JP6156526B2 - Process cartridge and developer cartridge - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art As an electrophotographic printer, there is known a printer that is detachably provided with a process cartridge that includes a drum cartridge that includes a photosensitive drum and a developing cartridge that includes a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum.

  In such a printer, a configuration is known in which the developing roller of the developing cartridge is close to the photosensitive drum so that toner can be supplied when an image is formed, and is separated so that toner cannot be supplied when an image is not formed. ing.

  For example, the engaging portions protruding from the left and right side surfaces of the developing cartridge are sandwiched between the rear clamping body and the front clamping body provided on the left and right sides of the drum cartridge, and the developing cartridge is brought close to the photosensitive drum or The structure which makes it space apart is proposed (for example, refer the following patent document 1).

  According to this configuration, the developing cartridge is always brought close to the photosensitive drum by pressing the engaging portion of the developing cartridge toward the photosensitive drum by the rear holding member. Further, when the developing cartridge is separated from the photosensitive drum, the engaging portion of the developing cartridge is pressed away from the photosensitive drum by the front holding member against the pressing force of the rear holding member.

JP 2003-84647 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide engaging portions on both the left and right side surfaces of the developing cartridge.

  In general, on both the left and right side surfaces of the developing cartridge, in addition to the engaging portion, many members such as a member that receives a driving force and electric power from the main body casing are provided.

  For this reason, when it is attempted to reduce the size of the developing cartridge, it is difficult to secure a space for disposing the engaging portions on the left and right side surfaces of the developing cartridge, so that the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge is reduced. Problems arise.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and a developing cartridge that can increase the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge while reducing the size of the developing cartridge.

(1) In order to achieve the above-described object, the process cartridge of the present invention is rotatable to the developing frame so as to face the photosensitive member, the photosensitive member cartridge including the photosensitive member, the developing frame containing the developer, and the photosensitive member. And a developer cartridge provided with a developer carrier for supplying the developer to the photoreceptor.

  The developing cartridge includes at least one of a first gear provided on one side of the developing frame in the axial direction of the developer carrier, a second gear provided on the other side of the developing frame in the axial direction, and the first gear. A first cover member that covers the portion, a second cover member that covers at least a part of the second gear, and a structure in which the drive force from the outside is input to rotate to transmit the drive to the first gear. Drive input section.

  The first cover member has a first separation engagement portion for separating the developer carrier from the photosensitive member, and the second cover member is a second separation member for separating the developer carrier from the photosensitive member. Has a joint.

  The first separation engagement portion and the second separation engagement portion are disposed between the axis of the drive input portion and the axis of the developer carrier when projected in the axial direction.

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide the first engaged portion on the developing frame, the first separating member is provided on the first cover member that covers the first gear, and the second gear is covered. A second separating engagement portion can be provided on the second cover member.

  Therefore, compared with the case where the first separation engagement portion and the second separation engagement portion are provided avoiding the first cover member and the second cover member, the first separation engagement portion and the second separation engagement are more efficiently performed. A part can be arrange | positioned and size reduction can be achieved.

Further, since the first cover engagement member and the second cover engagement member can be provided with the first cover member and the second cover member, the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge can be increased.
(2) Further, the first separation engagement portion and the second separation engagement portion may have a surface orthogonal to the facing direction of the photosensitive member and the developer carrying member.

According to such a configuration, if the surfaces of the first separation engagement portion and the second separation engagement portion are pressed in a direction in which the developer carrying member is separated from the photosensitive member, the developer carrying member is stabilized from the photosensitive member. Can be separated.
(3) The surface may overlap the developer carrying member when projected in the axial direction.

  According to such a configuration, the developer carrying member can be separated from the photosensitive member by pressing the surface in the separation direction in the vicinity of the developer carrying member.

Therefore, the developer carrier can be reliably separated from the photoreceptor.
(4) Further, the photosensitive cartridge may include a mounting portion on which the developing cartridge is detachably mounted, and a regulating member that restricts the developer cartridge from being detached from the mounting portion. In this case, the first cover member and / or the second cover member may have a restricted portion that engages with the restriction member when the developing cartridge is attached to the attachment portion.

  According to such a configuration, the regulated portion can be provided on the first cover member and / or the second cover member, and the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge can be further increased.

Further, the detachment of the developing cartridge from the photosensitive cartridge can be regulated using the first cover member and / or the second cover member.
(5) Further, the regulated portion may be disposed on the opposite side of the first separation engagement portion and / or the second separation engagement portion with respect to the drive input portion when projected in the axial direction.

  According to such a configuration, the detachment of the developing cartridge from the photosensitive cartridge can be regulated on the opposite side of the first separation engagement portion and / or the second separation engagement portion with respect to the drive input portion.

Therefore, the detachment of the developing cartridge from the photosensitive cartridge can be regulated at a position relatively away from the developer carrying member.
(6) Moreover, the regulating member may have a release operation part that releases the engagement with the regulated part. The first cover member and / or the second cover member may have a pressed portion that is pressed by the regulating member so that the developing cartridge is detached from the mounting portion when the release operation portion is operated.

According to such a configuration, the pressed portion can be provided on the first cover member and / or the second cover member, and the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge can be further increased.
(7) Moreover, the to-be-pressed part is formed so that it may be continued with a to-be-regulated part.

According to such a configuration, the strength of the pressed portion and the regulated portion can be easily ensured by continuing the pressed portion and the regulated portion.
(8) Moreover, the 1st cover member and / or the 2nd cover member may have a guide part for guiding to a cancellation | release operation part.

According to such a configuration, for example, when the user operates the release operation unit, the user's finger or the like can be guided to the release operation unit using the first cover member and / or the second cover member. it can.
(9) Moreover, the 1st cover member or the 2nd cover member may have a contact part pressed to the other of an axial direction by contact | abutting with a control member.

According to such a configuration, the developer cartridge is pressed in one axial direction and positioned in one axial direction using the contact between the contact portion of the first cover member or the second cover member and the regulating member. be able to.
(10) The photoconductor cartridge may include a pressing unit that presses the developing cartridge toward the photoconductor. The first cover member and the second cover member may have a pressure receiving portion that is pressed by the pressing portion.

According to such a configuration, the developer carrying member can be pressed toward the photoconductor using the first cover member and the second cover member.
(11) Further, the photosensitive member cartridge engages with the first separation engagement portion and the second separation engagement portion, and in the separation direction in which the developer carrying member is separated from the photosensitive member, the first separation engagement portion and the first separation engagement portion. A separation member that presses the two separation engagement portions may be provided.

  According to such a configuration, the separation member is provided on the photosensitive member cartridge including the photosensitive member.

  Therefore, the developing cartridge can be reliably separated from the photoreceptor.

  According to the process cartridge and the development cartridge of the present invention, the first separation engagement portion and the second separation engagement portion can be more efficiently arranged to reduce the size of the development cartridge. The degree of freedom can be increased.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view of a printer including a process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the upper left side. 4 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge. 6A and 6B are explanatory views for explaining the guide of the developing cartridge by the lock lever. FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the left end portion of the developing cartridge in the middle of being guided by the lock lever, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a left end portion of the developing cartridge after being guided by a lever. FIG. 7 is a left side view showing the process cartridge (contact state) in a state of being mounted on the printer shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a right side view showing the process cartridge (contact state) mounted on the printer shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a left side view showing the process cartridge (separated state) in a state of being mounted on the printer shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from the upper left side of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the pressing of the developing cartridge to the photosensitive drum in the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view seen from the upper left side of the developing cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 12 to the drum cartridge, in which the rear end portion of the developing cartridge is not sufficiently inserted into the developing cartridge mounting portion, and the mounting operation guide is a drum. The state which contact | abuts from the upper side to the front wall of a cartridge is shown. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 12 to the drum cartridge following FIG. 13, in which the rear end portion of the developing cartridge is sufficiently mounted on the developing cartridge mounting portion and mounted. A state in which the operation guide is arranged behind the front wall of the drum cartridge is shown. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 12 to the drum cartridge, following FIG. 14, and shows a state where the mounting of the drum cartridge to the developing cartridge is completed. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the separation of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 12 from the drum cartridge.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 is a horizontal type direct tandem type color printer.

  In the following description, when referring to the direction, the right side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the front side and the left side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the rear side, based on the state where the printer 1 is placed horizontally. In addition, when the printer 1 is viewed from the front side, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side in FIG. 1 is the left side, and the back side is the right side.

  The printer 1 includes a main body casing 2 having a substantially box shape. A top cover 6 that opens and closes the main body opening 5 is provided at the upper end of the main body casing 2 so as to be swingable around the rear end. The printer 1 includes four process cartridges 11 corresponding to the respective colors.

  The process cartridges 11 are detachable from the main casing 2 and are arranged in parallel at intervals on the upper side of the paper feed unit 3 along the front-rear direction. Specifically, a black process cartridge 11K, a yellow process cartridge 11Y, a magenta process cartridge 11M, and a cyan process cartridge 11C are sequentially arranged from the front side to the rear side.

  Each process cartridge 11 includes a drum cartridge 24 as an example of a photosensitive cartridge, and a developing cartridge 25 that is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 24.

  The drum cartridge 24 includes a photosensitive drum 15 as an example of a photosensitive member.

  The photosensitive drum 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is long in the left-right direction, and is rotatably provided in the drum cartridge 24.

  The developing cartridge 25 includes a developing roller 16 as an example of a developer carrier.

  The developing roller 16 includes a metallic developing roller shaft 30 extending in the left-right direction, extends in the left-right direction (axial direction), and is rotatably provided so as to be exposed to the rear side at the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25. The photosensitive drum 15 is in contact with the front upper side. The developing roller 16 is rotated about the center axis A1 of the developing roller shaft 30 (an example of the axis, see FIGS. 7 and 8).

  Further, the developing cartridge 25 includes a supply roller 27 that supplies toner to the developing roller 16 and a layer thickness regulating blade 28 that regulates the thickness of the toner supplied to the developing roller 16. The toner is stored.

  The toner in the developing cartridge 25 is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller 27 and the developing roller 16 and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 16 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

  On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 15 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 26 and then exposed by the LED unit 12 based on predetermined image data, whereby an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed. It is formed. The toner carried on the developing roller 16 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 15, so that a toner image (developer image) is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 15.

  The paper S is accommodated in a paper feed tray 7 provided at the bottom of the main casing 2 so as to make a U-turn to the rear upper side by a pickup roller 8, a paper feed roller 9, and a pair of registration rollers 10. The paper is conveyed and fed one by one between the photosensitive drum 15 and the conveying belt 19 at a predetermined timing. By the conveying belt 19, the space between each photosensitive drum 15 and each transfer roller 20 is changed from the front side to the rear side. It is conveyed toward. At this time, the toner images of the respective colors are sequentially transferred onto the paper S to form a color image.

  The sheet S is heated and pressurized when passing between the heating roller 21 and the pressure roller 22. At this time, the color image is thermally fixed on the paper S.

Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed so as to make a U-turn to the front upper side, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 23 provided on the top cover 6.
2. Process Cartridge (1) Drum Cartridge (1-1) Drum Frame Hereinafter, in the description of the drum cartridge 24, when referring to the direction, a state in which the drum cartridge 24 is placed on a horizontal surface so that the lower wall 35 is on the lower side ( 2), the side where the photosensitive drum 15 is disposed is the rear side of the drum cartridge 24.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drum cartridge 24 includes a drum frame 31 formed in a substantially rectangular bottomed frame shape.

  The drum frame 31 includes a pair of left and right side walls 32, a front wall 33 laid between the front end portions of the side walls 32, a lower wall 35 laid between the lower end portions of the side walls 32, and a rear end of the side walls 32. An upper wall 34 is provided above the section.

  The side walls 32 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction (specifically, the direction connecting the front upper side and the rear lower side).

  The front wall 33 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the left-right direction. In addition, two pressing member accommodating portions 48 are formed on the front wall 33, and one pressing member 49 is provided in each pressing member accommodating portion 48.

  Each pressing member accommodating portion 48 is provided at each of both end portions of the front wall 33 in the left-right direction, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in front view so as to be recessed from the rear surface of the front wall 33 to the front side.

  Each pressing member 49 is formed in a prismatic shape having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is always moved from the pressing member accommodating portion 48 to the rear side (rear lower side in FIG. 7) by the biasing member 50 (see FIG. 7). It is energized to advance.

  The lower wall 35 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction continuously to the lower end portion of the front wall 33.

  The upper wall 34 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the left-right direction, and is provided so as to cover the photosensitive drum 15 from above. A scorotron charger 26 is supported on the upper wall 34.

In the drum frame 31, the developing cartridge 25 is mounted by the front half of the lower wall 35, the side walls 32 and the front wall 33 corresponding to the front half of the lower wall 35, and the front edge of the upper wall 34. A developing cartridge mounting portion 36 as an example of the mounting portion is defined.
(1-2) Lock Lever As an example of a restricting member that locks the developing cartridge 25 in the mounted state on the right side (inward in the left-right direction) of the left side wall 32 in the front end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 of the drum cartridge 24. A lock lever 38 is provided.

  The lock lever 38 is integrally provided with a rotation shaft 40, a release operation portion 41 extending upward from the rotation shaft 40, and a lift portion 42 extending downward from the rotation shaft 40.

  The rotation shaft 40 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The release operation unit 41 is formed in a substantially bowl shape extending upward from the upper end edge of the left side wall 32 toward the upper side from the rotation shaft 40. In addition, a substantially flat regulating portion 43 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the upper end portion of the release operation portion 41. The right end portion of the restricting portion 43 protrudes to the right from the right end portion of the rotating shaft 40 so as to advance into the locus of attachment / detachment of the developing cartridge 25 to the drum cartridge 24 (see FIG. 6A).

  The lift part 42 is formed in a substantially bowl shape extending from the rotation shaft 40 toward the rear lower side.

  The lock lever 38 is rotatably supported by the left side wall 32 at the left end of the rotation shaft 40.

  The lock lever 38 is a lock position (see FIG. 2) where the release operation unit 41 is erected, and a lock release position where the release operation unit 41 is tilted forward by being rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side from the lock position. (Not shown) and rotated about the rotation shaft 40 as a fulcrum.

Further, the lock lever 38 is always urged clockwise by a right side view so as to be disposed at the lock position by an urging member (not shown).
(1-3) Separation Member As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, one example of the separation member is provided at the rear end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 of the drum cartridge 24, one on the outer side in the left-right direction of the side walls 32. The separating member 44 is provided.

  Both the separating members 44 are integrally provided with a rotating shaft 45, a contacted portion 46, and a pressing portion 47.

  The rotation shaft 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The abutted portion 46 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending downward from the lower portion of the rotation shaft 45, and the lower portion is formed to be bent forward.

  The pressing portion 47 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape that extends upward from the upper portion of the rotating shaft 45, and is formed so that the upper side portion bends forward.

  The two separating members 44 are rotatably supported by the side wall 32 on the rotation shaft 45.

The two separating members 44 include a pressing position where the pressing portion 47 advances to the front side (see FIG. 9, front upper side in FIG. 9), and a pressing release position where the pressing portion 47 is retracted to the rear side (see FIG. 7, FIG. 7). The rear shaft is rotated about the rotation shaft 45 as a fulcrum.
(2) Developer Cartridge Hereinafter, in the description of the developer cartridge 25, when referring to the direction, the state (see FIG. 3) where the developer cartridge 25 is placed on a horizontal surface so that the lower wall 58 is on the lower side is used as a reference. The side on which the developing roller 16 is supported is the rear side of the developing cartridge 25, and the side on which the layer thickness regulating blade 28 is supported is the upper side.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developing cartridge 25 includes a cartridge frame 51 as an example of a developing frame, a drive unit 52 disposed on the left side of the cartridge frame 51, and a detection disposed on the right side of the cartridge frame 51. And a unit 53.
(2-1) Cartridge Frame The cartridge frame 51 is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. The cartridge frame 51 includes a first frame 54 that constitutes the lower side of the cartridge frame 51 and a second frame 55 that constitutes the upper side of the cartridge frame 51.

  The first frame 54 is integrally formed with a pair of left and right side walls 56, a front wall 57, and a lower wall 58, and is formed in a bottomed frame shape that opens toward the upper side and the rear side. In the following description, the left side wall 56 is a left wall 56L, and the right side wall 56 is a right wall 56R.

  The side walls 56 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view extending in the up-down and front-rear directions, and are opposed to each other with a space in the left-right direction.

  The front wall 57 extends in the left-right direction and extends between the front end portions of the side walls 56.

  The lower wall 58 extends between the lower ends of the side walls 56 so as to extend in the left-right direction and to be continuous with the lower ends of the front wall 57.

The second frame 55 is connected to the front portion of the side walls 56 and the upper end portion of the front side 57, and is formed in a flat plate shape having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. A layer thickness regulating blade 28 is disposed at the rear end of the second frame 55 so as to be in contact with the developing roller 16 from above.
(2-2) Drive Unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the drive unit 52 includes a developing side coupling 61 and a drive side gear cover 62 as an example of a first cover member.

  The development coupling 61 is rotatably supported on the left wall 56L, and integrally includes a coupling portion 60 as an example of a drive input portion and a gear portion 64 as an example of a first gear. The developing coupling 61 is rotated about the center axis A2 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the coupling portion 60 as the center of rotation.

  The coupling part 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. A coupling recess 63 is formed on the left side surface of the coupling portion 60.

  The coupling recess 63 extends in the radial direction of the coupling portion 60 so as to be recessed from the left surface of the coupling portion 60 to the right side, and is formed in a substantially long hole shape in side view with a narrow center in the radial direction. The front end of a main body coupling (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess 63 in a state where the developing cartridge 25 is mounted in the main body casing 2 so as not to rotate relative to the main body coupling ( A rotational driving force is input from the main casing 2 via a not-shown).

  The gear portion 64 is provided over the entire outer peripheral surface at the right end portion of the coupling portion 60. The gear unit 64 transmits a rotational driving force to the developing roller 16 and the supply roller 27 via a gear train (not shown).

  The drive side gear cover 62 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The drive side gear cover 62 is formed to have substantially the same size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) as the left wall 56L of the developing cartridge 25.

  The drive side gear cover 62 is provided with a coupling collar 65, a first separating engagement portion 66, a lock lever operating portion 67, and a guide portion 68 as an example of a contact portion.

  The coupling collar 65 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes to the left from the left wall at the approximate center in the front-rear direction of the drive side gear cover 62. The right end portion of the coupling collar 65 is in communication with the drive side gear cover 62.

  The first separation engagement portion 66 is formed as a protrusion that protrudes from the rear end portion of the coupling collar 65 toward the rear side and extends in the left-right direction. The first spacing engagement portion 66 has a central axis A2 of the coupling portion 60 and the center of the developing roller 16 so that the rear surface 91 of the first spacing engagement portion 66 overlaps the developing roller 16 when projected in the left-right direction. It arrange | positions between axis line A1 (refer FIG. 7). A rear surface 91 (an example of the surface, see FIG. 7) of the first separation engagement portion 66 is a plane extending in the vertical direction (a direction connecting the rear upper side and the front lower side in FIG. 7), and the photosensitive drum 15 and the developing roller. 16 is orthogonal to the direction facing 16 (the direction connecting the rear lower side and the front upper side in FIG. 7).

  The lock lever action part 67 is integrally provided with a pressed part 69 as an example of a pressed part and a controlled part 70 as an example of a controlled part.

  The pressed portion 69 is formed as a ridge that continues to the front side of the coupling collar 65 and protrudes from the left surface of the drive side gear cover 62 to the left side and extends in the front-rear direction.

  The regulated portion 70 is formed as a ridge that is continuous with the front end portion of the pressed portion 69 and protrudes from the left surface of the drive side gear cover 62 to the left side and extends toward the front upper side.

  The guide portion 68 is provided below the rear portion of the restricted portion 70 with a gap, and is formed in a substantially wedge shape that bulges from the left surface of the drive side gear cover 62 to the left side. The lower surface 77 of the guide portion 68 is inclined upward as it goes to the left.

The drive side gear cover 62 is screwed to the left wall 56 </ b> L so that the left end portion of the developing coupling 61 is fitted in the coupling collar 65. The coupling recess 63 is exposed from the left end portion of the coupling collar 65.
(2-3) Detection Unit As shown in FIG. 4, the detection unit 53 includes a new product detection gear 71 as an example of a second gear and a detection-side gear cover 72 as an example of a second cover member.

  The new article detection gear 71 is rotatably supported by the right wall 56R, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The new article detection gear 71 is integrally provided with a detected end 73.

  The detected end 73 is provided at the right end of the new article detection gear 71. The detected end portion 73 includes a detected portion 74 and a connecting portion 75.

  One detected portion 74 is provided at each of both ends in the radial direction of the new product detection gear 71 and is formed in a substantially columnar shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The connecting portion 75 is formed in a substantially rhombic flat plate shape in side view connecting the right end portions of the detected portions 74.

  A rotational driving force is transmitted to the new article detection gear 71 from the developing coupling 61 via a gear train (not shown). As a result, the new article detection gear 71 is rotated by a predetermined driving amount after being mounted on the main casing 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 25 is new (unused). At this time, each detected portion 74 is detected by a detection means (not shown) of the main casing 2, and based on the detection, information on the new and old and the specifications of the developing cartridge 25 and the specifications is determined in the main casing 2.

  The detection-side gear cover 72 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape that extends in the left-right direction and whose right end is closed. The detection-side gear cover 72 is formed in a size that can cover the new detection gear 71 (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction).

  The detection side gear cover 72 has a new detection gear exposure opening 78 formed therein. In addition, the detection side gear cover 72 includes a second separating engagement portion 76.

  The new product detection gear exposure opening 78 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view so as to expose the detected end portion 73 of the new product detection gear 71 on the right wall at the substantially center in the front-rear direction of the detection side gear cover 72.

  The second separation engagement portion 76 is formed as a protrusion that protrudes from the rear end portion of the detection side gear cover 72 toward the rear side and extends in the left-right direction. The second spacing engagement portion 76 has a central axis A2 of the coupling portion 60 and the center of the developing roller 16 such that the rear surface 92 of the second spacing engagement portion 76 overlaps the developing roller 16 when projected in the left-right direction. It arrange | positions between axis line A1 (refer FIG. 8). The rear surface 92 (an example of the surface, see FIG. 8) of the second spacing engagement portion 76 connects the rear upper side and the front lower side in FIG. 8 in the same manner as the rear surface 91 of the first spacing engagement portion 66. Is perpendicular to the facing direction of the photosensitive drum 15 and the developing roller 16 (the direction connecting the rear lower side and the front upper side in FIG. 8).

The detection side gear cover 72 is screwed to the right wall 56R so as to expose the detected end 73 of the new product detection gear 71 through the new product detection gear exposure opening 78.
3. Attachment / Removal of Developer Cartridge to Drum Cartridge In order to attach the process cartridge 11 to the main casing 2, first, the developer cartridge 25 is attached to the drum cartridge 24.

  In order to mount the developing cartridge 25 on the drum cartridge 24, the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is inserted into the rear end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 as shown in FIG.

  Then, the developing roller 16 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 15 from the front side. Further, the guide portion 68 faces the restriction portion 43 of the lock lever 38.

  Next, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is pushed into the front end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 so that the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is rotated clockwise with the rear end portion serving as a fulcrum.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the lower surface 77 of the guide portion 68 of the developing cartridge 25 comes into contact with the right end portion of the restricting portion 43 of the lock lever 38 from above.

  When the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is further pushed into the front end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36, the developing cartridge 25 is guided to the right along the inclination of the lower surface 77 of the guide portion 68, and the developing cartridge mounting portion. It is pushed into the front end of 36.

  At the same time, the lock lever 38 is pressed forward by the guide portion 68 of the developing cartridge 25 and is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left side against the urging force of an urging member (not shown).

  Further, when the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is further pushed into the front end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36, the developing cartridge is arranged so that the guide portion 68 passes the right front side of the lock lever 38 as shown in FIG. 25 is completely accommodated in the developing cartridge mounting portion 36.

  When the developing cartridge 25 is completely accommodated in the developing cartridge mounting portion 36, the contact of the guide portion 68 with the lock lever 38 is released.

  As a result, the lock lever 38 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the left side by an urging force of an urging member (not shown), and is again placed at the locked position.

  Then, the restricting portion 43 of the lock lever 38 faces the restricted portion 70 of the developing cartridge 25 from above. The restricting portion 43 of the lock lever 38 is engaged with the restricted portion 70 of the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge 25 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the left side, and further counterclockwise when viewed from the left side of the developing cartridge 25. Regulates turning around. As a result, the lock lever 38 restricts the detachment of the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24.

  When the lock lever 38 is disposed at the lock position, the lift part 42 of the lock lever 38 faces the lower side of the pressed part 69 of the developing cartridge 25.

  When the developing cartridge 25 is completely accommodated in the developing cartridge mounting portion 36, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressing member 49 is placed on the front wall 57 of the developing cartridge 25 from the front side (front upper side in FIG. 7). Abutted. Thus, the developing cartridge 25 is always pressed to the rear side (rear and lower side in FIG. 7) by the urging force of the urging member 50 that urges the pressing member 49.

  Further, the first separation engagement portion 66 of the drive side gear cover 62 and the second separation engagement portion 76 of the detection side gear cover 72 are opposed to the front side (front upper side in FIG. 7) of the corresponding separation member 44. .

  Next, an operation for removing the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24 will be described. To release the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24, first, the release operation portion 41 of the lock lever 38 is pressed, and the lock lever 38 is moved to the left side against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown). It is rotated clockwise in a plan view and is located at a lock release position (not shown).

  Then, the restricting portion 43 of the lock lever 38 is retracted from the upper side to the front side of the restricted portion 70 of the developing cartridge 25, and the pressed portion 69 of the developing cartridge 25 is moved from the lower side by the lift portion 42 of the lock lever 38. Pressed upward.

  As a result, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is lifted upward from the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 of the drum cartridge 24.

  Then, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is gripped, and the developing cartridge 25 is detached from the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 of the drum cartridge 24 upward.

  Thereby, the separation of the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24 is completed.

  To attach the process cartridge 11 to the main casing 2, as shown in FIG. 1, the top cover 6 is opened, and the process cartridge 11 is placed at a predetermined position in the main casing 2 with the rear side of the printer 1. The rear lower side and the front side are mounted from the upper side so that the front side is the front upper side of the printer 1.

Thereby, the mounting of the process cartridge 11 to the main casing 2 is completed.
4). Separation of the developing cartridge from the photosensitive drum When the printer 1 prints a color image, all the developing rollers 16 of the developing cartridges 25 are in contact with the corresponding photosensitive drum 15 (see FIG. 1).

  On the other hand, when printing a monochrome (black) image, the developing roller 16 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 15 in the black process cartridge 11K, and the color process cartridges 11 (yellow process cartridge 11Y, magenta process cartridge 11M, and cyan process cartridge 11C). ), The developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 15.

  In order to separate the developing roller 16 from the photosensitive drum 15, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the contacted portions 46 of both the left and right separating members 44 are moved rearward by the main body side lever 81 provided in the main body casing 2. Press to the side.

  Then, both the separating members 44 are rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side, and the pressing portions 47 of the both separating members 44 are respectively connected to the first separating engagement portions 66 of the driving side gear cover 62 or the detecting side gear cover 72. The second abutting engagement portion 76 is brought into contact with the rear side.

  When both the separating members 44 are further rotated clockwise in the left side view, as shown in FIG. 9, the developing cartridge 25 moves to the front side (separating direction) against the pressing force of the pressing member 49. Is done.

As a result, the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 15.
5. Operation and Effect (1) According to this process cartridge 11, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drive side gear cover 62 and the detection side gear cover 72 of the developing cartridge 25 engage with the separating member 44 of the drum cartridge 24. Separation engagement portions (a first separation engagement portion 66 and a second separation engagement portion 76) are provided.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the separation engagement portion on the cartridge frame 51 while avoiding the drive side gear cover 62 and the detection side gear cover 72, and the first separation engagement portion 66 and the second separation engagement portion 76 are arranged more efficiently. Thus, the developing cartridge 25 can be downsized.

Further, since the first separation engagement portion 66 can be provided on the drive side gear cover 62 and the second separation engagement portion 76 can be provided on the detection side gear cover 72, the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge 25 can be increased. .
(2) Further, according to the process cartridge 11, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first separation engagement portion 66 and the second separation engagement portion 76 are opposed to the photosensitive drum 15 and the developing roller 16. It has a rear surface (rear surface 91, rear surface 92) orthogonal to the direction (the direction connecting the front upper side and the rear upper side in FIGS. 7 and 8).

Therefore, the rear surface 91 of the first separation engagement portion 66 and the rear surface 92 of the second separation engagement portion 76 can be stably pressed toward the front upper side (the direction in which the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 15). The developing roller 16 can be stably separated from the photosensitive drum 15.
(3) Also, according to this process cartridge 11, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rear surface 91 of the first separation engagement portion 66 and the rear surface 92 of the second separation engagement portion 76 are arranged in the left-right direction. Is superimposed on the developing roller 16.

  Therefore, in the vicinity of the developing roller 16, the rear surface 91 of the first separation engagement portion 66 and the rear surface 92 of the second separation engagement portion 76 are pressed forward and the separation roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 15. be able to.

Therefore, the developing roller 16 can be reliably separated from the photosensitive drum 15.
(4) Further, according to the process cartridge 11, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive side gear cover 62 is provided with the regulated portion 70 that is engaged with the regulating portion 43 of the lock lever 38 of the drum cartridge 24. Yes.

Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge 25 can be further increased, and the detachment of the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24 can be restricted using the driving side gear cover 62.
(5) Further, according to the process cartridge 11, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the restricted portion 70 is disposed on the front side with respect to the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction. .

Therefore, the separation of the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24 can be regulated at a position relatively far from the developing roller 16 to the front side.
(6) Further, according to the process cartridge 11, as shown in FIG. 5, the driven gear cover 62 is provided with a pressed portion 69 that is pressed by the lift portion 42 of the lock lever 38 of the drum cartridge 24. .

Therefore, it is possible to lift the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24 by using the driving side gear cover 62 while further increasing the degree of freedom in designing the developing cartridge 25.
(7) Further, according to the process cartridge 11, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressed portion 69 and the regulated portion 70 are made continuous so that the strength of the pushed portion 69 and the regulated portion 70 can be easily achieved. Can be secured.
(8) Also, according to this process cartridge 11, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive side gear cover 62 is provided with a guide portion 68 that is brought into contact with the lock lever 38 of the drum cartridge 24 and pressed to the right. ing.

Therefore, the developing cartridge 25 can be pressed to the right side and the developing cartridge 25 can be positioned to the right side of the drum cartridge 24 by utilizing the contact between the guide portion 68 of the driving side gear cover 62 and the lock lever 38.
(9) Also, according to this process cartridge 11, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the drum cartridge 24 has the first separation engagement portion 66 and the second separation engagement portion 76 in the front upper side (developing roller 16). Is provided in the direction of separating the photosensitive drum 15 from the photosensitive drum 15.

Therefore, the developing cartridge 25 can be reliably separated from the photosensitive drum 15.
6). Second Embodiment A printer 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In the second embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the pressing member 49 is brought into contact with the front wall 57 of the developing cartridge 25 from the front side to press the developing cartridge 25 toward the rear side, but in the second embodiment, FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the pressing member 49 is brought into contact with the front end portion of the drive side gear cover 62 and the front end portion of the detection side gear cover 72 from the front side to press the developing cartridge 25 toward the rear side.

  Specifically, each pressing member 49 is accommodated in the pressing member accommodating portion 48 at both ends in the left-right direction of the front wall 33 so as to face the drive side gear cover 62 and the detection side gear cover 72 from the front side.

  Further, the drive side gear cover 62 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape with a front lower end portion having a substantially arc shape in a side view.

  Further, the detection-side gear cover 72 has a front end formed in substantially the same shape as the front end of the cartridge frame 51 when projected in the left-right direction. Specifically, the detection-side gear cover 72 is sized so as to cover the front end portion of the cartridge frame 51 when projected in the left-right direction (the length in the front-rear direction and the length in the vertical direction), and the front-side lower end portion has a substantially arc shape in side view. It is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape.

  Then, in a state where the developing cartridge 25 is mounted on the drum cartridge 24, the pressing member 49 is brought into contact with the front lower end portions (parts having a substantially arc shape in a side view) of the driving side gear cover 62 and the detection side gear cover 72 from the front side. . Thus, the developing cartridge 25 is always pressed rearward by the urging force of the urging member 50 that urges the pressing member 49.

  In other words, the front lower end portions (portions having a substantially arc shape when viewed from the side) of the drive side gear cover 62 and the detection side gear cover 72 are pressed by the pressing member 49 in the direction in which the developing roller 16 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 15. Works.

  According to the second embodiment, the developing roller 16 can be pressed toward the photosensitive drum 15 by using the driving side gear cover 62 and the detection side gear cover 72.

Also in the second embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
7). Third Embodiment A printer 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that in the third embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a mounting operation guide 96 for guiding the mounting operation of the developing cartridge 25 to the drum cartridge 24 by the user on the driving side gear cover 62 and the drum cartridge 24 of the developing cartridge 25 by the user. And a detachment operation guide 97 as an example of three guide portions for guiding the detachment operation from the lane.

  The mounting operation guide 96 is formed in a substantially triangular flat plate shape protruding from the front surface toward the front side at the right end portion of the front end portion of the drive side gear cover 62. The lower surface 98 of the mounting operation guide 96 is formed in a substantially linear shape in side view extending along the front-rear direction.

  Further, the front wall 33 of the drum cartridge 24 is formed with a mounting operation guide receiving opening 99 through which the mounting operation guide 96 is stored.

  The mounting operation guide accommodation opening 99 extends in the vertical direction corresponding to the movement locus of the mounting operation guide 96 (see the phantom line in FIG. 14) in the mounting operation of the developing cartridge 25 to the drum cartridge 24, and both upper and lower ends are closed. ing.

  The detachment operation guides 97 are formed in a substantially triangular flat plate shape in front view protruding from the left surface toward the left side at the upper end portion of the front end portion of the drive side gear cover 62, and are in the front-rear direction (specifically, the front upper side in FIG. 12). And the rear lower side) are arranged in parallel at an interval.

  In order to mount the developing cartridge 25 on the drum cartridge 24, the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is inserted into the rear end portion of the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 as in the first embodiment.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, if the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is not sufficiently inserted into the developing cartridge mounting portion 36, the mounting operation guide 96 contacts the front wall 33 of the drum cartridge 24 from above. Touch.

  Then, further downward movement of the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 into the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 is restricted.

  As a result, the user cannot proceed further with the mounting operation of the developing cartridge 25 to the drum cartridge 24 and notices that the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is not sufficiently inserted into the developing cartridge mounting portion 36. .

  When the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is sufficiently inserted into the developing cartridge mounting portion 36, the developing roller 16 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 15 from the front side. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the mounting operation guide 96 is disposed behind the front wall 33 of the drum cartridge 24.

  Next, in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is set to the developing cartridge so that the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is rotated clockwise with the rear end portion serving as a fulcrum. Push into the front end of the mounting portion 36.

  Then, as described above and as shown in FIG. 15, the developing cartridge 25 is completely accommodated in the developing cartridge mounting portion 36. At this time, the front end portion of the mounting operation guide 96 is accommodated in the mounting operation guide accommodating opening 99.

  Thereby, the mounting of the drum cartridge 24 to the developing cartridge 25 is completed.

  Further, in order to detach the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24, as in the first embodiment described above, the release operation portion 41 of the lock lever 38 is pressed and the lock lever 38 is moved to a biasing member (not shown). ) Against the urging force of (), and is rotated clockwise in a left side view and is positioned at a lock release position (not shown).

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, when the user moves the finger 100 from the upper side to the lower side along the release operation guide 97, the finger 100 moves along the inclination of the release operation guide 97. Guided to the release operation unit 41.

  As a result, as described above, the restricting portion 43 of the lock lever 38 is retracted from the upper side of the restricted portion 70 of the developing cartridge 25 to the front side, and the pressed portion of the developing cartridge 25 is pressed by the lift portion 42 of the lock lever 38. The portion 69 is pressed upward from the lower side, and the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is lifted upward from the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 of the drum cartridge 24.

  Then, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 25 is gripped, and the developing cartridge 25 is detached from the developing cartridge mounting portion 36 of the drum cartridge 24 upward.

  Thereby, the separation of the developing cartridge 25 from the drum cartridge 24 is completed.

  According to the third embodiment, when the user operates the release operation unit 41, the user's finger 100 can be guided to the release operation unit 41 using the drive side gear cover 62.

  Also in the third embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Process cartridge 15 Photosensitive drum 16 Developing roller 24 Drum cartridge 25 Developing cartridge 31 Drum frame 38 Lock lever 44 Separation member 49 Pressing member 51 Cartridge frame 60 Coupling part 62 Drive side gear cover 64 Gear part 66 1st separation engagement part 68 Guide Part 69 Pressed part 70 Restricted part 71 New article detection gear 72 Detection side gear cover 76 Second separation engagement part 91 Rear surface 92 Rear surface 97 Detachment operation guide

Claims (7)

A developing frame for containing the developer;
A developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;
A coupling provided on one side of the developing frame in the first direction and rotatable about a second shaft extending in the first direction, wherein a driving force for rotating the developing roller is transmitted to the developing roller. Coupling,
A first cover member covering at least a part of the coupling,
A coupling collar extending in the first direction from the first cover member, the coupling collar exposing a part of the coupling;
A first spacing engagement member extending from the coupling collar, the first spacing engagement member disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft;
A first cover member comprising:
A gear provided on the other side of the developing frame in the first direction;
A second cover member covering at least a part of the gear, the second cover member including a second separating engagement member disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft;
A developing cartridge comprising :
A portion of the first spacing engagement member overlaps the developing roller when projected in the first direction;
A developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a part of the second separating engagement member overlaps the developing roller when projected in the first direction . The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the gear is a new article detection gear. The developing cartridge according to claim 2 , wherein the new article detection gear is rotatable by the driving force. The first separation engagement member and the second separation engagement member contact the development roller in a state where the development cartridge is attached to a photoreceptor cartridge including a photoreceptor, and the development roller and the photoreceptor are in contact with each other. developing cartridge according from the contact position, in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the developing roller is equal to or moving to the separated position away from the photosensitive member to. A developing frame for containing the developer;
A developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;
A coupling provided on one side of the developing frame in the first direction and rotatable about a second shaft extending in the first direction, wherein a driving force for rotating the developing roller is transmitted to the developing roller. Coupling,
A first cover member covering at least a part of the coupling,
A coupling collar extending in the first direction from the first cover member, the coupling collar exposing a part of the coupling;
A first spacing engagement member extending from the coupling collar, the first spacing engagement member disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft;
A first cover member comprising:
A gear provided on the other side of the developing frame in the first direction;
A second cover member covering at least a part of the gear, the second cover member including a second separating engagement member disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft;
A developing cartridge comprising:
A photoreceptor,
A first separation member that presses the first separation engagement member and separates the developing roller from the photoreceptor;
A second separation member that presses the second separation engagement member and separates the developing roller from the photoreceptor;
A drum cartridge comprising:
A process cartridge comprising:
A portion of the first spacing engagement member overlaps the developing roller when projected in the first direction;
A part of the second separation engagement member overlaps with the developing roller when projected in the first direction . The developing cartridge according to claim 5 , wherein the gear is a new article detection gear. The developing cartridge according to claim 6 , wherein the new article detection gear is rotatable by the driving force.

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