JP2019184869A - Bearing mechanism and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent an increase in torque and leakage of developer while reducing cost, compared with a case where a metal bearing is used.SOLUTION: A bearing mechanism comprises: a bearing (32) that has an inner ring (33) supporting a shaft (31), an outer ring (34) arranged on the outer peripheral side of the inner ring (33) and is made of resin, and a rolling element (36) arranged between the inner ring (33) and outer ring (34) and rotatably and relatively holding the inner ring (33) and outer ring (34); and leakage prevention means (37) that is supported adjacent to the outer ring (34), is formed of a resin different from that of the outer ring (34), the resin having a low elastic modulus, and prevents leakage of developer in the axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a bearing mechanism and an image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, the techniques described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 4 are conventionally known with respect to a bearing mechanism that supports a rotating member disposed in a place where a developer is accommodated.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-128403 as Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which the rotation shafts (22a, 23a) of the conveying screws (22, 23) of the developing device (20) are supported by the ball bearings (24). Grooves (22c, 23c) are formed on the rotary shafts (22a, 23a) so that the developer does not leak from the gap between the inner ring (24a) of the (24) and the rotary shafts (22a, 23a). Describes a configuration in which an O-ring-shaped rotary shaft seal member (26) is installed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-097665 as Patent Document 2 discloses a bearing of a backup roll (5) among a plurality of rolls (3 to 5) supporting a work roll (2) for rolling in a Sendima mill rolling mill. A technique using a rolling bearing (10) is described. In the rolling bearing (10) of Patent Document 2, the seal device (8) is supported on the outer side in the axial direction of the roller (5d) which is a rolling element. The leaf spring-like seal lip (8d) arranged inside the sealing device (8) prevents the rolling oil and water for rolling from entering the roller (5d) side from the outside, and the inner pressure is high. If it becomes, it will deform | transform and it is comprised so that internal high pressure air and lubricating oil may be discharged | emitted.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-63619 as Patent Document 3 has a configuration in which the rotation shafts (22a, 23a) of the conveying screws (22, 23) of the developing device (20) are rotatably supported by ball bearings (24). Are listed. In Patent Document 3, the gap (d3) between the inner ring (24a) of the ball bearing (24) and the rotating shaft (22a, 23a) is smaller than the diameter (d5) of the carrier particles (61), and the carrier particles (61) By making the gap clogged, the internal developer is prevented from leaking outside.

  Japanese Patent No. 4750469 as Patent Document 4 describes a bearing (A) in which an outer ring (100) and an inner ring (101) are made of plastic. In Patent Document 4, a seal portion (100b) is integrally formed on one side surface of the outer ring (100), and a seal portion (101b) is also formed on the other side surface of the inner ring (101). Each seal part (100b, 101b) is comprised by the bellows shape, and has elasticity. Further, the seal part (100b) of the outer ring (100) contacts the inner ring (101), and the seal part (101b) of the inner ring (101) contacts the outer ring (100), so that the toner toward the ball (103) side is obtained. Is prevented from entering.

JP 2011-128403 A (“0048”, “0052”-“0054”, FIG. 4 to FIG. 9) JP 2009-097665 ("0019"-"0028", FIG. 3 to FIG. 5) JP 2012-63619 A (“0069”-“0070”, FIG. 6) Japanese Patent No. 4750469 (“0028”-“0036”, FIG. 3)

  It is a technical object of the present invention to ensure torque and developer leakage performance while reducing costs as compared to the case of using a metal bearing.

In order to solve the technical problem, the bearing mechanism according to claim 1 comprises:
An inner ring that supports a shaft; an outer ring made of resin that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner ring; and a rolling element that is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring so as to relatively rotatably hold the inner ring and the outer ring. A bearing having,
Leakage suppressing means that is supported adjacent to the outer ring and is made of a resin that is different from the outer ring and has a low elastic modulus, and that suppresses leakage of the developer in the axial direction;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 2 is the bearing mechanism according to claim 1,
Leakage suppression means formed integrally with the outer ring,
It is provided with.

A third aspect of the present invention provides the bearing mechanism according to the second aspect,
The leakage suppressing means is formed integrally with the outer ring by two-color molding.

The invention according to claim 4 is the bearing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The leakage suppressing means is characterized in that an outer end in a radial direction is arranged on an outer side than an outer diameter of the outer ring.

The invention according to claim 5 is the bearing mechanism according to claim 4,
The leakage suppressing means is disposed on the developer containing means side of the outer ring and has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the outer ring.

The invention according to claim 6 is the bearing mechanism according to claim 4,
The leakage suppression means is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the outer ring.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides the bearing mechanism according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
The inner ring is made of resin.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is provided.
Image holding means;
Latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the image holding means;
Developing means for developing a latent image of the image holding means, a containing means for containing a developer, a conveying means for rotating and conveying the developer in the containing means, and the conveying means being rotatable The developing unit having a bearing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
It is provided with.

According to the first and eighth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to ensure torque and developer leakage performance while reducing costs as compared with the case of using a metal bearing.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the assemblability can be improved as compared with the case where the leakage suppressing means is not formed integrally with the outer ring.
According to invention of Claim 3, compared with the case where it joins with an adhesive agent or a double-sided tape, adhesive agents, such as an adhesive agent and a double-sided tape, become unnecessary.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the leakage of the developer can be suppressed as compared with the case where the outer end in the radial direction is not disposed outside the outer diameter of the outer ring.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the developer from adhering to the bearing as compared with the case where the leakage suppressing means is not disposed on the developer accommodating portion side.
According to the invention described in claim 6, it is possible to further suppress the leakage of the developer as compared with the case where the leakage suppressing means is not disposed on the outer peripheral side of the outer ring.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the weight of the bearing mechanism while reducing costs as compared with the case where the inner ring is made of metal.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing device. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a developer supply port portion of the developing device. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device of Example 1, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4B. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the shaft end portion of the conveying means according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the bearing mechanism of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the bearing mechanism of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.

Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a copier U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is an example of a recording unit, and includes a printer unit U1 as an example of an image recording apparatus. A scanner unit U2 as an example of a reading unit and an example of an image reading device is supported on the upper portion of the printer unit U1. An auto feeder U3 as an example of a document conveying device is supported on the upper portion of the scanner unit U2. The scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment supports a user interface U0 as an example of an input unit. The user interface U0 can be operated by the operator by inputting the user interface U0.

  On the upper part of the auto feeder U3, a document tray TG1 as an example of a medium storage unit is arranged. A plurality of documents Gi to be copied can be stacked and stored in the document tray TG1. A document discharge tray TG2 as an example of a document discharge unit is formed below the document tray TG1. A document transport roll U3b is disposed between the document tray TG1 and the document discharge tray TG2 along the document transport path U3a.

A platen glass PG as an example of a transparent document table is disposed on the upper surface of the scanner unit U2. In the scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment, a reading optical system A is disposed below the platen glass PG. The optical system A for reading in Example 1 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction along the lower surface of the platen glass PG. The reading optical system A is normally stopped at the initial position shown in FIG.
On the right side of the optical system A for reading, an imaging element CCD as an example of an imaging member is arranged. An image processing unit GS is electrically connected to the image sensor CCD.
The image processing unit GS is electrically connected to the writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1. The writing circuit DL is electrically connected to an exposure apparatus ROS as an example of a latent image forming unit.

  In the printer unit U1, a photosensitive drum PR as an example of an image holding unit is arranged. Around the photosensitive drum PR, a charging roll CR as an example of a charging unit, a developing device G as an example of a developing unit, a transfer unit TU as an example of a transferring unit, and a drum cleaner CLp as an example of a cleaning unit are arranged. Has been.

Below the transfer unit TU, paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 as an example of a medium storage unit are arranged. A conveyance path SH1 extends from each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. The transport path SH1 includes a pick-up roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out means, a pick-up roll Rs as an example of a pick-up means, a transport roll Ra as an example of a medium-transport means, and a registration roll Rr as an example of a medium-feed means. Is arranged.
A fixing device F having a heating roll Fh and a pressure roll Fp is disposed on the left side of the transfer unit TU. A discharge path SH2 is connected between the fixing device F as an example of the fixing unit and the discharge tray TRh. The discharge path SH2 and the registration roll Rr are connected by an inversion path SH3. In the discharge path SH2, a transport roll Rb and a discharge roll Rh that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions are arranged.

(Description of image forming operation)
The plurality of documents Gi stored in the document tray TG1 sequentially passes through the document reading position on the platen glass PG and is discharged to the document discharge tray TG2.
When the automatic feeder U3 is used to automatically convey and copy a document, each document that sequentially passes through the reading position on the platen glass PG with the reading optical system A stopped at the initial position. Gi is exposed.
When the operator places the document Gi on the platen glass PG by hand, the optical system A for reading moves in the left-right direction, and the document on the platen glass PG is scanned while being exposed.
The reflected light from the original document Gi passes through the optical system A for reading and is condensed on the image sensor CCD. The image pickup device CCD converts the reflected light of the original collected on the image pickup surface into an electric signal.

The image processing unit GS converts the read signal input from the image sensor CCD into a digital image signal and outputs the digital image signal to the writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1. The writing circuit DL outputs a control signal corresponding to the input image writing signal to the exposure apparatus ROS.
The exposure apparatus ROS outputs a laser beam L and forms a latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR charged by the charging roll CR. The latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR is developed into a visible image by the developing device G. The transfer roll TR of the transfer unit TU transfers the visible image on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR to a recording sheet S as an example of a medium that has been transported through the transport path SH1. The visible image transferred to the recording sheet S is fixed by the fixing device F. The recording sheet S that has passed through the fixing device F is conveyed to the reverse path SH3 when duplex printing is performed, and is discharged by the discharge roll Rh when discharged to the discharge tray TRh.

(Description of developing device)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing device.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a developer supply port portion of the developing device.
4 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device of Example 1, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4B.
1 to 4, the developing device G as an example of a developer containing means is disposed to face the photosensitive drum PR in the developing region Q2. 1 to 5, the developing device G includes a developing container V as an example of a storage unit. In Example 1, the developing container V contains a two-component developer composed of a negatively chargeable toner and a positively chargeable magnetic carrier.

In FIG. 2, the developing container V has a developing container main body 1 extending in the front-rear direction. A front connection member 2 is connected to the front end of the developing container main body 1. A rear connection member 3 is connected to the rear end of the developing container main body 1. The front connection member 2 includes a front upper cylinder portion 2a and a front lower cylinder portion 2b. The rear connection member 3 has a rear upper cylinder portion 3a and a rear lower cylinder portion 3b.
In FIG. 2, a pair of supported portions 1 a and 1 a are provided on the upper portions of the front end and the rear end of the developing container main body 1. Each supported portion 1a is supported in a positioned state by a frame as an example of a frame (not shown) of the copying machine U when the developing container V is mounted inside the copying machine U.

In the upper left part of the developing container main body 1, a developing roll chamber V0 as an example of a third housing portion is formed. On the right side of the developing roll chamber V0, a supply chamber V1 is formed as an example of a first storage unit. A stirring chamber V2 as an example of a second storage unit is formed below the supply chamber V1. The supply chamber V1 is formed in the upper right portion of the developing container main body 1 and in the upper cylindrical portions 2a and 3a. Further, the stirring chamber V2 is formed in the lower right portion of the developing container main body 1 and inside the lower cylindrical portions 2b and 3b.
The developing roll chamber V0 is connected to the supply chamber V1 and the stirring chamber V2 in the front-rear direction.

  A partition wall 4 is provided between the supply chamber V1 and the stirring chamber V2. The partition wall 4 divides the inside of the developing container V vertically. As an example of the inflow portion, connection ports 4a and 4b that connect the upper and lower sides are formed at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the partition wall 4.

  In FIG. 4, a developing roll R0 as an example of a developer holding unit is supported in the developing roll chamber V0 at a position facing the photosensitive drum PR. In the supply chamber V1, a supply auger R1 as an example of a first transport unit is disposed. In the agitation chamber V2, an agitation auger R2 as an example of a second transport unit is disposed. In the developing device G of Example 1, a staying conveyance auger R3 as an example of a third conveyance unit is disposed between the developing roll R0 and the stirring auger R2.

The developing roll R0 is a known member having a magnet roll R0a as an example of a magnet member and a developing sleeve R0b as an example of a rotating member that covers the outer surface of the magnet roll R0a.
Therefore, the developer in the developing container V circulates in the direction of the arrow Yb while being stirred by each auger R1, R2.
In FIG. 4B, the staying transport auger R3 is a member for transporting the developer staying between the stirring auger R2 and the developing roll R0.

2 and 3, a replenishing port 6 as an example of a replenishing portion is formed at the front end portion of the front upper cylindrical portion 2a. Moreover, in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, the discharge port 7 as an example of a discharge part is formed in the side surface of the front upper cylinder part 2a. The discharge port 7 according to the first exemplary embodiment is disposed upstream of the position of the replenishment port 6 in the developer transport direction, and the ratio of the new developer replenished from the replenishment port 6 being discharged immediately after replenishment is small. is doing. The supply port 6 is supplied with developer from a toner cartridge (not shown).
In FIG. 4B, a trimmer 8 as an example of a layer thickness regulating member is supported on the upper end inside the developing container V. The trimmer 8 regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the surface of the developing roll R0.

  In FIG. 2, a gear G0 is attached to the rear end portion (-X end portion) of the shaft of the developing roll R0. Gears G1, G2, and G3 are attached to the rear end portions of the shafts of the augers R1 and R2 and the stay conveyance auger R3. The gear G0 and the gear G1 are meshed with each other through an intermediate gear G4. The gears G1, G2, G3 are in mesh with each other. During the developing operation, the rotational force of the gear G0 is sequentially transmitted to the gears G4, G1, G2, and G3. At this time, the developing roll R0, the augers R1 and R2, and the staying conveyance auger R3 rotate.

2 and 4A, a discharge connection portion 21 is supported outside the discharge port 7. A front end portion of a discharge cylinder 22 as an example of a discharge path is connected to the discharge connection portion 21. A collection container 23 as an example of a developer collection unit is connected to the rear end of the discharge cylinder 22.
In FIG. 2, a discharge auger R <b> 5 as an example of a discharge conveying unit is disposed inside the discharge cylinder 22.

  In FIG. 2, a gear G6 is attached to the rear end of the rotating shaft of the discharge auger R5. The gear G6 meshes with a gear G7 that meshes with the gear G2. Therefore, when the gear G2 rotates, the discharge auger R5 rotates through the gears G7 and G6. When the discharge auger R5 rotates, the excess developer discharged to the discharge tube 22 from the discharge port 7 through the discharge connection portion 21 is conveyed to the collection container 23.

(Description of bearing mechanism)
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the shaft end portion of the conveying means of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the bearing mechanism of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 6, the axial ends of the shafts 31 of the supply auger R1, the stirring auger R2, and the staying conveyance auger R3 of the first embodiment are rotatably supported by the developing container V via a ball bearing 32 as an example of a bearing. Has been.
6 and 7, the ball bearing 32 of the first embodiment has an inner ring 33 that supports the shaft 31. An outer ring 34 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner ring 33. A ball 36 as an example of a rolling element is supported between the inner ring 33 and the outer ring 34. Therefore, the inner ring 33 and the outer ring 34 are supported by the ball 36 so as to be relatively rotatable. It is also possible to provide a holder for preventing the ball 36 from falling off.

The outer ring 34 is provided with a flange portion 34 a as an example of a support portion of the leakage suppressing means on the inner side of the developing container V with respect to the axial direction of the shaft 31. The flange portion 34a extends inward in the radial direction.
In Example 1, the inner ring 33 and the outer ring 34 are made of POM: polyoxymethylene (polyoxymethylene, polyacetal) as an example of resin. The ball 36 is made of SUS (stainless steel) as an example of a metal material.

A seal 37 as an example of a leakage suppression unit is supported on the inner surface of the developing container V by the flange portion 34a. That is, the seal 37 is supported adjacent to the outer ring 34. The seal 37 of the first embodiment is made of a resin different from the outer ring 34 and having a high elastic modulus, and is made of a urethane resin as an example.
In the first embodiment, the seal 37 is integrally formed with the outer ring 34 by two-color molding. Note that the method of supporting the seal 37 on the outer ring 34 is not limited to two-color molding, and it is also possible to support it using an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like.

In FIG. 7, the seal 37 of the first embodiment is formed so that the outer diameter d <b> 1 is larger than the outer diameter d <b> 2 of the outer ring 34. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the ball bearing 32 is mounted on the developing container V, the outer end of the seal 37 is elastically deformed and the gap with the developing container V is closed. At this time, the seal 37 contacts the surface of the developing container V in a state where a predetermined contact pressure is applied. Therefore, the developer is prevented from leaking from the inside of the developing container V to the outer ring 34 side.
In FIG. 7, in the first embodiment, the inner diameter d3 of the seal 37 is formed smaller than the inner diameter d4 of the inner ring 33. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the shaft 31 is mounted on the ball bearing 32, the inner end of the seal 37 is elastically deformed and the gap with the shaft 31 is closed. Therefore, the developer is prevented from leaking from the inside of the developing container V to the inner ring 33 side. In Example 1, the inner diameter d6 of the housing space 41 of the bearing of the developing container V is set so that d2 ≦ d6 <d1, and the outer diameter d7 of the shaft 31 is d3≈d7 ≦ d4. Is set to
The ball bearing 32, the seal 37, and the like constitute the bearing mechanism of the first embodiment that supports the shaft 31.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the bearing mechanism according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the shafts 31 of the augers R1 to R3 are supported by ball bearings 32. At this time, the seal 37 molded integrally with the ball bearing 32 closes the gap with the shaft 31 due to elastic deformation of the inner end, and closes the gap with the developing container V due to elastic deformation of the outer end. It is. Therefore, the developer inside the developing container V is prevented from leaking outside the seal 37.

Like the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, ball bearings in which the inner ring and the outer ring are made of metal have been widely used in the prior art. However, when a metal ball bearing is used for the inner ring and outer ring, it is more expensive and heavier than a resin ball bearing. However, when an inexpensive resin ball bearing is employed as in the technique described in Patent Document 4, the resin inner ring and outer ring are more easily deformed than metal. Accordingly, when the bearing is mounted in the housing (developing container V), if the press fitting is performed in the same manner as the metal bearing, the outer ring is deformed and the ball is pushed. Further, when the shaft portion is press-fitted into the inner ring, the inner ring is deformed and the ball is pushed. Therefore, the ball is pushed from the inside and outside, the load and torque during rotation increase, and the temperature may increase due to frictional heat. When the temperature of the bearing rises, there is a possibility that the developer in the vicinity is fixed by heat. In addition, if the precision of the recess or shaft on the housing side is insufficient (rattle) during press-fitting, or if the strength of the outer ring or inner ring is uneven in the circumferential direction, the outer ring or inner ring will be distorted. There is a fear. Therefore, the bearing may drop from the housing due to the distortion of the outer ring, or the rotation of the shaft may be uneven due to the distortion of the inner ring.
On the other hand, if the resin bearing is not press-fitted into the housing, there is a problem that the bearing easily falls off, and a gap is easily generated between the housing and the bearing, so that the developer is liable to leak.

  On the other hand, in the bearing mechanism of the first embodiment, the ball bearing 32 is not press-fitted into the developing container V but is held by a seal 37 that is integrally molded with the outer ring 34. Further, the leakage of the developer from the gap between the ball bearing 32 and the developing container V is suppressed by the elastic deformation of the outer end of the seal 37. The seal 37 has a low elastic modulus with respect to the outer ring 34, that is, is made of a soft resin, and deformation of the seal 37 hardly affects the outer ring 34. Therefore, the ball bearing 32 can be prevented from dropping from the developing container V without the ball bearing 32 being press-fitted. Therefore, in the bearing mechanism according to the first embodiment, the cost increase and the leakage of the developer as in the conventional resin bearing are suppressed while the cost is reduced as compared with the conventional metal bearing, and the developer is dropped from the developing container V. Is also suppressed.

In the first embodiment, the gap between the shaft 31 and the inner end of the seal 37 is also closed by elastic deformation. Accordingly, leakage of the developer from the shaft 31 side is also suppressed.
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the inner end portion of the seal 37 is elastically deformed as d3 <d7 ≦ d4 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a minute gap is formed between the seal 37 and the shaft 31 as d3> d7. At this time, as described in Patent Document 3, the gap between the seal 37 and the shaft 31 is a minute gap that does not allow the carrier to pass through, so that leakage of the developer can be suppressed.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the seal 37 is disposed inside the developing container V with respect to the axial direction with respect to the outer ring 34. Therefore, even if the developer leaks from the developing container V side to the ball bearing 32 side, the inner seal 37 prevents leakage. Therefore, the developer is prevented from entering the ball bearing 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rotation failure caused by the developer adhering to the ball 36.

In the first embodiment, the seal 37 is formed integrally with the outer ring 34. Therefore, when the ball bearing 32 is assembled to the developing container V, it is not necessary to assemble the seal and the bearing separately, and the seal 37 can be assembled only by assembling the ball bearing 32 to the developing container V. Therefore, the assembly becomes easy, the manufacturing process is reduced, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the seal 37 and the outer ring 34 are molded in two colors, and the seal 37 is unlikely to fall off the outer ring 34. Therefore, the positional deviation of the seal 37 is hardly generated when the ball bearing 32 is assembled, and it is easy to ensure the target sealing performance.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the bearing mechanism of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 8, in the bearing mechanism of the second embodiment, a seal 37 ′ is formed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 34 in the radial direction.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the bearing mechanism of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the ball bearing 32 is mounted on the developing container V, the portion of the seal 37 ′ on the outer peripheral side of the outer ring 34 is elastically deformed to the inner surface of the bearing receiving space 41. In close contact. Therefore, the developer is more difficult to leak out than the configuration of the first embodiment, and the developer is less likely to fall off.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above embodiment, the copying machine U was exemplified as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the copying machine U is configured by a printer, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality or all of these functions. It is also possible to do.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine U is exemplified by a configuration in which a single color developer is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the copying machine U can be applied to a multicolor image forming apparatus having two or more colors. is there.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the seal 37 is preferably disposed inside the developing container V with respect to the ball bearing 32, but may be disposed outside the developing container V. Moreover, it is also possible to use only the portion on the outer peripheral surface side of the outer ring 34 of the second embodiment. In this case, a configuration in which the flange portion 34a is not provided is also possible.

(H04) In the above-described embodiments, the specific material names and numerical values illustrated can be arbitrarily changed according to the design, specifications, and the like.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the ball bearing is exemplified as the bearing. However, the bearing is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to apply not to the ball 36 but to a roller bearing (roller bearing) using a roller as a rolling element, a needle bearing using a needle, or the like.

(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the bearing mechanism of the augers R1 to R3 of the developing device G has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotating shaft of the conveying means inside the toner cartridge, the rotating shaft of the conveying means for conveying the developer from the toner cartridge to the developing device G, the rotating shaft of the photosensitive drum PR, the charging roll CR, the transfer roll TR, the drum cleaner It can be applied to parts related to powder such as developer, such as a rotating shaft of a conveying means for conveying developer from CLp to a collection container.
(H07) In the above embodiment, it is desirable that the inner ring 33 is also made of resin, but the inner ring 33 can also be applied to a metal bearing.

31 ... axis,
32 ... bearings,
33 ... Inner ring,
34 ... Outer ring,
36 ... rolling elements,
37, 37 '... Leakage suppression means,
G: Developing means,
PR: Image holding means,
R1, R2, R3 ... conveying means,
ROS ... latent image forming means,
U: Image forming apparatus,
V: Means for containing developer.

Claims (8)

An inner ring that supports a shaft; an outer ring made of resin that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner ring; and a rolling element that is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring so as to relatively rotatably hold the inner ring and the outer ring. A bearing having,
Leakage suppressing means that is supported adjacent to the outer ring and is made of a resin that is different from the outer ring and has a low elastic modulus, and that suppresses leakage of the developer in the axial direction;
A bearing mechanism characterized by comprising: Leakage suppression means formed integrally with the outer ring,
The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: The bearing mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the leakage suppression means is integrally formed with the outer ring by two-color molding. The bearing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the leakage suppressing means has an outer end arranged in a radial direction outside an outer diameter of the outer ring. The bearing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the leakage suppression unit is disposed on the developer storage unit side of the outer ring and has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the outer ring. The bearing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the leakage suppression unit is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer ring. The bearing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner ring is made of resin. Image holding means;
Latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the image holding means;
Developing means for developing a latent image of the image holding means, a containing means for containing a developer, a conveying means for rotating and conveying the developer in the containing means, and the conveying means being rotatable The developing unit having a bearing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images