WO2014010114A1

WO2014010114A1 - Cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2014010114A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/080826
Authority: WO
Inventors: 康雅藤井; 鈴木　務; 啓城森
Original assignee: ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority date: 2012-07-09
Filing date: 2012-11-29
Publication date: 2014-01-16
Also published as: CN104471491B; CN104471491A; JP2014032373A

Abstract

Provided is a cartridge into which a developer can be refilled without damaging the filling opening or the cap while allowing the developer refill history to be checked easily by using inexpensive components. This developing cartridge (19) comprises: a developing frame (25) in which a filling opening (46) is formed; and a cap (57) having a hole (67). The developing frame (25) is provided with: a cylindrical part (51) that protrudes to the outside of the developing frame (25) so as to surround the filling opening (46); and a protruding part (53) that is arranged more to the outside than the cylindrical part (51) and that is to be fixed with the hole (67). The cap (57) is fixed to the developing frame (25) by irreversibly deforming the hole (67) and the protruding part (53).

Description

cartridge

The present invention relates to a cartridge configured to be mounted on an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system.

Conventionally, an electrophotographic printer in which a developing cartridge is detachably mounted is known. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller for carrying toner, and is filled with toner.

Such a developing cartridge includes, for example, a developing member that supplies toner to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a toner container that stores toner to be supplied to the developing member, and the toner container is filled with toner. A process cartridge in which a toner filling port is formed and a toner cap is press-fitted into the toner filling port has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 11-338238 A

Such a developing cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus when the filled toner is used up, and is replaced with a new developing cartridge filled with toner.

The developer cartridge removed from the image forming apparatus may be refilled with toner and recycled.

However, while the toner can be refilled repeatedly, consumables such as a developing roller attached to the developing cartridge have a lifetime.

Therefore, if recycling is repeated, the life of the consumables attached to the developer cartridge may be exceeded.

Therefore, in order to know the proper replacement timing of the consumables attached to the developing cartridge, it is desirable to check the history of toner refilling.

For example, after refilling the toner, closing the toner filling port with the toner cap, and then sticking the seal seal from above, refill the toner from the trace of the seal seal peeled off when refilling It is considered to check the history.

However, the seal sticker is expensive, and the work of sticking the seal sticker to the toner cap is complicated.

Therefore, it is considered to provide a deformed portion on the toner cap so that a trace of refilling the toner remains on the toner cap itself.

However, with such a toner cap, after the toner is refilled, there is a problem that the sealing performance of the toner cap against the toner is lowered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be refilled with a developer without damaging a filling port or a lid, while allowing a refill history of the developer to be easily confirmed with an inexpensive member. is there.

(1) In order to solve the above-described problem, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to contain a developer, and a casing in which a filling port for filling the developer is formed, and the filling port are closed, A lid having a fixed portion to be fixed to the housing.

The casing is provided with a cylindrical portion that protrudes outside the casing so as to surround the filling port, and a fixing portion that is disposed outside the cylindrical portion with respect to the filling port and is fixed to the fixed portion.

The lid is fixed to the casing by irreversibly deforming at least one of the fixed part and the fixing part.

According to such a configuration, when the lid is fixed to the housing, at least one of the fixed portion and the fixed portion is irreversibly deformed.

Therefore, when the lid that closes the filling port is removed from the housing in order to refill the developer from the filling port, it is necessary to cut at least one of the fixed portion and the fixing portion from the lid. Therefore, when refilling, at least one of the fixed portion and the fixed portion remains as a trace.

As a result, the history of refilling the developer can be confirmed.

Furthermore, according to such a configuration, the fixing part to which the fixed part of the lid is fixed is provided outside the cylinder part surrounding the filling port.

Therefore, since the lid and the housing are fixed outside the filling port, even if deformation occurs in at least one of the fixed portion and the fixing portion, the lid is not damaged and the lid is not damaged. Can be removed from the housing.

As a result, even if the developer is refilled, the sealing performance of the lid with respect to the developer can be ensured.
(2) Further, the lid is provided around the closing portion facing the filling port, the trunk portion inserted into the cylindrical portion, and protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the trunk portion to the outside of the trunk portion. And the tongue piece portion may have a fixed portion.

According to such a structure, the tongue piece part which has a to-be-fixed part protrudes to the outer side of the trunk | drum. Therefore, the fixed portion can be reliably disposed outside the cylindrical portion.
(3) Moreover, the thin part for making those cutting | disconnections easy may be formed between the to-be-fixed part and the trunk | drum.

According to such a structure, when removing a cover from a housing | casing, the thin part currently formed in the tongue piece part between a to-be-fixed part and a trunk | drum can be cut | disconnected. Therefore, it can be easily and reliably cut in the thin portion.
(4) Further, a hole may be formed in the fixed portion, a protrusion may be formed in the fixing portion, and a protrusion may be inserted in the hole.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to irreversibly deform at least one of the fixed portion and the fixed portion with a simple configuration by inserting and deforming the protrusion of the fixed portion into the hole of the fixed portion. it can.
(5) Moreover, the outer surface of the housing may further include a protruding member that protrudes adjacent to the lid, and the protruding member may be formed to guide the lid when the lid is attached to the filling port. .

According to such a configuration, when the lid is mounted on the filling port, the lid is guided by the protruding member. Therefore, the lid can be efficiently attached to the filling port.
(6) Moreover, the outer surface of the housing further includes a projecting member projecting adjacent to the lid, and the length of the projecting member projecting from the outer surface of the housing is such that the lid projects from the outer surface of the housing. It may be longer than the length.

According to such a configuration, the protruding member protrudes adjacent to the lid. Therefore, even if the developer leaks from the lid, the developer adheres to the projecting member, so that it can be prevented from scattering beyond the projecting member.

As a result, the member disposed on the opposite side of the lid with respect to the protruding member can be prevented from being stained with the developer.
(7) Further, the protruding member may be an electrode member.

According to such a configuration, the protruding member can be provided using the electrode member.

Therefore, by reducing the number of parts, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.
(8) Further, a plurality of pairs of fixed portions and fixed portions may be provided, and the number of the pairs may be configured to correspond to the history of refilling the developer.

According to such a configuration, even if a pair of fixed parts and fixed parts are irreversibly deformed and fixed, the other pairs of fixed parts and fixed parts are used for subsequent irreversible deformation. be able to.

Therefore, the history of refilling can be confirmed by counting the number of pairs of fixed parts and fixed parts used for irreversible deformation.
(9) The apparatus further includes a conveyance member provided inside the casing, the conveyance member includes a conveyance shaft that is rotatably supported by the casing, and rotates the conveyance shaft inside the filling port in the casing. A support portion that can be supported, and a connection portion that connects the inner peripheral surface of the filling port in the housing and the support portion are formed, and the connection portion is projected from the axial direction of the transfer shaft, You may provide in the position which does not overlap with the line segment which connects a fixing | fixed part.

When the lid is projected from the axial direction of the transport shaft, the portion overlapping the connecting portion may be deformed by the connecting portion. For this reason, when the connecting portion is provided at a position overlapping the line connecting the center of the transport shaft and the fixed portion when projected from the axial direction of the transport shaft, the lid is closed while the fixed portion and the fixed portion are fixed. May be removable from the body.

However, according to such a configuration, the connecting portion is formed at a position that does not overlap the line segment connecting the center of the conveyance shaft and the fixed portion when projected from the axial direction of the conveyance shaft. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lid from being removed from the housing while the fixed portion and the fixing portion are fixed.
(10) Further, a plurality of pairs of fixed parts and fixed parts are provided, and the lid and the housing may be fixed to each of the plurality of fixed parts corresponding to the plurality of fixed parts. Good.

According to such a configuration, the lid and the housing are fixed at a plurality of positions by irreversibly deforming a plurality of pairs of fixed parts and fixing parts.

Therefore, the lid and the housing can be fixed more reliably.
(11) Further, at least two of the plurality of fixed portions are arranged on both sides with the filling port interposed therebetween, and at least two of the plurality of fixed portions are arranged corresponding to the fixed portions. Also good.

According to such a configuration, the lid and the casing are fixed at positions on both sides of the filling port by irreversibly deforming the fixed portion and the fixing portion on both sides of the filling port. . Therefore, the lid and the housing can be fixed efficiently and reliably.
(12) Further, the housing accommodates a developer carrier for carrying the developer, and an image carrier for carrying a developer image formed by the developer supplied from the developer carrier. It is comprised so that it may be accommodated in the frame provided with a body, and when a housing | casing is accommodated in a frame in the state before a lid | cover and a housing | casing, a to-be-fixed part and a fixing | fixed part do not interfere with a frame It may be configured as follows.

For inspection, the case may be housed in a frame before irreversibly deforming at least one of the fixed part and the fixed part.

In such a case, there is a problem that such an inspection cannot be performed if it is configured not to interfere with the frame only after irreversibly deforming at least one of the fixed part and the fixed part.

However, according to such a configuration, the fixed portion and the fixed portion do not interfere with the frame before irreversibly deforming at least one of the fixed portion and the fixed portion. Therefore, such an inspection can be performed.
(13) Further, the housing accommodates a developer carrier for carrying the developer, and an image carrier for carrying a developer image formed by the developer supplied from the developer carrier. The frame is configured to be attached to a frame including a body, and the frame includes a lock member for restricting separation of the housing from the frame when the housing is attached to the frame. When the housing is mounted on the frame and projected in the direction of separation, the housing may be disposed so as to overlap the lock member.

According to such a configuration, when the casing is moved in the detaching direction from the state where the casing is attached to the frame, the tongue piece portion comes into contact with the lock member. Therefore, the detachment from the frame of the housing can be reliably controlled by the tongue piece.
(14) Further, the housing accommodates a developer carrier for carrying the developer, and an image carrier for carrying a developer image formed by the developer supplied from the developer carrier. The fixed portion and the fixed portion overlap with the frame when projected in the axial direction of the developer carrier with the housing mounted on the frame. May be arranged.

According to such a configuration, the fixed portion and the fixed portion are not exposed from the frame and are covered by the frame.

Therefore, the fixed part and the fixing part can be protected from the outside by the frame.
(15) Moreover, the lid | cover may be fixed to the housing | casing by crimping at least one of a to-be-fixed part and a fixing | fixed part.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily and reliably irreversibly deform at least one of the fixed portion and the fixed portion by caulking.
(16) Irreversible deformation may not be performed in places other than the fixed part and the fixed part.

According to such a configuration, even if deformation occurs in at least one of the fixed portion and the fixed portion, the lid can be removed from the casing without damaging the portions other than the fixed portion and the fixed portion.

Therefore, the lid and the case can be recycled when the developer is refilled.

According to the present invention, the history of refilling the developer can be confirmed. Furthermore, even if the developer is refilled, the sealing performance of the lid with respect to the developer can be ensured.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view showing a first embodiment of the printer. 2A is a plan view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a partial perspective view seen from the lower right side of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 3A is a perspective view seen from the right rear side of the lid shown in FIG. 2B, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view seen from the left front side of the lid shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 3C is a perspective view seen from the front upper side of the lid shown in FIG. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the fixing of the lid to the cartridge by the holes and the protrusions, where FIG. 4A shows a state before the lid is attached to the filling port, and FIG. After the lid is attached to the mouth, the state before fixing is shown. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for explaining fixing of the lid to the cartridge by the hole and the protrusion, wherein (a) shows a state after the lid is attached and fixed to the filling port, (b) Indicates the state after cutting the fixed lid. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 2A as viewed from the rear right side of the electrode member. 7A is a perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the upper right side, and FIG. 7B is a right side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 8A is a plan view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a circle in FIG. 9 is a right side view of a modified example of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9A is a modified example in which a plurality of protrusions are provided, and the number corresponding to refilling is irreversibly deformed (first). 2 embodiment), (b) shows a modification (third embodiment) in which the two holes and the protrusions arranged on both sides of the filling port are irreversibly deformed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment for explaining the lock member of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 10A is a state in which the release of the developing cartridge is regulated by the lock member. (B) shows a state in which the restriction of the detachment of the developing cartridge is released by the lock member. FIG. 11 shows a lid of the developing cartridge in a modified example (fifth embodiment), (a) is a perspective view seen from the front upper side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the lower left side. FIG. 12A is a right side view of the developing cartridge in the modified example (fifth embodiment), and FIG. 12B is an enlarged view taken along the line AA ′ of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 12C is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 13A is a plan view of a developing cartridge in a modified example (fifth embodiment), and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 13C is a partially enlarged schematic view of FIG. 13B.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a main body casing 2 having a substantially box shape.

In addition, the printer 1 includes a paper feeding unit 3 for feeding the paper S and an image forming unit 4 for forming an image on the fed paper S in the main body casing 2.

In addition, when referring to the direction regarding the printer 1 and the process cartridge 15 (described later), the direction when placed in the horizontal direction is used as a reference, specifically, the arrow direction shown in each drawing is used as a reference. To do.
(1) Main Body Casing The main body casing 2 is formed with a cartridge opening 5 for attaching / detaching a process cartridge 15 (described later) and a paper opening 6 for introducing the paper S.

The cartridge opening 5 is formed through the upper end of the main casing 2 in the vertical direction.

The paper opening 6 is formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction at the lower end of the front end of the main casing 2.

Further, the main body casing 2 is provided with a top cover 7 at its upper end and a paper feed cover 8 at its front end.

The top cover 7 is provided to be swingable (movable) between a closed position for closing the cartridge opening 5 and an open position for opening the cartridge opening 5 with the rear end as a fulcrum.

The paper feed cover 8 is swingably (moved) between a first position where the paper opening 6 is closed and a second position where the paper opening 6 is opened with the lower end of the paper supply cover 8 as a fulcrum.
(2) Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper placement unit 9 provided at the bottom of the main casing 2.

The paper stacking portion 9 is communicated with the outside of the main casing 2 through the paper opening 6.

The sheet S is stacked on the upper surface of the sheet feed cover 8 while the sheet feed cover 8 is disposed at the second position, and the rear part is loaded on the sheet via the sheet opening 6. Stacked in the placement unit 9.

The paper feeding unit 3 includes a pickup roller 11 disposed on the upper side of the rear end portion of the paper placing unit 9, a paper feeding roller 12 disposed on the rear side of the pickup roller 11, and a rear lower side of the paper feeding roller 12. The sheet feeding pad 13 is disposed opposite to the sheet feeding side, and the sheet feeding path 14 extends continuously upward from the rear end portion of the sheet feeding pad 13.
(3) Image Forming Unit The image forming unit 4 includes a process cartridge 15, a scanner unit 16, and a fixing unit 17.
(3-1) Process Cartridge The process cartridge 15 as an example of the cartridge is configured to be detachable from the main body casing 2 and is mounted on the main body casing 2 above the rear portion of the paper feed unit 3.

The process cartridge 15 includes a drum cartridge 18 as an example of an image carrier cartridge configured to be detachable from the main body casing 2, and a developing cartridge 19 as an example of a cartridge configured to be detachable from the drum cartridge 18. It has.

The drum cartridge 18 includes a photosensitive drum 20 as an example of an image carrier, a transfer roller 21, and a scorotron charger 22.

The photosensitive drum 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is long in the left-right direction, and is provided rotatably at the rear portion of the drum cartridge 18.

The transfer roller 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is long in the left-right direction, and is rotatably provided on the rear side of the drum cartridge 18 on the rear side of the photosensitive drum 20. The transfer roller 21 is pressed against the drum cartridge 18 from the rear side.

Specifically, the transfer roller 21 is disposed on the rear side of the photosensitive drum 20 so that the axial center thereof is positioned slightly below the axial center of the photosensitive drum 20. The lower end portion of the transfer roller 21 is disposed above the lower end portion of the photosensitive drum 20. Specifically, an imaginary line segment (not shown) connecting the axis center of the transfer roller 21 and the axis center of the photosensitive drum 20 and an imaginary straight line (not shown) extending horizontally along the front-rear direction are formed. The acute angle formed is about 3 °. Therefore, the pressure (transfer pressure) at which the transfer roller 21 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 20 is not affected by the weight of the transfer roller 21.

The scorotron charger 22 is disposed opposite to the front upper side of the photosensitive drum 20 with an interval.

Specifically, the scorotron charger 22 is disposed with a space in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 20 with respect to the transfer roller 21, and is an imaginary link between the axial center of the photosensitive drum 20 and the axial center of the transfer roller 21. And an imaginary line segment (not shown) connecting the axial center of the photosensitive drum 20 and the charging wire 23 (described later) is about 120 °. Has been placed.

The scorotron charger 22 includes a charging wire 23 and a grid 24.

The charging wire 23 is stretched so as to extend in the left-right direction, and is opposed to the front upper side of the photosensitive drum 20 with an interval.

The grid 24 is formed in a substantially U shape in a side view opened toward the front upper side, and is provided so as to surround the charging wire 23.

The developing cartridge 19 is disposed on the lower front side of the photosensitive drum 20 and includes a developing frame 25 as an example of a housing.

In the developing frame 25, a toner storage chamber 26 and a developing chamber 27 are formed side by side. The toner storage chamber 26 and the developing chamber 27 are formed to have substantially the same volume, and communicate with each other through a communication port 28.

In the toner storage chamber 26, toner (developer) is stored, and an agitator 29 as an example of a conveying member is provided at a substantially central portion in the front-rear and up-down directions.

The agitator 29 includes a conveyance shaft 49 that is rotatably supported by the developing frame 25 and a conveyance blade 50 that extends in the radial direction from the conveyance shaft 49.

The agitator 29 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 20.

In the developing chamber 27, a supply roller groove 30, a developing roller facing surface 31, and a lower film attaching surface 32 are formed on the upper surface of the lower wall.

The supply roller groove 30 has a substantially semicircular shape along the peripheral surface of a supply roller 33 (described later), and is formed so as to be recessed downward in the rearward direction.

The developing roller facing surface 31 has a substantially arc shape along a peripheral surface of a developing roller 34 (described later) as an example of a developer carrying member, and extends continuously rearward from the rear end portion of the supply roller groove 30. Is formed.

The lower film attaching surface 32 is formed so as to continuously extend rearward from the rear end portion of the developing roller facing surface 31. That is, the lower film attaching surface 32 is disposed above the developing roller facing surface 31.

Further, the lower film attachment surface 32 is disposed to face the lower portion of the photosensitive drum 20 with a space in the vertical direction, and overlaps the axial center of the photosensitive drum 20 when projected in the vertical direction. Is arranged.

In the developing chamber 27, a supply roller 33, a developing roller 34, a layer thickness regulating blade 35, and a lower film 36 are accommodated.

The supply roller 33 includes a supply roller rotation shaft 98 and a sponge roller 109 that covers the supply roller rotation shaft 98, and the front side of the developing chamber 27 so that the lower portion thereof is disposed in the supply roller groove 30. The part is rotatably provided. Thus, the supply roller 33 is disposed on the rear side of the toner storage chamber 26 and is disposed at substantially the same height as the toner storage chamber 26 in the vertical direction (slightly above the toner storage chamber 26).

The developing roller 34 includes a developing roller rotating shaft 99 and a rubber roller 110 that covers the developing roller rotating shaft 99. The peripheral surface of the lower portion of the developing roller 34 and the developing roller facing surface 31 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. It is rotatably provided at the rear portion of the developing chamber 27 so as to face each other.

The developing roller 34 is provided so as to come into contact with the supply roller 33 from the upper rear side, and its upper and rear portions are exposed from the developing chamber 27, and contact the photosensitive drum 20 from the lower front side. Yes. That is, the developing roller 34 is disposed on the rear upper side of the supply roller 33 and on the front lower side of the photosensitive drum 20. The axial center of the supply roller 33, the axial center of the developing roller 34, and the axial center of the photosensitive drum 20 are located on substantially the same straight line along the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 20.

Further, the developing roller 34 is arranged at a distance from the scorotron charger 22 in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 20, and a line segment connecting the axial center of the photosensitive drum 20 and the charging wire 23, and the photosensitive roller 20. The angle formed by the line connecting the axis center of the drum 20 and the axis center of the developing roller 34 is arranged to be about 120 °. That is, the developing roller 34, the scorotron charger 22, and the transfer roller 21 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 20.

The upper end portion of the layer thickness regulating blade 35 is fixed to the rear end portion of the upper wall of the developing chamber 27, and the lower end portion thereof is in contact with the developing roller 34 from the front side.

The rear portion of the lower film 36 is fixed to the lower film attaching surface 32, and the front end thereof is in contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller 34 above the developing roller facing surface 31.
(3-2) Scanner Unit The scanner unit 16 is disposed on the front side of the process cartridge 15 so as to face the photosensitive drum 20 with a space in the front-rear direction.

The scanner unit 16 emits a laser beam L toward the photosensitive drum 20 based on the image data to expose the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20.

Specifically, the laser beam L is emitted backward from the scanner unit 16 to expose the peripheral surface at the front end portion of the photosensitive drum 20. That is, the exposure point at which the photosensitive drum 20 is exposed (the peripheral surface at the front end portion of the photosensitive drum 20) is opposite to the nip point where the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 21 are in contact with the axial center of the photosensitive drum 20. Is set to

At this time, the developing cartridge 19 is arranged below the emission locus of the laser beam L, and the scorotron charger 22 is arranged above the emission locus of the laser beam L.

A guide portion 37 for guiding the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge 15 is provided on the inner side surface of the main body casing 2 between the scanner unit 16 and the photosensitive drum 20. When the process cartridge 15 is detached from the main casing 2, the process cartridge 15 is guided by the guide portion 37, so that the developing cartridge 19 attached to the drum cartridge 18 has a lower emission locus of the laser beam L. Pass from the top to the top.

At this time, the various rollers (transfer roller 21, supply roller 33 and developing roller 34) provided in the process cartridge 15 also pass the emission locus of the laser beam L from the lower side to the upper side.
(3-3) Fixing Unit The fixing unit 17 is disposed above the rear portion of the drum cartridge 18. Specifically, the fixing unit 17 includes a heating roller 38 disposed above the scorotron charger 22 and a pressure roller 39 pressed against the heating roller 38 from the rear upper side.

That is, the heating roller 38 is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end portion (open end portion) of the grid 24 of the scorotron charger 22.
(4) Image Forming Operation The toner in the toner storage chamber 26 of the developing cartridge 19 is supplied to the supply roller 33 through the communication port 28 by the rotation of the agitator 29, and further supplied to the developing roller 34. Between 33 and the developing roller 34, it is triboelectrically charged to the positive polarity.

The toner supplied to the developing roller 34 is regulated by the layer thickness regulating blade 35 as the developing roller 34 rotates, and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 34 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 22 and then exposed by the scanner unit 16. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20. The toner carried on the developing roller 34 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 20, so that a toner image (developer image) is carried on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 20.

The sheets S stacked on the sheet loading unit 9 are sent between the sheet feeding roller 12 and the sheet feeding pad 13 by the rotation of the pickup roller 11 and are turned one by one by the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 12. After that, the paper S that has been squeezed is conveyed to the paper feed path 14 by the rotation of the paper feed roller 12 and is fed sheet by sheet at a predetermined timing (photosensitive drum 20 (described later) and transfer roller 21 ( (To be described later).

Then, the sheet S is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 21 from the lower side to the upper side. At this time, the toner image is transferred onto the paper S to form an image.

The sheet S is heated and pressed when it passes between the heating roller 38 and the pressure roller 39. At this time, the image is thermally fixed on the paper S.

Thereafter, the paper S is conveyed toward the paper discharge roller 40, and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 41 formed on the upper surface of the main casing 2 by the paper discharge roller 40.

In this way, the sheet S is fed from the sheet placing portion 9, passes between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 21 (nip point), and then passes between the heating roller 38 and the pressure roller 39. After that, the paper is transported through a substantially C-shaped transport path in side view so that the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 41.
2. Details of Developing Cartridge Next, the developing cartridge 19 will be described in detail.

In the description of the developing cartridge 19, when referring to the direction, the direction when the developing cartridge 19 is arranged horizontally is used as a reference, and specifically, the direction of the arrow shown in each drawing is used as a reference. That is, the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the printer 1 is slightly different from the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the developing cartridge 19, and the developing cartridge 19 1 is attached.

Further, when referring to the direction in the drum cartridge 18 described below, the above is also followed.
(1) Development Frame As shown in FIG. 2A, the development frame 25 is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction.

The developing frame 25 is provided with a pair of left and right side walls 42 that are formed in the rear side so as to expose the developing roller 34 in the left-right direction so that the developing roller 34 is exposed.

A gear train (not shown) for driving various rollers and a gear cover 44 for covering the gear train are provided on the outer side surface (left side surface) of the left side wall 42 (hereinafter referred to as the left side wall 42L). And are arranged.

On the outer side surface (right side surface) of the right side wall 42 (hereinafter referred to as the right side wall 42R), an electrode member 45 (described later) is arranged on the rear side, and on the front side, as shown in FIG. Thus, the filling port 46 is formed.

The filling port 46 is provided in the right side wall 42R that partitions the toner containing chamber 26 in order to fill the toner containing chamber 26 with toner, and has a substantially circular shape in side view passing through the thickness direction (left and right direction) of the right side wall 42R. Is formed.

Inside the filling port 46, a support portion 47 disposed substantially at the center of the filling port 46, and an outer peripheral surface of the support portion 47 and an inner peripheral surface of the filling port 46 are connected along the radial direction of the filling port 46. A connecting portion 48 is provided.

The support portion 47 is formed in an annular shape having an inner peripheral surface substantially the same diameter as an outer peripheral surface of a conveyance shaft 49 (described later) of the agitator 29.

The right side surface of the support portion 47 is inclined outwardly in the radial direction of the conveyance shaft 49 (described later) from the right to the left (from the outside to the inside of the developing frame 25).

Three connecting portions 48 are provided at equal intervals so as to be displaced from each other by 120 ° in the circumferential direction of the filling port 46.

Specifically, in the filling port 46, the connecting portion 48 includes a first connecting portion 48A extending from the support portion 47 to the rear lower side, and a second connecting portion 48B extending to the front lower side. And a third connecting portion 48C extending upward.

Each connecting portion 48 has a substantially bowl shape, and has a triangular shape in a cross-sectional view in which the width in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 48 increases from right to left (from the outside to the inside of the developing frame 25). Is formed.

The right end portion of the transport shaft 49 of the agitator 29 is rotatably supported by the support portion 47 by being inserted through the support portion 47. As a result, the rotational center of the agitator 29 (conveying shaft 49) is arranged so as to overlap the center of the filling port 46.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 4 (a), the outer side surface of the right side wall 42 R has a cylindrical portion 51 that protrudes rightward (outward) so as to surround the filling port 46, and a front side of the cylindrical portion 51. And a protruding portion 53 as an example of a fixing portion protruding toward the right direction (outside) between the cylindrical portion 51 and the locked portion 52, and a locked portion 52 protruding toward the right direction (outside). Is provided.

The cylindrical portion 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape having an inner diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the filling port 46, and is formed so that the inner peripheral surface of the filling port 46 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 are flush with each other. .

The locked part 52 is formed in a substantially U shape in a side view opened to the rear side.

The protruding portion 53 is disposed on the outer side (front upper side) with respect to the filling port 46 and on the rear upper side with respect to the locked portion 52.

The protruding portion 53 is formed in a round bar shape that protrudes further to the right than the locked portion 52 from the right side wall 42R.

Further, when the projection 53 is projected from the axial direction of the transport shaft 49, a line segment X1 (FIG. 4A) connecting the center of the transport shaft 49 and the projection 53 is formed between the second connecting portion 48B and the third connection portion 48B. It arrange | positions so that it may pass between between connection parts 48C, ie, it may not overlap with any connection part 48. FIG.
(2) Lid The filling port 46 is closed with a lid 57 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 57 is provided around the closing portion 58 and the closing portion 58 facing the filling port 46 so as to close the filling port 46. When the lid 57 is attached, the lid 57 is attached to the cylinder portion 51. A body portion 59 to be inserted and a tongue piece portion 60 projecting from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 59 to the front side (outside) of the body portion 59 are provided.

The closed portion 58 includes a bottomed cylindrical middle tube 61 whose right side surface is closed, and a plurality (three) of bulged portions 62 projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the middle tube 61 to the radially outer side of the middle tube 61, An intermediate wall 63 is provided between the left end portion of the middle cylinder 61 and the left end portion of the body portion 59 between the bulging portions 62 adjacent to each other.

The middle cylinder 61 is disposed at a position overlapping the support portion 47 when projected from the mounting direction of the lid 57 with respect to the filling port 46, so that the inner diameter of the middle cylinder 61 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the support portion 47. Is formed. Further, the middle cylinder 61 is formed longer than the support portion 47 in the left-right direction.

Further, the left end portion of the middle cylinder 61 and the left end portion of the trunk portion 59 are disposed at the same position, while the right end portion of the support portion 47 is disposed on the left side of the right end portion of the trunk portion 59, that is, The middle cylinder 61 is formed to be shorter than the body portion 59 in the left-right direction.

Further, a support portion accommodation groove 94 is defined inside the middle cylinder 61 by the inner peripheral surface and the inner bottom surface of the middle cylinder 61 (the inner side surface of the right side wall of the middle cylinder 61).

The bulging part 62 has the same arrangement and length as the middle cylinder 61 in the left-right direction, and is arranged at a position overlapping the connecting part 48 when projected from the mounting direction of the lid 57 with respect to the filling port 46. Three at equal intervals so as to be displaced from each other by 120 ° in the circumferential direction (a first bulging portion 62A corresponding to the first connecting portion 48A, a second bulging portion 62B corresponding to the second connecting portion 48B, and a third A third bulging portion 62C) corresponding to the connecting portion 48C is formed.

Each bulging portion 62 is formed in a U-shaped cross-sectional view whose left side is opened when projected in the radial direction of the filling port 46.

A cutout corresponding to the bulging portion 62 is formed in the middle cylinder 61 and the body portion 59, whereby a pair of inner side surfaces of the bulging portion 62 (inner side surfaces of both side walls of the bulging portion 62 are formed. ) And the inner bottom surface (the inner side surface of the right side wall of the bulging portion 62) form a connecting portion receiving groove 95 that communicates the supporting portion receiving groove 94 and the body portion 59 of the middle cylinder 61 along the radial direction. Yes. There are three connecting portion receiving grooves 95 (the first connecting portion receiving groove 95A corresponding to the first connecting portion 48A and the first bulging portion 62A, the second connecting portion 48B and the second corresponding to the second bulging portion 62B). The connecting portion receiving groove 95B and the third connecting portion receiving groove 95C) corresponding to the third connecting portion 48C and the third bulging portion 62C are formed.

The groove width of the connecting portion receiving groove 95 (the circumferential length of the filling port 46) is formed to be longer than the width in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 48.

The support portion receiving groove 94 and the connecting portion receiving groove 95 communicating with each other form a notch groove 64. There are three notch grooves 64 (a notch groove 64A corresponding to the first connecting portion receiving groove 95A, a notch groove 64B corresponding to the second connecting portion receiving groove 95B, and a notch groove corresponding to the third connecting portion receiving groove 95C). 64C).

The middle wall 63 is provided so as to close a region partitioned between the left end portion of the middle cylinder 61, the left end portion of the body portion 59, and the bulging portions 62 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

The body portion 59 includes a peripheral wall 65 extending along the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51, a flange portion 66 protruding radially outward from the right end portion of the peripheral wall 65, and an engagement for locking the lid 57 to the developing frame 25. And a pawl 69.

The peripheral wall 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape having substantially the same length as the cylindrical portion 51 in the left-right direction, and is connected to the intermediate cylinder 61 via the intermediate wall 63 and the bulging portion 62 at the left end.

The collar portion 66 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65 so as to be flush with the outer peripheral end surface of the cylindrical portion 51 in the radial direction of the filling port 46 (see FIG. 2B).

The locking claw 69 has an annular shape that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65 at the left end of the peripheral wall 65, and has a cross-sectional shape that can be engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the filling port 46. It is formed in a shape. Three locking claws 69 are provided, specifically, a first locking claw 69A provided on the rear upper side of the peripheral wall 65, a second locking claw 69B provided on the lower side, and provided on the front upper side. A third locking claw 69C is provided.

The tongue piece part 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape as viewed from the right side and protrudes radially outward from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the collar part 66.

The tongue piece 60 is disposed between the second bulge 62B (notch groove 64B) and the third bulge 62C (cut groove 64C) in the circumferential direction of the flange 66.

The tongue piece 60 is formed with a hole 67 as an example of a fixed portion and a thin portion 68.

The hole 67 is formed so as to penetrate the tongue piece 60 in the left-right direction substantially at the center of the tongue piece 60 so that the protrusion 53 can be inserted, and faces the projection 53 when the lid 57 is attached. It is provided at the position to be arranged.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the thin-walled portion 68 is between the hole 67 and the body portion 59, and is a base end portion of the tongue piece portion 60 (a boundary portion between the tongue piece portion 60 and the flange portion 66). The notch is formed from the front surface (right surface) and the back surface (left surface) of the tongue piece portion 60 along the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the tongue piece portion 60, so that the plate thickness is reduced. Yes.
(3) Electrode Member As shown in FIG. 4A, the developing cartridge 19 is mounted on the outer side surface (right side surface) of the right side wall 42R and adjacent to the rear upper side of the lid 57 mounted on the filling port 46. The electrode member 45 as an example of the protrusion member arrange | positioned is provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode member 45 includes a supply electrode 73, a bearing member 74, and a developing electrode 75.

The supply electrode 73 is formed from a conductive resin material in a substantially bowl shape extending in a direction connecting the front upper side and the rear lower side of the developing frame 25. The supply electrode 73 is integrally provided with a supply side contact portion 76, a connecting portion 77, and a supply roller shaft insertion portion 78.

The supply side contact portion 76 is disposed at the front upper end of the supply electrode 73. The supply-side contact portion 76 is formed in a rectangular tube shape that extends in the left-right direction and is substantially rectangular in a side view with the right end portion closed.

The connecting portion 77 is formed in a substantially crank-shaped bent flat plate shape extending continuously from the left end edge of the supply side contact portion 76 to the lower rear side.

The supply roller shaft insertion portion 78 is continuously provided at the rear lower end portion of the connecting portion 77, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

The bearing member 74 is formed from an insulating resin material in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in a side view in the longitudinal direction in a direction connecting the front upper side and the rear lower side of the developing frame 25. The bearing member 74 is integrally provided with an insulating portion 79, a mounting portion 80, and a bearing portion 81.

The insulating portion 79 is disposed at the front upper end of the bearing member 74. The insulating portion 79 extends in the left-right direction, and is formed in a rectangular tube shape having a substantially L shape in side view with the right end portion closed.

The mounting portion 80 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending continuously from the left end edge of the insulating portion 79 to the lower rear side.

The bearing portion 81 is continuously provided on the lower rear side of the mounting portion 80, and is formed in a flat plate shape having a substantially rectangular shape in a side view. A developing roller shaft insertion hole 96 and a supply roller shaft covering portion 97 are formed in the bearing portion 81.

The developing roller shaft insertion hole 96 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view at a substantially center in the vertical direction of the bearing portion 81.

The supply roller shaft covering portion 97 protrudes rightward from the front lower side of the developing roller shaft insertion hole 96 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the right end portion closed.

The developing electrode 75 is formed from a conductive resin material in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in a side view in the longitudinal direction in a direction connecting the front upper side and the rear lower side of the developing frame 25. The developing electrode 75 is integrally provided with a developing side contact portion 82, a mounting portion 83, and a developing roller shaft fitting portion 84.

The development side contact portion 82 is disposed at the front upper end of the development electrode 75. The development side contact portion 82 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and having a substantially rectangular shape in a side view with the right end portion closed.

The attachment portion 83 is continuously formed from the lower end portion of the development side contact portion 82 to the rear lower side, and is formed in a substantially block shape having a length in the left-right direction equivalent to the development side contact portion 82.

The developing roller shaft fitting portion 84 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending continuously from the left end portion of the attachment portion 83 to the rear side.

The supply electrode 73 is supported on the right side wall 42R of the developing frame 25 so that the supply roller shaft insertion portion 78 is fitted on the supply roller rotation shaft 98.

Thereby, the supply electrode 73 is electrically connected to the supply roller rotating shaft 98.

The bearing member 74 is supported by the right side wall 42R of the developing frame 25 so as to cover the supply roller shaft insertion part 78 and the connection part 77 of the supply electrode 73 from the right side.

A developing roller rotating shaft 99 is rotatably inserted into the developing roller shaft insertion hole 96 of the bearing portion 81.

Further, a supply roller rotating shaft 98 is rotatably fitted to the supply roller shaft covering portion 97 of the bearing portion 81.

Thereby, the bearing member 74 rotatably supports the supply roller 33 and the developing roller 34 and is positioned with respect to the developing frame 25.

Further, the insulating part 79 is disposed opposite to the rear side of the supply side contact part 76 of the supply electrode 73 with an interval.

The developing electrode 75 is supported by the bearing member 74 so that the developing roller shaft fitting portion 84 is fitted on the developing roller rotating shaft 99.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4A, the supply electrode 73, the bearing member 74, and the development electrode 75 are fixed to the development frame 25 by the common screw.

A bearing member 74 is interposed between the supply electrode 73 and the development electrode 75, and the supply electrode 73 and the development electrode 75 are insulated from each other by the bearing member 74.

The supply electrode 73, the bearing member 74, and the development electrode 75 fixed to the development frame 25 are adjacent to the filling port 46 from the upper side and the rear side along the filling port 46, and are substantially L in side view from the right side wall 42R. An electrode member 45 protruding in a letter shape is formed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the supply side contact portion 76 of the supply electrode 73 is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the filling port 46.

The supply side contact portion 76 protrudes to the right from the lid 57 attached to the filling port 46 (FIG. 2B), thereby covering the lid 57 from above.

In the right side view, the first guide surface 100 is formed on the lower end portion of the supply side contact portion 76 (the lower end surface of the supply side contact portion 76 facing the lid 57).

The insulating portion 79 and the developing electrode 75 of the bearing member 74 are disposed adjacent to the rear upper side of the filling port 46.

The insulating portion 79 and the developing electrode 75 protrude rightward from the lid 57 attached to the filling port 46 (FIG. 2B), thereby covering the lid 57 from the rear upper side.

In addition, the second guide surface 101 is formed on the lower end portion of the insulating portion 79 (the lower end surface of the insulating portion 79 facing the lid 57) in the right side view. Further, in the right side view, a third guide surface 102 is formed at the front end portion of the developing electrode 75 (the front end surface of the developing electrode 75 facing the lid 57).

The bearing portion 81 of the bearing member 74 is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the filling port 46.

The bearing portion 81 protrudes to the right from the lid 57 attached to the filling port 46 (FIG. 2B), thereby covering the lid 57 from the rear side.

In the right side view, the fourth guide surface 103 is formed on the front end portion of the bearing portion 81 (the front end surface of the bearing portion 81 facing the lid 57).

That is, the electrode member 45 (the supply electrode 73, the bearing member 74, and the developing electrode 75) has a length that protrudes rightward from the right side wall 42R, and a length that protrudes from the right side wall 42R of the lid 57 attached to the filling port 46. It is formed to be longer than that. That is, the electrode member 45 protrudes to the right from the right side wall 42 R rather than the lid 57 attached to the filling port 46.

Further, the end surface of the electrode member 45 (the supply electrode 73, the bearing member 74, and the developing electrode 75) facing the lid 57 is a guide surface that guides the lid 57 to the filling port 46 when the lid 57 is attached to the filling port 46. (First guide surface 100, second guide surface 101, third guide surface 102, fourth guide surface 103).

In order to more reliably guide the lid 57 to the filling port 46, the first guide surface 100 and the second guide surface 101 are preferably inclined downward toward the left, and the third guide surface 102 and the fourth guide surface 103 are preferably inclined forward as they move leftward.
(4) Filling of toner Then, the developing cartridge 19 is filled with toner by the following procedure.

First, as shown in FIG. 4A, a new developing cartridge 19 having a filling port 46 opened is prepared, and the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge 19 is arranged vertically so that the filling port 46 faces upward. To do.

Then, the toner is filled into the toner storage chamber 26 of the developing cartridge 19 from the filling port 46.

At this time, even if the toner contacts the upstream surface of the support portion 47 and the connecting portion 48 in the filling direction, the width of the support portion 47 and the connecting portion 48 increases from the outside to the inside of the developing frame 25. Due to the inclination, the toner slides from the surfaces of the support portion 47 and the connecting portion 48 and is stored in the toner storage chamber 26.

Then, after the toner filling is completed, a lid 57 is attached to the filling port 46 as shown in FIG.

In order to attach the lid 57 to the filling port 46, first, the lid 57 is disposed opposite to the filling port 46.

At this time, in the mounting direction of the lid 57, the support portion 47 and the support portion accommodation groove 94 face each other, each connection portion 48 and each connection portion accommodation groove 95 face each other, and the projection portion 53 and the hole 67 face each other. Arrange as follows.

Next, when the lid 57 is brought close to the filling port 46, the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 59 of the lid 57 becomes the guide surface of the electrode member 45 (first guide surface 100, second guide surface 101, third guide surface 102, fourth Guided by the guide surface 103) and guided to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51.

Then, the lid 57 is press-fitted into the filling port 46.

To press-fit the lid 57, the body portion 59 is pressed toward the filling port 46 until the collar portion 66 of the lid 57 contacts the cylinder portion 51.

Then, the locking claw 69 is locked to the inner surface of the developing frame 25 at the filling port 46.

Further, the support portion 47 is accommodated in the support portion accommodation groove 94, each connection portion 48 is accommodated in each connection portion accommodation groove 95, and the protrusion 53 is inserted into the hole 67.

Thereafter, the lid 57 is fixed to the developing frame 25.

To fix the lid 57, a jig is brought into contact with the protruding portion 53 inserted through the hole 67, and the protruding portion 53 is irreversibly deformed while being heated and pressurized by the jig. In other words, the protrusion 53 is permanently deformed while being heated and pressurized by the jig.

At this time, the lid 57 is attached to the developing frame 25 by heating and pressurizing until the outer shape of the free end (right end) of the protrusion 53 becomes larger than the diameter of the hole 67 and fixing the protrusion 53 to the hole 67. Fixed. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 53 is heated and pressurized and caulked so that the tip (right end) extends in the front-rear and up-down directions to form a T shape in plan view.

When the lid 57 is fixed to the developing frame 25, in order to maintain recyclability, the protrusions 53 as an example of the fixing part and the portions different from the holes 67 as an example of the fixed part (the protrusions 53 and The portion other than the hole 67) is not irreversibly deformed. More specifically, the developing frame 25 and the collar portion 66 are not irreversibly deformed, and only the protrusion 53 disposed on the outer side is irreversibly deformed.

This completes the filling of the toner into the developing cartridge 19.

Also, the lid 57 is removed from the developing cartridge 19 in order to refill the developing cartridge 19 with toner for recycling.

To remove the lid 57, the tongue piece 60 is separated from the body 59 along the thin portion 68 of the tongue piece 60 as shown in FIG. Then, the remaining portion of the tongue piece 60 cut by the thin portion 68 remains as a trace in the developing cartridge 19.

This confirms that the lid 57 has been removed to refill the toner.
(5) Mounting of Developer Cartridge to Drum Cartridge Such a developer cartridge 19 is mounted to the drum cartridge 18 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the drum cartridge 18 includes a drum frame 111 as an example of a frame. The drum frame 111 includes a pair of left and right side walls 104, a lower wall 105, a front wall 106, and an upper wall 107.

The pair of left and right side walls 104 are formed in a substantially L shape in side view, extending upward in the rear part and extending forward in the front part.

The lower wall 105 is constructed between the lower ends of the pair of left and right side walls 104.

The front wall 106 is constructed between the pair of left and right side walls 104 and the front end of the lower wall 105.

The upper wall 107 is constructed between the upper end portions in the rear part of the pair of left and right side walls 104.

A drum housing portion 86 is defined by a rear portion of the pair of left and right side walls 104, an upper wall 107, and a lower wall 105 facing the upper wall 107.

The cartridge mounting portion 87 is partitioned by the front portion of the pair of left and right side walls 104, the lower wall 105, and the front wall 106.

The photosensitive drum 20, the transfer roller 21, and the scorotron charger 22 are supported on the drum housing portion 86.

The cartridge mounting portion 87 communicates with the drum housing portion 86 and is formed in a substantially bottomed rectangular frame shape with the upper portion opened.

When the developing cartridge 19 is mounted (stored) in the cartridge mounting portion 87, the developing roller 34 contacts the photosensitive drum 20 (see FIG. 1).

When the developing cartridge 19 is mounted on the drum frame 111, the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are formed on the right side wall 104 (hereinafter referred to as the right side) of the drum frame 111 as shown in FIG. , And right side wall 104R). That is, when projected in the axial direction of the developing roller 34, the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are disposed so as to be included (overlapped) in the right side wall 104 R of the drum frame 111.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, a slight gap S1 is formed between the protrusion 53 and the right side wall 104R in the plan view.

When the developing cartridge 19 is mounted on the drum frame 111 in a state before the lid 57 is fixed to the developing frame 25, the gap S1 is formed so that the hole 67 and the protruding portion 53 (shown in phantom lines) are on the right side wall. The interval is set so as not to interfere with 104R.

In some cases, after the developing cartridge 19 is filled with toner and before the lid 57 is fixed to the developing frame 25, the developing cartridge 19 is attached to the drum frame 111 to perform a printing test for quality inspection. If the gap S1 is set, the developing cartridge 19 can be mounted on the drum frame 111 even when such a print test is performed.
3. Effects (1) According to the developing cartridge 19, when the lid 57 is fixed to the developing frame 25, the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are irreversibly deformed by melting (heat caulking).

Therefore, when the lid 57 that closes the filling port 46 is removed from the developing frame 25 in order to refill the toner from the filling port 46, it is necessary to cut the tongue piece 60 (the hole 67 and the protrusion 53) from the lid 57. is there. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 19 is refilled with toner, the tongue piece 60 (the hole 67 and the protrusion 53) remains as a trace.

As a result, the history of refilling the developing cartridge 19 with toner can be confirmed.

Furthermore, according to the developing cartridge 19, the protrusion 53 is provided on the outer side of the cylinder 51 that surrounds the filling port 46.

Therefore, since the lid 57 and the developing frame 25 are fixed outside the filling port 46, the filling port 46 and the lid 57 are damaged even if the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are irreversibly deformed. The lid 57 can be removed from the developing frame 25 without doing so.

As a result, even if the developing cartridge 19 is refilled with toner, the sealing performance of the lid 57 against the toner can be ensured.
(2) Further, according to the developing cartridge 19, the tongue piece portion 60 having the hole 67 protrudes outward from the body portion 59. Therefore, the hole 67 can be reliably disposed outside the cylinder portion 51.
(3) According to the developing cartridge 19, when the lid 57 is removed from the developing frame 25, the thin portion 68 formed on the tongue piece portion 60 between the hole 67 and the body portion 59 is easily cut. be able to. Therefore, the thin portion 68 can be cut easily and reliably.
(4) Further, according to the developing cartridge 19, the protrusion 53 is inserted into the hole 67 and deformed, so that the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are melted (heat caulked) irreversibly with a simple configuration. Can be deformed.
(5) Further, according to the developing cartridge 19, when the lid 57 is attached to the filling port 46, the lid 57 is guided by the electrode member 45 protruding adjacent to the lid 57. Therefore, the lid 57 can be efficiently attached to the filling port 46.
(6) According to the developing cartridge 19, the electrode member 45 protrudes adjacent to the lid 57. Therefore, even if the toner leaks from the lid 57, the toner adheres to the electrode member 45, so that it can be prevented from scattering beyond the electrode member 45.

As a result, it is possible to prevent members (such as the photosensitive drum 20, the scorotron charger 22, and the transfer roller 21) disposed on the opposite side of the lid 57 from the electrode member 45 from being contaminated with toner.
(7) Further, according to the developing cartridge 19, a member that protrudes adjacent to the lid 57 using the electrode member 45 can be provided.

Therefore, by reducing the number of parts, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.
(8) The lid 57 may be deformed in the cutout groove 64 including the coupling portion accommodation groove 95 and the support portion accommodation groove 94 that accommodates the coupling portion 48 and the support portion 47. Therefore, when the connecting portion 48 is provided at a position overlapping the line segment X1 connecting the center of the transport shaft 49 and the protrusion 53 when projected from the axial direction of the transport shaft 49, a connecting portion receiving groove for storing the connecting portion 48 is provided. 95 and the protrusion 67 due to deformation of the notch groove 64 consisting of 95 (specifically, deformation such as when the cover 57 is removed, the notch groove 64 opens in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the transport shaft 49). In some cases, the lid 57 can be removed from the developing frame 25 while the portion 53 is fixed.

However, according to the developing cartridge 19, any of the connecting portions 48 is formed at a position that does not overlap the line segment X 1 connecting the center of the transport shaft 49 and the protrusion 53 when projected from the axial direction of the transport shaft 49. Yes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lid 57 from being removed from the developing frame 25 while the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are fixed.
(9) When the developing frame 25 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 87 of the drum frame 111 before the hole 67 and the protruding portion 53 are irreversibly deformed for printing inspection, the hole 67 and the protruding portion 53 are irreversible. If the gap S1 is set so as not to interfere with the right side wall 104R of the drum frame 111 only after being deformed, there is a problem that the print inspection cannot be performed.

However, according to the developing cartridge 19, before the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are irreversibly deformed, a gap S1 is set so that the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 do not interfere with the right side wall 104R of the drum frame 111. Therefore, a print inspection can be performed.
(10) According to the developing cartridge 19, the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 are not exposed from the right side wall 104 R of the drum frame 111 and are covered by the right side wall 104 R of the drum frame 111.

Therefore, the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 can be protected from the outside by the drum frame 111.
(11) Further, according to the developing cartridge 19, the protrusion 53 can be irreversibly deformed easily and reliably by caulking.

(12) According to the developing cartridge 19, even if the protrusion 53 is deformed, the lid 57 can be removed from the developing frame 25 without damaging the portions other than the hole 67 and the protrusion 53.

Therefore, the lid 57 and the developing frame 25 can be recycled in refilling the toner.
4). Second embodiment (configuration)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, one hole 67 is formed in the lid 57 and one protrusion 53 is provided in the developing frame 25. The protrusion 53 is irreversibly deformed to fix the lid 57 to the developing frame 25.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a plurality of (three) protrusions 53 are provided, and the number of protrusions 53 irreversibly deformed corresponds to the history of refilling the toner.

Three protrusions 53 are provided on the front side of the cylindrical portion 51 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction so as to be along the circumferential direction of the filling port 46. In FIG. 9A, the upper projection 53 remains as a refill trace of the toner together with the tongue piece 60 of the lid 57 after use, and the middle projection 53 is in use. It is being fixed to the tongue piece part 60 of the lid | cover 57, and the lower projection part 53 has shown that it is unused.
(Function and effect)
According to the developing cartridge 19, even if one of the plurality of protrusions 53 corresponding to one hole 67 is irreversibly deformed, the other protrusions 53 are irreversibly deformed thereafter. Can be used.

Therefore, by counting the number of protrusions 53 used for irreversible deformation, it is possible to check the history of toner refilling.
5. Third embodiment (configuration)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that in the third embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, one hole 67 is formed in the lid 57, one projection 53 is provided in the development frame 25, and the projection 53 is irreversibly deformed so that the lid 57 is fixed to the development frame 25. It is fixed.

In contrast, in the third embodiment, a plurality of (two) protrusions 53 and holes 67 are provided, and each of the plurality (two) of protrusions 53 is irreversibly deformed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, the two holes 67 and the two projections 53 corresponding to the two holes 67 have both sides (the front side of the filling port 46 and the front side of the filling port 46). It is arranged on the rear side and fixed.
(Function and effect)
According to the developing cartridge 19, the lid 57 and the developing cartridge 19 are fixed at a plurality (two) of positions by irreversibly deforming the plurality (two) of protrusions 53.

Therefore, the lid 57 and the developing cartridge 19 can be fixed more reliably.

Further, when the two holes 67 and the two projections 53 corresponding to the holes 67 are arranged on both sides of the filling port 46, the lid 57 and the developing cartridge 19 are provided with projections on both sides of the filling port 46. 53 is irreversibly deformed, and is fixed at positions on both sides of the filling port 46. Therefore, the lid 57 and the developing frame 25 can be fixed efficiently and reliably.
6). Fourth embodiment (configuration)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that in the fourth embodiment, members similar to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

The drum frame 111 includes a lock member 88 to prevent the developing cartridge 19 from being inadvertently detached from the drum frame 111.

The lock member 88 is swingably supported at the front end portion of the inner side surface of the right side wall 104R of the drum frame 111.

The lock member 88 includes a cylindrical portion 89 that is a center of rotation of the lock member 88 and has a hole penetrating in the left-right direction, and extends upward from the cylindrical portion 89 and has an upper end protruding backward. Part 90, an operation part 91 extending forward from the flange part 90, a lift extending from the cylinder part 89 in the rear lower direction, and its free end part (rear end part) disposed below the lower surface of the developing frame 25 Part 92.

On the other hand, on the inner side surface of the right side wall 104R of the drum frame 111, a support shaft 93 protruding leftward is provided at a position facing the cylindrical portion 89 in the left-right direction.

When the cylindrical portion 89 is inserted into the support shaft 93, the lock member 88 is supported by the right side wall 104R so as to be swingable.

Also, the lock member 88 is always urged by a spring (not shown) in a direction in which the collar portion 90 is directed rearward and the lift portion 92 is directed downward (clockwise as viewed from the right side).

Therefore, the flange portion 90 of the lock member 88 is always engaged with the locked portion 52 from above.

Thereby, the separation of the developing cartridge 19 from the drum frame 111 is restricted.

When the operation portion 91 is pressed, the lock member 88 is rocked in the direction in which the collar portion 90 is directed forward and the lift portion 92 is directed upward (counterclockwise in the right side view) against the biasing force of the spring. The engagement of the collar 90 with the locked portion 52 is released, and the lower surface of the developing cartridge 19 is lifted by the lift 92.

As a result, the restriction on the separation of the developing cartridge 19 is released.

And in 4th Embodiment, the tongue piece part 60 is formed larger than the tongue piece part 60 of 1st Embodiment.

The tongue piece 60 is arranged side by side on the right side of the locked portion 52.

For this reason, the tongue piece portion 60 of the fourth embodiment projects with the flange portion 90 of the lock member 88 when projected in the direction in which the developing cartridge 19 is detached from the drum frame 111 in a state where the developing cartridge 19 is mounted on the drum frame 111. Arranged to overlap.
(Function and effect)
According to the developing cartridge 19, when the developing cartridge 19 is moved in the direction of detachment from the state in which the developing cartridge 19 is mounted on the drum frame 111, the tongue piece 60 contacts the lock member 88. Therefore, the tongue piece portion 60 can reliably control the separation of the developing frame 25 from the drum frame 111.

In addition, the tongue piece 60 is arranged side by side on the right side of the locked part 52. Therefore, even if the developing cartridge 19 moves in the left-right direction with respect to the drum frame 111, the hook 90 can be engaged with the tongue piece 60. Therefore, even if the developing cartridge 19 rattles in the left-right direction, it is possible to prevent the release restriction from being inadvertently released.
7). Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 (a) to 13 (c). Note that in the fifth embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the body portion 59 of the lid 57 has the locking claw 69 (the first locking claw 69A, the second locking claw 69B, the third engagement) for locking the lid 57 to the developing frame 25. A pawl 69C) is provided. The first locking claw 69A, the second locking claw 69B, and the third locking claw 69C are formed to have the same length protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65 toward the radially outer side of the filling port 46. ing.

In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first locking claw 69 A has a length that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65. (The length indicated by L2 in FIG. 12C) is the same as the length of the second locking claw 69B that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65, and the third locking claw 69C. It is formed to be longer than the length protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65 toward the radially outer side (the length indicated by L1 in FIG. 12B).

That is, among the three locking claws 69, the third locking claw 69 C disposed at the position closest to the tongue piece 60 and the protrusion 53 is more protruding in the radial direction than the other two locking claws 69. It is provided to shorten the length.

In each locking claw 69, a portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65 is a portion that engages with the inner peripheral surface of the filling port 46. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the first locking claw 69A and the second locking claw 69B are less likely to be applied to the inner peripheral surface of the filling port 46 than the third locking claw 69C. The depth is increasing.

Further, in a state where the filling port 46 is closed by the lid 57, each connecting portion 48 is accommodated in each connecting portion receiving groove 95. Specifically, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 13B, the first connecting portion 48A is received in the first connecting portion receiving groove 95A, and the second connecting portion 48B is received in the second connecting portion receiving groove 95B. The third connecting portion 48C is accommodated in the third connecting portion accommodating groove 95C.

Here, as shown in FIG. 13C, a gap is formed between the connecting portion 48 and the corresponding connecting portion receiving groove 95 (the inner side surfaces of the both side walls of the bulging portion 62). The width of the gap (the circumferential length of the filling port 46) varies depending on the length (depth of application) projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 65 of the adjacent locking claw 69, Is formed.

To remove the lid 57 from the filling port 46, it is necessary to release the engagement between the locking claw 69 and the inner peripheral surface of the filling port 46. At this time, if the engagement claw 69 is deeply applied to the inner peripheral surface of the filling port 46, the deformation amount of the connecting portion receiving groove 95 (the bulging portion 62) increases and may interfere with the connecting portion 48. There is. Therefore, the groove width of the connecting portion receiving groove 95 (the circumferential length of the filling port 46) is set so that the connecting portion receiving groove 95 and the connecting portion 48 do not interfere with each other. Are arranged in the corresponding connecting portion receiving grooves 95.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13C, in a side view, a gap S2 (on the rear side of the third connection portion 48C) is formed between the third connection portion 48C and the third connection portion receiving groove 95C. And a gap S3 (located on the front side of the third connecting portion 48C). 48 C of 3rd connection parts are arrange | positioned so that the width | variety of the clearance gap S2 (the circumferential direction length of the filling port 46) may become larger than the width | variety of the clearance gap S3 in the groove width of the 3rd connection part accommodation groove | channel 95C. That is, the groove width of the third connecting portion receiving groove 95C is set so that the width of the gap S2 is larger than the width of the gap S3 when the third connecting portion 48C is disposed in the third connecting portion receiving groove 95C. Has been. The protruding length (L2) of the first locking claw 69A adjacent to the gap S2 is larger than the protruding length (L1) of the third locking claw 69C adjacent to the gap S3. This is because the deformation amount of the rear side wall among the side walls of the third bulging portion 62C corresponding to the above becomes larger than the deformation amount of the front side wall.

Similarly, between the second connecting portion 48B and the second connecting portion receiving groove 95B, there is a gap S4 (located on the upper front side of the second connecting portion 48B) and a gap S5 (the lower rear side of the second connecting portion 48B). Is located). Since the protruding length (L2) of the second locking claw 69B adjacent to the gap S5 is larger than the protruding length (L1) of the third locking claw 69C adjacent to the gap S4, the second connecting portion 48B In the groove width of the two connecting portion accommodating grooves 95B, the gap S5 is disposed so as to be larger than the width of the gap S4. That is, the groove width of the second connecting portion receiving groove 95B is set so that the width of the gap S5 is larger than the width of the gap S4 when the second connecting portion 48B is disposed in the second connecting portion receiving groove 95B. Has been.

Similarly, between the first connecting portion 48A and the first connecting portion receiving groove 95A, a gap S6 (located on the lower front side of the first connecting portion 48A) and a gap S7 (of the second connecting portion 48B). (Located on the rear upper side) is formed. Since the protruding length (L2) of the second locking claw 69B adjacent to the gap S6 and the protruding length (L2) of the first locking claw 69A adjacent to the gap S7 are the same, the first connecting portion 48A. Are arranged such that the width of the gap S6 is the same as the width of the gap S7 in the groove width of the first connecting portion receiving groove 95A. That is, the groove width of the first connecting portion receiving groove 95A is such that when the first connecting portion 48A is arranged in the first connecting portion receiving groove 95A, the width of the gap S6 and the width of the gap S7 are the same. Is set.

That is, the width of the gaps (S2, S5, S6, S7) between the connecting portion 48 and the connecting portion receiving groove 95 adjacent to the locking claw 69 having a large protruding length in the radial direction is set in the radial direction. It is set to be larger than the width of the gap (S3, S4) between the connecting portion 48 and the connecting portion receiving groove 95 adjacent to the locking claw 69 having a small protruding length.
8). Other Modifications In the above-described first embodiment, the fixed portion is formed as the hole 67 and the fixed portion is formed as the protruding portion 53. However, the fixed portion may be formed as the protruding portion 53 and the fixed portion as the hole 67. Good. Moreover, you may form in another shape.

In the first embodiment described above, only the protrusion 53 is irreversibly deformed and fixed. However, both the hole 67 and the protrusion 53 can be irreversibly deformed and fixed, and only the hole 67 is fixed. It can also be fixed by deforming.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of protrusions are provided, but a plurality of holes 67 and protrusions 53 may be provided.

In the third embodiment, two protrusions 53 are provided and two holes 67 are arranged corresponding to the two protrusions 53, but three or more may be provided.

In the first embodiment described above, the protrusion 53 is irreversibly deformed by melting (heat caulking). However, the method of irreversibly deforming is not limited to this, and a known method such as welding is appropriately used. It can be fixed by using.

The developing cartridge 19 and the process cartridge 15 described above are an embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The printer 1 as an example of the image forming apparatus to which the cartridge of the present invention is mounted can be configured as a color printer in addition to monochrome.

When the image forming apparatus is configured as a color printer, the image forming apparatus includes a direct tandem type color printer including a plurality of photosensitive members and a recording medium conveying member, a plurality of photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer member, and a transfer member. An intermediate transfer type tandem color printer can also be configured.

Further, the process cartridge 15 which is an example of the cartridge of the present invention is an integrated type which integrally includes the drum cartridge 18 and the developing cartridge 19 in addition to the separation type in which the drum cartridge 18 and the developing cartridge 19 are separated as described above. It can also be configured as.

Furthermore, the photosensitive drum 20 can be provided in the main casing 2 and only the developing cartridge 19 can be attached to and detached from the main casing 2.

Further, in place of the above-described photosensitive drum 20, for example, a photosensitive member such as a photosensitive belt can be applied.

Further, instead of the developing roller 34 described above, for example, a developer carrier such as a developing sleeve or a brush-like roller can be applied.

Further, instead of the supply roller 33 described above, for example, a supply member such as a supply sleeve, a supply belt, or a brush-like roller may be applied.

Further, instead of the agitator 29 described above, for example, a conveying member such as an auger screw or a conveying belt can be applied.

Further, in place of the transfer roller 21 described above, for example, a contact type transfer member such as a transfer belt, a transfer brush, or a transfer blade, or a non-contact type transfer member such as a corotron type can be applied. .

Further, in place of the above scorotron charger 22, for example, a non-contact charger such as a corotron charger or a charger provided with a sawtooth discharge member, or a contact charger such as a charging roller, for example. Etc. can be applied.

Further, instead of the scanner unit 16 described above, for example, an exposure member such as an LED unit can be applied.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatus to which the cartridge of the present invention is mounted can be configured as a multifunction machine equipped with an image reading unit and the like.

In addition, these 1st Embodiment, 2nd Embodiment, 3rd Embodiment, 4th Embodiment, 5th Embodiment, and another modification can be combined suitably.

18 Drum Cartridge 19 Developing Cartridge 20 Photosensitive Drum 25 Developing Frame 26 Toner Storage Chamber 29 Agitator 34 Developing Roller 45 Electrode Member 46 Filling Port 47 Support Portion 48 Connection Portion 49 Conveying Shaft 51 Cylindrical Portion 53 Projection Portion 57 Lid 58 Closed Portion 59 Closure Portion 60 Tongue piece 67 Hole 68 Thin portion 88 Lock member 111 Drum frame X1 line segment

Claims

A housing (25) configured to contain a developer and having a filling port (46) for filling the developer;
A lid (57) having a fixed portion (67) for closing the filling port (46) and being fixed to the housing (25);
The casing (25) has a cylindrical portion (51) projecting outside the casing (25) so as to surround the filling port (46), and the cylindrical portion with respect to the filling port (46). (51) is provided on the outer side, provided with a fixed portion (53) to be fixed to the fixed portion (67),
The lid (57) is fixed to the casing (25) by irreversibly deforming at least one of the fixed part (67) and the fixing part (53), Cartridge (19).
The lid (57)
A closure (58) opposite the filling port (46);
A barrel (59) provided around the closure (58) and inserted into the cylinder (51);
A tongue piece (60) projecting from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the body (59) to the outside of the body (59);
The cartridge (19) according to claim 1, wherein the tongue piece (60) has the fixed part (67).
The thin part (68) for making them easy to cut | disconnect between the said to-be-fixed part (67) and the said trunk | drum (59) is formed, The feature of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Cartridge (19).
A hole is formed in the fixed portion (67),
The fixing portion (53) is formed with a protrusion,
The cartridge (19) according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (53) is inserted into the hole (67).
A protrusion member (45) protruding adjacent to the lid (57) on the outer surface of the housing (25);
The protruding member (45) is configured to guide the lid (57) when the lid (57) is attached to the filling port (46). Cartridge.
A protrusion member (45) protruding adjacent to the lid (57) on the outer surface of the housing (25);
The length of the protruding member (45) protruding from the outer surface of the casing (25) is longer than the length of the lid (57) protruding from the outer surface of the casing (25). The cartridge (19) according to claim 1.
The cartridge (19) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the protruding member (45) is an electrode member.
A plurality of pairs of the fixed portion (67) and the fixing portion (53) are provided, and the number of the pairs is configured to correspond to the history of refilling the developer, The cartridge (19) according to claim 1.
A transport member (29) provided inside the housing (25);
The transport member (29) includes a transport shaft (49) rotatably supported by the housing (25),
Inside the filling port (46) of the housing (25), a support portion (47) that rotatably supports the transport shaft (49), and the filling port (46) of the housing (25). ) And a connecting portion (48) for connecting the inner peripheral surface of the supporting portion (47).
The connecting portion (48) is provided at a position that does not overlap a line segment connecting the center of the transport shaft (49) and the fixed portion (53) when projected from the axial direction of the transport shaft (49). The cartridge (19) according to claim 1, characterized in that
A plurality of pairs of the fixed portion (67) and the fixing portion (53) are provided,
The lid (57) and the housing (25) are characterized in that each of the plurality of fixing portions (53) is fixed at each of the plurality of fixed portions (67) corresponding thereto. A cartridge (19) according to claim 1.
At least two of the plurality of fixing portions (53) are arranged on both sides of the filling port (46), and at least two of the plurality of fixed portions (67) are the fixing portions. 11. Cartridge (19) according to claim 10, characterized in that it is arranged corresponding to (53).
The housing (25) accommodates a developer carrier (34) for carrying the developer, and
It is configured to be accommodated in a frame (111) including an image carrier (20) for carrying a developer image formed by the developer supplied from the developer carrier (34),
When the casing (25) is housed in the frame (111) in a state before the lid (57) and the casing (25) are fixed, the fixed portion (67) and the The cartridge (19) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion (53) is configured not to interfere with the frame (111).
The housing (25) accommodates a developer carrier (34) for carrying the developer, and
It is configured to be attached to a frame (111) including an image carrier (20) for carrying a developer image formed by the developer supplied from the developer carrier (34),
The frame (111) includes a lock member (88) for restricting detachment of the casing (25) from the frame (111) when the casing (25) is attached to the frame (111). )
The tongue piece (60) is arranged so as to overlap the lock member (88) when projected in the detaching direction in a state where the casing (25) is attached to the frame (111). 3. Cartridge (19) according to claim 2, characterized in.
The housing (25) accommodates a developer carrier (34) for carrying the developer, and
It is configured to be attached to a frame (111) including an image carrier (20) for carrying a developer image formed by the developer supplied from the developer carrier (34),
When the casing (25) is mounted on the frame (111) and projected in the axial direction of the developer carrier, the fixed portion (67) and the fixing portion (53) are The cartridge (19) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged to overlap (111).
2. The lid (57) is fixed to the casing (25) by caulking at least one of the fixed part (67) and the fixing part (53). (19).
The cartridge (19) according to claim 1, wherein the portions other than the fixed portion (67) and the fixed portion (53) are not irreversibly deformed.