JP5312626B2 - Frame unit, developing device and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve assemblability of a developing blade lower seal stabilizing toner sealability of a boundary between a blade seal member and an end seal member. <P>SOLUTION: A frame body unit includes: a developer layer thickness regulation member; end seal members 95a, 95b provided in both ends in the longitudinal direction of a development frame body 71, respectively: a blade seal member 94 sealing between the regulation member and the development frame body 71 to prevent a developer from leaking, and formed by connecting the end seal members 95a, 95b to the development frame body 71, where the end seal members 95a, 95b are provided, an elastomer resin being injected from an inlet into a seal formation part 71d by a mold; and a protrusion part 94a which is the elastomer resin protruded from a space surrounded by the mold, the seal formation part 71d, and the end seal members 95a, 95b due to injection of the elastomer resin larger in volume than the space when injection molding of the blade seal member 94 is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention generally relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium. In particular, the present invention relates to a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier in such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Is. The present invention further relates to a frame unit ( developing frame unit ) to which a regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer on the developer carrying body for developing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrying body is attached . .

  Here, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming system. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), a facsimile, and the like. Devices etc. are included.

  Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a unit as a process cartridge. Then, a system is adopted in which the process cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

  In such a process cartridge, a structure in which a plurality of seal members seals between frames and parts constituting the process cartridge so that the developer (toner) accommodated in the process cartridge does not leak to the outside. It is said that.

  As the sealing member, an elastic body such as urethane foam, soft rubber, or elastomer resin is used. And the said sealing member is provided in the junction part between the said frame bodies or between components, and the method of compressing and deforming and sealing with a predetermined amount of crushing is generally used.

  The developing device (developing unit) in the process cartridge includes a developer carrying member (developing roller) that carries and transports the developer into the developing container, and a developer regulating member (developing blade) that regulates the thickness of the developer layer on the developing roller. ). Such a developing unit is also configured to be sealed with a plurality of seal members and the like so that the developer (toner) accommodated in the developing container is not leaked to the outside of the developing unit via these constituent members. Yes.

  The seal member is disposed so as to cover the periphery of the toner supply opening of the developing container, and an elastic developing blade lower seal such as foamed polyurethane foam is disposed between the developing container and the developing blade. In addition, a flexible end seal member formed of felt or the like is disposed on the surface that slides on the developing roller in the gap between the developing container, the developing blade back surface, and the developing roller peripheral surface at both longitudinal ends. ing.

  Further, between the seals between the developing blade lower seal and the end seal member at both ends in the longitudinal direction, convex portions are provided at both ends of the developing blade lower seal, and the convex portions are pressed against the side surfaces of the end seal member. It is supposed to be crushed. With such a configuration, the adhesion of the joint portion between the seal members is enhanced, and the toner is prevented from leaking between the seal members. For example, see Patent Document 1.

  On the other hand, in the above-described seal configuration, since the accuracy of attaching the seal member is important in order to reliably press-contact the convex portion, it is necessary to perform the attaching operation with high accuracy by manual work.

  In order to improve such work, there is also a configuration in which a predetermined space is provided between the seal members and an adhesive or hot melt is injected as a filler into the predetermined space to seal and seal between the seal members. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  Even in such a seal configuration, it is necessary to adjust the amount of adhesive to be injected depending on the accuracy of attaching the seal member.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-272071 JP 2004-126003 A

  However, the above conventional configuration has the following problems.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a process cartridge. In this example, the process cartridge 2 is divided into a photosensitive drum unit 2a and a developing unit 2b.

  In the photosensitive drum unit 2a, the photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 24. On the periphery of the photosensitive drum 21, the charging roller 23, which is a primary charging unit for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and the developer (toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 are removed. A cleaning blade 28 is disposed for this purpose.

  The developing unit 2b includes a toner container 70A in which a developer (toner) is accommodated integrally with a developing frame 71, and a developing container 70B that rotatably supports a developing roller 22 that is a developer carrying member. Consists of

  The developing roller 22 contacts with the photosensitive drum 21 and rotates in the arrow Y direction. A toner supply roller 72 that rotates in the direction of arrow Z in contact with the developing roller 22 and a developing blade unit 73 are disposed on the circumference of the developing roller 22.

  Here, FIG. 18 is a partial schematic sectional view of the developing unit 2b, FIG. 19 is a schematic front view of the developing unit 2b, and FIG. 20 is a schematic front view of the developing container 70B with the developing blade unit 73 removed.

  18 to 20, the developing roller 22 and the developing blade unit 73 are integrated with the developing device frame 71 through end seal members 95 a and 95 b and a sealing member 93 installed on the developing device frame 71. Attached to. As a result, the toner in the developing container 70B is prevented from leaking outside.

  The developing blade unit 73 includes a developing blade 73b that is a regulating member that regulates the amount of toner on the developing roller 22, and a support plate 73a that supports the developing blade 73b.

  As a conventional seal configuration, there is a gap between the developing blade lower seal 93 and the end seal member 95a. Therefore, there is a system in which a filler 92 is injected into the gap from a hole 73c provided in the developing blade unit and sealed. is there. In this method, the injection process of the filler 92 is increased, resulting in an increase in cost due to an increase in assembly time.

An object of the present invention, even if there is variation in the attachment position of the end seal member, and the formed shape seal member, the end seal member is reliably contacted, the molded sealing member and the end seal member developing device frame unit sealing of the boundary portion is stabilized, it is to provide a developing apparatus and a process cartridge.

Another object of the present invention, the molded sealing member by molding without a gap and the end seal member, the developing device frame unit cost reduction by simplification and assembly process reduces the seal arrangement allows a developing device and to provide a process cartridge.

Another object of the present invention, by molding directly molded seal member to the developing frame, developing device frame unit assembling property is improved in molding the sealing member is to provide a developing apparatus and a process cartridge .

The above object is achieved by the developing device frame unit, the developing device and the process cartridge according to the present invention. In summary, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the frame unit to which a regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body is attached,
A frame having a seal forming portion;
An end seal member provided at an end of the frame body in the longitudinal direction for preventing the developer from leaking between the frame body and the developer carrier in the axial direction of the developer carrier. When,
The restriction member and the frame body, which are formed by injection molding resin before the restriction member is attached to the frame body in the seal forming portion of the frame body provided with the end seal member. A molded seal member for sealing between and preventing leakage of the developer, wherein the molded seal member is in contact with the end seal member;
When the molded seal member is injection-molded, a protruding portion made of the resin formed to protrude from the molded seal member;
I have a,
When the restriction member is attached to the frame body, the molded seal member is inclined and abuts against the restriction member to be bent and a frame unit is provided .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier,
(A) a developer carrier that develops the electrostatic latent image using a developer;
(B) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
(C) a regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body;
(D) a frame unit having any one of the above configurations;
A developing device is provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus main body,
(A) an image carrier;
(B) a developer carrier that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier using a developer;
(C) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
(D) a regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body;
(E) a frame unit having any one of the above configurations;
A process cartridge is provided.

According to the present invention, in the developing device frame unit to which the regulating member that regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the developer carrying member is attached, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) Even if there is a variation in the position where the end seal member is attached, the molded seal member reliably contacts and entangles with the end seal member, so the sealing performance at the boundary between the end seal member and the molded seal member is stable. To do.
(B) Since the molded seal member is molded without gaps with the end seal member, the cost can be reduced by simplifying the seal configuration and reducing the assembly process.
(C) Before attaching the regulating member to the developing frame to which the regulating member is attached, the molded seal member is directly molded on the developing frame, and the repulsive force to the regulating member is reduced when the regulating member is attached to the frame. As a result, the assemblability is improved.
(D) Moreover, by having an overhang | projection part, the shape of a shaping | molding sealing member can be shape | molded without variation, and a seal | sticker with a developing device frame and a control member can be performed reliably.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which a developing frame unit, a developing device, and a process cartridge according to the present invention can be applied. It is a schematic sectional drawing of one Example of the process cartridge which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a developing device frame unit according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a developing blade lower seal of the developing device frame unit according to the present invention before molding. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a developing frame lower unit seal of a developing frame unit in the developing unit according to the present invention before molding. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a developing frame lower unit seal in the developing unit according to the present invention after molding. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a developing frame lower unit seal in the developing unit according to the present invention after molding. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a developing blade lower seal taken along line AA in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the developing blade lower seal taken along line AA in FIG. 6. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the resin injection | pouring part of the state which clamped the sealing metal mold | die of the image development frame unit in the image development unit which concerns on this invention which took the line BB of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing at the time of shaping | molding the developing blade lower seal | sticker of the image development frame unit in the image development unit based on this invention which took the line BB of FIG. It is a schematic front view at the time of developing blade lower seal molding. It is a schematic front view of the longitudinal direction edge part in the state where the development blade lower seal was formed. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end portion in the longitudinal direction in a state where a developing blade lower seal is formed, taken along line CC in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the buffer unit of the developing unit taken along line CC in FIG. 13. It is a schematic front view which shows the position of the buffer part of another Example. It is a schematic sectional drawing of an example of the conventional process cartridge. It is a partial schematic sectional view of a conventional developing unit. It is a partial schematic front view of a conventional developing unit. It is a schematic front view of a state where a developing blade unit is removed from a conventional developing container. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the buffer part of the image development frame unit which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic front view of the longitudinal direction edge part in the state where the development blade lower seal concerning the present invention was fabricated.

Hereinafter, the developing device frame unit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the developing device and process cartridge in the drawings.

[Example 1]
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a color laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process as an example of an image forming apparatus 100 for applying the present invention.

(overall structure)
In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has four independent process cartridges 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2Bk) that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 100A. In this embodiment, each of the process cartridges 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2Bk) has image forming means for yellow (Y) toner, magenta (M) toner, cyan (C) toner, and black (Bk) toner. Configure.

  In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is a direction that intersects with the direction in which the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100A (a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum). Further, the left and right of the process cartridge are left or right as viewed from the direction in which the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100A. In addition, the upper surface of the process cartridge is a surface located above in the state where the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100A, and the lower surface is a surface located below.

  Each of the process cartridges 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2Bk) is a rotating drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 21 (21Y, 21M, 21C, 21Bk) as an image carrier. Have. Around each photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 23 (23Y, 23M, 23C, 23Bk) as a charging unit and a developing unit 2b (2bY, 2bM, 2bC, 2bBk)) constituting the developing unit are arranged. ing. Further, around the photosensitive drum 21, a cleaning unit 2a (2aY, 2aM, 2aC, 2aBk) including a cleaning blade 28 (28Y, 28M, 28C, 28Bk) as a collecting unit is disposed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is integrally attached to the cleaning unit 2 a including the charging roller 23 and the cleaning blade 28. That is, the cleaning unit 2a is also a photosensitive drum unit.

  That is, in this embodiment, the photosensitive drum unit 2a including the photosensitive drum 21, the charging roller 23, and the cleaning blade 28, and the developing unit 2b are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the process cartridge 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2Bk). The four-color process cartridges 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2Bk) are configured to be individually detachable from the printer main body 100A.

  In addition, developer images (that is, toner images) of different colors formed by the process cartridge 2 are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 35 as an intermediate transfer member constituting the transfer device 5. As a result, a full color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is wound around rollers 31, 32, and 33 provided in the transfer device 5, and is rotatable in the direction of the arrow.

  The transfer material P is fed from the sheet feeding cassette 7 at the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100 and conveyed upward, and the full-color image on the intermediate transfer belt 35 is batch-transferred and fixed by the fixing device 50. Thereafter, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 56 by the discharge roller groups 53, 54, and 55.

(Image forming operation)
Next, an operation when image formation is performed by the apparatus configured as described above will be described.

  First, the sheet feeding roller 41 is rotated to separate one sheet of the transfer material P in the sheet feeding cassette 7 and conveyed to the registration roller 44.

  On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 21 and the intermediate transfer belt 35 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow at a predetermined outer peripheral speed (process speed) V, respectively. The photosensitive drum 21 whose surface is uniformly charged by the charging roller 23 is exposed by a laser 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10Bk) from a scanner unit which is an exposure apparatus 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1Bk). In response, an electrostatic latent image is formed.

  Since the image forming operation for each color is the same, a yellow image will be described here.

(Yellow image formation)
The scanner unit 1Y emits a yellow image laser 10Y to form a yellow latent image on the photosensitive drum 21Y. Simultaneously with the formation of the latent image, the yellow developing unit 2bY is driven to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 21Y with yellow toner. At the same time, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 21Y is primarily transferred onto the outer periphery of the intermediate transfer belt 35 at the primary transfer position T1Y downstream of the developing unit.

  As described above, for magenta, cyan, and black images, latent image formation, development, and toner transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 35 are performed, and four types of toners of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 35. To form a full color image.

  A bias is applied to the transfer roller 51 at the same time as the intermediate transfer belt 35, which has completed the primary transfer of the fourth color black toner and formed a full-color image, is pressed against the transfer material P at the secondary transfer position T2. As a result, the full-color image on the intermediate transfer belt 35 is simultaneously transferred onto the transfer material P in four colors. Thereafter, the transfer material P is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 35, conveyed to the fixing device 50, and after toner fixing, the image surface faces downward onto the discharge tray 56 at the top of the main body via the discharge roller pair 53, 54, 55. The image forming operation is finished.

(Process cartridge configuration)
Next, the process cartridge 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2Bk) in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 2. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black cartridges have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, the process cartridges 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2Bk) for each color are collectively described as the process cartridge 2 with the subscripts Y, M, C, and Bk indicating each color omitted.

  As described above, the process cartridge 2 is divided into a cleaning unit, that is, a photosensitive drum unit 2a and a developing unit 2b. The photosensitive drum unit 2a includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 23 as a charging unit, and a cleaning blade 28 as a cleaning unit. The developing unit 2b constitutes a developing device (developing unit) that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21.

  More specifically, in the photosensitive drum unit 2a, the photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 24. On the periphery of the photosensitive drum 21, the charging roller 23, which is a primary charging unit for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and the developer (toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 are removed. A cleaning blade 28 is disposed for this purpose. Further, residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by the cleaning blade 28 is accumulated in a waste toner chamber 30 provided behind the cleaning frame 24. The photosensitive drum 21 is transmitted with a driving force by a driving motor (not shown) and is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing according to an image forming operation.

  The developing unit 2b includes a toner container 70A as a developer container that stores a developer (toner), and a developing container 70B that rotatably supports the developing roller 22 that is a developer carrier. The toner container 70A and the developing container 70B are integrally formed by a developing frame 71 composed of a plurality of frame members.

  The developing roller 22 contacts with the photosensitive drum 21 and rotates in the arrow Y direction. A toner supply roller 72 and a developing blade unit 73 that are in contact with the developing roller 22 and rotate in the direction of arrow Z are arranged on the circumference of the developing roller 22.

The developing roller 22 and the developing blade unit 73 are integrated with the developing device frame 71 via end seal members 95a and 95b and a blade seal member (molded sealing member) 94 installed on the developing device frame 71 forming the developing container 70B. Attached to. Thereby, the toner in the developing container 70B is prevented from leaking to the outside. The developing device frame 71, the end seal members 95a and 95b, and the blade seal member 94 are integrally formed to constitute a developing device frame unit 71A. As will be described later, a developing blade unit 73, a developing roller 22, a toner supply roller 72, and the like are attached to the developing frame unit 71A to constitute the developing unit 2b.

  The developing blade unit 73 includes a developing blade 73b that is a regulating member that regulates the amount of toner on the developing roller 22, and a support plate 73a that supports the developing blade 73b, and a developing frame unit that forms the developing container 70B. It is attached to 71A. Details of the developing device frame unit 71A and the developing blade unit 73 will be described later.

  A toner stirring mechanism 74 for stirring the contained toner and transporting it to the toner supply roller 72 is provided in the toner container 70A. The developing unit 2 b is urged by a pressure spring 29 so that the developing roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21.

  During development, the stored toner is conveyed to the toner supply roller 72 by a toner stirring mechanism 74 that is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow X. Thus, the toner supply roller 72 rotating in the arrow Z direction supplies the toner to the developing roller 22 by rubbing against the developing roller 22 rotating in the arrow Y direction, and is carried on the developing roller 22. The toner carried on the developing roller 22 reaches the developing blade unit 73 as the developing roller 22 rotates. The developing blade unit 73 regulates the toner to give a desired charge amount, and a predetermined thin toner layer. To form. As the developing roller 22 rotates, the regulated toner is conveyed to the developing unit where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 22 are in contact with each other, and the developing unit 22 is exposed to the direct current developing bias applied to the developing roller 22 from a power source (not shown). It is transferred to the surface of the body drum 21.

(Developer frame unit seal configuration)
Next, the seal configuration of the developing device frame unit 71A in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a seal configuration of the developing device frame unit 71A in the developing unit 2b of the present embodiment. 4 is a schematic front view of the developing blade lower seal (blade seal member) 94 of the developing frame unit 71A of this embodiment before injection molding, and FIG. 5 is a drawing of the developing frame unit 71A of this embodiment. It is a schematic top view of the lower blade seal 94 before injection molding.
FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the developing blade lower seal 94 of the developing frame unit 71A of the present embodiment after injection molding. FIG. 7 shows the developing blade lower seal 94 of the developing frame unit 71A of the present embodiment. It is a schematic top view after injection molding. 4 to 7, the developing blade unit 73 is omitted. FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of the developing blade lower seal 94 in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the developing container 70 </ b> B has a developing opening 71 a for supplying the toner stored in the toner container 70 </ b> A to the developing roller 22. The developing roller 22 and the developing blade unit 73 that regulates the toner amount on the developing roller 22 are arranged in the vicinity of the developing opening 71a.

  The developing blade unit 73 of this embodiment is configured by connecting a developing blade 73b made of a stainless steel plate or a phosphor bronze plate to a support plate 73a made of a steel plate. The support plate 73a is locked and supported by screws or the like at locking portions 71b and 71c (see FIG. 4) provided at both ends of the developing device frame 71 forming the developing container 70B. The developing blade 73b may be formed by integrally molding rubber or the like on the support plate 73a.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, end seal members 95a and 95b for sealing the gap between the developing container 70B and the peripheral surface of the developing roller 22 are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing opening 71a. . The end seal members 95a and 95b are flexible members such as piles and electrostatic flocking whose surfaces are woven with felt and fibers. According to the present embodiment, the end seal members 95a and 95b are arranged such that when the developing roller 22 and the developing blade unit 73 are attached to the developing frame 71, the peripheral surface of the developing roller 22 and the developing blade unit 73 are developed. The back surface of the blade 73b is in pressure contact. As a result, the sealability in the axial direction of the developing roller 22 is maintained in the developing unit 2b.

  Above the developing opening 71a of the developing container 70B, the developing device frame 71 is provided with a seal forming portion 71d between the one end side end seal member 95a and the other end side end seal member 95b. The seal forming portion 71d has a recess 71d1 into which a developing blade lower seal 94 made of an elastomer resin is injected and contact surfaces 71d2 and 71d3 with which the mold contacts.

  As will be better understood with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 as well, a predetermined portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 71 has a cylindrical recess 71d1 of the seal forming portion 71d and a hole 75a. Inlet ports 76a and 76b communicating with 75b are provided. In the present embodiment, the injection ports 76a and 76b are provided at two locations that are approximately evenly arranged from the longitudinal center of the seal forming portion 71d to both sides in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the structure provided in three or more places may be sufficient.

  As will be better understood with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and also FIGS. 13 and 14, the seal forming portion 71 d is formed between the inlet 76 a and the end seal member 95 a on one end side. A buffer unit 101 is provided on the back side. The buffer unit 101 includes a communication port 101a and a resin reservoir 101b, and is connected to the recess 71d1 of the seal forming unit 71d through the communication port 101a. Similarly, a buffer portion 102 including a communication port 102a and a resin reservoir portion 102b is provided on the back side of the seal forming portion 71d between the injection port 76b and the end seal member 95b on the other end side. The buffer unit 102 is also connected to the recess 71d1 of the seal forming unit 71d through the communication port 102a. In the present embodiment, the positions of the buffers 101 and 102 are provided in the vicinity of the end seal members 95a and 95b, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, a buffer portion 101 (102) is provided at a position overlapping the end seal member 95a (95b) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 22. The buffer 101 (102) faces the end seal member 95a (95b) after the elastomer resin injected from the inlets 76a and 76b of the developing frame 71 flows in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 22. Is provided at a bent portion (corner portion) 71d4 (71d5). The buffer portion 101 (102) may be provided between the bent portion (corner portion) 71d4 (71d5) and the end seal member 95a (95b). Thereby, the end seal member 95a (95b) can be sufficiently entangled with the elastomer resin, and adhesion between the end seal member 95a (95b) and the developing blade lower seal 94 can be ensured.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the developing blade lower seal 94 that is a blade seal member is provided in the recess 71 d 1 of the seal forming portion 71 d of the developing device frame 71. The developing blade lower seal 94 maintains a sealing property so that the toner does not leak to the outside of the developing unit 2b from between the developing frame 71 (that is, the developing frame unit 71A) and the developing blade unit 73. Further, in the longitudinal direction, the one end side end seal member 95a and the other end side end seal member 95b are in close contact with each other without any gap so that the toner does not leak.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the developing blade lower seal 94 has a cross-sectional shape in which the center axis Ox is inclined with respect to the seal contact surface of the developing blade unit 73 at an angle α. It is a shape. When the developing blade unit 73 is attached to the developing frame 71, the developing blade lower seal 94 is deformed to be bent between the developing frame 71 and the developing blade unit 73 as shown in FIG. 8B. Thus, the toner is sealed so as not to leak.

  In this embodiment, in order to reduce the repulsive force to the developing blade unit 73 as much as possible, it is bent as a lip shape. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the cross-sectional shape may be a rectangular shape (FIG. 9A) or a triangular shape (FIG. 9B) and may be compressed and deformed by a predetermined crushing amount by the developing blade unit 73. .

  The developing blade lower seal 94 is formed by injection molding integrally with the developing frame 71 using an elastic seal material. In this embodiment, an elastomer resin is used as the material (elastic seal material) of the developing blade lower seal 94. As the elastomer resin, a styrene elastomer resin made of the same material as the developing frame 71 and having elasticity is preferable because it is excellent in disassembling workability at the time of recycling of the process cartridge. No need to) However, other elastomer resins other than those described above may be used as long as they have similar mechanical characteristics, and silicon rubber or soft rubber may be used. In this embodiment, the various elastomer resins and rubbers as the elastic sealing material are referred to as “elastomer resin”.

(Seal molding process)
Here, a process of forming the developing blade lower seal 94 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resin injection portion in a state where the seal mold is clamped by the developing unit 2b of this embodiment, that is, the developing frame unit 71A. FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view when the developing blade lower seal 94 is formed on the developing device frame unit 71A in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the developing blade lower seal molding in this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the end portion in the longitudinal direction in a state where the developing blade lower seal 94 according to the present invention is formed. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the buffer portion of the developing device frame unit 71A in the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resin injection portion in a state where the seal mold is opened from the developing device frame unit 71A in this embodiment.

  First, end seal members 95a and 95b are assembled to one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 71 forming the developing container 70B, respectively. Next, as shown in FIG. 10A, the seal mold 83 dug into a seal shape is brought into contact with the contact surfaces 71d2 and 71d3 of the seal forming portion 71d of the developing device frame 71 to clamp the mold. At this time, the end seal members 95a and 95b at the one end side and the other end side are crushed by a predetermined amount by the seal mold 83 as shown in FIG. The members 95a and 95b are also in close contact with no gap. Then, the gates 82a and 82b of the resin injection device are brought into contact with the injection ports 76a and 76b provided at two locations in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 71 from above. Then, an elastomer resin, which is a sealing material for the developing blade lower seal 94, is injected from the gates 82a and 82b of the resin injection device to the injection ports 76a and 76b of the development frame 71. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, it is poured into a space S surrounded by the recess 71d1 of the seal forming portion 71d of the developing device frame 71, the seal mold 83, and the end seal members 95a and 95b.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the elastomer resin injected from two places in the longitudinal direction passes through the spaces S surrounded by the recesses 71d1 of the seal forming portion 71d, the seal mold 83, and the end seal members 95a and 95b on both sides in the longitudinal direction. To flow.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the elastomer resin flowing in the longitudinal direction reaches the end seal members 95a (95b) provided at both ends, and is sufficiently entangled with the end seals 95a (95b) without a gap. After reaching the end seal 95a (95b) and entangled without any gap, as shown in FIG. ) Through the recess 71d1 to the resin reservoir 101b (102b). The injection is terminated when the elastomer resin flows into the resin reservoir 101b (102b).

  In this embodiment, a quantitative control method is employed in which the amount of resin that the elastomer resin surely flows into the buffer portions 101 and 102 is injected. That is, in addition to the runner L from the gate 76a to the groove 71d1 shown in FIG. 11, an amount of elastomer resin larger than the volume of the space S is injected. Therefore, the injection amount is set so that the protruding portion 94a (94b) of the elastomer resin surely flows into the resin reservoir portions 101b and 102b through the communication ports 101a and 102a. Accordingly, the shape of the developing blade lower seal 94 can be formed without variation, and the developing frame 71 and the regulating blade 73 can be reliably sealed. Furthermore, by providing the communication port 101a (102a) at the position shown in FIG. 13, the elastomer resin can be reliably entangled with the end seal member 95a (95b) without any gap, and sealing can be performed reliably.

  In addition, a method may be used in which the injection of the elastomer resin protruding portion 94a (94b) into the resin reservoir portions 101b and 102b is detected by a sensor or the like to terminate the injection.

  The communication ports 101a and 102a are provided in the vicinity of the end seal members 95a and 95b on the terminal side of the elastomer resin flow path. Therefore, after the elastomer resin is surely entangled with the end seal members 95a and 95b, the elastomer resin flows into the communication ports 101a and 102a and flows into the resin reservoir portions 101b and 102b. Moreover, the size of the cross-sectional area of the communication ports 101a and 102a is made smaller than the area of the bottom surface of the groove 71d1. Therefore, after the elastomer resin first contacts the end seals 95a and 95b, the elastomer resin can flow to the communication ports 101a and 102a having a narrow flow path and flow into the resin reservoirs 101b and 102b.

  In this embodiment, the buffer units 101 and 102 are provided on the back surface side of the seal forming unit 71d, that is, on the side opposite to the developing roller 22 with respect to the seal forming unit 71d. For this reason, there is no concern that excess resin protruding from the resin reservoirs 101b and 102b will contact the developing roller or the like, and there is no need to post-process the protruding elastomer resin.

  As described above, after the injection of the elastomer resin is completed, as shown in FIG. 15, when the seal mold 83 is opened, the developing blade lower seal 94 is injection molded onto the developing frame 71 of the developing container 70B. When the seal mold 83 is opened, the adhesive force acting between the surfaces 71h and 71j forming the recess 71d1 of the seal forming portion 71d and the developing blade lower seal 94 is in the mold opening direction of the seal mold 83. On the other hand, a drag in the shear direction is generated. Therefore, the developing blade lower seal 94 remains on the developing frame 71 side and is not held on the seal mold 83 side, and the developing blade lower seal is reliably formed at the seal forming portion of the developing frame 71. It will be in the state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the developing device frame unit 71A to which the regulating member (regulating blade) 73b that regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the developer carrying member (developing roller 22) is attached is as follows. It can be suitably manufactured in the process. That is, according to the manufacturing method of the developing device frame unit 71A according to the present embodiment,
(A) a first end seal member attaching step of assembling an end seal member 95a on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 71;
(B) a second end seal member attaching step of assembling an end seal member 95b on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 71;
(C) After the first end seal member attaching step (a) and the second end seal member attaching step (b), the gap between the regulating blade 73 and the developing device frame 71 is sealed and the toner leaks. In order to prevent this, the elastomer resin is injected from the injection ports 76a and 76b into the seal forming portion 71d using the mold 83, and the one end side end seal member 95a and the other end side end seal member 95b are injected. Is a sealing member forming step for forming a sealing member 94 that connects the two, and a space surrounded by the mold 83, the seal forming portion 71d, the one end side end seal member 95a, and the other end side end seal member 95b. A sealing member forming step of injecting an amount of elastomer resin larger than the volume so that the elastomer resin protrudes from the space.

  However, the developing frame 71 may be molded by two-color molding, insert molding, or the like in addition to the sealing member molding method of the present embodiment.

[Example 2]
Next, another embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic front view showing the position of the buffer unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Example 1, the communication ports 101a and 102a are provided in the vicinity of the end seal members 95a and 95b on the path where the elastomer resin flows from the injection port to the end seal member at the seal forming portion. In addition to this, the area between the inlet and the end seal members 95a and 95b and the vicinity of the end seal members 95a and 95b described in the present invention is the region indicated by the dotted line in FIG. The provided buffer unit 103 is also included.

  With this configuration, the end seal members 95a and 95b can be reliably entangled and then flow into the buffer 103. Similar effects can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the buffer part 104 provided in the area | region shown with the dotted line of FIG.16 (b) is also included, It can flow in to the buffer part 104, after being reliably entangled with the edge part sealing members 95a and 95b, Similar effects can be obtained.

Example 3
Next, Example 3 according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the buffer portion of the developing device frame unit 71A in the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of the end portion in the longitudinal direction in a state where the developing blade lower seal 94 according to the present invention is formed.

  In the first embodiment, the protruding portion 94a (94b) flows into the resin reservoir portions 101b and 102b of the buffer portions 101 and 102. However, in this embodiment, the resin reservoir portions 101b and 102b are not provided for the protruding portion 94a (94b), but the flow path 83a of the mold 83 is provided as shown in FIG. Yes. As shown in FIG. 22, the position where the flow path 83a is provided is such that the protruding portion 94a (94b) protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction immediately before the end seal member 95a (95b). At this position, the developing roller 22 is not particularly affected. The cross-sectional area of the channel 83a is smaller than the area of the side surface of the groove 71d1. Therefore, the elastomer resin can flow into the flow path 83a after first contacting the end seals 95a and 95b. The channel 83a may be provided between the bent portion (corner portion) 71d4 (71d5) and the end seal member 95a (95b). Therefore, the elastomer resin can be sufficiently entangled with the end seal member 95a (95b), and adhesion between the end seal member 95a (95b) and the developing blade lower seal 94 can be ensured. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is omitted.

2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2Bk) Process cartridge 2a (2aY, 2aM, 2aC, 2aBk) Photosensitive drum unit (collecting means)
2b (2bY, 2bM, 2bC, 2bBk) Developing unit (developing means, developing device)
21 (21Y, 21M, 21C, 21Bk) Photosensitive drum (image carrier)
22 (22Y, 22M, 22C, 22Bk) Developing roller (developer carrier)
23 (23Y, 23M, 23C, 23Bk) Charging roller (charging means)
35 Intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member)
70A toner container (developer container)
70B Developing container 71 Developing frame 71A Developing frame unit 71a Developing opening 71b, 71c Locking portion 71d Seal forming portion 71d1 Recessed portion 71d2, 71d3 Abutting surface 71h, 71j surface 72 Toner supply roller 73 Developing blade unit 73a Developing blade support plate 73b Development blade (regulating member)
73c Hole 74 Toner stirring mechanism 75a, 75b Hole 76a, 76b Inlet 82a, 82b Gate 83 Seal mold 92 Filler 93, 94 Developer blade lower seal (blade seal member)
94a, 94b Protruding part 95a, 95b End seal member 101, 102, 103, 104 Buffer part 101a, 102a Communication port 101b, 102b Resin pool part

Claims (6)

In the frame unit to which a regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body is attached,
A frame having a seal forming portion;
An end seal member provided at an end of the frame body in the longitudinal direction for preventing the developer from leaking between the frame body and the developer carrier in the axial direction of the developer carrier. When,
The restriction member and the frame body, which are formed by injection molding resin before the restriction member is attached to the frame body in the seal forming portion of the frame body provided with the end seal member. A molded seal member for sealing between and preventing leakage of the developer, wherein the molded seal member is in contact with the end seal member;
When the molded seal member is injection-molded, a protruding portion made of the resin formed to protrude from the molded seal member;
I have a,
The molded seal member is a frame unit that is in a state of being inclined and abutted against the regulating member when the regulating member is attached to the frame. The molded seal member has a bent portion that extends along the longitudinal direction of the regulating member and then bends toward the end seal member;
The frame unit according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is provided between the bent portion and the end seal member.   The frame unit according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes a buffer unit that accommodates the protruding portion.   The injection port for injecting the resin into the seal forming portion when the molded seal member is injection-molded is provided in the frame body. Frame unit. In a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier,
(A) a developer carrier that develops the electrostatic latent image using a developer;
(B) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
(C) a regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body;
(D) the frame unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A developing device comprising: In a process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus main body,
(A) an image carrier;
(B) a developer carrier that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier using a developer;
(C) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
(D) a regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body;
(E) the frame unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A process cartridge comprising:

Images