JPH049869A - Process cartridge - Google Patents
Process cartridgeInfo
- Publication number
- JPH049869A JPH049869A JP2110613A JP11061390A JPH049869A JP H049869 A JPH049869 A JP H049869A JP 2110613 A JP2110613 A JP 2110613A JP 11061390 A JP11061390 A JP 11061390A JP H049869 A JPH049869 A JP H049869A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- process cartridge
- seal
- developing sleeve
- process means
- developer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 57
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 229920006311 Urethane elastomer Polymers 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 19
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920003225 polyurethane elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
- B29C44/02—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C44/12—Incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or reinforcements
- B29C44/18—Filling preformed cavities
- B29C44/188—Sealing off parts of the cavities
Abstract
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】
（産業上の利用分野）
本発明は複写機やレーザビームプリンタの如き画像形成
装置に着脱自在に配設されるプロセスカートリッジに間
する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a process cartridge that is removably installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer.
（従来の技術）
複写機等の画像形成装置においては、画像形成のために
必要な所定のプロセス手段を一体的に包含し、該プロセ
ス手段の寿命等による取り替えの容易化を図ったプロセ
スカートリッジを備えるものは多い。(Prior Art) Image forming apparatuses such as copying machines use process cartridges that integrally contain predetermined process means necessary for image formation and are designed to be easily replaced due to the lifespan of the process means. There are many things to prepare for.
かかるプロセスカートリッジの一例を第５図で説明すれ
ば、このプロセスカートリッジ１は、像担持体である感
光ドラム２と、その周りに配設されるクリーニング器３
、現像器４、−次帯電器５とがら構成されており、かか
る機器かカートリッジ容器ｌａ内に一体的に配設される
ものである。An example of such a process cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. 5. This process cartridge 1 includes a photosensitive drum 2, which is an image bearing member, and a cleaning device 3 disposed around the photosensitive drum 2.
, a developing device 4, and a secondary charger 5, and these devices are integrally disposed within the cartridge container la.
クリーニング器３はプロセス手段であるクリーニングプ
レート３０及び抄いシート３１他に、廃トナーを収容す
る廃トナー容器部３２を有しており、現像器４はプロセ
ス手段である現像スリーブ４０や現像プレート４１の他
にトナー容器部４２を有している。The cleaning device 3 has a cleaning plate 30 and a paper sheet 31 which are process means, as well as a waste toner container section 32 for storing waste toner, and the developing device 4 has a developing sleeve 40 and a developing plate 41 which are process means. In addition, it has a toner container section 42.
このため、クリーニング器３においては感光トラム２の
端部と廃トナー容器部３２との間の隙間から廃トナー（
廃現像剤）か外部に漏れ出さないように、第６図で示さ
れる如く、感光ドラム２の端部優において、クリーニン
グブレード３０、感光トラム２、抄いシート３１間に発
泡ゴム等からなるシール部材１００か配設されていると
共に、現像器４にふいても現像スリーブ４０の端部側と
トナー容器部４２との間の隙間からトナー（現像剤）が
漏れ出さないように、現像スリーブ４０のトナー容器部
４２側外周部にフェルト等からなるシール部材１０１が
配設されている。Therefore, in the cleaning device 3, the waste toner (
In order to prevent the waste developer from leaking out, a seal made of foamed rubber or the like is installed between the cleaning blade 30, the photosensitive tram 2, and the paper sheet 31 at the end of the photosensitive drum 2, as shown in FIG. The member 100 is also provided to prevent toner (developer) from leaking out from the gap between the end side of the developing sleeve 40 and the toner container section 42 even if the developing device 4 is wiped. A sealing member 101 made of felt or the like is provided on the outer periphery of the toner container portion 42 side.
尚、感光トラム２や現像スリーブ４０はシール部材１０
０，１０１と摺擦しつつ回転することとなる。Note that the photosensitive tram 2 and the developing sleeve 40 are connected to the sealing member 10.
It rotates while rubbing at 0,101.
（発明か解決しようとする課題）
しかしながら、前記シール部材１００，１０１は感光ト
ラム２や現像スリーブ４０であるプロセス手段と、廃ト
ナー容器部３２やトナー容器部４２である現像剤容器と
の間に生じる最大隙間を想定して、その厚さＡＩ、Ａ２
等を決定しているため、製作誤差による隙間のばらつき
により、シール部材１００，１０１かプロセス手段に与
える押圧力か変化し、感光トラム２や現像スリーブ４０
の回転トルクか一定てなくなるという不都合かあった。(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the sealing members 100 and 101 are located between the process means, which is the photosensitive tram 2 and the developing sleeve 40, and the developer container, which is the waste toner container section 32 and the toner container section 42. Assuming the maximum gap that will occur, its thickness AI, A2
etc., the pressure applied to the seal members 100, 101 or the process means changes due to variations in the gap due to manufacturing errors, and the pressure applied to the photosensitive tram 2 or the developing sleeve 40 changes.
There was an inconvenience that the rotational torque of the engine was not constant.
また、例えば第５図て示される如く、感光トラム２とシ
ール部材１００との摺擦部Ｂは装置の小型化の要請から
は小さい方か良いか、小さくすればシール性能か低下す
るため、この摺擦部Ｂを小さくできず、装置の小型化等
が図れないといった問題かあった。In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the sliding portion B between the photosensitive tram 2 and the sealing member 100 should be made smaller in view of the demand for miniaturization of the device. There was a problem in that the sliding portion B could not be made smaller and the device could not be made more compact.
更に、シール部材１００，１０１の取付けに手間がかか
り、組立の自動化が図りにくいと共に、シール部材Ｚｏ
ｏ、１０１と感光ドラム２や現像スリーブ４０との間に
組立時に僅かの隙間か発生した場合、この隙間の発見か
困難なため、かかるプロセスカートリッジｌを使用して
初めてトナー漏れか発見されるという不都合もあった。Furthermore, it takes time and effort to attach the seal members 100 and 101, and it is difficult to automate the assembly.
If a slight gap occurs between the 101 and the photosensitive drum 2 or the developing sleeve 40 during assembly, it is difficult to detect the gap, so toner leakage is discovered only after using such a process cartridge l. There were also some inconveniences.
本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたものて、その目的と
する処は、現像剤容器とプロセス手段間とのシールを簡
単、且つ確実になすことができると共に、プロセス手段
に負荷変動か生じず、装置の小型化をも図ることができ
るプロセスカートリッジを提供するにある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to easily and reliably seal between the developer container and the process means, and to prevent load fluctuations from occurring on the process means. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge that can also reduce the size of the device.
（！ｗＪを解決するための手段）
上記目的を達成すべく本発明は、画像形成装置本体に対
して着脱自在に配設され、プロセス手段と現像剤容器と
が一体的に支持される機器を有するプロセスカートリッ
ジにおいて、プロセス手段と現像剤容器とのシール部に
現像剤の漏れを防止するため、容易に固化する液状エラ
ストマーを注入したことを特徴とする。(Means for solving !wJ) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a device that is detachably disposed on the main body of an image forming apparatus and in which a process means and a developer container are integrally supported. The process cartridge is characterized in that a liquid elastomer that solidifies easily is injected into the sealing portion between the process means and the developer container to prevent leakage of the developer.
（作用）
プロセスカートリッジ内てはプロセス手段（像担持体の
他、例えば現像器の現像スリーブ、クリーニング器のク
リーニングプレート）と現像剤容器（例えばクリーニン
グ器の廃トナー容器部や現像器のトナー容器部）とが密
接又は一体不可分に接合しているため、プロセス手段と
現像剤容器との隙間から現像剤か外部に漏れるのを防止
する必要かある。(Function) Inside the process cartridge, the process means (in addition to the image carrier, for example, the developing sleeve of the developing device, the cleaning plate of the cleaning device) and the developer container (for example, the waste toner container part of the cleaning device, the toner container part of the developing device) ) are closely or inseparably joined to each other, it is necessary to prevent the developer from leaking to the outside through the gap between the process means and the developer container.
この場合、プロセス手段と現像剤容器との隙間に定形の
シール部材を使用せず、容易に固化する液状エラストマ
ー（弾性のある高分子物質）を注入して現像剤のシール
をしているため、製作誤差等に基づく前記隙間の大小に
かかわらず、容易且つ確実にプロセスカートリッジの現
像剤に対するシールを行なうことがてきる。In this case, instead of using a regular sealing member in the gap between the process means and the developer container, an easily solidified liquid elastomer (elastic polymeric substance) is injected to seal the developer. Regardless of the size of the gap due to manufacturing errors or the like, it is possible to easily and reliably seal the process cartridge against the developer.
（実施例） 以下に本発明の実施例を添付図面に基づいて説明する。(Example) Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.
第１図はプロセスカートリッジｌの一端部側の断面を示
すものて、該プロセスカートリウシｌは、プロセス手段
である感光ドラム（像担持体）２と、その周りに配設さ
れるクリーニング器３゜現像器４、−成帯電器５とがカ
ートリッジ容器ｌａ内に配設され、これ等か画像形成装
置の装置本体に対して一体的に支持された状態で着脱さ
れるものであり、感光ドラム２や現像器４か寿命に達し
たり、現像器４内のトナー（現像剤）を使い尽くしたり
した場合等に、このプロセスカートリッジ１全体を交換
することによりメンテナンスの容易化を図るものである
。FIG. 1 shows a cross section of one end of a process cartridge L, which includes a photosensitive drum (image carrier) 2, which is a process means, and a cleaning device 3 disposed around it. A developing device 4 and a charging device 5 are disposed in a cartridge container la, and are attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus while being integrally supported. Maintenance is facilitated by replacing the entire process cartridge 1 when the developing device 4 reaches the end of its life, or when the toner (developer) in the developing device 4 is used up.
クリーニング器３は感光ドラム２から廃トナー（廃現像
剤）を除去するクリーニングブレード３０や除去された
廃トナーが外部に漏れ出すのを防止する抄いシート３１
等からなるプロセス手段と、廃トナーを内部に貯える廃
トナー容器部３２等とがら構成されている。また、現像
器４は一定方向に回転し、その外周部に保持するトナー
（現像剤）を感光ドラム２の方に供給する現像スリーブ
４０や該現像スリーブ４０上のトナーの層厚を規制する
現像ブレード４１等からなるプロセス手段と、トナーを
内部に貯え、これを現像スリーブ４０の方へ供給するト
ナー容器部４２等とがら構成されている。The cleaning device 3 includes a cleaning blade 30 that removes waste toner (waste developer) from the photosensitive drum 2 and a cleaning sheet 31 that prevents the removed waste toner from leaking outside.
The waste toner container section 32 stores waste toner therein. Further, the developing device 4 rotates in a fixed direction, and includes a developing sleeve 40 that supplies toner (developer) held on its outer periphery toward the photosensitive drum 2, and a developing device that regulates the layer thickness of the toner on the developing sleeve 40. It is comprised of a process means including a blade 41 and the like, and a toner container section 42 that stores toner therein and supplies it to the developing sleeve 40.
即ち、−成帯電器５により一様帯電された感光トラム２
に画像光しか露光されると、この感光トラム２上には静
電潜像か形成される。該静電潜像は感光トラム２の回転
とともに現像器４の方に向けられ、該現像器４の現像ス
リーブ４０によりトナーか供給されてトナー像として顕
像化される。That is, the photosensitive tram 2 is uniformly charged by the negative charger 5.
When only image light is exposed, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive tram 2. The electrostatic latent image is directed toward the developing device 4 as the photosensitive tram 2 rotates, and toner is supplied by the developing sleeve 40 of the developing device 4, and the image is visualized as a toner image.
該トナー像は不図示の転写帯電器等を介して転写紙上に
転写され、転写の終了した感光トラム２はその残留トナ
ーか感光ドラム２に摺擦するクリーニングブレード３０
により除去されて、つぎの画像形成のために備えられる
。尚、クリーニングブレード３０により除去された廃ト
ナーは同じく感光ドラム２に摺擦する抄いシート３１を
介してクリーニング器３の廃トナー容器部３２内に集積
される。The toner image is transferred onto a transfer paper via a transfer charger (not shown) or the like, and after the transfer, the photosensitive drum 2 is moved to a cleaning blade 30 that rubs the remaining toner on the photosensitive drum 2.
The image is removed and prepared for the next image formation. Incidentally, the waste toner removed by the cleaning blade 30 is accumulated in the waste toner container section 32 of the cleaning device 3 via a paper sheet 31 that also rubs against the photosensitive drum 2.
さて、現像器４の現像スリーブ４０の軸方向両端部側は
トナー容器部４２の側１１１４２ａを貫通し、現像スリ
ーブ４ｏはこのトナー容器部４２に枢支されるタイプと
なつているか、現像スリーブ４０とトナー容器部４２の
側壁４２ａ周りには僅かの隙間に１かあるため、該隙間
Ｋｌからトナーか外部に漏れ出さないようにする必要が
ある。Now, both ends in the axial direction of the developing sleeve 40 of the developing device 4 pass through the side 11142a of the toner container section 42, and the developing sleeve 4o is of a type that is pivotally supported by the toner container section 42, or the developing sleeve 40 Since there is one in a small gap around the side wall 42a of the toner container portion 42, it is necessary to prevent the toner from leaking out from the gap Kl.
そこて、本発明ては現像スリーブ４０周り及び該現像ス
リープ４０上方のトナー容器部４２の側壁４Ｚａを断面
か（コ）の字形をした二重壁４３とし、該二重壁４３と
現像スリーブ４０．現像プレート４１．トナー容器部４
２の上壁４２ｂ及び底壁４２ｃ（第１図参照）とて現像
スリーブ４０周りにシール空間４４を形成するようにし
た。Therefore, in the present invention, the side wall 4Za of the toner container section 42 around the developing sleeve 40 and above the developing sleeve 40 is formed into a double wall 43 having a U-shaped cross section, and the double wall 43 and the developing sleeve 40 ．． Developing plate 41. Toner container section 4
A sealing space 44 is formed around the developing sleeve 40 by the upper wall 42b and the bottom wall 42c (see FIG. 1).
尚、このシール空間４４は現像スリーブ４ｏの両端部側
に設けられているか、説明の都合上一方備のみについて
説明する。Note that this seal space 44 is provided at both ends of the developing sleeve 4o, and for convenience of explanation, only one provision will be described.
そして、第１図で示される如く、トナー容器部４２の土
壁４２ｂに設けられた開口部４５からこのシール空間４
４に二液性の液状ウレタンゴムからなるシール部材Ｐを
注入する。該シール部材Ｐは発泡性材料であるため、注
入後３〜ｌＯ分でシール空間４４内で発泡しつつ弾性を
有する固体（エラストマー）となってシール空間４４を
埋めつくし、シール機能を有するようになる。このシー
ル部材Ｐは発泡後３〜ｌＯ分て表面層のベタ付きかなく
なるため、これか現像スリー７４０周りに配設されても
現像スリーブ４０の回転には何等支障は生じない。As shown in FIG. 1, this sealed space 4
4, a sealing member P made of two-component liquid urethane rubber is injected. Since the sealing member P is a foamable material, it foams in the sealing space 44 for 3 to 10 minutes after injection, becomes an elastic solid (elastomer), and completely fills the sealing space 44, so that it has a sealing function. Become. Since the surface layer of this sealing member P is no longer sticky after 3 to 10 minutes after foaming, even if it is disposed around the developing sleeve 740, no problem will arise in the rotation of the developing sleeve 40.
而して、現像スリーブ４０のトナー容器ｍ４２との枢支
部及びこの上方にシール空間４４を形成し、該シール空
間４４内に発泡性の液状シール部材Ｐを注入して現像ス
リーブ４０とトナー容器部４２との間をシールしている
ため、トナーのシールか確実、且つ容易になされる。ま
た、一定形状のシール部材を使用するものてはないため
。A sealing space 44 is formed above and at the pivot point between the developing sleeve 40 and the toner container m42, and a foaming liquid sealing member P is injected into the sealing space 44 to seal the developing sleeve 40 and the toner container. 42, the toner can be sealed reliably and easily. Also, there are no seals that use a fixed shape.
現像器４１に製作誤差かあっても、該誤差の大／Ｊ％に
応じて適正なシールができ、製作誤差に起因するシール
部材の押圧力の差によって現像スリーブ４０の回転トル
クが変化するといった不都合はない。Even if there is a manufacturing error in the developing device 41, a proper seal can be formed according to the magnitude of the error/J%, and the rotational torque of the developing sleeve 40 will change depending on the difference in the pressing force of the sealing member due to the manufacturing error. There is no inconvenience.
更に、現像スリーブ４０周りのシール形状かどのような
ものてあっても、シールが容易であるため、現像器４の
形状か自由に選択でき、ひいては現像器４の小型化の達
成も容易となる。Furthermore, since the seal is easy to seal regardless of the shape of the seal around the developing sleeve 40, the shape of the developing device 4 can be freely selected, which in turn makes it easy to downsize the developing device 4. .
ここで、シール部材Ｐによるシール効果を増加させるた
め、第３図で示される如く、シール部周りがやや／Ｊ％
径となった円ｔｌｉ治具５０を現像スリーブ４０の代わ
りに取付け、この状態で形成されるシール空間４４にシ
ール部材Ｐを注入し、これを固形化させ、その後、この
円筒治具５０を現像スリーブ４０と交換するようにして
もよい、かくしてシール部材Ｐの現像スリーブ４０周り
は該現像スリーブ４０により押しつぶされ、このシール
部材Ｐによる現像スリーブ４０への押圧力が増加してシ
ール部材Ｐによるシール効果か増加することとなる。Here, in order to increase the sealing effect by the sealing member P, the area around the sealing part is slightly /J% as shown in FIG.
A circular tli jig 50 with a larger diameter is attached in place of the developing sleeve 40, and the seal member P is injected into the seal space 44 formed in this state and solidified, and then this cylindrical jig 50 is used for development. In this way, the area around the developing sleeve 40 of the sealing member P is crushed by the developing sleeve 40, and the pressing force against the developing sleeve 40 by this sealing member P increases, and the sealing by the sealing member P is performed. The effect will increase.
尚、第４図で示される如く、シール部材Ｐ側の現像スリ
ーブ４０周りを覆う如く、テフロンフィルムやポリエチ
レンフィルム等の摺動性フィルム５１をトナー容器部４
２側に固定し、その後このシール空間４４にシール部材
Ｐを注入するようにすれば１現像スリーブ４０とシール
部材Ｐとが直接摺動することがないため、現像スリーブ
４０の摺動抵抗を減少させることができる。As shown in FIG. 4, a sliding film 51 such as a Teflon film or a polyethylene film is attached to the toner container portion 4 so as to cover the developing sleeve 40 on the side of the sealing member P.
If the first developing sleeve 40 and the sealing member P are fixed to the second side and then the sealing member P is injected into the sealing space 44, the first developing sleeve 40 and the sealing member P will not directly slide, thereby reducing the sliding resistance of the developing sleeve 40. can be done.
また、クリーニング器３は感光トラム２に当接し、該当
接部の上、下部はクリーニングプレート３０及び抄いシ
ート３１によってトナーに対して十分にシールされてい
るが、第２図で示される如く、感光ドラム２の軸方向両
端部とクリーニング器３の廃トナー容器部３２の側壁３
２ａとの間には僅かの隙間に２があり、該隙間に２から
廃トナーか外部に漏れ出さないようにする必要がある。Further, the cleaning device 3 is in contact with the photosensitive tram 2, and the upper and lower parts of the contact portion are sufficiently sealed against toner by the cleaning plate 30 and the paper sheet 31, but as shown in FIG. Both axial ends of the photosensitive drum 2 and the side wall 3 of the waste toner container section 32 of the cleaning device 3
There is a small gap between the toner and the toner 2a, and it is necessary to prevent waste toner from leaking out from the gap.
そこで、クリーニング器３の場合に３いても、現像器４
の場合と同様に、クリーニング器３の側壁３２ ａの感
光トラム２側を断面か（コ）の字形をした二重壁３３と
し、該二重壁３３、抄いシート３１、感光トラム２．現
像ブレード３０、廃トナー容器部３２の上壁３２ｂ及び
底壁３２ｃとで感光トラム２の両端部局りにシール空間
３４を形成し、該シール空間３４内に現像器４の場合と
同様なシール部材Ｐを注入して、クリーニング器３の感
光ドラム２周りを廃トナーからシールするようにした。Therefore, even if cleaning device 3 is used, developing device 4
As in the case of , the side wall 32a of the cleaning device 3 on the photosensitive tram 2 side is a double wall 33 having a U-shaped cross section, and the double wall 33, the paper sheet 31, and the photosensitive tram 2. A sealing space 34 is formed at both ends of the photosensitive tram 2 by the developing blade 30, the top wall 32b and the bottom wall 32c of the waste toner container section 32, and a sealing member similar to that of the developing unit 4 is installed in the sealing space 34. P was injected to seal the area around the photosensitive drum 2 of the cleaning device 3 from waste toner.
尚１以上の説明ではシール部材Ｐとして発泡ポリウレタ
ンゴムを使用したか、これに限ることはなく、シリコン
ゴム等の軟質ゴムや軟質プラスチック等といったエラス
トマー（弾性のある高分子物質）を使用しても同様な効
果を得ることができる。In the above explanation, foamed polyurethane rubber is used as the sealing member P, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use an elastomer (elastic polymeric substance) such as a soft rubber such as silicone rubber or a soft plastic. A similar effect can be obtained.
以上の如く、プロセスカートリッジ１内の現像器４やク
リーニング器３のトナーシールをシール部材Ｐとして発
泡ポリウレタンゴム等のいわゆるエラストマーを使用し
てなすようにしたため、プロセスカートリッジｌに対す
るトナーシールを容易、且つ確実になすことができ、プ
ロセスカートリッジの小型化を図ることがてきると共に
、感光トラム２や現像スリーブ４０といった回転機器の
回転トルクを一定に保つことができる。As described above, since the toner seal of the developing device 4 and cleaning device 3 in the process cartridge 1 is made by using a so-called elastomer such as foamed polyurethane rubber as the sealing member P, it is easy to seal the toner to the process cartridge L. This can be done reliably, the process cartridge can be downsized, and the rotational torque of rotating devices such as the photosensitive tram 2 and the developing sleeve 40 can be kept constant.
尚、補給用回転体を有し、現像器にトナーを補給するト
ナーホッパーのシール材として上記シール部材Ｐを使用
しても同様の効果を得ることができる。Incidentally, the same effect can be obtained even if the sealing member P is used as a sealing material for a toner hopper that has a replenishing rotating body and replenishes toner to a developing device.
また１以上の説明てはプロセスカートリッジｌを感光ト
ラム２、現像スリーブ４０．現像プレート４１．クリー
ニングプレート３０等といったプロセス手段と、トナー
容器部４２、廃トナー容器部３２といった現像剤容器等
とがら構成したか、これに限る必要はなく、１つのプロ
セス手段と１つの現像剤容器とを有するプロセスカート
リッジエであれば、上記と同様な効果を得ることができ
るのは勿論である。In addition, in the explanation of one or more, the process cartridge 1 is the photosensitive tram 2, the developing sleeve 40. Developing plate 41. A process that includes a process means such as a cleaning plate 30 and a developer container such as a toner container section 42 and a waste toner container section 32, but is not limited to this, and has one process means and one developer container. Of course, if the cartridge is used, the same effect as above can be obtained.
（発明の効果）
以上の説明て明らかな如く本発明によれば、プロセスカ
ートリッジ内のプロセス手段と現像剤容器との間の隙間
のシールに容易に固化する液状エラストマーを使用して
行なっているため、シールか容易、且つ確実になされる
。(Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a liquid elastomer that solidifies easily is used to seal the gap between the process means and the developer container in the process cartridge. , sealing is done easily and reliably.
また、一定形状のシール部材を使用した場合に比べ、回
転機能を有するプロセス手段のトルクを変化させること
なく、且つどのような部分に対してもシールが容易であ
るため、プロセスカートリッジの形状を自由に変化させ
ることができ。In addition, compared to the case where a sealing member with a fixed shape is used, the torque of the process means with a rotating function does not change and it is easy to seal any part, so the shape of the process cartridge can be changed freely. can be changed to
プロセスカートリッジの小型化等も図ることができる。It is also possible to reduce the size of the process cartridge.
更に１作業か容易であるため、作業工数か減少てき、プ
ロセスカートリッジのコストダウンを図ることも可能で
ある。Furthermore, since only one operation is required, the number of man-hours is reduced, and it is also possible to reduce the cost of the process cartridge.
第１図はプロセスカートリッジの断面図、第２図はプロ
セスカートリッジの感光ドラムの端部側を示す斜視図、
第３図は現像器の現像スリーブの代わりに円筒治具を用
いてシール部材を注入した状態を示す図、第４図は現像
器の現像スリーブ周りに摺動性フィルムを配設した後、
シール部材を注入した状態を示す図、第５図及び第６図
は従来技術を説明するための図である。
ｌ・・・プロセスカートリッジ、２・・・感光ドラム（
像担持体）、３２−・・廃トナー容器部（現像剤容器）
、４２−・・トナー容器部（現像剤容器）、Ｐ・・・シ
ール部材（エラストマー）。FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the process cartridge, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the end side of the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge,
Fig. 3 shows a state in which a sealing member is injected using a cylindrical jig instead of the developing sleeve of the developing device, and Fig. 4 shows a state in which a sliding film is placed around the developing sleeve of the developing device.
A diagram showing a state in which the sealing member is injected, FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the prior art. l...Process cartridge, 2...Photosensitive drum (
image carrier), 32-...waste toner container section (developer container)
, 42-... Toner container portion (developer container), P... Seal member (elastomer).
Claims (4)
プロセス手段と現像剤容器とが一体的に支持される機器
を有するプロセスカートリッジにおいて、プロセス手段
と現像剤容器とのシール部に現像剤の漏れを防止するた
め、容易に固化する液状エラストマーを注入したことを
特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。(1) Disposed to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus;
In a process cartridge having a device in which a process means and a developer container are integrally supported, a liquid elastomer that solidifies easily is injected into a sealing portion between the process means and the developer container to prevent leakage of the developer. A process cartridge characterized by:
される機器が現像器又は／及びクリーニング器であるこ
とを特徴とする請求項１記載のプロセスカートリッジ。(2) The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the device in which the process means and the developer container are integrally supported is a developing device and/or a cleaning device.
プラスチックであることを特徴とする請求項１又は２記
載のプロセスカートリッジ。(3) The process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastomer is foamed rubber, soft rubber, or soft plastic.
を有するシート状部材を設けたことを特徴とする請求項
１、２又は３記載のプロセスカートリッジ。(4) The process cartridge according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a sliding sheet-like member provided between the elastomer and the process means.
Priority Applications (8)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2110613A JP2678077B2 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1990-04-27 | Process cartridge |
| DE69127392T DE69127392T2 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1991-04-18 | Work unit removable from an imaging device |
| EP91106230A EP0453963B1 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1991-04-18 | Process cartridge detachably mountable to image forming apparatus |
| US07/689,517 US5208634A (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1991-04-23 | Process cartridge detachably mountable to image forming apparatus featuring an injectable sealing member |
| KR1019910006572A KR940002846B1 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1991-04-24 | Process cartridge detachably mountable to image forming apparatus |
| FR9105194A FR2661524B1 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1991-04-26 | PROCESSING CARTRIDGE THAT CAN BE REMOVALLY MOUNTED ON AN IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS. |
| US08/356,779 US5623328A (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1994-12-12 | Process cartridge and image forming system on which process cartridge is mountable |
| US08/412,100 US5828928A (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1995-03-28 | Process cartridge mountable in an image forming system and a method for assembling a cleaning device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2110613A JP2678077B2 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1990-04-27 | Process cartridge |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH049869A true JPH049869A (en) | 1992-01-14 |
| JP2678077B2 JP2678077B2 (en) | 1997-11-17 |
Family
ID=14540262
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2110613A Expired - Lifetime JP2678077B2 (en) | 1990-04-27 | 1990-04-27 | Process cartridge |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2678077B2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5623328A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1997-04-22 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Process cartridge and image forming system on which process cartridge is mountable |
| US5828928A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1998-10-27 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Process cartridge mountable in an image forming system and a method for assembling a cleaning device |
| JP2002207409A (en) * | 2001-01-11 | 2002-07-26 | Canon Inc | Process cartridge |
| US6654575B2 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2003-11-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer container having sealing member |
| CN101633226A (en) * | 2008-07-23 | 2010-01-27 | 三星电子株式会社 | Monolithic sealing member for image forming apparatus and method of manufacturing the same |
| US8244156B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2012-08-14 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Method for producing cleaning device and cleaning device |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS616863U (en) * | 1984-06-20 | 1986-01-16 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming device |
-
1990
- 1990-04-27 JP JP2110613A patent/JP2678077B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS616863U (en) * | 1984-06-20 | 1986-01-16 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming device |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5623328A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1997-04-22 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Process cartridge and image forming system on which process cartridge is mountable |
| US5828928A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1998-10-27 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Process cartridge mountable in an image forming system and a method for assembling a cleaning device |
| US6654575B2 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2003-11-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer container having sealing member |
| JP2002207409A (en) * | 2001-01-11 | 2002-07-26 | Canon Inc | Process cartridge |
| JP4636698B2 (en) * | 2001-01-11 | 2011-02-23 | キヤノン株式会社 | Storage container and image forming apparatus |
| US8244156B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2012-08-14 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Method for producing cleaning device and cleaning device |
| CN101633226A (en) * | 2008-07-23 | 2010-01-27 | 三星电子株式会社 | Monolithic sealing member for image forming apparatus and method of manufacturing the same |
| EP2156936A1 (en) * | 2008-07-23 | 2010-02-24 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Monolithic Sealing Member for Image Forming Apparatus and Method of Manufacturing the Same |
| US8254804B2 (en) | 2008-07-23 | 2012-08-28 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Monolithic sealing member for image forming apparatus and method of manufacturing the same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2678077B2 (en) | 1997-11-17 |
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