JP7218138B2 - Developer storage unit, process cartridge, method for manufacturing developer storage unit, and method for manufacturing process cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a developer accommodating unit, a process cartridge, and a method for manufacturing the same, which are used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Here, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. Image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), electrophotographic facsimile machines, and the like.

The developer storage unit stores developer (toner, carrier, etc.).

A process cartridge is a cartridge that integrally includes an image carrier, a developer carrier, and a developer storage unit, and is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

As a developer storage unit, there has been proposed a configuration in which a developer is stored in a flexible container, and an opening provided in the flexible container is sealed with a sealing member, which is stored inside a frame. . When the developer accommodating unit is used, the opening is opened by peeling off the sealing member, and the developer is supplied. In such a developer storage unit, there is a developer storage unit in which a large flexible container is crushed with respect to a frame and stored in order to store more developer in the flexible container. At this time, since the central surface of the frame has low rigidity, the flexible container is crushed by the end surfaces of the frame so that the reaction force does not act on the central surface (Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-134769 A

If the flexible container is made smaller than the frame so that the developer storage container (flexible container) is not crushed by the central surface of the frame, the amount of developer filled in the flexible container will decrease. It's running out. In addition, in order to meet diversified usage conditions of users, developer accommodating units with different amounts of developer are sometimes provided. At this time, if a developer storage unit is manufactured by combining a plurality of types of frames and a plurality of types of flexible containers, the number of types of necessary parts increases.

One of the objects of the present invention is to suppress an increase in the number of types of parts when providing developer accommodating units having different amounts of developer. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a developer accommodating unit that accommodates a larger amount of developer.

One of the inventions according to the present application is as follows.

In the developer accommodating unit manufacturing method, the developer accommodating unit is coupled to the first frame such that a space is formed between the first frame and the first frame. and a second frame, the second frame having an inner wall surface arranged to face the space,
The manufacturing method is
a first flexible container containing a developer and provided with a first opening for discharging the developer into the space, or containing more developer than the first flexible container; an assembling step of assembling either a second flexible container containing a second opening for discharging the developer into the space to the first frame;
The first frame and the second frame so that the first flexible container or the second flexible container is accommodated in the space while being compressed by the inner wall surface. a bonding step of bonding
has
The first flexible container includes a first opposing wall arranged to face the inner wall surface, and the first opposing wall protrudes in a direction away from the first frame. and a first retraction region retracted in a direction closer to the first frame than the first protrusion region, and the second flexible container faces the inner wall surface The second opposing wall includes a second opposing wall that protrudes in a direction away from the first frame, and a second protruding region that protrudes from the first frame relative to the second protruding region. including a second retracted area retracted in a direction toward the body, the first opposing in a state in which the first flexible container is assembled to the first frame and not compressed by the inner wall surface; When the position of the wall is compared with the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the first frame and the second frame are joined, the first protruding region is larger in the space than the inner wall surface. located outside, the first evacuation area located inside the space rather than the inner wall surface;
The position of the second opposing wall when the second flexible container is assembled to the first frame and not compressed by the inner wall surface, and the first frame and the second When comparing the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the frame is joined, the second projecting region and the second retracting region are positioned outside the space rather than the inner wall surface. manufacturing method.

One of the inventions according to the present application is as follows.

a first frame;
a second frame joined to the first frame so as to form a space between itself and the first frame, the second frame having an inner wall surface facing the space; and,
A flexible container containing developer and provided with an opening for discharging the developer into the space, wherein the container is attached to the first frame and compressed by the inner wall surface. a flexible container that is housed in the space by and has an opposing wall that faces the inner wall surface and a contact surface that is configured to contact the first frame;
has
The opposing wall includes a protruding area that protrudes away from the first frame and a retreat area that retreats in a direction closer to the first frame than the protruding area,
A developer accommodating unit according to claim 1, wherein the flexible container is in a compressed state with the protrusion area and the retraction area being pushed by the inner wall surface .

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of types of parts when providing developing devices with different amounts of developer. Also, it is possible to provide a developer accommodating unit that accommodates a larger amount of developer.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a step of assembling the second flexible container and a step of joining the first frame and the second frame; 4 is a main cross-sectional view of the process cartridge; FIG. 1 is a main cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the structure of a developer accommodating unit that accommodates a first flexible container; FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the first flexible container; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the first flexible container; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a developer accommodating unit that accommodates a second flexible container; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a step of assembling the first flexible container and a step of joining the first frame and the second frame. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view explaining a difference in shape between the first flexible container and the second flexible container;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplified below with reference to the drawings and examples. However, the function, material, shape, function, relative arrangement, etc. of the component parts described in this embodiment are intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them, unless otherwise specified. isn't it.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction F is the same as the longitudinal direction of the box-shaped developer accommodating unit 25 or the developing device 38 (see FIG. 4C). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction F is the same as the directions of the rotation axes of the photosensitive drum 11, the developing roller 13, and the unsealing member 20, which will be described later. Moreover, the longitudinal direction F is the same as the longitudinal directions of the first frame 18 and the second frame 17, which will be described later. The longitudinal direction F is the same as the longitudinal directions of the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27, which will be described later.

<Overview of Process Cartridge Configuration>
The configuration of the process cartridge according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. FIG. 2 is a main cross-sectional view of the process cartridge according to this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a main cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views perpendicular to the longitudinal direction F. FIG.

The process cartridge A includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member for carrying an electrostatic latent image, and process means acting on the photosensitive drum 11 . The process means includes a charging member 12 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, a developing device 38 that forms a developer image on the photosensitive drum 11, and a cleaning means (cleaning means) for removing the developer T remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. member) 14 and the like. Although the developer T may contain toner, carrier, etc., in this embodiment, a non-magnetic one-component toner is used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge A includes a drum unit 24 having a photosensitive drum 11. As shown in FIG. A charging roller 12 as charging means and an elastic cleaning blade 14 as cleaning means are arranged around the photosensitive drum 11 .

The process cartridge A has a developing device (developing unit) 38 . The developing device 38 has a developer accommodating unit 25, a developing roller 13 as a developer carrier (developing means), a developing blade 15 as a regulating member, and a developer supply roller 23 as a developer supply member. The developing roller 13 carries developer T discharged from a first flexible container 26 or a second flexible container 27, which will be described later.

The direction of rotation of each member will be described with reference to FIG. The photosensitive drum 11 rotates clockwise by applying a rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus to the drum unit 24 . The charging roller 12 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 and is rotated counterclockwise by the photosensitive drum 11 . By applying a rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus to the developing device 38, the developer supply roller 23 rotates counterclockwise while contacting the developing roller 13, and the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 26 rotates counterclockwise. The developer T discharged from the flexible container 27 is supplied to the developing roller 13 . The developing roller 13 rotates counterclockwise in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with the developer T. As shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the developer accommodating unit 25 has a first frame 18, a second frame 17, and a first flexible container 26 for accommodating the developer T. As shown in FIG. The first flexible container 26 has a first flexible container body 26 p and a sealing member 19 . The developer accommodating unit 25 has an unsealing member 20 that rotates by driving force applied to the developing device 38 . The unsealing member 20 is for peeling off the sealing member 19 . The process cartridge A integrates the drum unit 24 and the developing device 38, and is detachably attached to the apparatus body B of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

<Overview of Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
An image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

The image forming apparatus includes the process cartridge A and the apparatus main body B described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge A is detachably attached to the apparatus main body B and used for image formation. For image formation, a sheet S is conveyed from a sheet cassette 6 mounted in the lower portion of the apparatus main body B by conveying rollers 7 . Here, the sheet S is a medium such as paper. In synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet S, the charged photosensitive drum 11 is exposed by the exposure device 8 to form a latent image. The developer T is supplied to the developing roller 13 by a spongy developer supplying roller 23 and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 13 by the developing blade 15 in a thin layer. By applying a developing bias (voltage) to the developing roller 13, the developer T is supplied to the photosensitive drum 11 according to the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed as a developer image. A transfer bias (voltage) is applied to the transfer roller 9 to transfer the developer image onto the sheet S. As shown in FIG. The sheet S is conveyed to the fixing device 10 and heated by the fixing device 10 to fix the developer image on the sheet S. FIG. Then, the sheet S is discharged to the upper sheet discharging section 3 of the apparatus main body B by the discharging rollers 1 .

<Overview of Configuration of Developer Accommodating Unit>
Next, the configuration of the developer accommodating unit 25 will be described with reference to FIG.

The developer accommodating unit 25 includes a first flexible container 26, a second frame 17 and a first frame 18, as shown in FIG. A combination of the second frame 17 and the first frame 18 constitutes the first flexible container 26 and the development frame 40 for housing the second flexible container 27, which will be described later. The second frame 17 is coupled to the first frame 18 such that a space is formed between the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 . On the other hand, the second frame 17 has an inner wall surface 17a arranged between the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 so as to face the space. 2 shows a state in which the first flexible container 26 is accommodated in the space between the first frame 18 and the second frame 17. As shown in FIG. However, instead of the first flexible container 26, a second flexible container 27, which will be described later, can be accommodated in the space between the first frame 18 and the second frame 17. In the following description, the space for housing the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 27 (the space formed between the first frame 18 and the second frame 17) is We just call it a storage space.

In this embodiment, the developer accommodating unit 25 is a part of the developing device 38 or the process cartridge A, but the developer accommodating unit 25 alone may be a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body B. FIG.

<Overview of Configuration of First Flexible Container>
Next, the configuration of the first flexible container 26 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the developer accommodating unit 25 that accommodates the first flexible container 26. As shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the longitudinal central portion of the developer accommodating unit 25 before the sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container 26 of the developer accommodating unit 25. FIG. FIG. 4(b) is an enlarged view of a projection 18b surrounded by a rectangular frame line in FIG. 4(a) and viewed in the direction of arrow G. Arrow G is a direction perpendicular to longitudinal direction F. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the developer accommodating unit 25. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the structure of the first flexible container 26. FIG. 5(a) is a cutaway perspective view of the first flexible container 26, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the first flexible container 26, which is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F. FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the first flexible container 26. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the first flexible container 26. FIG. 6(b) is a view of the first flexible container 26 viewed in the longitudinal direction F. FIG. FIG. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 6(b).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first flexible container 26 has a flexible first flexible container main body 26p and a sealing member 19. As shown in FIGS. The first flexible container 26 can contain the developer T inside and can be discharged from the first opening 35 into the storage space. The first flexible container 26 is stored in the storage space while being compressed by the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17 between the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a. When storing the second flexible container 27, which will be described later, the second flexible container 27 is placed between the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17. It is compressed by the inner wall surface 17 a of the second frame 17 .

The first flexible container main body 26p has a molded portion 26p1 in which a concave portion as a developer containing portion is formed on one surface by injection molding, vacuum molding, pressure molding, or press molding of a sheet-like material, and a ventilation part 26p2 that is sheet-like and has air permeability. Here, methods for joining the molding portion 26p1 and the vent portion 26p2 include heat welding, laser welding, adhesives, adhesive tapes, and the like.

As a material for the molded portion 26p1, a material that does not allow the developer T to leak out of the first flexible container 26, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or the like, is preferable. However, the material is not limited to this as long as it can be injection-molded or sheet-molded, and can be bonded to the ventilation part 26p2. The molded portion 26p1 of this embodiment does not have air permeability.

The air permeability of the ventilation part 26p2 may be appropriately selected so that the developer T does not leak out of the first flexible container 26 in consideration of the size of the developer T to be stored (particle size of the powder). . The material of the ventilation part 26p2 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or the like, and a non-woven fabric having a thickness of 0.03 to 0.15 mm is preferable. The material of the ventilation part 26p2 is not limited to the nonwoven fabric, and may be a material having finer holes than the powder such as the developer stored in the first flexible container 26. FIG.

The sealing member 19 is a flexible sheet-like member, and the material thereof can be appropriately selected from materials impermeable to the developer T, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and the like.

A flange portion 26m formed on the outer periphery of the first flexible container main body 26p is provided with a hole 26n, which is a portion to be fixed to the first frame 18. As shown in FIG. The flange portion 26m in this embodiment is a portion where the molded portion 26p1 and the ventilation portion 26p2 are overlapped and joined. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the first frame 18 is provided with projections 18b which are fixing portions for fixing the first flexible container 26. . The first flexible container 26 is attached to the first frame 18 by engaging the protrusions 18b in the holes 26n. At this time, the first flexible container 26 is attached to the first frame 18 with the ventilation part 26p2 facing the first frame 18 side. That is, the surface of the ventilation portion 26p2 on the side of the first frame 18 is the first contact surface 26h that contacts the first frame 18 .

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the head portion (tip portion) 18c of the projection 18b has a portion longer than the width of the hole 26n, thereby performing a retaining function. may be other means. For example, a method of melting and fixing the projections using ultrasonic waves or heat, adhesion using a solvent or adhesive, or sandwiching between frames may be used.

A discharge opening surface 26f of the first flexible container 26 is provided with a first opening 35 for discharging the developer T stored therein into the storage space. In order to prevent the developer T from leaking from the first flexible container 26 in the process cartridge A before use, the first opening 35 is sealed by the sealing member 19 . Also, the sealing member 19 is joined to the outer surface of the first flexible container body 26p around the first opening 35 so as to cover the first opening 35 . The sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container main body 26p by the unsealing member 20 to expose the first opening 35, and the developer T is released from the inside of the first flexible container main body 26p. can be discharged.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the sealing member 19 is fixed to the unsealing member 20 at the engaged portion 19b. The opening member 20 is rotatably supported by the first frame 18 . The opening member 20 is arranged outside the first flexible container 26 and inside the storage space. The rotation axis of the opening member 20 is parallel to the longitudinal direction F of the first flexible container 26 and passes through the cross-sectional center 20 a of the opening member 20 . The unsealing member 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow C by a driving force transmitted by a driving means (motor and gear) (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body B, thereby winding up the sealing member 19 and opening the first opening. It is possible to expose the opening 35 .

Here, a plurality of holes 26n and protrusions 18b are provided parallel to the longitudinal direction F of the first flexible container 26, and force is applied when the sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container main body 26p. Is receiving. When the sealing member 19 is torn off, the holes 26n are engaged with the projections 18b to restrict the movement of the first flexible container body 26p, so the sealing member 19 can be torn off.

It is preferable that the first opening 35 can easily discharge the developer T stored in the posture during image formation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first opening 35 is arranged to face substantially vertically downward in the posture during image formation. That is, the first opening 35 is arranged so that the developer can drop from the first opening 35 by gravity.

The arrangement of the sealing member 19, the first opening 35, and the unsealing member 20 for winding the sealing member 19 with the unsealing member 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 5(b).

The unsealing member 20 is arranged substantially vertically below the first opening 35 , rotates in the direction of arrow C as described above, and winds up the sealing member 19 . The sealing member 19 separates the first flexible container main body 26p and the unsealing member so that a folded portion is formed between the portion covering the first opening 35 and the portion fixed to the unsealing member 20 . 20 and fixed. The horizontal position of the cross-sectional center 20a, which is the center of rotation of the unsealing member 20, in FIG. position. As a result, when the sealing member 19 is peeled off from the first flexible container main body 26p, an angle of θs (0<θs<90°) is formed with respect to the discharge opening surface 26f on which the first opening 35 is arranged. can be pulled with As a result, it is possible to minimize the effect of the bonding surface in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F of the bonding surface between the sealing member 19 and the first flexible container body 26p, and to reduce the opening force.

Next, the configuration of the first flexible container 26 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. For the sake of explanation, the upper side in the vertical direction in FIG. 6B is called the upper side, and the lower side is called the lower side. The vertical direction in FIG. 6B is a direction perpendicular to the first contact surface 26h.

As shown in FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c), the first flexible container 26 has a first opposing wall arranged to face the inner wall surface 17a. A first top surface 26g and a first contact surface 26h that contacts the first frame 18 are provided. Disposed between the first top surface 26g and the first contact surface 26h are a discharge opening surface 26f as a first side wall, longitudinal end surfaces 26d and 26e, and a discharge facing wall 26k facing the discharge opening surface 26f. be. The discharge opening surface 26f provided with the first opening 35 and the first top surface 26g are adjacent to each other with the bent portion interposed therebetween. The first top surface 26g includes end surfaces 26ga and 26gb as first protruding areas and a center surface 26gc as a first retreat area.

When the first flexible container 26 is not compressed, the end surfaces 26ga and 26gb protrude away from the first frame 18 (in the direction toward the inner wall surface 17a). The center surface 26gc retreats in a direction closer to the first frame body 18 (a direction away from the inner wall surface 17a) than the end surfaces 26ga and 26gb.

The center surface 67gc is arranged inside the end surfaces 26ga, 26gb with respect to the longitudinal direction F. The first top surface 26g faces the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17 and is pressed by the inner wall surface 17a when the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 are joined. placed. The center surface 26gc is located between the end surfaces 26ga and 26gb in the longitudinal direction F. As shown in FIG. In other words, in the longitudinal direction F, the end face 26ga and the end face 26gb are arranged on both sides of the central face 26gc.

Further, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are different in distance from the first contact surface 26h from the center surface 26gc. In the assembling direction E of the second frame 17 (not shown) to the first frame 18, from the first contact surface 26h, which is the surface facing the first frame 18 (not shown), to the end surface 26ga, the end surface 26gb, and the distance to the center surface 26gc are L1, L2, and L3, respectively. At this time, L3<L1 and L3<L2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, L1=L2. These distances are the distances when the first flexible container 26 is not compressed. In other words, when the first flexible container 26 is not compressed, the distance between the first abutment surface 26h and the end surfaces 26ga, 26gb is longer than the distance between the central faces 26gc. Here, the assembling direction E is the direction in which the second frame 17 is assembled to the first frame 18 to which the first flexible container 26 is fixed. 26p2, the direction is substantially perpendicular to 26p2.

Longitudinal end faces 26d and 26e in the longitudinal direction F of the first flexible container 26 are faces adjacent to the end faces 26ga and 26gb, respectively, and the longitudinal end faces 26d and 26e face each other. Here, the thickness t1 of the longitudinal end face 26d and the thickness t2 of the longitudinal end face 26e are thinner than the thickness t3 of the end face 26ga, the thickness t4 of the end face 26gb and the thickness t5 of the central face 26gc. In the molded portion 26p1 of the first flexible container main body 26p in this embodiment, the first top surface 26g and the first side walls (exhaust opening surface 26f, etc.) are integrally formed by vacuum molding. Therefore, it is easier to make the thickness of the first side wall thinner than the thickness of the first top surface 26g.

The longitudinal end surface 26d and the longitudinal end surface 26e of the first flexible container 26 are inclined at angles θ1 and θ2 toward the inside of the storage container in the longitudinal direction F, respectively, with respect to the mounting direction E of the second frame 17 (not shown). are doing. As shown in FIG. 6(c), the direction of inclination is such that Ly>Lx, where Lx is the upper longitudinal dimension of the first flexible container 26 and Ly is the lower longitudinal dimension thereof. , 0°<θ1<90° and 0°<θ2<90°. In this embodiment, θ1=3° and θ2=3° are set.

<Overview of Configuration of Second Flexible Container>
Next, the configuration of the second flexible container 27 for containing the developer T will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, the second flexible container 27 is a developer storage container having a shape different from that of the first flexible container 26 and can store more developer T than the first flexible container 26 . Either the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 27 is selected and attached to the developing frame 40 when the developer accommodating unit is manufactured. Hereinafter, the case where the first flexible container 26 is assembled is called the first developer accommodating unit 25 and the case where the second flexible container 27 is assembled is called the second developer accommodating unit 125 .

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a developer accommodating unit (second developer accommodating unit) 125 that accommodates the second flexible container. 7A is a sectional view of the second developer accommodating unit 125. FIG. FIG. 7B is a longitudinal sectional view of the second developer container. FIG. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view in which the second flexible container 27 cut along the YY section of FIG. 7(b) and the first flexible container 26 cut along the same portion are arranged side by side. .

The second flexible container 27 includes a flexible second flexible container main body 27p and a sealing member 19, like the first flexible container 26 does. The second flexible container 27 can store the developer T inside and discharge it from the second opening 55 into the storage space. The second flexible container body 27p includes a molded portion 27p1 and a vent portion 27p2. The second flexible container 27 is substantially the same as the first flexible container 26, except that the position of the second top surface 27g, which will be described later, is different from the position of the first top surface 26g. is the configuration.

The second flexible container 27 has a second top surface 27g as a second opposing wall arranged to face the inner wall surface 17a, and a second abutting surface that abuts the first frame 18. It has a surface 27h. The second flexible container 27 is attached to the first frame 18 with the ventilation part 27p2 facing the first frame 18 side. That is, the surface of the ventilation portion 27p2 on the side of the first frame 18 is the second contact surface 27h that contacts the first frame 18. As shown in FIG.

Disposed between the second top surface 27g and the second contact surface 27h are a discharge opening surface 27f as a second side wall, longitudinal end surfaces 27d and 27e, and a discharge facing wall 27k facing the discharge surface. The discharge opening surface 27f provided with the second opening 55 and the second top surface 27g are adjacent to each other with the bent portion interposed therebetween. The second top surface 27g includes end surfaces 27ga and 27gb as second protruding areas and a center surface 27gc as a second retraction area.

When the second flexible container 27 is not compressed, the end surfaces 27ga and 27gb protrude away from the first frame 18 (to approach the inner wall surface 17a). The center surface 27gc retreats in a direction closer to the first frame 18 (a direction away from the inner wall surface 17a) than the end surfaces 27ga and 27gb.

The central surface 27gc is arranged inside the end surfaces 27ga, 27gb with respect to the longitudinal direction F. The second top surface 27g of the second flexible container 27 faces the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17, and when the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 are joined, , is arranged to be pushed by the inner wall surface 17a. The center surface 27gc is located between the end surfaces 27ga and 27gb in the longitudinal direction F. As shown in FIG. In other words, in the longitudinal direction F, the end face 27ga and the end face 27gb are arranged on both sides of the central face 27gc.

The end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb are different in distance from the second contact surface 27h from the center surface 27gc. Here, in the assembly direction E of the second frame 17, from the second contact surface 27h, which is the surface facing the first frame 18, to the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the center surface 27gc. are respectively L11, L12, and L13. At this time, L13<L11 and L13<L12. Furthermore, in this embodiment, L11=L12. These distances are the distances when the second flexible container 27 is not compressed. In other words, when the second flexible container 27 is not compressed, the distance between the second abutment surface 27h and the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb is longer than the distance between the central faces 27gc. That is, the distance between the second top surface 27g and the second contact surface 27h is greater at the ends of the second flexible container 27 than at the central portion of the second flexible container 27 in the longitudinal direction F. long.

Longitudinal end faces 27d and 27e in the longitudinal direction F of the second flexible container 27 are faces adjacent to the end faces 27ga and 27gb, respectively, and the longitudinal end faces 27d and 27e face each other. The longitudinal end face 27d and the longitudinal end face 27e are inclined at the same angle as the longitudinal end face 26d and the longitudinal end face 26, respectively.

A flange portion 27m formed on the outer periphery of the second flexible container 27p is provided with a hole 27n, which is a portion to be fixed to the first frame 18, and a protrusion 18b ( 4) are engaged and positioned.

A second opening 55 for discharging the developer T is provided in the second flexible container 27p. Here, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the second opening 55 of the second flexible container 27p and the first opening 35 of the first flexible container main body 26p are positioned at the same position. are arranged as follows. The reason will be described later.

The thickness t11 of the longitudinal end face 27d and the thickness t12 of the longitudinal end face 27e in the longitudinal direction F of the second flexible container 27 are the thickness t13 of the end face 27ga, the thickness t14 of the end face 27gb, and the thickness of the central face 27gc. Thinner than t15. In the molded portion 27p1 of the second flexible container main body 27p in this embodiment, the second top surface 27g and the second side walls (exhaust opening surface 27f, etc.) are integrally formed by vacuum molding. Therefore, it is easier to make the thickness of the first side wall thinner than the thickness of the second top surface 27g.

Here, the second top surface 27g is positioned outside the storage space relative to the first top surface 26g. Therefore, the second flexible container 27 can contain more developer T than the first flexible container 26 can.

Also, the sealing member 19 is joined to the outer surface of the second flexible container main body 27p around the second opening 55 so as to cover the second opening 55 . The sealing member 19 is peeled off from the second flexible container main body 27p by the unsealing member 20 to expose the second opening 55, and the developer T is released from the inside of the second flexible container main body 27p. can be discharged. The peeling off of the sealing member 19 is the same as the peeling off from the first flexible container 26, so the explanation is omitted here.

<Method of assembling the first flexible container to the frame>
Next, a method (assembling step) of assembling the first flexible container 26 to the developing frame 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the process of assembling the first flexible container 26 and the process of joining the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 together. FIG. 8 shows the process of assembling the first flexible container 26 to the developing device frame 40, and is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first developer accommodating unit 25 cut at the same position as the XX cross section of FIG. . FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first flexible container 26 is fixed to the first frame 18. FIG. FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the second frame 17 is being assembled to the first frame 18 to which the first flexible container 26 is fixed. FIG. 8(c) is a cross-sectional view for explaining the state after the second frame 17 is attached to the first frame 18. As shown in FIG. A two-dot chain line in FIG. 8(c) represents the shape of the first flexible container 26 in a state (uncompressed state) before the second frame 17 is assembled to the first frame 18. .

As shown in FIG. 8B, the second frame 17 is assembled in the assembly direction E with respect to the first flexible container 26 fixed to the first frame 18 . At this time, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb of the first flexible container 26 are brought into contact with the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17 .

Next, the position of the first top surface 26g with respect to the inner wall surface 17a when the second frame 17 shown in FIG. 8(c) is attached to the first frame 18 will be described.

The end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb of the first flexible container 26 are in the first state (chain line), which is the state before the second frame 17 is assembled to the first frame 18. In some cases, it penetrates upstream in the assembly direction E with respect to the inner wall surface 17a. That is, when the first flexible container 26 is assembled to the first frame 18 and is not deformed, the end surfaces 26ga and 26gb are aligned with the second frame 17 in the assembly direction E. is positioned on the upstream side of the inner wall surface 17a assembled to the frame 18 of the . Therefore, when the second frame 17 is moved in the assembly direction E from the state of FIG. 8(b), the end faces 26ga and 26gb are crushed in the assembly direction E by the inner wall surface 17a. Here, being crushed means that the end face 26ga and the end face 26gb move in the assembly direction E while contacting the inner wall surface 17a. At this time, the longitudinal end face 26d and the longitudinal end face 26e of the first flexible container 26 are bent in the longitudinal direction F, and the discharge opening face 26f and the discharge facing wall 26k facing the discharge opening face 26f are also bent in the longitudinal direction F. Deflection in orthogonal directions.

A state in which the first flexible container 26 is crushed by the inner wall surface 17a and accommodated inside the developing frame 40 is referred to as a second state. The developer T and air are present inside the first flexible container 26, and the air inside the first flexible container 26 exits through the ventilation part 26p2, so that the first flexible container 26 is crushed.

Here, the end face 26ga1 and the end face 26gb1 of the first flexible container 26 in the second state are indicated by solid lines.

In the first state (uncompressed state), the distance from the first contact surface 26h to the end surface 26ga is L1, and the distance from the first contact surface 26h to the end surface 26gb in the first state is is L2. On the other hand, the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17 between the surface 18a of the first frame body 18 facing the first contact surface 26h and the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb. is the distance L4. At this time, L4<L1 and L4<L2. Also, the distance L3 from the first contact surface 26h to the center surface 26gc is smaller than or equal to the distance L4. That is, L3≦L4. Therefore, the developing device frame 40 formed by the second frame 17 and the first frame 18 exerts a reaction force by crushing the first flexible container 26 at the end faces 40a and 40b. P1 receives reaction force P2. P1A and P2A are the forces due to deformation of the first flexible container 26 having flexibility.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the developing device frame 40 has a box-like shape elongated in the longitudinal direction F, and end faces 40a and 40b are formed substantially parallel to the assembling direction E. It is connected to the end face 40d and the end face 40e. Therefore, the rigidity in the assembly direction E of the end faces 40a and 40b is higher than the rigidity in the assembly direction E of the central face 40c. By not applying the reaction force of the first flexible container 26 to the central surface 40c and receiving the reaction force P1 and the reaction force P2 of the first flexible container 26 at the end surfaces 40a and 40b, , the deformation of the developing frame 40 can be reduced.

In this way, by the joining step of joining the first frame 18 and the second frame 17, the first flexible container 26 is formed between the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a. It is stored in the storage space while being compressed by the wall surface 17a.

Here, the relationship between the first flexible container 26 and the inner wall surface 17a can also be expressed as follows. The position of the first top surface 26g in the state where the first flexible container 26 is assembled to the first frame 18 and not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a, the first frame 18 and the second The position of the inner wall surface 17a with the frame 17 coupled is compared. It should be noted that the position here means a position relative to the first frame 18 . At this time, the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are positioned outside the storage space relative to the inner wall surface 17a. In addition, the central surface 26gc is positioned inside the storage space with respect to the inner wall surface 17a.

On the other hand, as described above, the thickness t1 of the longitudinal end surface 26d and the thickness t2 of the longitudinal end surface 26e are thinner than the thickness t3 of the end surface 26ga, the thickness t4 of the end surface 26gb, and the thickness t5 of the central surface 26gc. When the thickness of the discharge opening surface 26f is t7 and the thickness of the discharge facing wall 26k facing the discharge opening surface 26f is t8, the thicknesses t7 and t8 are the thickness t3 of the end surface 26ga, the thickness t4 of the end surface 26gb, and the thickness t4 of the end surface 26gb. It is thinner than the thickness t5 of the part surface 26gc. Therefore, the longitudinal end surface 26d, the longitudinal end surface 26e, the discharge opening surface 26f, and the discharge facing wall 26k are likely to undergo buckling deformation in the assembly direction E. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the forces P1A and P2A due to deformation of the first flexible container 26 are reduced. That is, the reaction force P1 and the reaction force P2 are smaller than when the entire first flexible container 26 is formed with a uniform thickness.

When assembling the first flexible container 26 to the developing frame 40 or when filling the developer T into the first flexible container 26, the end face 26ga, the end face 26gb, and the central face In order to maintain the 26gc shape, the first flexible container 26 should have a certain thickness. However, if the thickness of the first flexible container 26 is uniform throughout, the end face 26ga, the end face 26gb, and the central face 26gc may be crushed during assembly. In this case, the shape of the first flexible container 26 is greatly deformed, which affects the discharge of the developer T and the like. Therefore, as described above, the thicknesses of the longitudinal end faces 26d, the longitudinal end faces 26e, the discharge opening face 26f, and the discharge facing wall 26k are reduced, and when these faces are bent, the end faces 26ga, the end faces 26gb, and the central face 26gc are bent. maintains its shape. As a result, the developer T can be stably discharged.

Between the longitudinal end face 26d and the end face 40d of the developing frame 40, and between the longitudinal end face 26e and the end face 40e of the developing frame 40, there are gaps L6 and L7 in the longitudinal direction F, respectively. Moreover, the first flexible container 26 and the developing frame 40 have a gap between the discharge opening surface 26f and the developing frame 40 in the direction substantially parallel to the ventilation part 26p2 shown in the sectional view of FIG. 4(a). There is L9. Similarly, there is a gap L8 between the discharge facing wall 26k facing the discharge opening surface 26f and the developing frame 40. As shown in FIG. When the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are crushed, a convex portion 26d1 is formed by bending of the longitudinal end surface 26d and a convex portion 26e1 is produced by bending of the longitudinal end surface 26e. The protrusion 26d1 and the protrusion 26e1 can contain the developer T that moves when the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb are crushed. Similarly, the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge facing wall 26k are also flexed by the crushing of the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb, so that the developer T can be accommodated.

<Method of assembling the second flexible container to the frame>
Next, a method (assembling process) for assembling the second flexible container 27 to the developing frame 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 1, with reference to FIGS.

Here, FIG. 9 is a sectional view for explaining the difference in shape between the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27 are shown in an uncompressed state (not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a). In addition, the positions of the first frame 18 and the second frame 17 in the state where the coupling is completed are indicated by two-dot chain lines. The position of the longitudinal section is the central portion of each flexible container in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the first flexible container 26 is the XX section, and the second flexible container 27 is the X'-X' section.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the process of assembling the second flexible container and the process of connecting the first frame and the second frame. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the developer accommodating unit 25 taken along the longitudinal direction F. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1(a) shows that the second frame 17 is attached to the first frame 18 to which the second flexible container 27 is fixed, and the end surface 27ga and the end surface 27gb are attached to the inner wall surface 17a. It is a cross-sectional view for explaining a state assembled in the assembly direction E until it abuts. In FIG. 1(b), the assembly of the frame 17 is further advanced from FIG. The assembled state in direction E is shown. FIG. 1(c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state after the second frame 17 is attached to the first frame 18. As shown in FIG. A two-dot chain line in FIG. 1(c) indicates the shape of the second flexible container 27 before the frame 17 is assembled.

As for the assembly method, the detailed description of the method similar to that of the first flexible container 26 may be omitted.

The positions of the end face 26ga, the end face 26gb and the center face 26gc in the uncompressed state are compared with the end face 27ga, the end face 27gb and the center face 27gc. As shown in FIG. 9, the positions of the end face 27ga, the end face 27gb, and the central face 27gc with respect to the assembly direction E are upstream of the end face 26ga, the end face 26gb, and the central face 26gc. . The difference in position is larger than the thickness t17 of the second frame 17, and is L11-L1>t17, L12-L2>t17, and L13-L3>t17.

Here, in this embodiment, the thickness t17 is the same as the shortest distance between the inner wall surface 17a and the outer wall surface 17b on the back side thereof. Regarding the center surface 27gc of the second flexible container 27, the relationship between the surface 18a of the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a of the second frame 17 is L13>L4+t17. It's becoming Therefore, the central surface 27gc of the second flexible container 27 is compressed and deformed when the second frame 17 is attached to the first frame 18. As shown in FIG. Here, the end face 27ga and the end face 27gb are also compressed by the frame 17 because of L13<L11 and L13<L12 as described above. Therefore, the second top surface 27g of the second flexible container 27 is entirely compressed. However, the amount of compression has a relation of end surface 27ga>central surface 27gc and end surface 27gb>central surface 27gc.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), when the second frame 17 is assembled in the assembly direction E with the second flexible container 27 assembled to the first frame 18, the end face 27ga , the end surface 27gb abuts the inner wall surface 17a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the second frame 17 is assembled to the second flexible container 27 in the assembly direction E until the central surface 27gc and the inner wall surface 17a are in contact with each other. As a result, the end face 27ga and the end face 27gb of the second flexible container 27 are crushed in the assembling direction E. As shown in FIG. At this time, the joint surface 18e of the first frame 18 and the joint surface 17e of the second frame 17 are not in contact with each other and are separated by a distance Z. Here, distance Z>thickness t17 of the frame.

In the assembled state shown in FIG. 1(c), the joint surfaces 17e and 18e are in contact with each other, and the center surface 27gc is lowered by a distance Z from FIG. 1(b). Since the distance Z>t17, the center surface 27gc is crushed more than the thickness t17 of the frame.

The assembled state will be described with reference to FIG. 1(c) and FIG. In FIG. 1(c), the end surface 27ga is compressed by (L11-L13)+Z, the end surface 27gb by (L12-L13)+Z, and the central surface 27gc by Z. Here, the amount of compression of the central surface 27gc will be explained in the same way as the first flexible container 26 described above. The distance between them is L4<L13, and the amount of compression Z is Z=L13-L4. Here, in the longitudinal direction F, similarly to the first flexible container 26, between the longitudinal end face 27d of the second flexible container 27 and the end face 40d of the developing frame 40, the longitudinal end face 27e and the developing frame 40 There is a gap L26 and a gap L27 between the end face 40e of the . Similarly, there are gaps L28 and L29 between the second flexible container 27 and the developing frame 40 in the cross-sectional direction shown in FIG. 7(a). During the compression, the end surface portion 27ga, the end surface portion 27gb, and the central portion surface 27gc are crushed.

In this way, by the joining step of joining the first frame 18 and the second frame 17, the second flexible container 27 is formed between the first frame 18 and the inner wall surface 17a. It is stored in the storage space while being compressed by the wall surface 17a.

The relationship between the second flexible container 27 and the inner wall surface 17a can also be expressed as follows. The position of the second top surface 27g, the first frame 18 and the second frame when the second flexible container 27 is assembled to the first frame 18 and is not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a. The position of the inner wall surface 17a in the state where the bodies 17 are joined is compared. The position here is the position relative to the first frame 18 . At this time, the second top surface 27g is positioned outside the storage space relative to the inner wall surface 17a. That is, the entire second top surface 27g is positioned outside the storage space relative to the inner wall surface 17a. In other words, the end face 27ga, the end face 27gb, and the center face 27gc are positioned outside the storage space relative to the inner wall surface 17a.

Here, the surface positioned on the back side of the inner wall surface 17a is called an outer wall surface 17b. The position of the second top surface 27g in a state where the second flexible container 27 is assembled to the first frame 18 and is not compressed by the inner wall surface 17a is compared with the position of the outer wall surface 17b. At this time, the entire second top surface 27g is located outside the storage space relative to the outer wall surface 17b. In other words, the end face 27ga, the end face 27gb, and the center face 27gc are positioned outside the storage space relative to the outer wall face 17b.

Furthermore, the difference between the shortest distance between the first contact surface 26h and the first top surface 26g and the shortest distance between the second contact surface 27h and the second top surface 27g is the distance between the inner wall surface 17a and the outer wall surface 17b. (the thickness of the second frame 17).

As described above, similarly to the first developer accommodating unit 25 assembled with the first flexible container 26, the second developer accommodating unit 125 assembled with the second flexible container 27 can be manufactured. .

<First opening and second opening>
A relationship between the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 will be described.

The first opening 35 and the second opening 55 preferably have the same structure in order to discharge the developer in the same manner. the position of the first opening 35 with respect to the first frame 18 in at least one of the longitudinal direction F of the first frame 18 and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction F of the first frame 18; The position of the second opening 55 with respect to the first frame 18 preferably overlaps at least partially. In other words, it is preferable that the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 at least partially overlap when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge opening surface 27f. Also, in this embodiment, both the first openings 35 and the second openings 55 are plural, but it is preferable that the number of the first openings 35 and the number of the second openings 55 be equal. .

Here, when the second flexible container 27 is compressed by moving the frame 17 in the assembling direction E, the discharge opening surface 27f having the second opening 55 shown in FIG. Deflection is caused by spreading to the gap L29 shown in 7(a). Also, when the first flexible container 26 is compressed by moving the frame 17 in the assembling direction E, the discharge opening surface 26f having the first opening 35 remains as shown in FIG. 4(a). Deflection occurs in the gap L9. At this time, as described above, the amount of compression of the second flexible container 27 is larger than the amount of compression of the first flexible container 26 . Here, when the first flexible container 26 is compressed, it is crushed from the end surface 26ga and the end surface 26gb of the first flexible container 26 . Further, when the second flexible container 27 is compressed, the second flexible container 27 is crushed and bent from the end surface 27ga, the end surface 27gb, and the central surface 27gc. At this time, the end face 26ga, the end face 27gb and the end face 27ga, the end face 27gb begin to be compressed earlier than the center face 26gc and the center face 27gc, respectively. Also, the discharge opening surface 26f of the first flexible container 26 and the discharge opening surface 27f of the second flexible container 27 bend from the upstream side in the assembly direction E of the frame 17. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the deflection of the frame 17 on the downstream side in the assembling direction E is smaller than that on the upstream side. Therefore, the difference in the amount of deflection between the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge opening surface 27f becomes smaller on the downstream side in the mounting direction E of the frame 17. As shown in FIG. Here, the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 are provided on the discharge opening surface 26f and the discharge opening surface 27f so as to be located downstream in the assembly direction E. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, by arranging them in the same position and number, it is possible to equalize the discharging capacity of the developer T. As shown in FIG.

Furthermore, by aligning the arrangement of the first opening 35 of the first flexible container 26 and the second opening 55 of the second flexible container 27, the first opening 35 and the second opening 35 The positional relationship between the opening 55, the unsealing member 20, and the sealing member 19 can be aligned. Therefore, it is necessary to change the shape of the second frame 17 that supports the opening member 20 depending on whether the first flexible container 26 is used or the second flexible container 27 is used. do not have.

In addition, since the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 are sealed with the sealing member 19 and the sealing member 19 is unsealed with the unsealing member 20, the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 are opened. If the arrangement of 55 is different, the forces applied to the discharge opening surfaces 26f and 27f are changed during assembly and unsealing. This may cause, for example, wrinkling of the discharge opening surfaces 26f, 27f. If wrinkles are generated on the discharge opening surfaces 26f and 27f, the dischargeability of the developer T may be affected. By aligning the positions of the first opening portion 35 and the second opening portion 55, it is possible to reduce the risk of a difference in the discharging performance of the developer T occurring. Further, there is a difference in the circulation of the developer T in each unit between the developer storage unit 25 assembled with the first flexible container 26 and the developer storage unit 125 assembled with the second flexible container 27 . It can also prevent you from going out. Further, in the developer accommodating unit 25 and the developer accommodating unit 125 of this embodiment, the first opening 35 and the second opening 55 are arranged at positions where the developer T is discharged even under its own weight. there is Therefore, even if the discharge opening surfaces 26f and 27f are wrinkled, the influence thereof can be reduced.

It becomes possible to selectively assemble the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27 to the same developing frame 40 . In other words, it is not necessary to manufacture a plurality of types of developing frames corresponding to a plurality of types of flexible containers. As a result, flexible containers having different shapes can be assembled to the same frame, and an increase in the number of types of parts (developing frame) can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of the product and reduce the management load at the time of manufacturing.

From the above configuration, the developer accommodating unit 125 assembled with the second flexible container 27 contains more developer than the developer accommodating unit 25 assembled with the first flexible container 26. can be stored.

Further, by assembling the second flexible container 27 to the same developing frame 40, the development frame 40 does not become large, and the apparatus main body B does not become large, and the developing device has a longer life. Agent storage unit 125 and developer device 38 can be provided.

Further, even with flexible containers having different shapes, the circulation of the developer T can be maintained by aligning the positions and numbers of the discharge openings (35, 55). That is, it is possible to provide the developing device 38 with good image quality without changing the position of the process means. In addition, in the first flexible container 26 and the second flexible container 27, even if L11-L1>t17, L12-L2>t17, and L13-L3>t17, making it higher. As a result, on the downstream side of the assembly direction E of the frame 17, the deflection difference between the discharge opening surfaces (26f, 27f) provided with the openings (35, 55) can be substantially eliminated.

As described above, by assembling the first flexible container 26 or the second flexible container 27 to the first frame 18 and connecting the first frame 18 and the second frame 17, , developer storage unit 25 or developer storage unit 125 can be manufactured.

Furthermore, the developing device 38 can be manufactured by assembling members such as the developing roller 13 to the developer accommodating unit 25 or the developer accommodating unit 125 . Furthermore, by assembling the drum unit 24 having the photosensitive drum 11, the process cartridge A can be manufactured. Further, by attaching the developer accommodating unit 25 or the developer accommodating unit 125, the developing device 38, and the process cartridge A to the apparatus main body B, the image forming apparatus can be manufactured.

As described above, an increase in the number of types of parts can be suppressed in providing developing devices with different amounts of developer. Further, it is possible to provide the developer storage unit 125 that stores a larger amount of developer.

17 second frame 17a inner wall surface 17b outer wall surface 18 first frame 19 sealing member 25 first developer storage unit 26 first flexible container 26g first top surface (first opposing wall)
26ga, 26gb end face (first projecting region)
26gc Central face (first retreat area)
26h First contact surface 26p First flexible container body 26p1 Molded portion of first flexible container body 26p2 Ventilation portion of first flexible container body 27 Second flexible container 27g Second Second top surface (second opposing wall)
27ga, 27gb end face (second projecting region)
27gc Central face (second retreat area)
27h Second contact surface 27p Second flexible container body 27p1 Molded portion of second flexible container body 27p2 Ventilation portion of second flexible container body 35 First opening 38 Developing device 40 Developing frame 55 Second opening A Process cartridge B Image forming apparatus E Assembly direction of second frame and first frame F Longitudinal direction

Claims (15)

In the developer accommodating unit manufacturing method, the developer accommodating unit is coupled to the first frame such that a space is formed between the first frame and the first frame. and a second frame, the second frame having an inner wall surface arranged to face the space,
The manufacturing method is
a first flexible container containing a developer and provided with a first opening for discharging the developer into the space, or containing more developer than the first flexible container; an assembling step of assembling either a second flexible container containing a second opening for discharging the developer into the space to the first frame;
The first frame and the second frame so that the first flexible container or the second flexible container is accommodated in the space while being compressed by the inner wall surface. a bonding step of bonding
has
The first flexible container includes a first opposing wall arranged to face the inner wall surface, and the first opposing wall protrudes in a direction away from the first frame. and a first retraction region retracted in a direction closer to the first frame than the first protrusion region, and the second flexible container faces the inner wall surface The second opposing wall includes a second opposing wall that protrudes in a direction away from the first frame, and a second protruding region that protrudes from the first frame relative to the second protruding region. including a second retracted area retracted in a direction toward the body, the first opposing in a state in which the first flexible container is assembled to the first frame and not compressed by the inner wall surface; When the position of the wall is compared with the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the first frame and the second frame are joined, the first protruding region is larger in the space than the inner wall surface. located outside, the first evacuation area located inside the space rather than the inner wall surface;
The position of the second opposing wall when the second flexible container is assembled to the first frame and not compressed by the inner wall surface, and the first frame and the second When comparing the position of the inner wall surface in the state where the frame is joined, the second projecting region and the second retracting region are positioned outside the space rather than the inner wall surface. manufacturing method. The first flexible container has a first contact surface configured to contact the first frame, and is positioned between the first opposing wall and the first contact surface. a first sidewall that extends through the first sidewall, the first sidewall comprising the first opening;
The second flexible container has a second contact surface configured to contact the first frame, and is positioned between the second opposing wall and the second contact surface. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a second sidewall that extends through the second sidewall, the second sidewall comprising the second opening. The second frame has an outer wall surface located on the back side of the inner wall surface,
The shortest distance between the first abutment surface and the first opposing wall when the first flexible container was in an uncompressed state, and the second flexible container is compressed The difference between the shortest distance between the second abutment surface and the second opposing wall when the contact surface is not in the state of being not attached is larger than the shortest distance between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. 3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2. The position of the second opposing wall when the second flexible container is assembled to the first frame and not compressed by the inner wall surface, and the first frame and the second When comparing the position of the outer wall surface in the state where the frame is joined, the second projecting region and the second retracted region are positioned outside the space relative to the outer wall surface. The manufacturing method according to claim 3. The position of the first opening with respect to the first frame and the position of the first opening with respect to the first frame in at least one of the longitudinal direction of the first frame and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. 5. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the position of the second opening is at least partially overlapped. In the longitudinal direction, the first protruding regions are arranged on both sides of the first retracted region,
6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the second protruding area is arranged on both sides of the second retracted area in the longitudinal direction. The first opposing wall and the first side wall are integrally formed by vacuum forming, and the second opposing wall and the second side wall are integrally formed by vacuum forming. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The first flexible container has a plurality of the first openings , the second flexible container has a plurality of the second openings , and the number of the first openings is 8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, equal to the number of second openings . A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8;
a step of attaching a developer carrier that carries the developer;
attaching an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image;
A method of manufacturing a process cartridge, comprising: a first frame;
a second frame joined to the first frame so as to form a space between itself and the first frame, the second frame having an inner wall surface facing the space; and,
A flexible container containing developer and provided with an opening for discharging the developer into the space, wherein the container is attached to the first frame and compressed by the inner wall surface. a flexible container that is housed in the space by and has an opposing wall that faces the inner wall surface and a contact surface that is configured to contact the first frame;
has
The opposing wall includes a protruding area that protrudes away from the first frame and a retreat area that retreats in a direction closer to the first frame than the protruding area,
A developer accommodating unit according to claim 1, wherein the flexible container is in a compressed state with the protrusion area and the retraction area being pushed by the inner wall surface . The second frame has an outer wall surface located on the back side of the inner wall surface,
11. A developer accommodating unit according to claim 10 , wherein in said retraction area, the distance by which said flexible container is compressed by said inner wall surface is longer than the shortest distance between said outer wall surface and said inner wall surface. . 12. A developer storage according to claim 10, wherein said flexible container has a side wall located between said facing wall and said contact surface, said side wall having said opening. unit. 13. A developer accommodating unit according to claim 12, wherein the opposing wall and the side wall are integrally formed by vacuum forming. 14. A developer accommodating unit according to claim 12, wherein the projecting areas are arranged on both sides of the retracting area in the longitudinal direction of the first frame. a developer accommodating unit according to any one of claims 10 to 14;
a developer carrier that carries the developer;
and an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image.

Images