the groove portion 20c are engaged. At this position, the rotation of the front side regulating member 60 is regulated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the gear cover 20 is provided with a groove portion 20 c that engages with the restriction portion 60 a of the front side restriction member 60. Here, the groove 20c is a groove formed by the ribs 20b1 and 20b2, as shown in FIG. Further, as described above, the gear cover 20 is provided with the boss 20a, and the front end member 37 is rotatable about the boss 20a.

The front end member 37 is provided with a suspension hole 37a that can be engaged with the boss 20a. Then, the boss 20a and the suspension hole 37a in the gear cover 20 are engaged, and the front end member 37 is the gear in a state in which the restriction portion 60a in the front restriction member 60 and the groove portion 20c in the gear cover 20 are engaged. It is attached to the cover 20. Thus, by assembling the front end member 37 to the gear cover 20, it is possible to restrict the front end member 37 from rotating about the boss 20 a as the central axis. When the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the posture of the front side regulating member 60 is as shown in FIG.

  When the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100, the contact portion 60b of the front side restriction member 60 contacts the main body mounting lower guide portion 104, so that the front side restriction member 60 rotates in the R direction. To do. Thereby, as shown in FIG.1 (b), engagement with the regulation part 60a in the near side regulation member 60 and the groove part 20c in the gear cover 20 is cancelled | released. That is, in the present embodiment, the main body mounting lower guide portion 104 has a function as an engagement release portion that releases the engagement by the front side regulating member 60. At this time, the restricting portion 60a and the groove portion 20c do not overlap each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis Y direction of the developing unit 39 (corresponding to the end portion rotation center axis direction). In this state, the gear cover 20 and the developing device frame 31 are rotatable with respect to the front end member 37 around the boss 20a.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the restriction portion 60 a in the near-side restriction member 60 and the groove portion 20 c in the gear cover 20 are engaged, thereby restricting the front-side end member 37 from rotating with respect to the gear cover 20. doing. However, it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a tension spring 70 is attached between a boss 37 e in the front end member 37 and a boss 20 d in the gear cover 20, and the front end member 37 is attached to the boss 20 f in the gear cover 20. You may make it the structure to contact | abut. In this case, the front side end member 37 abuts on the boss 20 f of the gear cover 20, so that the front side end member 37 does not rotate with respect to the gear cover 20.

<Positioning of developing cartridge relative to image forming apparatus>
Next, a configuration for positioning the developing cartridge 4 with respect to the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the front side end member 37 has a guided portion 37k (also having a function as one end side positioned portion) and a guided portion 37h (also having a function as one end side rotation preventing portion). Is provided. On the other hand, the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a main body first positioning portion 99a (corresponding to the first positioning portion) and a main body first rotation stopping portion 106 (corresponding to the first rotation stopping portion). Yes. When the mounting of the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the guided portion 37k and the main body first positioning portion 99a are engaged, and the guided portion 37h and the main body first rotation stop portion 106 are engaged. Engage. Accordingly, the front end member 37 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, the back end member 38 is provided with a second positioned portion 38c (corresponding to the other end positioned portion) and a second rotation stopper 38d (corresponding to the other rotation stopper). . On the other hand, the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a main body second positioning portion 98a (corresponding to the second positioning portion) and a main body second rotation stopping portion 98b (corresponding to the second rotation stopping). . When the mounting of the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the second positioned portion 38c and the main body second positioning portion 98a are engaged, and the second anti-rotation portion 38d and the main body second anti-rotation portion are engaged. The portion 98b is engaged. As a result, the rear end member 38 is positioned on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

Then, as described above, the rear side regulating member 40 is pressed by the disengagement unit 90 (see FIG. 22) in conjunction with the operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the engagement between the back side regulating member 40 and the groove 38 f is released, and the developing back bearing 13 can be rotated with respect to the back side end member 38. On the other hand, on the front side end member 37 side, the abutment portion 60b of the front side regulating member 60 contacts the main body mounting lower guide portion 104 in conjunction with the operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 on the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Touch. As a result, the front side regulating member 60 rotates and the front side end member 37 can rotate with respect to the gear cover 20.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in a state before the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 guided by the apparatus main body at the time of mounting. The gear cover 20 and the developing back bearing 13 are positioned. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 25 from coming into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 in the operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. When the mounting of the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the gear cover 20 and the developing back bearing 13 can rotate with respect to the front end member 37 and the back end member 38, The developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 can be brought into contact with and separated from each other. As described above, in this embodiment, the posture of the developing unit 39 can be determined in the operation of attaching / detaching the developing cartridge 4 to / from the image forming apparatus 100, and the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 are rubbed. This can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the position of the developing frame 31 when the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 25 are in contact with each other is set as a developing position.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 4 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a conventional developing cartridge 4. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are connected by a connecting member 80 c that connects the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38. It was. However, in this embodiment, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are configured as separate members. The front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 can be independently rotated with respect to the developing unit 39. Further, the developing unit 39 is positioned by the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38, respectively. Therefore, the conventional connecting member 80c is not necessary, and the developing cartridge 4 can be downsized.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the front end member 37 is positioned with respect to the developing unit 39 before the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, when the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the front end member 37 is rotatable with respect to the developing unit 39. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 25 from coming into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 in the operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 on the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the interval between the developing cartridge 4 and the photosensitive drum 1 is increased so that the developing roller 25 does not contact the photosensitive drum 1 while the developing cartridge 4 is being inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. There is no need to set. Thereby, it can suppress that an image forming apparatus enlarges.

  In this embodiment, the back end member 38 is positioned with respect to the developing unit 39 before the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, when the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the rear side end member 38 is rotatable with respect to the developing unit 39. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 25 from coming into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 in the operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 on the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the interval between the developing cartridge 4 and the photosensitive drum 1 is increased so that the developing roller 25 does not contact the photosensitive drum 1 while the developing cartridge 4 is being inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. There is no need to set. Thereby, it can suppress that an image forming apparatus enlarges.

In this embodiment, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are configured as separate members, and the developing unit 39 includes a front side end member 37 and a back side end member 38. Respectively. Therefore, the conventional connecting member 80c is not necessary, and the developing cartridge 4 can be downsized.
In this embodiment, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are movable independently of each other with respect to the developing unit 39. Therefore, the developing cartridge 4 can be reduced in size as compared with the case where the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are integrated. Thereby, the whole image forming apparatus can be reduced in size.

In this embodiment, the developing cartridge 4 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a process cartridge including the developing cartridge 4, the photosensitive drum 1, and the charging roller 2 may be detachable from the image forming apparatus 100.
For example, the cleaning device having the cleaning member 6 may be detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and may be detachable separately from the developing cartridge 4. Alternatively, the photosensitive device having the photosensitive drum 1 may be detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and may be detachable separately from the developing cartridge 4.

(Example 2)
Example 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, portions having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the back end member 38 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of the front side end member 37 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of the front side regulating member 60 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is an external perspective view of the back end member 38 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the back end member 38 has a butting portion 38g, and the developing back bearing 13 has a butting portion 13g. Further, a drawing member 42 for drawing the developing cartridge 4 in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted is provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. When the developing cartridge 4 is inserted to a position where the pull-in force receiving portion 38h in the back end member 38 and the pull-in member 42 provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 come into contact with each other, the pull-in member 42 receives the pull-in force. It is pressed by the part 38h. Here, the pull-in member 42 is pressed by the pull-in force receiving portion 38 h in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. When the pulling member 42 is pressed by the pulling force receiving portion 38h, the pulling member 42 in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is rotated by the biasing force of the spring 43 as shown in FIG. Then, a part of the drawing member 42 in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 pushes the drawing force receiving portion 38 h in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted.

  Here, when pulling out the developing cartridge 4 from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the developing cartridge 4 is pulled out against the force with which the pulling member 42 pulls in the developing cartridge 4. Therefore, a moment is generated in the rear end member 38 in the J direction in FIG. 15B around the second rotation center 38i (engagement portion between the suspension hole 38a and the boss 13a). Here, in this embodiment, the abutting portion 38g in the back end member 38 and the abutting portion 13g in the developing back bearing 13 are in contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rear side end member 38 from rotating in the J direction around the second rotation center 38i.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the abutting portion 37 f is provided on the front end member 37, and the abutting portion 20 e is provided on the gear cover 20. Further, the front end member 37 is provided with a handle 37g, and when the developing cartridge 4 is pulled out from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the handle 37g is held. Therefore, a moment is applied to the front end member 37 in the L direction in FIG. 17B, centering on the first rotation center 37p (the engagement portion between the suspension hole 37a and the boss 20a). However, in the present embodiment, the abutting portion 37f of the front end member 37 and the abutting portion 20e of the gear cover 20 are in contact with each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the front end member 37 from rotating in the L direction around the first rotation center 37p.

  Next, the operation when the developing roller 25 in the developing unit 39 contacts the photosensitive drum 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18. When the developing cartridge 4 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIGS. 17B and 18A, the abutting portion 37f abuts against the abutting portion 20e, and the abutting portion 38g and the abutting part 13g abut.

  When the developing cartridge 4 is mounted, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are positioned with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and the front side end member 37 and the back side end part are positioned. The member 38 can rotate with respect to the developing unit 39. Since the developing unit 39 can be rotated around the first rotation center 37p of the front side end member 37 and the second rotation center 38i of the back side end member 38, the developing roller 25 in the developing unit 39 is photosensitive. It contacts the drum 1.

  When the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 come into contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 16, the abutting portion 37f of the front end member 37 and the abutting portion 20e of the gear cover 20 are viewed from the axial direction of the developing roller 25. The position of is shifted. The abutting portion 37f of the front side end member 37 and the abutting portion 20e of the gear cover 20 are separated from each other. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 18B, when the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 come into contact with each other, when viewed from the axial direction of the developing roller 25, the abutting portion 38g and the developing back end of the rear end member 38 are seen. The position of the abutting portion 13g in the bearing 13 is shifted. The abutting portion 38g of the back end member 38 and the abutting portion 13g of the developing back bearing 13 are separated from each other.

  For this reason, when the developing roller 25 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1, the abutting portion 37 f of the front end member 37 and the abutting portion 20 e of the gear cover 20 are not rubbed. Further, the abutting portion 38g in the back end member 38 and the abutting portion 13g in the developing back bearing 13 are not rubbed. Thereby, it can suppress that the force in which the developing roller 25 in the developing unit 39 presses the photosensitive drum 1 is reduced.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the abutting portion 37f of the front side end member 37 and the abutting portion 20e of the gear cover 20 are separated from the first rotation center 37p of the front side end member 37. It is in contact with. Further, the abutting portion 38g of the back end member 38 and the abutting portion 13g of the developing back bearing 13 are brought into contact with each other at a position away from the second rotation center 38i of the back end member 38. Thereby, it can suppress that the near side end member 37 inclines with the 1st rotation center 37p as a fulcrum, and can suppress that the back side end member 38 inclines with the 2nd rotation center 38i as a fulcrum. Further, the operability when the developing cartridge 4 is attached / detached can be improved.

(Example 3)
Next, Example 3 will be described. Here, in Example 3, about the part which has the same function as Example 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a retaining member (corresponding to the screw 81 and the washer 80) according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 4 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the back end member 38 according to the third embodiment.

  A configuration for preventing the back end member 38 from coming off in the rotation center axis Y direction of the back end member 38 from the boss 13a in the developing back bearing 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the back end member 38 is assembled to the developing back bearing 13 so that one end surface 38a1 of the suspension hole 38a in the back end member 38 abuts the surface 13e of the base portion of the boss 13a. It has been.

  Then, the screw 81 is inserted into the screw portion 13d of the boss 13a in a state where the back side end member 38 is assembled to the developing back bearing 13. At this time, the washer 80 is sandwiched between the tip surface 13 f of the boss 13 a and the head of the screw 81. In this embodiment, the screw 81 and the washer 80 constitute a retaining member. Here, in the back end member 38, the length of the suspension hole 38a positioned between the one end surface 38a1 and the other end surface 38a2 (the length of the back end member 38 in the rotation center axis Y direction) is the root. It is set smaller than the dimension from the partial surface 13e to the tip surface 13f. Thereby, the suspension hole 38a part in the back side end member 38 is supported rotatably around the rotation center axis Y of the back side end member 38 between the base surface 13e of the boss 13a and the washer 80. Is done. Further, when the other end surface 38 a 2 of the back end member 38 abuts against the washer 80, the back end member 38 comes out of the developing back bearing 13 in the rotation center axis Y direction of the back end member 38. Can be suppressed.

  As described above, the length of the suspension hole 38a is set to be smaller than the dimension between the base surface 13e of the boss 13a and the washer 80 in the direction of the rotation center axis Y of the back end member 38. Therefore, a gap is generated between the back end member 38 and the base surface 13e and the washer 80 of the boss 13a. Thereby, the back side end member 38 may be inclined with respect to the rotation center axis Y of the back side end member 38. Here, in this embodiment, the outermost shape I of the other end surface 38 a 2 of the back end member 38 is set smaller than the outermost shape H of the washer 80. As a result, the edge portion of the outermost shape H of the washer 80 does not interfere with the back end member 38 when the back end member 38 is tilted.

  The other end surface 38 a 2 is an abutting surface for suppressing the back side end member 38 from coming off the developing back bearing 13 in the back side end member 38. That is, the other end surface 38 a 2 of the back end member 38 abuts only on the flat portion of the washer 80. Therefore, the back end member 38 can rotate smoothly with respect to the developing unit 39. Thereby, it can suppress that the force in which the developing roller 25 in the developing unit 39 presses the photosensitive drum 1 is reduced. In the present embodiment, the screw 81 and the washer 80 are separate members, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the screw 81 and the washer 80 may be integrated. In order to further prevent the back end member 38 from coming off the developing back bearing 13, a separate nut may be embedded in the boss 13a as the screw portion 13d of the boss 13a. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the front side end member 37 is also prevented from coming off from the boss 20 a by a washer 80 and a screw 81, similarly to the back side end member 38.

Example 4
The developing cartridge 4 as the developing device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the developing roller 25 and the toner supply roller 34 are the pre-development bearing 12 as a part of the developing frame 31 provided on both sides in the rotation center axis direction of the developing roller 25. And a developing back bearing 13 so as to be rotatably supported by the developing device frame 31. A developing coupling 23 is provided at the back end of the toner supply roller 34. A toner supply gear 30 is provided at the front end of the toner supply roller 34. A developing gear 29 that meshes with the toner supply gear 30 is provided at the front end of the developing roller 25. Therefore, the driving force of a main body drive motor (not shown), which is a drive source, is transmitted to the development coupling 23, so that the toner supply roller 34 and the development roller 25 are rotationally driven according to the image forming operation. A gear cover 20 as a part of the developing frame 31 is provided outside the developing gear 29 and the toner supply gear 30.

At both ends of the developing frame 31 in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developing roller 25, a front side end holder 37 (corresponding to one end side end member or the first end member) and a back side end holder 38 (others) Corresponding to an end-side end member or a second end member). Hereinafter, the near side end holder 37 is referred to as a near side end member 37. Further, the back side end holder 38 is referred to as a back side end member 38. The rear end member 38 is provided with a suspension hole 38a (corresponding to the other end engaged portion) that engages with a boss 13a (corresponding to the other end engaging portion) provided in the developing rear bearing 13. ing. Further, the front end member 37 is provided with a suspension hole 37a (corresponding to one end engaged portion) that engages with a boss 20a (corresponding to one end engaging portion) provided in the gear cover 20. Yes. The front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are rotatable with respect to the rotation center axis Y connecting the boss 13a of the developing back bearing 13 and the boss 20a of the gear cover 20. Therefore, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are rotatable independently of the developing device frame 31.
That is, as shown in the drawing, the front side end member 37 further rotatably supports one end side in the axial direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39, while the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39. The other end in the axial direction is not supported. The rear side end member 38 supports the other end side of the developing unit 39 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25 so as to be rotatable, while supporting one end side of the developing unit 39 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25. Not configured to be. That is, the front side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 support either one end side or the other end side of the developing frame 31 in the axial direction of the developing roller 25, and one end of the developing frame 31. The other side of the side or the other end side is not supported. Further, the front side end member 37 is rotatable with respect to the developing frame 31 and the back side end member 38. The back end member 38 is rotatable with respect to the developing frame 31 and the front end member 37. In other words, when the front side end member 37 rotates with respect to the developing frame 31, the back side end member 38 can be stopped with respect to the developing frame 31 and the front side end member 37. . Further, when the rear side end member 38 rotates with respect to the developing frame 31, the front side end member 37 can be stopped with respect to the developing frame 31 and the rear side end member 38.

<Configuration of the movement regulating portion of the rear side end member>
Next, the structure which controls rotation of the back side edge part member 38 is demonstrated using FIGS. 23-25. FIG. 24 is a side view of the developing cartridge 4 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram (a cross-sectional view taken along the line KK in FIG. 24) illustrating a configuration in which the developing device frame 31 is positioned with respect to the back end member 38.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a regulating member 340 (corresponding to the regulating member or the other end regulating member) is attached to the developing back bearing 13 as means for regulating the rotation of the back side end member 38. In addition, a regulating spring 341 (corresponding to the urging member or the other-side urging member) that can be attached to the spring support portion 313 b of the developing back bearing 13 is provided inside the regulating member 340. The restriction spring 341 applies a biasing force that acts in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted to the restriction member 340. On the other hand, the back end member 38 is provided with a groove 338b (corresponding to the regulated portion or the other end regulated portion) that can be engaged with the regulating portion 340a of the regulating member 340. Further, as described above, the development back bearing 13 is provided with the boss 13a serving as the center axis of swinging of the development frame 31, and the back end member 38 is suspended to be engageable with the boss 13a. A hole 38a is provided.

The rear side end member 38 is assembled to the developing frame 31 with the suspension hole 38a and the boss 13a engaged with each other, and with the restriction portion 340a and the groove portion 338b of the restriction member 340 engaged with each other (FIG. 24, see FIG. 25 (a)). Therefore, when the back side end member 38 and the regulating member 340 are engaged, the rotation of the back side end member 38 around the boss 13a is regulated. On the other hand, when the regulating member 340 is pressed in the direction P in FIG. 25 from the state in which the back side end member 38 and the regulating member 340 are engaged, the regulating spring 341 disposed inside the regulating member 340 is compressed. However, the regulating member 340 moves in the P direction. Then, the engagement between the restriction portion 340a in the restriction member 340 and the groove portion 338b in the back end member 38 is released (see FIG. 25B). As a result, the developing frame 31 can rotate with respect to the back end member 38 about the boss 13a of the developing back bearing 13 as the central axis.

  Thus, by engaging the back side end member 38 and the regulating member 340 to regulate the rotation of the back side end member 38, the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100. The rotation of the developing device frame 31 with respect to the back end member 38 is restricted. Further, in a state where the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the restriction member 340 is pressed in the P direction by a restriction release unit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the engagement between the back end member 38 and the regulating member 340 is released, and the back end member 38 is rotatable with respect to the developing device frame 31 (relative movement is allowed).

<Explanation of contact / separation operation>
Next, the operation in which the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 25 move toward and away from each other in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 are brought into contact with and separated from each other. As shown in FIG. 26, a developing pressure receiving portion 31 e that receives pressure from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided below the developing frame 31. On the other hand, the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a developing cartridge pressing member 80 that can move in the G1 direction and the G2 direction of FIG.

  Further, as described above, in a state where the developing cartridge 4 is mounted, the regulating member 340 is pressed in the P direction by the regulation releasing unit, and the engagement between the back end member 38 and the regulating member 340 is released, and the developing frame The body 31 is rotatable with respect to the back end member 38. In this state, the developing cartridge pressing member 80 moves in the G1 direction in FIG. 26, so that the pressing portion 80a of the developing cartridge pressing member 80 contacts the developing pressure receiving portion 31e. As a result, the developing frame 31 swings in the direction of the arrow Y1, and the developing roller 25 presses the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined pressure. When the developing cartridge pressure member 80 moves in the direction G2 in FIG. 26, the separation portion 80b of the development cartridge pressure member 80 abuts against the development separation pressure receiving portion 31f, so that the development frame 31 is moved to the arrow Y2. The developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 are separated from each other. With such a configuration, when an image is not formed on the recording medium S, the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 can be separated from each other. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality due to the deformation of the developing roller 25.

<Configuration for Mounting / Demounting Developer Cartridge 4 to / from Apparatus Main Body of Image Forming Apparatus 100>
Next, an operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an operation of attaching / detaching the developing cartridge 4 to / from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. 28 to 29 are views showing a state where the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a state where the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In this embodiment, the developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) is inserted into the opening 101 (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d) of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the developing cartridge 4 is an image forming apparatus that extends from the near side to the far side in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis direction of the developing roller 25 (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) (direction of arrow F in FIG. 27). It is inserted into 100 apparatus main bodies.

As shown in FIG. 28, a front cover 110 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. When the front cover 110 is opened, the opening 101 for inserting the developing cartridge 4 is exposed. As shown in FIG. 29, an upper guide 105 (corresponding to the first guide portion) is provided on the upper side of the opening 101 as a guide member extending from the near side to the far side. Here, in this embodiment, the upper guide 105 has a groove shape (concave shape). A lower guide 104 (corresponding to the second guide portion) is provided below the opening 101 as a guide member extending from the front side to the back side. In this embodiment, the lower guide 104 has a groove shape (concave shape). As shown in the figure, also in this embodiment, the back end member 38 is inserted with the downstream side in the insertion direction. That is, in the insertion direction, the rear side end member 38 is disposed on the downstream side of the front side end member 37. In other words, the rear side end member 38 is disposed on the downstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing device frame, and the near side end member 37 is disposed on the upstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing device frame 31. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the first upper guide rib in the rear end member 38 in the upward direction (substantially vertical direction in the present embodiment) perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction of the developing cartridge 4 (horizontal direction in the present embodiment). 338g (corresponding to the other end side guided portion or the first guided portion) protrudes, and a first lower guide rib 338h (corresponding to the other end side guided portion or the second guided portion) protrudes downward. Here, as described above, in a state where the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rotation of the developing cartridge 4 relative to the back end member 38 of the developing frame 31 is performed by the regulating member 340. It is regulated. As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a regulating mechanism that regulates the rotation of the developing device frame 31 with respect to the back end member 38.

  When the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, first, the first upper guide rib 338 g provided on the back end member 38 is provided on the apparatus main body side of the image forming apparatus 100. The upper guide 105 is engaged. Further, the first lower guide rib 338 h provided on the back end member 38 is engaged with the lower guide 104 provided on the apparatus main body side of the image forming apparatus 100. In this state, the developing cartridge 4 is pushed in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 27, and the first lower guide rib 338 h is slid with respect to the lower guide 104. Then, when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted to a predetermined position as it is, as shown in FIG. 28B, the riding portion 380 b in the first lower guide rib 338 h of the back end member 38 is moved to the first lower guide 104. It rides on the back pressure member 106 provided on the back side. Further, the riding portion 337 b provided on the front end member 37 rides on the front pressure member 107 provided on the front side of the first lower guide 104.

  Further, the abutting portion 338 c provided on the back end member 38 reaches and contacts the back plate 98 in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Thereby, the developing cartridge 4 is positioned in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted. The position where the abutting portion 338c and the back side plate 98 abut is the mounting position. Further, a regulation release portion 390 for pressing the regulating member 340 in the developing cartridge 4 is provided on the back side plate 98 provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. In a state where the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the restriction member 340 is pressed against the restriction release portion 390, so that the groove portion 338 b and the restriction member 340 in the back end member 38 are engaged. Is released.

Here, FIG. 28C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, in conjunction with the operation of closing the front cover 110 in the image forming apparatus 100, a first lower guide provided with a back side pressure member 106, a front side pressure member 107, a main body pressure spring 108, and a main body pressure spring 109. 104 moves upward. Along with this operation, the back side positioning portion 380d (corresponding to the other end side positioned portion) of the back side end member 38 abuts against the abutting portion 98a (corresponding to the other end side positioning portion) of the back side plate 98 ( FIG. 34). Further, the front positioning part 337c (corresponding to the one end side positioned part) in the front side end member 37 abuts against the abutting part 99a (corresponding to one end side positioning part) in the front plate 99. As a result, the developing cartridge 4 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 30, the back side end member 38 is provided with a boss 338e (corresponding to the other end side rotation stop) for restricting the rotation of the back side end member 38. In a state where the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the boss 338 e on the back side end member 38 is fitted in the rotation stop hole 98 b on the back side plate 98. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rear side end member 38 from rotating in the image forming apparatus 100.

  Similarly, the front end member 37 is provided with a rotation stopper 337 d for restricting the rotation of the front end member 37. In a state where the developing cartridge 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rotation stopper 337d (corresponding to the one-end rotation stopper) in the front end member 37 is a main body rotation stopper provided in the first lower guide 104. Mates with the part 1104. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the front side end member 37 from rotating in the image forming apparatus 100.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the developing cartridge 4 is completely attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rear side end member 38 and the front side end member 37 are not connected to the image forming apparatus 100. It is fixed to the device body. On the other hand, in a state where the developing cartridge 4 is completely attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the engagement between the groove portion 338 b and the regulating member 340 is released, so that the developing frame 31 is connected to the back end member 38. It becomes possible to rotate with respect to. Therefore, the developing frame 31 can be rotated in the image forming apparatus 100, and the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 can be brought into contact with and separated from each other.

  On the other hand, while the developing cartridge 4 is being inserted into the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the restriction member 340 can restrict the rotation of the developing frame 31 relative to the back end member 38. As a result, the rotation of the developing device frame 31 is restricted while the developing cartridge 4 is being inserted into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, as described above, while the developing cartridge 4 is being inserted into the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the back end member 38 is positioned in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted. Yes. Thereby, the rotation of the developing frame 31 with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is suppressed, and the contact between the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 is suppressed. While the developing cartridge 4 is being inserted into the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the play of the developing cartridge 4 can be reduced, and the contact between the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 can be prevented. .

  In the present embodiment, only the rotation of the rear side end member 38 relative to the developing device frame 31 is restricted by the restriction member 340, but this is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the rotation of the front end member 37 relative to the developing frame 31 may be restricted by the restriction member 340.

  In this embodiment, the various guide ribs are configured to project in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of process cartridges, and the arrangement of the rotation restricting configuration according to this embodiment is projected in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. Sometimes it is included in the developing cartridge. That is, since the rotation restricting configuration is not a configuration that protrudes in the arrangement direction, the arrangement design of the plurality of process cartridges is not affected. Therefore, in the inline image forming apparatus, the above-described rotation restriction can be realized while minimizing the interval between adjacent process cartridges and avoiding the enlargement of the apparatus.

  25: Developing roller, 37: Front side end member, 38 ... Back side end member, 39 ... Developing unit

Claims (30)

A developer carrier;
A developing frame that rotatably supports the developer carrier;
One end side end member that supports one end of the developing device frame in the axial direction of the developer carrier;
In the axial direction of the developer carrying member, the other end side end member that supports the other end of the developing frame,
Have
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the one end side end member and the other end side end member are independently rotatable with respect to the developing device frame. The developing frame is
One end side engaging portion that engages with the one end side end member;
The other end side engaging portion engaged with the other end side end member;
And
2. The one end side end member and the other end side end member are rotatable with respect to a rotation center axis line connecting the one end side engaging portion and the other end side engaging portion. The developing device according to 1.   The developing device includes a retaining member that prevents the one end side end member and the other end side end member from coming off from the one end side engaging portion and the other end side engaging portion. The developing device according to claim 2. The developing device is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus,
The one end side end member has a one end side positioned portion positioned on the apparatus main body,
4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the other end side end member has a positioned portion on the other end side that is positioned on the apparatus main body. 5. In the insertion direction in which the developing device is inserted into the apparatus main body, the other end side end member is disposed on the downstream side, and the one end side end member is disposed on the upstream side,
The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the other end side end member has a second end side guided portion guided by a guide portion of the apparatus main body.   The developing device according to claim 5, wherein the one end side end member includes an one end side guided portion guided by the guide portion. In the insertion direction in which the developing device is inserted into the apparatus main body, the other end side end member is disposed on the downstream side, and the one end side end member is disposed on the upstream side,
The other end side end member is
A first guided portion guided by a first guide portion of the apparatus body;
A second guided portion guided by a second guide portion of the apparatus body;
The developing device according to claim 4, comprising: The one end side end member is
A third guided portion guided by the first guide portion;
A fourth guided portion guided by the second guide portion;
The developing device according to claim 7, further comprising: The apparatus body has an image carrier on which a latent image is formed,
The developing frame is
A position where the developer carrier and the image carrier are separated from each other;
A position where the developer carrier and the image carrier abut,
The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the developing device is rotatable. The developing device includes:
The other end side regulating member for regulating rotation of the other end side end member;
The other end side restricted portion that can be engaged with the other end side restricting member;
Have
The other end side regulating member is
A position where the other end side end member is restricted by engaging with the other end side restricted portion,
A position where engagement with the other-end-side regulated portion is released and rotation of the other-end-side end member is possible;
The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the developing device is movable.   The developing device according to claim 10, wherein the developing device includes an other end side urging member that urges the other end side regulating member. The other end side restricting member is provided on the developing frame,
The developing device according to claim 10, wherein the other end side restricted portion is provided on the other end side end member. The developing device includes:
One end side regulating member for regulating rotation of the one end side end member;
One end-side regulated portion that can be engaged with the one end-side regulating member;
Have
The one end side regulating member is
A position where the rotation of the one end side end member is restricted by engaging with the one end side restricted portion;
A position where engagement with the one-end-side regulated portion is released and rotation of the one-end-side end member is enabled;
The developing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the developing device is movable.   The developing device according to claim 13, wherein the developing device includes an one end side biasing member that biases the one end side regulating member. The one end side regulating member is provided on the one end side end member,
The developing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the one-end-side restricted portion is provided in the developing frame. The developing device includes:
The other end side regulating member for regulating rotation of the other end side end member;
The other end side restricted portion that can be engaged with the other end side restricting member;
One end side regulating member for regulating rotation of the one end side end member;
One end-side regulated portion that can be engaged with the one end-side regulating member;
Have
The other end side regulating member is
A position where the other end side end member is restricted by engaging with the other end side restricted portion,
A position where engagement with the other-end-side regulated portion is released and rotation of the other-end-side end member is possible;
Can be moved to
The one end side regulating member is
A position where the rotation of the one end side end member is restricted by engaging with the one end side restricted portion;
A position where engagement with the one-end-side restricted portion is released and rotation of the one-end-side end member is allowed;
The developing device according to claim 9, wherein the developing device is movable. A developer carrier;
A developing frame that rotatably supports the developer carrier;
In the axial direction of the developer carrier, one end side or the other end side of the development frame body is supported, and the other end side of the development frame body is not supported on the other side. An end member rotatable with respect to the developing frame;
A regulating member that regulates rotation of the end member;
A regulated portion engageable with the regulating member;
Have
The regulating member is
A position where the rotation of the end member is restricted by engaging with the restricted portion;
A position where engagement with the regulated portion is released and rotation of the end member is possible;
A developing device characterized by being movable. The regulating member is provided on the developing frame;
The developing device according to claim 17, wherein the restricted portion is provided on the end member. The developing device is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus along the axial direction of the developer carrier.
The regulating member is movable in a direction in which the developing device is inserted into the apparatus main body;
The developing device according to claim 18, wherein the regulated portion is a groove portion into which the regulating member is fitted from a direction in which the developing device is inserted into the apparatus main body.   The developing device according to claim 19, further comprising an urging member that urges the restricting member toward a direction in which the restricting member and the restricted portion are engaged.   An engagement release portion provided in the apparatus main body presses the restriction member in a direction opposite to a direction in which the developing device is inserted into the apparatus main body, so that the restriction member and the restricted portion are The developing device according to claim 20, wherein the engagement is released.   In a state where the developing device is mounted on the apparatus main body, the end member is positioned on the apparatus main body, and the developer frame is rotated with respect to the end member, whereby the developer carrier is The developing device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the developing device contacts and separates from the image carrier. The regulating member is provided on the end member;
The developing device according to claim 17, wherein the restricted portion is provided in the developing frame. The developing device is detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus along the axial direction of the developer carrier.
The restricting member is rotatable about an engagement rotation center axis extending in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the developing device is inserted into the apparatus main body,
When the developing member is pressed in the direction opposite to the direction in which the developing device is inserted into the apparatus main body, the engaging member is pressed and the restricting member rotates, whereby 24. The developing device according to claim 23, wherein the engagement is released. A biasing member that biases the regulation member in a direction in which the regulation member and the regulated portion are engaged;
A regulating member that regulates rotation of the regulating member in the engaging direction so that engagement between the regulating member and the regulated portion is not released by rotation of the regulating member in the engaging direction. When,
The developing device according to claim 24, comprising:   In a state where the developing device is mounted on the apparatus main body, the end member is positioned on the apparatus main body, and the developer frame is rotated with respect to the end member, whereby the developer carrier is 26. The developing device according to claim 23, wherein the developing device contacts and separates from the image carrier. A developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 26;
An image carrier on which the developer carrier abuts and separates; and
Have
A process cartridge in which a developer image is formed on the image carrier by the developing device and is detachable from a main body of the image forming device. A developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 26;
An image carrier on which the developer carrier abuts and separates; and
Have
An image forming apparatus, wherein an image is formed on a recording medium using a developer image formed on the image carrier by the developing device. A developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 26;
A cleaning device for cleaning the image carrier on which the developer carrier abuts and separates; and
Have
The image forming apparatus, wherein the developing device and the cleaning device are separately attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. A developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 26;
A photosensitive device having an image carrier on which the developer carrier abuts and separates;
Have
The image forming apparatus, wherein the developing device and the photosensitive device are separately attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.