JP5861581B2 - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system, and an image forming apparatus mounted with the process cartridge.

  As a process cartridge to be mounted on an image forming apparatus adopting an electrophotographic system, there is a process cartridge including a photosensitive cartridge having a photosensitive member, and a developing cartridge that contains a developer and is detachable from the photosensitive cartridge. Are known.

  In the developing cartridge of such a process cartridge, a toner filling port for filling toner is formed, and a cap is attached to the toner filling port.

  In such a developing cartridge, for example, the detected rotating body included in the gear train for driving the developing cartridge is rotatably supported using a cap that seals the toner filling port, thereby reducing the size. A developing cartridge capable of achieving the above has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-53095 A

  However, in the developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 described above, when the toner is filled, the cap cannot be accessed unless the gear train is removed.

  Therefore, although the developing cartridge can be reduced in size, the operation of filling the developing cartridge with toner may be complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus that can achieve both the efficiency of the developer filling operation into the developer cartridge and the miniaturization of the developer cartridge.

(1) In order to solve the above-described problems, a process cartridge according to the present invention includes a developer cartridge having a housing for accommodating a developer and a photoconductor, and a photoconductor cartridge to which the developer cartridge can be attached and detached. With.

  The developer cartridge is configured to move between a mounting position where the developer cartridge is mounted and a detachable position where the developer cartridge can be detached from the photosensitive cartridge. Further, the housing includes a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer and a filling portion for filling the developer in the developer accommodating portion.

  The filling portion protrudes outward from the developer accommodating portion in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction from the mounting position of the developer cartridge to the detachable position.

  The photosensitive cartridge includes an urging member configured to move the developer cartridge from the attachment position to the detachable position by urging the filling portion.

  According to such a configuration, the developer can be filled into the developer accommodating portion via the filling portion that protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction from the developer accommodating portion.

  Therefore, in the filling operation of the developer, the filling portion can be easily accessed from the outside in the orthogonal direction, and the efficiency of the filling operation of the developer into the developer cartridge can be improved.

  In addition, the developer cartridge can be moved from the mounting position to the detachable position using the filling portion.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the developer cartridge without separately providing a portion that is pressed by the urging member.

As a result, it is possible to achieve both the efficiency of the operation of filling the developer cartridge with the developer and the miniaturization of the developer cartridge.
(2) Further, the photoconductor may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending along the orthogonal direction.

  According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the photoconductor.

Therefore, the developer cartridge can be reliably moved from the mounting position to the detachable position in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member.
(3) Further, the developer cartridge may include a developer carrying member configured to carry the developer and a rotating body for inputting driving force to the developer carrying member. In addition, the housing may have a first side wall and a second side wall that are spaced apart from each other in the orthogonal direction with the developer accommodating portion interposed therebetween. In this case, the rotating body may be arranged on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall. The filling portion may be disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall.

  According to such a configuration, the filling portion is arranged on the second side wall where the rotating body for inputting the driving force to the developer carrying member is not arranged.

  Therefore, when accessing the filling portion, the configuration for inputting the driving force to the developer carrying member does not get in the way.

As a result, the filling portion can be accessed more easily.
(4) Further, the filling portion has an engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the orthogonal direction toward the urging member so as to be engaged with the urging member when pressed by the urging member. You may prepare.

  According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge can be moved from the mounting position to the detachable position while the urging member is engaged with the engaging portion of the filling portion.

Therefore, the developer cartridge can be smoothly and reliably moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(5) Further, the urging member may be configured to press the outer end portion in the orthogonal direction of the filling portion.

  According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge can be moved with a smaller pressing force than in the case where the casing is pressed in the orthogonal direction inner side than the orthogonal direction outer end portion of the filling portion.

  Therefore, the developer cartridge can be easily moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.

  Further, according to such a configuration, when the developer cartridge is moved from the mounting position to the detachable position, if the developer cartridge is pressed from the vertically lower side to the vertically upper side, the developer cartridge is moved inward in the orthogonal direction. As you go, you can tilt vertically downward.

Thereby, the developer staying at the outer end in the orthogonal direction of the filling portion can be moved into the developer accommodating chamber by its own weight.
(6) Further, the inner surface of the upstream end portion in the moving direction of the filling portion may be arranged so as to overlap with the upstream side wall in the moving direction of the developer accommodating portion when projected in the orthogonal direction.

  According to such a configuration, the upstream end portion in the moving direction of the filling portion can be disposed in the vicinity of the upstream side wall in the moving direction of the developer accommodating portion.

Therefore, the upstream end portion in the moving direction of the filling portion can be easily pressed by the urging member, and the developer cartridge can be smoothly moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(7) Further, when projected in the orthogonal direction, the inner surface of the upstream end portion in the moving direction of the filling portion may be arranged upstream of the inner surface of the upstream side wall in the moving direction of the developer containing portion.

  According to such a configuration, the filling portion can be enlarged upstream in the movement direction while reducing the size of the developer accommodating portion.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the developer cartridge while efficiently performing the operation of filling the developer container with the developer.
(8) Further, the upstream edge in the movement direction of the filling portion may be disposed upstream in the movement direction with respect to the upstream edge in the movement direction of the developer accommodating portion when projected in the orthogonal direction.

  According to such a configuration, the upstream end portion in the moving direction of the filling portion can be arranged on the upstream side in the moving direction with respect to the upstream side wall in the moving direction of the developer accommodating portion.

Therefore, the upstream end in the moving direction of the filling portion can be more easily pressed by the urging member, and the developer cartridge can be moved more smoothly from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(9) The developer cartridge may include a developer carrying member configured to carry the developer.

  In this case, the developer carrying member may be brought into contact with the photosensitive member when the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position, and may be separated from the photosensitive member when the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the developer carrying member and the photosensitive member from being rubbed when the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position.

For this reason, it is possible to prevent the developer carrying member and the photoconductor from being worn during the mounting / demounting operation of the developer cartridge with respect to the photoconductor cartridge.
(10) Further, the photosensitive member cartridge may include a guide portion extending along a direction in which the developer carrying member is separated from the photosensitive member.

  According to such a configuration, when the developer cartridge is moved from the mounting position to the releasable position, the developer carrying member can be guided in the direction away from the photosensitive member by the guide portion.

Therefore, when the developer cartridge is moved from the mounting position to the detachable position, the developer carrying member can be smoothly separated from the photosensitive member.
(11) The developer cartridge may include a first grip portion for gripping the developer cartridge. In addition, the photosensitive cartridge may include a second grip portion for gripping the photosensitive cartridge.

  In this case, when the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position, the downstream end portion in the movement direction of the first gripping portion may be disposed upstream of the downstream end portion in the movement direction of the second gripping portion. Good. Further, when the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position, the downstream end portion in the movement direction of the first gripping portion may be disposed on the downstream side in the movement direction with respect to the downstream end portion in the movement direction of the second gripping portion. Good.

  According to such a configuration, when the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position, the second grip portion of the photoconductor cartridge can be easily accessed.

  Therefore, the photosensitive member cartridge can be easily handled in a state where the developer cartridge is mounted.

  Further, when the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position, the first grip portion of the developer cartridge can be easily accessed.

Therefore, the developer cartridge disposed at the detachable position can be easily detached from the photoreceptor cartridge.
(12) The photoreceptor cartridge may include a pressing member that presses the developer cartridge toward the photoreceptor. In this case, the pressing member may have play in the moving direction.

  According to such a configuration, when the developer cartridge is moved from the mounting position to the detachable position, the pressing member can follow the movement of the developer cartridge by the amount of play.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressing member from obstructing the movement of the developer cartridge, and the developer cartridge can be moved more smoothly from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(13) Further, when the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position, the developer cartridge may be brought into contact with the pressing member from the downstream side in the movement direction.

  According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge can be held at the detachable position using the pressing member.

For this reason, the developer cartridge can be held at the detachable position while simplifying the configuration of the developer cartridge.
(14) The filling portion communicates with the developer accommodating portion, and includes a cylindrical portion that protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction from the developer accommodating portion, and a closing member for closing the orthogonal direction outer end portion of the cylindrical portion. You may have.

According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge can be moved from the mounting position to the detachable position by pressing the cylindrical portion with a simple configuration.
(15) Further, the filling unit may have a filling port communicated with the developer containing unit and a closing member for closing the filling port.

According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge can be moved from the mounting position to the detachable position by pressing the closing member with a simple configuration.
(16) The biasing member may include a regulating member for regulating movement of the developer cartridge from the mounting position to the detachable position.

  In this case, the closing member may include a regulated portion configured to be regulated by the regulating member.

  According to such a configuration, the movement from the mounting position of the developer cartridge to the detachable position can be regulated using the closing member.

Therefore, the movement from the mounting position of the developer cartridge to the detachable position can be restricted while simplifying the configuration of the developer cartridge.
(17) Further, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the above-described process cartridge and an apparatus main body configured so that the process cartridge can be attached and detached.

  The developer cartridge includes a development coupling for receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body. The apparatus main body includes a main body coupling configured to be fitted to the developing coupling so as to be capable of driving transmission.

  The developer coupling is disposed in a position where the main body coupling is fitted in a state where the developer cartridge is disposed in the mounting position, and in the state where the developer cartridge is disposed in a detachable position. May be arranged at a position where the is not fitted.

  According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge is not driven when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body in a state where the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image forming operation from being started in a state where the developer cartridge is not disposed at the mounting position.
(18) The apparatus main body may include an exposure member configured to emit a laser beam for exposing the photosensitive member.

  In this case, the developer cartridge may be configured such that it does not interfere with the laser light in a state where it is disposed at the mounting position, but interferes with the laser light when it is disposed at a detachable position.

  According to such a configuration, when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body in a state where the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position, the photosensitive member is not exposed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image forming operation from being started in a state where the developer cartridge is not disposed at the mounting position.
(19) Further, the apparatus main body may include detection means for detecting information related to the developer cartridge. Further, the developer cartridge may include a detected member configured to have information on the developer cartridge and to be detected by the detection unit.

  In this case, the detected member is arranged at a position detected by the detecting means when the developer cartridge is arranged at the mounting position, and is detected by the detecting means when the developer cartridge is arranged at the detachable position. You may arrange | position in the position which is not performed.

  According to such a configuration, information on the developer cartridge is not detected when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body in a state where the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position.

  Therefore, it is possible to detect that the developer cartridge is not arranged at the mounting position with a simple configuration.

  According to the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both the efficiency of the operation of filling the developer cartridge with the developer and the miniaturization of the developer cartridge.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view of a printer as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 4 is a plan view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the front upper side. 6 is a perspective view of the right end portion of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the front lower side. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 4 taken along the line AA. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 4 taken along the line BB. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 4 taken along the line CC. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the separation of the developing cartridge from the drum cartridge, and shows a state in which the lock lever is in contact with the filling cylinder portion from below. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the detachment of the developing cartridge from the drum cartridge following FIG. 11, and shows a state where the lock lever pushes up the filling cylinder portion (lock lever: pressing position). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the play of the pressing member in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the detachment of the developing cartridge from the drum cartridge, following FIG. 12, and shows a state in which the developing cartridge is disposed at a detachable position. FIG. 15 is a left side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the process cartridge shown in FIG. 14 is mounted in the main body casing, and shows how the laser beam from the scanner unit interferes with the developing cartridge. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the process cartridge shown in FIG. 14 is mounted in the main body casing, and shows a state in which the detected gear of the developing cartridge is separated from the actuator of the main body casing. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first modification of the process cartridge. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second modified example of the process cartridge, and shows a state in which the developing cartridge is disposed at the mounting position and the lock lever is disposed at the pressing release position. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second modified example of the process cartridge following FIG. 19 and shows a state in which the lock lever is in contact with the pressed portion of the toner cap from the lower side. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second modified example of the process cartridge following FIG. 20 and shows a state where the lock lever pushes up the pressed portion of the toner cap (lock lever: pressing position).

1. Printer As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus includes a main body casing 2 as an example of a substantially box-shaped main body.

  In addition, the printer 1 includes a paper feed unit 3 for feeding the paper S and an image forming unit 4 for forming an image on the fed paper S in the main body casing 2.

In addition, when referring to the direction regarding the printer 1 and the process cartridge 15 (described later), the direction when placed in the horizontal direction is used as a reference, specifically, the arrow direction shown in each drawing is used as a reference. To do.
(1) Main Body Casing The main body casing 2 is formed with a cartridge opening 5 for attaching / detaching a process cartridge 15 (described later) and a paper opening 6 for introducing the paper S.

  The cartridge opening 5 is formed through the upper end of the main casing 2 in the vertical direction.

  The paper opening 6 is formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction at the lower end of the front end of the main casing 2.

  In addition, the main casing 2 is provided with a top cover 7 at its upper end and a paper feed cover 8 at its front end.

  The top cover 7 is swingably (moved) between a closed position for closing the cartridge opening 5 and an open position for opening the cartridge opening 5 with the rear end as a fulcrum.

The paper feed cover 8 is swingably (moved) between a first position where the paper opening 6 is closed and a second position where the paper opening 6 is opened with the lower end of the paper supply cover 8 as a fulcrum.
(2) Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper placement unit 9 provided at the bottom of the main casing 2.

  The paper placing portion 9 is communicated with the outside of the main body casing 2 through the paper opening 6.

  The sheet S is stacked on the upper surface of the sheet feed cover 8 while the sheet feed cover 8 is disposed at the second position, and the rear part is loaded on the sheet via the sheet opening 6. Stacked in the placement unit 9.

The paper feeding unit 3 includes a pickup roller 11 disposed on the upper side of the rear end portion of the paper placing unit 9, a paper feeding roller 12 disposed on the rear side of the pickup roller 11, and a rear lower side of the paper feeding roller 12. The sheet feeding pad 13 is disposed opposite to the sheet feeding side, and the sheet feeding path 14 extends continuously upward from the rear end portion of the sheet feeding pad 13.
(3) Image Forming Unit The image forming unit 4 includes a process cartridge 15, a scanner unit 16 as an example of an exposure member, and a fixing unit 17.
(3-1) Process Cartridge The process cartridge 15 is configured to be detachable from the main body casing 2 and is mounted on the main body casing 2 above the rear portion of the paper feed unit 3.

  The process cartridge 15 includes a drum cartridge 18 as an example of a photosensitive cartridge configured to be detachable from the main body casing 2, and a developer cartridge 19 as an example of a developer cartridge configured to be detachable from the drum cartridge 18. And.

  The drum cartridge 18 includes a photosensitive drum 20 as an example of a photosensitive member, a transfer roller 21, and a scorotron charger 22.

  The photosensitive drum 20 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is long in the left-right direction (orthogonal direction), and is provided in the rear portion of the drum cartridge 18. The photosensitive drum 20 includes a rotation shaft (hereinafter referred to as a drum shaft 10) extending in the left-right direction along the central axis (rotation axis), and is rotatable about the drum shaft 10 as a rotation center.

  The transfer roller 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is pressed against the photosensitive drum 20 from the rear side.

  Specifically, the transfer roller 21 is disposed on the rear side of the photosensitive drum 20 so that the central axis thereof is positioned slightly below the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20. The lower end edge of the transfer roller 21 is disposed above the lower end edge of the photosensitive drum 20. Specifically, a virtual line segment (not shown) connecting the central axis of the transfer roller 21 and the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20 and a virtual straight line (not shown) extending horizontally along the front-rear direction are formed. The acute angle formed is about 3 °. Therefore, the pressure (transfer pressure) at which the transfer roller 21 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 20 is not affected by the weight of the transfer roller 21.

  The scorotron charger 22 is disposed to face the front upper side of the photosensitive drum 20 with a space therebetween.

  Specifically, the scorotron charger 22 is disposed with a distance in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 20 with respect to the transfer roller 21, and is a virtual link between the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20 and the central axis of the transfer roller 21. And an imaginary line segment (not shown) connecting the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20 and the charging wire 23 (described later) is about 120 °. Has been placed.

  The scorotron charger 22 includes a charging wire 23 and a grid 24.

  The charging wire 23 is stretched so as to extend in the left-right direction, and is opposed to the front upper side of the photosensitive drum 20 with a space therebetween.

  The grid 24 is formed in a substantially U shape in a side view opened toward the front upper side, and is provided so as to surround the charging wire 23 from the lower rear side.

  The developing cartridge 19 is disposed on the lower front side of the photosensitive drum 20 and includes a developing frame 25 as an example of a housing.

  In the developing frame 25, a toner containing chamber 26 as an example of a developer containing portion and a developing chamber 27 are formed side by side. The toner storage chamber 26 and the developing chamber 27 are formed to have substantially the same volume, and communicate with each other through a communication port 28.

  The toner storage chamber 26 stores toner (developer), and an agitator 29 is provided at a substantially central portion in the front-rear and vertical directions. That is, the agitator 29 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 20.

  In the developing chamber 27, a supply roller groove 30, a developing roller facing surface 31, and a lower film attaching surface 32 are formed on the upper surface of a lower wall 83 (described later).

  The supply roller groove 30 has a substantially semicircular shape along the peripheral surface of the supply roller 33 (described later), and is formed so as to be recessed downward in the rearward direction.

  The developing roller facing surface 31 has a substantially arc shape along the peripheral surface of the developing roller 34 (described later), and is formed so as to continuously extend from the rear end portion of the supply roller groove 30 to the rear upper side.

  The lower film sticking surface 32 is formed so as to continuously extend rearward from the rear end portion of the developing roller facing surface 31. That is, the lower film attaching surface 32 is disposed above the developing roller facing surface 31.

  Further, the lower film attaching surface 32 is disposed to face the lower portion of the photosensitive drum 20 with an interval in the vertical direction, and overlaps the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20 when projected in the vertical direction. Is arranged.

  The developing chamber 27 is provided with a supply roller 33, a developing roller 34 as an example of a developer carrying member, a layer thickness regulating blade 35, and a lower film 36.

  The supply roller 33 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is provided in the front portion of the developing chamber 27 so that the lower portion thereof is disposed in the supply roller groove 30. The supply roller 33 can rotate around its central axis. Thus, the supply roller 33 is disposed on the rear side of the toner storage chamber 26 and is disposed at substantially the same height as the toner storage chamber 26 in the vertical direction (slightly above the toner storage chamber 26).

  The developing roller 34 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is provided in the rear portion of the developing chamber 27 so that the circumferential surface in the lower portion thereof and the developing roller facing surface 31 face each other with a space therebetween. It has been. The developing roller 34 can rotate around its center axis.

  The developing roller 34 is provided so as to come into contact with the supply roller 33 from the upper rear side, and its upper and rear portions are exposed from the developing chamber 27, and contact the photosensitive drum 20 from the lower front side. Yes. That is, the developing roller 34 is disposed on the rear upper side of the supply roller 33 and on the front lower side of the photosensitive drum 20. The central axis of the supply roller 33, the central axis of the developing roller 34, and the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20 are located on substantially the same straight line along the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 20.

  Further, the developing roller 34 is arranged with a space in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 20 with respect to the scorotron charger 22, and a virtual line segment connecting the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20 and the charging wire 23 ( (Not shown) and an imaginary line segment (not shown) connecting the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20 and the central axis of the developing roller 34 are arranged so that an angle of about 120 ° is formed. . That is, the developing roller 34, the scorotron charger 22, and the transfer roller 21 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 20.

  The upper end portion of the layer thickness regulating blade 35 is fixed to the rear end portion of the upper wall of the developing chamber 27, and the lower end portion thereof is in contact with the developing roller 34 from the front side.

The rear portion of the lower film 36 is fixed to the lower film attaching surface 32, and the front end thereof is in contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller 34 on the upper side of the developing roller facing surface 31.
(3-2) Scanner Unit The scanner unit 16 is disposed on the front side of the process cartridge 15 so as to face the photosensitive drum 20 with a space in the front-rear direction.

  The scanner unit 16 emits a laser beam L as an example of laser light toward the photosensitive drum 20 based on the image data, and exposes the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20.

  Specifically, the laser beam L is emitted from the scanner unit 16 toward the rear side, and exposes the peripheral surface of the front end portion of the photosensitive drum 20. That is, the exposure point at which the photosensitive drum 20 is exposed (the peripheral surface at the front end portion of the photosensitive drum 20) is opposite to the nip portion where the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 21 are in contact with the central axis of the photosensitive drum 20. Is set to

  At this time, the developing cartridge 19 is arranged below the emission locus of the laser beam L, and the scorotron charger 22 is arranged above the emission locus of the laser beam L.

  A guide portion 37 that guides the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge 15 is provided on the inner surface of the main casing 2 corresponding to between the scanner unit 16 and the photosensitive drum 20. When the process cartridge 15 is detached from the main casing 2, the process cartridge 15 is guided by the guide portion 37, so that the developing cartridge 19 attached to the drum cartridge 18 has a lower emission locus of the laser beam L. Pass from the top to the top.

At this time, the various rollers (transfer roller 21, supply roller 33 and developing roller 34) provided in the process cartridge 15 also pass the emission locus of the laser beam L from the lower side to the upper side.
(3-3) Fixing Unit The fixing unit 17 is disposed above the rear portion of the drum cartridge 18. Specifically, the fixing unit 17 includes a heating roller 38 disposed on the upper side of the scorotron charger 22 and a pressure roller 39 pressed against the heating roller 38 from the rear upper side.

That is, the heating roller 38 is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end portion (open end portion) of the grid 24 of the scorotron charger 22.
(4) Image Forming Operation The toner in the toner storage chamber 26 of the developing cartridge 19 is supplied to the supply roller 33 through the communication port 28 by the rotation of the agitator 29, and further supplied to the developing roller 34. Between 33 and the developing roller 34, it is triboelectrically charged to the positive polarity.

  The toner supplied to the developing roller 34 is regulated in thickness by the layer thickness regulating blade 35 as the developing roller 34 rotates and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 34 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

  On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 22 and then exposed by the scanner unit 16. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20. The toner carried on the developing roller 34 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 20, so that a toner image (developer image) is carried on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 20.

  The sheets S stacked on the sheet loading unit 9 are sent between the sheet feeding roller 12 and the sheet feeding pad 13 by the rotation of the pickup roller 11, and are fed one by one by the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 12. After that, the paper S that has been squeezed is conveyed to the paper feed path 14 by the rotation of the paper feed roller 12 and is fed sheet by sheet at a predetermined timing (photosensitive drum 20 (described later) and transfer roller 21 ( (To be described later).

  Then, the sheet S is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 21 from the lower side to the upper side. At this time, the toner image is transferred onto the paper S to form an image.

  The sheet S is heated and pressed when passing between the heating roller 38 and the pressure roller 39. At this time, the image is thermally fixed on the paper S.

  Thereafter, the paper S is conveyed toward the paper discharge roller 40 and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 41 formed on the upper surface of the main body casing 2 by the paper discharge roller 40.

In this way, the paper S is fed from the paper placement unit 9, passes between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 21 (nip portion), and then passes between the heating roller 38 and the pressure roller 39. After that, the paper is transported through a substantially C-shaped transport path in side view so that the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 41.
2. Process Cartridge The process cartridge 15 includes a drum cartridge 18 and a developing cartridge 19 as described above and shown in FIGS.

In the following description of the process cartridge 15, when referring to the direction, the side on which the photosensitive drum 20 is disposed is the rear side, and the side on which the scorotron charger 22 is disposed is the upper side. That is, the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the process cartridge 15 is different from the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the printer 1, and the process cartridge 15 is configured so that the rear side is the rear upper side of the printer 1 and the front side is the front lower side of the printer 1. It is attached to.
(1) Drum Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the drum cartridge 18 includes a drum frame 51, a lock lever 65 as an example of an urging member, and a pressing member 66.
(1-1) Drum Frame The drum frame 51 includes a pair of left and right side walls 52, a lower wall 53, a front wall 54, a rear wall 55, and an upper wall 56.

  The right side wall 52 (hereinafter referred to as the right wall 52R) is provided at the right end of the drum frame 51, and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear and up-down directions. Specifically, the right wall 52R is integrally provided with a rear portion 58 constituting the rear half and a front portion 59 constituting the front half. Further, a guide groove 62 as an example of a guide portion and a lock lever support hole 57 are formed in the right wall 52R.

  The rear portion 58 extends upward from the right end portion of the rear half of the lower wall 53, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view continuous to the right end portion of the rear wall 55 and the right end portion of the upper wall 56. .

  The front side portion 59 continuously extends from the lower end portion of the rear side portion 58 to the front side, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view continuous to the right end portion of the front half of the lower wall 53 and the right end portion of the front wall 54. ing.

  The guide groove 62 is a concave groove that is recessed from the inner surface (left surface) of the lower end portion of the rear portion 58 to the right side. The guide groove 62 extends from the front end edge of the rear portion 58 toward the rear lower side, is bent at the rear end portion thereof, and follows the pressing direction of the pressing member 66 (described later) against the developing cartridge 19 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 4). 5) and extends rearward. The lower surface of the guide groove 62 is continuous with the upper surface of the rear portion 58. The groove width of the guide groove 62 is wider (substantially the same width) than the outer diameter of the developing roller shaft covering portion 97 (described later) of the developing electrode 90 (described later).

  The lock lever support hole 57 is formed through the front end portion of the front portion 61 in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. The diameter of the lock lever support hole 57 is slightly larger (substantially the same diameter) than the outer diameter of the rotation shaft 70 (described later) of the lock lever 65 (described later).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the left side wall 52 (hereinafter referred to as the left wall 52 </ b> L) is provided at the left end portion of the drum frame 51 and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear and up-down directions. Specifically, the left wall 52L is integrally provided with a rear portion 60 constituting the rear half and a front portion 61 constituting the front half. Further, a guide groove 63 as an example of a guide portion is formed in the left wall 52L.

  The rear portion 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view extending in the vertical direction.

  The front part 61 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view extending continuously from the lower end of the rear part 60 to the front side.

  The guide groove 63 is opened to the front side at the lower end portion of the rear side portion 60 so as to be cut out from the front end edge of the rear side portion 60 toward the rear side, and the pressing member 66 (described later) presses the developing cartridge 19. Along the direction (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5), it is formed in a substantially U shape in side view extending rearward. Further, the lower surface of the guide groove 63 is continuous with the upper surface of the rear portion 60. The groove width of the guide groove 63 is wider (substantially the same width) than the outer diameter of the collar member 111 (described later).

  The lower wall 53 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions, and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape that is installed between the lower ends of the side walls 52. The lower wall 53 includes a contacted portion 78.

  One contacted portion 78 is provided on each of the left and right end portions of the upper surface of the front end portion of the lower wall 53. The contacted portion 78 is formed as a protrusion that protrudes from the upper surface of the lower wall 53 toward the front upper side and extends in the left-right direction. The free end portion of the contacted portion 78 is chamfered in a substantially arc shape in cross section (see FIG. 8).

  The front wall 54 continuously extends from the front end portion of the lower wall 53 and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending between the front end portions of the side walls 52. The front wall 54 includes an extending portion 77, a drum cartridge gripping portion 64 as an example of a second gripping portion, and a pressing member accommodating portion 69.

  The extending portion 77 protrudes upward from the upper end portion of the front wall 54 at the substantially center in the left-right direction, and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The drum cartridge gripping portion 64 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape that is long in the left-right direction so as to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the substantially central portion of the extending portion 77 in the left-right direction.

  One pressing member accommodating portion 69 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the extending portion 77, extends from the lower end portion of the front wall 54 to the rear side, and is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape with the front end portion open.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the rear wall 55 is constructed between the rear ends of the side walls 52. The rear wall 55 is formed in a flat plate shape having a substantially U shape in sectional view that opens toward the rear side. The transfer roller 21 described above is rotatably supported on the inner side (front side) of the rear wall 55 (see FIG. 8).

  The upper wall 56 is constructed between the upper ends of the side walls 52 and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction. The scorotron charger 22 is supported on the inner side (lower side) of the upper wall 56.

  4 and 5, in the drum cartridge 18, the rear half of the lower wall 53, the rear wall 55, the upper wall 56, the rear portion 58 of the right wall 52R, and the rear side of the left wall 52L. The portion 60 defines a drum housing portion 67 that houses the photosensitive drum 20.

  The photosensitive drum 20 is rotatably supported by the rear portion 58 of the right wall 52R of the drum cartridge 18 at the right end portion of the drum shaft 10, and the left end portion of the left wall 52L of the drum cartridge 18 is supported at the left end portion of the drum shaft 10. The rear portion 60 is rotatably supported.

  The right end of the drum shaft 10 penetrates the rear portion 58 of the right wall 52R of the drum cartridge 18 and protrudes to the right. Further, the left end portion of the drum shaft 10 penetrates the rear side portion 60 of the left wall 52L of the drum cartridge 18 and protrudes to the left side. Further, the right end portion of the photosensitive drum 20 is disposed on the rear upper side with respect to the rear end portion of the guide groove 62 of the right wall 52R. Further, the left end portion of the photosensitive drum 20 is disposed to face the rear upper side with respect to the rear end portion of the guide groove 63 of the left wall 52L.

  Further, in the drum cartridge 18, the cartridge mounting portion 68 to which the developing cartridge 19 is mounted is defined by the front half of the lower wall 53, the front wall 54, the front portion 59 of the right wall 52R, and the front portion 61 of the left wall 52L. Has been. A detected gear exposure opening 50 is formed in the cartridge mounting portion 68.

The detected gear exposure opening 50 is disposed on the left side of the left pressing member accommodating portion 69 at the front lower end portion of the left end portion of the drum frame 51. The detected gear exposure opening 50 is formed through the front end portion of the lower wall 53 and the lower end portion of the front wall 54 in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view extending in the front-rear direction.
(1-2) Lock lever and pressing member The lock lever 65 is provided on the inner side (left side) of the front end portion of the right wall 52R, as shown in FIGS. The lock lever 65 is integrally provided with a rotation shaft 70, an operation portion 71 that extends upward from the rotation shaft 70, and a lift portion 72 that extends downward from the rotation shaft 70.

  The rotation shaft 70 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The operation portion 71 is formed in a bent hook shape extending upward from the upper end edge of the right wall 52R from the upper end portion of the rotation shaft 70 to the upper side, bent to the front side at the upper end portion, and extending to the front side. . In addition, the operation unit 71 is provided with a regulation unit 73 as an example of a regulation member.

  The restricting portion 73 is formed in a substantially wedge shape in cross-sectional view having a top toward the rear lower side so as to protrude from the upper end portion of the operation portion 71 to the rear lower side. The left end portion of the restricting portion 73 has advanced into the attachment / detachment locus of the developing cartridge 19 to the drum cartridge 18 (see FIG. 4).

  The lift portion 72 is formed in a substantially bowl shape extending from the lower end portion of the rotation shaft 70 toward the rear lower side.

  The lock lever 65 is inserted into the lock lever support hole 57 of the right wall 52R so that the right end portion of the rotation shaft 70 can be rotated, so that the operation portion 71 is raised on the right wall 52R. 7) and a lock release position (see FIG. 11) where the operation unit 71 is tilted.

  Further, the lock lever 65 is urged clockwise by a right side view so as to be always disposed at the lock position by an urging member (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the pressing member 66 includes a main body member 74 and a spring member 75.

  The main body member 74 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape whose rear end is closed. A bulging portion 76 is integrally provided on the rear end surface of the main body member 74. The outer dimension in the vertical direction of the main body member 74 is shorter than the inner dimension in the vertical direction of the pressing member accommodating portion 69. The main body member 74 is accommodated in the pressing member accommodating portion 69 with play in the vertical direction.

  The bulging portion 76 is formed in a substantially circular arc shape in sectional view that bulges from the substantially central portion of the rear end surface of the main body member 74 toward the rear side.

The spring member 75 is a compression coil spring extending in the front-rear direction. The rear end portion of the spring member 75 is in contact with the inner surface (front surface) of the rear end portion of the main body member 74 from the front side. The front end portion of the spring member 75 is in contact with the rear surface of the front wall 54 from the rear side. Thereby, the main body member 74 is always urged toward the rear side by the urging force of the spring member 75.
(2) Developing Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the developing cartridge 19 is disposed on the left side of the developing frame 25, the power supply unit 43 disposed on the right side of the developing frame 25, and the developing frame 25. And a drive unit 44.
(2-1) Development Frame The development frame 25 is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. Specifically, the developing frame 25 includes a pair of left and right side walls 81, a front wall 82, a lower wall 83, and an upper wall 84. In the following description, when referring to the left and right of the pair of side walls 81, the left side wall 81 is referred to as a left wall 81L (an example of a first side wall), and the right side wall 81 is referred to as a right wall 81R (second side wall). Example).

  The pair of side walls 81 are arranged to face each other with a space in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the toner storage chamber 26. The side wall 81 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view extending in the vertical direction. The developing roller 34 described above is supported between the pair of side walls 81.

  The developing roller 34 includes a metal rotation shaft (hereinafter referred to as a developing roller shaft 80) extending in the left-right direction. The left and right ends of the developing roller shaft 80 protrude outward in the left and right direction so as to penetrate the side wall 81.

  The right wall 81R includes a filling portion 85, a regulated portion 86, and a cap fixing boss 93 as shown in FIGS.

  The filling portion 85 is provided at the center in the front-rear direction of the right wall 81R. A filling port 100 is formed in the filling portion 85. The filling portion 85 includes a filling cylinder portion 98 as an example of a cylinder portion and a toner cap 101 as an example of a closing member.

  The filling port 100 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side at the center in the front-rear direction of the right wall 81R. Thus, the filling port 100 is communicated with the toner storage chamber 26. The filling port 100 is formed over most of the right wall 81R in the vertical direction. The lower inner peripheral surface of the filling port 100 is disposed so as to overlap the lower wall of the toner storage chamber 26 when projected in the left-right direction (see an enlarged view of FIG. 9).

  The filling cylinder portion 98 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape sharing a central axis with the filling port 100 so as to protrude rightward from the peripheral portion of the filling port 100. The inner diameter of the filling cylinder portion 98 is the same as the inner diameter of the filling port 100. Further, the lower end edge (lower outer peripheral surface) of the filling cylinder portion 98 is disposed below the lower outer peripheral surface of the toner storage chamber 26 (see phantom lines in FIGS. 6 and 11). The filling cylinder part 98 is provided with the contact rib 79 as an example of an engaging part.

  The contact rib 79 is formed as a protrusion that protrudes from the front lower end of the filling cylinder portion 98 to the front lower side and extends in the left-right direction.

  The toner cap 101 is made of an elastic resin material or the like and has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. Specifically, the toner cap 101 integrally includes a closing portion 102, a flange portion 103, and a fixed portion 104.

  The closing part 102 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The outer diameter of the closing part 102 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the filling cylinder part 98.

  The flange portion 103 is formed as a ridge that continuously extends from the right end edge of the closing portion 102 and protrudes radially outward of the closing portion 102 and extends in the circumferential direction of the closing portion 102.

  The fixed portion 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape that protrudes from the front edge of the flange portion 103 toward the front upper side. An insertion hole 105 and a thin portion 106 are formed in the fixed portion 104.

  The insertion hole 105 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view at the center of the fixed portion 104. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 105 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cap fixing boss 93.

  The thin portion 106 is formed along the direction connecting the rear upper side and the front lower side at the base end portion of the fixed portion 104 (the boundary portion of the fixed portion 104 with the flange portion 103). The thin portion 106 is formed with notches from the front surface (right surface) and the back surface (left surface) of the fixed portion 104. Thereby, the thickness (length in the left-right direction) of the thin portion 106 is thinner than the thickness (length in the left-right direction) of the fixed portion 104 and the flange portion 103.

  The restricted portion 86 is disposed on the front side of the filling cylinder portion 98, protrudes from the right surface of the right wall 81R to the right side, and is formed as a ridge that is bent in a substantially wedge shape in a side view.

  The cap fixing boss 93 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding from the right end surface to the right side at the rear end portion of the restricted portion 86.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the lower wall 83 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction. The lower wall 83 includes a plurality of pairs (two pairs) of pressed parts 99 and a plurality (two) of contact parts 94. Although the pressed portion 99, the contact portion 94, and the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 provided at the left end portion of the developing cartridge 19 are omitted in FIG. 6, the pressed portion 99 provided at the right end portion of the developing cartridge 19, The contact portion 94 and the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 are configured similarly.

  Each of the plurality of pairs of pressed parts 99 is provided in a pair at the left and right ends of the lower wall 83 corresponding to each of the plurality of pressing members 66. The pair of pressed parts 99 are disposed to face each other with an interval in the left-right direction.

  The pressed portion 99 is formed in a substantially triangular flat plate shape having a top portion that faces the front lower side so as to protrude from the lower surface of the front end portion of the lower wall 83 toward the front lower side. The front end edge of the pressed portion 99 is slightly inclined rearward as it goes downward. The lower end edge of the pressed part 99 is slightly inclined upward as it goes to the front side.

  The plurality of contact portions 94 are provided one by one between the rear end portions of the pair of pressed portions 99. The contact portion 94 is formed in a substantially triangular flat plate shape having a top portion facing the front lower side so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the lower wall 83. The front end edge of the contact portion 94 has a greater inclination than the front end edge of the pressed portion 99 and is inclined rearward as it goes downward. The lower end edge of the contact portion 94 is inclined downward toward the front side.

  The front wall 82 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending continuously upward from the front end portion of the lower wall 83. The front wall 82 is provided with a developing cartridge gripping portion 87 as an example of a first gripping portion.

  One developing cartridge gripping portion 87 is provided at each of the left and right ends of the front wall 82. The developing cartridge gripping portion 87 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape that is continuous from the upper end portion of the front wall 82 and extends to the front upper side.

  The upper wall 84 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear and left-right directions, and is disposed so as to face the upper ends of the side walls 81 and the front wall 82 from above. The upper wall 84 is fixed to the upper end portions of the side walls 81 and the front wall 82 by a method such as welding at the periphery.

  In order to fill the toner storage chamber 26 with toner, first, the toner storage chamber 26 is filled with toner via the filling cylinder portion 98 and the filling port 100.

  Next, the toner cap 101 is pressed into the filling port 100 via the filling cylinder part 98 and the toner cap 101 is press-fitted into the filling port 100, so that the left surface of the collar part 103 is brought into contact with the right end edge of the filling cylinder part 98. It is assembled to the right wall 81R. Further, the cap fixing boss 93 is inserted into the insertion hole 105 of the fixed portion 104 of the toner cap 101.

Thereafter, the right end portion of the cap fixing boss 93 is melted and deformed so as to expand in the radial direction, and the fixed portion 104 of the toner cap 101 is fixed to the right wall 81R of the developing frame 25.
(2-2) Power Supply Unit As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the power supply unit 43 includes a supply electrode 88, a bearing member 89, and a developing electrode 90.

  The supply electrode 88 is made of a conductive resin material and is supported on the right wall 52R of the developing frame 25 with play. The supply electrode 88 includes a supply side contact portion 91 that is electrically connected to a main body side supply electrode (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2. The supply electrode 88 is electrically connected to the rotation shaft of the supply roller 33 (see FIG. 7; hereinafter referred to as the supply roller shaft 95).

  The supply side contact portion 91 is disposed on the upper side of the filling portion 85. The supply-side contact portion 91 extends in the left-right direction, and is formed in a rectangular tube shape that is substantially rectangular in side view with the right end portion closed.

  The bearing member 89 is made of an insulating resin material, and is fixed to the right wall of the developing frame 25 on the right side of the supply electrode 88. The bearing member 89 includes an insulating portion 92 that insulates the supply side contact portion 91 and the development side contact portion 96 (described later). The bearing member 89 rotatably supports the supply roller shaft 95 and the developing roller shaft 80 (see FIG. 7).

  The insulating part 92 is disposed opposite to the rear side of the supply side contact part 91. The insulating portion 92 is formed in a rectangular tube shape that extends in the left-right direction and is substantially L-shaped in side view with the right end portion closed.

  The developing electrode 90 is made of a conductive resin material, and is supported by the bearing member 89 with play on the right side of the bearing member 89. The developing electrode 90 includes a developing side contact portion 96 that is electrically connected to a main body side developing electrode (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 and a developing roller shaft covering portion that covers the right end portion of the developing roller shaft 80. 97.

  The development side contact portion 96 is disposed on the rear lower side of the insulating portion 92 of the bearing member 89. The development-side contact portion 96 is formed in a rectangular tube shape that extends in the left-right direction and has a substantially rectangular shape in side view with the right end portion closed.

The developing roller shaft covering portion 97 is disposed on the lower rear side of the developing side contact portion 96 and has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft covering portion 97 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developing roller shaft 80 (substantially the same diameter). The right end portion of the developing roller shaft 80 is rotatably fitted in the developing roller shaft covering portion 97.
(2-3) Drive Unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the drive unit 44 includes a collar member 111, a gear train 112, and a gear cover 113.

  The collar member 111 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The inner diameter of the collar member 111 is formed to be substantially the same diameter (slightly larger) as the outer diameter of the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 80. The color member 111 is fixed to the rear end portion of the left wall 81L of the developing frame 25. A left end portion of the developing roller shaft 80 is rotatably fitted in the color member 111.

  The gear train 112 includes a developing coupling 114, a developing gear 115 as an example of a rotating body, an idle gear 120, and a detected gear 116 as an example of a detected member.

  The gear train 112 further includes an agitator gear (not shown) and a supply gear (not shown). An agitator gear (not shown) is supported at the left end portion of the agitator 29 so as not to be relatively rotatable, and meshes with the small diameter portion 121 of the idle gear 120 from the lower rear side. A supply gear (not shown) is supported on the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 95 so as not to be relatively rotatable, and meshes with a gear portion 109 (described later) of the developing coupling 114 from below.

  The development coupling 114 is disposed on the front upper side of the color member 111. The development coupling 114 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the left wall 81L of the development frame 25. A gear portion 109 (see FIG. 10) having gear teeth on its peripheral surface is provided at the right end portion of the development coupling 114. A coupling recess 110 is formed on the left surface of the development coupling 114.

  The coupling recess 110 is formed in a substantially elongated hole shape in a side view extending in the radial direction of the developing coupling 114 so as to be recessed from the left surface of the developing coupling 114 to the right side. A coupling convex portion (not shown) of a main body coupling 131 (see phantom line in FIG. 15) provided in the main body casing 2 is fitted into the coupling concave portion 110 so as to be able to transmit drive.

  The developing gear 115 is supported on the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 80 on the left side of the left wall 81L so as not to be relatively rotatable, and is engaged with the gear portion 109 of the developing coupling 114 from the lower rear side. As a result, the developing gear 115 inputs the driving force transmitted from the developing coupling 114 to the developing roller shaft 80.

  The idle gear 120 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported on the left wall 52L of the developing frame 25. The idle gear 120 integrally has a large diameter part (not shown) and a small diameter part 121. The large diameter portion (not shown) is provided at the left end portion of the idle gear 120 and is formed in a substantially disc shape. Gear teeth are formed over the entire circumference of the large diameter portion (not shown).

  The small-diameter portion 121 extends from the right surface of the large-diameter portion (not shown) to the right side, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion (not shown). Further, the small diameter portion 121 shares a central axis with a large diameter portion (not shown). Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 121 over the entire circumference.

  The idle gear 120 meshes with the gear portion 109 of the developing coupling 114 from the front side at a large diameter portion (not shown).

  The detected gear 116 is disposed on the lower front side of the development coupling 114. The detected gear 116 is formed in a substantially semicircular flat plate shape when viewed from the side, and is rotatably supported by the left wall 52L of the developing frame 25 at the center of the diameter. Gear teeth are formed on the peripheral surface of the detected gear 116. The detected gear 116 is meshed with the small-diameter portion 121 of the idle gear 120 from the lower front side at the peripheral end on the downstream side in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side.

  The gear cover 113 is formed in a substantially box shape with the right end opened and the left end closed. The gear cover 113 is fixed to the left wall 81 </ b> L of the developing frame 25 on the front upper side of the collar member 111 so as to accommodate the gear train 112. The gear cover 113 is formed with a color exposure opening 117, a coupling collar 118, and a detected gear exposure opening 119.

  The color exposure opening 117 is formed in a substantially C-shape in a side view opened toward the rear upper side so as to be cut out from the rear end edge toward the front lower side at the rear end portion of the gear cover 113. . The inner diameter of the color exposure opening 117 is larger than the outer diameter of the collar member 111. A color member 111 is inserted into the color exposure opening 117.

  The coupling collar 118 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending from the left wall of the gear cover 113 to the left side on the front upper side of the color exposure opening 117. The coupling collar 118 communicates with the inner side (right side) of the gear cover 113 at the right end thereof. The left end of the development coupling 114 is inserted into the coupling collar 118 so that the coupling recess 110 is exposed.

The detected gear exposure opening 119 is formed so as to penetrate the front lower peripheral wall of the gear cover 113. The detected gear exposure opening 119 exposes the peripheral end portion of the detected gear 116 on the upstream side in the clockwise direction in the left side view from the gear cover 113.
(3) Mounting state of developing cartridge to drum cartridge As shown in FIG. 8, the developing cartridge 19 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 68 of the drum cartridge 18 (that is, the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the mounting position). ), The developing cartridge 19 is in contact with the bulging portion 76 of the pressing member 66 from the front side in the pressed portion 99 and is in contact with the photosensitive drum 20 from the front side in the developing roller 34. Thus, the developing cartridge 19 is pressed rearward and downward toward the photosensitive drum 20 by the urging force of the pressing member 66.

  At this time, the contact portion 94 of the developing cartridge 19 is in contact with the upper end portion of the contacted portion 78 of the drum cartridge 18 from above.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the developing cartridge 19 is placed horizontally along the left-right direction in the cartridge mounting portion 68.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the color member 111 of the developing cartridge 19 is fitted in the guide groove 63 of the left wall 52 </ b> L of the drum cartridge 18. Similarly, the developing roller shaft covering portion 97 of the developing electrode 90 is fitted in the guide groove 62 of the right wall 52R of the drum cartridge 18 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). As a result, the developing roller 34 is guided toward the photosensitive drum 20 by the guide groove 63 of the left wall 52L and the guide groove 62 of the right wall 52R at both ends in the left-right direction, respectively. Pressed from the front side.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the lock lever 65 is arrange | positioned in the lock position. As a result, the restricting portion 73 of the lock lever 65 is disposed above the front end portion of the restricted portion 86 of the developing cartridge 19. Thereby, the development cartridge 19 is restricted from moving from the mounting position (see FIG. 8) to the detachable position (see FIG. 14 described later). The rear lower end portion of the lift portion 72 of the lock lever 65 is disposed opposite to the front lower side of the filling cylinder portion 98 of the developing cartridge 19.

  Further, the upper end portion of the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 is disposed below the upper end portion of the drum cartridge gripping portion 64.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the detected gear 116 is moved forward from the front end portion of the drum frame 51 through the detected gear exposure opening 119 of the gear cover 113 and the detected gear exposure opening 50 of the drum frame 51. Exposed to the bottom.
3. Main Body Casing In the main body casing 2, an actuator 132 as an example of a detection unit is provided as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. 17.

  The actuator 132 is disposed on the front upper side of the pickup roller 11 at the left end in the main casing 2. The actuator 132 includes a rotation shaft 134, a detection unit 133, and an action unit 135.

  The rotation shaft 134 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The detection unit 133 is formed in a substantially bowl shape extending from the rear upper end of the rotation shaft 134 to the rear upper side.

  The action part 135 is formed in a substantially bowl shape extending downward from the lower end part of the rotation shaft 134.

  The actuator 132 is rotatably supported in the main body casing 2 on its rotating shaft 134.

  As a result, the actuator 132 can rotate between a non-detection position where the detection unit 133 stands up toward the rear upper side (see FIG. 17) and a detection position where the detection unit 133 tilts toward the rear side (see FIG. 10). It is. The actuator 132 is always urged toward the non-detection position by an urging member (not shown).

  When the actuator 132 is disposed at the non-detection position, the action unit 135 is not detected by a sensor (for example, an optical sensor) (not shown) in the main body casing 2.

Further, when the actuator 132 is disposed at the detection position, the action part 135 is detected by a sensor (not shown) in the main body casing 2.
4). Release of developer cartridge from drum cartridge In order to release developer cartridge 19 from drum cartridge 18, first, lock lever 65 of drum cartridge 18 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side from the lock position toward the lock release position. .

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the restricting portion 73 of the lock lever 65 is retracted from the upper side of the front end portion of the restricted portion 86 to the rear side, and the movement of the restricted portion 86 to the rear upper side is allowed. The rear end portion of the lift portion 72 of the lock lever 65 is brought into contact (engaged) with the contact rib 79 from the front lower side at the right end portion of the filling cylinder portion 98 of the developing cartridge 19.

  When the lock lever 65 is further rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side, the charging cylinder portion 98 of the developing cartridge 19 is pressed (biased) rearwardly by the rear end portion of the lift portion 72 of the lock lever 65. The

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the lock lever 65 is disposed at the unlock position, and the developing cartridge 19 rotates clockwise as viewed from the right side with the rear end of the developing cartridge 19 in contact with the photosensitive drum 20 as a fulcrum. It is rotated.

  At this time, the developing cartridge 19 is first pushed up at its right end, and then rotated so that the left end follows the right end.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressing member 66 is swung upward with the front end of the spring member 75 as a fulcrum so as to follow the rotation of the developing cartridge 19. The top of the pressed part 99 is abutted from the front side. The pressing member 66 is abutted against the upper wall of the pressing member accommodating portion 69, so that further upward movement is restricted.

  When the lock lever 65 is disposed at the unlock position, the developing cartridge 19 is further rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side by the urging force of the pressing member 66.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is moved rearward and the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is moved frontward.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the color member 111 of the developing cartridge 19 is moved to the front side along the guide groove 63 of the left wall 52 </ b> L of the drum cartridge 18. Similarly, the developing roller shaft covering portion 97 of the developing electrode 90 is moved to the front side along the guide groove 62 of the right wall 52R of the drum cartridge 18 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

  As a result, the developing roller 34 is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 to the front lower side, and the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at a detachable position.

  At this time, the upper end portion of the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 is disposed above the upper end portion of the drum cartridge gripping portion 64.

  Further, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is brought into contact with the rear end portion of the pressing member 66 from above (see FIG. 14).

  Next, in order to detach the developing cartridge 19 from the drum cartridge 18, the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 is gripped, and the front end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is further rotated rearwardly with the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 19 as a fulcrum. .

  As a result, the color member 111 of the developing cartridge 19 is separated from the guide groove 63 of the left wall 52L of the drum cartridge 18 to the front side, and the developing roller shaft covering portion 97 of the developing electrode 90 is moved to the right wall 52R of the drum cartridge 18. It is made to detach | leave from the guide groove 62 to the front side.

  Thereafter, the developing cartridge 19 is detached from the drum cartridge 18 upward.

  In order to attach the developing cartridge 19 to the drum cartridge 18, the developing cartridge 19 and the drum cartridge 18 are operated contrary to the above-described detachment operation.

  Specifically, the color member 111 of the developing cartridge 19 is fitted into the guide groove 63 of the left wall 52L of the drum cartridge 18 from the front side, and the developing roller shaft covering portion 97 of the developing electrode 90 is formed on the right wall 52R of the drum cartridge 18. The rear end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is inserted into the rear end portion of the cartridge mounting portion 68 of the drum cartridge 18 from above so that the guide groove 62 is fitted from the front side.

  Next, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is rotated to the front lower side with the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 19 as a fulcrum so that the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is pressed against the drum housing portion 67 of the drum cartridge 18.

When the front end portion of the developing cartridge 19 is accommodated in the front end portion of the cartridge mounting portion 68, the mounting of the developing cartridge 19 to the drum cartridge 18 is completed.
4). Mounting of Process Cartridge on Main Body Casing To mount the process cartridge 15 on the main body casing 2, first, as shown in FIG. 1 and described above, the top cover 7 of the main body casing 2 is placed in the open position.

  Next, the drum cartridge gripping portion 64 is gripped, and the process cartridge 15 is inserted into the main body casing 2 so that the left and right ends of the drum shaft 10 of the photosensitive drum 20 are fitted into the guide portion 37 of the main body casing 2. .

  Then, the process cartridge 15 is pushed rearward and downward along the guide portion 37, and then rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side with the drum shaft 10 of the photosensitive drum 20 as a fulcrum.

  The drum shaft 10 of the photosensitive drum 20 is disposed in the rear end portion of the guide portion 37, and the drum cartridge gripping portion 64 is disposed below the emission locus of the laser beam L so as not to interfere with the laser beam L. Then, the mounting of the process cartridge 15 on the main casing 2 is completed.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the peripheral end portion of the detected gear 116 of the developing cartridge 19 on the upstream side in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side is brought into contact with the detecting portion 133 of the actuator 132 from above.

  As a result, the actuator 132 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the left side against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown), and is arranged at the detection position.

  When the mounting of the process cartridge 15 to the main body casing 2 is completed, the rotation of the lock lever 65 from the lock position to the unlock position is restricted by a restriction member (not shown) in the main body casing 2, so that the lock lever 65 is Fixed in the locked position.

  Thereafter, the top cover 7 of the main casing 2 is placed at the closed position.

  In the mounting operation of the process cartridge 15 to the main casing 2, the process cartridge 15 may be erroneously mounted to the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position due to an erroneous operation by the user. is there.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the developing cartridge 19 is disposed in the middle of the emission locus of the laser beam L at the front end portion of the upper end portion thereof, and interferes with the laser beam L. That is, the photosensitive drum 20 is not exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the development coupling 114 is disposed on the front upper side with respect to the main body coupling 131 so that the main body coupling 131 is not fitted. That is, the driving force is not transmitted to the developing cartridge 19.

  Further, in order to detach the process cartridge 15 from the main casing 2, the process cartridge 15 and the main casing 2 are operated in reverse to the mounting operation described above.

Specifically, after the top cover 7 is disposed at the open position, the process cartridge 15 is pulled out to the front upper side.
5. New article detection operation When the top cover 7 of the main body casing 2 is arranged at the closed position, the main body coupling 131 (refer to the phantom line in FIG. 15) in the main body casing 2 moves in conjunction with the closing operation of the top cover 7. The developing coupling 114 is fitted so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  Thereafter, a driving force counterclockwise as viewed from the left side is transmitted from the driving source (not shown) in the main body casing 2 to the developing coupling 114 via the main body coupling 131.

  Then, the driving force is transmitted to the detected gear 116 via the gear train 112, and the detected gear 116 is rotated clockwise in the left side view.

  As a result, the peripheral end of the detected gear 116 on the upstream side in the clockwise direction on the left side is separated from the detection unit 133 of the actuator 132 to the rear side.

  Then, the actuator 132 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left side by an urging force of an urging member (not shown), and is disposed at the non-detection position.

  Then, when the detected gear 116 is further rotated clockwise in the left side view, the peripheral end portion of the detected gear 116 on the downstream side in the clockwise direction in the left side view contacts the detecting unit 133 of the actuator 132 from above. Touched.

  Then, the actuator 132 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the left side against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown), and is arranged at the detection position.

  When the detected gear 116 is further rotated clockwise in the left side view, the meshing with the idle gear 120 is released at the peripheral end portion of the detected gear 116 on the upstream side in the clockwise direction in the left side view. At this time, the circumferential end portion of the detected gear 116 on the downstream side in the clockwise direction on the left side remains in contact with the detection unit 133 of the actuator 132 from above.

  A control unit (not shown) in the main body casing 2 detects the developing cartridge when a sensor (not shown) detects that the actuator 132 has been moved in the order of the detection position, the non-detection position, and the detection position. No. 19 is unused (an example of information related to the developer cartridge).

  Further, when the developing cartridge 19 in use is attached to the main casing 2, the detected gear 116 and the idle gear 120 are disengaged. The peripheral end on the downstream side in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side is kept in contact with the detection unit 133 of the actuator 132 from above.

  Thereby, the actuator 132 continues to be disposed at the detection position.

  Then, when a control unit (not shown) in the main casing 2 detects that the sensor 132 (not shown) has been placed at the detection position for a predetermined time, the developing cartridge 19 is in use. (An example of information related to the developer cartridge).

  When the process cartridge 15 is erroneously attached to the main casing 2, the detected gear 116 is disposed above the actuator 132 so as not to contact the actuator 132 as shown in FIG. . That is, the actuator 132 continues to be disposed at the non-detection position.

  Then, a control unit (not shown) in the main body casing 2 causes the process cartridge 15 to move to the main body when a sensor (not shown) detects that the actuator 132 has been placed in the non-detection position for a predetermined time. It is determined that the casing 2 is erroneously attached.

Thereafter, a control unit (not shown) in the main body casing 2 displays that the process cartridge 15 is erroneously mounted on a display panel (not shown).
6). Operation and Effect (1) According to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 6, the toner can be filled into the toner containing chamber 26 via the filling portion 85 protruding to the right from the toner containing chamber 26. .

  Therefore, in the toner filling operation, the filling portion 85 can be easily accessed from the right side, and the efficiency of the toner filling operation into the developing cartridge 19 can be improved.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the developing cartridge 19 can be moved from the mounting position to the detachable position by using the filling portion 85.

  Therefore, the developing cartridge 19 can be reduced in size without separately providing a portion pressed by the lock lever 65.

As a result, it is possible to achieve both the efficiency of the toner filling operation into the developing cartridge 19 and the downsizing of the developing cartridge 19.
(2) Further, according to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the developing cartridge 19 can be moved to the rear upper side (direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 20).

Therefore, the developing cartridge 19 can be reliably moved to the rear upper side from the mounting position toward the detachable position.
(3) Further, according to this process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 6, the filling portion 85 is disposed on the right wall 81R where the developing gear 115 is not disposed.

  Therefore, when accessing the filling unit 85, the configuration (driving unit 44) for inputting the driving force to the developing roller 34 does not get in the way.

As a result, the filling unit 85 can be more easily accessed.
(4) Further, according to this process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 11, the developing cartridge 19 is mounted in the mounting position (FIG. 11) while the lift portion 72 of the lock lever 65 is brought into contact with the contact rib 79 of the filling portion 85. 8) to a detachable position (see FIG. 14).

Therefore, the developing cartridge 19 can be smoothly and reliably moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(5) Also, according to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 13, the lock lever 65 presses the laterally outer end portion (specifically, the right end portion) of the filling portion 85.

  Therefore, the developing cartridge 19 can be moved with a smaller pressing force than when the developing frame 25 is pressed on the inner side in the left-right direction with respect to the outer end in the left-right direction of the filling portion 85.

As a result, the developing cartridge 19 can be easily moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(6) Further, according to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower inner peripheral surface of the filling cylinder portion 98 and the filling port 100 is below the toner storage chamber 26 when projected in the left-right direction. You may arrange | position so that the wall 83 may overlap.

  Therefore, the lower end portion of the filling cylinder portion 98 can be disposed in the vicinity of the lower wall 83 of the toner storage chamber 26.

As a result, the lower end portion of the filling cylinder portion 98 can be easily pressed by the lock lever 65, and the developing cartridge 19 can be smoothly moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(7) According to this process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower inner peripheral surface of the filling cylinder portion 98 and the filling port 100 is projected in the left-right direction, and the lower wall 83 of the toner storage chamber 26. It is arrange | positioned rather than the inner surface of.

  Therefore, it is possible to enlarge the filling cylinder portion 98 and the filling port 100 downward while reducing the size of the toner storage chamber 26.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the developing cartridge 19 while efficiently performing the toner filling operation into the toner storage chamber 26.
(8) Further, according to this process cartridge 15, as indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 11, the lower end edge of the filling cylinder portion 98 is lower than the lower end edge of the toner storage chamber 26 when projected in the left-right direction. Arranged on the side.

  Therefore, the lower end portion of the filling cylinder portion 98 can be disposed below the lower wall 83 of the toner storage chamber 26.

As a result, the lower end portion of the filling cylinder portion 98 can be more easily pressed by the lock lever 65, and the developing cartridge 19 can be moved more smoothly from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(9) Further, according to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 14, the developing roller 34 is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 when the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 34 and the photosensitive drum 20 from being rubbed when the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 34 and the photosensitive drum 20 from being worn during the attaching / detaching operation of the developing cartridge 19 with respect to the drum cartridge 18.
(10) Also, according to this process cartridge 15, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, the drum cartridge 18 is provided with a guide groove (in the direction of separating the developing roller 34 from the photosensitive drum 20) in the guide groove ( The guide groove 62 of the right wall 52R and the guide groove 63) of the left wall 52L are provided.

  Therefore, when the developing cartridge 19 is moved from the mounting position to the detachable position, the developing roller 34 can be guided from the photosensitive drum 20 to the front side (separating direction) by the guide groove.

Therefore, the developing roller 34 can be smoothly separated from the photosensitive drum 20 when the developing cartridge 19 is moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(11) Also, according to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 8, when the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the mounting position, the upper end of the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 is the upper end of the drum cartridge gripping portion 64. It is arranged below the part.

  Therefore, when the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the mounting position, the drum cartridge gripping portion 64 can be easily accessed.

  As a result, the drum cartridge 18 can be easily handled with the developing cartridge 19 mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, the upper end portion of the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 is disposed above the upper end portion of the drum cartridge gripping portion 64.

  Therefore, when the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, the developing cartridge gripping portion 87 can be easily accessed.

As a result, the developing cartridge 19 arranged at the detachable position can be easily detached from the drum cartridge 18.
(12) Further, according to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressing member 66 has play in the vertical direction (movement direction).

  Therefore, when the developing cartridge 19 is moved from the mounting position to the detachable position, the pressing member 66 can follow the movement of the developing cartridge 19 by the amount of play.

As a result, it is possible to suppress the pressing member 66 from hindering the movement of the developing cartridge 19, and the developing cartridge 19 can be moved more smoothly from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(13) Also, according to this process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 14, the developer cartridge 19 is brought into contact with the pressing member 66 from above when it is disposed at the detachable position.

  Therefore, the developing cartridge 19 can be held at the detachable position using the pressing member 66.

As a result, the developing cartridge 19 can be held at the detachable position while simplifying the configuration of the developing cartridge 19.
(14) According to the process cartridge 15, as shown in FIG. 12, the developing cartridge 19 can be moved from the mounting position to the detachable position by pressing the filling cylinder portion 98 with a simple configuration. it can.
(15) Further, according to this printer 1, as shown in FIG. 15, when the process cartridge 15 is mounted on the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, the developing coupling 114 is disposed above the main body coupling 131.

  Therefore, when the process cartridge 15 is mounted on the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, the developing cartridge 19 is not driven.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the image forming operation from being started in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is not disposed at the mounting position.
(16) Further, according to this printer 1, as shown in FIG. 16, when the process cartridge 15 is mounted on the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, the developing cartridge 19 is provided. Interferes with the laser beam L.

  Therefore, when the process cartridge 15 is mounted on the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, the photosensitive drum 20 is not exposed.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the image forming operation from being started in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is not disposed at the mounting position.
(17) Further, according to the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 17, when the process cartridge 15 is mounted on the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, the gear to be detected. 116 is spaced upward with respect to the actuator 132.

  For this reason, when the process cartridge 15 is mounted on the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is disposed at the detachable position, information regarding use or non-use of the developing cartridge 19 is not detected.

As a result, it is possible to detect that the developing cartridge 19 is not disposed at the mounting position with a simple configuration.
7). First Modification A first modification of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 19, the same members as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the right end portion of the filling portion 85 is pressed by the lock lever 65, the developing cartridge 19 is first pushed upward so that the left end portion follows the right end portion. It is moving.

  On the other hand, in the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the right end portion of the filling portion 85 is pressed by the lock lever 65, the left end portion of the developing cartridge 19 does not follow the right end portion. You can also.

  According to the first modified example, when the right end portion of the filling portion 85 is pressed by the lock lever 65, the developing cartridge 19 can be tilted downward toward the left side.

  As a result, the toner staying at the right end of the filling portion 85 can be moved into the toner storage chamber 26 by its own weight.

Also in the first modified example, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
8). Second Modification A second modification of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19-21, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member similar to above-described embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the abutment rib 79 pressed by the lift part 72 of the lock lever 65 is provided in the filling cylinder part 98, and the restriction part 73 of the lock lever 65 is engaged with the front side of the filling cylinder part 98. A regulated portion 86 is provided.

On the other hand, in the second modified example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the toner cap 141 is provided with an abutting portion 145 as an example of an engaging portion pressed by the lift portion 72 of the lock lever 65, and The restricting portion 73 of the lock lever 65 is engaged with the fixed portion 104 of the toner cap 141.
(1) Configuration of Second Modification The collar portion 103 of the toner cap 141 is provided with a contact portion 145 having a substantially convex shape in a side view that continuously bulges from the lower end edge to the rear lower side. Yes.

  Further, the front end portion of the fixed portion 104 is formed in a substantially wedge shape in a side view having a top portion toward the front upper side.

  The restricted portion 86 is not provided on the right wall 81R of the developing frame 25. Further, the cap fixing boss 93 is disposed on the front upper side of the filling portion 85 and below the restricting portion 73 of the lock lever 65 at the lock position.

When the lock lever 65 is disposed at the lock position, the restricting portion 73 of the lock lever 65 is disposed above the front end portion of the fixed portion 104. As a result, the development cartridge 19 is restricted from moving from a mounting position (see FIG. 19) to a detachable position (not shown).
(2) Release of developer cartridge from drum cartridge To release developer cartridge 19 from drum cartridge 18, the lock lever 65 of drum cartridge 18 is moved counterclockwise as viewed from the right side from the lock position toward the lock release position. Rotate.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the restriction portion 73 of the lock lever 65 is retracted from the upper side of the front end portion of the fixed portion 104 to the rear side, and the movement of the fixed portion 104 to the rear upper side is allowed, The rear end portion of the lift portion 72 of the lock lever 65 is brought into contact (engaged) from the front lower side with the contact portion 145 of the toner cap 141 of the developing cartridge 19.

  When the lock lever 65 is further rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side, the abutting portion 145 of the toner cap 141 is pressed (biased) to the rear upper side by the rear end portion of the lift portion 72 of the lock lever 65. The

Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the lock lever 65 is disposed at the unlock position, and the developing cartridge 19 rotates clockwise as viewed from the right side with the rear end of the developing cartridge 19 in contact with the photosensitive drum 20 as a fulcrum. It is rotated.
(3) Effects of Second Modification (3-1) According to the process cartridge 15 of the second modification, the contact of the toner cap 141 with a simple configuration as shown in FIGS. By pressing the portion 145, the developing cartridge 19 can be moved from the mounting position to the detachable position.
(3-2) Further, according to the process cartridge 15 of the second modified example, as shown in FIG. 19, a position where the developing cartridge 19 can be detached from the mounting position using the fixed portion 104 of the toner cap 141. The movement to can be regulated.

Therefore, the movement of the developing cartridge 19 from the mounting position to the detachable position can be restricted while simplifying the configuration of the developing cartridge 19.
(3-3) Also in the second modified example, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

The contact portion 145 described above is formed integrally with the toner cap 141, but the contact portion 145 may be formed separately from the toner cap 141. The contact portion 145 can also be formed from a material such as rubber having a relatively large friction coefficient. The contact portion 145 can also be formed as a recess in the toner cap 141. A plurality of contact portions 145 may be provided on the toner cap 141.
8). Other Modifications The printer 1 described above is an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention can be configured as a color printer in addition to the above-described monochrome printer.

  When the image forming apparatus is configured as a color printer, the image forming apparatus includes a direct tandem type color printer including a plurality of photosensitive members and a recording medium conveying member, a plurality of photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer member, and a transfer member. It can be configured as an intermediate transfer type tandem color printer.

  Further, the developing cartridge 19 can be configured such that a toner cartridge that contains toner is detachably attached to a frame having the developing roller 34.

  In addition to the above-described photosensitive drum 20, for example, a photosensitive belt can be used as the photosensitive member.

  In addition to the above-described developing roller 34, for example, a developing sleeve, a developing belt, a brush-like roller, or the like can be applied as the developer carrying member.

  Further, instead of the supply roller 33 described above, for example, a supply member such as a supply sleeve, a supply belt, or a brush-like roller can be applied.

  Further, instead of the agitator 29 described above, for example, a conveying member such as an auger screw or a conveying belt can be applied.

  Further, instead of the transfer roller 21 described above, for example, a contact type transfer member such as a transfer belt, a transfer brush, a transfer blade, or a film type transfer device, or a non-contact type transfer member such as a corotron type is used. It can also be applied.

  Further, instead of the above scorotron charger 22, for example, a non-contact charger such as a corotron charger, a sawtooth discharge member, or a contact charger such as a charging roller may be applied. it can.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can also be configured as a multi-function peripheral equipped with an image reading unit and the like.

  Further, the gear train 112 provided in the drive unit 44 described above is an example of a drive transmission mechanism, but the drive transmission mechanism may be configured using, for example, a belt or a friction wheel.

  The pressing member 66 includes a rectangular tube-shaped main body member 74 and a spring member 75 made of a compression coil spring. The spring member 75 includes, for example, a leaf spring, a rubber member, a torsion spring, and the like. It can also be used. Further, the pressing member 66 can be formed only of the spring member 75 without including the main body member 74.

  In addition, the above-described contact rib 79 is formed integrally with the filling cylinder portion 98, but the contact rib 79 may be formed separately from the filling cylinder portion 98. The abutment rib 79 can also be formed of a material such as rubber having a relatively large friction coefficient. The abutment rib 79 can also be formed as a recess in the filling cylinder portion 79. A plurality of contact ribs 79 may be provided on the filling cylinder portion 98.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Main body casing 15 Process cartridge 16 Scanner unit 18 Drum cartridge 19 Developing cartridge 20 Photosensitive drum 25 Developing frame 26 Toner storage chamber 34 Developing roller 62 Guide groove 63 Guide groove 64 Drum cartridge gripping part 65 Lock lever 66 Pressing member 73 Restriction part 79 Contact rib 81L Left wall 81R Right wall 85 Filling portion 87 Developing cartridge gripping portion 98 Filling cylinder portion 100 Filling port 101 Toner cap 104 Fixed portion 114 Developing coupling 115 Developing gear 116 Detected gear 131 Main body coupling 132 Actuator 141 Toner cap 145 Contact part L Laser beam

Claims (19)

A developer cartridge having a housing for containing the developer;
A photosensitive member cartridge having a photosensitive member, wherein the developer cartridge is detachable;
The developer cartridge is configured to move between a mounting position where the developer cartridge is mounted and a detachable position where the developer cartridge can be detached from the photosensitive cartridge,
The housing is
A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A filling portion for projecting outward from the developer accommodating portion in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the moving direction from the mounting position of the developer cartridge to the detachable position, and for filling the developer accommodating portion with the developer; With
The process cartridge includes a biasing member configured to move the developer cartridge from the mounting position to the detachable position by biasing the filling portion.   The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitive member is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending along the orthogonal direction. The developer cartridge is
A developer carrier configured to carry a developer; and
A rotating body for inputting a driving force to the developer carrying body,
The housing includes a first side wall and a second side wall that are arranged to be spaced from each other in the orthogonal direction with the developer accommodating portion interposed therebetween,
The rotating body is disposed on the opposite side of the developer container with respect to the first side wall,
3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the filling portion is disposed on an opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall.   The filling portion includes an engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the orthogonal direction toward the biasing member so as to be engaged with the biasing member when pressed by the biasing member. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a process cartridge.   5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the urging member is configured to press an outer end portion in the orthogonal direction of the filling portion. 6.   The inner surface of the upstream end portion in the moving direction of the filling portion is arranged so as to overlap the upstream side wall in the moving direction of the developer accommodating portion when projected in the orthogonal direction. The process cartridge according to any one of 1 to 5.   When projected in the orthogonal direction, the inner surface of the upstream end portion in the moving direction of the filling portion is disposed upstream of the inner surface of the upstream wall in the moving direction of the developer containing portion. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the process cartridge is characterized.   When projected in the orthogonal direction, the upstream edge in the movement direction of the filling portion is arranged upstream of the upstream edge in the movement direction of the developer containing portion. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The developer cartridge includes a developer carrier configured to carry a developer,
The developer carrier is
When the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position, the photosensitive member is contacted;
9. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developer cartridge is separated from the photosensitive member when the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position.   The process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the photosensitive cartridge includes a guide portion extending along a direction in which the developer carrying member is separated from the photosensitive member. The developer cartridge includes a first grip portion for gripping the developer cartridge,
The photoconductor cartridge includes a second grip portion for gripping the photoconductor cartridge,
When the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position, the downstream end portion in the movement direction of the first gripping portion is more upstream in the movement direction than the downstream end portion in the movement direction of the second gripping portion. Arranged,
When the developer cartridge is disposed at the releasable position, the downstream end in the movement direction of the first gripping portion is downstream of the downstream end in the movement direction of the second gripping portion. 11. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is disposed at a position. The photoconductor cartridge includes a pressing member that presses the developer cartridge toward the photoconductor.
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member has play in the moving direction.   The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the developer cartridge is brought into contact with the pressing member from the downstream side in the moving direction when the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position. The filling part is
A cylindrical portion communicating with the developer accommodating portion and projecting outward from the developer accommodating portion in the orthogonal direction;
The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a closing member for closing the outer end portion in the orthogonal direction of the cylindrical portion. The filling part is
A filling port communicating with the developer container;
The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a closing member for closing the filling port. The biasing member includes a regulating member for regulating movement of the developer cartridge from the mounting position to the detachable position,
The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the closing member includes a regulated portion configured to be regulated by the regulating member. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
An apparatus main body configured to be detachable from the process cartridge,
The developer cartridge includes a developing coupling for receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body,
The apparatus main body includes a main body coupling configured to be fitted to the development coupling so as to be able to transmit driving,
The developer coupling is disposed at a position where the main body coupling is fitted in the state where the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position, and the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed at a position where the main body coupling is not fitted in the state. The apparatus main body includes an exposure member configured to emit a laser beam for exposing the photoconductor,
The developer cartridge is configured so as not to interfere with the laser light in a state where the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position and to interfere with the laser light in a state where the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17. The apparatus main body includes a detecting unit for detecting information on the developer cartridge,
The developer cartridge includes information on the developer cartridge, and includes a detection member configured to be detected by the detection unit,
The detected member is disposed at a position detected by the detecting means in a state where the developer cartridge is disposed at the mounting position, and the developer cartridge is disposed at the detachable position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed at a position not detected by the detection unit.

Images