JPH0756417A - Rotary developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a rotary developing device excellent in the operability of the exchange of a unit, safety at the time of handing the unit, the handling property of an exchanged unit, etc. CONSTITUTION:A side plate member 55 having a bowl-like recessed part is provided on the end part in the longitudinal direction of a developing unit and the drive transmitting members of a developing roller gear 50, a coupling gear 51, a second toner carrying screw gear 54, etc., are arranged in the recessed part. Thus, the drive transmitting members can be protected without providing a member such as a cover and a case for protecting these transmitting members or covering the appearance, so that the developing device excellent in the handling property, etc., can be obtained. Moreover, a driving part cover 56 is provided on the opening of the side member 55, to prevent an operator from touching the drive transmitting members, at the time of exchanging the developing device and improve the safety.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rotary developing device applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, etc., and more specifically, a plurality of developing devices containing a powder developer around a rotary shaft. The present invention relates to a rotary developing device for developing by rotating an arbitrary developing device around the rotation axis to a developing position facing the latent image carrier, and performing development.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a latent image carrier is exposed with a color-separated light image, each formed latent image is developed with a toner of a complementary color of the color-separated light, and a plurality of obtained toner images are formed on the same transfer paper. Full-color image forming device such as a full-color copying machine that superimposes and transfers the images on the latent image carrier, and the images to be reproduced in different colors are separately exposed on the latent image carrier, and each formed latent image is developed in a different color. 2. Description of the Related Art A multicolor image forming apparatus or the like is known in which a plurality of toner images obtained by developing with a developing agent are superposed and transferred onto the same transfer paper. These image forming apparatuses require a plurality of developing devices for developing a plurality of colors. However, if each developing device is separately configured and installed in parallel around the latent image carrier, the size of the device increases. There was a drawback that it would end up.

Therefore, conventionally, a rotary member is provided so as to be close to the latent image bearing member, and a plurality of developing devices are supported at predetermined positions by the rotary member so that each developing device is supported by the latent image bearing member. A rotary developing device has been developed in which a latent image on a latent image carrier is developed with toner of each color by sequentially rotating and conveying the toner images to opposing developing positions. For example, the actual Kaisho 51-1
No. 08639 and Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 52-110442 disclose a method of driving a rotary developing device having the above-mentioned configuration.

In this type of rotary developing device, toner leaks or scatters from a developing port provided in the developing device at a position other than the above-mentioned developing position, which is provided at a position facing the latent image carrier at the developing position, and is particularly optical. There are problems such as contamination of the system and color mixing due to leaked toner mixed into other developing devices. Therefore, conventionally, in order to solve these problems, by providing an outer casing member having an opening around the rotary developing device or other shielding member, to prevent toner leakage or scattering from each developing device. There is known a rotary developing device that prevents contamination and color mixture in the image forming apparatus (for example,
(See JP-A-58-172660).

[0005]

By the way, in recent years, due to the widespread use of copying machines and the like, general users tend to replace units. However, the conventional rotary developing device having the above-mentioned outer casing member and the like. In, the operability of unit replacement,
There was a problem with the safety of handling the unit and the handling of the replacement unit. That is, for example, JP-A-58-58
In a conventional rotary developing device having an outer casing member for preventing the leakage and scattering of toner from each developing device, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 172660, the rotary developing device is limited to the outer casing member. In the state where the developing device is taken out of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the positioning and holding of the developing device with respect to the outer casing member are released, the center of gravity of the developing device is at the lowest position. It rotates with respect to the outer casing member and so on, swings like a pendulum, and then attenuates. In particular, in each developing device during use or after use, there is a difference in the amount of toner used, so that the above-mentioned movement is remarkably exhibited. If the above-mentioned movement occurs when the developing device is taken out of the image forming apparatus main body due to user or service person replacing the unit, etc., the center of gravity of the entire developing device including the outer casing member moves and the balance is lost. As a result, a problem may occur in which the developing device is dropped and brought into contact with a nearby device, a tool or the like. Further, this is also the case when the developing device is transferred, which may cause a collapse of the packing unit at the time of factory shipment, for example. And
If the developing device is dropped, brought into contact with other devices, instruments, etc., or the load of the packing unit is collapsed, the gears etc. built into the developing device outside the outer housing member are driven. There is a problem that the member may be damaged.

In the rotary type developing device as described above, it is necessary to control the rotation of the developing device at a predetermined developing position and hold it at the time of image formation. Normally, the reference position (home position) is set before the image forming operation. ) Has been moved to and stopped. However, when the developing device is taken out from the main body of the image forming apparatus, if the developing device moves as described above with respect to the outer casing member or the like, the position with respect to the rotation center of the developing device becomes arbitrary, and when the developing device is mounted next time. Rotation of the developing device to the reference position (home position) causes a time and economic loss, and a longer moving time and distance to the reference position increase the probability of false detection of the reference position. .

[0007] Further, for example, JP-A-58-172660.
In the rotary type developing device having the above-mentioned conventional outer casing member and the like as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-242242, at least a part of the driving members such as gears incorporated in the developing device is outside the outer casing member. There is a problem that an operator may be injured by the driving member at the time of replacement.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 172660/1983.
In the rotary developing device having the above-mentioned conventional outer casing member and the like as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-242242, since the plurality of developing devices are entirely covered by the outer casing member, the developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. There is a problem that it is difficult to perform positioning and mounting with high accuracy.

[0009] Further, for example, JP-A-58-172660.
In the rotary type developing device having the above-mentioned conventional outer casing member and the like as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. JP-A-2003-264, in order to apply a predetermined bias voltage to each developing device, the shaft of the developer carrying member or the like of each developing device is A structure may be adopted in which the electrode is extended to the outside of the outer casing member and an electrode is connected to this shaft. However, in such a configuration, since the connecting portion between the shaft and the electrode is outside the outer casing member, the electrode is deformed by an external force, or foreign matter is mixed into the connecting portion, which causes poor contact. There was a problem that there was something to do.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in particular, the object of the inventions of claims 1 to 4 is to improve the operability of unit replacement, the safety of unit handling, and the replacement unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary developing device which is excellent in handleability and the like.

Further, it is an object of the inventions of claims 5 to 7 to provide a rotary developing device which can be positioned and mounted with high accuracy on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

A further object of the invention of claim 8 is to provide a rotary developing device capable of preventing contact failure with a power source for applying a predetermined voltage.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 comprises a plurality of developing devices containing a powder developer around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is provided. In a rotary developing device for developing by rotating a container around the rotation shaft to a developing position facing the latent image carrier, a disk-shaped side plate portion and an end edge of the side plate portion are provided outside in the longitudinal direction. A developing device side plate composed of a cylindrical portion formed to extend toward each side is provided at longitudinal end portions of the plurality of developing devices, and each of the plurality of developing devices is attached to the outer side in the longitudinal direction. It is characterized in that the parts are configured to be housed inside the cylindrical portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of developing devices accommodating the powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is opposed to the latent image carrier about the rotating shaft. In a rotary developing device that rotates to a developing position to perform development, a side cylinder having a disk-shaped cross section and a cylindrical cylinder formed so as to extend outward in the longitudinal direction from an edge of the side cylinder. And a cover member is provided in the opening so as to cover the opening of the cylindrical portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the rotary developing device according to the first aspect, the auxiliary component is a drive transmission system member for each of the plurality of developing devices.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the rotary developing device according to the third aspect, an image forming apparatus main body for transmitting a driving force to the drive transmission system member in the cylindrical portion forming the developing device side plate is provided. It is characterized in that a cover member having an opening at a position facing the provided driving force input member is arranged in the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to cover the opening of the cylindrical portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of developing devices each containing a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is opposed to the latent image carrier about the rotating shaft. In a rotary developing device that rotates to a developing position to perform development, a cylindrical side plate portion and a cylindrical portion formed to extend from the end edge of the side plate portion toward the outside in the longitudinal direction. A developing device side plate made up of is provided at the longitudinal ends of the plurality of developing devices, and a cover member is disposed in engagement with the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to improve rigidity at least in the vicinity of the opening. It is characterized by that.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of developing devices containing a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is opposed to the latent image carrier about the rotating shaft. In a rotary developing device that rotates to a developing position to perform development, a side plate portion having a disc-shaped cross section and a cylindrical cross section formed so as to extend outward from the end edge of the side plate portion toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction. A developing device side plate composed of a cylindrical portion is provided at an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of developing devices, and a cover member is arranged by engaging with the opening portion of the cylindrical portion so as to regulate at least the cylindrical degree of the opening portion. It is characterized by being installed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of developing devices containing a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is opposed to the latent image carrier about the rotating shaft. In a rotary developing device that rotates to a developing position to perform development, a side plate portion having a disc-shaped cross section and a cylindrical cross section formed so as to extend outward from the end edge of the side plate portion toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction. A developing device side plate having a cylindrical portion and integrally formed with the rotating shaft extending toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction is provided at longitudinal end portions of the plurality of developing devices, and the rotating member inserted therein. A cover member having a rotation shaft supporting hole for supporting the shaft is arranged in the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to cover the opening.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of developing devices each containing a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is opposed to the latent image carrier about the rotating shaft. In a rotary developing device that rotates to a developing position to perform development, a disk-shaped side plate portion and an edge of the side plate portion extend outward in the longitudinal direction from the longitudinal end portions of the plurality of developing devices. A developing device side plate composed of a cylindrical portion formed so as to be present is provided, and a connecting portion of an electrode member for applying a predetermined bias voltage to each of the plurality of developing devices is connected to each of the plurality of developing devices. Is housed inside the cylindrical portion, and the contact portion of the electrode member with the voltage supply portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body side is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. To do.

[0021]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of developing devices is provided with the developing device side plate, and the auxiliary components such as an electrode plate, a bearing, a set screw, and a retaining ring, which are on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device, constitute the developing device side plate. Since the accessory part is housed inside the part and the accessory part is protected by the cylindrical part, it is possible to prevent the accessory part from coming into contact with the outside when the developing device is handled.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cover member is arranged in the opening of the cylindrical portion forming the side plate of the developing device so as to cover the opening. It is possible to cut off from the outside.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the drive transmission system members of the plurality of developing devices are housed inside the cylindrical portion forming the side plate of the developing device. It is possible to protect and prevent the drive transmission system member from coming into contact with the outside when handling the developing device.

According to the invention of claim 4, a portion facing the driving force input member provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus for transmitting the driving force to the driving transmission system member in the cylindrical portion forming the side plate of the developing device. A cover member having an opening at
The driving force input member transmits the driving force to the drive transmission system member in the cylindrical portion through the opening of the cover member because the driving force input member is arranged so as to cover the opening of the cylindrical portion. it can. Further, of the opening of the cylindrical portion, a portion other than the portion facing the driving force input member can be shielded from the outside by the cover member.

In the invention of claim 5, the cover member is disposed so as to be engaged with the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to improve the rigidity in the vicinity of the opening of the cylindrical portion which constitutes the side plate of the developing device. Even when the developing device side plate is made thin and lightweight, it is possible to prevent deformation of the vicinity of the opening of the cylindrical portion, and maintain the accuracy of the parts of the developing device side plate.

In the invention of claim 6, the cover member is arranged so as to engage with the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to regulate the degree of cylindricity of the opening of the cylindrical portion which constitutes the developing device side plate. Even when the developing device side plate is made thin and lightweight, the component accuracy (cylindrical degree) of the developing device side plate can be maintained.

In the invention of claim 7, the rotary shaft integrally formed with the side plate of the developing device is inserted, and the cover member provided with the rotary shaft supporting hole for supporting the inserted rotary shaft is opened. Since it is arranged in the opening of the cylindrical portion of the developing device side plate so as to cover the portion, for example, the length between the end of the rotating shaft connected to the developing device side plate and the free end is long, Even if the rotational accuracy of the rotary shaft and the side plate of the developing device deteriorates due to bending of the rotary shaft, the free end side of the rotary shaft is supported by the rotary shaft insertion hole of the cover member. Therefore, the positional accuracy between the rotary shaft and the side plate of the developing device can be favorably maintained.

In the invention of claim 8, the connection portion of the electrode member for applying a predetermined bias voltage to each of the plurality of developing devices is connected to the inside of the cylindrical portion of the side plate of the developing device. Therefore, an external force is applied to a connecting portion of the electrode member, for example, a developer carrying member or a developer supplying member, or foreign matter is mixed and attached to a contact point between the connecting portion of the electrode member and the developing device. Things can be suppressed.
Further, since the contact portion of the electrode member with the voltage supply portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body side is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the contact portion is not affected even when an external force is applied to the contact portion. The deformation of can be suppressed.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a rotary developing device adopted in a full color printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) which is an image forming apparatus will be described below. Figure 1
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer that employs the rotary developing device according to the present embodiment. In the printer of FIG. 1, a belt-shaped photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive member belt) 1 as a latent image carrier is uniformly charged by a charging roller 2 and then scanned by a laser optical device 3 based on image information. Upon exposure, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. Here, the image information to be exposed is image information of a single color obtained by separating a desired full-color image into color information of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.
The formed electrostatic latent image is developed with a yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner as predetermined developers by a rotary developing device 4 to be described later, thereby forming images of various colors on the photosensitive belt 1. It (Hereafter, margin)

Photoreceptor belt 1 rotating in the direction of arrow A in the figure
The respective color images formed on the upper surface of the intermediate transfer belt 5 which rotates in the direction of arrow B in the figure in synchronization with the photoconductor belt 1 are sequentially transferred in layers of yellow, magenta, cyan and black. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images superposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are transferred onto the transfer paper 11 which is conveyed from the paper feed table 8 through the paper feed roller 9 and the registration roller 10 to the transfer section. 6 is collectively transferred. After the transfer is completed, the transfer paper 11 is fixed by the fixing device 7 to complete a full-color image. The toner on the photoconductor belt 1 that has not been transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 is removed from the photoconductor belt 1 by the photoconductor cleaner 12. Further, the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 5 that has not been transferred onto the transfer paper 11 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 13
Are removed from the intermediate transfer belt 5.

Next, the rotary developing device 4 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of the rotary developing device 4 according to this embodiment. Note that FIG. 2 shows a state in which one developing unit, for example, a yellow developing unit described later is in the developing position. As shown in FIG. 2, a rotary type (also referred to as a revolver type or a rotary type) developing device (hereinafter, referred to as a developing device) near the photoconductor belt 1 described above.
4 are arranged. In this developing device 4, a casing 20 as a rotating body is rotatably provided around a rotation center axis O (see FIG. 8A) not shown in the figure, and the casing 20 is not shown in the drawing. It is rotated in the direction of arrow C by the mechanism. Further, the casing 20 is integrally formed so as to divide the developing device 4 into four parts, whereby the yellow developing unit 22Y and the magenta developing unit 2 are formed.
Each color developing unit of 2M, cyan developing unit 22C, and black developing unit 22K is formed.

The developing units 22Y, 22M of the present embodiment,
22C and 22K are developing units using a non-magnetic one-component developer, and respectively store yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners. In addition, each developing unit 22Y, 2
2M, 22C and 22K are provided with cylindrical developing rollers 23Y, 23M, 23C and 23K as a developer carrying member, respectively. These developing rollers 23Y, 23M,
23C and 23K are arranged so that a part thereof is exposed to the outside from the opening 22a provided in the casing 20.

The developing device 4 having the above-described structure synchronizes with the color information and each developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K.
The rotation center axis O so as to selectively dispose at the developing position.
Rotate about each developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22
C and 22K are the developing rollers 23Y and 2K at the developing position.
Rotate 3M, 23C, 23K in the direction of arrow D in the figure,
The corresponding electrostatic latent images formed on the photoreceptor belt 1 are sequentially developed. Then, the developed images are superposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the transfer paper 11 as described above,
Form a full-color image.

Hereinafter, each developing unit 2 in this embodiment will be described.
The detailed configuration of 2Y, 22M, 22C and 22K will be described. Color development units 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K
Have the same configuration and the same operation, the yellow developing unit 22Y will be described as an example in the following description, and the description of the other developing units 22M, 22C, 22K will be omitted. The developing units 22Y, 22M, 22
The corresponding corresponding members in C and 22K are shown by changing only the letters at the end of the reference numerals in FIG. Figure 3
Is a schematic configuration diagram of a developing unit that constitutes the developing device 4, that is, a yellow developing unit 22Y in this case.
In FIG. 3, the developing unit 22Y is arranged below the photoconductor belt 1 when used for development.
The yellow toner as a non-magnetic one-component developer is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on.

Yellow developing unit 2 at the developing position
An opening 22a is formed in the upper portion of the 2Y casing 20. In the opening 22a, a developing roller 23Y is arranged so as to face the photoconductor belt 1, has a predetermined peripheral speed ratio with the photoconductor belt 1, and moves the photoconductor belt 1 at a portion facing the photoconductor belt 1. It is arranged so as to rotate in the same direction. The end of the shielding member 38Y is in contact with the surface portion of the developing roller 23Y on the downstream side in the rotation direction with respect to the facing portion of the developing roller 23Y and the opening 22.
The leakage and scattering of the toner from a are prevented.

Below the developing roller 23Y, a supply roller 31Y made of an elastic material such as foamed polyurethane as a toner supply member slides on the developing roller 23Y, and
The developing roller 23Y has a predetermined peripheral speed ratio with respect to the developing roller 23Y at the sliding portion 36Y with the developing roller 23Y.
It is provided so as to rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction.

Further, a blade 32Y made of an elastic material such as urethane rubber is provided near the free end of the developing roller 23Y in the rotational direction downstream of the position where the supply roller 31Y is disposed and in the vicinity of the opening 22a. Are provided so as to contact the developing roller 23Y.

Further, on the left side of the rubbing portion 36Y in the figure, there is provided a screw-shaped first toner carrying member (hereinafter referred to as a first toner carrying screw) 33Y for carrying the toner from the front side to the back side of the paper. Further, below the supply roller 31Y, a screw-shaped second toner conveying member (hereinafter, referred to as a second toner conveying screw) 35Y that conveys toner from the back side of the paper toward the front side is provided. The details of the first toner carrying screw 33Y and the second toner carrying screw 35Y will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4, a toner accommodating portion 40Y is provided at the longitudinal end of the yellow developing device 22Y. Here, the toner transport screw 33Y includes the developing roller 23 from the toner containing portion 40Y to the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 22Y.
It is arranged in parallel with Y and the supply roller 31Y, and is interlocked with the developing roller 23Y and the supply roller 31Y so as to convey the toner from the toner container 40Y to the other end of the yellow developing device 22Y, and a predetermined distance. It is rotated at a peripheral speed ratio. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the casing 20 is formed so that a part thereof is in contact with the supply roller 31Y, and the toner transport member 33Y is surrounded by the developing roller 23Y, the supply roller 31Y and the casing 20. The toner transport space 37Y is formed.

Then, the first toner carrying screw 33Y
Rotates in a predetermined direction to convey the toner from the toner container 40 into the toner conveyance space 37Y, and supplies the toner onto the supply roller 31Y. Supply roller 31Y
The toner supplied above is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 23Y while being charged by being rubbed by the supplying roller 31Y and the developing roller 23Y in the rubbing portion 36Y.
It is carried on the 3Y surface. The toner carried on the surface of the developing roller 23Y is made into a thin toner layer having a uniform thickness with a predetermined thickness by the blade 32Y, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive belt 1 is developed by contact or non-contact development. To do.

By the way, the toner not used in the developing step is conveyed by the first toner conveying screw 33Y to the end of the developing unit opposite to the toner accommodating portion 40Y. As shown in FIG. 3B, a toner circulating unit 34Y is provided outside the developing roller 23Y and the supply roller 31Y at the end of the developing unit on the side opposite to the toner storage unit 40Y and in the effective axial direction. The toner carried by the first toner carrying screw 33Y to the toner circulating portion 34Y falls under the yellow developing unit 22Y due to gravity.

Below the yellow developing unit 22Y, the second toner carrying screw 35Y is provided with the developing roller 2
3Y, the supply roller 31Y and the first toner carrying screw 33Y are arranged in parallel with each other, and are rotated so as to carry the toner in a direction opposite to that of the first toner carrying screw 33Y. Is conveyed to the toner storage unit 40Y. First toner transport screw 33
By properly setting the carry amounts of Y and the second toner carrying screw 35Y, the toner can be supplied onto the supply roller 31Y without performing the toner amount detection in the yellow developing unit 22Y and the complicated supply amount control, and It is possible to provide a small-sized developing device having a large degree of layout freedom and a small cross-sectional occupancy ratio with respect to the photoconductor.

Incidentally, reference numerals 42Y, 42M, 42 in FIG.
C and 42K are the developing units 22Y and 22M,
22C, 22K toner accommodating portions 40Y, 40M, 40
Toner cartridges 42Y, 42M, 42
C and 42K are mounted and replaced at the time of new mounting of the developing device 4 and at the toner end, so that the toner storage unit 40 is always
A required amount of toner is stored in Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K.

Next, the developing unit drive section in this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the yellow developing unit 22Y will be described as an example of the developing unit. As shown in FIG. 5, a concave coupling gear 51Y is attached to the end of the central axis of the supply roller 31Y on the toner circulating portion 34Y side so as to rotate integrally with the supply roller 31Y. In the recess 51a of the coupling gear 51Y, as shown in FIG. 6A, a pair of claws 51b are provided.
Is provided.

The printer main body is supported by the supply roller 31Y and the coupling gear 51Y at the developing position so as to rotate substantially coaxially and slidably in the axial direction, and engages with the coupling gear 51Y to rotate to cause yellow. A joint 52 that provides a driving force to the supply roller 31Y and the like of the developing unit 22Y is provided. When an arbitrary developing unit, for example, a yellow developing unit 22Y in this case, rotates and stops at a predetermined developing position facing the photosensitive belt 1 to develop an electrostatic latent image, the joint 52 causes a solenoid (not shown) to be shown. By pressing mechanism such as arrow E in the figure
In the direction, this is also slid while rotating by a drive transmission mechanism (not shown). At the tip of the joint 52,
An Oldham-like coupling 53 is integrally attached to the rotary sliding shaft 52a of the joint 52, and a claw portion 51 provided on the coupling gear 51Y is attached to the tip thereof.
A pair of convex portions 53a that engage with b is formed. Note that FIG. 6B is a schematic configuration diagram of the joint 52 viewed from the direction of arrow F in FIG.

When the joint 52 slides by a predetermined amount or more,
As shown in FIG. 5B, the convex portion 5 of the coupling 53 is formed.
3a fits into the recess 51a of the coupling gear 51Y,
By the rotation of the joint 52, the convex portion 53a engages with the claw portion 51b in the concave portion 51a, and drives the supply roller 31Y in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined rotation speed.

The coupling gear 51Y has a gear 51 on the body.
c, 51d are formed, and the respective gears 51c, 51d
Is in mesh with a gear 50Y attached to the shaft of the developing roller 23Y and a gear 54Y attached to the shaft of the second toner conveying screw 35Y, and transmits the drive to the developing roller 23Y and the second toner conveying screw 35Y. To do. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the shaft of the first toner conveying screw 33Y also has a gear 541Y (FIG. 3B).
Is attached, and the gear 541Y meshes with a gear 51d formed on the coupling gear 51Y to be driven. Also, the coupling 5
3 has a taper on the outer circumference of the convex portion 53a,
The convex portion 53a can be smoothly fitted into the concave portion 51a of the coupling gear 51Y during the sliding of 2. Further, since the joint 52 is slid while rotating as described above, the convex portion 53a and the claw portion 51b in the concave portion 51a of the coupling gear 51Y are reliably engaged with each other.

In the Oldham-like coupling 53, the joint shaft 52a and the supply roller 31Y are displaced relative to each other (see FIG. 7A), and the eccentricity between the joint shaft 52a and the supply roller 31Y (see FIG. 7 (b)) uneven rotation, vibration applied to the developing device, etc., and further, deviation of an axial angle between the joint shaft 52a and the shaft of the supply roller 31Y within a predetermined range (see FIG. 7 (c)). And stable rotation driving force is applied to the developing units 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K.
Communicate to.

When the predetermined developing operation at the developing position is completed, the joint 52 is moved in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 5 (b), and the convex portion 53a of the coupling 53 and the concave portions 51a and 51a of the coupling gear 51Y are formed. Inner claw 51b
Is disengaged. After the engagement is released, the developing device 4 is rotated with the next predetermined operation. When a series of image forming operations are completed, the developing drive on the printer body side is stopped and all the developing units 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22
K is stopped.

8 and 9 are partial sectional views of the developing device 4 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the developing device 4 includes a cover member 41 extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing device 4.
And side plate members 55 and 57 attached to both ends of the cover member 41 in the longitudinal direction.

The side plate member 55 is used for each developing unit 22Y, 2Y.
2M, 22C, 22K developing rollers 23Y, 23M, 2
3C, 23K, supply rollers 31Y, 31M, 31C, 3
1K, first toner transport screw 33Y, 33M, 33
C, 33K and second toner carrying screws 35Y, 35
A hole through which the shaft of M, 35C, 35K is to be formed is formed, and a disc-shaped side plate portion 55a that is in close contact with one end of the casing 20 in the longitudinal direction in a state where the shaft is inserted into the hole and the side plate portion 55a. The multistage cylindrical portion is formed in a multistage cylindrical shape from the end edge, and a bowl-shaped recess is formed inside the multistage cylindrical portion. Here, the side plate portion 55a and the rotation center axis O are integrally configured. In addition, the side plate member 57
Is the shaft of the developing rollers 23Y, 23M, 23C, 23K of each developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K and the supply rollers 31Y, 31M, 31C, 31K, the first toner conveying screws 33Y, 33M, 33C, 33K and the second.
Toner transport screw 35Y, 35M, 35C, 35K
Is formed with a hole through which the shaft and the toner transport screws 33, 35 are inserted, and the disk-shaped side plate portion 57 is in close contact with the other end of the casing 20 in the longitudinal direction.
a and a multistage cylindrical portion formed in a multistage cylindrical shape from the end edge of the side plate portion 57a, and a bowl-shaped hollow portion is formed inside the multistage cylindrical portion. Both side plate members 55, 5
In the multi-stage cylindrical portion of 7, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cover member 41 is sliding portions 55b and 57b that are rotated by rubbing against the inner surface of the cover member 41. The cylindrical portions having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameters of the sliding portions 55b and 57b, which are continuously provided from the sliding portions 55b and 57b, respectively, are in contact with the end edges of the cover member 41, and are stopper portions 55c and 57c.
Has become.

The cover member 41 has stoppers 55c, 5
7c and the inner peripheral surface of the sliding portion 55b, 57
b It is formed in a cylindrical shape so that it can slide and rotate on the outer peripheral surface. That is, the cover member 41 has an inner diameter equal to that of the both side plate members 5.
Larger than the outer diameters of the sliding portions 55b, 57b of 5, 57, and
By making the outer diameter of the stoppers 55c and 57c smaller,
The developing device 4 can be slidably rotated therein, and both stopper portions 55c and 57c position the developing device 4 in the thrust direction.

The structure around the side plate member 55 on the developing device driving side will be described with reference to FIG. Each developing unit 2 described above
Coupling gears 51Y, 51M, 51C, 51K provided on 2Y, 22M, 22C, 22K, developing roller 2
Gears 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K mounted on the shafts of 3Y, 23M, 23C, 23K, and gears 54Y, 54M, 54C, 54K (mounted on the shafts of the first toner conveying screws 33Y, 33M, 33C, 33K ( And the second toner transport screws 35Y, 35M, 35C,
Gears attached to the shaft of 35K), etc., side plate member 55
It is housed in a bowl-shaped hollow portion formed inside the multi-stage cylindrical portion. Further, the developing units 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K are provided at the edges of the stopper portion 55c of the side plate member 55.
In each of the coupling gears 51Y, 51M, 51C,
A disk-shaped drive unit cover 56 having holes at positions corresponding to 51K and the rotation center axis O is attached. As a result, the drive section in the developing device 4 is not exposed to the outside of the apparatus, and foreign matter is mixed into the drive system, the drive system is damaged or abnormal, and the safety of the operator is ensured. There is. Further, by appropriately setting the hole diameter and the outer diameter of the drive unit cover 56 with respect to the rotation center axis O, and the position accuracy, the strength of the side plate member 55 having a bowl-shaped recess and the rotation center axis O.
It secures runout and positional accuracy with respect to.

A positioning roller 58 is coaxial with the shaft O and is rotatably attached to the shaft O on the outside of the drive unit cover 56 of the rotation center shaft O. When the developing device 4 is attached to the printer body, one side plate 591 of the printer body is attached.
The roller 58 is engaged in a predetermined manner with a receiving portion 59a provided at the upper end of the developing device 4, whereby the (driving side) positioning of the developing device 4 is performed.

Next, referring to FIG. 9B, the toner containing portion 40
The configuration around the developing device side plate member 57 on the side will be described.
It should be noted that the description of the same configuration and acting portion as those of the drive side plate member 55 described above will be omitted. The side plate member 57 on the toner storage unit 40 side
As described above, the driving-side developing device side plate 55 has a multi-stage cylindrical outer shape, and a bowl-shaped hollow portion is formed therein, and the developing rollers 23Y, 23M, 23C,
23K and supply rollers 31Y, 31M, 31C, 31
The position of the shaft end of K in the thrust direction is restricted within the recess of the side plate member 57 by, for example, an E-shaped retaining ring. In addition, each developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22C,
An electrode plate 60 made of a plate material having a spring property, such as phosphor bronze, is arranged in contact with the shaft ends every 22K. A part of the electrode plate 60 extends from the inside of the cylindrical portion of the side plate member 57 to the outer peripheral portion, and extends along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical contact portion 60a.
Is formed.

On the other hand, on the printer body side, the electrode plate 60 of the developing device 4 set at a predetermined position of the printer.
A bias supply electrode 63 which is also provided with a spring property and which is arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the contact part 60a of FIG.
The rotation of the casing 20 causes the contact portion 60a to slidably contact the bias supply electrode 63 at and near the developing position, and a predetermined bias is applied to any of the developing units brought to the developing position. In this embodiment, the configuration in which a common bias is applied to the developing roller 23 and the supply roller 31 is shown, but when different biases are applied, for example, the contact portion 60a of the electrode 60 plate and the bias supply. By arranging the electrodes 63 in parallel, each bias can be applied simultaneously.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 10, the side plate 592 of the printer main body on the side of the toner accommodating portion 40 is formed by being cut out in an arc shape, and the arc-shaped portion is symmetrically positioned. A pair of shafts 62 are fixed. And
A support roller 61 is attached to each of the shafts 62 so as to be rotatable around the shaft 62. When the developing device 4 is mounted on the printer main body, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical sliding portion 57a of the side plate member 57 is supported by the outer peripheral parts of the pair of support rollers 61, whereby the developing device 4 is rotatably positioned. To be done. Since the sliding portion 57b of the side plate member 57 is covered by the cover member 41, when the developing device 4 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the sliding portion 57b is located at a position facing the support roller 61 of the cover member 41 as shown in FIG. The hole 64 is provided as shown in FIG. Since the cylindrical outer peripheral portion of the sliding portion 57b of the side plate member 57 supported by the outer peripheral portion of the support roller 61 is covered with the cover member 41 as described above, the side plate member 57 that requires component accuracy for positioning. The sliding portion 57b is protected to prevent troubles such as damage or deformation that may occur during transportation or leaving it. In addition, toner and other foreign matter are not covered by the cover member 4.
1 and the sliding portion 57b can be prevented from entering and adhering to the developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22.
The K position is always supported accurately.

A seat portion 44 is formed integrally with the cover member 41 in the lower portion near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cover member 41. The seat portion 44 has a flat lower portion so that the developing device 4 can be stably maintained when the developing device 4 is taken out of the printer body. Further, the seat portion 44 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), when the developing device 4 is mounted on the printer body, a slight gap is provided between the developing device 4 and the stopper portion 59b provided so as to extend between the side plates 591 and 592 of the printer body. Be attached to. As a result, even when the developing device 4 performs the above-described rotation operation, the seat portion 44 and the stopper portion 59b prevent the cover member 41 from rotating from the mounted state, and the internal developing units 22Y and 22Y.
Only M, 22C and 22K are slidably rotated with respect to the cover member 41.

Further, handle portions 43 are also formed integrally with the cover member 41 at upper portions near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cover member 41 (see FIGS. 8, 9 and 11), and a developing device for the printer body. The attaching / detaching operation of No. 4 is performed using the handle portion 43. Further, as can be seen from the above configuration, when the developing device 4 is left outside the printer main body and when the developing device 4 is attached / detached while holding the handle portion 43, the load due to the weight of the developing device 4 acts and the inner circumference of the cover member 41 is increased. The frictional force between the surface and the outer peripheral surface of the sliding portions 55b and 57b of the side plate members 55 and 57 prevents the developing device 4 from rotating carelessly with respect to the cover member 41. On the contrary, when the developing device 4 is mounted on the printer main body, the cover member 41
And only the weight of the cover member 41 acts between the outer peripheral surface of the sliding portions 55b and 57b of the side plate members 55 and 57,
Since the frictional force between them is extremely small, the internal developing units 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K can easily slide and rotate with respect to the cover member 41.

Here, in the above description, the rotation of the cover member 41 is restricted by abutting the seat portion 44 and the stopper portion 59b, but instead of this, a part of the cover member 41 is used. A stopper portion 59b that abuts on the cover member 41 to restrict the rotation of the cover member 41 is provided in the vicinity of the upper portion of the cover member 41.
The rotation of 1 may be restricted. (Hereafter, margin)

Next, the structure of the cover member 41 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In FIG. 11, the cover member 41 includes the handle portion 43 and the seat portion 4 at both longitudinal end portions of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 411 as described above.
4 is integrally formed, and an opening 45 is provided at a position facing the photoconductor belt 1 when the developing device 4 is mounted on the printer body. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the cover member 41 has a thin hinge portion 46 (see FIG. 12B) in a part of its circumferential portion and extending over the entire longitudinal direction.
And the dividing portion 4 provided at a position substantially symmetrical to the hinge portion 46.
7 (see FIG. 12C) and are integrally formed. As shown in FIG. 12A, the cover member 41 can be opened and closed centering on the thin hinge portion 46. As shown in FIG. 12C, the dividing unit 47 includes a dividing unit 47.
Are provided with upper and lower engaging portions 48 and 49 for engaging and fixing both ends of the developing units 22Y and 22M, which are already assembled, by engaging the upper and lower engaging portions 48 and 49, respectively.
The cover member 41 is attached so as to cover 22C and 22K and part of the side plate members 55 and 57. The configuration of the cover member 41 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, a combination of upper and lower two members may be used.
It can also be fixed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the drive transmission members such as the developing roller gear 50, the coupling gear 51, the second toner carrying screw gear 54 and the like are arranged in the bowl-shaped recess of the side plate member 55. It is possible to protect the drive transmission member without specially providing a member such as a cover or a case for protecting the drive transmission member or covering the appearance, and to give a good appearance. be able to.

The side plate member 55 has a drive unit cover 56.
Is provided, the protection performance of the drive transmission member in the bowl-shaped recess of the side plate member 55 can be further improved as compared with the case where the drive unit cover 56 is not provided. The impression can be further improved.

Further, especially when the developing device 4 is taken out of the printer main body, it is possible to prevent an operator from touching the drive transmitting member intentionally or randomly, and to protect the drive transmitting member and the operator. The safety of can be secured.

The side plate member 55 has a drive unit cover 56.
Since the side plate member 55 is provided, since the side plate member 55 can be prevented from being deformed even when the side plate member 55 is made thin and lightweight,
The developing device 4 can be positioned and mounted with high accuracy on the printer body.

Further, the rotation center axis O is inserted into and supported by the hole formed in the drive section cover 56, so that the rotation center axis O is restrained from being deformed by being bent.
The positional accuracy between the rotation center axis O and the rotation center axis O is maintained in a good condition, so that the developing device 4 can be positioned and attached to the printer body with high accuracy.

Further, each developing unit 22 of the electrode plate 60
Y, 22M, 22C, 22K developing rollers 23Y, 23
M, 23C, 23K and supply rollers 31Y, 31M, 3
The connection portion with 1C and 31K is housed in the bowl-shaped recess of the side plate member 57, and the bowl-shaped recess of the side plate member 57 is blocked from the outside by the toner container 40.
It is possible to prevent the connecting portion from being deformed by an external force applied thereto and from being mixed with foreign matter and adhering to the contact, whereby it is possible to prevent poor contact between the electrode member and the developing device.
Furthermore, since the contact portion 60a of the electrode plate 60 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the side plate member 57, deformation is suppressed,
It is possible to surely make contact with the bias supply electrode 63.

Further, the cover member 41 includes the side plate members 55,
Since it is provided so as to extend between the both side plate members 55, 57 without covering 57, the inside of the printer due to the leakage or scattering of toner from the developing device 4 can be realized without enlarging the entire developing device 4. It is possible to avoid problems such as contamination and color mixing, and problems such as foreign matter entering the developing device 4.

Further, since the inner peripheral surface of the cover member 41 is configured to rub against the sliding portions 55b and 57b of the both side plate members 55 and 57, the developing units 22Y, 22M and 2 are formed.
The positional relationship between 2C and 22K and the cover member 41 can be maintained, and relative sliding rotation can be smoothly performed. Further, the cover member 41 includes the stopper portions 55 of the side plate members 55 and 57.
Since the movement in the longitudinal direction is restricted by c and 57c, the developing units 22Y, 22M and 2 have a simple structure.
The positioning of the cover member 41 with respect to 2C and 22K can be performed in this direction. Further, the sliding parts 55b, 57 of the both side plate members 55, 57 which require part accuracy for positioning.
Since b is covered and protected by the cover member 41, it is possible to prevent troubles such as damage or deformation that may occur during transportation or leaving. In addition, toner or other foreign matter may be removed from the sliding portion 55.
It is possible to prevent the developing units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K from being positioned and supported with high precision at all times by preventing them from entering and adhering to the b and 57b. In the printer, the cover member 41 is prevented from rotating by the seat portion 44 or the handle portion 43 and the stopper portion 59b and is always held at a fixed position. Therefore, the developing units 22Y, 22M, and 22C, 22K and the cover member 41 can maintain a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the rotation direction,
A smooth image forming operation is performed.

The side plate 59 provided on the printer body
1, the receiving portion 59a provided at the upper end of the 1 engages with the positioning roller 58 attached to the rotation center axis O, and the supporting roller 61 provided in the printer main body is directly fed from the hole 64 formed in the cover member 41. By supporting the sliding portion 57b of the side plate member 57 with the developing units 22Y and 22Y.
Positioning of the M, 22C and 22K with respect to the printer body,
Alternatively, since the fixing is performed without interposing the cover member 41, each developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22
The K can be accurately positioned with respect to the printer body. Furthermore,
It is not necessary to provide a position for positioning the cover member 41 or to strengthen the cover member 41 to improve the positioning accuracy, and thus it is possible to provide the inexpensive and small cover member 41 and the developing device 4.

Further, since the developing device 4 can be carried or attached to and detached from the printer main body by holding the handle portion 43 provided on the cover member 41, the developing device 4 does not become large and complicated.
The developing device 4 can be easily attached to and detached from the printer body.

Further, since the cover member 41 is stably maintained by the seat portion 44 provided integrally with the cover member 41, the developing device 4 can be installed outside the printer main body without making the developing device 4 large and complicated. It can be maintained stably when left unattended.

Further, the cover member 41 is opened from the dividing portion 47, and each developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22.
Since it can be mounted in the radial direction with respect to C and 22K, for example, when assembling the developing device 4, each developing unit 22Y, 22M,
The cover member 41 can be easily attached to the 22C and 22K. Further, since the cover member 41 is deformed at the thin hinge portion 46 and can be easily placed in the open state and the closed state, the developing units 22Y, 22M, 2 are formed.
The cover member 41 can be easily attached to the 2C and 22K. Further, since the cover member 41 that can be opened and closed can be integrally formed by providing the cover member 41 with the thin hinge portion 46, it is possible to provide the inexpensive and durable cover member 41. Further, the cover member 41 is deformed at the thin hinge portion 46 and can be easily placed in the open state and the closed state. Further, the vertical locking portions 48, 4 formed in the split portion 47 are provided.
Since the cover member 41 can be fixed in the closed state by engaging the cover members 9 with each other, the developing unit 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K can cover the cover member 4 when necessary.
1 can be removed, which improves maintainability and
The decomposability of the equipment is also improved, which leads to the improvement of recyclability.

[0074]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the cylindrical part constituting the side plate of the developing device can protect the accessory part on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device, so that the accessory part can be protected or in appearance. The accompanying parts can be protected without specially providing a cover, a case, or other member that covers them.
There is an effect that it is possible to give a good impression in terms of appearance and to obtain a rotary developing device that is excellent in handleability and the like.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by providing the cover member for covering the opening of the cylindrical portion which constitutes the side plate of the developing device, it is possible to completely shut off the developing device accessory parts in the cylindrical portion from the outside. Therefore, there is an effect that the protection performance of the accessory parts is further improved and the appearance impression can be further improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the drive transmission system member of each of the plurality of developing devices can be protected by the cylindrical portion forming the side plate of the developing device, the drive transmission system member can be protected, or in appearance. It is possible to protect the drive transmission system member without providing a cover, a case, or other special member, and to give a good impression in appearance.
There is an effect that it is possible to obtain a rotary developing device which is excellent in handleability and the like. Further, particularly when the developing device is taken out of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent an operator from touching the drive transmission system member intentionally or randomly, thereby protecting the drive transmission system member and protecting the worker. This has the effect of ensuring safety.

According to the invention of claim 4, by disposing the cover member in the opening so as to cover the opening of the cylindrical portion forming the side plate of the developing device, one of the openings of the cylindrical portion is
Since a portion other than the portion facing the driving force input member can be shielded from the outside by the cover member, foreign matter that enters the cylindrical portion can be minimized, and the foreign matter enters the drive transmission member inside the cylindrical portion. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of noise, and further improve the protection performance of the drive transmission member, the safety of the operator, and the appearance impression.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the rigidity of the developing device side plate can be maintained even when the developing device side plate is made thin and lightweight. The rotary developing device can be positioned and mounted with high accuracy.

According to the invention of claim 6, the cylindrical degree of the developing device side plate can be maintained even when the developing device side plate is made thin and lightweight. Therefore, there is an effect that the rotary developing device can be positioned and mounted with high accuracy.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the rotary shaft is inserted into and supported by the rotary shaft supporting hole of the cover member, the positional accuracy between the rotary shaft and the developing device side plate can be favorably maintained. High-precision positioning with respect to the main body of the image forming device,
There is an effect that the rotary developing device can be mounted.

According to the invention of claim 8, the connection part of the electrode member with each of the plurality of developing devices is housed inside the cylindrical part of the side plate of the developing device so that an external force is applied to the connection part and Since it is possible to prevent foreign matter from admixing and adhering to the contact point between the connecting portion of the electrode member and the developing device, it is possible to prevent deformation of the connecting portion of the electrode member due to an external force, mixing of foreign matter, and the like. There is an effect that the contact failure between the electrode member and the developing device can be prevented. Further, by disposing the contact portion of the electrode member with the voltage supply portion along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the deformation of the contact portion can be suppressed, so that the electrode member and the voltage supply portion There is an effect that the contact can be surely made.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer that employs a rotary developing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of a rotary developing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of a developing unit that constitutes the rotary developing device. FIG. 3B is an overall configuration diagram of the developing unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the developing device.

FIG. 5A is a schematic configuration diagram of a joint and a driving unit of the developing device in a non-engaged state. FIG. 3B is a schematic configuration diagram of a joint and a driving unit of the developing device in an engaged state.

FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of a recess of the coupling gear in FIG. (B) is a schematic block diagram of the joint seen from the arrow F direction in FIG.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an axial misalignment between a joint shaft and a supply roller shaft. (B) is explanatory drawing about the eccentricity of a joint shaft and a supply roller shaft. (C) is explanatory drawing about the axial angle gap of a joint shaft and a supply roller shaft.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the entire developing device.

FIG. 9A is a schematic configuration diagram around a driving side plate member in the developing device. FIG. 3B is a schematic configuration diagram around the side plate member on the toner storage unit side in the developing device.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view around a side plate member on the toner storage unit side in the developing device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a cover member.

FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of an opening / closing operation of the cover member. (B) is a schematic block diagram of the thin hinge part of the cover member. (C) is a schematic block diagram of the locking part of the cover member.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Photoconductor Belt 2 Charging Roller 3 Laser Optical Device 4 Developing Device 5 Intermediate Transfer Belt 6 Transfer Roller 7 Fixing Device 8 Paper Feeding Table 9 Paper Feeding Roller 10 Registration Roller 11 Transfer Paper 12 Photoconductor Cleaner 13 Intermediate Transfer Belt Cleaner 20 Casing 20a Casing opening 22 Developing unit 23 Developing roller 31 Supply roller 32 Blade 33 First toner transport screw 34 Toner circulating portion 35 Second toner transport screw 40 Toner accommodating portion 41 Cover member 42 Toner cartridge 43 Handle portion 44 Seat portion 45 Opening 46 Thin wall Hinge portion 47 Split portion 48 Upper engaging portion 49 Lower engaging portion 50 Developing roller gear 51 Coupling gear 52 Joint 52a Joint shaft 53 Coupling 53a Coupling convex portion 54 Second toner conveying screw gear 5 Drive side developing unit side plate member 55a Side plate part 55b Sliding part 55c Stopper part 56 Drive part cover 57 Toner accommodating part side developing unit side plate member 57a Side plate part 57b Sliding part 57c Stopper part 58 Positioning roller 591 Printer body side plate 592 Printer body Side plate 59a Receiving part 59b Stopper part 60 Electrode plate 61 Supporting roller 62 Rolling shaft 63 Bias supply electrode 64 Hole

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of developing devices accommodating a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and an arbitrary developing device is rotated around the rotating shaft to a developing position facing a latent image carrier. A rotary developing device for moving and developing, a developing device comprising a disk-shaped side plate part and a cylindrical cylindrical part formed so as to extend outward from the end edge of the side plate part in the longitudinal direction. A rotation characterized in that a side plate is provided at an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of developing devices, and an accessory part of each of the plurality of developing devices located on the outer side in the longitudinal direction is housed inside the cylindrical portion. Mold developing device. 2. A plurality of developing devices accommodating a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is rotated around the rotating shaft to a developing position facing the latent image carrier. A rotary developing device for moving and developing, a developing device comprising a disk-shaped side plate part and a cylindrical cylindrical part formed so as to extend outward from the end edge of the side plate part in the longitudinal direction. A rotary developing device, wherein a side plate is provided at an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of developing devices, and a cover member is arranged in the opening so as to cover the opening of the cylindrical portion. 3. The rotary developing device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary component is a drive transmission system member for each of the plurality of developing devices. 4. An opening at a location facing a drive force input member provided in the image forming apparatus main body for transmitting drive force to the drive transmission system member in the cylindrical portion forming the developing device side plate. 4. The rotary developing device according to claim 3, wherein a cover member having the above is disposed in the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to cover the opening of the cylindrical portion. 5. A plurality of developing devices accommodating a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and an arbitrary developing device is rotated around the rotating shaft to a developing position facing a latent image carrier. A rotary developing device for moving and developing, a developing device comprising a disk-shaped side plate part and a cylindrical cylindrical part formed so as to extend outward from the end edge of the side plate part in the longitudinal direction. A side plate is provided at the longitudinal ends of the plurality of developing devices, and a cover member is disposed in engagement with the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to improve rigidity at least in the vicinity of the opening. Rotary developing device. 6. A plurality of developing devices accommodating a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is rotated around the rotating shaft to a developing position facing the latent image carrier. In a rotary developing device for moving and developing, a side plate portion having a disc-shaped cross section and a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical cross section formed so as to extend from the edge of the side plate portion toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction. A developing device side plate is provided at an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of developing devices, and a cover member is disposed so as to be engaged with the opening portion of the cylindrical portion so as to regulate at least the cylindrical degree of the opening portion. And a rotary developing device. 7. A plurality of developing devices accommodating a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is rotated around the rotating shaft to a developing position facing the latent image carrier. A rotary developing device that moves to perform development includes a side plate portion having a disk-shaped cross section and a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical cross section formed so as to extend from the edge of the side plate portion toward the outside in the longitudinal direction. And a developing device side plate integrally formed with the rotary shaft extending outward in the longitudinal direction is provided at the longitudinal ends of the plurality of developing devices to support the inserted rotary shafts. A rotary developing device, wherein a cover member having a shaft support hole is provided in the opening of the cylindrical portion so as to cover the opening. 8. A plurality of developing devices accommodating a powder developer are arranged around a rotating shaft, and any developing device is rotated around the rotating shaft to a developing position facing the latent image carrier. A rotary developing device for moving and developing, a developing device comprising a disk-shaped side plate part and a cylindrical cylindrical part formed so as to extend outward from the end edge of the side plate part in the longitudinal direction. A side plate is provided at an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of developing devices, and a connecting portion of the electrode member for applying a predetermined bias voltage to each of the plurality of developing devices is connected to each of the plurality of developing devices inside the cylindrical portion. And a contact portion of the electrode member with a voltage supply portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body side is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.