JP3542509B2 - Magnetic seal member, developing device, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a magnetic seal member, a developing device, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is formed into an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A process cartridge system detachable from the apparatus main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.
[0003]
In such a process cartridge, a magnetic seal member having a magnetic material such as a magnetic seal is attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of a developing frame of a developing device incorporated in the process cartridge, and a developing roller (developer carrier) is formed. Outflow of toner from both ends in the longitudinal direction is prevented. The positioning of the magnetic seal member with respect to the developing frame is performed by an arm portion protruding in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame and provided on the magnetic sealing member.
[0004]
An elastic member such as a malt plane is adhered to the back surface of the magnetic seal member on the side of the developing frame, and the magnetic seal member is regulated by a repulsive force of the elastic member so as to regulate a toner layer thickness of a developing roller. Member). Thus, the developing blade, the developing roller, and the magnetic seal member are set to the same potential.
[0005]
The present invention is a further development of the above prior art.
[0006]
Main purpose of the present invention Is the current An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic seal member that can be easily positioned with respect to an image frame.
[0007]
Another main object of the present invention is to provide a developing device capable of stably contacting a developer regulating member and a magnetic seal member.
[0008]
Another main object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge capable of stably abutting a developer regulating member and a magnetic seal member, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be attached and detached. It is in.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A typical configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is:
(1 ) Develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor Present Regulating the amount of developer carried by the image carrier and the developer carrier; Present Image material regulating member and , In the magnetic seal member used for the developing device, the magnetic seal member has a gap with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the developer carrier at both longitudinal ends of the developer carrier. Yes To do With an elastic sealing member Placed on the developing frame, To position the magnetic seal member on the developing frame, A contact surface that contacts the developer regulating member, and the contact surface Is On the other side Provided, is a positioning portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, and moves along an inclined portion provided at an entrance of a positioning groove provided in the developing frame, Fit into the positioning groove Positioning unit To Have Ruko And a magnetic seal member.
[0010]
(2) In a developing device used for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, Electric Develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor Present Regulating the amount of developer carried by the image carrier and the developer carrier; Present An image agent regulating member, Previous At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, a gap is formed with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the developer carrier. Yes To do A magnetic seal member disposed on the developing frame with an elastic seal member interposed therebetween, in order to position the magnetic seal member on the developing frame, A contact surface that contacts the developer regulating member, and the contact surface Is On the other side Provided, is a positioning portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, and moves along an inclined portion provided at an entrance of a positioning groove provided in the developing frame, Fit into the positioning groove Positioning unit And a magnetic seal member having A developing device characterized in that:
[0011]
(3) In a process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, Electric A photoreceptor and an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor. Developer carrier for developing When, Previous Regulate the amount of developer carried by the developer carrier Present An image agent regulating member, A magnetic seal member disposed on a developing frame with an elastic seal member interposed therebetween so as to have a gap with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the developer carrier at both ends in a longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. In order to position a seal member on the developing frame, A contact surface that contacts the developer regulating member, and the contact surface Is On the other side Provided, is a positioning portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, and moves along an inclined portion provided at an entrance of a positioning groove provided in the developing frame, Fit into the positioning groove Positioning unit And a magnetic seal member having There is a process cartridge characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0012]
(4) In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for detachably attaching a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, ) A photoreceptor and an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor. Developer carrier for developing When, Previous A developer regulating member for regulating the amount of developer carried by the developer carrier, Previous At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, a gap is provided with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the developer carrier. A magnetic seal member disposed on the developing frame with an elastic seal member interposed therebetween, in order to position the magnetic seal member on the developing frame, A contact surface that contacts the developer regulating member, and the contact surface Is On the other side Provided, is a positioning portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, and moves along an inclined portion provided at an entrance of a positioning groove provided in the developing frame, Said Positioning groove A magnetic seal member having a positioning portion that fits into the A mounting means for removably mounting the process cartridge; and b) a transport means for transporting the recording medium. Ruko And an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0013]
(Operation) In the magnetic seal member, the magnetic seal member can be positioned on the developing frame by a positioning portion provided on a surface opposite to a contact surface that comes into contact with the developer regulating member. This Present The magnetic seal member can be easily positioned with respect to the image frame.
[0014]
In the above-described developing device, the magnetic seal member can be positioned on the developing frame by the positioning portion provided on the surface opposite to the contact surface that contacts the developer regulating member. This Present The magnetic seal member can be easily positioned with respect to the image frame.
[0015]
Further, the elastic member presses the positioning portion of the magnetic seal member to press the contact surface against the developer regulating member. Thereby, the developer regulating member and the magnetic seal member can be stably contacted. The elastic member is a conductive member, and a part of the conductive member is brought into contact with a conductive portion of the developer regulating member to thereby establish conduction between the developer regulating member and the magnetic seal member in both longitudinal ends of the developer carrier. It is possible to use two systems in parallel. As a result, it is possible to prevent the magnetic seal member and the developer regulating member from floating or coming into contact with each other and to be in an electrically unstable state, and to prevent leakage due to the electrically unstable state and noise caused by the leakage. Generation can be suppressed.
[0016]
In the above-described process cartridge and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the magnetic seal member can be positioned on the developing frame by the positioning portion provided on the surface opposite to the contact surface that contacts the developer regulating member. This Present The magnetic seal member can be easily positioned with respect to the image frame.
[0017]
Further, the elastic member presses the positioning portion of the magnetic seal member to press the contact surface against the developer regulating member. Thereby, the developer regulating member and the magnetic seal member can be stably contacted. The elastic member is a conductive member, and a part of the conductive member is brought into contact with a conductive portion of the developer regulating member to thereby establish conduction between the developer regulating member and the magnetic seal member in both longitudinal ends of the developer carrier. It is possible to use two systems in parallel. As a result, it is possible to prevent the magnetic seal member and the developer regulating member from floating or coming into contact with each other and to be in an electrically unstable state, and to prevent leakage due to the electrically unstable state and noise caused by the leakage. Generation can be suppressed.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Detailed description of embodiments)
Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
In the following description, the short direction of the process cartridge B is a direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 14, and coincides with the transport direction of the recording medium. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B is a direction (substantially orthogonal) that intersects with the direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 14, and intersects (substantially orthogonal) the recording medium conveyance direction. The upper surface of the process cartridge B is a surface located above when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 14, and the lower surface is a surface located below.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) to which the present embodiment is applied, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view thereof. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the process cartridge as viewed from above (upper surface).
[0021]
(Electrophotographic image forming apparatus and process cartridge)
First, a laser beam printer as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge B.
[0022]
This electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) A forms an image on a recording medium (for example, recording paper, OHP sheet, cloth, etc.) 2 by an electrophotographic image forming process, as shown in FIG. . Then, a toner image is formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive drum) 7. More specifically, the photoconductor drum 7 is charged by the charging unit 8, and then the photoconductor drum 7 is irradiated with a laser beam corresponding to the image information from the optical unit 1, and the photoconductor drum 7 is statically charged according to the image information. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The latent image is developed by the developing means 9 to form a toner image. Then, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium 2 set in the cassette 3a is reversely conveyed by the pickup roller 3b, the conveying roller pairs 3c and 3d, and the registration roller pair 3e. Next, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge B is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to a transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit. Thereafter, the recording medium 2 to which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing unit 5 by the transport guide 3f. The fixing unit 5 has a driving roller 5c and a fixing roller 5b containing a heater 5a. Then, heat and pressure are applied to the passing recording medium 2 to fix the transferred toner image. The recording medium 2 is conveyed by a pair of discharge rollers 3g, 3h, and 3i, and is discharged to a discharge tray 6 through a reversing path 3j. The discharge tray 6 is provided on an upper surface of an apparatus main body (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body) 14 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A.
[0023]
In addition, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A of the present embodiment can also operate the swingable flapper 3k and carry out the recording medium 2 by the discharge roller pair 3m without passing through the reversing path 3j. Further, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A of the present embodiment, the pickup roller 3b, the conveying roller pair 3c, 3d, the registration roller pair 3e, the conveying guide 3f, the discharging roller pairs 3g, 3h, 3i, and the discharging roller pair 3m. Conveying means 3 is constituted.
[0024]
On the other hand, in the process cartridge B, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the photosensitive drum 7 having a photosensitive layer is rotated, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by applying a voltage to a charging roller 8 serving as a charging unit. . Next, a laser beam corresponding to the image information from the optical system 1 is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure opening 1e to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, the latent image is developed by the developing unit 9 using toner as a developer. That is, the charging roller 8 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 7 and charges the photosensitive drum 7. The charging roller 8 is driven and rotated by the photosensitive drum 7. The developing unit 9 supplies toner to a developing area of the photosensitive drum 7 to develop the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7. The optical system 1 has a laser diode 1a, a polygon mirror 1b, a lens 1c, and a reflection mirror 1d.
[0025]
Here, the developing means 9 sends out the toner in the toner container 11A to a developing roller 9c as a developer carrier by rotation of a toner sending member 9b. Then, a developing roller 9c containing a fixed magnet (hereinafter, referred to as a "magnet") 9g is rotated, and a toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by a developing blade 9d as a developer regulating member is formed on the surface of the developing roller 9c. Supplies the toner to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7. Then, the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image to form a toner image and visualize the toner image. Here, the developing blade 9d regulates (regulates) the toner amount on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. In the vicinity of the developing roller 9c, toner stirring members 9e and 9f for circulating the toner in the developing chamber are rotatably mounted.
[0026]
Then, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2. Remove. Here, the cleaning means 10 scrapes off the toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 7 by an elastic cleaning blade 10a provided in contact with the photoconductor drum 7 and collects it in the removed toner reservoir 10b.
[0027]
In the process cartridge B, a toner frame 11 having a toner container (toner storage section) 11A for storing toner and a developing frame 12 for holding developing means 9 such as a developing roller 9c are connected. The photosensitive drum 7, a cleaning means 10 such as a cleaning blade 10a, and a cleaning frame 13 to which a charging roller 8 is attached are connected to this. The process cartridge B is detachable from the apparatus main body 14 by an operator.
[0028]
The process cartridge B is provided with an exposure opening 1 e for irradiating the photosensitive drum 7 with light corresponding to image information and a transfer opening 13 n for facing the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2. Specifically, the exposure opening 1 e is provided in the cleaning frame 13, and the transfer opening 13 n is configured between the developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13.
[0029]
The process cartridge B described in the present embodiment has a housing in which a toner frame 11 and a developing frame 12 are connected, and a cleaning frame 13 is rotatably connected thereto. This is a cartridge that houses the charging roller 8, the developing unit 9, the cleaning unit 10, and the like. Then, the process cartridge B is detachably mounted on a cartridge mounting means provided on the apparatus main body 14.
[0030]
(Configuration of process cartridge housing)
In the process cartridge B according to the present embodiment, as described above, the toner frame 11, the developing frame 12, and the cleaning frame 13 are combined to form a housing. Next, the configuration will be described.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 3, a toner feeding member 9b is rotatably attached to the toner frame 11. A developing roller 9c and a developing blade 9d are mounted on the developing frame 12, and stirring members 9e and 9f for circulating toner in the developing chamber are rotatably mounted near the developing roller 9c. Further, an antenna rod 9h is attached substantially in parallel with the developing roller 9c so as to face the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c. The toner frame 11 and the developing frame 12 are welded (in this embodiment, ultrasonic welding) to constitute a developing unit D as an integral second frame which is a developing device.
[0032]
Further, the photosensitive frame 7, the charging roller 8 and the cleaning means 10 are attached to the cleaning frame 13. Further, when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body 14, the photosensitive drum 7 is covered, and a drum shutter member 18 for protecting the photosensitive drum 7 from being exposed to light for a long time or from contact with foreign matter is attached to the photosensitive drum 7 as a first frame. The cleaning unit C is configured.
[0033]
The developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are rotatably connected to each other by a connecting member 22 to form the process cartridge B. That is, a rotating shaft 20 is provided at the tip of an arm portion 19 formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the developing roller 9c) of the developing frame 12. On the other hand, concave portions 21 for positioning and locking the rotation shaft 20 are provided at two places on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 13. The developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are rotatably connected about the rotation shaft 20 by engaging the rotation shaft 20 with the concave portion 21 and attaching the coupling member 22 to the cleaning frame 13. At this time, the developing roller 9c is reliably pressed against the photosensitive drum 7 by urging the developing frame 12 downward by the compression spring 22a to which the connecting member 22 is attached. Therefore, by attaching spacer rollers (not shown) having a diameter larger than that of the developing roller 9c to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c, the rollers are pressed against the photosensitive drum 7, and the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c are separated. They face each other at regular intervals (about 300 μm). Therefore, the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are rotatable about the rotation shaft 20. Thus, the positional relationship between the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 and the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c can be maintained by the elastic force of the compression spring 22a.
[0034]
(Configuration of guide means for process cartridge)
Next, guide means for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4, guide means serving as guides for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body 14 are provided on both outer side surfaces of the housing 100 which is a cartridge frame of the process cartridge B. The guide means includes a cylindrical guide 13a as a first guide member, a long guide 12a as a second guide member, and a short guide 13b as a third guide member.
[0036]
The cylindrical guide 13 a is a cylindrical member, and is disposed on the side surface of the cleaning frame 13 so as to protrude outward coaxially with the axis of the photosensitive drum 7. The cylindrical member supports a drum shaft (not shown) supporting the photosensitive drum 7 so as not to rotate. The longitudinal guide 12a is disposed on a side surface of the developing frame 12 so as to extend over a continuous side surface of the developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13. Further, the short guide 13b is disposed on a side surface of the cleaning frame 13 at a position above the cylindrical guide 13a. Here, in detail, the longitudinal guide 12 a is integrally formed with the developing holders 40 and 41 fixed to the developing frame 12. The cylindrical guide 13 a and the short guide 13 b are formed integrally with the cleaning frame 13.
[0037]
The longitudinal guide 12a extends in the process cartridge insertion direction (the direction of the arrow X), and its inclination is set to be substantially the same as the insertion angle of the process cartridge B. The cylindrical guide 13a is disposed on an extension of the longitudinal guide 12a extending in the process cartridge insertion direction. The short guide 13b is disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the long guide 12a. The cylindrical guide 13a, the second guide member 12a, and the third guide member 13b are also arranged on the side surface (one side surface) opposite to the side surface (the other side surface) shown in FIG. Has been established. The three guides are formed so as to protrude from the outer flat surfaces of the cleaning frame 13 and the developing frame 12 at substantially the same height.
[0038]
Next, the regulation contact portion 13e and the release contact portion 13f provided on the upper surface 13i of the cleaning unit C will be described. Here, the upper surface is a surface located above when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 14.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the right and left ends 13c and 13d of the upper surface 13i of the cleaning unit C in a direction perpendicular to the process cartridge mounting direction (the direction of the arrow X) are respectively a regulating contact portion 13e and a releasing contact. A portion 13f is provided. The regulation contact portion 13e defines the position of the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 14. That is, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 14, the regulating contact portion 13e abuts on the fixed member 25 (see FIG. 5) provided on the apparatus main body 14, and the position of the process cartridge B is regulated. Is done. The release contact portion 13f functions when removing the process cartridge B from the apparatus main body 14. That is, when removing the process cartridge B from the apparatus main body 14, the process cartridge B comes into contact with the fixed member 25 so that the process cartridge B is smoothly removed by the action of the moment.
[0040]
(Configuration of the mounting means of the device body)
Next, mounting means for making the process cartridge B detachable from the apparatus main body 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0041]
In FIG. 1, when the operator pivotally opens and closes the opening / closing member 35 about the fulcrum 35a, a cartridge mounting space S is provided as shown in FIG. Member 16 is attached. The left and right guide members 16 are provided with two first guide portions 16a and two second guide portions 16b for guiding the guide of the process cartridge B, respectively. The process cartridge B is inserted along the guides 16a, 16b, and the opening / closing member 35 is closed, whereby the mounting of the process cartridge B to the apparatus main body 14 is completed. The process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 14 in a direction crossing the axis of the photosensitive drum 7 as shown in FIG. More specifically, it is attached and detached from a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis. The developing unit D is mounted with the cleaning unit C facing forward and the developing unit D facing backward.
[0042]
In addition, in order to allow the operator to easily hold the process cartridge B during the attachment / detachment, the process cartridge B is provided with a concave portion (see FIG. 4) as a handle portion 17 along the longitudinal direction thereof. Then, the operator grips the handle 17 with both hands to mount and remove the process cartridge B.
[0043]
Further, the process cartridge B is provided with a drum shutter member 18 (see FIG. 3) that opens and closes the transfer opening 13n in conjunction with the mounting and demounting operation. When the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body 14, the shutter member 18 is It is closed to protect the transfer area of the photosensitive drum 7. As shown in FIG. 4, the shutter member 18 is supported by being pivotally attached to respective ends of an arm 18a and a link member 18b rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 13. The shutter member 18 is provided at the fulcrum 18c for supporting the shutter arm 18a. When the tip of the lever 23, whose root is fixed to the arm 18a, mounts the process cartridge B to the apparatus main body 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. It is opened by abutting against a stopper (not shown) fixed to the main body 14, and is closed by the elastic force of a torsion spring (not shown) when the process cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main body 14.
[0044]
The first guide portion 16a is provided below the guide member 16, as shown in FIG. 5, and guides the longitudinal guide 12a and the cylindrical guide 13a provided in the process cartridge B. The first guide portion 16a has a main guide portion 16al, a step 16a2, a relief portion 16a3, and a sub guide portion 16a4 from the upstream side to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction (the direction of the arrow X) of the process cartridge B. , And a positioning groove 16a5 are provided. The main guide portion 16al guides the longitudinal guide 12a and the cylindrical guide 13a. The sub guide portion 16a4 guides the cylindrical guide 13a to the positioning groove 16a5. Further, the positioning groove 16a5 defines the position of the process cartridge B by fitting the cylindrical guide 13a. Further, the second guide portion 16b is provided above the guide member 16, and guides the short guide 13b. The second guide portion 16b is provided with a rising slope 16bl from the upstream side to the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction of the process cartridge B, and a relief portion 16b2 on the downstream side.
[0045]
In the cartridge mounting space S of the apparatus main body 14, fixed members (rotation restricting members) 25 fixed to stays 27 are provided at both left and right ends. The fixed member 25 comes into contact with the regulation contact portion 13e to regulate the process cartridge B from rotating clockwise in FIG. Therefore, the process cartridge B is correctly mounted at a predetermined mounting position by fitting the cylindrical guide 13a into the groove 16a5 and by contacting the regulating contact portion 13e with the fixed member 25. When the process cartridge B is taken out, the fixed member 25 comes into contact with the release contact portion 13f so that the process cartridge B can be taken out smoothly.
[0046]
Further, in the cartridge mounting space S, pressure members 26 are provided at both left and right ends. The pressure member 26 is rotatable about a fulcrum (not shown), and is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 5 by the elastic force of a coil spring (not shown). The pressure member 26 elastically presses the upper surface of the process cartridge B to prevent the process cartridge B from vibrating due to the vibration of the image forming apparatus A or the like.
[0047]
(Toner frame)
Next, the toner frame 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0048]
The toner frame 11 is composed of two parts, an upper frame 11a and a lower frame 11b. The upper frame 11a is provided with a concave portion 17 from the outside along the upper longitudinal direction, and has the function of the above-described handle. When the process cartridge B is configured, a large number of ribs 11c parallel to the longitudinal direction are arranged on the outer surface of the lower frame 11b serving as the bottom at intervals of about 5 mm in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the operator holds the concave portion 17 and the rib 11c with both hands. The rib 11c serves as a non-slip when the process cartridge B is held. The lower frame 11b is aligned with the upper frame 11a at the welding surface U, and the welding ribs (not shown) are melted by forced vibration to integrate the two frames 11a and 11b. However, the joining method is not limited to vibration welding, and may be performed by, for example, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or bonding.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 3, the slope K of the lower frame 11b of the toner frame 11 falls naturally when the toner is consumed, that is, the inclination angle .theta. The angle θ between the inclined surface K of the process cartridge B and the horizontal line Z is preferably about 60 °. Further, the rotation area of the toner feeding member 9b extends below the slope K. Therefore, the lower frame 11b has a concave portion 11g below so as to escape the rotation area of the toner feeding member 9b. The rotation diameter of the toner feeding member 9b is about 30 mm (according to the present embodiment, it is recessed from the bottom of the lower frame 11b by about 3.6 mm. The recess from the bottom of the lower frame 11b is about 2. It may be 0 mm to 10 mm). This is because if the rotation area of the toner feeding member 9b is above the slope K, the toner that has naturally fallen from above the slope K is near the toner feeding member 9b. Although it is expected that the toner will not be sent into the developing frame 12 and the toner will remain, in the present embodiment, the toner can be reliably sent from the toner frame 11 to the developing frame 12.
[0050]
As described above, the toner frame 11 has a two-body configuration including the upper frame 11a and the lower frame 11b, and the concave portion 11g is provided on the bottom surface of the lower frame 11b as a relief for the toner feeding member 9b, thereby providing a large capacity. Even with the process cartridge, stable toner feeding performance can be obtained without increasing the cost.
[0051]
It is expected that the toner in the toner frame 11 will move abruptly due to vibrations, impacts, and the like during transportation when the process cartridge B is shipped from the factory to the user.
[0052]
Thus, in the present embodiment, a plurality of partition plates 11p are further provided in the upper frame 11a of the toner frame 11 in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the partition plate 11p is provided at three places, and the edge of the partition plate 11p faces the toner feeding member 9b and surrounds a substantially quadrant of the toner feeding member 9b. It has a shape having a body 11b and an edge green 11p2 with a minute gap. The edge 11pl facing the toner feeding member 9b is arranged at a position where the partition plate 11p covers a part of the toner filling port 11d when viewed from the longitudinal direction.
[0053]
Here, in order to prevent the toner from moving in the toner container 11A, it is better that the partition plate 11p is as large as possible. However, when filling the toner with the toner filling port 11d directly above, if the partition plate 11p is directly below the toner filling port 11d and completely covers the toner filling port 11d, the toner is filled all the way into the toner container 11A. It's hard to make it. Therefore, as described above, when the partition plate 11p is configured as shown in the present embodiment, the toner is filled to the back through the space in which the filling port 11d is not covered by the partition plate 11p. Further, since the partition plate 11p occupies a sufficiently large ratio of the inner cross section of the toner frame 11 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 3), even if the process cartridge B is vibrated or impacted, the partition plate 11p is There is no hindrance to movement and no compression of the toner.
[0054]
(Developing frame)
Next, the developing frame 12 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
[0055]
As described above, the developing frame 12 incorporates the developing roller 9c, the developing blade 9d, the toner stirring members 9e and 9f, and the antenna rod 9h for detecting the remaining amount of toner.
[0056]
The developing blade 9d is formed by fixing a urethane rubber 9d2 with a hot melt, a double-sided tape or the like to a sheet metal 9dl having a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm, which is a conductive portion, and regulates the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. The flatness of the blade abutting plane 12i (see FIG. 6) as a blade mounting portion provided on the developing frame 12 is regulated to about 0.05 mm. The flat surface 12i is provided with a dowel 12il and a screw hole 12i2. Then, a hole (not shown) provided in the sheet metal 9dl is fitted to the dowel 12il. Thereafter, the sheet metal 9dl is screwed to the flat surface 12i via a screw (not shown) provided in the sheet metal 9dl and the screw hole 12i2. Note that an elastic seal member (not shown) such as a malt plane is attached to the developing frame 12 along the longitudinal direction above the sheet metal 9dl to prevent toner from entering. Further, a magnetic seal member 201 is attached from both ends of the elastic seal member to a circular arc surface 12j along the developing roller 9c. On the back side of the magnetic seal member 201, an elastic seal member 201c such as a malt plane for preventing a gap between the developing frame 12 and the magnetic seal 201 is attached. Further, a thin elastic seal member (not shown) that is in contact with the generatrix of the developing roller 9c is attached to the lower jaw 12h. Also Urethane An elastic seal member 12s3 (see FIG. 6) for preventing toner leakage from the side of the blade (urethane rubber) 9d2 is attached to the developing frame 12 beside the magnetic seal member 201.
[0057]
Here, the mounting groove 203 for mounting the magnetic seal member 201 of the developing frame 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the developing frame 12 is provided with a mounting groove 203 for the magnetic seal member 201 from the blade abutting plane 12i to the arcuate surface 12j. The mounting groove 203 has an arcuate groove 203a along the arc of the arcuate surface 12j, a vertical straight groove 203b along the blade abutting plane 12i, and an arm (positioning portion) 201d of the magnetic seal member 201 which will be described later. And a positioning groove 203c in the depth direction for fitting. The entrance of the positioning groove 203c is an inclined portion 203d like a C chamfer. The inclined portion 203d of the positioning groove 203c is provided with a groove 203e for dropping an arm 202a of a spring member 202 described later for pressing the arm 201d of the magnetic seal member 201.
[0058]
(Magnetic seal member)
Next, the magnetic seal member 201 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic seal member 201 includes a magnet 201a and a magnetic member 201b. The magnet 201a is an injection-molded product provided with a nylon binder containing magnetic powder of Nd-Fe-B, and the magnetic member 201b is an iron material. The magnetic seal member 201 is formed in a shape that fits into the mounting groove 203 of the developing frame 12. That is, the magnetic seal member 201 includes an arc portion 201f that fits in the arc groove 203a of the mounting groove 203, a linear portion 201g that fits in the linear groove 203b of the mounting groove 203, and a positioning groove of the mounting groove 203. And an arm portion 201d as a positioning portion that fits into the arm portion 203c. An elastic seal member 201c such as a malt plane is attached to the magnetic seal member 201 on the back surface of the arc portion 201f and the linear portion 201g.
[0060]
The magnetic seal member 201 is disposed in the mounting groove 203 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 12. More specifically, the magnet 201a or the magnetic member 201b is attached to the developing frame 12 while keeping a gap S (about 0.1 to 0.7 mm in this embodiment) as a gap with the developing roller 9c (FIG. 7). reference). The magnet 201a and the magnetic member 201b attract the toner by a magnetic force, thereby preventing the toner from flowing out from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c.
[0061]
The arm portion 201d is for positioning the magnetic seal member 201 on the developing frame 12, and is a surface opposite to the contact surface (front surface) 201h of the linear portion 201g contacting the sheet metal 9dl of the developing blade 9d. (Rear surface) (see FIG. 7). Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the arm 201 d is pressed toward the developing blade 9 d by a spring member 202 as a conductive elastic member attached inside the positioning groove 203 c of the developing frame 12, The contact surface 201h is pressed against the sheet metal 9d1 of the developing blade 9d. Thereby, the magnetic seal member 201 can be reliably brought into contact with the developing blade 9d.
[0062]
The spring member 202 partially has an arm 202a extending toward the developing blade 9d. The arm 202a contacts the sheet metal 9dl of the developing blade 9d, so that the magnetic seal member 201 and the developing blade 9d can be conducted in parallel. Accordingly, the surface potential of the sheet metal 9dl of the developing roller 9c, the developing blade 9d, and the magnetic seal member 201 can be more stably set to the same potential, and noise due to leak described later can be prevented.
[0063]
(Assembly of magnetic seal member)
Next, a method of assembling the magnetic seal member 201 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0064]
In mounting the magnetic seal member 201 in the mounting groove 203 of the developing frame 12, the spring member 202 is inserted into the positioning groove 203c, and the arm 202a of the spring member 202 is dropped into the groove 203e (see FIG. 7). . Then, as shown in FIG. 8, after the magnetic seal member 201 is brought into the mounting groove 203 of the developing frame 12 as shown by an arrow, as shown in FIG. The circular arc portion 201f of the magnetic seal member 201 is fitted. Thereafter, the arm 201d is lightly pressed in the direction of the arrow along the inclined portion 203d so that the lower end surface of the magnetic seal member 201 is aligned with the lower end surface of the mounting groove 203. As a result, the lower part 201e of the elastic seal member 201c is compressed, and the tip of the arm part 201d fits into the positioning groove 203c. In this state, the upward pressure of the magnetic seal member 201 by the spring member 202 provided inside the positioning groove 203c is also weak, and the contact surface 201h of the magnetic seal member 201 with the developing blade 9d is the blade abutting surface 12i of the developing blade 9d. It is in a more floating state. By attaching the developing blade 9d to the blade abutting surface 12i in this state, the magnetic sealing member 201 is positioned on the developing frame 12 with the contact surface 201h of the magnetic sealing member 201 and the sheet metal 9dl of the developing blade 9d in contact with each other. It is fixed (see FIG. 7).
[0065]
(Developing blade)
One end 9dla of the sheet metal 9dl of the developing blade 9d is bent at substantially 90 ° as shown in FIG. The bent portion 9dla makes contact with a developing bias contact (not shown) held in the developing holder 40 shown in FIG. 4 to make the sheet metal 9dl the same potential as the developing roller 9c. This is because the amount of toner is detected by a change in the capacitance between the antenna rod 9h for detecting the remaining amount of toner and the developing roller 9c, so that the capacitance is not irregularly changed by the influence of the sheet metal 9dl. To do that.
[0066]
(Developing roller bearing)
Next, a developing roller bearing 9j for positioning the developing roller 9c on the developing frame 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0067]
The developing roller bearing 9j has a hole 9j2 for rotatably fitting the developing roller 9c and a hole 9jl for fixing the developing roller 9c to the developing frame 12 by inserting a pin (not shown) of the developing holder 40. . When the developing roller gear 9k for rotating the developing roller 9c is driven (arrow r) from the photosensitive drum gear 7b provided on the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 9c is turned to the arrow shown in FIG. It falls in the direction of y. In order to prevent the developing roller 9c from dropping and to secure a gap S between the developing roller 9c and the magnetic seal member 201, the developing roller bearing 9j is provided with a convex rib 9j3 on the side of the arc surface 12j along the developing roller 9c. Has been. At the time of driving, the rib 9j3 comes into contact with the rib 12jl provided on the arcuate surface 12j along the developing roller 9c of the developing frame 12, and the rib 12jl receives the developing roller bearing 9j to reduce the drop of the developing roller 9c. Becomes possible.
[0068]
(C-type stopper)
Next, a c-type stopper 9o for keeping the developing roller bearing 9j at a fixed position of the developing roller 9c will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0069]
The c-shaped stopper 9o has an annular shape, and has two claw portions 9o1 for engaging with a developing roller flange 9cl provided at one longitudinal end of the developing roller 9c. The claw portions 9o1 engage with grooves 9c3 of two D-cut portions 9c2 provided at one end 9g1 of the magnet 9g to prevent the rotation of the developing roller gear 9k. This engagement prevents the developing roller gear 9k from moving or disengaging in the longitudinal direction. Here, the c-shaped stopper 9o has a c-shaped shape, and the c-shaped stopper 9o can expand in the direction V. Therefore, the force applied to the claw 9o1 when the c-shaped stopper 9o is assembled to the developing roller flange 9cl is reduced. As a result, the c-type stopper 9o can be easily assembled. As the material of the c-type stopper 9o, POM, nylon resin, or the like is used.
[0070]
(Configuration of electrical contacts)
Next, contact points for electrically connecting the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 14 will be described.
[0071]
The process cartridge B is provided with a plurality of electrical contacts. That is, 1) The photosensitive drum 7 is connected to the apparatus main body 14. Among A conductive ground contact electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 7 for grounding; 2) A conductive charging bias contact electrically connected to the charging roller shaft 8a to apply a charging bias from the apparatus main body 14 to the charging roller 8; 3) A conductive developing bias contact electrically connected to the developing roller 9c to apply a developing bias to the developing roller 9c from the apparatus main body 14; 4) In order to detect the remaining amount of toner, four contacts of conductive toner remaining amount detection contacts electrically connected to the antenna rod 9h are exposed from one side (right side) of the cartridge frame (housing 100). It is provided in. The four contacts are all provided on one side surface (right side surface) of the cartridge frame with a distance that does not cause electrical leakage between the contacts.
[0072]
Next, the connection between the contact provided on the process cartridge B and the contact member provided on the apparatus main body 14 will be described.
[0073]
On the inner surface of one side of the cartridge mounting space S of the apparatus main body 14, four contact members (ground contact and ground contact) that can be connected to the respective contacts of the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted. A ground contact member that is electrically connected, a charging contact member that is electrically connected to a charging bias contact, a developing contact member that is electrically connected to a developing bias contact, and a toner detection contact member that is electrically connected to a toner detection contact. It is provided.
[0074]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the process cartridge B is guided by the guide member 16 and is mounted at a predetermined mounting position, the contacts are securely connected to the contact members.
[0075]
Further, in the present embodiment, after all the contacts of the process cartridge B are arranged on one side surface of the cartridge frame 100, the process cartridge B is elastically urged by the leaf spring 45 shown in FIG. Each electrical contact on the process cartridge B side is electrically and stably connected to a contact member on the apparatus body 14 side.
[0076]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the contact surface 201h of the magnetic seal member 201 with the developing blade 9d is provided. Face opposite to The arm 201d for positioning the magnetic seal member 201 on the developing frame 12 is provided. Therefore, the magnetic seal member 201 can be positioned with respect to the developing frame 12 by the arm portion 201d in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 12. Accordingly, as in the present embodiment, the magnetic seal member 201 can be easily positioned and mounted on the developing frame 12 having the positioning dowels 12i1 and the screw holes 12i2 of the developing plate 9d on the blade abutting planes 12i at both ends in the longitudinal direction. .
[0077]
When the magnetic seal member 201 is not grounded, the magnetic seal member 201 is charged by a voltage supplied to the developing roller 9c or the developing blade 9d or by friction between the developing roller 9c and the toner existing between the magnetic roller 201 and the magnetic roller. Charge is accumulated. Then, when the magnetic seal member 201 and the developing blade 9d approach each other instantaneously due to vibration of part crossing or some impact, a leak may occur between the developing roller 9c and the magnetic seal member 201, thereby easily causing noise. There is. Further, even when the developing blade 9d and the magnetic seal member 201 are in an electrically unstable state such as electrically floating or in contact with each other, there is a possibility that leakage occurs between the developing blade 9d and the magnetic seal member 201.
[0078]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the spring member 202 presses the arm 201d of the magnetic seal member 201 to press the contact surface 201h against the sheet metal 9d1 of the developing blade 9d. Thereby, the developing blade 9d and the magnetic seal member 201 can be stably contacted. By bringing the arm 202a of the spring member 202 into contact with the sheet metal 9d1 of the developing blade 9d, conduction between the developing blade 9d and the magnetic seal member 201 is made parallel in two systems at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the magnetic seal member 201 and the developing blade 9d from floating or coming into contact with each other and to be in an electrically unstable state, thereby preventing a leak caused thereby, and preventing a noise caused by the leak.
[0079]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the contact between the magnetic seal member 201 and the developing blade 9d can be reliably established by the arm portion 202a of the spring member 202, so that noise due to leakage can be prevented.
[0080]
Also, since the contact surface 201h of the magnetic seal member 201 is pressed against the sheet metal 9d1 of the developing blade 9d fixed to the developing frame body 12 by the spring member 202, a certain gap S between the magnetic seal member 201 and the developing roller 9c is provided. Can be prevented from being changed by driving.
[0081]
(Other embodiments)
Although the case where the process cartridge B shown in the above-described embodiment forms a single-color image is illustrated, the process cartridge according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of developing units, and a plurality of color images (for example, a two-color image, a three-color image or The present invention can also be suitably applied to a cartridge that forms full color or the like.
[0082]
Further, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is not limited to the photosensitive drum 7 and includes, for example, the following. First, a photoconductor is used as the photoconductor. Examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and an organic photoconductor (OPC). As the shape on which the photoconductor is mounted, for example, a drum-shaped or belt-shaped one is used. For example, in the case of a drum-type photoconductor, a photoconductor is deposited or coated on a cylinder such as an aluminum alloy. It has been worked.
[0083]
Also, as a developing method, various developing methods such as a known two-component magnetic brush developing method, a cascade developing method, a touch-down developing method, and a cloud developing method can be used.
[0084]
Also, the configuration of the charging means also uses a so-called contact charging method in the above-described embodiment, but as another configuration, a metal shield such as aluminum is provided around three sides of a conventionally used tungsten wire, and the tungsten wire is It goes without saying that a configuration may be used in which positive or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage are moved to the surface of the photoreceptor drum and the surface of the drum is uniformly charged.
[0085]
The charging unit may be a blade (charging blade), a pad type, a block type, a rod type, a wire type, or the like, in addition to the roller type.
[0086]
Further, as a method of cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, a cleaning unit may be configured using a blade, a fur brush, a magnetic brush, or the like.
[0087]
Further, the above-described process cartridge includes, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of processing means. Therefore, as an aspect of the process cartridge, in addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing unit are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. An electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means and a charging means are integrally formed into a cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from an apparatus main body. In some cases, the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the developing means, and the cleaning means are integrally formed into a cartridge and made detachable from the apparatus main body.
[0088]
That is, the above-described process cartridge is one in which a charging unit or a cleaning unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a developing unit are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. And a device in which at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body by the user. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus main body can be performed by the user himself.
[0089]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a laser beam printer is exemplified as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a word processor may be used. Naturally, it can also be used for forming equipment.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the magnetic seal member of the present invention, If Positioning can be easily performed with respect to the image frame.
[0091]
Further, according to the developing device of the present invention, the developer regulating member and the magnetic seal member can be stably contacted.
[0092]
Further, according to the process cartridge and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention, the developer regulating member and the magnetic seal member can be stably contacted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a process cartridge to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
4 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inside of the apparatus main body.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a magnetic seal member and a mounting portion of a developing frame body to which the magnetic seal member is attached.
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the developing frame body in a state where the magnetic seal member and the developing blade are attached.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing how to attach the magnetic seal member to the developing frame.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how to attach the magnetic seal member to the developing frame.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a developing roller bearing.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a developing roller bearing is attached to a developing frame.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for assembling a developing roller gear to one end of the developing roller by a c-type stopper;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a c-type stopper.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 transport means
7 Electrophotographic photoreceptor
8 Charging roller (charging means)
9c Development roller (developer carrier)
9d developing blade (developer regulating member)
9d1 sheet metal (conductive part)
10 Cleaning means
12 Developing frame
201 Magnetic seal member
201a magnet
201b Magnetic member
201h contact surface
201d arm (positioning part)
202 Spring member (elastic member)
202a Arm (part of conducting member)
B process cartridge
D Developing unit (developing device)

Claims (11)

A developing device having a current image carrying member you develop the electrostatic latent image formed on electronic photosensitive member, and a current image-regulating member you regulate the amount of developer the developer carrying member carries In the magnetic seal member used for
Said magnetic seal member, said to have a gap with respect to the outer peripheral surface of said developer carrying member at both longitudinal ends of the developer carrying member, disposed in the developing frame across the elastic sealing member, said magnetic In order to position a seal member on the developing frame, a contact surface that comes into contact with the developer regulating member, and a surface provided on a surface opposite to the contact surface, the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. a positioning portion that protrudes in a direction crossing moves along the inclined portion provided in the inlet of the positioning groove provided in the developing frame, having a positioning portion fitted into the positioning groove Turkey And a magnetic sealing member. In a developing device used for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
And the current image carrying member develop the electrostatic latent image formed on electronic photosensitive member,
And the current image-regulating member you regulate the amount of developer the developer carrying member carries,
To have a gap with respect to the outer peripheral surface of said developer carrying member in the longitudinal direction both end portions of the front Symbol developer carrying member, a magnetic seal member disposed in the developing frame across the elastic sealing member, In order to position the magnetic seal member on the developing frame, a contact surface that comes into contact with the developer regulating member and a longitudinal surface of the developer carrier provided on a surface opposite to the contact surface. A magnetic portion having a positioning portion protruding in a direction intersecting the direction, moving along an inclined portion provided at an entrance of a positioning groove provided in the developing frame, and fitting into the positioning groove. A sealing member,
A developing device characterized in that it comprises a. Further, the developing device has a resilient member which presses the magnetic seal member to the developer regulating member, the elastic member is disposed in the positioning groove, said abutment surface by pressing the positioning unit the developing device according to claim 2, wherein the benzalkonium been pressed against the developer regulating member. Further, the elastic member is a conductive member, the developer regulating member has a conductive portion, and the conductive portion to which the voltage supplied to the developer carrier is supplied is in contact with a part of the conductive member. The developing device according to claim 3, wherein the developing device is in contact with the developing device. In a process cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
And electronic photosensitive member,
A developer carrier for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
And the current image-regulating member before Symbol developer carrier regulate the amount of developer carrying,
A magnetic seal member disposed on a developing frame with an elastic seal member interposed therebetween so as to have a gap with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the developer carrier at both ends in a longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. In order to position a seal member on the developing frame, a contact surface that comes into contact with the developer regulating member, and a surface provided on a surface opposite to the contact surface, the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. A magnetic seal member having a positioning portion protruding in a direction intersecting, moving along an inclined portion provided at an entrance of a positioning groove provided in the developing frame, and fitting into the positioning groove; When,
Process cartridge and having a. Further, the process cartridge includes an elastic member which presses the magnetic seal member to the developer regulating member, the elastic member is disposed in the positioning groove, said abutment surface by pressing the positioning unit serial mounting of the process cartridge in claim 5, wherein the benzalkonium been pressed against the developer regulating member. Further, the elastic member is a conductive member, the developer regulating member has a conductive portion, and the conductive portion to which the voltage supplied to the developer carrier is supplied is in contact with a part of the conductive member. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the process cartridge is in contact with the process cartridge. The process cartridge is at least one of a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning unit for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 7. The process cartridge according to claim 6 , wherein the developer carrier is integrally formed as a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a process cartridge is detachable,
a) an electronic photosensitive member,
A developer carrier for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A developer regulating member for pre Symbol developer carrying member to regulate the amount of the developer carrying,
So as to have a gap with respect to the outer peripheral surface of said developer carrying member in the longitudinal direction both end portions of the front Symbol developer carrying member, a magnetic seal member disposed in the developing frame across the elastic sealing member, wherein In order to position the magnetic seal member on the developing frame, a contact surface that comes into contact with the developer regulating member, and a longitudinal direction of the developer carrier provided on a surface opposite to the contact surface. A magnetic seal having a positioning portion protruding in a direction intersecting with the positioning frame, the positioning portion moving along an inclined portion provided at an entrance of a positioning groove provided in the developing frame, and being fitted into the positioning groove. Components,
Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having
b) conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the Turkey of having a. Further, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus has an elastic member that presses the magnetic seal member against the developer regulating member. The elastic member is disposed in the positioning groove, and presses the positioning portion to press the positioning member. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a contact surface is pressed against the developer regulating member. Further, the elastic member is a conducting member, the developer regulating member has a conducting portion, and a conducting portion to which a voltage supplied to the developer carrier is supplied is in contact with a part of the conducting member. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein:

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