JP2020060714A - Developer accommodation unit, process cartridge, manufacturing method for developer accommodation unit, and manufacturing method for process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress an increase in component types when providing a developer accommodation unit differing in developer amount, and provide a developer accommodation unit that accommodates a greater amount of developer.SOLUTION: Provided is a manufacturing method for a developer accommodation unit, the developer accommodation unit comprising a first frame and a second frame coupled to the first frame so that a space is formed between the first and second frames, the second frame having an inner wall surface arranged so as to face the space. The manufacturing method includes: an assembly step for assembling, to the first frame, one of a first flexible container for accommodating a developer and a second flexible container for accommodating a greater amount of developer than the first flexible container; and a joint step for joining the first and second frames together so that the first or second flexible container is accommodated in the space while being compressed by the inner wall surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer accommodating unit used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, and a manufacturing method thereof.

  Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. The image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, and the like.

  The developer storage unit stores a developer (toner, carrier, etc.).

  Further, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which the image carrier, the developer carrier, and the developer accommodating unit are integrally formed, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.

  As a developer storage unit, a configuration has been proposed in which a developer is stored in a flexible container, and an opening provided in the flexible container is sealed with a sealing member, which is stored inside a frame body. . When the developer accommodating unit is used, the opening is opened by peeling off the sealing member, and the developer is supplied. In such a developer accommodating unit, there is a developer accommodating unit in which a large flexible container is crushed and accommodated with respect to the frame in order to accommodate a larger amount of developer in the flexible container. At this time, since the central surface of the frame has low rigidity, the flexible container is crushed by the end surface of the frame so that the reaction force does not act on the central surface (Patent Document 1).

JP, 2014-134769, A

  When the flexible container is made smaller than the frame body so that the developer storage container (flexible container) is not crushed by the central surface of the frame body, the amount of the developer filled in the flexible container is reduced. It will decrease. In addition, a developer storage unit having a different amount of developer may be provided in order to meet various usage situations of users. At this time, if a developer accommodating unit is manufactured by combining a plurality of types of frame bodies and a plurality of types of flexible containers with each other, the types of necessary components will increase.

  One of the objects of the present invention is to suppress an increase in the types of parts in providing a developer accommodating unit having different amounts of developer. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a developer accommodating unit for accommodating more developer.

  One of the inventions of the present application is as follows.

A method for manufacturing a developer accommodating unit, wherein the developer accommodating unit is coupled to the first frame body so that a space is formed between the first frame body and the first frame body. And a second frame body, wherein the second frame body has an inner wall surface arranged to face the space,
The manufacturing method,
A first flexible container containing a developer and provided with a first opening for discharging the developer into the space, or more developer than the first flexible container. Any of a second flexible container that is housed and provided with a second opening for discharging the developer into the space, an assembling step of assembling to the first frame body,
The first frame body and the second frame body so that the first flexible container or the second flexible container is housed in the space while being compressed by the inner wall surface. A coupling step for coupling
Have
The first flexible container includes the first facing wall arranged so as to face the inner wall surface, and the first facing wall protrudes in a direction away from the first frame body. One projecting region and a first retracting region retracted in a direction closer to the first frame than the first projecting region, and the second flexible container faces the inner wall surface. A second projecting region projecting in a direction away from the first frame, and the second projecting region including the second projecting region Including the second retreat area that retreats toward the frame body of
The position of the first opposing wall in a state where the first flexible container is assembled to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface, the first frame and the second When comparing the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the frame bodies are joined, the first projecting region is located outside the space from the inner wall surface, and the first retreat region is the inner wall surface. Located inside the space,
The position of the second opposing wall in a state where the second flexible container is assembled to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface, the first frame and the second When comparing the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the frame body is joined, the second projecting region and the second retreat region are located outside the space from the inner wall surface. Manufacturing method.

  One of the inventions of the present application is as follows.

A first frame,
A second frame body coupled to the first frame body so as to form a space between the first frame body and a second frame body having an inner wall surface facing the space. When,
A flexible container that contains a developer and is provided with an opening for discharging the developer into the space, and is attached to the first frame and compressed by the inner wall surface. A flexible container housed in the space, having a facing wall facing the inner wall surface,
Have
The opposing wall includes a protruding area protruding in a direction away from the first frame body, and a retreat area retracted in a direction closer to the first frame body than the protruding area,
When the position of the opposing wall in a state where the flexible container is attached to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface is compared with the position of the inner wall surface, the protruding region and the The developer accommodating unit, wherein the retreat area is located outside the space with respect to the inner wall surface.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an increase in the number of types of parts can be suppressed when providing a developing device having different amounts of developer. Further, it is possible to provide a developer storage unit that stores a larger amount of developer.

It is sectional drawing explaining the assembling process of a 2nd flexible container, and the joining process of a 1st frame and a 2nd frame. FIG. 3 is a main cross-sectional view of a process cartridge. FIG. 3 is a main cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the developer accommodating unit which accommodated the 1st flexible container. It is a perspective view explaining the composition of the 1st flexible container. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of a 1st flexible container. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the developer accommodating unit which accommodated the 2nd flexible container. It is sectional drawing explaining the assembling process of a 1st flexible container, and the joining process of a 1st frame and a 2nd frame. It is sectional drawing explaining the shape difference of a 1st flexible container and a 2nd flexible container.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, unless otherwise specified, the functions, materials, shapes, functions, relative positions, etc. of the constituent parts described in this embodiment are intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto. is not.

  In the following description, the longitudinal direction F is the same as the longitudinal direction of the box-shaped developer accommodating unit 25 or the developing device 38 (see FIG. 4C). Further, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction F is the same as the directions of the rotational axes of the photosensitive drum 11, the developing roller 13, and the unsealing member 20, which will be described later. The longitudinal direction F is the same as the longitudinal directions of the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17, which will be described later. The longitudinal direction F is the same as the longitudinal directions of the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27 described later.

<Outline of process cartridge configuration>
The configuration of the process cartridge according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 is a main sectional view of a process cartridge according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a main sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F.

  The process cartridge A includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member that bears an electrostatic latent image, and a process unit that acts on the photosensitive drum 11. The process means includes a charging member 12 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, a developing device 38 that forms a developer image on the photosensitive drum 11, and a cleaning means (cleaning) for removing the developer T remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Member) 14 and the like. Note that the developer T may contain toner, carrier, etc., but in this embodiment, a non-magnetic one-component toner was used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge A includes a drum unit 24 having the photosensitive drum 11. Around the photosensitive drum 11, a charging roller 12 as a charging unit and an elastic cleaning blade 14 as a cleaning unit are arranged.

  The process cartridge A includes a developing device (developing unit) 38. The developing device 38 includes a developer accommodating unit 25, a developing roller 13 as a developer carrier (developing means), a developing blade 15 as a regulating member, and a developer supplying roller 23 as a developer supplying member. The developing roller 13 carries the developer T discharged from the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 27 described later.

  The rotation direction of each member will be described with reference to FIG. The photosensitive drum 11 is rotated in the clockwise direction when a rotational driving force is applied to the drum unit 24 from the image forming apparatus. The charging roller 12 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11, and is rotated counterclockwise by the photosensitive drum 11. When a rotational driving force is applied to the developing device 38 from the image forming device, the developer supply roller 23 rotates counterclockwise while contacting the developing roller 13, and the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 26 is rotated. The developer T discharged from the flexible container 27 is supplied to the developing roller 13. The developing roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 and rotates counterclockwise to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with the developer T.

  On the other hand, the developer accommodating unit 25 has a first frame 18, a second frame 17, and a first flexible container 26 for accommodating the developer T. The first flexible container 26 has a first flexible container body 26p and a sealing member 19. The developer accommodating unit 25 has the unsealing member 20 which is rotated by the driving force applied to the developing device 38. The unsealing member 20 is for peeling off the sealing member 19. The process cartridge A has the drum unit 24 and the developing device 38 integrated with each other, and is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body B of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

<Outline of configuration of image forming apparatus>
The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  The image forming apparatus includes the above process cartridge A and the apparatus main body B. As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge A is detachably attached to the apparatus main body B and used for image formation. For image formation, the sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller 7 from the sheet cassette 6 attached to the lower part of the apparatus main body B. Here, the sheet S is a medium such as paper. In synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet S, the charged photosensitive drum 11 is exposed by the exposure device 8 to form a latent image. The developer T is supplied to the developing roller 13 by the sponge-like developer supplying roller 23, and is carried in a thin layer on the surface of the developing roller 13 by the developing blade 15. By applying a developing bias (voltage) to the developing roller 13, the developer T is supplied to the photosensitive drum 11 according to the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed as a developer image. A transfer bias (voltage) is applied to the transfer roller 9 to transfer the developer image onto the sheet S. The sheet S is conveyed to the fixing device 10 and heated by the fixing device 10, so that the developer image is fixed on the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is discharged by the sheet discharge roller 1 to the sheet discharge section 3 in the upper part of the apparatus main body B.

<Overview of configuration of developer storage unit>
Next, the structure of the developer accommodating unit 25 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developer storage unit 25 includes a first flexible container 26, a second frame body 17 and a first frame body 18. A combination of the second frame body 17 and the first frame body 18 is a developing frame body 40 that accommodates the first flexible container 26 and a second flexible container 27 described later. The second frame body 17 is coupled to the first frame body 18 so that a space is formed between the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17. On the other hand, the second frame body 17 has an inner wall surface 17 a arranged between the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17 so as to face the space. Note that FIG. 2 shows a state in which the first flexible container 26 is housed in the space between the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17. However, instead of the first flexible container 26, a second flexible container 27 described later can be housed in the space between the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17. In the following description, a space for accommodating the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 27 (a space formed between the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17) will be described. It is simply called a storage space.

  In this embodiment, the developer accommodating unit 25 is a part of the developing device 38 or the process cartridge A, but the developer accommodating unit 25 alone may be a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body B.

<Outline of configuration of first flexible container>
Next, the configuration of the first flexible container 26 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the developer storage unit 25 that stores the first flexible container 26. Here, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the longitudinal central portion of the developer storage unit 25 before the sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container 26 of the developer storage unit 25. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a protrusion 18b portion, which will be described later, surrounded by a rectangular frame line in FIG. The arrow G is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the developer storage unit 25.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first flexible container 26. 5A is a cutaway perspective view of the first flexible container 26, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the first flexible container 26, which is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the first flexible container 26. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the first flexible container 26. FIG. 6B is a view of the first flexible container 26 as seen in the longitudinal direction F. FIG. 6C is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first flexible container 26 has a flexible first flexible container body 26p and a sealing member 19. The first flexible container 26 can store the developer T therein and can discharge the developer T into the storage space from the first opening 35. The first flexible container 26 is housed in the housing space between the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a while being compressed by the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17. In addition, also when accommodating the 2nd flexible container 27 mentioned later, the 2nd flexible container 27 WHEREIN: Between the 1st frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a of the 2nd frame 17, It is compressed by the inner wall surface 17 a of the second frame body 17.

  The first flexible container body 26p includes a molding portion 26p1 having a concave portion as a developer accommodating portion formed on one surface by injection molding, vacuum molding, pressure molding, or press molding of a sheet-shaped material, The sheet-like ventilation part 26p2 having air permeability. Here, as a method of joining the molding portion 26p1 and the ventilation portion 26p2, there are heat welding, laser welding, an adhesive, an adhesive tape, and the like.

  As the material of the molding portion 26p1, it is preferable that the developer T does not leak out of the first flexible container 26, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or the like. However, the material is not limited to this as long as the material can be injection-molded and sheet-formed and can be bonded to the ventilation portion 26p2. The molding portion 26p1 of this embodiment does not have air permeability.

  The air permeability of the ventilation portion 26p2 may be appropriately selected in consideration of the size of the developer T to be stored (particle size of powder) so that the developer T does not leak out of the first flexible container 26. . The material of the ventilation part 26p2 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or the like, and a non-woven fabric having a thickness of 0.03 to 0.15 mm is preferable. The material of the ventilation part 26p2 is not limited to the non-woven fabric, and may be one having finer holes than the powder such as the developer stored in the first flexible container 26.

  Further, the sealing member 19 is a flexible sheet-shaped member, and the material thereof can be appropriately selected from those which do not pass the developer T, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and the like.

  The flange portion 26m formed on the outer periphery of the first flexible container body 26p is provided with a hole 26n that is a portion to be fixed to the first frame body 18. The flange portion 26m in this embodiment is a portion where the molding portion 26p1 and the ventilation portion 26p2 are overlapped and joined. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first frame 18 is provided with a protrusion 18b which is a fixing portion for fixing the first flexible container 26. . The first flexible container 26 is attached to the first frame body 18 by engaging the hole 26n with the protrusion 18b. At this time, the first flexible container 26 is attached to the first frame body 18 with the ventilation portion 26p2 facing the first frame body 18 side. That is, the surface of the ventilation portion 26p2 on the first frame 18 side is the first contact surface 26h that contacts the first frame 18.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the umbrella portion (tip portion) 18c of the protrusion 18b has a portion longer than the width of the hole 26n, thereby fulfilling the retaining function. May be other means. For example, it may be fixed by a method of melting and fixing the protrusions using ultrasonic waves or heat, adhesion using a solvent or an adhesive, sandwiching between the frame bodies, and the like.

  Further, the discharge opening surface 26f of the first flexible container 26 is provided with a first opening 35 for discharging the developer T stored therein into the storage space. In the process cartridge A before use, the first opening 35 is sealed by the sealing member 19 in order to prevent the developer T from leaking from the first flexible container 26. The sealing member 19 is joined to the outer surface of the first flexible container body 26p around the first opening 35 so as to cover the first opening 35. The sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container body 26p by the unsealing member 20 to expose the first opening 35, and the developer T is released from the inside of the first flexible container body 26p. Can be discharged.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the sealing member 19 is fixed to the unsealing member 20 by the engaged portion 19b. The unsealing member 20 is rotatably supported by the first frame 18. The unsealing member 20 is arranged outside the first flexible container 26 and inside the storage space. The rotation axis of the unsealing member 20 is parallel to the longitudinal direction F of the first flexible container 26 and passes through the cross sectional center 20a of the unsealing member 20. The unsealing member 20 is wound in the sealing member 19 by the driving force (motor and gear) (not shown) provided in the main assembly B of the apparatus to transmit the driving force and rotate in the direction of arrow C. The opening 35 can be exposed.

  Here, a plurality of holes 26n and protrusions 18b are provided in parallel with the longitudinal direction F of the first flexible container 26, and force is applied when the sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container body 26p. Is receiving. When the sealing member 19 is peeled off, the hole 26n is engaged with the protrusion 18b to restrict the movement of the first flexible container body 26p, so that the sealing member 19 can be peeled off.

  It is preferable that the first opening 35 is configured to facilitate discharge of the developer T stored in the attitude during image formation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first opening 35 is arranged so as to face substantially vertically downward in the attitude during image formation. That is, the first opening 35 is arranged so that the developer can drop from the first opening 35 by gravity.

  The arrangement of the sealing member 19, the first opening 35, and the opening member 20 for winding the sealing member 19 with the opening member 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The unsealing member 20 is disposed substantially vertically below the first opening 35, rotates in the direction of arrow C as described above, and winds the sealing member 19. In the sealing member 19, the first flexible container main body 26p and the unsealing member are formed so that a folded-back portion is formed between the portion covering the first opening 35 and the portion fixed to the unsealing member 20. It is fixed to 20 and. Note that the horizontal position of the cross-sectional center 20a, which is the rotation center of the unsealing member 20, in FIG. 5B is opposite to the ventilation part 26p2 with respect to the end of the first opening 35 on the ventilation part 26p2 side. It is desirable to be in the position. Thereby, when the sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container body 26p, an angle of θs (0 <θs <90 °) with respect to the discharge opening surface 26f in which the first opening 35 is arranged. You can pull it with. Thereby, the influence of the bonding surface in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F of the bonding surface between the sealing member 19 and the first flexible container body 26p can be minimized, and the unsealing force can be reduced.

  Next, the configuration of the first flexible container 26 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. For the sake of explanation, the upper side in the vertical direction of FIG. 6B is called the upper side and the lower side is called the lower side. The vertical direction in FIG. 6B is a direction orthogonal to the first contact surface 26h.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b), and 6 (c), the first flexible container 26 serves as a first facing wall arranged so as to face the inner wall surface 17a. The first top surface 26g and the first contact surface 26h that contacts the first frame 18 are provided. Between the first top surface 26g and the first contact surface 26h, the discharge opening surface 26f as the first side wall, the longitudinal end surfaces 26d and 26e, and the discharge facing wall 26k that faces the discharge opening surface 26f are arranged. It The discharge opening surface 26f provided with the first opening 35 and the first top surface 26g are adjacent to each other with the bent portion interposed therebetween. The first top surface 26g includes end surface 26ga, 26gb as a first protruding area and a central surface 26gc as a first retreat area.

  In a state where the first flexible container 26 is not compressed, the end surfaces 26ga and 26gb project in a direction away from the first frame 18 (a direction toward the inner wall surface 17a). The central surface 26gc is retracted in a direction closer to the first frame 18 than in the end surfaces 26ga and 26gb (a direction away from the inner wall surface 17a).

  The central surface 67gc is arranged inside the end surfaces 26ga and 26gb in the longitudinal direction F. The first top surface 26g faces the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame body 17 and is pushed by the inner wall surface 17a when the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17 are joined. Will be placed. The central surface 26gc is located between the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb in the longitudinal direction F. In other words, in the longitudinal direction F, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are arranged on both sides of the central surface 26gc.

  Further, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are different from the central surface 26gc in the distance from the first contact surface 26h. In the mounting direction E of the second frame body 17 (not shown) with respect to the first frame body 18, from the first contact surface 26h which is a surface facing the first frame body 18 (not shown) to the end surface. 26ga, the end surface 26gb, and the distance to the central surface 26gc are L1, L2, and L3, respectively. At this time, L3 <L1 and L3 <L2. Further, in this embodiment, L1 = L2. Note that these distances are distances when the first flexible container 26 is not compressed. In other words, in a state where the first flexible container 26 is not compressed, the distance between the first contact surface 26h and the end surface 26ga, the end surface 26gb is the same as the first contact surface 26h. It is longer than the distance between the central surfaces 26gc. Here, the assembly direction E is a direction in which the second frame body 17 is assembled to the first frame body 18 to which the first flexible container 26 is fixed, and the ventilation portion of the first flexible container 26. It is a direction substantially orthogonal to 26p2.

  Longitudinal end surfaces 26d and 26e in the longitudinal direction F of the first flexible container 26 are surfaces adjacent to the end surface 26ga and 26gb, respectively, and the longitudinal end surface 26d and the longitudinal end surface 26e face each other. Here, the thickness t1 of the longitudinal end surface 26d and the thickness t2 of the longitudinal end surface 26e are smaller than the thickness t3 of the end surface 26ga, the thickness t4 of the end surface 26gb, and the thickness t5 of the central surface 26gc. In the molding portion 26p1 of the first flexible container body 26p in this embodiment, the first top surface 26g and the first side wall (the discharge opening surface 26f etc.) are integrally formed by vacuum molding. Therefore, the thickness of the first side wall can be made thinner than the thickness of the first top surface 26g.

  The longitudinal end surface 26d and the longitudinal end surface 26e of the first flexible container 26 are inclined by an angle θ1 and an angle θ2 toward the inside of the storage container in the longitudinal direction F with respect to the assembling direction E of the second frame 17 (not shown). are doing. As shown in FIG. 6C, the direction of the inclination is such that Ly> Lx when the upper longitudinal dimension of the first flexible container 26 is Lx and the lower longitudinal dimension is Ly. , 0 ° <θ1 <90 ° and 0 ° <θ2 <90 °. In this embodiment, θ1 = 3 ° and θ2 = 3 ° are set.

<Outline of configuration of second flexible container>
Next, the configuration of the second flexible container 27 that stores the developer T will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

  Here, the second flexible container 27 is a developer storage container having a shape different from that of the first flexible container 26, and can store a larger amount of developer T than the first flexible container 26. At the time of manufacturing the developer accommodating unit, either the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 27 is selected and attached to the developing device frame 40. Hereinafter, the case where the first flexible container 26 is assembled is referred to as the first developer accommodating unit 25, and the case where the second flexible container 27 is assembled is referred to as the second developer accommodating unit 125.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a developer storage unit (second developer storage unit) 125 that stores a second flexible container. FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the second developer storage unit 125. FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along the longitudinal direction of the second developer storage container. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view in which the second flexible container 27 cut in the YY cross section of FIG. 7B and the first flexible container 26 cut in the same portion are arranged. .

  The second flexible container 27, like the first flexible container 26, includes a flexible second flexible container body 27p and a sealing member 19. The second flexible container 27 can store the developer T therein and can discharge the developer T into the storage space through the second opening 55. The second flexible container body 27p includes a molding portion 27p1 and a ventilation portion 27p2. The second flexible container 27 is substantially the same as the first flexible container 26 except that the position of a second top surface 27g described later is different from the position of the first top surface 26g. It is the structure of.

  The second flexible container 27 includes a second top surface 27g as a second facing wall arranged to face the inner wall surface 17a, and a second contact that abuts on the first frame body 18. The surface 27h is provided. The second flexible container 27 is attached to the first frame body 18 with the ventilation part 27p2 facing the first frame body 18 side. That is, the surface of the ventilation portion 27p2 on the first frame body 18 side is the second contact surface 27h that contacts the first frame body 18.

  Between the second top surface 27g and the second contact surface 27h, the discharge opening surface 27f as the second side wall, the longitudinal end surfaces 27d and 27e, and the discharge facing wall 27k facing the discharge surface are arranged. The discharge opening surface 27f provided with the second opening 55 and the second top surface 27g are adjacent to each other with the bent portion interposed therebetween. The second top surface 27g includes end surface 27ga, 27gb as a second projecting area and a central surface 27gc as a second retreat area.

  In a state where the second flexible container 27 is not compressed, the end surfaces 27ga and 27gb project in a direction away from the first frame 18 (a direction toward the inner wall surface 17a). The central surface 27gc retreats in a direction closer to the first frame 18 than the end surfaces 27ga and 27gb (a direction away from the inner wall surface 17a).

  The central surface 27gc is arranged inside the end surfaces 27ga and 27gb in the longitudinal direction F. The second top surface 27g of the second flexible container 27 faces the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame body 17, and when the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17 are joined together. , So that they are pushed by the inner wall surface 17a. The central surface 27gc is located between the end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb in the longitudinal direction F. In other words, in the longitudinal direction F, the end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb are arranged on both sides of the central surface 27gc.

  The end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb are different from the central surface 27gc in the distance from the second contact surface 27h. Here, in the assembling direction E of the second frame body 17, from the second contact surface 27h, which is the surface facing the first frame body 18, to the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the central surface 27gc. The distances are L11, L12, and L13, respectively. At this time, L13 <L11 and L13 <L12. Further, in this embodiment, L11 = L12. Note that these distances are distances when the second flexible container 27 is not compressed. In other words, in the state where the second flexible container 27 is not compressed, the distance between the second contact surface 27h and the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb is the same as the second contact surface 27h. It is longer than the distance between the central surfaces 27gc. That is, the distance between the second top surface 27g and the second contact surface 27h is closer to the end of the second flexible container 27 than to the center of the second flexible container 27 in the longitudinal direction F. long.

  Longitudinal end faces 27d and 27e in the longitudinal direction F of the second flexible container 27 are faces adjacent to the end faces 27ga and 27gb, respectively, and the long end face 27d and the long end face 27e face each other. The long end face 27d and the long end face 27e are inclined at the same angle as the long end face 26d and the long end face 26.

  The flange portion 27m formed on the outer circumference of the second flexible container 27p is provided with a hole 27n that is a fixed portion for the first frame body 18, and the protrusion 18b of the first frame body 18 ( (See FIG. 4) and is positioned.

  The second flexible container 27p is provided with a second opening 55 for discharging the developer T. Here, as shown in FIG. 7C, the second opening 55 of the second flexible container 27p and the first opening 35 of the first flexible container main body 26p are at the same position. Is arranged. The reason will be described later.

  The thickness t11 of the longitudinal end surface 27d and the thickness t12 of the longitudinal end surface 27e in the longitudinal direction F of the second flexible container 27 are the thickness t13 of the end surface 27ga, the thickness t14 of the end surface 27gb, and the thickness of the central surface 27gc. It is thinner than t15. In the molding portion 27p1 of the second flexible container body 27p in this embodiment, the second top surface 27g and the second side wall (the discharge opening surface 27f etc.) are integrally formed by vacuum molding. Therefore, the thickness of the first side wall can be made thinner than the thickness of the second top surface 27g.

  Here, the second top surface 27g is located outside the storage space with respect to the first top surface 26g. Therefore, the second flexible container 27 can store more developer T than the first flexible container 26.

  Further, the sealing member 19 is joined to the outer surface of the second flexible container body 27p around the second opening 55 so as to cover the second opening 55. The sealing member 19 is peeled off from the second flexible container body 27p by the unsealing member 20 to expose the second opening 55, and the developer T is discharged from the inside of the second flexible container body 27p. Can be discharged. The peeling of the sealing member 19 is the same as the peeling from the first flexible container 26, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

<Assembly Method of First Flexible Container to Frame>
Next, a method of assembling the first flexible container 26 to the developing device frame 40 (assembly process) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of assembling the first flexible container 26 and a process of connecting the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an assembling process of the first flexible container 26 into the developing device frame body 40, in which the first developer accommodating unit 25 is cut at the same position as the XX cross section of FIG. 6. . FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first flexible container 26 is fixed to the first frame body 18. FIG. 8B is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the second frame body 17 is being assembled to the first frame body 18 to which the first flexible container 26 is fixed. FIG. 8C is a sectional view illustrating a state after the second frame body 17 is assembled to the first frame body 18. An alternate long and two short dashes line in FIG. 8C represents the shape of the first flexible container 26 in a state (an uncompressed state) before the second frame 17 is assembled to the first frame 18. .

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the second frame body 17 is assembled in the assembly direction E with respect to the first flexible container 26 fixed to the first frame body 18. At this time, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb of the first flexible container 26 come into contact with the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17.

  Next, the position of the first top surface 26g with respect to the inner wall surface 17a when the second frame body 17 shown in FIG. 8C is assembled to the first frame body 18 will be described.

  The end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb of the first flexible container 26 are in the first state (two-dot chain line) which is the state before the second frame body 17 is assembled to the first frame body 18. In some cases, it has entered the upstream side in the assembly direction E with respect to the inner wall surface 17a. That is, the end faces 26ga and 26gb in the state where the first flexible container 26 is assembled to the first frame body 18 and are not deformed have the second frame body 17 in the first direction in the assembly direction E. It is located on the upstream side of the inner wall surface 17a assembled to the frame body 18 of FIG. Therefore, when the second frame 17 is moved in the assembling direction E from the state of FIG. 8B, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are crushed in the assembling direction E by the inner wall surface 17a. Crushing here means that the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb move in the assembling direction E while contacting the inner wall surface 17a. At this time, the longitudinal end surfaces 26d and 26e of the first flexible container 26 bend in the longitudinal direction F, and the ejection opening surface 26f and the ejection opposing wall 26k facing the ejection opening surface 26f also extend in the longitudinal direction F. Bend in the orthogonal direction.

  A state in which the first flexible container 26 is crushed by the inner wall surface 17a and is housed inside the developing device frame 40 is referred to as a second state. The developer T and air exist inside the first flexible container 26, and the air inside the first flexible container 26 exits from the ventilation part 26p2, so that the first flexible container 26 is released. Is crushed.

  Here, the end surface 26ga1 and the end surface 26gb1 of the first flexible container 26 in the second state are shown by solid lines.

  In the first state (non-compressed state), the distance from the first contact surface 26h to the end surface 26ga is L1, and the distance from the first contact surface 26h to the end surface 26gb in the first state is It is L2. On the other hand, a surface 18a of the first frame body 18 facing the first contact surface 26h, and an end surface 26ga, and a third wall surface 17a of the second frame body 17 facing the end surface 26gb Is defined as the distance L4. At this time, L4 <L1 and L4 <L2. The distance L3 from the first contact surface 26h to the central surface 26gc is smaller than or equal to the distance L4. That is, L3 ≦ L4. Therefore, the developing frame body 40 formed by the second frame body 17 and the first frame body 18 has a reaction force generated by crushing the first flexible container 26 at the end face 40a and the end face 40b. P1 receives reaction force P2. The forces generated by deforming the first flexible container 26 having flexibility are defined as P1A and P2A.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4C, the developing device frame 40 has a box shape that is long in the longitudinal direction F, and the end surface 40a and the end surface 40b are formed substantially parallel to the assembling direction E. The end surfaces 40d and 40e are connected to each other. Therefore, the rigidity of the end surface 40a and the end surface 40b in the assembling direction E is higher than the rigidity of the center surface 40c in the assembling direction E. By not applying the reaction force of the first flexible container 26 to the central surface 40c, and receiving the reaction force P1 and the reaction force P2 of the first flexible container 26 at the end surfaces 40a and 40b. Therefore, the deformation of the developing device frame 40 can be reduced.

  In this way, the first flexible container 26 can be formed between the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a by the connecting step of connecting the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 to each other. It is stored in the storage space while being compressed by the wall surface 17a.

  Here, the relationship between the first flexible container 26 and the inner wall surface 17a can be expressed as follows. The position of the first top surface 26g in a state where the first flexible container 26 is assembled to the first frame 18 and is not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a, the first frame 18 and the second frame 18g. The position of the inner wall surface 17a in the state where the frame body 17 is coupled is compared. The position here is a relative position with respect to the first frame 18. At this time, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are positioned outside the storage space with respect to the inner wall surface 17a. Further, the central surface 26gc is located inside the storage space with respect to the inner wall surface 17a.

  On the other hand, as described above, the thickness t1 of the longitudinal end surface 26d and the thickness t2 of the longitudinal end surface 26e are smaller than the thickness t3 of the end surface 26ga, the thickness t4 of the end surface 26gb, and the thickness t5 of the central surface 26gc. When the thickness of the discharge opening surface 26f is t7 and the thickness of the discharge facing wall 26k that faces the discharge opening surface 26f is t8, the thicknesses t7 and t8 are the thickness t3 of the end surface 26ga, the thickness t4 of the end surface 26gb, and the center. It is thinner than the thickness t5 of the part surface 26gc. Therefore, the longitudinal end surface 26d, the longitudinal end surface 26e, the ejection opening surface 26f, and the ejection facing wall 26k are easily buckled and deformed in the assembling direction E. Therefore, the forces P1A and P2A caused by deforming the first flexible container 26 are reduced. That is, the reaction force P1 and the reaction force P2 are smaller than when the entire first flexible container 26 is formed with a uniform thickness.

  When assembling the first flexible container 26 into the developing device frame 40 or when filling the first flexible container 26 with the developer T, the end surface 26ga, the end surface 26gb, the central surface In order to maintain the shape of 26 gc, the first flexible container 26 needs to have a constant thickness. However, if the thickness of the first flexible container 26 is uniform throughout, the end surface 26ga, the end surface 26gb, and the central surface 26gc may be crushed during assembly. In that case, the shape of the first flexible container 26 is largely deformed, and the discharge of the developer T is affected. Therefore, as described above, the thicknesses of the longitudinal end surface 26d, the longitudinal end surface 26e, the discharge opening surface 26f, and the discharge facing wall 26k are reduced, and the surfaces are bent so that the end surface 26ga, the end surface 26gb, and the central surface 26gc. Maintain its shape. As a result, the developer T can be stably discharged.

  A gap L6 and a gap L7 are provided in the longitudinal direction F between the longitudinal end surface 26d and the end surface 40d of the developing device frame 40 and between the longitudinal end face 26e and the end surface 40e of the developing device frame 40, respectively. Further, the first flexible container 26 and the developing device frame 40 have a gap between the discharge opening surface 26f and the developing device frame 40 even in a direction substantially parallel to the ventilation part 26p2 shown in the sectional view of FIG. There is L9. Similarly, there is a gap L8 between the discharge facing wall 26k facing the discharge opening surface 26f and the developing device frame 40. When the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are crushed, the convex portion 26d1 due to the bending of the longitudinal end surface 26d and the convex portion 26e1 due to the bending of the longitudinal end surface 26e are generated. The developer T that moves when the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are crushed can be stored in the convex portions 26d1 and 26e1. Similarly, with respect to the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge facing wall 26k as well, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are crushed to cause bending, and the developer T can be stored.

<Assembly Method of Second Flexible Container to Frame>
Next, the method of assembling the second flexible container 27 to the developing device frame 40 (assembly process) will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 1, which is different from the first flexible container 26.

  Here, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape difference between the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27. In FIG. 9, the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27 are illustrated in a non-compressed state (a state in which they are not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a). Further, the positions of the respective frame bodies in the state where the first frame body 18 and the second frame body 17 are completely coupled are indicated by a chain double-dashed line. As shown in FIG. 9, the position of the longitudinal section is the central portion of each flexible container in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F. Specifically, the first flexible container 26 has an X-X cross section, and the second flexible container 27 has an X'-X 'cross section.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembling process of a second flexible container and a connecting process of a first frame body and a second frame body. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the developer accommodating unit 25 taken in the longitudinal direction F. In FIG. 1A, the second frame 17 is fixed to the first frame 18 to which the second flexible container 27 is fixed, and the end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb are formed on the inner wall surface 17a. It is sectional drawing explaining the state assembled in the assembly direction E until it abuts. In FIG. 1B, the frame body 17 is further assembled from FIG. 1A, and the frame body 17 is assembled to the second flexible container 27 until the central surface 27gc and the inner wall surface 17a come into contact with each other. The state assembled in the direction E is shown. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state after the second frame body 17 is assembled to the first frame body 18. The two-dot chain line in FIG. 1C shows the shape of the second flexible container 27 before the frame body 17 is assembled.

  Regarding the method of assembly, which is similar to that of the first flexible container 26, detailed description may be omitted.

  The positions of the end surface 26ga, the end surface 26gb, and the central surface 26gc in the uncompressed state are compared with the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the central surface 27gc. As shown in FIG. 9, with respect to the assembling direction E, the positions of the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the central surface 27gc are located upstream of the end surface 26ga, the end surface 26gb, and the central surface 26gc. . The difference between the positions is larger than the thickness t17 of the second frame body 17, and is L11-L1> t17, L12-L2> t17, L13-L3> t17.

  Here, in this embodiment, the thickness t17 is the same as the shortest distance between the inner wall surface 17a and the outer wall surface 17b on the back side thereof. Further, regarding the central surface 27gc of the second flexible container 27, the relationship between the surface 18a of the first frame body 18 and the distance L4 between the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame body 17 is L13> L4 + t17. Has become. Therefore, the central surface 27gc of the second flexible container 27 is compressed and deformed when the second frame 17 is assembled to the first frame 18. Here, since L13 <L11 and L13 <L12 as described above, the end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb are also compressed by the frame body 17. Therefore, in the second flexible container 27, the second top surface 27g is wholly compressed. However, the amount of compression has a relationship of end surface 27ga> center surface 27gc, end surface 27gb> center surface 27gc.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, when the second frame 17 is assembled in the assembly direction E with the second flexible container 27 assembled to the first frame 18, the end surface 27ga The end surface 27gb contacts the inner wall surface 17a.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second frame 17 is assembled in the second flexible container 27 in the assembly direction E until the central surface 27gc and the inner wall surface 17a come into contact with each other. As a result, the end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb of the second flexible container 27 are crushed in the assembling direction E. At this time, the joint surface 18e of the first frame body 18 and the joint surface 17e of the second frame body 17 are not in contact with each other, and are separated by the distance Z. Here, the distance Z> the thickness t17 of the frame body.

  In the assembled state shown in FIG. 1C, the joint surface 17e and the joint surface 18e are in contact with each other, and the central surface 27gc descends by the distance Z from FIG. 1B. Since the distance Z> t17, the central surface 27gc is crushed more than the thickness t17 of the frame.

  A completed assembly state will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1C, the end surface 27ga is (L11-L13) + Z, the end surface 27gb is (L12-L13) + Z, and the central surface 27gc is Z. Here, the amount of compression of the central portion surface 27gc will be described in the same manner as in the above-described first flexible container 26, that is, the surface 18a of the first frame body 18 and the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame body 17. The distance L4 <L13, and the compression amount Z is Z = L13−L4. Here, in the longitudinal direction F, similarly to the first flexible container 26, between the longitudinal end face 27d of the second flexible container 27 and the end face 40d of the developing device frame 40, the longitudinal end face 27e and the developing device frame 40. There are a gap L26 and a gap L27 between the end face 40e and the end face 40e. Similarly, in the cross-sectional direction shown in FIG. 7A, there are a gap L28 and a gap L29 between the second flexible container 27 and the developing device frame 40. At the time of compression, the end surface portion 27ga, the end surface portion 27gb, and the central portion surface 27gc are crushed, and the resulting deflection spreads in the respective gaps, whereby the developer T can be stored.

  As described above, the second flexible container 27 is formed between the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a by the connecting step of connecting the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 to each other. It is stored in the storage space while being compressed by the wall surface 17a.

  The relationship between the second flexible container 27 and the inner wall surface 17a can also be expressed as follows. The position of the second top surface 27g in a state where the second flexible container 27 is assembled to the first frame 18 and is not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a, the first frame 18 and the second frame. The position of the inner wall surface 17a in the state where the body 17 is connected is compared. The position mentioned here is a position with respect to the first frame 18. At this time, the second top surface 27g is located outside the storage space with respect to the inner wall surface 17a. That is, the entire second top surface 27g is located outside the storage space with respect to the inner wall surface 17a. In other words, the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the central surface 27gc are located outside the storage space with respect to the inner wall surface 17a.

  Here, the surface located on the back side of the inner wall surface 17a is referred to as the outer wall surface 17b. The position of the second top surface 27g in a state where the second flexible container 27 is assembled to the first frame 18 and is not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a is compared with the position of the outer wall surface 17b. At this time, the second top surface 27g is wholly located outside the storage space with respect to the outer wall surface 17b. In other words, the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the central surface 27gc are located outside the storage space with respect to the outer wall surface 17b.

  Furthermore, the difference between the shortest distance between the first contact surface 26h and the first top surface 26g and the shortest distance between the second contact surface 27h and the second top surface 27g is the difference between the inner wall surface 17a and the outer wall surface 17b. Is larger than the shortest distance (thickness of the second frame 17).

  As described above, the second developer accommodating unit 125 in which the second flexible container 27 is assembled can be manufactured similarly to the first developer accommodating unit 25 in which the first flexible container 26 is assembled. .

<First opening and second opening>
The relationship between the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 will be described.

  The first opening portion 35 and the second opening portion 55 discharge the developer in the same manner, and therefore preferably have the same configuration. The position of the first opening 35 with respect to the first frame 18 in at least one of the longitudinal direction F of the first frame 18 and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F of the first frame 18, and The position of the second opening 55 with respect to the first frame 18 is preferably at least partially overlapped. In other words, it is preferable that the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge opening surface 27f. Further, in the present embodiment, both the first openings 35 and the second openings 55 are plural, but it is preferable that the number of the first openings 35 and the number of the second openings 55 are equal. .

  Here, when the second flexible container 27 is compressed by the movement of the frame body 17 in the assembling direction E, the discharge opening surface 27f having the second opening 55 shown in FIG. Deflection is caused by spreading in the gap L29 shown in 7 (a). Further, even when the first flexible container 26 is compressed by moving the frame body 17 in the assembling direction E, the discharge opening surface 26f having the first opening 35 is shown in FIG. 4 (a). Deflection occurs in the gap L9. At this time, the amount of compression of the second flexible container 27 is larger than the amount of compression of the first flexible container 26 as described above. Here, when the first flexible container 26 is compressed, it is crushed from the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb side of the first flexible container 26. Further, when the second flexible container 27 is compressed, the second flexible container 27 is crushed and bent from the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the central surface 27gc side. At this time, the end surface 26ga, the end surface 27gb, the end surface 27ga, and the end surface 27gb start to be compressed before the central surface 26gc and the central surface 27gc, respectively. Further, the discharge opening surface 26f of the first flexible container 26 and the discharge opening surface 27f of the second flexible container 27 are bent from the upstream side in the assembly direction E of the frame body 17. Therefore, the deflection of the frame 17 on the downstream side in the assembly direction E is smaller than that on the upstream side. Therefore, the difference in the amount of deflection between the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge opening surface 27f becomes smaller on the downstream side in the assembly direction E of the frame body 17. Here, in the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge opening surface 27f, the first opening portion 35 and the second opening portion 55 are provided toward the downstream side in the assembly direction E. Further, by arranging the position and the number of them so as to match each other, the discharge capacity of the developer T can be made equal.

  Furthermore, by aligning the arrangement of the first opening 35 of the first flexible container 26 and the second opening 55 of the second flexible container 27, the first opening 35 and the second opening The positional relationship among the opening 55, the unsealing member 20, and the sealing member 19 can be aligned. Therefore, it is necessary to change the shape of the second frame body 17 that supports the unsealing member 20 depending on whether the first flexible container 26 is used or the second flexible container 27 is used. Absent.

  In addition, since the sealing member 19 seals the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 and the unsealing member 20 unseals the sealing member 19, the first opening 35 and the second opening If the arrangement of 55 is different, the force applied to the discharge opening surfaces 26f and 27f changes at the time of assembling and the time of opening. This may cause wrinkles on the discharge opening surfaces 26f and 27f, for example. If wrinkles occur on the discharge opening surfaces 26f and 27f, the dischargeability of the developer T may be affected. By aligning the positions of the first opening portion 35 and the second opening portion 55, it is possible to reduce the risk of causing a difference in the dischargeability of the developer T. In addition, the developer storage unit 25 in which the first flexible container 26 is assembled and the developer storage unit 125 in which the second flexible container 27 is assembled have a difference in circulation of the developer T in each unit. You can also suppress the exit. Further, in the developer accommodating unit 25 and the developer accommodating unit 125 of this embodiment, the first opening portion 35 and the second opening portion 55 are arranged at positions where the developer T is discharged even by its own weight. There is. Therefore, even when wrinkles are generated on the discharge opening surfaces 26f and 27f, the influence thereof can be reduced.

  It is possible to selectively assemble the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27 to the same developing device frame 40. That is, it is not necessary to manufacture a plurality of types of development frame bodies corresponding to a plurality of types of flexible containers. As a result, flexible containers having different shapes can be assembled to the same frame, and an increase in the types of parts (developing frame) can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of the product and the management load at the time of manufacturing.

  With the above configuration, the developer accommodating unit 125 in which the second flexible container 27 is assembled has more developer than the developer accommodating unit 25 in which the first flexible container 26 is assembled. Can be stored.

  Further, by assembling the second flexible container 27 with respect to the same developing frame body 40, the developing frame body 40 is not increased in size, and the development of the apparatus main body B is not increased in size, so that the development with a longer life is performed. The agent storage unit 125 and the developing device 38 can be provided.

  Further, even in a flexible container having a different shape, the circulation of the developer T can be maintained by arranging the positions and the numbers of the discharge openings (35, 55). That is, it is possible to provide the developing device 38 with good image quality without changing the position of the process means. Further, in the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27, even if L11-L1> t17, L12-L2> t17, L13-L3> t17, the end face is the central face. Are higher. As a result, on the downstream side in the assembling direction E of the frame body 17, it is possible to substantially eliminate the deflection difference of the discharge opening surfaces (26f, 27f) provided with the openings (35, 55).

  As described above, the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 27 is assembled to the first frame 18 and the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 are joined together. The developer storage unit 25 or the developer storage unit 125 can be manufactured.

  Further, the developing device 38 can be manufactured by attaching members such as the developing roller 13 to the developer storage unit 25 or the developer storage unit 125. Further, the process cartridge A can be manufactured by assembling the drum unit 24 provided with the photosensitive drum 11. Further, by mounting the developer accommodating unit 25 or the developer accommodating unit 125, the developing device 38, and the process cartridge A in the apparatus main body B, the image forming apparatus can be manufactured.

  As described above, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of types of parts when providing a developing device having different amounts of developer. Further, it is possible to provide the developer accommodating unit 125 that accommodates a larger amount of developer.

17 Second Frame 17a Inner Wall 17b Outer Wall 18 First Frame 19 Sealing Member 25 First Developer Storage Unit 26 First Flexible Container 26g First Top Surface (First Opposing Wall)
26ga, 26gb End surface (first protruding area)
26gc central surface (first evacuation area)
26h 1st contact surface 26p 1st flexible container main body 26p 1 Molded part of 1st flexible container main body 26p 2 Ventilation part of 1st flexible container main body 27 2nd flexible container 27g Second roof (second facing wall)
27ga, 27gb End surface (second protruding area)
27gc central surface (second retreat area)
27h Second contact surface 27p Second flexible container body 27p1 Molded portion of second flexible container body 27p2 Ventilation portion of second flexible container body 35 First opening portion 38 Developing device 40 Development frame 55 Second opening A Process cartridge B Image forming apparatus E Assembly direction of second frame and first frame F Longitudinal direction

Claims (15)

A method for manufacturing a developer accommodating unit, wherein the developer accommodating unit is coupled to the first frame body so that a space is formed between the first frame body and the first frame body. And a second frame body, wherein the second frame body has an inner wall surface arranged to face the space,
The manufacturing method,
A first flexible container containing a developer and provided with a first opening for discharging the developer into the space, or more developer than the first flexible container. Any of a second flexible container that is housed and provided with a second opening for discharging the developer into the space, an assembling step of assembling to the first frame body,
The first frame body and the second frame body so that the first flexible container or the second flexible container is housed in the space while being compressed by the inner wall surface. A coupling step for coupling
Have
The first flexible container includes the first facing wall arranged so as to face the inner wall surface, and the first facing wall protrudes in a direction away from the first frame body. One projecting region and a first retracting region retracted in a direction closer to the first frame than the first projecting region, and the second flexible container faces the inner wall surface. A second projecting region projecting in a direction away from the first frame, and the second projecting region including the second projecting region Including the second retreat area that retreats toward the frame body of
The position of the first opposing wall in a state where the first flexible container is assembled to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface, the first frame and the second When comparing the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the frame bodies are joined, the first projecting region is located outside the space with respect to the inner wall surface, and the first retreat region is the inner wall surface. Located inside the space,
The position of the second opposing wall in a state where the second flexible container is assembled to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface, the first frame and the second frame. When comparing the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the frame body is joined, the second projecting region and the second retreat region are located outside the space from the inner wall surface, Manufacturing method. The first flexible container is positioned between a first contact surface configured to contact the first frame and the first facing wall and the first contact surface. Having a first side wall, the first side wall having the first opening,
The second flexible container is positioned between a second contact surface configured to contact the first frame and the second facing wall and the second contact surface. 2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising a second side wall, the second side wall having the second opening. The second frame body has an outer wall surface located behind the inner wall surface,
The shortest distance between the first contact surface and the first facing wall when the first flexible container is in a non-compressed state, and the second flexible container is compressed. The difference between the shortest distance between the second abutting surface and the second facing wall in the case of not being performed is larger than the shortest distance between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, which is characterized in that.   The position of the second opposing wall in a state where the second flexible container is assembled to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface, the first frame and the second frame. When comparing the position of the outer wall surface in the state where the frame body is joined, the second projecting region and the second retreat region are located outside the space from the outer wall surface. The manufacturing method according to claim 3.   In the longitudinal direction of the first frame body, or in at least one of the directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the position of the first opening with respect to the first frame body, and the position with respect to the first frame body The manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the position of the second opening at least partially overlaps with the position of the second opening. In the longitudinal direction, the first protruding region is arranged on both sides of the first retreat region,
The manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the second projecting regions are arranged on both sides of the second retreat region in the longitudinal direction.   The first flexible container comprises a plurality of the first openings, the second flexible container comprises a plurality of the second openings, the number of the first openings is the second 7. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the number of openings is equal to the number of openings.   The first opposing wall and the first side wall are integrally formed by vacuum forming, and the second opposing wall and the second side wall are integrally formed by vacuum forming. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 2 to 7. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Attaching a developer carrying member carrying the developer,
Attaching an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image,
And a process cartridge manufacturing method. A first frame,
A second frame body coupled to the first frame body so as to form a space between the first frame body and a second frame body having an inner wall surface facing the space. When,
A flexible container that contains a developer and is provided with an opening for discharging the developer into the space, and is attached to the first frame and compressed by the inner wall surface. A flexible container housed in the space, having a facing wall facing the inner wall surface,
Have
The opposing wall includes a protruding area protruding in a direction away from the first frame body, and a retreat area retracted in a direction closer to the first frame body than the protruding area,
When the position of the opposing wall in a state where the flexible container is attached to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface is compared with the position of the inner wall surface, the protruding region and the The developer accommodating unit, wherein the retreat area is located outside the space with respect to the inner wall surface. The second frame body has an outer wall surface located behind the inner wall surface,
When the position of the opposing wall in a state where the flexible container is attached to the first frame and is not compressed by the inner wall surface is compared with the position of the outer wall surface, the protruding area and the The developer accommodating unit according to claim 10, wherein the retreat area is located outside the space with respect to the outer wall surface.   The flexible container has an abutting surface configured to abut the first frame body, and a side wall located between the facing wall and the abutting surface, and the side wall is the opening. The developer accommodating unit according to claim 10, further comprising:   The developer accommodating unit according to claim 12, wherein the facing wall and the side wall are integrally formed by vacuum forming.   14. The developer accommodating unit according to claim 12, wherein the projecting regions are arranged on both sides of the retreat region in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body. A developer accommodating unit according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
A developer carrying member carrying the developer,
An image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image, and a process cartridge.

Images