JP2021051288A - Cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a force required to bring a developer carrier into contact with a photoreceptor.SOLUTION: A cartridge comprises: a first unit that includes a photoreceptor; and a second unit that includes a developer carrier and a force receiving part, the second unit configured to be rotatable around a first axis so as to move with respect to the first unit between a first position and a second position. In a state where the first unit takes the same posture as that when an image forming operation is performed, the second unit is located at the second position with its self weight. In a state where the first unit takes the same posture as that when the image forming operation is performed, when viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is arranged to overlap a vertical line passing through the first axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) and a cartridge used therein.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) is an apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

The cartridge is configured to be removable from the device body of the image forming apparatus. An example of a cartridge is a process cartridge. The process cartridge is a cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photoreceptor) and a process means acting on the photoconductor. Examples of process means include developing means, charging means, cleaning means and the like. By using the cartridge, maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed by exchanging the cartridge.

In Patent Document 1, the process cartridge has a configuration in which a developing unit having a developing roller is movably coupled to a drum unit having a photosensitive drum. The process cartridge has a spring, the spring urges the developing unit toward the drum unit, and the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum. When the image forming operation is not performed, the developing unit is urged by the separating member provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. (Patent Document 1)
The image forming apparatus separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum by the weight of the developing apparatus, and presses the developing apparatus with a pressing member provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus to bring the developing roller into contact with or close to the photosensitive drum. There is also. (Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3)

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-288302 JP-A-2002-174938 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-58627

The present invention is a further development of the conventional technique. The present invention includes a cartridge having a first unit having a photoconductor and a second unit having a developer carrier, and the developer carrier is separated from the photoconductor by the weight of the second unit. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including the above-mentioned cartridge. An object of the present invention is to reduce the force required to bring the developer carrier into contact with the photoconductor.

One of the inventions of this application is as follows.

A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation.
The first unit containing the photoconductor and
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
The second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the developer carrier is supported. Is located above the horizon passing through the first axis,
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the first position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. , The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the second position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. , The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line.
The developer carrier is rotatably configured around a second axis, and the second unit is in the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed. When in position 1, the second axis is closer to the photoconductor than the vertical line, and when the second unit is in the second position, the second axis is said. A cartridge characterized in that it is located at a position farther from the photoconductor than the vertical line.

One of the inventions of this application is as follows.

A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation.
The first unit containing the photoconductor and
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
The second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the developer carrier is supported. Is located above the horizon passing through the first axis,
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the first position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the second position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. , The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line.
A cartridge characterized in that the force receiving portion is located above the horizon in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed.

One of the inventions of this application is as follows.

A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus.
A first unit including a photoconductor, the first unit configured to be supported by the apparatus main body, and a first unit.
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
With the first unit supported by the apparatus main body, the second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight, and the developer carrier is the first axis. Located above the horizon passing through
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the first position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the second position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line,
When the developer carrier is rotatably configured around a second axis and the second unit is in the first position while the first unit is supported by the device body. The second axis is located closer to the photoconductor than the vertical line, and when the second unit is in the second position, the second axis is closer to the photoconductor than the vertical line. A cartridge characterized by being located away from.

One of the inventions of this application is as follows.

A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus.
A first unit including a photoconductor, the first unit configured to be supported by the apparatus main body, and a first unit.
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
With the first unit supported by the apparatus main body, the second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight, and the developer carrier is the first axis. Located above the horizon passing through
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the first position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the second position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line,
A cartridge characterized in that the force receiving portion is located above the horizon while the first unit is supported by the apparatus main body.

The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus having the above cartridge.

As described above, according to the present invention, the force required to bring the developer carrier into contact with the photoconductor can be reduced.

Sectional view of process cartridge Schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus Sectional view of process cartridge (A) Perspective view of the process cartridge when viewed from the bottom side, (b) Perspective view of the process cartridge when viewed from the top surface side. An exploded perspective view showing the bond between the photoconductor unit and the developing unit. (A) Cross-sectional view of the process cartridge when the developing unit is in the separated position, (b) Cross-sectional view of the process cartridge when the developing unit is in the image forming position. (A) Schematic diagram when the center of gravity is located below the horizontal line passing through the rotating axis of the developing unit, (b) Schematic diagram when the center of gravity is located above the horizontal line passing through the rotating axis of the developing unit. Side view of process cartridge

[Example 1]
Embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied, various conditions, and the like. It is not intended to limit the scope to the following embodiments.

<Overall configuration of image forming apparatus 100>
The overall configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter, image forming apparatus 100) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The vertical direction in FIG. 2 indicates the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 100 is used (the image forming operation is performed). The left-right direction in FIG. 2 indicates the horizontal direction when the image forming operation is performed.

The image forming apparatus 100 has an apparatus main body 100a. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has a process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) and a toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K). The process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) and the toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) are detachable from the apparatus main body 100a. That is, the process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) and the toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 100a.

The first process cartridge 1Y contains a yellow (Y) developer (hereinafter, toner) TY in the developing unit 6. The second process cartridge 1M contains a magenta (M) toner TM. The third process cartridge 1C contains a cyan (C) toner TC. The fourth process cartridge 1K contains a black (K) toner TK.

Each process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) has a photoconductor unit 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a developing unit 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K), which will be described later. Each process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) transfers toner to the intermediate transfer belt 18 described later in the primary transfer unit S1 (S1Y, S1M, S1C, S1K).

The first toner cartridge 13Y contains yellow (Y) toner. The second toner cartridge 13M contains magenta (M) toner. The third toner cartridge 13C contains cyan (C) toner. The fourth toner cartridge 13K contains black (K) toner.

Each toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) is arranged below each process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) containing toner of the same color. Then, each toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) replenishes toner to each process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) containing toner of the same color.

Each process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) and each toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

Below each toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K), first to fourth toner transfer devices 14 (14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K) are arranged. Each toner transfer device 14 (14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K) conveys the toner received from each toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) upward, and each development unit 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, Toner is supplied to 6K).

In the replenishment operation of each toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K), the toner remaining amount detecting unit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100a is used for each process cartridge 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K). This is done when it is detected that the toner is insufficient.

In the present embodiment, each of the first to fourth process cartridges (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) has substantially the same configuration except that the color of the toner (the color of the image to be formed) is different. Have and perform the same operation. Similarly, each of the first to fourth toner cartridges (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) has substantially the same configuration and performs the same operation except that the colors of the toners to be accommodated are different. Similarly, each of the first to fourth toner transfer devices (14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K) has substantially the same configuration and performs the same operation except that the color of the toner to be transferred is different. Therefore, in the following, if no particular distinction is required, the subscripts Y to K will be omitted.

The process cartridge 1 has a photoconductor unit (first unit, an image carrier unit, a photoconductor unit) 4 including a photosensitizing drum 7, and a developing unit (second unit) 6 including a developing roller 11. The process cartridge 1 has one photoconductor unit 4 and one developing unit 6. That is, the process cartridge 1 has one photosensitive drum 7 and one developing roller 11.

The photoconductor unit 4 has a photosensitive drum 7 as an image carrier (photoreceptor) that supports an electrostatic latent image, and a charging roller 8 as a charging member that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 7. The photoconductor unit 4 has a cleaning blade 10 as a cleaning member for cleaning the photosensitive drum 7. The photosensitive drum 7 rotates by receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body 100a.

The developing unit 6 houses the toner T. The developing unit 6 has a developing roller 11 as a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7. The developing roller 11 is a developer carrier that supports the toner T and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 by the toner T. The developing roller 11 rotates by receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body 100a. As will be described later, the photoconductor unit 4 and the developing unit 6 are swingably coupled to each other.

The process cartridge 1 is configured to be detachable from the device main body 100a via mounting means such as a mounting guide and a positioning member provided on the device main body 100a. In the present embodiment, the process cartridge 1 is mounted along the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 7. In the present embodiment, the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 7 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 11. Therefore, it can be said that the process cartridge 1 is mounted along the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 11.

When the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the photoconductor unit 4 is supported by the positioning member of the apparatus main body 100a, and the photoconductor unit 4 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 100a. As a result, the process cartridge 1 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 100a in a state in which the developing unit 6 is movable with respect to the apparatus main body 100a and the photoconductor unit 4.

The toner cartridge 13 is configured to be removable from the device main body 100a via mounting means such as a toner cartridge mounting guide and a toner cartridge positioning member provided on the device main body 100a.

A scanner (exposure device) 12 for exposing the photosensitive drum 7 and forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 is arranged below the process cartridge 1. Further, the apparatus main body 100a has a removal toner transfer unit 23. The removal toner transfer unit 23 conveys the removal toner removed from the photosensitive drum 7 by the cleaning blade 10 to the removal toner recovery container 24. The removal toner transfer unit 23 is arranged on the downstream side of the process cartridge 1 in the mounting direction of the process cartridge 1.

An intermediate transfer unit 19 as an intermediate transfer body is provided above the process cartridge 1. The intermediate transfer unit 19 is arranged so that the primary transfer unit S1 (S1Y, S1M, S1C, S1K) is located on the lower side.

The intermediate transfer unit 19 includes an intermediate transfer belt 18, a primary transfer roller 20 as a primary transfer member, a secondary transfer roller 21 as a secondary transfer member, and a belt cleaning unit 4. The intermediate transfer belt 18 facing the photosensitive drum 7 is an endless (closed loop) belt that can rotate in the direction of arrow B, and is stretched on a plurality of tension rollers. A primary transfer roller 20 is arranged inside the intermediate transfer belt 18. The primary transfer roller 20 faces the photosensitive drum 7 via the intermediate transfer belt 18 and forms the primary transfer unit S1. Further, the secondary transfer roller 21 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 18 and faces the opposing roller via the intermediate transfer belt 18 to form the secondary transfer portion S2. Further, in the left-right direction, the belt cleaning unit 4 is arranged on the side opposite to the secondary transfer unit S2. More specifically, the belt cleaning unit 4 is arranged on the downstream side of the secondary transfer unit S2 and on the upstream side of the primary transfer unit S1 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 18.

A fixing unit 25 is arranged above the intermediate transfer unit 19. The fixing unit has a heating unit 26 and a pressure roller 27 that press-contacts the heating unit. A discharge tray 32 is arranged on the upper side of the apparatus main body 100a, and a removal toner recovery container 24 is arranged between the discharge tray 32 and the intermediate transfer unit. Further, a paper feed tray 2 for accommodating a recording material (medium, recording medium) 3 such as paper is arranged at the lowermost portion of the apparatus main body 100a.

That is, in the image forming apparatus 100, the process cartridge 1 and the scanner 12 are arranged below the intermediate transfer unit 19. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 7, the developing unit 6, and the scanner 12 are arranged on the opposite side of the fixing unit 25 with respect to the intermediate transfer unit 19. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 7, the developing unit 6, and the scanner 12 can be arranged at a position away from the fixing unit 25. As a result, the photosensitive drum 7, the developing unit 6, and the scanner 12 can be prevented from being affected by the heat from the fixing unit 25.

<Image formation operation>
Next, the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge according to this embodiment. The vertical direction in FIG. 3 indicates the vertical direction when the image forming operation is performed. The left-right direction in FIG. 3 indicates the horizontal direction when the image forming operation is performed. In other words, FIG. 3 shows a process cartridge 1 that is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a and when an image forming operation is performed.

The apparatus main body 100a is provided with a control unit 100C including a CPU, a memory, and a drive source 100M including a motor. The control unit 100C controls the drive source 100M, the scanner 12, and the like to perform an image forming operation. In the present embodiment, the drive source 100M includes a motor that drives the force applying unit 101, which will be described later. The drive source 100M drives parts other than the force applying portion 101, for example, a transfer member for transporting the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 11, the intermediate transfer belt 18, and the recording material 3. The drive source 100M may drive these parts with one motor or may be driven by a plurality of motors. When the image forming operation is performed, the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 18 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow B in FIG.

First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 8. Next, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is scanned and exposed by the laser beam emitted from the scanner 12. Then, an electrostatic latent image based on the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed as a toner image by the developing unit 6. More specifically, when the developing roller 11 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 7, the electrostatic latent image is visualized by the toner T. As will be described later, when the image forming operation is performed, the developing unit 6 is pressed by the force applying unit 101 provided on the apparatus main body 100a, so that the developing unit 6 is positioned at the image forming position.

The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18 by the primary transfer roller 20 (primary transfer process). When a color image is formed, the above-mentioned image forming operations are sequentially performed in the first to fourth primary transfer units S1Y to S1K. As a result, toner images of each color are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 18. The image forming apparatus 100 can form a monochromatic image by using one of the first to fourth process cartridges (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K). Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can also perform an image forming operation by using two or three of the first to fourth process cartridges (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K).

On the other hand, the recording material 3 housed in the paper feed tray 2 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit S2. Then, the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is collectively transferred to the recording material 3 by the secondary transfer roller 21 (secondary transfer process).

The recording material 3 to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 25. When the recording material 3 is heated and pressurized in the fixing unit 25, the toner image is fixed to the recording material 3. The recording material 3 on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 32.

Further, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 after the primary transfer process is performed is removed by the cleaning blade 10. The secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 18 after the secondary transfer process is performed is removed by the belt cleaning unit 22. The toner removed by the cleaning blade 10 and the belt cleaning unit 22 is conveyed by the removal toner transfer unit 23 and accumulated in the removal toner recovery container 24.

<Process cartridge>
Next, the process cartridge 1 removably mounted on the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1 when viewed from the bottom surface side. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1 when viewed from the top surface side.

FIG. 1 shows a process cartridge 1 when an image forming operation is performed. That is, the vertical direction in FIG. 1 indicates the vertical direction when the image forming operation is performed. The left-right direction in FIG. 1 indicates the horizontal direction when the image forming operation is performed. In other words, FIG. 1 shows a process cartridge 1 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a and when an image forming operation is performed. Further, FIG. 1 is a view taken along the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 described later.

As described above, the process cartridge 1 has a photoconductor unit 4 and a developing unit 6. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 (a) and 4 (b), the photoconductor unit 4 and the developing unit 6 are swingably (rotatably) coupled by a pin 30 which is a coupling axis. .. As shown in FIG. 1, the developing unit 6 is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 with respect to the photoconductor unit 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the photoconductor unit 4 has a first support frame body 5 that supports various members of the photoconductor unit 4 (for example, a charging roller 8 and a cleaning blade 10). Further, the photoconductor unit 4 has a removal toner screw 15. The removal toner screw 15 rotates around an axis extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the photoconductor unit 4 has drum bearings 33 (33F, 33R) that support the photosensitive drum 7. The photoconductor unit 4 includes a gear train for transmitting drive from the photosensitive drum 7 to the removal toner screw 15. The drum bearing 33R is arranged on one end side of the photoconductor unit 4 in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor unit 4 (the same as the direction of the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7). The drum bearing 33F is arranged on the other end side of the photoconductor unit 4 in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor unit 4. In other words, the photoconductor unit 4 has a first support frame body 5 and drum bearings 33 (33F, 33R) as a part of the first frame body.

In the present embodiment, the drum bearing 33 (33F, 33R) and the first support frame body 5 have a function as a positioned portion that comes into contact with the positioning portion of the apparatus main body 100a. More specifically, when the drum bearings 33 (33F, 33R) come into contact with the apparatus main body 100a, the position of the rotational axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7 with respect to the apparatus main body 100a in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7. Is determined. When the first support frame 5 comes into contact with the device body 100a, the photoconductor unit 4 is restricted from rotating around the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7 with respect to the device body 100a. Thereby, the position of the photoconductor unit 4 with respect to the apparatus main body 100a is determined in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7. Further, in the present embodiment, the drum bearing 33R arranged on the downstream side of the process cartridge 1 comes into contact with the apparatus main body 100a in the mounting direction of the process cartridge 1. Thereby, the position of the photoconductor unit 4 with respect to the apparatus main body 100a is determined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7. The above positioning configuration can be appropriately changed as needed. For example, when the first support frame 5 comes into contact with the device body 100a, the position of the photoconductor unit 4 with respect to the device body 100a may be determined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the charging roller 8 is urged by the spring 36 toward the photosensitive drum 7 in the direction of arrow C. In this embodiment, the charging roller 8 is rotated by the photosensitive drum 7. When the photosensitive drum 7 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the charging roller 8 rotates in the direction of arrow D.

The cleaning blade 10 has a rubber blade 10a for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 after the primary transfer process is performed, and a blade support member 10b for supporting the rubber blade 10a. The toner removed from the photosensitive drum 7 by the cleaning blade 10 is stored in the removal toner storage chamber 9 formed by the cleaning blade 10 and the first support frame 5. The toner stored in the removal toner storage chamber 9 is conveyed toward the downstream side in the mounting direction of the process cartridge 1 by the removal toner screw 15 arranged inside the removal toner storage chamber 9. The toner conveyed by the removal toner screw 15 is discharged from the removal toner discharge unit 35 shown in FIG. 4A and delivered to the removal toner transfer unit 23.

As shown in FIG. 3, the developing unit 6 has a developing frame body 16. The developing frame body 16 includes a partition wall 16d. The inside of the developing frame 16 is partitioned by a partition wall 16d into a developing chamber 16a and a toner storage chamber (developer storage chamber) 16b. The developing chamber 16a and the toner storage chamber 16b are communicated with each other by a first communicating opening (first opening, opening) 16c formed in the partition wall 16d.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the developing unit 6 has developing bearings 34 (34F, 34R) as bearing members for supporting the developing roller 11.

A developing roller 11, a supply roller 17, and a developing blade 28 are arranged in the developing chamber 16a. When the image forming operation is performed, the developing roller 11 rotates in the direction of arrow E and comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 7 to supply the toner T to the photosensitive drum 7. In the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 6 (same as the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 11), one end side of the developing roller 11 is rotatably supported by the developing bearing 34R. In the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 6, the other end side of the developing roller 11 is rotatably supported by the developing bearing 34F. In other words, the developing unit 6 has a developing frame 16 and developing bearings 34 (34F, 34R) as a part of the second frame. In the present embodiment, the material of the developing frame 16 and the developing bearings 34 (34F, 34R) is resin.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, the developed bearings 34 (34F, 34R) include a force receiving portion 34e, which will be described later.

The supply roller (supply member) 17 is rotatably supported by the developing bearings 34 (34F, 34R) so as to come into contact with the developing roller 11. As shown in FIG. 3, when the image forming operation is performed, the supply roller 14 rotates in the direction of arrow F to supply the toner T to the developing roller 11.

As shown in FIG. 3, the developing blades (layer thickness regulating member, regulating member) 28 are arranged so as to come into contact with the surface of the developing roller 11. The developing blade 28 regulates the thickness of the toner layer formed on the surface of the developing roller 11.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toner storage chamber 16b is provided with a transport member 29 for transporting the toner T stored in the toner storage chamber 16b. In the present embodiment, the transport member 29 also has a function as a stirring member for stirring the toner T stored in the toner storage chamber 16b. The toner T stored in the toner storage chamber 16b is conveyed to the developing chamber 16a by the conveying member 29 through the first communication opening 16c. In the present embodiment, the transport member 29 is configured to transport the toner T toward the supply roller 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transport member 29 has a transport shaft 29a and a transport sheet 29b as a transport unit. The transport shaft 29a rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11. The transport sheet 29b has flexibility, one end of the transport sheet 29b is attached to the transport shaft 29a, and the other end of the transport sheet 29b is a free end. When the transport shaft 29a and the transport sheet 29b rotate in the direction of the arrow G, the transport sheet 29b comes into contact with the inner wall of the toner storage chamber 16d and is deformed. Then, by further rotating the transport shaft 29a, the deformation of the transport sheet 29b is released. When the deformation of the transport sheet 29b is released, the toner T is transported to the developing chamber 16a.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the developing chamber 16a is located above the toner storage chamber 16b in the posture in which the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Further, in the present embodiment, the developing chamber 16a is located above the toner storage chamber 16b when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position described later. Further, in the present embodiment, the developing chamber 16a is located above the toner storage chamber 16b even when the developing unit 6 is in a separated position described later.

More specifically, in the horizontal direction, the position of the developing chamber 16a and the position of the toner storage chamber 16b overlap at least partially, and in the vertical direction, at least a part of the developing chamber 16a is at least a part of the toner storage chamber 16b. It is located above (directly above). Therefore, the transport member 29 pumps up the toner in the toner storage chamber 16b and supplies it to the developing chamber 16a through the first communication opening 16c.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the developing unit 6 includes a toner receiving port 40 that receives the toner T from the toner conveying device 14. The toner receiving port 40 is arranged on the downstream side of the developing unit 6 in the mounting direction of the process cartridge 1. An inlet seal 45 and a movable inlet shutter 41 are arranged above the toner inlet 40. When the process cartridge 1 is not mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the toner receiving port 40 is closed by the receiving port shutter 41. The receiving / receiving shutter 41 is configured to be urged and opened by the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 in conjunction with the mounting operation of the process cartridge 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the developing unit 6 has a replenishment toner transfer path 42 communicating with the toner receiving port 40, and a replenishment toner transfer screw 43 is arranged inside the replenishment toner transfer path 42. Further, the developing unit 6 includes a second communication opening (second opening) 44 that communicates the replenishment toner transport path 42 and the toner storage chamber 16b. The second communication opening 44 is arranged near the center of the developing unit 6 in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 6.

The replenishing toner transfer screw 43 extends parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 11, and conveys the toner T received from the toner receiving port 40 to the toner storage chamber 16b through the second communication opening 44.

<Combining the photoconductor unit and the developing unit>
The bonding between the photoconductor unit 4 and the developing unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection between the photoconductor unit and the developing unit according to this embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1 is the direction of the rotating axis A2 (second axis, developing axis) of the developing roller 11, and the rotating axis A3 (third axis, image carrier axis) of the photosensitive drum 7. ) Is the same as the direction. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1 is the same as the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor unit 4 and the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 6. In the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1, the developing bearing 34R and the drum bearing 33R are arranged on one end side of the process cartridge 1, and the developing bearing 34F and the drum bearing 33F are arranged on the other end side. The developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 7 are configured to receive a driving force from the apparatus main body 100a on one end side of the process cartridge 1. That is, one end side of the process cartridge 1 can be called a drive side, and the other end side of the process cartridge 1 can be called a non-drive side.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first support frame body 5 of the photoconductor unit 4 is provided with holes 5a, holes 5b, and holes 5c. In the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1, holes 5a are arranged on one end side of the first support frame body 5, and holes 5b and 5c are arranged on the other end side of the first support frame body 5.

On the other hand, the developing bearing 34F is provided with a hole 34c. The developing bearing 34R is provided with holes 34a and 34b.

Pins 30 are arranged on one end side and the other end side of the process cartridge 1, respectively. The pin 30 has a cylindrical shape including a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. On one end side of the process cartridge 1, the pin 30 engages the hole 34a, the hole 5a, and the hole 34b so that the hole 5a is located between the hole 34a and the hole 34b. On the other end side of the process cartridge 1, the pin 30 engages the hole 5b, the hole 34c, and the hole 5c so that the hole 34c is located between the hole 5b and the hole 5c. As a result, the developing unit 6 is rotatably (swingable) coupled to the photoconductor unit 4 around the rotation center (swing center).

In the present embodiment, the rotation axis (first axis, unit axis) A1 of the developing unit 6 shown in FIG. 1 coincides with the axis of the pin 30. Further, in the present embodiment, the direction of the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7. In the present embodiment, when viewed along the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6, the pin 30 arranged on one end side of the process cartridge 1 is coaxial with the pin 30 arranged on the other end side of the process cartridge 1. .. The developing unit 6 is inseparably coupled to the photoconductor unit 4. Therefore, with the process cartridge 1 removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the developing unit 6 is restricted from moving in the direction of the rotation axis A1 with respect to the photoconductor unit 4. Further, the developing unit 6 is allowed to rotate around the rotation axis A1 with respect to the photoconductor unit 4, but is restricted from translating in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A1.

<Movement of development unit>
The movement of the developing unit 6 with respect to the photoconductor unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the developing unit 6 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1 when the developing unit 6 is in a separated position. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1 when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the photoconductor unit 4 is in a state of being supported by the apparatus main body 100a and takes a posture when an image forming operation is performed. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are cross-sectional views of the process cartridge 1 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6, similarly to FIGS. 1 and 3. The vertical directions in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) indicate the vertical directions when the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture described later, and the horizontal directions are the horizontal directions in which the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture. It shows the horizontal direction when it is.

The developing unit 6 is coupled to the photoconductor unit 4 and is configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis A1 with respect to the photoconductor unit 4. As the developing unit 6 rotates around the rotation axis A1, the developing unit 6 is located between the image forming position shown in FIG. 6B and the separation position shown in FIG. 6A with respect to the photoconductor unit 4. Move with.

The image forming position (first position) of the developing unit 6 can also be referred to as a position when the developing roller 11 develops the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive drum 7. Further, the image forming position of the developing unit 6 can also be called a position where the distance between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 7 is the shortest. In this embodiment, the developing roller 11 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7 when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position. Further, when the developing unit 6 is in the separated position (second position), the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 7. That is, the separated position of the developing unit 6 can be said to be a position where the distance between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 7 is longer than when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position.

As described above, when the developing unit 6 rotates around the rotation axis A1, the developing unit 6 takes an image forming position and a separated position with respect to the photoconductor unit 4.

The developing unit 6 is positioned at a separated position due to its own weight in a state where the photoconductor unit 4 is supported by the apparatus main body 100a. That is, when the photoconductor unit 4 takes the same posture (supported posture) as when the photoconductor unit 4 is supported by the apparatus main body 100a, the developing unit 6 is positioned at a separated position due to its own weight. In other words, when the photoconductor unit 4 takes the same posture (image forming posture) as when the image forming operation is performed, the developing unit 6 is positioned at a separated position due to its own weight. In the present embodiment, the supported posture of the photoconductor unit 4 and the image forming posture of the photoconductor unit 4 are the same. Further, in the present embodiment, when the photoconductor unit 4 takes a supported posture, a part of the photosensitive drum 7 is exposed toward the upper side of the process cartridge 1.

The developing unit 6 does not need to be located at a separated position only by its own weight. That is, the process cartridge 1 may be such that the developing unit 6 is naturally located at a separated position when the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture.

More specifically, when the weight of the developing unit 6 when the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture and the internal force of the process cartridge 1 are combined, the force for urging the developing unit 6 toward the separated position is obtained. , It is larger than the force for urging the developing unit 6 toward the image forming position. For example, the process cartridge 1 may include a member that generates a force that urges the developing unit 6 toward a separation position, and a member that generates a force that urges the developing unit 6 toward an image forming position. However, in either case, when the process cartridge 1 is placed in such a posture that the photoconductor unit 4 takes a supported posture, the developing unit 6 is naturally located at a separated position. That is, when the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture, the developing unit 6 moves from the image forming position to the separated position by at least its own weight.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the weight of the developing unit 6 (in the direction of the arrow) acts on the center of gravity Gd of the developing unit 6. When the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture, a force (moment around the rotation axis A1) is generated in the direction in which the developing roller 11 separates from the photosensitive drum 7 due to the weight of the developing unit 6 acting on the center of gravity Gd.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the photoconductor unit 4 is in a supported posture, the center of gravity Gd is a horizontal line (horizontal) passing through the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 in the vertical direction. It is located above h (a line extending in the direction). Further, the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 11, the supply roller 17, the developing chamber 16d, and the partition wall 16d are located above the horizon h. Further, in the vertical direction, the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11 is located below the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7. Further, in the vertical direction, the center of gravity Gd is located below the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 11, the supply roller 17, the developing chamber 16d, and the partition wall 16d.

In the horizontal direction, the center of gravity Gd is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 7 with respect to the vertical line (line extending in the vertical direction, line orthogonal to the horizontal line h) i passing through the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6. That is, the photosensitive drum 7 is arranged on one side of the vertical line i, and the center of gravity Gd is arranged on the other side of the vertical line i. In other words, the center of gravity Gd is arranged at a position (far away) from the photosensitive drum 7 with respect to the vertical line i. In the present embodiment, the supply roller 17 is also arranged at a position farther from the photosensitive drum 7 than the vertical line i, like the center of gravity Gd. By arranging the development unit 6 as described above with respect to the vertical line i, the developing unit 6 can be easily positioned at a separated position due to its own weight.

Here, the state in which gravity and the internal force of the process cartridge 1 act on the developing unit 6 and the external force other than gravity does not act on the developing unit 6 is defined as the natural state of the process cartridge 1. When the process cartridge 1 includes an urging member for urging the developing unit 6, the force of the urging member is included in the internal force.

When the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture and the process cartridge 1 is in the natural state, the force acting on the developing unit 6 in the direction of moving the developing roller 11 away from the photosensitive drum 7 exerts the developing roller 11 on the photosensitive drum. It is larger than the force acting in the direction of approaching 7. As a result, the force with which the developing unit 6 is urged toward the separation position becomes larger than the force with which the development unit 6 is urged toward the image forming position, so that the development unit 6 is naturally positioned at the separation position. Will be done.

In the present embodiment, the developing unit 6 is located at a separated position due to its own weight. That is, the self-weight component of the developing unit 6 in the force acting in the direction of moving the developing roller 11 away from the photosensitive drum 7 is larger than the force acting in the direction of bringing the developing roller 11 closer to the photosensitive drum 7 in the internal force of the process cartridge 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 1 has a member that generates a force (a force that urges the developing unit 6 toward the image forming position) that acts in a direction that brings the developing roller 11 closer to the photosensitive drum 7. Not done. Therefore, in the internal force of the process cartridge 1, the magnitude of the force acting in the direction of bringing the developing roller 11 closer to the photosensitive drum 7 is zero.

In this way, with the process cartridge 1 inserted into the apparatus main body 100a, the developing unit 6 is naturally located at a separated position. When the image forming operation is not performed, the developing unit 6 stands by at a separated position. Therefore, even when the process cartridge 1 is left for a long period of time, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 7 from coming into contact with each other and to prevent the surface layer of the developing roller 11 from being deformed.

Further, unlike the process cartridge 1 of the present embodiment, when the developing roller 11 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 7 by the spring provided in the cartridge, the spring adds the developing roller 11 to the photosensitive drum 7 in addition to the weight of the developing unit 6. It is necessary to generate a force to press against 7. Further, in a cartridge using such a spring, when the developing roller 11 moves the developing unit 6 away from the photosensitive drum 7, the amount of deformation of the spring increases. Therefore, the force of the spring becomes larger when the developing roller 11 separates from the photosensitive drum 7 than when the developing roller 11 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 7, and the cartridge may be deformed. On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the process cartridge 1 does not need to be provided with such a spring, and the deformation of the process cartridge 1 can be reduced.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the apparatus main body 100a is provided with a force applying portion 101 as a part of the apparatus main body 100a. Further, the developing unit 6 is provided with a force receiving unit 34e that comes into contact with the force applying unit 101 and receives a force from the force applying unit 101. The control unit 100C controls the drive source 100M and controls the operation of the force applying unit 101 by the drive source 100M. The force applying unit 101 driven by the drive source 100M applies a force to the force receiving unit 34e during image formation to move the force receiving unit 101, and from the force receiving unit 34e during non-image forming (including the attachment / detachment operation of the process cartridge 1). Move away. The contacting and separating operations of the developing roller 11 due to the movement of the force applying portion 101 are preferably performed in a state where the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated, and are performed in a state where the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 11 are rotated. More preferred.

The force receiving portion 34e is a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the rotating axis A1 in a direction away from the rotating axis A1, and is configured to come into contact with the force applying portion 101 at the apex of the protruding portion. In the present embodiment, the apex of the protruding portion is a curved surface. As a result, the position where the force applying portion 101 and the force receiving portion 34e come into contact with each other is likely to be kept constant. Therefore, the force applying unit 101 can stably push the force receiving unit 34e.

With respect to the direction of the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11, the force receiving portions 34e are arranged at both ends of the developing unit 6. Then, in the present embodiment, the force receiving portion 34e is provided on the developing bearings 34R and 34F having the supporting portion for supporting the developing roller 11 (see FIG. 4B). In the present embodiment, the position of the support portion that supports the developing roller 11 and the position of the force receiving portion 34e are arranged so as to overlap with each other in the direction of the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6. As a result, the force applying unit 101 can efficiently press the developing roller 11 against the photosensitive drum 17. Further, by providing the force receiving portion 34e on the parts (developing bearings 34R, 34F) that support the developing roller 11, the positional accuracy of the force receiving portion 34e with respect to the developing roller 11 can be improved. Further, in the present embodiment, since the distance between the developing roller 11 and the force receiving portion 34e is short as described later, the positional accuracy of the force receiving portion 34e with respect to the developing roller 11 can be easily increased.

The force applying unit 101 is configured to be movable in a direction away from the developing unit 6 (retracting direction, arrow V direction) and in a direction approaching the developing unit 6 (pressurizing direction, arrow U direction). The force applying unit 101 is located at a position away from the force receiving unit 34e of the developing unit 6 (FIG. 6 (a)) and at a position in contact with the force receiving unit 34e of the developing unit 6 (FIG. 6 (b)). It is possible to move between. When the force receiving unit 34e receives the force from the force applying unit 101, the developing unit 6 is positioned at the image forming position.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the image forming operation is performed, the force applying portion 101 moves in the pressurizing direction and comes into contact with the force receiving portion 34e. The force receiving unit 34e receives a force from the force applying unit 101, and the developing unit 6 rotates about the pin 30 (rotation axis A1) in the direction of the arrow M. As a result, the developing unit 6 is positioned at the image forming position. At this time, the developing roller 11 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 7.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the image forming operation is completed, the force applying unit 101 moves in the retracting direction and separates from the force receiving unit 34e. Due to the weight of the developing unit 6, the developing unit 6 rotates around the pin 30 (rotation axis A1) in the direction of arrow N. As a result, the developing unit 6 is positioned at a separated position. At this time, the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 7.

As described above, the developing unit 6 moves from the image forming position to the separated position due to its own weight. Therefore, when the force applying unit 101 moves in the direction of the arrow V while the developing unit 6 is positioned at the image forming position, the developing unit 6 naturally (automatically) moves toward the separated position. Then, the force applying unit 101 is separated from the force receiving unit 34e, and the developing unit 6 is positioned at a separated position.

As described above, the movement of the developing unit 6 from the image forming position to the separated position does not have to be performed only by its own weight. That is, as will be described later, the process cartridge 1 may have an urging member 50 that urges the developing unit 6 toward a position away from the image forming position.

Since the developing unit 6 is naturally positioned at a separated position, the force applying portion 101 of the apparatus main body 100a can be separated from the process cartridge 1 when the image forming operation is not performed. That is, when the image forming operation is not performed, the force applying unit 101 of the apparatus main body 100a can be prevented from receiving the force from the process cartridge 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deformation of the force applying portion 101 and the portion that supports the force applying portion 101. In general, the period during which the image forming operation is not performed is longer than the period during which the image forming operation is performed. Therefore, the configuration of the present embodiment effectively deforms the force applying portion 101 and the portion supporting the force applying portion 101. Can be suppressed.

<Arrangement of force receiving part>
The arrangement of the force receiving portion 34e in the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 6 (a), and 6 (b). As described above, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1 when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position. In FIG. 1, the photoconductor unit 4 is in a state of being supported by the apparatus main body 100a, and is in a posture when an image forming operation is performed. FIG. 1 is a view when the process cartridge 1 is viewed along the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, the force receiving portion 34e and the developing roller 11 are arranged above the horizontal line h passing through the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the distance between the rotation axis A1 of the development unit 6 and the rotation axis A2 of the development roller 11 is d1 (second distance) in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A1 of the development unit 6. And. The distance between the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 and the force receiving portion 34e (the portion in contact with the force applying portion 101) is d2 (third distance). The distance between the force receiving portion 34e and the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11 is d3 (first distance). Note that d1, d2, and d3 are the same as the length of a straight line connecting the respective points (rotational axis A1 of the developing unit 6, rotating axis A2 of the developing roller 11, and force receiving portion 34e). In the present embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 is the same as the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11.

Here, in order to suppress the deformation of the force applying portion 101, the force receiving portion 34e, or the peripheral portion thereof, it is preferable that the force applied by the force applying portion 101 to the force receiving portion 34e is small. It is preferable that d2 is long in order to reduce the force with which the applying portion 101 pushes the force receiving portion 34e while securing the force required for the developing unit 6 to be maintained at the image forming position.

On the other hand, even when the rotation amount of the developing unit 6 is small, it is preferable that d1 is long in order to surely separate the developing roller 11 from the photosensitive drum 7. In particular, when d2 is lengthened, the distance that the force receiving portion 34e moves when the developing unit 6 rotates becomes long. Therefore, in order to shorten the moving distance of the force applying unit 101 and the force receiving unit 34e, it is preferable that the rotation amount of the developing unit 6 is small.

That is, d1 and d2 are determined in consideration of the magnitude of the force applied to the force receiving portion 34e or the rotation angle of the developing unit 6. On the other hand, in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6, in order to reduce the occupied area of the process cartridge 1 in the image forming apparatus 100, the arrangement space of the developing roller 11, the rotation axis A1, and the force receiving portion 34e is reduced. It is preferable to do so.

Therefore, it is preferable that d3 (distance between the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11 and the force receiving portion 34e) is shorter than whichever of d1 and d2 is longer. It is more preferable that d3 is shorter than d1 and d2.

In the present embodiment, when the angle formed by d1 and d2 is θ, they are arranged so that θ <60 degrees. With this arrangement, d3 is shorter than the longer distance of d2 of d1.

In the process cartridge 1 of the present embodiment, d3 is shorter than d1. Also, d3 is shorter than d2. That is, the developing roller 11, the rotating axis A1, and the force receiving portion 34e are arranged so that d3 <d1 and d3 <d2. Further, in the present embodiment, the developing roller 11, the rotating axis A1, and the force receiving portion 34e are arranged so that d1 <d2.

A straight line connecting the rotating axis A1 and the rotating axis A2 of the developing roller 11 (first straight line) when viewed along the rotating axis A1 in order to reduce the arrangement space of the developing roller 11, the rotating axis A1, and the force receiving portion 34e. ) And the straight line (second straight line) connecting the rotation axis A1 and the force receiving portion 34e, the angle θ is smaller than 60 °. Further, θ is preferably smaller than 45 °. It is more preferable that θ is smaller than 30 °. In this embodiment, θ is less than 30 °.

Further, in the present embodiment, both the force receiving portion 34e and the developing roller 11 are arranged above the horizontal line passing through the rotation axis A1. As a result, d1 and d2 can be secured for a long time. Therefore, the urging force of the force applying unit 101 can be reduced.

Further, when viewed along the rotation axis A1, the force receiving portion 34e is on the opposite side of the pin 30 (rotation axis A1) with respect to the line n passing through the rotation axis A3 of the photosensitive drum 7 and the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11. On the other side of). In other words, the line n is arranged so as to pass between the rotation axis A1 and the force receiving portion 34e. As a result, the pressing force of the force applying portion 101 can be reduced, and the space for arranging the force receiving portion 34e, the developing roller 11, and the rotation axis A1 can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the force receiving portion 34e is arranged so that the position of the force receiving portion 34e overlaps with the position of the photosensitive drum 7 in the vertical direction.

With the above configuration, the space of the process cartridge 1 can be reduced in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A1. Further, the force of the force applying unit 101 (the force received by the force receiving unit 34e) can be reduced. That is, the developing unit 6 can be positioned at the image forming position with a small force. Further, even when the rotation angle of the developing unit 6 is small, the developing roller 11 can be reliably separated from the photosensitive drum 7.

Further, the force receiving portion 34e is arranged above the lowermost portion 16d1 of the partition wall 16d. In other words, the position of the developing chamber 16a and the position of the force receiving portion 34e overlap in the vertical direction.

The process cartridge 1 and another process cartridge having a volume different from that of the process cartridge 1 in the toner storage chamber 16b may be mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. By arranging the force receiving portions 34e as described above, the force applying portion 101 can be arranged at the same position even when process cartridges having different sizes of the toner storage chambers 16b are mounted. Further, for example, as compared with the configuration in which the force receiving portion 34e is arranged below the developing chamber 16a, the degree of freedom when changing the shape of the toner storage chamber 16b is improved. That is, in the portion below the force receiving portion 34e, the shape of the developing frame 16 forming the toner storage chamber 16d is adjusted according to the volume of the toner storage chamber 16b without being restricted by arranging the force receiving portion 34. You can change it freely.

<Positional relationship between the rotation axis of the developing unit and the center of gravity>
Next, the positional relationship between the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 and the center of gravity Gd will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view schematically showing the positional relationship between the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 and the center of gravity Gd of the developing unit 6. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state in which the center of gravity of the developing unit 6 is located below the horizontal line passing through the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state in which the center of gravity of the developing unit 6 is located above the horizontal line passing through the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6.

7 (a) and 7 (b) are views taken in the direction of the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the M direction indicates the rotation direction of the developing unit 6, and is the rotation direction in which the developing roller 11 approaches the photosensitive drum 7.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the developing unit 6 is in a separated position, the center of gravity Gd is located at a position horizontally separated from the rotation axis A1 by W. When the developing unit 6 rotates in the M direction, the center of gravity Gd also rotates in the M direction. Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the center of gravity Gd is below the horizontal line passing through the rotation axis A1, when the developing unit 6 rotates in the M direction, the center of gravity Gd is in the horizontal direction with respect to the rotation axis A1. Move away. Therefore, in the horizontal direction, the distance W between the rotation axis A1 and its own weight Gd becomes longer, and the moment that the developing unit 6 rotates in the separation direction (opposite to the M direction) increases due to its own weight.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the center of gravity Gd is above the horizontal line passing through the rotation axis A1, when the developing unit 6 rotates in the M direction, the center of gravity Gd approaches the rotation axis A1 in the horizontal direction. Move in the direction. Therefore, in the horizontal direction, the distance W between the rotation axis A1 and its own weight Gd becomes shorter, and the moment when the developing unit 6 rotates in the separation direction (opposite to the M direction) due to its own weight decreases.

That is, by arranging the center of gravity Gd above the horizontal line passing through the rotation axis A1, it is possible to suppress the loss due to the own weight of the developing unit 6 when the developing roller 11 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 7. Therefore, the urging force of the force applying unit 101 can be reduced. Even when the center of gravity Gd is below the horizontal line passing through the rotation axis A1, the higher the position of the center of gravity Gd, the slower the increase in the distance W. Therefore, the loss due to the weight of the developing unit 6 should be reduced. Can be done.

Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the center of gravity Gd relatively high with respect to the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6. Therefore, in the process cartridge 1, the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 is preferably arranged at a low position. Further, in the process cartridge 1, the center of gravity Gd is preferably arranged at a high position.

<Arrangement of developing room>
The arrangement of the developing chamber 16a in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the developing chamber 16a is divided by a vertical line i passing through the center of the pin 30 (rotation axis A1). At this time, the volume of the portion farther from the photosensitive drum 7 than the vertical line i is larger than the volume of the portion closer to the photosensitive drum 7 than the vertical line i.

More specifically, the developing chamber 16a is divided into a first region S1 and a second region S2 by a vertical line i. The first region S1 is a region located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 7. The second region S2 is a region located on the same side as the photosensitive drum 7. That is, the second region S2 is arranged at a position closer to the photosensitive drum 7 than the first region S1. The developing chamber 16a is arranged so that the first region S1> the second region S2. That is, the developing chamber 16a is arranged so that the volume of the first region S1 is larger than the volume of the second region S2.

In the developing chamber 16a, the toner conveyed from the toner storage chamber 16b is collected by the conveying member 29. More specifically, the toner conveyed from the toner storage chamber 16b is collected in the gap m between the supply roller 17 arranged in the developing chamber 16a and the lowermost surface 16d1 of the partition wall 16d.

Here, in the developing unit 6 of the present embodiment, the developing chamber 16a is arranged so that the volume of the first region S1 is larger than the volume of the second region S2. Therefore, the amount of toner accumulated in the first region S1 is larger than the amount of toner accumulated in the second region S2. As a result, when the force applying portion 101 moves in the direction of the arrow V, a moment in the direction in which the developing roller 11 separates from the photosensitive drum 7 acts due to the weight of the toner accumulated in the first region S1 of the developing chamber 16a. .. Therefore, the distance between the developing rollers 11 due to the weight of the developing unit 6 can be more reliably separated. That is, the developing unit 6 can be easily positioned at a separated position by its own weight.

Further, by storing the toner in the developing chamber 16a provided above the toner storage chamber 16b, even if the toner in the developing unit 6 is reduced, the toner is stored in a high position in the developing unit 6. be able to. Therefore, the weight of the toner can be concentrated at a high position in the developing unit 6.

Further, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the toner storage chamber 16b is divided by a horizontal line h passing through the rotation axis A1. At this time, the volume of the portion located above the horizon h is larger than the volume of the portion located below the horizon h.

More specifically, the region above the horizon is referred to as the third region S3, and the region below the horizon is referred to as the fourth region S4. That is, the fourth region is located below the third region. At this time, the toner storage chamber 16b is configured so that the volume of the third region S3 is larger than the volume of the fourth region S4. As a result, the center of gravity Gd of the developing unit 6 can be kept at a high position even if the amount of toner stored in the toner storage chamber 16b is reduced. In the present embodiment, the center of gravity Gd of the developing unit 6 can be located above the horizontal line h passing through the rotation axis A1 even if the amount of toner stored in the toner storage chamber 16b decreases.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6B, the developing unit 6 at the image forming position is located at the first portion and the second portion below the first portion by the horizontal line h passing through the rotation axis A1. It is assumed that it is divided into the part of. The first portion is a portion above the horizon h, and the second portion is a portion below the horizon h. At this time, the first portion is larger than the second portion. Also, the first part is heavier than the second part.

<Relationship between the rotating axis of the developing roller and the developing unit>
The arrangement of the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6 and the developing rollers 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the present embodiment, the developing roller 11 and the supply roller 17 are arranged above the pin 30. The developing roller 11 has a rubber layer 11a as an elastic layer and a first metal shaft 11b arranged inside the rubber layer 11a. The supply roller 17 has a sponge layer 17a and a second metal shaft 17b arranged inside the sponge layer 17a. The sponge layer 17a is deformed by the reaction force received from the developing roller 11. In the present embodiment, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the rubber layer 11a is deformed by the reaction force received from the photosensitive drum 7. The first shaft 11b and the second shaft 17b are metal shafts supported by the developing bearings 34 (34F, 34R). The developing roller 11 is heavier than the supply roller 17. Therefore, the proportion of the developing roller 11 in the weight of the developing unit 6 is larger than the proportion of the supply roller 17. Further, the maximum diameter of the first shaft 11b is larger than the maximum diameter of the second shaft 17b. Further, in the present embodiment, among the metal parts included in the developing unit 6, the first shaft 11b is the heaviest metal part.

In the present embodiment, when the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture and the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the developing roller 11 is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line i. Further, in the present embodiment, when the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture and the developing unit 6 is in the separated position, the developing roller 11 is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line i.

As described above, the developing unit 6 is positioned at a separated position by its own weight. On the other hand, in order to position the developing unit 6 at the image forming position, the force applying unit 101 needs to urge the force receiving unit 34e. That is, if the influence of the weight of the developing unit 6 is too large, the load on the force applying unit 101 increases. On the other hand, if the influence of the weight of the developing unit 6 is too small, the developing unit 6 cannot be stably separated.

Therefore, the developing roller 11 is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line i passing through the rotation center A1. In particular, in the present embodiment, the vertical straight line i is arranged so as to overlap the first shaft 11b of the developing roller 11. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the developing unit 6 is in a separated position, the vertical line i overlaps with the first shaft 11b. As a result, when the developing unit 6 is in a separated position, the influence of the weight of the developing roller 11 can be reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the vertical line i overlaps with the first shaft 11b. Thereby, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the influence of the weight of the developing roller 11 can be reduced. That is, in a configuration in which the developing unit 6 is positioned at a distanced position by at least its own weight, it is possible to prevent the force of the developing unit 6 toward the separated position from becoming too large. Therefore, the force applying unit 101 of the apparatus main body 100a can position the developing unit 6 at the image forming position with a small force.

In the present embodiment, by arranging the developing roller 11 heavier than the supply roller 17 as described above, it is possible to reduce the influence of the component having a large contribution to the force in the direction in which the developing unit 6 is separated.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11 is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum 7 than the vertical line i. When the developing unit 6 is in a separated position, the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 11 is located at a position farther from the photosensitive drum 7 than the vertical line i. As a result, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the weight of the developing roller 11 can be applied in the direction in which the developing roller 11 approaches the photosensitive drum 7. On the other hand, when the developing unit 6 is in a separated position, the weight of the developing roller 11 can be applied in the direction in which the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 7.

<Assistance for separation operation>
The assistance of the separation operation of the developing unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a side view of the process cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view of the process cartridge 1 as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A1 of the developing unit 6.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the developing unit 6 is positioned at a position separated from the image forming position by at least its own weight so that the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 7. However, the movement of the developing unit 6 from the image forming position to the separated position does not have to be performed only by its own weight. That is, the process cartridge 1 may have an urging member 50 that urges the developing unit 6 toward a position away from the image forming position. That is, the urging member 50 assists the developing unit 6 to move by its own weight. In the present embodiment, the developing unit 6 is in contact with the regulating portion 5d, which is a part of the first support frame body 5, at a separated position. As a result, the development unit 6 is restricted from moving in the direction in which the development roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 7.

Since the urging member 50 is for assisting the movement of the developing unit 6, it is not necessary to generate a strong force that deforms a part of the developing unit 6 and the photoconductor unit 4. In the present embodiment, when the photoconductor unit 4 takes a posture opposite to the supported posture in the vertical direction (the posture in which the top and bottom of FIG. 1 are inverted), the developing unit 6 resists the biasing force of the biasing member 50. Then, it is located at the image forming position by its own weight. That is, it is allowed that the developing roller 11 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 7.

The process cartridge 1 does not need to include the urging member 50. That is, when the photoconductor unit 4 is in the supported posture, the developing unit 6 may be configured to be positioned at a separated position only by its own weight.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment performs an image forming operation by a so-called contact developing method. However, the present invention is not limited to the contact development method. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation in a state where a gap is formed between the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 11 when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position. In this configuration, when the developing unit 6 is in the image forming position, the developing roller 11 is in a position close to the photosensitive drum 7.

1 Process cartridge 4 Photoreceptor unit 5 First support frame 6 Development unit 7 Photosensitive drum 11 Development roller 16 Development frame 16a Development room 16b Toner storage room 16c First communication opening 16d Partition wall 17 Supply roller 29 Conveying member 30 Pin 33 (33F, 33R) Drum bearing 34 (34F, 34R) Development bearing 50 Biasing member 100 Image forming device 100a Device body 101 Force application part h Horizontal line i Vertical line A1 Rotation axis

Claims (23)

A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation.
The first unit containing the photoconductor and
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
The second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the developer carrier is supported. Is located above the horizon passing through the first axis,
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the first position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. , The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the second position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. , The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line.
The developer carrier is rotatably configured around a second axis, and the second unit is in the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed. When in position 1, the second axis is closer to the photoconductor than the vertical line, and when the second unit is in the second position, the second axis is said. A cartridge characterized in that it is located at a position farther from the photoconductor than the vertical line. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the force receiving portion is located above the horizon in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed. A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation.
The first unit containing the photoconductor and
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
The second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the developer carrier is supported. Is located above the horizon passing through the first axis,
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the first position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the second position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. , The developer carrier is arranged so as to overlap the vertical line.
A cartridge characterized in that the force receiving portion is located above the horizon in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed. According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the center of gravity of the second unit is located above the horizon and at a position farther from the photoconductor than the vertical line. The listed cartridge. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the center of gravity is located below the developer carrier in a state where the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed. With the first unit taking the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed and the second unit being located at the first position, the second unit is held by the horizon. From claim 1, the first portion is heavier than the second portion when divided into a portion 1 and a second portion located below the first portion. The cartridge according to any one of 5. The developer carrier comprises a rubber layer and a first metal shaft.
When the first unit takes the same posture as when the image forming operation is performed, and the second unit is in the second position, when viewed in the direction of the first axis. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vertical line overlaps with the first shaft. A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus.
A first unit including a photoconductor, the first unit configured to be supported by the apparatus main body, and a first unit.
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
With the first unit supported by the apparatus main body, the second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight, and the developer carrier is the first axis. Located above the horizon passing through
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the first position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the second position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line,
When the developer carrier is rotatably configured around a second axis and the second unit is in the first position while the first unit is supported by the device body. The second axis is located closer to the photoconductor than the vertical line, and when the second unit is in the second position, the second axis is closer to the photoconductor than the vertical line. A cartridge characterized by being located away from. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the force receiving portion is located above the horizon while the first unit is supported by the apparatus main body. A cartridge mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus.
A first unit including a photoconductor, the first unit configured to be supported by the apparatus main body, and a first unit.
A second unit that is coupled to the first unit and includes a developer carrier and a force receiving portion, the first position where the developer carrier comes into contact with the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. Is rotatably configured around a first axis so that is rotatable with respect to the first unit to and from a second position away from the photoconductor, and the force receiving portion is from the device body. A second unit configured to be positioned in the first position when a force is applied.
Have,
With the first unit supported by the apparatus main body, the second unit is configured to be positioned at the second position by its own weight, and the developer carrier is the first axis. Located above the horizon passing through
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the first position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line passing through the first axis.
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the second position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the developer carrier is supported. Arranged so as to overlap the vertical line,
A cartridge characterized in that the force receiving portion is located above the horizon while the first unit is supported by the apparatus main body. According to any one of claims 8 to 10, the center of gravity of the second unit is located above the horizon and at a position farther from the photoconductor than the vertical line. The listed cartridge. The cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the center of gravity is located below the developer carrier in a state where the first unit is supported by the apparatus main body. With the first unit supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit located at the first position, the second unit is referred to as the first portion and the first by the horizontal line. According to any one of claims 8 to 12, the first portion is heavier than the second portion when divided into a second portion located below the first portion. The listed cartridge. The developer carrier comprises a rubber layer and a first metal shaft.
When the first unit is supported by the main body of the apparatus and the second unit is in the second position and viewed in the direction of the first axis, the vertical line is the first. The cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the cartridge overlaps with one shaft. The second unit includes a supply member that contacts the developer carrier to supply the developer.
The developer carrier is heavier than the feed member,
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the supply member is located at a position away from the photoconductor with respect to the vertical line. The photoconductor is configured to be rotatable around a third axis.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the developer carrier is located below the third axis. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body along the third axis. The second unit has a developing frame body, and the developing frame body has a developing agent storage chamber for storing a developing agent and a developing chamber in which the developing agent carrier is arranged inside the developing frame body. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a partition wall having an opening for communicating the developer storage chamber and the developing chamber. The cartridge according to claim 18, wherein at least a part of the developing chamber is located directly above at least a part of the developing agent storage chamber. The cartridge according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the developer storage chamber includes a transport member for transporting the developer from the developer storage chamber to the developing chamber. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the second unit is provided with an urging member for urging the second unit toward the second position. With the device body
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and
An image forming apparatus including an exposure apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor. A force applying portion that applies a force to the force receiving portion and moves the force receiving portion, and a drive source for driving the force applying portion.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the force applying unit by the drive source.

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