JP6779752B2 - Developer container, developer, process cartridge, image forming device, manufacturing method and mold - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a developing agent container that houses a developing agent for forming an image on a recording medium, and a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum. The present invention also relates to a process cartridge that forms a developer image on a photosensitive drum and is removable from the device body of the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using a developing agent. Is. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a developer container and a mold used for manufacturing a developer container.

In an image forming apparatus using electrophotographic technology, when an image is formed on a recording material, the photosensitive drum is first uniformly charged by a charging roller. Next, the charged photosensitive drum is selectively exposed by the exposure apparatus, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum. Further, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed as a toner image by using a toner by a developing device. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to a recording material such as recording paper or a plastic sheet, and the toner image transferred to the recording material is heated and pressurized by the fixing device to be transferred to the recording material. Settle. In this way, an image is formed on the recording material. Further, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum after the toner image is transferred to the recording material is removed by the cleaning blade.

Here, conventionally, there is known a technique of arranging a pair of electrodes inside a developer container in order to measure the remaining amount of toner contained in the developer container in a developing apparatus. In this technique, the remaining amount of toner in the developer container is measured by measuring the capacitance between the electrodes provided in the developer container.

Here, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, an electrode for measuring the remaining amount of toner in the developing agent container is integrally attached to a frame constituting the developing agent container in the developing apparatus. Specifically, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electrode for measuring the remaining amount of toner is a sheet-shaped electrode, and a part of the sheet-shaped electrode is embedded in the wall surface of the frame body. Part of the electrodes is exposed inside and outside the body. This simplifies the configuration of the conductive path for electrically connecting the electrode for measuring the remaining amount of toner in the developer container and the device for measuring the remaining amount of toner.

Further, also in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, an electrode for measuring the remaining amount of toner in the developing agent container is integrally attached to a frame constituting the developing agent container in the developing apparatus. Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the electrode for measuring the remaining amount of toner is formed of a conductive resin. Then, as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a part of the electrode is embedded in the wall surface of the frame body, and a part of the electrode is exposed inside and outside the frame body, respectively. Specifically, the electrodes are integrally attached to the frame by injecting the conductive resin into the space formed in the frame.

Here, a virtual technology that combines the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 will be considered. Specifically, in this virtual technology, the conductive sheet and the frame are integrally molded by adhering the conductive sheet to the frame formed of the resin, and further, as one with the conductive sheet. The conductive resin is injected into the space between the molded frame and the mold. Further, it is assumed that the conductive sheet and the conductive resin are electrically connected. This also simplifies the configuration of the conductive path for electrically connecting the electrode for measuring the remaining amount of toner in the developer container and the device for measuring the remaining amount of toner. In addition, the degree of freedom in designing the electrode / conductive path can be increased.

Specifically, in the virtual technology, the frame body constituting the developer container includes a first resin portion formed of a first resin and a second resin portion formed of a second resin having conductivity. It shall be formed by. Further, the inner wall surface of the frame body is formed by the first resin portion and the second resin portion, and one surface of the conductive sheet is formed by the first resin portion and the second resin portion along the inner wall surface of the frame body. It is assumed that it is adhered to. Further, it is assumed that the region where the conductive sheet is adhered in the first resin portion and the region where the conductive sheet member is adhered in the second resin portion are in contact with each other.

Here, a method of manufacturing a frame body related to virtual technology will be described. When manufacturing a frame body related to virtual technology, first, the conductive sheet is adhered to the first resin portion by injecting molten resin into the mold with the sheet in close contact with the mold. To do. Next, by injecting the second resin into the space between the conductive sheet, the first resin portion, and the mold, the conductive sheet, the first resin portion, and the second resin portion are integrally molded. To do.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-142790 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-0877747

However, in the method for manufacturing a frame according to the virtual technology, when the second resin is injected into the space between the conductive sheet, the first resin portion, and the mold, the pressure at which the second resin is injected is applied. As a result, the first resin portion may be compressed in the direction along the surface of the conductive sheet. As a result, the conductive sheet and the first resin portion may be partially peeled off. When the sheet is partially peeled off from the first resin portion, the sheet is peeled off from the inner wall surface of the frame body due to impact or vibration applied to the frame body when the frame body is transported, and the sheet is peeled off. There is a risk that the part will expand. In this case, as described above, since the conductive sheet is used to measure the remaining amount of toner in the developer container, the remaining amount of toner in the developer container may not be measured accurately.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to accurately obtain the remaining amount of toner in the developer container in the developer container in which the electrodes are integrally molded with the frame by injection molding.

In order to achieve the above object, the developer container of the present invention is
A frame body formed of a first frame body forming portion made of resin and a second frame body forming part made of resin and having conductivity, and accommodating a developer.
A conductive sheet attached to the inner wall surface of the frame body so as to be in contact with the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion and having conductivity is provided.
A developer container in which the conductive sheet inside the frame is electrically conductive to the outside through the second frame forming portion.
In the joint where the conductive sheet, the first frame forming portion and the second frame forming portion are joined to each other, the boundary surface between the first frame forming portion and the second frame forming portion is When viewed along the thickness direction of the frame body, the conductive sheet, the first frame body forming portion, and the second frame body forming portion have an intersecting surface that intersects the thickness direction of the frame body. , It is characterized that they are arranged in this order.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the developing apparatus of the present invention can be used.
Having the above developer container,
It is characterized in that the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier is developed by using the developing agent contained in the frame.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the process cartridge of the present invention can be used.
A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
With the above developer container
It has an image carrier on which a developer image is formed, and
It is characterized in that a developer image is formed on the image carrier by using the developer housed in the frame.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be used.
With the above developer container
It has an image carrier on which a developer image is formed, and
The developer image housed in the frame is used to form a developer image on the image carrier, and the developer image formed on the image carrier is used to form an image on a recording medium. ..

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is used.
A frame body formed of a first frame body forming portion made of resin and a second frame body forming part made of resin and having conductivity, and accommodating a developer.
A conductive sheet attached to the inner wall surface of the frame body so as to be in contact with the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion and having conductivity is provided.
A method for manufacturing a developer container in which the conductive sheet inside the frame is electrically conductive to the outside through the second frame forming portion.
The first step of injecting resin into a mold to which the conductive sheet is fixed to integrally form the first frame forming portion with the conductive sheet, and
The resin is injected into the mold to which the conductive sheet and the first frame forming portion are fixed to form the second frame forming portion integrally with the conductive sheet and the first frame forming portion. Has a second step and
In the joint where the conductive sheet, the first frame forming portion and the second frame forming portion are joined to each other, the boundary surface between the first frame forming portion and the second frame forming portion is When viewed along the thickness direction of the frame body, the conductive sheet, the first frame body forming portion, and the second frame body forming portion have an intersecting surface that intersects the thickness direction of the frame body. , It is characterized that they are arranged in this order.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the mold of the present invention is used.
A frame body made of resin and having a second frame body forming portion made of resin and having conductivity,
A conductive sheet attached to the inner wall surface of the frame body so as to be in contact with the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion and having conductivity is provided.
A mold for producing a developer container in which the conductive sheet inside the frame is electrically conductive to the outside through the second frame forming portion.
A first mold having a first surface for fixing the conductive sheet, and
A first portion that is a second surface facing the first surface and has a first distance between the conductive sheet fixed to the first surface and a second surface that is smaller than the first surface. A second mold having a second surface having a second portion having a distance of 2 and a third portion contactable with the conductive sheet.
After the resin is injected between the first mold and the second mold to form the first frame forming portion, the conductive sheet is exposed by peeling the second mold. It has a part surface and a third mold having a third surface facing a part surface of the first frame forming portion corresponding to the second surface.
The third surface of the third mold is provided with an injection hole for injecting a resin for forming the second frame forming portion.

According to the present invention, in a developer container in which electrodes are integrally molded with respect to a frame by injection molding, the remaining amount of toner in the developer container can be accurately obtained.

The figure which shows the structure of the developing apparatus which concerns on Example 1. The figure which shows the structure of the printer which concerns on Example 1. The figure which shows the structure of the process cartridge which concerns on Example 1. Side view of the developing apparatus according to the first embodiment Sectional drawing of the developing apparatus which concerns on Example 1. Side view of the side holder according to the first embodiment Sectional drawing which shows a part of development frame body which concerns on Example 1. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 1. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 1. Sectional drawing which shows a part of the development frame body which does not adopt the structure which concerns on Example 1. Sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the developing frame body which does not adopt the structure which concerns on Example 1. Sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the developing frame body which does not adopt the structure which concerns on Example 1. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 2. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 3. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 4. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 5. Sectional drawing which shows a part of development frame body which concerns on Example 6. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 6. Sectional drawing which shows the process of manufacturing the development frame body which concerns on Example 6.

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

(Example 1)
<(1) Configuration and operation of printer 1 and process cartridge 2>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The printer 1 employs an electrophotographic image forming method, and is a laser beam printer in which the process cartridge 2 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. By connecting an external host device such as a personal computer or an image reading device to the printer 1, the printer 1 executes a printing operation based on the image information.

Further, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the process cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment. The process cartridge 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a photosensitive drum 20 (corresponding to an image carrier), which is a drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member. In the following description, the direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 20 is defined as the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, four types of process devices, a photosensitive drum 20, a charging device 30, a developing device 40, and a cleaning device 52, are integrally formed into a cartridge as a process cartridge 2, and the process cartridge 2 is attached to and detached from the printer 1. It is possible.

The photosensitive drum 20 is rotationally driven at a peripheral speed (process speed) of 157.6 mm / s in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow R1 based on the print start signal. Further, in this embodiment, the charging device 30 is provided with a charging roller 31. A charging roller 31 to which a charging bias is applied is in contact with the photosensitive drum 20, and the charging roller 31 is rotationally driven in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 20. Then, the peripheral surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 20 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging device 30. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 20 is charged to a predetermined negative electrode potential.

The exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam modulated (on / off conversion) corresponding to a time-series electric digital pixel signal of image information input from the host device to the controller unit. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20 uniformly charged by the charging roller 31 is scanned and exposed in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the portion of the photosensitive drum 20 on which an image is formed is exposed by laser light (image exposure method). Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 20 by scanning exposure by the exposure apparatus 3 is developed by the developer T on the developing roller 41 (corresponding to the first electrode) included in the developing apparatus 40.

On the other hand, by driving the pickup roller 5 of the seat tray portion 4 at a predetermined control timing, the recording material S (corresponding to the recording medium) (paper as an example) loaded and stored in the seat tray portion 4 becomes 1. The sheets are separated and shipped. In the process of the recording material S passing through the transfer roller 7 via the transfer guide 6, the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 20 is sequentially transferred to the recording material S. After that, the developer image on the recording material S is fixed to the recording material S by being heated and pressurized by the fixing device 9, and the recording material S on which the developer image is fixed is discharged to the paper ejection tray 11. .. After the developer image on the photosensitive drum 20 is transferred to the recording material S, the developer and the like remaining on the photosensitive drum 20 are removed and cleaned by the cleaning device 52. After that, the photosensitive drum 20 is recharged by the charging device 30.

<(2) Developing device 40>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a developing device 40 according to the first embodiment. The developing device 40 in this embodiment has a frame body 46, and has a developing agent container 64 containing a developing agent chamber 62 accommodating the developing agent T, an opening 60, and a developing roller 41 rotatably arranged. It has a developing room 61 and the like. Further, the developing device 40 is separate from the cleaning unit having the photosensitive drum 20, the cleaning device 52, and the like.

In the developing apparatus 40 (corresponding to the inside of the developing apparatus), the developing agent T contained in the developing agent chamber 62 in the developing agent container 64 is developed by the developing agent stirring 63, which is a means for transporting and stirring the developing agent. It is conveyed to the developing chamber 61 through the opening 60 that communicates the agent chamber 62 and the developing chamber 61. Then, the developer conveyed to the developing chamber 61 is attracted to the developing roller 41 by a magnet (not shown) contained in the developing roller 41. Further, as the developing roller 41 rotates in the direction of arrow R2, the developing agent on the developing roller 41 is conveyed toward the developing blade 42 made of an elastic member. Then, the developing blade 42 imparts tribo to the developing agent on the developing roller 41, and the layer thickness of the developing agent on the developing roller 41 is adjusted. After that, the developer on the developing roller 41 is conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 20.

Here, at the end of the developing roller 41 in the longitudinal direction, an AC voltage (inter-peak voltage = 1600Vpp, frequency f = 2400Hz) is superimposed on the DC voltage (Vdc = −400V) from the printer 1 on the developing roller 41. Development bias is applied. Further, the photosensitive drum 20 is grounded, and an electric field is generated between the photosensitive drum 20 and the developing roller 41 according to the developing bias. As a result, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 by the developer (charged developer) on the developing roller 41 is developed as a developer image.

Here, the frame body 46 is mainly manufactured by injection molding using a polystyrene (PS) -based resin material widely used for manufacturing frame bodies, parts, and the like. However, the material of the frame body 46 is not limited to this, and can be appropriately selected. The method of manufacturing the frame 46 will be described in detail later.

<(2-1) Means for detecting the amount of developer in the developer container 64 in the developer 40>
Next, in Example 1, the means for detecting the amount of the developer in the developer container 64 in the developing apparatus 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 6. FIG. 4 is a side view of the developing apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 6 is a side view of the side holder 49 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 6A is a side view showing the side of the side holder 49 to be joined to the frame body 46, and is a view seen from the back to the front of the paper in FIG. 4 (FIG. 4). Side holder 49 is not shown). Further, FIG. 6B is a side view showing a side of the side holder 49 that is not joined to the frame body 46 (the side opposite to FIG. 6A), and is a view of FIG. 4 looking from the front to the back of the paper surface. Is. The side holder 49 is joined to the frame body 46 on the side surface of the frame body 46 to protect a gear (not shown) for driving the developing roller 41, a developer stirring 63, and the like.

The developing apparatus 40 is provided with a conductive sheet 43 having conductivity in order to obtain the remaining amount of the developing agent T in the developing agent container 64 by using the capacitance. When an AC voltage is applied to the developing roller 41, a current corresponding to the capacitance between the developing roller 41 and the conductive sheet 43 flows between the developing roller 41 and the conductive sheet 43. This capacitance varies depending on the amount of the developer between the developing roller 41 and the conductive sheet 43.

Further, in this embodiment, the output conductive path 45 (corresponding to the second frame body forming portion) formed of the conductive resin is provided on the frame body 46 at the end portion in the longitudinal direction. The output conductive path 45 is in contact with the conductive sheet 43 and is electrically connected to the contact electrode 48 provided on the side holder 49. Then, the developer amount detection device 70 (corresponding to the developer amount acquisition unit) in the printer 1 and the contact electrode 48 are connected, whereby the conductive sheet 43 and the developer amount detection device 70 are electrically connected. Be connected. By measuring the current flowing from the conductive sheet 43 to the developer amount detection device 70 by the developer amount detection device 70, the amount of the developer in the developer container 64 in the developer 40 can be measured.

In this embodiment, the developing roller 41 is used as one of the electrodes for measuring the remaining amount of the developing agent T in the developing agent container 64, but the electrode does not necessarily have to be the developing roller 41. That is, it is also possible to separately provide an electrode in the developer container 64 at a position facing the conductive sheet 43. In that case, of course, the developing roller 41 does not have to be used as an electrode. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the conductive sheet 43 is provided on the bottom surface of the developing frame 44 (corresponding to the first frame forming portion) in the frame 46, so that the conductive sheet 43 is provided in the developing agent container 64 in the developing device 40. Changes in the amount of developer can be measured efficiently. However, the position where the conductive sheet 43 is attached is not particularly limited as long as the amount of the developer in the developer container 64 can be accurately measured according to the form of the frame 46 and the developer container 64.

<(2-2) Configuration of conductive sheet 43>
Next, the configuration of the conductive sheet 43 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIGS. 1 and 4. As described above, the conductive sheet 43 is a sheet for detecting the remaining amount of the developer T in the developer container 64. First, the position where the conductive sheet 43 is arranged will be described. The conductive sheet 43 is arranged in the frame body 46 in order to detect the amount of the developer in the frame body 46. Then, as described above, the conductive sheet 43 is attached to a part of the bottom surface of the developing frame 44 in the longitudinal direction so as to face the developing roller 41.

Next, the material of the conductive sheet 43 will be described. The conductive sheet 43 is made of a resin sheet having conductivity, and in this embodiment, the thickness of the conductive sheet 43 is 0.1 mm. By using the conductive sheet 43 for measuring the remaining amount of the developing agent T in the developing agent container 64, the configuration for measuring the remaining amount of the developing agent T can be simplified. In this embodiment, "having conductivity" means that the surface resistivity is about 10 kΩ / sq or less when measured by the measuring method specified in JIS K 7194. Further, "not having conductivity" means that the surface resistivity is larger than about 10 kΩ / sq when measured by the same method. In this embodiment, the surface resistivity of the conductive sheet 43 is about 1 k to 5 kΩ / sq. Further, as the material of the conductive sheet 43, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) -based resin in which carbon black is dispersed is used.

In this embodiment, by forming the conductive sheet 43 using an EVA-based resin, the conductive sheet 43, which is an EVA-based resin, is generated by the heat and pressure of the resin when the developing frame 44 is injection-molded. Can be adhered to the developing frame 44, which is a PS-based resin. That is, in this embodiment, the conductive sheet 43 is embedded in the frame body 46, and the developing frame body 44 and the conductive sheet 43 are integrally molded.

However, the conductive sheet 43 may be a conductive sheet 43 having a different thickness, a conductive sheet 43 formed of a different material, or the like, and the developing frame 44 is formed of another material other than the PS-based resin. It may have been done. In this embodiment, the conductivity of the conductive sheet 43 affects the deformation of the developing frame 44, the transferability when the developing frame 44 is injection-molded, the conductivity of the conductive sheet 43, and the like. The thickness of 43 was set to 0.1 mm. However, the thickness of the conductive sheet 43 is not necessarily limited to this.

Further, in this embodiment, as the material of the conductive sheet 43, an EVA-based resin having adhesiveness with the material of the developing frame 44 is selected, but the material is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a compatible resin that can be bonded to the PS-based resin that is the material of the developing frame 44 may be used as the material of the conductive sheet 43. Here, the resin compatible with the PS-based resin is polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO) -based resin, or the like.

<(2-3) Configuration of output conductive path 45>
The configuration of the output conductive path 45 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the frame body 46 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 7 is mainly a cross-sectional view of the frame body 46, the conductive sheet 43, and the output conductive path 45, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH in FIG.

As described above, the output conductive path 45 is in contact with the conductive sheet 43 and is formed of a conductive resin as the conductive path. Further, the output conductive path 45 is in contact with the contact electrode 48 (not shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7) provided on the side holder 49. Therefore, the output conductive path 45 plays a role of electrically connecting the conductive sheet 43 and the contact electrode 48 provided on the side holder 49.

First, the position where the output conductive path 45 is arranged will be described. In the frame body 46, the output conductive path 45 is provided at the end of the frame body 46 in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 20 as described above). The output conductive path 45 has a sheet second contact portion 45a that comes into contact with the conductive sheet 43 in a part thereof. Further, the output conductive path 45 has an exposed portion 45b exposed to the outside of the frame body 46 at its end in the longitudinal direction.

Next, the material of the output conductive path 45 will be described. The output conductive path 45 is formed of a conductive resin having conductivity, for example, is formed of a polyacetal (POM) -based resin in which carbon black is dispersed. By forming the output conductive path 45 from the conductive resin, the configuration for measuring the remaining amount of the developer T can be simplified. In this embodiment, by forming the output conductive path 45 using a conductive resin, the developing frame 44 and the developing frame 44 are injection-molded and then injected by using the manufacturing method described later. The output conductive path 45 formed by molding is integrally formed. The material of the output conductive path 45 is not necessarily limited to this. For example, as the material of the output conductive path 45, an EVA-based resin in which carbon black is dispersed or a PS-based resin in which carbon black is dispersed is used. Etc. may be used.

Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, at least a part of one surface of the conductive sheet 43 is formed into the developing frame 44 and the output conductive path 45 along the inner wall surface of the frame 46. It is glued. That is, the conductive sheet 43 is attached to the inner wall surface of the frame body 46 so as to be in contact with the developing frame body 44 and the output conductive path 45. Further, the sheet first contact portion 44f, which is the region where the conductive sheet 43 is adhered in the developing frame 44, and the sheet second contact portion 45a, which is the region where the conductive sheet 43 is adhered in the output conductive path 45. Is adjacent to. Further, in the developing frame body 44, the sheet first contact portion 44f to which the conductive sheet 43 is adhered is formed by the conductive sheet 43 and the output conductive path 45 in the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame body 46. It has a sheet third contact portion 44 g in which 44 is sandwiched. The second contact portion 45a of the sheet and the third contact portion 44g of the sheet are adjacent to each other. Further, the boundary between the developing frame 44 and the output conductive path 45 is separated from the boundary between the sheet second contact portion 45a and the sheet third contact portion 44g in the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame body 46. Further, in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame body 46, the boundary between the sheet second contact portion 45a and the sheet third contact portion 44g is gradually separated from the starting point.

<(2-4) Configuration of contact electrode 48>
Next, the configuration of the contact electrode 48 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, FIG. 6 is a side view of the side holder 49 according to the first embodiment. The contact electrode 48 is formed of a copper electrode plate, and is fixed to the side holder 49 by being fitted into a convex boss (not shown) of the side holder 49 as shown in FIG. 6A. The convex boss fitting portion 48a of the contact electrode 48 is formed by making a U-shaped notch in the contact electrode 48. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the contact electrode 48 is bent so as to pass through the hole 49a of the side holder 49.

By joining the side holder 49 to the side surface of the frame body 46, the output conductive path contact portion 48b having a leaf spring shape in the contact electrode 48 is formed in the exposed portion 45b of the output conductive path 45 shown in FIG. The contact electrode contacts the contact portion 45c. As a result, the contact electrode 48 and the output conductive path 45 become conductive. That is, the conductive sheet 43 in the frame body 46 can be electrically conductive to the outside through the output conductive path 45. Further, the contact electrode 48 has a contact portion (not shown) with the printer 1. Therefore, when the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the printer 1, the developer amount detecting device 70 of the printer 1 and the contact electrode 48 are electrically connected. The developer amount detection device 70 of the printer 1 and the contact electrode 48 are connected, the contact electrode 48 and the output conductive path 45 are connected, and the output conductive path 45 and the conductive sheet 43 are connected. Therefore, the current flowing through the conductive sheet 43 also flows through the developer amount detecting device 70 in the printer 1.

<Method of manufacturing the frame 46>
Next, a method of manufacturing the frame body 46 will be described. The frame body 46 is manufactured in two steps. First, in the first step, which is the first step, the developing frame 44 and the conductive sheet 43 are integrally insert-molded in order to embed the conductive sheet 43 in the frame 46. In the insert molding step, after inserting the conductive sheet 43 into the mold, the PS-based molten resin, which is the main material of the developing frame 44, is injected into the mold.

Next, in the second step, which is the second step, the conductive resin is injected between the developing frame 44 and the mold, so that the injected conductive resin and the developing frame 44 are integrally outsert molded. To do. In this second step, the output conductive path 45 is formed. The first step and the second step will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively. Here, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 46 according to the first embodiment. Similarly, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 46 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first step in the manufacturing process of the frame body 46 according to the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second step in the manufacturing process of the frame body 46 according to the first embodiment. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views taken along the line HH shown in FIG. 4, and are views corresponding to FIG. 7.

<First step>
As described above, the first step is a step of insert molding the conductive sheet 43 and the developing frame 44. Specifically, in the first step, the developing frame 44 is formed and the conductive sheet 43 is fixed to the developing frame 44. First, as shown in FIG. 8, the conductive sheet 43 is attached to the mold 90 automatically or manually (not shown) using a robot hand or the like. In this embodiment, the conductive sheet 43 is fixed to the mold 90 by sucking air or the like (the suction means is not shown).

Next, the mold 90, the mold 91, and the slide mold 92 are used to perform mold clamping, and the state shown in FIG. 8 is obtained. Here, the mold 90 has a first surface 90a for fixing the conductive sheet 43. Further, the mold 91 has a second surface 91a facing the first surface 90a. The second surface 91a has a first portion 91a1 having a first distance X with respect to the conductive sheet 43 fixed to the first surface 90a, and a second distance Y smaller than the first distance X. It includes a second portion 91a2 having a second portion 91a2 and a third portion 91a3 capable of contacting the conductive sheet 43. Then, the PS-based molten resin is injected into the space formed by the mold 90, the mold 91, and the slide mold 92 from the injection portion G1 arranged near the center of the mold 91 in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the developing frame 44 is formed by injection molding. Specifically, the first resin portion 44a in the developing frame 44 is formed by flowing a PS-based molten resin on the surface 43a along one surface 43a of the conductive sheet 43 shown in FIG. Therefore, the first resin portion 44a in the developing frame body 44 becomes a portion of the developing frame body 44 that comes into contact with the conductive sheet 43. Therefore, the first resin portion 44a includes the sheet first contact portion 44f. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the first resin portion 44a in the developing frame body 44 has a protruding portion 44b protruding along one surface 43a of the conductive sheet 43 at the end portion of the frame body 46 in the longitudinal direction. Have. The effect of providing the protrusion 44b will be described later. The thickness (first height, first thickness) of the developing frame 44 in the vicinity of the boundary between the developing frame 44 and the output conductive path 45 is the vicinity of the boundary between the developing frame 44 and the output conductive path 45. It is thinner than the thickness (second height, second thickness) of the developing frame body 44 other than the above. Further, the developing frame 44 is formed on one surface of the conductive sheet 43.

In this embodiment, the injection unit G1 is arranged near the center of the mold 91 in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 20). However, the position of the injection unit G1 is not necessarily limited to this. Further, for example, the injection unit G1 may be provided in the mold 90 or the slide mold 92. Further, in this embodiment, the mold 90, the mold 91, and the slide mold 92 as shown in FIG. 8 are used, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the developing frame 44 may be molded using a mold having a different shape.

<Second step>
As described above, in the second step, the conductive resin is injected between the developing frame 44 and the mold 95, so that the injected conductive resin and the developing frame 44 are integrally outsert-molded. The second step is a step of forming the output conductive path 45. The second step will be described with reference to FIG. First, the mold 90, the mold 91, and the mold 95 and the mold 96, which are different from the mold 90, the mold 91, and the slide mold 92, used in the first step are brought into contact with the developing frame 44 formed in the first step. Tighten. The mold 95 is formed by injecting resin between the mold 90 and the mold 91 to form the developing frame 44, and then the surface of a part of the conductive sheet 43 exposed by peeling the mold 91. It has a third surface 95a facing the surface. Further, the third surface 95a also faces a part of the surface of the developing frame 44 corresponding to the second surface 91a in the mold 91. Further, the third surface 95a of the mold 95 is provided with an injection hole 95b for injecting the resin forming the output conductive path 45.

Next, at the end of the frame body 46 in the longitudinal direction, the conductive resin is injected between the developing frame body 44 and the mold 95 from the injection portion G2 provided in the mold 95. Specifically, the conductive resin is injected from the side where the developing frame 44 is formed toward the conductive sheet 43 side (corresponding to the conductive sheet side). In this way, the output conductive path 45 is formed by outsert molding. Specifically, the conductive resin is poured onto the surface 43a along the surface of the developing frame 44 on the side where the first resin portion 44a is located, which is for output. The second resin portion 45d in the conductive path 45 is formed. In this embodiment, the second resin portion 45d in the output conductive path 45 is in contact with the conductive sheet 43 in the sheet second contact portion 45a. Further, the inner wall surface of the frame body 46 is formed by the developing frame body 44 and the output conductive path 45.

Further, when the conductive resin flows between the developing frame 44 and the mold 95, the conductive resin also flows between the protruding portion 44b and the mold 95 in the first resin portion 44a, whereby the conductive resin flows. The first resin portion 44a and the second resin portion 45d come into contact with each other at the contact portion 44c. Further, by flowing the conductive resin between the developing frame body 44 and the mold 95, an exposed portion 45b exposed to the outside of the frame body 46 is formed at the end portion of the frame body 46. The exposed portion 45b has a contact electrode contact portion 45c as a part thereof.

<Structure not adopting Example 1 and effect of protrusion 44b>
Next, a configuration in which the first embodiment is not adopted will be described. Further, the effect of the protrusion 44b on the developing frame 44 according to the first embodiment will be described in comparison with the configuration not adopting the first embodiment.

<Structure not adopting Example 1>
A configuration in which the first embodiment is not adopted will be described. The configuration in which the first embodiment is not adopted is a configuration in which the frame body 46 according to the first embodiment does not have the protruding portion 44b. A configuration in which the first embodiment is not adopted will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the frame body 946 that does not adopt the configuration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a manufacturing process of the frame body 946 that does not adopt the configuration according to the first embodiment. Similarly, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a manufacturing process of the frame body 946 that does not adopt the configuration according to the first embodiment. 10 corresponds to FIG. 7 in Example 1, FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 8 in Example 1, and FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 9 in Example 1. Here, in FIGS. 10 to 12 showing a configuration in which the first embodiment is not adopted, the reference numeral is assumed to be that "9" is added to the beginning of the reference numeral of the first embodiment. For example, the configuration corresponding to the developing frame 44 according to the first embodiment is the developing frame 944 in the configuration not adopting the first embodiment.

In the configuration not adopting the first embodiment, the manufacturing method of the frame body 946 is divided into two steps and manufactured as in the first embodiment. First, in the first step, which is the first step, as shown in FIG. 11, in order to embed the conductive sheet 943 in the frame body 946, the conductive sheet 943 and the developed frame body 944 are insert-molded. Specifically, in the first step, with the conductive sheet 943 inserted in the molds 990 to 992, the PS-based molten resin, which is the main material of the developing frame 944, is injected into the molds 990 to 992. .. As a result, the developing frame body 944 is formed, and the conductive sheet 943 is embedded in the frame body 946. Here, the protruding portion 44b according to the first embodiment is not formed. Next, in the second step, which is the second step, as shown in FIG. 12, the conductive resin is injected by injecting the conductive resin between the developing frame 944, the mold 995, and the mold 996. And the developing frame body 944 are integrally outsert-molded. The output conductive path 945 is formed by this outsert molding.

<Issues of configuration not adopting Example 1>
Next, the problem of the configuration which does not adopt Example 1 will be described. This problem occurs in the second step in the step of manufacturing the frame body 946. Therefore, the problem of the configuration in which the first embodiment is not adopted will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the conductive resin is injected from the injection portion G2 provided in the mold 995 at the end of the frame body 946 in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 20 as described above). ..

Specifically, the conductive resin is flown between the mold 995 and the surface 943a along the surface 943a on the conductive sheet 943 on the side where the first resin portion 944a is arranged. Therefore, the second resin portion 945d in the output conductive path 945 is formed. Here, the second resin portion 945d of the conductive resin is in contact with the conductive sheet 943 at the sheet contact portion 945a. The first resin portion 944a and the second resin portion 945d of the developing frame body 944 come into contact with each other at the contact portion 944c. At this time, the conductive resin flows into the space between the conductive sheet 943, the developing frame 944, and the mold 995, so that the first resin portion 944a in the developing frame 944 becomes conductive in the contact portion 944c. It is pressed by the sex resin in the direction of arrow I in FIG. The output conductive path 945 is arranged at the end of the frame body 946 in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 20), and the first resin portion 944a in the developing frame body 944 is arranged in the longitudinal direction (photosensitive drum 20). It extends long in the direction of the center axis of rotation.

Then, in the configuration not adopting the first embodiment, since the first resin portion 944a extends long in the longitudinal direction due to the pressure of the injected conductive resin, the first resin portion 944a in the developing frame 944 extends in the longitudinal direction. There is a risk of deformation. When the first resin portion 944a of the developing frame body 944 is deformed in the longitudinal direction, the position of the contact portion 944c is largely moved in the I direction. Therefore, in the vicinity of the contact portion 944c, the conductive sheet 943 and the first resin portion 944a may be peeled off at the position J in FIG.

Here, when the frame body 946 or the developer container 964 (not shown) is transported, impact or vibration may be applied to the frame body 946 or the developer container 964 (not shown). At this time, when the conductive sheet 943 and the first resin portion 944a are partially peeled off at the position J, the peeling between the conductive sheet 943 and the first resin portion 944a expands from the position J as a starting point. There is a risk that it will end up. If the conductive sheet 943 is peeled off from the frame 946, the position of the conductive sheet 943 may shift, and the amount of the developer in the frame 946 or the developer container 964 may not be accurately measured. This is a problem in the configuration in which the first embodiment is not adopted.

<Effect of the protruding portion 44b of the developing frame 44>
Next, with respect to Example 1, the effect of providing the protruding portion 44b in the developing frame 44 will be described. The second step in the manufacturing process of the frame body 46 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in the first embodiment, the conductive resin is injected into the space between the conductive sheet 43, the developing frame 44, and the mold 95 from the injection portion G2 provided in the mold 95. Then, the conductive resin flows into the protruding portion 44b protruding from the first resin portion 44a so that the first resin portion 44a and the second resin portion 45d of the developing frame 44 come into contact with each other at the contact portion 44c. become.

At this time, the contact portion 44c is pressed by the conductive resin in the direction of arrow I in FIG. 9 due to the pressure when the conductive resin flows in. However, in this embodiment, since the protruding portion 44b is provided in the first resin portion 44a, the conductive resin flows between the mold 95 and the protruding portion 44b, so that the protruding portion 44b becomes the projection portion 44b in FIG. It is pressed by the conductive resin in the direction of arrow E. The arrow E direction is the direction in which the first resin portion 44a of the developing frame 44 is pressed against the conductive sheet 43. As a result, the frictional force between the first resin portion 44a and the conductive sheet 43 increases, and it is possible to prevent the position of the contact portion 944c from moving significantly in the I direction. That is, by providing the protruding portion 44b on the first resin portion 44a, it is possible to prevent the conductive sheet 43 and the first resin portion 44a from peeling off.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the conductive sheet 43 from peeling off from the frame body 46 when an impact or vibration is applied to the frame body 46 or the developer container 64 when the frame body 46 or the developer container 64 is transported. can do. It is possible to prevent the conductive sheet 43 from peeling off from the frame body 46 and shifting the position of the conductive sheet 43, and it is possible to accurately measure the amount of the developer in the frame body 46 and the developer container 64. The form of the protruding portion 44b is not necessarily limited to the form in the first embodiment. If the first resin portion 44a is pressed against the conductive sheet 43 by the pressure of the conductive resin, the form of the protruding portion 44b is not particularly limited.

As described above, in this embodiment, the sheet first contact portion 44f to which the conductive sheet 43 is adhered in the developing frame 44 and the sheet in which the conductive sheet 43 is adhered in the output conductive path 45. It is adjacent to the second contact portion 45a. Further, in the developing frame 44, the sheet first contact portion 44f to which the conductive sheet 43 is adhered is formed by the conductive sheet 43 and the output conductive path 45 in the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame 46. Has a sheet third contact portion 44 g in which the sheet is sandwiched. The sheet second contact portion 45a and the sheet third contact portion 44g are adjacent to each other, and the output conductive path 45 is formed by injection molding after the developing frame 44 is formed. Further, in the joint where the conductive sheet 43, the developing frame 44, and the output conductive path 45 are joined to each other, the boundary surface between the developing frame 44 and the output conductive path 45 is in the thickness direction of the frame 46. It has intersecting surfaces. When viewed along the thickness direction of the frame body 46, the conductive sheet 43, the developing frame body 44, and the output conductive path 45 are arranged in the order of the conductive sheet 43 → the developing frame body 44 → the output conductive path 45. Have been placed. Here, in this embodiment, the intersecting surface at the boundary surface between the developing frame 44 and the output conductive path 45 is a parallel surface parallel to the conductive sheet 43. As a result, in the developer container 64 in which the conductive sheet 43 is integrally molded with the frame body 46 by injection molding, the remaining amount of toner in the developer container 64 can be accurately obtained.

(Example 2)
Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 246 according to the second embodiment. Further, FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 for the first embodiment. Here, in FIG. 13 showing the second embodiment, the reference numeral is obtained by adding "2" to the beginning of the reference numeral in the first embodiment. For example, the developing frame 44 according to the first embodiment is the developing frame 244 in the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the protruding portion 244b in the developing frame body 244 includes an inclined portion 244d that is inclined with respect to one surface 243a of the conductive sheet 243. Also in the second embodiment, in the second step, the protruding portion 244b is pressed by the conductive resin in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 13 due to the pressure when the conductive resin is injected. Therefore, also in Example 2, it is possible to prevent the conductive sheet 243 and the first resin portion 244a from peeling off.

Further, in this embodiment, the boundary between the developing frame body 244 and the output conductive path 245 is from the boundary between the sheet second contact portion 245a and the sheet third contact portion 244g in the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame body 246. is seperated. Further, the frame body 246 is gradually and continuously separated from the boundary between the sheet second contact portion 245a and the sheet third contact portion 244g in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the wall portion. In this embodiment, the intersecting surface at the boundary surface between the developing frame body 244 and the output conductive path 245 is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the frame body 246.

As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the developer container 264 (not shown) in which the conductive sheet 243 is integrally molded with the frame 246 by injection molding, the developer container 264 is used. It is possible to accurately obtain the remaining amount of toner in the container.

(Example 3)
Next, Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 346 according to the third embodiment. Further, FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 for the first embodiment. Here, in FIG. 14 of the third embodiment, the reference numeral is obtained by adding "3" to the beginning of the reference numeral in the first embodiment. For example, in Example 3, the developing frame body 44 according to the first embodiment is the developing frame body 344.

In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the protruding portion 344b in the developing frame body 344 includes an inclined portion 344d that is inclined with respect to one surface 343a of the conductive sheet 343. In addition, Example 3 is a modification of Example 2. Also in the third embodiment, in the second step, the protruding portion 344b is pressed by the conductive resin in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 14 due to the pressure when the conductive resin is injected. Therefore, also in Example 3, it is possible to prevent the conductive sheet 343 and the first resin portion 344a from peeling off.

Further, in this embodiment, the boundary between the developing frame body 344 and the output conductive path 345 is from the boundary between the sheet second contact portion 345a and the sheet third contact portion 344 g in the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame body 346. is seperated. Further, the frame body 346 is continuously separated from the boundary between the sheet second contact portion 345a and the sheet third contact portion 344 g in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the wall portion. In this embodiment, the intersecting surface at the boundary surface between the developing frame body 344 and the output conductive path 345 is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the frame body 346. In this embodiment, the boundary between the developing frame 344 and the output conductive path 345 is curved.

As described above, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, in the developer container 364 (not shown) in which the conductive sheet 343 is integrally molded with the frame 346 by injection molding, the developer container 364 It is possible to accurately obtain the remaining amount of toner in the container.

(Example 4)
Next, Example 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 446 according to the fourth embodiment. Further, FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 for the first embodiment. Further, in FIG. 15 of the fourth embodiment, the reference numeral is obtained by adding "4" to the beginning of the reference numeral in the first embodiment. For example, in Example 4, the developing frame 44 according to the first embodiment is the developing frame 444.

In the fourth embodiment, with respect to the protruding portion 444b of the developing frame body 444, the contact portion 444c, which is the portion of the first resin portion 444a that the second resin portion 445d contacts, is inclined with respect to one surface 443a of the conductive sheet 443. doing. Also in the fourth embodiment, in the second step, the protruding portion 444b is pressed by the conductive resin in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 15 due to the pressure when the conductive resin is injected. Therefore, also in Example 4, it is possible to prevent the conductive sheet 443 and the first resin portion 444a from peeling off.

Further, in the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the boundary between the developing frame body 444 and the output conductive path 445 is the sheet second contact portion 445a and the sheet third in the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame body 446. It is separated from the boundary with the contact portion 444 g. Further, the frame body 446 is continuously separated from the boundary between the sheet second contact portion 445a and the sheet contact portion 444g in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the wall portion. In this embodiment, the boundary between the developing frame 344 and the output conductive path 345 has a linear shape.

As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the developer container 464 (not shown) in which the conductive sheet 443 is integrally molded with the frame 446 by injection molding, the developer container 464 is formed. It is possible to accurately obtain the remaining amount of toner in the container.

(Example 5)
Next, Example 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 546 according to the fifth embodiment. Further, FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 for the first embodiment. Further, in FIG. 16 of the fifth embodiment, the reference numeral is obtained by adding "5" to the beginning of the reference numeral of the first embodiment. For example, in Example 5, the developing frame body 44 according to the first embodiment is the developing frame body 544.

As shown in FIG. 16, the sheet contact portion 545a in contact with the conductive sheet 543 in the output conductive path 545 is substantially abbreviated as the longitudinal direction at the end portion in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 20). They are arranged along the orthogonal directions. Then, the protruding portion 544b of the developing frame body 544 is formed along the curved portion 543a1 which is a curved portion of one surface 543a of the conductive sheet 543. That is, the inner wall surface of the frame body 446 has a bent surface.

Also in the fifth embodiment, in the second step, the protruding portion 544b is pressed in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 16 by the pressure of the conductive resin to be injected. Further, the arrow E direction is the direction opposite to the normal direction of the surface of the curved portion 543a1 in the conductive sheet 543. The arrow E direction is a direction in which the first resin portion 544a of the developing frame 544 is pressed against the conductive sheet 543. Therefore, also in the fifth embodiment, the conductive sheet 543 and the first resin portion 544a are separated from each other due to the pressure of the conductive resin acting in the direction of pressing the first resin portion 544a against the conductive sheet 543. It can be suppressed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, in the developer container 564 (not shown) in which the conductive sheet 543 is integrally molded with the frame 546 by injection molding, the developer container 564 It is possible to accurately obtain the remaining amount of toner in the container.

(Example 6)
Next, Example 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the frame body 646 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 646 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is also a cross-sectional view showing a process of manufacturing the frame body 646 according to the sixth embodiment. Further, FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 for the first embodiment, FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 for the first embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 for the first embodiment. It is a corresponding figure. In addition, in FIGS. 17 to 19 about Example 6, "6" is added to the head of the code of Example 1. For example, the developing frame 44 according to the first embodiment is the developing frame 644 in the sixth embodiment.

The configuration of the frame body 646 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, at the end of the frame body 646 in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum 20), the sheet contact portion 645a of the output conductive path 645 is in contact with the conductive sheet 643. .. Further, a protruding portion 644b in the developing frame body 644 is provided along the curved portion 643a1 which is a curved portion on one surface 643a of the conductive sheet 643.

Here, in the sixth embodiment, the manufacturing method of the frame body 646 is characteristic. The first step in the method for manufacturing the frame 646 will be described with reference to FIG. 18, and the second step will be described with reference to FIG. Further, the embodiment is compared with FIGS. 8 and 9 for explaining the first step and the second step in the method for manufacturing the frame body 46 according to the first embodiment and FIGS. 18 and 19 for the sixth embodiment. A method of manufacturing the frame body 646 according to No. 6 will be described.

In the method for manufacturing the frame body 646 according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a slide piece 692a is provided as a part of the slide type 692. In the slide type 692, the slide piece 692a can move independently of a portion different from the slide piece 692a. Then, in the first step and the second step, the developing frame body 644 and the output conductive path 645 are formed by using the mold 690, the mold 691, and the slide mold 692.

In the first step, as shown in FIG. 18, a part of the slide piece 692a is brought into contact with the conductive sheet 643 by moving it in the direction of arrow K. Then, in a state where a part of the slide piece 692a and the conductive sheet 643 are in contact with each other, the PS-based molten resin is introduced from the injection unit G1 into the space between the mold 691 and the slide mold 692 and the conductive sheet 643. Inject into. In this way, the developing frame body 644 is formed by injection molding.

Next, in the second step, first, the slide piece 692a is retracted in the arrow L direction (direction opposite to the arrow K direction). Then, in the space formed by retracting the slide piece 692a (the space between the slide type 692, the conductive sheet 643, and the developing frame 644), the conductive resin is provided from the injection portion G2 provided in the slide type 692. Is injected. In this way, the output conductive path 645 is integrally formed with the developing frame body 644.

Also in the sixth embodiment, the protruding portion 644b is pressed by the pressure of the injected conductive resin, so that the protruding portion 644b is pressed by the conductive resin in the direction of arrow E in FIG. Here, as in the fifth embodiment, the arrow E direction is the direction opposite to the normal direction of the surface of the curved portion 643a1 in the conductive sheet 643. The arrow E direction is a direction in which the first resin portion 644a of the developing frame body 644 is pressed against the conductive sheet 643. Therefore, also in the sixth embodiment, the conductive sheet 643 and the first resin portion 644a are separated from each other due to the pressure of the conductive resin acting in the direction of pressing the first resin portion 644a against the conductive sheet 643. It can be suppressed.

Further, in the second step, the direction in which the conductive resin is injected is the boundary between the developing frame body 644 and the output conductive path 645 in the thickness direction of the wall portion of the frame body 646, and is the wall of the frame body 646. When viewed from the thickness direction of the portion, it intersects the boundary that overlaps with the sheet contact portion of 644 g. As a result, when the conductive resin is injected, the first resin portion 644a is strongly pressed against the conductive sheet 643, so that the conductive sheet 643 can be further suppressed from being peeled off from the frame body 646.

In each embodiment, the entire one surface of the conductive sheet does not necessarily have to be adhered to the inner wall surface of the frame.
Further, in each embodiment, the entire other surface of the conductive sheet does not necessarily have to be exposed inside the frame.
Further, in each embodiment, the shapes of the developing frame and the conductive path for output are not limited to the shapes of the examples. For example, the shape of the developing frame and the conductive path for output may be stepped or inclined.

43 ... Conductive sheet, 44 ... Developed frame, 44f ... Sheet first contact, 44 g ... Sheet third contact, 45 ... Output conductive path, 45a ... Sheet second contact, 46 ... Frame, 64 ... Developer container

Claims (14)

A frame body formed of a first frame body forming portion made of resin and a second frame body forming part made of resin and having conductivity, and accommodating a developer.
A conductive sheet attached to the inner wall surface of the frame body so as to be in contact with the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion and having conductivity is provided.
A developer container in which the conductive sheet inside the frame is electrically conductive to the outside through the second frame forming portion.
In the joint portion where the conductive sheet, the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion are joined to each other, the boundary surface between the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion is When viewed along the thickness direction of the frame body, the conductive sheet, the first frame body forming portion, and the second frame body forming portion have an intersecting surface that intersects the thickness direction of the frame body. , A developer container characterized in that it is arranged in this order. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the intersecting surface is a parallel surface parallel to the conductive sheet. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the intersecting surface is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the frame body. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall surface has a bent surface, and the joint portion is arranged in the vicinity of the bent surface. The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided.
A developing apparatus characterized in that an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier is developed by using a developer housed in the frame. Has a first electrode
The conductive sheet is a second electrode and
The developing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the amount of the developing agent in the developing apparatus is obtained by using the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
It has an image carrier on which a developer image is formed, and
A process cartridge characterized in that a developer image is formed on the image carrier using a developer housed in the frame. The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
It has an image carrier on which a developer image is formed, and
The developer image housed in the frame is used to form a developer image on the image carrier, and the developer image formed on the image carrier is used to form an image on a recording medium. Image forming device. The developing apparatus according to claim 6 and
It has an image carrier on which a developer image is formed, and
In an image forming apparatus that forms a developer image on the image carrier using the developer housed in the frame and forms an image on a recording medium using the developer image formed on the image carrier.
It has a developer amount acquisition unit that is electrically connected to the second frame forming portion outside the frame.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode is acquired based on a current flowing from the second frame forming unit to the developing agent amount acquisition unit. A frame body formed of a first frame body forming portion made of resin and a second frame body forming part made of resin and having conductivity, and accommodating a developer.
A conductive sheet attached to the inner wall surface of the frame body so as to be in contact with the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion and having conductivity is provided.
A method for manufacturing a developer container in which the conductive sheet inside the frame is electrically conductive to the outside through the second frame forming portion.
The first step of injecting resin into a mold to which the conductive sheet is fixed to integrally form the first frame forming portion with the conductive sheet, and
The resin is injected into the mold to which the conductive sheet and the first frame forming portion are fixed to form the second frame forming portion integrally with the conductive sheet and the first frame forming portion. Has a second step and
In the joint portion where the conductive sheet, the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion are joined to each other, the boundary surface between the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion is When viewed along the thickness direction of the frame body, the conductive sheet, the first frame body forming portion, and the second frame body forming portion have an intersecting surface that intersects the thickness direction of the frame body. , A method for manufacturing a developer container, which is characterized in that they are arranged in this order. In the first step, the first frame forming portion has a first thickness that is the first height from the conductive sheet at a position corresponding to the joint portion, and the first thickness at a position not corresponding to the joint portion. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein the conductive sheet has a second thickness that is higher than the height of the conductive sheet and is formed on one surface of the conductive sheet. A claim characterized in that, in the second step, a conductive resin is injected from the side where the first frame body forming portion is formed toward the conductive sheet side to form the second frame body forming portion. Item 10. The manufacturing method according to Item 11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10 , wherein the inner wall surface has a bent surface, and the joint portion is arranged in the vicinity of the bent surface. A frame body made of resin and having a second frame body forming portion made of resin and having conductivity,
A conductive sheet attached to the inner wall surface of the frame body so as to be in contact with the first frame body forming portion and the second frame body forming portion and having conductivity is provided.
A mold for producing a developer container in which the conductive sheet inside the frame is electrically conductive to the outside through the second frame forming portion.
A first mold having a first surface for fixing the conductive sheet, and
A first portion that is a second surface facing the first surface and has a first distance between the conductive sheet fixed to the first surface and a second surface that is smaller than the first surface. A second mold having a second surface having a second portion having a distance of 2 and a third portion contactable with the conductive sheet.
After the resin is injected between the first mold and the second mold to form the first frame forming portion, the conductive sheet is exposed by peeling the second mold. It has a part surface and a third mold having a third surface facing a part surface of the first frame forming portion corresponding to the second surface.
A mold characterized in that an injection hole for injecting a resin for forming the second frame body forming portion is provided on the third surface of the third mold.

Images